Scenic California Road Trip: San Francisco To Lake Tahoe

How about a road trip that takes you across California from one of the world’s most fascinating cities to a world of mountains, pines, and pristine alpine lakes? Along the way, you’ll visit interesting museums and historic sights. And the entire trip involves only about 4 hours of driving. The San Francisco to Lake Tahoe road trip can take a weekend or as long as a week, depending on how often you stop.

This road trip is best enjoyed between May and October. In the winter or early spring months, you may encounter road closures due to heavy snowfall. If you want to take a winter ski trip to Lake Tahoe, check ahead to be sure you can safely drive there. Once the roads are cleared of snow, you can zip along without a care.

Here are some stops to consider on this stunning road trip.

San Francisco

Start on the West Coast of California, where you can spend a day or longer in San Francisco before hitting the road.

If it’s your first time in San Francisco, plan to see all the sights that make this city unique. The Golden Gate Bridge, the symbol of the city, is yours to walk across or gaze upon from a distance. You can also rent a bicycle and pedal over the bay and back on the bridge. Go to Fisherman’s Wharf and enjoy the fresh seafood. Ride the clanging cable cars. Shop at Union Square inside Coit Tower and see the 1930s frescoes on the curved walls. End your day with a hot fudge sundae at the original chocolate factory, Ghirardelli.

When you are ready to head out, take Interstate 80 over the Bay Bridge. There’s a small toll to cross this recently updated bridge. You can stay on Interstate 80 the entire drive to the Lake Tahoe area. This road trip will land you on the north end of the lake and covers several interesting stops along the way. The route to South Lake Tahoe starts out the same, then turns south in Sacramento. I’ve taken both, and I find the northern route more fun and scenic.

Davis

Davis is a great place to get out and stretch your legs after driving for a little over an hour. This university town on Interstate 80 has a vibrant, youthful feel. The University of California, Davis runs the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden. It’s open to the public, and you’ll love the 100 acres of sunny gardens.

Another place to check out in downtown Davis is the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. Located in Central Park, this museum showcases bicycles from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Posters, photographs, and racing outfits are also on display. Davis won the bid for relocation of the hall of fame from the Eastern U.S. because it is known as a bicycle-friendly town.

Sacramento

This is the one major city on this road trip. So if you want to break up your trip with an overnight stay, Sacramento will provide the greatest variety of hotels and restaurants. It’s about 15 miles east of Davis. Here are some activities that will give you a sense of the city.

The California State Railroad Museum features restored locomotives and railroad cars. Some date to 1862! The First Transcontinental Railroad connecting the country’s East and West Coasts ran through Sacramento. The museum tells the story of this significant railroad. Exhibits cover the building of the tracks, the influence of the railroad on life in the U.S., and the stories of those who worked on the early trains. Railroads carry a certain romance, and it’s a treat to board these old cars and imagine days long ago when trains were a vital part of life.

Sacramento is also the state capital. You can enjoy the grounds of the California State Capitol Park, with its shade trees brought in from different countries. Look for the California Veterans Memorial here. If you book ahead, you can also tour the California State Capitol Museum.

At Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, you can tour a fort that was built in 1841. This adobe structure has been restored and in 1961 was named a National Historic Landmark.

Auburn

This small town about 35 miles east of Sacramento is not well known but makes a charming stop.

In Auburn, you’ll be transported to the Gold Rush era of the mid-1800s, and you can visit authentic shops and restaurants from those glory days. You’ll also find the old fire station and post office.

Delve into the history of the Old West at the Placer County Museum. And the Gold Rush Museum has a life-size mining tunnel and a stream where you can try your hand at panning for gold.

Donner Memorial State Park

You are entering mountain country as you drive the 80 miles along Interstate 80 to Donner. The terrain changes from dry hills to stands of pine. You are driving into the Sierra Nevada. When you reach Donner Memorial State Park, you are almost at Lake Tahoe. A stop here provides different activities and is worth a couple of hours or longer, depending on whether you want to hike.

