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Did you know that Belgium is more than just a small European country known for chocolate and beer? Let’s explore its royal family, diverse culture, and enchanting natural surroundings – we’ll uncover 26 remarkable facts about this beautiful nation. From playing an important role in global politics to boasting stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. There are lots of surprises hidden within the boundaries of Belgium which will make you want to visit it for yourself.  

Interesting Facts About Belgium

• Belgium has a rich history, culture, and monarchy dating back to the 10th century.
• Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer are renowned around the world.
• Explore unique attractions like Manneken Pis & Atomium or discover natural wonders such as the Ardennes Forest & Belgian Coast.

The Belgian flag symbolizes the nation’s long history, unity, and legacy of over 1,000 years. Its varied culture has produced UNESCO World Heritage Sites all across the country. Exploring them reveals a wealth of secrets from bygone eras. Whether touring through its cobblestone cities or taking in majestic scenery, there is much to discover about this delightful land and its past.

1. Belgian Monarchy

The Belgian royal family, headed by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, have been living at the Royal Palace of Laeken for generations – reflecting on a legacy that dates back to Belgium’s first monarch King Leopold I in 1831. They act as an important symbol of unity and continuity throughout the nation and its past with regard to its colonial empire.

Every year on November 15th, Belgians come together nationwide to celebrate King’s Day, which is solely dedicated to honoring this iconic monarchy along with all it stands for regarding the country’s history.

2. Multilingual Nation

Belgium’s impressive multilingualism is one of its most remarkable features, as it consists of three official languages – Dutch, French, and German. The division in these different language areas can be noticed especially in the regional names. If you are visiting Belgium’s Flemish (Belgian dutch speaking) parts or Walloon (Belgian french speaking) ones, even more so if you arrive at a region with German speakers: each has distinct nomenclature that reflects not only Belgian history but also its identity as an international hub for cultural exchange! 

3. UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

Exploring Belgium with its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites will give you a glimpse of the nation’s culture and architecture. You can take a step back in time visiting these places, from the Major Town Houses of Victor Horta to Belfries located both within the country and over in France. Allowing you to learn more about how this beautiful land has grown through history into what it is today, make sure not to miss out on such sites when planning your itinerary!

Belgium is a top destination for food lovers, with its renowned chocolate and waffle delicacies as well as an abundance of breweries from Flanders. Visitors can savor some extraordinary treats such as exquisite pralines or sample authentic Belgian beer all while indulging in crispy Belgian waffles or classic French fries. There are over 2000 types of chocolates produced here and no fewer than 30 varieties of sweet-smelling Belgium waffles to choose from! With so many options available, visitors are sure to experience the very best that this gastronomic paradise has to offer.

4. Belgian Chocolate

Belgium is world-renowned for its chocolate of outstanding flavor and quality. Its history dates back to the 16th century when Dr. Tobias Venner first introduced it in Europe. To this day, all Belgian chocolate must contain at least 35% pure cocoa, making them a luxurious delight!

For Belgians, they are some of the biggest fans of chocolate out there with more than 500 varieties from over 2000 brands available. You won’t want to miss eating while visiting Belgium!

5. Belgian Waffles

Belgium is widely known for its exquisite Belgian waffles, and within the average supermarket of this country, you can discover more than 30 different varieties. Among them are two types that stand out in particular: Brussels and Liege waffles.

The former are characteristically light yet crispy on the outside with a soft texture inside. While in contrast to these, Liege ones possess an intensely sweet taste created by pearl sugar added to their dough that caramelizes once cooked. Whichever one might take your fancy firstly, be sure it will provide total satisfaction as they always deliver delicious results!

6. Beer Culture

Belgian beers have been widely celebrated and honored by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are around a thousand to twelve hundred kinds of Belgian beer that were produced locally, so each person can find one suitable for their taste palate.

One must-see spot is the Delirium Café in the capital city of Brussels. It offers over two thousand brews from different nations across the world – more than enough reason for beer connoisseurs to raise a glass and cheer Belgium’s treasured beer culture while they’re there!

Belgium has been home to a number of remarkable individuals who have made essential advances in numerous domains. Two renowned artists, Peter Paul Rubens, and René Magritte, have left behind monumental creations that continue to inspire people around the world. Esteemed scientists such as Georges Lemaître and Adolphe Sax are remembered for their transformative discoveries which extended human comprehension into untried territories.

Literary icons like Hergé or Georges Simenon crafted stories with vivid details, making them popular amongst readers far beyond Belgian borders. Let us reflect on some more famous Belgians and what their contributions meant globally.

7. Renowned Artists

Belgium has been blessed with some of the most talented artists, such as renowned surrealist painter René Magritte and brilliant Baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Their extraordinary work continues to influence art today thanks to their groundbreaking methods and stunning imagery.

If you’re ever in Brussels, take the opportunity to explore the Magritte Museum – a showcase dedicated exclusively to his works – where you can contemplate these captivating pieces of artwork that stimulate deeper thinking.

8. Scientific Pioneers

Belgian scientists have made immense contributions to our understanding of the world. Georges Lemaître, a physicist and priest, introduced us to his Hubble-Lemaître law, which is instrumental in forming today’s Big Bang theory concept.

Adolphe Sax crafted the iconic saxophone instrument that has influenced music for years across different genres – reinforcing Belgium’s cultural legacy as an intellectual and creative hub. The accomplishments of these individuals serve as a symbol for their nation’s culture of innovation.

9. Literary Icons

Belgium’s literary heritage is exceptional and renowned. Home to writers such as Hergé, the maker of the iconic comic strips “Adventures of Tintin”, Georges Simenon who wrote gripping crime stories, and Peyo who created the Smurfs. All have produced works that are still widely read today all over the globe.

Their captivating narratives demonstrate how rich Belgium’s culture in literature truly is.

10. Cycling

If you know anything about us you know that we are big cycling fans. So I was surprised to learn that Belgium has the most cycling Tour de France victories of any country except France. It also has won 4 gold medals at the Olympics in road cycling. So it seems that cycling is in their blood.

With that being said you will not be surprised to see many people using a bicycle as their main mode of transportation.

Visiting Belgium is a unique experience, full of interesting attractions that provide insight into the nation’s cultural heritage. The most recognizable being Manneken Pis – an iconic sculpture located in Brussels – or the Atomium – which stands as one of its more modern symbols – and numerous castles and fortresses spread throughout its borders. These sights make visiting this European country remarkable!

Let us take some time and appreciate these extraordinary places, only found in Belgium.

11. Manneken Pis

The Manneken Pis is a national symbol of Brussels, the capital of Belgium. It’s an iconic attraction that has been around since 1619. Tales suggest it dates back to the 15th century and had originally been made from bronze to replace its predecessor.

Popular among tourists who appreciate Belgian humor, this charming sculpture captures the spirit of what makes Belgians unique, a delightfully silly statue depicting a young boy urinating into some water!

12. Atomium

The Atomium is a unique landmark in Brussels, consisting of six steel spheres interconnected and standing as a representation of Belgian excellence in design and construction. Built for the World’s Fair back in 1958, this structure was meant to recognize the metals industry, which at that time signified an evolution into atomic power.

Visitors today have the opportunity to appreciate its impressive form – maintaining its initial futuristic allure until now – being filled with admiration by what remains such an iconic monument from then until the present times.

13. Castles and Fortresses

Belgium is renowned for its remarkable selection of fortresses and castles that create an atmosphere of nostalgia. From the majestic Alden Biesen Castle to the Frer Fortress, many centuries-old structures reflect a unique part of Belgium’s history as well as featuring elegant design elements with spectacular panoramic views.

For those enthusiastic about architecture or curious travelers seeking out interesting locations, touring through these stunning monuments will leave long-lasting impressions.

Interesting facts about Belgium are highlighted in its unique blend of customs and traditions, which combine both ancient and modern influences. Every December, the country celebrates Sinterklaas with joyous enthusiasm amongst children, while football is a popular pastime among all age groups. Parades across Belgium bring color to festivals, making it a fascinating nation full of captivating culture! Many locals look at their heritage as well as optimistically at what lies ahead for them. This range creates an exciting variety that marks out the Belgian lifestyle and ensures this land remains distinctively memorable!

14. Sinterklaas Celebration

Belgians enthusiastically anticipate December 6th as it marks the day of their treasured Sinterklaas celebration. On this festive occasion, St. Nicholas is greeted with great excitement and brings presents to children who have been good throughout the year. Traditionally, they lay out shoes containing hay and a carrot for his horse on that night in anticipation of his arrival! As streets are filled with vibrant parades and joyous laughter during this time every year. No wonder why Sinterklaas has become such an important part of Belgian culture.

When it comes to football, Belgians cannot deny their passion for the sport. The Red Devils, Belgium’s national team, have captivated thousands of people nationwide and beyond with its match victories. Football in this country has a unique ability to bring individuals together no matter culture or background, forming an unbreakable bond between fans that truly reflect how they feel about the game itself!

During any big events involving soccer in Belgium, you will be sure to experience sheer excitement from every corner due to locals’ extreme admiration towards the Red Devils as one collective group which can only strengthen such an amazing sense of community within the nation!

16. Festivals and Parades

Belgium’s festivals and parades are renowned for their vibrant spirit, which can be experienced in popular events such as the Parade of Music in Brussels and the Aalst Carnival. Millions flock to these joyous occasions each year where they revel in an atmosphere of live music, dancing, and stunning costumes. Don’t forget “Tomorrowland”, which is the largest electronic dance music festival in the world!

These lively festivities immerse visitors with a captivating energy that makes Belgium’s parade scene unique – whether it’s an age-old custom or a modern musical event!

Surprising Belgian Facts

Belgium is chock full of astonishing facts, like its ability to go without a government and the fact that it holds home to the tallest people in Europe. Such points are reflective of this nation’s rich culture and history, which has given rise to several fascinating Belgium facts.

Herein we will explore some interesting aspects about Belgium such as how they invented the saxophone or their role during World Wide Web development. All these impressive details show just why this country remains unique from all others!

17. Functioning Without a Government

Belgium’s citizens showed their resilience in a remarkable way when the country set a world record by operating without an elected government for 589 days between 2010 and 2011. Even though it was difficult to bring together its many divided regions with diverse political views, the people of Belgium kept functioning through this period due to the presence of an interim caretaker administration. This feat allowed them to show that politics should not be able to stop progress or halt any great strides being made toward success!

18. Tallest People in Europe

Belgians tend to stand out from other European nations when it comes to their height. Men have an average of 184.8 cm, while women measure 170.4 on the scale. Both figures put them among the tallest people in Europe overall. Despite the debate surrounding why they are so tall, what remains constant is that Belgians tower above many of their neighbors across the continent and this contributes significantly towards making Belgium a unique place with its own set of distinctive characteristics.

19. The invention of the Saxophone

Adolphe Sax, an inventor, and musician from Belgium is credited with the invention of one instrument that has had a lasting impact on many genres of music, the saxophone. This remarkable creation was first developed by him in the 1840s and continues to mesmerize people throughout this day.

The versatility it offers makes it evident why his genius contribution carries such value across national borders. Indeed paying homage to Belgian’s creativity and innovation!

20. Antwerp

Not only is Belgium known for its chocolates it is also known for its diamonds. As a matter of fact, Antwerp is recognized as the diamond capital of the world as it accounts for 80% of the diamond trade. Trading in diamonds has a long history in Antwerp dating back to as early as 1447 when it is believed the first diamonds were traded in the city.

So if you are looking to get that special someone something sparkling for their finger or neck then make sure to add Antwerp to your Belgium bucket list.

21. Highest Point is Lower Than The World’s Tallest Building

Belgium is not a European country that is known for its mountains and this fact really drives that point home. The highest point in Belgium is the Signal de Botrange on the High Fens plateau in the far east of the country. Standing at just 694m or 2227 feet, it is actually shorter than the Burj Khalifa in Dubai which is the tallest building in the world at 828 meters or 2717 ft high.

Belgium’s Role in International Relations

As a founding member of the European Union, Belgium serves as an important hub for international affairs. It is also home to NATO headquarters and combines many different cultures from around Europe. All these factors give it great influence on global policy development and encourage collaboration between nations.

Its central role in such matters has had huge repercussions throughout the world, making its place at the negotiating table essential when it comes to handling international issues related to peacekeeping or trade negotiations. By hosting key meetings that shape relationships worldwide and actively participating in them with innovative ideas, Belgium makes itself invaluable within the wider sphere of diplomatic relations.

22. Founding Member of the European Union

Belgium has played a foundational role in the European Union since its formation and remains an important player within it. Brussels, as well as being the capital city, is often referred to as “the unofficial capital of the EU”, is home to many key organizations that make up Europe’s political and economic landscape. Consequently, Belgium’s presence continues to be felt all over Europe today.

The country was instrumental in creating what would later become known as the European Community, which eventually developed into the major union we know now. Evidence of how much power their participation still holds in deciding matters related to commerce and politics among other aspects that shape our daily life here on the continent of Europe.

23. NATO Headquarters

Belgium stands out for its commitment to promoting peace and security in Europe, hosting the NATO headquarters in Brussels as a tangible symbol of that resolve. Through its part in developing worldwide protection policies and maintaining dialogue among member countries from around the globe, Belgium plays an integral role at this hub of international collaboration. This provides them with a platform to contribute significantly towards keeping global peace and stability intact.

24. Crossroads of Western Europe

Due to its highly strategic location in the center of Western Europe, Belgium has long been a crossroads for culture and ideas. Its role as a major player in international relations can be attributed largely to this fact. It is also what enabled the country’s distinctive traditions within literature, art, science, and more.

The nation’s involvement with establishing the European Union was hugely significant and demonstrates how important Belgian geography is when understanding its history – indeed making up an integral part of their identity today.

Belgian Natural Wonders

Belgium has countless attractive and varying natural sights which astound travelers. In particular, the Ardennes Forest and Belgium’s Coastal region both provide respite from city living with their splendid features. For an unforgettable holiday break, one can indulge in outdoor activities or relax at these charming attractions of this country. The Belgian Coast is a particularly popular destination among nature lovers who appreciate its charm for restful escapes outdoors.

25. Ardennes Forest

Sprawled across Belgium, France and Luxembourg lies the mesmerizing Ardennes Forest. This wooded plateau is home to rolling hillsides, a luxuriant abundance of foliage, and ravines that make it an idyllic retreat for nature lovers everywhere.

The peacefulness here allows one to witness its abundant wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and birds of prey that reside within this Belgian beauty, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers looking to experience all sorts of natural wonders in their travels around the country.

26. Belgian Coast

The Belgian Coast stretches for 65 km along the North Sea, a renowned tourist destination admired for its small cities, sandy beaches, and busy fishing towns. The area of the coastline holds all kinds of attractions from Ostend to Nieuwpoort – two traditional places – as well as Knokke-Heist with plenty more up-and-coming sights.

Visiting this pleasant region is much easier than ever before due to having the longest tram line in existence running alongside it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are 3 fun facts about Belgium?

Belgium is an intriguing country, full of fun facts to explore. For instance, it can be said that the famous Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels. To this famed citizen, Belgium holds a unique world record: having gone without a government for the longest period! There’s another aspect of Belgian life that makes them beloved all over, their production of 220 000 tonnes annually when it comes to chocolate! 

What is Belgium mostly known for?

Belgium is most renowned for its diamond industry, delectable chocolates and waffles, distinct three official languages, complex political system, medieval cities, vibrant music festivals, iconic Red Devils national football team, and delicious beers. Visiting Belgium promises a unique cultural experience!

What are 3 historical facts about Belgium?

Belgium is a land with an abundant and invigorating past, having been part of the Roman Empire, and held under French dominion as well as Dutch control. It was also one of the founding nations in establishing the European Union. Belgium is also known for being the place where Napoleon suffered his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.

The country has grown its fame thanks to its culinary prowess and illustrious beer tradition, which makes it an attractive place that tourists love! These are a few highlights showcasing what makes Belgium’s history so remarkable!

Where is Belgium?

Belgium, located in Western Europe between France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Germany, is a small yet influential nation. It offers an abundance of activities for people eager to explore its cities teeming with energy and life as well as quaint medieval towns scattered throughout the picturesque landscape.

Summary

Belgium is a captivating country full of alluring attractions and stunning natural wonders. It has had an influential history, diverse culture, notable contributions to art and science, as well as international significance. This beautiful nation provides travelers with unique opportunities for exploration. Its combination of traditional heritage fused with modern elements offers something interesting that can spark any adventure!

Kauai, fondly referred to as the Garden Island, is a tapestry of lush forests, rugged mountains, and pristine beaches, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kauai’s landscapes have been sculpted over time into cascading waterfalls, the dramatic Na Pali Coast, and the jaw-dropping Waimea Canyon.

Alongside its natural wonders, Kauai boasts a rich cultural heritage, which is something you are going to want to explore when you are making your list of the best things to do in Kauai. Whether you’re looking to hike through tropical rainforests, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind on a secluded beach, Kauai offers a beautiful setting infused with the Aloha spirit.

Top things to do in Kauai

Here we cover things to do on Kauai’s South Shore, North Shore, East, and west coast so you can choose the best places to explore based on where you are located. Whether you are interested more in the stunning landscapes like Waimea Canyon or the Napali coast or you are looking for a more local vibe by checking out Lydgate beach park or trying some local shave ice, Kauai is an island that does not disappoint.

1. Kalalau Lookout

Probably one of the most recognizable images of Kauai is the views you see from The Kalalau Lookout. From here you take in this incredible overview of the Kalalau Valley nestled within the Na Pali Coast. The valley stretches for miles, showcasing lush green cliffs, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, and the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the western side of Kauai, the Kalalau Lookout is high up at 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) but is relatively easy to reach via the winding Kokee Road, which takes you through Kokee State Park. There is a paved parking lot at the end of the road and it should be noted that since April 2021, out-of-state visitors to Kauai’s Waimea Canyon State Park and Kokee State Park (including the Kalalau Lookout) have to purchase both an entrance ticket and a parking permit. This is not too much at $5 per person and $10 per vehicle.

Because it is quite high the weather can change quickly. Some say to get there before noon to avoid the fog but we recommend heading up in the later afternoon for the better light. Just make sure to bring a jacket as it can get pretty windy and rainy at the drop of a hat. The lookout also serves as an excellent starting point for hikers embarking on the Kalepa Ridge Trail, an intermediate hike that offers some of the best views on the island. Check out our Hiking in Kauai article for more information.

2. Hike The Kalalau Trail

While the body is fresh and raring to go, trekking down the Kalalau Trail is one of the best things to do in Kauai. The hike is an overnight epic that will put your fitness to the test. But for those who take up the challenging hike, you’ll see the stunning Napali Coast as few can.

The popularity of the trail and the fragility of the environment means you’ll require a permit to begin. But with that sorted ahead of time, you’ll want to get an early start. The trailhead is found at Ke’e Beach. The first two miles snake along the coast towards the beautiful white sand of Hanakapiai Beach. This section can be busy as it doesn’t require a permit.

But once you reach the golden shore, you’ll turn inland and begin cutting through the Napali Coast. After nine miles of jaw-dropping vistas and thigh-burning undulation, you’ll reach the turnaround point. Some return for a total of 22 miles in a day, but most stick around to camp behind Kalalau Beach. As you hang with fellow hikers, enjoy the remote corner of Kauai that you can only reach with a little sweat and a sense of adventure.

3. Swim At the end Of Hanakapiai Falls Trail

Featuring the first section of the Kalalau Trail, this trek is the perfect alternative for those who can’t complete the overnight journey. Additionally, you don’t need a permit.

Begin by following the breathtaking coast to Hanakapiai Beach. Stop for a breather and prep your legs for over 2500 feet of elevation gain. As you cut inland, the trail rises steadily through the jungle and doesn’t let up. Your sense of adventure will be put to the test after every lingering tree root. But eventually, you’ll make it.

Hanakapiai Falls is one of the best in Hawaii. It’s a 300 feet-tumbling white veil that splices the dense jungle. Jump in for a swim, before returning to Ke’e Beach.

4. Waimea Canyon State Park

Next up is Waimea Canyon State Park. Known as The Grand Canyon Of The Pacific, Waimea Canyon is a 14-mile crevasse that cuts through the jungle in Kauai’s southwest, exposing swaths of deep orange rock.

At its lowest point, Waimea Canyon is over 3,500 feet deep and a mile wide. You can explore the canyon by driving down the epic Koke’e Road. As you drive along, seeking epic viewpoints, you’ll be picking up your jaw after every hairpin corner.

There are several mesmerizing stops along the way, including the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout. Put the car in park and enjoy the brief stroll to panoramic views. The most popular stop, however, is the Waimea Canyon Lookout. It may often be busy, but the view is unbeatable down to the Waimea Falls. If you’re ready for a hike, head out along the 2-mile return Cliff Trail. It’s quieter and brings you right to the edge of Waimea Canyon.

Remember, as we mentioned above you will have a fee to enter the park and a parking fee as well.

5. Swim At Poipu Beach Park (South Shore)

You’ve started off the trip with a bang, but now it’s time to put your feet up on the golden sand and find your tropical bliss. On the South Shore, sunbathing at Poipu Beach is one of the best things to do in Kauai.

The beach is split in two by a sand bar, offering a duo of silky arcs to choose from. They’re both within a protected bay, with the outer reef slowing much of the swell. So not only is her soft sand perfect for a day of reading true crime on the beach towel, but it’s also prime for snorkeling.

Aside from other travelers, you’ll often be joined by green sea turtles and the Hawaiian monk seal. When you aren’t swimming or admiring the wildlife from afar, Poipu Beach is backed by resorts offering easy access to restaurants and sunset cocktails.

While you are at Poipu Beach, make sure to try your hand at some Ziplining. This Zipline Adventure has 8 Ziplines and is a perfect way to enjoy some beautiful views and some adventure!

6. Go Whale Watching

From mid-December to April every year, large numbers of migrating humpback whales make their way to the Hawaiian island. There are many viewpoints on the island that will allow you to spot the whales from afar, but nothing beats seeing them up close.

The Auau Channel that splits Maui, Molokai, and Lanai may be the most renowned whale-watching spot in Hawaii, but Kauai has something those islands don’t, the Napali Coast. Short of doing the Kalalau Trail, there are only two ways to truly capture the dramatic sea cliffs. That’s on a boat trip or a helicopter tour.

So why not do two for the price of one? Head out along the spellbinding coast in search of humpback whales, admiring the scenery as you go. It won’t take long to spot the humpbacks, as they’re the most acrobatic whale species on the planet. If you’re lucky, you’ll see many whales breaching the surface before tumbling back down, creating a new set of waves.

7. Visit Tunnels Beach

For excellent snorkeling with bright colorful fish head to the serene Tunnels Beach. On Kauai’s North Shore, the beach comes with lifeguards who monitor the swimming conditions. However, with limited parking, you’ll want to arrive early.

It’s worth the early rise in order to get some tranquil snorkeling done in the early morning light. Dive into the translucent water with the reef spanning out in all directions. The reef’s sea caves and intricate tunnels mean there’s a surprise around every corner. As you explore the effervescent coral, keep an eye out for sea turtles and monk seals making their way to the warm sand at Tunnels Beach.

After completing the inner reef, venture to the outer, where you’ll uncover tumbling sea cliffs that will also have stronger currents. Those who stay on dry land can kick back and admire the towering mountains behind them.

8. Take a Helicopter Tour

Speaking of towering mountains, if you want to see them from above, this is what to do in Kauai. Kauai’s varied landscapes are hard to fathom and the sheer scale of the mountains and valleys often makes adventuring on foot a bridge too far. So, in order to see some of the most majestic parts of the island, you’ll need to take to the sky.

Taking a helicopter tour is a great way to capture the might of the Na Pali Coast and see pods of whales. But your tour can also take you to difficult-to-reach places, including the otherworldly Manawaiopuna Falls which is the famous Jurassic Falls.

Book Your Helicopter Tour of Kauai Here!

