Category Wildlife and Nature

Perhaps no other US location has the diversity of Alaska when it comes to hiking.

From casual strolls to hardcore alpine scrambling, the state proves itself over and over again as a destination of choice for trekkers. Those seeking solitude should venture out of the main city centers and tackle trails not usually traveled by the casual Alaska visitor. Staff at one of four public lands information centers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Tok, and Ketchikan can assist hiking enthusiasts with all the details related to trails, permits and safety, and provide insight into transportation to remote locations.

Many of Alaska’s trails are also directly connected to its rich culture and history as well, offering a bonus for hikers through interpretive displays or guided opportunities to become more familiar with the largest state in the US. From wandering a national park trail lined with traditional totem poles to witnessing the retreat of an ancient glacier, hiking here means a real-time education into the cultural and environmental aspects that make each region unique. From casual strolls to strenuous scrambles and climbs, here’s our guide to Alaska’s best hiking trails.

1. Sitka National Historical Park, Sitka

Best short walk
1 mile (1.6km), easy

Located within walking distance of downtown Sitka, this park’s lush rainforests combine with 20 totem poles for a lovely walk of cultural history in Southeast Alaska. The site of a bitter battle between local Tlingit and the Russian army in 1804, interpretive signs tell the story while preserving the valuable traditions of local tribes for generations to come.

2. Trail of Blue Ice, Portage

Best accessible trail
5 miles one way (8km), easy

Located between Anchorage and the seaside village of Whittier, the Trail of Blue Ice is the result of an amazing effort by the US Forest Service to introduce visitors to the many glaciers of Southcentral Alaska’s Portage Valley. This fully-accessible trail features interpretive signs explaining the glacial valley and surrounding mountains, and the abundant flora and fauna of this popular isthmus of land. Start at Moose Flats on the western end and hike east, or start at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center along the shores of Portage Lake and hike west. Watch for salmon in Williwaw Creek during July and August, and keep an eye out for bears at all times.

3. K’esugi Ken Complex trails, Denali State Park

Hiking trail with the best campground
2 mile loop (3.2km), easy

This shining star of the Alaska State Park system features a large campground, public use cabins, and expansive day use pavilion that all connect to a looping interpretive trail that offers spectacular views of Denali on clear days. It’s a perfect place to wander and admire the scenery and educational signage that explains the history, flora and fauna, and Alaska native cultures of the area. Bonus: It’s a delightful family-friendly stop as well.

Want to know more about Denali? Here’s our guide for first-timers

4. Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, Fairbanks

Best trail for bird-watching
1–3 miles (1.6–5km), easy

Wandering Creamer’s Field means admiring this former dairy farm’s barns and outbuildings and spotting a plethora of birds coming and going nearly every time of year. A highlight is the August migration of the Sandhill crane, a leggy bird that spends winters in southern states but uses the fields of Creamer’s to rest and feed before flying in huge numbers across the Alaska skies. The Boreal Forest, Farm Road and Seasonal Wetland trails are all connected and flat, and naturalist walks are often conducted to better acquaint visitors with the area wildlife.

5. East Glacier Trail, Juneau

Best hike for glacier views
2.8 miles out and back (4.5 km), moderate

A visit to Juneau would not be complete without a hike in and around the Mendenhall Glacier area. This loop trail leaves from the visitor center, connects to the Trail of Time route, then leads to a great view of the Mendenhall Glacier. There’s also a side trail route to the A-J Waterfall (another 1.3 miles/2km) where visitors can witness the tumbling water flowing over the rocky ledges. This trail can be busy, so consider going early in the morning or later in the evening. Watch for bears during salmon spawning season (July to August).

Ready to plan your trip to Alaska? Pick the right time of year with our seasonal guide

6. John Hunter Memorial Trail, Valdez

Best hike to a lake
3.8 miles round trip (6km), moderate

Formerly known as the Solomon Gulch Trail, this trail provides an excellent look at the Port of Valdez, where the 800-mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline ends. After a steep initial climb, the trail wanders through a forest and some industrial yards before ending at Solomon Lake and its two dams for hydroelectric power. There’s great berry picking during the summer months and you may see bears during salmon spawning season (July to September).

7. Angel Rocks Loop Trail, Fairbanks

Best hike for geology features
3.8 mile loop (6km), moderate

Rockhounds, alert! This popular but usually uncrowded trail is fascinating for its unique outcroppings or tors, formed when molten rocks pushed upward from beneath the earth and cooled before it reached the surface. Subsequent erosion over centuries left these formations in full view, and now they’re part of the amazing topography of Interior Alaska. In the summer, wildflowers are abundant and the scent of sage, unusual this far north, dominates the south-facing slopes. Great photo opportunities abound here, but be aware that climbing on the tors is not allowed to preserve both safety and the geology of this area.

Looking for more things to do? Don’t miss Alaska’s best experiences

8. Jumbo Mine Trail 508, Kennecott (Wrangell-St Elias National Park)

Best trail for fit hikers
5 miles (8km) one way, strenuous

If you’re looking for a combination of Alaska history, scenery and a heart-pumping hike, the climb to Jumbo Mine delivers. Located near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark, the trail is but one of several maintained by the National Park Service to educate visitors about this former copper mill town. This very steep trail winds up switchbacks for 3400ft before reaching the Jumbo Mine site along a rocky former road. Make time to stop along the way to both catch your breath and capture amazing views of the mill townsite, Root Glacier, and the surrounding mountains topped with snow all year. Allow all day for this hike and be sure to carry plenty of food and water.

9. Twin Peaks Trail, Chugiak/Anchorage area

Best route for scramblers and adrenaline junkies
2.6 miles (4.2 km) one way, strenuous

This short, steep trail departs from the shores of Eklutna Lake, a popular state park about 45 minutes northeast of Anchorage. Perfect for hikers using Eklutna Lake campground as a home base, the trail switchbacks nearly the entire length, offering amazing views of the lake the farther one climbs. Dall sheep are often spotted near the top, making the hike a special one, indeed. Want to go farther? Continue along the ridgeline to Pepper Peak for another 4 miles and make an entire day of it.

10. Curry Ridge, Denali State Park

Best multiday backpacking hike
6.5 miles (10.5km) one way, strenuous

The views from upper Curry Ridge are nothing short of spectacular, as are the wild blueberry bushes during the latter part of summer. Departing from the K’esugi Ken Complex near Willow, Curry Ridge trail winds uphill from the K’esugi campground before wandering the alpine areas; it’s a great choice for backpackers wanting to spend the night in the shadow of Denali. Carry all water and food, and be aware that weather conditions can change with little notice. Be bear-aware at all times.

Tips for hiking in Alaska

• Be wildlife aware. Bears inhabit every region of Alaska, and often use the same trails as humans. Carry bear spray (and know how to use it), make noise while hiking, travel in groups, and avoid brushy areas along stream and river banks during salmon spawning season, which varies depending on where you are in Alaska, but is broadly June through September.

• Be self sufficient. Few hiking areas have cell service. Carry a first aid kit and extra water, food, and gear to stay safe should an emergency arise.

• Pay the fees in state and national parks. Visit the Public Lands Information Centers for more information.

Much of the Cowboy State – Wyoming – lies well under the radar of many travelers, which is excellent news for those in the know.

Most people equate the state’s incredible natural scenery with its two showcase national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and it would certainly be a crime not to invest a big chunk of your time in these two gems. But beyond the iconic parks lie some equally spectacular but far less-trammeled scenery, notably in the world-class Wind River and Bighorn Ranges.

Combine time in these majestic parks with a sprinkling of the state’s frontier history and Indigenous heritage, and you have the beginnings of a fabulous road trip through the wide-open spaces of the nation’s least populated state – and a sampler of the West at its best. Like the bison, the state animal, it is an American classic. Here’s your lineup of the top things to do in Wyoming.

1. Watch wildlife in Yellowstone National Park

You could spend your entire Wyoming vacation just in Yellowstone National Park. The otherworldly geyser basins, backcountry lakes and scenic overlooks are all world-class – but for us, it’s the wildlife that makes Yellowstone unbeatable. You’ll likely spot the park’s iconic bison and elk just from the car window; to see wolves or a grizzly, you’ve got to head out at dawn or dusk equipped with time and a spotting scope.

Winter is the best season for spotting, as the animals cluster in the lower, warmer, more accessible valleys and are easier to spot against the snow, but there’s always something to see, particularly in the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley. Our tip: go on a wolf-watching day trip with a Gardiner-based biologist and you’ll never see the park the same way again.

2. Hike or backpack Grand Teton National Park

If Yellowstone is about its geological wonders and attention-grabbing wildlife, then Grand Teton National Park is all about the mountains. If you’re a hiker, Grand Teton is your place: expect the state’s most spectacular range of day hikes, from family-friendly strolls past enticing turquoise lakes to hardcore canyon scrambles that take in 4000ft of elevation gain.

For those with four or five days to invest, the Teton Crest Trail is perhaps the Rockies’ premier backpacking trip. The classic 39-mile route takes in high mountain valleys, three high passes and the epic lake-filled Alaska Basin, bringing you through the heart of this majestic range. Since this is a popular trail, you’ll need to book camping spots well in advance and arrange a vehicle shuttle.

3. Visit the “Smithsonian of the West”

Wyoming’s best museum is without doubt the Buffalo Bill Center in Cody – in fact, it’s a complex of five museums and only one focuses on Western showman Bill Cody himself. The Plains Indian Museum is a peerless place to learn about regional Indigenous heritage (look for the extraordinary tepee made from 13 buffalo hides), while the Gallery of Western Art features iconic works by the artists who helped define the image we have today of the West.

