Medellín is a city living a new chapter – take one step in the Colombian city, share one conversation with a paisa (Medellín citizen) and stroll down a singular street within its transformed and contemporary barrios and you’ll appreciate all the “City of the Eternal Spring” has to offer.

Here are the 10 best things to do to experience and appreciate its beauty today.

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Take in the vistas on the Metrocable

Medellín is home to Colombia’s only metro rail system and it is by no means boring. In addition to a pristinely-kept two-line rail system – with simple-to-navigate lines that run north to south and east to west – there is a connected tram system, intricate bus lines and gondola system ( the Metrocable) that takes locals and visitors alike up into the hillside barrios (neighborhoods). With trips of each metro or Metrocable leg seldom exceeding $3,000 pesos, it is a vista-filled way to explore Medellín and take in the Andes Mountains. For those seeking an even higher view than the Metrocable offers, Fly Colombia offers helicopter journeys in and around the city, too.

Party like a paisa

This city knows how to let its hair down. The nightlife scene doesn’t get bumping until 10 or 11 p.m., with El Poblado, La 70 in Laureles and the periodic warehouse-esque nightclub in Barrio Colombia leading the pack. And you can opt to party with a view: Envy atop the Charlee Hotel in Parque Lleras is an upscale, club-like option. Los Patios in El Poblado is a bit more laid back and appeases the backpacker crowd.

Load up on Medellín’s street food

Stroll down nearly any Medellín thoroughfare and you’ll be greeted with convenience shops big-and-small with display cases of fried goods.  Once you’ve become accustomed to the empanada (in Medellín, typically a fried pastry with beef and potatoes), buñuelo (round cheese fritter) and pastel de pollo (chicken pastry), go to the city’s best spots for culinary bliss. Hit up El Machetico de Nico in El Poblado for ultra-crispy empanadas, El Peregrino in Sabaneta for super-cheese infused buñuelos and La Estación del Sabor near La 70 for a pastel de pollo. Pro-tip: Ask for some ají – a typically homemade spicy sauce – to add some kick to any fried morsel.

Cheer on Atlético Nacional (or DIM)

Colombia loves its fútbol and the most beloved team in the entire country is based in Medellín: Atlético Nacional. The team plays at Estadio Girardot and as does its bitter intracity rival, Deportivo Independiente Medellín (DIM). If you’re lucky enough to be in Medellín while Nacional is playing there, throw on some green garb, snag a ticket at the stadium and enjoy watching the team’s very devoted fan base as much as the game itself.

Achieve a new level of gluttony with a bandeja paisa

After a raucous night out (or just when paisas are really, really, really hungry), the bandeja paisa is the go-to dish. The bandeja paisa is the region’s typical dish and often features a grilled piece of meat, beans, white rice, chicharrón (fried pork), fried plantains, a slice of avocado, arepa (maize dough) and fried egg. For the best one in town, hit Las Delicias de La Nena on La 70 in Laureles. If you’re not that hungry, opt for a traditional soup like mondongo, ajiaco or sancocho.

Shop ‘til you drop

While fashion may reach its boiling point in July for the ColombiaModa festival, style is very much center stage in Medellín year-round. For handcrafted clothing and keepsakes, the areas known as Via Primavera (Carrera 35) and Via Provenza (Carrera 37) in El Poblado are renowned for their trendy boutiques. Malls like Santafé and El Tesoro are loaded with Colombian-owned stores, like preppy brand Tennis and beloved bag maker Totto. For souvenirs, check out the free Mercados Artisanos on the weekends in nearly 20 Medellín parks throughout the city.

Get caffeinated at a specialty coffee shop

Fun fact: According to the United Nations, Colombia is the third largest coffee producer in the world. Antioquia – the state that Medellín is situated in – is loaded with coffee farms. So, it only makes sense to drink as much delicious coffee as humanly possible, while in Medellín, right?

In addition to the cart-pushing vendors selling tinto (black coffee) and café con leche (coffee with milk) on the streets, the city has a blossoming specialty coffee scene with spots slinging pour overs, finely tuned espresso shots and sugary delights. Top coffee shops include Pergamino in El Poblado, Rituales and Café Tipica in Laureles and Distrito Cafetero in Barrio Colombia.

Wander Medellín’s one-of-a-kind museums

The “City of the Eternal Spring” is home to some excellent museums. The most powerful and tear-jerking museum experience is the Museo Casa de La Memoria, which digs into personal perspectives and displacement stemming from Colombia’s conflicts and wars.

On the lighter side and equally as unique to the city is Museo el Castillo, a 90-year-old castle built by architect Nel Rodríguez with nine rooms housing antique Colombian goods. For art lovers, the Museo de Antioquia is a must, with a top-floor permanent exhibit of Fernando Botero exhibits and 23 of his statues permanently installed out front in Plaza Botero.

Experience the city’s neighborhoods

Just decades removed from drug-war induced violence that plagued the entire city, many of its neighborhoods have been totally revitalized. An example among many: Comuna 13 (or San Javier) is accessible via the Metrocable and has become the Medellín destination for graffiti art tours and experiences. While in San Javier, make sure to check out the escaleras electricas – outdoor escalators that help locals along their commute, with eateries and select souvenir shops dotting the route, too.

Other barrios leading the transformation charge include Moravia - once the site of Medellín’s central dump and a haven for those displaced by Colombia’s conflict – and the eastern barrio of Manrique, which has put tango concerts, lessons and experience at the core of its comeback.

Take a day trip to the color-splashed Guatapé

The pueblo of Guatapé may feel worlds away from Medellín, but it’s within a two-hour bus ride east. Guatapé is the leading Medellín day trip among locals and tourists alike thanks to its vividly painted historic center, man-made lake with intense blue waters and Piedra del Peñol. Climb the 600 steps to the top for one of the most serene views in the region.

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Looking for an endless summer? You’ll find it in Malibu. (Just remember to pack a sweater.)

Malibu offers the best of Southern California ’s warm climate: the sun shines more than 280 days out of the year, temperatures are often in the 70s and rain is a rarity. As with most beach towns, summer is the most popular season to visit, especially during the peak temperatures of July and August. Yet thanks to its year-round mild climate, Malibu can be just as fun in the fall and winter months – and without the crowds, too. No matter the season, nights are usually chilly near the beach and in the nearby mountains, so be sure to pack extra layers for when the sun goes down.

Summer in Malibu

Once school’s out, the beaches of Los Angeles fill up quickly, especially on the weekends. Malibu is no exception – and for good reason. The days are long, the sun is often shining, and opportunities for surfing, hiking and exploring are at their best. Still, the month of June does have its share of foggy and overcast mornings, known locally as the “ June Gloom.” July and August bring the nicest weather of the year but also the crowds, which means traffic can pose a challenge and prices are at their peak.

