Some of the most memorable moments in life are our ‘firsts’: our first time getting behind the wheel, going to a gig or kissing someone. But often the settings for such events – car parks, community centres, graffitied alleyways – don’t do them justice.
This got us thinking: if you had the chance to relive these pivotal moments anywhere in the world, where would be the perfect place to try them?
Inspired by The Best Moment of Your Life – an anthology of 100 profound, moving and unforgettable travel experiences – we’ve paired some of life’s major milestones to settings suited to their significance.
Many of us grew up fantasising about our first time getting behind the wheel, putting the pedal to the metal and screeching off into the sunset. The reality for most involved crawling in first gear around the empty car park of a local supermarket, with a parent or older sibling sitting rigidly in the passenger seat, sporadically stamping on an imaginary brake pedal.
If you could do it over: swap the supermarket for the wild mountain passes of Canada with a cruise along the Icefields Parkway. This wide public highway, based on an old packhorse trail once trudged by fur traders and First Nation communities, meanders for 143 epic miles through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, skirting around hulking, snow-scuffed mountains and thickets of forest that shimmer in the reflective waters of glacial lakes. While minimal traffic flow bodes well for newly qualified drivers, road tripping in this remote part of the world does come with its own unique hazards: grizzly bears.
Alternatives: for more wildlife-heavy road tripping (and minimal obstacles), consider a self-drive safari in Zambia. Meanwhile, equally jaw-dropping landscapes are prevalent along Argentina’s Ruta 40, which traverses 20 national parks as it winds down the length of the country.
Ah, the first kiss – a true minefield of a milestone. Whether yours was at a school disco, sweaty nightclub or student dormroom, the chances are the first time you locked lips with someone felt uncomfortable, awkward and a little… slobbery.
If you could do it over: first-time Frenchers can soothe both pre-smooch jitters and fear of excess moisture by watching dozens of people take part in the annual Omed-Omedan festival, also known as ‘the kissing ritual’, in the Balinese village of Sesetan. On the first day of Saka New Year, swarms of unmarried locals gather to publicly suck face in a bid to ward off bad luck and find love, before being unceremoniously drenched in water by priests keen to not let things get too heated. Once confident of your technique, head south to one of the Bukit Peninsula’s pristine stretches of sand – not a bad spot for a first kiss come sunset.
Alternatives: for something a little more traditional, consider the Pont Notre-Dame Bridge in Paris – ideally in the rain – or, for those looking for love, try the ‘Kissing Bench’, a landmark on Syracuse University campus, New York State. It’s said couples who kiss while sitting on the bench will one day wed.
Whether that chinese symbol etched permanently into your arm was procured in a dubious high street studio, a ‘talented’ artist friend’s bedroom or forms the lasting memory of a week-long coming-of-age romp in one of Europe’s famed party towns, when it comes to tattoos, we don’t always get it right first time round.
If you could do it over: add a dab of gravitas to your first tattoo experience by getting inked at what’s thought to be the oldest tattoo parlour in the world. Located down a winding alleyway in Jerusalem’s Old City, Razzouk Ink is run by Wassim Razzouk, who proudly continues a 700-year-old family tradition of tattooing pilgrims who visit the holy city. While religious motifs remain the core of his work – with some designs based on hand-carved wooden stencils from the 16th century – travellers going under the needle in this atmospheric parlour can choose from a wide range of options or create their own design in advance.
Alternatives: more traditional tattooing techniques are on offer in parlours throughout Thailand, where bamboo tattoos (using pieces of sharp bamboo rather than an electric needle) are popular. Those lacking inspiration should consider heading to London’s annual tattoo convention, where over 400 international artists showcase their best body art skills.
Everyone wishes the first gig they attended was some sort of seminal event writ large into musical folklore; Dylan going electric, Kurt Cobain headlining Reading Festival in a wheelchair – an impressive anecdote to whip out at work parties. But when all is said and done, your first live music experience likely involved a cover band at your local town hall, fronted by an overweight man sporting an ill-fitting Bon Jovi wig and a haunted look in his eyes.
If you could do it over: there are few more breathtaking venues in which to plunge into the world of live music than the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado. The hilltop venue has been moulded from a natural rock formation, with a stage and open-air seating venue nestled between two giant sandstone monoliths that provide exquisite acoustics. The one-of-a-kind venue has welcomed some of the world’s biggest artists over the years, including Jimi Hendrix, U2 and, notably, the Beatles as part of their first US tour. Today the distinguished setting attracts everything from jazz to EDM artists, all backed by views of the vast parkland with a star-flecked sky overhead.
Alternatives: to hear classical instruments sounding their very best head to the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall; the venue is home to the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and exalted for its legendary acoustics. Meanwhile, England’s world-famous Glastonbury Festival welcomes hundreds of live acts to its farmland venue during its weekend run, meaning you’re certain to stumble on at least one performance worth bragging about.
Nothing says ‘adulthood’ like that initial glug of your first legal alcoholic beverage, even if it was a glass of cheap vino bought for you by an aging aunt in a sticky-floored local pub. Chances are that first dalliance with alcohol was forgettable, and not just because of the quantities consumed.
If you could do it over: Beer Day is celebrated annually in Iceland on March 1, the day that the country’s 74-year prohibition laws finally came to an end in 1989. Each year the anniversary of that fateful day is marked with great gusto by Icelanders: join the partygoers thronging Reykjavik’s pubs, sample a celebratory swig of Brennivin (the country’s signature drink) atop Snæfellsjökull glacier or, for the quintessential Icelandic tourist experience, order a beer from the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa’s swim-up bar. Skál (cheers) to that.
Alternatives: for hops and hedonism, join lederhosen-clad revellers celebrating Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, in Munich, Germany, or for something a little more small-scale, soak up the atmosphere of Dublin’s old-world pubs, where the local trad music scene is as intoxicating as the locally brewed Guinness.
For many, the annual family holiday is akin to a game of Monopoly: it seems to last forever, squabbles ensue over money and everyone wants to be the dog (who’s enviably been left at home). Of course, childhood trips provide mounds of cherished memories, but there’s more to life than sitting in a damp tent playing yet another game of rummy.
If you could do it over: the Grand Tour was a traditional rite of passage for wealthy young European (and later American) nobles during the 18th century. Those who could afford it would leave their homeland, often accompanied by a ‘bear-leader’ (chaperone), in an attempt to enlighten themselves by perusing the art galleries and frequenting the concert halls of Europe. Fortunately, in the 300 years since, travel around the continent has become far more accessible – with Interrail passes a perennially popular way to trundle between iconic cities – but no less rewarding. Stroll by the Seine in Paris, browse ramshackle bookstores in Amsterdam and gawp at ancient relics in Rome: let the education begin.
Alternatives: a beach break in Sri Lanka? Horseback riding in Kyrgyzstan? Following the Gringo Trail through South America? While it might be too late to do-over your first holiday, there are endless possibilities for your next.
From fabled golden bays to little-known coves, no shell has been left unturned during our hunt for the world’s best beaches.
We have sent our writers everywhere in search of sublime, surf-pounded shorelines and remote pockets of hard-to-reach paradise for Lonely Planet’s new book Best Beaches in the World. From Albania to Yemen and everywhere in between, our team has swam, snorkeled, slugged cocktails and hiked through rainforests, to create the definitive beach bible.
Here are 25 of the 100 that were selected as our pick of the best beaches in the world.
1. The Pass, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
When the swell is good, The Pass has a right-hand point break that turns this stretch of pinkish-cream, pillowy-soft sand into a surfer’s paradise. Located at the most easterly point on mainland Australia, Cape Byron, it doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or a novice with the board, the bay has something for everyone, including lessons for beginners. (Please note that if you want to surf The Pass, a 2023 law requires you to use a surfboard leash.) Even if you’re not in the mood to surf, The Pass lets you explore everything from local Aboriginal history, to koala spotting and scenic hiking along the area’s trails, some of which are wheelchair-accessible.
Getting there: The beach has limited paid parking. Either arrive early or walk from central Byron (20 minutes; the foreshore has a wheelchair-accessible path). Alternatively, neighboring Captain Cook and Clarkes beaches also have limited parking.
Renowned for some astonishing sunsets that the locals applaud, Rio’s Ipanema Beach stretches for 1.9 miles (3 km). Local subcultures use its numbered lifeguard chairs to designate special areas of this famous Brazilian beach. For example, Posto 9, located off Rua Vinícius de Moraes, is the go-to spot for the fashionable crowd, attracting both the young and beautiful, alongside artists and hippies. Praia Farme, situated in front of Rua Farme de Amoedo, is where the gay community gathers. Posto 8 is where kids from the favela come together. Between Ipanema and Copacabana, Posto 7 is popular with surfers, and Posto 10 is where you’ll find games of volleyball, soccer, and futevôlei (footvolley) going on.
Getting there: Ipanema Beach is in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Avenida Vieira Souto runs alongside the beach, and the closest Metrô station is General Osório.
At just 49ft-wide (15m) and 820ft-long (250m), Ao Maya is a slip of a Thai beach hidden by limestone cliffs. Yet it caught the eye of film director Danny Boyle who used its ombré turquoise waters and fine white sand as the setting for The Beach, the 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Unfortunately, all that popularity led to overtourism and heavy pollution, but new rules (including a 375 visitor-per-hour cap) and recent infrastructure improvements are helping Mother Nature restore Ao Maya’s immense beauty. The trip is definitely worthwhile to spend time in this incredible paradise and appreciate the natural beauty that was almost lost.
Getting there:From neighboring Ko Phi-Phi Don, take an early morning boat tour here (20 minutes each way) to beat the crowds. Alternatively, it’s reachable by speedboat from Phuket and Krabi.
After a few action-packed days on safari in mainland Tanzania, Mnemba Island acts as the perfect retreat. Only accessible to guests of the andBeyond resort, which sleeps 23, this gorgeous white-sand beach often feels like your personal coastal paradise. Indulge in long walks, and enjoy some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling you’ll find in the entire continent.
Getting there: Resort stays include transfers from either Stone Town or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on Unguja Island, Zanzibar. It’s then a short boat ride to Mnemba Island.
You’ll need to bring all your own supplies for Sarakiniko, a set of sun-bleached volcanic rocks that dip into a small deep turquoise stretch of the Aegean. Centuries of wave-and-wind erosion made the rock formations at the beach dip and arch, creating caves to explore and alabaster cliffs to jump off. Sunbathe on the rocks or use them as your access point to slip into the water for some snorkeling. Ranked among the best-loved beaches in Greece, Sarakiniko can get packed with tourists. To avoid the crowds, visit in September and October. If you’re here during the high season, arrive in the morning for a calmer time at the beach.
Getting there:Sarakiniko is 1.9 miles (3km) north of Adamas port, on Milos’ northernmost coast. Several daily buses run here from Adamas during summer months and there’s parking for anyone arriving by scooter, car, or ATV. Milos airport has domestic flights to and from Athens, or you can also reach Milos by ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port (2½ to 6½ hours) as well as other islands such as Santorini (two hours).
6. Chesterman Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Most people come to Chesterman Beach to surf, but there’s so much more to see and do here. This scenic Canadian beach is also great for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, and observing the hundreds of colorful starfish, anemones, urchins and other sea creatures that appear in tide pools. The calm summer months are perfect for beginner surfers and with several expert-led surf schools based locally. Winter, and its serious swells, draw experienced surfers. It also hosts surf competitions. Make sure you bring your wetsuit – water temperatures don’t get much higher than 57°F (13.8°C).
Getting there: Chesterman Beach is 3.1 miles (5km) south of Tofino, near the far west end of Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim Highway. You can easily cycle here from Tofino. Regular ferries run between Vancouver city and Nanaimo (on Vancouver Island) in just under two hours. From there, it’s a 125-mile (200 km) drive west to Tofino – around a three-hour drive or a four-hour bus ride.