From above, the island’s veritable kaleidoscope of colors is on full display. See the deep blues of the Pacific Ocean fade to white as it crashes against the dark brown cliffs of the Napali Coast. As the cliffs rise, the browns mix with light oranges and greens until the deep rainforest takes hold. Island helicopters actually land at the base of the falls.

9. Jurassic Park Tour

Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom were filmed on Kauai and you can book a rainforest trek to visit the filming locations of these movies and the original Jurassic Park. There are several ways to immerse in Jurrasic Park on Kauai.

Start your Jurassic Park adventure by visiting the Jurassic Kahili Ranch, which served as the primary filming location for the original movie. Take a guided tour of the ranch to see the areas where iconic scenes were filmed, including the helicopter landing site and the famous Jurassic Park gate.

The Napali Coast, with its breathtaking cliffs and pristine beaches, served as the backdrop for many stunning scenes in Jurassic Park. Take a boat tour, kayak excursion, or hike along the Kalalau Trail to witness the majestic beauty of this iconic filming location.

Kipu Ranch is another filming location for Jurassic Park and offers various adventure tours. Hop on an ATV or take a guided tour to explore the expansive landscapes, stream crossings, and dense forests that were showcased in the film.

The Hanapepe Valley Trail is a beautiful hike that takes you through lush vegetation and offers panoramic views. This area was also featured in Jurassic Park, specifically during the helicopter arrival scene.

10. Witness The Queen’s Bath

A brief trip from Princeville, one of Kauai’s premier resort towns, is the unique Queen’s Bath. The “bath” is an enormous tide pool enveloped in lava rock. Hawaiian royalty would come to the North Shore to relax in Queen’s Bath’s sacred waters.

To the left of the natural tub is a miniature cliff that features several small waterfalls pouring in. As they fall, the bath rises and falls with the ocean, creating a dazzling sight. The best time to visit is in the summer when the water around Kauai tends to be calmer. In the winter, with the rough swell, Queen’s Bath can be a spectacular but dangerous place to swim. Many choose to bypass that and simply admire the beauty from a safe spot.

Please make sure to check the surf report before going out here. People have died from being swept away by the waves, so heed the warnings. If the gate is closed do not go around it, it means it is not safe. We also recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the trial at the beginning is often muddy. Flip-flops won’t cut it, you need sturdy footwear.

11. Stroll The National Tropical Botanical Garden

The National Tropical Botanical Garden is dedicated to saving, studying, and also discovering new tropical plants. Its headquarters are found right here in Kauai, with the island home to four distinct gardens (the fifth is in Florida). Since the gardens opened in the 1960s, the gardens have grown to cover almost 2,000 acres teeming with thousands of species from tropical regions around the globe.

It’s an effort to preserve these unique and beautiful species, with much of the garden home to endangered or threatened species. The NTGB even rediscovered a plant that was believed to be extinct.

Alongside these tropical plants is the largest assemblage of native Hawaiian plants on earth. Wander through any of the four gardens and discover why Kauai is known as the Garden Isle.

12. Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden and Sculpture Garden

If you are really into Botanics and the NTGB is not enough for you then make sure to check out these botanical gardens. Na’Aina Kai means “Land by Sea” and in Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden & Sculpture Park visitors can get a taste of this beauty.

Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Garden and Sculpture Garden is one of Kauai’s hidden gems, located in Kilauea on the North Shore. Spread across 240 acres, this botanical garden is a living mosaic of diverse horticulture, including lush forests, blooming gardens, and a hardwood plantation. The estate, originally a private residence, is now open to the public and is an enchanting oasis of tranquility and beauty.

The Sculpture Garden is another highlight of Na ‘Aina Kai. It features an impressive collection of bronze sculptures gracefully adorned among the verdant surroundings. The garden also boasts water features, koi ponds, and a white sandy beach. You can take guided tours to learn about the flora, the artistic elements, and the story behind the creation of this magnificent space. It’s a serene and inspiring place, perfect for nature lovers and art lovers alike.

13. Discover Wailua Falls

Known for its eternal rainbow, Wailua Falls is both easily accessible and absolutely stunning. On the island’s east coast near Lihue Airport, follow Highway 583 and continue driving until the dead end.

From there, simply step out of the vehicle and admire the 80-foot waterfall that tumbles down in two sections into a jade-green swimming hole. But if watching from above only inspires you to want to get a closer look, venture down the steep but short slope where you can swim in the refreshing waters beside the roar of the falls.

However, for a true adventure kayak along the Wailua River. It’s the only river you can kayak on the island and will take you not just to Wailua Falls but by ancient temples and through the unspoiled jungle.

14. Grab Lunch at One Of The Food Trucks

When we think of what to do in Kauai, our minds think of mountains, stunning waterfalls, and white sand beaches. But we need to add a fourth thing to that list: food trucks.

The island’s food truck scene will be one of the best surprises on your travels. You’ll find them all over, alongside beaches, at the trailhead, and around town. You’ll come across all sorts of food and drink that will keep you fueled, from fish tacos to refreshing fruit smoothies. The best part? It’s dirt cheap.

But like all things, there’s always somewhere that does it best. If you only have one food truck experience, head to Kapaa, where you’ll find them in abundance. Try Al Pastor Tacos or Nixtamai for Mexican cuisine. To cool off, eat shaved ice at Shave Ice Tege Tege.

15. Boogie Board at Shipwreck Beach

Along the coast from Poipu Beach is the aptly named Shipwreck Beach. Many a boat has accidentally and sometimes on purpose come in contact with the beach’s offshore reef, meeting its demise.

While Poipu gets the crowds, this beach remains relatively quiet. It’s a popular surf beach thanks to its lively swell. But the swirling water doesn’t make for the best swimming, so arm yourself with a boogie board at the very least.

On sunny days, it’s a romantic spot for local and traveling couples who can enjoy the tranquility as they look out across the rusty ship lingering offshore. Another reason to visit is the soaring 40-foot cliff. You’ll spot thrill-seekers jumping off the cliff like clockwork.

16. Walk The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Departing from Shipwreck Beach, the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail will give you a glimpse into the past. It’s one of the easiest hikes to do on the island and the perfect complement to a day lazing on the sand.

The trail meanders along the coast with never-ending views of the Pacific, lush mountains, and red cliffs. You may even see whales. Start early to avoid the heat, as there is little shade along the path.

Along the way cross paths with the limestone cliffs, laden with fossilized marine life. Continue past kiawe trees to reach the Makauwahi Caves, where you’ll find more fossils. The trek ends at Maha’ulepu Beach, a remote cove and great rest stop.

17. Experience Hawaiian Culture

You’ll spend plenty of time exploring the island’s epic landscape. But taking time to experience local culture is one of the best things to do in Kauai.

There are a number of ways to do this, with many resorts putting on their own experiences. Some will have a nightly hula dance along with the opportunity to create a lauhala (traditional basket) or learn how to use historic hunting tools.

Other ways to learn about Kauai culture are by visiting the Kauai Museum and the Koke’e Natural History Museum. Combine that with visits to small villages like Koloa and Hanapepe for the complete experience.

18. Hike To The Kilauea Lighthouse (North Shore)

On the tip of Kauai’s North Shore is a rugged peninsula home to the Kilauea Lighthouse. The historic structure stands almost 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean and was completed in 1913.

There is a car park close to the lighthouse, providing easy access. But it’s best to arrive early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Unfortunately, you can’t enter, but the sweeping views will quickly blow away any sense of sadness.

The lighthouse is located within the Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge. So bring along your binoculars, as this is one of the best spots on the island to enjoy some bird watching.

19. Find Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Just minutes from the Lighthouse on the North Shore is Secret Beach. The name no longer fits, as word has very much gotten out. However, it remains one of the top beaches on the island.

After a steep 10-minute walk down to Kauapea Beach, enjoy the expanse of golden sand and the tranquility of the baby blue water. Behind you are soaring, craggy cliffs providing a scenic backdrop. Such is the size of the beach, that even in peak season, you’ll have plenty of room for yourself.

In the summer, swimming here is on point. But come winter, it’s a surfer’s paradise and a source of free entertainment for onlookers.

20. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge is a 203-acre natural sanctuary perched on the northernmost tip of Kauai. Established in 1985, the refuge serves as a safe habitat for a variety of seabirds and native Hawaiian species. The dramatic cliffs and the crashing waves below create a breathtaking backdrop for the diverse wildlife that calls this refuge home.

One of the primary attractions of the refuge is its population of seabirds. The area serves as a critical nesting site for several species, including the red-footed booby, Laysan albatross, great frigatebird, and wedge-tailed shearwater. These birds flock to the refuge to breed, nest, and raise their chicks, making it an important conservation site for seabirds in the Hawaiian Islands.

The refuge is also home to the historic Kilauea Lighthouse, which I mentioned in an earlier section. Moreover, during the winter months, Kilauea Point becomes an excellent vantage point for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate through the area. Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera to capture the magnificent sights and sounds of this ecological haven.

21. Fern Grotto

Fern Grotto is a fern-covered cave that is one of those experiences you do not want to miss.]. The grotto is situated along the Wailua River, which is often referred to as the “River of Life” for its importance in Hawaiian history and mythology. The best way to reach the Fern Grotto is by taking a riverboat tour along the Wailua River, offering a scenic and leisurely journey through the island’s lush landscapes.

The grotto itself is a lava rock cave that is adorned with hanging ferns and tropical foliage. The cave’s microclimate provides the ideal conditions for ferns to flourish, creating a verdant and enchanting atmosphere.

Fern Grotto was considered a sacred place and a ceremonial site for Hawaiian weddings (known as “ho’ao pa’a”) and other traditional celebrations. The grotto’s cultural importance is still acknowledged today, and visitors often have the opportunity to witness or participate in Hawaiian musical performances or hula dances during their visit. Over the years, the accessibility to the Fern Grotto has changed. The cave’s interior has been closed to the public for safety reasons but it can be viewed from an observation deck, allowing visitors to admire its beauty from a short distance.

22. Try Surfing at Hanalei Bay

Located on the north shore, the charming coastal town of Hanalei is home to the largest harbor on the island. Hanalei Bay is big enough to feature a trio of white sand beaches to complement the local hikes, beach bum culture, and farmers’ markets.

When you aren’t enjoying the local culture, choose between Hanalei Beach Park, Waioli Beach, and Black Pot Beach. They all combine to create the crown jewel of Kauai surfing.

Watch from afar or enjoy a lovely swim by the beach. Later, wander along the sand to find the Hanalei River and its historic pier. Finish with a refreshing beverage at any of the beachfront bars that dot Hanalei Bay.

23. Tackle The Alakai’i Swamp Trail

Beginning at the show-stopping Pu’u O Kila Lookout in Koke’e State Park, the Alakai’i Swamp Trail promises to be the most unique hike yet. Essentially an alpine swamp, the trail begins along the Pihea Trail where you’ll have beautiful views of the Kalalau Valley.

Soon the trail switches left, and you’ll be met with raised boardwalks. From there, you’ll venture through the highest rainforest and swampland on earth.

The key to this hike is knowing you’ll get dirty. As helpful as the boardwalk is, there’s no getting out clean. Wander among the giant hapu’u ferns, before reaching the unrivaled Kilohana Lookout where you’ll feel on the edge of the world.

24. Swim At Anini Beach (North Shore)

After getting all muddy in the Alakai’i Swamp, treat yourself to the colorful Anini Beach. As you step onto the soft marshmallow sand, you’ll spot the colors of the vibrant reef streaming through the surface. The off-shore reef is also the reason Anini Beach features some of the calmest year-round swimming in Kauai.

The beach is on the North Shore and spans two miles. The slight gradient allows for an abundance of shallow water, perfect for families with young kids. On top of the views and easy swimming, Anini Beach offers a full range of amenities, from bathrooms and showers to picnic tables.

If you want to explore the reef, you can rent snorkels right on the beach.

25. Polihale State Park

To experience one of the most secluded and pristine beaches on the island, venture into Polihale State Park. The park is renowned for its golden shore, but as access is tricky, you’ll rarely see large crowds.

The only way to reach the coast is along a rough and undulating 5-mile dirt road, fit for only 4WD. Whether you venture in on four wheels or two feet, you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing, unspoiled heaven and over 15 miles of golden sand.

From your private paradise, admire the emerald Makaha Ridge, which leads to the sharp cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Get your camping permit, so when day turns to night you can kick back with friends without a care in the world.

26. Tackle The Sleeping Giant Trail

The Sleeping Giant Trail soars up the ridgeline on Nounou Mountain to 360-degree views. Legend has it that the mountain was created by a giant who ate too much at a celebration held in his name. He essentially fell into a food coma, drifting into an eternal slumber. From a distance, you can make out the shape of the giant.

The initial trek takes you through a sprawling tree plantation that began in the 1930s. As you gain elevation, the trees begin to disperse, leaving you with a quintessential ridgeline hike. As the mountain falls away to either side, the trail levels out with wondrous views in every direction.

Complete the hike at sunrise or sunset, for a story you’ll be telling for years.

27. Witness Mount Waialeale

Known as the wettest spot on earth, Mount Waialeale is a collection of sweeping cliffs. Each year, Kauai’s second-tallest mountain receives around 450 inches of rain. In fact, in the 1980s, it once got over 660 inches!

It’s no surprise then that Waialeale means “overflowing water”. You’ll be a lucky traveler to see the summit as it’s often encased in clouds. While hiking to the peak is not common, it’s known to be home to ancient ruins.

There are two trails on the eastern side. One of them, a 5-mile hike to Blue Hole, rewards hikers with an up-close view of the weeping wall. While those exploring in a helicopter should make sure to fly over Mount Waialeale.

28. Try Shave Ice

You cannot come to Hawaii and not try shave ice. It is one of the most popular treats in the Hawaiian Islands. Shave Ice is a pretty simple dessert but a satisfying one after hiking or a day at the beach. Essentially, it is shaved ice that is topped with flavored syrup and is often served with a scoop of ice cream in the middle.

If you are in Kauai we recommend Waikomo Shave Ice in Poipu or Hee Fat General Store which has some of the best Shave Ice on the island. No matter where you get it you won’t regret it.

29. Explore the Kauai Coffee Estate Hawaiian islands

Coffee aficionados will be thrilled to visit the Kauai Coffee Estate, the largest coffee farm in the United States. Located near Koloa, this estate spans over 3,000 acres and is a testament to Kauai’s thriving coffee culture. Kauai’s unique climate, with its rich volcanic soil and ideal weather conditions, contributes to the production of premium-quality coffee.

Embark on a self-guided tour through the coffee orchards and learn about the cultivation and production process. The Visitor Center offers coffee tastings where you can sample a variety of their brews. Don’t forget to grab a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans to take back home. It’s a perfect souvenir that lets you savor the taste of Kauai long after your trip.

Things to do in Kauai FAQ

What is Kauai best known for?

Kauai is best known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and lush botanical gardens. It’s also famous for outdoor activities like hiking, snorkeling, and surfing.

How many days should I spend in Kauai?

A trip of 5-7 days is recommended to explore Kauai’s main attractions and partake in various activities without feeling rushed.

Is Maui or Kauai better?

Both islands have their unique charm. Maui tends to be more bustling and is famous for its beaches and the Haleakal? volcano. Kauai is ideal for travelers seeking a more laid-back experience and stunning natural landscapes.

What is the best month to visit Kauai?

April, May, September, and October are considered the best months to visit Kauai due to the pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How to get to Kauai Hawaii

Kauai’s Lihue Airport can be found on the island’s east coast. Thanks to Kauai’s growing popularity, many airlines offer direct services from the mainland USA.

However, it’s just as common to fly into Honolulu Airport on Oahu before changing planes. The flight time between the two islands is a short 25 minutes.

There is no public ferry that connects Kauai to the other Hawaiian islands. If you’re willing to splash the cash, then you can charter a boat between each destination.

Getting around Kauai

Like all Hawaiian Islands, Kauai has limited public transport. Visitors will find a range of guided tours, but in order to explore on a whim, you’ll need a rental car. You can compare Rental Car Prices Here for the best deal.

This will allow you to drive from the North Shore to the South Shore without issue. Although you can explore Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park with any vehicle, it pays to rent a 4WD. Your options will open up, allowing you to venture further off the tourist trail.

Drivers will also want to have a map of Kauai pre-downloaded onto their Google Maps. This will allow you to not get lost in times of spotty service.

Where to stay in Kauai?

Budget

Kauai Beach House Hostel is located on the beachfront in Kapaa. Choose between budget dorms and private suites. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool while being within walking distance of shops and multiple beaches.

Mid-Range

Simple, clean, and affordable yet right on the Pacific Ocean, Kauai Shores Hotel is value for money. The basic two-story hotel is comfortable with basic king bedrooms and a private balcony. Enjoy the on-site pool while being steps from shops, restaurants, and the beach.

Luxury

With views of the majestic Napali Coast, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the choice for an opulent vacation. Each room has island decor with the views streaming in. When you aren’t out traveling, relax in the incredible infinity pool that looks over the bay.

Check out our dedicated guide on the Best Places to Stay in Kauai for even more choices!

In conclusion

Kauai, the Garden Isle, is a paradise that offers so many experiences that are as diverse as its landscapes. From the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the depths of the Waimea Canyon, the island will immediately become your favorite Hawaiian island. Whether you’re an adventurer at heart like us or seeking a serene getaway, Kauai is one of those places that will not only create lasting memories but be a place that you will want to visit over and over again.

_{Header Image courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim}

The capital of Massachusetts isn’t somewhere you necessarily think you’ll have to take a day trip from, and it’s true – Boston has tons to do in the city center. There is a rich history, art museums, and even the famous Harvard University. But considering its prime location on the east coast, it would be an absolute crime to visit and not indulge in some trips from Boston. The wider Boston surrounds are well connected by trains and even better connected by highways and back roads. So book a train ticket or rent a car and get going on a day trip.

Top Day Trips from Boston

Whether you want fresh seafood or to tackle the East Bay Bike Path, these top-day trips from Boston are sure to keep you ticking over throughout your stay. In this guide, we’ll cover Boston’s best day trip options – including day trips you can reach by car and train to keep things accessible for everyone. Let’s get started.

1. Plum Island

Plum Island is a lovely day trip from Boston in the summer months. The barrier island is just over an hour’s drive on a bad traffic day and gets its name from the wild plum shrubs that grow along its shores. It also earned the title ‘plum’ from the characteristic purple sand that occurs during low tide thanks to pinkish-tinted garnet crystals mixed in with the sand.

As a day trip, it’s one of the most enjoyable places for a beach day – although visitors should remember that there are no on-duty lifeguards. It might not be the Boston day trip for swimming if you aren’t confident in the water and visiting with a group of strong swimmers.

Plum Island is only 11 miles long, so you could walk the whole island if you really wanted to. Otherwise, stick to organized hiking trails like the Hellcat Marsh Loop Trail, which cuts through the Parker River National Wildlife Reserve. Plum Island wormed its way onto our guide because of its quiet beach vibe and many nature-immersive experiences. It isn’t as busy as the seaside towns, so perfect if you just want to beach bum for one of your Boston day trips.

2. Provincetown

Speaking of beach days, Provincetown is one of those busier seaside towns we recommend. When you want a day trip to somewhere busy and entertainment-filled, Provincetown is where to head. The New England town is right at the tip of Cape Cod and is famous for its arts, food, and pilgrim history. In 1620, Provincetown was actually the site of the Mayflower’s landing, commemorated by the Pilgrim Monument today.

However, it’s not all history; its beaches are the cherry on top. Race Point Beach is the most popular spot for sunbathing in Provincetown – so allow time to visit when you head on this day trip from Boston.

Provincetown is friendly, eclectic, and ideal for an impactful addition to our top Boston day trips. You can drive to Provincetown in around 2 hours, passing little coastal town hotspots like Plymouth and Sandwich en route. Alternatively, use public transport to reach the World Trade Center Pier and catch the ferry in approximately a 2-hour total trip. This is an excellent way to sneakily glimpse Boston from the water.

3. Peabody Essex Museum

Art lovers, prepare to be blown away by this one. Peabody Essex Museum is easily one of the top art galleries you can visit from or in Boston. And this museum is just a short drive (45 minutes) from central Boston – so easily squeezed into a busy itinerary. If you don’t have a car, you also have public transport options with multiple bus lines connecting the two.

The glitzy modern art museum is renowned for its American and Asian art. It has a rather bizarre collection of artifacts and displays. Be prepared for full-room displays and plenty of head-tilting art pieces. A considerable section is dedicated to the Salem witches, a famous story in the museum’s town of over 20 women who were put to death over baseless allegations of witchery.

If you visit the Peabody Essex Museum, you can easily visit the Salem Witch Museum while you are there. Salem is small but mighty, with quite a few high-quality attractions, so don’t hesitate to bulk your visit to this gallery into a full-day affair. We had to add it to this itinerary because of the witch element to its displays and the glitzy, comprehensive showcasing of such a vast display of quality art. This museum also makes a great rainy-day trip from Boston. Day trips aren’t just for sunny days.

4. Road Trip to Portland, Maine

Driving to Portland from Boston takes less than a few hours – approximately 2 hours and 1 minute. But instead of rushing up to Portland and back, make a day trip out of the drive and treat it as a single-day road trip. We suggest driving through the beautiful Middlesex Fells Reservation, detouring slightly to stop by Salem and see all the witch history, stopping for lunch at Portsmouth, and then spending a couple of hours soaking up Maine in scenic Portland.

In Portland, you could ride the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, visit the Portland Museum of Art, or the International Cryptozoology Museum. The last one is enjoyable, with many fictional characters exhibits like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.

With all these stops on the first part of your journey, allow around 6 hours for the first leg to thoroughly enjoy each stop. Then, your return journey should be about 2 hours unless you stop anywhere pretty for sunset and dinner. The north shore residents are lucky to have such historic towns and beautiful views on their doorstep, so ensure you get a good taste of this incredible stretch.

5. Salem Witch Museum

Salem Witch Museum is one of the most fascinating day trip ideas from Boston, and even better, it is also one of the most feasible. It is just an hour from Boston by car or a 45-minute direct train ride from North Station. The museum takes you back to 1692 when the Salem Witch Trials were fully flowing. Over 200 women stood trial for false claims of witchery, and 19 were convicted and given a death-by-hanging sentence.

The ordeal was catastrophic and considered one of the most tragic events in history. You can relive the experience with life-size mannequins and trial scenes at the museum. You can browse through informative exhibits to learn more about the women prosecuted and about attitudes and examples of witchcraft today.

The Salem Witch Museum might not be the first thing that pops into your head when you think of a lovely weekend getaway. However, as a day trip from Boston, it highlights a massively important section of history.

6. Woods Hole

Woods Hole is at the very end of Cape Cod. In fact, it seems closer to the islands than the mainland, despite being on the main peninsula. The tiny village was once a central whaling point, and you can still enjoy a more ethical version of coastal living by walking past the marina and enjoying the waterfront promenade.

There is a lot of science-based entertainment to be had in this village, too; just stop by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Ocean Science Discovery Center. This science museum even has Titanic recovery exhibits. And you can take advantage of the daily summer of Woods Hole that departs from the Woods Hole Historical Museum.

Woods Hole is roughly a two-hour drive from Boston. For us, the main draw is its total science and marine focus. But remember that the driving route down to Woods Hole passes Plymouth or Blue Hills Reservation – depending on your route.

7. North Conway

North Conway is one of the furthest day trips from Boston, taking 2 hours and 50 minutes to reach by car. So why bother? What grip does this little forest town hold on so many visitors? North Conway is a hot spot for hiking, skiing, and waterfalls. The tiny village has more hiking trails and outdoor adventures in a 10-mile radius than most towns do combined. Head up to North Conway early in the morning to have a full day enjoying its sublime locale before heading back after dinner. It is a full day, but definitely worthwhile.

Must-visits in North Conway include Diana’s Baths Cascade and Echo Lake State Park. The water attractions here are stunning and a great early morning activity. If it is ski season, you could also spend a full day on the slopes. While catching some beautiful views on a time limit, the Conway Scenic Railroad is your best shot.