Finally, the Draper Museum of Natural History provides the perfect primer for anyone headed to the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park, just a couple hours’ drive west.

4. Attend a powwow

There’s no better way to learn about Wyoming’s Native American culture than at a powwow in the state’s Wind River Indian Reservation. These annual gatherings spotlight traditional dances and drumming and the incredible regalia of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapahoe peoples, handmade from eagle feathers, shells, bone and delicate beadwork.

The biggest event is the three-day Eastern Shoshone Indian Days Powwow in June at Fort Washakie, where you can also visit the burial places of Arapahoe chief Washakie and Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark’s famous guide. Entry to the powwows is free, but always ask before taking photos of people and their clothing.

5. Explore the Bighorn Mountains

The Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming are one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Road trippers can crisscross the range on two of the state’s most scenic drives – the Bighorn and Cloud Peak scenic highways – while adventuresome backpackers can attempt the nontechnical hike up to the 13,171ft summit of Cloud Peak, the highest in the Bighorns, after an overnight camp at Mistymoon Lake.

On the northwest edge of the range, between Lovell and Sheridan, don’t miss the intriguing Medicine Wheel, an 80ft-wide spoked circle of stones used in ancient celestial and solstice observances. The site has been sacred to local tribes for over 7000 years, so act respectfully here.

Equally enigmatic is the Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site on the eastern slopes of the Bighorns, where you can discover hundreds of pre-Columbian petroglyphs and pictographs embroidering a sandstone bluff. It’s a quietly powerful site.

6. Backpack the Wind River Range

If you wish you could have the mountain grandeur of the Tetons without the pesky camping permits, you should make the Wind River Range your next backpacking destination. The Winds are so epic that they could soak up an entire summer, so focus on two classic routes: the three- or four-night route to Titcomb Basin or the similar-length trip over high passes into the glaciated Cirque of the Towers. Both routes offer some of the USA’s grandest granite mountain scenery.

Both regions are most easily accessed from Pinedale, where you’ll find outdoor gear shops and fine craft beer at Wind River Brewing. This is serious backpacking, often above the tree line and exposed to storms, so come equipped; the optimal time is within a brief window in August and September. For a nice twist, sign up for a horse-packing trip with a local outfitter.

7. Soak away your worries in Thermopolis’s Hot Springs State Park

If you need to soak weary hiking muscles or just want a half-day of relaxing family fun, Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis boasts several soaking pools fed by what is reputed to be the world’s largest single mineral hot springs. Best of all, it is free to the public, thanks to the condition of sale negotiated by the Arapahoe and Shoshone Nations in 1896. Natural mineral terraces provide some lovely strolls, while privately run water slides offer extra family fun.

Earn your soak by first checking out the hundreds of fascinating petroglyphs at Legend Rock, 30 miles northwest of town. Between October and May, you can pick up the key from the Hot Springs State Park and have the site to yourself.

8. Track down dinosaur bones and other Wyoming fossils

Wyoming has some of the richest dinosaur fossil beds in the world, and several locations offer a peek into the prehistoric past. Head to Fossil Butte National Monument to make fossil rubbings of long-extinct stingrays and turtles before joining a ranger-led talk to see how local fossils are collected and prepared.

To dust off your rock hammer and join an actual dig, you can spend a memorable day looking for sauropod bones and allosaurus teeth in the field at the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in Thermopolis. The excellent museum offers lots of hands-on kids programs.

While the weeklong digs organized by the Tate Geological Museum in Casper might be for true enthusiasts, everyone will enjoy the institution’s (free) exhibits, including an impressive 11,600-year-old mammoth skeleton nicknamed Dee.

Another great place to learn about dinosaurs is the University of Wyoming Geological Museum at Laramie, where you can ogle the 75ft-long skeleton of a sauropod apatosaurus.

9. Stay at a dude ranch

There is perhaps no more quintessentially Wyoming vacation than a stay in a dude ranch (essentially a traditional ranch that now takes in paying guests), and the state has many types of ranches to choose from. At working ranches, you can actually learn to rope and round up animals, but most focus on days spent horse riding, fly fishing and chowing down on Western cookout fare. Some ranches are spit and sawdust; others offer gourmet meals and hot stone massages. Most are family-run and have been for over a century.

For the most upmarket dude ranches, look to the area around Jackson; more old-school choices can be found around Sheridan and Bighorn. Several ranches line the approaches to Yellowstone National Park, notably around Cody. Find the ranch that suits you at the Dude Ranchers’ Association website.

10. Follow the ghosts of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Wyoming is jam-packed with sites associated with famous gunslingers Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. With a good map and a full tank of gas, you can track down the duo’s hideout at still-remote Hole-in-the-Wall (around 25 miles southwest of Kaycee), marked by a red rock mesa accessed via dirt roads through sagebrush country. The gang’s cabins are long gone; for these, you’ll have to head to Cody’s Old Trail Town, a collection of 13 vintage cabins, including one used by the duo.

Butch lived for several years in Meeteetse, south of Cody, and you can still visit the original Cowboy Bar where he drank and was arrested in 1894; the saloon’s bar dates to the year prior – and still has bullet holes in it. To see where Cassidy was incarcerated for 18 months, head to the Wyoming Territorial Prison Historic Site, which has exhibits on its most famous inmate.

11. Road trip to the Devils Tower

There are many ways to visit northwest Wyoming’s iconic Devils Tower. Climbers come to test themselves against the hundreds of vertical cracks that form the tower’s unique structure. Others come to hike the popular Tower Trail, which encircles its base. 20 Western tribes come to pay homage to the sacred site they know as Bear Lodge.

However you decide to visit, be sure to avoid the first two weeks of August when leather-clad bikers en route from Sturgis descend on the site by the hundreds.

12. Treat yourself to the good life in Jackson

Jackson feels like a place apart from the rest of Wyoming, closer to the sophisticated, well-heeled, celebrity-endorsed vision of the “new West” than the traditional cowboy ethos that obtains in much of the state. Jackson is also very much the culinary capital of Wyoming and the place to refresh the taste buds with a Thai curry or locally sourced veggie grain bowl before heading back into the steak-and-potatoes heartland.

Our perfect day in Jackson? Indulge yourself with a French pastry at Persephone bakery, then take a scenic float down the Snake River or perhaps embark on a nearby hike. In the afternoon, stroll the state’s best outdoor gear stores, art galleries and boutiques and then finish off the day with a robust pinot noir at Bin 22 wine bar. Arrive flush, though: this is the one place in Wyoming where it’s easy to indulge.

Famous for its ski slopes, the small mountain town of Bansko, Bulgaria is drawing savvy travelers all year long with a diverse array of activities.

Adventurous mountain lovers, social butterflies and travelers looking for peace and quiet surrounded by nature will love this little town, whose many faces can surprise. In recent years, Bansko has become a favorite of non-Bulgarians and digital nomads choosing this place as a new home base – and for good reason.

Whether you’re visiting just for a weekend or staying for a couple of months, start planning now with this list of unmissable things to do in Bansko.

Bankso, Bulgaria is one of the best cities to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners. 

1. Soak in the streets of the Old Town

Bansko’s cobblestoned Old Town is the heart of the city, with many families having lived in its typically Bulgarian houses for generations. Take a stroll through these streets and hear the echoes of centuries-old traditions and the warm, welcoming spirit of the locals. The friendly guides of Bansko Free Tour can provide a lively overview of the town and a first-hand account of what it’s like living there.

Local tip: A small river runs alongside Gotse Delchev St – making it a great spot for a relaxing promenade. Grab a smoothie at the newly opened Cherry Berry and snap a photo with the stunning Pirin Mountains as a backdrop.

2. Get a glimpse of history at a house-museum

Immerse yourself in local history by visiting the house of the revival hero Neofit Rilski; the home of beloved poet Nikola Vaptsarov; the historical complex of Radonova House; and the impressively decorated House of Velyan. These fascinating sites reflect Bansko’s rich history.

Planning tip: Stop by the Bansko Visitor Information Center to get information from the helpful staff for each site’s location, current opening hours and other recommendations in town.

3. Admire St Trinity Church

Centrally located St Trinity Church stands as a testament to Bansko’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Built in 1835, the Orthodox church features frescoes, intricate woodwork and an impressive bell tower. Come in the warmer months to spot the family of storks that nest in the belfry.

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Local tip: If you visit Bansko around Orthodox Easter, join locals in lighting a candle and walking around the church during the traditional celebrations at the midnight mass that ushers in Easter Sunday.

4. Dine at a traditional mehana…

The Bansko region is proud of its distinctive local cuisine. Many local taverns – called mehanas – serve traditional Bulgarian fare and local Bansko specialties. Take a table to dig into dishes like chomlek (veal and potato stew) and kapama (a mix of rice, sauerkraut, veal, pork and chicken, cooked in a pot). It’s hard to resist an order of Banski starets (which translates to “Bansko old man”), a dried-pork sausage served as an appetizer).

Local tip: A few favorite local mehanas are Obetsanova Мehana, Bai Kotse, Chevermeto and Valevitsata Tavern.

5. …or sample newer artisan-food and coffee spots

In recent years, Bansko has seen some wonderful artisan food and coffee places pop up. Enjoy banitsa (Bulgarian pastry) with a modern twist at Lyubanitsa, savor sourdough artisan bread at The French Guy and enjoy delicious brunch fare at Skabrin Resto Bar. For vegan buffet-style meals, head to Le Retro Hostel. And don’t miss the specialty coffee at Black Honey.

6. Enjoy winter fun on the slopes – and at the après scene, too

From mid-December through mid-April, Bansko draws downhill enthusiasts from all over Europe – and the world – with slopes that are great for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. Winter is also when all the town’s restaurants, bars, clubs are open, offering plenty of entertainment.

