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Akumal
Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Meaning “land of the turtles” in the Mayan language, Akumal is famous for its plentiful sea turtle population. Its secluded white-sand beaches and peaceful bays are also ideal for those seeking a more private experience.
The Basics
Most Akumal tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Scuba diving and snorkeling tours are a good way to experience Akumal’s coral reef and resident sea turtle population, while jungle ATV and zipline excursions allow you to experience the town’s nearby jungle. Some combination tours visit Akumal along with the Tulum ruins and various cenotes (underground pools).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Akumal is an ideal destination for nature lovers and peace-and-quiet seekers.
- Be sure to bring sun protection, swim gear, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Be careful not to touch the sea turtles or any other wildlife in Akumal.
How to Get There
Akumal is located in Mexico’s Quintana Roo region, roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen and 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Cancun. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or as part of a guided tour.
When to Get There
The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities. Arrive in the morning for the best chance of spotting sea turtles.
What to See in Akumal
Be sure to check out Half Moon Bay, a famous spot for sea turtle sightings, along with Laguna Yalku, a protected snorkeling area. Akumal Bay is also a good spot for swimming, reef snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Address: Akumal, Cozumel, Mexico
From $ 475
Aiken-Rhett House
Charleston’s historic Aiken-Rhett House offers a rare glimpse into antebellum plantation life in South Carolina. The only surviving urban plantation, the 1818 townhouse complex remains largely intact, its rooms decorated with original wallpaper, fine art, and antique furnishings purchased by the owners more than 150 years ago.
The Basics
A tour of the mansion takes visitors across the double-sided porch, into the dining room, and out to the stables. The home's very own art gallery is a must-see, featuring a collection of sculptures, paintings, and chandeliers. The carriage house and kitchen at the rear of the mansion once served as slave quarters and are among the best-preserved examples in the region. The estate is often a stop on carriage tours of historic Charleston.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Aiken-Rhett House is a must-see for history buffs.
- Combined tickets are available for the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House Museum.
- Self-guided audio tours are available.
- The house is only partially wheelchair-accessible, as visitors are required to climb up and down stairs to tour the entire estate.
- Allow 90 minutes to two hours for house tours.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the corner of Judith and Elizabeth streets, only a couple of blocks from Charleston's visitor center and riverfront. Get there on foot or as part of a guided history tour.
When to Get There
The house museum is open daily. Since the attraction is largely indoors, it’s a good rainy day option.
A Powerful Southern Family
Originally built in 1820 by a local merchant, the mansion was purchased by wealthy industrialist William Aiken, Sr. in 1827 and passed to his son upon his death. In antebellum Charleston, Governor William Aiken, Jr. was one of the city’s most powerful and affluent figures. The governor and his wife moved into the Aiken-Rhett House in 1831 and twice expanded its size. The Aiken family maintained the home for 142 years before selling it to the Charleston Museum, which opened it to the public in 1975.
Address: 48 Elizabeth Street, Charleston 29401, USA
Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults $12; Children $5
From $ 26
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
U.S. cities around the country have their own zoos, yet Cincinnati’s is not only the second oldest in the country but a National Historic Landmark and one of the most highly rated zoos in the nation. Its 75 acres of land are home to nearly 600 species of unique animals, as well as 3,000 types of plants. It is one of the largest collections of plants and animals you can find in the U.S. Conversation and environmental research are cornerstones of the zoo, which continues to support and grow endangered species from around the world. Its reptile house is the oldest zoo building in the United States.
Some of its incredible species include rhinoceros, tigers, cheetahs, gorillas, and Masai giraffes. There’s also an elephant habitat and a monkey island. Outside of animal encounters, the Cincinnati Zoo has an incredible exhibit dedicated to Africa, as well as a fun carousel, picnic grounds, and an immersive 4-D theater.
Practical Info
The Cincinnati Zoo is located in the middle of the city on Vine Street, not far from the university and the hospital. Parking in the zoo lot costs $10. It is open year-round from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission costs $16 for adults, $12 for children and seniors.
Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinatti, Ohio 45220, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 am - 5 pm
Admission: $16 for adults, $12 for children and seniors
From $ 18
Ala Moana Center
Just across the street from the tropical Pacific Ocean in downtown Honolulu, the four-story Ala Moana Center (often just called Ala Moana) is currently the world’s largest outdoor shopping mall. With 2.4 million square feet of retail space alone (that’s as much as 42 football fields!), the sprawling property boasts 340 shops and 80 restaurants including national and international name brands chains (Burberry, Cartier, Apple, Gap, Macy’s, Starbucks, California Pizza Kitchen and Barnes & Noble) as well as Hawaii-only outlets (Happy Wahine Boutique, Big Island Candies, Kahala Sportswear, Martin & MacArthur, Honolulu Coffee Co. and Sand People). Free live entertainment—from singing competitions to hula performances and fashion shows—often take place in its central corridor stage. Always bustling, Ala Moana Center is the place to see and be seen for residents and visitors alike.
The revamped Shirokiya Japan Village walk, the last stronghold of an otherwise extinct Japanese department store, is perhaps the mall’s most unique-to-Hawaii offering. The space was revamped in 2016 and boasts 32 different Japanese food vendors, shopping, artwork and a spirit garden all fashioned to look like the thoroughfares of a traditional monzen-machi village.
Practical Info
Ala Moana is located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu. It is open from 9:30am-9pm. Monday through Saturday and from 10am-7pm on Sundays, though some individual shops may keep different hours.
The property is a regular stop on several TheBus lines from Waikiki (8, 19, 20, 23, 24, 42), the North Shore (55) and the airport (19 or 20). It is also possible to take a long walk (1.5 miles) or a short-range trolley from Waikiki hotels.
Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA
Hours: 9:30am-9pm. Monday through Saturday and from 10am-7pm on Sundays, though some individual shops may keep different hours.
From $ 80
Ala Moana Beach Park
With 100 acres (40.5 hectares) of public beach situated right between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a local favorite and top destination for Oahu visitors. There are paths for walking, calm water for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, gentle waves for surfing, and plenty of soft, golden sand for sunbathing.
The Basics
Ala Moana Beach Park’s calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming and wading, making this a particularly kid-friendly spot. There are surfing and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons available, though many beachgoers just choose to relax on a beach towel or watch the vivid sunset from shore. Picnic tables for self-catering are located near the beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ala Moana Beach Park is ideal for beachgoers of all ages.
- There are lifeguards on duty, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables available.
- Don’t forget your towel, sunscreen, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is easily reached on foot, by bus, or by car. There is a large, free parking lot fronting the beach, but spots fill up by afternoon, especially on weekends.
When to Get There
Ala Moana Beach Park is open year-round during daylight hours. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to snag a good spot on the sand. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.
Magic Island
Just next to Ala Moana Beach Park is a man-made peninsula officially named Aina Moana but known locally as Magic Island. Originally built in 1964 to house a resort that never materialized, today Magic Island is a public park and a favorite spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the view—in fact, many claim that Aina Moana is the island’s top sunset watching spot. There is a small beach with a lagoon for swimming, but the water can be rough and not as calm as Ala Moana Beach Park.
Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814, USA
From $ 75
Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is more than its quirky name suggests. The scenic trail loop guides travelers along well-marked paths that lead to panoramic views of the city’s iconic red rock landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts agree Airport Mesa is one of Mother Nature’s most impressive local wonders, but with occasional old-school aircraft flying overhead, there’s still a nod to some modern marvels, too.
The 3.5-mile loop has just a 200-foot elevation change, but its uninterrupted views of Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Cockscomb and Chimney Rock make it one of the area’s most scenic treks.
Practical Info
The Airport Mesa Trail is located off of 89A west near Airport Road. There is plenty of parking at the trailhead. The hike can be slippery after rains, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Address: Sedona, Arizona, USA
From $ 39
Alamodome
Since 1993 the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio has been hosting sporting events like football and baseball games, conventions and concerts for crowds from around Texas and across the globe. With more than 65,000 seats the super-sized stadium has been home to the famed Alamo Bowl, Corps Classic and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. It is the top destination for sports in San Antonio and is the perfect place to check out a soccer game or indoor football match.