The 19th-century steam train whisks you around some of the prettiest scenery in North Conway in traditional dining cars. The outdoor adventure in North Conway is unbeatable, so we had to add it to this guide.

8. The House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables may sound familiar to any literature fans. The novel was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1851 and was a major hit. And in Salem (we are starting to think that everything good is in Salem), you can visit the actual house that inspired the novel.

The House of the Seven Gables is now an up-and-running not-for-profit museum dedicated to the author, his life, and his novel. The house itself dates back to 1668 but was restored in 1910, kept in keeping with as many period elements and features as possible. Located overlooking the water, it is a beautiful spot full of history and worth visiting.

The House of the Seven Gables is an hour away from Boston by car or an hour by train from North Station. If you catch the train, be prepared for a 25-minute walk to the actual museum from the station.

9. Nantucket

Nantucket is an island more isolated than Martha’s Vineyard and located just a little further offshore. For an adventurous day trip, look no further. The island has a little town center with those cobbled streets that you adore despite yourself. The whole thing has that quaint allure and ruggedness from its geographical isolation. In short, Nantucket is an island worth day-tripping and a beautiful example of the Cape Cod region.

Nantucket’s main highlights are its waterfront cottages and traditional buildings in the main town. You can also beach hop and jump between lighthouses, reveling in the fewer tourists than you’d find on the mainland or busier islands. It has a return ferry service that perfectly lines up with enough hours on the island to sightsee.

Besides, it is more a place to experience than tick off loads of specific things. The ferry is an hour long, and it takes around 2 hours to reach Hyannis Terminal by train from South Station, Boston. Bring a good book and some anti-motion sickness tablets, just in case.

10. New Bedford

New Bedford is one of the top day trips from Boston. With limited time, you can take this trip one of two ways: an opportunity to learn about maritime history or taste loads of delicious seafood. In an ideal world, we’d suggest staying a full day and ticking off both, but if that isn’t an option, get ready to pick one.

First things first, though, New Bedford is located on the south coast, just outside of Providence and Rhode Island. The city was founded by English Quakers and, since then, has entirely revolved around the fishing industry, which should be easy to tell from all the fishing boats in its harbor.

You can stop by (or jump between) the main wharf area and all the seafood retailers just south of the wharves, off MacArthur’s Drive. There are plenty of high-brow seafood restaurants, like The Black Whale and Merrill’s on the Waterfront.

So you can always book in for a sunset dining experience there, as many tables also come with waterfront views. Otherwise, head to the New Bedford Whaling Museum to keep things educational. This somewhat tragic museum tells the story of the global whaling industry. It provides excellent insight into the toils of these beautiful mammals.

New Bedford is just 1.5 hours from Boston or 3 hours by public transport. It is an easy day trip to organize – whichever way you plan it. And if you drive, then you’ll cut straight through Blue Hills Reservation which is a huge plus.

11. Concord

Concord is far more than just a picturesque town. Out of all the small towns in Massachusetts, this spot is one of the ultimate day trip options you could choose from in Boston. Concord is famed for its revolutionary war history, and you can visit the Old North Bridge and Old Hill Burial Ground.

Old North Bridge is particularly famous and is the replica of the 1775 bridge where the first shots of the American Revolution were unleashed. Any history buffs should really prioritize a trip to Concord. Honestly, there is so much history here that it feels like the world revolved around Concord for a long time.

As if all that American history wasn’t enough of a draw, Concord also caters to a slightly different crowd – literature fans. The town is home to Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, where Little Women was written and set. You can now take tours around the house, a fully functioning museum commemorating the author and her work.

Ready for the really exciting part? Concord is only a 40-minute drive from Boston. And from North Station, you can also take a direct train in just 40 minutes. So Concord is one of the most public transport-friendly options for Boston day trips.

12. Polar Caves Park

Polar Caves Park does not have polar bears. Instead, it cops its name from the glacial caves formed in the park during the Ice Age – polar bears live near glaciers, get it? There are nine caves in total, and you scramble between them using a mixture of metal ladders and step contraptions and a bit of a squeeze here and there.

Exploring caves that date back to the last Ice Age is really exciting. Polar Caves Park is the sort of place that you can encourage children to enjoy but also get value out of as an adult. The caves are also linked by little wooden trails, which is a nice touch and provides stunning forest views.

Polar Caves Park is approximately an hour and 50 minutes from Boston by car. Getting to Polar Caves Park is a total breeze if you rent a car. You can also stop at brilliant places en route, like Canobie Lake Park, a fun theme park with rollercoasters and water rides. A day trip to Polar Caves Park is easily combined with other attractions to break up the travel time – so don’t let the drive time put you off. Polar Caves Park is one of the most unique day trips you can take from Boston.

13. Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village is another living museum for your itinerary. The 1830s recreation is a settlement by design but an absolute time capsule by effect. The attention to detail is sublime, and you walk through the ‘village’ to meet costumed actors who’ll stop and chat with you about what they’re doing.

The sawmill and blacksmith actors even give demonstrations. Get ready for an incredibly immersive museum experience. You can wander in and out of historic buildings, admiring all the fine details – even down to clothes and table cutlery. For us, Old Sturbridge Village is easily one of the top things to do near Boston. The attention to detail, as we said, is second to none.

The museum is just an hour’s drive from Boston, so a feasible addition to your trip. You could squeeze Old Sturbridge Village into a 5-6 hour slot. We suggest allowing as much time as possible to spend at the museum because there are loads to get involved with, like activities and rides. It is something you want to take your time with. And, if you wanted, you could incorporate it with a stop in Worcester, the nearest major city to Boston.

14. White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest spans over 800,000 acres of preserved forestland, which is quite challenging to even begin to picture the scale of. The forest has mountain views and historic sites scattered through its midst, so it combines hiking trails and attractions to sightsee. If you are lucky, you may even spot black bears and moose.

In summer, White Mountain National Forest is an absolute haven for hikers; in winter, ski season takes over. In this sense, it is one of the most seasonally versatile day trips from Boston. In summer, we suggest heading to the forest for its hiking trails for a day of walking and picnicking. While in winter, we propose an exhilarating skiing day trip from Boston. Take your pick – or let your visit dates decide for you.

White Mountain National Forest is just under a 2-hour drive from Boston, so not a massive distance to drive for a day trip. You’ll cut through Concord too, which makes the perfect stopover point to celebrate being halfway.

15. Martha’s Vineyard

Fancy drinking some wine? We hate to break it to you, but Martha’s Vineyard is not what you thought it would be. Instead of wine tastings, a Martha’s Vineyard day trip involves wildlife sanctuaries, marshlands, and plenty of beaches. It is a day out for a rural, remote experience of New England island living.

The British explorer Bartholomew Gosnold named the island after his daughter, so you have him to thank for the whacky name. You can reach Martha’s Vineyard by car from Boston and then a quick ferry crossing. It’s one of the most adventurous places to make a day trip because of the ferry element and island status.

Top things to do on Martha’s Vineyard include visiting the gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, kicking back on the beach, and admiring the views from Aquinnah Cliffs. The island has three main towns: Oak Bluffs, Edgartown, and Vineyard Haven, all highly walkable.

But otherwise, if you bring your car on the ferry, you can drive around all the best spots. The Flying Horses Carousel, Aquinnah Cliffs Overlook, and Polly Hill Arboretum are significant attractions. Put it this way, you’ll have plenty to do when you aren’t enjoying the most remote sections of Martha’s Vineyard.

16. Jamestown

Jamestown is the sort of New England charm you hope to find. The cobblestone streets give off that quintessential New England town allure and demand you to stop and take photographs if you are social media-inclined. Regarding day trips from Boston, Jamestown is a prime candidate if you like aesthetic destinations. And at just a 1.5-hour drive from Boston or a 2 hours 20-minute public transport trip from South Station, you are onto a winner logistically.

Of course, it isn’t all quintessential aesthetics and cutesy cobblestones. Jamestown has a dark history. Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement and a site of a famous 1622 massacre in which nearly a third of the English population was killed. The systematic seizure of Powhatan lands prompted the killings, and Opechancanough led a deadly series of attacks on the settlement.

When you visit Jamestown, you can visit numerous historic buildings and landmarks that tribute English and Powhatan history. Powhatan Indian Village and James Fort are the two most visited. The fact that there is so much history just over an hour from Boston really stands out, and Jamestown’s close links to early American history and the tragedies of New England are the main reasons we are featuring it.

17. Cycle the East Bay Bike Path

The East Bay Bike Path is the best day trip you can take from Boston if you want to go cycling. The 14.5-mile bike path might shadow the rocky coastline between Providence and Bristol. However, the route itself is paved and super easy to navigate. While the distance requires a bit of mental grit, the East Bay Bike Path is technically easy and beginner-friendly. So whether you are an established road biker or just fancy the challenge, this bike path can swing both ways.

The bike path passes through 8 different parks, a bridge, and countless waterfronts. It is a really exciting and diverse way to embrace coastal living, and really eco-friendly as well. Not only does it have rapidly changing scenery, but it also has tons of eating and drinking options en route – to the point where people have started to organize food tours.

You could stop at Narragansett Brewery, the Box East Bay, or the Sowams Cider Works Company, just to name a few. Allow around 3 hours for a return trip with a short, 15-minute break or a full day if you plan to stop lots along the way.

18. Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets is the largest outlet shopping spot in New England, and the best part is that it’s set outdoors, so you can enjoy the sun while you shop. The outlet store has over 160 brands and competitively lines up to 65% discounts. It’s the perfect place to snag a bargain and only a 50-minute drive from Boston – what more could you want? Of the over 160 brands it features, you’ll find Gucci, Adidas, Versace, Burberry, and more. It has a luxury spin, but you’ll find some high-street brands, so don’t let that put you off.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets made our list because of its huge discounts and exciting shopping experiences. Shopping in Boston is fun, but saving money and having all the best brands in one convenient space is tons more fun. You can treat yourself to new apparel, shoes, or even jewelry.

19. Newport, New Hampshire

Newport is one of the top day trips from Boston. In just 1.5 hours by car of a few hours by public transportation, you can easily skip over to Newport as a day trip from Boston. Newport is a city set right on the edge of Aquidneck Island on Rhode Island. It is well-known for the America’s Cup, a worldwide famous annual sailing regatta, that was once held continuously in the city.

Newport is the perfect place to embrace coastal living in a trendier way than you’ll find in the seaside town alternatives. Picture luxe yachts in a glossy harbor and a clifftop trail (straightforwardly named the Cliff Walk) that passes Gilded Age mansion after mansion. If you want a trendy place to enjoy the ocean or have an affinity for sailing, then Newport is the day trip for you.

Newport, Rhode Island, has plenty of local history, and you can stop by its museums, which include The Breakers – a summer home of the Vanderbilts and a beautiful example of the Gilded Age architecture. True to its sporting core, there’s also the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which was the home of the first-ever US Open Championship in 1881 and is an absolute memorabilia fest. Newport gives off ‘old money’ vibes, and since it is such a short drive from Boston, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t add it to your list.

20. Blue Hills Reservation

Blue Hills Reservation is a 7,000-acre park just a 30-minute drive or hour public transport scramble from central Boston. It is the haven of green space that everyone flocks to, especially on a busy day, and we’d recommend visiting for its hiking trails and excellent picnic prospects. There are over 125 miles of hiking trails to get stuck into, including Burma Trail and the Blue Hills Skyline Trail. There is a designated swimming area, too, that opens seasonally, so keep that in mind on a hot day.

Blue Hills Reservation is a stunning state park ideal for a day trip. It is somewhere to dash to and escape the inner-city chaos, with many opportunities to relax amongst nature. As a quick extra recommendation, we suggest heading to the 635ft Great Blue Hill – where you can enjoy views of the Boston cityscape skyline on the horizon.

And it’s also worth mentioning that Blue Hills Reservation is just as beautiful in the fall; in fact, a fall day trip to Blue Hills is one of the best things to do in Boston. Especially when walking around the state park’s lakes and seeing the orange and burnt-red reflections in the water. For us, Blue Hills Reservation is so beautiful that it just had to make our list.

21. Josiah Keith House Living History Museum and Homestead

• 50 minute drive from Boston

Josiah Keith House Living History Museum and Homestead is the oldest house in Easton, Massachusetts. And this is one of the most unusual day trips from Boston. Tours are available by appointment only, so you must ring or email beforehand. Self-guided tours are not an option. Josiah Keith House is a living history museum located just a 50-minute drive from central Boston.

The property dates back to 1717 and has all the original furnishings intact, so you can wander through its rooms, getting a realistic impression of earlier lives in Massachusetts. As a ‘living museum,’ it is still a fully functioning homestead and runs a B&B service. Josiah Keith House is lived in and acts as a functioning time capsule to give visitors a glimpse of 18th-century living.

Visiting Josiah Keith House Museum and Homestead is an absolute breeze by car, so make sure to rent a car if this day trip has caught your eye. It has made our list because it offers an off-the-beaten-track experience (not many people have Josiah Keith House on their Boston itineraries) and a sense of immersive history.

FAQs: Day Trips From Boston

So, where are you heading first on your day trips from Boston? As you can now clearly see, Boston’s the perfect launchpad for exploring Massachusetts and beyond. But don’t get carried away; hold fire for a second. Before you settle on one day trip idea, though, check out these essential snippets of info.

What towns are 1 hour from Boston?

Bedford, Plymouth, and Bridgewater are all under an hour away from Boston. These towns all make fantastic day trips from Boston.

What cities are 30 minutes from Boston?

No cities are within 30 minutes of Boston, but the closest, Worcester, is around 50 minutes away. And Providence is an hour and 10 minutes away by car.

What cities are 4 hours from Boston?

New York City is around 4 hours from Boston by car – so definitely list that as one of your most ambitious options for a day trip from Boston. Montreal is a little further at 5 hours by car and will involve crossing the Canadian border.

Is Boston worth visiting for a day?

Yes, Boston is absolutely worth visiting for a day because of its thriving arts scene, Boston Tea Party history, and beautiful Charles River Esplanade. With just a day, you should focus on 2-3 attractions in Boston and stay in the Downtown, Waterfront, and Beacon Hill areas.

What are the Best Day Trips from Boston?

Day trips from Boston range from wholesome visits to a seaside town to indulgent trips to enjoy fresh seafood and whacky historical attractions like the Salem Witch Museum. You’ll love these day trip ideas. Take a break from the art galleries and inner-city attractions in Boston and spread your wings a little.

Got a little bit longer? You could try one of our more ambitious day trip ideas from Boston or even a two-day getaway. There are many things to do in New York, which is just a 4-hour drive from Boston. Within two days, you could also venture into Canada to visit Montreal or check out Niagara Falls (we’ve got a guide on where to stay in Niagara Falls here). As we said, Boston has an ideal location on the east coast – so plan a day trip or an overnight trip wherever possible.

Washington, DC, is the nation’s capital and the absolute pinnacle of American history. If it has happened, you can bet that there is an ode to it in Washington, DC, and this fixation and centrality within American history is what gives the city its fantastic museums. Washington, DC, has some of the most visited museums in the United States.

With your cultural cravings ready and waiting, options like the Spy Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum guarantee you a fantastic museum itinerary.

Top Museums in Washington DC

This guide has compiled all the best of Washington DC’s museums into one extra-convenient list. Get a taste of Washington’s notorious museum scene with these top 10 museums in Washington, DC.

1. National Museum of African American History

The National Museum of African American History is one of the most visited museums in Washington, DC. It is the only national museum dedicated to documenting the African American experience in the United States, and if you are ready for powerful exhibits and more than 40,000 artifacts, this is the museum to spend a morning at. The museum founder is Lonnie G. Bunch III – an esteemed historian and the first ever African American to serve as head of the Smithsonian Institution.

Lonnie has pioneered an absolute icon in the Washington museum scene. Visitors can learn about everything from the civil rights movement to the talented artists throughout the ages at the museum’s separate African art museum. There are even temporary exhibits like Afrofuturism – an artistic envisioning of ‘liberated futures for Black life’ – to browse through.

The Museum of African American History is right in the middle of Washington, DC, the perfect addition to a busy day of sightseeing. Logistically it makes sense to squeeze this museum onto your itinerary. Since it is free to enter, it’s light on the budget, too – win-win.

2. National Building Museum

• Opening times: 10 am until 4 pm Thursday until Monday
• Cost: $10 per adult

The National Building Museum might sound like a randomly themed museum. Still, it is one of the most fascinating options in Washington, DC. Draw your mind away from Bob the Builder-style scenes and instead envision a Corinthian-columned building with a massive grand hall.

Would you really expect anything less from a museum dedicated to architecture, engineering, and design? The Building Museum is stunning. Visitors wander through rooms upon rooms of unique scenes – from the Harry Potter-style grand hall to a room of (slightly bizarre-looking) blue spikes.

The museum interestingly displays that we spend ‘close to 90% of our lives inside’, presenting the idea that we should pay more attention to interior design and its impact on our well-being. Located just a short stroll from the nation’s capital, the museum is the most fun place to question and explore the human relationship with design.

3. International Spy Museum

• Opening times: 9 am until 7 pm Monday to Thursday, 9 am until 8 pm Friday to Sunday
• Cost: $26

Okay, it doesn’t get much cooler than an International Spy Museum. The spy museum is an engaging haven for all things spy-related, be its interactive exhibits, artifacts like old spy devices, and some fascinating stories. While it is family-friendly, the International Spy Museum caters to people across the board.

And despite its slightly steeper entrance prices, it remains one of the best museums to visit in Washington, DC. Its interactive promise is fulfilled with codes and challenges to crack throughout your experience. While you also get insights into past spies, with American history, international stories, and spy figures.

The Spy Museum is located near the Smithsonian Institution’s collection of museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution. It is a fantastic attraction to combine with one of these museums, and it is also scenically located nearby the Washington Channel – perfect for river views.

4. Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is dreamy. The entire venue is flight-themed, and you walk underneath suspended planes and early flight contraptions. The different exhibits create an enjoyable feeling of sensory overload, with something on display at all levels and areas.

There are around 8 rooms, and the whole experience at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum takes at least a few hours. The museum documents everything from the Apollo missions to the early planes and even a solitary tardis to venture into fictional flight history. This spot is one of the top museums in Washington, DC – a personal recommendation and brilliant attraction for your wallet. It is also one of the iconic Smithsonian museums.

This museum is located within the vicinity of most other Smithsonian museums. It is accessible via public transport and easily slotted into your Washington, DC, itinerary. Keep this as one of your best options for anyone wanting an insight into space and flight history.

5. National Mall

• Opening times: 24/7
• Cost: Free

This free museum is one of the most unique options in this guide. Rather than being a traditional building with drab banners and measly exhibits here and there, the National Mall covers over 300 acres of monuments and American history. The different monuments and landmarks are connected by a network of hiking trails. If you can do one thing in Washington DC, we suggest you stop by National Mall to sightsee. In fact, the National Mall has some of the best of Washington DC’s monuments and landmarks.

The park has over 100 monuments and memorials. It is a symbol of not only the heart of Washington, DC but also the United States. You can visit the Washington Monument, Martin Luther King JR Memorial, and the dramatic waterfront Lincoln Memorial. It is a total dream to visit with a camera.

And if you like history and aesthetic places, you’ll be in for a real treat with this combination. The National Mall also lets you see a lot in a short time, as it is home to many of the major landmark attractions in Washington, DC.

6. National Gallery of Art

Washington, DC, does art galleries, and it does them well. If you fancy browsing contemporary art exhibits, then the National Gallery of Art is your choice by default. The National Gallery of Art is home to modern and contemporary art in various formats – from a beautiful sculpture garden to elegant wood-paneled corridors of gold-framed portrait after portrait. If you are an art enthusiast, this is the sort of place where dreams are made of. The National Gallery of Art is elegant to its core, with columns, atriums, domed ceilings, and elongated corridor after corridor. You could easily spend hours here. The whole place is a piece of art in itself.

Rather than that eclectic modern art museum interior, the National Gallery of Art is super luxurious and more of a timeless, classic museum. Keep this in mind when choosing between Washington DC’s art galleries.

7. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Holocaust is one of the saddest historical events of our time, and to pay your respects while learning more, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a sobering place to visit. The United States Holocaust Museum opens 7 days a week and offers free timed entry slots staggered from 10 am until 5:30 pm. The museum is a not-for-profit and living memorial to the events of the Holocaust and those who experienced it.

The main exhibition spreads over three floors and contains eyewitness testimonies, historical artifacts, film, and photographs. If you want to know more about Holocaust, plan to spend a couple of hours in this section, as it details everything from the rise of the Nazi party to the liberation of the camps in 1945.

There are then further exhibitions on different floors – including one dedicated to the ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ and an alternative insight into genocide with an exhibition on ‘Burma’s Path to Genocide’. Most hauntingly, there are two exhibitions, one dedicated to the children of the Holocaust and one called ‘One Thousand and Seventy-eight Blue Skies’ – a photographic exhibition with individual images of the skies above every concentration camp in Europe.

The United States Holocaust Museum is a powerful and important museum to visit. It is located just a short walk from the Washington Monument and ideally combined with a visit to the National Mall.

8. Hirshhorn Museum

• Opening times: 10 am until 5:30 pm
• Cost: Free

Hirshhorn Museum is an absolute testament to the fascinating phenomenon of modern art. The museum is set in a rather bizarre-looking doughnut-shaped building – a direct nod to its outlandish, quirky personality if we ever did see one. Hirshhorn Museum has a constant conveyor belt of nonstop exhibitions. In just a few months in 2023, exhibits are dedicated to contemporary Chinese photography and Baseera Khan. The same goes for events, too, and you can always check out the rammed activity schedule after the activity. These temporary events are great for families wanting low-cost kids’ entertainment. While permanently, Hirshhorn Museum has over 12,000 pieces of artwork to gawp at and analyze.

Hirshhorn Museum is set within the little bubble of Smithsonian Institution museums. It is easy to access by public transport or on foot. As we mentioned, it is the ideal place for family activities. Hirshhorn Museum attracts the more outgoing, action-loving art lover. So if you want to avoid the elegant but slightly stuffy grandeur of some of the more formal galleries in Washington DC, Hirshhorn Museum is your best bet.

9. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

When you think of natural history, what do you think of? Probably David Attenborough and dinosaur fossils. Well, from now on, you can add the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History to that list. Every city needs a natural history museum, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the best museums in Washington, DC. It takes a particular caliber to be the capital’s natural history museum, so you best believe that this museum is the top.

Visitors can glimpse some of the world’s rarest gems and get up close to not one but dozens of dinosaur skeletons and fossils. And besides all that, there are also stuffed animal species and other biological examples throughout the museum. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is one of the most comprehensive examples of natural history preservation in the United States. We recommend paying a visit.

10. National Museum of Asian Art

• Opening times: 10 am until 5:30 pm
• Cost: Free

This stunning Asian art museum is easily one of Washington DC’s top galleries, which, as you now know, is saying something. The museum is a fantastic ode to Asian artwork from numerous different countries. You’ll find Middle Eastern, Korean, Indian, and Japanese art, to name a few. There is beautiful Arabic calligraphy to admire, Indian sculptures and pottery work, and elegant Japanese silk works. There are over 46,000 works to admire and floors and floors of exhibits to take in. The firm favorite room is the Peacock Room – so watch for that.

The National Museum provides a more diverse insight into historic art than many modern art galleries in Washington, DC. If you are an enthusiast interested in Asian art or just want to visit one of the specialist art museums, then the National Museum is a fantastic option. It is in and amongst all the Smithsonian museums, so you’ll find it easy to squeeze into your sightseeing.

11. Smithsonian American Art Museum

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is one of the top museums in Washington, DC. As far as Smithsonian museums go, American art is one of the most specific but least unusual museum categories. For any art enthusiast, having such an extensive collection of one type of art in a single place is handy.