Fall in Malibu

Fall might be the sweet spot for visitors to Malibu. The crowds have dissipated but the weather remains hot and dry, especially in late September and early October, making for quieter days at the beach. For surfers, October brings some of the year’s best swells to Southern California. September is when the popular Malibu Chili Cook-Off and carnival happen, along with the Malibu Triathlon. Despite the hot days, the ocean water gets cold fast – so if you’re thinking about swimming, pack or rent a wetsuit.

Winter in Malibu

While winter is the coldest season even in sunny SoCali – mornings can start as low as 40 degrees – it’s not uncommon for Malibu to get a summer-like day in the middle of February. Then again, cold downpours can happen too. Winter also sees the whale migration come to the Southern California coast: Malibu offers several prime whale-watching spots, most notably Point Dume.

Spring in Malibu

Every spring, hikers and nature enthusiasts take to the trails in the Santa Monica Mountains to watch the canyons bloom with wildflowers. The days are sunny but not overly hot, making it possible to do longer treks. With fewer drivers on the road, spring is also a great time to drive up Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in the majestic coastline before dropping in on the beach or a park for a picnic.

January

January brings the unofficial start of the glitzy awards season in Los Angeles, beginning with the Golden Globes. Life remains relaxed in Malibu, though, and the beginning of the year, when temperatures are in the low 60s, is ideal for solo walks on the beach. On rare rainy days, visit nearby museums like the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University and the magnificent Getty Villa, the original location of the Getty Museum that now displays Greek and Roman art.

Key events : Whale-watching season begins

February

The weather remains crisp in February, and it’s the perfect time of the year to hole up for a romantic getaway at a beachfront hotel like the Malibu Beach Inn. There, you can take in ocean views (and maybe a whale sighting), order room service and indulge in a spa treatment. Later on, make a reservation at Nobu Malibu restaurant for another kind of spotting: of celebrities.

Key events : Whale-watching season

March

Peak whale watching happens in March, as visitors glimpse the migration of gray whales from lookout points like Point Dume or take a whale-watching tour from a boat. These typically depart from nearby towns such as Ventura or Marina del Rey.

Key events : Whale-watching season

April

The wildflowers start to bloom in April, lending pops of color to Malibu’s hiking trails and Malibu Canyon. Corral Canyon and Las Flores offer easy hikes just off PCH – but to make a day out of exploring the canyons and mountains, head over to the Malibu Creek State Park.

May

Late spring in Malibu often means cloudy mornings, referred to as “May Gray.” The fog usually burns off in the afternoons, though – so time your beach day accordingly. If you’re in town on a Sunday, stop into the Malibu Farmers Market at the Civic Center for fresh produce and local goods.

June

As summer officially arrives, Malibu’s high season kicks off. The beaches are the main attraction for the next few months, despite the persistence of that morning “June Gloom.” Head to Zuma Beach to enjoy a quintessential Malibu beach day, filled with surfing, volleyball, picnics and frozen treats.

July

Malibu has a small 4th of July parade at Point Dume with fireworks by night in Malibu Colony, a little north of the pier. Fireworks happen up and down the Pacific coast in SoCal, so expect a dazzling display of colors wherever you spend the night.

August

Malibu is at its most crowded as the temperatures heat up and visitors cram in a few more beach days before school starts. But the summer fun on the Malibu Pier and within the Malibu Country Mart is hard to resist. Just off PCH across from Topanga Beach, Rosenthal Winery is where you can end your beach day tasting local varietals.

September

Beach days continue well into September as things stay sunny and warm for most of the month. For surfers, September and October deliver some of the best waves of the year. This also marks the beginning of a dry season for the region, especially in the mountains where the threat of wildfires is high. Perhaps the highlight September in Malibu is the annual Chili Cook-Off, presented by the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu.

Key events : Malibu Chili Cook-Off, Malibu Triathlon, Waves of Flags display at Pepperdine University

October

Halloween is a big deal in Malibu: residents take their house decorations very seriously and the city sponsors its own Halloween Carnival. CineMalibu, the city’s free outdoor movie series, culminates in a Halloween-themed movie appropriate for all ages.

November

As the days become shorter and the weather turns cooler, visitors can work up a sweat on the mountain trails. To add a little fun to the workout, consider the Malibu Wine Hike, a moderate two-hour loop around Saddle Rock Ranch that ends in a hard-earned wine-tasting session.

December

The winter wonderland is more sunny than snowy in Malibu, and there’s plenty of holiday shopping to do at Malibu Country Mart, which has both big stores like Sephora and Urban Outfitters alongside specialty boutiques. Across the street, the historic Adamson House puts on holiday tours that show what life was like in Malibu around the turn of the 20th century. On New Year’s Eve, many restaurants along PCH have dinner events that promise a view of fireworks going off along the coast.

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Rugged Colorado is famous for its spectacular landscapes, outdoor adventures and gorgeous Rocky Mountain getaways. But the Centennial State is also home to a vibrant crop of hip and happening cities, fascinating historical sites and the best four-season weather just about anywhere.

Interstate highways zip between the state’s major hubs, though they can get packed with weekend warriors in season. The roads to more remote destinations are quieter but be prepared for steep passes, hair-raising switchbacks and winter closures. Getting around by public transport is possible – just about – but you'll get more out of Colorado with your own wheels.

Here's our guide to the best places to visit in Rocky Mountain country.

Aspen

Best romantic getaway

The sublime natural surroundings, combined with the evident opulence of this iconic mountain town, make Aspen a perfect place for a posh getaway for two. This Victorian-era mountain resort lends itself to pampering, with plenty of five-star hotels offering full-service spas ( Little Nell is a standout).

Aspen is small enough to enjoy on foot too, so you won't have to drive to duck into the edgy Aspen Art Museum before noshing on a charcuterie platter at Meat & Cheese or having a cocktail at the historic J-Bar saloon. Annual festivals like the Food & Wine Classic or the Aspen Music Festival add a bonus excuse for a long weekend with your boo.

And, there’s always the great outdoors. Winter brings world-class skiing, of course, but also snow-shoeing and cozy sleigh rides for two. Summer is all about hiking – the twin peaks known as the Maroon Bells are just minutes away, and miles and miles of trails await. Picture serene walks passing gurgling creeks and aspen groves, with just the two of you and the big blue Colorado sky.

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Denver

Best for arts and entertainment

In a state known for its bring-it-on outdoorsy ethos, Denver is the cultural megastar. From celebrated museums such as the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum to the much anticipated (and newly opened) Meow Wolf Denver, the city bubbles over with art.

