Las Vegas is the epitome of an adults-only playground. One of the biggest parts of that reputation is its drinking culture—between the myriad lobby bars, clubs, cocktail lounges, breweries, distilleries, and dives, there are tons of unique bars in Las Vegas.
Looking for some memorable ways to imbibe on your next visit to Sin City? You’ve hit the jackpot. Consider this list an introduction to some of the most unique, only-in-Las-Vegas establishments to grab a drink or two.
The Best Bars in Las Vegas: Drinking Experiences You Can Only Have in Sin City
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In early 2019, I went to Japan on a week-long vacation—but didn’t return home until nearly two months later. My reason for sticking around, other than being a digital nomad with a very flexible sense of home: I absolutely had to see the cherry blossoms in Japan.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the national flower of Japan, and they tend to bloom around the end of March and beginning of April. (It varies from year to year, so be sure to plan plenty of time in the country if you’re hoping to catch them at their peak.)
In Japanese culture, the short-lived cherry bloom is seen as an icon of ephemeral beauty. The blossoms are celebrated through a practice called hanami, which literally translates to “watching the blossoms.” It’s a thousand-year old tradition that continues today: You’ll see plenty of people taking a break to enjoy nature and celebrating the flowery displays with everything from specialty foods to pink-colored toys in arcade games.
But you don’t have to be from Japan to appreciate the country’s sakura season. It’s incredibly beautiful, which explains why the annual flood of pink flowers ranks high on so many travelers’ bucket lists.
The big question is where to see them. When it comes to best-of viewing lists, locations like Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Hirosaki Castle usually get most of the press. (For good reason—they’re beautiful.) But there’s nothing quite like a sakura bloom in the heart of Japan’s biggest city. While the country is full of fascinating destinations, why not mix sakura with Tokyo’s iconic sights, Michelin-starred restaurants, and dizzying array of things to do?
Unfortunately, Japan is not currently open to tourists, but the country’s COVID-19 restrictions are changing, so keep an eye on the official regulations for the latest updates. But if you’re ready to at least dream about a trip to see cherry blossoms in Japan, read on. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are a few places across the city of Tokyo worth exploring in spring.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Where to See Sakura in Tokyo
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Joshua Tree National Park might be one of the most starkly beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Despite living in Southern California my entire life, it was only last year—when artist Ellie Pritts’ surreal color-saturated images of the area first caught my attention—that I really got interested in exploring the park. Although my first trip was a bit of a disaster, this desert playground is definitely worth a visit. The trick is to arrive prepared.
Joshua Tree Mythology: Iconic Trees, Strange Rock Formations, and More
Joshua Tree didn’t receive its national park status until 1994, but it quickly became one of the most popular sites in the NPS system, thanks in part to its iconic yucca plants that look like Dr. Suess drawings (yup, those would be the Joshua trees). All kinds of people have been drawn to its otherworldly landscapes over the years. The Eagles, U2, and even aliens (or so the rumors go), have taken inspiration from Joshua Tree—and Gram Parsons loved it so much his ashes were scattered on the grounds.
Trees aside, Joshua Tree’s popularity also stems from its many opportunities for recreation. It’s like a Swiss army knife of trip experiences. On any given day, you’re likely to spot photographers, artists, rock climbers, and families all sharing one of the scenic turn-offs. (Just look for the signs announcing “Exhibit,” which pop up frequently as you drive through the park.) Located 130 miles from Los Angeles and 187 miles from Las Vegas, the park is a doable weekend trip for many—and you won’t have to take time off in order to have something to brag about on Monday morning.
Be Prepared for Wilderness
But the first time I visited, I paid dearly for thinking that the park’s relative accessibility meant I could roll in unprepared. Unlike NPS sites like Yosemite or Muir Woods, Joshua Tree had no snack bar where I could grab a bite, meaning I had to make do with the mini cereal boxes, stale popcorn, and half-empty bottle of warm water I had stashed in my trunk. But I pushed on, and despite arriving after midday, still managed to have a great time hiking and climbing around a small sliver of the park before sunset.