7. Cabo San Juan del Guía, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Colombia
Ringed by rainforest, the golden sands and coconut palms of Colombia’s Caribbean coast are picture-perfect—especially Cabo San Juan del Guía. It is located in a national park that stretches along the coast from the Taganga near Santa Marta to the mouth of the Río Piedras, 22 miles (35km) east, and covers some 29,900 acres (12,100 hectares) of land and 7400 acres (3000 hectares) of coral-rich sea. While it is a bit of a hike (approximately 2 hours) to get to this set of picturesque turquoise bays enclosed by rocky outcrops, it’s well worth it—and many others agree, as the beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Getting there: It takes an hour by bus from the Santa Marta Public Market to reach the El Zaino park entrance, 23 miles (37km) to the east, with frequent daily departures. From the park entrance, colectivos (minibuses) run to the beginning of the trail. You can also reach the beach via a two-hour hike or a rough 50-minute boat ride.
With its pristine white sands shaded by coconut palms and shallow turquoise waters that gently lap against granite boulders, Anse Source d’Argent is usually found on lists of the world’s best beaches and rightly so. This is the beach of dreams. It’s an adventure to get here, but a fun one that involves a ferry, a bike ride (or walk) to L’Union Estate, a former vanilla and coconut plantation that charges a small fee to access the beach. Take a moment to tour the estate-turned-museum before you head 0.43 miles (700m) down the road ti get your first glimpse of heaven on Earth. While you enjoy the beach you can also sip on fresh fruit juices and coconuts (with rum, if you wish) from one of the rustic beach bars along the beach. To avoid the inevitable crowds, come in the early morning, but then return in the late afternoon (with your same entrance ticket) to enjoy the gorgeous sunset on a near-empty beach.
Getting there:It takes less than two hours to reach La Digue by ferry from Victoria on the main island of Mahé, and just 15 minutes by ferry from Baie Ste Anne in Praslin.
An enclosed cove beach with shallow deep blue waters, Playa Balandra is one of Mexico’s most uniquely beautiful beaches. Apart from enjoying the views, this is also very much an activity-oriented beach with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for rent. Beachgoers can also explore tide pools and hike to neighboring coves. A protected area surrounded by arid, cacti-covered mountains, the beach is part of the azure Balandra Bay, which has glass-clear waters and white sands. Only 450 people are currently allowed on this beach per day, so it never feels too crowded, but it’s still best to get there early to secure a time slot (either 8am-noon, or 1-5pm). The first Sunday of every month is exclusively reserved for locals, so make sure you plan your beach day in advance. Note that beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent, but there are no other facilities.
Getting there: Make the 30-minute drive north from La Paz in a hire car or catch a bus from the La Paz Malecón bus station, with departures roughly every two hours from 9am.
With its soft sands, sparkling waters, and wind-carved dunes set against a backdrop of Morocco and the Strait of Gibraltar, it’s easy to see why Punta Paloma is one of the most seductive beaches in Spain. The deep blue Atlantic provides excellent water for swimming, the dunes offer dazzling views, and this beach even sports natural mud baths where you can paint your skin with mineral-rich mud. There are several walking and horse-riding routes along the surrounding hills, some of which lead you to sights such as the prehistoric Los Algarbes necropolis. If you’d rather stick to the beach, there are several opportunities for kitesurfing rentals and lessons. Or, if you prefer sticking to the sands and watching the waves, you’ll likely also catch a glimpse of dolphins, whales, migratory birds, and maybe even a turtle.
Getting there: Punta Paloma is about 6 miles (10km) northwest of Tarifa, and it’s only linked by bus during the summer months. Tarifa is easily reached by car or bus from Málaga, Gibraltar, Jerez, or Seville, all of which have international airports.
11. Punta Rata Beach, Brela, Makarska Riviera, Croatia
Dreamy Punta Rata extends 1312ft (400m) around a headland protected by a nature reserve in a magical place where the Aleppo pine forests meet the cool, clear Adriatic Sea. One of the Croatian coast’s most exquisite beaches, the fragrant pine groves provide shade, while the deep blue waters offer ideal temperatures above 70°F (20°C) from June to October) for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. This beach is pure bliss. Linger on the nearby promenade to catch the magnificent sunsets, when the sky glows with deep orangey-reds and neon pinks, as the sun dips below the pine-dotted outcrop that rises from the sea.
Getting there:The beach is on the northwest edge of Brela (easily reached by walking or cycling), around 31 miles (50km) southeast of Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Split has an international airport and good bus links to Brela (1 hour).
12. West Beach, Berneray, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
The beaches of the Outer Hebrides look like they belong somewhere tropical rather than the North Atlantic shores of Scotland. West Beach is among the most picturesque – its powdery sands meet both the jewel-like green-blue waters and machair (grazing land). The wilds of this shoreline make it look like an untouched paradise, but these three miles (5km) of coast are a draw for tourists as well as locals. The brave might go for a swim in these chilly waters that rarely get above 55°F (13°C), but it’s a paradise for beachcombers, bird-watchers, and hikers. The grassy elevated dunes offer the perfect perch for pristine views of the beach and the best place to spot cormorants, gannets and more. Come in the spring, when the surrounding landscape is a burst of color thanks to the wildflowers that grow in abundance.
Getting there: Stretching along the entire west coast of Berneray, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Leverburgh in neighboring Harris (the southern half of the Outer Hebrides’ main island) to get here. There are flights from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and Southampton to Stornoway Airport in Lewis (the northern half of the principal island), which also has ferry links. You’ll want a car to explore; book the ferry in advance.
Iceland’s Rauðasandur is a wild, 6-mile-long (10km) beauty with breathtaking sea cliffs and a turquoise lagoon that snakes through a sprawl of red, orange and pink sand – colors from crushed scallop shells. Located in the Westfjords, it’ll feel as if you have the beach to yourself, save from the company of grey and harbor seals that sometimes frolic on the shore. Rauðasandur also has some excellent hiking trails. It’s possible to walk to the famous Látrabjarg bird cliffs where thousands of puffins, razorbills, gannets, and terns gather during the warmer months.
Getting there: Rauðasandur sits 19 miles (30km) south of Patreksfjörður in the Westfjords, reachable on a 1-hour flight from Reykjavík. It’s a 640-mile (400 km) drive from Reykjavík, or you can catch the Baldur car ferry to Rauðasandur from Stykkishólmur, 106 miles (170 km) north of the capital. The often-unpaved roads in The Westfjords require time, patience, planning and a sturdy 4WD vehicle.
14. Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Only a handful of beaches in the world have the rosy, cotton-candy sands of Pink Beach, located inside Komodo National Park. Its distinctive hue comes from deep red organ pipe corals that have broken down offshore over centuries and mixed with the fine white sand grains to produce the soft, pink shoreline. With an abundance of coral, the beach is a popular snorkeling spot – schools of tropical fish love the reefs too. Simple beach huts dot the shoreline here, offering drinks and simple meals as well as the only shade on the sun-drenched beach. Pink Beach is popular with tourists; arrive early or just before sunset for a quieter experience.
Getting there: On the northwest shore of Padar Island, around 25 miles (40km) from Labuan Bajo, Pink Beach can only be visited on a day tour from the fishing town or a private day liveaboard cruise.
The wild Baltic Sea surrounds Denmark’s sunniest island, Bornholm. Famed for its crisp natural light, head to Dueodde on the southern tip to see why. The sun’s rays kiss the pearl-colored sands and make the soft jade and cerulean waves at this lovely beach shimmer. Wading through the shallow water here feels like stepping into a painting. In the evening, its sunsets turn the sky pink, orange, and yellow. Whilst the campsites and cafes are busy in the summer, don’t rule out visiting in the winter when the locals toboggan down the snow-covered sand dunes. For the best views, climb the 196 steps to the top of Dueodde’s blue-and-white 1960s lighthouse.
Getting there:Dueodde’s main patch of beach is 6.2 miles (10 km) south of Nexø, at the southern end of Bornholm, around 125 miles (200 km) east of Copenhagen. There are car parks at nearby Fyrvejen and Skrokkegard. Bornholm Airport has year-round 35-minute flights to and from Copenhagen, as well as seasonal links with Berlin, Aarhus and others. There are also regular ferry services to and from Ystad in Sweden (1¼ hours).
A short 4.9-mile (8km) drive from Keel village, at the western end of County Mayo’s Achill Island, is one of Ireland’s most glorious, secluded bays: Keem Bay Beach. The verdant green hillsides spill down to a deep-set horseshoe-shaped bay, where a pale-blonde beach sits framed by the Croaghaun Cliffs and the swell of the wild Atlantic. Tucked away beneath the cliffs, the bay offers calm (if cool) waters. Swimmers and snorkelers can both take advantage of the gentle sea here. Launch a kayak from the shore during the warmer summer months for fabulous views of the rural Ireland from the water. You might also catch a glimpse of pods of dolphins, which sometimes swim and feed by the bay.
Getting there:Keem Bay is accessible along western Achill Island’s snaking R319 road. The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock, 59 miles (95km) east of Achill Island, or a 1½-hour drive away, with some international flights.
17. Ruby Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
Two miles (3.2km) south of the Hoh River and bordered by a rainforest, Ruby Beach is a great introduction to Washington State and the United States’ Pacific Northwest. It looks like waters have lashed wildly against the shoreline here until trees have toppled and the sea are stacks found with a swirling froth crashing at their feet. It’s great for beachcombers—agates, garnets and sea glass all glitter in the sand—but there is treasure inside its tide pools, too. Anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish and skittering crabs, make it a wonderland for children and adults alike.
Getting there: Ruby Beach is on the southwestern coast of the Olympic Peninsula and borders Hwy 101, which loops around the peninsula and the national park. The beach is 172 miles (277km) west of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
18. Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island National Park, PEI, Canada
Stanhope at Prince Edward Island National Park has some of Canada’s best beaches. Glistening wetlands meet the north coast of the Atlantic, with 25 miles (40km) of beach framed by rolling dunes that provide refuge for the endangered piping plover bird. Boardwalks hover above the red-gold sand, and offer beautiful views of the coast while also connecting the dunes to the shoreline. During summer the water is warm enough for swimming and there’s a popular campsite among the trees just back from Stanhope Main Beach, so you can stay for the beautiful sunset and wake up to the lapping of the waves against the shore.
Getting there: Stanhope Beach is around 12 miles (20km) north of Charlottetown, PEI’s provincial capital, which has flights to Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa and elsewhere in Canada. You can also reach PEI by road from New Brunswick or by ferry from Nova Scotia. The national park is open year-round, but beach facilities are only available from mid-May to early autumn.
19. Radhanagar, Swaraj Dweep, Andaman Islands, India
For a secluded beach where it feels as if time has slowed down, look to Radhanagar. Located on India’s remote and beautiful Andaman Islands, this dreamy spot with the softest of sand kisses a bright green forest full of ancient species found nowhere else on earth. The region’s natural beauty is the main draw here: come for some of the finest diving and snorkeling in India, look out for an elephant or two strolling along the shoreline, and gather with the locals who spend their evenings chatting as the sun sets casting blazing coral hues across the sky.
Getting there: The isolated Andaman Islands sit almost 870 miles (1400km) east of mainland India, so getting here is part of the adventure. Fly into Port Blair (the small regional capital, on South Andaman), then catch a two-hour ferry to Swaraj Dweep. Radhanagar awaits on the island’s northwest coast, with a couple of eco-luxe resorts hidden among the trees.