And the Smithsonian American Art Museum prides itself on being one of its largest, most inclusive collections worldwide. The artwork dates back to the colonial period, but you’ll also see a few pieces from today. You can tour independently or make the most of a complimentary walking tour that is run daily.

Kogod Courtyard is an architectural feature of the museum itself that visitors love – a substantial glass-enclosed courtyard with tropical plants and tons of natural lighting. It is worth noting that the Smithsonian American Art Museum is also situated in the third-oldest federal building in Washington, DC. And once you are done, you can easily combine it with a trip next door to the National Portrait Gallery.

12. Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible is one of the most religious Washington DC museums, if not the most religious Washington DC museum. It has a complete collection of highly prized sacred relics and exhibits, including ancient scrolls and ‘rare Bibles’. The building is beautifully designed with stained glass windows and church-like decor throughout, and since it is split across six floors, you have loads of sights to get through. It isn’t just historically valuable with its exhibits; there are immersive opportunities in the Museum of the Bible. You could catch an Old or New Testament show and check out sculpture scenes like the Jesus Nazareth scene.

The museum pioneers and funds massive amounts of research. Its museum displays cover over 4,000 years of history, and because of this, it is a really active point of research. It is worth checking in to see what talks and events are available, as the museum attracts some real industry experts.

13. Planet Word

• Opening times: 10 am until 5 pm Wednesday to Friday, then 10 am until 6 pm Saturday to Monday, and closed Tuesday.
• Cost: Suggested donation of $10-15

Planet Word is an entire museum devoted to the spoken word. The museum circles around the concepts of language and words, with everything from karaoke to Scrabble. As visitors, you indulge in visiting exhibit hall after hall of word-themed attractions – from word trees outdoors to elegant libraries inside.

There are interactive activities, like a recording studio and a room teaching you how to create ad copy. Planet Word is incredible for anyone with children or young adults interested in a writing, journalistic, and musical career. It is somewhere to venture for an hour or two for some thought-provoking entertainment.

The museum is situated in a 19th-century building with Victorian-style architecture and is actually set in the historic Franklin School. The Franklin School has National Historic Landmark status because it was the first public education school in the United States as an independent country. So it is fitting to see that its legacy has continued with Planet Word – a museum devoted to learning and language.

14. White House

• Opening times: 7:30 am until 4 pm
• Cost: Free

Did you know that the White House is actually a fully functioning museum? With capped numbers and limited hours, of course. This iconic museum boasts some of American history’s most famous scenes. And if you submit your tour requests with plenty of warning- which is no less than 21 days and up to three months in advance – then you can spend a few hours treading the same carpets as the Obamas and Trumps. You can also stop by the White House Visitor Center, which has over 90 different White House artifacts and a 14-minute film. There are many interactive exhibits, archives, and even a museum shop at the end for you to splurge in.

Visiting the White House from the outside is exciting enough. Just peering through the gates is a bucket list attraction for many. However, touring the inside and having the White House museum experience takes the cookie. We’d recommend this wholeheartedly to anyone with a die-hard interest in American history and politics.

15. Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum

• Opening times: 10 am until 5:30 pm
• Cost: Free

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is one of the most unusual museums in Washington D.C. Believe it or not, the postal story in the United States is actually fascinating. The process began with the Pony Express, a brigade of horseback riders who ran America’s postal system for around 18 months. It is famed for being a financial shambles, but the whole thing makes a great story. Then after that, the first transcontinental telegraph system halted the service in 1861, and standard mail service began as we know it.

The National Postal Museum is another Smithsonian museum for your list – situated in that familiar bubble of Smithsonian Institution museums. The museum documents everything from the creation of postal stationery to the early vehicles that used to deliver mail. The museum tells a fantastic story of every aspect of American postal history and offers a fine collection of memorabilia. There’s even a 1920s-style post office where you can pick up free stamps to start your stamp-collecting hobby.

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is located in the East End, relatively centrally in Washington, DC. It is well combined with a visit to the United States Capitol and DC Fire and EMS Museum (which is our ‘honorable mention’ since we couldn’t squeeze it onto this list).

16. National Archives Museum

Let’s finish with a bang; National Archives Museum has some of the most historically significant artifacts in the United States. The esteemed museum’s collection includes the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. If you are visiting Washington DC, you are undoubtedly familiar with or even planning your trip around embracing American history, so don’t miss this pivotal spot. The National Archives Museum is where to get up close and personal with early American history.

Aside from the founding documents of the United States (how cool is that to say?), the National Archives Museum also has a series of smaller exhibits. These include an area dedicated to the Suffrage Movement and full of civil rights letters and petitioning. The National Archives Museum is a fabulous place to get a bitesize but intense introduction to American History and Washington DC’s experience.

Fun Museums in Washington DC

Which of these best museums in Washington, DC, do you think best suits you and your itinerary? Washington, DC, really comes into its own with art galleries and history museums, but the variety is endless. After all, who’d have thought you could visit the National Building Museum, Museum of the Bible, International Spy Museum, and the White House all in one city?

Check out presidential portraits, European and American art, dinosaur fossils, and more. Have a wonderful time museum shopping in one of the best destinations for exhibits in the world.

Yellowstone National Park is usually at the top of most US bucket lists. Between the fantastic hikes, endless things to do, and jaw-dropping natural attractions like the Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s easy to see why. Yellowstone almost guarantees you a trip of a lifetime on its own. However, one of the best ways to experience Yellowstone is by staying in a private cabin.

You’ll find cabins all over Yellowstone. Yellowstone cabin rentals are typically rustic, with either luxurious amenities like jacuzzis or simplistic facilities for an off-the-grid experience. You can choose whether you want a luxury or wilderness experience in Yellowstone cabins.

Top Yellowstone National Park Cabins

Either way, these Yellowstone National Park cabins are the best of the bunch. Let’s look at the best cabins the park has to offer.

Cabin Rentals Near The West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

1. Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone

Explorer Cabins at Yellowstone is a vast campground containing an assortment of three-star cabins. The layout is the perfect place for a pleasant, family-friendly experience of Yellowstone cabins. For those wanting a campground-style experience, Explorer Cabins are really worthwhile booking.

Explorer Cabins also features an indoor swimming pool and fire pits dotted around the campground. While its layout caught our eye, the facilities certainly helped bag it a spot on our list.

Another tick for your checklist is Explorer Cabin’s location near Yellowstone’s West Gate. In the center of West Yellowstone, Explorer Cabins have that ‘final outpost’ feel. West Yellowstone is one of the best locations to choose from when visiting Yellowstone and has a fun, expeditionary atmosphere.

Because of its popularity, lots have been invested in the West Yellowstone tourist experience. You’ll find a giant screen theater, a zipline course, and the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center. Look no further for a fun, conveniently located spot near Yellowstone National Park.

2. Remote West Yellowstone Cabin with Mountain Views and Wrap-Around Porch

This cabin is a luxurious private getaway. Get your friends together to book this property, as it sleeps up to nine guests and has a mix of outdoor and indoor living spaces. Outside you have a fire pit, a wrap-around lodge with views of Mt Two Top, and parking. Inside, you can enjoy spacious rooms set over multiple floors.

The owners have kept the interior classic, with chunky wooden furnishings and log walls intact. One of the best things about Yellowstone cabins is how traditional they are. And for this cabin, the scenic location, spaciousness, and classic design are winning factors.

Location-wise, you are just a fifteen-minute drive from West Yellowstone and the West Gate to Yellowstone National Park. While if you want to visit the Continental Divide, it is just a short 1.5-mile drive. This cabin rental is a fantastic choice if you want to be near all the main attractions and amenities of West Yellowstone but stay more rurally.

This cabin rental is set back from all the business of West Yellowstone, and you’ll have your own private views of Idaho’s gorgeous scenery.

3. Idyllic Cabin with Large Decking on the Madison River

Luxury comes in different forms; some people want two queen beds and a jacuzzi, and some want decks where they can fish straight into the river. This idyllic cabin is located right on the banks of the Madison River – so close that you cast off directly from your outdoor furniture.

The colossal cabin rental has floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the scenic riverfront location. And when you aren’t fly fishing, you can keep cozy inside with wood-burning stoves and three different TVs to choose between.

The master bedroom has a queen bed, a private bathroom, and a jacuzzi overlooking the river. There are two more bedrooms, with twin beds and another queen bedroom. This lodge has a great location and is just a thirty-minute drive from the West Yellowstone entrance.

It perfectly balances a country escape with easy access to major towns and the national park. And if you are looking for cabins with fishing spots nearby, it really doesn’t get better than literally fishing from your doorstep. The place where a family fishing holiday can be combined with a trip to Yellowstone Park is definitely worthy of a spot on our list.

4. Pines Homes at Island Park

Pines Homes at Island Park has a stunning collection of log cabins set in Targhee National Forest. While being just a 30-minute drive from the West Yellowstone Entrance, you also have access to Island Park Reservoir and numerous nearby waterfalls. You are ideally situated to the west of Yellowstone. This cabin is perfect for those who want a diverse range of natural areas to visit.

The cabins are gorgeous, with cozy low lighting and traditional yet sleek decor. You can select from options of one, two, and three-bedroom cabins – with the three-bedroom cabin sleeping up to eight guests. Every cabin features a BBQ, and certain options have a fully furnished kitchen. Otherwise, you can head to the iconic Phillips Lodge for a catered experience, providing lunch, dinner, and a full bar.

Cabin Rentals Near The North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

5. Modern Cabin Just One Block From Yellowstone National Park

As the saying goes, location, location, location. Location is the winning factor for this cabin, and it is situated in tiny Gardiner – surprisingly home to its own airport. Gardiner is a scenic place built on either side of the Yellowstone River. From your cabin, you will be able to drive straight across the national park boundary.

Alternatively, make the most of having hundreds of activities at your fingertips – Gardiner is known for its activity and tour operators. While quiet and still relatively sleepy, it has many restaurants and cafes, so you can eat out to save cooking. And similarly, if you’d prefer to relax as a passenger and not drive the national park, Gardiner is great for organizing tours with transport.

Inside, the property is bright and modern. The owners have invested in a contemporary aesthetic with feature walls painted distinctively orange. If you aren’t as keen on the traditional lodge aesthetic, this Yellowstone cabin is a great place to stay.

With one bedroom and one bathroom, this cabin rental is ideally suited to a couple wanting a conveniently located getaway. Guests even receive a complimentary bottle of wine on arrival – perfect for starting your stay with a romantic atmosphere.

6. A Cabin Surrounded By Mountains On An Organic Cattle Ranch

Fancy a bit more of a unique cabin experience? This cabin has the perfect location, right in the middle of a cattle ranch overlooking the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains. Each morning you can head to your coffee maker and grab a hot drink to take outside and appreciate the views.

This cabin is a peaceful spot – ideal for guests who want to recharge and take a break from the urban world. Its cattle ranch location makes it one of our most unique lodging options. Still, it definitely has a lot to offer.

The cabin sleeps up to four guests across one bedroom and a bed sofa in the living room. However, it is best suited to two guests if you want to have enough space and enjoy the property to its fullest. The porch outside is the property’s best feature and has two deck chairs where you can sit and unwind. Those that like animal watching will adore the plethora of hiking trails on your doorstep.

Location-wise, this VRBO rental is a 40-minute drive from the north entrance and its towns. In our opinion, this is a small price to pay for the stunning views and agricultural atmosphere. After all, how often do you experience life on a cattle ranch in Montana?

7. Secluded Cabin With Huge Patio Overlooking Beat Creek

This cozy little lodge is one of the most peaceful properties in this guide. The cabin is in a huddle of three neighboring cabins at the end of a forest service dirt road. Guests are surrounded by forest wildlife and sweeping views of the Montanan countryside.

Below the cabins, there’s also a creek for fishing and paddling. If you want a romantic setting in nature, this cabin has a great location. Its forest location and quiet entrance road are standout features.

Of course, there’s the large patio as well. The private patio is the ideal place to appreciate the surrounding views. It even features a BBQ with complimentary propane. And at night, swap wildlife watching for stargazing, as this VRBO rental has almost zero nearby light pollution. In terms of amenities, the cabin provides everything from a coffee maker to essential cooking ingredients and extra treats like hot chocolate. Calm and cozy, it is a dreamy place to relax, just a short drive from Yellowstone’s north entrance.

Cabin Rentals Near The Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

8. Wolf-Themed Rustic Cabin

This cabin is basic but comfy. With just one bedroom, it’s perfect for couples or solo travelers. The cabin is within walking distance from a small nearby town and restaurant. However, it has all the facilities you need to cook up a storm, plus satellite TV and internet – so you should be pretty happy staying around the house to relax. The home is handmade and is a rustic base to enjoy during your visit to Yellowstone. We love its simplistic yet beautiful design.

Silver Gate is a tiny village with a few cafes and shopping essentials. The village is right on the national park boundary; you could practically walk into Yellowstone National Park. Silver Gate is a short drive from Cooke City, which has a bit more going on. You’ll find multiple attractions, including the Cooke City Montana Museum. This Silver Gate lodging choice is ideally situated to enjoy the best of the surrounding urban areas and its proximity to Yellowstone.

9. Yellowstone Cabin With Horse Boarding Facilities And Hot Tub

This property is a dream for anyone who loves horseback riding. And if you are lucky enough to own your own horses, your pets are welcome as guests, too – with horse boarding facilities onsite. There are tons of horseback trails along the creek and surrounding meadows. Even if you don’t want to bring a horse, this cabin rental is a prime spot for wildlife watching. You can sit on your private patio watching wild deer and bald eagles. This cabin made our list thanks to its fantastic animal opportunities, whether you want to bring your horse or spot wild animals.

This cabin sleeps up to six people across two bedrooms and a converted loft with a king bed. Its most eye-catching features are its hot tub and outdoor deck with a campfire. However, you won’t be spending much time here with all the things to do nearby. You are minutes away from the Red Lodge ski area and golf course, plus just a short drive from the main attraction – Yellowstone.

10. Historic Cabin with a Jacuzzi

If you are looking for a historic spot to base yourself in Yellowstone, this property is a great choice. It is somewhat of a micro home, with just one bedroom and one bathroom. But if you visit between May and October, you can book an adjoining bunkhouse that caters to two extra guests. With the bunkhouse as well, you have two queen beds, so it is perfect for couples holidaying together. The best features of this cabin are its jacuzzi and private decking – perfect for a quiet sunset. We love the traditional, historical aesthetic, and the extra luxuries are just the cherry on top.

The cabin has free parking, so you can easily use a car to drive to the park entrance or the nearest urban area, Roberts. Roberts has a few amenities, including a supermarket, cafes, and restaurants. Despite being located relatively remotely, this cabin lodging is handy for reaching basic comforts.

Cabin Rentals Near The East Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

11. Cozy Cabin in Private Woodland

This cabin is set in 1.5 acres of woodland and sits right next to a private creek. With mountains all around, it is a natural getaway situated in the middle of the east entrance and Cody. While there’s one main bedroom, an air mattress is available to cater to larger groups of up to four people. The cabin is traditionally decorated and features indoor and outdoor dining facilities – perfect for making the most of beautiful surroundings. And for those fancy cooking outside, there’s a propane grill. You could enjoy a barbecue outside or make your morning coffee with the coffee maker inside and head out to catch the sunrise. We love the natural setting and laid-back facilities.

Cody is a historic place to base yourself near and is excellent if you want a few urban facilities within easy distance. Cody is home to Old Trail Town and Buffalo Bill Center of the West; both are fantastic immersions into the Old West. Cody is also where most people fly into to visit Yellowstone. Yellowstone Regional Airport has regular charters to and from destinations throughout the US.

12. Studio Cabin With Stunning Mountain Views

This cabin is where to stay for stunning views. Only a mile from Shoshone National Forest, you’ll be surrounded by trees, mountain ridges, and wildlife – all viewable from your private patio. This cabin rental is a place for simple pleasures. Its old worldly chunky log exterior is a classic picture of old Western living. With one bedroom and a private bathroom, it is relatively small but definitely cozy. If you want a peaceful base, this is one of the best cabins with easy access to the east entrance of Yellowstone. The east entrance is just 25 miles away, making this a really convenient location.

We were most impressed by the property’s views and proximity to Shoshone National Forest. This lodge is well-suited to those who love all things outdoors, from hiking to fly fishing. It has a real base camp feel and is perfect for getting ‘off the grid’.

Cabin Rentals Near The South Entrance of Yellowstone National Park

13. Comfy Cabin On Horse Property

Another simplistic cabin for your list, this lodge is set amid a private equine property. You’ll be waking up and looking straight out at the goings on of a horse barn, with horses being exercised or grazing sedately at pasture.

This lodge is a fantastic option for animal lovers or those wanting a taste of ranch life. The cabin also boasts a hot tub and private patio – gorgeous at sunrise and sunset. This VRBO rental has spectacular views of the Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding countryside.

It’s worth noting that the cabin is a short distance from the main cabin, which belongs to its owners. Solo travelers wary of staying completely isolated may appreciate this, as it adds a bit of security.

14. Huge Timber-Frame Cabin With Grand Teton Views

This gorgeous cabin is stunning with a capital ‘s’. The timber frame cabin has vaulted ceilings and massive windows with views over the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. There’s even a spotting scope to admire the scenery up close, despite being at a distance. With three king-sized bedrooms, the lodge sleeps up to six people. Each bedroom also has a private bathroom – a real added homely comfort. With three bathrooms, there’ll be no arguments about getting ready in the morning. Outside, guests have a fire pit, propane grill, jacuzzi, and a covered patio.

The design is our favorite part of this lodge. From the stone-feature fireplaces to the floor-to-ceiling windows with snow-capped mountain views, every effort has been made to make this lodge as much of an experience as possible. The location is pretty impressive, too, though, and while you are rurally set, you are just 4.5 miles from a small spot called Driggs.

Driggs has basic amenities, including a grocery store and a selection of restaurants. You are 40 miles from Grand Teton National Park and 90 miles from the Yellowstone south park entrance. It is well located if you want to spend a few days in each park.

15. Lakeside Cabin Near Mountains

Outdoor lovers looking for stays of a week or more, this cabin rental is a beautiful getaway spot. The lodge is closer to Grand Teton than Yellowstone but within an easy day trip of both. You are ideally situated to explore both national parks. If you have a longer time, it makes sense to stay between the two. And in winter, the surrounding neighborhoods come to life with snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing.

The lodge sleeps up to four people across two bedrooms – one king room and one converted loft with two twin beds. There are classic features, such as a stone fireplace and exposed wooden beams. Outside, you have free parking and a covered patio. There’s also a small creek that is dreamy for fishing just minutes from your lodge.

Jackson Hole is just 20 miles away when you feel like heading back into civilization. There are plenty of things to do in Jackson for more traditional sightseeing. You can check out many art galleries, a historic town square, the National Elk Refuge, and even the Jackson Hole Rodeo. This lodge is an excellent place to dabble in culture and nature.

All cabin photos courtesy of VRBO.

To Conclude

Sure, we’ve already covered where to stay in Yellowstone National Park, but we hope you now see how special it is to choose one of the cabins near Yellowstone National Park.

Staying in one of these cabins offers a much more unique, immersive, and relaxing experience of Yellowstone. Whether you opt for a luxe cabin with a king bed and jacuzzi or a basic cabin and fire pit, you’ll have a wonderful time connecting with Yellowstone.

Looking for more inspiration? Yellowstone is ideally positioned to explore Montana. Why not road trip north after seeing the best of the park? These are our 22 best places to visit in Montana.

Ireland is the land of leprechauns and shamrocks, Guinness, and Irish whiskey and Dublin is the heartbeat of the country. It was founded by the Vikings in 841 on the banks of the River Liffey and was called Dubh Linn, meaning Black Pool. There are so many things to do in Dublin that even after 5 visits, we always find a new activity and attraction. So, let’s take a look at some of our favorite places to visit in Dublin.

Top Things to Do in Dublin

Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and it is a town filled with culture, beauty, and Irish history. If you are looking for the best things to do in Dublin, you have come to the right place. We’ve visited Dublin several times and between our five different visits to the Emerald Isle, we have definitely experienced the best places in Dublin. (And more than once!)

1. Temple Bar

One of the things you have to do when you are in Dublin is to visit the Temple Bar district. Temple Bar isn’t just a bar, it is a lively area on the South Bank of the River Liffey. It’s party time here with several pubs and clubs waiting to serve you a good time with live music and fresh pints.

But there is more to the area than just a party, many of Dublin’s cultural institutions have set up shop here including the Irish Film Institute, The Irish Photography Centre, and Even the Irish Stock Exchange. Get entrance to many of Dublin’s top tourist attractions with the Dublin Pass.

If you are planning a trip to Dublin, make sure to check out our post: Where to Stay in Dublin, Ireland: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget

2. Tour the Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is number one when it comes to places to visit in Dublin. Literally. Twenty million visitors have toured the brewery and enjoyed more than a pint or two. And it lives up to the hype! Started by Arthur Guinness in 1759, Guinness has been a staple of Ireland ever since. Located in the heart of Dublin at St. James’s Gate Brewery, Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease to operate his brewery on the premises.

Covering 50 acres, the Guinness factory is a major part of the city’s history. The tour is very interesting to learn how Guinness is made, but more importantly, it ends with a full pint of beer at the rooftop Gravity Bar bar that offers one of the best views of Dublin City. See our step by step guide to visiting the Guinness Storehouse

Guinness really does taste better in Ireland!

This Guinness Jameson Tour is an excellent combination to visit two of Dublin’s most popular tourist attractions. Skip the lines at both the Guinness Storehouse & Jameson’s Dublin Whiskey Distillery on a guided tour where you’ll enjoy Irish whiskey tastings and a pint of Guinness as you learn about the distilling and brewing process of these famous drinks.

3. Guinness Academy

While you are at the Guinness Storehouse, upgrade your tour to the Guinness Academy, the ultimate Guinness Experience where you will learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness in the Guinness bar and tasting room. Once you have poured the perfect cascade you’ll get a certificate to prove you are Guinness certified and you get a delicious glass of Guinness to boot! It really is a must-do in Dublin. It will make you a Guinness snob at pubs around the world for the rest of your life! You can book this Guinness Skip the line and Signature Experience with Tasting Tour at Viator

4. Tour the Jameson Whiskey Distillery

I know, I know, we’re talking an awful lot about drinking and pub culture, but that truly is a lot of what Dublin is all about. Even if you are not a drinker you’ll love visiting the places in Dublin like the Temple Bar, Guinness Storehouse, and its distilleries. There are quite a few Irish whiskey distilleries around the country, and the Jameson Whiskey Distillery is the birthplace of Irish Whisky that dates back to 1780. Taking this tour in Dublin takes you back in time to see the traditional methods of distilling Whisky.

You can choose from some different tours like learning to blend your own Irish whiskey, doing a premium whiskey tasting experience, and blending your own cocktails. If you want to learn more about Irish Whiskey, you can also visit the Irish Whiskey Museum where you’ll take a guided tour to learn all about the history of Whiskey in Ireland. Check out tours here

5. Irish Whiskey Museum

The Irish Whiskey Museum is located in the Dublin city center and is dedicated to showcasing the history, heritage, and craftsmanship of Irish whiskey, one of Ireland’s most famous and cherished exports.

Step inside to be taken a journey of Interactive displays following the origins of whiskey in Ireland to today.

The museum offers guided tours where visitors learn about the whiskey-making process, from malting and mashing to fermentation and distillation. The guides also delve into the different styles and flavors of Irish whiskey, highlighting its unique characteristics.

One of the highlights of the Irish Whiskey Museum experience is the whiskey-tasting session where you can sample a selection of Irish whiskeys, guided by an expert who explains the distinct flavors, aromas, and nuances of each whiskey.

6. Take A Whiskey Tour

This two hour premium whiskey tour is a perfect complement to the Jameson Distillery where you’ll visit some of Dublin’s most famous Whiskey bars with an expert guide. If there is one place to taste Irish whiskey it’s in Dublin and this guided tour takes you to some the best tasting rooms in the city of Dublin. You’ll taste 5 premium Irish whiskeys accompanied by fresh cheese and Irish soda bread. Places you’ll visit include the Dingle Whiskey Bar, Bowes Lounge, and the Palace Bar in Temple Bar.

