Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park
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White House Visitor Center
A stop at the White House Visitor Center is the next best thing to actually visiting the White House. Travelers can wander the interactive touchscreen exhibits and explore the halls of presidential artifacts on a tour of this popular center.
The easy-to-access destination showcases stories of past presidents and details of daily life inside America's most famous home. A short video details notable history and a well-stocked gift shop ensures travelers leave with a piece of America in hand.
Practical Info
The White House Visitor Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. It is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in the Department of Commerce Building and is accessible using the Metro Center or Federal Triangle Metro stops. Admission is free.
Address: 1450 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC, USA
Hours: Daily 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
From $ 14
Whitehall
Whitehall is a main thoroughfare in London running south from the southern end of Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square. It is named for the Palace of Whitehall that stood in the area until the end of the 17th century and was originally a wide road that led to the front of the palace. The famous Trafalgar Square was built at the northern end of Whitehall in the early 19th century. Whitehall is lined with government buildings, including the Old War Office, the Admiralty Buildings, the Horse Guards, the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Whitehall is also known for its memorial statues and monuments, most notably the national war memorial known as the Cenotaph. In 2005, the National Monument to the Women of World War II was erected just north of the Cenotaph. Other monuments to keep an eye out for along Whitehall are those of Prince George, Duke of Cambridge; Spencer Cavendish, 8th Duke of Devonshire; Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig; William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim; Alan Brooke, 1st Viscount Alanbrooke; and Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
Practical Info
Whitehall runs through the City of Westminster in London. The closest Underground stations are Charing Cross near Trafalgar Square and Westminster near Parliament Square.
Address: London, England
From $ 25
Westminster
The political, historical and cultural heart of London, the central district of Westminster is one of the capital’s busiest areas and home to so many of the city’s top attractions that many tourists never venture far outside its boundaries. Most visitors start their tour along the Thames River waterfront, where highlights include the Houses of Parliament, the Gothic Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace, home to the iconic Big Ben clock tower, while the famous London Eye looms on the opposite riverbank.
Close by is the grand central boulevard of Whitehall, which leads to Parliament Square and the Prime Minister's official residence at 10 Downing Street; Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery; the Tate Britain and, to the north, the vibrant West End Theater district.
Another star attraction of Westminster is Buckingham Palace, the official home of Her Majesty the Queen, linked to the city by St James Park, The Mall and the Horse Guards Parade, where the annual Trooping the Colour celebration is held.
Practical Info
The district of Westminster is located in central London just west of the City, on the north bank of the Thames River.
Address: Westminster, London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 12
WestLicht Center for Photography
Vienna’s first museum dedicated purely to photography opened in 2011 in a former glass factory and the following year combined its collection with the OstLicht Gallery in Absberggasse, which curates special exhibitions of hard-hitting, edgy contemporary photography.
WestLicht has Vienna’s biggest collection of historic cameras, ranging from daguerreotypes produced in the 1840s – the world’s first commercial camera – to KGB spy cameras and a Hasselblad that went into space with the Apollo missions. As well as temporary exhibitions throughout the year – past shows have featured landscapist Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson – the museum also participates in the annual World Press Photo, which celebrates award-winning photo-journalism.
Along with a stylish café and bar, the WestLicht also has an arty shop selling images shot by contemporary photographers such as Canadian rock singer Bryan Adams and German film-maker Wim Wenders.
Practical Info
Westbahnstrasse 40. Open daily 2pm–6pm. Admission adults €7, seniors & students €4, kids 6–16 €2, under 6 free. Metro U3 to Zieglergasse.
Address: Westbahnstrasse 40, Vienna, Austria
Hours: Open daily 2pm–6pm
Admission: Adults €7
From $ 139
White Hart Lane Stadium
Home to one of London’s most successful football (soccer) clubs, Tottenham Hotspur – usually known as Spurs – White Hart Lane Stadium is in north London. The team play in the Premier League – the highest level in English football – and count striker Harry Kane and winger Andros Townsend, both who also play for England, among their current high-profile players. When a match is at their home ground, Spurs players dress in white adorned with the team logo of a navy blue cockerel perched on a football. Team colors for away matches are sky blue and patterned with black stripes.
Football is something of a national obsession in the UK; matches last 90 minutes in two halves, plus injury time. The season runs annually from mid-August until mid-May and match days at White Hart Lane have all the wholesome excitement of family days out, and there are plenty of food and drink outlets at the ground.