Don’t overlook the city’s many public sculptures and the murals that drape across walls and sidings in neighborhoods such as RiNo and the Sante Fe Arts District. Did we mention there are four more major art museums, plus great art walks on the first Friday of every month, and scores of small galleries hosting shows and events?

For live entertainment, a trip to the Denver Performing Arts Complex is a no-brainer: this massive 10-theater complex gives equal billing to Broadway musicals, dramas, ballet, opera and the symphony orchestra. Smaller music and theater venues such as Dazzle Denver and the Curious Theatre make for an easy impromptu outing. And of course, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just 15 miles down the road.

Colorado Springs

Best City with Kids

A mix of urban and outdoorsy options makes Colorado Springs an easy go-to for family fun. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a surefire hit, offering hand-feeding experiences with giraffes, elephants and rhinos. Nearby, the Garden of the Gods is a spectacular collection of red sandstone outcrops, mammoth boulders, jutting fins and exquisite pinnacles that can be explored on foot, by bike ( rentals are available at the Visitors Center), or even with a stroller.

Alternatively, head underground to the Cave of the Winds, which offers an easy introduction to caving plus a zipline and ropes course for big and small adventurers. When it comes to inspirational museums, it’s hard to beat the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, with hands-on exhibits about the Games and top American athletes, and regular meet-and-greets with real Olympians. When the kids reach for their tablets, take a trip to Manitou Penny Arcade instead, where you can school them in the art of Galaga and Skee-Ball.

Breckenridge

Best winter basecamp

As winter basecamps go, you won't find one better than Breck. For starters, it’s home to one of Colorado’s best and biggest ski resorts – whether you’re on a family ski vacation or on the hunt for untamed powder, the spacious groomed slopes and high alpine bowls won’t disappoint. There’s tubing and snowshoeing too for more winter fun.

The town is within striking distance of five other first-rate winter resorts, including Keystone, Copper, and Arapahoe Basin; there’s even free bus service between them. For some après ski fun, Breck’s quaint historic district – this was a working mountain town before the chairlifts got here – buzzes with life, with hubs such as Breckenridge Brewery creating a genuine community feel. You'll find all this just two hours from Denver International Airport.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Best for hiking and wildlife spotting

The crown jewel of Colorado’s national parks, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiker’s wonderland. Some 355 miles of trails traverse terrain that ranges from sculpted granite mountain tops to gorgeous flower-filled valleys. To ease in, consider the flat but rewarding trail around Bear Lake or the moderate hike to Gem Lake in the Lumpy Ridge area; travelers with more ambition and strong legs are lured by the epic challenge of summiting 14,259ft (4346m) Longs Peak.

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for animals, big and small. Some 280 species of birds have been spotted here, including great horned owls, bald eagles and ptarmigan. Elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer and moose also make regular appearances in these rocky valleys.

Telluride

Most beautiful town

The tiny town of Telluride is gorgeous and utterly unique, and all the more alluring because of the journey along backcountry roads to get here. Deep in the San Juan Mountains, the town is ensconced at the end of a narrow box canyon, surrounded on three sides by epic mountain scenery and the 365ft Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s highest waterfall.

The town’s long main street features charming century-old buildings, today filled with shops ranging from the simple to the chichi. Nearby, the Jud Weibe Trail rewards hikers with spectacular views of the town and the mountains, while the local via ferrata course – a cable-protected scramble high on the surrounding cliffs – is simply heart-stopping.

Mesa Verde National Park

Best historic site

The country’s largest and best-preserved Native American archaeological site, Mesa Verde National Park is a spectacular introduction to the ancient Ancestral Puebloan people (not Anasazi, which means "ancient enemy" in the Navajo language). People lived here for centuries in elaborate structures built into high cliff walls before abruptly abandoning the site around 1300AD.

There are several DIY hikes in the park, but by far the best way to experience the site is on ranger-led tours that take visitors inside Mesa Verde’s famous cliff dwellings via wood-pole ladders, stone stairways and narrow tunnels. The Cliff Palace, an amazing engineering achievement with 150 rooms and 23 kivas (underground ceremonial spaces), is a definite highlight. Tours are not for the faint of heart but they are a one-of-a-kind experience.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Most unexpected landscape

As you pass through the jagged Sangre de Cristo Mountains and into the arid San Luis Valley, a massive dune field appears as if from nowhere – welcome to Great Sand Dunes National Park. This sprawling 30 sq mile expanse of sand is a surreal sight in a state better known for mountains, forests and raging rivers, and it's home to the tallest dunes in North America, standing some 750ft in height.

Hiking up the dunes can be challenging due to the shifting sand, but the reward is an otherworldly view from the top. For a thrill, rent special wooden boards for dune-surfing and slide down the sandy slopes. If you time it right, you can even enjoy a beach day beside the dunes – in late spring, the seasonal Medano Creek is born from snowmelt that flows down from the mountains, creating a brief oasis for wading and water play. You can't enjoy it for long; the water disappears by mid-summer.

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With its puffing volcanoes, pounding surf, sprawling salt flats and glistening glaciers, Chile is like the ultimate wonderland for adventures. But you don’t need to be a skier, surfer or hiker to find something fun to do here.

This long, slender South American nation also has word-class wineries, steamy hot springs and cosmopolitan cities whose residents know how to have a great time. No matter what kind of trip you're after, you’ll find a slice of Chile that’s just right for you. Here's where to start.

Go wine tasting in the Central Valley

When the Image of Chile Foundation did a global survey to find out what the nation was best known for abroad, the answer was resoundingly clear: wine! The best bottles never actually make it out of the country, so taste-test the good stuff that you'll never find in your local wine shop at the stunning vineyards near Santiago.

The venerable Colchagua Valley, three hours south of the capital, is your best bet for robust reds like Carmenere (Chile’s signature grape), produced at charming vineyards such as MontGras, where you can pick and stomp your own grapes. The Casablanca Valley, an hour west of the capital, is the go-to zone for crisp Sauvignon blancs.

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Ride a funicular in Valparaiso

There were once 30 ascensores (funiculars) linking downtown Valparaíso with the 42 hills that surround the city. Sixteen of them remain in use today and they’re a creaking, nostalgic reminder of the glory days when this city west of Santiago was one of the most important ports in the Americas.

Ascensor El Peral and Ascensor Concepción both lead to long promenades with sweeping views over a jumble of candy-colored houses blanketing the lumpy horizon. Ascensor Reina Victoria, meanwhile, takes you to the hilltop restaurants of Paseo Dimalow and nearby passageways lined in prismatic street art.

Climb a volcano

Do you like volcanoes? Good, because Chile has 2,000 of them! And around a quarter are potentially still active, including the highest volcano in the world, Ojos del Salado. Climbing a volcano, active or otherwise, is the highlight of many trips to Chile.

So long as the seismographs stay steady, the expedition to the top of Ojos del Salado is a rewarding but grueling two-week affair, but there are plenty of other cones you can climb in a day, including Volcán Villarrica near Pucón and Volcán Láscar near San Pedro de Atacama.

Stargaze in the Atacama Desert

The Atacama Desert is home to a whopping two-thirds of the world’s ground-based astronomy infrastructure, and scientists from Europe, Asia and North America flock here to tinker with billion-dollar telescopes. But the boffins aren’t the only ones who come to geek out under this dazzling dome of twinkling stars.

Both the Elqui Valley and San Pedro de Atacama have hotels and observatories that specialize in astro-tourism. You can learn about the night sky from a scientific point of view one night, and then get the local indigenous perspective the next, all beneath a fabulous canopy of constellations.

Ski in the Andes

Professional skiers and boarders from the Northern Hemisphere decamp to Chile each winter to train at the myriad resorts located in the Central Andes. Join the procession at top-notch (and high altitude) centers like Valle Nevado and Ski Portillo near Santiago.

Further south, Nevados de Chillán is the powder capital of South America, and, unlike in resorts further north, you can ski here below the tree line. The ski centers in the Lakes District, even further south, are smaller, more intimate and typically found on the top of smoking volcanoes.

Sample pisco in the Elqui Valley

Arguments have raged for years between Chile and Peru over who first created the powerful liquor known as pisco – and who makes it best today. If you want to have a dog in the fight, you’ll need to visit the Elqui Valley and the aptly named resort town of Pisco Elqui to sample this firewater at source.

Here, you’ll find artisanal pisco producers such as Fundo los Nichos and Doña Josefa that are only sold in the region, as well as big name brands such as Mistral that are available on shelves back home. Almost all of the distilleries have tasting rooms and many offer tours and lavish lunches.

Dance the night away in Santiago

Are you used to going out to bars at 7pm and coming home by midnight? That schedule won’t fly in Santiago, where things don’t get hopping until midnight and don’t stop until sunrise. The bohemian barrio (neighborhood) of Bellavista is the undisputed epicenter of Chilean nightlife, with bars and clubs catering to all styles and musical tastes.

Synth-pop, Latin trap and Reggaeton dominate the live music scene; you’ll also find DJs spinning EDM tracks and drag queens spinning dazzling ballgowns. If your night began with pisco sours, expect it to end with piscolas (pisco and Coca-Cola, always with more of the former than the latter). A hot tip: Never underestimate the ability of Chileans to drink you under the table, all the while acting like they’re still on their first drink!

Learn about Mapuche culture in La Araucanía

The Mapuche are Chile’s largest indigenous group and they’ve fought hard to maintain their identity in a nation that hasn’t always been keen on preserving indigenous traditions. As result, there are some impressive places where you can engage with indigenous culture.

Ethno-tourism projects have popped up all along the coast of south-central Chile in places such as Lago Budi and Mapu Lahual. Other projects operate out of small hamlets in the forests of the Araucanía Region, including Curarrehue and Malalcahuello, where umbrella-like pehuén (araucaria) trees thrive. You can sleep in traditional ruca homes, learn about herbal medicines, and dine on dishes spiced with a smoked chili pepper called merkén.

Visit the oldest mummies in the world in Arica

Most people think the world’s oldest mummies are in Egypt, but some 2000 years earlier, early residents of the Atacama coast had already developed intricate techniques for preserving their dead. The Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2021, and it covers ancient graveyards spread out from the regional capital of Arica to the tiny fishing hamlet of Caleta Camarones. Head to the mummy museum in the nearby Azapa Valley for an up-close look.

Go wildlife watching in Parque Nacional Patagonia

Parque Nacional Patagonia is one of those increasingly rare parts of our planet where you can see a good-news wildlife story unfold. Formerly comprised of overgrazed ranchlands, this vast swath of Patagonian steppe in the Chacabuco Valley is today known as “the Serengeti of the Southern Cone” as it’s home to one of the most ambitious rewilding projects on earth.

Visitors can search for endangered huemul deer, pumas, guanacos, flamingos, viscachas and many other species, while contributing funds that will help support the reintroduction of native Patagonian fauna.

Cruise through the Patagonian Fjords

The vast majority of Chilean Patagonia is an inaccessible archipelago of remote, wind-swept islands home to penguins, sea lions and little else. To visit, you’ll need a boat. Luckily, there are plenty of boatmen waiting to take you into this wilderness wonderland.

Ferry services depart from Puerto Montt, Puerto Natales and Punta Arenas for the steel-blue fjords, glacier-capped mountains and untouched parklands of Patagonia’s wildest frontier. It's a thrilling experience, but you'll appreciate a boat with on-board heating at this chilly latitude.

Visit the moai of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

It takes 5½ hours to fly from the Chilean mainland to this remote island, marooned in the Pacific Ocean some 1930km (1200 miles) from its nearest neighbor, the similarly remote Pitcairn Islands. Yet it’s totally worth it. The minute you catch a glimpse of the enigmatic moai statues that line the Rapa Nui coast, you'll be rapt.

Nobody is quite sure why these enormous effigies were carved out of volcanic stone between 1,000 and 1,500 CE, but there are more than 800 dotted around the island. The largest collections are found at Rano Raraku and Ahu Tongariki on the opposite side of the island from the only town, Hanga Roa.

Surf the Pacific Coast

With miles of empty ocean between Chile and Australia, the waves come fast and strong along the Pacific Coast. You can find top surf breaks at dozens of quaint towns dotting the coast of Middle Chile – Pichilemu is the most famous surf hub, but nearby Cobquecura and Matanzas also have good breaks.

Then there are northern surf cities such as Iquique and Arica, close to the Peruvian border, where the desert comes right down to the beach and reef breaks deliver impressive barrels year-round. Just be ready for gnarly waves that are more suitable for pros than beginners.

Bathe in steamy hot springs

With so many volcanoes puffing along Chile’s Andean spine, it’s only natural that Chile should be blessed with abundant hot springs. The Lakes District resort town of Pucón is a top destination for some quality spa time, with access to a week’s worth of natural Jacuzzis in the surrounding rainforests, including the designer spa resort at Termas Geométricas near Coñaripe.

If a hot spring on the Altiplano is more your vibe, try the remote, natural and often free pools above San Pedro or close to the Aymara village of Putre. Prefer your hot springs on the edge of a Patagonian fjord? Try Puyuhuapi. Want something in the rugged Andes instead? Try Termas Valle de Colina, an easy day trip from Santiago.

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Argentina is the eighth-largest country on Earth and, as a result, distances between destinations can be huge. For example, the drive between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego is more than 3,000km (1,864 miles) – significantly further than New York to Los Angeles.

Fortunately, there’s a wide range of transport options to get you from A to B. Whether you choose to travel by bus or boat, train or plane, bike or car, here’s our guide to navigating your way around Argentina.

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Busses are a cost-effective way to travel through Argentina

Long-distance buses are the most popular and cost-effective way to travel around the country. Known as micros, they are generally modern, comfortable and reliable vehicles with a/c, toilets and reclining seats. Some even have wifi and USB ports.

Various classes of buses and seats are available, especially on popular inter-city routes. They include: partially reclining semi-cama (semi-sleeper); fully reclining cama (sleeper class); and bigger and more luxurious ejecutivo (executive) and suite. For long journeys, it’s worth going for the most expensive seat you can afford.

You can also expect an attendant serving hot meals, soft drinks and sometimes wine and beer (all of which are typically included in the fare), TV screens showing films (often at great volume) and even bingo sessions with prizes. Good ear plugs, an eye mask and warm clothes for the often glacial a/c are highly recommended.

There’s often strong competition between companies on busier routes, so look out for promotions. Some bus stations – including Retiro, the main terminal in Buenos Aires – are in slightly shady areas, so keep your wits about you. More positively, many also have handy left-luggage services.

Hiring a car can help you get off the beaten track

Hiring a car gives you more freedom to explore independently and off the beaten track, particularly in regions such as Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the northwest where public transport is limited and/or infrequent. Although the main highways across the country are usually in good condition, roads in many rural areas are unpaved and dotted with potholes.

Rental cars (and gas) are generally a bit more expensive than in North America or Europe – it’s worth going for an unlimited mileage deal. And if you’re planning to drive into a neighboring country, make sure this is covered by the rental agreement and your insurance (you’ll probably need to pay an additional fee).

Tourist trains are incredibly scenic

Argentina’s once extensive railway network is now sadly much diminished, with only limited long-distance lines.

Buenos Aires has plenty of commuter services, with stations throughout the city, suburbs and surrounding province. A handful of long-distance trains run to cities such as Mar del Plata, Rosario, Córdoba and Tucumán – they tend to be cheaper, but slower and less frequent than buses. There are also regional lines in and around Córdoba, Salta and Neuquén, though again they aren’t particularly useful for travelers.

But there are several popular tourist and heritage trains: the Tren de la Costa (Train of the Coast), which runs from Buenos Aires to Tigre, gateway to the Paraná delta; the scenic Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) in the high-altitude northwest; the Tren Patagónico, which runs through the Lake District between Bariloche and Viedma; La Trochita (The Little Gauge), popularized by Paul Theroux’s classic book The Old Patagonian Express; and the Tren de Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train), the most southerly railway on Earth, in Tierra del Fuego.

Planes tend to be expensive

Aerolíneas Argentinas, the national carrier, has the widest range of domestic routes, serving everywhere from Salta in the northwest and Puerto Iguazú in the northeast to Ushuaia in the far south.

LATAM, the biggest airline in South America, has flights to cities across Argentina and to neighboring countries, while LADE, which is operated by the air force, connects Buenos Aires with cities in the Lake District, Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, notably tourist hubs such as Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia. There are also a few budget airlines with more limited routes, including JetSmart Argentina and Flybondi.

Across the board, flights are generally a bit more expensive than in Europe or North America.

Ferries will get you across La Plata River

There are relatively few opportunities for traveling by boat in Argentina. Daily ferries and catamarans sail across the La Plata River between Buenos Aires and Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. From nearby Tigre, regular boats travel through the meandering waterways of the Paraná delta, calling in at island settlements. Boats also travel into the delta from the city of Rosario. And if you’re traveling by bus or car between Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, you’ll need to pass into Chile and catch a ferry across the Strait of Magellan en route.

Its best to get around Buenos Aires by subway

Launched in 1913, the Subte in Buenos Aires was the first subway system in Latin America and remains the only one in Argentina. The quickest and cheapest way to get around the capital, it has six main lines and frequent services. To use the Subte, you need to buy a contactless and rechargeable SUBE card. Trains get uncomfortably packed during rush hours and hot during the summer. Keep a firm grip on your bags, phones and wallets, as pickpockets do operate.

Buenos Aires also has a vast – and sometimes bewildering – array of local buses (known as colectivos) and dedicated bus lanes, which have cut down congestion. Other cities and towns, including Córdoba and Rosario, also have useful local bus networks.

Taxis are commonplace in Buenos Aires and the bigger cities; if you hail one on the street, make sure the driver uses the meter. Minicabs or radio taxis are known as remises, and have fixed rates for routes. If there’s a group of you, it can be cost-effective to hire a remís for a day trip. Uber also operates in Buenos Aires.

Cycling is an excellent way to explore Argentina

Buenos Aires currently has more than 250km (155 miles) of bike lanes ( bicisendas) and the local authorities are planning to expand the network over the coming years. There’s also a free bike-sharing scheme called EcoBici. Other cities are also improving their cycling infrastructure and bike hire and cycle tours are commonplace.

If you fancy a long-distance or multi-day ride, there are plenty of options, too, from the epic RN-40 – Argentina’s answer to Route 66 – to the easygoing Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) in the Lake District.

Accessible travel in Argentina

Unfortunately, Argentina is not the most accessible destination for travelers with disabilities. But the situation is slowly improving in parts of the country, particularly Buenos Aires, where most local buses, some Subte stations and many hotels (especially those built recently) are wheelchair accessible, and pavement curb ramps are increasingly common. There have also been improvements at key attractions such as Parque Nacional Iguazú, whose main trails are now largely wheelchair accessible. For more information, check out Lonely Planet’s Accessible Travel Online Resources.

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A guide to getting around Argentina

Short distances and quick journey times make getting around the compact Aegean island of Mykonos easy.

Cheap options are many: a useful bus network runs during the tourist season with frequent service and low fares, while small boats connect many of the most popular beaches on the south coast.

For maximum flexibility, you can hire a motorbike or car, although parking poses a challenge come July and August, especially at the more popular beaches where parking spots are few and fees are high. Although taxis are not plentiful, various other options mean that you can get around Mykonos without the hassle and expense of renting a car.

Bus

A comprehensive network of buses covers Mykonos. Operated by the national cooperative KTEL, services run reasonably frequently throughout the day; you can get to most important places on the island, including the airport, for about €2 ($2.30; fares vary slightly depending on the distance of the trip). Buses depart from two stations in the main town of Hora : Fabrika is just south of the old town, while Old Port is 500m north of the center. Travel times are short: the trip from New Port (where large ferries dock) or the airport to Hora takes under 20 minutes.

Despite journeys being measured in minutes, the buses are those typically found on long-distance coach services, complete with just one narrow entry door. This only compounds the crush of riders in summer when demand easily outstrips the supply of seats and you may have to wait a while for a free space.

Routes serving the party beaches and their nocturnal clubs may run until 2am in summer. Note that service to the north and east coasts is sparse or nonexistent.

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Car

It’s simple to rent a car on Mykonos, either from a well-known firm or one of several local vendors. Arrange well in advance in the peak summer months or expect to be left carless when demand outstrips supply. For a spontaneous rental of a day or two, it may be easiest to hire a car through your accommodation.

A car gives you full freedom to explore all of Mykonos – though there are drawbacks, especially in summer. The relatively short drives along the island’s limited road network can be harrowing due to narrow lanes, cliffside plunges and incessant peak-season traffic. Parking is also stressful in Hora and at the beaches; expect hefty fines if you decide to leave your car in an unapproved spot. Additionally, some of the more remote beaches are accessible only by dirt tracks not recommended for a non-4WD automobile.

A good strategy is to rent a car for just one day to fully explore the compact island, sparing you the attendant hassles for the remainder of your trip.

Motorbike or scooter

Buzzing about Mykonos on two wheels is an excellent alternative to driving a car, as the narrow roads are less of an issue and parking is much easier. Businesses renting motorbikes or scooters are plentiful – but non-EU residents should note a crucial caveat: you’ll need a motorcycle or motorbike license valid in your home country.

Bicycle

Twisting, hilly roads and very narrow lanes with myriad blind curves make bike riding a challenge on Mykonos. And that’s before you add in drivers maniacally speeding to make up for time spent stalled in traffic. All this doesn’t deter everyone, and you’ll find multiple places to rent bikes. If you want to leave the choice of a safe and interesting back road to the experts, consider joining a bike tour. Yummy Pedals offers a range of routes for various fitness levels and interests.

Taxi

With hordes of holidaymakers descending on the island, taxis are expensive on Mykonos. You’ll find taxi stands at the airport, in Hora and at the ferry ports. Relatively short trips can cost €15-25 ($18-29), and in high season taxis are in short supply and waits can be long. If you want certainty for an added surcharge, you can try booking a taxi in advance. Most places to stay will pick you up at the ferry ports or airport for about €10 ($12) if you arrange your ride in advance.

Uber and other ride-share apps are not available on the island.

Boat

Small boats (caïques) operate a water taxi service in summer linking the most popular beaches on the south coast. Service runs hourly going east from Ornos to Elia from about 10am until 4pm. Return service going west runs from around noon until 5:30pm. Beach stops include Platys Gialos, Paraga, Paradise, Super Paradise and Agrari. Fares cost €10 ($12) for one hop or €20 ($24) for an all-day pass.

In town, the Mykonos Sea Bus runs a super convenient and speedy service linking New Port (where large ferries dock) with Hora’s Old Port (some fast ferries plus local buses) and the old town. Summer service runs every 30 minutes from 7:30am until 11:30pm and costs only €2 ($2.30).

Walking

Getting around by foot on Mykonos is viable for the beaches and holiday rentals close to Hora such as Tourlos and Megali Ammos. It’s also possible to walk between the south coast beaches from Ornos in the west to Super Paradise; the beach walk between Platys Gialos Beach and Paradise Beach is even an island highlight. Elsewhere, however, a lack of long-distance trails and the narrow, busy roads makes counting on your own two feet to get around not recommended.

Accessible transportation in Mykonos

Accessible transportation is very limited on Mykonos. Neither public buses nor taxis have wheelchair access. Steep stone stairs abound, walkways are not friendly to people with reduced mobility and crowds jam the lanes and alleys of Hora.

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Argentina serves up a truly beguiling mix of landscapes: ice fields and fossilized forests, humid wetlands and soaring mountains, plunging waterfalls and desert canyons, subtropical jungles and barren steppes. Its national parks are a wild playground for adventurers.

The country currently has 36 areas protected as parques nacionales, as well as an assortment of other protected national reserves, natural reserves and national monuments. Here are eight of our favorite national parks in Argentina.

Parque Nacional Iberá

Best for visiting in the winter

The vast wetlands of Parque Nacional Iberá in northeastern Argentina are a treasured haven for wildlife. More than 360 species of birds – from kingfishers and jabiru storks to roseate spoonbills and flightless tinamus – have been spotted here, as well as mammals and reptiles such as capuchin monkeys, caimans, and capybaras, the world’s biggest rodent. As part of a major rewilding project, a number of other species are being reintroduced to the park, including ocelots and anteaters.

Although you can visit Iberá throughout the year, the summer months can be ferociously hot and humid. By contrast, the winter – especially May–June and–August-September – is drier and pleasantly warm, with temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F).

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Parque Nacional Talampaya

Best for otherworldly landscapes

Made up of dusty desert canyons lined with ochre-red sandstone cliffs, monoliths and pinnacles, Parque Nacional Talampaya feels like it has been transplanted from Mars. Located in La Rioja province in mid-western Argentina, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can only be visited on a guided tour, but trips can be easily arranged at the visitor center or in the nearby town of Villa Unión.

Beyond the surreal rock formations, there are ancient petroglyphs, circling eagles and condors, and herds of guanacos, wild relatives of llamas. If you have the time, you can combine a tour of Talampaya with a visit to nearby Parque Provincial Ischigualasto, which is renowned for its rocky moonscapes and dinosaur fossils.

Parque Nacional Iguazú

Best for big splashes

Split between Argentina and Brazil and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cataratas del Iguazú are arguably the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. Flanked by sub-tropical rainforest, this mighty collection of cascades sits on the Río Iguazú, which divides into a multitude of channels before plunging over the edge of a vast, semi-circular plateau with fearsome power.

Both sides of the falls are national parks, but there’s more to explore in Argentina’s Parque Nacional Iguazú. Trails, boardwalks and bridges – some wheelchair-accessible – take you so close to the thundering waters that in some areas you can expect to get completely soaked.

It’s also worth also popping over the border to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil for some stunning panoramic views of the falls. In both national parks, keep your eyes peeled for coatis – these raccoon-like creatures may look cute, but they’re devious experts at stealing food from unsuspecting travellers.

Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

Best for visiting in the summer

In Tierra del Fuego in the far south of Argentina, bounded by the Beagle Channel and Lake Fagnano, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is an untamed expanse of mountains, forests, bogs, lakes and beaches. As you might expect given its location just 1,000km (620 miles) north of Antarctica, the park can be a challenging place to visit during the bitterly cold winter. It's far better to come in the spring, summer or early autumn (October–April), when it's warmer and drier, though you still need to prepare for rain and strong winds.

Beyond the scenery, the park is rich in birdlife such as austral parakeets, green-backed firecrown hummingbirds, condors and albatrosses. It's also worth visiting to travel on the touristy but historic End of the World Train – built by inmates of the local penal colony in the early 20th century – which runs to the edge of the park. Within the reserve, you’ll find ancient mounds of discarded mollusc shells left behind by indigenous peoples many centuries ago.

Parque Nacional Los Glaciares

Best for hiking

Covering a large chunk of the Campo de Hielo Patagónico Sur, the largest ice field in all of South America, Los Glaciares is one of Argentina’s most-visited national parks, and for good reason. With its jagged scenery and shark-tooth summits, the park protects some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is divided into two sections. The southern sector, accessed from the village of El Chaltén, is a hotspot for hiking and mountain climbing, thanks to its clearly marked trails, well-maintained campsites, and a breathtaking sweep of ragged massifs, shimmering lakes and evergreen forests. Trails start right from the edge of El Chaltén, which is jam-packed with facilities for trekkers.

The northern sector, accessed from the touristy town of El Calafate, is famous for its world-class collection of glaciers, most notably Glaciar Perito Moreno – a true monster at 30km (19 miles) long, 5km (3 miles) wide and 60m (197ft) in height – which you can explore on a memorable guided ice-hike.

Parque Nacional Lanín

Best for volcano enthusiasts

In the Argentinian Lake District, straddling the Argentina-Chile border, Lanín is a perfectly shaped conical stratovolcano and a national landmark. Surrounded by gleaming lakes and forests of southern beeches, cypresses and araucarias – better-known outside of South America as monkey puzzle trees –  its 3,776m (12,388ft) summit, topped with snow and ice, is an awe-inspiring sight.

There are several hiking routes snaking through the park, but the most challenging and rewarding is the trek to the top of Lanín itself. Although it doesn’t require extensive climbing experience, a good level of physical fitness and a knowledgeable local guide are essential. The risk of volcanic activity is low – Lanín last erupted more than 2,000 years ago.

Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi

Best for outdoor activities

South of the Lanín volcano, and spanning 7,050 sq km (2,722 sq miles), Nahuel Huapi is Argentina’s oldest national park, founded in 1934. Sprawling around its namesake lake, the park features rugged mountain ranges and dense forests, all easily accessed from the tourist hubs of Bariloche and Villa La Angostura.

The park offers a dazzling array of outdoor activities and adventure sports. In the winter, it attracts skiers and snowboarders from across the continent. During the rest of the year, visitors can go swimming, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and sailing. If that sounds too much like hard work, you can simply kick back in town and sample some of the region’s famous beer and chocolate.

Parque Nacional Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo

Best for prehistoric encounters

An eerie forest of fossilized tree trunks spread across an isolated patch of Patagonian steppe, Bosques Petrificados de Jaramillo – also known as Monumento Natural Bosques Petrificados – is one of Argentina’s most unusual national parks. The park is a little tricky to visit – no public buses run here, so you’ll have to hire a car or take an organized tour from the coastal town of Puerto San Julián – but it's well worth the cost and effort.

In the Jurassic period, some 150 million years ago, this part of Argentina had a warmer, wetter climate and the landscape was covered with araucarias, pines, palm trees, ferns and shrubs, until a volcanic eruption covered them in ash. Today, the fossilized trunks – some of which are 3m (10ft) in diameter and 35m (115ft) in length – are a truly haunting sight.

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Exploring Argentina's spectacular national parks

England is set to remove all countries from its red list of COVID-19 hotspots. This means that fully vaccinated passengers from around the world will no longer have to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine if they test negative when arriving into the country.

Just seven countries currently remain on the red list including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. Anyone arriving into England from the red list is required to spend 10 days in a government-designated hotel at a cost of £2285 per adult, regardless of their vaccination status.

However, these countries are set to be removed from the red list on Monday, November 1 at 4am, following a reassessment of the COVID-19 risk. "We have been able to do this now because the variants of concern that we have been tracking are no longer of concern to the chief medical officers," the UK's transport secretary, Grant Shapps, told the BBC.

We will keep the red list category 🔴 in place as a precautionary measure to protect public health and are prepared to add countries and territories back if needed, as the UK’s first line of defence.
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 28, 2021

But the red list isn't going away. Shapps said the system will remain and any country will added to the red list if they record a significant increase in coronavirus case numbers.

Read more: The UK's latest health and safety information

The removal of the last seven countries from the red list only applies to England for now. Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales set out their own travel guidelines.

Mandatory quarantine at government-designated hotels has been dropped for now, but currently only travelers vaccinated in the EU, US or one of these 50-plus countries and territories are allowed to travel to the UK without the need to quarantine at home or in their place of accommodation. However, from Monday the UK government confirmed today that it will recognize vaccines administered in more than 30 new countries and territories, including Peru and Uganda.

England updated its travel policy at the start of October, replacing its green, amber and red traffic light system with a single red list of countries and territories that are considered high-risk in the context of COVID-19.

Under the updated travel policy, most fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red list countries, provided they are included in the inbound vaccination policy, do not have to take a pre-departure test when traveling to England but they are required to take a lateral flow test, or a PCR test, on day two of their arrival.

Unvaccinated passengers need to take tests before departure, on days two and eight of arriving/returning to England and need to quarantine for 10 days.

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England loosens travel restrictions and removes all countries from COVID-19 red list

Charleston has upped its game. Carriage tours still clip-clop through the historic district and ferries still shuttle crowds to Fort Sumter, but new attractions and revamped old favorites are keeping the Holy City relevant – and fun.

Rooftop bars, innovative breweries and small-batch distilleries keep opening their doors while plantations and historic homes are digging deep into Charleston’s diverse and complicated history. And foodies take note: Debates about the city’s best barbecue are just as passionate these days as debates about shrimp and grits.

This list of Charleston’s best things to do offers a mix of the old and new.

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Stroll the Historic District

Historic Charleston feels like one big living museum, and it's easily explored by foot. Antebellum homes, grand churches, weathered cemeteries and brilliant gardens – often tucked behind wrought-iron gates – hug the straight and narrow streets, which were laid out in the 1670s. Highlights include the colorful homes of Rainbow Row and the Battery and White Point Gardens on the waterfront at the southern tip of the peninsula. Pick up a map at the visitor center.

Culinary Adventures

With its seafood shacks, quirky mainstays and a dizzying array of “must-try” restaurants from wunderkind chefs, Charleston has enjoyed a culinary hot streak for a decade. Many menus are built around Lowcountry dishes and seafood, but creative interpretations of old favorites keep the dining scene fresh. Beyond shrimp and grits, top regional fare includes oysters, pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, she-crab soup, and a Lowcountry boil (shrimp, corn, potatoes, sausage and seasoning).

Tried-and-true stalwarts include Mike Lata’s FIG, oysters at the Ordinary and food that’s both fast & French at Gaulart & Maliclet. Barbecue is also hot, with Home Team BBQ and Lewis Barbecue getting consistent local kudos. Top-notch International options are plentiful too.

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Immerse in Gullah Culture

Enslaved people brought from West Africa to the Lowcountry held onto many of their homeland traditions after slavery ended. The resulting Gullah culture (Geechee in Georgia) has its own language and traditions, including amazing storytelling, art and music. Learn their history at McLeod Plantation on James Island, where tours describe the daily lives of enslaved people on a cotton plantation and trace the emergence of the Gullah culture. Their culture is celebrated annually in late May at the Gullah Festival in nearby Beaufort. Gullah Tours visits historic sites in and around Charleston.

Sample locally sourced spirits

Sweet tea is a distinctly Southern beverage, and according to state lore the popular drink was created in South Carolina. The team at Firefly Distillery embraces this heritage with its sweet tea-flavored vodka, which is made with tea from the Charleston Tea Garden. High Wire Distilling uses ingredients and heirloom grains from across the Lowcountry and South Carolina for its popular spirits. Tastings are available at both distilleries. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday art High Wire.

Explore Historic Homes

The Historic Charleston Foundation protects historic buildings in the city and advocates for the preservation of gardens, parks and neighborhoods. The foundation manages two historic buildings: The Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House. Tours of the former, a townhouse that has been preserved but not restored, share details about past owners as well as the enslaved people who worked there. A self-supporting spiral staircase anchors the Nathaniel Russell House, a meticulously restored 1808 Federal Style-house.

First Sumter National Monument

The shelling of Union-held Fort Sumter by Confederate forces in 1861 triggered the Civil War. The fort, which occupies a small pentagon-shaped island in Charleston Harbor, sees a steady stream of visitors, especially in summer. But even with the crowds, it’s easy to immerse in the chaotic confusion of that historic day thanks to the remote setting – a ferry ride is required – and an engaging ranger talk that spotlights the historic clash.

Walk the Arthur Ravenel Jr Bridge

Burn off last night’s shrimp and grits with a power walk over the graceful Arthur J Ravenel Bridge, which links the town of Mount Pleasant and the Charleston Historic District. The 2.5-mile pedestrian path over the cable-stayed bridge rises about 200ft above the Cooper River and provides gorgeous views of both communities. There's a parking lot with access to the pedestrian path in Mount Pleasant. The view from the span is especially nice at sunset.

Tour the only tea garden in the US

Attempts to grow tea commercially in the US began in the 1820s in southeastern South Carolina, where the sandy soil, sub-tropical weather and frequent rainfall were well-suited for tea plants. In the 1960s wild tea plants from one of these early plantations were harvested and successfully re-planted on Wadmalaw Island 30 miles southwest of Charleston. Today Charleston Tea Garden offers tours of its tea factory (free) and trolley tours of its acres of hardy tea plants.

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Get out on the water

Flanked by creeks, marshes, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean, the Lowcountry is an ideal place for paddling trips and boat excursions. Wildlife and gorgeous coastal views abound. Keep it simple with a ride on the Charleston Water Taxi between Charleston and Mount Pleasant or scan for dolphins during the boat ride to Fort Sumter. Adventure Harbor Tours runs sunsets cruises and trips to uninhabited Morris Island. Numerous outfitters offer paddling trips through Shem Creek and Lowcountry creeks and marshes.

Wander the Gardens at Middleton Place

Designed in 1741, the elegant gardens at Middleton Place are the oldest landscaped gardens in America. Today they are also home to more than 100,000 azaleas. One of three historic plantations along the Ashley River northwest of downtown, Middleton Place owes its early beauty to the work of the enslaved people who spent years developing and maintaining the land. Their stories are shared onsite. Lowcountry fare is on the menu at the popular restaurant here.

Ride the Charleston Beer Trolley

A free trolley swings through the Charleston Beer District in downtown Charleston on Saturdays, stopping at ten breweries between 1pm and 9pm. You can visit them by hopping on and off. Revelry Brewery has a fire pit on its rooftop while Edmund’s Oast has 20 house-brewer beers on tap. Check the Charleston Brewery District Facebook page for the current trolley schedule.

Explore Mount Pleasant

For a break from the historic district, board a water taxi at Waterfront Park and cross the Cooper River to Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant. At the Naval and Maritime Museum you can tour the USS Yorktown, an enormous decommissioned aircraft carrier used in WWII. You’ll need your car to visit Boone Hall Plantation and its striking Avenue of Oaks, planted in 1743. The most compelling buildings here are the original slave cabins. Explore charming Old Village then make your way to lovely Shem Creek for dinner by the water. Look for dolphins and party boats.

Find family fun Downtown

If your kids dig spooky attractions, it’s hard to get much creepier than the dungeon at the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon in the Historic District. The British held American patriots in the cramped space here during the Revolutionary War. The 385,000-gallon ocean tank and the sea turtle rehabilitation hospital lure in kids for a closer look at the South Carolina Aquarium. The Kidstory area at the Charleston Museum explores the city’s history with hands-on exhibits. Enormous skeletons of prehistoric creatures keep things real in the natural history gallery. For skateboarding, head to SK8 Charleston, a 32,000ft concrete skatepark in North Charleston.

Visit the Old Slave Mart Museum

In the heart of the Historic District, this small but hard-hitting museum occupies the site of a former open-air market that auctioned African Americans in the mid-1800s. Text-driven exhibits provide an unflinching look at the cruelties and horrors of the slave trade. Compelling oral histories from former enslaved people and a handful of chilling artifacts also make a powerful impression.

History Prep at the Charleston Museum

History hurtles at you from every direction in Charleston, which played a pivotal role in America’s past as a busy port city and center of trade. For a quick history primer, spend an hour or two in the Charleston Museum. Exhibits dedicated to the city’s early development and its role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars provide helpful background and context. Artifacts highlight diverse experiences, including those of Native Americans, enslaved African Americans and influential politicians.

Sip Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar

Swanky rooftop bars with sweeping views of downtown are plentiful. They are also easy to find – just ride the elevator to the top of the trendiest hotels. Twinkling views of city lights and Charleston Harbor bring crowds to the iconic Rooftop Bar at the art-themed Vendue. You’ll find an infinity pool, illuminated umbrellas and more stunning city views at the Pavilion Bar atop the Market Pavilion Hotel.

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Shopping on King Street

King Street is the historic district’s prime shopping corridor. With numerous stores selling home furnishings and housewares, Upper King is considered the design district while Middle King is the fashion district, home of well-known clothing stores as well as high-end boutiques. The southernmost stretch, Lower King, is dotted with antique stores. Pop into Blue Bicycle Books for new and used books, many with a focus on the South.

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Featured in Best in Travel 2021

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