It might not seem like it at first, but planning a destination wedding needn’t take any more effort than organizing one at home. Having organized my own four-day celebration abroad, I can say with confidence that it can actually be easier…
Here are some key destination wedding planning tips I picked up along the way.
Location, location, location
Naturally, deciding on a destination is the first step. There are three main ways to do this: pick a place that’s meaningful (perhaps the country where you met or where family resides), work backward according to your budget or simply find somewhere convenient to both you and your guests.
I’d planned to get married in the Philippines, my mother-in-law’s home country, but it would have blown our budget. We settled on Lombok in Indonesia because it was near enough to our Australian guests but far enough away from popular Bali to provide a new experience.
The ultimate guide to having a destination wedding
All in the name of research… Inti St Clair / Getty Images
Plan a research trip
If time and budget allows, visit the destination before the wedding. Research potential accommodation and ceremony options in advance, make a shortlist and then head there a year before the big day.
A hotel website isn’t always the best indication of facilities and you won’t know how helpful staff are – or about extra costs – until you meet in person. A reconnaissance is also a good opportunity to scope out your guests’ travel path. For example, you might discover that flight delays are common or that certain modes of transport are preferable over others.
Pay heed to weather trends when choosing your outfits. JGI / Daniel Grill / Getty Images
Consider the weather
This is important both for the timing of the ceremony and guest attire. If you’re hoping to get married somewhere tropical, try to avoid the peak of summer and rainy season for your best chance of a clear sky and general comfort. In cooler climates, prepare for all eventualities – yes, rain is always a possibility.
When choosing your wedding outfit, dress for the climate and encourage your guests to do the same. At our beach wedding, I went barefoot and swapped silk for lace, while guests kept cool in linen suits and flowing summer dresses. Giving guests proper guidance on attire, ie advising against high heels because of uneven terrain or suggesting they bring an extra layer in locales that get cooler at night.
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Sort out the legalities before you go
There are certain requirements you’ll need to fulfill for the marriage to be recognized on home soil. Not only do you have to make sure that your marriage is valid in the country of your wedding, it may also have to be authenticated when you return. Be sure to check your local laws and those of the country where you plan to wed.
If it all seems a little overwhelming, plenty of people – myself included – choose to have a small civil ceremony at home either before or after the destination wedding, which takes the pressure off.
Carry your outfit onboard
It’s not worth thinking about the possibility of a wedding dress or suit in checked luggage getting lost in transit. Don’t risk scrambling to find another outfit or damaging your clothes – most non-budget airlines will happily hang your suit bag for the duration of the flight.
Make sure you have something to protect your outfit when you go through security as the x-ray conveyor belt can leave black marks on both the covering and light-colored clothing.
Keep things simple for guests
Whether you’re keeping things low-key or inviting 100+ people, try to give guests 12 months’ notice so they can plan time off work in advance. Consider organizing your wedding during school holidays so any parents on the guest list don’t have to worry about taking their kids out of school.
Once save-the-dates have gone out, put together an information pack to send either with your invites or via email to make the journey as easy as possible for those attending (we made our own website using Squarespace). Include information on flight routes, transfers, any recommended medication or required visas and general information about the destination. Not everyone will be able to afford to travel, so be sure to mention that you understand it’s a big ask.
One of the reasons we chose Lombok is its affordability. Indonesia is relatively cheap to get to for Australians and being outside of busy Bali meant that we were able to cover a few nights’ accommodations as a sweetener for the same cost as the average wedding back home.
Create an itinerary
The same way a hotel might leave a welcome note on the bed, it’s nice to provide an itinerary for guests as they arrive. Thank them for making the trip and provide information and timings for the wedding day. If your wedding trip takes place over more than one day, plan some optional activities for guests to have some fun and get to know each other.
We asked friends and family to host yoga and meditation each morning, threw a welcome cocktail party and organized a day trip to a nearby island.
Once you relinquish a little control, a few hiccups along the way won’t matter. Encrier / Getty Images
Manage your own expectations
I’m a bit of a control freak, so it might come as a surprise that getting married overseas was the best thing for me. Arranging things from afar meant that I had lower expectations than if I had been on the ground during the planning phase.
There are things that don’t go to plan during any wedding, but being away from home can make it easier to accept things beyond your control, like when our take-home gifts got stuck in Denpasar customs (they were still there six weeks later) and when it poured with rain just an hour before the ceremony (it stopped). So long as you have a supportive staff or a wedding planner and do everything you can to ensure the day goes smoothly, it will. Don’t let hiccups ruin the first day of the rest of your life.
Little touches can make all the difference at a destination wedding. Treat it like a holiday, but remember that everyone is there for you. For us, it was about acknowledging our roots. Having been legally married before we arrived, we asked a dear friend to be our celebrant and wrote our own vows and ceremony. We incorporated wedding traditions from both sides of the family throughout the afternoon and evening, which made it not just meaningful for us, but a unique experience for guests.
Don’t forget – if the idea of a wedding abroad sparks your wanderlust, just think of all those honeymoon options…
You might also like: An expert’s guide to planning a destination wedding Top 10 budget honeymoons 31 unusual love and marriage customs from around the world
Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling during Covid-19.
With 2876 miles of coastline, hemmed by beaches and barrier islands, South Carolina is a dream for seekers of sun, sea, sand, and, yes, even solitude. Whether you’re looking for silent strolling, family fun, or a spring break vibe, you’ll find a beach in the Palmetto State that ticks the right boxes.
South Carolina entices visitors with cool, sparkling Atlantic waters and broad, sandy beaches that hide dazzling seashells and fossils (including fossilized teeth of the prehistoric shark Megalodon). You can admire the wildlife, dive deep into history, enjoy water sports, and dine, shop and enjoy the spa life in the best beach resorts in the Lowcountry.
Each of South Carolina’s beaches has its own vibe, and many are just a short drive from Charleston, a nostalgic nexus of southern charm. Consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation for memories that will last a lifetime; here are the state’s top beaches.
Folly Beach is one of the Lowcountry’s favorite beach towns. Daniela Duncan/Getty Images
1. Folly Beach
Best beach for surf town vibes
Just south of Charleston, Folly Island has the Atlantic Ocean right outside the front door and the Folly River right out back. Eons of interaction between these two bodies of water created the six miles of broad sandy beaches that ring the island – great spots to surf and boogie board, kayak and fish, go boating or water ski.
Hailed as one of America’s last true beach towns, Folly Beach’s storied history begins with its original residents, the Bohicket Indians, who lived in the area until the 1600s when European colonists forced them to relocate.
Today, Folly Island has 2400 full-time residents, but the population swells on holidays and weekends. A charming and funky surf vibe pervades on Folly Beach’s Center Street, lined with boho clothing shops and seafood restaurants.
The surrounding island is dotted with ocean-focused attractions, including Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, with scenic coastal landscapes framing the Morris Island Lighthouse.
Folly Beach is a great place for culture, too. The Porgy House was home to Charleston authors DuBose and Dorothy Heyward in the 1930s. This is also where, in 1934, George Gershwin wrote Porgy and Bess, based on DuBose Hayward’s novel.
Planning Tip: For a fun family day out, explore the marshlands along the Folly River by kayak – it’s an adventure that’s safe and fun for kids of any age, and kayak excursions can be easily arranged in Folly Beach.
Hilton Head in South Carolina is bordered by 12 miles of incredible beaches. Denise Kappa/Shutterstock
2. Hilton Head
Best beach for luxury
Famous for its stylish luxury accommodations, Lowcountry beaches and more than 23 world-class golf courses, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned resort in the United States, and it’s a favorite vacation spot for the ritzy set.
You can steep yourself in decadent luxury at Hilton Head’s spas, dine in four-diamond-rated restaurants and play a round or two in between bronzing and beach-combing, but you’ll need a budget to match.
Covering 42 sq miles, low-lying Hilton Head Island is bordered by 12 miles of stunning beaches, and many of the island’s exclusive hotels have their own private beach access. The Gulf Stream keeps the daytime temperature comfortably above 80°F from May to September, and the ocean waters are not much cooler in summer. Travelers on a budget will appreciate the public sections of beach; metered parking is available at eight of the island’s beaches.
While Hilton Head is famous for its high-end offerings, there’s plenty of pocket-friendly exploring for families and nature buffs. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to deer and alligators, and myriad bird species throng its maze of salt marshes and lagoons. Moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, and palmettos make for wonderful photos.
Planning Tip: Plan your trip for September (after Labor Day), when the beaches are emptier, but temps are still pleasant. You’ll also have the best chances of seeing a sea turtle nest hatch. If you’re lucky enough to experience it, don’t shine any lights on the hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean (they’ll get confused!).
3. Edisto Beach
Best beach for nature lovers
One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach is a great rustic getaway for nature lovers. A vacation on the sand-fringed island of the same name invariably involves adventures in the great outdoors.
The state park is crosshatched with hiking and biking trails, including the state’s longest system of ADA-accessible hiking and biking trails. Edisto Beach provides affordable beach fun, from furnished cabins in the woods to oceanfront and forest campsites. Hike, bike, explore the beach, fish and splash in the shallows to your heart’s content.
The park also has an environmental education center with exhibits on the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin, which includes the watersheds of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. The park is a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles from May to October.
Planning Tip: To keep kids engaged, search the palmetto-lined strip of sand on Edisto Beach for colorful seashells and keep an eye peeled for fossils. Petrified bones from mammoths, saber-toothed cats and other prehistoric mammals have been found here.