20. Pacifico Beach, Siargao, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines
A secret among surfers until fairly recently, Pacifico Beach is a picture-perfect tropical beach with azure-colored lagoon waters, coconut palm-shaded sands and a lovely low-key vibe. When a devastating typhoon flattened the region in 2021, the locals’ resilience won out and the island staged an incredible comeback. Many homes and businesses, including a handful of places to stay and eat in Pacifico, rebuilt and reopened within the year. This is one place where tourism is essential to the island’s ongoing recovery. Whether you’re looking for an idyllic beach to relax or a paddle across the lagoon for a left-hand reef break, Pacifico Beach and the fledgling beach town of Siargao is where you want to be.
Getting there: Pacifico Beach is 13 miles (21km) or a 30-minute drive north of Surigao’s domestic airport, and 31 miles (50km) north of the island’s main tourism hub, General Luna. The drive from the latter, typically undertaken by rental scooter, takes just over an hour, but most visitors make a day of it, lingering at the many viewpoints and other attractions along the way.
21. Plage de Ta’ahiamanu, Moorea, French Polynesia
It’s not that often when you find a public beach that feels like a (somewhat) private slice of paradise. Yet when you reach Plage de Ta’ahiamanu on the uniquely gorgeous French Polynesian island of Moorea, you will discover one of the region’s most beautiful beaches sporting soft sand, turquoise water, ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling at sea, and even some great opportunities to spot local wildlife like tropical fish and sea turtles. And even though this beach sometimes feels like a remote nirvana, it’s open every day and free to the public.
Getting there: Plage de Ta’ahiamanu can be accessed from the main coastal road that wraps around the entire island. It’s about a 10 mile (or 16km) drive west of Moorea Airport, and it usually takes less than 30 minutes. It’s also only about a 15-minute (or 1km) walk from the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, and it’s within walking distance of several more hotels and inns.
22. Plage de Palombaggia, Corsica, France
There may be no shortage of phenomenal beaches abutting the Mediterranean Sea, yet there’s no European beach quite like Plage de Palombaggia on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. Yes, this beach tends to draw major crowds, especially during peak summer season. But as long as you’re willing to brave the crowds, you will be rewarded with a long and storied stretch of white sand beach, sparkling turquoise water that’s easily swimmable, and seemingly endless vistas that make this one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Getting there: Plage de Palombaggia is a pretty straightforward 7 mile (or 11km) journey southeast of Porto-Vecchio—other than, of course, the windy Route de Palombaggia that leads from the RT10 highway down to the beach. Parking is usually available by the beach, but you may want to arrive early during the summer season, as spaces fill up quickly.
23. Gardner Bay, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Located on Española Island, the southernmost of the Galapagos Islands, Gardner Bay may be the most visitor-friendly of Española’s beaches. Stretching for over a mile (or 2km), this white sand beach is a favorite among local sea lions and tourists seeking optimal rest and relaxation. Yet for those wanting more adventure, rest assured that Gardner Bay is a great launchpad for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. At sea, prepare to see some sea turtles, marine iguanas, plenty of colorful tropical fish, and maybe even a white-tipped reef shark. At land, you may spot animals like Hood mockingbirds, Galapagos hawks, and lava lizards in addition to the famed sea lions.
Getting there: Simply put, you can only reach Gardner Bay by boat. You can either opt for a tour leading from San Cristobal Island, or you can do a multi-day cruise around the Galapagos Islands that includes a stop on Española.
24. Playa Manuel Antonio, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Even though Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest, it’s nonetheless become Costa Rica’s most popular national park. Once you reach Playa Manuel Antonio, you can see for yourself why it’s so popular. Nestled along a sheltered bay, Playa Manuel Antonio is blessed with calm turquoise water, a lovely stretch of clean blonde sand, and an abundance of native wildlife. Not only do three species of monkeys (howler, white-faced, and squirrel) call this beach and this park home, but so do sloths, toucans, iguanas, and many more animals. And whenever you can use some change of scenery, take advantage of the park’s trails to experience more of this incredibly beautiful Costa Rican rainforest.
Getting there: This beach is located within Manuel Antonio National Park, which is about a 106 mile (or 171km) drive south of San José. If you want to stay somewhere closer to the park, you will find some hotels just to the north of the park entrance. For more accommodations, the town of Quepos is about 5 miles (or 7.5km) away.
25. Playa Bahía de las Águilas, Parque Nacional Jaragua, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana may have some of the Dominican Republic’s most famous beaches, but Playa Bahía de las Águilas on the other side of the country is most certainly one of the best beaches in the world. This beach features 5 miles (or 8km) of diamond white sand, dazzlingly clear turquoise water, and an abundance of local wildlife thanks to its location within the UNESCO-recognized Jaragua National Park. You might get to see some starfish and stingrays in the water, and at land you can explore one of the Caribbean’s best-protected expanses of subtropical dry forest.
Getting there: Due to its location near the southwestern tip of the Dominican Republic, Playa Bahía de las Águilas is far from the country’s major tourism hubs. It’s about a 192 mile (or 309km) drive west of Santo Domingo, and it’s about 313 miles (or 503km) west of Punta Cana. You will find a few inns and lodges around the nearby town of Cabo Rojo, where you can take a boat to the beach.
Finding a sandy strand in Nova Scotia is as easy as taking a drive along the coast. Some 200 stretches of silver, coffee or brick-colored beach punctuate the 7500km (4660 miles) of its coastline.
The Atlantic coast on either side of Halifax has a particularly dense concentration of stunning shores. Building sandcastles, reading a book or just strolling aimlessly along the fine sands are favorite pastimes, but in a place where crowding is seldom an issue, beaches are just as enticing for their ecosystems – over 50 are protected in provincial or national parks.
Visitors usually find beaches on the Atlantic coast too cold for swimming, but those on other coasts or beside rivers are exceptions. Here are 15 of our favorite beaches to enjoy in Nova Scotia.
1. Rissers Beach
Best beach for camping
The beach at this provincial park is adjacent to a campground – a perfect option if you’d like to spend a little more time exploring the area. Though the beach sustained hurricane damage in September 2023, it’s still well worth a visit to enjoy a stroll along the white sandy stretch. Some campsite facilities that sustained damage during the hurricane will fully reopen later in 2024 after renovations.
Detour: Check out the artisan shops like Westcote Bell Pottery and stop for lunch or a rustic loaf at the LaHave Bakery in nearby LaHave.
2. Summerville Beach
Best beach for Atlantic swimming
Summerville Beach stretches away from beachside accommodations at one end and bends around the opposite end into the mouth of Broad River. Its warm, fresh water makes for a great swimming hole. Dunes separate the beach from a salt marsh that is teeming with birdlife.
Local tip: Try the Quarterdeck, an excellent restaurant in a new building that honors colloquial architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck overlooking the beach.
3. St. Catherine’s River Beach
Best beach for wildlife
Seals, shorebirds and even bears are spotted regularly at this seaside extension to the inland Kejimkujik National Park. The walk from the parking lot to the beach can take an hour, but the wild place at the end is worth every step. Camping options are available if you’d like to stay a little longer and explore the park and its excellent hiking trails.
The contrast between the fine, white sand and the Caribbean turquoise waters studded by rugged spruce outcrops makes Carters an incredibly photogenic option. Many consider this the prettiest beach in Nova Scotia. Tucked away at the end of the sleepy village of Port Mouton, this once little-known beach is now often overburdened with visitors. The tiny parking lot regularly overflows, and residents find the crowds tiresome, so go with courtesy and restraint in mind.
5. Crescent Beach, Lockeport
Best beach for events
The band is rocking, and the waves are rolling at the annual Crescent Beach Bash in Lockeport. The beach and its dunes link to the town, so residents simply stroll over to the big parties when they feel like it. Otherwise, the beautifully designed Beach Centre with washrooms and changing rooms serves one of the prettiest beaches in Nova Scotia – it once graced the back of the 50-dollar bill.
Local tip: The beachside cottages are incredibly popular – book many months in advance to avoid disappointment.
6. Mavillette Beach
Best beach to discover Acadian culture
A provincial park beach, Mavillette sits at the south end of Nova Scotia’s French Acadian coast. Backed by high dunes and a sprawling salt marsh, Mavillette is flanked on the north by the one-street village of Cape Saint Marys.
Detour: Explore the fishing wharf and promontory crowned by a lighthouse where interpretive signs and monuments tell the story of Acadian settlement and lost mariners.
Best beach for experiencing the world’s highest tides
Beneath red, crumbling cliffs, Blomidon Beach seems to run forever in either direction from the provincial park campground. Small waterfalls tumble onto the shore, and when the Bay of Fundy world record tides ebb, vast mudflats are exposed.
Detour: This seascape influences the wines grown and sold at nearby Blomidon Estate Winery.
8. Scots Bay Beach
Best beach for rockhounding
Over a narrow ridge from Blomidon is a yawning arc of gravel. Rather than sand, it’s the sheer variety of pebbles of agate, amethyst and quartz worn smooth by the constant tumbling of the tides that draws people to Scot’s Bay. If rockhounding isn’t your thing, there’s just as much driftwood to sort through.
Detour: At the end of the Scots Bay road is Cape Split, one of Nova Scotia’s great hiking trails.
9. Lawrencetown Beach
Best beach for surfing
Surfers hit the waves at Lawrencetown Beach year-round, almost always in wetsuits. Sandwiched between grassy headlands, the beach is washed by waves that roll in from the open Atlantic. Surfing trainers and outfitters near the beach such as East Coast Surf School lead group sessions for first-timers.
10. Clam Harbour Beach
Best beach for sandcastles
August is the most anticipated month at Clam Harbour Beach. That’s when the annual sandcastle competition takes place and thousands arrive to both participate and admire the skills of the sculptors. Pros and talented enthusiasts vie for prizes, as do kids in their own categories. Beyond the competition, the fine art of granular architecture is practiced here regularly.
11. Melmerby Beach
Best beach for warm waters and families
Warm waters and small waves make Mermerby Nova Scotia’s most swimmable beach. It’s the location on the protected Northumberland Strait facing Prince Edward Island that warms the waters. Showers, changing rooms, flush toilets and supervision make this provincial park one of Nova Scotia’s most family-friendly beaches.
12. Arisaig Beach
Best beach for fossil hunting
The cliff behind this short beach next to a little fishing wharf and lighthouse is chock full of fossils. Creatures common on Earth over 400 million years ago are exposed and scattered on the beach just waiting to be discovered.
Detour: A short walk up the steep hill, stop at Steinhart Distillery to sample the German-inspired menu and cocktails made with award-winning spirits.
One of Canada’s epic small-town recovery stories, Inverness transformed from a former coal mining settlement to one that attracts tourists from around the world. One of its greatest assets is its beach, just down the hill from the main street past moored lobster fishing boats.
Detour: Golfers, pick up your jaws. This beach fronts two of the world’s top 50 golf courses – Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. Craft beer enthusiasts settle into Route 19 Brewing, a busy taproom across the street.
14. Black Brook Cove Beach
Best beach for contrasting experiences
This little beach in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is cut through by a brook that winds its way out of the back woods. After a cold dip in the ocean, head inland along Black Brook to Mary Ann Falls, one of Nova Scotia’s finest swimming holes, where you can swim right up to the falls.
15. Winging Point
Best beach for a remote hike
Winging Point is the wildest beach in Nova Scotia. Named for its shape, twin beaches extend like bird wings in graceful arcs from a rocky point. Eagles cruise the skies for prey while seals bask on the sand. A 4km (2.5-mile) hike through the Gabarus Wilderness Area gets you to this spectacular place.
Detour: A must-see for any visitor to this Cape Breton coast, 18th-century Fortress Louisbourg is the largest historical reconstruction in North America.