The next morning, I regretted my decision when, thanks to the lack of food, water, and common sense the day before, altitude sickness kicked in. It was a good reminder that like any wilderness adventure, you need to be prepared before you head into Joshua Tree.
The good news: It only takes a little bit of prep to have an enjoyable visit. Below, I’ve compiled a few key suggestions for safely getting the most out of your time in this magical national park.
Joshua Tree National Park: Essential Tips for Your First Visit
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After two years where passenger ships were largely kept in port, it looks like 2022 will be the year that cruises make a comeback. And to celebrate that, sailing companies across the board are rolling out all kinds of exciting new itineraries.
If you’re thinking about a cruise this year and want to experience something different, consider going on an expedition. Simply put, expedition ships are purpose-built to explore some of the most remote destinations on the planet, ranging from the Arctic and Antarctica to the Galapagos and tiny Pacific islands.
While large-scale cruising vessels are characterized by having hundreds (if not thousands) of rooms and a rigid itinerary of sailing from one port town to another, expedition ships are more intimate and have looser itineraries. Their smaller size allows them to stop in places that can’t accommodate massive cruise ships, and the flexible itineraries mean no two trips are ever the same. That might mean tucking into a secluded cove to swim with curious seals, hiking to a penguin colony, zipping between icebergs on an inflatable dinghy, or spending time in small communities that don’t often see visitors—let alone the hordes of tourists that typically arrive with bigger cruises.
Read on for our list of some of the newest and most exciting expedition itineraries on offer for 2022.
The Best Expedition Cruises to Book in 2022
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Think of Paso Robles as the middle child of the California wine scene. Nestled roughly halfway between the wine regions near Santa Barbara in the south and Napa to the north, it’s often overlooked. But with more than 200 wineries in the area producing a staggering 60 different varietals, it shouldn’t be.
The region is particularly known for its zinfandels, the first vines planted there. The grape benefits from the area’s exceptionally diverse terroir—more than 45 soil types, elevation levels that range from 700 to 2,400 feet, and the largest day to night temperature swing of any wine region in California—which imparts unique and varied flavors. And though the tasting rooms are stunning, Paso Robles has a distinctively laid-back vibe. In other words, you won’t find the snobbery or sky-high prices that can plague other wine regions.
Here’s how to spend the perfect long weekend in Paso Robles.
Where to Stay
The Stables Inn: There are a surprising number of boutique motels in downtown Paso Robles and while all modern and stylish, we’re partial to The Stables Inn. The 19-room (one of which is a bunkhouse for larger groups) property has a strong Wild West vibe with animal hide rugs and cowboy-themed decorations throughout.
The Trailer Pod: These five refurbished 1950s and ‘60s trailers sit around a pond on the 130-acre Alta Colina vineyard. Each trailer sleeps up to two adults and comes with a small kitchen and a covered outdoor seating area. The bathroom is located in a separate building a short walk away.
The Piccolo: Located right downtown, this stunning hotel boasts handsome rooms with exposed brick, balconies, handmade chandeliers, and personal wine fridges (this is wine country, after all). While it’s an ideal jumping off point for area wineries, we wouldn’t blame you for staying close by—there’s a beautiful rooftop bar, a wine lounge, and a Moet & Chandon champagne vending machine in the lobby.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort: While many of the vineyards have at least a couple of rooms for rent, Allegretto’s might be the grandest. Each of the 171 rooms is beautifully decorated, but if that weren’t enough, there’s also a spa, private pool, and gardens for walking around in (preferably with a glass of wine in hand).
What to Do
Sensorio: From now until the end of March 2022, you can check out this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit by artist Bruce Munro. Tickets include two areas: the Field of Light and the Light Towers. The former is a 15-acre field of more than 58,800 stemmed transparent spheres lit by colorful fiber optics (taken together, they look like a massive field of electric flowers). The latter is a collection of 69 six-foot-tall illuminated towers, all made of wine bottles.