Enjoy photogenic water views at Boneyard Beach (Bull Island) via ferry or kayak. Vince Doyle/Shutterstock
4. Bull Island
Best beach to avoid the crowds
Stepping onto Bull Island – also known as Bulls Island – is like setting out on an east coast safari. Accessible by ferry or kayak, with 16 miles of trails and seven miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore, this is the perfect island to avoid the crowds and enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
Bull Island is a famous haven for migrating birds, with more than 293 species recorded here. Kids will love spotting a regal American bald eagle. If observing alligators, catching a glimpse of black foxes, or spotting bottlenose dolphins is on your bucket list, naturalist-guided tours are great for all ages.
The 66,000-acre island is the largest of four barrier islands within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves saltwater estuaries, marshlands, freshwater impoundments and maritime forests. Bottlenose dolphins raise their calves in Bull Island’s protected creeks, and loggerhead sea turtles nest on the island beaches.
Boneyard Beach, named for the bleached skeletons of oaks, cedars, palmettos and pines that litter a three-mile stretch of beach at the island’s northeast corner, is popular with photographers.
Planning Tip: Bull Island is a great day trip from Charleston, which is about 50 minutes by road from the ferry launch in Awendaw. Contact Coastal Expeditions for a variety of island excursions by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or ferry.
Crescent Beach’s dreamy sands make up a peaceful stretch in the popular resort town of Myrtle Beach. Rebecca Nelson/Getty Images
5. Crescent Beach
Best beach for families
Myrtle Beach is South Carolina’s most popular beach resort, luring more than 19 million visitors annually. Tourists come for the family-friendly attractions, beachfront hotels, all-ages entertainment, and, of course, the white-sand beaches.
The sandy strip extends northeast towards North Myrtle Beach, where dreamy Crescent Beach is the city’s hidden gem. It’s the best spot to settle in under a beach umbrella with a good book as the kids boogie board in the surf or build sandcastles on the shore.
You’ll find plenty of adventure and water sports in North Myrtle Beach, from wakeboarding and jet-skiing to surfing and parasailing – perfect if you’re a water-loving adrenaline junkie.
Planning Tip: On land, kids will love the thrills and spills at Family Kingdom and the towering Skywheel Ferris wheel. Take a break from the commercial attractions with a boardwalk stroll in peaceful Myrtle Beach State Park.
From quiet beach walks to surf-side yoga sessions, you can escape it all on Kiawah Island. Judd Brotman/Getty Images
6. Kiawah Island
Best beach for privacy
A private escape with 10 miles of white-sand beaches, Kiawah Island is a little slice of paradise. A world-class resort and a vibrant village coexist along a pristine coastline, flanking 10,000 acres of coastal woodland, sand dunes and marshes populated by whitetail deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds and sea turtles.
While this is one of the best beach destinations for a luxury vacation, the natural setting is being preserved and enhanced for current and future generations. Most beaches are private and reserved for property owners, resort guests and
holiday-let renters, but casual visitors to the island can sun and swim at beautiful Beachwalker County Park.
The island is as welcoming to families as to couples. With kids in tow, soak up the sun and splash in the surf, then visit the 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree; for a grown-up experience, grab a meal or a drink at the Charleston Tea Garden or the Firefly Distillery.
Planning Tip: Kiawah Island is accessible by road from Charleston in around 45 minutes, so it’s an easy day trip if your budget doesn’t stretch to stopping over. There’s parking at the Beachwalker County Park, but the 150 spaces fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.
When planning a trip to Texas beaches, research is key. The Lone Star State’s coast can be a murky one and folks don’t simply rock up to whatever patch of sand is the closest.
But over 600 miles of coastline means there are sandy treasures to be found and wonderful communities coming together. You see, Texas is all about the people, and these shores are the beloved hosts of big family barbecues, students who play sports, and spectacular fireworks.
The wildlife is also a huge draw – close proximity to Mexico and a share of the border with Louisiana means that goodies of the tropics are in abundance along many points. And for those seeking a touch of secluded romance, there’s that too, with the beauty of emerald green over turquoise blue.
Couples, families, friends, and solo travelers, come take on the big and bountiful Texas seaboard – here are the best beaches to dip your toes in, along with essential planning tips. The best time to visit Texas beaches is typically from late spring to early fall, when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities.
1. Sea Rim State Park
Against the frontier with Louisiana, Sea Rim State Park is an over 4000-acre wetland with a 5.2-mile bend of sandy beach tacked on. This is one for the wildlife watchers, who will love the rich birdlife, alongside ghost crabs, river otters, and alligators. The Gambusia Nature Trail boardwalk is especially good for sightings.
Kayakers will relish the network of waterways back from the shore for paddling. Basic camping is available for a fee, attracting those who want to enjoy the broad, un-crowded sweep of butterscotch sands for a little longer.
Planning tip: Mosquitoes are rife all year round, so lather on the bug spray before you get here.
2. East Beach, Galveston
Everyone in Texas knows Galveston is the place for gatherings. That basically means it’s where the party’s at. East Beach holds this sprightly status because it is the only one where alcohol is permitted. Frequent live music events and an annual sandcastle-building competition happen here alongside the drinking and barbecuing.
Planning tip: Glass is prohibited on the beach. Bring a cooler (you will definitely need a cooler) with reusable plastic cups or tumblers for the party.
3. Crystal Beach on the Bolivar Peninsula
The Bolivar Peninsula, a 27-mile-long hook of land outlined in sand, shields Galveston Bay from the Gulf of Mexico. A seven-mile stretch of sand within it, called Crystal Beach, forms an especially fetching focal point. It is an un-manicured and wild-feeling buff-colored sandy expanse backed by a thin crest of dunes, where hermit crabs and migratory bird species outnumber beach-goers. This calm oasis feels a world away from nearby bustling Galveston.
Planning tip: The peninsula is only connected to the big port by ferry and land access is via a 35-mile-long road from Winnie.
Mustang Island lies between Corpus Christi Bay and the open ocean, and from Port Aransas at the northern corner, you can take a spin by ferry across the ship channel to another of the state’s peaceful sand-rimmed barrier islands. Only two miles wide at its broadest point, San José Island extends to 21 miles in length and, with the next island up being the still wilder Matagorda Island, becomes less busy the further north you explore. It receives a smattering of visitors, most of whom are here for beach-combing or for some of Texas’ finest fishing.
Planning tip: You’ll need to take everything with you for a day on the island as there are no stores on San José. Bring your own trash bag too and don’t leave anything behind.
5. Padre Island National Seashore
The Padre Island National Seashore is the world’s largest undeveloped barrier island. Not to be confused with the contrasting South Padre Island, a big and boisterous spring break destination, this is a gangly teased-out piece of road-less, car-less, unpeopled paradise along which 65 miles of white sand and shell beaches await you.
Grassy dunes, tidal flats, and one of only six hypersaline lagoons on Earth (Laguna Madre) complete a vigorously protected ecosystem frequented by the best of the Texas coast’s fauna, including 360 bird species, coyotes, and sea turtles such as the critically endangered Kemp’s ridley.
Planning tip: Access to the seashore is from Corpus Christi via Hwy 358 and John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway, at the northern end. You can camp with a permit in five designated areas.
6. Rockport Beach
One of the cleanest sandy coastlines in the state, Rockport was the first scoop of sand in Texas to achieve Blue Wave Beach designation (the USA equivalent of Blue Flag Beach status), and the immaculate yellow crescent of the bay and gently shelving shallow water make it the best beach in Texas for families with small kids. The facilities, from shady picnic areas to playgrounds, make for the perfect family-friendly beach.
Additionally, Port Lavaca offers a quieter beach experience nearby with its calm waters and serene environment. Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca is a popular spot for families, featuring a lighted fishing pier, bird-watching tower, and picnic areas.
Planning tip: As much as fur babies are considered part of the family for many, this beach does not allow dogs or other pets, so find a sitter before the (human) clan heads down.
Welcome to the very end of the road. Boca Chica Beach is an away-from-it-all slice of sand and dunes brushing the Rio Grande River mouth. Surreally, the SpaceX Launch Facility, a rocket production and testing site, is located nearby, but adventurers will still be over the moon arriving at this sandy retreat. Apart from border city Brownsville from where the 23-mile road out here begins, this is the most southerly point in Texas and pretty undeveloped.
Planning tip: Texas is massive, so if you’re driving all the way to Boca Chica, chances are you’re going to pay Mexico a visit. Either way, checkpoints are dotted throughout the border, so bring passports in case you stumble upon one.
8. Matagorda Island
Matagorda Island is the destination of choice for those who want a break from absolutely everything. It is deservedly fabled amongst fanatics of the great outdoors: you must charter your own boat in Port O’Connor to get here and take camping equipment if you wish to stay over. This is a pristine, unspoiled seaside paradise, flanked by the least crowded beaches in Texas.
The wildlife billing includes bald eagles, whooping cranes, alligators, coyotes, and white-tailed deer, and without the presence of other humans, you will likely get much closer to such creatures than elsewhere. Get information, including permits for camping, at the park office in Bay City.
Planning tip: There is no electricity or drinking water on the island. Charge up those devices, and bring plenty of water in your reusable containers.
9. South Padre Island
Known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere, South Padre Island is a favorite for many Texans. The island offers a wide range of activities, from water sports to dolphin watching tours. The sandy beaches and warm waters make it an ideal spot for a fun-filled getaway.
Planning tip: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring break, as the island gets quite crowded.
10. Mustang Island
Located near Corpus Christi, Mustang Island is a serene escape with its sandy shores and rolling dunes. The Mustang Island State Park offers ample opportunities for camping, fishing, and birdwatching. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy nature without the crowds.
Planning tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as shade can be sparse on the beach.
11. Surfside Beach
Surfside Beach is a laid-back destination known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful sunsets. The beach offers a wide expanse of sand perfect for beachcombing, picnicking, and building sandcastles. The gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and boogie boarding.
Planning tip: Surfside Beach has several beachfront rental properties, making it convenient for extended stays. Be sure to check local regulations for beach driving permits if you plan to bring your vehicle onto the sand.
