As the former HQ of the Hapsburg Empire, the Austrian capital has a flabbergasting stash of cultural and art treasures – more than you could ever hope to see in a lifetime. But with 48 hours on your hands, you can easily take in some of the city’s trophy sights: baroque palaces bejewelled with Klimt’s golden wonders, grand concert halls, and contemporary art in the born-again imperial stables.
The Viennese don’t rush unless they have to. So with this two-day Vienna itinerary, we’ve factored in time for coffee breaks, park life, market shops, tram rides and aimless strolls in lanes that twist and turn as much as the Danube.
Day One
Morning
Kick-start your day with a kleiner Brauner (espresso with a splash of milk) in the vaulted splendor of Café Central, the one-time haunt of Trotsky, Freud and poet Peter Altenberg. History seeps through the back alleys of the Innere Stadt, which is where you’ll wander to emerge eventually at Stephansdom. With typical droll humour, the Viennese nicknamed this whopper of a Gothic cathedral Steffl (Little Stephen). Draw your gaze skywards to notice its chevron-tiled roof before heading inside to the magnificent nave and catacombs. A pulse-quickening climb up the south tower’s 343 steps reveals knockout views of the city fading into the undulations of hills beyond.
The former wintering ground of the Hapsburgs, the Hofburg sums up the pomp and ceremony of Vienna in all its frescoed, gilded, chandelier-lit glory. It’s at its most impressive approached from Michaelerplatz. Top billing goes to the Kaiserappartements, where the focus is on the nation’s beloved Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi, famous for her fad diets, waspish waist and cascading tresses. Check out her Pullman coach, gowns and fitness room, then devote time to other palace draws, such as the Schatzkammer crown jewels, where a 2680-carat Columbian emerald sparkles. Providing you’ve booked ahead, you can watch snow-white Lipizzaner stallions performing morning exercises at the Spanish Riding School.
Afternoon
Grab a bite to eat at the Bitzinger Würstelstand am Albertinaplatz, famous for its Bosna wurst topped with fried onions, or try delicious breads and spreads with a Pfiff (0.2l) beer at central Trzesniewski. A relaxed hour can be spent moseying around the Innere Stadt’s stately plazas and alleys, lined with old-school confectioners, porcelain shops and boutiques – try the Dorotheum auction house for antiques, Austrian Delights for regional edibles and Art Up for new-wave design and fashion.
The Hapsburgs collected bombastic palaces and galleries the way others collect coins, but the cavernous Kunsthistorisches Museum is arguably their magnum opus. Two hours will just allow you to scratch the surface, so skip past Egypt and Rome and dive straight into the Old Masters in the first-floor Picture Gallery, where star works like Pieter Brueghel the Elder’s minutely detailed Tower of Babel and the ripe abundance of Giuseppe Arcimboldo’s Summer await.
If contemporary art is more your scene, eschew the above in favour of a romp around the MuseumsQuartier, which has sent the imperial stables cantering into the 21st century. A behemoth in white limestone, the Leopold Museum contains the world’s biggest collection of works by Expressionist Egon Schiele, while the neighbouring dark-granite MUMOK goes in for exhibitions that are more risqué and subversive.
Spend the afternoon checking out edgy art at MUMOK. TasfotoNL / Shutterstock
Evening
As Vienna starts to light up, hop aboard tram 1 at Schwedenplatz for a self-guided spin of the monumental 19th-century Ringstrasse boulevard, a stretch of road that was 50 years in the making. Tick off landmarks like the Gothic revival Rathaus and the neoclassical Parlament as you trundle by.
By now it is probably time to get some pre-dinner drinks in, perhaps at the boho-flavoured Kleines Café on Franziskanerplatz, or at Villon, a wine cellar sunk deep below the Innere Stadt. A fine choice for a memorable dinner is Dom Beisl (dombeisl.at), a slick, vaulted bistro tucked down a sidestreet near the cathedral. Thomas Wohlfarter cooks refined interpretations of Austrian classics – you’re guaranteed a terrific schnitzel here.
Even if classical music is not ordinarily your bag, it is unmissable in the city that was once home to Mozart, Strauss, Brahms and Beethoven. Popular performances sell out weeks (sometimes months) ahead, but you could try your luck for last-minute standing room tickets at the opulent Staatsoper or Musikverein, which can be snapped up for around €5 80 minutes before concerts begin.
Day Two
Morning
Start your day admiring the Danube by eating breakfast at Motto am Fluss. Their bio-organic menu and relaxed service comes as a bonus to the terrace views looking across to Kahlenberg hill.
This morning you can take your pick of two palaces. If you’re itching to see the Klimts, you won’t want to miss the baroque beauty of Schloss Belvedere. The Oberes (Upper) and the Unteres (Lower) palaces are linked by a ribbon of gardens, with cascading fountains, mythical beasties and ornamental parterres that were designed by none other than Dominique Girard, a protégé of André Le Nôtre of Versailles fame. With limited time, devote yourself to a two-hour marathon of the Upper Belvedere, where the exquisite grace of art nouveau shimmers in gold-leaf Klimt works like The Kiss (1908), a sensual portrayal of lovers embracing in a field of wildflowers.
Or venture out to the rococo fantasy of a summer palace that is Unesco-listed Schloss Schönbrunn, imagining how the Hapsburgs lived as you saunter past romantic follies, fountains and the Gloriette, with sweeping city views, in the French-style gardens. Some 40 (out of a total 1441) lavish rooms are open to the public, including the white-and-gold mirror room, where a six-year-old Mozart first performed for a rapturous Maria Theresia in 1762.
Take in the lavish surrounds of Unesco-listed Schloss Schönbrunn. martin hollaus / 500px
Afternoon
Lunch is on the hoof at the city’s huge open-air larder, the Naschmarkt, where you’ll find falafel, delis – the excellent Naschmarkt Deli, for instance – seafood stands and cafes among the stalls brimming with fruit and veg, regional wines, olives, spices and more.
After lunch, amble across to the adjacent Freihausviertel, a quaint and creative neighbourhood that is a delight to explore on foot, with its arty cafes, workshops, speciality food shops, galleries and delis. Take a wander and see what you can find, or track down some of our favourites – Henzl’s Ernte for sugars and salts flavoured with home-grown and foraged herbs, Mein Design for fashion by up-and-coming Austrian designers, the Sekt Comptoir for Burgenland sparkling wine, and Näherei Apfel for sewing classes and all things apple.
Evening
If you’re in the mood, take the U1 to Praterstern as the city starts to twinkle for a ride on the Riesenrad Ferris wheel, which starred in the 1949 film The Third Man. It affords fantastic photo-ops of the city spread out at your feet.
Given that it’s your last night, you might want to splurge on dinner somewhere special. Two-Michelin-starred Steirereck im Stadtpark is always faultless. At its helm is chef Heinz Reitbauer, who cooks seasonal ingredients with precision and flair. Less exclusive but nonetheless still stylish is 1st district Tian, which elevates vegetarian cuisine to giddy new heights with an ingredient-driven menu that reveals a signature use of herbs and spices.
For a big last night out, head to Volkgarten ClubDiskothek where you can take your pick of the garden party clubbing area or the 1950s-style pavilion where DJs spin RnB and ’60s groove. But if you just want to take one last, lingering look at Vienna over a cocktail, you can’t beat the glass-walled The Loft on the 18th floor of the Sofitel – it’s more than a view, it’s the entire Austrian capital reduced to postcard format.
This article was first published in October 2014 and updated by Carly Hulls in June 2017.
Best known for country farms, farm-to-table restaurants, arts and crafts, rural charm and a wealth of history, Vermont has plenty to offer visitors all year round.
Tucked between the Adirondack Park’s 6 million acres, New Hampshire and the Atlantic Coast, the welcoming Green Mountain State teems with opportunities to explore in all seasons. Whether you splash around on the shores of one of the state’s 800-plus lakes, pick ripe apples from the tree or sample maple syrup as it comes out of the boiler, the state with the smallest capital in the US is ready for adventure.
Everything feels accessible in Vermont, and it’s easy to put together an itinerary that incorporates many different outdoor activities in one day. Whether you’re visiting for Open Studio Weekend, when Vermont’s artists welcome visitors to the spaces where they create, or you want to follow the state’s beer or spirits trail, here’s our guide to the best places to visit in Vermont.
In the heart of Burlington, Vermont’s biggest city, is Church Street, a pedestrian mall lined with charming boutiques, superb restaurants, and (of course) the mandatory Ben & Jerry’s. From here, there’s a lot to see and do within walking distance.
You’ll find many affordable and free things to do in town. In summer, musicians and street performers delight visitors on Church Street, while food cart vendors offer delicious local snacks. From Church Street, head west on Main or College Street to reach Waterfront Park, where you can discover an outdoor sculpture garden and stroll the boardwalk. On the park’s east end is the Burlington Bike Path, which is includes views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks and the city along its 14-miles. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can access the lakefront wilderness of Rock Point from North Beach.
Planning tip: If you’re planning to explore more of the rural areas east of Burlington, you’ll need a car. But if you like the idea of enjoying a car-free Vermont trip, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter trains serve the Burlington area and beyond. While you’re in town, you’ll find plenty more hiking and biking trails and Green Mountain Transit buses to get around town.
2. Montpelier
Best for living history and small-town charm
With 7500 residents, Montpelier is the US’s smallest state capital by population. This city’s focal point is the monumental 1859 Vermont State House, the state’s gold-domed Greek Revival capitol. Take some time to visit the landmark’s excellent art collection which has decorative and fine art exhibits. Next door at the Vermont History Museum, exhibits recount the state’s early history, highlighting Ethan Allen’s 18th-century adventures. Meander through downtown Montpelier for bakeries, restaurants and shops before heading to Hubbard Park’s observation tower for some of the best views of the capital.
Surrounded by rolling hills and stately horse farms, Woodstock is steeped in history. In 1786, it was a center of commerce, home to both industry and art, and one of Vermont’s largest and wealthiest towns. Relics from that golden era still remain, including the Woodstock Inn & Resort, which attracts city-dwellers to the country for a high-end weekend getaway.
Visit the circa 1880 pink sandstone Norman Williams Public Library, or Billings Farm & Museum, a functioning dairy farm with an 1890 farmhouse and exhibits that depict farm life like it used to be.
Nearby, a web of trails in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (the state’s first national park) invites walkers and nature lovers to explore. Take a dip or drop a line in the Ottauquechee River. It flows through the center of town and under the area’s three historic covered bridges.
4. Tunbridge
Best for harvest-time festivities
Most of the year, the three Villages that comprise Tunbridge, Vermont are pretty quiet. A few visitors wander to admire their five covered bridges, But in mid-September, Tunbridge comes alive. Vermont has many agricultural fairs, but the Tunbridge World’s Fair, which has taken place in Tunbridge continuously since 1867, is the most famous.
Held in mid-September, the fair features farming and agricultural demonstrations and contests, as well as arm wrestling, ox pulls and displays of the biggest and best produce and pies Vermonters can grow or make. Rides, contra dancing and a fantastic beer garden round out the offerings. But it’s the pig race that steals the show.
Detour: While you’re in town for the Tunbridge World’s Fair, take some extra time to experience more of what the White River Valley has to offer. More specifically, you’ll find the famed floating bridge in the nearby town of Brookfield. On the other side of the floating bridge, keep driving west to reach Allis State Park. From the top of Bear Hill, you will discover incredible mountain views that extend all the way to Killington, Mt Mansfield and the White Mountains of New Hampshire on clear days.
Just off of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), Stowe is a classic New England town packed with local commerce and surrounded by natural beauty. Landmarked by the historic white spires of Community Church, the town of Stowe is one of the best places to stay in Vermont.
For the best of the area’s nature trails, hop on a mountain bike for a tour of Cady Hill before rewarding yourself with a fresh-from-the-farm lunch at the Sunday farmer’s market. Stay on the bike to glide along Stowe’s riverside recreational path and route to one of the town’s many swimming holes. If you like winter sports, then winter is the best time to visit Stowe for its superb alpine and Nordic skiing. Even if it’s not ski season, Vermont’s Ski History Museum brings skiing alive through its collections of gear and artifacts from ski seasons past.
Drive the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road or hike the Long Trail to the summit of Mt. Mansfield for sweeping views of New England. Catch the Vermont Symphony Orchestra for a concert at Trapp Family Lodge; the stunning sunset and superb music will make it unforgettable.
Local tip: Along the Smuggler’s Notch, Stowe and Mad River Valley beer trail, you’ll find several craft breweries, including Stowe’s own Idletyme Brewing Co., Alchemist Beer and von Trapp Brewing.