In fall 2015, Spurs revealed plans to build a state-of-the-art stadium at White Hart Lane; it will cost £400 million, will have a retractable roof and will be multi-purpose. Rumor has it that the football team has signed a deal with the US’s National Football League (NFL) to play a least two games there per year. Capacity at the new stadium is to be 61,000, there will be a skywalk above it and a sculptural glass façade. Work is expected to begin after the 2015–16 football season is over.
Practical Info
748 High Road, Tottenham, London N17 0AP. Tickets for all matches can be ordered online or by telephone (0344 844 0102 or +44 207 998 1068 from outside the UK), and prices vary from £17 to £81, depending on match and stand. Stadium tours are available; book online. The easiest way to get to White Hart Lane is by mainline train from Seven Sisters, which connects into central London via the Tube’s Victoria Line.
Address: 748 High Road, Tottenham, London, England
Hours: Opening hours vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 136
Westminster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage site, with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
The Basics
A tour of Westminster Abbey is like taking a walk through British history. Explore independently with an audio guide, on a tour led by a verger (church official), or with a private guide. Tickets include access to all the main areas of the church. The London Pass also grants access to Westminster Abbey.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Booking in advance will help you avoid waiting in long lines. Otherwise, be prepared to queue for up to an hour at peak times, especially in July and August.
- As the abbey is a place of worship, visitors are asked to dress modestly, and due to its uneven floor and steps, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Taking photos or videos is not permitted within the abbey.
- Some, but not all, areas of the abbey are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users should enter by the North Door; admission is free.
- On-site facilities include restrooms, a café, and a gift shop.
How to Get to Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is located close to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in Central London, a short stroll from the Thames riverfront. The nearest tube stations are St. James's Park and Westminster. The visitor entrance to the abbey is at the West Gate of the North Green.
When to Get There
Westminster Abbey is open to visitors every day except Sundays and on religious holidays, when the church is open to worshippers only. To avoid crowds, arrive early on a weekday. To hear the Abbey Choir perform, time your visit for the daily Evensong (weekdays at 5pm and weekends at 3pm). Special after-hours tours also run on Wednesday evenings, typically one of the quietest times to visit.
What to See at Westminster Abbey
Visitors can see the Shrine, containing the tomb of Saint Edward the Confessor; the Royal Tombs, including the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots; the Poets' Corner, where a number of creatives are buried or commemorated; the Nave; the 13th-century Cloisters; and memorials devoted to Isaac Newton, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, and many more notable figures. For the full experience, end your visit with a stroll through the beautiful College Garden and a traditional afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café.
Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, England
Hours: Worship only on Sundays. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am- 3:30pm, Saturday 9:30am - 1:30pm
Admission: Adults: £22, Children (6-16): £9, Children (0-5): free
From $ 9
Westminster Cathedral
Not to be confused with the more-famous Westminster Abbey, just a short walk away, Westminster Cathedral is England’s most important Roman Catholic Church and an architectural landmark in its own right. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the striking terracotta-brick building is renowned for its unique neo-Byzantine architecture and remains the only example of its kind in London.
As well as admiring the red-and-white-striped façade, visitors are free to explore the church’s exquisite interiors, or climb the 83 meter tall bell-tower, where the views extend across the city. The cathedral also holds daily services and is the only cathedral in the world to sing daily Mass and Vespers, performed by the world-renowned Westminster Cathedral Choir.
Practical Info
Westminster Cathedral is located on Francis Street in Westminster and the nearest tube station is Victoria. The cathedral is open daily from 7am to 8pm and is free to enter, with a charge of £5 to climb the bell tower. Services are held daily.
Address: 42 Francis Street, Westminster SW1P 1QW, England
Hours: Daily 7am- 8pm
Admission: Free; access to bell tower £5
From $ 43
West Potomac Park
National memorials, more than 1,600 Japanese cherry trees and the beautiful Constitution Gardens make West Potomac Park a great place to explore when visiting Washington, D.C. It’s a rarity as a national park, because although it has a national history theme, it is located smack dab in the center of a major city.
Servicemen and -women are commemorated at the Vietnam, Korean War Veterans and the World War II memorials; Presidents Roosevelt and Jefferson are celebrated in monuments; and important historical figures are remembered at the George Mason and Martin Luther King, Jr. memorials. There are various other statues and monuments found throughout the park, too, but nothing is more recognizable than the iconic view between two presidential memorials: from the Washington Monument across the reflecting pond to the Lincoln Memorial.