12. Stewart Beach, Galveston
Stewart Beach is another popular destination in Galveston, particularly favored by families for its well-maintained facilities and lifeguard presence. The beach offers plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. It’s a great spot for volleyball, beach games, and soaking up the sun.
Planning tip: Arrive early to secure a good parking spot and a prime spot on the beach, especially on weekends and holidays.
No matter which beach you choose, Texas offers a unique and diverse coastal experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, these beaches provide the perfect backdrop for your next getaway. If you’re planning a road trip, consider exploring these top Texas road trip destinations to enhance your journey.
FAQs
What is the prettiest beach in Texas?
Many consider South Padre Island to be the prettiest beach in Texas, but we have to highlight some of our faves: Padre Island National Seashore and Rockport Beach have our hearts soaring with gorgeous sand and lots to do!
Which Texas beach has the clearest water?
The waters of South Padre Island are often regarded as the clearest in Texas. The island’s location in the Gulf of Mexico helps maintain its pristine water quality.
Which beach in Texas has white sand?
Padre Island National Seashore is known for its stunning white sand beaches. This untouched barrier island offers miles of white sand and natural beauty.
Which beaches in Texas are family-friendly?
Rockport Beach, Stewart Beach in Galveston, and Surfside Beach are all highly recommended for families. These beaches offer excellent facilities, gentle waves, and plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
While you’re here, don’t miss out on top free things to do in Texas to make the most of your visit. For more travel inspiration and activities, check our guide on the best things to do in Texas. Happy beach hopping!
Oman’s vibrant cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with the gifts of its terrain, and it permeates every travel experience here.
The country’s stories are found everywhere you go, from the atmospheric lanes of Mutrah Souq in Muscat, where ornate khanjars (traditional daggers) and patterned kumma (headpiece worn by Omani men) showcase excellent craftsmanship and pride, to the cliffside villages of Jebel Akhdar where old men in sandals expertly navigate narrow farm trails and distill rose water in silver bowls. Every encounter in Oman evokes a strong sense of the land.
Few visitors realize that the history of the Sultanate of Oman dates back 10,000 years. Archeological finds and relics from the Neolithic period point to the presence of ancient settlements involved in the frankincense trade.
In the 17th century, Omani control of maritime routes and ports extended from the coasts of Persia (present-day Iran) to East Africa. Today, the country is known for its reverence for its natural landscapes and its perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
Here are the best places to visit in Oman.
Get wrapped up in the architectural details of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Naufal MQ/Getty Images
1. Muscat
Marvel at the effortlessly charming capital
In Muscat, stone forts with watchtowers and mansions with latticed balconies stand alongside low-rise buildings and contemporary architectural masterpieces, and it all fits together effortlessly. The capital of Oman has much to see, including charming museums in restored old houses, courtyard restaurants and swanky shopping malls. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its arched walkways, colorful mosaic tiles, ornate dome and Swarovski-crystal-studded chandelier, is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.
At the Royal Opera House, take a guided tour to learn about the contemporary architecture inspired by historical fortresses. Check the schedule for showtimes: the venue hosts renowned productions from around the world. The Royal Opera House’s dress code requires suits or dinner jackets for men, dresses below the knee for women and no jeans, T-shirts or tennis shoes.
Admire whitewashed houses and blue-domed mosques along the 3km (1.9-mile) seafront promenade at Mutrah Corniche. Stroll toward Mutrah Fish Market for a closer look at the calligraphy-inspired slatted canopy roof and step inside to see the catch of the day. At Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in the Arab world, you’ll find shops selling frankincense, lamps, local attire, pashminas, oud (perfume made from agarwood) and handmade sandals.
Beyond the ancient fort, don’t miss the 17th-century Jabrin Castle in Bahla. Getty Images
2. Bahla
Home to the legendary fort and pottery
The fortified oasis town of Bahla, where local legends and myths abound, is a must-visit for Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the labyrinthine fort complex, built between the 12th and 15th centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe and then expanded by subsequent ruling dynasties, you’ll find wind towers, mosques, houses and wells. Legend has it the tribe asked jinn (genie; powerful spirits in pre-Islamic Arabian mythology) to build the fort in a single night when the tribe was under threat of attack. The fort has fantastic views over old mud houses and ruins in the village, surrounded by date plantations.
Bahla is also famous for pottery crafted using mud kilns, and local potters are believed to be blessed with particularly skilled hands. You can browse pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, rugs and other wares at the Bahla Old Souq, and you might also be able to see potters in action at a workshop nearby.
Don’t miss the 17th-century Jabreen Castle a short drive away, worth visiting for its many rooms and reception areas, intricately latticed windows, painted ceilings and a date storeroom.
3. Nizwa
A city with a strong religious and cultural heritage
Visit the town of Nizwa, the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, where the domes and minarets of mosques rise over sand-colored buildings surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Owing to its inland location (versus that of Muscat on the coast) that limited outside influences, Nizwa has always had a strong connection to its religious and cultural heritage.
The 17th-century Nizwa Fort, with its round watchtower and high walls, protected the town from invaders over the Sultanate’s history and is a major tourist sight. At the nearby Nizwa Souq, shop for silver jewelry, delal (traditional coffee pots), saffron, dates and spices.
A 10-minute drive away, Falaj Daris Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great spot to see a falaj channel, an ancient but highly efficient irrigation method. This one, among nearly a hundred others, waters Nizwa’s 8km (5-mile-long) palm oasis and surrounding agricultural farms.
Explore the fjord-like inlets of Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Andrew Montgomery for Lonely Planet
4. Musandam Peninsula
Where mountain peaks rise from the sea
The draw of the Musandam Peninsula is the sublime landscape of jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains rising from the turquoise sea, leaving narrow inlets of water in between, a sight that has been compared to the fjords of Norway.
A boat trip on a traditional dhow (wooden boat) is the best way to experience the Musandam Peninsula, visiting islands and spotting a dolphin or whale in these waters. The town of Khasab is a good base from which to arrange a boat tour or snorkeling trip, or a mountain safari by 4WD to Jebel Harim. If you’ve got more time, other villages, wadis and fjord-like inlets such as Khor Najd are ready to be explored.
5. Jebel Akhdar
Cooler temperatures and roses at Green Mountain
At 2980m (9777ft) up in the Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar – whose name translates to Green Mountain – is one of the most beautiful places in Oman. It’s also one of the coolest, with the temperature being about 15°C (59°F) cooler than Muscat throughout the year. The mountain even sees some snowfall in winter.
Around Jebel Akhdar, you’ll find quiet Omani villages (some abandoned), slopes covered with terraced farms watered by falaj channels and orchards of pomegranates, peaches, apples, apricots and walnuts. In the spring, Jebel Akhdar is covered by pink Damask roses. The distilled rose water is used in cooking and as a fragrance.
Walkers will find a few marked trails of varying difficulty, and some involve descending steep steps. Guided hikes are also available. From the Saiq Plateau, enjoy breathtaking views of the villages, and terraced farms. You can also traverse the mountain face using a via ferrata (mountain route) during a guided hike with Alila Jabal Akhdar.
Jebel Shams is popular with hikers, with trails through villages, farms and plantations. Paul Biris/Getty Images
6. Jebel Shams
Enjoy remarkable views in the Hajar Mountains
Go to Jebel Shams, the country’s highest peak at 3009m (9872ft) in the Hajar Mountains, for a picnic on the plateau with dramatic canyon views. Hikers can head out on an adventure through the canyons of Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr, surrounded by rugged limestone walls. The Balcony Walk is a five-hour hike on an old donkey trail, now marked, with remarkable views along the rim, that ends in the abandoned village of As Sab. Other trails bring you to villages, farms, date plantations and natural pools hidden among the rocky landscape. Local operators, such as Husaak Adventures, offer one- or two-day guided hikes to summit Jebel Shams.
7. Dhofar
Explore a region rich in frankincense
From late June to early September, the khareef, the monsoon from the Indian Ocean brings a certain romance to the lush landscapes of Salalah. The pleasant weather makes it one of the best places to visit in Oman in summer, when temperatures elsewhere in the country can reach above 40°C (104°F) on the hottest days. This coastal city is an excellent base from which to explore the wider Dhofar region.
Salalah has plenty of sights to visit. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Dhofar with its two domes and twin minarets, is a great example of Islamic architecture, and it’s open to non-Muslims from 8am to 11am Saturday to Thursday. Make the obligatory photo stop outside Al Hosn Palace, the Sultan’s palace complex, before wandering into Al Hosn Souq to follow the aromas of spices and frankincense.
Join local families picnicking on the white-sand Al Mughsail Beach, and watch geysers of seawater erupt from the ground at the Mughsail Blowholes. The surrounding region is home to natural springs and wadis (valleys). At Wadi Darbat, a walk past monsoon-fed waterfalls and grazing cattle or a boat ride on Darbat Lake is a great way to see the rain-drenched valley.
Woven into the story of Dhofar is its rich heritage of frankincense, an aromatic resin harvested from the Boswellia sacra tree, which has been used to make perfume and medicine, and in religious rituals, for thousands of years. Dhofar was at the center of frankincense production, and its rare and highly prized frankincense was coveted from China to the Mediterranean and North Africa.
To learn more, visit the Wadi Dawkah nature reserve where you’ll find hundreds of frankincense trees from which the resin is still harvested. At the archeological sites of Khor Rori, Al Baleed and Ubar, the ruins of fortified medieval towns tell of frankincense-trading caravans and settlements. Together, these sites, some dating to the 4th century BCE, constitute the Unesco World Heritage Site known as the Land of Frankincense.
The mountains of Jebel Samhan offer spectacular views and are home to a protected reserve with Arabian leopards, Arabian gazelles and other indigenous wildlife.