Tin City: Nearly three dozen makers (artisans, brewers, winemakers, distillers, and more) can be found in this industrial community. A few favorites include BarrelHouse Brewing Co. for funky brews, Union Sacré Winery for complex pinot noirs and gewürztraminer wines, and Negranti Creamery for delicious sheep’s milk ice cream.
Studios on the Park: If you’re looking for something other than a bottle of vino to bring back as a souvenir from Paso Robles, opt for a piece of locally crafted art. This nonprofit studio and arts center is home to 15 artists, four galleries, and several shops that offer daily demonstrations and frequent exhibitions.
What to Eat
Thomas Hill Organics: This is a great place to swing by for lunch, largely because then you can tell yourself that you consumed something healthy before a long day of wine tastings. This farm-to-table restaurant focuses on creative organic dishes like a warm grain chicken salad and black lentil tacos. If you want to start sipping early, it also has a solid wine list.
Opolo Vineyard: Yes, you should go to Opolo for the wine—the vineyard has an impressive variety, so there really is something for everyone. But you should stay for the restaurant’s tasty wood-fired pizzas and cheese platters, too. Afterward, be sure to take a stroll through the gorgeous vineyard.
The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar: The Hatch has all the Southern-style comfort food and meat you could want. The half rotisserie chicken with vanilla-maple slaw, buttermilk dip, and Hatch hot sauce is understandably the restaurant’s most popular dish (they often run out), but you can’t go wrong with the Hatch Burger, meatloaf, and hot skillet cornbread. Just be sure to save room for a slice of one of their decadent pies.
The Backyard on 13th and Roots on Railroad: If you need a break from all the wine, this dog-friendly backyard beer garden features 24 rotating craft beer and cider taps (as well as plenty of cans and bottles). When you get hungry, head over to the on-site restaurant, Roots on Railroad, which serves up treats like lobster rolls, pad thai fries, and fried chicken sandwiches.
Where to Drink
California Zinfandel Trail: While you can certainly drive down Paso’s main thoroughfare and visit the vineyards that strike your fancy, you might also consider building an itinerary based on the California Zinfandel Trail, which was modeled after the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The site has handy synopsis of each winery, making it easy to plot a course based on your interests and tastes.
Daou Vineyards: There’s something special about Daou. Sitting in the tasting room in the Spanish estate atop a mountain, you can see how the cosmically beautiful vineyard spills down the slope. At 2,220 feet, it’s the highest winery on the Central Coast of California. Its terroir is special: The soil is made up of rare calcareous clay, the perfect base for cabernet sauvignon and bordeaux varieties. Do yourself a favor and carve out time to sample the winery’s portfolio while noshing on Lebanese-inspired cuisine (a nod to the Daou brothers’ heritage).
Peachy Canyon Winery: Peachy Canyon Winery is arguably one of the most charming locations in Paso Robles. Its tasting room is located in the historic Old Bethel School House (built in 1886), and it features a large picnic area shaded by native oak trees and an old-fashioned gazebo that offers stellar views of the rolling vineyards. The winery focuses on zinfandels, many of which have earned 90-point-plus scores from Wine Spectator. The reasonable $20 tasting fee (waived with the purchase of a bottle) includes five pours served in small mason jars.
J Dusi Wines: Though J Dusi’s grapes date back to the 1920s (and have been the backbone of other renowned wineries for decades) its own wines are more recent. Owner Janell Dusi launched J Dusi Wines in 2006. Since then, she has made a name for herself with her excellent zinfandels. They’re best sipped on the tasting room’s massive patio overlooking the generations-old vines.