History connects the name of this area to a tragic event. Pioneers came through the area in the mid-1800s as they were traveling west to Sacramento and San Francisco. In the winter of 1846, the Donner Party, delayed by a series of problems, waited a day too long to push west. Massive snowfall trapped the group for the entire winter. Many of them didn’t survive. You can see the sites of their makeshift homes and learn more about that winter at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center. Plan to spend about an hour seeing the exhibits and walking around the cabin sites.

The Pioneer Monument is easily visible from the highway, since it’s 22 feet tall. The monument honors the pioneers who crossed the Sierra on their journey west in the 1800s. Turn off here to get to the visitor center.

Donner Lake is a short way through the trees from the visitor center. You can walk around this flat lake for a pleasant, easy hike. Donner Park has a system of more than 8 miles of hiking trails, and maps are available at the visitor center.

Olympic Village at Squaw Valley Ski Resort. — Lee Jorgensen / Shutterstock

Squaw Valley Ski Resort In Olympic Village

Just past Donner Memorial State Park, turn south off Interstate 80 onto Highway 89. You’ll marvel at the granite mountains and catch glimpses through the majestic pines of the Truckee River. About 15 miles along Highway 89, look for signs for the turnoff to Squaw Valley Ski Resort in Olympic Village. Follow the turnoff for a few miles, and you’ll arrive at the village that hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Among the activities offered in the area, one of my favorites is a ride on the Aerial Tram. Board the spacious car, and you’ll be whisked up 2,000 feet in 7 minutes. The views of the valley and Lake Tahoe below are breathtaking. Alight at High Camp, where you can ice skate or relax in the pool and hot tub. Grab lunch at the restaurant and sit outside to take in the panoramic views.

The Squaw Valley Adventure Center is a place for all kinds of outdoor activities in Squaw Valley. Whether you play miniature golf or challenge yourself on the ropes course, you’ll love being out in the fresh mountain air.

The shores of Lake Tahoe in California. — Sharon Odegaard

Tahoe City

Drive back to Highway 89 from Squaw Valley, continue south for 8 miles, and you will reach the shores of Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City.

You can rent bicycles to ride on the paved path along the lake or rent a kayak and paddle into the water. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular on the lake. The Truckee River is a great place for rafting when the water level is high enough, and you can rent a raft and take off from Tahoe City.

When you’re in Tahoe City, park and take a close-up look at the Lake Tahoe Dam in the center of town. This is the only outlet of the 70-mile-round lake. The dam opens to regulate the top 6 feet of Lake Tahoe by allowing water to flow into the Truckee River. A display of historic photos is on the back side of the dam, and a small museum is located on the shoreline. A visitor center next door to the dam is a good restroom stop and offers gifts and books related to the area.

Tahoe City, though small, is a great base for a day or two of exploring Lake Tahoe. The Sunnyside Lodge is right on the lake a few miles south of Tahoe City. If you want to stay in the center of downtown, try the Basecamp Hotel. And if you prefer to stay in nearby Squaw Valley, the Red Wolf Lodge is an elegant choice.

If you venture farther south along Highway 89, you will reach South Tahoe, with an altogether different sort of vibe. The lake is there, but you’ll also find high-rises and casinos. I recommend staying in the quieter areas on the north end of Lake Tahoe for a more peaceful visit. Venture south for an evening of good food, entertainment, and noisy slot machines, and then return to your cozy accommodation in the north.

You’ll have no problem finding places to eat, whether you’re craving seafood, Mexican food, deli sandwiches, or ice cream. And you can happily picnic anywhere along the shore — on one of the benches, on a rock, or in your camp chairs.

A road trip from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe allows you to explore historic Gold Rush country, one-of-a-kind museums, mountain trails, and sky-blue lakes. You’re sure to enjoy this amazing road trip.

Dr. Beach Releases His 2020 Best Beaches List

It’s one of the most anticipated weekends of the year. Memorial Day not only marks the unofficial start to summer, but it’s also when Dr. Beach reveals his picks for the best beaches of the year.

Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach, uses 50 criteria to select the best beaches including safety, water and sand quality, cleanliness, and average weather conditions. It’s a list he’s been curating since 1991, and all the featured beaches are located in the United States.

A nod from Dr. Beach goes a long way in moving an undiscovered beach area to the top of travelers’ vacation lists. Without further ado, here are Dr. Beach’s top beaches for 2020.

10. Beachwalker Park

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Located near Charleston, Beachwalker Park is the only public beach on beautiful Kiawah Island. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Kiawah River, you get the best of both worlds. Dr. Beach says the water isn’t clear, but calls this a perfect place for nature lovers, so don’t forget your canoes and kayaks. Parking is at a premium, so arrive early to get your spot, and grab your chairs and umbrella, which are available to rent.

Bonus: You can bring your pooch as long as he or she is on a leash.

9. Coronado Beach

San Diego, California

Probably the most recognizable beach name on the list, a portion of Coronado Beach has the famous Hotel del Coronado as a backdrop. Dr. Beach loves this spot for its space: hundreds of yards of fine sparkling sand.

You can play beach volleyball or just watch ships enter and leave the bay.

Bonus: Beach accessible wheelchairs are available free of charge at the lifeguard tower.

8. Coast Guard Beach

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, Coast Guard Beach is quintessential Southern New England. It’s located in Eastham, just north of the elbow of Cape Cod. Set beneath beautiful bluffs, Dr. Beach warns that Coast Guard Beach does slope steeply into the ocean and never really gets that warm, although it’s the perfect temp for hardy New Englanders.

Take a shuttle to the beach from the Little Creek parking area. Visitors needing assistance can park in the lot next to the beach.

Bonus: History buffs will love that this is where the Mayflower first made landfall in 1620.

Hapuna Beach State Park on the big island of Hawaii. — instacruising / Shutterstock

7. Hapuna Beach

Big Island, Hawaii

This is one of two Hawaiian beaches to make Dr. Beach’s 2020 list. He loves the white coral sand here amid the volcanic western coastline.

Hapuna Beach is part of a state park, and visitors love to swim, bodyboard, and snorkel here. If you’re visiting during the winter, you may also see a few migrating whales. Be aware, the area is known for dangerous rip currents during high surf.

Bonus: The area boasts ample parking.

Caladesi Island State Park in Florida. — Jerome LABOUYRIE / Shutterstock

6. Caladesi Island State Park

Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida

Caladesi Island State Park is not as easy to access as others on the list, helping to keep this beach pristine for travelers willing to put in the effort. Dr. Beach says this Gulf Coast gem’s white beach, composed of crystalline quartz sand, is soft and cushy at the water’s edge.

Bonus: Bring your kayak or canoe to explore the mangroves and view blue herons and other beautiful wildlife.

Lighthouse Beach in Buxton, North Carolina. — Pi-Lens / Shutterstock

5. Lighthouse Beach

Buxton, Outer Banks, North Carolina

This beautiful Outer Banks beach is named for the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse that was situated here until 1999. Lighthouse Beach is located near the southern end of the island chain and part of Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It’s known for its beautiful shells and great waves, and Dr. Beach enjoys strolling down this stretch of beach because the waves come at you from both directions along this narrow string of sand.

Bonus: This is the top place to surf along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Hawaii. — Diegomezr / Shutterstock

4. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Located on the western end of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Dr. Beach likes Kahanamoku Beach because it doesn’t have the crowds that frequent other parts of Waikiki, but you’re still able to see beautiful Diamond Head in the distance. The beach sits on Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, which is named after respected Hawaiian surfer and champion Olympic swimmer Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. The beach is the widest part of Waikiki Beach and is protected by an offshore coral reef, making it a popular swimming spot.

Bonus: Atlantis Submarines depart from this area.

3. Coopers Beach

Southampton, New York

Located near the end of Long Island, Coopers Beach boasts 500 feet of shoreline and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Dr. Beach enjoys the large, grass-covered sand dunes that run along Coopers Beach. A daily parking permit will run you $50, but despite the steep cost, the beach does get crowded on the weekends.