The desert landscape of Sharqiya Sands in Oman seems infinite. Chalabala/Getty Images
8. Sharqiya Sands
Visit the undulating dunes of the desert
No trip to Oman is complete without a visit to the desert. At Sharqiya Sands, also known locally as Wahiba Sands, you’re surrounded by undulating dunes and desert vegetation in a seemingly infinite landscape that feels like it was crafted out of gold when the sun is low in the sky. These wind-sculpted dunes, some as high as 100m (328ft), continue on into the famous Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world.
While Bedouin (known in Arabic as Bedu, meaning desert dweller) still live and work here (many as guides), the Wahiba Sands are also popular with local families and tourists. Visitors come for a day trip or an overnight stay in one of many camps offering varying levels of luxury and amenities such as Thousand Nights Camp and Magic Camps. Staying overnight gives you the chance to experience the quietness of the desert after the day-trippers have left, partake in Bedouin traditions around a bonfire, feast on traditional dishes and stargaze in one of the most pristine landscapes in the region.
It’s a dream straight out the film Almost Famous to have a chance to hit the road with your favorite bands, seeing the country breeze by from the windows of a tour bus and collecting back stage passes from some of the greatest venues on earth. For most of us, though, we’ll have to stick to back issues of Rolling Stone and Cream magazine to live our rock ‘n’ roll fantasies of tearing up the Riot House on Sunset Strip and ramblin’ on between sold-out arenas.
But for Nik Sheasby and Lindsey Bathke, going on tour is all in a day’s work. They’ve each worked for over a decade in the music industry – slinging merch, making travel arrangements, and learning the art of living out of a single suitcase while on the road with bands like Ghost, Metallica, and Jewel.
Their careers involve intense hours, but they’ve also offered a way to see the world. And then, last summer, all those long days on stadium loading docks paid off. They were each offered the gig of a lifetime with the Rolling Stones, working on the North American leg of the No Filter tour.
What they didn’t realize is that their dream job was about to turn into a whole new kind of adventure.
When Nik and Lindsey packed their bags, they were total strangers. But eventually, they discovered that they were kindred spirits with similar travel styles, and became fast “adventure buddies” eager to make the most of every stop, no matter how underwhelming any given city might sound. Somewhere between a series of arenas, coffee shops and Indian buffets across America, they fell in love.
Nik and Lindsey are currently on a tour of a different sort. Just before Christmas, they booked a pair of one-way tickets to Europe to see where their mutual love of travel takes them. Before they took off, however, we caught up with them to learn more about life on a tour bus, and what it’s like living your own back-stage meet cute when you’re traveling with rock ‘n’ roll royalty.
Walking into High Brow Coffee + Tea in Franklin, Tennessee, it was easy to spot Nik and Lindsey. They both have a chill, bohemian aesthetic that stands out even in the rural suburbs of Music City, where it seems like everyone has a good hat and a music video on their resume. Since their twenties, both Nik and Lindsey have worked their way up in the hierarchy of backstage crews that make your favorite concerts come to life. It’s not always an easy lifestyle though, even when you’re used to the grind.
“This tour and this summer, it was one of a kind for sure. The band and meeting Lindsey and our adventures were just unreal,” says Nik. “I’ve been touring for thirteen years and there are cities I’ve been to twenty times. Even on bigger arena tours, you’re just never outside. You’re looking out the windows of the arena thinking ‘Oh, I’d love to be out there.’”
Lindsey nodded in agreement across the table, and explained, “I’ve been on the road sixteen years, and I started off in vans. You see the country during the day and then you pull into the venue at night and load in. Then you get to buses and you’re traveling overnight. You could have seven shows in a row, you could have two shows in a row. If you have an hour before doors open, that’s amazing. You don’t see much of the cities.”
But both found ways to squeeze adventure into their fast-paced schedules. On a recent tour with the Swedish rock band Ghost, for example, Nik pushed himself to wander instead of hanging around the hotel bar or ordering room service while vegging out after a long shift. When he came back from a day off, his coworkers would ask what he got into, they were often surprised at how much he found to do even in smaller cities.
“I found this coffee shop and this vegan spot and this bookstore!” says Nik, summarizing these post excursion recaps. It didn’t matter that he was strolling at least a mile from the venue. “As you’re walking, you might see something rad you had no idea was there.”
It was that curiosity about even the most out-of-the-way destinations that would later draw him to Lindsey. But to even meet in the first place, they each had to get invited on tour with the Stones.
Nik and Lindsey both found out about the No Filter opportunity while on a break from other projects – and while they were on other sides of the Atlantic. Lindsey was in a romantic relationship and spending time at her home base in Nashville, Tennessee. Meanwhile, Nik had gone to Madrid to visit friends and wound up in Scandinavia working a tour with a metal band. Neither knew the other existed, or what was just around the corner.
Just as the tour reached Dusseldorf, Germany, Nik got another unexpected message from yet another old friend and coworker – one who was part of the merchandise team on the No Filter tour. Because the tour had been partially postponed after Mick Jagger needed a heart valve replacement that spring, some of the staffing arrangements had to be reconfigured. Nik’s contact wanted to know if he was available for a specialized position selling merchandise within a VIP area for the artists’ family, friends, and special guests, as well as fellow bands and principles on tour.
“I almost turned it down,” says Nik. “I was living in this small village in Denmark and just really enjoying it, being out of the States for the first time for an extended period of time, I felt a good groove.”
But his friends knew this wasn’t the kind of opportunity you say no to. “They told me they’d fire me if I didn’t go. This wasn’t even bucket list level. It was untouchable. It’s the Rolling Stones.”
Lindsey had an easier time saying yes to the tour. She had been trying to get a wardrobe job for years, ever since a 2011 Metallica tour when she’d met a woman she hoped might be a mentor. “I had always made it pretty clear that if she needed someone in the dressing room, that it was my dream to work with her,” says Lindsey. “Last October I was sitting in my truck and I got an email from Foster that just said ‘Want to work?’ My heart stopped. It was happening.”
You might like: 10 signs you’re travelling with ‘the one’
The experience started off promisingly. “There were about sixty some people on the road crew with us,” says Lindsey. “Everyone was so beyond happy to be out there that everyone was smiling. We ended up being a family.” When there were a few minutes of downtime, she and her coworkers enjoyed backstage tea parties during which they put their phones away and read Mary Oliver poems out loud.
It didn’t take long, however, for worlds to collide in that jovial atmosphere. Because merchandise and wardrobe overlapped backstage, the pair were thrown together almost immediately. “[Nik] was quite literally with us every day,” says Lindsey. “So we saw each other a lot.”
It didn’t take them long to realize they had similar approaches to life on tour, both taking every opportunity to see what different cities might have to offer. “I’ve had lovely adventure buddies on the road before, but he and I just clicked” says Lindsey of their early compatibility.
Even better, the way the Stones tour was structured gave the whole crew generous time off. Right when Nik and Lindsey met a buddy up for adventure, they actually had the time to explore in between shows. “It really afforded our ability to adventure,” notes Lindsey. “The jobs were so beautiful, and having the adventure time…it was like we were living on the moon.”
Here was someone who didn’t mind throwing a few granola bars and a bottle of water in a backpack and heading out with little agenda. They might hit a coffee shop early in the day for breakfast and wind up at, say, the Jacksonville, Florida public library to check out maps from the 1500s on the barista’s recommendation. If from there they ended up at a historic cemetery and wandering around until well past dark, so much the better. “It was just so gratifying to meet him,” says Lindsey. “I found someone who likes to just keep going.”
Gimme Shelter
Eventually, Lindsey and Nik realized their friendship was something that could go the distance both romantically and beyond the scope of the Stones tour. After all, it was both their compatibility in travel and their understanding of the rigors of tour life when apart that makes this unique couple’s relationship work.
“The biggest interview for our relationship was how we like to travel,” says Lindsey. “I’ve never been with someone who liked to travel how I did. Who understood that it was ok if we didn’t know what we were doing.” Earlier in the summer, when they first met and were exploring New York City, Nik and Linsey swapped some of the items on their bucket lists. Nik had long wanted to see the northern lights, for example, while Lindsey had hoped to see the Christmas markets in Germany.
After No Filter ended in August of 2019, they spent time apart when Nik got a seven-week job on tour with Ghost, though Lindsey was able to fly up to meet him for a quick fall road trip through New England. But they also had time to settle into a routine at Lindsey’s home in Nashville as they counted down to their next big adventure – a trip to Europe to check off some of those bucket list items they talked about as they were getting to know one another.
“We found this airline called Level,” says Lindsey of their trip, which they’re documenting on a blog called Wanderlust Moon Duo. “So we got [one way tickets] from Newark to Paris Orly. Then we’ll train it down to Werzberg.” Beyond the New Year and a special surprise Nik had planned for Lindsey, however, they’re keeping their trip open ended.
In contrast to the strict schedule and regimentation of tour life, they’re looking forward to the playful possibilities of following friends’ recommendations and last-minute invitations wherever they might lead. After all, it’s that sort of serendipity that lead to them meeting one another in the first place. Only one things’ for sure on this adventure – these rolling stones won’t be gathering moss anytime soon.
California is renowned for its sun-drenched strips of sand dotted up and down the Pacific coast with good reason. You don’t become synonymous with US beach culture without some impressive shores that put the gold in the Golden State.
Find family fun in La Jolla, gaze upon world-class surfers in Huntington Beach, mingle with the bohemians in Venice Beach, cuddle at sunset in a Big Sur cove or find yourself on the stunning Lost Coast Trail.
No visit to California is complete without spending some time stretched out on the sand, and there are plenty of options for the many visitors that flock here every year. Beach time is sacred here – access is enshrined in state law. To help you get started on your must-visit list, here are ten of the best beaches in California.