With 1,628 Japanese cherry trees, the spring bloom is quite the sight, and thousands of visitors come to West Potomac Park to photograph the sea of pink and white cherry blossoms during the annual spring Cherry Blossom Festival.
Constitution Gardens offer a large green space with cobbled pathways and a duck pond that make it easy to forget that the park is within walking distance of the White House. Tidal Basin is just steps away as well, across the National Mall, and offers families the chance to get out on the water in both paddle and row boats.
Practical Info
West Potomac State Park is located between Independence and Constitution avenues. It’s easily accessible from the Smithsonian and Federal Triangle metro stations.
Address: Independence & Constitution avenues, Washington, D.C., USA
From $ 14
Western Wall
An open-air synagogue where worshippers recite prayers, Israel’s historic Western Wall is where travelers come to kiss pale gold stones the color of the Negev desert and to stuff paper prayers between the stones. The beating heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, this is a must-see sacred site in the Jewish Quarter.
The Basics
The Western Wall—also known as the Wailing Wall—is the holiest site in Jerusalem due to its status as the last remnant of the Second Temple built by Herod in 19 BC. Today it forms one side of Temple Mount, and this section of the wall rises 187 feet (57 meters) up. The Western Wall is divided into two areas—there’s a small southern section for women and a much larger northern area for men. If you don’t feel comfortable joining in on the action at the wall, it’s backed by a large, sloping plaza where you can stand back and just take in the scene.
The site is commonly visited on half- and full-day Jerusalem sightseeing tours departing from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Many tours also visit Bethlehem, the Dome of the Rock, or the Dead Sea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Dress modestly while you’re here—a good general rule is to be covered from the shoulders to below the knee.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have a headscarf or kippah head covering for your visit; these can be borrowed at the entrance.
- You’ll find a security checkpoint before you reach the wall; it typically takes a few minutes to get through this safety measure.
- You don’t have to be Jewish to pay your respects at the wall—it’s open to any person of any faith.
- During Shabbat, photography isn’t allowed, and at other times, it’s best to exercise sensitivity when pointing your lens.
How to Get There
The Western Wall plaza forms the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City. Dung Gate is the nearest access point by taxi and intercity bus 1 or 2.
When to Get There
The large crowds that gather here can really add to the atmosphere, but if you’d rather have peace and quiet, try visiting early in the morning or in the late evening on a weekday. Bar mitzvahs are often held during Shabbat, or on Monday or Thursday mornings, and those times can be busy with celebrating families, too. The same goes for Jewish holidays.
The Western Wall Tunnel
The Western Wall Tunnel is an underground tunnel beneath the buildings of the Old City of Jerusalem. There have been many Herodian discoveries (plus the uncovering of a Hasmonean Aqueduct) since excavations began in the 19th century and again after the Six-Day War in 1967. Join a Western Wall Tunnel tour to see this slice of Jerusalem history.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 49
Whiteman Park
Spanning nearly 10,000 acres (4,000 hectares), Western Australia’s Whiteman Park draws in visitors from around the globe. The park’s fun and and interactive transportation theme comes alive with the many museums and attractions on-site such as the Tractor Museum of WA, Motor Museum of WA, and vintage train rides. Learn about the park’s original land owner Lew Whiteman through the park’s environmental and conservation reserves dotted throughout the land. Family-friendly activities at the park range from playgrounds to sports facilities, dog parks to picnic grounds, and numerous cycling, hiking, and walking trails. Cruise through the scenery on an electric chariot and take home a piece of the park with a visit to the Village Mall for sweet treats, crafts or artwork.
Practical Info
Whiteman Park is located 25 minutes from Perth’s city center in Swan Valley, Western Australia. The park is accessible by either Lord Street or Beechboro Road and admission is free. Visitors are welcome every day of the year from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. The park is open on Christmas Day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. but only picnic areas are open, no attractions are accessible.
Address: Lot 99A Lord St, Whiteman, Western Australia 6068, Australia
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. every day; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Day (just picnic area, no attractions)
Admission: $24 adults, $14 children
From $ 88
Whitechapel
Located in the district of East London, this historic neighborhood was named after a tiny chapel that crumbled during World War II. And while its unassuming name may not entice the typical traveler, this London destination is filled with history and sites that make it worth a visit.