Epoch Estate Wines: Epoch’s head winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini (who recently won the Winemaker of the Year award from the San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry) makes beautifully complex, small-production wines. The Epoch property on York Mountain is visually stunning, with rolling hills, horses and cats milling around, and a tasting room that dates back to 1882. Most of the actual winemaking happens in a large building that’s partially underground—the owners didn’t want to detract from the stunning natural surroundings.
Turley Wine Cellars: Turley’s wine production is prolific. The winery makes 50 different wines that emphasize red zinfandel grapes from old-vine vineyards (while it does have its own vineyard, the company also sources grapes from more than 50 other vineyards across California). Even with such a large production volume, each wine is something special: Turley crafts some of the most coveted zinfandels in the state.
Firestone Walker Brewing: If you’re more of a hop head than a wine swirler, Firestone Walker Brewing has you covered. The massive complex is where the renowned brand produces all of its core beers and barrel-aged offerings (the brewery also has locations in Los Angeles and Buellton, each with a different focus). You can also sample some of its brewery-only beers in the dining hall, at the wrap-around bar, on the side patio, or in the outdoor courtyard.
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The past two years have felt like one giant buzz kill, particularly when it comes to travel. With a pandemic raging, it doesn’t exactly feel safe to sit on a plane with a bunch of strangers for hours on end. Add in airport restrictions, overcrowding, gargantuan lines at the terminal, and flight delays and cancellations plaguing airports all over the country, and it’s easy to see why many would-be travelers often choose to stay home. But commercial flights (and their attendant hassles) aren’t your only long-distance travel option. In 2022, you should consider a new way to travel by air: Aero.
Aero is a new semi-private jet service currently offering premium seats on direct flights between Los Angeles and destinations around the U.S. and Mexico (it also has a hub in London that offers service to Milan, Nice, and Geneva). These flights are as good as it gets when comes to efficiency, personal safety, comfort, and overall luxury. With service to some of the most in-demand destinations in the country (like Aspen, CO and Las Vegas) Aero flights offer routes that’ll suit just about any travel-hungry person looking to get out of town this year. But it’s about the journey, not the destination: Traveling with Aero is totally unlike your average commercial flight.
With an Aero flight, there’s no getting herded aboard with hundreds of other people, and no standing in line, either. Every plane features spacious, ultra-comfortable leather seats, and an all-star concierge team is available to tailor your trip to your needs.
Want a custom drink waiting for you when you get to your seat? They can do that. Need a ride from the terminal once you land at your destination? They’ll book it for you. Have a rental car you need to pick up? They’ll have it waiting for you in the parking lot as you arrive (and even return it for you when it’s time to head home).
And the best part? No major airport headaches. You simply park your car at a private terminal, walk up to the check-in desk to get your boarding pass, and you’re ready to board your flight. There are no security lines, no taking off your shoes and belt, and no searching through a crowded terminal to find a place to sit before you board. The check-in process is low-contact, and the Aero team meticulously sterilizes every jet before you board. Every flight is clean, safe, comfortable—and way more pleasant than any commercial jet you’ve flown in.
Aero is an especially great option if you’re traveling with kids. On our recent trip from LA to Sun Valley, ID, the staff went above and beyond to make the flight a real treat for us and our two small children. The wide array of unlimited complimentary food and drinks was definitely a hit. The menu features gourmet chips, cookies, popcorn, jerkies, candies, and nuts, as well as craft cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and juices. The Aero staff will even make you a custom beverage upon request—try getting service like that in economy class.
For travelers used to flying in cramped quarters, the seats on an Aero jet are one of its most impressive features: They’re ultra-cushy, with ample arm and leg room, and the plane’s layout features just one seat on either side of the aisle. Ever had a window and aisle seat at the same time? We hadn’t either, but it was certainly the best of both worlds. Overall, the ambiance inside the cabin on our trip was superb; the Aero experience takes “first class” to a whole new level.
