If you’re looking for Iceland at its rawest, wildest and emptiest, the Westfjords is most definitely where you’ll find it.

This off-the-radar peninsula in northwest Iceland is only 200km (124 miles) from Reykjavik – less than a day’s drive – yet fewer than 10% of visitors take the time to explore it, deterred by its remoteness, its sparse habitation, and its notorious unpaved roads.

Those who do visit return with tales to make other travelers green with envy. This is a land of craggy cliffs cloaked with seabirds, thunderous waterfalls, vast glaciers, epic valleys – and perhaps most compelling of all – hardly any other visitors to share these wonders with.

If you’re one of the hardy few who make it to the Westfjords, bear in mind that the weather can be wild, whatever time of year you visit. The short Icelandic summer from June to August brings the most settled conditions and the longest days (in midsummer the sun never sets at all) but in winter, it’s the polar opposite: just a few hours of daylight a day, with heavy snowfall and ice aplenty.

Visitor numbers drop off sharply in spring and fall, so these are good times to explore the region’s amazing hiking trails in solitude. Winter is reserved for hardy explorers, but there's skiing at Isafjördur and you have a decent chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

For fans of scenery and solitude, here are the top times to come to the Westfjords.

Low Season (October–April) is the best time to see the Northern Lights

Perhaps unsurprisingly, winter is the most challenging time to visit the Westfjords. Snow, ice and blocked roads are common. Some of the more isolated communities of the Westfjords are cut off entirely for much of winter. But it’s also a spectacularly beautiful time of year – especially if you want to experience winter skiing or snowshoeing in an empty landscape or have front-row seats for the Northern Lights.

The aurora is actually present for most of the year, but it requires clear, dark skies to become visible. You might get enough darkness in September and May, but visiting from October to April optimizes your chances. Note that winter driving in Iceland – especially in the Westfjords – can be challenging; snow tires and/or snow chains are essential. Better still, rent a 4WD.

Shoulder Season (May and September) is the best time for quiet trails

Spring and fall whizz by so fast in Iceland that you could blink and miss them – especially in the Westfjords, where there are few trees to mark the transition (locals are more likely to discern the arrival of spring and fall by the amount of snow on the ground). Nevertheless, these are great times for walking along empty trails.

The Westfjords are noticeably quieter in spring and fall. There are fewer hikers on the trails and hotel rooms are easier to come by (and often a bit cheaper). Larger roads and passes are likely to be open, making this a good time for a road trip, but some seasonal shops, attractions and restaurants are likely to be closed.

High Season (June–August) is the best time for outdoor activities

In line with the rest of Iceland, the summer months are when the Westfjords opens up for outdoor pursuits: hiking, mountain biking, sea kayaking, wildlife spotting and more. All the major mountain passes and cross-fjord ferry routes linking the valleys of the Westfjords are open at the height of summer, making travel relatively straightforward.

Summer is also the time when the Westfjords are at their most crowded – relatively speaking – so you'll need to book ahead at hotels, especially in popular areas such as the main city of Ísafjörður. There’s also plenty of daylight – 24 non-stop hours in June, with only a couple hours less in July and August – maximizing your time for exploring.

Being weather-ready in the Westfjords

Whenever you come, you'll need to be prepared for all weathers in the Westfjords. Wintry conditions can strike without warning, even in midsummer. Wind and rainproof gear, a pair of decent boots and some warm layers will definitely come in handy, and it’s worth packing a spare tire and an extra can of gas just in case (petrol stations in the Westfjords are few and far between). A road map and ferry timetables are also very useful: don’t rely on being able to get a decent cell signal out in the Westfjords.

January

Just three hours of daylight and average temperatures that barely scrape above freezing make January a demanding month to visit – but if you hit the jackpot and get some clear weather days, it’s a brilliant time to get in some winter wildlife watching. The Westfjords is one of the few areas where you have a good chance of spotting Arctic foxes in the wild. January is also peak time for aurora-watching – as long as you’re prepared to hang around for those elusive cloud-free skies, of course.
Key events: Þorrablót

February

The days get noticeably longer in February – you can expect around five solid hours of daylight, especially toward the latter part of the month. Snow still cloaks the landscape, and aurora activity remains strong – but day after day of grey skies can obscure the show.
Key events: Bolludagur (Cream Bun Day), Sprengidagur (Bursting Day), Öskudagur (Icelandic Halloween)

March

With twice as much daylight as February – up to ten hours daily – March is the height of the ski season in the Westfjords. Cross-country skiing, downhill and snowboarding are all on offer at the main ski resort in Ísafjörður, while more experienced skiers can head off into the backcountry (hire an experienced local guide for safety).
Key Events: Fossavatn Ski Marathon (late March or early April)

April

April is a transition month in the Westfjords. Winter still holds much of the landscape in its icy grip, and many areas are still blanketed in thick snow, but more sheltered areas show the first signs of spring: a flush of greenery, perhaps, or even a few wildflowers. Ski season continues at Ísafjörður.
Key Events: Ísafjörður Ski Week; Sumardagurinn fyrsti (first day of summer)

May

The first serious thaws of the year usually happen in May, opening up parts of the Westfjords that have been off-limits for much of winter. Wildflowers begin to bloom in earnest, and it’s a great time of year for birdwatching. Seasonal seabirds – from guillemots, razorbills and cormorants to kittiwakes and puffins – take up roost on the region’s craggy cliffs, including at Látrabjarg, Iceland's westernmost point. The snowmelt also means this is generally a good time to view mighty Dynjandi and other Westfjords waterfalls in full flow.
Key Events: Peak season for birdwatching

June

The month of the midnight sun hits. The Westfjords basks under 24 hours of perpetual daylight, allowing maximum time for exploring. It’s also a brilliant time of year for photography, with a golden hour that seems to last forever, though temperatures rarely climb above 10˚C (50˚F). Mountain roads and hiking trails start to open up in June and the endless daylight means you can pack in some serious trail time. Remember to pack an eye mask if you plan on getting any sleep at all.
Key Events: Sjómannadagurinn (Sailor’s Day); National Day of Iceland; Summer Solstice

July

The start of summer in the Westfjords, with plentiful wildflowers, activities galore and even the chance of sunburn. Though temperatures hover around 10–12˚C (50–54˚F), the summer sun in Iceland can be very strong, so pack sunblock. It’s an excellent time of year for wildlife: humpbacks, gray whales and orcas can be seen off the coast, and playful puffins waddle around the Westfjord’s cliffs. It’s also the best time of year to explore the amazing wilderness area of Hornstrandir and take a day trip to the island of Vigur.
Key Events: Swamp Soccer in Bolungarvík