From old-school breweries like the White Heart Brew Pub, to abandoned slaughterhouses and famous foundries (including the one that cast Big Ben!), Whitechapel is as unique as UK neighborhoods come. And while these oddities make it worth a wander, it’s former residents like the notorious murder, Jack the Ripper, and the much-stories Elephant man who put this community on the map.
Practical Info
Whitechapel is home to a large Bangladeshi community around the area known as Brick Lane. This is the perfect spot to stop for lunch or dinner and sample the nation’s traditional dishes. The relatively new Whitechapel Art Gallery is also worth a visit.
Address: London, United Kingdom, England
From $ 16
Whitby
With its blue flag beaches, colorful fishing harbor and windswept cliffs, Whitby has long ranked among England’s most popular coastal towns, first earning fame as a Georgian seaside resort, then for its booming jet mining industry in Victorian times, and now infamous for its abundance of ghosts and thriving Goth scene.
A highlight of the North York Moors National Park and a key stop on the famous North Yorkshire Moors steam railway, Whitby’s striking good looks and historic connections make it a must-see for visitors to the north. Highlights include the cliff-top Whitby Abbey, which famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and the Captain Cook Museum, devoted to the legendary local explorer, while simple pleasures abound - pick up some fish ‘n’ chips from the renowned Magpie Café, stroll along the scenic River Esk waterfront or shop for jewelry made with Whitby Jet.
Practical Info
Whitby is located in the North Yorks Moors National Park on England’s northeast coast, approximately 45 miles from York.
Address: Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
From $ 58
White Grotto (Grotta Bianca)
The White Grotto is one of several scenic caves along the coastline of the island of Capri, which sits just off the coast of Naples, Italy. Less crowded than the popular Blue Grotto, it gets its name from the white stalactites that hang from the roof of the cave and the white layers of calcareous material that coats its sides. One of the stalactites is said to resemble the Virgin Mary in prayer. The grotto consists of an upper and lower cave, although the upper is not easily accessible. The lower cave is about 24 feet at its tallest and is wider above the water (about six feet) than it is at the surface. According to Mario Puzo’s book “The Sicilian,” the famous Sicilian bandit Salvatore Giuliano spent his first nights as an outlaw in the White Grotto.
Practical Info
The White Grotto can only be visited by boat, typically departing from Marina Grande on the island of Capri. It is often included in boat tours of the entire island.
Address: Capri, Italy
From $ 80
White River Valley
White River Valley prides itself on its eco credentials, offering all manner of outdoor adventures.
The white limestone rocks give the White River its name, causing the water to tumble over rapids and forming tranquil lagoon pools for rafting.
You can go tubing or kayaking in the White River, or even saddle a horse for a ride along trails leading through tropical rainforest! Visit the landscaped Village of Flowers, and seek out the old Spanish Bridge dating back to the 1600s.
Practical Info
White River Valley is 7 miles (11 kilometers) inland from Ocho Rios, between the parishes of St. Mary and St. Ann. The river mouth is in Ocho Rios.
Address: A1 Highway, Ocho Rios JMCAN19, Jamaica
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 50
Wicklow Mountains
Wicklow Mountains National Park, also known as the Garden of Ireland, is one of the country’s six national parks and an easy day trip from Dublin, only 18.5 miles (30 km) away. Travelers frequent this County Wicklow mountain range to spend time away from the city and enjoy the stunningly wild landscape that is so markedly different from the typical green, grassy plains of the Emerald Isle. You’ll find 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of low mountains, serene lakes, and deep glacial valleys offering chances to fish, kayak, and hike.
Wicklow Mountain Scenery
From bog lands to heather fields, stunning mountain landscapes awaits at the Wicklow Mountains. The park features Glencree Valley and Sally Gap, in addition to one of Ireland’s highest waterfalls, Powerscourt. Other must-see spots include the P.S. I Love You Bridge; Powerscourt Gardens at the Powerscourt Estate; the Wicklow Gap, where much of Braveheart was filmed; and Lough Tay, also known as Guinness Lake. Many tours include nature walks with a tour guide, and some allow for exploring nearby medieval villages such as Kilkenny and the round tower at the Glendalough Monastic Settlement, founded by St. Kevin in the sixth century. Because there’s so much natural beauty to take in at the national park, it’s recommended that you spend a full day here.