Vermont’s best road trips
6. Lake Willoughby, Northeast Kingdom
Best for laid-back lake life
Five miles long and up to 320ft deep, Lake Willoughby is a glacially-formed lake that’s a National Natural Landmark. Carved deep into Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the lake lies between Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor, which together form the fjord-like Willoughby Gap.
In the late 1800s, steamboats paraded visitors around the lake. Now, public beaches at the north and south ends provide summer fun for swimmers and paddlers. Fishermen cast a line here for lake and rainbow trout, landlocked Atlantic salmon and native round whitefish.
At least 100 bird species populate this waterway: thrushes, warblers, hummingbirds, jays, finches, loons, herons, gulls and the rare peregrine falcon, which nests in the cliffs of Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Hor.
During the War of 1812, the twisty, windy, cliff-lined, boulder-strewn mountain horse path between Underhill and Stowe was the mainline for supplies going to and coming from Canada. It played a similar role for booze during prohibition. And it was also part of the Underground Railroad. Now, a narrow, snaking road replaces the historic path through Mount Mansfield State Forest, making Smuggler’s Notch a key stop for Vermont road trips.
Drive it and explore the boulder field at the top where smugglers hid, and where now you’ll see rock climbers and boulderers ascending. Though the Notch is closed in winter, it’s just as busy with skiers, snowshoers, sledders and ice climbers.
Best for sailing away and navigating the open water
The sixth-largest lake in the United States, Lake Champlain, forms much of Vermont’s western border. At times, it’s been a Revolutionary War battleground, a supplier of ships in the War of 1812, a “line” in the Underground Railroad and home to the mythical monster Vermonters affectionately call “Champ.”
At 125 miles long and nearly 15 miles wide, the freshwater lake is sprinkled with motorboats, paddle boats and sailboats in the summer. Put in at any of the boat launches, marinas or beaches, and you could follow the lake north to Quebec via the Richlieu and St. Lawrence Rivers, or south to the Hudson River and Manhattan.
From the Vermont side, you can take a ferry to New York, including the Lake Champlain Ferries (which operate year-round) and the historic Ticonderoga cable ferry (check their website for seasonal operating hours). During the summer season, you can splash around on one of the lake’s many public beaches.
Explore the Champlain Islands, north of Burlington, and sample from the region’s best wineries, or pick apples in the fall in the Lake Shore’s fertile groves. Beneath its sometimes glassy, sometimes turbulent surface lies 300 historic shipwrecks. Dive them or learn about them at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Lake Champlain is also one of the top bass fishing lakes in North America.
9. Quechee
Best for grand scenery and year-round adventures
While the East Coast may not have North America’s tallest mountains or deepest canyons, you will find some exceptionally beautiful mountain and canyon scenery at Quechee State Park.
Formed by glacial activity some 13,000 years ago, the Quechee Gorge drops 165ft to the Ottauquechee River, making it one of the prettiest places in Vermont. If you’re here for fall leaf-peeping, a Quechee Gorge hike is certainly one of the top things to do in Vermont in the fall. If you come during the winter season, the nearby Quechee Club is one of the best places to visit in Vermont for easy skiing.
Planning tip: Despite the name, SmokyMountains.com provides the most comprehensive and accurate fall foliage map for the entire United States, including Vermont. While early October is usually a good bet to catch peak fall foliage in the Green Mountain State, it’s smart to check before you go.
10. Shelburne
Best for local flavors
Shelburne may only be about 8 miles south of Burlington, Vermont’s most populous city, but it remains a quiet rural community.
Visit Shelburne Farms to try artisanal cheese and maple syrup made on-site. Consider a stay at the Shelburne Farms Inn, an 1800s historic estate. The on-site restaurant has fresh and original dishes made from ingredients harvested at the farm and other local farms.
Beyond the farms, you should explore Northern New England’s most extensive art and cultural institution at the Shelburne Museum. Spanning 45 acres and 39 exhibition buildings, the Shelburne Museum has everything from paintings by famous French Impressionist artists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt to the beautifully restored 220-ft steamboat Ticonderoga that was built in Shelburne in 1906.
Planning tip: Shelburne Farms’ welcome center and walking trails are open year-round, but visit between May and October for one of the farm’s famed open wagon tours, to see the animals at the children’s farmyard, or to dine at the restaurant.
11. Manchester
Best for all-seasons fun
In southern Vermont, Manchester provides many opportunities for year-round fun and games. Whether you’re coming to Manchester to take in all the wondrous fall colors from the heights of Mount Equinox, taste the flavors featured at local restaurants like Raven’s Den and The Dorset Inn, or enjoy some summer tee time at The Golf Club at The Equinox, Manchester never feels bland.
While Illinois is officially the Land of Lincoln, you can see how Abraham Lincoln’s descendants continued his legacy at Hildene, a stately Georgian Revival manor built by Robert and Mary Lincoln in 1905. Explore the regal mansion and gardens, then hit the 12 miles of hiking trails, check out the sustainable goat dairy farm and even wander inside the beautifully restored 1903 Pullman car Sunbeam.
For more arts and culture, the Southern Vermont Arts Center has incredible exhibitions, workshops and local art. During the summer, dive deeper into the local culture with summer festivals like the Taconic Music Festival, Dorset Theatre Festival and the Green Mountain Bluegrass and Roots Festival. In winter, Manchester provides very easy access to various ski resorts to suit skiers of all ages and levels, including Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain Resort and Magic Mountain Ski Area.
Detour: For outdoor adventures in southern Vermont, Manchester may be the ideal base camp since it’s only 4 miles away from the Long Trail that extends the entire length of the State of Vermont, or 272 miles from the Massachusetts state line to the US-Canada border. Also note that this is where the Long Trail connects with the world-famous Appalachian Trail, which will lead you to even more incredible mountain wilderness.
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The southern rim of the Caribbean offers the perfect conditions for taking the plunge.
In and around the Dutch-speaking islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao (the ABC Islands), the water temperatures are warm year-round, averaging 85°F (29°C). And since the islands sit south of the hurricane belt, you’ll find less extreme weather than in alternative islands to the east and north.
All tiny in size – Curaçao is the largest, at just 171 sq miles (443 sq km) – each one features exciting underwater landscapes off their dreamy coastlines and beneath their turquoise waters.
Whether you’re a lifelong diving aficionado or a total newbie, knowing the differences between each island’s unique diving offerings can make or break a trip.
So let’s dive in.
Numerous shipwrecks in the waters off Aruba make for fascinating underwater explorations. Luiz Felipe V Puntel/Shutterstock
Scuba diving in Aruba
Best for exploring shipwrecks, then lying out on the beach
The best time to go to Aruba
The April-through-November window is ideal, thanks to steady water conditions, sunny days and calm winds.
Why Aruba is perfect for diving
If your vision of scuba diving conjures swimming through shipwrecks, this is your place. Aruba’s southwestern and western shores have more than 10 diveable shipwreck sites.
Additionally, if lengthy white-sand beaches are your vibe, the A of the ABC islands is for you. After you’ve finished your dives, Aruba – as the most developed of the trio – offers everything from a dozen-plus casinos to an ostrich farm.
The best and most popular spots for diving in Aruba
Lying off Aruba’s northern coast, the SS Antilla is the largest shipwreck dive in the entire Caribbean. The remains of the 400-ft(134m)-long vessel contains a maze of sea sponges, neon fish and lobsters – not to mention the lurking pelicans above the waterline.
Also off the northwest coast lies the wreck of the SS California. Appropriate for advanced divers due to strong currents, this 100-plus-year-old site is loaded with stunning coral reefs and coral fish.
Diving companies to book with in Aruba
For diving at your own pace, Pure Diving Aruba offers free drop-off and pick-up island wide, with no fixed daily schedule. Happy Divers Aruba offers the gamut from free-dive trips to snorkeling adventures. At its headquarters in Noord, you will also find a number of diving courses to try.
It won’t take you long to discover thrilling wildlife off Aruba’s shores. Shutterstock
What you’ll see diving in Aruba
Off the runway at Queen Beatrix International Airport, you can see an Air Aruba YS-11 that was purposely sunk to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s a favorite spot for spotting giant barracuda.
Beyond planes, ships and other man-made marvels, divers and snorkelers will find plenty of natural reefs aplenty, too. Off the island’s southern tip at Punta Basora, a long, narrow reef draws stingrays, eagles, loggerhead turtles and tuna along with divers.
Tips before heading out on your dive in Aruba
Boat access is vital for most Aruba dives. Geographically, the eastern and northern coasts are for the more advanced, given their general rockiness and stronger currents. Water visibility typically hovers in the 50-to-100-ft (15-to-30m) range.
Advice for first-time travelers to Aruba
An Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) card is required to enter the country. As of 2024, the card costs $20 and is best purchased in advance to avoid an added step at the airport. The fee, in part, covers islandwide sustainability efforts and helps preserve the diving landscape.
Can you get a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) license in Aruba?
Yes.
Bonaire is a famous spot for shore diving – meaning you won’t need a boat to explore the reefs. Getty Images
Scuba diving in Bonaire
Best for shore diving and reef-conservation efforts
The best time to go to Bonaire
For swimming and spotting loggerhead turtles, the summer months of May through July are best. May and June are the less busy options within this timeframe.
Why Bonaire is perfect for diving
Since Bonaire proudly calls itself the “shore diving capital of the world,” you won’t need a pricey boat rental or day-long group outing to be dazzled by the waters here.
Bonaire’s western coast is shielded from strong currents, making for an optimal setting for beginners. There is one principal road that runs north-south along the island’s western edge – EEG Blvd – making hopping between beaches and reefs easy.
The best and most popular spots for diving in Bonaire
Nearly three quarters of Bonaire’s 85 dive sites are accessible from the shore. Indeed, the entire perimeter of the island is designated the Bonaire National Marine Park, meaning options abound. Lac Bay is loaded with mangroves, sea turtles and the endangered queen conch.
Angel City is truly angelic, boasting a double reef that’s suitable for beginners, pros and snorkelers. Its sandy floor is stingray central.
Shipwrecks aren’t nearly as abundant here – though the Hilma Hooker is a former drug-smuggling vessel that pops below water with vibrant coral.
Diving companies to book with in Bonaire
Dive Friends Bonaire has seven dive shops along Bonaire’s western edge, between Hamlet Oasis Resort to the north down to Delfins Beach Resort in the south. In addition to guided shore dives, it’s one of the few places in the region to rent an Avelo scuba system.
Beyond the Corals is a full-fledged diving resort, with PADI-certification courses, continuing dive-education classes and regular excursions.
The reefs off Bonaire teem with magnificent marine life. Getty Images
What you’ll see diving in Bonaire
The waters surrounding Bonaire are home to nearly 60 species of coral and 350 species of fish. Among the more-prized sightings are bottlenose dolphins, stocky yellow frogfish and spot-filled whale sharks. The beachscapes here are diverse, too, many fringed with cliffs and covered with rocks.
Tips before heading out on your dive in Bonaire
As of 2022, non-residents of Bonaire must pay a $75 entry tax, whether you arrive via air or sea. Additionally, be prepared to pay a $40 “nature tag” fee – essentially an entrance fee – to access Bonaire National Marine Park. The fee may be purchased online and covers entrance to the par, as well as Washington Slagbaai National Park, for one year.
Advice for first-time travelers to Bonaire
Bonaire is a friendly destination for beginning divers. Most, if not all, resorts offer unlimited shore diving, which you may also do at night. True beginners should stick to daylight hours for maximum visibility and safety.
Can you get a PADI license in Bonaire?
Yes.
Time your diving trip to Curaçao for when the coral spawns – and expect a magnificent display. Getty Images
Scuba diving in Curaçao
Best for underwater topography and limestone cliff landscapes
The best time to go to Curaçao
June through September are the best months to avoid crowds. Within this period, September and October are the best months for seeing the coral spawning.
Why Curaçao is perfect for diving
Diving is as possible all over the island of Curaçao. Resorts are in on the action near and far, including Willemstad’s Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, which has on-site shore excursions, a PADI-certification class and boat trips to Sweet Bottom and Beacon Point; and Sandals Royal Curaçao, which includes PADI-certified scuba diving as part of its amenities.
The best and most popular spots for diving in Curaçao
The buzziest Curaçao diving spot is Double Reef on the south-central coast. You can opt for a boat or shore dive to explore this (yes) pair of reefs, whose landscapes include a shallow reef, sandy area and massive reef mesa.