Local tip: We recommend a Bansko getaway toward the end of ski season, in March and especially April. Avoid the month of February if you can, as this is when it gets really busy.

7. Buy fresh local produce at the Sunday market

No matter the season, every week farmers and traders from the area bring their local produce to the buzzing Bansko Sunday market. Shoppers find fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, pickled foods, homemade honey, eggs, many dried and fresh spices, nuts, and more. A regular flea market also takes place at the same time, a few streets away.

8. Enjoy summer culture in the town square

To make Bansko a year-round destination, the municipality organizes various cultural, arts and music events outside of the ski season. The rich program features arts-and-crafts markets, an open-air cinema with summer movie nights, musical performances and more. Notable cultural and musical events on the calendar include Bansko Jazz Fest and Bansko Opera Fest in August, and Bansko Film Fest in November.

9. Ride the gondola to enjoy Banderishka Polyana in summer

In the summer, Bankso’s gondola becomes a fun attraction for both kids and adults, taking you up to the summer attractions at Banderishka Polyana. These include Europe’s longest slide (400m/1312ft), mini golf and more.

Planning tip: Don’t miss Baikusheva Mura, a 1300-year-old pine tree that lies at the end of an hour-long hike from the gondola station. You can also reach the tree by car.

10. Hit the mountain-biking trails

As you hurtle down a mountain-biking trail, you’ll discover why Bansko is a playground for action sports – especially downhill mountain biking in the summer. The local biking community maintains several exciting routes, all perfect for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the adrenaline rush as you navigate the tracks and take in the beautiful mountain scenery.

Planning tip: Take your bike on the Gondola lift during the summer months to enjoy trails that start higher up in the mountain. And you enjoy them over and over with a day or even full-summer-season pass for bikers.

11. Cowork and even co-live with fellow digital nomads

Over the last few years, fast internet connections, the affordable cost of living, a low income tax, and strong community have turned Bansko into a magnet for digital nomads. Get some work done in one of the coworking spaces – Coworking Bansko, Nestwork and Altspace. If you want fully embrace the remote lifestyle, coliving spaces catering to digital nomads include Coliving Bansko, Valentina Heights, Avalon Coliving and Nomadico.

Planning tip: A week-long festival with networking sessions, lectures and activities, the Bansko Nomad Fest at the end of June attracts more than 500 attendees from all over the world.

12. Hike the Pirin’s peaks

To truly experience what makes Bansko special, you have to hit the hiking trails in the Pirin Mountains, which offer stunning vistas of peaks, meadows and lakes. The majestic Vihren Peak is the star of every postcard, while Todorka Peak impresses with impressive views of Vihren and other high points. For the brave, Koncheto Ridge offers a challenging, adrenaline-filled adventure.

Planning tip: The summer hiking season starts in late May and early June, when the snow starts melting, and continues to October.

When most visitors arrive in County Cork, Ireland, they tend to head straight to the craggy Beara Peninsula of West Cork, with its stunning coastal views, or to the famous pubs and food markets of Cork City. Yet those who venture east of Cork City will find sights and activities aplenty – with fewer fellow visitors.

I’m a Dubliner, and this visit to East Cork was my first ever venture to the county. I left a few days later absolutely blown away by the views, the flavors and the friendliness. From stunning cliff walks and local produce markets to world-class restaurants and golf courses, East Cork entices at every bend in the road.

Before we get into the good stuff, a few things to keep in mind:

• When to arrive: Anytime, really. This itinerary is ideal for a weekend, but would work equally well midweek, when you’re likely to find fewer other tourists and quieter pubs and restaurants.

• How to get there: There’s an airport in Cork, though most visitors will be arriving by car or train.

• Getting around town: Public transport around the county is patchy, so your best bet is to rent a car to give yourself flexibility.

• Where to stay: The bigger towns and Cork City are the easiest, though most areas in the east are reachable by a short drive. If budget allows, stay at a top-of-the-line property like Castlemartyr Resort. Otherwise there are good budget hotels; An Stór Townhouse in Midleton is a good one.

• What to pack: It’s always a good idea to bring a rain jacket no matter where you go in Ireland, East Cork included. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must.

Friday

How to spend the day: Kick off the fun in Cobh, a small, hilly town by Cork’s harbor. Its charms are immediate, with colorful houses, bright storefronts and the imposing, Gothic-style St Colmans Cathedral (the tallest in Ireland) visible from nearly every part of the town. Find a path downhill, and you’ll end up at the lively seafront. Bring your walking shoes: some of the paths are steep.

Since you’ll quickly work up an appetite, get some lunch in Seasalt, a modern cafe by the coast, open seven days a week, with an ever-changing menu of sandwiches and tasty brunches, alongside incredible cakes.

There are plenty of ways to spend an afternoon in Cobh. You can grab a ferry to nearby Spike Island, the site of an old monastic settlement, later a military fortress and notorious prison. There’s also a very popular Titanic Experience. As the final port stop before the Titanic set off for the North Atlantic, 123 passengers embarked at Cobh – and the family-friendly attraction immerses you in their stories. There is also a nice walk along the water, with numerous cafes and ice cream shops.

Dinner: Try the well-known restaurant at Ballymaloe House Hotel for dinner, or the more casual Ballymaloe Cafe, both a 30-minute drive from Cobh. In Ireland, the Ballymaloe is synonymous with its renowned cookery school, as well as with a line of sauces, dressings and relishes. Local produce is the standard at the on-site restaurants.

After dark: There are numerous pubs in Cobh where you must try Cork’s very own stout: Murphy’s, which any Corkonian will tell you is far superior to Guinness. (This Dubliner wouldn’t dare to comment…while quietly recommending the alternative of Beamish, also from Cork.) We particularly recommend the cozy and traditional Rob Roy, which has live trad-music sessions, and the Roaring Donkey, a local favorite for atmosphere and live music.

Saturday

Morning: Drive to charming Midleton to stretch your legs after a night enjoying all the Cobh hospitality. An old market town, Midleton is today a lively spot with plenty of morning-meal options. Down a side street, atmospheric Montys is a good choice for brunch or lunch, with excellent and filling toasties, sandwiches and salads, along with very good coffee. It’s the perfect way to fill your stomach before setting off to taste some top-notch whiskeys.

How to spend the day: Midleton Distillery has recently renovated and updated its tour offerings. The ultra-modern operation is where each and every bottle of Jameson around the world has been distilled, along with plenty of other whiskey brands. Choose a tour depending on your level of interest. The Behind the Scenes tour gave us a deep dive into the whiskey-making process, from malting the barley to the various barrels that can be used for maturation. Expect to learn a lot about distillation techniques, flavor profiles and blending – and enjoy a few tastings.

Relax and recharge after a day of eating and drinking at the fabulous five-star Castlemartyr Resort, a massive complex with a golf course, driving range, spa, health center and numerous restaurants and bars, plus top-tier service and gorgeous rooms. Expect a restorative break from East Cork’s bustling towns – and the best of Corkonian hospitality.

Dinner: Under 10 minutes from the distillery, Roastie is the perfect spot for a fill up after trialing all those whiskeys. With incredible burgers, delicious sides and massive portions, it’s also great value.

Sunday

Morning: The Ballycotton Cliff Walk is a wonderful way to blow away the cobwebs on a Sunday morning. Beginning at the bottom of the small coastal town of Ballycotton, the walk winds around the coast, with a couple of different loops taking you inland. Expect gorgeous views of the ocean and the shore, with exposed cliffs and narrow paths. It’s also a bird trail for any twitchers on the lookout; benches interspersed along the way provide the opportunity to rest, should that be required.

How to spend the day: Local restaurant Cush serves up modern Irish dishes featuring fresh local produce, and a great view to boot. The early-bird menu is excellent value, one you can enjoy with an wine list. Check in at one of the on-site guest rooms if you’re through with your explorations for the day.

A historic seaport, Youghal (“Yawl”) is now a bustling town worth a short stop-off. The town’s history is fascinating: Sir Walter Raleigh was mayor in the 16th century; years later, rebellions and uprisings were quashed by Oliver Cromwell. The town brims with old buildings, including the Clock Gate Tower, the town walls dating from 1250 and Tynte’s Castle. Enjoy a tasty traditional pub roast in the Red Store, perfect on a Sunday afternoon.

Discover even more in East Cork

And all this is only the tip of the iceberg of East Cork. Should you have more time, there are plenty of other adventures to discover. Fota Wildlife Park near Cobh is a great choice for anyone visiting with kids. The Knockadoon Cliff Walk and Glenbower Woods both tempt anyone in search of a a quiet stroll. Those looking to stay active will love the gorgeous cycling routes around the region, with a particularly nice greenway from Midleton to Youghal.

Should you have the time and energy, it’s always worth delving further west toward the coast and craggy peninsulas, stopping off for some seafood from Kinsale and black pudding from Clonakilty en route – always making sure, or course, to enjoy the copious cozy pubs you’ll find tucked away everywhere in this stunning part of the country.

Amy Lynch traveled to Cork at the invitation of the Midleton Distillery Experience. Lonely Planet staff members do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.

Few experiences are as humbling as standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. On the border between Tibet and Nepal, Mt Everest – known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolongma (or Qomolangma) in the Sherpa or Tibetan language – tops out at nearly 9km (5.5 miles). After trekking for at least a week to reach Everest Base Camp (EBC), with the prospect of more hiking days still ahead as you descend, the sight of this mighty mountain surrounded by its high-altitude friends is as emotional as it is beautiful.