Currently, Aero flies to ten destinations across North America: Aspen (ASE), Vail (EGE), Jackson Hole (JAC), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (VNY), Los Cabos (SJD), Miami (MIA), Salt Lake City (SLC), the San Francisco Bay Area (NUQ), and Sun Valley (SUN). Fares start at $950 one-way—a bit steeper than business class on a comparable commercial flight, sure, but definitely worth it when you’re sick of schlepping with your average airline.
If you’ve been reluctant to get back on a plane, Aero offers something you won’t find anywhere else: a truly stress-free flight.
To browse flights and get more info, head to the Aero website.
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Greenville, SC has reinvented itself—and it’s starting to steal the spotlight from more established North and South Carolina hot spots. With nearly two dozen top-notch breweries, a smoking barbecue scene, plenty of local art on display, quick access to nature (the Blue Ridge Mountains are right there), and one of the most photogenic downtowns in the South, there’s a lot to love about this city.
Even so, Greenville is still flying under the radar. But considering several well-known restaurants (like Lewis Barbecue, Husk, Halls Chophouse, and Prince’s Chicken) and breweries (Yee-Haw Brewing and Carolina Bauernhaus) are opening locations within the city, it likely won’t be a secret much longer. Read on to learn why Greenville is on the rise—and why it deserves a spot at the top of your hit list.
Where to Stay
Aloft Greenville Downtown: One of the best choices if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend (or hoping to bring one home—the hotel has a pet adoption program), this downtown hotel is in the middle of all the action. It’s also home to the WXYZ Bar, a swanky cocktail lounge that often features live music.
Hyatt Regency Greenville: Anchoring the northern end of Main Street, this hotel offers more than 300 rooms (many of which are suites), a farm-to-table restaurant, an elevated bar, and a seasonal pool as well.
What to Do
Check out the local art: Greenville treats its streets like a canvas—there are more than 100 pieces of art currently featured in the city’s Arts in Public Places initiative. Some works to look out for are Octo 2, a kinetic, wind-powered stainless steel sculpture, and a photorealistic mural on Canvas Tower. The massive, eight-story mural (see below) depicts a local teacher and students and was inspired by the desegregation of the area’s schools.
Visit Greenville’s Most Recognizable Icon: Falls Park on the Reedy River is a 32-acre urban greenspace located right off Main Street. Take a walk through its serpentine pedestrian pathways, enjoy its riotously colorful flowers, or spread out a picnic blanket and relax, but don’t miss the marquee attraction: the waterfall for which the park was named. Wreathed by the crescent-shaped Liberty Bridge (it was constructed that way to provide the best view of the cascading water), the falls are easily the most Instagrammed part of town.
Shop on Main Street: Mast General Store has penny candy barrels and creaky wooden floors, Poppington’s Popcorn has more than 75 flavors of popcorn (including Bloody Mary, Buffalo wing, birthday cake, and dark chocolate sea salt caramel), and M. Judson Booksellers offers Southern literature and stellar coffee.
Catch a Show: The Peace Center is the epicenter for entertainment in downtown Greenville. With a 2,100-seat concert hall, a 400-seat theater, a riverfront amphitheater, and the open-air Wyche Pavilion, it offers a wide range of events, including concerts, plays, and more.
Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail: No matter what time of year you visit Greenville, it’s always a great idea to rent a bicycle (grab some wheels at Reedy Rides, located downtown) and cruise the 22-mile-long Swamp Rabbit Trail. The shaded route goes through various city parks, skirts Furman University, and perhaps most importantly, passes multiple breweries for refueling (more on those below). Most cyclists turn around after lunch in Travelers Rest, a town near the end of the trail.
Watch a Game: While there aren’t any major sports teams in Greenville, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a bleacher to have a beer in. The Greenville Drive, the Class-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, plays at Fluor Field, which has its own three-foot-tall “Green Monster” (the entire field is a smaller-scale replica of Fenway). You can also watch the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, a minor league hockey team, and the Greenville Triumph, a soccer team that competes in the USL League One.