1. Seacliff State Beach
Best beach for hanging with locals
California’s Central Coast has more than 100 named beaches, varying from hidden coves perfect for quiet contemplation to long stretches of sunny sand backed by boisterous arcades and amusements, but some lure wildlife spotters as well as sun-seekers.
The northern star of the incredible sweep of sand that curves around Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach, a little over 70 miles south of San Francisco. It’s a perennial local hangout and swimming and jogging spot. Offshore, the crumbling remains of a freighter built of concrete once served as a fishing pier, and the deeper waters of the bay are known for being a great white shark breeding ground.
Monterey Bay is home to an extraordinary bounty of sea life, above and below the water. It’s easily the richest natural habitat on the entire California coast. Even just standing on the shore, you can see some of its wildlife, from gray whales to sea lions, seals and otters. If you see a great white, stick to the land!
Local tip: Central Coast water temperatures hover in the brisk 50s°F, so it’s only natural that the modern wet suit was invented here by Jack O’Neill in the 1950s. If that’s too chilly for you, head to Monterey for its chart-topping aquarium.
Pfeiffer Beach is known for its huge rock formations. Chris LaBasco/Getty Images
2. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur
Best beach for stunning views
Cradled by mossy redwood forests, the rocky Big Sur coast is a mystical place. Search out hidden waterfalls and hot springs and watch for endangered California condors while wandering along sea cliffs. Pfeiffer Beach’s phenomenal crescent-shaped slice of sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in California, known for its huge rock arch – Keyhole Rock – through which waves crash with life-affirming power.
Dig your toes into the wet sand – it’s purple! That’s because manganese garnet washes down from the craggy hillsides above. It’s often windy, and the surf is too dangerous for swimming, but it’s a beautiful spot for a walk.
Local tip: Don’t rush. Traffic, road closures and detours due to heavy weather, forest fires and even falling rocks slow progress on Hwy 1. Plus there are all the diversions along the way that will tempt you to stop for a visit or two.
3. Huntington Beach
Best beach for tacos and surfers
One of SoCal’s best beaches, this sand-sprinkled surfing hotspot has a lively, walkable promenade near the pier. It gets packed on summer weekends with surfers, volleyball players, swimmers and families.
Grab a taco and watch pro surfers show how it’s done, or rent a board if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a great place to learn how to surf.
Local tip: If you want to build a bonfire or have a barbecue, stake out one of the thousand cement fire rings early in the day, especially on holiday weekends, when you should plan to arrive when the beach opens.
Planning tip: Most of Huntington Beach is pet-free except for the 1.5-mile Huntington Dog Beach located between Goldenwest and Seapoint Streets. In spring and fall, the beach hosts Corgi Beach Day. It’s a free, family-friendly “pawty.
El Matador State Beach sums up the wild beauty of the California coast. Smaks K/Getty Images
4. El Matador State Beach – Malibu
Best beach for Instagrammable moments
Arguably Malibu’s most stunning beach, El Matador is famous for being the spot where swimsuit model photo shoots take place. Park on the bluffs above and stroll down a trail to reach sandstone rock towers rising from emerald coves.
Sunbathers make the most of one of California’s warm beaches by bodysurfing in the tides and watching for dolphins as they breech beyond the waves.
Planning tip: There’s no camping on the beach at El Matador, but Sycamore Canyon Beach a few miles north has camping.
Detour: Make the 5.5-mile jaunt to Point Dume for absolutely stunning views of this dramatic shoreline. You may have to wait half an hour to find a parking spot, but it’s worth it.
5. Sonoma Coast State Park
Best beach for scenic variety
Stretching 19 miles, Sonoma Coast State Park is a chain of wave-lashed sandy pockets separated by dramatic rocky headlands. Some beaches are tiny, hidden in little coves and stuffed with rock formations, while others stretch wide. Most of the beaches are connected by vista-studded coastal hiking trails that wind along the bluffs.
Bring binoculars and your camera – the views of mini islands, inlets and shifting tides are stunning. Exploring this area makes an excellent day-long adventure, but facilities are nonexistent, so bring water and food as well as a fully charged cell phone.
Local tip: Bring sundowner cocktails and a picnic, or visit the gorgeously positioned restaurant and bar River’s End at the mouth of the Russian River to watch the area’s glorious sunset.
Baker Beach serves up picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge views. Getty Images
6. Baker Beach – San Francisco
Best beach for taking off your clothes
Escape San Francisco’s busy buzz at mile-long Baker Beach, fronting the Pacific with picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge views. It’s on the western shore of the Presidio, so you get an unparalleled perspective of the famous landmark and the Marin headlands beyond from its caramel sands.
It’s perfect for picnicking, though it can crowd up on weekends, especially on fog-free days. For nude sunbathing, head to its northern end; those who prefer to remain clothed stick to the south.
Planning tip: Looking for other beaches to explore? Check out what San Jose has to offer.
7. The Lost Coast
Best beach for black sand and hiking
To visit the Lost Coast is to discover volcanic beaches of black sand and ethereal mist hovering above roaring surf as majestic Roosevelt elk graze the forests.
The King Range boldly rises 4000ft within 3 miles of the coast, between where Hwy 1 cuts inland north of Westport to just south of Ferndale. The coast became “lost” when the state’s highway system deemed the region impassable in the mid-20th century.
The best way to see the Lost Coast is to hike. In autumn, the weather is clear and cool. Wildflowers bloom from April through May, and gray whales migrate past the beaches from December through April. The warmest, driest months are June to September, but days are foggy, and the weather can change quickly.
Detour: Tackle an epic backpacking route through the area. Overnighters will need a bear canister and backcountry permit, both available from the Bureau of Land Management – the latter best acquired weeks in advance at recreation.gov.
The coastline near San Diego is a great place to learn to surf. Getty Images
8. Tourmaline Beach – La Jolla
Best beach for serious surfing
You can fight the crowds and learn to surf at San Diego’s renowned Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach, but Tourmaline Beach in La Jolla has some of the best (slow!) waves for longboarders and beginners. Its long, sandy beach also has one of the chillest local vibes in San Diego.
You’ll be sure to catch a few rewarding waves here, even on a small day, and if you luck into a monster day, you’re in business. Local surfers can get territorial over the waves near Black’s Beach up to the north, but at Tourmaline, the mood is always mellow. Enjoy the sand, surf and free showers. If you’d rather beach comb, head north to the quiet tide pools at Bird Rock.
Planning tip: La Jolla Cove, just up the coast, is considered among the cleanest of California’s beaches. Surrounded by sandstone cliffs, the calm and blue waters are great for both snorkeling and swimming.
Local tip: Grab some of the best Mexican food in town up on the bluff at Oscar’s, where you can try fish tacos – a San Diego staple – or killer ceviche.
9. Laguna Beach
Best beach for exploring
Welcome to Laguna, a grand array of quiet coves, blue waves and seaside parks, all with an artistic flair. With 30 public beaches sprawling along seven miles of coastline, Laguna Beach is perfect for do-it-yourself exploring – there’s always another stunning view or hidden cove just around the bend.
Although many of the coves are blocked from street view by multimillion-dollar homes, a sharp eye will take you to stairways leading from the Pacific Coast Highway down to the beach. Just look for the “beach access” signs and be prepared to pass between people’s backyards to reach the sand.
Planning tip: Take a break from sun and sand to enjoy local events like the Festival of Arts held during July and August in Laguna Beach. The festival, featuring art shows and demos by 140 artists in media ranging from scrimshaw to furniture, culminates with a reenactment of famous paintings by costumed actors, accompanied by an orchestra.
Detour: Nearby Crystal Cove is great for camping, plus it’s an underwater park where you can go scuba diving or tide-pooling, and fish, kayak and surf along the undeveloped shoreline.
10. Lake Tahoe
Best for beaches at high altitudes
Lest you get complacent combing only the ocean shores, remember the inland marvel that is Lake Tahoe. In summer, it’s California’s favorite high-altitude escape: a sparkling diamond tucked in the craggy Sierra Nevada Mountains.
In South Lake Tahoe, the nicest strands are Pope Beach, Kiva Beach and Baldwin Beach. Elsewhere, beaches dot the rim, like always-busy Zephyr Cove with its sandy, mile-long shoreline. Sheer granite cliffs and a jagged coastline hem glacier-carved Emerald Bay State Park, a teardrop cove of viridian water. You can take a small boat to the lake’s only island, just offshore.
Planning tip: Carnelian West, Waterman’s Landing, Hidden and Chimney Beaches allow dogs, though some require dogs to be leashed.
11. Arroyo Burro Beach – Santa Barbara
Best beach for canines
Pack up your pooch and head to Arroyo Burro Beach, a place so pet-friendly there’s a dog wash in the parking lot. Five miles south of upscale Santa Barbara, the beach is wide, the sand is soft and the waves can be wild enough to attract serious surfers.
When it’s time to eat, consider The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. The views are stupendous particularly at sunset and the food receives great reviews. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are good prices on cocktails during happy hour.
Planning tip: After packing up your sunscreen and towels, stick around and explore Santa Barbara, a stunning destination on the ocean with the Santa Ynez Mountains in the background. Enjoy your off-beach time exploring the Spanish Colonial-style downtown with its white stucco buildings topped by red tile roofs, balconies overflowing with colorful blooms, bubbling fountains and tree–lined streets.
12. Belmont Shore Beach – Long Beach
Best beach for floating
At Belmont Shore Beach, the breakwaters create calm waters for swimming or, if you’d rather laze, just floating. You can also cast a line off nearby Belmont Shore Pier or grab a burger and brew at the Belmont Brewing Company while enjoying the panoramic ocean views.
If you like a beach with lots of action, this is the place for you, with amenities including sand volleyball courts, bike paths and walking trails. When you’re ready to get out of the sun, trendy 2nd Street, with its rows of shops and boutiques, is close by.