While this trek takes a lot of effort, some expense, and a solid two-week time commitment, the combination of Tibetan-influenced Sherpa culture, good trekking infrastructure and mountain scenery grander than anywhere else on earth makes this an unmissable trail. Whether you’re a first-timer to Nepal narrowing down your shortlist of possible trekking routes or a repeat visitor yet to make the pilgrimage to Base Camp, you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s what you need to know about trekking to Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Why trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal?

Mt Everest straddles the Nepal-Tibet border, but when people talk about trekking to Everest Base Camp, they almost always mean the route in Nepal. As well as having excellent infrastructure for trekkers, Nepal is more open and accessible to tourists, and from this side, the only way to reach Base Camp is on foot (or by helicopter, if you’re short on time but flush with funds). A nicely paved road leads most of the way to the mountain on the Tibetan side.

While the unobstructed views of Everest are arguably better from the Tibetan side (take it from someone who’s seen both) there’s more to this trek than just the views of the mother mountain. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable cultural experience alongside the physical challenge of one of the world’s best trekking trails. If you’re a physically active, outdoors-loving, adventurous traveler, this trek ticks all the boxes!

How long does the Everest Base Camp trek take?

The most commonly trekked route starts in Lukla, a mountain village with a tiny airstrip served by regular turboprop flights from Kathmandu. The trail meanders through Sagarmatha National Park – Nepal’s highest national park – climbing steadily to EBC before returning to Lukla. It’s an in-and-out route, rather than a circuit, and the trek typically takes 12 to 14 days. Here’s the most popular itinerary.

• Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) to Lukla (2860m/9383ft), then hike to Phakding (2610m/8562ft)

• Day 2: Hike to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286 feet)

• Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

• Day 4: Hike to Dingboche (4410m/14,468ft)

• Day 5: Hike to Tengboche (3860m/12,664ft)

• Day 6: Acclimatization day at Tengboche

• Day 7: Hike to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft)

• Day 8: Hike to EBC (5364m/17,598ft)

• Day 9: Begin the return trek by hiking to Tengboche

• Day 10: Hike to Namche Bazaar

• Day 11: Hike to Lukla

• Day 12: Return by plane from Lukla to Kathmandu

Completing the route more quickly is not recommended because of the increase in altitude. However, there are many ways to extend the trek for an extra challenge or to get away from the crowds. Here are a few options, but if you’re seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures, many trekking companies can tailor a bespoke route to suit your needs.

• Kala Patthar: Add an extra day by climbing to this viewpoint at 5644m/18,519ft before you begin the return trek to Lukla. The 360-degree views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Cho Oyu are sensational!

• Gokyo: You can detour west from EBC to the turquoise-colored Gokyo Lakes, some of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. Returning to Lukla via the village of Gokyo will add about three days to the trek and you can summit Gokyo Ri (5357m/17,575ft) for epic views.

• Pioneer’s Route: You can skip the nail-biting flight to Lukla on the old Pioneers’ Route, which climbs from Bhandar or Salleri (accessible by bus or 4WD from Kathmandu) to Lukla over six days. This was the route that early mountaineers, including Sir Edmund Hillary, took before the Lukla airstrip was built in the 1960s.

• Tumlingtar to EBC: For a quieter trek, follow the ancient trail through Makalu Barun National Park, joining the main EBC route at Lukla after about 10 days of walking. This challenging route to EBC takes about 22 days in total, starting with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.

• Three Passes: Make a circuit of the Sagarmatha National Park on the stunning Three Passes Trek – a very challenging route for experienced hikers that crosses three of the Everest region’s highest passes over about 20 days, starting on the main EBC trail.

What to expect on the trek

If this is your first trek in Nepal, EBC is a great route to start with as the infrastructure is good and the views can’t be beaten, but it’s not entirely typical of Nepal’s trekking routes – many trails are much more rugged, with simpler accommodation, more basic food, more challenging paths, and far fewer travelers. If you’ve trekked elsewhere in Nepal, you may be surprised by how busy the EBC route is – those photos of human traffic jams on Everest were taken at bottlenecks on the mountaineering route to the summit, but even lower down the mountain, there are plenty of people around.

Expect to spend three to eight hours per day walking along well-maintained trails, though the number of hours walked each day typically decreases as you ascend. You’ll pass through forests, trace the path of the tumbling Dudh Kosi River, and cross some dizzying swing bridges, before reaching the horseshoe-shaped hill town of Namche Bazaar – the largest settlement in Solukhumbu, the local name for the Everest region.

After Namche, the landscape becomes rockier, and the mountain peaks feel much closer. Along the way, you’ll pass Buddhist monasteries such as Tengboche, stupas, prayer wheels, and walls of ceremonial mani stones bearing Tibetan inscriptions, as well as the school founded by Sir Edmund Hillary at Khumjung, and a small museum where you can see what some locals believe is a “real” yeti skull.

The trail boasts a wide range of accommodations, especially on the first few days of the trek. As well as budget-friendly teahouses (simple lodges with restaurants offering rooms with shared bathrooms), there are some luxury lodges with artful decor and gourmet meals. Mountain Lodges of Nepal and Everest Summit Lodges offer high-quality accommodation at matching prices.

While more upmarket lodges have reasonable bathroom facilities, don’t expect long, hot showers every morning. Your daily washing routine is more likely to involve a bucket of warmed water (if you’re lucky!) and a washcloth. While walking the trails, toilets are limited; use facilities at lunch or tea stops. Facilities range from rare Western-style sit-down toilets to Asian-style squat toilets and literal holes in the ground. Keep your toilet paper and soap on hand, and be mindful of limited water supplies.

Is the Everest Base Camp trek hard?

The two-week trek to EBC requires stamina but not superhuman powers. Many older kids manage it, for example, but you’ll find it easier if you’re reasonably fit and have some experience of multi-day mountain trekking. If you’ve never hiked in your life, you may struggle, but if you have a regular workout routine of some kind, you’ll probably do fine. Pre-trek gym-based or outdoor training is a good idea.

Lukla – the most common starting point for the trek – sits at 2860m (9383ft), and you’ll climb to 5364m (17,598ft) at base camp, The trek gets harder the higher you go because the air gets thinner and the temperatures colder, especially at night. The trail is steep in places, and some of the earlier days are relentlessly uphill, such as the climb from Phakding to Namche Bazaar at 3440m (11,286ft) on day two of the hike.

• Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) to Lukla (2860m/9383ft), then hike to Phakding (2610m/8562ft)

• Day 2: Hike to Namche Bazaar (3440m/11,286 feet)

• Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar

• Day 4: Hike to Dingboche (4410m/14,468ft)

• Day 5: Hike to Tengboche (3860m/12,664ft)

• Day 6: Acclimatization day at Tengboche

• Day 7: Hike to Lobuche (4940m/16,207ft)

• Day 8: Hike to EBC (5364m/17,598ft)

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk on any trek above 2500m (8202ft). To give your body time to adjust, acclimatization days are essential, and guides will build these stops into the schedule. Some people start to feel the effects of altitude above 3000m (9800ft), and by 4000m (13,100ft), almost everyone will have an elevated heart rate, faster breathing, and maybe a headache and difficulty sleeping.

Some people adjust quickly to altitude, but others don’t. While everybody responds to altitude differently and there’s no guarantee a fit traveler will withstand altitude better than their out-of-shape friend, the overall experience tends to be easier if you’re fit and healthy.

Medications such as Diamox (Acetazolamide) are available in Kathmandu (or at home) to help reduce mild symptoms as you adjust to the altitude, but it’s important to be alert for more serious warning signs of AMS. If you feel unwell, descend immediately to a lower elevation – mountain sickness can be deadly.

Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp

The peak seasons for trekking in Nepal are from October to November, and March to May. These are the busiest times to trek to Everest Base Camp but also the best times to go for fine weather. The season for mountaineering ascents of Everest is the spring – while climbing and trekking are not the same thing, the trails will be more crowded at this time as mountaineering groups also trek to EBC.

During the monsoon season from June to September, trails can be slippery, visibility poor, and flights into and out of Lukla are often delayed or canceled. Winter (December–February) is not necessarily a bad time to trek, but you’ll need to be well-prepared for the cold. Not all tour operators offer treks in winter and many businesses on the trail close, but those who hit the trails can enjoy an uncrowded experience.

Practicalities for the trek to Everest Base Camp

As of April 2023, foreign trekkers in Nepal must be accompanied by a guide on routes through the Everest region. This increases the cost, as prices vary depending on group size, quality of accommodation and the season, but it simplifies planning.

You can join a group trek arranged through a trekking agency, or trek independently with a Nepali guide. Some top Nepali-run tour companies include Kathmandu-based Royal Mountain Travel, social enterprise Beyond the Clouds Travel and private tour specialist LaMa Walks. Solo women may like to trek with a female guide – 3Sisters Adventure Trekking trains and employs Nepali women as guides.

Prices for guided treks typically include return flights between Kathmandu and Lukla, trekking permits and national park fees, hotel or teahouse accommodation, and porters (and sometimes pack animals). Cheaper tours may require you to pay for some things as you go – for example, food at teahouses – so these trips don’t always work out cheaper than all-inclusive tours. Food costs are high in the Everest region compared to Nepal’s cities, as almost everything needs to be carried in by porters.

Permits and paperwork

As well as arranging a guide, trekkers need to register for a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, administered by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN). You’ll also need to pay the entry fees for Sagarmatha National Park. Both can be arranged at the Tourist Service Center at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. Nowadays, most guided tour companies take care of all your paperwork for trekking in Nepal.

An Everest Base Camp packing list

When packing for your trek, consider whether you’ll be trekking with a porter, as there are often restrictions on how much weight they will carry. This is different from a guide, who will show you the way but won’t carry your stuff. Also consider the quality of accommodation, as this will affect what you need to carry to stay warm overnight. If you leave home without something, you should be able to pick it up in Thamel (Kathmandu’s main tourist district) before you start your trek.