What to Eat
Foodhall Fare: Gather, Greenville’s first food hall, is made out of shipping containers and has 13 unique concepts, including The Lob Father (home to lobster rolls), Myami Bites (focusing on Miami street food like Cuban sandwiches and empanadas), HenDough (for fried chicken and donuts), and Juice Box Wine Bar, among others.
Inventive, Modern Cuisine: Passerelle Bistro overlooks Falls Park and is arguably the most scenic place to dine in town. The lunch and dinner menus marry French, Cajun, and Southern cooking, and there’s also an extensive wine list.
Located in the Village of West Greenville, The Anchorage is currently one of the buzziest restaurants in the area. The head chef, Greg McPhee, earned a James Beard Award nomination for this thoughtfully curated small plates menu.
Even though Urban Wren opened just days before the pandemic hit, it has made a name for itself as a spot to find beautifully plated, seasonally inspired dinners and small-batch wines. If you go, do yourself a favor and get the lobster-chorizo corn dogs.
Barbecue: You can’t visit the South and not get barbecue. What’s interesting about the ‘cue scene in Greenville is that it combines the best elements of other nearby barbecue destinations. Be sure to visit Mike & Jeff’s, a 21-year-old institution known for pulled pork, smoked chicken, and burgers. There’s also Henry’s Smokehouse, which has become a local favorite for all things pork-based—so much so that it has expanded to three locations and a food truck.
Another must-visit is Bobby’s BBQ & Seasoning, a newer establishment owned by a man who taught himself how to cook barbecue by watching YouTube videos. Don’t let that scare you off—and be sure to get the brisket and the sweet potato crunch.
Finally, check out Prince’s for hot chicken. A longtime Nashville favorite, this outpost (located inside Yee-Haw Brewing) is the first outside of Music City. It offers essentially the same menu as its Nashville counterpart with one key difference: The proprietary hot spice mix isn’t made on-site. Because it’s a closely guarded family secret, the mix is concocted at the original location and transported to Greenville.
Where to Drink
Hampton Station: Situated in Greenville’s Water Tower District, Hampton Station is one of the city’s hottest new gathering spots. What used to be a cotton warehouse is now a mixed-used space with studios, a taco shop, an axe-throwing range, a dog hotel, and more. But you’re here for a beverage, so make your way to Birds Fly South Ale Project, where the focus is on funky IPAs, sours, and saisons, or to Wandering Bard for a honey-tinged pint of mead.
Poe West: Like Hampton Station, Poe West started its life as something else. Originally, it was a hardware and supply company, but today the complex is home to various businesses. Depending on what you’re in the mood for, pop into Unlocked Coffee Roasters for a cup of joe, LaRue Fine Chocolate for a glass of rosé or a cocktail, Six & Twenty Distillery for a spirits flight, or Carolina Bauernhaus for a fun experimental beer.
Brewery Experience Beer Tour: On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a local cicerone (the beer version of a sommelier) leads public tours to area breweries. Each tour includes stops at a minimum of three breweries, and attendees meet the brewers, get a tour, and sample the beers on tap in guided tastings. As guests ride from place to place in a 16-passenger van, they can watch Gary Gose Gump, a beer-themed parody of Forrest Gump (“Mama said there’s an awful lot you can tell about a person by the beer that they drink”).
Downtown: There are myriad ways to wet your whistle in the heart of Greenville. If you’re looking for a brewery, consider Fireforge Brewery and Southernside Brewing Co. (both of which have fabulous beer gardens). The Eighth State Brewing Company arguably has the most off-the-wall offerings (like an imperial stout with wild Thai banana, toasted coconut, caramel, Madagascar and Ecuadorian vanilla, and raw coconut).
Daydreaming of distant tropical sands, warm emerald water, rustling palms, and majestic green mountains—with you embedded somewhere and everywhere in that postcard-perfect scene? After 18 months of COVID lockdowns and extreme travel restrictions, who isn’t? The good news: Early last month Hawaii officially lifted its COVID-19 pre-travel testing restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, so escaping to Hawaii’s signature, all-purpose pleasure isle, Oahu, is idyllically possible again. There’s no better place than Oahu to soak up some serious sun and fun in paradise—and here are our top five outdoor excursions to prove it.