You’ll be visually delighted by small crabs, puffers, angelfish and other brightly colored creatures. Mushroom Forest near Playa Santa Cruz is loaded with mushroom-shaped coral expanses that resemble an underwater forest.
Diving companies to book with in Curaçao
Jan Thiel Diving offers advanced open-water packages, guided night dives and the chance to swim with dolphins. The Dive Bus, just south of Willemstad, is a feel-good operation, with “fun dives” for groups, cold beer and wi-fi at its shop.
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning into a mermaid, Scubacao has a diving lesson where you learn to navigate while wearing a mermaid-esque tail.
The so-called Mushroom Forest is packed with unusually shaped and colored coral specimens. Humberto Ramirez/Getty Images
What you’ll see diving in Curaçao
To catch the coral spawning, target an excursion seven days after the full moon in September or October. During this magnificent underwater display, it will feel as if the coral is generating stars around you.
Creole wrasses, cornet fish and spotted eagle rays are among the more unique creatures you’ll see during a dive here.
Tips before heading out on your dive in Curaçao
The west side of the island is generally better-protected from stronger waves, currents and wind. With that, make sure to double-check the weather for any looming storms, which may make shore dives in particular more difficult.
Advice for first-time travelers to Curaçao
If don’t want to plan a dive trip yourself, know that there are plenty of resorts island-wide that cover meals, trips and customizable packages. As their names might suggest, LionsDive Beach Resort and Scuba Lodge offer diving-focused amenities aplenty.
Can you get a PADI license in Curaçao?
Yes.
Tips and best practices for being a sustainable diver
Lather up with biodegradable, reef-friendly sunscreen.
Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) is affecting and hurting reefs throughout the region. Consult with a trusted dive shop on which reefs may be affected at the moment and the precautions to take.
Leave no trace – including limiting plastic waste – and never take any coral with you.
Keep a safe distance from marine life and resist the temptation to touch it.
It’s a wonder Île de Ré exists. For starters, this French island is crêpe-flat (and its beaches are the same color as pancake batter). When the swell comes rolling in along the west and south coasts – this is the Atlantic Ocean after all – it’s difficult to comprehend how the sea doesn’t swallow the island whole.
This isn’t your simple fly-and-flop island – the architecture here tells the stories of wealthy merchants that traded Île de Ré’s salt and wine for stones to build their homes. Cycle into the heart of the island, and you’ll either find yourself surrounded by vineyards or on the curious criss-cross of paths raised above the salt flats, where oyster dredgers’ huts look over party hat-shaped piles of salt.
Extremely accessible, with a bridge linking it to La Rochelle on the mainland, it’s not surprising that it’s a favorite with bucket-and-spade waving French families as soon as the holidays hit. There’s a beach for everyone, be your style windsurfing, paddleboarding, or hiding from the wind among the sand dunes with a good book.
When should I go to Île de Ré?
The island is highly seasonal and often awash with Parisians during the summer holidays. But visit in winter and it will feel pretty empty; the year-round population of the whole island is under 18,000. There’s something oddly magical about winter when the Atlantic storms sweep in, and since the island is linked to the mainland by a bridge, you don’t need to worry about getting marooned in inclement weather. Summer visitors are in the millions, and the vast majority arrive in July and August. The weather is reliably warm and sunny, but accommodation is at a premium, and you’ll need to book well in advance.
June and September are lovely months to visit. Accommodation and activities are open for high season, and salt harvesting season (June to September) is underway.
Most of the island’s festivals take place in the summer. Jazz au Phare (Jazz at the Lighthouse) runs for five days in early August at the Phare des Baleines, the lighthouse at the westernmost tip of the island. You’ll have to pay to attend the main events of the festival but it runs alongside a programme of free events, including café concerts.
Forget the car – it’s all about the bicycle on Île de Ré. Getty Images
How much time should I spend in Île de Ré?
How long is a piece of string, or rather, how much do you love the beach? If you want to holiday French-style, camp out here for a whole month, spending long, lazy days at the beach, or pedaling languidly from oyster shack to oyster shack. If you don’t benefit from the same generous holiday allowance, you could easily see the whole island in three or four days, and that’s exploring by bike: the cycle trails are all flat.
When I was a child we’d go for a week. That worked well, but I’d never have said no to longer. Factor in travel time to La Rochelle, the mainland city from which you access Ile de Ré. There are direct flights from the UK; from the United States you’ll likely arrive in Paris or Bordeaux, each 2 ½ hours from La Rochelle by train.
Is it easy to get in and around Île de Ré?
Cycling isn’t just a mode of transport here, it’s a religion. Île de Ré isn’t car-free but driving isn’t the most efficient way of getting from A to B; partly since parking is limited and often very expensive, and partly because all of the roads are pockmarked with dozens of crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, who have priority. Many of the historic little towns, such as Saint-Martin-de-Ré, have narrow little cobbled streets, making squeezing through in an SUV stressful and unpleasant. There’s also a fantastic network of electric shuttle buses on the island, which are completely free for visitors.
Upon arrival (by road, via the bridge), there’s a compulsory entry toll of between €8-16 Euros (US$8.45-16.90), depending on the season. This fee goes towards preserving the island’s nature and funding fantastic projects like the free shuttle buses. There’s no fee for leaving. It’s also possible to arrive by sailing boat, and you can bring your bike on board.
Top things to do in Île de Ré
Kayak the marshes at Loix
Kayaking around Loix is a little like parkour on water. Not because it’s extreme – far from it in fact, it’s the perfect day out for families – but because the constantly changing tides mean that you can paddle up little creeks where you’ll often need to slide your kayak down mudbanks, or wade through the mud, to get out again. Canoë Salé runs guided tours which are invaluable in such a labyrinth. From above the warren of marshes and salt flats looks like a patchwork quilt.
Off the water, Loix looks like one of the more uninspiring towns on the island, but it’s one of the most lived in, with heaps of character. It’s home to the island’s best bookshop, Atelier Quillet, which has an on-site café serving coffees made with locally roasted beans. There’s also a workshop specializing in the restoration of old documents and for a guided visit costing just €5 (US$5.30), you can see how they do it.
Wander through the charming cobbled streets of Saint-Martin-de-Re. Vincent Jary/Getty Images
Explore the pretty streets of Saint-Martin-de-Ré
A fishing town with a strategic location, Saint-Martin-de-Ré came into its own in the Middle Ages, when it was used for trade and as a military base. In the 17th century, the famous military engineer Vauban fortified the town to resist Dutch and English invasions, and much of the ramparts and imposing entrance arch are still standing today.
The streets look as though they’ve been plucked from the imagination of an interior designer. Most of the houses are whitewashed or pastel-coloured, with brightly painted shutters and an abundance of creeping plants and bulging window boxes. Along the old harbor are heaps of restaurants, most specializing in seafood and some are very upmarket. Locals head to no-frills attached Le Bistrot du Marin.
Learn to surf at Le Bois Plage
Particularly during the summer, the surf on Île de Ré tends to be pretty gentle, with consistent waves perfect for beginners. Surf’in Ré has their surf school on Gros Joncs Beach, a golden sand beach framed by dunes and a long, raised wooden boardwalk.
Eat oysters in the salt flats
The only thing there’s more of than oyster fields on Île de Ré is vineyards, and wine and oysters make for a heady combination. In London, the saying goes that you’re never more than a few feet from a rat. On Ile de Ré, the same could be said for oyster shacks. Particularly worth visiting is La Cabane Océane, where you can eat oysters al fresco with a view over the sea.
Take your pick from the many pretty beaches on Île de Ré and relax. Justin Foulkes for Lonely Planet
Flop on the sand
There’s a beach for everyone here, whether your style is sunbathing, relaxing with a chilled glass of wine in hand, or filling your day with surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding. Among the prettiest is Trousse Chemise Beach, which rather oddly translates as “Shirt Bag Beach.” Just offshore is a sandbank known as Le Banc du Bûcheron, only visible at low tide. Arrive at the right moment and you can walk out and picnic on the sandbar. Many of the beaches have rocks in the water; pack appropriate shoes.
My favorite thing to do in Île de Ré
It has to be seeing the donkeys wearing pajamas in Saint-Martin-de-Ré. This is pure nostalgia, but as a kid I was absolutely fascinated by the sight of donkeys dressed in striped trousers.
How much money do I need for Île de Ré?
While restaurants and activities tend to cost roughly the same as on the mainland, accommodation can be significantly higher, particularly in the summer holidays. Cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash, particularly for the little oyster shacks. The following prices are based on the high season (July-August).
Campsite: From €30 (US$31.65) for two people with their own tent
Basic room for two: From €150 (US$158.30)
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): From €100 (US$105.50)
Gone is the era when Vietnam evoked only images of rice fields, floating markets and conical-hat-wearing workers. This Southeast Asian powerhouse has today become a destination known for majestic natural beauty, pristine beaches, unexplored ecological reserves and delectable cuisines.
Halong Bay, Hoi An’s Old Town, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park and other Vietnamese sites have joined the UNESCO World Heritage roster. Staple Vietnamese foods like banh mi and pho are common enough to appear in English-language dictionaries. Some of the most discerning travelers in the world are ranking Phu Quoc with the Maldives and Bali on lists of the world’s most beautiful islands.
And that’s only the beginning of what this country has to offer.
In August and September, Sapa in the highlands springs into glorious bloom. Tony Duy/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Vietnam
Vietnam is nearly 1650km (1025 miles) from north to south – a length that ensures weather patterns vary widely, and that the best time to visit depends very much on your planned destinations and personal preferences. Most visitors will want to avoid the stormy season, especially in Northern Vietnam and Central Vietnam, as violent rainstorms often lead to flash floods, mudslides and road closures. In contrast, the southern storm season (June to November), while inconvenient, does not pose nearly as significant a risk to travelers.
The storm season starts from May and ends around October in the north; from September to December in the central coastal regions; and from May to August in the central highland regions.
Other than that, the country climate is separated into three general zones:
In North Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Halong Bay) in September and November or March and April, the weather is cool and dry and the local tourism sector is not overwhelmed by intra-Vietnamese travel. August and September are also Sapa’s harvest season and the best time to highland hills in vibrant bloom.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An, Nha Trang, Hue, Danang) is best visited from April to August, when you’ll avoid the worst of the storm and flood season and abundant sunshine will help you make the most of the white-sand beaches around Hoi An and Nha Trang.
We recommend visiting South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) from October to April, after plentiful rains from the prior months ensure the rivers and channels of the Mekong Delta are abundantly fed, allowing for smooth travel through this maze of crisscrossing waterways.
We’d recommend avoiding visits during major holidays like Tet (the Vietnamese New Year, usually in late January or early February) due to soaring prices and booked-out accommodations.
Phu Quoc has caught the attention of the international press for good reason. Shutterstock
How much time should I spend in Vietnam?
To experience the full breadth of experiences here? Months. Acknowledging that’s unlikely for most visitors, two weeks will get you through most of Vietnam’s best-known destinations.
Starting from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), you can travel the length of the country and enjoy a wealth of sights, tastes and experiences. Must-visit places include iconic favorites Sapa and Halong Bay; cultural and historical hot spots such as Hoi An and Hue; river capitals like Can Tho and the sprawling Mekong Delta that surrounds it; and the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc.
If you’re short on time or money, quick trips of three to four days focusing on a singular area or city like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Phu Quoc are feasible and offer a satisfying taste of Vietnam’s attractions.
Getting around Vietnam
Vietnam has three major international airports, in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang (the gateway to Hoi An and Hue). In addition, Phu Quoc Island has its own international airport with direct flights to Singapore, Shanghai, Cambodia and Laos – and the airport at Phan Thiet will launch international flights in 2025.
Traveling within Vietnam itself is relatively easy and affordable, with options including trains, buses and domestic flights. Flights are the most convenient and speedy way to travel within the country. Buses are affordable, reach almost everywhere in the country and offer sleeper options for those who want to get between north and south without stopping overnight. In recent years, renewed interest has led to a few train lines being refurbished and revitalized. These days, traveling by train is a great option for those who want to take their time enjoying the scenic routes across the country.
Within cities, cabs, rideshare apps like Grab or Be, and traditional motorbike taxis are easily accessible. For those with the stomach for chaotic traffic, most Vietnamese cities are walkable and a lot of fun to explore on foot – although the tropical heat and humidity coupled with urban city dust and exhaust can make walking long distances unpleasant.
No visitor to Vietnam will regret setting sail in Halong Bay. Huy Thoai/Shutterstock
Top things to do in Vietnam
All the thrilling things you can do in Vietnam could never fit all on one list. Yet first-time visitors won’t want to pass up a few key experiences.