Trekking poles should be considered an essential piece of kit, and they can be bought inexpensively in Kathmandu. It’s easy to spot first-time trekkers in Nepal as they’re usually the ones without poles; second-timers don’t make that mistake! Here’s a basic list of other things to pack:

• Sleeping bag/bag liner (but check what is included on any organized trek)

• Lightweight down jacket (or equivalent)

• Waterproof jacket or a poncho

• Merino wool or polypropylene base layers

• Hiking boots – already broken in, not purchased in Kathmandu – and hiking socks

• Clothing to wear overnight, such as a tracksuit

• Quick-drying underwear that you can handwash on acclimatization days

• A warm hat and a sunhat

• Sunglasses

• Personal medications and first-aid items (guides normally carry the basics)

• Sunscreen

• Hand sanitizer and biodegradable wet wipes

• Bar or liquid soap

• Toothpaste and a toothbrush

• Toilet rolls or tissue packets

• Nail clippers and blister treatment, such as sticking plasters and antiseptic ointment

Up at the north end of Texas, Dallas is not quite the gulf, not quite the plains, and not quite the southwest, but it’s within easy driving distance of all three. In three hours or less, you can visit dynamic Texas university towns, go antiquing in quirky stores, sip your way from vineyard to vineyard, meet mammoths and walk beside dinosaur footprints and breathe in the fresh air of the Texas hill country.

If you’re looking to escape the Metroplex, fire up your best road trip playlist, because these are the best day trips from Dallas.

1. Find cattle and culture in Fort Worth, Texas

Travel time: 30 minutes

Sportswriter Dan Jenkins once said, “If you want to see Texas, come to Fort Worth.” The city’s cowboy flavor, friendliness and laid-back vibe haven’t diminished over the years, even as the physical boundaries between the fringes of Fort Worth and Dallas have blurred. Start your sampling platter of all things western over at the Stockyards, Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the National Cowgirl Museum, and watch the daily bovine parade of the Fort Worth Herd.

For a more international outlook, you can see works of art from around the rest of the world at Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. For even more art with a more regional vibe (this is Remington’s home turf, after all) head to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Sid Richardson Museum.

How to get to Fort Worth: Fort Worth is just a 30-minute drive from Dallas on I-30 W, but you can also take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter train (one hour), making this one of the easiest day trips on this list if you prefer not to drive.

2. Splash in the clear waters in Caddo, Texas

Travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes

Immortalized in the 1994 single of the same name by the Dallas band, Toadies, Possum Kingdom State Park is a perennial favorite escape for Dallas citizens looking to spend a day at the lake, go for a hike, or spend the weekend camping in calm, green surroundings. There’s even a golf course and water warm that’s clear enough to attract snorkelers and divers in summer, plus fishers and kayakers year-round.

How to get to Possum Kingdom State Park: It’s a two-and-a-half-hour road trip to Possum Kingdom from Dallas; there’s no public transport.

3. See museums and mammoths in Waco, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Put memories of the town’s notorious 1993 siege to the back of your mind – locals celebrate Waco as the final resting place of wooly mammoths, the birthplace of Dr Pepper soda pop, and the hometown of Baylor University. Halfway between Dallas and Austin, Waco blends a little of Austin’s quirk and Dallas’ swagger, and there’s plenty here to fill up a day trip.

Waco is packed with great places to visit. From Waco Mammoth National Monument to the Dr Pepper Museum to darker attractions like the Site of the Branch Davidian Compound, there’s a lot of history to soak up here. Sports fans will enjoy the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum. 

How to get to Waco: Waco is an hour and a half from Dallas on I-35E and I-35 S, or you can take the Greyhound bus (2½ hours).

4. Tune into musical heritage in Denton, Texas

Travel time: 45 minutes

If you love the bands Bowling For Soup and Parquet Courts, musicians Sly Stone, Meat Loaf, Don Henley, and Roy Orbison, you’ll love Denton, Texas. This small college town north of Dallas may not be as recognized as its Georgia cousin, Athens, but it is just as deeply knit into pop culture thanks to the University of North Texas College of Music.

Come up for toe-tapping events like the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, or enjoy the regular live shows in venues such as Dan’s Silver Leaf and Abbey Underground. 

How to get to Denton: Denton is 45 minutes to an hour from Dallas depending on traffic, straight up I-35E. You can also get here on the A-Train from Dallas, but first, you’ll need to take the DART light rail Green Line train to Trinity Mills Station; allow 90 minutes for the journey.

5. Walk with dinos in Glen Rose, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Millions of years ago, an Acrocanthosaurus stomped across this part of the prairie, which was then the soft soil of a shallow beach. You can still see its footprints in the bed of the Paluxy River at Dinosaur Valley State Park. There are also twenty miles of trails to explore on foot or by horseback, plus geocaching opportunities and campsites.

Kids will especially love the statues of a Tyrannosaurus Rex and a Brontosaurus that were once mascots for the Sinclair Oil company, founded nearby Glen Rose. Today, the dinos are classic roadside kitsch greeting visitors on arrival at the park.

How to get to Dinosaur Valley State Park: Dinosaur Valley State Park is an hour and a half southwest of Dallas via US-67 S; there are no public transport options.

6. Sip your way along the Piney Woods Wine Trail in Tyler, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Okay, it’s not Napa, Sonoma or the Willamette Valley – not yet, anyway – but the wineries of east Texas are growing in number and popularity. The climate in this part of the state has historically been a little warm and wet for grape growing. However, agricultural scientists at major research universities and other institutions have been learning new ways to practice viticulture here. New wineries are opening every year along the Piney Woods Wine Trail.

That means Dallasites can enjoy visits to wine country in their own backyard. The trail is made up of twenty East Texas wineries running from Nacogdoches to Naples – coming with a car and a designated driver is the best way to explore.

How to get to the Piney Woods Wine Trail: Many of the wineries on the Piney Woods Trail are centered around Tyler, Texas, which is an hour and a half from Dallas on I-20 E.

7. Seek antique treasure in Canton, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour

Thousands of antique hounds gravitate to this small Texas town on the first Monday of each month for Canton First Monday Trade Days, a sprawling 100-acre flea market that draws vendors from all over. Even if you don’t come for First Monday, plenty of crafts and homeware shops are open beyond the flea market, including the Canton Dish Barn, the Paul Michael Company and Canton Marketplace. Fuel up at Buttermilk’s and start pickin’.

How to get to Canton: Canton sits just under an hour east of Dallas via US-80 E and I-20 E.

8. Catch the energetic college vibe in Austin, Texas

Travel time: 3 hours

Cultured, fun-filled Austin is an easy city break, even if you’re just staying for the day. Austin has retained much of its college town indie cred despite increasing gentrification and the attention of the tech industry, thanks to the influence of the world-famous South by Southwest tech festival.

This is still a place where you can spend a mellow afternoon admiring street art and enjoying alt cinema. Grab brunch at Elizabeth Street Cafe, check out local outsider art at the Cathedral of Junk, get a taste of the culture at SouthPop, see a concert at the Broken Spoke, and soak in the fresh waters of Barton Springs Pool if you come on a hot day in summer. 

How to get to Austin: I-35 E will get you to Austin from Dallas in three hours, though Greyhound bus routes and an Amtrak route will also do the job – allow four hours by bus or more than six by train. With the distance and Austin’s abundant nightlife, stopping over for the night is a sensible decision.

9. Browse museums on every subject in Norman, Oklahoma

Travel time: 3 hours

Austin and Denton don’t have a monopoly on the chill college atmosphere near Dallas. Norman, Oklahoma is three hours away – making it a bit of a stretch for a day trip – but this is Texas, where long drives are the norm (pun intended), and the Texas Long Horns’ college football rivals, the Sooners, are here at the University of Oklahoma.

The university is also responsible for Norman’s youthful, colorful energy and array of museums, restaurants, bars and public events. For excellent art and nature displays, visit the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and the Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art. Meanwhile, weather nerds will enjoy the National Weather Center and politics wonks will love the Julian P Kanter Political Commercial Archive.

How to get to Norman: Norman is about three hours north of Dallas on I-35. It’s a long drive for a day trip, so consider stopping over for a night.

10. Bask in the green gardens of Shreveport, Louisiana

Travel time: 3 hours

Casinos beckon in Shreveport, Louisiana, but so do a bounty of gardens built in the good years of the city’s dramatic 20th-century boom and bust cycle. Some of the nicest of these green spaces include the American Rose Center and RW Norton Art Gallery – the latter of which not only features rare books and works by Frederic Remington and Charles M Russell, but also sets its collection in a sprawling 40-acre oasis.

Other fun, less botanical museums that are great for all ages include the Shreveport Water Works Museum, Louisiana State Exhibit Museum and the family-friendly Sci-Port Discovery Center. 

How to get to Shreveport: It’s just under three hours to Shreveport from Dallas via I-20 E; the journey takes around the same time by bus.

11. Enjoy antique-hunting and pie-eating in Round Top, Texas

Travel time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Round Top has long been a favorite of antique hunters. It has lately attracted the attention of travel influencers with its abundance of airy, monochrome vacation rentals primed and ready for Instagram. This tiny town is overflowing with boutiques, artist studios, and vintage emporiums selling antiques and bric-a-brac. Head to Henkel Square for a blend of vintage architecture and unbeatable shopping.

When you get hungry, get some pie at Royers Pie Haven or Royer’s Round Top Cafe. Just be sure to check if the day you’re hoping to drive down is one of two annual Antique Weeks when Round Top will be flooded with 15,000 pickers, meaning a rush for accommodation and parking space.

