Visiting Hanoi is like hopping through a time tunnel: beyond congested roads flanked by modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and multi-storey pagodas rub elbows with French colonial mansions in the labyrinthine Old Quarter.

Both stubbornly traditional and forward-looking, bustling Hanoi largely resisted the light-speed advancements that are sweeping across the rest of the nation, and the city often confounds first-time visitors. This list of the top things to do in Hanoi can help you hit the ground running and make perfect sense of the best that Vietnam 's most historical city has to offer.

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Opening like a tear to the east of the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake offers some freshwater and green respite to Hanoi's hustle. On its northern edge, the Ngoc Son Temple sits on a small island connected to the shore via the scarlet Cau The Huc bridge. Early in the morning, the lakeside fills with residents practicing tai chi, and on weekends, the 7pm to midnight traffic ban gives the area a funfair vibe.

Dive into the Old Quarter

Located in Ba Dinh district near the business area, Hanoi's Old Quarter is the city's busiest attraction, and it’s an unmissable attack to the senses. Buzzing motorbikes maneuver around people in large conical straw hats pushing carts laden with goods along streets lined with French colonial buildings. Come right after sunrise when the light casts ethereal hues over the century-old facades, and find only the most industrious locals busy setting up shop for the day. Signing up for a walking food tour with a local is another good way to explore the quarter’s 36 streets and the best dishes that represent them.

Hunt for the best bun cha

If the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain chose to treat Barack Obama to a taste of this quintessential bowl of grilled pork, herbs and noodles, Hanoi’s bun cha must really be quite special. Bún Chả Hương Liên, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant where the duo dined in 2016, has become legendary, but the fun is going around town scouring for worthy competitors. Two good places to start are Lotte Center Hanoi in Ba Dinh and Bún Chả Ba Duc in Quan Ba Dinh.

Watch a water puppet show

Vietnamese water puppetry originated in the 11th century from the flooded paddy fields of the Red River Delta, and visitors shouldn't miss this unique local form of art when in Hanoi. Expert puppeteers maneuver wooden figurines tied to long poles over pools that serve as liquid stages, using water splashes to choreographic three-dimensional effect. Hanoi’s most famous Water Puppet theater is Thang Long in the city center, hosting up to five multi-lingual shows per day.

Marvel at St. Joseph Cathedral

Standing guard between the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, St. Joseph Cathedral is one of Hanoi's most iconic architectural landmarks. Built in 1886, its neo-Gothic style is modeled after Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral. It's the oldest church in Vietnam's capital and serves the city’s small catholic population. Visitors can enter the church’s hall only during mass, which takes place at 6:15pm daily on weekdays and seven times per day on Sundays.

Learn to cross the road

Crossing through street traffic in Hanoi is a real cultural adventure and a way to get in tune with the city’s rhythms. To the untrained eye, Hanoi’s constant flow of cars and endless lines of motorbikes may look like an impenetrable wall of deadly chaos, but the trick is to be slow, steady, and predictable. Drivers are very much used to dodging pedestrians as they approach, and honking is just a polite way to signal when someone is near. The hardest part is grasping the courage to step off the sidewalk and start walking... especially for the first time.

Drink the world’s cheapest beer

Hanoi is home to bia hoi, touted as "the world's cheapest beer" because it’s sold for between 5000 and 7000VND per glass (US$0.22 to 0.31). Made from fermented maize, bia hoi is served and consumed by the roadside while patrons sit and chat casually on low plastic stools. Hanoi’s busiest drinking spot is the Beer Corner — the intersection between Tha Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen in the Old Quarter — a whole road crammed with red plastic chairs, locals, tourists and the echo of their bragging rights.

Try as much banh mi as you can

Bahn mi is a very popular street food in Hanoi © hxyume / Getty Images" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="56124b41-adcc-4f0b-9cdc-4ef60b19f03f" data-langcode="en" title="Banh mi street food, Vietnam">

Born in Saigon as a simple working-class sandwich stuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro, French ham and home-made pork liver pate, bahn mi is sold from street carts as a hearty breakfast or midday meal. From humble beginnings, it has risen to become a proper foodie obsession, particularly among foreign tourists and overseas Vietnamese, who even started reproducing the heavenly bread at home. The whole of Hanoi is a fair bahn mi playground, with stalls and shops dishing it up at every corner. One of the best is Bahn Mi 25 in Hoan Kiem District, which also offers vegan and vegetarian options.

Try ostrich meat in Son Tay

Believe it or not, ostrich farming has become one of North Vietnam's most profitable enterprises. The Ba Vi mountains near Son Tay, a favorite weekend getaway for Hanoi locals, are a popular spot to try the meat of the African bird while in Asia. It's usually served fried, as a meatloaf, or boiled with vegetables in a hot pot. If exotic meat doesn't appeal, Ba Vi's homegrown hill chickens, fried with fresh peppers, are the best alternative.

Check out the music and art scene

From DJ nights to jazz and alternative rock bands, Hanoi’s nightlife has a few well-established venues basking in music and arts. Since 2010, Hanoi Rock City has hosted live bands, electronic and experimental music, art events and a regular open mic night on Wednesdays. Savage in Tay Ho District opened in 2016 to quickly rise as the city's electronic music club of choice, where both resident and international DJs come to spin the best house and techno beats.

For real strings and shiny brasses head to Binh Minh Jazz Club in the Old Quarter, where a selection of good whiskey pairs to live local jazz ensembles on most nights. The Hanoi Social Club in Hoan Kiem also regularly hosts arts events, besides being a favorite all-day meeting spot to socialize over coffee and beers.

Find calm at the Temple of Literature

Hidden by a walled compound sheltering five separate courtyards, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) was built in 1070 under the Ly Thanh Tong dynasty to honor Confucius. The complex also served as Vietnam's first national university. Today, the temple is not just one of Hanoi's most striking, but also a perfectly quiet place to take a break from the city's constant activity. Whether strolling in one of its five perfectly-manicured gardens, or paying homage to Confucius' philosophy at his dedicated altars, the Temple of Literature is an oasis of quiet introspection.

Visit Vietnam’s Museum of Ethnology

Completed in 1997, this museum pays respect to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. It’s particularly handy for those short on time and interested in anthropology: the staggering collection of 15,000 artifacts and 42,000 photographs on display give a quick and comprehensive ethnographic tour of this highly diverse nation. The gardens host a life-sized outdoor collection of traditional houses from Vietnam’s most prominent ethnic groups.

Have an egg coffee in the Old Quarter

Egg yolk coffee, or ca phe trung, is a mixture of espresso with sugar, condensed milk and egg yolk. Invented in 1946 while trying to make cappuccino, the whisked egg yolks were used as a surrogate of the then scarce milk. That trick established this frothy, savory and uniquely Vietnamese brew as a real national success.

Ca Phe Trung can be found in a number of cities across Vietnam, but Cafe Giang in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is where it all started, and where the inventor's son still dishes up the original recipe today. The Note Cafe is also worth a visit, not just for its coffee, but for its very photogenic walls plastered with thousands of hand-written messages left by customers from all over the world.