Each of them alone is worth the trip. Better yet, tackle all five to fully make up for all those rough months of daydreaming. Yeah, you’re really out there now.
If you’re looking for a reason to get out of town and soak up some sun in paradise, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 outdoor excursions in Oahu, all worth the trip alone—but if you can tackle every one while you’re there, you’ll not only come home fully re-energized, but you’ll also have some epic photos and video to make even the most adventurous travelers blush.
1. Snorkel at Shark’s Cove
World-famous Hanauma Bay is home to some of the finest snorkeling and diving on Oahu, and also some of its thickest tourist crowds. Escape those hordes at your own better kept secret—Shark’s Cove. Tucked up on Oahu’s North Shore, Shark’s Cove is cheaper (read: free), just as gorgeous, and the perfect spot for savvy adventure travelers to spend a day on the island’s outer coast. And don’t let the name fool you. There are no sharks here.
Park along the highway or in the small dirt lot on the beach side, unpack your gear, and dive into a tropical cove teeming with thousands of benign, brightly colored fish—including the Hawaiian state fish (and unofficial state tongue-twister), the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Swim a tad farther out to score up-close encounters with the resident honu (green sea turtles).
Please respect the reef by not standing or sitting on any part of it; wearing reef-safe sunscreen; and keeping a safe, respectful distance from wildlife (without feeding them).
Tasty tip: Grab a bite at the iconic Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, parked right along the Kamehameha Hwy in Haleiwa.
2. Hike Diamond Head
If your idea of a good time is thrashing your quads, glutes, and hammies, you’ll need to take the Diamond Head hike.
Just up the road from downtown Waikiki, the signature walkabout at Diamond Head State Monument is nothing you’ll need to train for. It’s a doable 1.6 miles round trip with only 560 feet of elevation gain.
At a moderate pace, it’ll take about two hours to get up and down. But you’re in Hawaii. Take your time. Soak it in. Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes—and definitely a camera for one of the island’s most unbeatable payoff panoramas at the top.
Built in 1908, the trail to the summit of Leʻahi (Hawaiian name for Diamond Head Crater) will make you appreciate the geographical significance of this volcanic crater, as well as the historic military role this vantage point afforded U.S. defenses.
If you can muscle yourself up and down the trail before noon, it’ll make the conversation over lunch one for the books, guaranteed.
3. Surf Waikiki
What Hawaiian vacation would be complete without some surfing?
This is the very place where modern surfing was launched. Legendary waterman Duke Kahanamoku called the famous breaks of Oahu his office. All levels of surfers come for either the monster winter waves up at the North Shore to the gentler barrels of Waikiki. Go for the latter if you’re newer to surfing. The long, shallow, sandy contours of Waikiki are ideal for mellow, rolling waves that are as forgiving as they are thrilling.
Rent a board from any of several vendors set up right on the sand if you want to go it alone. Or sign up for some surf lessons from several schools up and down the beach.
A favorite surf school in town is the Ohana Surf Project, located across from the Honolulu Zoo. Their instructors are known for getting you up on your feet, as well as filming your entire session for some epic Instagram posts and teaching moments.
Advanced surfers can head to more challenging spots within walking distance of the main stretch—with names (Bowls, Kaisers, Diamond Head) that will ring familiar to surfing zealots near and far.
4. Jump Off the Waimea Rock
Waimea Bay is where surfers from all over the planet flock each winter to see if they have what it takes to ride some of the biggest breaks on Earth. The world-renowned big-wave surf spot is located up on Oahu’s North Shore at the mouth of the Waimea River.