How to get to Round Top Texas: Although it’s not far east of Austin, it’ll take three and a half hours to get to Round Top from Dallas, since you need to transfer from I-25 E to the slower US-77 S partway.

12. Paddle beneath a bald cypress in Caddo, Louisiana

Travel time: 3 hours

Caddo Lake State Park is one of the many great Texas state parks located on the border between the Lone Star State and Louisiana. The park is best known for its towering bald cypress trees, whose wide, gnarly roots rise out of the water of this swampy lake.

Paddling and fishing are popular activities at this park, but there are also hiking trails and campgrounds to enjoy.

How to get to Caddo Lake State Park: To get to Caddo, take I-20 east out of Dallas.

13. Experience the arts and soak in nature in Wichita Falls, Texas

Travel time: 2 hours

Called the “Gateway to Texas,” Wichita Falls is a small city bordering Oklahoma. One of the best day trips from Dallas in North Texas, the city is home to a thriving arts scene and beautiful historic architecture in the charming downtown area.

On the nature side, Lucy Park is a must-visit. Situated on a bend in the Wichita River, this 178-acre regional park is home to shaded picnic areas, walking trails and the impressive River Bend Nature Center. The center’s crowning feature is the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This 7,000-square-foot glass structure houses prairie grasses, shrubs, trees, wildflowers, and other plants native to the rolling plains.

How to get to Wichita Falls: At just two hours away by car, Wichita Falls is an easy day trip from Dallas. Take Texas 121 TEXpress to Fort Worth and US-287 N.

14. Cast a line in Denison, Texas

Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Denison is one of the small cities on the shores of Lake Texoma. Located partway between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States. Its proximity to both cities is likely why the lake attracts more than six million visitors a year. While parts of the lake are in Texas, most of the shoreline is in Oklahoma.

Fishing and boating are the lake’s main draws, but quieter outdoor activities, like paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and hiking, are also popular. Lake Texoma State Park and Eisenhower State Park are located on the lake’s shorelines and are great spots to camp, hike, picnic or fish. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent one from the many marinas on the lake.

How to get to Lake Texoma: North Hwy 75 will take you straight to Denison, one of several small cities and towns on the shores of the lake. 

15. See the state’s biggest waterfall in Davis, Oklahoma

Travel time: 2 hours

Another destination between Oklahoma City and Dallas is Davis, Oklahoma. The town’s most popular destination is Turner Falls Park. This 1,500-acre park has a distinctive geography, with small canyons that pit the forested landscape. These canyons culminate in a waterfall, the park’s main attraction. At 77 feet high, it’s Oklahoma’s largest waterfall. At the bottom, blue-green water forms a natural swimming pool that rivals the view of the falls in popularity.

The falls and swimming pool have been attracting visitors since the 1860s. You can even visit the ruins of a castle built on the property in the 1930s. Besides swimming, the park also has several hiking trails. Ice forms around the waterfall in the winter, making for some incredible photos.

How to get to Davis: Traveling through North Texas, Davis is located just over the border into Oklahoma, just two hours from Dallas. After taking I-35E N out of Dallas, hop on US-77 N, which leads straight into Davis.

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There’s a profusion of exciting things to see in the city of Stockholm. And once you expand your radius from Gamla Stan, you can add country palaces, windswept islets, dynamic towns and Viking culture to the mix, via easy day trips.

The Stockholm region is easy to drive around and even easier to explore on public transport. Conveniently, SL Travelcards allow unlimited travel on all buses and local trains in the area, making exploring the region a seamless breeze.

From Drottningholm Slott to Vaxholm in the Stockholm Archipelago, here are the best day trips from Sweden’s capital city.

1. Immerse yourself in Swedish history at Uppsala and Gamla Uppsala

Travel time: 40 minutes to 1 hour each way

A lively college town that’s rich in history, Uppsala is one of Sweden’s oldest cities, dating back to the 3rd century. It’s also next-door to one of the most important pre-Viking sites in the country.

The city’s 40,000 students create a youthful buzz that’s you’ll quickly feel in the numerous stylish-but-unpretentious cafes and bars. Cobblestone pathways thronged with bicycles lead to the banks of the river Fyris, which flows through the center of town. A squat, pink castle tops a hill above, with a royal garden stretching out below. Budding scientists will enjoy the Linnémuseet and adjoining botanical garden, a replica of famed botanist Carl von Linné’s workspace. History buffs will have plenty to absorb, starting with the treasure-filled Museum Gustavianum or the skyline-defining Domkyrka (Cathedral). But the big draw is Gamla (Old) Uppsala, just up the road.

A gorgeous, 2.5-mile (4km) bike ride north, this fascinating archaeological site was once a flourishing 6th-century religious center where – allegedly – human sacrifices took place. Its 300 mounds from the 6th to 12th centuries make it one of Sweden’s largest and most important ancient burial sites. You can learn more in the adjoining Gamla Uppsala Museum, or wander on your own, reading the informative plaques throughout the site.

If you feel like a strolling or cycling further, Eriksleden is a 3.75-mile (6km) “pilgrims path” between the cathedral in Uppsala and the church in Gamla Uppsala. Its namesake, Erik the Holy, become King of Sweden around 1150 – until the Danes beheaded him 10 years later. The story is that his head rolled down the hill; where it stopped a spring rose up. The main trail also provides access to a ridged wilderness hiking area called Tunåsen, with a panoramic viewpoint (follow signs along Eriksleden just south of Gamla Uppsala to “Utsiktsleden”).

How to get there from Stockholm:

SL commuter trains run frequently (every 30 minutes or more) from Stockholm’s Central Station and City Station to Uppsala’s central station, taking 40 minutes to an hour. Bus 801 goes frequently from Stockholm Cityterminalen to Uppsala station via Arlanda Airport in about 45 minutes. Buses for Gamla Uppsala leave from Stora Torget in central Uppsala.

3. Get the royal experience at Drottningholm Slott

Travel time: about 1 hour each way

The grand 17th-century palace of Drottningholm is home to the royal family for part of the year – and open for informative, 1-hour guided tours for visitors all year long (in English three times daily from June to August, and on weekends for the rest of year).

The tour will take you through the highly ornamented State Bedchamber of Hedvig Eleonora, with its opulent baroque interior (it’s the envy of everyone on Pinterest). The library of Lovisa Ulrika is a bright and impressive room, with most of its original 18th-century fittings intact (even if most of her 2000 books have been moved to the Royal Library in Stockholm for safekeeping).

Completed in 1766, the royal Slottsteater is in a remarkable state of preservation. Performances held here in summer still use the original 18th-century machinery to create dramatic effects (the wind machine is particularly impressive). At the far end of the royal gardens, Kina Slott is a lavishly decorated Chinese pavilion that features some of the finest rococo chinoiserie interiors in Europe.

The palace grounds are open for individual roaming, with the geometric gardens, set at an angle for maximum impact, worth the trip all by themselves.

How to get there from Stockholm:

Take the tunnelbana (metro) to Brommaplan, then change to the bus to Drottningholm. There’s also a well-marked bicycle path from the center of Stockholm to the palace (13km / 8 miles). In summer, regular boat services leave for Drottningholm from Stadshuskajen.

4. Discover Viking history at Birka

Travel time: 2 hours each way

On the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren, the historic Viking trading center of Birka makes for memorable day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site was founded around 760 CE to expand and control trade in the region. While not much remains today (other than a cemetery with some 3000 graves – and a beautiful Swedish island), the fun in visiting here is imagining the place bustling with traders and craftspeople centuries ago. The site also contains excavated remains of a defensive fort and the harbor.

If your imagination needs jump-starting, visit the superb Birka Museum, where exhibits include artifacts from the excavations, copies of the most impressive objects uncovered and a scale model of the village as it would have looked in Viking times.

How to get there from Stockholm:

Strömma Kanalbolaget runs round-trip cruises to Birka from Stadshusbron in central Stockholm. Since the trip takes 2 hours each way (the boat ride is glorious), plan on a full-day outing. Cruise prices include museum admission and a guided tour in English of the settlement’s burial mounds and fortifications.

America’s oldest national park, Yellowstone has been captivating visitors since the 1870s. Lofty mountain peaks, thundering waterfalls and abundant wildlife are all big draws of this 3471-square-mile park, but even more extraordinary are Yellowstone’s geothermal features. This is the land of boiling geysers, gurgling mud pools and steaming lakes. Traveling in this remote corner of northwestern Wyoming can sometimes feel like exploring another planet.

When should I go to Yellowstone?

Most people plan a trip during the summer season, from June to early September. This is when all of the roads, campgrounds and trails are open (though snow is still possible at higher elevations through early July). Unfortunately, it’s also a very busy time with congested roads and sizable crowds at key destinations (like Old Faithful).

You can beat the crowds and higher accommodation prices by coming just before or after the high season (May or October). For a different perspective on Yellowstone, visit during the winter when access is generally by special snow coach (buses with huge snow tires). Several lodges in the park stay open in the winter, and you can arrange tours by ski and snowshoe.

How much time should I spend in Yellowstone?

With five far-flung entrances, Yellowstone is enormous, and you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to see and do. If you have only a long weekend, spend your first day on the west side of the park, where you’ll find the most impressive geothermal features – like Old Faithful, Norris Geyser Basin and Mammoth Terraces.

On day two, head east to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, then have a look at scenic Yellowstone Lake – particularly the area around West Thumb, which also has geysers and bubbling hot springs.

If you have four days to spare, you can also fit in some wildlife watching in the Lamar Valley, squeeze in a challenging hike or two and not have to rush your time at park visitor centers. Park-run museums near Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone give insight into the park’s natural history, its wildlife and the geological forces at work deep beneath the earth’s surface.

Is it easy to get in and around Yellowstone?