Insider Tip
Stop by Fitzgerald's Pub in Avoca in County Wicklow for lunch at a traditional Irish pub. Plus, what’s lunch on the Emerald Isle without a Guinness to go with it?Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no entrance fee for the national park, but you will have to pay for parking.
- Although the area is widely remote, most facilities can be found in the Glendalough area, including the Glendalough Visitor Center, where you’ll find historical exhibits and park information.
- Most coach tours offer free WiFi on the bus.
- A few paths and trails near Upper Lake and Lower Lake have been deemed fit for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Wicklow Mountains tours are offered with daily departures from Dublin city center. The scenic route to the mountains from Dublin takes about an hour by car or coach via the winding Military Road, which passes numerous bogs and lakes along the way. It’s also possible to arrive by rail tour, which removes the hassle of navigating mountain roads without compromising the stunning views of the Irish countryside.
Address: Wicklow Mountains National Park, County Wicklow, Ireland
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm May-Aug, weekends Sept-April
Admission: Free admission; parking fees apply
From $ 25
Whanganui
Set at the mouth of the Whanganui River—the largest navigable river in New Zealand—the city of Whanganui is one of New Zealand’s most important historical settlements. A bustling army base in the New Zealand Wars, much of the city's ancient and military history is still evident today. Ascend 200 feet (61 meters) in an elevator to the top of War Memorial Tower for sweeping views of the city, or explore the many historic buildings, galleries, and museums to gain more insight about this riverbank town.
Inhabited first by the Maori and later settled by Europeans, the best way to learn about the city's unique history and culture is with a knowledgeable, local guide. Visit the most popular sights, such as Virginia Lake and the riverfront market, and many more on a half-day tour of the city. Don't forget to ask your guide about outdoor activities available in the mountains and rivers just outside town.
Practical Info
Whanganui is located 143 miles (230 kilometers) north of Wellington, and is approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive from the city. It can be reach from Auckland on a short, one-hour flight.
Did You Know? The name of the town is spelled both Whanganui as well as Wanganui.
Address: Whanganui, North Island, New Zealand
From $ 39
White House
Every year, people from all over the world flock to Washington DC just to get a peek at the 132-room United States White House, which has been the official residence of each US president since 1800.
The Basics
The White House is most often admired from afar, as wandering tourists are unable to step inside and the grounds are only open for special events, such as the White House Easter Egg Roll. In lieu of touring the interior (which can be arranged by making a request through Congress), travelers can catch sight of the structure from behind the front gates or head to the National Park Service’s White House Visitors Center to browse exhibits, watch historic reenactments, or stop by the gift shop.
How to Prepare for the White House Tour
Requests for free, self-guided tours of the East Wing must be submitted through your member of Congress. Tour requests can be made up to three months in advance; this is advised given that they are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and space is limited. The names, birthdates, and social security numbers of everyone in your party must be submitted. Once approved, you’ll be assigned a tour time (they are available Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30am and Friday and Saturday until 1:30pm). Call the White House Visitors Office information line at (202) 456-7041 for additional tour information.
If you do secure one of these public tours, highlights include the Red Room, used primarily for afternoon tea; the Green Room; and the Blue Room, the setting of the White House Christmas tree. West Wing tours (including the Oval Office) are by invitation only.
What to Know Before Visiting the White House
Here are a few tips to help you plan your visit.
- Be sure to have your government-issued photo ID with you at all times during your visit.
- There are no general public storage facilities on site; most visitors bring only their wallet, keys, and cell phone. Compact cameras are also allowed.
- Prohibited items include no-brainers such as electric stun guns and martial arts weapons/devices. You’ll also want to leave purses, backpacks, video cameras, and book bags at home. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items.
- The nearest restrooms are in the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion.
- Note that visitor access records to the White House complex are made publicly available 90 to 120 days after each visit.
How to Get There
Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, the White House can be reached by taking the Washington Metro—disembark at Metro Center, McPherson Square, or Federal Triangle, the closest metrorail station to the visitors entrance. Street parking can be difficult to find.