Cruise Halong Bay. This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises nearly 2000 towering limestone islands in a massive blue-water bay. An overnight cruise is the best way to take it all in. If you happen to have some extra time, Lan Ha Bay is to the south of Halong: it’s no less beautiful but much less traveled.
Explore Hoi An. With its lantern-lit streets and turbo-speed tailor shops, this ancient town seems frozen in time. In the countryside surrounding the town, a plethora of traditional craft villages await to be explored.
Climb down the Cu Chi Tunnels. This warren of war-era tunnels is already a heart-stopping experience – and as of early 2024, night tours have been offered to travelers with nerves of steel and a taste for reliving wartime thrills.
Hike the highland trails of Sapa. The Northwest Highlands are famous for majestic trails and stunning natural beauty. Sapa serves as the landing pad and base camp for adventurous trekkers looking to explore the rugged region on foot.
Wander the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Get lost in this maze of narrow streets, each named after the goods once sold here. It’s a great place to experience Vietnamese street culture and food.
What will any visitor to Vietnam remember? The food. Quang Nguyen Vinh/Shutterstock
My favorite thing to do in Vietnam
My favorite thing about Vietnam? The food.
Beyond pho and banh mi, you can slurp up more than 200 distinct noodle dishes from every corner of Vietnam. There are foods unique to a single town. There are herbs unique to a certain patch of a single forest. There are cuisines designed to suit the palates of emperors past. There are simple and humble, cheap and hearty dishes meant to fill peasants’ stomachs.
There’s much to learn about the history of Vietnam and its people through the food they cook to nurture each other. My low-key dream is to travel to every town in Vietnam and try its specialty dish – and hear the backstory behind it. (There’s almost always some wacky story attached to a hometown favorite.) That would make quite a book.
How much money do I need for Vietnam?
While you’ll find luxury resorts, world-class dining and premium experiences in certain parts of Vietnam, the country retains its well-earned reputation for budget travel.
Banh mi: US$1–3 (note that the famous and drama-filled Madam Huynh Banh Mi in HCMC charges $3 per sandwich – and one can easily feed two regular adults or one starving weightlifter)
Dinner for two in a local sit-down restaurant: US$10–30
Beer: US$1–2 per can; $3 per liter of draft beer at a local beer hall
Knowing a few simple phrases in Vietnamese will get you far with locals. Getty Images
More tips for enjoying Vietnam
Bring lots of layers, no matter the season
Especially if you are traveling the length of Vietnam. The country’s climate varies greatly within short distances, so packing for different temperatures and weather conditions is the prudent thing to do.
Respect local customs and etiquette
As in other Asian nations, the Vietnamese value politeness and respect. When visiting temples, remember to dress modestly, and always remove shoes when entering someone’s home.
Stay away from tap water, and choose your street foods carefully
Tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water everywhere. Enjoying street food is an essential Vietnamese experience – but since food hygiene can be an issue, observe the locals and choose the street vendors they favor.
Prepare for chaotic traffic
The joke in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is that traffic laws are more like suggestions, so be cautious when crossing streets and only consider renting motorbikes if you are an experienced driver.
A few words in Vietnamese go a long way
You can expect English to be fairly widely spoken in Vietnam, especially in big cities. Still, learning a few basic phrases in Vietnamese can only help – and will likely go a long way in demonstrating respect to and forming connections with locals.
With its sparkling crystal waters, impressive mountains and affordability for all types of travelers, Albania is taking its place as a true jewel of the Balkans. If you arrive with an open mind and a rough plan, you’ll encounter a rich culture like no other in Europe.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are making a return visit, you’ll want to consider our roundup of the Albania’s most intriguing places.
A hiker descends from the Qafae Pëjes pass toward the village of Theth. Justin Foulkes for Lonely Planet
1. Theth
Best for hiking and adventure lovers
A small village nestled in the Albanian Alps, Theth might just be the most peaceful place to visit in Albania. If you’re looking for superior hiking and dramatic landscapes to enjoy, don’t miss it.
Once you get to Theth, two hikes are essential. The first leads to the Blue Eye, through a forest, over rivers and finally to a vibrant blue natural spring. This hike is easy to moderate, and very doable for less-experienced hikers.
The second is one of Albania’s most popular – and most beautiful: the Theth-to Valbona-hike. This trail starts from the top of Theth village, near Guest House Gjelaj, and leads through the mountains to breathtaking views at the top. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as it will take roughly 6 to 8 hours to complete – but the effort will be well worth it.
Planning tip: Make sure you bring cash with you, as ATMs are few and far between, and cards are barely accepted.
Saranda’s proximity to beautiful beaches and the Albanian River make it the perfect spot to stay outside. Joel Carillet/Getty Images
2. Saranda
Best for summer fun
Saranda is the southern gateway to the Albanian Riviera and one of its best cities to visit, not least because it’s close to one of the region’s best beaches, Ksamil. Book a hotel in Saranda, where you’ll be close to some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the country. Then explore the nearby beaches by day.
One of the best things to do from Saranda is to hop on one of the day trip boat tours that leave from the boulevard and go to the beaches of Kakomë and Krorëz. Tickets start at €30.
Planning tip: The best time to visit Saranda is in May, June or September when the crowds are not crazy but the beach bars and restaurants are open. As this is a summer destination, most businesses close during the offseason.
You never know what you might discover at Korça’s historic bazaar. Shutterstock
3. Korça
Best for historical appeal
When you visit Korça in Central Albania, make sure to stroll through the Pazari i Vjetër, the city’s old bazaar. Cobblestone streets and Ottoman-style architecture testify to the site’s history, which stretches back to the 13th century.
When you visit this area, be sure to visit one of the many coffee houses in the Old Bazaar. Try the popular, traditional alcoholic drink called raki, made from distilled grapes. You might even catch someone chasing a glass of raki with their morning espresso.
Wander the well-preserved streets of Gjirokastra’s fairy tale–like Old Town. Pintai Suchachaisri/Getty Images
4. Gjirokastra
Best for Albanian traditions
Known as the City of Stone, UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra in the south of Albania offers a glimpse of a pre-modern past. (It’s also the birthplace former Communist dictator Enver Hoxha.) After you’ve wandered through the town’s bazaar and taken in its impressive castle, be sure to take a wander around Zekate House. Built between 1811 and 1812, this traditional family home beautiful brings to life Albanian domestic traditions. When you visit, one of the family members will show you around and explain the different rooms and their purposes.
If you love wine as much as you do hearty food, then you need to take a trip to Te Fuçitë (The Barrels), a family restaurant and winery. Here, you’ll sample the reds and whites alongside platters of local delicacies – and views of the vineyards and surrounding mountains.
Planning tip: Try the dish called pasha qofte, essentially a cream soup made from milk with small meatballs. It’s a delicious dish you’ll find only in Gjirokastër.
Relax on Dhermi’s beaches by dat, then hit its beachside bars by night. Franz Aberham/Getty Images
5. Dhërmi
Best for beaches
If you’re craving less culture and more lying about, getting a suntan and enjoying a dip in the sea, then you need to visit Dhërmi. One of the pearls of the Albanian Riviera, the town has idyllic beaches, trendy beach bars and views that might make you never want to leave.
Dhërmi also hosts several summer music festivals, including the Kala Festival and ION Festival, making it a hot spot for younger generations looking for different summer vibes on the Mediterranean. Try Restaurant Luciano for delicious food overlooking the water, or head to Alevra restaurant and beach bar to try super-fresh seafood with a twist.
Planning tip: Make sure you book well in advance if you’re visiting in July and August, as hotels can be booked out during the festivals mentioned above.
Rent a bike to get around Shkodra the way locals do. Katsiuba Volha/Shutterstock
6. Shkodra
Best for exploring by bike
The city of Shkodra is a unlike any other in Albania. When you arrive, you’ll notice most of the population peddling around the city by bike – and you should join them by renting a cycle for the day. Start by pedaling down to Liqeni i Shkodrës to enjoy the beautiful lake views.
While you’re in the area, make sure you visit Rozafa Castle and ask one of the guides about the legend of Rozafa, a local woman reputed to have sacrificed herself during its construction. When you reach the top, you can take in a magnificent 360-degree view.
Planning tip: If you plan to tackle the Theth-to-Valbona hike and don’t fancy taking your luggage with you, ask about leaving your bags at your accommodation in Shkodra. It’s easy to get from the city onward to the mountain villages.
7. Lin
Best for a peaceful village vibe
Positioned on Lake Ohrid, Lin is a quiet village where fishing is a primary activity, and life is otherwise slow and blissfully tranquil. At a hilltop archaeological site, you’ll find the well-preserved mosaics of a Paleo-Christian church built in the 6th century. If you visit in the summertime, the mosaics will be uncovered, and there should be a guide who can tell you all about their history. From this vantage point, you can also admire the village from above – and even look over to North Macedonia in the distance.
Përmet is the gateway to adventures in rugged and wonderful Vjosa River National Park. Chiara Salvadori/Getty Images
8. Përmet
Best for white-water rafting and mountain biking
On a bend in the fast-flowing, turquoise Vjosa River – about 32km (20 miles) from Greece, from where the river springs – the town Përmet is a hub for adventure. From here, you can organize activities from white-water rafting to camping, hiking and mountain-bike riding in this mountainous region. Once an Ottoman-era commercial center, Përmet is today the center of one of Albania’s greenest and most pristine regions. Indeed, the Vjosa was recently designated as a wild river national park, Europe’s first.
Detour: A 29km (18-mile) taxi or bus ride away, the Bënjë Thermal Baths lie next to an Ottoman-era bridge on the Lengarica River (a tributary of the Vjosa). In summer, you can pick up supplies from small vendors here; in the offseason, bring your own food and drinks.
9. Porto Palermo
Best for a crowd-free Riviera experience
The triangle-shaped castle is a great reason to stop at Porto Palermo, as are the beautiful, unspoiled and peaceful beaches you’ll find here. Filled with history and spectacular swimming bays, this under-visited Riviera town is an excellent place for camping. You can also rent a kayak and paddle along the beaches and quiet bays. As you kayak, you’ll see the old military submarine bunker situated on the hill not far from the main beaches.
You can see a lot of Greece in under two weeks and get a real feel for its history, ruins, beaches, food, late-night revelry and a few of its many iconic islands. Ferries link many of the best places to visit, and lazing away the hours on deck gazing at the passing turquoise water is an irresistible interlude to more storied sights.
We’ve put together a detailed 10-day itinerary to show you the best Greece offers. Don’t have that much time available? Never fear – you can also curate your own ideal locations to build a blissful long weekend from our picks.
Day 1: start in Athens, the nation’s cradle
Don’t delay; climb the hill in the center of Athens to the magnificent Acropolis. Descending back into the land of mortals, wander the ancient Agora neighborhood before joining the merry mobs hopping from one taverna to another in the Plaka district. For extra credit, pause at some point at the extraordinary Acropolis Museum.
Go from Athens to Mykonos: Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. The fast times are on speedy hydrofoils, while the slower runs are on traditional boats, with their broad and sunny decks.
Athen’s Plaka district comes alive at night with streetside dinging and people-watching. Shutterstock
Day 2: Sail the Aegean to Mykonos
Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos. One of Europe’s fabled party destinations (St-Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. Explore the maze of covered lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes in the old town of Hora. Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. But save some energy for well after dark when the notorious clubs like to party until dawn – or later.
Go from Mykonos to Delos: Boats to Delos make the run in a quick 30 minutes starting in the morning.
Day 3: Walk with the ancient Greeks in Delos
Fight off any after-effects of the night before and catch a morning boat to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The entire island is a sacred shrine – ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. Let your imagination run wild as you reconstruct this once magnificent center in your mind. Make the quick return to Mykonos by boat and cool off at a beach. Then get lost in Hora until you stumble upon the perfect seafood dinner.
Go from Mykonos to Paros: Several ferries a day make the run in about one hour.
The ruins on the island of Delos offer an incredible history lesson and picturesque views. Getty Images
Day 4: Relax on Paros
Something of a ferry hub for the Cyclades, Paros – the group of islands that in many ways defines Greece – literally has something for everyone. Flower-draped tavernas in the port town of Parikia make great post-ferry lunch spots.
Get a rental car and drive the circumference of the island. This can be an all-day adventure and includes plenty of beach access along the east coast. The island is also noted for its produce – especially the tomatoes – so enjoy something delicious in the oh-so-cute mountain village of Lefkes or the locally popular beachside town of Aliki.
Go from Paros to Antiparos: Car ferries link the adjoining islands in under 15 minutes.