August

Another great month for hiking, biking and outdoor pursuits, with lots of daylight (16 to 17 hours) and the year’s warmest temperatures, peaking at 14–16˚C (57–61˚F). Seabirds (including puffins) begin to migrate south for the winter, so this is your last chance to see them, and whale sightings also become less common. Trails are at their busiest, however, and the most popular hotels and campsites can be booked out. And while it might not quite be sunbathing weather, August is a fine month for exploring the Westfjord’s beaches, including Breiðavík and Rauðasandur. Towards the end of the month, the first bite of winter can be felt once darkness falls.
Key Events: Verslunarmannahelgi; Blueberry Days in Sudavik

September

If fall’s going to put in an appearance, September is when you’ll see it – although with hardly any trees in the Westfjords, don’t expect much in the way of leaf-peeping. With fewer visitors, it’s an excellent time for tours: kayaking, photography and guided hikes are all popular.
Key Events: Icelandic Blues Festival in Patreksfjörður

October

Temperatures drop sharply and the first winter snowfall can be expected in October. Temperatures drop close to freezing overnight, and 10-12 days of snow is not unusual across the month. October is also when the Northern Lights begin to show up reliably in the Westfjords, so it’s an excellent time to book an aurora tour.
Key Events: Start of the Northern Lights season

November

The sun is gone by 4pm in November, so Icelanders head inside in search of food, drink and entertainment. This is a great time to visit the region’s biggest town – bustling Ísafjörður – to hunker down in its cozy cafes and pubs, visit heritage museums and dine out in seafood bistros. Don’t miss the informative Westfjords Heritage Museum and the quirky Museum of Everyday Life.
Key Events: Christmas tree lighting across the Westfjords

December

Like many Nordic nations, Iceland puts on a grand show for Christmas. Every house is decorated with colorful lights, and the calendar is packed with festive events – from winter beer tastings to reindeer rides and Christmas markets. Fireworks light up the sky on New Year’s Eve – but they’re often overshadowed by the aurora.
Key Events: New Year’s Eve

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The UK government has changed it's entry rules for travelers,  in response to the detection of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 in the country.

As of 4 am on Tuesday, December 7, all travelers over the age of 12 entering the UK will be required to have taken a COVID test within 48 hours of boarding their flight, regardless of vaccination status. The UK health secretary Sajid Javid made the announcement and said it was because of an "increasing number of cases linked to travel".

As of Tuesday, every passenger arriving into the UK from another country (apart from Ireland which is exempt) will be required to have undertaken a PCR test.  Passengers will need to do some research and pre-book their PCR test before traveling. That's because they'll need to include the test's booking reference in the passenger locator form, which is to be completed up to 48 hours before departure.

Passengers will also need to take another  COVID-19 PCR test after they arrive in England. This test must be booked before travel. The test can be taken anytime after arrival but before the end of day two.  Day of arrival is noted as day zero.  If the results are positive, the traveler must continue to self isolate for a full 10 days. If test result is unclear, the passenger can opt to take another private test. If the result of that test is negative, they can stop self-isolating.

All travelers must quarantine in their home or the place they are staying while they await test results.

Only tests booked through a government-approved provider will be accepted. Tests cost between £75-140 (US $100-186), depending on the provider, and passengers will have to cover the cost themselves.

Read more: These countries have imposed travel restrictions due to the Omicron COVID-19 variant

Previously, passengers could take an antigen or lateral flow test upon arrival but the government announced last week that it will only allow PCR results. This is in response to the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 strain in the UK, which the World Health Organization has labelled as a "variant of concern" that poses a "very high" global risk.

The UK has as of Monday banned arrivals from Nigeria, adding the country to the list of  10 southern African countries on the UK's 'red list', including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. Only UK or Irish citizen are being permitted entry to the UK from a red listed country, and  they must isolate in a government-approved quarantine hotel for at least 10 days.  Travel to the 11 countries on the red list is not currently permitted from the UK.

After dropping all domestic COVID-19 restrictions in July, the UK has brought back its mask mandate. Face coverings are once again compulsory in shops and on public transport; however hospitality venues like restaurants and bars are exempt.

If you have a trip to the UK booked, remember that you'll also need to prove that you’ve been fully vaccinated under a vaccination programme accepted by the UK. Visitors should continue to observe official precautions, and be sensitive to differing requirements and local attitudes across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

For more information on COVID-19 and travel, check out Lonely Planet's Health Hub.

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If a fear of heights doesn't stop you from hiking Zion National Park' s iconic Angels Landing , not having a permit soon will.

As part of a pilot program to reduce crowding on the trail, the Utah park announced starting April 1, 2022, you’ll need a permit to access its iconic chained section.

With a change in altitude of 1,488 feet, it draws in hikers for its breathtaking views and its reputation as a dangerous trail not suited for those who are afraid of heights. The strenuous hike's final half-mile is narrow, measuring less than three feet wide with steep drop-offs to the side. Hikers grip chains on the trail as they make their way to the top where they’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the park.

Read More: Zion or Bryce Canyon? How to choose between Utah's top national parks

In places, the trail is too narrow for people to safely go up and down at the same time, creating bottlenecks and long waits to finally pass along the vertigo-inducing trail. Zion National Park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said the permitting system would make accessing Angels Landing "fair for everyone."

“The system we’ve put in place will reduce crowding on the trail, address safety concerns and make it easy for visitors to plan ahead," Bradybaugh said.

Like many of America’s national parks, Zion National Park has worked to balance the growing number of visitors to the park with the visitor experience. In 2011, the park recorded 2.8 million visitors. In 2019, that figure grew to 4.5 million and the park says it anticipates that number will rise.

In 2019 and 2021, park rangers metered the number of hikers on Angels Landing trail during busy days, leaving visitors sometimes waiting hours just to start their hike along the trail. The park said the permitting system is a pilot program developed from the lessons learned from that metering system, as well as hearing from members of the public about how to manage traffic along the trail.

How do you get a permit for Angels Landing?

You’ll have two avenues to find a permit, both through the National Parks Service website Recreation.gov.

The NPS will hold seasonal lotteries, with the first one opening on January 3, 2022 for permits from April 1 through May 31.  You’ll have to pay a nonrefundable $6 fee to enter the lottery, which closes on January 20, 2022. If you are chosen for a permit on January 25, you’ll then pay an additional $3 fee per person listed on the permit. The NPS says this fee is to help pay to administer the program, as well as for the rangers who will check permits and help visitors on the trail.

If you don’t get a permit through the initial lottery, you can try to enter a second lottery the day before you plan to hike. The lottery will open each day at 12:01 am. Mountain time and close at 3 pm. Rangers will draw permits at 4 pm Mountain time.

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Want to hike Zion's fearsome Angels Landing trail? You'll soon need a permit

Plush hotels and powder-soft sand beaches are just the tips of the iceberg when it comes to the Cayman Islands. The trio of idyllic isles sits in the Western Caribbean and they’re a playground for sun-worshippers and adventure-seekers.

Relaxation is king in this part of the world, with beach resorts, catamaran trips, and sunset cocktails all featuring as standard. Prefer a little more action and adventure? Some of the most interesting things to do in the Cayman Islands make the most of the region’s many natural wonders. A decent chunk of them are on the largest island, Grand Cayman, but you’ll also have no shortage of other activities on Cayman Brac, or the small and serene Little Cayman.

Get up close to extraordinary marine life at Stingray City

Stingray City is easily one of the most popular attractions on the island, and you’ll find it in Grand Cayman’s North Sound, just a short hop from Rum Point.

According to local legend, fishermen used to stop off at this shallow sandbank to gut their catches before heading back to shore. All those guts attracted rays like moths to a flame and, consequently, they still congregate there to this day. The only difference is the fishing boats have now been replaced by yachts and sightseeing vessels.

Despite its popularity, Stingray City is unmissable. Join an organized tour, such as those offered by Red Sail, and jump down into shallow water to witness dozens of these majestic sea creatures gliding below the surface around you. Go mid-week or early morning to share the sandbar with fewer boats.

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter.

Climb across Cayman Brac Bluff

The Cayman Islands is a notoriously flat archipelago. In fact, the highest point on Grand Cayman is just 24m (78ft) above sea level! If you fancy gazing out to sea from a slightly loftier location, your best bet is on Cayman Brac.

This is the second-largest of the Cayman Islands and its craggy limestone ridge has long attracted rock climbers and hikers to its shores. Walk along the top of Cayman Bluff or, if you’re feeling brave, abseil down 40m (131ft) of sheer cliff face during an organized climb with Rock Iguanas.

Meet the blue iguanas at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

It’s not just marine life that the Cayman Islands does well. One of the nation’s most iconic indigenous species is the blue iguana (also known as the rock iguana). These endangered creatures are best seen at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park that sits on the sleepy east side of Grand Cayman.

Back in 1990, there were less than 30 of these large lizards left on the planet. A conservation program was set up and that figure has since jumped to over 1000. If you’re lucky, you might bump into some blue iguanas wandering around in the undergrowth. For an almost guaranteed sighting though, check out the blue iguana breeding center at the top end of the gardens where you can peer through small windows into sheltered enclosures.

The park is also teeming with tropical flora and fauna, including some very impressive palms and a few humongous agave plants. Visiting in spring? The Orchid Garden will be a riot of color. There’s also the Cayman Heritage Garden that gives you a detailed idea of what life was like on the islands in centuries gone by.

Explore ancient caves once used as hurricane shelters

Not just great for climbing and hikes, Cayman Bluff also hides a series of incredible caves. Many have been made safe for visitors, including Rebecca’s Cave that’s poignantly named after Rebecca Bodden, a local child who died while sheltering there from a hurricane in 1932. Peter’s Cave on the opposite side of the island is also worth a visit (there are even purpose-built steps leading into it) and it’s still used as a hurricane shelter today.

Only visiting Grand Cayman? There are opportunities for subterranean adventures there, too. A trip to the Crystal Caves in Old Man Bay is easily one of the most interesting places to visit on the island. They’re made up of 100+ ancient caves dripping in spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Pull on some comfy shoes and join an organized tour to learn the secrets of three of the caves, including their intriguing past as pirate hidey-holes. Just watch out for the bats.

Laze around on Seven Mile Beach

This long stretch of soft white sand lapped by calm, crystalline water is the crowning glory of Cayman’s beaches. Large parts of public Seven Mile Beach are taken over by hotels, holiday rentals and beach clubs. What’s more, you’ll find one of the top things to do on a cruise to the Cayman Islands is to spend a few hours lounging around on the shoreline.

If you’d rather escape the crowds, there’s plenty of space to swim and snooze away from the sun loungers and water sports. Venture to the most northerly end of the beach to find a relatively undeveloped stretch of sand between the Kimpton and Discovery Point Club. The water here is also a lovely turquoise and calm enough for snorkeling.

Seven Mile Beach is additionally one of the best places for nightlife. Most hotels have bars right on the sand, with popular picks being the Royal Palms Beach Resort and Coccoloba at the Kimpton. You could also stroll along West Bay Road for a few pints at cool and casual Craft F&B. Alternatively, hop across the pedestrian bridge to Camana Bay , a contemporary dining and shopping complex with a handful of lively bars.

Enjoy total isolation on Owen Island

Looking for a little solo time? Escaping to uninhabited Owen Island fits the bill. With its wild vegetation and virgin beaches, it’s the epitome of going off the beaten path. The tiny isle is privately owned but open to the public, and just a short distance off Little Cayman’s south coast. While accessible by boat, hiring kayaks from the nearby Southern Cross Club and making your own leisurely way across really adds to the sense of adventure.

Gorge on great gastronomy

Food lovers rejoice! The Caymans Islands is often referred to as the Caribbean's unofficial culinary capital, with restaurants ranging from flash Michelin-starred restaurants such as Blue by Eric Ripert on Seven Mile Beach to locally-loved takeout places like Barry’s Golden Jerk , which occupies a tiny wooden shack on Cayman Brac.

Enjoying a taste of the Cayman Islands is recommended. Spicy jerk chicken, fresh seafood ceviche drizzled in lemon juice, and sticky cassava cake are all on the menu. Vivine’s Kitchen and Big Tree BBQ number among the best venues for local grub (the latter even serves up traditional turtle stew). There are heaps of places to suit veggies and vegans on Grand Cayman, too. Vivo is known for its coconut ceviche, while Island Naturals Cafe is perfect for sandwiches and salads.

Seek out the elusive Cayman Brac Parrot

Keen bird-watchers will want to keep their eyes peeled for several local species. The most celebrated is the endangered Cayman Brac Parrot that’s a truly impressive sight thanks to its vibrant blue and green feathers. Your best chance of seeing one is at the National Trust Brac Parrot Reserve . Go in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is low and follow the well-worn nature path, gazing overhead at the trees as you go to spot these well-camouflaged birds.

Study up on the local history

Like all Caribbean nations, Cayman has a rich heritage stretching back several centuries. Before visiting historic sites like Pedro St James , do some background reading at one of the region’s museums.

Each island has its own local history venue. The largest is in George Town, the region’s capital on Grand Cayman, that’s postcard-perfect with its candy-colored buildings and harbor views. The Cayman National Museum has a series of exhibits on the islands’ natural and human history, including an entertaining visual show that summarises their eclectic cultural heritage.

Elsewhere, the free-to-enter Cayman Brac Museum has a small yet intriguing collection of items relating to local life, plus a great display on the devastating 1932 hurricane that ravaged the island. Little Cayman Museum also hosts particularly good exhibits on local ecology and underwater wildlife.

Dive in the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea

Dive schools are two a penny in the Cayman Islands - and that’s all down to the region’s breath-taking underwater sites. Always wanted to swim through the hull of a ship? Cayman’s shorelines host over 200 different wrecks!

The Kittiwake - a former USS submarine vessel - sits just off Seven Mile Beach and was purposefully sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Cayman Brac’s Captain Keith Tibbets Wreck - a former Russian frigate - has a similar story. Both are now crusty with bright corals and provide brilliant natural habitats for huge shoals of grouper fish, in addition to rays, turtles, eels and barracudas.

Let’s not forget Little Cayman, either. It sits close to the Cayman Trench - the deepest point in the Caribbean - and is the location of Bloody Bay Marine Park. The rather gruesomely named reserve is one of Cayman’s most unmissable dive sites thanks to the Bloody Bay Wall. Plunging an unfathomable 300m (980ft) below the ocean’s surface, it’s home to awesome anemones, fantastic fan corals and vast schools of fish in all shapes, shades and sizes.

Take a tour of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute

If you like to give back during your travels, a trip to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) in Little Cayman is ideal. It conducts vital research on the region’s reefs, in addition to running various marine conservation projects. As well as arranging a tour of the center, keen divers might want to plan a dive trip alongside a CCMI underwater researcher.

Embrace Cayman culture at a festival

Caymanians love to party, so it’s no surprise that the nation’s calendar is littered with festivals.

Pirates Week Festival is the pick of the bunch. It takes place in November and attracts visitors from far and wide. Sip on free-flowing rum punch and mingle with actors dressed as fearsome buccaneers (look out for Jack Sparrow’s doppelganger). Various events are hosted throughout the week across all three islands. The main one is a procession through George Town which ends with the Governor of the Cayman Islands being captured and made to walk the plank of a replica pirate ship.

Foodies might prefer to visit in January when Taste of Cayman , one of the biggest food festivals in the Caribbean, occurs. Beach BBQs, culinary masterclasses and pop-up stalls from Grand Cayman’s best restaurants feature on its mouth-watering program. And, last but not least, there’s Batabano . This fun festival happens in May and it’s a lively celebration of Caymanian culture, complete with live calypso music and a parade featuring 100+ revelers garbed in colorful (and often richly feathered) costumes.

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Head out into the great white winter for the best quick-break ski adventures North America has to offer. Each of these top five destinations is within easy day-trip distance of a metro area, making it easy to catch some powder shots on just a tank of gas.

Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington: all about variety

2 hours from Seattle

A short trip into the Cascade Mountains from the Emerald City brings you to Washington State’s largest ski area, Crystal Mountain. This rip-roarer has 2600 acres of skiable terrain and remarkable views of Mt Rainier. There’s plenty of variety, from corduroyed cruisers for the family to the too-steep-for-toddlers Thrown Chutes.

Side-country enthusiasts can head out from the top through a gate to Silver Basin, a perfectly pitched bowl with guaranteed powder on most days. With an average of 486 inches of snow each year, this is hands-down the best short trip from Seattle.

Extra turns: About five hours north of Seattle, you can easily make it up to Canada for a weekend trip to Whistler-Blackcomb, one of North America’s gnarliest mountains and site of the 2010 Olympics.

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Kirkwood, California: a mom-and-pop hill

3.5 hours from San Francisco

Depending on how long it takes you to get out of Bay Area traffic, this throwback mom-and-pop hill has great chuted steeps, plenty of cliff drops and some fun natural halfpipes on its lower thirds.

Kirkwood is a great mountain for boarders, with little cat-tracking; big-mountain riders can head out for cat-skiing from the summit. The Wave is one of the most impressive cornices on the west coast. Drop off the near 30-foot quantum leap for bragging rights back at the bar.

Extra turns: Heavenly Ski Resort sits above the azure blue Lake Tahoe and has good powder and wonderful tree skiing. Plus you get to gamble in the Lake Tahoe casinos après ski.

The best ski resorts in California to hit the slopes this winter

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter .

Big Bear Mountain, California: ski, sun and a superpipe

2 hours from Los Angeles

Snowboarders won’t want to miss the easy drive up to Big Bear Mountain, a small punked-out resort with a massive terrain park and SoCal’s only superpipe. It’s not the biggest resort, they don’t get the best snow – you’ll have to go to the Tahoe Area for that ­– but you can surf and ride in a day, making it back in time for a show at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip.

Extra turns: Fill up the tank and grab some Cheetos for a five-hour drive to Mammoth Mountain. This destination ski resort on the eastern side of the Sierras is perhaps Cali’s best.

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Deer Valley, Utah: the best powder skiing in the world

40 minutes from Salt Lake City

OK. You might not spend too much time in Salt Lake City itself, but within an hour's drive you have access to the best powder skiing in the world. A five-star resort with more than 2000 acres of skiable terrain, great restaurants and plenty of high-speed quad chairlifts to move you around the mountain, Deer Valley has been named Ski Magazine ’s best resort in North America more than half a dozen times in the past decade. Utah’s deep champagne powder is part of the draw, but the resort’s amenities, fun terrain and high-tech infrastructure make it a winner.

Extra turns: In a state known for its powder, Alta stands out above the rest with a whopping 560 inches of snow most years.

Copper Mountain, Colorado: perfect for boarders

1.5 hours from Denver

There are at least a half-dozen world-class resorts within a two-hour drive of the Mile High City. While many skiers just have to ride Vail or Aspen, Copper Mountain is a little closer to town, and has some remarkable terrain, fun steep bowls, plenty of trees and a naturally flowing pitch that’s perfect for boarders. The resort built a small village about a decade back, but if you want to stay for the party, you’re better off at nearby Vail or Breckenridge.

Extra turns: If you hit traffic right (hint: shoot for a 6am departure and aim to be off the mountain by 1pm), it’s about an hour to Loveland Ski Area, a Colorado classic that has high terrain above tree line and a free cat trip from its summit.

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New Mexico earns its "Land of Enchantment" nickname with unsurpassed vistas, history-soaked towns and multi-faceted culture. Often underestimated, the state rewards travelers with family-friendly getaways and bucket-list-worthy adventures around every turn.

The most famous area is northern New Mexico, with Santa Fe's desertscapes and storied buildings as its centerpiece. However, the southern part of the state has a few marvels stashed in its back pocket, too.

The sovereign lands of 19 Pueblo tribes, two Apache reservations, and the Navajo Nation dot every corner of New Mexico, where the elevation climbs from the banks of the sinuous Rio Grande to the forested peaks of the southernmost ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

Here are the best places to go.

Santa Fe

Best for art

It’s hard not to feel like you’re time-traveling in Santa Fe, where 400-year-old burro trails became streets around The Plaza and a grand European-style cathedral towers over low-slung adobe inheritances from the 1600s.

Pull up a barstool in this town and you could be doing so next to an artist who fills local venues rivaling those in New York and Los Angeles. Collectors can spend days perusing the highbrow galleries bookending Canyon Road and the assemblage in the Railyard Arts District. The city also offers a quartet of museums at Museum Hil, including the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and Museum of International Folk Art, as well as the neon glow of Meow Wolf ’s House of Eternal Return, a mindbending interactive art installation.

Taos

Best for outdoor recreation

Summiting the tallest peak in the state, rambling with llamas and kayaking the wild and scenic Rio Grande are all in a day’s travel in Taos. Taos Ski Valley offers steep-and-deep skiing and North America’s tallest lift-served run in winter and high-alpine trekking terrain in summer. Outdoorsy folks will revel in the Rio Grande Gorge ’s triple threat of recreation: climbing, rafting, and hiking.

San Francisco’s counterculture has nothing on Taos, where the local radio station is solar-powered and communes are a contemporary way of life. Sustainable homes known as Earthships sail on the sagebrush mesa northwest of town and curious visitors can bunk inside the packed-tire and glass bottle walls for the night.

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Albuquerque

Best for nightlife and culture

A third of the state’s population lives in the greater Albuquerque area and is supplied with superb bars, concert venues and restaurants. New Mexico overflows with suds, but the Duke City has a corner on the craft beer scene with more than 40 breweries including award-winners such as Marble Brewery and trendsetters Bow & Arrow Brewing Co. Oenophiles will find plenty to sip in the city's numerous tasting rooms — don’t miss Gruet Winery ’s sparkling wines.

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Revelry turns upscale at the KiMo Theatre, where live music and indie flicks get equal billing on the marquees. Meanwhile, two nationally acclaimed cultural attractions tout the state’s founding cultures. Within a tortilla’s toss from downtown, the National Hispanic Culture Center raises the curtain on flamenco, opera, and symphony performances. Meanwhile, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center unfurls the story of the region’s Indigenous peoples through exhibitions, traditional dance performances and a pre-contact–meets–contemporary menu at Indian Pueblo Kitchen.

Ruidoso

Best for families

This mountain hamlet is a perennial vacation spot for families who return each year for its quaint downtown, hearty restaurants, and laidback outdoors scene. Ruidoso is ensconced in the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest. Two hundred miles of trails carve Sacramento Mountain peaks and wildflower meadows. Be sure to pay your respects at the grave of Smokey Bear, the real-life inspiration for the anti-forest fire mascot, who hails from these hills and is buried in them.

Truth or Consequences

Best for space travel

This humble haven, aka T or C, was previously best known as an affordable getaway for soaking in geothermal hot springs. Today it’s a billionaire hotspot thanks to two destinations. Spaceport America, the world’s first purpose-built spaceport, is home to Virgin Galactic’s headquarters and was the launch point for Richard Branson’s historic spaceflight in 2021. People who can’t afford a ticket into orbit can stay on the ground with a tour that includes views of the Virgin Galactic fleet and riding a G-force simulator. Travelers also line up for tours of media mogul-turned-conservationist Ted Turner’s reserves. His national-park-sized Ladder and Armendaris Ranches protect majestic landscapes, bison herds and endangered species.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Best for spelunking

Cathedral-sized rooms, double-decker pillars and cascading rock curtains all lie below the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico. With 119 caves and counting, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to one of the world’s most extensive cave systems, which earned the karst landscape a nod as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Most visitors stay on the main trail, riding the elevator down to the Big Room to wander a football field’s worth of stalagmites and stalactites. The 1.25-mile Natural Entrance trail is well worth taking to see named formations like Devil’s Spring and Whale’s Mouth, even if the return trip requires a thigh-burning 75-story ascent. Intrepid and claustrophobia-immune travelers can venture into remote caves on ranger-guided spelunks.

White Sands National Park

Best for natural splendor

One of New Mexico’s iconic national parks, the glistening dunes of White Sands National Park sprawl across 275 square miles of deserts. Get started by following Dunes Drive on a 16-mile round trip into the heart of the sugary drifts. But don’t stay in the car. Pack a plastic saucer or buy one from the visitor’s center to sled the 60ft-tall banks. The Alkali Flat Trail travels five miles into the backcountry to the dunes’ birthplace at Lake Otero, a sandy slog that rewards hikers with unspoiled views of the otherworldly gypsum expanse that’s played backdrop to films and music videos.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Best for heritage

An often-overlooked center of the ancient world, the great houses at Chaco sheltered thousands of people 1200 years ago. The stacked-stone buildings stand as proof of the Ancestral Puebloans’ ancient feats of engineering. Most travelers follow the 9-mile Canyon Loop Drive to sites like Pueblo Bonito, where visitors stoop through doorways and follow age-old passages. Four backcountry trails pass petroglyph sites to reveal vistas of outlying great houses and roads that still carve the mesas of what is now western New Mexico. Come nighttime, the International Dark Sky Park reveals clear views of the Milky Way and sparkling constellations spilling through the midnight sky.

Las Cruces

Best for eating chile

No trip to New Mexico is complete without tasting – or gorging yourself on – the state’s signature chile-laden cuisine. You’ll be tripping over chile in Las Cruces as it’s served in everything from enchiladas, beer, wine to waffles. But there are two can’t-miss spots to appreciate the pepper. In town, the New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Institute is the only place in the world dedicated solely to researching capsicum, or chile pepper. Many of the state’s favorite peppers were cultivated here and are grown in the teaching garden. A tour will give you encyclopedic knowledge of the spicy fruit.

Forty miles north, Hatch, the self-proclaimed chile capital of the world, grows so much chile that the town’s name has become synonymous with it. Stop in Sparkys Burgers & BBQ for a green-chile cheeseburger or chile milkshake with enough heat that you’ll remember the meal long after you’ve left.

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Settled on the western bank of the mighty Mississippi River, St. Louis has long been a destination for curious travelers.

The Native American Mississippian culture flourished in this area until the 15th century, constructing dozens of elaborate earthwork mounds and a city that rivaled the population of London. Founded by French fur traders in 1764, St. Louis soon passed into Spanish hands as war spoils before returning to France again and then being signed over to the United States. St. Louis was the starting point of the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition to figure out exactly what had been bought as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

Even though the city has impressive historic credentials, St. Louis is hardly stuck in the past. Just as the lively river courses past the city, St. Louis is always on the move, while maintaining a classic no-fuss Midwestern personality.

Here are the must-include things to do on your trip to St. Louis.

Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch

A symbol of St. Louis and white western migration, the 630ft-high Gateway Arch, more than double the height of the Statue of Liberty, promotes the city’s historic role as the “Gateway to the West.” Small trams that feel like 1960s space capsules straight out of The Jetsons take just four minutes to trundle to the top of the arch, releasing passengers into a narrow viewing area with windows that provide unbeatable views over the city. Back at ground level, the free-to-visit Museum at the Gateway Arch has interactive exhibits that detail the history of St. Louis and the architectural and engineering feats required for the arch’s construction.

Fly down a 10-story slide at City Museum

Don’t you dare let the dull name put you off: City Museum might be the most fun you’ll have in St. Louis. Part playground, part architectural salvage, part art installation, this fun house is a wild ride – literally. Seven- and 10-story slides cascade down through the industrial building, a century-old former warehouse for the International Shoe Company, and relics from demolished buildings are portals to other floors (and maybe even other worlds). Don’t miss the school bus and Ferris wheel perched on the rooftop – the extra excitement is worth the additional fee.

Find your space in Forest Park

Clocking in at 1371 acres – almost 45% larger than Central Park in New York City – Forest Park is the green heart of St. Louis. The park has plenty to keep sporty types occupied, from tennis courts and a golf course to a boathouse and wintertime ice rink, but history buffs and culture vultures will love it too. The park was the venue for the 1904 World’s Fair and Summer Olympics, and today it has an impressive host of top-notch and surprisingly free-to-visit museums, including the Missouri History Museum and the St. Louis Art Museum plus the St. Louis Zoo, that are worth an afternoon at an absolute minimum.

Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery…

Say what you will about Budweiser, but the lager remains one of the best-selling beers in the US. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery, a huge red-brick brewery complex, was opened by German immigrants in the 1850s, and the public has been allowed to gawk at the ornate interiors and production line for more than 130 years. Visits are free, as are the samples at the tour’s end. ...but drink up St. Louis’ excellent craft beer scene

While St. Louis might be better known for its mega beer brands, the city’s craft brewery scene is one of the finest in the Midwest. The juicy Rockmelon Cantaloupe IPA from 4 Hands Brewing Co – an easy e-scooter ride down the street from Anheuser-Busch – won our hearts immediately, as did the laid-back atmosphere at 2nd Shift Brewing and the out-of-this-world flavors at Earthbound Beer (Chicken and Waffles Blonde! Thai Basil IPA!). If you have wheels, head to the western suburb of Maplewood for Side Project Brewing, which in 2019 was named the second best brewer in the entire world by RateBeer. Their experimental barrel-aged beers include spontaneously fermented wild ales and fruity saisons.

Admire the architecture of Union Station

You might not be able to catch a train at Union Station anymore (though you still can from the slightly depressing Gateway Transportation Center about half a mile away), this grand structure, opened in 1894, is worth a visit. The Grand Hall, now a hotel bar, is a perfect vantage point for admiring the train station’s Roman Revival architecture, including original terrazzo flooring, gold-leaf detailing and a Tiffany glass window in which women in brightly colored dresses depict the cities of San Francisco and New York, with St. Louis in the middle linking them together. The expansive 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling is best appreciated during an evening 3D light show, where soaring birds, dancing flowers and exploding fireworks are projected every hour from 5pm to 10pm.

Sample St. Louis’s favorite foods

St. Louis’s foodie specialties reflect the diversity of the immigrants and newcomers who have called this city home over the centuries. The Hill is a long-standing Italian-American neighborhood with a delectable selection of delis and restaurants, and it’s the best place to try toasted ravioli, breaded and deep-fried pockets of meat. Sample them at the source at Charlie Gitto's, where they were “invented” in 1947 when a chef accidentally dropped a ravioli in hot oil instead of water.

For even more of a carb overload, try St. Louis–style pizza: the super thin-crust is cut into squares and topped with your standard pick of meats and vegetables and then covered in buttery-textured Provel, a custom combination of cheddar, Swiss and provolone cheeses that you won’t find far outside the city’s boundaries. Local chain Imo’s has been serving Provel pizzas since the 1960s, and with more than 70 outlets across the St. Louis metro area, it clearly has a strong local following.

Sweet tooths should save room for a "concrete" from Ted Drewes, where cups of thick frozen custard are mixed with chocolate, fruit, nuts, hot fudge and caramel sauce. The location on Chippewa Street, opened in 1941, served generations of travelers along this historic branch of Route 66.

Marvel at the mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

With two lofty spires, a grand dome and a huge rosette window, the imposing Romanesque-style Cathedral Basilica wouldn’t look out of place in Europe. Though construction was completed on the cathedral in 1914, work on the famous mosaics continued until 1988. Nearly 42 million glass mosaic pieces in 7000 colors cover the walls and ceilings throughout this huge building, and it’s the largest collection of mosaic art in the western hemisphere. The mosaic museum on the cathedral’s lower level goes into detail about their design and installation, and guided tours are offered on weekdays.

Cheer on St. Louis’s sports teams

The love of sports of all sorts runs deep in St. Louis, which has been named one of the best sports cities in the country. Catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium – the team has won the World Series 11 times, second only to the New York Yankees. The St. Louis Blues hockey team won the Stanley Cup in 2019 and makes frequent appearances in the Stanley Cup playoffs. After years of proposals, the city will soon get its first Major League Soccer team, St. Louis City SC, which is expected to have its first season in 2023 in a brand new purpose-built stadium. St. Louis also has a handful of minor league teams and college teams, so sports fans are never long without a game.

Listen to live jazz at Venice Cafe

Covered in glittering mirrors, colorful mosaics and quirky bric-a-brac – think repurposed ashtrays, boat hulls and taxidermy – Venice Cafe is where art and music meet up for a great night out. Many legendary names in music, including Scott Joplin, Chuck Berry and Miles Davis, got their start in St. Louis, and this bar doesn’t miss a beat, with live blues, rock and jazz almost every night of the week. The cash-only bar serves cocktails, beer and wine, and there’s also a menu of Caribbean dishes.

Get to know the region’s earlier residents at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

One of the most intriguing archaeological sites in the Midwest, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site was once a sprawling Native American city from 800 to 1400 AD with its population of tens of thousands on par with London, England, at the time. Today the quiet, grass-covered remains of this sophisticated prehistoric civilization cover 2200 acres, and the Unesco World Heritage-listed site preserves 70 of the original 120 earthen mounds, which were used as building foundations and for burials.

A reconstructed astronomical observatory made of wooden posts arranged in a circle, nicknamed Woodhenge, aligned with the movements of the sun to indicate the changing seasons throughout the year. Climb the stairs to the top of Monks Mound, the largest indigenous earthwork in the Americas, which is nearly 100 feet tall. From here, on a clear day, you can see the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’s skyline.

You’ll need a car or ride-hailing app such as Uber or Lyft to get to Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. The site is about a 20-minute drive east of downtown St. Louis, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.

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The South's so-called capital isn't nicknamed Hotlanta for nothing, y'all. Charismatic and lush, Atlanta is a feverish, easy-on-the-eyes cavalcade of culture, cuisine and Southern hospitality. Here are some of the best things to do in Atlanta.

Dive into Atlanta's tasty food scene

Atlanta's once-stuffy culinary scene has evolved over the last decade into one of the most vibrant and dynamic dining scenes in the Southeast, if not the nation.

You can nosh on bountiful, filling fare around Atlanta's Southern-fried cafes or go-for-broke at many New Southern and New American foodie darlings or at trendy and upscale options – filling your belly in Atlanta ain't no joke. Top chefs like Ford Fry, Anne Quatrano, Kevin Gillespie, Kevin Rathbun and Hugh Acheson are just a few of the city's most creative cooks.

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Experience the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site

The Civil Rights movement owes a great debt to the actions of various martyrs, communities and political actions throughout the American South, but almost no aspect of the movement can be mentioned without including Atlanta and the city's most famous son, Martin Luther King Jr.

The power of walking in the steps of this Baptist preacher turned international Civil Rights icon at the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site cannot be overstated.

Visit the High Museum of Art

As the most acclaimed museum in the Southeast, the High Museum of Art was the first to exhibit art lent from Paris' Louvre and is a destination as much for its architecture as its world-class exhibits.

The striking, bright-white art repository, with its curved ramps and monumental swooping three-story glass atrium that shelters natural light like a precious resource, is a Midtown icon. Its reflective white enamel facade stands in stark contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers and greenery. It earned its designer, Richard Meier, the 1984 Pritzker Prize.

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Sleep at a historic bed & breakfast

Atlanta's neighborhoods hide a gorgeous lineup of historic Queen Anne Victorian architecture and a few of them have been converted into stunning B&Bs, mostly in the city's East Side in trendy neighborhoods such as Inman Park and Virginia-Highland.

When it comes to deciding between a cookie-cutter chain hotel in Downtown or Midtown or a stunning bed and breakfast loaded with Southern hospitality like at the Social Goat B&B or Sugar Magnolia B&B, the choice is a no brainer, ya hear? Sleep tight.

Bike or walk along the Atlanta BeltLine

Strolling or biking Atlanta BeltLine's Eastside Trail, part of the city's largest greenway and the most comprehensive transportation and economic development effort ever undertaken in Atlanta, makes for a perfect outing.

Connecting Piedmont Park in Midtown with the hip and happening neighborhood of Inman Park, this 3-mile section of the multi-use trail links big attractions such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden with some of the city's hottest bars, breweries, restaurants, markets and urban parks.

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Cheer on the Braves at Truist Park

The Atlanta Braves moved into this new, 41,149-capacity stadium 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta in Cobb County in 2017. It was part of a $1.1-billion entertainment complex known as the Battery. The MLB season runs from late March to early October, meaning there's always time for some peanuts and crackerjack as you root for the home team.

The Braves beat the Houston Astros to win the World Series in 2021.

Lounge at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park, Atlanta's largest green space, is a pristine, 185-acre urban oasis in the middle of Midtown that has it all, from history (Atlanta's first professional baseball team played in the park from 1902–04) to numerous music and cultural festivals to bars, breweries and big-ticket attractions such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden. But it works just as well as a place to picnic, go for a run or bike ride or tuck away under a tree for an afternoon nap.

Take in a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The sustainably bent and architecturally wowing Mercedes-Benz Stadium easily ranks as the coolest sports stadium in North America. The $1.6 billion multipurpose, eight-petal retractable roof stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons as well as the Major League Soccer team – Atlanta United FC.

Even if you don't manage to catch a game, it's worth popping into the latest addition to the city's skyline – organized tours visit the locker rooms and field, among other behind-the-scenes locations.

Spend a day in Centennial Olympic Park

Hopping from museum to museum around the big attraction-concentrated Olympic legacy Centennial Olympic Park makes for a near-effortless big day out. You can drink yourself silly on international sodas inside the World of Coca-Cola, get a history lesson inside the Center for Civil and Human Rights, lurk near your favorite newscasters on a behind-the-scenes tour at CNN Center, root for your favorite college football team while romping through the College Football Hall of Fame or ogle the penguins inside the impressive Georgia Aquarium – without even breaking a sweat!

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Go wild at Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Smack in the middle of the city (well, OK – out in Decatur, but you get the idea), you'll find this 28-acre nature preserve, home of beavers, foxes, box turtles, red-spotted newts, coyotes and veritable clouds of birds. It's a welcome slice of wilderness in the heart of an enormous urban area.

Enjoy Atlanta's drink scene

Traditionally Atlanta has lagged behind more brew-friendly Southern cities like Asheville, Nashville or Memphis due to legislation that prevented on-site beer sales at breweries.

With that law in the rearview mirror as of 2017, Atlanta is poised to become the South's next best beer city, led by one of the most iconic names in American brewing, Mitch Steele, at New Realm Brewing Co. In other Atlanta drinking news, craft cocktails form the foundation of the city's lively bar scene, which fuels nocturnal madness in hot neighborhoods from Decatur to Buckhead.

Play at the Center for Puppetry Arts

A wonderland for visitors of all ages and hands down one of Atlanta's most unique attractions, the museum – expanded in 2015 – houses a treasury of puppets, some of which you get to operate yourself. A major addition is the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, housing the most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson puppets and artifacts in the world.

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Spend a night out at the Apache Café

An eclectic performance-art venue for hip-hop, spoken-word poetry and soul artists on the rise, this is a must-stop for those looking to dive into Atlanta's diverse Black music scene. Make sure to come with an empty stomach because the cool spot also serves up tasty Southern cuisine.

Have lunch at the Ponce City Market

A mixed-use complex housed inside the historic former Sears, Roebuck and Co headquarters in Atlanta, the largest brick structure in the Southeast. More than 30 food vendors occupy this food hall, ranging from candy sellers to Holeman & Finch (Atlanta's best burger), At the Tap (56 taps of craft beer), Spiller Park Coffee, Five Daughters Bakery and a Mediterranean market.

Take an Atlanta Movie Tour

Enjoy one of several Walking Dead filming location tours, including a trip into the fictional Woodbury, narrated by extras from the show who are chomping at the bit (get it?) to reveal all sorts of insider tidbits about cast members and filming. Other themed tours take in sites from The Hunger Games, Taken and other franchises.

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Key West, the southernmost city in the continental USA, is a seven-mile-long island of rainbow-colored historical Caribbean homes, shaded verandas, palmetto fronds, open-air bars and a surfeit of restaurants.

What Key West is not: cheap. Or, to be more accurate, it is not a budget travel destination. There are workarounds if you are willing to be flexible, but be aware, even these tips will make your trip less expensive rather than a true budget experience.

Eat on the cheap

Entrées at a mid-range restaurant run in the $16-25 range. You can skirt this cost by self-catering using local grocery stores or grabbing takeout Cuban sandwiches ($5-8) and similarly basic meals at local cafes and counter-service spots, which can be found throughout Old Town. Good picnic spots for self-caterers include Mallory Square, Fort Zachary Taylor (see below) and Sonny McCoy Indigenous Park at 1801 White St.

Skip the rental car

One cost that is optional in Key West is a car rental. The cheapest way to Key West is by bus from Miami – a ticket on a Greyhound or Flix will cost around $13-25 – and once you’re in Old Town, you can easily get about on foot or by bicycle. The latter can be rented for around $18 per day, which is well worth it for the convenience of being able to get across town quickly without having to worry about parking.

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Catch the sunset show at Mallory Square

At sunset, buskers, fire-eaters, jugglers and acrobats gather in Mallory Square for an evening carnival that has entertained generations of Key West tourists. There’s no admission here, but the entertainers live on tips, so this isn’t technically free. If you’re into watching people dress up in amazing costumes like mad, beautiful glitter faeries, we recommend visiting during the dreamlike bacchanalia of Fantasy Fest – costs do go up around this time, but watching the parades is free.

Find cheap beaches and free nature museums

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park charges $2.50/6.50 per pedestrian/vehicle, and for that price you get the run of a historic fortress and access to one of the best beaches on the islands. Nearby is the free Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, a natural history museum and a window into the unique natural environment of South Florida. Higgs Beach, an artificial beach at the end of Reynolds Street, is one of the few dedicated public sandy beaches in the Keys.

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Explore Old Town

Old Town Key West itself is full of fascinating lanes and alleyways that web through a veritable catalog of Caribbean architecture and historical homes, many painted in attractive pastels. No one will charge you for walking around and taking pictures, and you can download this free walking tour for information on sights of historical and cultural interest.

Visit free attractions in the heart of Key West

Key West is loaded with free things to do. Keep an eye out for West Martello Tower, a free-to-visit, incredibly lush, fecund garden planted amidst Civil War-era brickwork and maintained by the Key West Garden Club. In the middle of town is Key West Cemetery, a romantically moldering necropolis that houses graves belonging to some of the oldest families on the island. Duval Street is the main street and nightlife strip in the Keys, and while the bars may not be free, the people-watching is.

Go during off-season

If you want to save money, go when the crowds aren’t there. Fall (Sep-Nov) is the low season in Key West. The summer months technically count as off-season as well, but in general, the lowest prices for accommodation can be found in the fall when room rates may drop by as much as 50 percent or more.

Smaller crowds, cheaper costs at hotels; what’s not to love about low season in the Keys? Hurricanes. In the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane-strength storms can hit through to the end of October. Hurricane Irma, which devastated the Keys, made landfall here in early September 2017.

Be flexible about where you’re staying

Assuming you want to stay in local hotels or motels, booking in advance can help defray some costs, but you’ll still find many rooms topping a $200-a-night price tag, sometimes even in low season. A more reliable method of slashing costs is staying in a property with shared bathrooms, like the Key West Bed & Breakfast. Note that hotels on the east side of the island (ie not Old Town, where the critical mass of tourism sights are) tend to be cheaper, but then you’ll either have to pay for taxis or a hotel shuttle service if you want to get to the main drag of Duval Street.

Visit Key West, sleep on another island

The other way to sleep cheaply on a trip to Key West is to not actually sleep on Key West at all. There are dozens of other islands in the Florida Keys, and accommodation is cheaper on all of them, although these are relative savings. You’ll find the greatest variety of hotels and motels on Marathon (one hour drive away) and Big Pine Key (45 minutes away); a little closer is the Looe Key Dive Center (about 40 minutes away). The obvious disadvantage of this option is you’ll need to arrange transportation back to your lodging if you’re planning on drinking in Key West.

Pitch a tent at a nearby campsite

The cheapest accommodation option in the islands is camping, although in practice this often means RV sites. There aren’t campsites on Key West itself, but there are a few tent camping options on next-door Stock Island, as well as the southernmost KOA in the country on Sugarloaf Key and decent campsites at Bahia Honda State Park, on Big Pine Key.

Daily costs

The cost of living is high in the Florida Keys thanks to the archipelago's distance from just about everything (the largest nearby major metropolitan area is Miami, still three hours away even in good traffic). Because Key West is both a tourism hotspot and the last island in the chain, the already high costs of the Keys are exacerbated here.

Midrange hotel room - $170-250
Self-catering apartment - $250-500
Cuban coffee - $3.50-6
Cuban sandwich - $8.50-10
Dinner for two - $40-90
Mojito - $10-16
Slice of Key Lime pie - $7-11

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