Travelers can tailgate in the vast parking lot outside the Alamodome and tuck into classic Texas fare once inside.
Visitors who want to make the most of their trip to the Alamodome can check out the Institute of Texan Cultures, the HemisFair Urban Park or the popular River Walk, which are all nearby the center.
Practical Info
The Alamodome is located at 100 Montana Street in San Antonio. It is accessible via the One Hundred Primo, which has replaced the Downtown trolley yellow route. Paid parking is also available for visitors who choose to drive for events.
Address: 100 Montana Street, San Antonio, USA
From $ 53
Alafia River State Park
Mountain bikers rejoice! Alafia State Park is the perfect destination for off-road bikers, with unique topography that contributes to some of Florida’s most extreme elevation changes. Located on what was once a phosphate mining site, Alafia State Park is home to 17 miles of bike trails, with difficulty ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Other activities to enjoy at Alafia River State Park include kayaking and canoeing, hiking and geo caching.
Alafia River State Park is also a unique spot to share with your four legged buddies. No, not your dog: your horse. With 20 miles of equestrian trails to explore (hikers can also enjoy these trails), you and Black Beauty can traverse over hills, through the woods and around lakes. At the end of the day, you can even camp with your equine friend. Twelve of the campsites in the campground are equipped for equestrian campers. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, there is no additional fee to stall your horse.
Practical Info
Alafia River State Park is located 10 miles southeast of Tampa on County Road 39. Alafia River State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, year-round. Entrance fees are $5 per vehicle, with a limit of two to eight people per vehicle; $4 for a single occupant vehicle; $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists and extra passengers over eight people in cars.
Address: 14326 S County Road 39, Lithia, Florida 33547, USA
Admission: $2-$5
From $ 155
Alaska SeaLife Center
There’s something enchanting about seeing wildlife up close, and the Alaska SeaLife Center allows you to do just this. The Alaska SeaLife Center is Alaska’s only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center and is a not-for-profit center focusing on marine research, rehabilitation (animals are treated then released) and public education geared toward all ages. It was built in 1997 -- with most of its funds coming from Exxon Valdez in an effort to compensate for their part in the oil spill -- and is a place where scientists go to do research and visitors go to learn about marine life through exhibits and interactive experiences.
View marine life like Stellar sea lions above and below the water surface through two-story tanks; pet starfish, baby rays and other small sea creatures; see waterbirds up close; and look at adorable animals in rehabilitation like Ringed Seals, White Winged Scoters, Spectacled Eiders and Northern Sea Otters. An array of educational programs for students -- including “Beaks, Bubbles, & Burrows,” “Marine Mammal Adaptations” and “Seashore Survivors” -- add to the fun.
You can also experience a number of “encounters” which allow you to do things like shake hands with an octopus and have a personalized tour of a puffin aviary.
For many, the highlight of a visit is the seal encounter, where you watch staff work with harbor seals.
Bonus: As the Alaska SeaLife Center is built directly into the waterfront you can enjoy panoramic views of Resurrection Bay.
View marine life like Stellar sea lions above and below the water surface through two-story tanks; pet starfish, baby rays and other small sea creatures; see waterbirds up close; and look at adorable animals in rehabilitation like Ringed Seals, White Winged Scoters, Spectacled Eiders and Northern Sea Otters. An array of educational programs for students -- including “Beaks, Bubbles, & Burrows,” “Marine Mammal Adaptations” and “Seashore Survivors” -- add to the fun.
You can also experience a number of “encounters” which allow you to do things like shake hands with an octopus and have a personalized tour of a puffin aviary.
For many, the highlight of a visit is the seal encounter, where you watch staff work with harbor seals.
Bonus: As the Alaska SeaLife Center is built directly into the waterfront you can enjoy panoramic views of Resurrection Bay.
Practical Info
Admission into the Alaska SeaLife Center is $20 for adults, $15 for
students (12-17), $ for children (4-11) and free for children three and
under. Opening times vary by season, so check their homepage for the
most current information.
Address: 301 Railway Ave, Seward, AK 99664, USA
Hours: Hours vary per month, please refer to the hours page on the Alaska SeaLife Center website.