Day 5: Slow down on Antiparos
Almost touching its much larger neighbor, the diminutive island of Antiparos really is the anti-Paros. Parts of the island qualify as sleepy, and there’s an unhurried vibe across its narrow, windy roads. Take the quick boat ride to Despotiko, a restored ancient sanctuary, then enjoy a seafood feast in Agios Georgios at a waterfront taverna. If you’re feeling sporty, join the windsurfers taking advantage of some of the most reliable winds in Greece.
Go from Paros to Santorini: Ferries take 2–3 hours.
Day 6: Join the throngs on Santorini
With its polychromatic cliffs soaring above its drowned caldera, Santorini is the definition of a ‘Greek island’ for many. Steep and narrow lanes are lined with brilliantly whitewashed houses topped with cerulean domes. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the island’s spine, offering sweeping views. Sunsets are mesmerizing. Take in the spectacle from tiny hillside village of Oia, which offers a choice of tavernas serving deeply traditional Greek fare (expect grilled meats, creamy tzatziki and more).
Go from Santorini to Crete: There’s usually one speedy ferry daily, making the two-hour run to Iraklio in Crete.
There is no bad view from the blue and white buildings and stairwells built into Santorini’s coastline. Piotr Piatrouski/Shutterstock
Day 7: Get lost in Greece’s best palace at Knossos
The island of Crete is so big that it can feel like its own country. The main city of Iraklio is best enjoyed for a quick lunch in a café and as a place to secure a rental car. From there, charge south for barely 20 minutes to one of the top ancient sites in a nation of ancient sites. The Palace of Knossos was built by the Minoans and is a vast and somewhat restored ruin where you can easily spend half a day or more. If you have time to take a tour, there are more than a dozen wineries nearby that make the excellent local wines you’ll enjoy with every meal.
Go from Iraklio to Hania: Rental car prices on Crete are competitive, and distances are manageable. The run between the island’s two main cities takes only two hours, although endless stops and diversions to admire incredible views can greatly extend that.
Day 8: Revel in the stunning beauty of Crete
Crete’s second city of Hania is really the island’s first city in the hearts of those in the know. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. The food here is extraordinary, and the chefs put Crete’s fabled produce to remarkable use. Two excellent detours are the absorbing ancient port town of Rethymno and the grand and glittery Orthodox churches in the hills, such as Moni Arkadiou.
Go from Hania to Elafonisi: Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly.
The beaches of Crete are impeccable for swimming, sunshine and relaxation. Shutterstock
Day 9: Hit the beaches of Crete
The Samaria Gorge is the most famous of southern Crete’s many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. If the crowds at Samaria are daunting, consider the Agia Irini Gorge instead. Finish your day at sublime Elafonisi Beach, where the sand has a pinkish hue in a certain light, and the swimming is superb.
Go from Hania to Athens: Frequent flights to Athens take under an hour from Crete’s second-largest airport.
Day 10: Stroll around Athens
The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. Catch the changing of the guard at the center of government (and Athens) in Syntagma Square. Choose from sights such as the antiquity-stuffed Benaki Museum, the lush National Gardens, the ornate Hadrian’s Arch and the grandiose Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Finish your time in Greece with a languid session in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki and cafe-lined Plateia Kolonakiou.
Scotland often feels bigger than it is. That’s in part because of its impact on the world – think Edinburgh’s cultural clout and or Speyside’s famous whiskies – but it’s also because of the sheer range of things to do here.
Two fascinating, but very different, cities dominate Scotland’s central belt, the expansive Highlands feature some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, while islands pack in wildlife and echoes of the past. There are fine sights all over the country, but these are some of the top experiences in Scotland.
Get into the spirit of Edinburgh during the Fringe festival. Dan Smith Photography/Shutterstock
1. Experience the creativity of the Edinburgh Festival
The world’s largest arts festival transforms Scotland’s capital in August. Everywhere turns into a venue (literally: swimming pools, fudge shops and public toilets have featured in recent years), the streets throb with performers and festival-goers and pubs are packed until the small hours.
The Fringe, International Festival and Military Tattoo are the biggest events. If you want to see popular shows, booking early is essential, but there’s plenty of diversity beneath the headlines – seek out smaller venues for a unique experience that will make you feel you’ve been in a different city to the crowds.
Local tip: Missed out on tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo? Head to the top of Royal Mile and watch the troops parade down Castlehill, with bagpipes, brass sections, and colorful costumes, after the main performance at 10.30pm each night.
Glasgow comes to life after dark on Ashton Lane, a cobbled backstreet in the West End full of bars and restaurants. Getty Images
2. Get swept away by the music in Glasgow
By day, Glasgow’s grand architecture and resurgent museums are more than worth your time. But you may have the most fun at night, when glorious local scenes come alive and visitors to the city are treated with warm curiosity. Pubs host folk gigs, clubs judder to house and techno and the alt-rock scene bulges with talent. You can check out indie acts at King Tut’s, bounce on a historic ballroom floor at the Barrowland, check out a folk session at the Ben Nevis or get a sweat on at the Sub Club, which has been a temple to electronic music for over 30 years.
The colorful village of Portree, capital of the Isle of Skye. Getty Images
3. Find your own highlights on Skye
With its grand peaks, Gaelic culture and windswept beauty, Skye is the main draw in the Highlands. Rather than trying to cram its many highlights into a single itinerary – and risking getting stuck in a tourist traffic jam as you do so – it can be worth getting your perspective on this special island by choosing the part that most suits you and staying for a few days.
That might mean climbing the knife-edge ridges of the Cuillin Hills, exploring basalt sea stacks on the Trotternish Peninsula, eating roasted hake or devilled pigeon at the Michelin-starred Three Chimneys, or sipping ale at sunset on the little-visited Waternish Peninsula.
Planning tip: Stagecoach operates the main bus routes on the island, linking all the main villages and towns, but you’ll need your walking shoes if you want to go further afield.
4. Take in the lonely peaks of Assynt
Assynt, in the far northwest of Scotland, feels like a land apart. Here, isolated sandstone peaks rise like great monuments from the boggy moorland, giving the landscape an epic eeriness, and meaning the views from the top can – weather, of course, permitting – stretch for miles.
There are some excellent scrambling routes for which you’ll need some experience and a head for heights. An Teallach (1063m/3486ft) has a top-of-the-world traverse, Suilven (723m, 2,372ft) is a long, remote, broken-backed ridge, while Stac Pollaidh (612m/2008ft) reaches up like a ruined crown. It’s also the most accessible of the three. The coast here is also great for sea kayaking.
Local tip: The views from the roads that wind through this wilderness can be almost as good as the ones from the summits.
Detour to the impressive V&A Museum of Design on the Dundee waterfront. DigitalNatureScotland/Shutterstock
5. Soak up the culture on Dundee’s waterfront
Dundee’s docks once exported jute (a fiber used in textiles) around the world, but industrial decline in the 1980s hit the area hard. Regeneration came first in the form of the restored 1901 ship Discovery, which explored the Antarctic under legendary Captain Robert Falcon Scott and was built to withstand being frozen into the icepack.
In 2018, it was joined by V&A Dundee, a state-of-the-art museum whose slatted exterior looks like a spaceship crossed with a sea cliff. In between checking out top-notch visiting exhibitions at the V&A and stepping aboard Discovery, you can explore the city’s textile traditions at the Verdant Works or steer your own course through Dundee’s nautical heritage by going paddleboarding on the Tay.
6. Taste whisky in Speyside
Speyside, in Northeast Scotland, isn’t just about booze: there’s salmon fishing, historic railways and golf courses to experience in these parts. But most visitors are here for the region’s sweet and fragrant whiskies.
Marvel at the vast modern vats that make the stuff, the pleasingly battered casks (often previously used for sherry) that help give batches their unique flavor, and the streams and rivers that run down from the hills and into the distilleries, bringing a touch of local terroir.
There are plenty of great things to do here: you can stay overnight in classic lodges and sup your drinks in hushed, book-lined lounges, or stay at homely B&Bs where the morning smells of kippers and black pudding should add zest to any hangover you might somehow have developed.
Local tip: Speyside is home to the highest number of distilleries in Scotland, the most famous of which is Glenfiddich.
Step back in time in Orkney: the Neolithic Ring of Brodgar near Stromnness. Jiri Semerad/500px
7. Learn about Stone Age Orkney
The archipelago of Orkney, an hour’s ferry ride from Scotland’s northeast tip, has farmland, fishing villages and some of Europe’s greatest Stone Age remains. Skara Brae, a 5000-year-old settlement that lay preserved under sand dunes till 1850, brings the day-to-day world of Neolithic people to brilliant life.
Houses are connected by tunnels and filled with furniture – beds, fireplaces, dressers and cupboards. The stunning nearby tunnel tomb of Maeshowe, meanwhile, reveals this ancient people’s spiritual side. With its standing stones, giant flocks of seabirds and the mighty sea all around, modern Orkney remains a wild, evocative place.
8. Join the island adventures on Mull
Visiting the Hebrides is highly recommended. The islands are scattered off the west coast, one foot in Scotland, the other in the Atlantic. Mull is one of the finest of these islands, and once you get past its appealing towns (capital Tobermory’s chocolate-box harbor is something else), you can use it as a base for the wonderfully accessible outdoors. There are mountains, cliffs and achingly beautiful beaches, but a boat trip offers the greatest pleasures.
Nearby isles include Iona (whose abbey was a vital staging post in Christianity’s advance through Britain), Staffa (home to surreal pillars that inspired Felix Mendelssohn and Pink Floyd) and Lunga (where thousands of impossibly appealing puffins nest in spring and summer). It’s an especially fun thing to do for families – kids will love the excitement of the short boat trips.
Detour: There are dozens of operators around the coast offering whale-watching boat trips lasting from a couple of hours to all day; some have sighting success rates of 95% in summer.
Scotland’s most famous driving route heading over the Kylesku Bridge. Helen Hotson/Shutterstock
9. Drive the North Coast 500
Scotland’s most famous driving route starts in Inverness, the Highlands’ likable capital, and makes a great loop around the dramatic west coast and the wild, remote top of Scotland. You’ll pass superb seafood restaurants, distilleries (not all for whisky), villages, farmhouses and pubs.
But the star here is the scenery: lochs that look like they go on forever, huge sea cliffs, rugged mountains, lonely beaches, machair grassland and hills topped with heather. It gets busy in summer: the best time to go is the shoulder season, and a week will allow you to take decent pit stops, breathe in the sea air and treasure the shifting light and the contours of the land. If this doesn’t appeal, Scotland has other amazing road trips to get you exploring.
The West Highland Way is Scotland’s most popular through-hike but you can tackle a section. Shutterstock
10. Hike the West Highland Way
The West Highland Way takes you from the Lowlands to the Highlands, from the outskirts of Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, to the base of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. It passes rivers, lochs, mountains and moorland, traveling on old cattle roads and railway lines – meaning that this is one epic journey on which it’s hard to get lost. For the more adventurous hiker, there are other less well-trod paths to also investigate.
The 96-mile (155km) West Highland Way takes most hikers around a week, although it’s possible to just take on parts of it. You can make it easier, by asking a tour company to drop your baggage at your hotel each night; or harder, by wild camping all the way and rounding it off with the climb up Ben Nevis (4413ft/1345m).
Local tip: Pre-book accommodation or campsites during the European summer as this is a popular through-hike. Some pubs and inns will only serve food to guests who are staying, so if you are wild camping make sure you carry enough food for meals between major towns.
11. Explore historic Edinburgh
Outside of festival time, Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most spectacular cities with plenty of things to do, and its Old and New towns provide a luminous history lesson. The Old Town is crowned by a mighty castle, from where the cobblestoned Royal Mile descends past tangled medieval wynds (alleys) and cozy pubs to the Scottish Parliament.
The neighboring New Town, a mere 200 years old, has Neoclassical streets arranged into an elegant pattern of squares, crescents and boulevards. The city’s hilly nature means that wherever you go, a new view can surprise you. The National Museum is the best of many, although you can also get a vivid sense of Edinburgh’s rich history just by strolling its streets.
With its impressive terrain of imperious mountains, volcano-ravaged landscapes and sumptuous rainforest, Washington state is understandably renowned amongst keen hikers.
It is home to the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail (part of the “Triple Crown” of US hiking), the headquarters of the American Alpine Institute and three pioneering national parks: iconic Mt Rainier, the primeval Olympic peninsula and the lonesome mini-Alaska of the North Cascades.