Planning tip: Not far away is one of Long Beach’s most exclusive neighborhoods, with rows of historic homes on the Naples Canal built in the early 1900s. Glide along the waterway on a gondola tour.
13. Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica
Best beach for a low-key L.A. vibe
Just west of Los Angeles, Santa Monica has a laid-back beach charm not found on the busy streets of L.A. But not to worry, there’s still plenty to do.
The major attraction for sun and water enthusiasts is the rolling waves and seemingly endless sands of Santa Monica Beach, 3.5 acres of soft sandy beach. Of course, the iconic Santa Monica Pier has plenty going on, including an amusement park with a roller coaster and Ferris Wheel as well as free concerts.
Before or after beach time, take advantage of the amazing culinary diversity of the town’s restaurants and bars. For brunch order avocado fries for brunch at Bru’s Wiffle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cleanest beach in California?
La Jolla Cove, Bean Hollow and Emerald Bay State Park are among the cleanest California beaches.
What California beach has the clearest water?
The beaches at Santa Barbara, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Emerald Bay State Park, Catalina Island and Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach are known for having the clearest waters.
Are there any pet–friendly beaches in California?
Huntington Dog Beach,Laguna Beach (though check the hours because they change with the season) and Santa Barbara’s Arroyo Burro Beach allow dogs. Lake Tahoe has ten canine–inclusive beaches. Overall, 214 beaches allow dogs in California.
What is the best time to visit California beaches?
Peak beach season, when the Pacific Ocean is warmest, is June through August.
Winter sports involve all kinds of exhilarating sensations: a sharp breeze rushing past your face, bright snow stinging your eyes, the merriment of après-ski.
Oh, and the palpitations when you first set sights on ski pass prices.
It’s true that skiing and snowboarding don’t come cheap – but for those of us who don’t plan on ordering room service to our luxury ski-in suites, there are many ways to lighten the costs. These 10 budgeting tips can have you hitting the slopes without having to take out a second mortgage.
1. Perfect your timing
To bag a bargain ski pass, look into your destination’s off-peak season, sleuth out the dates of local school holidays (to avoid them), and, if possible, steer clear of the busy Christmas period. Picking your ski time is equally important as picking the right resort, with ski passes usually cheaper at the beginning and end of the season (keeping in mind that snow cover can be an issue), as well as during the post-new-year lull in January. Remember, no matter the time of year, there’s always somewhere in the world you can ski.
2. Seek out lesser-known slopes
It’s true that the biggest-name resorts are packed for a reason – but venturing a little off-piste with your resort choice not only means fewer crowds on the slopes but also potential savings. You can find bargains in far-flung centers that are often less accessible – though savvy skiers will note that certain resorts within a snowball’s throw of the big hitters offer similar terrain for a fraction of the cost. For example, a day’s lift ticket at Cooper ski resort in Colorado is roughly half the price of neighboring Copper Mountain. Even amid the well-carved ranges of Western Europe you’ll find great budget-friendly ski resorts that are just as rewarding as the big names. You just have to be willing to branch out.
Being a little thrifty with your après-ski – think partying in the snow – is one way to save money on the slopes. Shutterstock
3. The higher you stay, the more you’ll pay
A hotel way up in the snowy drifts – and the privilege of skiing right out of the door – will cost you, though accommodation in the nearest town will generally be a much fairer deal. And don’t fret about distances: many ski resorts have free bus transfer services to the nearest lift and to neighboring resorts; check with the tourist office and make use of them. Those who don’t mind sharing their personal space after a day on the slopes should also check out budget-friendly dormitory accommodation.
4. Choose your flight wisely
Even amid the seasonal rush for flights to snowy spots, budget airlines can still offer bargain fares. Just try not to get get spiked by extra charges to bring your skis or snowboard on the plane. If you have your own gear, consider an airline that won’t charge you to stow them in the hold: Swiss, Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada all have reasonable allowances for sports equipment. Booking your flight at least two months in advance is a good rule of thumb to get the best prices (although with dynamic pricing, this is always a topic of debate), also remembering that flights can often be cheaper on weekdays.
Bargains can be found on secondhand ski gear – and doesn’t it make for a colorful statement outfit? Colouria Media/Alamy
5. Go for secondhand gear
Skis, boards, boots, jackets, waterproofs…there’s plenty you need – and it doesn’t come cheap. Don’t wait to rent or buy your gear at the resort, where you’ll have to pay whatever price management sets. Plan ahead and grab secondhand bargains on sites like Craigslist, which are sometimes cheaper than renting for two weeks: plenty of over-enthusiastic one-timers are keen to offload their seldom-worn ski boots for a pittance. Provided you aren’t too proud to ski in a neon patchwork ski jacket reminiscent of the 1970s, you can easily get kitted out – for less.
6. Package it up
Rolling together your flights, accommodation, lift pass and equipment rental can, in some cases, result in some heavenly bargains. Check Ski.com or SnowVentures to see if you can save by opting for a package deal.
Find out about discounted passes for different types of skiiers. Stefano Ember/Shutterstock
7. Know your discounts
Plenty of resorts have discounts for early-bird ski-pass buyers, students, disabled skiers, families, large groups, long stayers and over-70s, who – at a handful of resorts including Grandvalira in Andorra and Timberline in West Virginia – ski completely free of charge.
8. Budget your après-ski
Who’s picking up the tab for those evening Jägermeisters? Winter-sports fans get brainwashed into believing that their steaming thimbleful of Glühwein (mulled wine) is an essential part of the après-ski experience, even at €4 per glug. If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, it’s easy to warm your cockles with DIY treats, so give pricey cafes a wide berth – or, at the very least, time your visit with happy-hour deals, when drinks are cheaper. Alternatively, put that snow-proof clothing to good use by having a picnic in the snow: taking in mountain views is a lot more appealing than tottering in your ski boots over a brasserie’s slippery floor.
Plan a day or two of cross-country skiing to save on lift passes. Henrik Trygg/Getty Images
9. Be flexible
Shaving a day or two off your ski pass can save some cash – and you needn’t lose out on ski time if you know where to look. For instance, the French Alps have plenty of easy cross-country skiing tracks (such as around the picturesque Lake Montriond) that don’t cost you a penny to use: perfect to slice a day off your ski-pass needs. And over in Hawaii – yes, there are ski slopes there! – you can ski Mauna Kea for nothing, as long as you have your own ski gear and a buddy with a four-wheel drive. Alternatively, get better value by booking a really long trip: a ski pass for the whole season is much cheaper per day than a week-long one.
10. Get a ski job
If long-term skiing is your dream, why not deploy some good old-fashioned elbow grease? Ski resorts need chefs, cleaners, nannies, au pairs, lift operators, runners and a whole host of other enthusiastic workers. The pay can be extremely light, but in return, you can often bag free ski passes, equipment rental and accommodation. Kick off your search at sites like Ski Resort Jobs or CoolWorks.
The Balinese people treat the ocean with enormous respect. Though their coastline is dotted with some of the world’s most stunning (and popular) beaches, living so close to the water means recognizing the power and risk that exists alongside that beauty. It’s not unusual for locals to meditate and pray at beaches to encourage positive energy and protection.
Every visitor arrives with dreams of stretching out on a blissful strip of sand before grabbing a surfboard or snorkel and diving beneath the waves. If you’re here for the water sports as much as the sand, it’s important to pay attention to those who know this island best. Strong currents can often lie beneath seemingly calm waters – especially at Canggu, Seminyak and beaches along the west coast.
But hundreds of shores are perfectly safe for swimming, surfing and enjoying a cold drink as you watch a spectacular sunset. These are five beautiful beaches in Bali that we think you can’t afford to miss.
1. Seseh Beach
Best for sunset strolls
The most outlying beach in Canggu, Seseh has thus far evaded the large-scale development that has inextricably changed the face of Bali’s southwest coast. There is only one business on this beach, Warung Pantai, a palm-thatch restaurant with a few dozen bean bags, sun loungers and umbrellas.
With shore-breaking waves, Seseh is not ideal for swimming or surfing, though at low tide small rock pools form at the northern end of the beach. Elaborate Hindu ceremonies with devotees dressed in white are held regularly on the pavilion near the parking area, and locals come to walk their dogs along the beach and marvel at the colors painted across the sky at dusk.
Spend a few days in Medewi catching incredible waves. Shutterstock
2. Medewi Beach
Best for surfing
Two hour’s drive from Seseh, the Muslim village of Medewi on the far west coast is a throwback to the Bali of yesteryear, with bamboo shacks where you can buy a meal for a few dollars and long black beaches littered with coconut husks and palm fronds. Medewi is also home to the longest left-hand waves in Bali – curved mirrors of water from one to three meters in height that in ideal conditions retain their shape for up to 300m.
Local tip: Surf schools in Canggu offer day trips to Medewi where they pile up to 10 surfers into a van to maximize profits. But Mukli, a professional surfer from Medewi who like many Indonesians goes by only one name, has a more equitable answer. “Those who come up just for the day with surf schools, these are not the crowd we want on our waves. Come and stay in a local guesthouse for a few days instead. It’s good for the community and gives us money to send our children to school.”
You may end up sharing the sand with some Javan rusa on Menjangan Beach. Getty Images
3. Menjangan Beach
Best for snorkeling
Much of Bali’s coral has been degraded by bleaching and unsustainable fishing practices. But the house reef at NusaBay Menjangan – the only hotel on the Prapat Agung Peninsula, part of West Bali National Park – is a standout. The waters around the jetty are home to multicolored coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, including schools of angelfish, some as large as dinner plates, that are seemingly unperturbed by human visitors.