Admission: Adult: $20; Student: $15; Child (4-11): $10; 3 and Under: Free
From $ 995
Blomidon Estate Winery
What better way to enjoy the fine Nova Scotia wines than on a scenic 10-hectare vineyard in the Annapolis region? Blessed with a micro-climate that permits grape growing, the Blomidon Estate Winery is located on the bucolic shore of the Minas Basin has won numerous national and international awards over the years. Many of the blocks were planted in 1986 –including established Baco Noir, L’Acadie Blanc, Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay, with newer plantings of Riesling, New York Muscat- giving Blomidon some of the oldest vines in the province. Their 100% Nova Scotia production includes crisp whites, strong reds, sweet rosés, sparkling wines (crémants and Prosecco-style sparkling) and delicate ice wines produced in the utmost Canadian tradition. The vineyard provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed picnic or an expert tasting, and is one of the most picturesque pieces of land in the province.
Practical Info
The Blomidon Estate Winery is located an hour and a half (107 kilometers/66 miles) north of Halifax. It can be reached by car via route 101, 358 and 221. The winery is open between Mondays and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 12AM to 5PM. Vineyard tours are available daily during the summer months and cost $5 per person.
Address: 10318 NS-221, Canning B0P 1H0, Canada
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm
Admission: $5 per person
From $ 123
Bloomingdale's
In 1860, the Bavarian-born Bloomingdale brothers, Joseph and Lyman, began selling ladies’ hoop skirts in a storefront on the Lower East Side; by 1872, they’d expanded their trade to a wider variety of European-made garments for both men and women, and moved their operations to a row house in then-unfashionable Midtown.
Within a few years this area would become home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, streetcar service and a wealthy clientele, inspiring the brothers to open their flagship department store on 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. Encompassing an entire city block, the building was reconceived in the Art Deco style in 1930 by architects Starrett & Van Vleck, who also designed the flagships for Bloomingdale’s competitors Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and more.
Known as the home of the “Big Brown Bag,” Bloomingdale’s offers seven-and-a-half floors of luxury goods, sportswear, accessories, jewelry, and home wares, as well as a ground-floor Visitor’s Center where you can consult a shopping concierge, check your coat and packages, receive a $50 gift certificate to be used in the store, and arrange to have your purchases delivered to your lodgings. Home to six different eateries, including an outpost of New York City’s famous Magnolia Cupcakes, you can easily spend half a day or more in this enormous shrine to shopping.
Within a few years this area would become home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, streetcar service and a wealthy clientele, inspiring the brothers to open their flagship department store on 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. Encompassing an entire city block, the building was reconceived in the Art Deco style in 1930 by architects Starrett & Van Vleck, who also designed the flagships for Bloomingdale’s competitors Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and more.
Known as the home of the “Big Brown Bag,” Bloomingdale’s offers seven-and-a-half floors of luxury goods, sportswear, accessories, jewelry, and home wares, as well as a ground-floor Visitor’s Center where you can consult a shopping concierge, check your coat and packages, receive a $50 gift certificate to be used in the store, and arrange to have your purchases delivered to your lodgings. Home to six different eateries, including an outpost of New York City’s famous Magnolia Cupcakes, you can easily spend half a day or more in this enormous shrine to shopping.
Address: 504 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA
Hours: Open Mon-Wed, 10am- 8:30 pm; Thu, 10am - 10pm; Fri- Sat, 10am - 7pm; Sun, 11am - 7pm.
From $ 35
Church of Santo Domingo (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
Dating back to the 16th century when it was first built, the impressive Church of Santo Domingo towers over the historic center of Puebla, Mexico. Painted in deep reds and built with faded gray stone, the Roman Catholic cathedral and square is a major landmark for the town. It was constructed by the order of the Dominicans and was once part of a larger Dominican convent that stretched more than two blocks. The main altarpiece of the church is its most impressive sight, opulently decorated in gold life-size statues of religious figures. The interior stretches four stories from floor to ceiling, with domed ceilings and windows letting in soft, natural light.