Bonus: This beach is hundreds of yards wide and has grainy white quartz sand.

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach in North Carolina. — Jean C Hebert / Shutterstock

2. Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is Dr. Beach’s favorite getaway. He loves the natural splendor this Outer Banks beach and island offer. You won’t find any large resorts here. The beach can only be reached by boat, ferry, or small plane. Kiteboarding, surfing, and snorkeling are all popular activities.

Bonus: The pirate Blackbeard frequented Ocracoke in the early 1700s.

Grayton Beach State Park in Florida. — Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

1. Grayton Beach State Park

Florida Panhandle

Earning the coveted number one spot this year: Grayton Beach State Park. Located in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, Dr. Beach loves Grayton Beach State Park’s sugar-white sand and emerald green water. An added bonus: Development has been kept to a minimum here so large sand dunes still dominate the coast.

You can do as much or as little as you want here since the town of Seaside is nearby.

Bonus: Rent a cabin or camp in the state park overnight and spend time enjoying the park’s tidal lakes and freshwater ponds as well.

Most Scenic Hikes In The Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap is one of the best day or weekend trips that you can take from New York City, Philadelphia, or New Jersey. My partner and I have had a weekend home in the area for the past six years and have taken too many hikes to count along these trails. I love waterfalls and the Gap has tons of them — some easily accessible and others more of a challenge. If you want to hike, camp, kayak, canoe, rock climb, or fish, the Gap is the place to be.

Running through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Delaware Water Gap spans nearly 200 miles. The Gap was created by the Delaware River passing through (and creating a gap within) the Blue Mountains in Pennsylvania and the Kittatinny Ridge in New Jersey. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the Delaware Water Gap.

Below are six of our favorite hikes in the northern area of the Gap. Two of these hikes are in New Jersey (Buttermilk Falls, Stokes State Forest) and four are in Pennsylvania (Raymondskill, Hornbeck/Upper Indian Ladders, McDade Trail, and Milford Knob).

Upper Indian Ladders Falls At Hornbecks Creek Trail

Hornbecks Creek Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Gap. Since it’s mostly hiked by locals, it is often not crowded. It’s an easy walk to the first two waterfalls (less than half a mile) and then much more difficult after that.

There are three trailheads. The first trailhead is a narrow opening right in the back of the small parking area. It can get overgrown in the summer and becomes hard to see. If you go through the opening, it leads you to a very easy trail and great views of the first two waterfalls. If you want to see the third waterfall, you have to climb down a very steep hill. The view of the last waterfall is better from the third trail.

The second trailhead is a short walk from the parking lot. That trail runs along the creek. It’s a lovely hike (and a bit muddy), but you can’t go far enough to see the waterfalls.

The third trailhead is a few minutes further away. This entry brings you to the best view of the third and largest of the waterfalls. It is easy in the beginning and steep with stairs down to the bottom of the falls at the end. The trail is well maintained and flat. When you reach a fork in the trail, go left to the waterfall. This will lead you to a set of steep stairs with handrails. Follow the stairs down and you will be rewarded. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic.

There is parking along Emery Road, where you’ll find room for three cars. If you do the short version of this hike, you do not need hiking boots or walking sticks. If you want to go to the third waterfall, you will need them.

Raymondskill Falls Loop Trail

Raymondskill Falls is a very popular and easy hike to a spectacular waterfall. Round trip, it is less than one mile. The elevation change is under 100 feet and there are stairs. Hiking boots are not required for this trail, and it can be done by families with children.

There are two parking lots (upper and lower) and bathroom facilities (check before you go to make sure they are open) at the upper lot. The trail at the upper parking lot leads to the top of the falls. There are viewing platforms. You can walk down the stairs to get to the bottom of the falls.

The trail that goes from the lower parking lot leads you to the bottom of Raymondskill Creek and another view of the waterfall. You can also hike along the creek from there to get away from the crowds. Don’t forget to look down — there are rocks with fossils (a great activity for children).

Raymondskill gets very crowded and it can be difficult to find parking.