The sand at Menjangan and all through West Bali National Park is not black but bone white, edged with mangroves and home to a herd of Javan rusa, a large deer native to Indonesia that stands up to 185cm (6ft) high. And because this beach can only be reached by boat, there are never more than a few groups of people around.
Local tip: You don’t have to stay at NusaBay Menjangan resort to beach comb at Prapat Agung Peninsula. Go to Pantai (Beach) Karang Sewu on the mainland, where you can hire a boat, driver and snorkeling equipment for half a day for around 760,000Rp.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with shipwreck dives off the coast of Amed. Davdeka/Shutterstock
4. Amed
Best for boating
A 10km (6.2 miles) string of scalloped sandy bays on Bali’s spectacular reef-fringed east coast named after its largest village, Amed is Bali’s epicenter for scuba diving. There’s a small underwater wreck about halfway down the coast and a much larger wreck, the USAT Liberty, which was sunk by the Japanese during WW2, a 30-minute drive to the north at Tulamben. But marine life is more abundant in West Bali National Park, and, in my opinion, it is the lack of large-scale development on the strip that makes Amed the premiere beach destination in Bali.
Another plus: every morning at dawn, a fleet of hundreds of “jukungs” – traditional wooden Indonesian outrigger canoes – can be seen returning to land after spending the night at sea. Your guesthouse or hotel can book a jukung and driver to take you out onto the water after the sun rises to marvel at Mount Agung volcano, Bali’s highest and holiest mountain peak and one of eight “chakra” points in the world.
Aerial view of Karma Kandara Beach resort in Bali
5. Karma Beach
Best for families and everything other than surfing
I’m not a fan of the big commercial beach clubs in Bali, but there’s one I keep going back to repeatedly. Set 150m (492ft) below a towering sea cliff on the Bukit Peninsula on Bali’s south coast, Karma Beach is edged by a turquoise lagoon. The only way to get there is through Karma Kandara Resort, which offers a shuttle service from the cliff top for 750,000Rp, two-thirds of which is redeemable at the Mediterranean restaurant on the beach. The entry fee includes the use of sunbeds, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear to explore the lagoon, which at high tide is flat and mirror-like. Plus there are trained lifeguards on duty, making it a great option if you’re visiting with kids.
Local tip: If a visit to Karma Beach Club is out of your budget, park or catch a taxi to neighboring Melasti Beach, which has the same brilliant white sand and tranquil turquoise water. It gets quite busy on weekends and during the Australian school holidays.
Dominica provides an unhurried respite for those looking to disconnect from life’s chaos.
Yet throughout the Caribbean island nation’s mountainous terrain, deep gorges, verdant foliage, endless trails and bountiful rivers also make it an adventurer’s playground.
Don’t expect sprawling luxury beach resorts and bone-white-sand beaches here. For Dominica’s secret sauce lies in its untouched, raw qualities – which is why many know it as “the nature isle.”
You should start getting excited about any visit to Dominica. To help, these are our picks for the best things to do on the island.
At Champagne Reef, you’ll dive or snorkel among bubbles and golden hues. Alamy
1. Dive at the effervescent Champagne Reef
Diving at Champagne Reef mirrors the sensation of swimming in an oversized glass of the bubbly drink thanks to volcanic gas that bubbles up from the seabed. The golden hue of the reef itself completes the effect.
Snorkeling enthusiasts will also be enamored with the burst of color reflecting from the horde of sea creatures, including trumpet fish, parrotfish, frogfish, octopus, rays, batfish, hawksbill turtles and seahorses. The vibrance of the pink azure, red rope, yellow tube and purple vase sponges adds to the kaleidoscopic effect.
Planning tip: Large pebbles dot the Champagne Reef beachfront, so don’t come expecting to lie out on the sand. But do enjoy the local rums, Dominican cuisine and intel on the best snorkeling spots at Donny’s Beach Bar.
2. Immerse yourself in Kalinago culture
The Kalinagos are the descendants of the pre-Columbian indigenous people of the Lesser Antilles who once lived solely on what nature provided. Today, approximately 3000 Kalinagos live on 3700 acres of communally held land reserved for the tribe on the eastern side of Dominica. The tribe is led by a six-member council and a chief.
Today, a series of tours exposes visitors to the enduring history, rituals and customs of the island’s first inhabitants, creating connections to the Kalinago culture. These tours also generate income for members of the community. The experiences range from half-day excursions to homestays with a family on the reserve in traditional housing: ajoupas made from wood and leaves.
Local tip: Kalinago cuisine is amazing. Try the roasted crayfish with coconut milk served on a warmed balisier (heliconia) leaf, and sip on ouicou juice extracted from grated cassava.
The shallow, warm waters and soft sand of Pointe Baptiste Beach make it ideal for relaxing for hours. Micheal Lees for Lonely Planet
3. Lounge on Pointe Baptiste Beach
While Dominica’s 365 rivers are a highlight of its interior, Pointe Baptiste Beach might be the best spot to enjoy the salty sea. Drive to the village of Calibishie on the island’s northeast coast to reach this secluded haven, which offers an opportunity to unwind in peace.
The water is shallow, warm and tranquil, which makes it ideal for kids. Yet couples will still have enough privacy thanks to the surrounding stones and Red Rocks. This natural auburn-colored formation hugs the northeastern coastline and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Local tip: Explore the sweeter side of Dominica at the nearby Pointe Baptiste Estate Chocolate Factory. The small family operation takes visitors through a tour of the process that transforms cacao beans into flavorful chocolate bars.
Dominica is home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake, reachable by hike. Joseph Thomas Photography/Shutterstock
4. Hike to bubbling Boiling Lake
Dominica’s acclaimed Boiling Lake lives up to the hype. The journey to the flooded fumarole starts in Laudat, a small village tucked away in the island’s interior. Depending on your hiking skill level, it will take two to four fours before you ultimately descend upon the world’s second-largest boiling lake (at 200ft / 61m wide).
The trail seems manageable at first – but we highly advise setting out with a guide is to help navigate the occasionally rocky and muddy terrain and paper-thin ridge. At the end of the ascent, you’ll find a bubbling hot cauldron of slate grey liquid, shrouded in vapor.
Typically, for any arduous, extended journey, you’ll be pleased to know that the return trip seems much quicker.
Planning tip: Be sure to fill up your water bottle at the Breakfast River, which is the only fresh water available after the hike begins.
5. Spend a day at Trafalgar Falls
To the west of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, Dominica’s twin falls are a mere 20-minute drive from the capital, Roseau.
A brief 10- to 15-minute walk through the rainforest leads to a viewing platform where you can embrace the majesty of the falls. Locally known as “Papa” (on the left) and “Mama” (right), each has its distinct features. Papa towers over the surroundings at 125ft (38m); Mama is more diminutive at 75ft (23ft) but has a more forceful gush of water. Consider a dip in the warm pools at the base of the falls.
A guide is necessary if you wish to hike the falls. Be extremely careful, as slippery boulders can make for a treacherous and challenging climb. Head out as early as possible for optimal lighting.
Local tip: Wildlife and rare plant lovers should consider a pit stop at Papillote Tropical Gardens, just before the trailhead.
At Roseau’s Old Market, vendors ply an assortment of handmade goods. Michael Lees for Lonely Planet
6. Explore the streets of Roseau
Roseau is a small, compact southwestern city surrounded by Morne Bruce, the Caribbean Sea and the Roseau River. A walking tour of its significant sites will introduce you to this quaint capital.
Start with the Old Market, once a bustling trading post in colonial times. Today, it has been reimagined as a craft hub where vendors ply handmade soaps, oils, accessories and fragrant spices. The Dominica Museum shares the seafront with historical and cultural artifacts curated by the island’s foremost historian, Lennox Honychurch.
The once-thriving Dominica Botanic Gardens suffered extensive damage at the hands of Hurricane David in 1979 – but still boasts some 50 types of plant life on its 40 acres. Make the hike up Morne Bruce to soak in the stunning panoramic views of the city, then cool down later at one of the local haunts with the hometown beer Kubuli.
Planning tip: Consider purchasing a budget-friendly tourist-site pass. A week-long pass with multiple visits to all sites within the national park system and several other nature landmarks costs just US$12.
Water plunges down from the rainforest and into the magical Emerald Pool. Michael Lees for Lonely Planet
7. Experience the ethereal Emerald Pool
In Dominica, you’ll see endless shades of green, from the dense forests to the luminescent, appropriately named Emerald Pool. A gush of fresh water from a 40ft (12m) waterfall feeds this lovely grotto. Its greenish tint reflects the foliage, vines and moss-covered rocks that envelop the area, with sunlight filtering through, lending an ethereal effect.
Emerald Pool is easily reachable, with the access road leading from Pont Cassé, a small, centrally located village, through Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Hop a local minibus and let the driver know where you’re going. There’s also plenty of parking if you decide to drive yourself.
Two viewing platforms provide a magical vantage point; if you prefer to swim, bathrooms and changing rooms are also available at the visitors center. You might recognize the oasis as one of the stunning backdrops from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The water is chilly, even on the hottest days. The water is also not very deep, so don’t jump off the higher rocks or dive in.
Local tip: Venture about 15 minutes away to nearby Castle Bruce and enjoy a sumptuous meal and drinks at Islet View Restaurant & Bar, which overlooks the bay.
The 114-mile-long Waitukubuli National Trail is divided into 14 segments for easy day hikes. Alamy
8. Hike parts (or all!) of the Waitukubuli National Trail
Did you really visit Dominica if you didn’t hike a portion of the Waitukubuli National Trail (WNT)? The iconic trek is 114 miles (183km), spanning the island’s entire length. From the northernmost point at Scott’s Head, it snakes through dramatic mountainous landscapes and dense rainforest to Cabrits National Park.
WNT is the only long-distance hiking trail in the Caribbean. Each of the trail’s 14 segments presents its unique challenges – so if you’re not up for the entire route, pick one or more sections to explore.
