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
Winter is a harsh but magical time to visit Montana. A winter hush descends upon a landscape so cold that even sound itself seems frozen. But for well-equipped adventurers with a certain level of outdoor experience, there are some incredible ways to enjoy Montana’s stunningly beautiful mountain terrain in winter.
Of course, there are great things to do in Montana year-round, but winter has a special allure for fans of the white stuff. Whitefish and the surrounding Flathead Valley are unbeatable locations for pretty much every kind of winter sport, as is the Gallatin Valley between Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
For pristine backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, plus access to Yellowstone National Park, remote Cooke City is a great in-the-know destination. Here are the best things to do in Montana in winter.
Explore Yellowstone in winter using skis or shoeshoes – it’s easier to spot the wildlife too. Visit Montana
1. Snowshoe, ski and spot wolves in Yellowstone National Park
For many people, winter is the very best season to visit Yellowstone National Park. There are almost no crowds, the geysers are at their steamiest, and the frozen landscapes are simply stunning. It’s also a great time to meet the wildlife.
There are two essential parts of Yellowstone National Park to visit in winter. From West Yellowstone, snow-coach tours shuttle to Old Faithful, from where you can explore the park’s geyser basins on skis or in snowshoes, before retreating for a hot chocolate and cozy overnight stop at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge.
Further north, the road linking Cooke City to the park entrance at Gardiner remains open to cars during winter. This opens up a host of snowshoe and cross-country skiing trailheads around the Mammoth region, some of which are served by snow-coach drops.
Planning Tip: Wildlife spotting in Yellowstone in winter is legendary – it’s considerably easier to spot animals against a plain white background. For an unforgettable opportunity to lock eyes with a Yellowstone wolf, sign up for a wildlife-spotting trip with a local company such as Yellowstone Wolf Tracker.
A snowmobile is the definitive way to get around Montana in winter. Per Breiehagen/Getty Images
2. Snowmobile the Caribou-Targhee or Flathead National Forests
While there’s an environmental impact to exploring by snowmobile (some locals despair at the noise and fumes created by snowmobiles in Yellowstone National Park), if you are a confident rider, there’s no more exciting way to traverse Montana’s epic landscapes.
Cooke City is one of the most remote towns in Montana – with only one access road in winter, passing through Yellowstone National Park – but once you get here, the snowmobiling is incredible. Rentals and guides are available in town, and groomed Forest Service tracks climb to passes that offer astonishing views of the powder-filled Beartooth Mountains.
As the gateway for winter trips into Yellowstone, West Yellowstone is also well-suited for snowmobilers, with hundreds of miles of spectacular trails in the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Other must-ride locations include the 250 miles of trails at Lolo Pass in the Bitterroot Mountains southwest of Missoula, or the Flathead National Forest near Glacier National Park, where you can rent snowmobiles or join a tour with Swan Mountain Snowmobiling.
Planning Tip: The minimum age for snowmobile rentals is usually 25, and hire companies require a valid driver’s license. If you’re new to the sport, consider taking an online course with an operator such as Snowmobile-Ed.
The eccentric sport of skijoring involves being dragged over the snow by a horse. Edgar G Biehle/Shutterstock
3. Watch the curious sport of skijoring
Combine Montana’s cowboy heritage with its Norwegian immigrant history, and you get the sport of skijoring, where skiers are towed by horses, navigating a series of jumps and through slaloms at speeds of up to 40mph. It’s the kind of sport that feels like it was invented during a night of heavy drinking – expect high adrenaline and some slightly silly fun.
For spectators, the best action can be found at Whitefish’s World Skijoring Invitational in January or at West Yellowstone’s National Championship in February. Alternatively, try Big Sky’s Best of the West competition in the same month or the skijoring finals held during Red Lodge’s Winter Fest in early March.
Virgin powder calls out to experienced skiers in many corners of Montana. Noah Clayton/Getty Images
4. Ski virgin slopes from a backcountry yurt or hut
Montana has some mind-blowing backcountry skiing, but it’s the kind of terrain best reserved for experienced skiers, and access doesn’t come cheap. That said, you won’t forget skiing powder-filled slopes all day, then retreating to a private wilderness yurt or cabin miles from civilization.
Several companies offer backcountry ski packages that include accommodation and guides. You can base yourself in cozy yurts with Yurtski in the Swan Mountains, with Bell Lake Yurt in the Bitterroot Mountains or with Beartooth Powder Guides in Cooke City. All offer avalanche and backcountry skiing courses, which are a wise investment if you’re new to off-the-beaten-track skiing.
Hellroaring Powder Guides runs both unguided and guided backcountry skiing trips from their hut in the Centennial Mountains, 25 miles from West Yellowstone. Great Northern Powder Guides in the Whitefish region offers the only Cat skiing in the state, using their private cabin as a base for incredible, pristine descents.
Planning Tip: The cheapest way to sample some gentle cross-country backcountry skiing is to hire a Forest Service Cabin. For as little as $50, you can get a basic cabin for the night, though you’ll need to chop wood for heating and cooking and pack in all your food.