Travelers seeking adventure, culture and something completely fresh should give Kazakhstan some thought.
This central Asian country today is leaning on its nomadic past and using its abundant oil reserves to carve out a bright future, especially evident in its futuristic looking cities. Travelers will find natural wonders like the sharp cliffs and towers of Charyn Canyon, and cultural treasures such as the statuesque stone markers called steppe balbals.
Kazakhstan is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners.
Here are 10 top experiences any visitor should add to an itinerary for the ninth largest country in the world, uncrowded by visitors, for now.
Cradled by mountains, Almaty holds the essence of Kazakhstan’s heritage within its neighborhoods. Walk through the bustling Green Market. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the Zenkov Cathedral. And feel the spiritual call from the minarets of the Central Mosque.
Outside Almaty, get back in touch with the elements of nature by hopping in a 4×4 to take in the 12-million-year-old rock formations of Charyn Canyon. Or envelop yourself in dense forest by driving down to the Kolsai Lakes region. For those drawn to the enigmatic, the “Singing Dune” in Altyn-Emel National Park offers an otherworldly symphony of nature’s own making.
Winter travelers should give the runs at Shymbulak a try. There are daily buses from nearby Almaty that head to this resort, where it’s possible and affordable to rent skis, boots and even ski clothes. While modest by European standards, Central Asian ski areas like Shymbulak offer gentle slopes that are accessible to average skiers, and it’s easy to book a class, which start at 20,000 tenge ($43) per hour for adults.
Ski touring is a thrilling winter adventure for those with experience in unpredictable terrain (route planning, navigation and the ability to read the snow are essential). Go with a guide who knows the snow in the valley you want to explore. Airbags and avalanche-victim detectors are musts as mountain rescue here is slow or non-existent.
Kazakhstan has a vast network of trains, of varying vintages. If you’re planning to visit the cities of Almaty (the former capital) and Astana (the shiny new one), a night train between the two is the way to go. From your sleeping cabin or the dining car, you can watch the empty, endless steppe extend to the horizon. Note that seats in the dining car are highly sought-after, so arrive a few minutes before opening at 8am to grab one. Try the fried eggs or syrniki, a type of cottage-cheese pancake.
Planning tip: The bottom bunk tickets sell out first, because they allow passengers to sit up and lie down. Book at least a week in advance to get a bottom bunk.
Brash and glittering Astana – where flashy architecture springs up from the harsh steppe – has been the Kazakh capital since 1997. While very few Kazakhs are “from” Astana, all will sing the praises of the cutting-edge city. Discover its ultra-modern, often shiny, architecture on the Left Bank. Then explore the city’s culture with a visit to the theater, the National Museum or the poet Saken Seifullin’s former home.
Planning tip: Astana outside of summer is often biting cold. On the pancake-flat steppe with no mountains to cut the wind, expect winter temperatures between -10° and -17°C (14° and 1°F) – and that’s on a good day. If you can’t make it in the summer months, pack a heavy parka.
5. Consider Kazakhstan’s nomadic past through its balbals
Along the Pavlodar highway, you might notice the stone sculptures called balbals, which mark burial mounds of ancient warriors or tribal years. Important symbols of Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage, these stone columns take the form of human figures, and are carved with details like swords or bowls.
At the open-air museum near Yereimentau, about 160km (100 miles) from Astana, you’ll find many balbals from the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Many believe that the area was once a Silk Road settlement; it stands today as a testament to the long history of the Kazakh people.
6. Get a taste of the space race at the Baikonur Cosmodrome
The Baikonur Cosmodrome was a center of the Soviet space program, and is still in use today. For space buffs, this remote spaceport offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience: a five-day tour leading up to launch day. Though the price tag of €3000 is eye-popping, the in-depth expertise of the guides and the thrill of witnessing a rocket launch up close make this something you’ll never forget.
Planning tip: Baikonur offers about four tours each year. Reserve one as soon as – or even before – you book your plane tickets to Kazakhstan. You have to book at least two months in advance for processing of security clearances.
7. Fuel up in Shymkent before exploring the rugged Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
The ancient caravan crossroads of Shymkent is today Kazakhstan’s third-largest city, and known for some of the best food in the country. In April and May, the mountains south of the city bloom with wild tulips (which are native to Kazakhstan). Drive out for a day of shashlik (kebabs) and fresh air.
Shymkent is the not far from the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest such preserve in Kazakhstan. The reserve is open to visitors only when accompanied by a guide or park ranger, so you’ll need to book in advance. In the park’s vast expanse, it’s easy to spot eagles and vultures; sometimes you can see deer and even bears (though it’s more common to find just their tracks or scat). Most likely, you’ll go animal watching from the saddle – the paths are best adapted to travel on horseback or by foot.
Hop on a horse to explore the lush valleys and mountains of Katon-Karagay National Park, near the border with Russia and Mongolia, from a thrilling vantage point. Since the smell of a horse can add extra camouflage for humans looking to spot evasive animals, you never know what you might see: in 2021, a camera trap showed that the ultra-rare snow leopard still calls the park home.
Planning tip: Always check that your horse has metal horseshoes to protect their feet from the abrasive rocks, and have your groom remove the saddle to verify there are no open saddle sores. Refusing to subject an unfit horse to the journey helps in one small way to improve animal-welfare standards.
About six hours’ drive from Almaty and at an altitude of nearly 2000m (6560ft), salty Tuzkol Lake offers fabulous floats that ease muscles achy after mountain hikes. Beloved by nature lovers looking for adventures, this remote lake in the Kazakh part of the Tian Shan mountains is best visited in summer, with a driver or behind the wheel of your own 4×4.
The more-accessible Kolsai Lakes, a series of alpine lakes, make a popular day trip from Almaty. Since the first one is the easiest to get to, it can get crowded on weekends – so put on your hiking boots and hike to the second and third lakes, which you’ll have practically to yourself. For the full nature experience, spend the night in nearby Saty village.
Detour: Kaindy Lake is not far from Saty village, but more difficult to reach than the Kolsai Lakes. The short hike is worth it, however: the lake was formed after a 1911 earthquake flooded the valley, and spruce trees are still trapped in the lakebed.
From the Caspian city of Aktau, hop in a 4×4 to visit the Ustyurt Reserve, a natural wonder 350km (218 miles) into the deserted steppe that’s ripe for spiritual reflection. In the middle of what might be the emptiest place on Earth rise pillars of limestone and chalk in pinks, blues and whites, reaching high into the air.
On the same trip, visit the ruins of the ancient city of Shakhr-i-Vazir, as well as the Beleuli Caravanserai (fortress) and Allan Fortress, plus mausoleums and underground mosques. The desert has reclaimed the rest of this once-important Silk Road stopover.
Palm Springs is hot. It’s having its moment in the sun. It’s basking in its own glow. And that’s not even mentioning this desert city’s endless sunshine.
As the anchor of the Coachella Valley, about a two-hour drive east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs has been both a hideaway and a playground for generations of Southern Californians, from hikers to Hollywood types. But in recent years, it’s taken on an international reputation of being cool for everybody, thanks to its defining mid-century modern architecture and design, thoroughly 21st century hotels and restaurants, an active arts community and a second-to-none LGBTQIA+ scene. And as more and more visitors come to frolic, the restaurant quality has risen to the occasion (oh, and there’s that little music festival called Coachella, down valley in the city of Indio).
Through it all, nature always brings its best, making Palm Springs a mecca for outdoor activities from hiking to tennis, pickleball to golf – and, yes, lounging by the pool. And those springs that lent the city its name? They still bubble, creating oases above ground and spas to soothe body and soul – plus inspiring frothy cocktails to keep the energy going well into the night.
All of which is by way of saying that for a city of its size, about 45,000 people, it’s pretty hard to beat.
When should I go to Palm Springs?
During high season (approximately October to April), temperatures are about perfect. Crystal-clear, cool mornings transition into warm, sunny afternoons and stunning sunsets. The occasional winter rains help turn the hillsides a lush green and allow wildflowers to burst with color. Although Palm Springs has recently become ever more of a year-round destination, you can expect serious heat by May, and between June and September high temperatures top 100℉ (38℃) pretty much daily. In July and August, highs reach 108℉ (42℃), with occasional spikes higher. “Yeah, but it’s a dry heat,” they say. We say that when it’s that hot, you’ll want to spend the daylight hours indoors – or in the pool slathered with waterproof sunscreen.
Palm Springs has tons of hiking to enjoy on cooler days. Getty Images
How much time should I spend in Palm Springs?
Some destinations may be “seen it, go home” for you, but for Palm Springs allow an extra day or two just to relax into the slower pace. After a couple days, you may begin to recognize folks – the guy in the line for your morning coffee, the couple from the hiking trail, the folks next to you at the bar – and, presto, you have a community. Some visitors stay for days, others for a month – or the entire tourist season.
Is it easy to get to and around Palm Springs?
Palm Springs is mad for mid-century modern architecture, and its airport (PSP), by noted local architect Donald Wexler, makes for a grand entrance. Until fairly recently, it was served by mostly short-hop flights from LA, San Francisco, Phoenix and Denver, but nowadays, you’ll find nonstops from airline hubs all across the U.S. and Canada.
Alternatively, traffic jams permitting, Palm Springs is a two-hour drive from LA or San Diego, making it an easy stopover on a California road trip.
Once you’ve arrived, most people get around by car, whether their own, a rental (most agencies have a presence at the airport), or taxi or ride-share. There are buses, but the “last-mile” problem is real here. However, rental bicycles and e-bikes are widely available and make sense in this mostly flat (though somewhat spread out) city.
Palm Springs is known for its iconic mid-century modern design. Getty Images
Top things to do in Palm Springs
Architecture and design
Palm Springs is one of the world’s top destinations for architecture buffs, thanks to mid-century modernism, which pretty much defines the city’s look: clean, minimalist lines, cantilevered, v-shaped roofs, clerestory windows, sliding glass doors and breeze blocks were all designed to blur indoors and out in the desert climate. From the 1950s through the 1970s, architects including Albert Frey, A. Quincy Jones, William Krisel, John Lautner, Richard Neutra and Donald Wexler were household names here, the way sports stars might be elsewhere.
Nature…
Many visitors are happy to just relax by the pool with a book, a cocktail, a friend, or all three, but if you’re up for a more active vacay, Palm Springs has you covered. Flanking the city’s west side and cradling its south side, the San Jacinto Mountains provide seemingly endless choices for hiking. The gorgeously rugged Indian Canyons and Tahquitz Canyon, the ancestral home of the local Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, are worth the price of admission; the trails are dotted with streams and honest-to-goodness oases. There are also numerous municipal trails, accessible for free. Amid flora of cacti, mesquite, creosote and wildflowers, you may come face to face with bighorn sheep – they’ll be mellow around you if you are around them.
On the outskirts of town, the 2.5-mile (4km) Palm Springs Aerial Tramway whisks you from the desert floor to 8,516 ft (2,596m) in elevation in 10 minutes – the temperature drops around 40℉ (20℃), so bring warm clothing in winter, or find relief from scorching heat in summer.
For more traditional sports, there are dozens of opportunities for golf, tennis and pickleball all over town.
…and nurture
If you prefer your nature of the more pampering kind, spend a day at the Spa at Séc-he. The natural hot spring that gives the city its name has for millennia soothed the Agua Caliente, whom own the spa. It was named one of the nation’s top spas following a recent renovation. After “taking the waters” in a private, bubbling mineral bath, choose from an extensive menu of other therapies for mind, body and soul: salt cave, floatation tank, zero-gravity chair, cryotherapy, or treatments from facials to hot-stone massage. And of course, there’s a swimming pool.