Learn about Do Paper at Zó Project

Tucked to the south of Hanoi’s West Lake, Zó Project ’s tiny boutique focuses on unique handmade products realized with Vietnamese Dó paper ( giấy Dó). Produced manually following ancient techniques from the bark of the endemic Rhamnoneuron balansae tree, this heavy-duty, fibrous paper is believed to be able to last up to 800 years. Established in 2013 by Tran Hong Nhung, the social enterprise Zó Project aims at preserving the art of Dó paper-making by working closely with the only two families of traditional artisans left in the village of Bac Ninh, 25 miles (40km) northeast of Hanoi.

Have a glass of rice liquor by Train Street’s narrow tracks

Since 2018, sitting with a drink on either side of the narrow railway passage on Tran Phu road in the Old Quarter has become some kind of tourist rite of passage in Hanoi. Known as “Train Street”, the homes along this 300m (984ft) stretch of city rail line turned into feel-good cafes and started spilling tables and serving drinks way too close to the passing trains. The street’s constant surge in popularity forced authorities to try to close the shops down in October 2019 to avoid accidents, but Train Street's cafes have kept operating discreetly. The best time to visit is probably when no trains are approaching: without the crowds, one is freer to observe how real local life unfolds on both sides of this narrow city rail track.

Escape to Tam Coc’s rice terraces

One of the most popular day trips from Hanoi is to the Unesco-inscribed Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh province, about three hours from the capital. Think jade-green valleys backed by limestone karsts flanked by the meandering channels of the Red River Delta.

The village of Tam Coc and its viewpoints that dominate ever-changing shades of paddy fields are as popular as taking a slow boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Spending at least a night here makes it easier to enjoy the scenery without the crowds. Don't forget the Mua Cave viewpoint, a sweaty 486-step climb to the top of an imposing limestone mountain, where an altar to Goddess of Mercy Quan Am dominates the valley and the snaking river below.

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Back in the day, Milwaukee was best known for beer, cheese and Happy Days, but the city has recently undergone a revival of sorts.  Between its thriving art and live music scene and its killer culinary cred, you’ll find plenty to do on your visit to Milwaukee.

Mitchell Park Domes

Officially known as the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, the Domes are a local favorite. Each of three massive domes – which measure 140 feet across, 85 feet high and 750,000 cubic feet – features a different climate: desert and tropical plus a show dome. Species of birds, frogs, fish and lizards live in the desert and tropical domes, which are permanent exhibits, while the show dome rotates exhibits ranging from formal Japanese gardens to scenes from the Nutcracker Suite.

Milwaukee Art Museum

Santiago Calatrava – who went on to design New York City’s World Trade Center transportation hub – is one of the famed architects behind the Milwaukee Art Museum, which has become such a fixture in the city that it now serves as the logo of the Milwaukee tourism board’s website and appears on welcome signs at the city’s airport. The museum certainly holds impressive permanent and rotating collections, but what makes it so special is the glass atrium with retractable wings that open each morning and close each evening. It’s also a great photo op on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Downtown Riverwalk

The city’s charming Riverwalk is fun to visit any time of year, but if you’re in Milwaukee in summer, you can try your hand at paddle boarding or kayaking on the river. Either way, don’t miss the Riverwalk’s most famous resident, the Bronze Fonz, a glistening statue of Arthur Fonzarelli, whose show Happy Days made Milwaukee famous in the 1970s and ’80s.  The Riverwalk is located in the middle of downtown, so you can walk from here to other local attractions like Milwaukee Public Market and historic Old World 3rd Street. Quick note: Old World 3rd Street was recently renamed as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive but most people still refer to it by its former name.

Milwaukee’s brewing history

If Milwaukee is known for one thing, it’s the city’s brewing history. Even Milwaukee’s Major League Baseball team is called the Brewers. Beer aficionados will have their pick of craft breweries and beer halls, but for more context, take a brewery tour at the historic Pabst Brewery and plan a visit to the elegant Pabst Mansion, the home of the brewer Frederick Pabst, the company’s namesake. Downtown landmark Pabst Theater dates to 1895 and showcases the grandeur of the time. These days, the theater puts on live performances and concerts, so check to see who’s playing while you’re in town.

Explore Milwaukee’s German roots

While Milwaukee is a diverse city with sizable Hmong and Hispanic communities, a large percentage of the population is of German descent, which you’ll find reflected in restaurants and food purveyors around town. Many German restaurants, sausage shops and beer halls have been serving the city and its visitors for generations, and several are conveniently located along Old World 3rd Street downtown. A few places worth visiting are Usinger’s Sausage Shop, Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee Brat House and the Old German Beer Hall.

Harley-Davidson Museum

No visit to Milwaukee is complete without a trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum, where the company was started. Hundreds of motorcycles showcase how styles changed over the decades, and you can even sit on the saddle of various bikes and take photos. The collection of motorcycles and memorabilia are spread across a sprawling 20-acre park-like campus in an industrial building south of downtown.

Milwaukee Public Market

When you're hungry, it's time to check out a food-filled downtown attraction, the Milwaukee Public Market. Restaurants serving everything from Mexican to Middle Eastern dish up fantastic food to eat indoors or on the ample outdoor patio. The market is also a great place to pick up groceries and souvenirs, and you’ll find well-stocked cheese shops, delis and olive oil purveyors. Don’t forget to swing by one of the restaurants and bars serving one of the city’s signature over-the-top Bloody Mary cocktails, which could be topped with fried cheese curds, sliders, sausage sticks or maybe even an entire fried chicken.

Summerfest grounds

Though the area is officially called Henry Maier Festival Park, everyone knows it simply as the Summerfest grounds. The nickname comes from Milwaukee’s largest festival, Summerfest, which is said to be the world’s largest outdoor music festival. But Summerfest isn’t the only big event held here. Throughout summer and fall, the grounds host events celebrating the cultural and ethnic diversity of the city, including festivities for the city’s Irish, African, German, Mexican and LGBTQI+ communities.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum

Started as a virtual museum, America’s Black Holocaust Museum is now an in-person experience founded by James Cameron, who survived a lynching at the age of 16. The museum tells the story of what it refers to as the “Black Holocaust,” beginning with the Transatlantic slave trade and continuing through the Civil War and Civil Rights movement. America’s Black Holocaust Museum is currently closed for renovations, but it is expected to open in early 2022.

Milwaukee’s public beaches

Wisconsin is known for its cold winters, but come summer, you’ll find half the population at one of the city’s fantastic beaches. Since the entire city of Milwaukee is bordered to the east by Lake Michigan, fantastic swimming spots can be found all over town. The Bay View neighborhood and suburbs of Cudahy, South Milwaukee and Oak Creek have smaller and quieter beaches, but if you’re looking for a lively beach experience complete with volleyball, kites and food vendors, head to Bradford Beach, which is accessible and offers free beach wheelchairs.

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With its wealth of historic sites and diverse, stunning landscapes, Turkey is a perennially popular destination for travelers, and passport-holders from more than 100 countries can easily enjoy all that it has to offer.

Here’s our guide to Turkey’s entry requirements, with information on visa types and rules around exemptions and extensions.

What you need to know about tourist visas in Turkey

Visitors from Europe (excluding Cyprus), Israel, Japan, New Zealand and much of South America and Central America can enter Turkey without a visa for stays ranging between 30 and 90 days, depending on their country of citizenship.

Tourists from more than 100 additional countries, including Australia, Canada and the USA, are eligible to apply for an e-visa. This requires simply filling out an online application form and paying a fee, which varies by country of origin but generally ranges between $20 and $60.

Travelers who need to apply for an e-visa can do so through a dedicated website run by the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which includes a detailed FAQ section. Alternatively, visas on arrival are available to citizens of around 30 countries, but, generally, completing the visa application online before traveling is the quicker and easier option.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website provides details on visa requirements for all individual countries. All travelers’ passports should be valid for at least 60 days beyond the duration of the visa for which they are eligible.

Tourist visas for cruise ship passengers

Cruise ship passengers who arrive by sea can come ashore for up to 72 hours (three days) without applying for a visa.

Visa extensions and other types of visas

Visa extensions are not available to nationals of any country. Anyone who wishes to stay in Turkey longer than the duration allowed by their tourist visa (90 days within a 180-day period for US citizens, Europeans and some others) must start the process of applying for a residence permit before their visa expires. Overstaying a tourist visa can incur a fine and might even result in a temporary ban on returning to Turkey.

Anyone who plans to work, study or live in Turkey must apply for the appropriate visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate abroad before entering the country.

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With three epic national parks, reams of beach-studded coastline, an underrated capital and more chocolate-box villages than you can shake a love spoon at, small but mighty Wales has a wealth of locations worth adding to your itinerary.

Planning a Welsh adventure but not sure where to start? Be inspired by our selection of the best places to visit in Wales.

Snowdonia

Move over Bassey, forget it Tyler – with effortless beauty, an undeniable flair for the dramatic and the X factor that attracts devoted fans in their millions, you could call Snowdonia National Park the ultimate Welsh diva. Beyond its famous peaks, you’ll find ancient forests, sparkling waterfalls, historic mining towns and fairy-tale castles. Are you a thrill seeker? If so, there’s plenty to get your adrenaline pumping, from white water rafting to ziplining over the world’s largest slate quarry and surfing on an inland lagoon.

Pembrokeshire

Popular Pembrokeshire – the most westerly county in Wales – is home to some of the country’s finest beaches, a plethora of pretty seaside towns and the UK’s smallest city, St Davids. The entire coast is a national park, best explored with a hike along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or on a coasteering tour – the cliff-scrambling sport was born right here. Lovers of wildlife won't want to miss a trip to Skomer Island, where thousands of puffins gather to raise their young come summer, while Harry Potter fans will want to make a pilgrimage to Dobby’s final resting place, Freshwater West beach. If you’re an ancient history buff, don’t miss Pentre Ifan, a prehistoric tomb hewn from the same bluestone used at Stonehenge.

Brecon Beacons

The undulating hills and quaint villages of Brecon Beacons National Park are an irresistible draw for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts, not least because of the park’s proximity to the major towns and cities of South Wales – Cardiff, Swansea and Chepstow are all less than an hour away. Top hikes include Pen-y-Fan (come mid-week during school term time to beat the crowds) and Sugarloaf Mountain. The region is also an International Dark Sky Reserve – a dream for budding astronomers – so bring your binoculars for a spot of stargazing.

Portmeirion

Is this Wales or the Italian Riviera? The brainchild of eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion is unlike anything else you’ll see in the UK, thanks to its hodgepodge of pastel-colored Mediterranean-style buildings and manicured gardens complete with giant chess board and golden Buddha shrine. But despite its commercial theme park-esque leanings, this curated “village” will soon win you over, especially if you stay to watch the sunset over the Dwyryd Estuary.

Cardiff

Cardiff has all the trappings you’d expect of a cosmopolitan city – great nightlife, vibrant culture and a burgeoning indie food scene – but it all comes in an unusually green and compact package. Wander along the River Taff in Bute Park, picking up a coffee and decadent orange brownie at the Secret Garden Cafe; catch a musical at the Wales Millennium Centre (nicknamed “the armadillo” thanks to its copper-colored curves); browse for bargains in the capital’s Victorian shopping arcades; or tour the ornate rooms and grounds of Cardiff Castle. Whatever you do, you’ll be met with a warm Welsh welcome.

Hay-on-Wye

For a wholesome weekend away, look no further than Hay-on-Wye. This charming market town sits snugly between the River Wye and the English border, just north of the Brecon Beacons. It’s known for its annual Hay Festival, a literary extravaganza headlined by big-name authors featuring readings, writers’ workshops and book signings. But there’s still plenty to do year-round if you can’t make the festival. Peruse the abundant antique markets and secondhand book stores, hike to Hay Bluff via Offa’s Dyke Path or opt for a spot of wild swimming at The Warren, a pebble beach on the river bank.

Llangollen

Slow travel comes with a historic twist in Llangollen, a compact, culture-packed town in North East Wales. A heritage steam train trundles between Llangollen and Corwen daily from February to October, and the town is a popular launchpad for hiking the ancient national trail, Offa’s Dyke Path. Don’t miss a trip to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct : towering 125ft (38m) above the River Dee, this spectacular World Heritage Site is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and can be traversed by foot, canal or even kayak. For a livelier time, visit in July, along with 120,000 other people, to attend the International Musical Eisteddfod and Fringe Festival.

Gower Peninsula

The UK’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), this 70-sq-mile (180 sq km) peninsula is renowned for its dramatic coastline and fabulous beaches. Following the south coast west from Swansea and the Mumbles, you’ll find a smattering of family-friendly bays (try Caswell and Langland for starters) backed by heather- and gorse-clad cliffs. Three-mile-long Rhossili Bay Beach dominates the peninsula’s west coast, spoiling visitors with broad golden sands, rolling surf and coastal walking trails peppered with ancient ruins. It’s worth saving time for a walk to Worms Head – the rocky promontory at the southern end of the beach – but keep an eye on the tides to avoid ending up stranded.

Anglesey

The Isle of Anglesey has two obvious claims to fame: it’s where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in the early years of their marriage, and it’s here you’ll find the village with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch (a selfie next to the train station’s expansive sign is a tourist rite of passage). But the real magic is found along Anglesey’s coast (another AONB), whether you’re hiking the Wales Coast Path to bird-spotting heaven, South Stack Cliffs RSPB Reserve; stand up paddleboarding on the Menai Strait; or lounging on Llanddwyn beach, a curve of pale sand backed by Corsican pines with views of Snowdonia. Beaumaris – with its Unesco-listed castle – makes a fine base from which to explore.

Machynlleth

This unassuming market town on the southern border of Snowdonia National Park is something of a cultural powerhouse. Once the capital of Wales (freedom fighter Owain Glyndŵr was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1404), today travelers come for the Museum of Modern Art and the increasingly popular Machynlleth Comedy Festival, which takes place each May. Save time for a day at the mostly open-air Centre for Alternative Technology, where you can learn about sustainable ways of living.

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When to book a trip to Wales depends on a few factors – namely your budget, your tolerance for rain and whether you have an unquenchable desire to try bog snorkeling.

Adventures that suit all types of travelers can be had year round in Wales, but it’s worth timing it right for an experience that best fits your preferences.

Find the best season to visit with this guide on when to go Wales.

Shoulder season: September to October and April to June

Best time for culture vultures

Savvy travelers book their trips for shoulder season. You’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations (excluding Easter and October school holiday breaks) as well as milder – if still unpredictable – weather.

Cultural events abound, from wool- and sheep-based celebrations to one of the UK’s best food festivals.

High season: July to August

Best time for beach breaks

Wales’s warmest months mean inevitable crowds and hiked up accommodation prices, but if you’re dead set on blazing blue skies and ice cream by the sea, it’s all worth it. With hundreds of beaches to choose from – sheltered bays and pebbled shores to wild, windswept stretches of golden sand – it’s easier than you might think to find a spot to lay your towel.

Ready to party? Pride marches, the National Eisteddfod and Green Man Festival (among others) all amplify the feel-good atmosphere over this season.

Low season: November to March

Best time for pub crawls

From light drizzle to torrential downpours, a Welsh winter has no shortage of rain. If you have the right wet-weather gear and a positive attitude, you can still enjoy the great outdoors. However, it’s best to avoid mountain hikes in snowy conditions unless you’re an experienced winter climber.

Either way, nothing beats warming up by an open fire with a pint in a country pub. Crowds – and accommodation prices – are at their lowest now, excluding Christmas and New Year.

January

Pack your thermals: January is one of Wales’s coldest months. Days are short, but you can still find time to catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains or brave a chilly coastal walk.
Key events: Saturnalia, Barry Island New Year’s Day Swim, St Dwynwen's Day (Welsh Valentine’s Day)

February

Another cold and quiet month, February is the time to visit Wales’s towns and cities, where rugby fans bring a lively atmosphere to the local pubs.
Key events: Six Nations

March

Kicking off with a celebration of Wales’s patron saint on St. David’s Day, March marks the coming of spring. Daffodils – the country’s national flower – bloom in their thousands, bringing a burst of sunshine yellow to the nation, even if the weather hasn’t quite warmed up yet.
Key events: St. David’s Day

April

April is the time to get outdoors and soak up some of Wales’s best natural attractions, including its many waterfalls, which have been replenished by the winter rains. Popular destinations can get crowded over the Easter break, especially on sunny days.
Key events: Wonderwool

May

Literature, comedy, folk music: take your pick of cultural exploits this month, as the first slew of the year’s big festivals draw crowds from across the UK and beyond.
Key events: Hay Festival, Urdd National Eisteddfod, Fishguard Folk Festival, Machynlleth Comedy Festival

June

This relatively sunny and dry month is ideal for hiking a portion of the Wales Coast Path or enjoying a visit to one of the country’s three national parks – without the summer vacation crowds.
Key events: Gŵyl Gregynog Festival, Three Peaks Yacht Race

July

With summer in full swing, Wales’s fabulous beaches and seaside towns welcome oodles of families, surfers, swimmers and walkers. Meanwhile, Welsh culture comes into focus at some of the country’s biggest festivals.
Key events: Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Royal Welsh Show, Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival, The Big Cheese Caerphilly, Pride Cymru

August

The summer peak is busy, with families making the most of the weather and long school break, especially on the bank holiday weekend at the end of the month. August in Wales is soundtracked by a medley of music festivals.
Key events: National Eisteddfod of Wales, Green Man Festival, World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Brecon Jazz Festival and Fringe

September

Summer is coming to an end, but the occasional day of blazing sunshine often staves off the fall vibes until later in the month.
Key events: Abergavenny Food Festival, Tenby Arts Festival, Llandovery Sheep Festival

October

October is one of Wales’s wettest months. Visitors can find pockets of joy at music and comedy festivals, and across the country, runners tackle half and full marathons, come rain or shine!
Key events: Sŵn Festival, Aberystwyth Comedy Festival

November

Chilly temperatures and plentiful rain usher people indoors, often to the pub for a pint of Welsh ale.
Key events: Mid Wales Beer Festival

December

Winter festivities reach their peak as shoppers flood fairy-lit shopping streets in preparation for Christmas.
Key events: Christmas markets in many towns and cities, including Cardiff, Swansea, Conwy and Narbeth; Tenby Boxing Day Swim

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Wales is made for lovers of the great outdoors, and many of its most scenic travel routes are best explored on foot or by bike. The 870-mile (1400 km) Wales Coast Path winds its way around the entire Welsh coast – a world first when it launched in 2012 – and the country’s rural heart is crisscrossed with off-road cycle routes and quiet country lanes.

Getting around Wales by public transport is entirely doable with a little patience and planning. Buses and trains are generally comfortable and efficient, but you might find driving your own set of wheels more convenient if you’re hoping to pack lots in or venture to Wales’ wildest parts.

Ready to get planning? Here’s our guide to getting around Wales.

Train

Best for coastal Wales

Traveling Wales by train is an increasingly comfortable and efficient option – often enhanced by sweeping views of plunging valleys and glittering shores – but tickets can be pricey, and journeys relatively slow.

Most rail services are run by Transport for Wales. Book direct or use Trainline or Split Your Ticket to search for alternative routes and fares. For long-distance trips, aim to book a couple of months in advance for the best price. The network is reasonably extensive along the south and north coasts and the South Wales valleys, but trains heading between north and south Wales always cut across the border with England, with key changes occurring in the English towns of Shrewsbury and Chester.

Plan on taking a few long-distance train trips while you’re here? Look into the UK’s railcard system, which offers various concessions. An annual railcard typically costs £30, which you can often make back in just a few discounted journeys.

Bus

Best for more traveling farther

If you plan on getting to some of Wales’ more remote corners by public transport, trains can only get you so far. Regional buses regularly traverse the more rural areas, though services can be limited on weekends. A whole host of private companies operate throughout the country; sift through your options using the journey planner from Traveline Cymru. Contactless payments and ticketing apps are becoming more popular, but if you’re paying by cash, it’s always wise to bring exact change.

Many local bus providers offer day or multi-day bus passes, which are often more affordable than buying numerous single or round-trip journeys. Do your research if you want to save a little extra.

Long-distance buses (known as coaches) run between major towns and cities and should be booked in advance. They’re generally the cheapest option but can also be incredibly slow, especially if you’re heading between the north and south, which usually involves a change at Birmingham. Check for timetables and tickets with National Express.

Explore Wales Pass

Offering four days of unlimited rail and bus travel within an eight-day period (on selected operators), the Explore Wales Pass is a budget-friendly way to take in some of the country’s highlights. There are some restrictions; for example, you’ll need to avoid commuter-heavy early morning train services from Monday to Friday on some routes. But with a little planning, you can take in Snowdonia’s soaring peaks, Pembrokeshire ’s pristine beaches, Cardiff ’s epic nightlife and more in just over a week.

Sticking to a smaller area? Regional passes with similar benefits are also available.

Car and motorcycle

Best for getting everywhere

If you want to get far off the beaten track or see as much of Wales as possible in a short space of time, traveling by car or motorcycle is your best option.

While North and South Wales are well developed in terms of road infrastructure, the more rural areas often consist of narrow single-track lanes and windy roads with blind corners galore. Pair this with lashing rain or sheep-induced traffic jams and you can expect to travel very slowly indeed.

If you’re traveling the length of Wales, it may be easier to dip into England to shoot up the highway, but crossing the rugged mountain ranges and valleys of Mid-Wales is far more memorable – just bring anti-nausea medication if you get travel sick.

Want to road trip in the most sustainable way possible? The country’s compact size makes Wales ideal for journeys by electric vehicle. There are hundreds of charging stations across the country (see Zap Map for more details), and many heritage sites and attractions have dedicated EV charging points, so you can sightsee while your car charges up for the next leg of the journey.

Rental cars can be expensive, so use comparison sites and book in advance to find the best deals.

Taxi

Best for cities

Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber – as well as plentiful local “Dragon Taxis” – are available in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. In other big towns, there’s usually a taxi rank outside the train station. Elsewhere, you might need to call to book. Ask locally for taxi company recommendations.

Bicycle

Best for experiencing Wales weather

Wales is home to some of the UK’s most spectacular cycling routes, whether you’re looking for family-friendly jaunts or tough long-distance trails. Short, easy routes include the Bay Trail in Cardiff and the canalside path ​between Llangollen and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, while experienced hill climbers and Geraint Thomas wannabes will be spoiled for choice in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park.

If you can handle thigh-burning ascents and unforgiving weather conditions, there are plenty of long-distance routes to choose from. Heck, you can even pedal the length of Wales if you want to. Check out the Sustrans' National Cycle Network to get planning.

Most large towns have at least one bike rental shop if you don't have a bike of your own. Bike-sharing schemes are available in Swansea and Cardiff, and bike lanes are constantly expanding, but the cities still aren’t super bike-friendly. Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.

Boat

Best for offshore islands

Seasonal tourist boats shuttle passengers to offshore islands, such as Caldey Island or Bardsey Island, but there are no ferry services between Welsh ports.

Air

Best for a quick hop

The only domestic flights in Wales run between Cardiff and Anglesey and take around 50 minutes.

Accessible transportation in Wales

Public transport vehicles in Wales are reasonably set up for passengers with accessibility needs, with designated seating, wheelchair space and access ramps. If traveling by train, it’s best to call Transport for Wales in advance if you require assistance in the station, though staff (and friendly locals) will always help where they can. You could be eligible for discounted travel depending on your disability, so check with your chosen transport provider to find out more.

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Florida is blessed with more than 1300 miles of beautiful coastline and a party vibe that pervades everywhere from the Panhandle to South Beach and the Florida Keys. But for travelers who want to dive deeper into the Sunshine State, all manner of surprising adventures and wildlife encounters await.

Obviously, there's a time and place for big-hitter attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center and Miami, but for many visitors, the best of Florida is away from these touristy hubs, at backwater beaches and the waterlogged waterways inside Everglades National Park.

Here are the best things to do on your trip to Florida.

Kayak through the Everglades’ Ten Thousand Islands

The vast, impenetrable wilderness at the tip of southern Florida is one of the most incredible wild spaces left in the United States. Most visitors who day trip into Everglades National Park barely even scratch the surface of all there is to see.

For a deeper dive, head out on an overnight kayaking trip through Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, where you can camp on deserted islands with passing alligators, manatees and dolphins as your only neighbors. Shurr Adventures offers private sunrise, sunset and full-day kayaking tours through the islands if you're not quite ready for the full overnight desert island experience.

Relive Miami's art deco glory

Florida was the epicenter for an incredible explosion of art deco architecture in the 1930s and 1940s, filling the Miami waterfront with the world's greatest collection of art deco buildings. Today, the Art Deco Historic District is a living artwork, a glorious sprawl of curved balconies, tropical motifs, geometric forms and pastel colors. Between 11th and 14th streets, you find more than 800 deco buildings, housing everything from hotels and cafes to auto repair shops. Take an early morning wander for the best photo opportunities.

See a rocket launch in real time at Kennedy Space Center

You can take a trip to the frontiers of space travel during a visit to the Kennedy Space Center, launch base for dozens of Apollo, Skylab and shuttle space missions, and more recently, the civilian and commercial missions of SpaceX. During a tour of the sprawling site, you can drop by such mechanical wonders as a Saturn V launch vehicle, the space shuttle Atlantis and the science-fiction-made-fact crawler-transporter that delivers rockets to the launch pad.

For a truly otherworldly experience, time your visit to Florida’s Space Coast with a live rocket launch – see the website for upcoming launch dates. You can see daytime launches from Cocoa Beach, or take in a night launch even closer to the action in Titusville. Watching a rocket punch out of Earth’s atmosphere is something you'll be able to dine out on for decades.

Freshen up in Florida's hot springs

Swimming at Florida’s beaches in summer can feel like dipping into a bathtub, so we recommend taking a trip to one of the state's many inland freshwater springs, where the waters hover at a consistently refreshing temperature year-round (usually around 70°F). The best springs for snorkeling and swimming are located in north central Florida; seek out Rainbow Springs State Park near Ocala and Ginnie Springs near Gainesville, which is also a popular scuba diving spot.

For tubing, don’t miss the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River at Ichetucknee Springs State Park near Fort White, a favorite spot to rent an inner tube for a lazy float on waters so clear you can spot every fish passing below you. There's no need to fear alligators here – they tend to avoid water this cold.

Paddle in bioluminescent waters along the Space Coast

The islands of the Caribbean steal the spotlight when it comes to bioluminescent waters, but you can also take a glowing after-dark kayak adventure in Indian River Lagoon, just east of Orlando along the Space Coast. Take to the waters with Titusville's A Day Away Kayak Tours from June through early October for the best chance at paddling through a blanket of bioluminescence. It’s incredible to watch mullet and other fish streak like comets through the inky waters, lighting up Tinkerbell trails in their wakes. You can even splurge on a clear kayak for an under-you view, too.

Scuba dive with giant grouper near Jupiter

Most scuba divers and snorkelers head to the Florida Keys, but one of the greatest diving adventures you can have in Florida happens just off the state’s east coast. Between late July and early October, huge goliath grouper – some as big as golf carts! – gather on the wrecks and reefs off Jupiter Inlet to spawn.

The spectacle is nothing short of incredible. Divers can get within arm’s reach of these 400-pound fish, but get too close and the goliath might use its swim bladder to emit an underwater "bark" that feels more like a mini sonic boom. Scuba Works and other dive shops in Palm Beach County run regular trips to dive with goliath grouper during the spawning season.

Amuse yourself silly at Florida's theme parks

It's about the most touristy thing you can do in Florida, and the crowds can rival a Cecil B DeMille cast-of-thousands movie, but if you like amusement parks, the thrill-spilling parks dotted around Orlando are rightly recognized as some of the best in the world. Topping the billing is Walt Disney World, with its add-on Epcot Center and Star Wars- focused Hollywood Studios, but there is further fun to be had at Universal Orlando Resort and a string of other theme parks in the Florida Panhandle. To avoid spending most of your visit in line, arrive early, come out of season if you can, and look for line-jumping passes.

Easy-access snorkeling at Phil Foster Park

A small beach under a busy bridge over the Intracoastal River in Palm Beach County might seem like an odd place to strap on your snorkel or scuba gear, but the underwater snorkeling trail at Phil Foster Park (known to locals as Blue Heron Bridge) is a fascinating place to see such curious marine creatures as seahorses, frog fish and stargazer fish in waters that turn crystal clear for a brief window of time around the changing tide. Most of the marine life here lives in just 6 to 10 feet of water, but you’ll spot more critters if you go with a guide from Pura Vida Divers, who also rent out gear.

Take a seaplane to Dry Tortugas National Park

Only accessible by seaplane or via a boat ride from Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the most inaccessible and unique outposts in the national park system. The 100-square-mile national park is almost entirely water, but it also encompasses seven small islands, including the grassy sandbar crowned by Fort Jefferson, the largest surviving 19th-century fort in the United States. If you come to Dry Tortugas just for the day, spend a few hours strolling the fort – rangers guide tours along its moat – and cool off with a snorkeling session in the surrounding turquoise waters.

Want to stay longer? Garden Key, the island that includes Fort Jefferson, has several primitive camping sites that offer spectacular stargazing thanks to the almost total absence of light pollution. Remember there are no services either, so you’ll need to bring all your own supplies, including a tent, food and water.

Meet manatees at Crystal River

A federally protected species, manatees are arguably Florida’s most beloved mammal, and there’s only one place in the whole country where you can legally enter the water to snorkel alongside these gentle giants. Every winter, when temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean get too cold, manatees make their way to Florida’s warmer inland springs, gathering, often by the hundreds, at Three Sisters Springs in the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

Operators like Bird’s Underwater Dive Center run guided boat trips that let you enter the chilly waters with the manatees. If you don’t mind paddling, you can also reach the area independently by kayak. As good practice, give manatees plenty of space, stay quiet, and don't touch or chase these gentle creatures. However, if manatees approach you for a nuzzle, that’s entirely acceptable according to the law.

Search for Spanish loot along the Treasure Coast

During a hurricane in July 1715, a Spanish treasure fleet in transit from Havana to Spain met an unfortunate demise along Florida’s east coast, offshore from Vero Beach. Today, modern treasure hunters stalk the coastline looking for the spilled loot that’s been washing ashore along Florida's Treasure Coast ever since. Most of the treasure – coins, jewelry and more – has been found after storms, which churn up the sandbars offshore. If there’s bad weather during your Florida visit, count yourself lucky.

To take a shot at striking it rich by nabbing some of that lost booty, rent a metal detector from Mel Fisher’s Maritime Museum in Sebastian and head down to the sand on Vero Beach to start sweeping for gold. The high tide line is a good place to begin your search. As long as your find was on the beach and not in the sand dunes or state park areas, it’s yours to keep.

Spot eagles and ospreys at one of the world’s few coastal dune lakes

The area around South Walton on the Florida Panhandle is one of the few places in the world (along with Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand) where you can find coastal dune lakes. These unusual features form when the wind creates depressions in the sand that fill with brackish pools of water, and they support a huge range of biodiversity, from bald eagles and osprey to American coots and other waterfowl species.

It’s not every day you'll see a dune-fringed lake backing onto the beach with ospreys circling overhead, and that’s what makes these placid, grass-edged lakes so special. One of the largest coastal dune lakes in the area is Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park; rent a kayak from the on-site ranger station to paddle around its serene 100-acre expanse.

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Across the Hawaiian Islands, which can swell with upwards of 10 million visitors each year, getting off the beaten path is the best way to appreciate the islands' multi-cultural history.

Beyond its sandy beaches and seductive, jewel-toned waves, Hawaii’s lesser-known local tours and activities make the days in paradise more meaningful. Whether it's mellowing out at a rum tasting that acknowledges Hawaii’s sugar-producing past or exploring the lush countryside on horseback, here are our favorite ways to embrace Hawaii's Aloha Spirit.

Oʻahu

Taste rum from pure sugarcane

For more than 100 years, the sugar industry shaped Hawaii into one of the most diverse populations in the world as plantation laborers and managers arrived from China, Japan, the Philippines, Portugal’s Madeira Islands, Puerto Rico and other parts of Europe. And although the last sugar mill closed in 2016, visitors can still taste its history today.

Manulele Distillers on Oʻahu cultivates more than 30 varieties of native Hawaiian sugarcane as part of their Kō Hana line of agricole rum. While most rum on the market is made from molasses, Kō Hana spirits are made from pure sugarcane juice. Witness part of the process in action with a tour, which passes through their native cane garden and includes a rum tasting.

Bring home a sippable souvenir, like their rum aged in koa wood barrels available exclusively in Kō Hana’s tasting room.

On Kauai, Koloa Rum Company offers daily tours and tastings at Kilohana Plantation in Lihuʻe, which got its start as a working cattle ranch in 1896.

The 10 best hikes in Hawaii

Don’t skip Chinatown

What was once associated with gambling and brothels, Honolulu’s historic commercial district is now an eclectic place to dine and take in the arts. After a bowl of vegan or oxtail pho from The Pig and The Lady catch a live musical, comedy or theatre performance at Hawaii Theatre. Or, whisk back in time with a food, history and cultural walking tour hosted by Hawaiʻi Heritage Center.

Know as you go

Oftentimes, outdoor recreation areas cross paths with historical and cultural sites that, without context, visitors may not recognize as a significant encounter. Native Hawaiian-led non-profit Kanaka Climbers on Oʻahu hope to change that. The organization offers online resources on how to recreate responsibly in Hawaii, including best practices for interacting with sacred sites such as traditional Hawaiian burial grounds (often found in caves); petroglyphs; and heiau, or religious altars, even when – or especially when – sites aren’t officially designated culturally significant. Occasionally, the group hosts site cleanups which they announce on their Instagram page.

Kauai

Tour traditional taro fields

Familial and cultural history blends throughout stops at the lo’i (flooded taro fields) and Haraguchi Rice Mill, the last of Hawaii’s rice mills, when you sign up for a farmer-led Ho’opulapula Haraguchi tour in Kauai. Taro – known as kalo in the Hawaiian language – was a staple in the Hawaiian diet and the starchy root vegetable is even referenced in the Hawaiian creation story.

An on-premise food truck serves fresh, seasonal taro-based eats and treats, from kalua pork to kulolo (a sticky pudding-like dessert made with taro and coconut). Drive over a one-lane bridge on Kauai’s Northside to get to the sixth generation working taro farm in Hanalei.

Explore local food

Similarly, a three-hour food tour with Waipā Foundation curates a tasting journey through the lens of the traditional Hawaiian ahupua’a, or land division system marked by portions of mountain, valley, river and sea and tied to ancient agricultural and spiritual practices. Local tastes might include ‘ulu (breadfruit), guava and liliko’i (yellow passion fruit).

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Maui

Hike with local guides

An interactive, small-group hike with local and longtime-resident guides from Hike Maui contextualizes the experience. Their Ultimate Hana Full-Day Adventure Tour includes stops at waterfalls and traverses through bamboo forest and tropical jungle – all located within Haleakalā National Park. Lunch and snacks are provided, along with transport to and from the trailhead along The Road to Hana from Central Maui.

Hike Maui’s roster of guides complete a six-week course to learn about ​​Hawaiian culture, history, geology and botany, and must have lived on Maui for a year minimum. Additionally, many guides tout background and personal passions from traditional Hawaiian herbal healing to marine biology.

Rest up in Upcountry

Wend your way up the long-dormant Haleakalā volcano some 3000ft to check in to G and Z Upcountry Bed and Breakfast, located in the tiny Upcountry Maui town, Kula. If snorkeling in Kapalua or windsurfing in Paia are classic Maui imagery, inland Upcountry presents an expanded perspective. From this base, don’t miss the Saturday local farmers market and fragrant lavender farm. Upcountry is also home to Maui’s cowboy culture.

King Kamehameha I received cattle as a gift in 1793, shortly thereafter placing a kapu (taboo, or ban) on them. The long-horned animals multiplied to excess and by the 1830s the monarchy sought ways to tame them. They invited Mexican vaqueros (from the Spanish word vaca, or cow) by way of Spanish missionaries to teach Hawaiians – and other ethnic groups who emigrated to the islands – how to herd and manage cattle and work with horses (another gift to the Hawaiian monarchy).

Hawaii Island (The Big Island)

Ride horseback to the shore

Signs of Hawaii’s lesser-known paniolo – or cowboy – culture, though dwindling, persist, including at Kahua Ranch’s Na’alapa Stables in Hawaii Island’s Northern parts. Their paniolo -led Kahua Ranch on Horseback tour is a 1.5-2.5 hour ride through one of Hawaii’s oldest working cattle and sheep ranches. The route covers grassy terrain with panoramic mountain and coastal views – from mauka to makai as the locals say; from the mountains to the sea.

Spend the night on a historic ranch

Keep the ranch vibes going with an overnight stay in one of Puakea Ranch ’s four cottages. A few of them, like the “Cowboy House,” sleeps up to six individuals. Some were built by working plantation families during the 1920s and 1930s, and all feature ample lanai space, or a wide veranda – a signature architectural feature at the time.

Watch the island grow at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Island may be the largest of the Hawaiian islands, yet it’s also the youngest due to its active volcanoes at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Check the National Park Service site for updates of volcanic activity, but there’s plenty to do within the Unesco World Heritage Site regardless of eruption. Hike the lava fields (wear sturdy, covered footwear) while on the lookout for nene geese, carnivorous caterpillars and Hawaiian hawks before taking a scenic ride on the Crater Rim Drive. Don’t be tempted to take home a piece of the park or – according to legend – face the wrath of temperamental Hawaiian volcano and fire goddess Pele, who calls Kīlauea home.

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Utah is made for hikers. Strike out into its big wilderness, and you’ll be floored by its landscapes: red-rock mesas thrusting above mighty rivers, vertiginous treks teetering along knife-edge ridges, and tracks leading ever deeper into skinny slot canyons that elemental forces have carved out since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

These expeditions into Utah's wild and rugged backcountry give the best outdoor experience the state has to offer.

Delicate Arch

Best hike for an incredible arch
3 miles round trip, 2-3 hours, moderate

Located in Arches National Park, you've seen this arch before: it's the unofficial state symbol, stamping nearly every Utah tourist brochure and prominently depicted on license plates. The best way to experience it is from beneath. Park near Wolfe Ranch, a well-preserved 1908 pioneer cabin. From there, a footbridge crosses Salt Wash (near American Indian rock art) and marks the beginning of the trail to the arch itself. The trail ascends slickrock, culminating in a wall-hugging ledge before reaching the arch.

It can get crowded here, but that can be part of the fun: visitors line up in front of the arch for their turn to snap a classic shot standing under the arch. Take your time and enjoy the conviviality – offer to take a photo of the group ahead of you, and they will likely return the favor.

Keep in mind that the ascent is shadeless, so take your time, wear rubber-soled shoes or boots and drink a lot of water along the way.

Tip for hiking Delicate Arch: Ditch the crowds by passing beneath the arch and continuing down the rock by several yards to where there's a great view but fewer folks (bring a picnic). If you drive past the ranch to the end of the spur road, there's a 50-yard paved path (wheelchair accessible) to the Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. But the arch is, admittedly, relatively distant from this viewpoint.

Landscape Arch

Best hike for families
1.6 miles roundtrip, 30 min to 1 hour, easy to moderate

Among the world’s longest natural stone spans in Arches National Park, Landscape Arch is a spectacular ribbon of rock reached via a moderate gravel trail with spurs of interest.

Landscape Arch lies 0.8 miles along the Devils Garden trail at the northern end of the main park road. Along the route, don’t miss the short spurs (0.5 miles) to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arches. From the trailhead, you’ll thread through sandstone fins that stand on end like giant wedges. A third of a mile in, bear right at the fork and head downhill to Tunnel Arch (on your right) and the 45ft Pine Tree Arch (on your left). High on a cliff, aptly named Tunnel Arch looks like a subway tube through the Entrada sandstone. In contrast, Pine Tree Arch is meaty, with a bulbous frame around its gaping middle. Look for the gnarled namesake juniper, which juts from the base of the window.

As you approach Landscape Arch along the main trail, the terrain opens up, revealing long views to distant ridges and a vast expanse of sky. In the past, visitors could hike right beneath the elegant 306ft sweep of desert-varnished sandstone, longer than a football field. But in 1991, a 60ft slab of rock fell from the arch, nearly killing several hikers. When you notice the cracks on the left side of the arch, it’s easy to understand why the National Parks Service (NPS) closed the trail.

Facilities include restrooms, picnic sites and drinking water.

Chesler Park/Joint Trail Loop

Best overnight hike
11 miles roundtrip, 1-2 days, moderate overnight hike, moderate-difficult day hike

This trail, located in Canyonlands National Park, loops across desert grasslands, past towering red-and-white-striped pinnacles and between deep, narrow slot canyons, some only 2ft across. It also gives a great perspective on the Needles. Elevation changes are mild, but the distance makes it an advanced day hike.

Keep in mind that you won’t find any water. The Trails Illustrated Needles District map should suffice for most hikers, but if you’re inclined to wander, carry a 7.5-minute USGS map.

Park at the Elephant Hill trailhead, three miles from Squaw Flat Campground. The trail climbs to a bench from the parking area, then undulates over slickrock toward rock spires. The next section is typically where people make a wrong turn. Cross the wash at the T-junction and follow signs to Chesler Park (not Druid Arch), descending 300ft along switchbacks into Elephant Canyon. Continue to follow signs along the canyon floor.

The final 0.2 miles to the Chesler Park Viewpoint climbs 100ft, topping out on the rocky pass amid spires 2.9 miles from the trailhead. This marks the beginning of the 5-mile Chesler Park Loop. Five campsites lie southeast of the junction.

The next morning, leave your backpack at the campsite and explore the claustrophobia-inducing Joint Trail, where the fractured rock narrows to 2ft across in places; the trail junction lies to the south, about midway around the Chesler Park Loop. Pause just east of the Joint Trail for stellar views of the towering pinnacles that ring Chesler Park. On the southwest section of the loop, you’ll follow a half-mile stretch of a 4WD road. If staying two nights, take the side trip to Druid Arch.

Grand Wash Trail

Best hike for beginners
4.4 miles roundtrip, 45 min-1.5 hours, easy

Capitol Reef National Park’s most dramatic canyon is worth visiting just to walk between the sheer walls of the Narrows. Avoid this hike if rain threatens, as the wash is prone to flash floods.

Start from the parking lot at the end of the Grand Wash spur road. It’s a leisurely stroll up the packed-sand wash from the parking area. Look for seasonal wildflowers such as reddish Indian paintbrush, shrubby white-flowering Apache’s plume and stalky, yellow-flowering prince’s plume. The canyon’s walls inch closer and closer together until, about 1.25 miles from the trailhead, you reach the Narrows, where the 80-story canyon is just 15ft wide – a thrilling sight. The canyon walls shrink and spread out again as the flat trail approaches Hwy 24. Return the way you came, or arrange for someone to pick you up on Hwy 24, around 4.5 miles east of the visitor center (look for a trailhead marker on the south side of the highway, where there’s a small gravel pull-off).

Lower Calf Creek Falls

Best hike to see a waterfall
6 miles roundtrip, 4 hours, moderate

The sandy track at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument eventually follows a year-round running creek through a spectacular canyon before arriving at a 126ft waterfall, a joy on a hot day.

Lower Calf Creek Falls’ beauty is no secret; this is easily the most heavily traveled trail in the entire monument. Its accessibility – right off Hwy 12 between Escalante and Boulder – makes it a perfect stopover. Though it doesn’t climb much, the trail has long sandy stretches that can take a lot out of you. Carry plenty of water (available at the trailhead); the creek is not safe for drinking.

Park at the Calf Creek Recreation Area (day use $5) and campground, between mile markers 75 and 76 on Hwy 12. As you work your way toward the creek, you’ll pass honeycombed rocks and Navajo sandstone domes, an 800-year-old Native American granary, a box canyon where calves were once herded (hence the name Calf Creek), prehistoric pictographs and lush green wetlands.

Past the last bend, the trail ends in an amphitheater of rock with a 126-foot-tall waterfall with a thin stream cascading into a large pool. The sandy shore and extended knee-deep wading area, before the deeper drop-off, make this a favorite with families. Remember, the sandy walk out is as strenuous as the walk in, so pace yourself.

Peekaboo Loop Trail

Best hike for a day trip
5.5 miles roundtrip, 3-5 hours, difficult

An ideal day hike, Peekaboo Loop Trail sees the most variety of terrain and scenery in Bryce Canyon National Park, with 1500 to 1800ft of cumulative elevation changes.

Access to this circular trail is via either the Navajo Loop or the Queen’s Garden Connecting Trail, which runs off the Queen's Garden Trail. The following description starts from Bryce Point – if starting from Sunrise Point it’s a 6.6-mile hike; from Sunset Point it’s 5 miles.

The Peekaboo Loop Trail is also a horse trail, so expect to see occasional riders. They move slowly, so you’ll have plenty of advance warning. Stock animals have right of way – step off the trail and let them pass undisturbed. If you don’t want to navigate around horse droppings, consider another route. But views here are among the park's best, particularly of the Wall of Windows, the Silent City and the Fairy Castle. You’ll also find shady spots to rest, a picnic area and pit toilets (the latter are on the loop, just west of its intersection with the connecting trail to Bryce Point, and only open during summer).

This trail rises and falls many times; be prepared for a workout. If you’re afraid of heights, be forewarned that in places you’ll pass sheer drops, though the trail is comfortably wide enough for a horse.

The Narrows: From the bottom

Best hike for adventure
Up to 10 miles roundtrip, up to 8 hours, difficult

Hiking through a fast-flowing river in knee- to chest-deep water, the canyon walls seem to grow and press in on you: this is arguably the quintessential Zion National Park experience. Although some hikers will want to do the full overnight trip beginning at the top, if you hike up from the bottom, you don't need a permit and you can still reach the narrowest and most spectacular section. If you trek the entire 5 miles to Big Springs (as far as day hikers are allowed), you'll outpace most of the day-trippers – but don’t underestimate the distance: this is a long way to hike upstream.

The "trail" begins at the end of the Riverside Walk, where you enter and start following the river. Around the first bend you'll find Mystery Falls, the exit point for Mystery Canyon. You may catch canyoneers on their last rappel here. As you hike, each alcove, bowl, hollow, crack and arch seems its own secret place. Ravens glide low over the water, and you can sometimes hear waterfalls spilling down from inside the rock.

It’s about 2.5 miles to the junction with Orderville Canyon, which is another popular canyoneering route. If you have time and energy, don't miss the side trip up the smaller and narrower Orderville. It’s possible to follow the canyon half a mile upstream to a waterfall, beyond which you’ll need a permit. (There are several small falls before this; you'll know you've reached the main one when you see a park service sign or by the simple fact that it is impassible to most.) However, there is an admission price of sorts to the canyon: about a quarter-mile upstream is a small pool that you’ll need to swim across to continue.

Past Orderville Canyon is the famous Wall Street, where the sheerness, nearness and height of the cliffs shatter whatever remains of your perspective. After this section, the canyon opens slightly again, the water gets periodically deeper (usually requiring swimming in places), and your fellow hikers thin out.

After the 4-mile point, you’ll negotiate a series of huge boulders, and the canyon, though gorgeous, becomes somewhat less otherworldly. At 5 miles you come to Big Springs, a fern-fringed rush of water much larger than anything so far. Here day hikers are required to turn around.

While it can take up to eight hours to do the full round-trip to Big Springs, set aside a minimum of five hours so you’ll at least have time to reach Wall Street. Don’t forget you also have to hike the Riverside Trail back to the Temple of Sinawava.

Tips for hiking in Utah

Check the websites for Visit Utah and the National Park Service for maps and details on trails, permits, getting around and weather conditions. Park visitor centers can advise on trails and help arrange permits for backcountry hikes. The majority of trails are marked with cairns and signed at intersections. Advance reservation is essential for campgrounds in season (generally March to October). Hiking is possible in summer when temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C), but try to avoid the midday heat and carry sufficient water and sunscreen.

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This article was originally published on April 12, 2021.

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Featured in Best in Travel 2021

Australia

Australia & Pacific

Country

Ravenna

Italy

City

Damaraland

Namibia

Region

Berlin

Germany

City