Traveling by dog sled is the quintessential backcountry winter experience. Brent Bingham/Getty Images
5. Learn how to mush on a dog sled trip
It’s hard to think of a more romantic way to traverse Montana’s snow-draped winter forests and valleys than in a dog-pulled sled. Apart from the thrill of the scenery and learning the basics of how to mush, getting to interact with these energetic sleigh dogs is a highlight in itself.
Several outfitters offer hands-on dog sledding trips. In western Montana, try Base Camp Bigfork in the Flathead Valley, Winter Woods Dog Sled Tours outside Whitefish or nearby Dog Sled Adventures. Closer to Bozeman, check out Yellowstone Dog Sled Adventures in the southern Gallatin Valley or Spirit of the North Dog Sled Adventures in Big Sky.
Biking on the snow is a novel way to explore Montana in winter. Jordan Siemens/Getty Images
6. Try out fat biking on the Whitefish Trail
A fat bike is essentially a mountain bike equipped with chunky double-width tires for riding on packed snow, and it’s a great way to explore the Montana countryside in winter. This increasingly popular sport extends the biking season, opens up whole swatches of winter terrain to non-skiers, and allows you to push your riding to new limits. Don’t worry too much about wiping out – the snow will cushion your fall!
The 22-mile Whitefish Trail is one of the best routes for snow biking in the state. The trailside Whitefish Bike Retreat, 9 miles west of Whitefish, offers fat bike rentals and access to groomed trails and their cozy accommodations, plus lots of trail advice and occasional three-day fat biking clinics.
Planning Tip: When you first start fat biking, pick a bike with flat platform pedals – you’ll have slips and dismounts, and it’s easier to get back on the bike if you don’t have to worry about toe clips or cleats.
Nordic skiing is an amazing way to explore Glacier National Park in winter. Noah Clayton/Getty Images
7. Go Nordic skiing in Glacier National Park
Montana has an almost unlimited choice of Nordic skiing trails if you don’t require downhill thrills. West Yellowstone, Bozeman, Big Sky, Missoula, Red Lodge and Great Falls all offer Nordic ski centers with plenty of groomed trails. In Whitefish, try the Glacier Nordic Center or Big Mountain Nordic Trails, the latter best suited to more experienced skiers.
For something special, visit Glacier National Park in winter. Most park roads and accommodations close for the cold season, but you can ski or snowshoe from Lake McDonald Lodge near Apgar on the western side of the park, or along the Going-to-the-Sun Road from St Mary on the eastern side. Remote wilderness trails lead into the park from Polebridge ranger station and Marias Pass.
Planning Tip: Explore the frozen wonderland of Glacier National Park like a pioneer on a snowshoe tour arranged through the park’s ranger-led program or with the Glacier Institute.
Yes, you can even fish in Montana during winter! Sean R Harvey, via Visit Montana
8. Go ice fishing in Eastern Montana
The bravest fly fishers don waders to enter Montana’s chilly waters year-round, but there is a warmer alternative. By late December or early January (depending on when temperatures drop), large bodies of water across the state freeze over, and ice fishers set up camp and fish for lake trout, pike, walleye and more. Head to Eastern Montana for the best opportunities – popular spots include Nelson Reservoir, Fort Peck Lake, Tongue River Reservoir and Deadmans Basin.
9. Relax at one (or many) of Montana’s hot springs
If you’re looking for pure relaxation, Montana’s hot springs provide a nice change of pace (and temperatures) in winter. In fact, there’s a route lined with hot springs spanning the state called Glaciers to Geysers, and many hot spring resorts are conveniently located near snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing trails.
It’s a luxurious experience that doesn’t always have a luxurious price tag. Recommended springs include Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs in Missouri River Country; Chico Hot Springs, about 30 miles from Yellowstone National Park; Spa Hot Springs Motel in Central Montana; Norris Hot Springs in Southwest Montana (check out their live music calendar beforehand); and Quinn’s Hot Springs in Paradise, Montana.
Planning tip: Time your soak for after sunset for some fabulous stargazing – the lack of light pollution here is amazing.
You could linger on the blindingly beautiful islands that seem straight out of a postcard, explore a rich tapestry of history that is woven into every landscape, and dine on Greek cuisine that is revered the world over. There are countless things to do and places to visit too, but sometimes you just want to step away from the obvious and get a glimpse of local life.
From the sun-kissed, whitewashed beaches of southern Crete to the laid-back vibes of the west Cyclades, three local travel writers share where they like to go on vacation in Greece.
Based in Athens since 1996, Helen Iatrou’s preferred mode of island-hopping is sailing.
Why Serifos?
When summer arrives, my thoughts turn to that remote Dodecanese islet I haven’t visited, or to my Northeastern Aegean ancestral home. But one island I can’t resist is Serifos, in the west Cyclades. It’s just a two-hour fast ferry ride from Piraeus and – while villas have been sprouting across its forbidding, caramel-colored hillsides in recent years – Serifos still feels a world away from regional sisters Mykonos and Santorini.