Behind the facade lies the Capilla del Rosario, or chapel of the rosary, one of the most ornately decorated interiors in all of Mexico. Its detailed use of gold leaf, tile, and gilded stucco is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Mexican Baroque art and architecture.
Practical Info
The Church of Santo Domingo is located on Calle 5 de Mayo three blocks from the Zocalo, or main square.
Address: Calle 5 de Mayo, Centro, Puebla, Mexico
From $ 59
Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
Hawaii is known for its tropical flowers, but the orchid isn’t one of them. At the Big Island’s Akatsuka Orchid Gardens, however, over 1,000 of these symmetrical, blossoming beauties create a vibrant greenhouse of color.
The owner of the gardens, Moriyasu Akatsuka, has been skillfully cultivating orchids for centuries here in the mountainside enclave. Considered a master of hybridization, Akatsuka creates orchids that will bloom more frequently and are unlike any others in the world. One orchid, an exceptionally rare type of Paphiopedilum, was found in Thailand and nursed back to health before being displayed here at the garden. Due to its symmetry and singular characteristics, the orchid is valued at $20,000, and travelers who visit between May and September can see it in bloom. Like many of his other unique orchids, this famous plant was given its own name and is now known as the “Volcano Queen” due to its regal home on the mountain.
While all visitors will undoubtedly be impressed by the breadth and size of this collection, orchid lovers and green thumbs will have found their favorite corner of paradise.
Practical Info
The Akatsuka Orchid Garden is 45 minutes south of Hilo in the rural town of Volcano. The showroom is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is a convenient stop when traveling between Hilo and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There is no admission fee for visiting the showroom, although guided tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays cost $35 for adults and $25 for children.
Address: 11-3051 Volcano Road, Volcano, Hawaii, USA
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
From $ 25
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (La Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe)
Puerto Vallarta’s Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe was built over the course of several decades in the first half of the 20th century. Built in rustic pink stone, to a neo-baroque design, one of the prettiest details is the crown that tops the church bell tower.
The liveliest time to visit the church is December 1 to 12, when crowds celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with street processions, festive food and mariachi music. The festival coincides with the anniversary of the founding of Puerto Vallarta, so locals have even more reason to celebrate.
The liveliest time to visit the church is December 1 to 12, when crowds celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with street processions, festive food and mariachi music. The festival coincides with the anniversary of the founding of Puerto Vallarta, so locals have even more reason to celebrate.
Practical Info
The parish Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is on Calle Hidalgo, behind Puerto Vallerta’s main square, the Zocalo.
Address: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
From $ 35
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
Encompassing 4.9 million acres (20,000 square kilometers), the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is America’s largest marine refuge, spread out along most of Alaska’s 47,300 miles (76,122 kilometers) of coastline.
It is home to a range of ecosystems, wildlife species and experiences as well as a wide range of contrasting landscapes, some of which include beaches, tundra, mountains, rainforests, valleys, cliffs, lakes and volcanoes. It’s also a bird-watchers paradise, known for its 40 million seabirds representing 30 species. The Pribilof Islands are said to be the best place to see birdlife, although the wildlife refuge encompasses over 2,500 islands, rocks, reefs, spires, islets, waters and headlands.
Visitors to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge can explore the volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain, the tiny islands, rainforests and and majestic fjords of the Gulf of Alaska, and various destinations near the Alaska Peninsula and Bering Sea. In total, there are 10 distinct congressionally-designated Wilderness areas in the refuge. While it’s difficult to truly grasp just how large this attraction is, traveling between its two farthest points would be similar to driving across the United States. The best way to begin exploring the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is to head to the their headquarters at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center located in Homer, Alaska.
It is home to a range of ecosystems, wildlife species and experiences as well as a wide range of contrasting landscapes, some of which include beaches, tundra, mountains, rainforests, valleys, cliffs, lakes and volcanoes. It’s also a bird-watchers paradise, known for its 40 million seabirds representing 30 species. The Pribilof Islands are said to be the best place to see birdlife, although the wildlife refuge encompasses over 2,500 islands, rocks, reefs, spires, islets, waters and headlands.