When you’re done pacing the state’s saw-toothed mountains and rain-soaked forests, you can stroll the less threatening fields and hedgerows of the bucolic San Juan Islands, or warm down on the pleasantly paved (and accessible) Burke-Gilman trail in urban Seattle. These are the best hikes in Washington state.
1. The Wonderland Trail is a challenging multi-day hike
93-mile loop, 10–12 days, hard
Backcountry endurance athletes will love the Wonderland Trail, Mt Rainier’s classic long-distance hike, a 93-mile pilgrimage that completely circumnavigates the mountain and logs a cumulative elevation gain of 21400ft. Conceived in 1915, the trail is well-marked and completed by between 200 and 250 hikers a year. Incorporating multiple ecosystems into its course, it reveals captivating vistas of Rainier and its 25 glaciers from every angle.
Longmire near Mt Rainier National Park’s Nisqually entrance is the most popular starting point for the multi-day extravaganza. Most hikers tackle the route in a clockwise direction in July or August after the snow has melted and the mountain’s famous wildflowers are in bloom. There are 18 backcountry campsites en route. Don’t worry if you’re new to backcountry camping and don’t know where to start. Our handy guide will ensure you have the time of your life.
2. The Enchanted Valley Trail is the best hike for wildlife-spotting
27 miles round-trip, 2 days, easy
Billed as one of the easiest and downright charming ways to delve into the roadless interior of Olympic National Park, this gentle, easy-to-follow trail stretches for 13.5 miles from the Graves Creek trailhead to a large riverside meadow, the site of a handsomely mildewed wooden cabin dating from the 1930s. Much of the early miles are through a wooded valley studded with a magnificent old-growth forest and bisected by the gurgling Quinault River.
After passing the O’Neil Creek campsite, the trees slowly thin out to reveal sheer cliff faces and peaks rising 2000ft from the valley floor. During the spring snowmelt, the precipice is drizzled by innumerable waterfalls (locals claim there are 10,000!), while the valley is decorated with a rich rainbow of wildflowers. You can camp by the enchanting but closed-to-public cabin before hiking back the way you came. Berry-seeking bears, shy deer and herds of elk are common in these parts.
The northern half of Washington is characterized by its wild, storm-lashed beaches, many of them protected within Olympic National Park. For a taste of this remote, elemental coast, come to Lake Ozette, 31 miles southwest of the town of Clallam Bay. It’s the location of a 2000-year-old Ozette-Makah village uncovered during a Pacific storm in 1970 (most of the archaeological site was backfilled in the 1980s).
From the lake, you can follow the 3.3-mile Cape Alava Trail to the westernmost point of land in the Lower 48. The trail, much of it across a raised boardwalk, delivers you to a rocky weather-beaten beach speckled with islets and sea stacks. Turn south here and – tide permitting – traverse the beach for 3 miles. Rocks, sand and fallen trees make it tough going (check tide charts in advance) but, halfway along, you’ll stumble upon the Wedding Rocks, the most significant group of petroglyphs on the Olympic Peninsula.
Loop back to the Lake Ozette trailhead by following the well-marked Sand Point Trail that plunges inland from the beach, completing an almost perfect triangle.
4. Cascade Pass to Stehekin Valley is a hike to an off-the-grid village
23 miles point-to-point, 2 days, hard
Bereft of road connections to the outside world, the remote Cascadian village of Stehekin is reachable only by boat or seaplane – unless you’re up for a bold backcountry adventure on foot. Three main trails head south off Hwy 20 to converge on the isolated community. The quickest and most spectacular is the 23-mile hike over Cascade Pass (reached via a steep 3.7-mile climb from the Cascade River Rd) that follows the route of a former Native American trading path switching back to the 5392ft subalpine saddle. The area is the current focus of a national park revegetation effort.
After ascending to the pass, the path continues down the other side into the Stehekin River Valley, where it joins briefly with the Pacific Crest Trail before descending to High Bridge. From here, you can catch a four-times-daily (in the summer and fall season) shuttle bus for the last 11 miles into Stehekin. Numerous backcountry campsites are available en route.
5. Desolation Trail is a great route for literary enthusiasts
7.9 miles round-trip, 7 hours, hard
Loaded with historical and literary significance, the Desolation Trail up to Desolation Peak (6102ft) in the North Cascades takes you to a historic fire lookout, built in 1933, the one-time refuge of American Beat writer Jack Kerouac. He worked as a watchman at this remote spot during the summer of 1956. The shortest ascent to the lookout from Ross Lake follows a steep, strenuous trail that gains 4475ft in less than 4 miles. The reward is stunning vistas of the twin peaks of Hozameen and, perhaps, echoes of the literary inspiration that prompted Kerouac to write Desolation Angels and The Dharma Bums.
To complete the hike in a day, you’ll need to catch a water taxi from Ross Lake to a trailhead on the lake’s upper eastern shore. Alternatively, the peak can be hiked via a longer 43-mile round-trip route starting from a trailhead at milepost 138 on Hwy 20.
6. Chain Lakes Loop has the best mountain views
7.1-mile loop, 4 hours, moderate
If you’ve grown tired of climbing through thick forests to peek-a-boo viewpoints, this hike will save you some grunt work. Set in a high alpine nirvana amid the lake-scattered bowls and slopes of Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan, the Chain Lakes Loop starts at Artist Point (5100ft) at the end of Mt Baker Hwy, enabling you to get above the treeline by car. It’s important to check the weather before you set off – snow can keep the road closed until early July.
The hike itself follows a moderate, well-trafficked route that’s spectacular from start to finish. From the parking lot, it traverses the lava walls of Table Mountain before dropping down to pass a half-dozen icy lakes surrounded by huckleberry meadows. Iceberg, Hayes and Bagley Lakes all unveil their glassy beauty. In the background, you’re treated to intermittent snapshots of Mt Shuksan (9131ft), the peak that launched a thousand calendar spreads, and Mt Baker (10,781ft), northwestern Washington’s omnipresent sentinel and one of the snowiest places on earth.
After passing the Heather Meadows Visitor Center, take the Wild Goose Trail back to Artist Point.
7. Dog Mountain Trail is the best hike for wildflowers
7.2 miles round-trip, 5 hours, hard
The toast of all Columbia Gorge hikes is a steep 3.8-mile climb up Dog Mountain, the best place in southern Washington for late-spring wildflowers. The uphill trek is unrelenting, but it ends in open fields full of balsamroot, paintbrush, lupine and more, framed by sweeping views over the mighty Columbia River, as wide as a lake at this point in its course. Oregon occupies the opposite bank and various Cascade volcanoes flash their brilliance in the distance.
The hike operates a permit system in the spring months to minimize crowds – book online in advance.
8. Bluff Trail is a good hike to do as a family
5.6-mile loop, 2 hours, easy
If your knees aren’t up to mountain scrambles or bushwhacking through Washington’s backcountry, try this bucolic stroll through a National Historical Reserve that embodies Washington state’s best parks, where the elevation change is minimal and the wildest animal you’re likely to see is a startled rabbit. Welcome to Ebey’s Landing, a 17,000-acre patchwork of working farms, historic blockhouses and coastal bluffs spread across two state parks on the western shores of Whidbey Island, 30 miles north of Seattle.
The reserve’s best walk, the Bluff Trail, departs from the Sunnyside Cemetery just outside the historic town of Coupeville near the island’s narrowest point. The white hump of Mt Baker dominates the eastern horizon, and the peaks of the Olympics march away to the west as you head through wheat fields to a coastal bluff where the trail loops past wind-contorted trees and flower-covered slopes. Zigzagging down to a beach backed by a lagoon, the path doubles back on a parallel route to the start. Interpretive boards, wildfowl and marine ecosystems provide distractions en route.
Tucked away in the forest on the southern side of Mt St Helens, Ape Cave is a 2-mile-long lava tube – the longest in the western hemisphere – formed around 2000 years ago in one of the volcano’s earlier eruptions.
It allows you to take an unguided cave walk up to 1.5 miles long (although there’s a shorter 0.8-mile option) and digest a bit of the area’s volcanic history as you go. Interpretive boards explain the basic geology, and forest rangers lead guided walks in summer. Bring good footwear, several torches/flashlights and a jacket (it gets cold even in summer).
Stairs aid entry to the cave but, once inside, passages are narrow and several lava falls must be climbed over, including one that’s 8ft tall. From the upper entrance, a forest path meanders 1.5 miles back to the parking area.
Planning tip: A permit system has been introduced to enter the cave, so book online before your visit.
10. Skyline Trail is the best route for glacier viewing
6.2-mile loop, 3.5 hours, moderate
Starting behind the historic Paradise Inn perched at 5400ft on the southern slopes of Mt Rainier, this gorgeous loop climbs approximately 1900ft, taking in the lofty lookout of Panorama Point, which provides some of the best views of Mt Rainier (in close-up), as well as the more distant Tatoosh Range.
Best done clockwise, the circuit incorporates glacier views, above-the-treeline paths patrolled by whistling marmots and expansive flower meadows replete with lupine, paintbrush, asters and bistort. Due to its famed beauty, the trail is well-signposted and trafficked. There are a couple of opportunities to cut corners and make the loop shorter.
Planning tip: Late July and early August are peak wildflower season and the best (but busiest) time to visit. Pick up a trail map at the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center next to Paradise Inn.
11. Heliotrope Ridge Trail is a top choice for glacier enthusiasts
5.5 miles roundtrip, 4 hours, moderate
Located on Mt Baker, Heliotrope Ridge Trail begins off Forest Road 39, where the dense forests quickly give way to expansive views of the surrounding peaks. Within 1 mile of a gentle ascent, you’ll cross the first of several small streams cascading down from nearby peaks and soon meander through wildflower-filled meadows, especially from late July to early August when the flowers are at their peak.
The moderate elevation gets more noticeable around the 2-mile mark, as you approach the treeline. The gain leads you gradually up to the edge of the Coleman Glacier, with blue ice caves offering a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape – you may even spot adventurous ice climbers making their way up the face.
12. Snow Lake Trail showcases the beauty of Alpine Lakes Wilderness
7.2 miles roundtrip, 3.5 hours, moderate
Within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snow Lake Trail is a rewarding hike that provides picturesque lake views. The trail begins at the Alpental parking area near Snoqualmie Pass, immediately diving into a forested path lined with towering evergreens and dense undergrowth. The trail descends toward the lake and levels out around the 3-mile mark.
The lake is an ideal spot for a lunch break or a snack, and in the late summer months, you may even spot wild blueberries along the trail for delicious foraging. If you have the energy, continue past Snow Lake to Gem Lake, just over a mile walk, for a quieter spot.
13. Ptarmigan Traverse is Washington’s toughest hike
35 miles point-to-point, 5–7 days, extremely hard
If you’re a serious hiker with days to commit, the Ptarmigan Traverse is a legendary route winding through the Washington Cascades with some of the state’s most difficult and remote alpine terrain. This epic 35-mile trek, often described as Washington’s most grueling hike, requires a high level of mountaineering skill, route-finding expertise and experience with glacier travel.
The journey begins near Cascade Pass in North Cascades National Park and covers dramatic landscapes marked by towering peaks, steep inclines and expansive glaciers. The first major ascent takes you over Cache Col Pass, then traverses multiple glaciers, including the Dana, Middle Cascade and LeConte.
One of the most stunning sections is White Rock Lakes, where clear blue lakes reflect the jagged peaks that tower overhead, offering a backdrop for those able to reach this remote spot. The final portion of the traverse brings hikers over Spire Col and Dome Peak, two of the highest and most challenging points on the route.
14. Aasgard Pass is Washington’s toughest one-day hike
12 miles roundtrip, 8–12 hours, extremely hard
If you want to tackle a tough hike but only have a day to commit, the Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments Core Zone is hailed as Washington’s most difficult one-day hike, testing even the most experienced hikers. Starting at the Stuart Lake Trailhead near Leavenworth, this hike offers stunning rewards but demands intense effort.
The initial portion leads through lush, forested trails, climbing steadily until reaching Colchuck Lake at around 4 miles. From there, you’ll confront Aasgard Pass head-on. This brutally steep ascent climbs 2000ft in less than a mile. Snow patches here can linger well into summer, adding to the difficulty and unpredictability. But when you reach the top, you are rewarded with an entry into the Enchantments Basin, filled with sapphire-blue lakes, wildflower-dotted meadows and the occasional mountain goat roaming freely among the granite.
15. Rattlesnake Ledge is the best hike for beginners
4 miles roundtrip, 2 hours, easy
Still, Washington offers a number of trails that introduce newcomers to hiking in the state. One of the top trails for beginners is Rattlesnake Ledge, located in Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area near North Bend. The trailhead starts at Rattlesnake Lake and begins with a gentle incline, winding through a dense, shaded forest of towering cedars and firs.