Must-do activity
What I love most about this unperturbed isle is its 70-plus beaches, where high summer Meltemi winds temper the heat. With nary a sun lounger for hire in sight, I opt for the shade of a nap-friendly tamarisk tree. The deep waters of pebbled Ganema and wild Karavi invigorate me to the core, while the secluded cove of Psili Ammos tempts with golden sands, aquamarine seas and fish taverna Manolis.
Serifos tips
I usually stay in the port town of Livadi at a family-owned boutique hotel like Nōstos or Chill & Co. Restaurants and cafes are close by, as is the atmospheric, whitewashed hilltop capital Hora, a 12-minute drive (or 50-minute hike) away. Traditional kafenion Stou Stratou serves viscous Greek coffee, while Seriani recreates classic dishes like pastitsio.
Ready to go to Greece? Here are the things to know before you go
Vangelis Koronakis is a guidebook writer who can’t resist a Cretan escape.
Why Rethymno?
I’m lucky enough to have Cretan roots, so I have spent most summers of my life in wonderful Crete. The island’s southern shores, particularly in the region of Rethymno, bathed by the crystalline Libyan Sea, are relatively untouched by mass tourism (unlike the ultra-touristy northern coast).
Must-do activity
The region boasts more than 15 top-class beaches, stretching from Frangokastello on the west to Agia Galini on the east. Preveli, the “palm beach,” is one of the most photographed in the country and probably the busiest – but the rest range from quiet to outright deserted, even during the August high season. Small and secluded Amoudi and massive and wild Triopetra (avoid when windy) are my favorites. A visit to the historic Preveli Monastery is a spiritual experience I highly recommend.
Rethymno tips
My favorite place to dine is Merastri, a family taverna in the village of Sellia that offers superb local fare with a stunning view of Plakias Bay from its veranda. A rental car is necessary to discover all the region’s beauty; an innovative and affordable choice as a base is Spili. This pretty mountainside small town, known for its freshwater lion fountains, is strategically located and offers access to most points of interest within 20–30 minutes.
Alexis Averbuck is a writer and painter who lives on the Greek island of Hydra.
Why Koufonisia?
I love sailing the Cyclades on open-top ferries, where you can lounge on the deck taking in the view, breathing the fresh sea air. When I last cruised into Koufonisia, from the vantage of the ferry deck the clear, clear water with barely a hint of aquamarine made it appear as if the fishing caiques were floating in the air over the white sand. The vibe in Koufonisia is casual, with relaxed people in sarongs strolling back from the beach or out in summer-light linen, chatting over early evening drinks.
Must-do activity
Wander the main village, a warren of tiny streets lined with boutiques, small hotels and inviting restaurants and bars. You can also walk the entire island on rugged trails along the jagged coast with that brilliant crystalline water splashing into rock-formed natural pools, deserted coves and lapping onto alabaster beaches. So close to the large Cycladic islands like Naxos and Paros, Koufonisia and the other islands that constitute the “Small Cyclades” seem to gloriously drop off the edge of the world.
Koufonisia tips
If you’re able to splash out, stay at Aeris Suites, overlooking the deep scoop of Pori Bay, then head into town for dinner at Capetan Nikolas, to dine on fresh-caught seafood while the sun sets behind the cliff-top windmill across the harbor.
Portugal is one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe. Children are an integral part of daily life, and they’re happily welcomed anywhere, from museums and restaurants to town squares and theaters. Cities are rife with parks and playgrounds, while the rest of the country is a perfectly preserved natural paradise.
With 300 days of sunshine a year and the mildest weather on the old continent, Portugal is the ideal destination for family adventure. The only part you’ll struggle with is deciding where to go! Read on to find out more about the best destinations to travel to in Portugal with your kids.
Where in Portugal is best for families and children?
Families hold an important place in Portuguese society, so they’re well-treated across the country. Parents who are pregnant or have small children in tow are given priority in supermarket lines and on public transportation, and you’ll never get side glances for breastfeeding in public. Plus, Portuguese cities are generally pretty safe; Even in Lisbon, tweens and teens ride public transport alone.
Perhaps the only drawback for parents are the sidewalks, which thanks to steep hills, bumps and their narrow size, are very far from being stroller- or toddler-friendly. However, all is redeemed by a family-centric local culture which welcomes you to bring your kids – be they babies, tots or teens – literally anywhere.
Some entirely reasonable Portuguese excursions with kids include surf lessons or a coastal hike along the Costa Vicentina; a road trip along the coast; or a river cruise, vineyard tour and a horseback ride with your children by your side. While the options are endless, here are a few of the coolest experiences for families in Portugal.
Lisbon is incredibly safe for children and teens. Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet
Brave walking the Arouca 516 suspension bridge
Best for kids, tweens and teens
Just outside of Porto in the Arouca Unesco Global Geopark hangs the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, a 516 meter-long (1693ft) bridge situated 175m (574ft) over the Paiva River.