The main gateway airports are in Jackson (56 miles), Bozeman (65 miles) and Billings (129 miles). There’s also the tiny West Yellowstone airport, though it has limited and pricey summer services. Once you fly in, you’ll need to rent a car as there is no bus service available in the park.

With lots of cars on park roads, you’ll need to plan carefully: head out early to your top destination of the day to avoid traffic snarls, and pack plenty of patience. Traffic jams are often caused by bison, who sometimes decide they want to take a stroll right down the middle of the road. Just remember that this is their land, and we’re the interlopers. You’ll simply have to wait until they move safely out of the way.

Top things to do in Yellowstone

The star of Yellowstone is Old Faithful, so named for its regular eruptions, which typically happen every 90 minutes. There are many fine vantage points for seeing the thundering geyser, including the observation deck of the Old Faithful Inn, where you can purchase a cold drink (Old Faithful Ale naturally) while enjoying nature’s finest show. Afterwards, you can explore the Geyser Basin, which is packed with geothermal wonders.

A nearby must-see is the Grand Prismatic Spring with its psychedelic hues. Take the easy-going boardwalk loop, but for a better perspective be sure to also take the short hike up the Fairy Trail to the overlook above the spring.

The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is another spectacular site that should figure high on any itinerary. The dramatic canyon snakes for some 20 miles, and its fairly steep walls boast a range of colors in subtle shades of orange, pink and auburn. Several waterfalls thunder through canyon: Head to the Brink of the Lower Falls to stand just above the roaring cascade, then lose the crowds by taking a hike along the North Rim, where you’ll enjoy some sweeping views of the falls as you walk through the forests beyond the canyon’s edge.

Most visitors stick to the boardwalk trails, but if you’re eager to see the backcountry, you’ll have plenty of options among the park’s 1000 miles of trails. For bragging rights, make the climb up Mt Washburn, which sits at an elevation of 10,219 feet. The 6.8-mile roundtrip takes you to an overlook with 360-degree views, and there’s a good chance of spotting wildflowers and bighorn sheep along the way.

My favorite thing to do in Yellowstone

I love to rise early and head to the Lamar Valley. Sometimes referred to as the Serengeti of the US, the Lamar Valley is home to some of the largest herds of bison and elk in North America. Just after sunrise, the wildlife-watching is at its best, and there’s a good possibility of seeing not just the big ungulates, but also pronghorn (North America’s fastest land animal), moose and bighorn sheep. On lucky days, I’ll even see wolf packs, which come to hunt the elk – their favorite prey.

How much money do I need for Yellowstone?

Unless you’re camping, you’ll need a decent budget to properly experience Yellowstone. In-park lodging soars during the short summer season, and the limited accommodation options at nearby towns also get pricey then. You’ll need to factor in the cost of car rental and fuel as well, since it’s not practical to explore the park without a vehicle (unless you’re coming in the winter). If you’re willing to rough it a bit, a small two-person cabins without bathrooms start at $150 per night.

Some average daily costs are as follows:

Bears and hiking

When hiking in grizzly country, stay alert and make plenty of noise – and avoid hiking alone. Never hike before dawn or after dusk. If you encounter a bear at close range, don’t run. Instead, back away slowly. If it charges, deploy your bear spray.

Bear spray?

Indeed, you should never hike in Yellowstone without carrying bear spray and keeping it within easy reach (on your belt, not buried in your backpack). Purchase a canister when you arrive (you can’t transport it on planes). It’s available at many stores, including within the national park. For a quick overview on using bear spray, read more here.

Leave the fuzzy cows alone

In truth, bears aren’t the most lethal creatures in Yellowstone. More people have been injured or killed by bison. Never approach bison or other wildlife, and give ample space to these seemingly docile creatures, who will charge if they feel threatened.

Geothermal hazards

Stay on the trail when hiking, and don’t stray from the boardwalk when visiting geothermal areas. Ignoring these warning signs can land you in a lot of trouble with the law (as actor Pierce Brosnan discovered earlier this year), not to mention you could be seriously hurt if you fall into a boiling spring or a steam vent.

Packing tips

Even on a cloudless summer day, it’s wise to pack a waterproof shell jacket and a knit cap. Wear layers that you can peel off as needed. The mountain weather is ever changeable, so always be prepared for the rain and cold.

Wildlife-watching etiquette

If you see something from the road and want to have a look, don’t park in the road and block traffic. Use pullouts and make sure your wheels are all the way off the main road when parking.

In Western Washington, fall comes hard and fast and seemingly overnight. As a born-and-raised Washingtonian, I know all too well how the first cool day sparks the desire for crisp late-morning hikes, quaint seaside towns and, if you’re like me, the need to experience the Twilight movies for yourself. Trust me, a trip west to the Olympic Peninsula can easily achieve your fall dreams.

When people think of “Washington”, many are thinking of the Olympic Peninsula: rugged beaches, forests so lush and green, and towering mountains surrounding you. If you want to feel the full Pacific Northwest experience, head here.

When to arrive: September through late October is ideal for fall foliage and weather. But you can go any time of the year; just be prepared for colder temperatures and rain. Locals don’t shy away from soggy adventures – neither should you! Do be aware that in winter it can be very snowy at higher elevations, and certain sites like Hurricane Ridge will be challenging to visit.

How to get from the airport: Fly into SeaTac airport and pick up a rental car before driving to the Peninsula.

Getting around: Cars are necessary in Washington, and outside of Seattle, it is hard to get anywhere without them. Expect few rideshare options like Lyft and Uber outside of major cities.

Where to stay: This begs the question: how hardcore PNW you are trying to be? If camping is what you are after, the Olympic National Park is jam-packed with camping opportunities. Hoh River campsite is a personal favorite. If you prefer a romantic boutique hotel, instead try the Palace Hotel in Port Townsend and Misty Valley Inn in Forks.

What to pack: The weather can be very unpredictable during fall, so pack layers and rain gear. Boots are a must. Umbrellas in the PNW are a no-no as rain tends to be more of a light mist. When it does rain hard, it’s generally accompanied by strong winds, which makes an umbrella useless. A waterproof jacket with a hood is the way to go.

Friday

Morning: Welcome to the stunning Pacific Northwest. Today, we are diving in head first. Whether you fly into Seattle or are driving, make sure to start early. Our first stop is Forks, Washington. Not only will you have the chance to indulge in a little Twilight, but it’s also the perfect place to get a true feel for the region. Forks is famous for being the rainiest town in the contiguous United States.

Begin your day by heading into town to grab a quick coffee and pastry from A Shot in the Dark. If you prefer a sit-down meal, The In Place is a solid option for traditional diner food. It is important to note that the Olympic Peninsula is known for its nature, not its food, so cooking is always a good alternative.

How to spend the day: After breakfast, head over to view the Forever Twilight in Forks Collection. This local museum features original outfits and paraphernalia from the Twilight movies, and – a bonus – it’s free!

After browsing the museum, you can stop at the Forks Visitor Center to see Bella Swan’s iconic truck. If Twilight isn’t for you, opt for the Forks Timber Museum. Once the logging capital of the world, the museum delves into the history of the logging industry in Forks (entry is $5).

After some history, hit the beach. Whether you love the vampire franchise or not, La Push First Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a crisp afternoon and the Pacific Ocean. First Beach is accessible by car and is a popular surfing spot. It’s located on the Quileute Nation, so please be respectful of their land and community. Read up on the history of the Quileute people before you visit.

If you want to get a hike in, opt for Second Beach or Third Beach instead. Second Beach features a 2-mile trek through the forest, while Third Beach is slightly shorter at 1.3 miles. Each beach has stunning views and rock formations that are completely worth the extra effort. Note that to enter La Push First Beach, you need to purchase a National Park pass. You do not need a pass for Second or Third Beach.

If you have time, you can take an hour-long drive to Cape Flattery, which is the farthest Northwest point in the United States.

Dinner: Depending on where you stay, grab dinner at your hotel or enjoy burgers and shakes from Sully’s Drive-in in Forks. Stay at the cozy bed and breakfast, Misty Valley Inn or in the oceanfront cabins on First Beach at Quileute Oceanside Resort. You can also choose to camp along the La Push beaches or at Hoh Rainforest to cut out driving time tomorrow.

Tip: Purchasing a National Park Pass which lasts seven days ($30) will give you access to La Push, Hoh Rainforest and more.

Saturday

Morning: Today, we start bright and early to venture into Olympic National Park. During autumn, the busy season will slow down as the rain starts to fall more regularly, but hitting the trails early is still the best way to avoid crowds.

From Forks, head one hour to Hoh Rainforest. You can grab breakfast at The Hard Rain Cafe along your way. Make sure to explore the Hall of Mosses during your time in the rainforest. Due to the region’s heavy rainfall, moss knows no bounds and has taken over the area in a truly captivating way. The trail is an easy 0.8-mile loop and an unmissable stop.

How to spend the day: Next, get back on the road and head for the Salt Creek recreation area. The two-hour drive is as beautiful as the destination. At Salt Creek, enjoy a laid-back afternoon, taking in the sea breeze. A number of hikes line the shoreline, plus at low tide, it makes for a great spot to explore the tide pools and spot various sea critters.

Afterward, head into Port Angeles for lunch. If you want to continue on the Twilight theme, try Bella Italia, which fans will remember from Edward and Bella’s first date. You can even sample the mushroom ravioli that Bella enjoyed. Alternatively, try Grayson’s for mouth-watering chicken sandwiches and the best breakfast burrito around.

After lunch, wrap up the day of nature with a visit to Hurricane Ridge. The drive to the top is fantastic, with views of Port Angeles, the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. If you want to stretch your legs, the Hurricane Hill hike is only a 3.2-mile round trip and provides similar panoramic views.