Visitors to the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge can explore the volcanic islands of the Aleutian chain, the tiny islands, rainforests and and majestic fjords of the Gulf of Alaska, and various destinations near the Alaska Peninsula and Bering Sea. In total, there are 10 distinct congressionally-designated Wilderness areas in the refuge. While it’s difficult to truly grasp just how large this attraction is, traveling between its two farthest points would be similar to driving across the United States. The best way to begin exploring the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge is to head to the their headquarters at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center located in Homer, Alaska.
Address: 95 Sterling Hwy, Homer, AK, USA
From $ 180
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary
Welcome to what is most likely heaven on Earth for Nordic fauna fanatics! The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is a 40-acre rainforest consisting of immense spruce, hemlock and cedar trees with a forest floor covered with several different kinds of moss, wild flowers and berries. A living postcard of the Alaskan wildlife, the sanctuary is located just a few miles outside the picturesque and tranquil fishing community of Herring Cove.
The sanctuary is not just about breathtaking sights but also memorable and varied experiences led by naturalists, that truly reflect what life is like in this harsh but fascinating and pristine climate. Here, visitors can interact with a herd of Alaskan Reindeer, marvel at Eagle Creek (Alaska’s richest salmon spawning stream), step back in time while visiting a historic Alaska sawmill, learn more about the local fauna at the Alaska Wildlife Foundation Center and even watch a Native master totem-pole carver at work. The Sanctuary is also home to a variety of species that are not quite as friendly as reindeers – such as Sitka black tail deer, mink and marten, bald eagles, black bears, seals and many types of birds – making the excitement all that more palpable. Not to mention the photo opportunities!
Practical Info
The Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary is located in Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island in the Alexander Archipelago of southern Southeast Alaska. There are ferry services from Juneau, Hollis and Wrangell to Ketchikan, as well as an international airport on neighboring Gravina Island. Touring the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary costs $89 per adult and $50 for those under 12 years of age.
Address: Wood Road, Ketchican, Alaska, USA
Admission: Adults $89, Children (under 12) $50
From $ 89
Church & State Wines
To its owners, the name Church and State Wines represents a balance between the varied elements required to produce the highest quality wines. The name suggests a balance between change – each year’s distinct vintage – and tradition – aging wines in French oak barrels.
Church and State Wines puts plenty of focus on its grapes. Its owner’s belief is the best grapes are only produced on the best land, but also requires unwavering attention to detail throughout the planting, growing, and harvesting processes. The best land is also subject to the right grape varietal, so Church and State Wines has two British Columbia locations: Oliver-Osoyoos and Victoria. The former includes 70 acres of Vineyards BC’s dominant wine region, while the latter houses 11 acres of vineyards on the Saanich Peninsula, just minutes from downtown Victoria.
Their mindfulness is paying dividends, too, as they’ve now been awarded Canada’s best red wine on three occasions.
Practical Info
Church and State Wines’ Victoria winery is located at 1445 Benvenuto Ave. It’s tasting bar is open Friday-Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1445 Benvenuto Ave., Central Saanich, British Columbia, Canada
Hours: Tasting bar is open Friday-Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From $ 185
Alaska State Capitol Building
Alaska’s red-brick state capitol in Juneau is atypically austere, lacking a dome or sprawling grounds. Yet the building does feature porticos of marble from Prince Wales Island, and inside, two murals depict the harvest from both land and sea, while carvings highlight the industries Alaska relies on for its livelihood.
The Basics
Self-guided tours of the boxy building lead visitors through the ground floor lobby, committee rooms, public galleries of the senate and speaker’s chambers, Hall of Governors, and the House Finance Committee Room, with its views of Douglas Island. Shore excursions and city sightseeing tours often pass by the capitol, offering the chance to see it from the outside.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Alaska State Capitol is a must-see for architecture buffs and those interested in civics.
- Give yourself about 30 to 40 minutes for the self-guided capitol tour.
- The capitol is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Alaska State Capitol is located at the corner of East 4th Street and Main Street in Juneau, and is easy to reach on foot from just about anywhere in downtown.
When to Get There
The capitol is open for self-guided tours daily when the legislature is in session, and from Monday to Friday the rest of the year. To see the building at its liveliest, plan to visit during legislative sessions between January and April.