We’re talking waves that can be several stories high (on moderate days)—and even bigger when the ocean feels like it. But fear not. During the summer, it’s usually about as flat as a lake up here. In other words, perfect conditions for swimming, floating—and leaping off rocks.
The famous rock at Waimea Bay is about the best entry-level rock jump you can find up here, with several spots to choose your point of entry from.
An easy climb straight from the sand lands you anywhere from six to 15 feet from the water’s surface, with plenty of clearance as you hit the ocean. From down here, you can bask in the warm, calm water and enjoy the rest of the show: A steady stream of local kids and gravity testers of all ages line the top of the rock to showcase their epic leaping skills.
Word to the wise: Get there early. The small parking lot fills up quickly—with overflow parking along the highway.
5. Explore the Reef at Bonzai Pipeline
We mentioned the North Shore is mercifully flat during the summer months. What better time for non-professional surfers to test ride one of the deadliest surf spots on the planet and live to tell the tale?
More people have died (or come close to it) riding the Bonzai Pipeline than just about any other big-time surfing magnet on the planet. What makes this spot so deadly? During the swell-rich winter season, waves have about as much power as a freight train. Coupled with curling over a brutally sharp, shallow reef, these waters are a recipe for danger.
This is exactly why snorkeling the reef during the mellower summer is such a cool experience for surf enthusiasts of all levels who’ll likely never throw their hat in the ring when the Pipeline awakens later in the year. The jutting fingers of reef, the dark holes, the sheer treacherous nature of this spot are astounding—and far safer to view in this season.
As legendary surf filmmaker Bruce Brown put it, “In the holes [at Pipeline], you find pieces of surfboard… teeth… things like that.” For surf culture enthusiasts, now’s the time to see it up close without being punished.
Where to Stay on Oahu: White Sands Hotel
While there’s no shortage of hotels in touristed Waikiki, White Sands is one of the area’s true hidden gems. Located off the main drag—but just one block from the beach—the charms of classic Hawaii are quietly residing at this little throwback hotel, which appears unassuming from the outside.
Inside, it’s a tropical oasis, transporting guests back to the 1960s, complete with vintage decor like rotary phones, vending machines (yes, they have Hawaiian-themed playing cards) and rope-swing seats at a poolside bar accompanied by an endless laid-back soundtrack.
Each room is uniquely appointed with eclectic, old-school furnishings while providing modern comfort. On an island that can get pricey, the White Sands Hotel offers wonderfully affordable options for both couples and families, while also providing suites for the full luxury experience. Yet another welcome throwback in timeless Oahu.
Where to Eat in Oahu: Fete
Listing the top places to eat in Honolulu warrants its own article. Our own “best restaurant” nomination goes to Fete. Tucked a bit off the main drag in Chinatown, a short $10 Uber ride will whisk you to one of the most inventive, unique, and overall must-visit restaurants in the area.
With hip, modern decor and a mellow dining scene that made us feel very comfortable (during COVID protocols at the time), this restaurant from Honolulu-born owner and chef Robynne Maii accurately calls itself a “Seasonal New American neighborhood restaurant with local roots and a global outlook—where classic techniques meet island flavors and ingredients at their best.”
The menu’s signatures include Coconut Kaua’i Prawns (with curry leaves, lime, and black pepper), and linguitini carbonara (with slab bacon and Portuguese sausage), and Kaua’i Ranch Korean hanger steak.
One of our favorite dishes of the evening was the grilled carrots appetizer with a sunchoke aioli and sunchoke chips. Trust us, you gotta try these carrots. For drinks, they offer a fine selection of craft beers and several craft cocktails worth writing home about—from a signature Ma’i’i Tai and Noho Mule #3 to (the winner of the evening) a Spicy Kitty (Tito’s, Yuzuri, Hawaiian chili-infused oleo saccharum, shichimi spice, muddled shiso, and club soda) served in a glass that alone is worth ordering the drink for.
Editor’s Note: Check all local CDC guidelines before you travel, as restrictions are constantly changing with the global pandemic
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