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington D.C., USA
Hours: White House Visitor Center: 7:30am-4pm every day
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Westminster Bridge
One of London’s oldest road bridges, with a history dating back to 1739, Westminster Bridge crosses the iconic Thames River, running from Westminster on the north bank to Lambeth on the south side. Overlooked by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Grade II listed bridge is one of London’s most photographed landmarks, immortalized by painters like JMW Turner and Samuel Scott, and seen on-screen in movies including Mission Impossible, 28 Days Later, and Die Another Die.
Located right in the heart of central London, it’s hard to miss Westminster Bridge and there are plenty of ways to visit. Perhaps stroll across the famous bridge on a walking tour of London, cruise beneath its arches on a Thames River sightseeing cruise, or enjoy a spectacular aerial view from the London Eye or The Shard. Alternatively, see the illuminated bridge at its most atmospheric during a night tour of the city, or visit on New Year’s Eve to watch the dazzling fireworks over the riverfront.
Practical Info
Westminster Bridge runs across the River Thames in central London, between Westminster on the north bank to Lambeth on the south side.
Address: Westminster Bridge, London, England
From $ 34
White Mountains (Lefka Ori)
Crete is renowned for being a divinely sun-baked Greek Island, boasting great beaches and hot weather—but it’s less known for its spectacular White Mountains (Lefka Ori). Found in the west of the island, the mountains are a paradise for hikers and nature spotters when not dusted with snow in winter and early spring.
The Basics
The island of Crete is home to not one, but two mountain ranges—the White Mountains and the Psiloritis Mountains. While the island’s tallest peak, Mt. Ida (8,058 feet/2,456 meters), can be found in the Psiloritis range, the White Mountains are the tallest range on the island, with over 50 different peaks rising to 6,550 feet (2,000 meters) or higher. There are many hiking trails here—one of the most popular starts at Omalos village and crosses the famous Samaria Gorge. If hiking sounds too strenuous, you can simply enjoy the scenery by driving through the mountain passes.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The White Mountains are ideal for active travelers, experienced hikers, and nature enthusiasts.
- Facilities are limited in the mountains, so bring a water bottle (which you can refill at rest stops), snacks, and sun protection.
- If hiking, make sure to wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- Hiking the Samaria Gorge requires a small entrance fee to enter the national park.
How to Get There
The White Mountains are located in West Crete, and many people start their hike at Omalos village. Regular bus services travel from Chania to Omalos and Samaria Gorge during the summer months, or you can drive (although you will have to return for your car the next day). Many people finish their walk through the gorge in Agia Roumeli and then take the ferry and bus back to Chania. Crete, the largest island in Greece, is accessible by plane or a ferry from the mainland.
When to Get There
The White Mountains are covered in snow for much of the winter and early spring, and hiking by tourists is not recommended at this time of year. Samaria National Park (to access the Samaria Gorge) traditionally opens at the beginning of May and closes in October. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Heraklion’s Archeological Museum
With several major archeological sites, Crete is a top destination for history buffs. The Archeological Museum in Heraklion (Crete’s capital) is a good place to start for visitors who want to learn about the island’s history. The museum is famous for its Minoan artworks, but its collections cover all of the ancient civilizations that once lived on the island.
Address: Sfakia 730 11, Greece
From $ 72
White Bay
People travel the entire world in search of tropical paradise, when all along it’s been sitting right here—hanging out in plain view. Here on tiny Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, yachties, bar flies, sunseekers, and divers all gather together on a white sand cove that’s back by a turquoise sea. Grab a snorkel and swim through schools of small, silvery fish, or watch as pelicans swoop through the sky in search of an easy meal. After splashing in the shallow waters, order a plate of conch fritters from one of the beachside restaurants, or sip on a frozen “Painkiller” cocktail at the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar. The name, it’s said, is derived from sailors who would swim to shore and purchase drinks with wet bills—which is still a tradition that visiting yachties casually enjoy to this day. To stretch your legs between drinks and meals, stroll the length of White Bay and scramble around the rocks, taking in views of the natural harbor that’s dotted with sailboats and yachts. Even for all of its beauty, however, and renowned tropical fame, Jost Van Dyke remains unpretentious and true to its casual roots.
Practical Info
Jost Van Dyke is most easily accessed by boat from St. Thomas or St. John. Both islands have regular ferries that visit Jost Van Dyke—although passports are required when re-entering the small U.S. territory. It’s also possible to visit from Tortola or neighboring Virgin Gorda, or charter your own boat and drop anchor directly offshore White Bay.
Address: Jost Van Dyke Island, British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands
From $ 105