The well-marked trail continues to climb gradually, providing several spots to stop and rest along the way. At around 1.5 miles in, the trail steepens slightly but remains easily navigable, with switchbacks helping to ease the climb. The path is wide, well-trodden and lined with ferns and moss until you reach Rattlesnake Ledge’s rocky outcrop. From here, enjoy the sweeping views before retracing your steps back.
16. Hurricane Hill Trail is the best hike in Olympic National Park
3.2 miles roundtrip, 1.5–2 hours, easy to moderate
For the best hiking in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Hill Trail is one of the state’s most-visited trails. Starting near the temporary Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (the permanent building burned down in 2023), this hike takes you along a paved path that gently climbs through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during the summer months.
The hike begins with a moderate ascent, but the well-maintained trail and gradual incline make it manageable even for beginners. After 1 mile, you’ll reach a ridge with views of the Olympic Mountains – on a clear day, you can even see as far as Vancouver Island.
Keep planning your trip to Washington state
Everything you need to know before visiting Washington state 12 of the best things to do in Washington state Getting around Washington state
From the Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Lonely Planet editors have picked the 28 best beaches in the US.
From Clearwater Beach in Florida to Venice Beach in California, the best beaches in the US can be found throughout the country. Whether you relish the calm waters of a small town’s public beach to vacation with the kids, or you imagine romantic evening strolls along endless stretches of white sand beach, Lonely Planet Editors aim to awaken your inner beachcomber with their top picks of the 28 best beaches in the US.
In our latest edition of Lonely Planet Best Beaches, you’ll find many more great beaches around the world. Caves and coves; driftwood-laden coastlines shrouded in mystical fog; offshore coral reefs and sprawling cliffside clear water pools — we cover 100 favorite shorelines across the globe
We are delighted to present to you our 28 best beaches in the US to help you plan your own dreamy beach getaway.
The spider-like branches of gnarled oaks draping the golden sands of Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia are eerily haunting. The trees pull you in for a closer look, whispering of mysteries from centuries past. You can maybe even envision tall tales of zombies here—The Walking Dead filmed scenes for its 10th season at this Georgia beach.
With that said, the scene is far from morbid. Kids can safely explore tide pools and climb onto sun-bleached tree trunks without fear of a zombie attack. Instead, you can expect a steady stream of brides and grooms smiling for wedding shots among the branches at sunset, making the most of the technicolor backdrop.
Once part of a maritime forest, the trees fell as the beach eroded and their roots were exposed to sun and salt. Some trees may be more than 500 years old while others have collapsed more recently due to storms and the relentless encroachment of the Atlantic.
2. Grayton Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Florida
The sugar-white sands of Grayton Beach billow like delicate frosting, their ephemeral beauty ever-shifting thanks to winds and waves along the Florida panhandle. They’re a striking contrast to the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping the shore.
But this one-mile (1.6km) strip of pristine sand, part of Grayton Beach State Park, is more than just a pretty Florida Beach. The beach’s dunes protect three coastal dune lakes, which are a rare natural phenomenon found in only four countries in the world. A 4.5-mile (7.2km) multiuse trail winds through the woods and along the 100-acre (40-hectare) Western Lake, the largest of the park’s coastal dune lakes. Its dazzling blue waters are open for kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding.
A sparkling confection of sunshine, style and beautiful people, South Beach embodies the good life. Just east of downtown Miami in South Florida, SoBe dazzles like a kaleidoscope paused.
Aquamarine waters lap luxurious white sands while the tidy greenery of Lummus Park and the Promenade unfurls just west. Candy-bright lifeguard towers bring whimsy to the beach, hinting at the vivid facades of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District. Built in the 1930s, art deco hotels along Ocean Drive are showpieces of geometry, color, and function. Caribbean flourishes and soaring palm trees add more aesthetic oomph while neon and nightclubs, in contrast to the more laid-back but still vibrant North Beach, bring late-night sizzle.
Cheap sunglasses are for sale in every direction on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, a 2-mile (3.2km) strip of creativity hugged by weed dispensaries, t-shirt shops and French-fry joints in southern Los Angeles – and that’s just the view on the inland side.
On the ocean side, palm trees frame the sandy beach and the Pacific, with views interrupted by bodybuilders pumping iron at Muscle Beach, basketball players shooting hoops on busy courts and skateboarders gliding skyward at the shiny skateboard park. Take a seat to watch the action. Jugglers, gymnasts and artists all vie for attention—and a few bucks—along the way.
A “pocked beach” in western Malibu, El Matador may be tiny but it packs an oversized visual punch. One of three small beaches comprising Robert H Meyer Memorial State Beach – the other two are El Pescador and La Piedra – El Matador hugs the base of craggy bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean beside Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or California Highway 1).
A dirt path drops down the rugged cliffside to a set of stairs that descend to the soft sands of the beach, where the real visual feast begins. A cluster of rocks and sea stacks extends from the cliffs edging the cove into the sea. The largest formations hide arches and caves, which are prime candidates for exploring and photography—as are the tide pools filled with sea life. The setting sun illuminates the rocks with a golden glow, casting shadows and revealing new treasures. On a quiet afternoon the effect borders on the sublime.
For several weeks in late December, coinciding with the winter solstice, the setting sun pierces Keyhole Arch with a luminous golden light. Staged at a sliver of coastline along the rugged Big Sur coast in California, it’s a spectacular ode to nature’s other-worldly gifts. And the spectacle becomes sublime when a wave crashes within the arch, its spray aglow with the ethereal light.
After rainstorms, the crescent-shaped beach may turn purple in spots due to the manganese garnet washed down from the coastline’s crumbly bluffs. Due to dangerous surf, Pfeiffer Beach isn’t recommended for swimming, and it can get windy – but walking, beachcombing and sunsets are superb.
Local tip: The Ambrosia burgers are great and so is the view at Nepenthe, a oceanfront restaurant perched high on a cliff between Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and Castro Canyon on Highway 1.
Haystack Rock is a mood. A volcanic remnant formed by 17 million years of uplift and erosion, it rises 235ft (72m) above Cannon Beach. A basalt monolith, it was likely familiar to the Clatsop and Chinook tribes and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which wintered near here in 1805 and 1806. Today Haystack Rock and the beach are popular destinations for beachgoers seeking wildlife and amazing sunset views.
Within the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge on the Northern Oregon Coast, Haystack Rock is a haven for tufted puffins, seals and sea lions. At low tide, beachcombers can walk to its base and explore its tide pools, home to sea stars and anemones. Gray whales and humpback whales migrate along the coast in winter and again in spring. Held in June, the Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is truly ephemeral—all the entries are washed away by high tide after existing for a mere five hours.
On a spring day, when the crowds are light and the snow still tops the Sierra Nevada mountains. Sand Harbor and its lakefront boulders evoke a land that time forgot. Crystal blue waters. Ancient white sand beaches. Jefferson pines that soar overhead. There’s an ageless and transportive tranquility here—at least until summer, when beach umbrellas and stand-up paddleboards disrupt the spell as the crowds roll in.
Lake Tahoe, which straddles the California–Nevada state line, is the largest alpine lake in the country and the second-deepest. The water is so clear that sometimes you can see objects as far as 70ft (21m) below the surface. You can appreciate that clarity at Sand Harbor, especially if you rent a kayak and paddle its small bay.
9. Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia
With wild horses galloping across its windswept beaches, Assateague Island National Seashore exudes a surprisingly feral vibe, a rarity along the highly developed shores of the Mid-Atlantic. Thick maritime forests and rugged dunes round out the dramatic scene. A barrier island, Assateague hugs the coast of Maryland and Virginia on the Eastern Shore, a three-hour drive from Washington, DC. Beach camping is permitted, so city dwellers can easily dig into its untamed splendor—and wake up to gorgeous sunrises.
The park’s 37-mile (59km) beachfront is divided by the Maryland–Virginia state line. Low-key adventuring is a hallmark of the Maryland side, with hiking on nature trails, kayaking in bayside marshes and 4 miles (6.4km) of road cycling on Bayberry Dr. At Maryland’s Assateague State Park, which is tucked inside the national seashore, there is a bathhouse and, in summer, lifeguards. Stay at least 40ft (12m) away from the horses – they’re more bad-tempered than polite.
Local tip: More than 300 wild ponies roam the beaches and salt marshes. They’re beauties but stay at least 40ft (12m) away from the horses—they’re more bad-tempered than polite.
A doorstep to the heavens? At Kauaʻi’s Hanalei Bay, a 2-mile (3.2km) crescent of golden sand carved into the northernmost island of the Hawaiian archipelago, you’ll find one of the best beaches in Hawaii. Just west of Black Pot Beach Park, the photogenic Hanalei Pier juts into the soft blue waters of the bay. Framed by rumpled green mountains and blue skies brushed with clouds, the 300ft-long (91m) pier is the only thing keeping this North Shore masterpiece tethered to reality.
The beach is divided into four named sections. Kayakers and novice surfers flock to the area around the pier, where the surf typically features calm waters. Surf lessons are offered just west. Big swells draw experienced surfers to Waiʻoli (Pine Trees) Beach Park near the middle of the beach in winter. Swimming conditions vary by location and season but are typically best in summer. Sunbathing and snorkeling are also popular.
Local tip: It’s a short drive from Hanalei Bay to Smith’s Fern Garden. Board the boat for the 2-mile ride upriver on the Wailua River through the lush tropical landscape. Besides the view, on the boat performers in island garb share stories and sing traditional Hawaiian songs. Disembark for some serious photo taking and follow the short path to the grotto.
There’s something pleasingly untamed about Oneloa Beach, a broad strip of golden sand in the far southern reaches of Maui, the second largest island in Hawaii. This beach is part of Makena State Park, where lifeguards scan the Pacific, but the setting remains wild. A tangle of tropical greenery presses in on the sandy path that leads to the near mile-long (1.6km) beach—oneloa means “long sand” in Hawaiian—and the Pacific pounds the shore with waves that are an otherworldly shade of blue.
Beachgoers should be aware that shore breaks (steep waves that break near the shore) can be too brutal for swimming. But from atop the lava-rock promontory at Oneloa’s south end, views of the beach—which is flanked by the lush slopes of Haleakalā—are magnificent.
It looks like a giant emptied his pockets on the shores of Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park. Tree trunks are strewn like matchsticks. Sea stacks cluster like crumbled chocolates. And a colorful assortment of agates, garnets and sea glass add a touch of glitter to the captivating mess.
The sea stacks, reachable at low tide, are the public face of coastal erosion here. Once part of the mainland, they formed after a centuries-long onslaught by ocean waves, which also carved out their caves and arches. Flanked by forested sandstone cliffs, Ruby Beach is a wonderland for children, with tide pools hiding anemones, sea urchins, purple starfish and skittering crabs. The shore and its polished rocks – the agates give the beach its ruby coloring – also hold treasures for sharp-eyed rockhounds and seashell hunters.
13. Playa Tortuga, Isla Culabrita, Puerto Rico
As the name suggests, Playa Tortuga (or Turtle Beach) is a prime spot to view the local population of turtles who use this beach as their breeding ground every year. You can find this beach on Isla Culabrita, a tiny island off the shore of Isla de Culebra that’s part of the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge. And since you can only reach this beach by boat, that makes it feel much more secluded and tranquil.
Beyond the turtles, Playa Tortuga is great for snorkeling and swimming with the colorful tropical fish. If you prefer staying closer to shore, you can explore the tide pools, which locals refer to as “The Jacuzzi” due to the churn of warm water you’ll encounter here. Even if you just want to stroll along the powdery white sand and enjoy the views of the crystal clear water, you will surely love your time at Playa Tortuga.
14. Trunk Bay, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
You might hear folks call this beach one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Once you make your way to Trunk Bay, which is part of Virgin Islands National Park, you will quickly understand why so many visitors are awestruck and mesmerized by this beach’s remarkable beauty.
If there’s any downside to visiting Trunk Bay, it’s that this beach can get quite crowded—especially when cruise ships head this way. As long as you can handle the crowds, you will be rewarded with an incredible underwater snorkeling trail, crystal clear turquoise water at the surface, pristine white sand on land, plenty of nearby amenities (including lifeguards and accessible restrooms), and some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the Caribbean.
Local detour: Visit the ruins of the Catherineberg Sugar Mill, a former 18th-century sugar and rum factory with a large windmill tower, located in the Virgin Islands National Park. The ruins, from the Danish Colonial period of the island’s history, are among the largest and best preserved on the island.
15. Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California
Is this St. Tropez? Might this be Bali? Could this be Punta Mita? Nope, this is actually one of Southern California’s best beaches. If you time it right, Treasure Island can feel pretty secluded, despite this public beach’s location near this perennially busy stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. But even if crowds descend onto the shore from the highway and the nearby Montage Resort, you can still enjoy the perfect beach day here.
If you fancy a dip in the (admittedly cool) Pacific Ocean water, head to Goff Island Cove at the north end of Treasure Island Beach for calmer water that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. For longer walks on the sand, take the wheelchair-accessible ramp down to the main beach area and explore the shore all the way down to the busier Aliso Beach. And for a leisurely walk with great views, you can take the bluff-top trails by the resort—You might even find artists finding inspiration as they paint their newest masterpieces!
16. Cumberland Island, Georgia
Nestled along the southernmost stretch of Georgia’s coast, Cumberland Island (which is a National Seashore) looks and feels picture-perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who simply want an idyllic beach day with minimal outside disruptions.
For 17 miles (or about 27.4km), Cumberland Island stretches out and reveals one of the Northern Hemisphere’s most unique natural wildlife habitats. Here, you can find some rare (and endangered) loggerhead sea turtles, where they come to nest May through September. Cumberland Island is also great for spotting wild horses, armadillos, and an incredible variety of birds who call this island home. Even if you’re not in the mood to spot wildlife, you can simply walk to the beach and stroll along the island’s wide open spaces full of dazzling white sand.
Local tip: The best time for sea shell hunting is during low tide. The most common shells are knobbed whelks, lettered olives, moon snails, pen shells and heart cockles. Less common but still a possibility are sand dollars, sea beans and sea urchins. Keep in mind, only unoccupied shells and fossilized shark’s teeth can be taken home.
17. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park not only offers an escape from the ordinary, but it’s also the perfect spot to experience a different side of the Florida Keys removed from the hustle and bustle of the touristy hotels and resorts.
So, what makes Dry Tortugas one of the best beaches in the US? Simply put, this is the closest beach to the US mainland that offers a Caribbean-like remote tropical beach experience. While you will notice Fort Jefferson, one of the nation’s largest 19th-century military forts and the largest brick building in the Western Hemisphere, it’s otherwise easy to find a welcoming stretch of white sand to stretch out and relax. And since Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat, that simply adds to the charm and the allure of this uniquely coastal national park.
18. Sand Beach, Acadia National Park, Maine
Not to be confused with Sand Harbor Beach at Lake Tahoe (see above), Sand Beach may be the best spot to dip your toes in the sand at Maine’s famed Acadia National Park. If you plan to visit during the popular summer season, expect some big crowds here. But even if you come during the colder months, you will still be rewarded with gorgeous coastal views at one of New England’s most beloved national parks.
While it is generally safe to swim at Sand Beach, take note that the water tends to stay chilly year-round—yes, even during summer. For those who prefer getting their steps in on dry land, Sand Beach also offers easy access to great hike and bike trails. Pro tip: Like the rest of Acadia National Park, Sand Beach is a wonderful area to marvel at the fall colors during autumn leaf peeping season.
Detour: It’s only five miles to historic Bar Harbor, the largest town on Frenchman’s Bay on Maine’s Mount Desert Island. It’s a wonderful destination for trendy shops and restaurants as well as green spaces and pretty parks. While there, be sure to indulge in that Northeast speciality and consume a lobster roll or two.
19. Gray Whale Cove State Beach, California
Though it’s sometimes called “Devil’s Slide,” the views at Gray Whale Cove State Beach can be outright heavenly. Located about 20 miles (or 32km) south of San Francisco and 8 miles (or 13km) north of Half Moon Bay, Gray Whale Cove feels far removed from the massive sprawl of the Bay Area, even though it’s actually this close to the city.
With its perennially icy water and frequent rip currents, Gray Whale Cove isn’t really the ideal beach for swimming. But if you simply need a beach where you can leave all your troubles behind, the picturesque beauty of this beach is hard to beat. And yes, as the name suggests, this beach is a superb spot to find gray whales migrating northward during the spring season.
20. Seacliff State Beach, California
Why go to a beach that’s best known for its huge concrete freighter? In short, Seacliff State Beach seamlessly blends fascinating history with timeless natural beauty. Yes, it’s pretty easy to spot the SS Palo Alto from the beach. Yet considering this ship’s backstory as a “Cement Ship” meant to serve during World War I, and as a go-to venue for lively beach parties during the 1920s, the Palo Alto somehow feels right at home at this beach.
Beyond the SS Palo Alto, Seacliff is also a rare Bay Area beach that’s safe for swimming, and it’s a perfect place for family picnics and fun beach days with the kids. Due to recent winter storm damage, it’s always a good idea to check in advance to ensure that everything you want to do will be available. Still, this is one Northern California beach that’s always worth stopping for.
21. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Yes, you really can find beaches in Texas. After all, the Lone Star State sits right by the Gulf of Mexico! And in the case of Padre Island National Seashore, you will discover 66 miles (or about 106km) of blissfully beautiful Gulf Coast shoreline nestled between Corpus Christi and the US-Mexico border.
Who knew that South Texas has its own 130,000+ acre expanse of white sand beaches, one of the last natural coastal prairies in the United States, a cherished sea turtle nesting ground, and prime opportunities to spot other animals like coyotes, deer, and ghost crabs? Well, now you do. No matter what you’re hoping to do at the beach, this beach is one that basically lets you see and do it all with classic Texas flair.
22. Henderson Beach State Park, Destin, Florida
Florida has an abundance of scenic beaches, and this one Florida beach really delivers in unique, breathtaking scenery. Located in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park doesn’t just have white sand beaches—It also has 30-foot (or 9-meter) high white sand dunes that must be seen (and felt) to be believed.
Not only can you marvel at the majestic dunes, but you can also hit the state park’s pet-friendly trail, throw a feast at the beach’s designated picnic and barbeque facilities, spot all kinds of wildlife (including dolphins, sea turtles, butterflies, and rabbits), and swim in the warm Gulf Coast water. And whenever you’re ready for more, you’re a short walk, bike ride, or drive away from all the rest that Destin has to offer.
23. Edisto Beach State Park, South Carolina
There may be plenty to cherish, and perhaps even worship, in the “Holy City” of Charleston. But when you want to go to the beach, you will need to drive out of town to reach one. So, where can you go for a proper Carolina-style beach day? Fortunately, one of South Carolina’s best beaches is a short drive away at Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island.
Edisto Island may only be about 45 miles (or 72km) southwest of Charleston, yet it feels a world away from the city. After all, Edisto has 4 miles (or about 6.5km) of wheelchair-accessible trails, magnificent live oak forests, a laid-back fishing pier and boat docks by Big Bay Creek, and 1.5 miles (or about 2.5km) of beautiful palmetto-lined beach that offers some of the most stunning sunrises on the Eastern Seaboard.
24. Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Atlantic Beach may only be about 150 miles (or 241km) from North Carolina’s state capital of Raleigh, yet the vibes here let you feel like you’re very far removed from the hassles and hubbub of the Research Triangle metro region. Located on the barrier island of Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach is a wonderful spot to head to the beach and enjoy as active (or chill) a beach getaway as you want.
For those who want to get or stay active, Atlantic Beach is great for parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, swimming, and even surfing. (Yes, Atlantic Beach offers gnarly swells for surfing at Fort Macon State Park!) For those who want to stay chill, Atlantic Beach has plenty of wide, sandy beaches that are perfect for casual strolls and scenic sunbathing.
25. Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida
With a name like Siesta Key, it’s easy to assume that this Florida beach can be a pretty sleepy one. Indeed, this can be a very relaxing place, if that’s what you’re here for. But if you prefer a more active kind of beach vacation, Siesta Key has you covered, too.
Siesta Key has 99% pure quartz sand that manages to stay cool to the touch year-round, so you might find it quite easy to play all day at the beach. Even better, Siesta Key’s recent amenities to its public beach—including a new pedestrian esplanade, raised concessions, and more parking—means you can spend less time worrying about what you need, and more time enjoying the beach. And whenever you want to see and do more, you’re minutes away from all the world-class museums, art galleries, shopping districts, and restaurants that Sarasota has to offer.
Local tip: Beachcombers can hope to easily find such shells as Augers and Lightning Whelks. Sand dollars and horseshoe conchs are less common but get up early and beat the other shell seekers.
26. Melbourne Beach, Florida
Central Florida is chock full of incredible sights and sounds, from otherworldly fantasy lands at Orlando’s famed theme parks to a real-life space center at Cape Canaveral. When you simply need a good beach to take the family (or just yourself), where should you go? Luckily, Melbourne Beach offers an abundance of open sand to stretch out, along with cool, laid-back beach vibes to help you chill after a busy day at Disney World or Universal Orlando.
This might sound awfully cliche, but the best part about Melbourne Beach is how calm and relaxing it can be down here. Sure, you can keep yourself booked and busy at the area’s golf courses, parks, and nature preserves. But when you really need an easy day at the beach, it’s hard to envision a better place than Melbourne Beach to let it all go.
27. Hana Beaches, Hana, Maui
If remote beauty far off the beaten path is your thing, then follow the Hana Highway from Kahului to Hana. The 60 mile trip on a narrow two-lane road is known for stunning views of the lush tropical forests on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. If you’re so inclined to count, the two-to-four hour journey (and that’s just one way) has 620 sharp curves, 59 bridges traversing canyons far below, and more than 18 waterfalls.
It’s not for the faint of heart but that doesn’t stop a caravan of cars traveling on what is considered one of the most beautiful highways in the U.S. Because not only is the journey worth it, but Hana, a charming but very small village, has some of the most unique beaches including the Black Sand Beach at Wai’ānapanapa State Park, the crescent-shaped Hamoa Beach and the Red Sand Beach at Kaihalulu Beach. Hana Bay Beach Park is a community gathering place with black sand beaches, a dog park (if you brought Fido along), picnic tables, and grills.
Detour: In Keanae stop at the brightly painted Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread with its outdoor eating area for, obviously fresh from the oven, banana bread made with local fruit as well as Kalua pork sandwiches, coconut candy, and jars of Lilikoʻi Butter made with passion fruit. But one caveat, they often sell out shortly after noon.
Planning Tip: Plan on plenty of stops along the way. Several of the waterfalls such as Ching’s Pond and Falls, Upper Puohokamoa Falls and Haipuaʻena Falls have natural ponds for swimming. And, of course, you’ll want to take plenty of photos.
Local Tip: Mark your calendars for such special events in Hana as the Taro Festival in March, in celebration of Maui’s Taro Farmers and the Canoe Regatta in April, marking the official opening of the island’s Canoe Season, which marks the official opening of the local canoe season in April.
28. Opal Beach, Saugatuck, Michigan
Nestled on a curve of the Kalamazoo River as it flows into Lake Michigan, Saugatuck is a sizzling destination with streets filled with waterfront restaurants, marinas, boardwalk, shops, and art galleries. Known as the Best Place for LGBTQI+ travelers, the historic village is also famed for Oval Beach, one of the best beaches in the state.
A short distance from downtown, it’s accessible by car (though the parking lot fills up fast) but if you’d rather travel by foot, take the Saugatuck Chain Ferry. Dating back to1838 and operated by a hand crank, it is the only remaining chain-driven ferry in the U.S. It’s less than five-minute ride across the Kalamazoo River and then the real work begins. It’s a 250ft walk up the 303 wooden steps leading to the observation deck on Mount Baldy. Take a breather and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Michigan and then run down to the beach.
With its sugar sand shoreline, crystal clear waters and a backdrop of soaring dunes and whispering dune grass, it’s the prime place to lay down a blanket and soak up some rays. Lake Michigan can be nippy early in the season but usually by late June the water is warm enough even for less hearty types.
There are concession stands, bathrooms and a strict no dogs and no alcohol policy. Easily accessible from the parking lot, water wheelchairs are allowed.
Planning tip: Remember the cars your parents or maybe even your grandparents drove–the ones with lots of chrome and shark-like fins. Well, back in the 1940s to the 1960s, there were plenty of boats designed like that as well. Known as atomic boats, they were painted in Easter egg shades of lavender, pink, and blue. The boats went out of style and ended up abandoned in barns and old garages. But now refurbished you can rent one at Retroi Boats and take a spin along the river and towards the lake.
Planning tip: Saugatuck is no hidden gem but instead is a mega tourist destination. Don’t plan on just showing up. Make reservations.