Challenge your kids to see if they’re brave enough to cross (or if you are!), but don’t fret – even if someone is afraid of heights, the park is still worth the trip. Below the bridge, find the Passadiços de Paiva, an 8 kilometer-long (5.5mi) route of wooden walkways that follows the Paiva River, offering a scenic hike – albeit with a lot of stairs – that’s safe and fun for children with energy to burn.
Drive south along Portugal’s coast
Best for all ages
Renting a caravan or RV to road-trip Portugal with your family is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful land. The country is small, the roads are uncrowded, the scenery is breathtaking and it’s relatively safe. If you’ve got little ones, the convenience of on-hand snacking and napping is unbeatable; while older kids will love the adventure and instant access to nature.
Wild camping is no longer permitted in Portugal, but there is a huge network of budget-friendly campsites that offer all the basic infrastructure you could need – many even have playgrounds and cafes onsite. Prices and amenities vary: Peniche’s municipal campground, for example, has standard amenities, a perfect location and a shockingly low rate, while Salema Eco-Camp in the Algarve, which boasts a huge pirate-ship playground, multiple restaurants and live music nights, is worth the higher nightly rate.
Portugal’s beaches are beautiful places to log some family time. Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet
Travel to the end of the world at Sagres & the Costa Vicentina
Best for kids, tweens and teens
Once upon a time, the southwest corner of Portugal was considered the end of the continent, and thus of the civilized world. These days, while it’s still pretty far out there, it’s an absolutely amazing spot for active and outdoorsy families to spend their holidays.
In Sagres, you’ll find Martinhal Resorts, one of the most family-friendly hotels in the country. Start your day with a surf lesson at the Algarve Surf School, then head back to town for an exceptional pizza at Arte Bianca, followed by ice cream at Alice Gelateria. After an afternoon relaxing, check out some live music in the evening at the Laundry Lounge or Three Little Birds, before an early bedtime so you can do it all over again.
Road-tripping throughout Portugal means impromptu picnics in stunning locales. Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet
Spend an art-filled afternoon at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum
Best for babies, tots, tweens and teens
The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum is one of the world’s most important private art collections with works from Ancient Egypt to the early 20th century. Beyond its artistic importance, the Gulbenkian is a truly perfect place to spend an afternoon with the kids. This art-filled oasis in the middle of Lisbon has beautiful, rolling gardens where kids play while adults lounge in the sun, surrounded by koi ponds and some surprisingly friendly ducks. The onsite cafe serves simple, tasty food that’s easy for picky eaters and for your wallet, too. It’s a wonderful stop for cultural-minded parents of small children or families with artsy tweens and teens.
Let your worries float away at Tavira and the East Algarve
Best for babies and tots
The East Algarve is known for its quiet, warm beaches with nearly no waves and exceptionally fresh and inexpensive seafood. Stay in Tavira for more action, or Cacela Velha to escape the crowds, then hop on a little boat to cross the lagoon where endless white sand beaches await – just dont forget a beach umbrella and plenty of water and snacks.
When you’ve had enough sun, take a day trip to the nearby Rio Formosa Wetlands Natural Park for some bird and wildlife watching. Simply hop on one of the small ferries that run between the islands (Ilha do Farol is a favorite). For a few euros, kids can enjoy the boat ride and the view, and you can pop off at any of the islands for some beach time, snacks or an ice cream.
Portugal’s national parks offer nature-packed hiking trails for all ages. Kerry Murray for Lonely Planet
More great experiences for kids and families in Portugal
Hike among the stars
For mountain hiking, crystal-clear lakes, traditional cuisine and wintertime skiing head to Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela.
Peek into the past
Find Roman Ruins, cool city vibes and a gateway to the Alentejo countryside in Évora.
Go spelunking
Explore subterranean caverns with the family at Grutas de Mira de Aire.
Planning tips for family travel in Portugal
Public transport versus driving
In the cities, public transport is both easy and inexpensive, and there are plenty of rideshare and taxi drivers to make up for any shortcomings. Outside of the cities, however, you’ll want a car to visit the best national parks and most breathtaking beaches; Driving in this tiny, safe country is nearly stress-free.
Pack plenty of layers
Portugal is a cold country with warm sunshine: days are hot, while nights and mornings can be quite chilly. To keep your little ones comfortable, pack easy layers that kids can peel off as the day warms up or throw on as the sun starts to set. Consider an extra-large day bag to carry it all.
There’s nothing quite like bathing in the blissfully warm, mineral-rich waters of an onsen on a trip to Japan. For generations, both locals and visitors have flocked to these ancient hot springs to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit.
And one place in particular stands out for experiencing Japan’s most famous contribution to holistic healing. Wakayama Prefecture, to the south of Osaka, is a nature lover’s dream. With its unspoiled natural scenery, it’s the perfect place to try out one of the country’s best-loved pastimes.
Here’s how to get the best from the onsen experience in Wakayama Prefecture.