Stokes State Forest

Stokes State Forest is a hiking paradise. There are well-marked trails and adventures for hikers of all experience levels.

One of our favorite hikes starts from Stony Lake. You’ll want to have water, hiking boots, a walking stick, and good knees for this hike. Tower Trail (Green) starts relatively moderate. The trail is well marked but very rocky. It becomes even rockier at the top (it’s not quite rock climbing, but close). The views are amazing from the top. Instead of clambering down the rocks for the return trip, we recommend following the Appalachian Trail (White) and then Coursen Trail (Brown) back down to the Stony Lake parking lot. Round trip, this hike is 5.4 miles. It took us about three hours, so make sure to start early enough in the daytime.

You can also fish, camp, and swim in Stokes State Forest. Check out the website before you go to pick a trail that interests you.

Buttermilk Falls in New Jersey. — Andrew F. Kazmierski / Shutterstock

Buttermilk Falls And Crater Lake Loop Trail

Buttermilk Falls is New Jersey’s highest waterfall. The falls are easily viewable from the parking lot. To do a real hike, you’ll have to climb the stairs to the top. The stairs are steep but have handrails. There are several variations of hikes that you can do from the top of the stairs. To go to Crater Lake, start by following the blue trail for a mile and then take the Appalachian Trail. This trail loop is 6.1 miles round trip. This is a hard trail and best done in good, dry weather. Hiking boots and walking sticks or poles are advised. And, don’t forget water.

McDade Trail

Spanning over 30 miles, the McDade Trail runs alongside the Delaware River, starting at the Hialeah trailhead and ending at Milford Beach in Milford, Pennsylvania. The trail runs parallel to the river. In the early spring and fall, you can see the river through the trees. Later in the season, you’ll have to find a break in the trees to see the river. This hike is beautiful in the fall as the leaves change. It is relatively flat and easy, though you are walking in the woods, and there are lots of tree roots in some sections. Hiking boots are a good idea.

Most trailheads are about five miles apart. You’ll see parking areas as you drive. Parts of the McDade Trail can be done on a mountain bike. In the winter, there are some areas where you can cross-country ski. We generally hike along the northern part of the trail. The southern part starts in Hialeah and there are free shuttle busses to that section of the trail.

Milford Knob

Milford knob is a moderately difficult hike that leads to a scenic view of the Delaware River and the valley around it. You will be hiking through the forest to an elevation of 500 feet at the top of a ridge. It is well worth the effort. We particularly like it in the fall as you can see miles and miles of fall colors from the top. Hiking boots are useful (especially if you decide to do this in winter), but the hike can be done in sneakers.

Pro Tip

It is possible to do some of these hikes any time of the year. The harder hikes listed shouldn’t be done in the dead of winter unless you are a very experienced hiker. Some of the shorter hikes can be done any time of year, but be very mindful of the stairs. If you are hiking during the spring or after a heavy rainfall, expect some of these trails to be very muddy.

In March of 2017, there was an extremely bad snowstorm that damaged many of the parks on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware Water Gap. Some parks still remain closed, including George W. Childs Park. You will see many downed trees at Hornbecks Creek and Stokes as a result of this storm. On the Hornbecks Creek trail, you will need to step over some trees to get to the third waterfall.

If you are hungry after hiking, the town of Milford, Pennsylvania, has a number of restaurants. Vacationing in the area? Consider visiting these eight excellent hidden gems in New Jersey.

9 Must-Visit Spots In Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City, Iowa, is a destination that offers plenty for history and culture lovers. It hosted Lewis and Clark as they journeyed along the Missouri River and played a major role in the nation’s meatpacking industry. There’s more to this northwestern Iowa community than meets the eye.

Here are a few spots you shouldn’t miss when you’re in Sioux City.

1. Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

The explorers Lewis and Clark departed from Saint Charles, Missouri, ultimately making their way to where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Oregon. Along the way, they spent time in the Sioux City area, meeting with Native American leaders and encountering the American bison for the first time. It was here that they lost the only member of their 47-member team to illness.