The difficulty level of the trail’s segments varies from easy, family-friendly walks to more strenuous expeditions. If you’re game to tackle the whole shebang, prepare for a serious time commitment: the entire route takes two weeks to complete. It’s always best to hire a guide or join a hiking group.
And the rewards are manifold as you meander through waterfalls, rivers, Kalinago villages, Maroon passages and multiple other historical and natural sites.
Planning tip: With 365 rivers woven throughout the island, running into one during a hike is inevitable. Proceed cautiously, as you may encounter slippery rocks or flash flooding from heavy rainfall.
Vertiginous ravines, 4000m (13,100ft) peaks and an monumental glacier are Valais’ calling cards.
Anchored by the soaring pyramid of the Matterhorn in southwest Switzerland, this canton abounds with Swiss icons – think ridiculously handsome mountains, warm and gooey AOP Raclette de Valais cheese and slobbery St Bernard dogs.
This is where the world’s most storied little red train, the Glacier Express, pulls out of Zermatt on its mythical journey east through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges to St Moritz. This is where ski fiends fly down moguls the size of small cars on Champéry’s “Mur Suisse” (Swiss Wall) and powder hounds carve the first tracks in Verbier. It’s where locals speak both Swiss German, in the east – and French, to the west and across and the invisible Röstigraben (Switzerland’s linguistic divide).
In short: Valais is Switzerland distilled, and where you can expect the ride of a lifetime – and one like no other. Here are nine places you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Valais, Switzerland is one of the best regions to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.
You’ve seen it on postcards, yes – but nothing prepares you for your first in-person view of the Matterhorn. Getty Images
1. Zermatt
Best spot for Matterhorn adoration
Though it’s one of the most famous mountain views in the world, nothing prepares you for that first intoxicating glimpse of Zermatt’s emblematic peak, which rises like a shark fin above the historic mountain town. From the second you step off the train (Zermatt is car-free), looking repeatedly up toward the Matterhorn for a view of its hooked 4478m (14,690ft) summit without clouds swirling around it becomes an obsession. Matterhorn aside, this glittering Grand Tour favorite seduces pretty much everyone – from summertime walkers to style-conscious skiers, families to couples on a romantic weekend – with exciting Alpine history, spectacular scenery, glitzy window shopping, nightlife and year-round glacier skiing. There is no other place like it in the world.
Planning tip: Don’t leave town without riding three cable cars up to Klein Matterhorm (3883m / 12,740ft) – the 360-degree panorama of 14 glaciers and 30-plus peaks above 4000m (13,123ft) will blow your mind – or Europe’s highest cog-wheel railway to Gornergrat (3089m / 10,135ft).
2. Sion
Best town for a weekend break in fall
If you didn’t grow up in Valais, you probably won’t have heard of this disarmingly bewitching toy town. While French-speaking Sion is wedged on the floor of the Rhône Valley, its pair of châteaux – which have crowned two craggy hillocks since the 13th century – scream medieval drama. Combine château visits (the town has four) with a wander around its tiny Vielle Ville (Old Town) and tastings of local white Fendant wine in old-school cafes evocative of la belle France. Sion is also a brilliant base for unusual day hikes along Valais’ signature bisses – miniature canals ingeniously engineered from the 13th to 15th centuries to irrigate the steep, gravity-defying, terraced vineyards surrounding the town.
Planning tip: Time your visit with the vendange in September, when grapes in vineyards around Sion are harvested, leaves blaze red, and chefs everywhere cook up chamois, venison and other seasonal game. Buy a Valais Wine Pass (Sfr49) at the Sion tourist office, which will score you 10 glasses of wine at tasting cellars around the region.
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The sunrise view from Mont Fort is always extraordinary. Shutterstock
3. Verbier
Best resort for adrenaline junkies
Valais’ other world-renowned ski town, old-monied Verbier is small, expensive and cut at all the right angles to dazzle. This is where Europe’s glitterati come to cruise down slopes in the superlative 4 Vallées ski area, then hobnob behind closed doors in VIP lounges, swank clubs and palatial private chalets.
But there’s another side to Verbier that attracts hard-core adrenaline junkies in droves. Free-riding here in knee-high powder is exceptional – and the thrills don’t end in summer, either. From June to October, grab a bike, helmet, wheels and body “armor” to burn rubber in the Verbier Bikepark. It’s not for nothing that the competition track in the downhill mountain-bike park is called Tire’s Fire.
Planning tip: Not feeling it? Rent an e-bike or ditch the hard-core action altogether for a leisurely ride by cable car to Mont Fort (3300m / 10,827ft), Verbier’s highest peak. We especially recommend going at dawn, when the sun rises over pink peaks.
Delightful Alpine villages are yours to discover along the Val d’Anniviers’ winding roads. Steven Van Aerschot/Shutterstock
4. Val d’Anniviers
Best valley for scenic road-tripping
It is easy to get off the grid in Valais. Following this peaceful side valley’s corkscrew roads on an e-bike or car along will bring you past geranium-festooned Alpine villages, charming chapels and mazots (larch-wood huts), where farmers and winegrowers once stored their tools. Lunch with a Matterhorn view at Hotel Bela Tola in the village of St-Luc is a quintessential Swiss pleasure. You can also bake bread in the village’s pain au four (bread oven), sip rare “glacier wine” direct from the barrel in a cellar further up the valley in Grimentz (1553m / 5095ft), or bathe in velvety taupe mud and milk-blue glacial water by the Moiry Glacier.
Local tip: In summer, hop aboard a canary-yellow Postbus in Grimentz for a tour of the side valley in this 1940s-era open-top vehicle.
Hook on your crampons to take the surface of majestic Aletsch Glacier. Pete Seaward for Lonely Planet
5. Aletsch Glacier
Best glacier for big-thrill ice hikes
Gazing from afar at this jaw-dropping natural marvel – the Alps’ longest glacier
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – has been a traveler’s rite of passage since the birth of tourism. But it is only in Valais that you can get up close – and without the crowds, too. Streaming in a curve around Aletschhorn (4195m / 13,763ft), the second-highest peak in the Bernese Alps, the 20km(12.5-mile)-long sea of ice can accessed by cable car from riverside hamlet Fiesch (2212m / 7257ft). For outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in our world’s fast-melting glaciers, a guided summer trek on the ice – roped to a guide and wearing crampons, with crevasses and the unsettling rumbling of water flowing deep beneath your feet – is spellbinding. Ditto for ski-touring treks in winter.
Planning tip: Book glacier hikes (ages 10 and up) with the Aletsch Mountaineering Centre in Fiesch. No mountaineering experience is required – just sure-footedness and a reasonable fitness level.
6. Bettmeralp
Best ski resort for car-free cool
In keeping with Valais’ increasingly green ethos, there is only one way to access this family-friendly mountain hamlet: by cable car, from the Rhône Valley floor far below. Emerging up top at 1900m (6234ft), winter skiers cross into a storybook world of snowy streets, a whitewashed chapel on a hillock, little ones (or the week’s groceries) being pulled along main street on old-fashioned wooden sledges…and not a car in sight. Consider it the stuff of Swiss Alpine dreams. Downhill skiing on 64 miles (104km) of wide slopes in the Aletsch Arena ski area couldn’t be better for beginners and intermediates, or for skiers on the mountain simply to feast on the mind-blowing glacier views.
Tackle the winding Furka Pass behind the wheel – if you dare. Tanase Sorin/Shutterstock
7. Furka Pass
Best mountain pass for van life
Immortalized in a car chase in the 1964 James Bond classic Goldfinger, the Furka Pass in Valais’ far northeastern corner is Switzerland’s king of alpine passes. Open since 1867, it swerves around countless hairy hairpins and the 007-famous Hotel Belvédère (now closed) to Andermatt in central Switzerland. Serious road trippers seeking no mercy can either make a glorious loop of it by tacking on the Susten (2260m / 7415ft) and Grimsel (2164m / 7100ft) mountain passes before heading on to Furka (a 75-mile round trip), or hit the high road south into the Italianate canton of Ticino via the impressively barren and remote Nufenen Pass (2478m / 8130ft).
In Martigny, you can get up close the region’s most famous canines: slobbery, irresistible St Bernards. Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
8. Martigny
Best town for culture vultures
Time spent in Valais’ oldest town and French-speaking capital shines light on why the Romans lingered here en route across the Col du St Bernard to Italy. Away from its rather ugly new town, Martigny boasts a Roman amphitheater, terraced vineyards and a cute medieval center. Sculptures by Rodin, Henry Moore and other modern masters pack out its top-drawer art museum, and views from the town’s 13th-century hilltop château spread out as far as the eye can see down the Rhône Valley. The surprise pièce de résistance? The Barryland museum complex and kennels, which celebrate Switzerland’s slobbery and completely irresistible lovable St Bernard dog.
Planning tip: Around Martigny, Sundays in March herald the start of the cow-fighting season, when Valais’ prized Hérens cows lock horns in the traditional head-butting quest to be “queen” of the bovines.
9. Sierre
Best town for wine culture
Château-dotted vines rise high above the small town of Sierre, the start or end point for the Sentier Viticole (Vineyards Trail). Two wine museums – Sierre’s Musée Valaisan de la Vigne et du Vin in 17th-century Château de Villa and Salgesch’s Weinmuseum – bookend the 3.7-mile walk, which is dotted with educational panels about the pinot noir vines and wines they yield. The trail can be walked in either direction, with both ends roughly half a mile from Sierre or Salgesch train station.
Planning tip: To buy wine and lunch in style, end in Sierre at the Oenothèque wine cellar in Château de Villa, where you’ll find 630 different Valais wines and a restaurant cooking up a tasting of five local Raclette cheeses.