Enjoy the contrast of bathing in hot spring waters and the cool of the outside air. Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty Images
Understanding the magic of onsens
Thanks to high levels of volcanic activity in Japan, the country has natural hot springs in their thousands, scattered in diverse locations all over the country. Throughout the ages, people have been lured to onsen towns by the health benefits of bathing in the warm, soothing waters, which are infused with natural minerals.
Onsens come in several varieties, from simple natural pools (be careful of the temperatures at these locations as the waters can be scalding hot) to stylish indoor bathhouses at hotels, health spas, andtraditional Japanese ryokan inns. Outdoor rotenburo baths offer an invigoratingly authentic experience, often with the bonus of beautiful views.
In Japan, hot springs are celebrated for their healing properties, as well as acting as an important setting for social interaction. Visiting an onsen is a delightful way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, though be aware that most onsens require bathers to be naked, so you’ll need to leave your inhibitions at the door.
Why are there so many onsens in Wakayama?
Thanks to the sheer range of bathing options and the many locations where naturally hot mineral waters bubble to the surface, Wakayama has earned a reputation as one of the best onsen destinations in Japan. Hot spring bathing has a long history here – the historic Yunomine Onsen was founded nearly 1800 years ago, earning it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
With an abundance of hot spring retreats and spa resorts, this is the place to sample experiences such as a two-person bath on an island and a gigantic river bath that can accommodate up to 1000 bathers. Travelers can even soak their feet in a volcanically warmed foot bath while they dine!
The historic Tsubo-yu onsen in Yunomine only has room for two. Lottie Davies for Lonely Planet
Wakayama’s best onsens
Historic springs lie dotted around the countryside in Wakayama. Wakayama
Prefecture has a dedicated website with a handy guide to onsen spots around the area.
Shirahama: As well as having incredible beaches, the coastal town of Shirahama boasts some of Japan’s oldest and best-known onsens, including the open-air Shirasuna Onsen, located on the boardwalk in the middle of the town, and Sakino-yu, an onsen on a rocky outcrop with ocean views, approximately 1km south of the main beach.
To mix relaxation with regional dining, Ashiyu Alley in Shirahama’s trendy Ginza Alley dining district has thermal foot baths, allowing customers to soak their tootsies as they tuck into delicious local offerings. See the city website for more information on Shirahama’s onsens.
Kawa-Yu: For a natural experience, head to Kawa-yu in the center of Wakayama,
where visitors can dig their own bathing pool in the stony beach on
the banks of the Oto River then take a dip in the massive Sennin-buro
River Bath, a pebble-edged pool with room for 1000 bathers.
Katsuura: Nearby on the coast, the small seaside village of Katsuura is known for rotenburo that look out onto blue coves and islands. Most are associated with small hotels and ryokan inns, and the best sit right on the waterfront.
People have been bathing in the hot springs at Yunomine for 1800 years. Chuck Hsu/Shutterstock
Yunomine Onsen: According to local legend, the UNESCO-listed onsen at Yunomine was created by Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing, and it once cured a famous samurai. While we can’t verify that’s 100% accurate, it’s certainly true that the onsen has rejuvenating qualities for the mind and body.
Located in the middle of the Yunomine hot springs, the Tsubo-yu onsen is set inside a small wooden shack built on an island in the river. It can be used privately (holding up to two people) for 30 minutes at a time on a first-come-first-served basis, and the admission fee also covers entry to the Yunomine Public Bathhouse, which you can visit afterward. Check out the natural hot well where visitors boil eggs and other snacks.
More onsens: Other highlights in the Wakayama region include Ryūjin Onsen, a historic hot spring village on the upper reaches of the Hidaka River in the mountainous heart of the Kii Peninsula, and Watarase, an expansive complex in a forested valley that has rich sodium-chloride pools of varying temperatures.
Lottie Davies for Lonely Planet
Tips on onsen etiquette for the uninitiated
Bathing in an onsen is a truly unforgettable experience, and while there are a few rules of etiquette to remember, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. As with any new travel experience, it’s worth taking some time to research local customs and traditions, so you’ll feel more at ease and have a more relaxing and enjoyable time.
The first thing to note is the requirement for nudity. This is the norm in Japan, even in mixed onsens, though many bathhouses have separate pools for men and women, or different times allocated for each. Make sure you take a shower before entering an onsen; there are dedicated washing facilities and you’ll see patrons sitting on a stool and showering with soap and water using a wooden bucket.
Small hand towels are provided, and these can be used for modesty before getting in the water, but should not be used in the pool; some people place them on their heads while they bathe. Full-sized towels are left in the changing rooms. Long hair should be tied up to keep it out of the water, and eating and drinking in the water is considered impolite. Drink plenty of water before and after bathing, as the hot temperatures can cause light-headedness.
It also pays to be aware of Japan’s complex relationship with tattoos. Despite a long history of ritual body art, tattooing became associated with criminality during the Edo period, when it was used as a punishment. Even today, tattoos are perceived as being associated with crime, and many onsens do not permit entry to people with visible tattoos.