Or culture
The Palm Springs Art Museum bills itself as the Coachella Valley’s largest cultural institution; its collection includes works by the likes of Alexander Calder, Louise Bourgeois and Mark Bradford, plus extensive collections of photography, sculpture, and West Coast, contemporary Native American and queer artists. Elsewhere in town, the museum maintains meticulously preserved mid-century modern homes and the Architecture and Design Center.
The newly renovated Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, next to the spa, presents a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the Native American peoples of the Coachella Valley. Desert X, the biennial exhibition of provocative installation art across the Valley, is set to return from March 8 to May 11, 2025. Or if aircraft are your idea of “high” culture, get up close and personal with puddle jumpers to fighter jets at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
And all that style
Inspired to acquire that Palm Springs look? Head for the Uptown Design District. Interior specialists like Modern Way and Bon Vivant supply designers and ordinary folk alike. The Shag Store is the gallery of the city’s unofficial artist of record, Shag (a.k.a. Josh Agle), whose angular lines and saturated colors define local style. For fierce, groovylicious wearable art, Trina Turk and her adjacent men’s shop, Mr. Turk, set the standard.
Further down Palm Canyon Drive, amid the international chain and souvenir shops of the town center, Destination PSP stands out for its custom-designed clothing, housewares and gift items oozing local style. Every Thursday evening, this section of Palm Canyon turns intoVillagefest, a lively street market served by a bevy of local vendors and organizations.
And if outlet shopping is more your speed, there’s a pair of outlet malls in Cabazon, about 10 miles out of town, with about 200 choices from home goods to fashion and athletic wear.
Spend an afternoon enjoying the shops along the main drag. Shuttershock
My favorite thing to do in Palm Springs
First, coffee. Either at home or at Koffi near me. Then, I’ll grab a friend to hit a hiking trail before the daytime heat kicks. If it’s not a working holiday, Farm and Escena Grill are two of my favorites for lunch with friends, maybe following up with a stroll down Palm Canyon Drive to window shop for cool designs.
By late afternoon, the moment the sun slips behind the mountain, my neighbors all come out to hang out by the pool (there may be a cocktail or two involved), followed by dinner at Mr. Lyons or El Marisol and, if I’m feeling it, a nightcap at one of the clubs on Arenas Rd.
How much money do I need for Palm Springs?
Palm Springs has something to suit practically every pocketbook. Budget travelers will find a range of motels and vacation rentals to choose from, and Palm Springs has its share of chain and casual restaurants to keep costs low. If money is no object, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Room for two in mid-century modern hotel: from $229
Iced latte at Koffi: $5.95
Cocktail: $15
Main dish at casual Mexican restaurant: $22
Dinner and a drink for two at an upscale restaurant: $120
What to pack for a trip to Palm Springs
Sunscreen, a hat and a refillable water bottle! Even when it’s not especially hot, the sun is strong, and you won’t want to be without them. Other than that, the desert wardrobe is what you make it. Palm Springs is that fairytale place where you can get away with colors that might raise an eyebrow back home: yellows, oranges, turquoises and sages are drawn from the landscape. Shorts and neat sandals are fine most of the year, although you should include a couple “dress to impress” outfits for a fancy night out – and a jacket or wrap since winter temperatures can drop significantly. And if you’re planning to get out into that landscape, pack hiking shoes – you don’t want to scuff your tennies or twist an ankle.
The best day trip from Palm Springs
About an hour’s drive east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is actually two deserts in one place. Where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, each brings its own unique flowers, cacti and animals. The namesake Joshua Tree is actually in the yucca family, its outstretched limbs said to represent the prophet Joshua pointing the way through the desert. Here, it indicates countless routes for daytime hikers and climbers (such as the Joshua tree forest of Black Rock Canyon, the oasis of Cottonwood Springs, or the panoramas of Keys View) or camp overnight and contemplate the infinite over some of California’s greatest stargazing.
South America’s surreal landscapes, energetic cities and unmatched natural diversity attract millions of travelers every year. With scenery varying from lush rainforests and rolling grasslands to snow-capped volcanoes and deserts littered with pink flowers, this vast region is a playground for nature enthusiasts and people seeking to explore some of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems.
However, biodiversity is just the icing on the cake on a visit to South America. The region’s vibrant cultural tapestry and long list of adventure activities receive just as much attention, luring in travelers from around the globe.
But where do you start when South America offers so many endlessly fascinating options? Whether you’re a veteran globetrotter looking for your next big adventure or an occasional traveler looking for a new way to satisfy your wanderlust, chances are there’s a South American country that will suit you to a tee.
To help you narrow down the list, here’s a rundown of the must-visit destinations in South America.
Few places offer such intense wildlife encounters as the Galapagos Islands. Steve Allen/Shutterstock
1. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Best for wildlife
One-of-a-kind ecosystems, fauna found nowhere else in the world and links to Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection have all contributed to the Galapagos Islands’ reputation as one of the world’s top wildlife destinations. But make no mistake – despite the “touristic hotspot” label and some misconceptions attached to its name, the archipelago remains a vital haven for wildlife protection.
Administered by Ecuador, the major islands of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz and Floreana, and numerous small islands and surrounding islets, flaunt natural wonders worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime. Volcanic calderas, lava tunnels and pristine beaches are home to endemic species so unique that their evolution continues to be studied and closely monitored nearly two centuries after Darwin visited. Giant tortoises, sea lions, marine iguanas and the only penguin species to live in the northern hemisphere are some of the creatures that thrive in this primeval landscape.
Visiting the archipelago comes with its own set of responsibilities, and costs. However, exploring the untouched coastlines of uninhabited islands and coming face to face with rare wildlife in its natural habitat is an experience hard to replicate in other parts of the globe.
Planning Tip: If you’re hoping to come across specific species during your trip, make sure you pick the right time of year to travel. The seasons for animal sightings vary vastly depending on the species. For instance, the best time to spot blue-footed boobies is from May to August, when they perform their famous courtship dances, while July to November is the best time for whale encounters.
History, culture, architecture and fabulous food – welcome to Bogotá. Getty Images
2. Bogotá, Colombia
Best for discovering South America’s dynamic food scene
South Americans will never see eye to eye when it comes to picking which country has the best food, but there’s a growing consensus that Bogotá is home to the region’s most promising culinary scene. With offerings as varied as Colombian haute cuisine, hearty European-inspired dishes prepared with South American ingredients, and dynamic Asian fusion food, the city has something for every taste.
At contemporary restaurants such as Debora, homegrown chefs have reinvented the national cuisine with menus that reflect Colombia’s rich diversity. From costa y río (coast and river) cuisine to the flavors of the campo (countryside), expect treats such as fresh tuna, beef tongue and crispy pork dishes garnished with edible flowers, Andean herbs and cereals, among other highlights.
Meanwhile, La Ventana at Hilton Bogotá delights diners with its “Colombian Corner” where Colombian essentials such as ajíaco (chicken, corn and potato soup), arepas (corn cakes) and empanadas (stuffed pastries) are reimagined with fresh ingredients sourced directly from sustainable gardens.
But Bogota’s charm extends far beyond delicious food and fine eating. The city scores bonus points for its budding cultural scene, gorgeous landscapes and its citizens, who are some of South America’s warmest people – regardless of what fellow Colombians might claim!
Planning Tip: Bogotá’s foodie culture isn’t limited to restaurants. Spaces such as Casa Creciente, a design hub in the chic Quinta Camacho neighborhood, merge fashion and food, with a curated selection of designer gear and gourmet products, including herbal tea blends, artisanal wines and chocolate from local Colombian brands.
Across town, Mercado de la Tierra Slow Food opens its doors every Sunday, providing a vibrant marketplace for entrepreneurs and producers selling organic veggies and fruits, natural seasonings, cheese, pastries and other “Made in Colombia” delicacies.
Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni offers up some of the world’s most remarkable landscapes. Art Wolfe/Getty Images
3. Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia
Best for extreme scenery
Spanning more than 10,582 sq km of the Bolivian Altiplano, the Salar de Uyuni is one of South America’s most extreme landscapes. This surreal area of salt flats was once covered by a large body of water that evaporated, leaving a thick crust of salt behind.
Whether you visit during the rainy season (December to April) to see the flats transform into a natural mirror, or touch down during the dry season (May to November) for a 4WD tour across the hardened salt, the journey is well worth the time investment. Surreal reflections, illusions of perspective and beautiful starry skies create the perfect backdrop for creative photos.
Highlights of the region include the Great Train Graveyard, the largest train graveyard in the world, and cactus-covered Incahuasi (House of the Inca) Island – this eye-catching hummock stands out amidst the expanse of white, but it’s only fully accessible during the dry season.
Planning Tip: Located in Southwest Bolivia, the Salar de Uyuni is accessible from both Bolivia and Chile, making it a favorite stopover for tours visiting both countries. If you enjoy rugged terrain, consider booking a tour taking in both Chile’s Atacama Desert and the Salar de Uyuni.
Tour operators such as World White Travel organize stopovers in the Eduardo Abaroa Andean Fauna National Reserve, the Desierto de Dalí and a series of lagoons in Bolivia where you can observe flamingos, vicuñas and natural geysers. For a different experience, contact Naya Traveler for tailor-made stargazing itineraries.
The Fernando de Noronha archipelago contains some of Brazil’s best island getaways. Getty Images
4. Fernando de Noronha National Marine Park, Brazil
Best for a relaxing getaway
Basking in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil, the Fernando de Noronha archipelago is one of South America’s best-hidden jewels. Protected by the government and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the archipelago is a playground for marine enthusiasts and anyone who craves a relaxing retreat.
Located about 340km off the mainland, this archipelago of 21 islands receives only a limited number of tourists every month, allowing visitors to bask on azure beaches and enjoy the paradisiacal seascapes in relative tranquility. The entry restrictions also minimize the impact of humans on an ecosystem that protects the largest concentration of tropical seabirds in the Western Atlantic, as well as the largest population of resident dolphins on the planet.
Must-see spots in the marine park include Praia do Sancho – which locals insist is the most beautiful beach in the world – and Baía dos Porcos, also known as Dolphin Bay thanks to the congregations of dolphins that gather early every morning. Alongside contemplating the crystal-clear waters and lounging about in gorgeous resorts, popular activities in the archipelago include snorkeling, diving and surfing.
Planning Tip: To support local conservation efforts, travelers are required to pay a national park entry fee of R$373 (roughly US$65), valid for 10 days. Additionally, the Brazilian government charges a daily environmental protection tax of R$97 (around US$17). As visitor numbers are strictly controlled, purchase your entry tickets online in advance.
With its grand plazas, Quito is the classic South American capital. Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
5. Quito, Ecuador
Best for colonial art and history
It’s an old joke, but Quito is widely described as one of South America’s most breathtaking cities, and we mean that literally. Sitting at 2850m above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital will take your breath away, particularly if you fly in from a lower elevation. But the city’s architecture and old-school charm, and its location on the slopes of a dormant volcano right on the equator, never fail to amaze travelers.
Part of the appeal lies in the city’s seamless combination of Indigenous and Hispanic culture. This cultural crossover is perhaps best exemplified by the famed Quito School of Art – the colonial-era institution that trained Indigenous and mestizo people in painting, wood carving, sculpture and other crafts. Blending European styles such as romanticism, baroque and neoclassicism with Indigenous influences, La Escuela Quiteña quickly became the epicenter of art production in South America.
Its legacy stands the test of time, thanks to the genius of masters such as Manuel Chili “Caspicara,” Bernardo de Legarda and Miguel de Santiago. La Compañia de Jesus, Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco and Monasterio Museo del Carmen Alto are just some of the top names in a long list of religious buildings and museums preserving art from La Escuela Quiteña.
Local Tip: If you’re visiting Quito’s historic center, there’s no need for a tour guide. You can see gold-leaf-covered tableaux, polychrome sculptures and Indigenous iconography in many churches open to the general public for free (except at La Compañia de Jésus, where there’s an entry fee). And tickets to the museums and historic convents where the greatest art displays are hidden generally include a guided tour.
Chile’s Valle Colchagua is a goregous patchwork of colors. Jorge Leon Cabello/Getty Images
6. Colchagua Valley, Chile
Best for wine lovers
Conveniently located about 200km from Santiago, the Colchagua Valley is one of Chile’s most recognized wine regions. Famed for its widely lauded, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines, Colchagua is an ideal spot for oenophiles focused on tasting specific wines, and the uninitiated, hoping to dip their toes into South American wine culture for the first time.
The grand architecture, historic plantations and high-quality wine at stops such as Casa Silva, Viu Manent and Lapostolle Clos Apalta will enhance any stay in the valley. But not everything in the Colchagua Valley is about wine – once you’ve enjoyed your fill of tastings, horseback tours through the plantations, and winemaking workshops, be ready to go a step further.
As well as viticulture, the region offers spectacular stargazing tours, scenic hiking and biking routes and the opportunity to dive into the culture of the Mapuche, Rapa Nui and Aymara peoples.
Few sights are as iconic as Machu Picchu, at the end of the Inca Trail in Peru. 500px
7. Machu Picchu, Peru
Best for intrepid travelers
A remarkable piece of ancient engineering, the ruins of Machu Picchu stand testament to the genius of the Inca civilization. Perched at 2430m above sea level and zealously guarded by Huchuy Picchu (Little Mountain) and Huayna Picchu (Young Mountain), the architectural zone covers more than 200 stone structures constructed by the Inca peoples in the 15th century.
Thanks to the mysteries surrounding its construction and the stunning natural landscape, this ancient Inca citadel has become an essential fixture on many South American itineraries. History buffs, adventure-seekers and frankly anyone with a pulse will be thrilled by this famous ruined city in the Andes mountains.
The circuitous route to the ruins brings international travelers from Lima to Cuzco, then the town of Aguas Calientes, where hikers join one of several hiking circuits to reach Machu Picchu. As you traverse the Peruvian Andes by plane, train, road and on foot, you’ll be enchanted by the views, the history, the food and the kindness of the Peruvians you meet along the way.
Planning Tip: Daily visitor numbers at Machu Picchu – and the number of visitors allowed on the trekking trails – are capped by the Peruvian government, so plan your trip ahead and book tickets and trekking places in advance through the official Machu Picchu portal or local tour agencies.
A boat trip on the Amazon River is one of South America’s great adventures. Shutterstock
8. Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Brazil
Best for untamed nature
Don’t even think about coming to South America without visiting the Amazon rainforest, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Spanning more than 7 million sq km, the world’s largest tropical rainforest extends through many countries in South America – the key gateways are Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.
Brimming with unique flora and fauna and inhabited by a wide variety of Indigenous cultures – including some of the few uncontacted peoples in the world – the Amazon is a treasure trove for nature lovers and adventure aficionados.
Encounters with unique wildlife such as anacondas, jaguars and macaws make the Amazon rainforest a favorite destination for animal enthusiasts and birdwatchers, and visiting involves throwing yourself into adventurous activities such as hiking, tree-climbing, canoeing and long river journeys by boat.
The human dimension shouldn’t be overlooked. Various Indigenous communities welcome travelers into their homes for sustainable and community-based travel experiences, from traditional medicine workshops to river tours in search of rare wildlife.
Planning Tip: Exploring the ecosystems of the Amazon can be a time-consuming and logistically complicated process. If you’re looking for a quick taste, look no further than Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park, where organized tours take travelers to eco-lodges for treks led by Indigenous guides and wildlife spotting trips in dugout canoes.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you’re not alone. The remote archipelago in the Pacific receives flights and ships full of tourists every day – nearly 10 million per year. That number is expected to continue to grow, but as visitor numbers rise so do environmental costs.
The very elements that attract travelers to Hawaii – namely, the natural beauty and the local people and culture – are at risk of suffering under the weight of 10 million visitors. So if you’re headed to Hawaii, here’s how to show the islands some aloha.
One of the first things on a trip to-do list is booking a home away from home. It’s also one of the main ways travelers impact a destination for better or worse. Choose ‘better’ by narrowing your search to properties contributing to the community and respecting the environment, people, and culture.
Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club is an oasis of aloha in the sea of concrete and chain hotels of Honolulu. It’s also a property committed to environmental and cultural conservation. Surfjack was the first hotel in Waikiki to eliminate single-use plastic, but you won’t miss those wasteful disposable bottles: endless refills are available at hydration stations. You’ll also find free reef-safe sunscreen dispensers, plastic-free bikini and accessories pop-up shops, and ‘talk story’ sessions on cultural and environmental topics.
Mahina & Sun’s – a sea-and-farm-to-fork restaurant serving up Hawaiian flavors, locally grown produce and sustainably sourced seafood – is a highlight at Surfjack. The sea snapper is the obvious star but be warned: creative side dishes like pohole (fiddlehead) salad and the ‘ulu (breadfruit superfood) with chili pepper aioli are so addictive you might find yourself filling up on them and still begging for seconds.
Visitors consume resources and can create or exacerbate local challenges such as traffic and degradation of sites (to the point some destinations are asking tourists to stay away, and some sites are shutting down temporarily or even permanently). But tourism done right can create a positive economic impact. Support local businesses and ensure your money cycles into the local economy.
Grab a fresh bite at a family-run restaurant like South Shore Grill, near iconic Diamond Head crater (the macadamia nut pesto is a must). For a special night out and a taste of Hawaiian cuisine, sit down to dinner at Merriman’s (locations on Kaua’i, Maui, O’ahu, and the Big Island of Hawai’i. For some fun, ask your server to choose your entrée, then order an appetizer or share plate (the Farm to High Rise Kim Chee at the Honolulu location is killer) and a specialty cocktail. The No Ka ‘Oi (the best) cocktail topped with honey lilikoi (passion fruit) puree comes by its name honestly.
Farmers markets throughout the islands make it easy to buy fresh and local. Some, like Uncle Robert’s Wednesday Night Market on the Big Island, have live music so you can turn your shopping trip into an island-style night out. Don’t worry if you dance up a sweat; you can cool off with a chilly treat from Nicoco – organic vegan gelato made from locally-sourced coconut, coffee and cacao.
You can also go straight to the source and tour a working farm, like ONO Organic Farm on Maui or Kahumana Organic Farm & Café on O’ahu. Kahumana has a community-minded social mission and works with vulnerable populations, so every dollar you spend goes back into the community. Raise a glass of the chilled hibiscus-and-herb drink and cheers to that!
Hawaii’s natural environment is fragile, and with 10 million visitors setting foot here each year, it’s at risk of being trampled. There are a number of ways to tread lightly and aloha ‘aina (love and respect the land).
Hawaii played host to the first-ever World Reef Day and was the first U.S. state to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and oxtinoxate. The law will take effect in January 2021. But in the meantime, you can skip chemical sunscreens that pollute the ocean and harm marine life. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen like Raw Elements instead.
More tips: Carry your own reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils and say no to single-use plastics. Don’t harass or touch wildlife – it’s not only disruptive and potentially dangerous, in some cases (like with endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals and sea turtles) it’s illegal. Stay off the reef while swimming (touching or standing on reef destroys it and can injure you) and stick to marked trails while hiking.
Do venture away from the major tourist attractions to check out lesser-known activities like parts of Volcanoes National Park and forest bathing at Kahulu’u Gardens. Respect the sacred sites (yes, that means abiding by signs and fences even if other visitors disregard them. Don’t desecrate a sacred site for the ‘gram.)
There is a concept in Hawaii called malama ‘aina, meaning to love and nurture the land. No doubt you will take more from Hawai’i than surf skills and a suntan – traveling brings new experiences, friends, inspiration, memories, and more. So why not give something meaningful back?
Keep an empty bag with you to collect trash you find on trails or beaches. Join a beach cleanup event with local organizations like 808 Cleanups on the Big Island or Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii on O’ahu. It’s a fantastic way to meet and mingle with a diverse mix of locals. 808 Cleanups even has an app and events calendar listing beach cleanups and activities such as wetland work days, shoreline restoration, and the planting of native limu, seaweed and algae.
Dig in deeper and get your hands dirty in the taro paddies of Ka Papa Lo‘i o Kānewai. You’ll learn about traditional farming methods, taro (a culturally significant Hawaiian crop), and Hawaiian history while working alongside locals. Or volunteer with Paepae o He’eia where you might be tasked with trash pickup, removing invasive mangrove or reconstructing a fishpond wall. The work can be challenging but the experience of teaming up with locals to malama ‘aina is unforgettable.
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Some destinations will always get pitted against one another. In this series, two passionate writers go head-to-head to explain why you should visit their chosen destination.
We’re finally wearing sweatshirts in the morning, and you know what that means. It’s time to book that fall foliage tour and soak in the cozy awesomeness that is nature putting on its biggest show of the year. But which cabin in the woods do you want to light that first fire in? Which woods do you want to spend your days hiking through?
Do you wear classic duck boots, jeans and a wool sweater to tromp through New England’s red and orange-clad hills, or do you don your Patagonia puffer jacket and hikers to be bathed in Colorado’s golden hues? Whichever captures your imagination, these two Lonely Planet writers will have you wondering, should you tap a maple or listen to the whispers of the aspens?
A fall foliage road trip is a quintessential New England experience. Songquan Deng/Shutterstock
Why New England is the best place to go for fall foliage
Growing up and currently based in Upstate New York has positioned travel writer Lauren Breedlove in an ideal spot to explore the entire New England region for many years…and that she has. After attending college in Burlington, Vermont, and becoming a photographer, she has road-tripped with her camera all over the northeastern region to capture the foliage display every autumn. She has written extensively on New England for several publications, including Lonely Planet.
While New England is beautiful year-round, there’s one time of year that I make sure I’m not traveling elsewhere: fall. I’ve experienced autumn in numerous destinations, including Colorado, and although each foliage spot has its allure, there’s nothing quite like fall in New England. Crisp mornings at a picturesque lake, a layer of fog burning off as a vibrant foliage mirror appears in the still water. Hiking boots crunch fallen leaves on the summit approach to a high peak, my camera’s shutter attempting to keep up with palpable excitement over the endless sea of mountains cloaked in a rustic autumnal quilt. The crackle of the campfire while the sun tucks behind mountains dotted with zesty reds, deep golds and fiery oranges. Like I said, unbeatable.
New England’s variety of autumnal hues makes the region’s foliage far superior according to this writer. Songquan Deng/Shutterstock
New England has a cocktail of hues
Look, I’m an aspen-lover, too. Those bright, sunshine-y beauties that come with the fall season in Colorado are stunners – but in New England, we have so much more variety in our fall foliage lookbook. Our vast forests and mountains burst with a vivid spectrum thanks to our maple tree collection; special shout-out to the red and sugar maples for gifting us all those red and orange hues. Other players that fill out the palette nicely range from beeches and birches to oaks and hickories. One tree can don a few different colors all at once, even. It’s not just about the variety in color, it’s also about the intensity. New England has an ideal mix of the right environment, temperatures, and rainfall to produce extraordinary pigments. But you don’t have to take it from me – the proof is in the pudding with the sheer amount of visitors that flock to New England each year in September and October.
Ok, so most of Colorado’s major mountains are taller than ours, I’ll give you that. But that doesn’t mean it’s flat over here. We’ve got giants such as New Hampshire’s Mount Washington, Maine’s Katahdin and Vermont’s Mount Mansfield, as well as challenging treks and varied terrain to offer. We also have the coast! It’s not every day you can smell the ocean air while gazing upon a foliage fête. New England does have some big cities, but we also have a massive amount of wild backcountry to explore. In places like Maine’s remote Baxter State Park, you’re more likely to come across a moose than another person. It feels easier to get further off-grid in New England and find solitude. In Colorado, many of the backcountry trails require four-wheel drive vehicles down logging roads that can be tricky to navigate, whereas in New England, you can get to most of the great trails with a regular car, making them more accessible. We also have the opportunity to view foliage in different states within one season since the colors kick off in northern Maine first, and work their way south. New England in the fall is made for road-tripping.
Fall in New England is a whole vibe
Autumn isn’t just about the leaves (though, yes, it’s important). It’s about the whole atmosphere, and New England nails it. Sorry, Colorado, but fall is cozier over here. We have small, historic towns all over the place that’ll charm your socks off with handmade scarecrows, roadside farmstands, and pumpkins adorning the porches of seemingly every Victorian or Colonial home. Old churches and covered bridges abound, and cute, catch-all general stores are hidden gems to come across, selling fresh cider, donuts, and other local goodies like our quintessential maple syrup, of course.
The quaking aspens bathe the mountainsides with their golden leaves and give absolute joy. Shutterstock
Why Colorado is the best place to go for fall foliage
Since moving to Colorado more than a decade ago, you could say writer Sarah Kuta has become a bit obsessed with leaf-peeping. From mid-September through mid-October, she spends every weekend adventuring around the Colorado Rockies to soak up the views of the state’s golden-yellow aspens.
At the end of every summer, I eagerly await the first crisp morning that signals the arrival of fall in Colorado. For me, this moment also means it’s time to partake in one of my all-time favorite pastimes: leaf-peeping. I take scenic drives, I hike, I mountain bike, I picnic, I ride gondolas at ski resorts – all so that I can immerse myself in Colorado’s flashy fall foliage.
Colorado is famous for its quaking aspen trees – there’s even a famous mountain town and ski resort named after these tall, white-barked beauties. Aspens (Populus tremuloides) are one of the few species of deciduous trees that are hardy enough to survive in the Colorado Rockies. Growing at elevations between 5,600 and 11,000 feet above sea level, they cover 5 million acres – or roughly 20 percent – of the state’s forests, according to the Colorado State Forest Service.
You might think that aspens turn a uniform, golden-yellow hue. But, if you take a closer look (and if you look at enough trees in different locations and at different times throughout the fall), you’ll see their foliage actually represents more of a spectrum of colors – from neon yellowish-green to vibrant orange to bright red. The varying shades result from a combination of weather conditions and the trees’ genetics.
Aspens are usually interspersed with evergreens. The contrast between the dark green needles, the yellow leaves and the bright blue sky (because the sun is nearly always shining in Colorado) makes for a seriously beautiful color palette. When a cool breeze blows through, it also causes the aspen leaves to “dance” (or “quake,” which is where their name comes from). I could spend hours looking up at the shimmering leaves as these flutter in the sunshine – truly, nothing is more magical. I feel calmer just thinking about it.
Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the way the light filters through the glorious aspen trees in the fall in Colorado. Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock
Aspens play an important role in the ecosystem
Aspens are not only gorgeous, but they’re also scientifically fascinating – and as a self-described nerd, that’s another reason why I adore them so much. Since summers in the mountains are so short, aspen seeds often don’t have enough time to germinate. Instead, the trees send out suckers from their roots, which eventually spring up into new mature trees. Because of this unique reproduction method, all of the aspen trees in a particular patch are clones of one another – identical twins that share an interconnected root network. (In neighboring Utah, a stand of cloned aspens called “Pando” is one of the largest living organisms on the planet, with around 40,000 trees spread across 106 acres.)
And, because aspens love sun, they can thrive in places where other trees would shrivel up and die – including areas that have been burned by wildfires. Once enough aspen trees flourish, they provide much-needed dappled shade that allows other plants to grow. Moose and elk like to snack on aspen leaves and bark, and the trunks provide nesting habitat for woodpeckers and other birds. On a camping trip a few years ago, I watched a moose skillfully strip the leaves from branch after branch in an aspen grove.
The best time to see Colorado’s aspens
Colorado’s aspens put on a rolling show from about mid-September to mid-October, though the exact timing each year depends on the weather. The trees at the highest elevations begin to change colors first, followed by those at progressively lower and lower elevations.
Visit pretty much any Colorado mountain town during that window – Aspen, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Silverthorne, Leadville, Winter Park, just to name a few – and you’ll likely see at least a few stands of aspens that are still gold. I also recommend planning a road trip along one of Colorado’s Scenic & Historic Byways (many of which are now conveniently equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles).
Once upon a time, Portland, Oregon was considered a budget destination. Yet as its stature has grown, costs have, too – and today it’s easy to splurge at the city’s fabulous restaurants, hotels and boutiques.
Luckily, there are still plenty of free (or almost-free) things to do here, and most of them don’t require much if any advance planning. Here are 10 of my favorites.
1. Get a new perspective on the Eastbank Esplanade
The west bank of the Willamette River that runs through Portland has Tom McCall Waterfront Park –and the east bank has the Esplanade. This paved 1.5-mile path gives you a lovely panoramic view of downtown Portland’s distinctive skyline, from the West Hills to the Burnside and Hawthorne Bridges. Dotted with sculptures and other artworks, the Eastbank Esplanade is a great spot to wander with a cup of coffee to go or to pedal along by bicycle. Among other things, you’ll pass by the USS Blueback, a former navy submarine.
Local tip: If you continue south on the esplanade path, you reach pedestrian- and bicycle-only Tilikum Crossing Bridge, great for nighttime photos. The path continues southward as Springwater Corridor for about 3 miles to Sellwood, where you can cross a bridge to make a nice loop.
Sunset shots from the top of Mt Tabor are always picture-perfect. JPL Designs/Getty Images
2. Get a glamor shot of Portland from Mt Tabor
This dormant volcano in Southeast Portland, now a city park, draws hikers and joggers to its trails – and it truly shines in the golden hour. Hike up to the hilltop around twilight and you’ll have the makings of a postcard-perfect (or Insta-worthy) sunset shot of the glittering city framed by giant trees. Strategically placed benches let you bide your time as you wait for just the right light.
Local tip: Climb uphill via two sets of narrow stairs starting at SE 60th Ave, then past the reservoirs, for the best vantage point. Bonus: you’ll have gotten in your cardio for the day.
Powell’s is sheer heaven for bookworms. C Echeveste/Shutterstock
3. Browse new and old books at Powell’s
Yes, Powell’s City of Books is technically a store, and thus stays in business thanks to paying customers. Yet at this emporium – whose downtown location takes up a whole city block and has multiple themed rooms – browsing for hours is encouraged, with no purchase required. (Though that well-loved paperback will sure be tempting.) In the evenings, you might catch a reading (also free) by a new or best-selling author visiting the Pearl Room.
4. Gallery-hop and enjoy a glass of free wine on First Thursday
Whether you’re here for the art, the outfits, the crowd or (let’s be honest) the free wine, First Thursdays are the best time to take a wander through the galleries of the Pearl District. Streets are closed off, local musicians perform and artists hang around to talk about the work on display, providing a priceless ambiance that’s open to all.
While you’re in art-appreciation mode, stop by the Portland Art Museum, where admission is free from 10am to 7pm on First Thursdays.
Planning tip: The event lasts from 5–9pm on the first Thursday of each month. Parking during the event is nightmarish, so it’s best to use public transport.
Adjacent to downtown Portland, Forest Park is massive enough to feel like a wilderness. Sankar Raman/Getty Images
5. Take a hike in Forest Park
More than 5000 acres of deep woods adjacent to the center city, Forest Park provides endless opportunity for adventures. While free parking at trailheads is limited, you can reach most of them by public transit. Bring water and snacks and you can hike to your heart’s content through what feels like actual wilderness. Case in point: the Wildwood Trail, backbone of the trail network, stretches for 30 miles. Another popular route is Leif Erikson Drive, a favorite of trail runners.
Local tip: From the Lower Macleay parking lot and trailhead, you can hike to the “Witch’s Castle,” a stone cottage about a mile up the trail that makes a fun backdrop for photos.
6. View hyperlocal art on Last Thursday
The lowbrow, indie counterpart to First Thursday in the Pearl, the Alberta Arts District’s Last Thursday street festival is equally lively – but with much more neighborhood-y feel. Most of the art on display on the street as well as in the galleries is made by local artists, and most of the folks checking it out probably live around the corner. It’s a great (and cheap) way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Planning tip: Parking on Alberta St itself can be tough, but you can usually find street parking a block or two away. Alternately, use public buses to eliminate the hassle.
Portland’s Saturday Market (which also happens on Sundays) is always a lively scene. Shutterstock
7. Hunt for treasures at Saturday Market
The largest and longest-running open-air craft market in the US, Portland’s is home to hundreds of vendors, all of whom have been carefully selected to participate. You can easily spend hours wandering among the craft stalls, where locals hawk everything from clothing, jewelry and handmade accessories to art, knickknacks and home wares. Grab a bite from the many food carts and take in the antics of street performers while you chow down. This is truly one of the best places in Portland for people-watching.
Planning tip: Despite the name, the Saturday Market is open on Sundays, too.
8. Give yourself goosebumps at Lone Fir Cemetery
Dating back to the mid-19th century, Lone Fir Cemetery is a splendidly spooky garden-style resting place for some of the most influential figures in Portland’s history. With huge trees and a grid of gentle paved paths, plus ornate gravestones and mausoleums like the one built by the MacLeay family, Lone Fir is a lovely place for a serene walk. It’s cool in the summer, photogenic anytime of year and a good way to find a little peace and quiet in bustling Stumptown.
Public art appears all over town in Portland. Ron Southern/Shutterstock
9. Admire Portland’s vibrant street art
While you’re in the Alberta area, be sure to look at all the vivid murals on the buildings here. In fact, most neighborhoods have a striking collection of artfully enhanced walls, thanks in part to a group called the Portland Street Art Alliance, which commissions projects like this from local artists. For an example of what they do, take a look at the “Avenue of Murals,” along SE Madison Ave between the Willamette River and 2nd Ave. The Central Eastside Industrial District boasts a number of impressive murals, as does SE Division St. Make it a project to map out your collection of favorites.
Come May and June, roses abound at the International Rose Test Garden, free to visit. B Brown/Shutterstock
10. Stop and smell the roses at Washington Park
Occupying some 400 acres in the hills west of Portland, Washington Park is home to the International Rose Test Garden, where the city maintains 10,000 roses of all kinds. It’s a gorgeous place to wander around, and the views are hard to beat – but the real draw is getting a chance to see (and sniff) all those flowers, which start budding in April, and peak in June.
Planning tip: Since the park is large and hilly, get around with the free shuttle, which makes a loop every 15–30 minutes.
Palm fronds rustle gently in the breeze as sparkling blue waves kiss the shoreline, scattering sandpipers across the warm, white sand beach. Lifting your sunglasses, your eyes struggle against blinding rays to catch a glimpse of gulls and pelicans dive-bombing for afternoon snacks.
This is Florida, where no matter how you define fun-in-the-sun, one – or a couple dozen – of its almost 200 gorgeous beaches will surely be a perfect fit. Gallop through crashing waves, beachcomb for washed-up treasures, welcome your day with sunrise yoga, marvel at sea turtles nesting in the sand, or grab a board and tackle some monster swells. It’s all right here.
Hop aboard a ferry (or seaplane) from Key West and soak up the sun, cruising 70 miles of sparkling, emerald-green waters to the secluded paradise of Dry Tortugas National Park. Once there, mosey through Fort Jefferson, teeming with military history, or head straight for its dreamy, white-powder sands. Snorkel the shallow waters exploring the coral reef, or just cozy up with a good book and embrace peaceful solitude.
Planning tip: Consider the weather when making reservations for your trip. Avoid hurricane season (October through January) if you can. The best times to visit are November through April.
2. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge
Best peaceful beach
Another quiet retreat, the unsigned Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, hides at the north end of Jupiter Island, just past Hobe Sound Beach (often packed with loud kids and teenagers). Escape the racket and treat your feet to a gorgeous two-mile beach stroll along its deserted sandy shores.
Detour: Many celebrities call Jupiter Island home; it’s always fun strolling or biking down Beach Road checking out eye-catching mansions – many un-gated and easy-to-see. Tiger Woods lives here, and previous residents include Celine Dion, Alan Jackson and Burt Reynolds.
Planning tip: Leashed dogs are allowed only on the trails around the Visitor Center but not in other areas of the park. But if you’re thinking of bringing your pet, be aware there are poisonous snakes. Be sure to bring along doggie poop bags.
Take a romantic stroll along Melbourne Beach during nesting season (May to October), as moonlit skies cast spotlights upon determined sea turtles crawling ever-so-slowly to lay eggs at the top of this wide beach. Around 50 to 60 days later, hatchlings struggle back to the sandy shoreline.
Local tip: Ditch the flashlights and maintain comfortable space to avoid disturbing the turtles.
4. Treasure Shores Park
Best beach for treasure hunting
The Treasure Coast earned its name for a reason. Valuables continue to wash ashore from countless nearby shipwrecks. Any beach along Hutchinson Island is ripe for harvesting tidal gifts, but my favorite is Treasure Shores Park near Sebastian. Just offshore is the resting place of a treasure-laden Spanish galleon that sank during a hurricane in 1715.
Detour: Visit nearby McLarty Treasure Museum to view many impressive artifacts recovered from the ocean’s depths. Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum in Sebastian boasts a bounty of treasures collected by this family of professional shipwreck salvagers. Rent metal detectors from its gift shop (which also sells actual treasures!) and sift for your own riches.
Known as “the shelling capital of the world,” beaches of Sanibel Island (including Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass Beach) offer a treasure trove of almost 400 species of shells. Do the “Sanibel Stoop,” prospecting for lightning whelks, prickly cockles, and jingle shells.
Local tip: New to shelling? Book a guided tour with Captain Brian Holaway, a certified naturalist, who’ll have you knowing your conchs from your whelks in no time.
6. Haulover Beach
Best mainstream clothing-optional beach
Ready to let warm ocean breezes caress your skin – and shed those unsightly tan lines? While most naturist beaches are intentionally secluded, Haulover Beach, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, has no shame. It’s like a mainstream beach… just without clothes. No matter your age or shape, you are free to strut your stuff at this judgment-free, family-friendly beach (its patrolling ambassadors ensure that fun remains “clean”).
Planning tip: Parking at Haulover Beach costs $7 on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays.
7. Playalinda Beach
Best discreet nudist beach
If you prefer a bit more discretion, the remote white sand beaches of Playalinda Beach, inside Canaveral National Seashore are more reserved. Although nudity is forbidden in Brevard County, the secluded stretch north of parking lot #13 is a de facto nude beach, sanctioned by official signs.
Local tip: Pack whatever you’ll need, including lots of water and sunblock, as the amenities here consist of just portable toilets in the parking lots. Passes to Canaveral National Seashore cost $25/week, $45 seasonally.
Once a popular gathering spot for free-spirited hippies, Lake Worth Beach continues to bop to a Bohemian beat. But these days, its gorgeous white sand beach is light on partying and heavy on family vibes, man. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and ice cream huts, kids won’t go hungry here – and there are plenty of washrooms and showers, too. From fishing from its spectacular pier to building fortresses in the sand or hitting the waves with a boogie board, it’s endless family fun.
Planning tip: Mark your calendar for the annual Street Painting Festival held each February, attracting more than 600 artists
9. Frederick Douglass Park
Best beach for horseback rides
Whether you’re a diehard romantic or want to role-play thundering scenes from Game of Thrones, almost everyone has envisioned themselves riding horseback through crashing waves, the sea breeze blowing wildly through your hair. Well, saddle up and head to Frederick Douglass Park in Fort Pierce, the only beach in south Florida where hooves can hit the sand. A guided 1.5-mile-long trail rides take riders (including beginners) along stunning, secluded shores, where an abundance of sea life graces the sands.
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10. Hollywood Beach
Best party beach
Since South Beach gets all the attention, I’ll nominate Hollywood Beach as Florida’s beach party central. Stroll or bike its beachfront Broadwalk, and it won’t take long to feel the burning party vibe. Lined with tiki bars, al fresco restaurants, t-shirt shops and ice-cream parlors, skateboarders whiz between pedestrians, as buskers juggle, sing and dance. Quiet in the morning, surfers invade by afternoon, and energy peaks after dusk when evening concerts rock the Bandshell, an outdoor music venue. This is quintessential Florida beach life.
Local tip: If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf, here’s your chance, dude! Margaritaville Beach Resort has FlowRider, a safe, wave-controlled simulator.
11. Jupiter Dog Beach
Best dog beach
Dog lovers are in great company at Jupiter Dog Beach, where owners are as friendly as their pets. Dogs run leash-free along two-and-a-half miles of shell-covered sand, aqua-blue waters lapping their paws. The area’s super clean, with free parking, free poop bags, plenty of trash bins and washing stations.
Planning tip: Dogs can get sunburned as well. 30 minutes before hitting the beach, apply sunblock to their nose and ears. Also be aware that hot asphalt and sand can burn their paws.
12. Butler Beach
Best historic beach
Just 8 miles south of St. Augustine on Anastasia Island, Butler Beach offers a spacious coastline for swimming and sunbathing, stunning views, picnic areas, and a historic legacy. Named after local African-American businessman, Frank B. Bufutler, this beautiful beach illuminates the complex past of Florida’s Historic Coast. At the time he began establishing his real estate empire, Florida’s beaches were white-only. Some local residents, appalled by the concept and success of Butler Beach, fought to ban Blacks from enjoying other beaches and in 1953 a Black nursemaid for walking on to the Saint Augustine Beach to check on the children she was taking care of for a well-to-do white family. Martin Luther King visited Butler’s beach during the height of the Civil Rights movement taking place in Augustive and eventually the Civil Rights Act of 1964 changed the onerous law allowing beach access to all.
Planning tip: Visit the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center to learn about African-American history in Florida and the area’s significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for college students and children under 18.
13. Cape San Blas
Best beach for stargazing
Enjoy sparkling sands during the day, then take in the glowing night sky at Cape San Blas. Minimal light interference makes for spectacular stargazing on this secluded beach. With its tall sand dunes and emerald waters, this laid-back destination is a serene paradise on Florida’s northwest coast.
Detour: Known for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing and scalloping, nearby St. George Island and T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offer plenty of daytime adventures.
14. Honeymoon Island
Best beach for a romantic getaway
For a secluded escape from the bustle of nearby Tampa and Clearwater, Honeymoon Island is an ideal retreat. Access the barrier island from the Dunedin Causeway to spend a day picnicking on sugar-white shores, hiking along Osprey Trail and spotting local wildlife. Ferry to nearby Caladesi Island State Park, an untouched paradise where you can paddle through mangrove forest, swim in pristine waters and marvel at the natural delights of this enchanting getaway.
Detour: Take a stroll through Dunedin. The area around Main Street is packed with charming shops, cafés, breweries and restaurants. On weekends from June through November, browse the Dunedin Downtown Market for local produce, jams and honey, handmade crafts and one-of-a-kind artwork.
15. Caspersen Beach
Best beach for shark teeth
Nicknamed the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World,” the rugged coast of Caspersen Beach is a unique contrast to the typical sugar-white shores of the Gulf. Just south of Venice, this coastal gem is the perfect place for beachcombers to hunt for nautical treasures from shark teeth and sand dollars to conch shells and fossils. The lengthy beach is clean with striking turquoise water, a well-maintained boardwalk, free parking lot and access to public restrooms.
Local tip: The best time for collecting shark teeth and intact shells is during low tide. Search among the rocks and tide pools for beachy treasures. Add a pair of water shoes to your beach gear to protect your feet from the rocks and hot sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prettiest beach in Florida?
With nearly 200 public beaches in Florida, there are a lot of contenders for the state’s prettiest. From Destin to Miami Beach to Siesta Key, each beach brings its own beauty and charm whether with natural allure or appealing architecture. For Instagram-worthy views, consider Alys Beach, a Panhandle gem with sparkling blue waters against pristine white sand. The brilliant white architecture lining the shore gives this small beach a Mediterranean feel with stunning vistas all around.
Which Florida beaches have the clearest water?
Sparkling white quartz sand, steady Gulf currents and underwater topography combine to create picturesque clear waters along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Panhandle beaches from Pensacola and Destin to Panama City as well as down the coast from Clearwater to Cape Coral benefit from this idyllic blend of natural features. The quartz crystals reflect the sun while underwater sandbars and continuous currents filter sediment and other impurities from the coastal waters. For ultra-clear water, plan to visit when the weather is calm and sunny.
What is the best white sand beach in Florida?
Florida beaches delight visitors with a kaleidoscope of colors from gold, black and even orange to those prized powdery white shores. The brilliant white sands found along Florida’s Gulf Coast mostly consist of quartz-rich sediment eroded into fine grains. When reflected in the sun, the quartz gives a dazzling contrast to the emerald waters.
While a drive down Florida’s 30A highlights miles of gorgeous white coastline, the beaches around Destin remain favorites for glittering sand, pristine water and plentiful activities and amenities. Further down the coast, Clearwater Beach and beaches in St. Petersburg are renowned for soft, sparkling sands, family-friendly attractions and classic beachy charm.
Which side of Florida is better for beaches?
That depends on what you’re looking for! East coast beaches tend to be better for active beachgoers. The wind-driven waves are great for water sports like surfing and hard-packed sands provide stability for jogging or beach volleyball. The water on the Atlantic coast stays warm all year round, making eastern beaches popular destinations for any season.
Vacationers in search of white sands and a more laid-back retreat might prefer beaches on the west side of the state. Beaches along the Gulf are generally calm and shallow, making them great destinations for families. The Gulf Coast is known for its white sands, crystal clear water, excellent shelling and building epic sandcastles.
Are there any dog friendly beaches in Florida?
Yes! Jupiter Dog Beach is the best option for off-leash adventures, but many of the best beaches in Florida welcome furry friends in designated areas. Top pick for the Gulf Coast is Dog Beach near Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Though small, the beach is beautiful and clean with plenty of dog-friendly shops and restaurants nearby. Many of Florida’s state parks are also pet-friendly. Just visit Florida State Parks to find out where you can bring Fido.
Which beaches in Florida have the best sunsets?
For the best sunset views in Florida, head to the west coast of the state. The beaches between Clearwater and St. Petersburg such as Indian Shores and Treasure Island offer spectacular sunset vistas. Florida Keys beaches invite visitors to take in the setting sun in unique locales. Bask in the tranquil beauty of a sunset in Bahia Honda State Park or join the festive Sunset Celebration in Key West’s Mallory Square. There’s really not a bad place to catch sunsets in the Keys. Hop aboard a sunset cruise for an immersive viewing experience.
Ready to go to Florida? Here’s all the info you need to plan your trip:
Here are 11 things you should know before you go
There are many great things to do as a family
Time your visit right with this seasonal guide to the Sunshine State