If you love Irish Whiskey, don’t miss visiting the Irish Whiskey Museum that offers guided tours and whiskey tastings. You can visit the website here.

7. Cross the Ha’Penny Bridge

The Ha’Penny Bridge is a pedestrian bridge connecting the two sides of the River Liffey. The River Liffey cuts through the city, and the Ha’Penny Bridge has long been considered one of the must-see attractions in Dublin. When you cross from the north is connects directly to the South Bank and entrance to Temple Bar.

This was the first bridge to cross the River Liffey connecting the two sides of the city. When it was originally built, it only cost half a pence to cross, hence the name Ha’Penny Bridge. Before this bridge was built, people used to cross the river using ferries so this was a real game-changer to life in Dublin.

8. Kellogg’s Skyline Tour at Croke Park

If you are looking for activities in Dublin that give you a bit of an adrenaline rush, Kellogg’s Skyline Croke Park Tour is the perfect tour for you. Croke Park is the third-largest stadium in all of Europe and you will climb way up 44 meters high (144 feet) for a bird’s eye view of the hurling field and great panoramic city views. It is actually the highest open-air viewing platform in Dublin! Plus, you get a behind-the-scenes peek at the athlete’s lounges, and private boxes and you even get to go onto the field.

9. Gaelic Games Museum

One of the best ways to immerse in Irish culture is to get involved with their national sports! At Croke Park, the Gaelic Games museum is a walk through the history of Gaelic games. It’s also one of those Dublin attractions that make you feel like a kid again. The immersive museum is a lot of fun too to learn about Gaelic Football and the national sport of Hurling. Make sure to try your hand at skills and learn to play the game of hurling. The museum is located at Croke Park where you can catch a game of Hurling too!

10. Stroll Through Trinity College

If you are looking for things to do on your own in Dublin, this is a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It dates back to 1592, it is Ireland’s oldest university located in Dublin city centre. Walk in the footsteps of famous Trinity College alumni such as Bram Stoker, WB Yeats, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and Johnathan Swift.

It is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful university campuses and taking a stroll through the grounds is a must. We find ourselves always going back to the college grounds and finding something new. The historic buildings, gardens, and monuments are worth a visit.

11. Trinity College Library

Trinity College Library is most famous for its library housing the Book of Kells but it is also Europe’s largest vaulted library. My niece said I’m not waiting in line to look at an old book, but we found it to be one of the most fascinating places to visit in Dublin.

Note: Trinity College Library is about to be up for renovations for the next 3 years. However, you can still tour the campus and see the Book of Kells.

The Old Library itself is amazing. The long room houses 200,000 books. It is said that the books act as the foundation of the library and it would collapse should the books be taken away. Take this Heritage Walking Tour to learn about Trinity College and other historical sights in town. It really helps to have a guide tell you about the history to really enjoy and understand the things you are looking at in Dublin.

12. The Book of Kells

According to the Chronicles of Ulster, the Book of Kells is the most precious object in the Western world. It is a handwritten manuscript that contains the four gospels of the bible with beautiful imagery.

The Book of Kells was written in 800 AD by a group of monks and was buried in the ground for safekeeping against the Vikings. After learning so much about the Vikings, we know that they were not fans of Christianity, so this would have been destroyed immediately.

Dublin saw many a war between the Irish and the Vikings and the historic book remained hidden throughout the centuries. In the 1600s it was rediscovered and sent to the Trinity College Library where it has been ever since. This Book of Kells Tour lets you fast-track directly to see the manuscript as you learn of its symbolism from a local guide. You’ll walk through the library and the grounds and gardens of Dublin Castle.

13. The Little Museum of Dublin

When you visit Dublin, be sure to stop at The Little Museum of Dublin is a great introduction to the city. We usually aren’t big on museums, but we loved this little one. I’d put it on my list of must-see Dublin museums. It houses a crowd-sourced collection of all things Dublin donated by local residents.

Take a walk through its four floors of Irish history that are quirky and unique. It has everything from old news articles from the original Irish independent office (that’s there too!) to portraits of famous Irish celebrities. There’s even a floor dedicated to U2. And guess what? U2 once visited the museum.

14. Christ Church Cathedral

The Christ Church Cathedral was founded in 1028 and when the Viking King Sitric Silkenbeard built the first wooden church on the site. It was later replaced by a stone structure constructed by the Anglo-Norman conquerors in the 12th century. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone various renovations and expansions, incorporating both medieval and Gothic architectural elements. And today it is one of the top attractions in Dublin.

The cathedral’s crypt is one of its main attractions. It is the largest in Ireland and houses fascinating exhibits, including the mummified remains of a cat and a rat, the “Clontarf” organ, and various historical artifacts. The crypt also hosts the “Treasures of Christ Church” exhibition, displaying precious objects like manuscripts, ancient vestments, and the Great Parchment Book of Christ Church.

The church is also one of Ireland’s oldest buildings. Located in Dublin city centre it is not to be missed. Guided tours are available, providing in-depth information about the cathedral’s history, architecture, and significant artifacts. The cathedral also has a gift shop offering a range of books, music, and souvenirs.

The cathedral possesses a peal of bells, including the famous “Great Tom of Christ Church.” The bell has a weight of 12.5 tons and rings out on special occasions. Visitors can climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Dublin and to observe the ringing of the bells.

Entry to the Christ Chruch Cathedral is included with the Dublin Pass. The Dublin Pass is an excellent way to save money on Dublin attractions giving you entrance to 35 attractions including the Dublin Hop-on Hop-Off Big Bus Tou, Dublin Zoo, Guinness Storehouse, James Joyce Centre, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and lesser-known must-see attractions like EPIC The Irish Immigration Museum, Irish Rock ‘n Roll Museum Experience, the Casino Model Railway Museum and much more.

15. Tour the Kilmainham Gaol

A tour the infamous jail known as Kilmainham Gaol is well worth a visit in Dublin. This creepy tour takes you inside the horrific conditions that prison inmates faced. The jail can only be toured by a guided tour and it moves fast. It’s worth seeing and gives insight into Dublin and Irish history as prisoners from the rebellion of 1798 to the 1922 Irish Civil War were housed here.

Also, members of the Irish Republican Army were detained here during the Anglo-Irish War and the prisoners of the 1916 Irish rebellion were rounded up and executed here.

16. Say Hello to Oscar Wilde

The Oscar Wild Memorial Statue is located across the street from Wilde’s childhood home. Located in Merrion Square, the memorial actually consists of three statues. There is also a sculpture representing Dionysus and his wife Constance Lloyd. A cool feature that has been added here is the Talking Statues. When you stop at statues around Dublin, some of them have a QR code where you can receive a phone call from the historic person that tells you a little bit about their lives.

An interesting fact is that his colorful clothing isn’t painted, it is made up of three different stones. Green jade from British Columbia, pink Thulite, and blue pearl granite from Norway.

17. Visit Oscar Wilde’s House

At the address of No. 1 Merrion Square, you’ll see the childhood home of Oscar Wilde. Be sure to look in the park across the street to see the statue of the famous writer and poet, Oscar Wilde. He’s relaxing while looking back at his home. It’s quite serene.

18. Dublin Castle

Chances are if you take a walking tour or lazy bike tour you’ll stop at Dublin Castle. The Dublin Castle is one of the most famous medieval castles in the world that dates back to the 13th century. It is now a government building, but that doesn’t stop the tourists from coming to see Dublin Castle.

The castle grounds house two museums and cafes but most people come to hang out in the gardens and on the huge lawn. Be sure to visit the Record Tower and Chapel Royal while perusing Dublin Castle. Plus the Chester Beatty Library (located inside) is one of the best museums in town.

19. Go to the Pub

If you really want to get a feel for Dublin, you must visit one of the many historic pubs. Pubs are the heartbeat of the city located throughout Dublin city center. Life unfolds in the pubs and no trip to Dublin would be complete if you didn’t sit back, enjoy a pint of beer, listen to live music and have a chat with the locals. You’ll feel that you have stepped back in time and it will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling all over.

20. Drink at O’Donoghues

Not far from St. Stephen’s Green, O’Donoghues has been a staple in Dublin since 1934. It became popular in the 1960s when the famous Irish Folk group The Dubliners began performing. Anyone who’s anyone in Irish music played this pub and it continues to operate today! If you visit Dublin make sure to stop by for a pint.

21. Shop on Grafton Street

Speaking of pubs, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike is Grafton Street. It has been the heart of the city for more than a century. This is a lovely walking street for shopping, lunch, cafes, and pub life. If you are looking for areas to see day or night, this is the place to head to.

22. Painted Doors of Dublin

The painted doors are one of those interesting points of interest in Dublin that you wouldn’t even notice if you didn’t know the story. In the 1700s, a building boom started and the Georgian period was born. . It is said that back in the day, many a drunk Irishman walked into the wrong house after a night at the pub. This led to people painting their doors in different bright colors to distinguish them from each other. The best places to view the painted doors are Merrion Square, Baggot Street, Leeson Street, Fitzwilliam Square

23. Take a Lazy Bike Tour

One of the most fun things we did was to take a Lazy Bike Tours. You can book a tour with them on an e-bike through Get Your Guide. For a tour on a regular bicycle, check out this one. We love riding in cities on an e-bike, and Dublin is no exception. This 2-hour tour lets you see a lot of the top tourist attractions as you get around with ease on a battery-powered bike. Follow along on a guided tour to see several off-the-beaten-path places as well as the major highlights.

24. Take a Walking Tour

One of our favorite things to do in any city is to take a walking tour and we’ve taken quite a few in Dublin. You really cannot get to know a city unless you have spent some time there, or had an expert local guide tell you about the sites. This historical walking tour takes you to some of the top things to see in Dublin including the Dublin Castle, Temple Bar, and City Hall while is led by historical graduates of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. You’ll learn about the history of the city including the Potato Famine, the 1916 Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and more modern history with the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

25. St. Stephen’s Green

Located across from the Little Museum of Dublin in the Dublin city centre, St. Stephen’s Green is a 22-acre park was designed as a Victorian Garden dating back to 1880. It is a lovely sanctuary with walking paths weaving through 750 trees, gardens, a waterfall, and a lake,

Watch our full video of all the best things to do in Dublin to add to your bucket list here on YouTube.

26. Newman University Church

Take a walking tour to find hidden gems like Newman’s University Church of Dublin. Our guide took us to a hidden gem that even many locals don’t even don’t know about but it really is something you must see in Dublin. The Newman University Church is a small yet beautiful and tranquil church. It’s filled with colorful motifs, latticework, and paintings.

27. Sweny’s Apothecary

Sweny’s Apothecary is a really cool store with medicines, photographs, and prescriptions from the turn of the 19th century. This pharmacy is the actual pharmacy featured in James Joyce’s Ulysses. They have daily readings of James Joyce and they sell the famous lemon soap that made the shop famous. If you are looking for more of the more nontouristy unique things to see in Dublin, this is it. I felt like a cool hipster going into the store to talk about all things, Joyce.

28. Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

It was St. Patrick himself who baptized Christians 1500 years ago right near this site. It has been a place of Christian spirituality ever since. Dating back to 1191 St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in Ireland and it is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland. So it is still the headquarters for the Church of Ireland today!

Located in the city center St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a must-stop on your Dublin itinerary. You can walk from it to other must-see attractions such as Christ Church Cathedral, St Stephen’s Green, and Dublin Castle or go on a cycling tour like we did.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the tomb of Johnathan Swift. Johnathan Swift was a famous Dublin poet and writer who was also the dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral from 1713 to 1745. If you are wondering if you might know any of his works, does Gulliver’s Travels ring a bell?

29. Dine at the Clarence Hotel

The Clarence Hotel is one of the original hotels in the Temple Bar District of Dublin and Bono and The Edge helped revive the area when they reopened the Clarence in 1996. They still own the building so you never know, if you go in, they may be around checking up on their property (One can only hope). We had cocktails at The Octagon Bar before heading to the Cleaver East Restaurant for dinner.

30. Listen to Live Irish Music

Live music is so popular in pubs all around Ireland, that you’ll have no problem finding traditional Irish music playing in a pub. Really, all you have to do is go into any bar after dark and chances are a group of musicians will be sitting around playing amazing songs! Suggested places to watch Traditional Music in Dublin are The Cobblestone and Hughes Pub.

Music is at the heart of the city of Dublin life and buskers and street musicians line Grafton Street. You’ll also find professional performers throughout the city including along the River Liffey and Temple Bar.

31. National Gallery of Ireland

Make sure to include museums and galleries in your Dublin itinerary. Admission to the National Gallery is free. If you like art, you will enjoy this. It houses an extensive collection of Irish and European art, and it’s located right in the heart of the city. For more information visit the website.

32. National Museum of Ireland – Natural History

The National Museum of Ireland traces 7000 years of Irish history. Walk through the different displays of Celtic and Medieval art, Prehistoric Ireland, and the Viking Age of Ireland. The National Museum of Ireland is free with your Dublin Pass

The complex consists of three separate museums with another located in County Mayo: the Archaeology Museum, the Decorative Arts and History Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Country Life Museum.

The National Museum of Archaeology houses the largest collection of Irish archaeological artifacts. The exhibits include Celtic and Viking treasures

The National Museum of Decorative Arts and History explores Irish history featuring a wide range of exhibits, including weaponry, furniture, clothing, ceramics, silverware, and folk art.

The National Museum of Natural History is commonly known as the “Dead Zoo,” this museum focuses on natural history and zoology. It displays a diverse collection of animal specimens, including mammals, birds, fish, insects, and fossils. The Victorian-era building itself is an architectural gem, with intricate stone carvings and a grand central staircase.

33. Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

If you love walking through famous cemeteries, the Glasnevin Cemetery is where 1.6 million people have been laid to rest. It has become a popular stop to trace your genealogy and ancestry in search of your family history as so many of our roots began in Ireland.

Notable people buried in the Glasnevin Cemetery are Luke Kelly the founding member of the Dubliners, The Irish poet Brendan Francis Behan, the Revolutionary Leader, Michael Collins, and Christy Brown – the Irish writer and painter who was depicted in the movie, My Left Foot

34. National Botanic Gardens

For serenity, a visit to the Botanical Gardens. It is located just 3 km outside Dublin city center beside Glasnevin Cemetery. The gardens span an impressive 19.5 hectares (48 acres) and are renowned for their diverse collection of more than 20,000 living plants representing around 300 plant families

Established in 1795, the Dublin Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest scientific gardens in Ireland.

The gardens feature meticulously maintained herbaceous borders, formal gardens, wrought iron glass houses, and expansive lawns. The historic and elegant Palm House, built in the 1840s, is a focal point of the gardens. The curved glass structure creates a microclimate that supports the growth of delicate and rare plants.

Another notable feature is the Curvilinear Range, a series of interconnected glasshouses that display a diverse range of plant species. These glasshouses simulate various climates, allowing visitors to explore different ecosystems, from arid desert landscapes to humid rainforest environments. Each glasshouse showcases plants that are adapted to specific climatic conditions, providing an educational and immersive experience.

Entry to the Dublin Botanic Gardens is free, and the facilities include a visitor center, a café, and a gift shop.

35. Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park is a vast and enchanting public park located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland. Covering an impressive expanse of over 1,750 acres, it stands as one of the largest enclosed urban parks in all of Europe.

The park’s origins can be traced back to the 17th century when it was established as a royal deer hunting park for King Charles II. You’ll see plenty of deer in Phoenix Park which were originally stocked for hunting and today it houses about 600 deer.

One of the park’s most notable features is Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland. The elegant Georgian-style mansion is nestled within the park’s picturesque surroundings and offers a glimpse into the country’s political history. Adding to the park’s allure is the historical Magazine Fort, whose ruins evoke a sense of the park’s military past.

Phoenix Park has an extensive network of pathways and trails and bicycles can be rented near the park entrance. Another major attraction within Phoenix Park is the renowned Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe.

Accessibility is not an issue, as Phoenix Park is easily reachable from the Dublin city center. Multiple entrances and convenient public transportation options make it accessible to both locals and tourists. The park offers visitor amenities, including cafes for

36. Shop at the Dublin Flea Market

If you happen to be in Dublin the last Sunday of the month, The Dublin Flea Market has become one of the city’s most popular attractions. This huge indoor flea market is filled with vintage clothing, antiques, vinyl records, and second-hand books and furniture. You may find a unique item to take home with you.

37. Talking Statues

If you are following any self-guided tours in the Dublin city center, keep an eye out for Dublins talking statues. 10 of Dublin’s most famous statues have a QR Code that you can scan and listen to its stories on your smartphone. From James Joyce to Oscar Wilde you’ll be able to listen to stories narrated by the likes of Gabriel Byrne.

Suggested Dublin Hotels

When planning your trip to Dublin, choosing where to stay can make a huge difference in the experience. We’ve stayed in all of these hotels in Dublin and each one was very good. Each was central and easy to get around from one destination to another.

• Morrison Hotel – 5-minute walk to Temple Bar, close to everything but still quiet enough to relax
• The Westbury Hotel – Superb Location near Grafton Street. Contemporary rooms in a grand hotel
• Fitzwilliam Hotel – Superb Location in Dublin city center near Grafton Street and St. Stephen’s Green. Contemporary rooms in a grand hotel.
• Marker Hotel – Located in the business district on Grand Central Square. Rooftop lounge.

Best Day Trips from Dublin

With its central location, Dublin makes for a great base to explore the rest of Ireland. You can do many day trips from Dublin to places like the Cliffs of Moher, Belfast, Dublin Bay and the Giant’s Causeway, and Cork. These are some of our favorite Dublin day trips that are easily booked from the Dublin city center.

38. Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most photographed sights in all of Ireland and rightfully so. Standing at 214 meters above sea level, these magnificent cliffs plunge into the sea offering spectacular views of the Irish Coast. Beware, The Cliffs of Moher are the most popular of things to do in Ireland, so get there early in the morning or later in the evening. Day tours can be booked from Dublin through Get Your Guide’s Cliffs of Moher Full Day. Easily cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of the tour.

39. Game of Thrones Tour

Many people come to Ireland thinking they will see Game of Thrones filming locations, however, most of the series was filmed in Northern Ireland. You can do a Game of Thrones tour easily from Dublin though. And we have an entire post on the GOT filming locations at A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland

40. Blarney Castle and Cork

It’s something we’ve always wanted to do. Kissing the Blarney Stone gives you the gift of the gab and a visit to the Blarney Castle is a must. Even if you don’t kiss the stone, the castle grounds are a beautiful day trip visiting the fairy gardens, the witches kitchen, the poison garden and the wishing steps. The castle is something made of fairy tales.

Why Should you visit Dublin, Ireland?

So there you have it, those are our suggestions for the best Dublin must-see attractions. We never tire of the energy and culture of the city and are always looking for new and unique things to do.

Dublin is a lovely city that we found to be best enjoyed on foot. Walk along the River Liffey, get lost in the maze of streets, and enjoy the atmosphere and energy. Did we miss anything? Do you have a suggestion? Leave them in the comments below.

To help you with your visit to Dublin, read our Packing Tips for Europe

Read More about travel in Ireland:

Looking for the best things to do in Key West, Florida? Located on the Straits of Florida dividing the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the southernmost point of the continental United States is a tropical paradise. Key West is only 90 miles from Cuba making Key West closer to Havana than Miami giving it a distinct Caribbean feel. If you want to escape to the Caribbean Islands without leaving the continent, Key West is the place to go.

Top Things to Do in Key West

The best way to explore Key West is on a road trip from Miami. Driving over the long bridges of the overseas highway connecting the different Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West is definitely a bucket list experience. It takes only 3 1/2 hours to drive to Key West from Miami airport, but you’ll want to give yourself at least a day as there are plenty of stops along the way.

This comprehensive Key West guide will take you to the typical tourist attractions like Mallory Square and Duval Street but we also share some of its more unique attractions like an eco-tour of the coast and a fun hydro bike sunset tour.

When you land at Miami international airport, rent a car and start driving south! You can compare car rental prices here. If you have the time, we recommend staying overnight in Islamorada. It was one of our favorite places in the Keys.

1. Mallory Square

One of the most popular things to do in Key West is to attend the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. As one of the most popular Key West attractions, Mallory Square is always busy with food vendors and shops lining the waterfront.

Each night a celebration takes place overlooking the Harbor from the waterfront where crowds of tourists and locals alike gather to watch a Key West sunset.

Street performers like jugglers and magicians put on some dazzling shows as crowds form around them. There are street vendors selling local arts and crafts, food stalls, and street musicians all gathering in one place creating a festive atmosphere.

The sunset celebration is a fun place to hang out, but be sure to bring some small bills or change to tip the performers, they work hard for their money.

• Address: 400 Wall St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

2. Hydrobikes

Key West’s sunsets are certainly gorgeous and you should always find a way to see them each night of your trip. Outside the sunset celebration, another fun way to see a Key West sunset is to hop on a tour with Key West Hydrobikes where you’ll pedal into the harbor on water bikes.

Like everything in Key West, drinks flow freely, so you can even bring two drinks with you to enjoy a toast on the water at sunset. Sunset cruises are popular in Key West, but this is certainly far more original The city has an open drink policy so grab a couple of rum cocktails to put into the drink holders.

• You can find Key West Hydrobikes at 0 Simonton St, Key West, Fl 33040

3. Key West First Legal Rum Distillery

The Key West First Legal Rum Distillery dates back to 1900 when it was Jack’s Saloon. After that, it was turned into a Coca-Cola Bottling center and there is plenty of antiques and memorabilia dating back to the turn of the 20th century in this building.

It’s an excellent tour to learn how the rum is distilled, but it also is a lot of fun to learn a little about Key West history. The rum distillery is definitely one of the most fun we did. Read their story here. It’s a good one!

• Address: 105 Simonton St, Key West, FL 33040

Create Your Own Cocktail

At the distillery, we had the chance to make an authentic Cuban Mojito and bring their recipe back for everyone to enjoy. We have been to Havana and their mojitos tasted exactly like the classic Cuban Mojito.

When you book this experience, you get to bring home your glass and tools to make your own mojitos at home. Make sure you buy a bottle of rum too, it’s delicious! Check out their website here.

4. Duval Street

Key West’s main street is Duval Street and chances are you will be spending a lot of time here in downtown key West. Besides shopping during the day, you’ll want to go bar hopping at night.

Key West was made for partying and there is no better place to do that than on Duval Street. Once the sun goes down, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sober tourist especially downtown in the party district.

Duval Street is the main street for nightlife street and barhopping is a way of life when visiting the Keys. Just walking down the street is an adventure. At night people carry their drinks from bar to bar. (I don’t think it’s legal, but that doesn’t stop anyone) as music blares from the clubs.

If you want to join a guided tour to see the top bars and restaurants of Key West while making new friends, check out this fantastic pub crawl tour that stops at five top-rated pubs with a cocktail at each stop. And you will get the T-shirt to boot!

From upscale wine bars to dive bars, Key West has it all. There are the Key West staples like Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and the Hard Rock Cafe (Dave and I had to visit both on our first trip).

The Hard Rock Cafe in Key West isn’t your typical Hard Rock. You might not even notice it when you walk by as it is, it is located within a Victorian-style house that blends perfectly with the historic feel of Key West.

According to legend, the ghost of its original owner still haunts the grounds. Margaritaville in Key West is the original of Jimmy Buffets’ popular chain. He lived in Key West for 30 years where he rose from a local street musician to the icon he is today.

Where to Eat in Key West

A few other suggestions for where to eat in Key West:

• Sloppy Joe’s Bar – Sloppy Joe’s Bar is an island landmark that should not be missed
• Lucy’s Retired Surf Bar
• Virgillios
• Rick’s Café
• And our personal favorite The Wine O Bar and Lounge. (430 Duval St, Naval Air Station Key West

5. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

No visit to Key West would be complete without stopping by the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. From 1931 to 1939 Hemingway called Key West’s old townhome where he wrote such treasures as A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls.