However, some places are tattoo-friendly and advertise themselves as such. To avoid disappointment, contact onsens ahead to ask about their tattoo policy. If you have a small tattoo, convenience stores such as Don Quijote sell “tattoo seals” – skin-colored plasters that can cover up smaller pieces of body art.
Once you’ve mastered onsen etiquette, there’s nothing left to do but relax and enjoy the therapeutic hot waters!
Getting to Wakayama is easiest by train.
How to get to Wakayama
Wakayama is served by regular trains – both rapid and local – from Osaka, so it’s easy to reach the region’s onsens after exploring Japan’s third-biggest city. Train passes such as the Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass
offer significant discounts for international visitors, covering unlimited travel on the region’s trains and some bus services. Look out for periodic special
offers offered by Japan Railway and
Nankai Electric Railway.
Once you arrive in Wakayama City, buses run from Wakayama Station to other areas across the prefecture. Visitors can also take advantage of the Koyasan & Kumano Access Bus; passes offer unlimited rides between the Kōya-san area and Kumano region heritage sites such as Tsubo-yu and Kawayu.
Produced by Lonely Planet for Visit Wakayama. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.
We’ve hit peak wedding season, and just like the rest of us, celebrities love a summer ceremony. The past few weeks have seen Zoe Kravitz and Karl Glusman, Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger, and Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas all celebrate their nuptials with romantic getaways. But of course, the A-list’s honeymoon destinations tend to be a little more luxurious than ours — here, we’re counting down 10 of the most stunning locations the stars have been jetting off to this year.
After having their Las Vegas wedding spoiled by Diplo’s notorious live-stream of the event, the young couple married again in Provence last month. For their honeymoon, they jetted off to the Maldives for a stay at the eco-friendly, barefoot hotel Soneva Fushi. On Instagram, Turner shared pictures of the pair cycling around the island, dining on sushi at the overwater bar and crossing a rope bridge to the treetop restaurant, Fresh in the Garden. Guests can choose between the secluded Kunfunadhoo island’s sunset and sunrise sides: the former offers best access to the reef for snorkelers, while the latter promises greater privacy, ideal for the newlyweds. Both sides boast white sandy beaches, as captured in a post on Jonas’ Instagram account, next to videos of him snorkelling and having a go on the hotel’s ocean water slide. Soneva Fushi is made up of 63 lavish villas, and guests can enjoy water sports, an open-air cinema, the homemade chocolate and ice cream parlours, and an observatory with 3D telescope. Doubles from $1,796 per night, see here.
Kravitz and Glusman wed in her father Lenny’s three-storey 18th-century Paris mansion last month, and the pair are believed to have spent their honeymoon in Positano, Italy. The couple were pictured soon after the wedding in the coastal village, where they dined in Chez Black. The seaside restaurant dates back to 1949 and has been hailed as a Positano institution, serving Mediterranean cuisine including its specialty, spaghetti with sea urchin.
Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre: Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
As if their Moroccan wedding wasn’t romantic enough, the actor and model spent their honeymoon on an eco-friendly safari in Tanzania. In May, they travelled to Serengeti National Park, where they stayed in the idyllic Singita Grumeti lodges. Singita is known for its conservation initiatives, and the Grumeti lodges help to generate revenue to sustain the reserves. Elba and Dhowre shared pictures of their stay in two of the lodges: Sasakwa and Faru Faru. The former is built in the style of an Edwardian manor house with east African influences, while the latter offers contemporary African decor offset with the clean lines of Danish design. Guests can take a dip in the private infinity pool, visit the spa, attend a guided safari walk or go on a game drive to get up close to the incredible wildlife. Doubles at Saskwa lodge from $2,150 per night (high season), $1,615 per night (low season). Doubles at Faru Faru lodge from $1,795 per night (high season), $1,475 per night (low season), see here.
The British actor married Coan, his partner of three years, in April, and the newlyweds spent their honeymoon on the Italian island of Sardinia last month. It’s the second-largest island in the Mediterranean but less crowded than many of its neighbours — perfect for well-known visitors like Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Denzel Washington seeking peace and tranquility. Sardinia boasts romantic five-star hotels with panoramic sea views, fresh seafood restaurants and white sandy beaches for lazy days in the sun. Law and Coan were spotted taking advantage of the gorgeous weather on a boat ride through crystal-clear waters, having lunch at a restaurant along the coast, and driving around the island in a classic Alfa Romeo convertible.
The tennis star and the former NBA player exchanged their vows under the Tuscan sun in June, but they only had time for a quick break before Wozniaki had to fly to Wimbledon for this year’s championships. Days after their wedding, the pair were pictured enjoying some gelato on the pastel-coloured streets of Portofino, a fishing village on the Italian coastline. Wozniaki shared a few sun-soaked snaps from their ‘mini moon’ of the two on board a yacht, and later said the couple could only spend ‘a couple of days’ on the boat, but would be planning a longer getaway after Wimbledon.
Jonas and Chopra’s two blockbuster weddings were followed by equally opulent honeymoon trips to the Middle East and the Caribbean. For the first, the couple stayed at the Six Senses Zighy Bay, a luxe resort in the northern Musandam peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. Chopra shared pictures of the two laid out on palm-shaded sun loungers at their beachside retreat, with its high cobblestone walls. Guests are just footsteps from the sea, where they can partake in a variety of water sports, or visit the resort’s spa, tennis courts and saltwater swimming pool. Chopra and Jonas both posted photos from their second honeymoon in January, when the two posed in front of a private pool, as well as a video of Chopra on a beach swing, somewhere in the Caribbean islands. Doubles from $606, see here.
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger: Lana’i, Hawaii
Two weeks after tying the knot in Montecito, California, Pratt and Schwarzenegger headed to the Hawaiian island of Lana’i. Hawaii is close to Pratt’s heart: he lived there before he became a Hollywood star, working odd jobs and sleeping in his van. Pratt returned this year for a relaxing holiday on the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, where he also celebrated his 40th birthday. Their hotel hasn’t been revealed (although there is just one luxury resort open on the island, the Four Seasons Lanai), but the two were seen hanging out poolside, doing laps, eating French fries and playing cards together amidst tropical gardens and the pristine shoreline.
Paltrow and new husband Falchuk also took multiple honeymoons, starting in the rolling hills of Umbria, Italy, where the actress shared a photo of a beautiful sunset. Next up, the couple travelled to Paris, and checked into the honeymoon suite at the grand Four Seasons Hotel George V. The Goop guru gave her Instagram followers a tour of the suite, with its vast marble bath and plush bedroom, which is also where Elizabeth Taylor spent her honeymoon with second husband Conrad Hilton. The rooftop terraces give a 360-degree view of the city, including the Eiffel Tour, and guests can dine at the hotel’s three Michelin-starred restaurants. Doubles from €1,200 (€25,000 for the honeymoon suite), see here.
After their courthouse wedding, the Biebers decamped to the Italian town of Ravello, nestled high above the Amalfi Coast. They spent their holiday in the Belmond Hotel Caruso, a former 11th-century palazzo, which now boasts marble hallways and sweeping arches with original frescoes and antique chandeliers. The famous heated infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the coast, while the hotel also has its own traditional wooden boat, which guests can borrow for sunset excursions, and provides a courtesy shuttle to Amalfi and Positano. Doubles from $938 per night, see here.
Robin Wright and Clement Giraudet: Formentera, Spain
Wright also turned to the Mediterranean for her honeymoon with Giraduet, a VIP public relations manager for Saint Laurent. Following an intimate ceremony in La Roche-sur-le-Buis, France, the couple made their way to the Spanish island of Formentera, next door to Ibiza. It’s not known where they stayed during their trip, but the pair were seen soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming in the turquoise waters, looking the picture of newlywed bliss.
Planning a tropical winter holiday? Read on as two writers make the case for their preferred southern Indian state.
As you head toward India’s southern tip, temperatures rise, beaches unfold, food gets ever spicier – and a decision about just where you should settle in and slow down beckons.
You could do worse than an extended spell in two of southern India’s most beguiling states, Goa and Kerala. But what if you had to pick one over the other? Since we couldn’t possibly decide, we asked two writers to make the case for their preferred destination. A subcontinental winter getaway awaits.
Goa’s markets, friendly residents and fiery food draw visitors from all over the world. Shutterstock
Go to Goa
A proud Goenkar (Goan) who has spent most of her life in the state, Joanna Lobo is on a mission to spread the good word about her home, and showcase its beauty beyond the Instagram Reels and stereotypes.
The year was 2020. Indians, besieged by the rampaging coronavirus and stuck at home, sought an escape – a better life – in a place that was beautiful, quiet, affordable and convenient. Where did they choose to go? Goa, of course. Welcome to India’s favorite post-pandemic destination.
People go to Kerala on vacation. They come to Goa to find a home.
This tiny state is a one-stop destination with everything to offer – which made it a popular spot for visitors well before the pandemic. Couples would flock here for honeymoons; families for quality time; youngsters for a quick holiday away from the prying eyes of adults; unmarried folk for bachelor and bachelorette parties. All over India, “Goa chalte hain” (“Let’s go to Goa”) is a commonly repeated phrase for anyone planning a getaway.
Goa’s temples, including Shree Shantadurga, are architecturally stunning. Alex Erofeenkov/Shutterstock
Good things always come in small packages. So despite being a fraction of the size of Kerala, Goa offers so much more. It is a place that embraces tradition and yet keeps space for modernity. The colonial presence of the Portuguese, for 451 years, has given it a distinctly European feel in terms of food, architecture, clothing and music.
Goa’s highlight reel is so long, it could be a movie. (Consider this the trailer.) There’s history, architecture and maybe even a miracle to be found at the heritage site of Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which hosts the remains of St Francis Xavier.
Goa’s temples are architecturally stunning, as are its forts, including Fort Aguada. At Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, you’ll get a glimpse of the state’s rich tropical biodiversity. The museums are fun, too, including the boat-shaped Houses of Goa. Gasp in awe at the milky-white Dudhsagar Falls, the second-highest in India. And spend time at the miles of internationally famous beaches, which offer soft sands, clean waters and waves gentle enough for beginner surfers.