A few miles south of the Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the Sergeant Floyd Monument honors Sergeant Charles Floyd, the explorer who died, likely from appendicitis. The interpretive center offers a look at the expedition’s time in Sioux City and houses artifacts and other items related to the explorers and the area Native Americans. Once you’ve completed your visit, enjoy a walk among the sculptures of the wildlife the explorers encountered on their journey.

2. Sioux City Public Museum

Sioux City was once a major player in the meatpacking industry. While the packing houses have all but disappeared, the Sioux City Public Museum recognizes that chapter of the city’s history with photos and exhibits. It also showcases the city’s stockyards, where thousands of cattle and hogs would pass through.

Not many people know that the area was once part of an underground ocean, home to creatures such as the Plesiosaurus and other sea life. At the museum, you can see fossils and models.

Before European settlers moved to the area, Native Americans lived in the region. The Public Museum shares their stories with a variety of exhibits, including a tepee. The museum also covers the city’s development through the mid-1900s.

one of more than 60 art sculptures scattered throughout downtown Sioux Falls — Carol Ann Mossa / Shutterstock.com

3. Sioux City Art Center

The Sioux City Art Center, which moved into its current downtown location in the early 1990s, features contemporary art, with more than 1,000 pieces on display. From Phillip Chen’s Fiji Mermaid to Jun Kaneko’s Dango, most of the center’s artwork is by artists with ties to the Midwest, including Sioux City. Outside on Fourth Street, the museum features a sculpture walk with more than a dozen unique pieces.

4. Palmer Candy

Inventor of the Twin Bing, a Midwestern favorite for nearly 100 years, Palmer Candy has been making sweet treats for more than 140 years. A visit to the downtown Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe will make your dentist frown — you’ll be tempted to clean out its shelves of chocolates and sweets, such as chocolate-covered peanut clusters, peanut butter swirl pretzels, and cinnamon candy corn. The store also sells other goodies, such as Jelly Belly candies.

You can learn about the company’s history at the small museum featuring old equipment and shipping containers. Don’t forget to pick up a couple of souvenirs, too.

5. Mid America Museum Of Aviation And Transportation

One of the worst plane crashes in American history is memorialized at the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation. United Flight 232 crashed and somersaulted down the runway at the Sioux City airport in 1989. While 111 people perished, another 186 survived thanks to the crew’s expert handling of the situation. A special exhibit at the museum honors the people involved.

The museum also offers a look at the area’s transportation history, with exhibits highlighting antique vehicles as well as commercial trucks and airplanes. You can also tour a FedEx plane parked on the museum’s grounds.

6. Jolly Time Museum

Located inside the Koated Kernels popcorn shop is the Jolly Time Museum. One of the top 10 brands of popcorn in the United States, Jolly Time has called Sioux City home for more than 100 years. With vintage posters featuring spokespeople Bob Hope and Ozzie and Harriett Nelson on the walls, the founder’s work desk, and memorabilia such as containers and photos, the miniature museum tells the company story.

While at Koated Kernels, owned by the founder’s descendants, check out the flavored popcorn — including the cheddar jalapeno and the chocolate-drizzled caramel — and other goodies that you’ll want to take home.

7. Trinity Heights

Trinity Heights is home to more than 24 shrines and memorials, including 30-foot stainless steel statues of Jesus and Mary along with botanical exhibits. Located on the former campus of a college and high school, the attraction offers both a spiritual experience and a beautiful, peaceful stroll. You’ll see sculptures of key religious figures such as Moses, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and Saints Peter and Paul. But the main attraction is the 22-foot-long, life-size wooden sculpture of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. It was carved by a local artist who used family and friends as models.

8. Stone State Park

Home to about 8 miles of rugged trails, Stone State Park is a popular place to spend a day in nature. With snowmobile, horseback, and bicycle trails also available, the state park — which offers free admission — is perfect for nature enthusiasts. As you explore the scenery, immerse yourself in the area’s woods not far from the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers.

While the hiking paths may be too rugged for some, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center offers paved hiking and walking paths. Named for a former minister, the nature center includes indoor exhibits as well as outdoor butterfly and flower gardens.

9. Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Cross the Missouri River into South Sioux City, Nebraska, to visit a miniature replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Half the size of the national memorial, this memorial includes the names of the men and women who died during the Vietnam War.

The memorial anchors Siouxland Freedom Park, which will eventually be home to memorials to all American wars and a visitor center with a giant flag. Currently, Freedom Park includes banners recognizing the military’s five branches and is the site of community celebrations, including an Independence Day fireworks show.

Where To Eat In Sioux City

For an authentic Mexican dining experience, visit Taqueria La Juanita. As you order at the counter, you’ll hear your order being called out to the kitchen staff in Spanish. After the fresh tacos or burritos are delivered to your table, you’ll swear you’re dining at a restaurant south of the border. Bring cash, since La Juanita doesn’t accept cards.

M’s on 4th features a unique menu, with cheese-stuffed mushrooms and a seafood cocktail of scallops, shrimp, and cod plus classic restaurant fare such as chicken Parmesan and sirloin steak. M’s has been a downtown favorite for several years.

Where To Stay In Sioux City

While the city of about 80,000 is home to a variety of national hotel chains, just across the Missouri River in South Sioux City, Nebraska, you can enjoy a truly local experience by sleeping in a treehouse. Kottage Knechtion Treehouse Bed and Breakfast is an actual treehouse built about 20 feet above the ground in a solid Midwestern tree. The bed and breakfast overlooks 5 acres of pristine land and faces east, so you can take in the sunrise each day. The treehouse is located near the Koffie Knechtion coffeehouse, where breakfast is served.

You can do a little gambling, take in a show, or just browse the classic rock memorabilia on display at the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel. Located in the refurbished Battery Building, the Hard Rock may be a national chain, but the hotel building definitely has a quirky feel. Room numbers are cleverly placed on giant guitar picks. The rooms are immaculately designed for comfort, while still highlighting the building’s exposed brick and wood. The hotel is also home to three restaurants.

For more to see and do in Iowa, see this page.

Santa Fe To Gallup: A New Mexico Road Trip Steeped In History And Culture

While southern New Mexico offers warm weather and abundant sunshine during the winter months, the higher elevations and mountains of northern New Mexico provide cooler temperatures during the summer months.

Northern New Mexico is home to several Native American pueblos and tribes, including the Hopi, Nambe, Navajo, Zia, and Zuni. It was in this part of the Land of Enchantment that the world’s most renowned scientists came together to work on a history-altering secret project that brought World War II to an end. And it was the high desert landscape of northern New Mexico that drew Wisconsin-born artist Georgia O’Keeffe westward for the final three decades of her life.

Fun Fact: Featuring the eye-catching sun sign of the Zia people on a bright yellow background, New Mexico’s flag stands out in a sea of blue backgrounds and state seals. Here’s how a sacred Native American symbol ended up becoming synonymous with the state.

Here’s what to see and do when you explore New Mexico on a road trip from Santa Fe to Gallup.

Santa Fe

Perhaps it’s because American schoolchildren are taught about our nation’s history from a predominantly Anglo-European perspective, but most Americans tend to think about our country “growing up” and expanding from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific Ocean. So people are often surprised to learn that Santa Fe is the oldest government seat in the United States and home to the oldest church in the nation. Take that, Plymouth Rock!

Before hitting the road, be sure to explore the architectural landmarks, quaint boutiques, and delicious restaurants on the Santa Fe Plaza. Just across Palace Avenue from the historic square is the Palace of the Governors, a single-story adobe building built in the early 1600s to serve as the seat of the government when New Mexico was a Spanish colony.

Head east on the north side of Palace Avenue and pause at 109 East Palace Avenue in the small shopping center. A sign in the back of the gallery recognizes this space as the cover for the administrative office that supported the men and women headed to Los Alamos to work on the Manhattan Project during World War II.

Pro Tip: Before taking this road trip, consider reading the book 109 East Palace: Robert Oppenheimer and the Secret City of Los Alamos. