How to find hiking trails near you

If you’re fairly new to hiking or looking to go to an unfamiliar park or city, you may be wondering how to locate places to go. “Navigation apps like AllTrails and GAIA are great resources for finding nearby hiking trails,” says Claire Ramsdell, adventure consultant for Wildland Trekking.

For anyone visiting or living near a national or state park, it’s easy to see a list of recommended hiking trails on their website. “The US Forest Service has an interactive map with hiking trails on it, plus campsite locations and other helpful information,” she adds. “Some trails or regions also have a special dedicated website, like Washington Trails Association, or White Blaze which is a forum for the Appalachian Trail.

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5 Tips for National Park Road Trip

Have a great visit to any of America's national parks with these helpful tips

Sometimes, even typing “best hikes near X city” into Google can yield helpful results. You may end up getting some great recommendations from locals!

One word of caution: Not all online sources will be legitimate or share everything you need to know. “Many resources provide incorrect info that can put you in a bad situation, and others leave out key details such as where to park, how difficult the hike is, etc.,” cautions Nadine Gravis, an avid hiker and a travel advisor at the adventure travel booking platform 10 Adventures. “To avoid being led astray, I always recommend printed guide books or reputable online resources, like 10adventuers.com!”

Tips for choosing a trail

Once you’ve figured out where you want to go, there are some things that the pros say you should keep in mind when deciding on a trail or trails to take. First, consider both the season and the weather of the day you plan to hike. “You don’t want to get stuck on a mountain ridgeline if lightning is in the forecast, and likewise you don’t want to be hiking along the belly of a canyon if heavy rain is expected,” says Gravis.

In summer, especially in hot areas, it’s best to go on your hike very early in the morning and try to pick a trail that provides shade from the sun. Springtime, on the other hand, may still be too snowy at high mountain elevations, adds Ramsdell.

Next, try and do research on current trail conditions when possible. “There may have been recent rock fall that is now obstructing a section, or there may be an ongoing wildfire in the area,” explains Ramsdell. “This information is listed on the website of whichever agency administers the land (Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, etc). You can also read recent trail reports from other hikers on sites like AllTrails.”

Finally, it’s best to consider your own experience and skill level to know if a trail is a good fit. If you’re just getting started, avoid those that are described as being “hard” or involve a lot of tiring elements. “Instead, begin with an easy hike and work your way up, slowly adding elevation or distance with each subsequent hike you take on,” suggests Gravis. “Quick tip: adding elevation is more challenging than adding distance!”

What to wear on a hike

For short hikes, comfortable shoes and clothing will be sufficient. But for those on longer trails, you may want to put more focus on your wardrobe—especially if it’s something you plan to regularly do. “Invest in hiking clothes that wick away sweat and dry quickly,” suggests Echo Wang, founder and CEO of Cool Travel Vibes.

Wearing the right socks can also make a different to help keep feet from getting blisters. Ramsdell suggests liner socks or double-layered socks, like wearing a thin inner sock so that a thicker outsider socks rubs the liner instead of your skin. Also smart: “Trim your toenails to avoid pain, especially going downhill,” adds Wang.

What to bring on a hike

Being prepared on a hike can help make the experience even better! Below, the pros share their favorite items and must-haves to bring along when you hit the trails:

1. Enough water. “Two liters is a good idea on most hikes,” advises Ramsdell. “You can probably get away with one liter for a lot of day hikes, but two is extra safe.”
2. A paper map. “Apps are great, but not 100% reliable,” says Alison Watta, creator and editor at Exploration Solo. “If there isn’t a paper map, but there’s a kiosk with a large map, take a photo.”
3. A quick snack, especially one with a quick hit of glucose or carbs. “You need something that’s easily digestible during intense exercise and heavier foods can make some hikers nauseous,” shares Ramsdell.
4. Duct tape. “It solves almost any problem with malfunctioning gear,” explains Ramsdell.
5. A tripod for photos. “It’s always great to be able to look back on hiking memories, and carrying a lightweight tripod means everyone can jump in for the photo op!” suggests Gravis.
6. Trekking poles. “New hikers also often forego trekking poles, but if hiking becomes a long term hobby, poles are really going to save your knees,” says Ramsdell. (Click through to find out how walking poles can help with weight loss!)
7. A rain cover for your backpack. “Having a rain tarp for your pack is essential as it will protect any electronics such as a satellite phone or your own smartphone, and will also protect the contents of your pack such as dry clothing and food items,” says Gravis.
8. A blister kit. “Known as ‘mole skin’, having this item in your first aid kit can make the difference between a very miserable/painful hike, and a great hike,” adds Gravis.

Keys to staying safe on a hike

It’s no secret that hiking means you get both the feel-good perks of spending time and nature, plus a host of physical benefits. It’s important, however, to stay safe on the trails, regardless of skill level and experience.

The first key? “Tell someone where you’re going and when to expect you back,” advises Gravis. This will ensure a friend or loved one has your location even if there’s no cell service.

Next, be prepared for hot weather hikes to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion. Ramsdell encourages you to wear a hat, sunscreen and avoid starting at noon!

Even if you have a lot of daylight to work with, if you think your hike may cut it close to sunset, there’s something you might want to carry in your pack. “Bring a headlamp in case your hike goes long and the sun starts to disappear,” suggests Gravis.

Finally, a bit of pre-hike prep can ensure the experience on the trail is as pleasant and comfortable as possible! A light walk and stretching the day before, along with warming up and stretching on the day of the hike, will also help significantly,” adds Wang.

For more travel fun, check out our Woman’s World travel booking site and keep reading!

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“Our National Parks are guardians of America’s lands and history,” says Thomas Wright, who shares his journey on ANationalParksQuest.com. “Today, people travel to these gems to witness wildlife, volcanoes, glaciers and forests.  It is great to see.  I have been within six feet of a brown bear, one foot from a mountain goat, stood in the caldera of the largest active volcano, and climbed Half-Dome.”

With so many studies confirming the countless benefits of spending time in nature, it’s no wonder people are heading out to the parks to experience the beauty for themselves. Yet, exploring a national park can seem a bit overwhelming. Luckily, we got the scoop on how to make it a stress-free and enjoyable trip no matter where you go. Below, Wright shares his best tips for making the most out of a National Park visit.

Let your unique personality guide you

With more than 400 options to choose from, how do you pick a park? His suggestion: “Go with your personality.” Beach and sand lovers might have an especially great time at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve; while someone who likes mountains will appreciate Arches National Park and Glacier National Park in Montana. (Click through to see more National Parks in the Pacific Northwest.)

“If one enjoys water, then by all means get out to Channel Islands National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park,” he says. Channel Islands, for example, is comprised of five islands and is known for its sea caves, 1932 lighthouse, seals and seabirds. Meanwhile the 100-square-mile Dry Tortugas Park is almost entirely dazzling water. (These Midwestern National Parks are worth a visit, too.)

Looking for large wildlife like bison and coyotes? “Head to Yellowstone [in California] or Glacier,” shares Wright. “The problem in the other parks is that the wildlife is not as interested in seeing you as you are in seeing them!” (Check out more Calfornia National Parks here.)

Head to the NPS website when planning

You’ve finally decided which park is calling your name, so now it’s time to plan! Wright says the National Park Service (NPS) website is a great place to start, and can let you know everything from operating hours and offered activities to available services and directions.

“Part of the planning should include what you want to accomplish in the park: any specific hike or climb, a drive on one or more roads, geological formations to stop and see, etc,” he says. “This will save you time upon your arrival.”

Make the Visitor Center your first stop

With the stress of travel behind you, you’re ready to take in all that the national park you’ve chosen has to offer. Before you start hitting the trails or snapping photos, Wright says you should make a point of stopping by the Visitor Center first.

“This is the hub for all activities and information,” he explains. Many parks have a movie in their theater that may be of interest to you, you can pick up stamps for Passport To Your National Parks program and grab an official park brochure.  

“Plus, rangers can answer all your questions,” he adds. “’Has wildlife been seen in this or that area? Are any hiking trails closed? Any ranger programs for the day?’” Then you can get outside and really enjoy the park!

Pack smart for hiking

With parks offering trails of varying levels of difficulty and length, it’s likely you’ll spend some time exploring what they have to offer. “The length of a hike is the prime factor in determining what to bring,” says Wright. “For most people, a one-mile round-trip hike requires only a camera or cell phone.” (Click through to learn how to make money from your smartphone photos.)

Since larger parks can have trails starting at 10 and 20 miles, he recommends reading the NPS website for guidelines of how much water to carry on your hike. “A hiker should analyze other factors, such as terrain, temperature, rain/sun, probability of wildlife (and insects) and their own body’s temperament to activity,” he adds. (Click through for stunning East Coast National Parks)

Hiking boots are a must for long hikes, he says, and hiking poles can be especially helpful for certain terrains. (See how walking poles can help you lose serious weight.) Plus, they can serve another purpose when it comes to certain wildlife you may encounter: “Bells on the end of hiking poles work to keep those furry critters away from you,” he says.

Be open to opportunities

Whether you’ve been to a few national parks or it’s your first time visiting, the experience can sometimes seem daunting. “Do not be afraid to go outside your comfort zone,” assures Wright. “If you think a National Park is too intimidating, with tall mountains, fast running rivers, unpredictable wildlife and the like, it is.  But the NPS has taken great efforts to make the parks safe!”

You’ll never know just how much you might enjoy a particular park until you’ve made a visit. With a bit of planning and research, you’re sure to have a great experience!

Entrance fees to the parks start at $10 per person, and at many you can even pay a flat fee of as little as $20 per car. For fees for specific parks, visit the NPS website for more information. Annual passes for seniors are just $20 for any and all parks you wish to visit! You can buy them online or in person at a participating park.

Find more tips for visiting the national parks on Wright’s website, ANationalParksQuest.com.

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A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

1. Galena, Illinois

A perennial on lists of America’s prettiest small towns, Galena wears its history proudly. Its Main Street is so picture-perfect, it could be mistaken for a film set. History buffs flock to this early 19th-century mining town to explore the Ulysses S. Grant State Historic Sites. Climb down an old mine shaft at the Vinegar Hill Historic Lead Mine & Museum. Visit Apple River Fort State Historic Site, where costumed guides demonstrate what prairie life was like during the 1832 Black Hawk War. More history-themed activities include a guided trolley ride and a spooky ghost tour that ventures into the town cemetery.

Settlers began planting vineyards in the valleys of the Mississippi River as early as 1830. Today, wineries like Rocky Waters, Massbach Ridge, and Galena Cellars offer tours and tastings. The last two have also opened tasting rooms downtown.

Outside activities abound as well. Galena Grant Park and Horseshoe Mound Preserve draw picnickers, who procure supplies at Galena River Wine & Cheese. Apple River Canyon State Park has some of the best fishing, boating, and hiking in northern Illinois. Paddlers can take to the Galena River in kayaks and canoes. Sightseers can climb aboard a Mississippi Explorer Cruise. Those in search of even greater thrills head to Long Hollow. Here, a six-line canopy tour soars 75 feet above the valley floor.

Visiting Tips

For history, you can’t beat DeSoto House Hotel, Illinois’ oldest operating hotel. The elegantly appointed Goldmoor Inn draws guests with views of the Mississippi River. If outdoor adventure is on the agenda, choose Chestnut Mountain Resort. It’s home to a 2,000-foot alpine slide and the Soaring Eagle, a two-person seated zip line ride. Locals consider the burgers at Durty Gurt’s the best in town. Foodies love Fritz & Frites Bistro for its German and French fare. And don’t miss Root Beer Revelry, a shop devoted entirely to the classic soda.

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

For a leiusurely getaway to a destination even more slow-paced than the average small town, many Midwest-bound travelers opt for this beautiful island. Here, the only modes of transport are horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. In fact, car-free Mackinac (pronounced “Mackinaw”) is a study in time travel. It’s home to a fort that played a pivotal role in early American history, and you’ll find a circa-1887 Victorian resort that’s so visually stunning, it could only be named The Grand Hotel.

Located near the meeting point of two Great Lakes — Michigan and Huron — 3.8-square-mile Mackinac Island welcomes visitors year-round, but “opens” for the season in late April and sees the biggest crowds from May to October (when ferries run). Once the center of Michigan’s fur trade, this summer playground now consists of 82 percent preserved parkland. Here, 500 horses wait to take riders on tours (via carriage or saddle), and 1,850 rental bicycles are available so sightseers can navigate the island’s 8-mile loop. Golfing, hiking, and sailing are popular as well.

Top sights include Fort Mackinac, which dates to 1780, and Arch Rock, a 146-foot-tall natural limestone formation that’s one of the island’s most photographed spots. Locals are unhurried types who enjoy practicing the art of stone skipping on the pristine waters of 120-foot-deep Lake Huron. There’s no app for that.

Visiting Tips

Mackinac Island is located in northern Michigan; the closest airport is Pellston Regional Airport. Ferries transport visitors to the island from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Stay at the one-of-a-kind Grand Hotel, whose 660-foot, flag-draped front porch is the world’s longest. Got a sweet tooth? Keep a dentist in business by taste-testing the island’s legendary fudge at any of 14 shops. Many of the recipes have been handed down through generations — double chocolate is a must-try.

3. Amana Colonies, Iowa

A visit to the seven villages that make up the Amana Colonies starts with an introduction to the concept of Gemütlichkeit: the German tradition of hospitality in which hosts treat guests like long-lost friends. First fleeing Germany, then New York, the Amanians came to the Iowa River Valley in search of religious freedom and a place to establish their utopian vision of collective living, in which all land and property were held in common.

Like the nearby Amish, they became renowned for their Old World craftsmanship — weaving cloth, brewing beer, and making furniture and clocks. Today, it’s these traditions tourists come to see, while shopping for handmade soap, candles, and quilts, and watching demonstrations of traditions preserved from the past.

First stop: the Amana Heritage Society, a living museum set inside a schoolhouse, a bathhouse, a home, and other 19th-century buildings. In Middle Amana, the Communal Kitchen and Cooper Shop look just as they did when the last community meal was served in 1932. Meanwhile, High Amana’s General Store is still stocked with staples of prairie life. In Homestead, visitors can learn about the traditions of the Amana Church, or Saal, and visit blacksmith and print shops still demonstrating traditional techniques.

The surrounding prairie has plenty to offer nature lovers as well. The 3.1-mile trail known as the Kolonieweg, or “Colony Way,” along the Mill Race canal makes it easy to get around by bike and on foot.

Visiting Tips

Don’t miss the chance to experience traditional German hospitality by staying in one of the local hotels or B&Bs. Homestead’s Die Heimat Country Inn, built in the 1850s, is the original visitors’ lodging, updated with modern comforts. Hähnchen (chicken) schnitzel, sauerbraten (pot roast), and schweinefleisch (pork) sausages are musts when dining at Ronneburg Restaurant.

4. Bloomington, Illinois

A tip of our stovepipe hat to this affordable small town, which boasts close ties to Abraham Lincoln and offers a wealth of cultural and outdoor activity options. Start by exploring the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, a gorgeously restored 19th-century Victorian estate of a former judge who had a long friendship with the president.

A tour of the home also leads you through its meticulously kept gardens. They were patterned after Italian landscaping from the 17th century and English gardens of the 18th century. If you’re staying overnight, Vrooman Mansion is a great option. Built in 1869 and formerly owned by Julia Green Scott, a two-term national president of the Daughters of the American Revolution, it’s now a bed and breakfast whose former owners counted President Woodrow Wilson and President Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt among their inner circle of friends.

Active locals and visitors alike love to hike, bike, and run along the approximately 37 miles of the Constitution Trail. It was dedicated and named in 1987 to celebrate the 200th birthday of the US Constitution. Fly on over to the Prairie Aviation Museum, which is sure to thrill aircraft enthusiasts young and old with a collection of planes such as the Vought A-7A Corsair II, Grumman F-14D Tomcat, and more. In the summer, the museum features Open Cockpit Days that allow you to peek inside and even chat with the pilots who flew the planes.

Check out the Sumatran tiger, gibbons, snow leopards, red wolves, Galapagos tortoise, and more at the Miller Park Zoo. And if you’re a fan of Beer Nuts, you’re really in luck. Bloomington is the only city in the world that produces them. Grab a company tour — and a handful of samples while you’re at it.

Visiting Tips

Try the bourbon-glazed steak bites at The Mystic Kitchen & Tasting Room, a vibrant bohemian lounge that also features live music in Bloomington’s historic downtown. It’s surrounded by great shopping (A. Gridley Antiques) and art gallery options, plus the McLean County History Museum, which offers a “Looking for Lincoln” audio walking tour that traces the history of Abe’s years when he worked as an attorney in McLean County.

5. Deadwood, South Dakota

Fans of the popular HBO Western Deadwood need no introduction to this famously rowdy gold-rush town, now a National Historic Landmark. But visitors who don’t know the show will be just as wowed. Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane really did live here, as did Sheriff Seth Bullock and swaggering saloon owner Al Swearengen. A ride on the Deadwood stagecoach starts a day spent exploring the town’s historic sites, including the Days of ’76 Museum, the Broken Boot Gold Mine, and the historic Bullock Hotel, said to be haunted by the righteous lawman himself.

Ghosts also purportedly roam the Adams House, an elegant Victorian that sat empty and fully furnished for 50 years before reopening as a museum. And no visit to Deadwood is complete without paying your respects at the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Here, Calamity Jane, Hickok, and Bullock are buried.

Reenactments reign, with shootouts on Main Street and a walking tour led by Marshal Con Stapleton — or at least his look-alike. The drama of Hickok’s murder plays out all over town, from Saloon No. 10, the bar named after where he was gunned down, to the trial of Jack McCall, his murderer, performed at the Masonic Temple theater.

Fans can book a customizable Deadwood: Heroes & Villains tour to learn all about their favorite characters. And Deadwood’s history as a gambling town continues today with dozens of aptly named casinos, including the Gold Dust, the Silverado, the Mineral Palace, and the Tin Lizzie.

Visiting Tips

Book a room at the Bullock Hotel or the elegantly restored Martin Mason Hotel, which also houses the Lee Street Station Café, beloved for its comfort food and substantial breakfasts. For something more high-end, try the Deadwood Mountain Grand, a Holiday Inn Resort set in a converted gold ore-processing mill overlooking town. In the surrounding Black Hills National Forest, savor the views from the Friendship Tower. Sheriff Seth Bullock built it in 1919 to honor his friend Teddy Roosevelt.

6. Hannibal, Missouri

The spirit of Mark Twain flows through the sleepy town of Hannibal as strongly as the mighty Mississippi River. It was here that Twain (né Samuel Clemens) spent his boyhood years, roaming the streets, exploring the hills and caves, and passing the days along the riverbanks.

Twain lived in Hannibal from the time he was 4 years old to 17, before heading off to explore the big, wide world. First a steamboat pilot, then a journalist out West, he eventually emerged with his signature satirical wit as one of the most important social commentators of his time.

Today in Hannibal, Twain’s name is never far from view. At the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, interactive exhibits provide insight into the humble beginnings of one of America’s most revered authors. The eight-building complex includes his childhood home, as well as the home of Laura Hawkins, the real-life inspiration for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’s Becky Thatcher. Several of Twain’s personal artifacts are on view. This includes his white jacket and typewriter. You’ll also find first editions of his major works and 60-plus original letters penned by the wordsmith himself.

After exploring the home, it’s on to the Mark Twain Cave, whose winding passages set the scene for many of Twain’s tales, and then a narrated cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat. It’s here on the open water that the spirit of Hannibal’s favorite son seems most alive.

Visiting Tips

When Twain would return to Hannibal, he’d stay with old friends at the Garth Woodside Mansion, now one of the country’s most charming B&Bs. Book the Samuel Clemens room, and awake each morning to the same view Twain enjoyed more than a century ago. After your trip to the Mark Twain Cave, amble next door to the Cave Hollow West Winery for a glass of Mark Twain Reserve.

7. Dodge City, Kansas

Stepped in the legend and lore of the Old West, Dodge City invites visitors to relive the frontier days in what was long known as the wickedest place on the plains. No other city drew more ace lawmen than the “Queen of the Cow Towns.” It was here where buffalo hunters, drifters, desperadoes, and outlaws all fought for their way of life.

This rough-and-tumble town along the Santa Fe Trail started as a small military site. It then exploded when the railroad arrived in 1872. Rashly constructed frame buildings and tents sprang up beside the tracks, along with a general store, a blacksmith shop, and a slew of brothels and saloons. Unfortunate souls were buried in the Boot Hill Cemetery, now the site of the Boot Hill Museum and a full replica of Front Street, circa 1876. The museum’s interactive exhibits illustrate early life here through colorful characters like Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday.

Statues of these legends and others pepper the Trail of Fame Walking Tour, which winds through the historic district past the Santa Fe Depot, now home to the Depot Theater Company, and the original site of the Long Branch Saloon. Visitors who wander these storied sites from late July to early August can take part in Dodge City Days — more than 75 events including a rodeo, a cattle drive, a barbecue contest, and a Western parade. Amid all this pageantry, it’s easy to imagine those dusty streets coming alive again with the gunslinging spirits of their past.

Visiting Tips

Don’t pass up dinner at Prime on the Nine, where Chef Ryan Emery dishes up favorites like chicken-fried steak served with creamy jalapeño gravy. Just east of town sits the Mueller-Schmidt House, aka the Home of Stone, the city’s oldest building still on its original foundation. Visitors can see the inside — frozen in time since 1881 — June through August. And, in the summer, kids will enjoy Long Branch Lagoon’s 27,000 square feet of water attractions, including The Gunslinger, a 300-foot slide that has three full loops.

8. Alexandria, Minnesota

Nearly surrounded by the Alexandria Chain of Lakes, the eponymous town was born when Victorian vacationers began arriving by train for a dose of summer R&R. Some 160 years later, the region retains the lazy vibe of a classic waterfront town.

Wet and wild fun rules in the area’s 300 lakes, where thousands tube, paddle, water-ski, and fish every summer. But that’s only the beginning of the area’s outdoor experience. Cyclists come for the 55-mile Central Lakes Trail — a rail-to-trail conversion along the old Burlington Northern Railroad line. There’s also the 62-mile Lake Wobegon Trail. Hikers favor Lake Carlos State Park and Inspiration Peak. Driving the Glacial Ridge Scenic Byway is the best way to appreciate the full sweep of the lake-dotted landscape. Maps are available at the Visitors Center.

One of Alexandria’s more curious claims to fame is the Kensington Runestone, uncovered in a farmer’s field in 1898 with inscriptions suggesting 14th-century Viking origins. Experts question its authenticity. However, this doesn’t stop visitors from snapping selfies with Big Ole, a giant fiberglass Viking at the Runestone Museum. The complex also encompasses historic Fort Alexandria, as well as a 40-foot replica of a Viking trading ship. A nautical theme continues at the Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum.

More Nordic humor can be evidenced in the self-guided Skål Crawl, a booze trail that highlights local libations like Panther Distillery’s whiskies and Carlos Creek Winery’s lighthearted vintages.

Visiting Tips

Beaches, boat rentals, and barbecues, oh my! Consider Woodland Resort on Lake Miltona, Westridge Shores and Big Foot resorts on Lake Mary, and Canary Beach Resort on Lake Villard. Alternately, Geneva Lake’s Arrowwood Resort — one of the biggest — features a water park and golf course. Start the day with a caramel roll from Roers Family Bakery. Cap it with a frosted cookie from The Sugar Shack.

9. Traverse City, Michigan

In “the land shaped like a hand,” Traverse City lies just near the tip of the pinkie finger. Home to loads of festivals and 180 miles of lakefront beaches, the “Cherry Capital of the World” presides over northern Michigan as its social and cultural heart. Downtown, 150 boutiques set in 19th-century Victorian storefronts house artisan dairy (The Cheese Lady), high-end souvenirs (James C. Smith Fine Jewelry), and foodstuffs dedicated to the crop that launched the city (Cherry Republic).

The town is known for hosting tons of annual events — the National Cherry Festival chief among them. In the week spanning the end of June and start of July, the region celebrates its standing as the country’s largest producer of tart cherries with concerts, races, markets, shows, contests, and parades, including the grand-finale Cherry Royale Parade, a tradition since 1925. Late July sees the Traverse City Film Festival, founded by filmmaker Michael Moore. The Trail Running Festival takes place in April. Beer Week happens in November — the list goes on.

Weather permitting, Grand Traverse Bike Tours pedal through Leelanau County’s wine country. And picnickers lounge on Grand Traverse Bay, inhaling that heady lake air that any Michigander can instantly identify as the scent of home.

Visiting Tips

To stay in town, look to Hotel Indigo. They offer modern rooms with artwork and decorative touches inspired by the area’s history and natural beauty. A 15-minute drive from downtown, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa’s 900 acres enclose a golf course, four pools, and tower rooms that lend sweeping views of the foliage and Grand Traverse Bay. While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t miss a day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 40 minutes from the center of town.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, America’s Best Small Towns, in 2022.

1. Kennebunkport, Maine

All the features that attract visitors to the Maine coast are in Kennebunkport, where the idyllic image of a New England summer is a reality. Originally settled in 1653, this river-meets-sea town has beautiful beaches (among them Goose Rocks, Gooch’s, Arundel, and Colony), a picturesque lighthouse, and an atmospheric town center festooned with flower baskets and flags.

With its long shipbuilding history, Kennebunkport is also rife with elegant sea captains’ mansions, many now operating as distinctive inns. The community is home to over 3,500 residents — the most famous of whom were the late President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush, who vacationed at their oceanfront family compound here for many decades.

Dock Square is the spot to shop for local artwork and handicrafts, as well as to check out the stellar food scene that appeals equally to seafood aficionados and beer lovers. For active vacationers, Kennebunkport offers summer water sports like sea kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, and whale watching. Plus, golfers can play a dozen local courses, while fans of historic architecture can book a guided walking tour. Other worthy sights include the Seashore Trolley Museum (the oldest and largest mass-transit museum in the US) and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, a birders’ paradise.

Throughout Kennebunkport, a welcoming, small-town ambience has turned it into a four-season destination. While summer is sublime, even winter — with powdered-sugar snow and Santa arriving by lobster boat — is full of charm.

Visiting Tips

Kennebunkport is about 40 minutes north of Portland, Maine. Its peak tourism months are June to October, but the town is open for business year-round — even wooing couples in February with Paint the Town Red lodging and dining packages. Stay at one of Kennebunkport Resort Collection’s nine properties. Don’t leave without trying a lobster roll at the Clam Shack (the fried clams are equally awesome) and sipping craft beer at a local brewery like Kennebunkport Brewing Company.

2. Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is world-famous for its winters — the upstate New York town’s piles of annual powder and picturesque peaks have earned it not one but two stints as the host of the Winter Olympic Games. But there’s more to do in this idyllic hamlet than ski jumps and toboggan runs. During snow season or the dog days of summer, people find plenty of reasons to make a day (or two) of it by the water.

But first, it’s worth noting that the lake that most locals are talking about isn’t Lake Placid, but rather Mirror Lake, a larger body of water that sits in the middle of town. Nearly everything worth seeing and doing around here is right on its banks, from the artisanal shops, souvenir spots, and homey restaurants lining Main Street, to the year-round activities (kayaking and boating in summer; ice-skating and dog-sledding in winter) on and around its waters. Beyond the lake, a trip up the gondola to Whiteface Mountain is a must for both skiers and sightseers.

Of course, it’s impossible to experience this athletic town without a little bit of Olympic action. Visitors can head to the top of the ski-jumping complex for sky-high views from the nearly 400-foot-high platform. For something more daring, thrill-seekers can try their hand at bobsledding, tearing down the 4,921-foot track at more than 50 mph (not to worry — riders share the sled with a professional). It’s not exactly placid, but it’s definitely quintessential Lake Placid.

Visiting Tips

For a peak Adirondack experience, there’s no more authentic place to stay than Lake Placid Lodge, a collection of historic cabins that sits on the real Lake Placid, just a few minutes’ drive from the center of town. There, you’ll share the water with the lucky few who have private homes along its shores. To get your bearings, head to the Totally 80 exhibit, commemorating the 1980 Games, at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. Then take a delicious stroll down Main Street, from Saratoga Olive Oil Co. in the north to the Pickled Pig in the south. End the day at Peak 47, where the après-ski scene is lively year-round.

3. Hershey, Pennsylvania

Hershey doesn’t take its slogan — “The Sweetest Place on Earth”— lightly. A visit to the town named for confectioner Milton S. Hershey is all about chocolate and the company that introduced it to America.

When Hershey chose his birthplace — the tiny Pennsylvania Dutch village of Derry Church — as the site of the world’s largest chocolate plant, he set out to create the perfect company town of sturdy brick houses and shady streets. With money from the monumentally successful enterprise, he lavished his workers with parks, theaters, hotels, and other attractions, creating a playground that now draws more than 3 million visitors a year.

Hershey Park, born when the entrepreneur built a roller coaster to celebrate the town’s 20th anniversary, now boasts 13 thrill rides, including Stormrunner, which goes from 0 to 70 mph in two seconds. In the 11-acre Boardwalk water park, attractions range from the Breakers Edge water coaster to the huge Whitecap Racer water-slide. More than 200 North American animals, including armadillos, Gila monsters, vampire bats, bears, wolves, and big cats, dwell at ZooAmerica. Vintage-car enthusiasts marvel at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum. After all the action, Hershey Gardens — with 23 acres of themed botanical gardens, fountains, and a Butterfly Atrium — offers a quiet, peaceful interlude.

And chocolate tasting? It’s everywhere in Hershey’s Chocolate World, a sprawling marketplace where a free Chocolate Tour whisks passengers through a Willy Wonka‒esque world of singing cows and whirling machinery. Other activities include a Create Your Own Candy Bar experience, as well as the 4D Chocolate Mystery, in which viewers have fun playing detective for a day.

Visiting Tips

Accommodations within Hersheypark come with “Sweet Start” access, allowing you into the park an hour ahead of the crowds. Options include the circa-1933 Hotel Hershey, the Hershey Lodge, or the more affordable Hersheypark Camping Resort. Duck Doughnuts lets you watch your decadent treat being made. The Mill makes for entertaining dining in a three-story restored granary.

4. Camden, Maine

This mid-coast enclave on scenic Penobscot Bay has the kind of all-American good looks that rival towns covet. Gently rolling green hills surround a deep-blue harbor crisscrossed by white sailboats. The High Street historic district encircles the Camden Amphitheater, a gathering spot for craft fairs, concerts, and movies. And a landmark red-brick public library, built with funds raised by residents, dates to 1928.

A summer playground for sailing enthusiasts, Camden is also a popular destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, while lighthouse enthusiasts will find a dozen historic examples nearby. Even those who prefer land-based activities — from shopping, wine tasting, and gallery hopping to hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding — will find themselves in love with this small but diverse town.

When in Maine, eating lobster is a must, and the area offers plenty of opportunities to snack on classic lobster rolls (or slip on one of those big paper bibs and tackle the whole thing — shell, tail, claws, and all). Sailing on a vintage schooner is another favorite pastime here: Camden-based Maine Windjammer Cruises hosts multi-day excursions on its fleet of five vessels, while other operators offer day tours. Yes, this small town has what it takes to create envy — and wonderful vacation memories.

Visiting Tips

Camden is located just north of Rockport and Rockland, home to world-famous outlet shops and numerous art galleries, respectively. The best months to go are June to October, but travelers who embrace the cold can visit during Camden Winterfest in February for ice carving, toboggan racing, movies, music, and more. Stay at luxurious Camden Harbour Inn for the ultimate romantic escape or pack a tent for a family camping trip in Camden Hills State Park. Venture to nearby Wiscasset for a lobster roll at traditional seafood shack Red’s Eats.

5. New Hope, Pennsylvania

In New Hope, history runs so deep that you can take a horse-and-buggy ride down Main Street and not feel completely conspicuous. Yet it’s also an LGBTQ-friendly haven for the arts, where vintage shops flaunt distinctive duds and street performers keep things lively from dawn to dusk.

One of New Hope’s biggest draws is the Bucks County Playhouse. Opened in a former gristmill in 1939, the theater presents summer stock at its finest on a stage that once featured the likes of Robert Redford and Grace Kelly. Meanwhile, local artists present their work at the New Hope Arts Center and local crafts are on display in shops such as the Soap Opera Company, the Red Tulip Gallery, and the Topeo Gallery, which shines with multihued blown glass.

Running right through town is the Delaware River, offering water activities from tubing to rafting. Bucks County River Country organizes exciting expeditions and rents kayaks, rafts, and canoes. Alongside the river is the Delaware Canal Towpath, a 60-mile walking and biking route that links the towns of Easton and Bristol. Train enthusiasts come from afar to ride the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad, with its vintage 1925 steam engine and open-view car. Directly across the bridge from New Hope is its sister town of Lambertville, New Jersey, home to more shops and galleries, as well as the Howell Living History Farm, a petting zoo with costumed guides.

Visiting Tips

Have a meal at Ferry + Main, the restaurant at the 300-year-old Logan Inn, which offers cozy lodging just steps from the Delaware River. Porches on the Towpath comprises eclectic rooms in a former granary and two carriage houses. Taste local wines at Main Street Wine Cellar or go all-in on the Bucks County Wine Trail. Head to The Salt House, in a stone building that dates back to 1751, for elevated pub fare. The eatery features an outdoor patio, an upstairs library lounge, and a toasty fire in its downstairs tavern in the winter months.

6. Stowe, Vermont

This 19th-century farming town-turned-mountain resort retains the charm that first lured visitors from Boston and beyond to ride the train up Mount Mansfield and play amid the mountain scenery. Still, it wasn’t until Swedish immigrants introduced the town’s residents to skiing that Stowe truly earned its place on the vacation map.

Today, Stowe is a year-round destination where snow sports dominate the winter months while late spring, summer, and fall draw outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Paddlers love nearby Waterbury Reservoir, which recently added new boat ramps, while those looking to swim and fish head for Sterling Pond, accessible by a 2-mile trail. Right in town, the paved 5-mile Stowe Recreation Path follows the river all the way to Top Notch Resort.

Covered bridges, steepled churches, and brightly painted clapboard storefronts make Stowe Village the epitome of quaint, with plenty of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and cafés to keep visitors busy. The Helen Day Art Center and the Little River HotGlass Studio both offer eye-pleasing pieces, and festivals such as the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival and Stowe Jazz Festival keep the town lively. No visit would be complete without a trip to the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in the Old Town Hall, which presents a vibrant view of the history of winter sports.

Considered one of the most scenic drives on the Eastern seaboard, Route 108 ascends through the rock chasm known as Smugglers’ Notch. Along the way, lushly forested hiking trails crisscross Smugglers’ Notch State Park and ArborTrek Canopy Adventures offers zip line and ropes courses for all ages.

Visiting Tips

To take advantage of Stowe’s walkability, choose a Stowe Village hotel such as the elegant Field Guide or historic Green Mountain Inn. For a more rustic mountain-lodge experience, choices include the expansive Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa and the Trapp Family Lodge, built by the real-life Sound of Music family. Taste the craft beverages at Stowe Cider and The Alchemist brewery, the latter of which offers visually stunning art to enjoy as you sip.

7. Great Barrington, Massachusetts

Lying at the foot of Monument Mountain and Mount Everett, Great Barrington has been a cultural hub ever since the hippies headed here in the 1970s to establish organic farms and ceramic studios.

In recent years, this corner of the Berkshires has stepped up as a destination for farm-to-table food, and the Great Barrington Saturday farmers’ market brims with artisanal cheeses, fresh fruit preserves, and organic produce. Newer shops, galleries, and eateries — like Brooklyn restaurateur Mark Firth’s Prairie Whale — reflect the town’s current influx of weekending hipsters.

Literary and artistic history have always informed the Berkshires vibe; bookworms can immerse themselves in both at The Mount, author Edith Wharton’s home in nearby Lenox, and at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. The area is rich in African American history as well: Visitors can explore the childhood home of civil rights icon W.E.B. Du Bois and tour Ashley House, home of Elizabeth Freeman, a slave who helped to end slavery in New England.

Hiking is everywhere here: Eight Appalachian Trail waypoints form a semicircle around town, and three state reserves — East Mountain State Forest, Beartown State Forest, and Fountain Pond State Park — are all within a 15-minute drive. Berkshire Botanical Garden is a gardener’s paradise and more, with sculptures, rotating art exhibits, and workshops in cider-making, beekeeping, and herb-drying.

Visiting Tips

Retro-refitted Briarcliff Motel turned a 1960s roadside stopover into a place where families and 20-somethings alike gather around a firepit. At Race Brook Lodge, guests enjoy live weekend music at the on-site Stagecoach Tavern, then fall asleep to the babbling of the lodge’s brook. Treat yourself to all-natural ice cream, sorbet, and gelato at SoCo Creamery on Railroad Street.

8. Hudson, New York

Notable as the first incorporated city at the time of the original 13 US colonies, Hudson is an industrial-age relic turned mecca for New York City creative types. Calling itself “Upstate’s Downtown” and drawing on its natural beauty (the area was the inspiration for the Hudson River School of landscape painters), Hudson has experienced a revival over the past two decades, as forward-thinking artisans, culinary entrepreneurs, and interior-design aficionados flock to this riverside burg.

On mile-long Warren Street, 18th-and 19th-century buildings that once served as factories and warehouses now hold dozens of galleries, restaurants, antique shops, and home-decor boutiques. Chic hotels are packed on weekends — especially in summer and fall, as the verdant landscape transitions from soothing green to vivid orange and gold. Farmers markets, art festivals, and live music also contribute to the collective cool factor of Hudson’s renaissance. But, lest the destination become too hip for its own good, the serene Hudson Valley surroundings defuse any pretentiousness.

Visiting Tips

Reachable by car or Amtrak from New York City in about two hours, Hudson makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway. Stay at the charming Wm. Farmer and Sons (which also features a gastropub with an extensive whiskey selection), and stop in for mussels and Belgian frites at the Red Dot. Another highlight: the Olana State Historic Site, Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church’s former studio and home, originally designed by architect Calvert Vaux in 1872. You may want to time your visit to the performance and exhibition schedule at historic Hudson Hall, which dates to 1855.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, America’s Best Small Towns, in 2022.

An unconventional rental option, Turo is called the “Airbnb of cars” because car owners can use the site to rent out their vehicles. Renters benefit from this arrangement in multiple ways — online checkout is fast, the pick-up location is convenient (because you rent a car in your area), and the cost is usually less expensive than that of a traditional car agency. Learn more about how the service works below.

How does Turo work?

If you want to rent a car using Turo, your first step is to create an account. You must provide your name, email address, phone number, and driver’s license number. In addition, Turo will ask you to upload a clear photo of your face and photos of your driver’s license, back and front.

Once you have an account, the search process is simple. Browse car options by specifying your travel dates and the area in which you will pick up the vehicle. You can also filter the results so that you only see cars under a certain price, or cars that the owner will deliver. If you click on the picture of a car you like, you will see basic information about the vehicle (number of seats, gas mileage) and features (automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay, and more). You can also see the host’s rating and reviews from other renters.

When you are ready to select your vehicle, you’ll see a breakdown of the cost. In addition to the daily rental cost, you will also be charged:

• A trip fee, which goes to Turo.
• Insurance, which comes in three levels — minimum, standard, and premier.
• Sales tax.

Booking is quick; when you have read the terms and the charges, you can book with your credit card information. Your host will then reach out to you to and coordinate the car drop-off location and time.

What are the pros?

For me, the biggest pro of Turo was the ease with which I could book a car. I didn’t have to drive all the way to the local airport to pick up a rental, nor did I have to endure a long checkout process. I also greatly appreciated these two add-on features: delivery and prepaid fuel. With the delivery feature, my host delivered the car to a convenient drop-off location, and with prepaid fuel, I could return the car at any fuel level.

My other favorite Turo features:

• You choose the exact car, rather than the rental agency choosing it for you.
• Search for cars by make, model, and year. (So, if you want to rent a special car for a special event, like a honeymoon or a surprise birthday gift, you can do so.)
• See your host’s rating, as well as written reviews from previous renters and the number of trips the car has been on.
• You can decide a level of insurance protection based on your budget and concerns.
• Many hosts offer a 3+ day discount.
• You can add a second or third driver to your trip by a) having the driver create her own Turo account; b) submitting the request 24 hours before the trip starts. Note that the host must approve the additional drivers, and there are other limitations detailed by Turo.

For a recent trip to Montauk, New York, Turo set me up with a bright green Jeep Wrangler, and I had a blast. It was fun exploring the area in a car I would normally never get to drive, and I appreciated my host’s care to detail (the car was very clean, and he left a charger, hand sanitizer, and air fresheners for my use).

What are the cons?

Though Turo is very different from traditional car agencies, it does have its cons. The biggest con? The total price of the rental can shoot up quickly depending on the add-ons you choose. Here is a list of downsides:

• The trip fee charged by Turo varies, so it’s hard to predict this cost.
• Insurance costs spike if you choose the standard protection plan or premier plan (rather than the minimum protection).
• There’s no way to add additional miles to your trip beyond the included mileage that the host offers. Hosts usually offer 800 miles.
• Hosts can charge reimbursement bills after the trip is over for a number of reasons, including: fuel replacement, distance over included mileage, tolls, tickets, and a cleaning fee if you cause spills or stains. (I was charged $20 for tolls, but I thought this was reasonable.)

Still, there are ways to mitigate these cons. If you don’t want to pay for standard or premium insurance, get in touch with your own car insurance company. Many insurers offer protection for rentals, so you may not need to buy additional coverage. Keep in mind that your insurer may only cover rentals from certain companies, and not Turo.

In addition, you can filter the car options in your area so that you only see hosts that offer more mileage. Lastly, you can keep reimbursement fees down by filling up the tank before you return the car and putting your own E-Z Pass (or the equivalent) on the dashboard. (Just remember to take your host’s E-Z pass off the dash or windshield before you set off!)

Overall, I thought the pros outweighed the cons. I was very happy with my rental, and I’m looking forward to using Turo for future hassle-free car rentals.

This article was not sponsored by Turo. Turo provided a car rental at no cost to our editor.

1. Tofino, British Columbia

Yes, you can surf in BC. The laid-back vibe of the country’s preeminent surf town, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, stems from the hippie roots of the area, which brims with artisan boutiques and health-conscious restaurants. In the winter, high winds whip the wild coastline, making storm watching a favorite pastime.

2. St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

The entire town is a designated Historic District, upping the charm quotient of this already enchanting spot on the Atlantic. Aquatic delights include a warm saltwater cove for bathing and whale watching. Don’t miss a visit to historic Minister’s Island and the renowned — and reportedly haunted — Algonquin Hotel.

3. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Ties to the criminal underworld of the Prohibition era make for some seriously shady history in southern Saskatchewan. Guided tours reveal the nefarious goings-on in the Tunnels of Moose Jaw. You can step into the shoes of a bootlegger circa 1929 during “The Chicago Connection” tour, which reopened in July 2021, and head underground with one of Al Capone’s goons.

4. Banff, Alberta

Can’t get enough majestic mountain vistas and bright blue glacier-fed lakes? Escape to this alpine enclave in the Canadian Rockies. Hiking, biking, and kayaking fill summer days. In the winter, groomed trails and Champagne Powder lure skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. Year-round, enjoy world-class restaurants and bumping nightlife.

5. Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

You’ll find a gracious welcome in this pretty harborside town, known for its colorful Victorian houses, long seafaring history, and maritime hospitality. After browsing the many galleries and shops hawking handcrafted wares, swill a pint of locally brewed ale at Saltbox Brewing Co. Every September, the Scarecrow Festival features 250 life-size scarecrows and other events.

6. Tobermory, Ontario

Under the towering cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment and bordered by two national parks, this lakeside town flaunts natural beauty in spades. Hike the trails along Lake Huron, or get a different perspective out on the water. Paddle your own craft, or take a tour to picturesque Flowerpot Island. You can even suit up for a dive to explore underwater cliffs, caves, and 20-plus shipwrecks.

7. Dawson City, Yukon

This quintessential boomtown was built by fortune-seekers during the Klondike Gold Rush (you can learn more about it at the Dawson Historical Complex). Pan for riches just north of Bonanza Creek, then catch a cancan show at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Gambling Hall, Canada’s oldest casino. Finally, don’t miss Bombay Peggy’s Pub, where the cocktail names (the Bloomer Remover, the Tempter) harken back to to its origins as a brothel.

8. Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec

This petite package packs a big culture punch. A short drive from Le Massif de Charlevoix ski resort, this charming town boasts several blocks of locally owned shops and galleries, plus restaurants that have garnered buzz in the formidable Quebecois foodie scene. Many visitors ride the Charlevoix train to or from Quebec City for a more intimate view of the region and its coastal villages.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, Best Small Towns, in 2022.

1. Monroe, Wisconsin

The cheese capital of the USA delivers a bonanza of dairy. Time-travel to cheesemaking’s early days at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center. Peer into a modern factory at Alp and Dell Cheese. Milk a cow at DeVoe Farms. Then stop for lunch and creamy souvenirs at Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern, the state’s oldest cheese shop, dating to 1931.

2. Brooten, Minnesota

A labor of love by dairy farmer Alise Sjostrom, Redhead Creamery has been crafting artisan cheese since 2013. Tours include a visit to the dairy cows that supply the creamery, a look into the plant, and sample-tasting in the on-site shop.

3. Fair Oaks, Indiana

Fair Oaks Farms, one of the largest working dairy farms in the US, churns 600,000 people a year through its Dairy Adventure tour, in which visitors interact with exhibits like a 4D movie and the calf birthing barn. After, splurge on grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream at the Farmhouse Restaurant. The farm’s popular Cowtober Fest takes place every October.

4. Middlefield, Ohio

One of the largest Swiss-cheese manufacturers in the nation is nestled in the fourth-largest Amish community in the world. Peruse gourmet cheese and other local foodstuffs like meats, jams, and maple syrup at the Rothenbühler Cheese Chalet. Then shop for handcrafted Amish goods such as hardwood furniture and household items along Nauvoo Road.

5. Owensville, Missouri

Guests of Martha & Tom’s Farm, home of Cool Cow Cheese, are regarded as family: greeted by owners Tom and Martha Blatchford, personally introduced to their coterie of farm animals, and treated to a tasting in the shop. Stay on-site in the Brinkmann Farmstead B&B, and wash down all that Edam, Gouda, havarti, and Jersey Jack at an area winery like Röbller Vineyard or White Mule.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, Best Small Towns, in 2022.

1. Vevey, Switzerland

Perched on the shore of Lake Geneva, Vevey blends just the right mix of beauty and quirkiness. With splendid views of the Alps, a blooming lakeside promenade, an antique carousel, and easy access to the vineyards of the Lavaux region, it’s the town that Charlie Chaplin chose to call home (don’t miss the enchanting Chaplin’s World museum).

2. Obidos, Portugal

Walled towns abound in sunny Portugal, and this one ranks among the finest. Colorfully trimmed white houses line a maze of cobblestone streets, and above it all looms the 13th-century Castelo de Obidos — now a pousada (hotel). Enter Obidos via the Porta da Vila, the main gate, which conceals a beautifully tiled chapel.

3. Caernarfon, Wales

Which came first — the castle or the town? In Caernarfon, located at the mouth of the Seiont River, the answer is both. Built beginning in 1283 by Edward I as a strategic military stronghold, this royal town’s commanding castle, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its massive scale and polygonal towers. Walking around the town’s medieval walls and through its narrow streets is like traveling back in time.

4. Portofino, Italy

Little has changed in centuries in this perfect fishing village, tucked into a sheltered bay on the Ligurian Sea. Here, sunlight bathes terracotta and gold facades, sailboats bob in a sparkling blue harbor, and parasol pines clothe the hillsides. Stroll a seaside pathway to Castello Brown and dine on pesto, focaccia, and mussels paired with glasses of local Vermentino wine.

5. Oia, Santorini, Greece

Easily the most photographed village in the Greek Isles, Oia (pronounced ee-ah) is legendary for its whitewashed Cycladic houses cascading down volcanic slopes, punctuated by cobalt church domes and centuries-old windmills. Stone pathways wind past handicraft shops, many featuring rooftop tavernas — the perfect perch for sipping rosé as the sun sets over the caldera.

6. Kinsale, Ireland

Red, pink, orange, green, blue, violet: It’s almost as if Kinsale’s residents bought a giant box of crayons and went to town. It’s so inspiring, in fact, that this vivid fishing village in County Cork may spur you to take up painting. Galleries, shops, and restaurants abound, and two fortresses — Charles Fort and James Fort — guard the harbor entrance, evoking Kinsale’s centuries of history.

7. Rudesheim, Germany

Known for the Drosselgasse — a 472-foot-long street of half-timbered 15th-century houses — Rudesheim is the place to enjoy spectacular vistas of the Rhine River and surrounding vineyards. Taste local rieslings, try Rudesheim coffee (made with flaming brandy), and be charmed by the self-playing instruments of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Cabinet.

8. Portree, Scotland

Sitting snugly against craggy cliffs, Portree is the largest settlement on the Isle of Skye. This colorful village dates back to the early 19th century and offers visitors several streets of small shops and restaurants. Time it right (late July to early September), and the journey to Portree will take you past fields of purple heather backdropped by some of Skye’s most hikeable hills.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, Best Small Towns, in 2022.

1. St. Augustine, Florida

Now this is a coastal escape with character: South of Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in North America. Spanish settlers arrived in 1565 and ruled until 1821, when Florida became a US territory. In the late 1800s, oil magnate Henry Flagler turned St. Augustine into a vacation destination with his grand Spanish Renaissance Revival-style retreats for wealthy northerners. The city’s Old World vibe remains within a 144-block Historic District, which attracts 6 million people annually.

No visit to St. Augustine is complete without a stop at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the 17th-century stronghold built by the Spanish to ward off pirates and other invaders. At the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park — where Juan Ponce de León allegedly discovered the famous “anti-aging” springs in 1513 — sightseers can sip straight from the sulfur-laden source. After dark, tour guides lead travelers to haunted saloons, shops, and lighthouses where spirits are said to still linger.

Other diversions include the eclectic Victorian-era art collection at the Lightner Museum (inside what used to be the Henry Flagler-designed Alcazar Hotel); funky boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries on St. George Street, plus an array of restaurants serving Southern staples, Cuban fare, and fresh seafood.

A short drive away, Anastasia State Park and St. Augustine Beach lure travelers to unspoiled nature and beautiful beaches. St. Augustine is a rare Floridian gem — a city steeped in history that also has a refreshing amount of modern appeal.

Travel Tips

The nearest major airport, Jacksonville International Airport, is a 55-minute drive away. Rent a car, especially if you’re planning to visit the beach. Old Town Trolley Tours offers hop-on, hop-off sightseeing packages, and Ghost Tours of St. Augustine is known for its haunted trolley tours and pub crawls. Stay in the Historic District; options range from the quaint St. Francis Inn to the luxe Casa Monica Resort & Spa.

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is most famous for being the primary gateway to the country’s most-visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains, which welcomed over 14.1 million people in
2021. But the town itself is also a worthy destination, mixing down-home Southern charm, big-mountain pride, and small-business enthusiasm. A bevy of craft breweries and distilleries have started up in recent years, including the Doc Collier Moonshine Distillery, purveying hootch made with mountain-stream water and corn whiskey.

The area is also home to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, the country’s largest concentration of artists and craftspeople. Along this 8-mile loop just off the East Parkway, visitors can peruse galleries that showcase pottery, quilts, tapestries, paintings, woodworks, baskets, furniture, blown glass, and more. For lunch, the Wild Plum Tea Room serves an ever- changing menu that can include sherried tomato bisque, salmon burgers, vegan offerings, and homemade desserts.

Just a mile south of town, the wilderness of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is highly accessible to visitors, with 800 miles of trails suited to everyone from beginners to long-distance backpackers. One of the most scenic hikes is up Mount LeConte, where the vista-studded 5.5-mile switchback route leads up to the sixth-highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

The easiest way to witness the beauty — and see the mountaintop haze that gives this range its name — is to get high… on a ridgetop road, that is. The Foothills Parkway is 72 miles of winding road, with epic views of the surrounding peaks, green wilderness and, on clear days, even the town of Gatlinburg itself.

Travel Tips

It’s hard to visit Gatlinburg and not want to stay in a log cabin. A slew of rental companies, including Cabins of the Smokies Rentals and Cherokee Orchard, can connect you with hideaways with one to 20 bedrooms, all with that cozy, retreat feel. Hit up NOC Gatlinburg for hiking boots, camping supplies, or bike rentals. Or stop by the Smoky Mountain Angler to pick up a fly-fishing tie or two, and find out what’s biting where.

3. Bardstown, Kentucky

Nestled between Kentucky’s twin big cities of Louisville and Lexington, Bardstown is the Bluegrass State at its most idyllic, with a picturesque Main Street, historic landmarks, and Southern charm made all the sweeter by the local industry of distilling. Some of the state’s most revered bourbon labels call this town home, from big names like Maker’s Mark to family-operated stillhouses that continue to revere the spirit that was born — and perfected — in this part of the country.

Though it may seem like bourbon is flowing from every spigot in town, there’s more to Bardstown than booze. Settled in 1700, this small city of 13,000 is one of Kentucky’s oldest, and it has the rich history to prove it. Its biggest attraction is My Old Kentucky Home State Park, where composer Stephen Foster penned his anti-slavery ballad, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night,” in 1852. And more than 300 other local buildings appear on the National Register of Historic Places, including the early 18th-century Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral.

The Bourbon Capital is also expanding its spirited reputation into the culinary arts, with must-try experiences like My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, a scenic dining tour aboard a restored 1940s rail car, and The Rickhouse, where bourbon finds its way into everything from the salmon to the chocolate bread pudding.

Travel Tips

Bardstown’s famous Kentucky Bourbon Festival traditionally takes place in September every year — but you don’t have to wait till fall to sample the beloved spirit. Drive the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to see the area’s finest distilleries in a single day, from Jim Beam up north to Maker’s Mark just a few miles south. Skip the town’s mediocre hotel selection, and instead head to one of its authentic B&Bs set in historic buildings that date back more than 100 years. Best among them is the Bourbon Manor B&B, located in two well-preserved plantation-style mansions and featuring a smokehouse and — of course — a bourbon bar.

4. St. Simons Island, Georgia

Only four of Georgia’s 15 coastal islands are accessible by car, and of them, St. Simons is king. Home to the largest year-round population of residents (just under 15,000), it offers the best of both worlds: the scenery of a wild, natural place mixed with perks like coffee shops, yoga studios, and upscale restaurants.

Residents and visitors alike come to admire the marsh and waterfront. One of the best and easiest ways to pay homage is from a kayak. Local guides point out island wildlife, from herons to oyster catchers, dolphins to minks, while timing two-, three-, and four- hour paddle trips to make the most of the tides.

Those who want an even wilder scenic experience can book a day trip to the satellite Little St. Simons Island, a private resort. Packages include transport from the main island, an experience guided by one of the resort’s naturalists, and lunch, plus time on 7 miles of private beach. After a day of exploring, locally owned Southern Soul Barbecue serves up all the favorites: ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, and pimento-cheese sandwiches.

Travel Tips

The only hotel located on the waterfront is The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, a five-minute drive from Pier Village, the largest center for retail, restaurants, and tour operators like Southeast Adventure Outfitters. The beach on St. Simons is one of the best in the South for riding bikes. Bring yours, or rent wheels from Ocean Motion, which caters to all riders — even younger kids who need a Tug-a-Bug add-on seat.

5. Beaufort, South Carolina

There’s a reason why first-time visitors to Beaufort often feel a sense of déjà vu within moments of their arrival: The moss-draped oaks, antebellum mansions and winding salt marshes have appeared in dozens of films, including Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, and The Prince of Tides.

The grandest old homes — built for the region’s wealthy planters — are located in the Old Point neighborhood, which overlooks an ever-changing mosaic of tidal creeks, salt flats, and palmetto-dotted islands. Just a short stroll away, Bay Street bustles with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants like Saltus River Grill, whose waterfront patio fills each evening with locals sipping wine, nibbling fresh shrimp, and swapping stories. Younger and trendier, Old Bull Tavern serves creative small plates, bourbon flights, and frozen craft cocktails in an unassuming brick building.

Beaufort has harbored many famous residents over the years, including Tom Berenger, Ted Turner, and John Mellencamp, but none was more beloved than author Pat Conroy, who beautifully described his adopted home in his works. Opened in 2016, the Pat Conroy Literary Center offers a glimpse into the writer’s life.

A kaleidoscope of sea islands surrounds Beaufort. Some, like Daufuskie and St. Helena Island, have become centers of African American Gullah culture; others, such as Hunting Island and Fripp, front the Atlantic Ocean and are rimmed with beaches.

Travel Tips

Exploring the warren of waterways that surrounds Beaufort by kayak is one of the great hidden pleasures of the city. Rivers flow past old plantations, historic forts, and napping alligators; closer to the ocean, hundreds of bottlenose dolphins make their home in deep briny creeks. Beaufort Kayak Tours conducts dolphin, history, and ecology excursions, while Beaufort River Tours takes guests out to see dolphins on a larger boat. Cool off at low tide, when tiny sandbars emerge to create impromptu beaches.

6. Cedar Key, Florida

Still-working fishing villages are a rare find in Florida, yet Cedar Key — a 2.5-hour drive north of Tampa — is precisely this, serving up a timeless vibe on its crab-trap-laden docks and in its weathered-wood restaurants and bars balancing on stilts over the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the bustling waterfront, amateur anglers rub elbows with locals who work the day boats hauling in redfish, trout, and shellfish. And beyond the coast, the island is a natural paradise beloved by both cyclists and kayakers. The destination also offers motorcyclists 13 miles of open road along three keys. Bikers relish the ride into and out of town as well, past wetlands, agricultural fields, and scrub forests.

Riders who pedal their own two wheels can cruise the Cedar Key Railroad Trestle Nature Trail for water views and sightings of coastal-dwelling birds like anhingas and ospreys. Nine miles away, many cyclists also target the Shell Mound Trail, which provides a glimpse into the life of the Timucua Native American tribe from 1,000 years ago.

Kayakers have the most real estate for exploring, weaving between a number of islands formed by the delta where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf.

Regardless of how visitors get out and mix with the island’s wildlife, wetlands, and trails, they can’t help but settle into the calm, lost-in-time ambience found only on Cedar Key.

Travel Tips

Don’t miss the Tiki Bar Behind Low Key Hideaway, one of the best old Florida remnants still standing. The wood walls prop up a collection of license plates and colored glass bottles. Order a Bloody Mary, heavily garnished with shrimp, olives, pickled jalapeños, and a pickle. For dinner, pop over to 83 West — two eateries sharing one roof; upstairs, the more upscale 29 North serves steamed local clams, bacon-wrapped scallop kabobs, and Coca-Cola baby back ribs. Look to Kayak Cedar Keys for rentals and quick lessons on reading the tides.

7. Charlottesville, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson was good at most things he attempted, but making wine wasn’t one of them: In 1773, after devoting 2,000 acres of land near Charlottesville to vineyards, he tasted what little he’d produced and admitted defeat. Tenacious Virginians kept at it though; today, more than two dozen Charlottesville-area wineries turn out delicious, award-winning wines year after year. One to try is Gabriele Rausse, a hip, friendly tasting room that’s tucked into a forested glen. More Uber-friendly is Wineworks Extended, winemaker Michael Shaps’ in-town tasting room.

Jefferson was never able to convert his love of wine into a successful DIY project, but Monticello, his Charlottesville home, overflows with other triumphs, from the iconic dome he designed to the hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables he cultivated. Secrets abound as well, from a windowed playroom hidden in the rafters to a spot on the back deck that offered Jefferson a direct view of his beloved University of Virginia just 5 miles away.

Even non-UVA grads will enjoy a tour of the campus, with its Jefferson-designed Rotunda and grassy Academical Village, which comprises the original university. Nearby, the car-free downtown mall is strewn with boutiques, restaurants, craft breweries, and a wonderfully inordinate number of bookstores, including the quirky Daedalus Bookshop.

Travel Tips

This part of Virginia is particularly gorgeous during spring and fall, but be sure to check the UVA calendar for home football games, parents’ weekends, and graduation, which fill the city to overflowing. Tours of Monticello book early, so plan ahead and consider upgrading to one of the special-interest tours like “Behind the Scenes” and “Slavery at Monticello.” Miles of hiking trails and wheelchair-friendly pathways also loop through the property. Downtown, dine at French-inflected C&O Restaurant, which counts on Virginia sources for wine, cheese, fish, produce, and other foods.

8. Oxford, Mississippi

When the founders of Oxford settled on the name — yes, in honor of the UK–based school — they did so in the hopes of landing the state university. In 1844, that dream came true, marking the beginning of the town’s reign as a — if not the — cultural hub of Mississippi.

Like most college towns, Oxford is home to a few outstanding independent bookstores, most notably Square Books, which houses an impressive collection of works by Southern authors, as well as books about the South. The store also puts on more than 150 author events each year and celebrates the area’s literary greats, which have included John Grisham and William Faulkner (whose history-filled estate, Rowan Oak, is located a five-minute drive from downtown).

Beyond literature, the city is known for a long-standing tradition of great blues music. Rooster’s Blues House, part of the Mississippi Blues Trail that honors the legends and history of the art form, hosts live music every weekend. Proud Larry’s, another local favorite, dishes up comfort-food favorites such as jambalaya, pastas, and pizzas by day, and showcases up-and-coming musical acts for less than $10 a ticket by night.

The city’s food scene has long been heating up. One of its biggest success stories is the James Beard award–winning City Grocery, known for its elevated take on Southern cuisine, such as shrimp and grits and red grouper collar and belly with pickled sweet peppers. For down-home eats, Mama Jo’s fried chicken, mac-and-cheese, and pecan pie are dished up with love, pride, and an education on all things Southern.

Travel Tips

Stay at the Graduate, a hip downtown boutique hotel found along the Square. The 136 rooms pay homage to the local writers and musicians who’ve made the city so rich in culture. Rise early enough for breakfast at Cabin 82, the hotel’s café serving beloved fare from fried chicken to buttermilk biscuits. You’ll also want to linger over a craft cocktail at The Coop rooftop bar while enjoying the city lights.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, America’s Best Small Towns, in 2022.

1. Orlando (Florida)

Existing solely for fun, theme parks all but ensure smiles — and Orlando corners the market on the concept. Thanks to resorts like Walt Disney World and Universal, the “theme park capital of the world” ranks as one of the top five most-visited cities in the US. Disney World, the region’s No. 1 draw, opened to great fanfare in 1971 and still welcomes more than 58 million people every year. At the Magic Kingdom, original rides such as the carousel, Dumbo, and It’s a Small World inspire nostalgia, while new attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage keep devoted travelers hooked and pull in new audiences.

Other recently debuted lands live up to the hype, from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Toy Story Land, both at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Potterheads transport to Hogwarts at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, split between Universal’s two parks. And Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park, was voted the nation’s best in a 2021 USA Today poll.

Fans of vintage attractions find retro entertainment at Gatorland, a quirky ode to reptiles that opened in 1949. Eighty miles north, Weeki Wachee Springs’ fanciful underwater mermaid performances have been enchanting crowds since 1947. For those in search of amusement, escape, and even a little magic, the City Beautiful is a wish come true.

Visiting Tips

Eat and drink around the world at Epcot; the International Food & Wine Festival runs July to November, but Epcot’s World Showcase offers tasty global samplings year-round. Cool off with a classic Dole Whip dessert at Aloha Isle inside Magic Kingdom — or opt for the boozy version at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom (as a reward for braving the thrill-packed DINOSAUR ride). To enter a Disney park, both a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date are required.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts several superlatives: At 522,427 acres, it’s the largest protected land area east of the Rockies, and it gets more visitors than any national park, welcoming 14 million yearly guests. The hype is deserved for the easy-access waterfalls — some of which require only a short walk along paved pathways — as well as spruce forests, bear and elk sightings, and epic mountain panoramas.

Officially dedicated in 1940, GSMNP excels in accessibility, with 850 miles of hiking trails. Some of the most popular double as the highest peaks: Clingmans Dome, Mount Guyot, and Mount Le Conte. But travelers need not lace up to appreciate the views. Dozens of scenic lookouts dot Newfound Gap Road, aka US Highway 411. Chimney Tops Overlook, at mile 4.5, and nearby Carlos Campbell Overlook deliver some of the best ridgeline vistas.

Explorers get equipped with free maps and ranger advice at visitor centers such as Cades Cove, in Townsend, Tennessee; Sugarlands, near Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Oconaluftee, near Cherokee, North Carolina. Sugarlands is closest to Laurel Falls, perhaps the most family-friendly short hike the park offers. Meanwhile, Oconaluftee sits on grassy fields that, come dewy morning, draw in herds of elk — and the wildlife fans who treasure them.

Visiting Tips

GSMNP is free to enter. If you plan to hike, buy a trail guidebook or map such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Falcon Pocket Guide. Summer brings crowds and opportunities to float down Deep Creek with rentals from JJ’s Tubes in Bryson City, North Carolina. Peak leaf-peeping typically happens between mid-October and early November. Book a cabin through Airbnb or a property-management company like Great Smokys Cabin Rentals.

3. Alaska Cruise

The brisk spray off a humpback whale’s glistening tail. The booming crack of ice calving off a glacier. The striking sight of caribou standing at attention in a heather-filled meadow. A trip to Alaska, the largest and northernmost state in the United States, is a feast for the senses — and one of the best ways to explore the Last Frontier is on the water.

Cruising season runs from April through October. Visiting in May and early June reveals the destination’s many marvels — wildflowers bursting into bloom, throngs of wildlife migrating across the vast landscape, and glaciers rising from the depths like frozen spires. Nearly every Alaskan cruise — whether on a big ship or boutique vessel — travels through the Inside Passage, the storied 400-mile coastal route stretching from Puget Sound, Washington, along the British Columbia coast, and into the Gulf of Alaska.

Ice-carved fjords and forest-clad islands give way to charming small towns and bustling cityscapes, including Juneau, the lone American capital city that is accessible only by air or sea. From there, cruisegoers are in for a cornucopia of experiences that reflect the rich heritage and diversity of Alaska — from ports of call like Skagway, a Gold Rush–era town where salmon fishing and sled-dog adventures await, to Tracy Arm Fjord in the Tongass National Forest, where baby seals sprawl out on icebergs for afternoon naps. Another Alaskan rite of passage is journeying through Glacier Bay National Park, a 65-mile-long fjord spanning 3.3 million acres, whose epic tidewater glaciers can be viewed only from a vessel. There’s no way to capture the full grandeur of Alaska on any one visit, but taking in a slice of this exquisite coastline via a water voyage is the perfect place to start.

Visiting Tips

The Alaskan Tourism Restoration Act allows for the direct passage of cruise ships from Washington state to southeast Alaska without stopping at a Canadian port. Book with a line such as Viking, Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Celebrity, Disney, or Holland America. If given the chance, nature lovers should be sure to check out Chicagof Island, just off the coast of Juneau. It’s home to the largest population of bears per square meter in the world. Late summer is peak season to spot these majestic creatures on the island.

4. Acadia National Park (Maine)

Wabanaki tribes have inhabited the land that is now Acadia National Park for thousands of generations, and to these “People of the Dawn,” sunrise on Cadillac Mountain is sacred. In winter months, daybreak occurs on the 1,530-foot peak before anywhere else in the United States, and visitors still hike or drive up the North Atlantic seaboard’s highest summit to bask in a reflective morning meditation.

Carved by glaciers and pounded by wind and waves, Acadia’s pink-granite headlands were formed over millions of years. Observers can witness the drama in striking places such as Thunder Hole, where swells rushing into a sea cave cause explosions of water up to 40 feet high. Nearby, Sand Beach invites all ages to swim, explore tide pools, and soak in the scenery.

Inland, 45 miles of gravel carriage roads have been blessedly car-free since John D. Rockefeller commissioned them in 1915. Here, sightseers can walk, bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage through hardwood forests while keeping their eyes peeled for foxes, moose, peregrine falcons, salamanders, and more.

Other must-see spots include serene Jordan Pond, as well as the Abbe Museum, which centers on the Wabanaki Nations. In this important repository, visitors are reminded that above all, Acadia isn’t just a vacation destination, but a home.

Visiting Tips

Acadia is extremely busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Use the Island Explorer shuttle to reduce traffic. Bustling Bar Harbor offers the most hotel options (Bar Harbor Inn has a lovely fire pit), or look for a vacation rental in the quieter communities of Winter Harbor, Corea, Islesford, the Cranberry Isles, and Isle au Haut. Book a carriage ride with Wildwood Stables, and watch for seals on a Lulu Lobster Boat Ride. The Chart Room, Beal’s, Side Street Café, and Stewman’s Lobster Pound are all good bets for fresh seafood.

5. Hawaii Island (Hawaii)

Known for its temperamental volcanoes, multihued beaches, and diverse climate zones, the island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island) has become the center of a controversy involving a plan to build a super-telescope on the sacred summit of Mauna Kea. The debate has sparked a larger conversation about visitors’ relationship to the Hawaiian Islands, and how overtourism and an entitled, consumerist approach to the destination impacts Indigenous people and their land.

Of course, the island’s natural splendor is unmistakable. Spanning 333,308 acres, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has been named both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also the storied home of the fire goddess Pele, this otherworldly preserve presents the chance to view multiple craters and even walk through a lava tube.

Colorful beaches also inspire awe, from the quintessential white sand of Hapuna Beach State Park to black sand at Punaluu Beach, and even green sand at Papakolea. Meanwhile, lush foliage and local legend surround cascades like Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls. On the north shore, rich history, fertile taro farms. and rugged hiking trails mark the dramatic Waipio Valley, cradled between 2,000-foot cliffs. Additional historic sites such as Puukohola Heiau — home to one of the largest restored heiau (temple) in Hawaii— and Kaloko-Honokohau, with its ancient Hawaiian kii pohaku (petroglyphs), lend a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s heritage.

Tourism may be an inexorable part of Hawaii’s landscape, but those who take time to understand the destination, show respect, get to know locals, and try to leave the island better than they found it will truly grasp the concept of aloha.

Visiting Tips

Patronize local businesses as much as possible. Stay at Da Log House B&B in the Puna area; polish off a poke bowl from Umekes Fish Market Bar & Grill; and book a tour with My Kona Adventures, which offers dolphin watching, manta-ray night snorkeling, and a South Kona snorkeling excursion that promises glimpses of honu, Hawaii’s sea turtles. Support more local purveyors at the Hilo Farmers Market, which is open seven days a week and features everything from seasonal produce, flowers, and coffee to clothing, crafts, and local art and photography.

6. Toronto (Ontario, Canada)

Whatever your version of happy is, Toronto likely has it. Love beaches? Nature? Culture? Excellent food and wine? Often likened to New York City, Hollywood, and Silicon Valley, Canada’s largest city holds it all and a lot more.

For fresh air, Toronto comprises 1,500-plus parks filled with green spaces, walking paths, and other amenities. At 399 acres, High Park is a year-round favorite, with spring cherry blossoms, a summer pool, fall foliage, and winter ice skating. Hugging the city’s eastern boundary, rustic Rouge National Urban Park features 15 hiking trails.

June to September, beach parks on the shores of Lake Ontario fill with sunseekers; top spots to stretch out include Bluffer’s Beach, Woodbine Beach, and Toronto Island Park’s four swimming beaches. A 13-minute ferry ride from the Jack Layton Terminal, this cluster of 15 lake islands also boasts kid-friendly attractions like a petting zoo, an amusement park, and several splash pads.

Patrons of the arts flock to venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario; the Roy Thomson Hall, home of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra; and the Toronto Theatre District, which rivals that of New York City and London. Historic homes (Casa Loma) and cathedrals (St. Michaels Cathedral Basilica) also welcome visitors. High above it all, the CN Tower’s LookOut Level offers sweeping panoramas from 1,136 feet above ground. From this lofty vantage point, it’s obvious why this vibrant city is Canada’s top urban hub.

Visiting Tips

Gourmands can dig into the city’s expansive multicultural food scene (Alo, a contemporary French eatery, is the reigning four-time No. 1 finisher on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list), then head to Wine Country Ontario, an hour’s drive away, to winery-hop at more than 180 estates. Fuel up for the day with coffee and doughnuts from Tim Hortons, a Canadian staple since 1964. During baseball season, join cheering Blue Jays fans at the Rogers Centre. Get from point A to point B affordably on the Toronto Transit Commission’s efficient network of city buses, subways, and streetcars.

A version of this article appeared in our partner magazine, The World’s Most Amazing Places.