A Short History of the Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol was completed in 1931, when Alaska was still a United States territory. The structure housed federal government offices until Alaska gained statehood in 1959. One of the reasons the building lacks the ornamentation of other state capitols was the difficulty the territory had in securing funding—locals provided much of the needed funds.
Address: Alaska State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska 99801, USA
Hours: Jan - April: daily 7am - 9pm; May-Dec: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm
From $ 72
Akaka Falls
When you first set eyes on Akaka Falls you can be forgiven if your heart skips a beat. After all, the beauty of this 422 ft. waterfall has been known to catch travelers off guard, as there is something about its vertical perfection that casts a hypnotic, time-stopping trance.
Or, perhaps it’s the dramatic jungle surroundings that give the falls their grandeur, where the heavily eroded theater of green seems to gently cradle the plunge. Either way, Akaka Falls is one of the Big Island’s most popular and scenic attractions, and the short hike to reach the falls makes it easily accessible for visitors.
Located 25 minutes north of Hilo, the waterfall is found within the confines of Akaka Falls State Park. A short loop trail leads from the parking lot towards the overlook for the famous falls, and along the way offers peek-a-boo views of 100 ft. Kahuna Falls. In the morning, when the angle of light is just right for illuminating the canyon’s foliage, colors seem to explode through the mist as it rises from the pool below. The half-mile trail requires a slight degree of fitness to reach the Akaka Falls overlook, although the sight of this symmetrically perfect cascade is one that you won’t want to miss.
Practical Info
Akaka Falls State Park is located 11 miles north of Hilo by the town of Honomu. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is an entry fee of $5/vehicle to access the trailhead to the falls. Rain is common along this stretch of coast, so be sure to pack a jacket, and morning hours are often best for beating the weather and crowds.
Address: Akaka Falls State Park, Honomu, Hawaii 96728, USA
Hours: Daylight hours
Admission: $5 car, $1 on foot
From $ 145
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center serves as a welcome wagon for all visitors to Alaska’s rich and diverse history. Here you’ll be able to experience and interact with Native people and their traditions first-hand. Native storytelling, artist demonstrations, Native dance and game performances allow visitors to feel as if they’re living an authentic experience. This is not just a museum - audience participation is encouraged!
In “The Hall of Cultures” you can contemplate over artifacts, manuscripts and images of frontier days in Alaska. You’ll learn what rugged mountains and wildlife helped to make the Yukon great, and what traditional people did to stave off the cold winters and feast in the bright summers. You’ll see how earthen buildings were constructed to be structurally sound and thermally efficient, as well as have the opportunity to buy a traditional Native artifact for a loved one.
Here, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visitors get a chance to learn about the great traditions of those native to the land, and see just how amazing life can be in the great outdoors.
In “The Hall of Cultures” you can contemplate over artifacts, manuscripts and images of frontier days in Alaska. You’ll learn what rugged mountains and wildlife helped to make the Yukon great, and what traditional people did to stave off the cold winters and feast in the bright summers. You’ll see how earthen buildings were constructed to be structurally sound and thermally efficient, as well as have the opportunity to buy a traditional Native artifact for a loved one.
Here, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, visitors get a chance to learn about the great traditions of those native to the land, and see just how amazing life can be in the great outdoors.
Practical Info
During Fall and Winter, the Center is open for special events only, though during the summer a complimentary shuttle runs from downtown Anchorage daily through Sept. 6th.
Tickets run $24.95 for adults, $21.15 for Military or Seniors, $16.95 for Children aged 7-16. Family pricing is available, however, as is a private guided tour.
Call 800-315-6608 for more information.
Tickets run $24.95 for adults, $21.15 for Military or Seniors, $16.95 for Children aged 7-16. Family pricing is available, however, as is a private guided tour.
Call 800-315-6608 for more information.
Address: 8800 Heritage Center Drive, Anchorage 99504, USA
Hours: Open daily, 9am - 5pm
Admission: $24.95 for adults, $21.15 for Military or Seniors, $16.95 for Children aged 7-16
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