The highlight of visiting the Hemingway House is spying on the Hemingway cats. They are everywhere and each cat is said to be a descendant of the six-toed cats that Hemmingway had as pets. Check out their paws, they really do have six toes!

The Hemmingway house is certainly at the top of the most popular Key West attractions, and even if you aren’t a fan of his writing, it is definitely worth stopping in to see this famous Key West museum.

• Address: 907 Whitehead St, Key West

6. President Harry S Truman Little White House

You don’t really think of Key West museums when planning your trip, but the museums here are quite unique. It’s not every day you get to see a former president’s winter escape. The Harry S Truman Little White House of Key West is one of the more popular tourist attractions in Key West.

This was President Truman’s winter White House. This national historic landmark has been used as a retreat for other Presidents as recently as President Clinton. One can understand whey this would be a residence of choice with swaying palm trees shading the quiet retreat in the tropical sun.

• Address: 111 Front St, Naval Air Station Key West, Fl 33040

7. the Southernmost Point

It may be touristy, but one of the must-see Key West attractions is the Southernmost Point Bouy. This U.S. National historic landmark is touted as the most southerly part of the United States mainland!

Go early in the morning as the lines are long to take the obligatory selfie at the buoy. It has one of the best ocean views on the island.

The cement marker claims to be the southernmost point of the continental U.S. but in actual fact, there is a more southern location in Key West at Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. But with this iconic landmark staking its claim since 1970, it is widely accepted as one of the top Key West attractions and no visit to the island would be complete without a stop at.

• Address: Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040

8. Schooner Sunset Sail

If a crowd at the sunset celebrations in Mallory Square isn’t your scene, take a quiet sunset cruise on a schooner. Key West has a rich maritime history, so feel like you have stepped back in time while enjoying views of the Florida Keys.

You’ll see the fort, the Sand Key Reef, and Sunset Pier from the deck of one of the finest boats on the schooner fleet.

You can book Book this top-rated tour here free from worries as tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund.

• Meeting Point: 202 William Street, Key West, FL 33040 (directly behind the Schooner Wharf Bar)

9. Dry Tortugas National Park

Located (113km) 70 miles from the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most remote national parks in the United States. It’s a beautiful day trip with snorkeling opportunities and cocktails as you sail to the remote island.

The Dry Tortugas were used as a fort between 1845 and 1876. Fort Jefferson was a giant military fort used to defend during the Spanish American War. It takes up almost the entire Garden Key. Fort Jefferson is still in tact and you can walk around its grounds.

You can take a day trip out to explore the island, its nature trails, and beautiful sandy beaches and you can even camp overnight on Garden Key.

You can book cruises from Key West to Dry Tortugas and go by ferry or by seaplane.

10. Honest Eco Tour

For something different, one of the best things to do in Key West is to book a tour with Honest Eco Tours. This full-day tour is a sustainable tour that takes place on the first electric catamaran of its kind in the United States!

It was a full day of snorkeling, kayaking, dolphin spotting, and sightseeing along the coast. They served a full buffet lunch and gave everyone reusable water bottles making every inch of the tour eco-friendly.

If you don’t have time for a full day, this 3-hour tour with Get Your Guide includes a combination of dolphin watching and snorkeling with the only company in the Florida Keys with the prestigious “Dolphin SMART” certification, a national program that protects and promotes the responsible observance of dolphins.

• Honest Eco Tours is located: Left of Dockmasters Office, 120 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040, United States

11. Dolphin Watching

200 bottlenose dolphins live in the warm waters off the Florida Keys, and seeing dolphins in Key West is a wonderful experience. These wild dolphins do not have human interaction so you are truly seeing them in their natural habitat. When booking a dolphin or wildlife tour be sure to use a sustainable recognized tour operator like Honest Eco Tours based out of Key West.

We combined a dolphin tour with other water sports including kayaking through a mangrove island of the Wildlife Refuge and snorkeling. For more information visit their website to book the full-day eco-tour.

12. John Pennekamp State Park

No trip to Key West would be complete without getting in the water. The clear turquoise waters are calling and with good reason. Did you know that Key West has the only living coral reef in the United States? A lot of people go scuba diving in the Florida Keys as there are plenty of shipwrecks in the area. But if you aren’t a certified scuba diver, snorkeling is good too!

The John Pennekamp State Park has decent coral to spot wildlife in the Keys. If you’ve never been snorkeling before, this might be a good introduction as the waters are calm and shallow but the coral reefs lack color and life. However the Florida Keys are working hard to bring the coral reef system back to life and we saw sea turtles, trumpet fish, and barracuda.

We also encountered jellyfish that were quite stingy, so be prepared. If you are lucky you may see some sharks, but we didn’t.

This tour is a great choice where you get to visit two locations on a high-speed catamaran. It includes beer, wine, and champagne after you are done snorkeling. (Free cancelation within 24 hours of trip)

13. the Key West Wildlife Refuge

I didn’t even know that Key West had such an abundant wildlife refuge. This is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country established by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908. Nature lovers will love to paddle through calm waters watching cormorants, frigate birds, pelicans, and herons fly from the trees.

The best way to explore it is to take a kayak tour through the mangrove forests. You’ll spy on sea turtles, and manta rays and be able to do some serious bird-watching while kayaking this refuge.

This four-hour eco-tour includes a kayak tour, snorkeling, and dolphin watching plus light snacks and a beautiful end to the day at a prime spot for ohn Pennekamp State Park.

14. Parasailing

Key West was made for watersports. Everything from jet skiing to kayaking, you must get out to enjoy some fun in the sun. For something unique to do, try your hand at parasailing.

The first time we ever tried parasailing was right here in the Florida Keys and it was so much more fun than we ever expected. Parasailing is the perfect way to see Key West’s beautiful coast. I think a parasailing adventure is certainly one of the most popular adventures in Key West and with good reason. From above you have views of the surrounding coral reefs in their crystal clear waters.

• This top-rated parasailing tour aboard a state-of-the-art parasailing boat where you’ll sour high above the Florida Keys.
• You can book beachside parasailing directly from Smathers Beach. Check out tours here.
• There is easy cancellation within 24 hours of departure and you can do last minutes bookings as well.

15. Eat Key Lime Pie

It was invented here and you’ll never have one that tastes so good as in Key West itself. Key West’s busiest place for Key Lime Pie is Kermits. You may even find the owner, Kermit himself standing outside on the corner.

There are two locations in Key West with one located right on the corner of Duval and Front Street. If you want to take one to go, order the Key Lime Pie on a stick that is dipped in Belgian Chocolate. Yum!

• Address: 200 Elizabeth St, Key West and 335F Duval Street, Key West FL

16. Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park can be visited in conjunction with a tour of the historic fort and a stop at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach, the best beach in Key West. This National Historic Landmark predates the Civil War and gives a glimpse into the lives of soldiers during the Civil and Spanish American Wars. There is a small park entrance fee where you can enjoy its nature trails and beachfront.

It is also one of the best beaches to visit from downtown Key West. Fort Zachary Taylor Beach with a great stretch of sand popular for snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. So make sure to bring your bathing suit! Read more: Best Beaches in Florida for Fun in the Sun

• Address: 601 Howard England Way, Key West, Fl 33040

17. Key West Lighthouse

The Key West Lighthouse stands tall over the old town of Key West and dates back to 1848. The first lighthouse tower was originally built in 1825 to help ships navigate the coral reefs off the coast.

You’ll be able to see the lighthouse keepers’ quarters and read quotes and see photos. Cool fact, The first lighthouse keeper in 1848 was a woman! You can tour the keeper’s quarters before climbing the 88 steps to the top of the Key West Lighthouse for views from the observation deck.

We found that another good bird’s eye view of the island is from the top of the Crown Plaza Concha Hotel which gave us plenty of overhead views too! Make sure to take your time to read about the history of the original lighthouse keepers.

• Address: 938 Whitehead St, Key West

18. Conch Train Tour

If you are looking for guided tours to give you the lay of the land, you may want to hop on the Conch Tour Train. The Conch train is Key West’s most recognizable tour and everyone seems to hop on it at least once. The Conch Train tour wasn’t exactly for us, but we do admit it gives you a good overview of Key West neighborhoods and highlights of the top Key West tourist attractions.

Book your Conch Train tour tickets in advance here. The train departs from Front Street Depot and loops through Old Town Key West to end back behind the Depot at Mallory Square. The ticket also includes admission to the Sails to Rails Museum.

• Address: 500 Truman Ave, Key West, Fl 33040

19. Key West Cemetery

One of the most popular things to see is the Key West Cemetery. Similar to the LaFayette Cemetery of New Orleans, the Key West cemetery has above-ground vaults. One of the most notable tombs is a memorial to the U.S.S. Maine which was blown up in Havana Harbor in 1898. It is the final resting place of more than 100,000 Key West residents.

Book a guided tour of Key West in the Ghosts and Graveyards Tour – See why Key West was named one of the most haunted places in the US.

• Address: 701 Passover Ln, Key West

There is no shortage of boat tours around Key West. It is an island after all. This sunset buffet dinner with an open bar. Or look for sunset cruise tours here with Get Your Guide to find your choice of floating bars, schooners, and catamarans that will take you out to watch the stunning sunsets. They offer last-minute bookings and full refunds on cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.

20. Key West Historic Seaport

The old town of Key West is filled with historic structures and a great way to explore the history of Key West is on the waterfront. We love walking along the water and the Historic Seaport has a beautiful boardwalk to take in the yachts and boat charters.

There are art galleries and boutiques, museums, and boat charters. There are plenty of restaurants along the boardwalk as well. Get yourself a Cuban Coffee at Fisherman Cafe. It was the best coffee we had on the island and it was cheap too! Oh, and be sure to pop into one for a slice of Key Lime Pie.

21. Walking Tour of the Square

Key West’s main square is Mallory Square and there is always something to do no matter what time of day you visit. You don’t need to visit Mallory Square only at sunset, there are plenty of things to do here during the day too.

The Waterfront Playhouse is located just off the square and is the oldest continuously running playhouse in Florida.

The Key West historic memorial sculpture garden is located directly in front of the waterfront playhouse at Mallory Square paying tribute to famous patrons of the theatre and residents. Take a stroll through the lines of sculptures of famous residents including busts of Hemingway, Harry S Truman, Tennessee Williams, and many other important people.

22. Key West Shipwreck Museum

Make sure to visit the Key West Shipwreck Museum and Treasure Museum too. There’s a 65-foot lookout tower, shipwreck artifacts, and actors recreating the 17th-century feel dressed in period clothing. A visit to the Key West Shipwreck Museum takes you back in time and learns about the salvaging of the shipwrecks that made Key West residents wealthy and famous. Book your ticket in advance here.

• Address: 401 Wall St, Key West

23. Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum

Known as the world’s greatest treasure hunter, Mel Fisher was one of the leaders in maritime ship recovery and his life’s work is on display here in Key West. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum was opened in 1992 showcasing treasures that he salvaged from 17th-century shipwrecks off the coast.

Displays many artifacts from his finds are on display at the museum including the most valuable shipwreck ever discovered, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha which he successfully salvaged in July of 1985.

• Address: 200 Greene St, Key West

24. Smathers Beach

Smathers Beach is the largest public beach on Key West with a half a mile-long stretch of white sand. There are lounge chairs umbrellas, and water sports offered. If you are looking for a good beach to hang out at, this is the one. Smathers Beach is easily accessible and you can rent lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. There are plenty of watersports including paddle boarding and Parasailing.

• 2601 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West

25. Higgs Beach

Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach Park is a public beach that has the only shore-accessible underwater marine park in America. You can rent watersports equipment and enjoy snorkeling opportunities, kayaking, SUP, and the Civil war era fort known as the West Martello Tower.

• 1000 Atlantic Blvd, Key West

26. West Martello Tower and Garden Club

We have visited a few Martello Towers in our life and we didn’t even realize that Key West had its own Martello Tower. That is because today, this historic tower is home to the Key West Garden Club. Admission is free and the gardens and property are maintained by volunteers. If you are looking for free things to do in Key West, this is certainly unique and beautiful as it overlooks the beach.

This historic tower was built in 1862 during the Civil War and is one of three remaining Civil War-era structures on the island. Although it was often used for target practice by the United States Navy, the fort was never actually involved in a battle. It is now home to the Key West Garden Club.

The two martello towers of Key West were built as batteries for Fort Zachary Taylor. Although it never saw action, it was used in both World War II as a radio station and in the Spanish-American war for signaling and lookout. There is an east martello tower as well located near the airport.

• 1100 Atlantic Blvd, Key West, FL 33040

27. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is a tranquil stop on any Key West Tour. Not only are there hundreds of butterflies, but you’ll also see flamingoes and other tropical birds. Check out the live webcam here.

• Address: 1316 Duval St, Naval Air Station Key West, FL 33040

28. Key West Roosters

When walking around Key West, keep an eye out for the many roosters roaming the streets. The Key West roosters came from Cuba decades ago and were once used for cockfighting.

Today they represent a chunk of Key West history and rule the roost and live a life of leisure. Roosters can be found running around everywhere on lawns, sidewalks, and at all of the top Key West attractions.

29. Audubon House Tropical Gardens

Something we truly love about Key West are all of the old houses that line its streets. It seems that each one has a story. The Audubon House and Tropical Gardens are one of them. The Audubon House Tropical Gardens contains first editions from John James Audubon, a famous ornithologist who visited Key West in search of new birds for his “Birds of America book. He found and drew 18 of them while in Key West.

The house was built in 1840 for Captain John Huling Geiger who was a captain and became rich in the shipping industry. And while one would think the house would be named after its owner, it is actually named after the naturalist John James Audubon.

Visitors can tour the house to see his 28 engravings and period furniture from the 1800s. When finished inside you can stroll the pathways through the one-acre gardens in search of tropical plants, butterflies, and exotic plants.

• Address: 205 Whitehead Street, Key West, Florida.

30. Oldest House Museum and Garden

If you want to explore more old houses, the Oldest House Museum and Garden is just that. Also known as the Conch cottage, this house dates back to 1829. You can tour the three buildings and garden throughout the day between 10 am and 4 pm.

• Address: 322 Duval Street, Key West

31. Bike Tours

One of the best ways to see Key West is to take a bike tour. This three-hour guided bike tour lets you see the top attractions in Key West from a local’s perspective. Visit the Old Town, stop at the Southernmost Point in the Continental USA, and Visit Mile Marker Zero and Higgs Beach.

You’ll learn about the island’s smuggling history of smuggling and the shipwrecks that have crashed off its shore. You can cover a lot of ground on a bike seeing everything from Harry Truman’s Little White House to the Key West Cemetery. After all that hard work, celebrate with a slice of pie. Book your tour here.

Book a cycling tour of Key West. Guided tours of Key West will take you through Old Town, the Southernmost Point, and the Key West Cemetery here. Free cancellations and last-minute bookings are accepted.

32. Haunted Pub Crawl

Key West is consistently ranked as one of the most haunted cities in America. And with good reason, with so many shipwrecks, cursed treasure, a voodoo pass, and a wild-west history, there are many stories to be told. One of our favourite things to do is to go on haunted tours.

This top-rated tour takes you on a two-hour journey through “Cayo Hueso” (Key West). Visit haunted pubs and mansions in the Old Town after dark.

33. Florida Keys Eco Discovery Center

Photo courtesy of Haydn Blackey from Cardiff, Wales, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of 15 marine protected areas in America. Together they make up the National Marine Sanctuary System so the ocean is definitely the heart of Key West.

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center consists of interactive exhibits showcasing the work being done to manage the sanctuary, two national parks, and four national wildlife refuges.

You’ll learn about the biology of coral reefs, and how reefs benefit the economy. You’ll learn about the plant and animal life of the waters including sea turtles and the five species that live in the surrounding waters. Best of all Admission is free! This is a great option over the Key West Aquarium.

• Address: 35 East Quay Road, Key West, Florida 33040

34. Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden

If you are looking for things to do with the family in Key West, stop at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden. Nancy Forrester is an environmentalist that is has been rescuing and rehabilitating parrots for 35 years.

The entrance fee goes directly to supporting the hard work to rehome exotic birds such as parrots and endangered South American macaws. Kids can interact with the birds as they learn about their habitat and conservation.

• 518 Elizabeth Street, Key West, Florida  33040

35. Fantasy Fest

If you are looking for unique things to do Key West visit the destination at the end of October for Fantasy Fest. The annual 10-day festival has been running since 1979 and has grown to become a huge festival attracting visitors from around the world.

Fantasy Fest is like Mardi Gras on steroids. People parade down the street nightly showing off their body paint and works of art. Live music blares out of the bars lining and vendors and street performers line the sidewalks. Since it is Key West, there’s a lot of alcohol and skin involved too! This is a really fun and festive time to be in Key West.

36. Key West Aquarium – Not For Us

We are not fans of aquariums in general, but we do realize that they play a part in conservation. What we like about the Key West Aquarium is that they shelter sea turtles and shelter them until they can be returned to the sea. However, I don’t like that there is a touch tank.

I know that aquariums say that is a good way to educate children, but I think animals should be left alone. I think that I prefer to either go snorkeling to see sea turtles or the Eco Discovery Center is a good option and the living museum of John Pennekamp State Park is a superb option. Visiting an aquarium is a personal choice, it is just not one of ours. Read more here

Where to Stay in Key West Resorts

Perry Hotel Key West is a quiet retreat on the marina. This boutique hotel has elegant rooms overlooking the waterfront. Check for Reviews and pricing on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

La Concha Crown Plaza is the perfect place to stay in the heart of the action, located downtown Key West directly on Duval Street. There’s a pool for guests only. There is a luxurious rooftop spa and gorgeous sunset views. Check for Reviews and pricing on TripAdvisor / Booking.com

How to Get to Key West

As we mentioned, the best way to get to Key West is to drive on a self-drive road trip from Miami to Key West along the overseas highway. There are so many things to do in the Florida Keys, you’ll want to have the freedom of your own car. Compare car rental prices here.

But if you driving is not an option, there are other ways to get to Key West.

Key West International Airport – There is an airport in Key West and when flying internationally, you can connect from several hubs in the US. Delta, American, United Airlines, and a few other smaller airlines fly into Key West.

Most people fly into Miami International Airport and then take a shuttle to Key West. The Keys Shuttle company offers transfers from both Miami and Fort Lauderdale Airports. See rates here

If you are looking for an alternative to a Caribbean Island vacation, Key West could be the choice for you. With Highway 1 connecting it to the mainland, United States. it’s an easy way to get to the middle of the Caribbean without having to hop on a flight.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Key West

The best time to visit Key West, Florida, depends on what you are looking for in your vacation. Key West has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but there are some variations throughout the year that might make certain times more appealing than others:

• Winter (December – February): This is often considered the best time to visit Key West for weather, as temperatures are mild and pleasant, usually ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit (around 18-24 degrees Celsius). However, this is also peak tourist season, so accommodation prices are higher, and the island can be crowded.
• Spring (March-May): Spring is also a popular time to visit. The weather is slightly warmer than winter but still comfortable. This is also the dry season, so you are less likely to encounter rain. Prices start to drop a little bit compared to the winter, but it’s still relatively busy.
• Summer (June – August): Summer in Key West can be hot and humid, with temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s degrees Fahrenheit (around 31-34 degrees Celsius). This is also the start of the hurricane season, which extends through November. However, this is a less busy time for tourism, so you might find lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
• Fall (September – November): The fall season continues to be hurricane season, and there can be occasional storms. However, temperatures start to cool down a bit compared to summer. This can also be a more affordable time to visit as it’s considered an off-peak season.

How Many Days Is Enough for Key West

The number of days needed for a trip to Key West, Florida, can vary depending on individual preferences and interests. However, here is a general guideline:

• One Day: If you’re on a tight schedule, you can still experience a taste of Key West in one day. This will usually involve a walk down Duval Street, a visit to the Southernmost Point Buoy, and perhaps a quick tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. You can end your day with a sunset celebration at Mallory Square.
• Two to Three Days: With two to three days in Key West, you have a more relaxed pace to explore. In addition to the aforementioned activities, you can visit attractions like the Key West Lighthouse, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, and the Truman Little White House. You also have time to take a boat tour, and go snorkeling. A trip to the nearby Dry Tortugas National Park is also possible, though it will take up a significant portion of one day.
• Four to Five Days: Spending four to five days in Key West allows you to truly immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere of the island. In addition to visiting the main attractions, you can explore the less touristy parts of the island, try a variety of restaurants and bars, take your time shopping, and perhaps even take a fishing trip. This time frame also allows for more flexibility in case of inclement weather affecting outdoor activities.
• A Week or More: If you plan to stay for a week or longer, you can enjoy Key West at a leisurely pace and even explore the other islands in the Florida Keys. This would give you time for relaxing beach days, and day trips to neighboring Keys.

Key West is our favorite destination in Florida. There are so many fun things to do that we can go back again and again. As a matter of fact, we did! Have you been to Key West? What are your favorite things to do?

Ready to learn some fun and interesting facts about Peru? Whether you’re planning a trip to Peru or you’re just enjoying some armchair traveling, prepare to be awed by these amazing Peru facts.

Peru is a country steeped in history, rich in culture, and endowed with an incredibly diverse geography. Nestled in the western part of South America, it’s a treasure trove of ancient civilizations, tantalizing cuisine, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Interesting Facts About Peru

Did you know there’s a canyon that’s over 10,000 feet deep (twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon)? Did you know there’s a mass grave of 400 oblong skulls that some people believe are ancient aliens? Did you know you can go boarding down sand dunes that are over 1,000 feet high? Not only are these places real, but they’re all located in Peru. This gem in South America is one of the most biodiverse and culturally fascinating places on the planet.

1. The Mystery of the Nazca Lines

Is it ancient religious artwork? A constellation chart to track the stars? Or a long-lost alien landing strip? The Nazca Lines remain one of the world’s greatest mysteries.

Archaeologists now know how the Nazca people made these famous geoglyphs, but no one has yet figured out why. Located on a coastal plain 250 miles south of Lima, this is one site you simply have to see to believe.

What makes the Nazca Lines so fascinating is their scale and precision. There are over 800 straight lines that stretch across the plain, some of which are over 30 miles in length. There are also 300 geometric patterns including triangles, zig-zags, spirals, and arrows. Finally, there are over 70 depictions of plants and animals, some of which are over 1,200 feet long.

They were believed to be created between 500 BCE and 500 CE and researchers have been studying them for decades, but they’re no closer to an answer for what they are (or why there were built) than when they started. The purpose behind these lines remains a mystery. While some researchers believe that they might have had astronomical significance, others think that they could be related to water, fertility, or religious rituals. Book an aerial tour of the Nazca Lines during your trip to Peru and come up with your own theory!

2. Coca Leaves Are Great for Your Health

Peru’s native coca plant often gets a bad rep because it can be used to make cocaine. However, in its natural, non-concentrated form, it offers users a host of health benefits. When trekking high in the Andes Mountains, coco leaves can help calm altitude sickness. We drank coco tea when we first landed in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude and it really did help to alleviate our headaches.

The leaves of the coca plant are full of Vitamin B, Vitamin C, and iron. Locals use it to relieve pain and hunger, while visitors can experience relief from altitude sickness. In the past, Incans used the plant in religious rituals and even buried coca leaves with the dead.

Coca-leaf tea is safe to drink and widely available across the country. You can also do as the locals do and simply chew on the leaves to enjoy the benefits.

3. Peru Gave Us Potatoes & Tomatoes

It’s hard to imagine a world without tomatoes and potatoes, but these native species were unknown outside of South American countries until the 1500s.

Peru is home to over 3,000 varieties of potatoes in an array of sizes, colors, and textures. In fact, it’s such an integral part of the Peruvian diet that proud locals often say, “Soy mas Peruano que la papa” (I’m more Peruvian than the potato). 

While potatoes immediately became popular throughout the rest of the world, tomatoes were actually feared for centuries. Europeans mistakenly believed this native Peruvian fruit was poisonous. It wasn’t until pizza was invented in Naples, Italy, in the 1880s that tomatoes became a trusted and beloved food item.

The wild tomatoes that grow throughout the region are smaller than what you find at your local grocery store. Interestingly, though, this plant is the wild ancestor of every type of tomato we eat today.

4. Peru’s Geography Is Astoundingly Diverse

Peru is a geographical wonderland. From the arid plains of the Pacific coastal region to the peaks of the Andes mountains, and down into the lush Amazon rainforest, the diversity is staggering. With so many different landscapes Peru is one of the most bio diverse countries in the world.

The Peruvian Andes mountain range, one of the most prominent features of Peru’s geography, is the longest mountain range in the world. The highlands are home to a rich tapestry of cultures and historic sites, including Machu Picchu. The Amazon basin which covers nearly 60% of Peru, is one of the most ecologically rich areas on the planet, with an almost unfathomable variety of plant and animal life.

5. The Atacama Desert

Forget the Sahara Desert. The driest place on earth is the Atacama Desert of Peru and Chile, where it’s impossible for anything to grow. In fact, the only thing that lives there is a microscopic organism that gets moisture from minerals instead of water.

Just how dry is the Atacama? Some parts of it have received less than an inch of rain in the past 30 years!
These conditions and otherworldly landscapes of the Atacama have led it to be compared to Mars, and it has even been used as a testing site for Mars rovers.

In the Peruvian portion of the Atacama, the desert stretches along the coast and features a landscape dotted with rocky formations, sand dunes, and small oases. The unique climate conditions have also contributed to the preservation of ancient geoglyphs, like the Nazca Lines, and mummies that provide insight into the region’s ancient civilizations.

6. Cotahuasi Canyon

Remember that deep canyon we mentioned at the outset? You’ll find it in a remote region of southern Peru, over 12 hours by bus from the nearest city of Arequipa.

Cotahuasi Canyon is the deepest canyon in the Americas and one of the deepest canyons in the world which makes it a testament to Peru’s breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the southern part of the country, it reaches a depth of 3,535 meters, making it almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States.

It is often overshadowed by Colca Canyon but if you love adventure like we do then you will undoubtedly want to visit Cotahuasi Canyon for trekking, white-water rafting, and the opportunity to explore ancient ruins. The canyon is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including giant hummingbirds and the Andean condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world

7. The Amazon Rainforest

An interesting fact about Peru is that two-thirds of the country is covered in thick, lush, tropical rainforests. Peru is also home to the five rivers and tributaries that serve as the headwaters for the mighty Amazon River. Although the majority of the Amazon rainforest lies in Brazil, the gateway to the Amazon lies in the heart of Peru.

More than half of the world’s species of plants, mammals, and birds live in this spectacular rainforest. It also produces 6% of the world’s oxygen. You can learn all these facts about Peru (and much more) when you take an Amazon River cruise from Iquitos.

8. Lake Titicaca

Straddling the border of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca holds the honor of the world’s highest lake. It sits at a dizzying 12,507 feet above sea level and covers an area 120 miles long and 50 miles wide.

Lake Titicaca, situated in the Peruvian Andes between Peru and Bolivia, holds the title of the highest navigable lake in the world. It is also South America’s largest lake by volume of water. With a surface elevation of 12,507 feet, it provides breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The lake is steeped in history and legend. It is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas, and numerous ancient ruins surround its shores. The floating islands of the Uros people are one of the lake’s most famous attractions. These islands are made entirely of reeds and are continuously maintained by their inhabitants. Also, In the 1970s, researchers discovered an entire city hidden beneath the waters of the lake. The mystery continues.

9. Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca, more commonly known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of Peru’s natural wonders. Located in the Andes, this mountain is famous for its strikingly colorful layers, which are a result of sedimentary mineral layers being exposed by erosion. Almost undiscovered until 2015, Rainbow Mountain quickly became famous for its jaw-dropping and Instagram-worthy beauty. Layers of clay and sedimentary rock transform the otherwise bleak landscape into a literal rainbow of color.

You can read all about what it is like to trek to Rainbow Mountain in our comprehensive guide to Hiking Rainbow Mountain.

An expedition to this natural wonder isn’t for the faint of heart, though. At over 17,000 feet above sea level, it’s certain to be one of the highest altitudes you’ve ever trekked. Make sure you’re well-adjusted to the elevation before you sign up for a tour!

10. Cerro Blanco Sand Dune

How would you like to visit the world’s tallest sand dune? Cerro Blanco holds the title of the highest sand dune in the world, standing at an astounding height of over 3,800 feet. To put that in perspective, that’s taller than the highest mountain in England!

Located near the famous Nazca Lines, this sand dune is the premier destination for sandboarding, dune buggies, and other outdoor adventures. The dune is situated within a desert valley surrounded by rugged mountains, creating a unique microclimate. The hike to the top of Cerro Blanco is rigorous, but when you reach the summit you are rewarded with panoramic views of the desert landscape and an exhilarating descent on a sandboard.

11. Machu Picchu Is a Wonder of the World

You can’t hear the word “Peru” without conjuring a mental image of the lost city of Macchu Picchu. A hike along the Inca Trail to this man-made marvel is a must for anyone who visits Peru. Follow the footsteps of the mighty Inca Empire through the Sacred Valley to the city in the sky.

Located high in the mountains outside Cusco, Macchu Picchu was lost to the outside world until 1911. Archaeologists believe the ancient city was built at the height of the Inca Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries. Their best guess is that it served as a royal estate for Incan nobles, but no one knows for sure why it was built.

The once-lost city spans five miles and includes 150 buildings and 3,000 stone steps. It’s little wonder (pun intended) that it was designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World back in 2007. Read: How to Plan a Trip to Machu Picchu

12. The Quechua People Have Interesting Marriage Customs

The native Quechua people are known for their warm smiles and colorful patterned clothing. But there’s a lot more to this beautiful culture than first meets the eye.

For example, you can easily tell the marital status of any Quechua woman you meet. How? Easy: Single women wear knitted caps, while married women wear straw hats.

Even more interesting, the Quechua practice “trial marriage,” a custom dating back thousands of years. Men and women are free to choose their partners, end the relationship, and remarry at any time. Any children born in the interim are viewed as belonging to the community, not a specific couple.

13. The Bizarre Elongated Skulls of Paracas

The Paracas Peninsula on Peru’s southern coast is known for the discovery of the Paracas Skulls. These elongated skulls belong to the ancient Paracas culture, which existed approximately 2,000 years ago. When archaeologists first uncovered the strange cone-shaped skulls in the Paracas region, rumors quickly spread that they were once aliens. Although it’s a fascinating theory, science has confirmed that the skulls are human in origin.

The unusual shape is due to the ancient practice of head binding. During the first few years of a baby’s life, parents would wrap the head in specific ways to alter the shape of the growing bones. This may have been done as a rite of passage or to distinguish different classes in society.

While elongated skulls have been found in different parts of the world, the Paracas skulls are unique because of their enormous size and variation in shape. Some theories suggest that cranial deformation was performed to signify social status, while others have proposed more enigmatic origins.

14. Guinea Pigs are not Pets in Peru

In many parts of the world, guinea pigs are kept as adorable pets, but in Peru, they have a different status. One of the strangest foods we encountered in Peru was the deep-fried guinea pigs. Peruvian cuisine is quite diverse with a blend of seafood, and meats with corn and potatoes being its base. But a delicacy in Peru is Cuy, aka roasted guinea pig. They don’t look at these furry critters as pets, no, these are food.

Cuy is usually served whole, often baked or barbecued, and is celebrated for its high-protein and low-fat content. It is also a central part of various Andean festivals and rituals. While it might be a cultural shock for some (us included), trying cuy is considered a must for experiencing authentic Peruvian cuisine.

15. Traditional Peruvian Poncho

The traditional Peruvian poncho is a garment deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Andean region. Rich in symbolism and crafted with unparalleled skill, Peruvian ponchos are not only functional but also serve as a reflection of the wearer’s identity and heritage.

Originally, ponchos were made from a single piece of fabric with a slit in the center for the head. This basic design provided warmth and protection against the harsh weather of the Andes. However, the poncho evolved into a canvas for artistic expression and cultural representation. The patterns and colors in a traditional Peruvian poncho are often specific to a certain community or region, allowing individuals to convey their origin and ancestry through their attire.

The weaving of a poncho is an intricate and time-consuming process, often taking several weeks or even months to complete. Alpaca and llama wool are the most common materials used, known for their durability, warmth, and softness. The natural dyes used in the poncho’s design are often derived from plants, minerals, and insects, lending to a range of vibrant colors.

16. There are Three Official Languages in Peru

One of the most interesting and fun facts about Peru is that there are three different languages spoken in the country. While Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Peru, the country recognizes three official languages: Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara. Quechua was the primary language of the Inca Empire and continues to be spoken by the Quechua people in the Andean highlands.

Aymara is also an indigenous language spoken around Lake Titicaca and in some Andean regions. The recognition of these languages is not only important for communication but also plays a significant role in preserving the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Peru.

17. The Capital City of Peru is Lima

Lima, the capital of Peru, is often the entry point for many visitors and serves as a gateway to the country’s many attractions. Founded by Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, Lima is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich colonial history and vibrant modern culture. Downtown Lima is home to various historical sites, including colonial churches, palaces, and the famous Plaza Mayor.

The city is also celebrated for its gastronomy, boasting several world-renowned restaurants and a wide array of traditional dishes. The coastal location adds a dimension of beauty to the city, with stunning cliffs and beaches that attract both locals and tourists. There is a lot to do in Lima and you can discover it all in our article Best Things to do in Lima, Peru.

18. The Inca Civilization

The Inca civilization is one of the most iconic aspects of Peru. At its height in the 15th century, it was the largest empire in pre-Columbian America. The Incas were remarkable engineers, as evidenced by structures like Machu Picchu and Sacsayhuamán. It is said that The Incas were the only ancient culture in the world to define constellations of both dark and light.

Although the Inca Empire was short-lived due to the Spanish conquest, its impact on Peruvian culture is undeniable. The Quechua language, traditional clothing, and various customs have been carried through generations, preserving the legacy of the Incas.

Facts About Peru FAQ

What Are 5 Fun Facts About Peru?

• Peru is home to the highest sand dune in the world, Cerro Blanco, which stands at approximately 2,078 meters.
• The Amazon Rainforest covers nearly 60% of Peru, making it the second-largest portion of the Amazon, after Brazil.
• Guinea pigs, known as ‘cuy’ in Peru, are considered a delicacy and have been consumed in the Andean region for thousands of years.
• Peru grows more than 55 varieties of corn, ranging in color from white and yellow to purple and black.
• The Floating Islands of Uros on Lake Titicaca are made entirely of reeds and are home to the Uros people, who maintain them by adding new layers of reeds.

What Will You Do With These Fun Facts About Peru?

So, which of these facts about Peru was most interesting to you? Was it the mysterious Nazca Lines? The recently discovered Rainbow Mountain? The unique cultural traditions of the Quechua people? Or the incredible biodiversity in a country that’s home to the world’s driest desert and thickest jungles?

Whichever Peru facts jumped out at you, one thing is certain: There’s no shortage of things to learn about this amazing country.

Is Peru at the top of your travel bucket list? Would you like to learn more interesting facts about Peru, including how to plan your trip to South America? Click here for our in-depth Peru travel guide and keep learning about this incredible travel destination.

A Phoenix to Sedona drive is one of the most unlikely, lesser-discussed road trips in the US. Unlike many of the US’ mammoth road trips, this Sedona road trip can easily be tackled in a day. And the route splits Arizona in two – heading north up to central Arizona and passing some of the best places to visit in Arizona as you go. Only just over two hours in length, the Phoenix to Sedona drive covers 117 miles. It whisks you from one of Arizona’s most iconic big cities into the heart of red rock country. The drive incorporates red rocks galore and tons of hiking trails. There are cultural attractions, too, like Montezuma Castle National Monument.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything worth knowing about the Phoenix to Sedona drive – which is actually a lot. There’s an ultimate itinerary coming up, plus answers to some common FAQs, and even some things to do in Sedona and Phoenix. You can easily squeeze these things in before and after your day trip of a lifetime. Let’s get started.

Phoenix to Sedona Drive Itinerary

So, you are ready to tackle the Phoenix to Sedona drive. This is easily one of Arizona’s top road trips – and day trips – and we’ve prepared the ultimate itinerary so you don’t miss out on a thing. You’ll be cutting through central Arizona and the dramatic desert landscape. Surrounded by natural beauty, this is the perfect day trip for wildlife, hiking, or animal lovers. We’ll first cover the most direct route, then provide an alternate route if you fancy a detour.

The easiest way to complete the Phoenix to Sedona drive is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. From Phoenix Airport, rent a car, drive to Sedona using this itinerary, and then fly from Sedona Airport. Or, if you really want, you can drive back to Phoenix after spending a few nights in Sedona. If you plan a return trip, this is the perfect time to utilize our alternative route – you get the best of both worlds.

Got your paper and pen ready? Then let’s start. This is the ultimate itinerary to experience the Phoenix to Sedona road trip.

1. Lake Pleasant Regional Park

• Distance from Phoenix: 55 minutes
• Time required: 1 hour

Lake Pleasant Regional Park is a vast recreational area and one of the first notable attractions you pass as you begin your Phoenix to Sedona drive. Lake Pleasant has over a hundred campsites and RV spots – it is a hugely popular natural getaway for those living in Phoenix. When driving from Phoenix to Sedona, it is best for an early morning refresher, thanks to its wealth of water activities. You could go for a sunrise kayak. Or, if you leave it until 10 am, take a ride on the world’s largest floating waterslide at H2. Whoa!

Pack swimwear and a towel; use Lake Pleasant as the perfect wake-up spot. It is nice to start your day with some activity, and in summer especially, Lake Pleasant has a wonderful atmosphere.

2. Rock Springs Cafe in Black Canyon City

• Distance from Phoenix: 49 minutes
• Time required: 30 minutes

Black Canyon City is a little desert town once used for mining. The old mining town is now a brief stop-off point on the drive from Phoenix to Sedona. However, the unassuming town has one major draw – Rock Springs Cafe. The cafe has an aesthetic trucker vibe, with a faint sign etched in true Southern hospitality style on its walls.

The cafe is full of character with links to the old bootlegging days and over a hundred years of local history. Its special pies are just an added bonus. Rock Springs ships pie all over the US and serve them to visitors on arrival. We suggest stopping by for a quick brunch after your water activities on Lake Pleasant.

3. Badger Springs Trail

• Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Time required: 1 hour

Badger Springs Trail is a 1.5 miles hike with a trailhead within the Agua Fria National Monument. Short but sweet, this trail is easy to complete and suitable for hikers of all capabilities so long as they have basic mobility. The trail drops you down along the banks of the Agua Fria River, immersing you in Arizonian wildlife and taking you to some spectacular Perry Mesa petroglyphs hidden inside a canyon.

Badger Springs Trail is perfect for spending an hour or so stretching your legs. The trail is relatively busy but not packed, so it is a nice opportunity to see some petroglyphs without straining your neck to peer over crowds.

4. Agua Fria National Monument

• Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Time required: 1 hour

Now that you’ve officially entered the central region of Agua Fria National Monument, you can genuinely appreciate the 71,000 acres of protected natural space. Badger Springs Trail is a great way to start your time in the national monument – especially with its history, wildlife, and Agua Fria River access.

However, after this, we’d suggest spending a little extra time in the area with binoculars, just taking a break from driving and enjoying the views. You can spot coyotes, mountain lions, mule deer, and even antelope if you are lucky.

You can detour to the Pueblo La Plata site at this point if you want as well. Visiting Pueblo La Plata involves a 40-minute drive through a remote desert landscape to see an ancient Native American Settlement.

5. Montezuma Castle National Monument

• Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Time required: 30 minutes

Speaking of Native American history, Montezuma Castle is one of the best things to do in Arizona. The 20-story cliff dwelling is a remarkable early settlement cut into limestone rock. This ancient stone pueblo is one of the US’ most revered historical attractions. You can take a ranger-led tour of Montezuma Castle or visit independently. It is just a short walk from the parking area along a paved track – taking under 10 minutes to complete. While you can’t enter Montezuma Castle, you can get fabulous views from just outside.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is situated just outside of Camp Verde. It is easily one of the best historical attractions you can add as a stop-off on your journey from Phoenix to Sedona, and you should definitely tick it off.

6. Red Rock Scenic Byway

• Distance from Phoenix: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Time required: 20 minutes

Many people say that the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a gateway to Sedona. The scenic drive is approximately 7.5 miles long and cuts through some spectacular red rock formations. Since Sedona is famed for its red rocks, it is no wonder this entering road is full of bright, cherry-red rock features.

Driving, it only takes 20 minutes; this byway is on the direct route from Phoenix to Arizona. It is the easiest attraction to combine with this road trip – you won’t have to go out of your way. And in fact, the only way this will take extra time is if you want to stop and take some quick photos.

7. Bell Rock

• Distance from Phoenix: 2 hours
• Time required: 1-2 hours

Bell Rock is a dramatic red rock butte you pass just before entering Sedona. As a final stop-off before entering the city, we recommend stopping and hiking (or mountain biking) up Bell Rock. The trail is only 0.8 miles out and back, but you’ll reach an elevation gain of 203 feet – so be prepared to get slightly out of puff.

This trail is ranked as moderate, and you’ll need to bring some water and sound, sturdy shoes. However, it is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, so it is fantastic to complete. The panoramic view you get on this hike makes it all worthwhile.

Alternate Route: Via Verde Valley Wine Trail

Fancy a different drive back to Phoenix? Or would you prefer to skip over the scenic byway and Bell Rock in favor of a good wine tour? Looping up to Old Town Cottonwood is a great alternate route on the Phoenix to Sedona drive. You can incorporate one of the fabulous wine tours on the Verde Valley Wine Trail.

If you detour this way, you can also visit the Verde Canyon Railroad and Tuzigoot National Monument – stunning and engaging attractions. If you have kids you may want to stop at the Africa Wildlife Park, though we don’t recommend visiting institutions like this, this seems to be well run. Use your own judgment. The railroad, in particular, is best for those who don’t want to hike Bell Rock or have compromised mobility.

Since wine tours are a little incompatible with single-day road trips, we suggest stopping overnight in Old Town Cottonwood if you choose this option. Unless you have a designated driver, getting two days out of this alternative Phoenix to Sedona route is best.

What To See and Do in Phoenix

After landing at Phoenix Airport, leave yourself a day or two to settle before heading on your Phoenix to Sedona drive. So how can you keep yourself entertained? What are some of the best things to do in Phoenix? Forget a day trip for at least the first couple of days, as there is just so much to see in this Arizona city. You can visit a shopping village, check out Arizona’s art galleries, or pick any of the attractions below.

Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum is one of the most unique museums in the US, let alone Arizona or Phoenix. There are over 15,000 artifacts – which is honestly almost unfathomable. Phoenix’s artistic, cultured personality is impossible not to love. And having the Musical Instrument Museum to appreciate improves Phoenix tenfold. Don’t just visit the exhibitions; Phoenix’s Musical Instrument Museum has a 300-seat theater and hosts regular performances. See if one aligns with your visit dates, and stop by the gift shop after.

Frontier Town

Frontier Town is super cool. The recreated old west settlement is like a little time capsule and a fantastic place to discover an immersive Western experience in the middle of the city. It isn’t just a Western pop-up attraction, though; it acts as a fully functional shopping center.

Think snapping pictures in front of aesthetic, old west-style scenery while rummaging through shop after shop of bargain buys. If you want to stop by a gift shop or two, just add Frontier Town to your itinerary. Is it a tourist trap? A little bit. But it could still get a smile out of even the grouchiest adults.

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix

The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is a little solace amid Downtown Phoenix. It is run mainly by volunteers and has a peaceful atmosphere, making it the ideal place to slink away to enjoy a short walk and some green space. The garden has tiny pagodas, endless water features, quaint red bridges, and ceramic wind bells. And once you’ve had a relaxing stroll, there’s a tea garden and tea house where you can grab a traditional beverage to end the experience.

Frank Lloyd Wright Spire

Frank Lloyd Wright Spire doesn’t make many top recommendations regarding things to do in Phoenix. Located in the suburbs in nearby Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright Spire is a remarkable feat of architecture – a 125-foot tall jagged spike of blue that juts out above the boulevard. The spire is an ode to the late architect based on his proposed design as Arizona’s new state capitol in 1957. You can explore from the base of the spire and walk around the park it’s located in.

What To See and Do in Sedona

The Phoenix to Sedona drive might be a day trip, but you can still spend a few days visiting Sedona once you arrive. Our advice: treat your chance to visit Sedona as a short getaway. Spend at least a few days there after driving from Phoenix to Sedona. These are the top selection of all the things to do in Sedona during your stay. Who knows, maybe you’ll plan a Sedona road trip to somewhere special nearby, like the Grand Canyon?

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is a stunning red rock gorge and an absolute dream to stop by when you visit Sedona. The canyon is perfect for getting that red rock scenery and features a swimming hole and a natural waterslide. Oak Creek Canyon is less than 10 minutes away from Sedona by car.

You can easily use it as a half-day activity – just pack some swimwear, a towel, and snacks. Photographers should bring a camera too. Alternatively, if you fancy a more active way of reaching the canyon, rent a bike and cycle to Oak Creek Canyon. The canyon is just 30 minutes away by bike, so cycling is a feasible addition to this attraction.

Cathedral Rock Trail

When visiting Sedona, scary hikes are a must. Cathedral Rock trail is as scary as it gets, and this steep hike ascends abruptly to a saddle that lies between two red rock formations. The 1.5-mile round hike is not for the faint-hearted, but definitely, an achievement to get your blood pumping. Technically speaking, Cathedral Rock Trail isn’t demanding of hikers’ skills – it requires mental strength to persevere through the ascent.

You’ve probably seen Cathedral Rock before, but if not, check out a picture now. The sandstone butte is easily one of Arizona’s most famous sights. The jagged series of mounds make up the massive butte, and it is a transfixing sight whether you climb it or not. Moreover, Cathedral Rock is a 12-minute drive from Sedona and beautiful at sunset.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is an abstract Catholic church dating back to the 1950s. The bizarre-designed church juts up with floor-to-ceiling windows and overlooks the red rocks scattered outside. The towering concrete landmark looks more like a spaceship than anything religious – a real piece of modern architecture. Totally free to enter; it is one of the most popular attractions in Sedona. Tourists love it for its novel contemporary allure. It even has its own online gift shop.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is not in Sedona itself. However, it is just a 2-hour drive from Sedona, so the town is a fantastic base for a day trip to the most famous canyon. The canyon is one of the US’ most popular attractions. People flock to the canyon to admire its dramatic scenery, indulge in helicopter rides, and head out on hiking trails.

But, it is far from just a pretty face. Stretching 278 miles, it encompasses 11 associated tribes’ ancestral homelands and boasts the Great Unconformity. The Great Unconformity is a missing layer in the rock pattern. It remains a total mystery to geologists all over the world.

The Grand Canyon is much more feasible as a day trip from Sedona than Phoenix. So make the most of venturing on this Phoenix to Sedona drive and stay in Sedona for a few days, adding on a day trip further north to the Grand Canyon. It is a reasonably direct route, heading up through Flagstaff or Grand Canyon Junction.

Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout

Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is one of the most beautiful places to admire the views near Sedona. It is a fabulous sunset point when the red rocks are illuminated in stunning shades of red. The viewpoint overlooks western Sedona and sits at the end of the airport road – hence the name.

The vast parking lot is free to enjoy. So pack a picnic, bring some blankets, and settle in for a romantic evening overlooking Sedona. Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is one of the most romantic things to do in Sedona for sunset and even after dark if you fancy some star gazing.

Phoenix to Sedona Drive: FAQs

The Phoenix to Sedona drive is a bucket list road trip. And this route is a breeze to complete in a day trip – ideal for those who have little time in Arizona. So, what else is there to know? As promised, here are the answers to your most commonly asked questions.

Is Sedona worth the drive from Phoenix?

Definitely, Sedona offers an entirely different insight into Arizona than what Phoenix offers. You’ll experience real ‘red rock country’ and road trip a ridiculously scenic route to get there. Sedona itself is full of hiking trails and culture. It is also a perfect base to enjoy skiing or head to the Grand Canyon.

What is the best scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona?

The best scenic route from Phoenix to Sedona is via the Red Rock Scenic Byway. On this route, you are surrounded by red rocks, and it is gorgeous at sunset. If you want an iconic way to enter Sedona, choose this route.

Is the drive from Phoenix to Sedona easy?

The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is so easy. You stay on the Arizona Veterans Highway for most of the journey, only changing to Highway 179 (the scenic byway) for the last 30 minutes of the drive. It is super simple to navigate.

What is the road like from Phoenix to Sedona?

The road from Phoenix to Sedona is basic and easy to drive. You are purely traveling on highways – starting on the Arizona Veterans Highway and switching to Highway 179. The highways run through desert terrain and are relatively quiet once you’ve exited Phoenix.

To Conclude

The Phoenix to Sedona drive is pretty iconic, that’s for sure. The red rocks of Sedona and the desert landscape you pass on this road trip are irresistible. You’ll have a fabulous time whether you stop by the ancient stone pueblos at Montezuma Castle National Monument or take one of the three hiking trails listed in this guide. The best part is that the Phoenix to Sedona drive is just two hours long – meaning you have all day to fill with exciting attractions and stop-off points.

Looking for more Arizona inspiration? Why not plan to stay in an aesthetic, traditional cabin? These are the best cabins in Arizona if you can tempt yourself to stop driving and stay put for a night. Trust us, you’ll appreciate the beautiful views and warm atmosphere.

Paris is so mesmerizing you might wonder why on Earth you’d want to leave – even just on a day trip. Don’t get sucked into this line of thinking, though, as Paris is surrounded by some spectacular attractions and day trips, some of which are accessible by direct trains in only two hours or less. You could be heading to Disneyland Paris, walking the royal apartments of Versailles, or taking in the somber history of the Normandy D-Day Beaches. There are tons of incredible day trips from Paris.

Top Paris Day Trips

In this guide, we’ll cover the best day trips from Paris. These are all super easy day trips to organize. For the majority of these trips from Paris, you won’t need a car or shuttle – just have to get yourself to a train station. A day trip from Paris by train is cheap and eco-friendly, a massive win-win. And even the shuttle bus day trip options are much more sustainable, thanks to the group numbers. Ready to be inspired by some fabulous day trip options? Let’s get started.

1. D-Day Landing Beaches

The D-Day landing beaches are one of the most somber day trips from Paris that you can possibly take. The Normandy D-Day beaches were where Allied soldiers launched an attack across 50 miles of coastline. The attack was entirely catastrophic, only eventually succeeding through sheer grit. It was further aided by Hitler’s refusal to send reinforcements to Normandy, thinking it was a diversionary tactic. Estimates and historical records suggest that around 210,000 Allied casualties resulted from the D-Day landing in World War II. It is marked as one of the biggest tragedies in World War history. It is easily one of the most memorable day trips from Paris.

Aside from the D-Day Landing Beaches, France’s Normandy region is stunning. It is a nice change from the big city atmosphere to head to the coastline. And while there are no public transport options, you can take many guided tours, including a shuttle service from Paris. You can opt for a small group tour or go private to splurge a little. The drive is approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes one way, but definitely worth it. You can check out the D-Day Museum and hop along the different beaches on your day trip.

2. Disneyland Paris

Who hasn’t heard of Disneyland Paris? Disneyland Paris is one of the most iconic Paris day trips. All of Walt Disney Studios Park is childhood magic – from costumed characters to themed rides and delicious food. The entertainment resort has two theme parks, a vast selection of resort hotels, shopping, and entertainment facilities, and even a golf course (for the dads looking to escape princesses for a day). Set in Walt Disney Studios Park, Disneyland Paris is massive. It is one of the best family day trips, but it definitely demands an entire day or weekend trip. There’s much to do and see, and you’ll want to allow extra time for queues.

Disneyland Paris is just 40 minutes away from the city center of Paris. The Walt Disney Studios Park is an absolute breeze to navigate – you can hop on a direct line from Gare de Lyon or grab this deal which includes transport from Paris!

3. Mont Saint Michel

Mont Saint Michel is a dramatic-looking tidal island situated between Normandy and Brittany. As far as UNESCO World Heritage Sites go, Mont Saint Michel is top-tier. And, honestly, it has been plastered across so many magazine covers and travel agent windows that you’ll have likely seen it before. Mont Saint Michel has a gothic-style Benedictine abbey, and the abbey and island are named after the archangel Saint Michael. The island is totally craggy looking – sitting on a rocky islet with its silhouette rising up in a mound of traditional stone buildings, finishing at a point with the spire of its abbey.

You can drive to Mont Saint Michel in 4 hours from Paris or take a shuttle bus. Alternatively, take the rapid 2.5-hour train from Paris to Dol-de-Bretagne train station and a 30-minute taxi to Mont Saint Michel. The final option is to jump on this tour that leaves from Paris!

4. Loire Valley Castles

The Loire Valley castles are thick with rich history, a lineage of French kings, and hiking trails that come alive in summer months. Loire Valley is always mentioned as far as day trips from Paris go. The combination of stunning scenery and French history is just impossible to resist. The Loire Valley has approximately 300 castles in just a 175-mile stretch of land around its river. The most popular are Château de Chenonceau, Château de Chambord, and Château d’Usse. Château de Chambord is the largest, most popular of the Loire Valley castles, attracting more than 700,000 visitors a year.

Depending on which castle you visit in the Loire Valley, this day trip may or may not be feasible by train from Paris. Château de Chenoceau is accessible by metro and trains in 3.5 hours from the Paris city center. Château de Chambord is also accessible using public transportation in 2 hours 45 minutes, requiring a mixture of trains and metro services. You may have to book a guided tour or shuttle service from Paris with others.

5. Antwerp

Antwerp is one of the day trips from Paris that sound ambitious but are actually super easy. It only takes between 2 hours and 2 hours and 40 minutes to get from Paris to Antwerp by train. The major port city is in Belgium, so you’ll whizz across the border on a high-speed service – passing the capital of Brussels as you go. Antwerp dates back to the Middle Ages and has some incredible history if you are interested in that period. While if you prefer your sparkly rocks, the Diamond District is where to go. The district is home to some of the best diamond traders and cutters. Buy the ring in Antwerp and propose in Paris… your secret is safe with us.

Antwerp is very walkable and is a fantastic day trip from Paris. This day trip is perfect if you want an easy experience but are excited about crossing into another country. Thanks to its excellent train connections and beautiful Diamond District, we had to add it to our list.

6. Luxembourg

Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries. The tiny landlocked country is tucked between Belgium, Germany, and France – conveniently, less than 3 hours away from Paris by train. Its capital, Luxembourg City, is an ideal candidate for a day trip thanks to its compact size. You can easily enjoy the old town, ancient fortifications, and fascinating landmarks with a day. These include Bock Casemates, a network of underground tunnels used as WWII bomb shelters. Luxembourg is much less visited than France and even Belgium, so this is one of the best day trips from Paris to get off the beaten track. And its First World War and Second World War history makes it a fantastic addition to all the war history in Paris – especially if you’ve already visited the D-day beaches.

From Paris, you just need to reach Garde de l’Est and catch the train directly to Luxembourg City. The train ride is just 2 hours and 10 minutes long, which is a breeze to organize and fit into a day trip schedule.

7. Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles is a beautiful day tour from Paris. If you haven’t watched Marie Antoinette yet, it is a must before you go. Versailles was once a hunting lodge before being transformed into a picture of exuberant luxury and grandeur by King Louis XIV. You can take a guided tour around the royal apartments, gardens, and gorgeous interiors. It is a grand place to visit and only 40 minutes away by metro – it’s easy to see why it is so popular.

You don’t need to worry about train tickets and booking in advance. Hopping on and off the metro is ridiculously easy in Paris. And the allure of Château de Versailles increased tenfold after the 2006 Marie Antoinette film. It is an oldie but goldie, an absolute must when it comes to day trips from Paris. If you prefer not to deal with the transportation issues this Day Trip Tour with a wine tasting is perfect for you.

8. Domaine de Chantilly

Domaine de Chantilly is a massive park that stretches over 19,000 acres. The park contains the Château de Chantilly, Musee Conde, and a Great Stables and Horse Museum. When it comes to French grandeur, Domaine de Chantilly is a fabulous day trip to take. The park is modeled in incredible likeness to the Marie Antoinette Garden. It is one of the most aesthetic day trips from Paris. The Horse Museum is also a rare element to this day trip, housing more than 200 items in its exhibitions and dozens of artwork. Domaine de Chantilly even offers horse shows at regular intervals throughout the year. So equestrians, keep your eyes out for any equine events that coincide with your schedule.

Domaine de Chantilly is just an hour away from Paris by public transportation. The journey is split into a 30-minute train ride from Gare du Nord, disembarking at Gare de Chantilly Gouvieux, and a final 20-30 minute walk. You can grab your Skip-the-line Ticket here.

9. Auvers Sur Oise

Auvers Sur Oise is a picturesque town in France, just a 50-minute train ride from Paris. It has that cobblestone street aesthetic, with dainty sidewalks and sweet, rural architecture. You can float around the town in a nice outfit and just channel the main character’s energy – stopping at one of its cafes for lunch. Alternatively, take things up a notch by visiting the Absinthe Museum. The Absinthe Museum teaches you about this famous licorice-tasting alcohol. It is a fun twist on a standard day trip to a pretty French town.

Vincent Van Gogh actually wrote to his brother to rave about the beauty of Auvers Sur Oise. If you need more persuading, that should seal the deal for you. Vincent Van Gogh spent his final days in Auvers Sur Oise, and you can actually visit his grave in the town’s cemetery. Picasso also ventured to Auvers Sur Oise, and the little French town provided lots of inspiration for 19th-century art. Get to it from Paris with this tour.

10. Medieval Town of Provins

Provins is another beautiful town with cobblestone streets. However, unlike Auvers Sur Oise, Provins gets its place on this guide for its architecture, not famous artist visitors. Provins has some of the most well-preserved medieval architecture in France, and its medieval aesthetic and history make it one of the best day trips from Paris. The town boasts a vast old town with ancient medieval ramparts and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. You can catch medieval re-enactments, with knights in costume demonstrating bird of prey handling, jousting, and more.

Provins is just an hour and 20 minutes from Paris by train. You can book train tickets in advance or just rock up and buy them on the day – as long as you leave adequate time. Provins is so much fun as a day trip. If you also have young children to consider, they’ll love the medieval shows and engaging exhibits. Provins is history made fun. What’s not to love?

11. Château de Fontainebleau

Château de Fontainebleau is set in a small region frequently referred to as a ’16th-century playground’, and it is on a similar wavelength to Versailles. Architecturally, everything is extravagant in Château de Fontainebleau, and its gardens were actually designed by the same landscape artist as in Château de Versailles. Château de Fontainebleau is the grand palace of Fontainebleau and was vamped up by Louis IX in the 13th century and refurbished again by François I in the later 16th and early 17th centuries. The result is Renaissance-style architecture – aside from one remaining medieval tower from Louis IX’s original refurbishment. It is beautiful and one of the most fascinating day trips from Paris from an architectural point of view.

If you want a quieter alternative to Château de Versailles, we suggest heading to Fontainebleau and visiting the Château. You can take a guided tour around its grounds and state apartments. Château de Fontainebleau is just an hour away by train from Paris – so a straightforward day trip to squeeze into a busy Paris itinerary. You can also opt for a small group tour like this one.

12. Plage Le Crotoy

Plage Le Crotoy is one of the best day trips from Paris. Picture a little beach town with a scenic boardwalk and colorful, traditional architecture. Le Crotoy is the perfect beach escape and has a beautiful atmosphere. And even better, it is just 2.5 hours from Paris by train. Bag those high-speed train tickets and head off for a beach day. Your Paris day trip doesn’t need to include intense sightseeing. In fact, with Plage Le Crotoy, you can use your Paris day trip as a time for relaxation – clocking off from your intensive tourist duties.

Plage Le Crotoy is a huge beach. This is just as well, considering it is the most popular beach to visit from Paris. It can get busy but arrive knowing this, and you’ll appreciate the lively atmosphere. A cheesy seaside trip is probably much needed after learning about French kings, World War II history, and architecture. Just a few hours from Paris, Plage Le Crotoy had to make it onto our list.

13. Giverny

Giverny is a beautiful town with a name for itself, thanks to the thousands of flowers blooming there yearly. Over 200,000 plants are growing in Giverny, and in spring and summer, the place absolutely comes to life with color and sweet-smelling plants. Apart from its flowers, the most popular thing to do in Giverny is to visit Monet’s Garden. More than 500,000 people visit the garden each year, and it is a significant site not only for its beauty but as a prominent place in art history. Monet famously lived in Giverny and took much of his inspiration from the city’s natural beauty.

You can easily take a guided tour from Paris that includes round-trip transportation. Alternatively, catch the train to Vernon-Giverny and then a taxi or Uber to the town center.

14. Reims

Paris might be the French capital, but Reims is where to head to pop bottles. Reims is a major city for champagne production and, if you love champagne, one of the best day trips from Paris. It is the Champagne region capital and full of ‘Champagne houses’ offering tasting experiences. There are regular guided day tours running from Paris, many of which include round-trip transportation. Reims is also nicknamed the ‘city of kings’ thanks to its Gothic cathedral, where 34 different sovereigns were crowned. Champagne and royal history? Could it get any better?

Exploring the entirety of the Champagne region is quite an undertaking, as is completing the Champagne Trail. Reims is the ideal place to tip your toes on a time limit. Besides, Reims is less than an hour away from Paris by train. It is a super easy day trip destination to slink away to.

15. Chartres

Chartres is the winner when it comes to day-tripping to see gothic-style architecture. The whole city is centered around Chartres Cathedral, which is so stunning that it acts as an attraction in itself. Tourists pay to take guided walking tours of the cathedral and bask in its gothic glory. Chartres Cathedral is also massively significant in Christianity, and the cathedral is said to hold numerous holy relics, including the veil of the Virgin Mary.

According to religious legend, the veil is the one Mary wore while giving birth. Whether you believe it or not, pilgrims have flocked in their millions to see it for themselves. Once you’ve visited Chartres Cathedral, Chartres has the Cathedrale Notre Dame, too – a tombless crypt that dates back to the 11th century. When it comes to intriguing architecture and religious history, Chartres has the whole thing nailed to a tee.

Chartres is around an hour and 15 minutes from Paris by public transportation. Be prepared to hop between a few different metros and trains, but it is definitely worth the shuffling around. You can also drive the same journey in 1.5 hours if you wish.

16. Bruges

Bruges is adorable. Forget Belgium’s major cities like Brussels; Bruges has a different vibe. There are no modern, towering buildings and contemporary infrastructure. Instead, you have medieval and Renaissance buildings and cobbles everywhere you turn. Bruges feels like a little time capsule. And in case you need more persuading, it is particularly famous for its Belgian chocolate. Bruges is the sort of place that you explore leisurely on foot, snapping photos of particularly beautiful streets and indulging in takeaway desserts. The whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too, so don’t just take it from us. Bruges is catching attention from all over.

Bruges is one of the best day trips from Paris if you want a more wholesome experience. And conveniently, Bruges is reached by a simple 2.5-hour train ride from Paris. You just switch trains in Brussels, and there are only two legs of the journey to organize. As a side note, Brussels and Bruges are the perfect components for a weekend trip from Paris because of this train layout. If you have longer than a day, why not spend a day in each?

17. Boulogne-Billancourt

Boulogne-Billancourt is the total opposite to Bruges. Think of Boulogne-Billancourt as the extrovert of our day trips from Paris. Boulogne-Billancourt is loudly contemporary, full of glitz and glam, and massive shiny landmarks like the giant ball on La Seine Musicale. Boulogne-Billancourt is constantly pushing the cutting edge. Even in 1824, it became home to the world’s first suspension bridge. Extremely wealthy and technology-minded, Boulogne-Billancourt is great fun to experience as a tourist on a day trip. It also has three major museums, each museum dedicated to a section of the art world, be it sculptures or art deco furniture.

Boulogne-Billancourt is just a 30-minute metro ride from the city center, so you won’t struggle to squeeze this one into your itinerary. It is perfect for those with little time on their hands. In fact, it is actually classed as the western suburbs of Paris.

18. Goissainville

Goissainville is an eerie abandoned village just 25 minutes away from Paris on the metro and then a short taxi ride. The abandoned village is next to a thriving town of the same name – which is easy to remember regarding directions. You can walk the empty streets, get close to its abandoned mansion, and marvel at the old shops. Goissainville is too decrepit now to claim that it looks frozen in time. However, it is rare to see an entire village abandoned, and the scale of the experience makes Goissainville look a bit like a film set. Allow an hour or two to look around, and bring a camera.

Goissainville was mostly abandoned when the nearby airport was created, as the residents were quickly drained by the constant noise and disruption. Things got worse in 1973, though, when a plane from an airshow hurtled into the village in a tragic crash, killing both those onboard and numerous people on the ground. The sad story was the final straw, and Gossainville was left entirely.

19. London

London needs a little introduction. But did you know that you can reach London by train from Paris in just 2 hours and 20 minutes? London is one of the easiest day trips from Paris. You head straight through the Eurotunnel, cutting across the English Channel – you even get food service onboard. While we hate to tell you that the Eurotunnel is not transparent (it’s a common disappointment that travelers don’t get to look out at fish), it is one of the most convenient ways to make a day trip to the UK from France. You can spend all day visiting Buckingham Palace, riding the London Eye, and perhaps stopping by for a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. Then just hop back on the train and through the Eurotunnel for dinner in Paris.

London is one of our most expensive day trips from Paris, but it is worth the spend. Plus, who doesn’t love combining multiple countries in one trip?

20. Gâtinais Francais Natural Regional Park

Gâtinais Francais Natural Regional Park is a gorgeous area of natural beauty. Eventually, even the biggest city lover starts to crave a natural getaway. And Gâtinais Francais Natural Regional Park is the perfect place to scratch that itch. The park spreads across acres and acres of forest and meadowlands. Cyclists and hikers adore the park for its outdoor opportunities, and it is one of the best places to visit if you want to hike or rent a bike. Domaine de Courances is a private château in the middle of Gâtinais Francais Natural Regional Park. It is the perfect break for a little bit of culture, not just nature. The privately owned property has 17 stunning ornamental pools and beautiful gardens and opens seasonally to visitors.

Gâtinais Francais Natural Regional Park is around an hour from Paris if you get a taxi for the final leg. It is a little tricky to visit using public transportation, but if you rent a car or research public transport lots in advance, it is one of the most rewarding day trips from Paris.

21. Brussels

We’ve already mentioned Antwerp, so why not consider Brussels as one of your prospective day trips from Paris? The Belgium capital has a reputation for history and culture. Brussels is the heart of the EU and a meeting point for political action. You can visit Grand Place, the Museum of the City of Brussels, Mini Europe, and even the Belgian Comic Strip Center. It is also just a 1.5-hour train ride from Paris. You can be in a totally different country in less than 2 hours – honestly, why are you still even debating this day trip? Heading to Brussels is a fantastic way to add extra oomph to your Paris holiday.

Brussels has plenty of character. You can hop off at the central train station and have a new capital city to begin sightseeing again. If you’ve already been in Paris for a while, this little urban refresher can be a breath of fresh air. It is also one of the shortest train rides you can take on a day trip from Paris, which is a strong plus.

22. Deauville

Deauville is basically where to go for fun and games. The seaside town has everything from horse riding on the beach to a giant casino and annual international film festivals. Deauville always has something on the go, which earned it a place in this guide. Our advice? Look up what’s on in Deauville when visiting Paris and see if you can get involved in any exciting events. Otherwise, just head to Deauville to let your hair down, perhaps going for a gallop on a beach or flutter in the casino. Deauville is pretty glamorous, but moreover, it is popular for its strong sense of fun.

Deauville is just 2.5 hours from Paris by train. The last train leaves late in the evening, so you should have plenty of time to enjoy Deauville before heading back to see Paris at night. It is an easy day trip and one of our most recommended trips from Paris if you want a fun, easygoing destination.

23. Chablis

Vino enthusiasts, listen up. Chablis is a lovely town for wine tasting. More acidic and less fruity than the more southern regions, Chablis creates a wonderful line of wines. And the region’s wines are renowned as one of the best to pair with fish. If you want a wine-tasting experience, Chablis is easily one of the top day trips from Paris. You can catch the train to Chablis in around 3 hours. However, the service is a little hit-and-miss, with quite an irregular schedule. Therefore, we’d suggest booking a Chablis wine-tasting tour from Paris. This way, you won’t have to worry about being responsible for directions on the way back either.

You’ll find wineries all over and around Chablis. So don’t worry about visiting specific wineries, especially since most take walk-in bookings.

24. Château de Pierrefonds

Château de Pierrefonds is a massive castle so beautiful that it has been featured in several movies, including the Joan of Arc film. If you fancy a fairytale-like experience, add Château de Pierrefonds to your list of day trips from Paris. Originally built around the 15th century, Château de Pierrefonds was refurbished in the 19th century as an intended residence for Napoleon III. It is fascinating to wander its hallways and observe the mixture of elegance and practicality. The castle boasts defensive features like a drawbridge and drop boxes and sublime sculptures and aesthetic features.

Château de Pierrefonds is a family-friendly day tour to take from Paris. While you can purchase audio tours, it is primarily an attraction to explore independently. This is nice on family day trips as it creates a zero-pressure environment for the children (and parents) and lets you take the tour at your own pace. Château de Pierrefonds is approximately 2.5 hours from Paris by train if you take a taxi for the final leg of the journey. Otherwise, it is a 2-hour drive.

Best Day Trips From Paris: FAQs

It is clear that day trips from Paris are worth wrenching yourself from the pull of the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Paris lies in Northern France, absolutely inundated with day trip options – whether you visit the Champagne region or Auvers Sur Oise. And there are plenty of guided tours and tour operators if you prefer using something other than public transportation. So, what else do you need to know before going on a Paris day trip? Here’s some essential information.

Can you do a day trip to Nice from Paris?

Nice is a 7-hour train ride from Paris, so while you could manage Nice as a 24-hour trip from Paris, it would be a push. We’d suggest taking a weekend trip to Nice instead of treating it as a day trip. This way, you get more time to appreciate the city and won’t burn out.

What is the closest country to Paris by train?

Belgium is the closest country to Paris by train – in fact, it takes just 1.5 hours to get from Paris to Brussels. However, the United Kingdom (accessed by the Eurotunnel to London) is also just 2 hours and 20 minutes away. Basically the perfect distance for a few glasses of wine.

Is Brussels worth a day trip from Paris?

Brussels is absolutely worth a day trip. Brussels is one of the quickest, most efficient day trips from Paris – perfect for combining two countries in a single trip.

How many days do you really need in Paris?

You should spend at least 3 days in Paris, ideally 5-7 days. 5-7 days will allow you to take a few day trips from Paris and easily explore the city. Paris is a city that you’ll burn out trying to see as quickly as possible. And with its incredible food culture and museums, you want to be able to sightsee leisurely.

To Conclude

Paris is famous for its delicious food and iconic architecture in its city center. But draw away from all of this with one of the incredible day trips from Paris. You could venture to Mont Saint Michel or take a Paris day trip to Disneyland Paris or the Loire Valley. Paris day trips are super varied. So you’ll find a suitable option regardless of whether you want a family day trip or are venturing out as just a couple.

Day trips from Paris are so exciting. Enjoy branching out from just the grandeur in the city center and pencil in at least one of these top Paris day trips.