North Goa has flea markets, party spots and casinos. South Goa is more traditional, with quieter beaches and largely untouched forest cover.
Goa’s glorious cuisine is a highlight of any visit to the state. Getty Images
Goa’s cuisine makes the state a true powerhouse. The flavors here stand apart from other Indian food: Goa took the best of what the Portuguese had to offer, and made it its own. The curries are complex and flavorful, bread is a serious business, and desserts are rich but not overly sweet. Fish-curry-rice is the staple meal, best eaten at small thali joints.
In recent years, the food scene has boomed, complemented by an exciting cocktail culture. While Keralites grow cashews just for the nuts, Goans distill cashew juice into artisanal spirits like feni and urrak.
Goa’s highlights inspire all manner of content creators. Why else would influencers flock here to make #OffbeatGoa content? You can write stories (or film Reels) on Goa’s pilots (motorcycle taxis). Or the translucent oyster-shell windows in old homes. Or festivals where people get buried underground. Or the village that gets swamped underwater each year and resurfaces during summer.
The Danish have hygge, but Goa has susegaad. It is a state of quiet and contentment that’s only found in Goa.
Honestly, why bother with any other place?
The ancient wellness practices of Ayurveda began in Kerala. Getty Images.
Keep to Kerala
Luke Waterson spent a month traveling through the state of Kerala, sampling its serenity from Ayurveda retreats on the coast to tea-tasting on Munnar’s hilly plantations.
The backstory to this bedrock of backwater boating adventures, axis of Ayurvedic healing and titan of the South Indian tea-growing scene is an enthralling one. For compared to Goa’s fetching but somehow familiar beach resorts, Kerala captivates you with almighty doses of what you will never have seen before.
Kerala is a vividly ritualistic place – and that’s what I love about it most. The entrancing dance form of kathakali, during which performers enact Hindu folk stories in breathtakingly lavish costumes, comes from here. Kerala is the locale of festivals of almost theatrical lavishness, like Onam, with its parades of decorated elephants and floats, kathakali performances and carpets of many-colored flower petals arranged in kaleidoscopic designs.
This is also the place that gave us Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest and best-known holistic healing methodologies. The south of Kerala is replete with Ayurveda retreats where you can cleanse yourself through specialized treatments, a plant-based diet and the simple act of kicking back in peaceful surroundings for a while. The Ayurvedic influence has also helped make the state probably the most vegetarian-friendly destination on the globe.
Go to Goa to party; come to Kerala to open your eyes and see all the culture.
Cultural festivals in Kerala bring the color and drama. Arun Sankar/AFP via Getty Images
Topographically, Kerala virtually owns the word “backwater.” The maze of channels, lakes and inlets constituting the Kerala backwaters fans out from Alappuzha to cover around 1000km (621 miles). This extraordinary wetland ecosystem is made up of fresh and brackish water, ensuring incredible species diversity. A journey by houseboat through these waterways – watching out for the likes of turtles, rice paddies and idyllic backdoor village life – is a highlight of any trip to India.
Equally magnificent (in a much more mountainous way) is the Munnar region, where hills of shimmering green are latticed by some of South India’s most important tea gardens.
High above Munnar, the national parks of Eravikulam, Anamudi Shola and Pampadum Shola (for the record, Goa has but one national park in total) protect expanses of high-altitude, grassland-surrounded tropical shola forests that harbor many endangered species, including Nilgiri tahr (wild goats), Nilgiri martens, leopards and tigers.
Other attractions – lesser-known internationally – showcase more of Kerala’s one-of-a-kind character: the petroglyph-inscribed cavern system of Edakkal Caves, or mountain-flanked Thirunelly Temple, one of the subcontinent’s oldest temples.
And if you do demand divine sandy beaches as a prerequisite for a visit, the state has a surfeit of them: see for yourself at Varkala, near Thiruvananthapuram (known for its nearby Ayurvedic wellness centers), or serene Marari Beach. Perhaps most important for the prospective traveler, Kerala is a lush, verdant enclave where you can slow down, seek tranquility and recharge in a way not possible elsewhere in India.
Kerala has a length and breadth both of terrain and of character that party place Goa can never match. So I’ll share one memory that sums up why the state should have the edge for your next big trip.
Slow down and savor the beauty of Kerala’s famous backwaters. Getty Images
Just back from the coast north of Alappuzha, I recall arriving toward the last glowing light of day at a homestay, eyeing a rickety old boat moored at the waterside and spontaneously deciding to row off for a while through the shady lagoon, which was already plunged into evening shadow. Suddenly, around a bend, a glorious stretch of palm-hemmed, sandy beach revealed itself. Unlike Goa’s manicured strands, it was by no means pristine – but it was populated by a small group of local folks practicing yoga, all bathed in the fiery red of the setting sun.
This, for me, epitomized the perfect Kerala adventure.