Dinner: This will depend heavily on where you are hoping to stay. If you are pitching a tent – roast weenies over a fire. If you are in Port Angeles, try Thai food from Jasmine Bistro. Lodging in Port Angeles is limited, with Redlion Hotel being the main option. For a higher-end experience outside of town, try Lake Crescent Lodge, which offers a tranquil respite. Or, if you want to embrace the outdoors, Crescent Beach and Salt Creek both feature fantastic campsites.

Sunday

Morning: For a slower morning, head over to Chestnut Cottage for a sit-down breakfast in Port Angeles or stop by Oak Table in Sequim, a local favorite. Continue east to Port Townsend for the final day of your Olympic Penisula adventure. This small seaside town is famous for its Victorian architecture and eclectic art scene. If you didn’t grab breakfast in Port Angeles, stop by Pane d’Amore Artisan Bakery for fresh baked goods and a coffee before exploring downtown.

How to spend the day: Stop by the Port Townsend Antique Mall to trinket hunt before a visit to Imprint Bookstore. This locally owned shop not only stocks the best sellers but also works by local writers. For lunch, grab a slice or two of pizza from long-time staple, Waterfront Pizza, before heading down to the water for a relaxing lunch with a view. Catch views of the various Puget Sound Islands and watch ships come in and out of port.

In the afternoon, venture out to Fort Worden (note: you will need to purchase a one-day State Park Discover Pass for $10). This expansive historic state park is chock-full of stunning views of the Puget Sound and miles of hiking routes. Tour the Commanding Officers Quarters Museum to take in some history before exploring the beach or hitting the trails. You can also visit the Point Wilson Lighthouse.

If you are feeling sore, have met your limit of outdoor activities, or the rain won’t let up, stop by Soak and Sauna for a chance to relax and unwind after your adventure.

Dinner: End your day with a decadent meal at Finistere, Port Townsend’s go-to place for stellar French-inspired cuisine. Continue your journey east back to Seattle or stay overnight at the Palace Hotel for Victorian architecture. There is also ample camping opportunity at Fort Worden park.

With 2876 miles of coastline, hemmed by beaches and barrier islands, South Carolina is a dream for seekers of sun, sea, sand, and, yes, even solitude. Whether you’re looking for silent strolling, family fun, or a spring break vibe, you’ll find a beach in the Palmetto State that ticks the right boxes.

South Carolina entices visitors with cool, sparkling Atlantic waters and broad, sandy beaches that hide dazzling seashells and fossils (including fossilized teeth of the prehistoric shark Megalodon). You can admire the wildlife, dive deep into history, enjoy water sports, and dine, shop and enjoy the spa life in the best beach resorts in the Lowcountry.

Each of South Carolina’s beaches has its own vibe, and many are just a short drive from Charleston, a nostalgic nexus of southern charm. Consider South Carolina for your next beach vacation for memories that will last a lifetime; here are the state’s top beaches.

1. Folly Beach

Best beach for surf town vibes

Just south of Charleston, Folly Island has the Atlantic Ocean right outside the front door and the Folly River right out back. Eons of interaction between these two bodies of water created the six miles of broad sandy beaches that ring the island – great spots to surf and boogie board, kayak and fish, go boating or water ski.

Hailed as one of America’s last true beach towns, Folly Beach’s storied history begins with its original residents, the Bohicket Indians, who lived in the area until the 1600s when European colonists forced them to relocate.

Today, Folly Island has 2400 full-time residents, but the population swells on holidays and weekends. A charming and funky surf vibe pervades on Folly Beach’s Center Street, lined with boho clothing shops and seafood restaurants.

The surrounding island is dotted with ocean-focused attractions, including Folly Beach Pier, a pelican rookery and the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, with scenic coastal landscapes framing the Morris Island Lighthouse.

Folly Beach is a great place for culture, too. The Porgy House was home to Charleston authors DuBose and Dorothy Heyward in the 1930s. This is also where, in 1934, George Gershwin wrote Porgy and Bess, based on DuBose Hayward’s novel.

Planning Tip: For a fun family day out, explore the marshlands along the Folly River by kayak – it’s an adventure that’s safe and fun for kids of any age, and kayak excursions can be easily arranged in Folly Beach.

2. Hilton Head

Best beach for luxury

Famous for its stylish luxury accommodations, Lowcountry beaches and more than 23 world-class golf courses, Hilton Head was the first eco-planned resort in the United States, and it’s a favorite vacation spot for the ritzy set.

You can steep yourself in decadent luxury at Hilton Head’s spas, dine in four-diamond-rated restaurants and play a round or two in between bronzing and beach-combing, but you’ll need a budget to match.

Covering 42 sq miles, low-lying Hilton Head Island is bordered by 12 miles of stunning beaches, and many of the island’s exclusive hotels have their own private beach access. The Gulf Stream keeps the daytime temperature comfortably above 80°F from May to September, and the ocean waters are not much cooler in summer. Travelers on a budget will appreciate the public sections of beach; metered parking is available at eight of the island’s beaches.

While Hilton Head is famous for its high-end offerings, there’s plenty of pocket-friendly exploring for families and nature buffs. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to deer and alligators, and myriad bird species throng its maze of salt marshes and lagoons. Moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, and palmettos make for wonderful photos.

Planning Tip: Plan your trip for September (after Labor Day), when the beaches are emptier, but temps are still pleasant. You’ll also have the best chances of seeing a sea turtle nest hatch. If you’re lucky enough to experience it, don’t shine any lights on the hatchlings as they make their way to the ocean (they’ll get confused!).

3. Edisto Beach

Best beach for nature lovers

One of four oceanfront state parks in South Carolina, Edisto Beach is a great rustic getaway for nature lovers. A vacation on the sand-fringed island of the same name invariably involves adventures in the great outdoors.

The state park is crosshatched with hiking and biking trails, including the state’s longest system of ADA-accessible hiking and biking trails. Edisto Beach provides affordable beach fun, from furnished cabins in the woods to oceanfront and forest campsites. Hike, bike, explore the beach, fish and splash in the shallows to your heart’s content. 

The park also has an environmental education center with exhibits on the natural history of Edisto Island and the surrounding ACE Basin, which includes the watersheds of the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers. The park is a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles from May to October.

Planning Tip: To keep kids engaged, search the palmetto-lined strip of sand on Edisto Beach for colorful seashells and keep an eye peeled for fossils. Petrified bones from mammoths, saber-toothed cats and other prehistoric mammals have been found here.

4. Bull Island

Best beach to avoid the crowds

Stepping onto Bull Island – also known as Bulls Island – is like setting out on an east coast safari. Accessible by ferry or kayak, with 16 miles of trails and seven miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore, this is the perfect island to avoid the crowds and enjoy the unspoiled scenery of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Bull Island is a famous haven for migrating birds, with more than 293 species recorded here. Kids will love spotting a regal American bald eagle. If observing alligators, catching a glimpse of black foxes, or spotting bottlenose dolphins is on your bucket list, naturalist-guided tours are great for all ages.

The 66,000-acre island is the largest of four barrier islands within the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, which preserves saltwater estuaries, marshlands, freshwater impoundments and maritime forests. Bottlenose dolphins raise their calves in Bull Island’s protected creeks, and loggerhead sea turtles nest on the island beaches.

Boneyard Beach, named for the bleached skeletons of oaks, cedars, palmettos and pines that litter a three-mile stretch of beach at the island’s northeast corner, is popular with photographers.

Planning Tip: Bull Island is a great day trip from Charleston, which is about 50 minutes by road from the ferry launch in Awendaw. Contact Coastal Expeditions for a variety of island excursions by kayak, stand-up paddleboard or ferry.

5. Crescent Beach

Best beach for families

Myrtle Beach is South Carolina’s most popular beach resort, luring more than 19 million visitors annually. Tourists come for the family-friendly attractions, beachfront hotels, all-ages entertainment, and, of course, the white-sand beaches.

The sandy strip extends northeast towards North Myrtle Beach, where dreamy Crescent Beach is the city’s hidden gem. It’s the best spot to settle in under a beach umbrella with a good book as the kids boogie board in the surf or build sandcastles on the shore. 

You’ll find plenty of adventure and water sports in North Myrtle Beach, from wakeboarding and jet-skiing to surfing and parasailing – perfect if you’re a water-loving adrenaline junkie.

Planning Tip: On land, kids will love the thrills and spills at Family Kingdom and the towering Skywheel Ferris wheel. Take a break from the commercial attractions with a boardwalk stroll in peaceful Myrtle Beach State Park.

6. Kiawah Island

Best beach for privacy

A private escape with 10 miles of white-sand beaches, Kiawah Island is a little slice of paradise. A world-class resort and a vibrant village coexist along a pristine coastline, flanking 10,000 acres of coastal woodland, sand dunes and marshes populated by whitetail deer, alligators, bobcats, seabirds and sea turtles.

While this is one of the best beach destinations for a luxury vacation, the natural setting is being preserved and enhanced for current and future generations. Most beaches are private and reserved for property owners, resort guests and
holiday-let renters, but casual visitors to the island can sun and swim at beautiful Beachwalker County Park.

The island is as welcoming to families as to couples. With kids in tow, soak up the sun and splash in the surf, then visit the 500-year-old Angel Oak Tree; for a grown-up experience, grab a meal or a drink at the Charleston Tea Garden or the Firefly Distillery.

Planning Tip: Kiawah Island is accessible by road from Charleston in around 45 minutes, so it’s an easy day trip if your budget doesn’t stretch to stopping over. There’s parking at the Beachwalker County Park, but the 150 spaces fill quickly in summer, so arrive early.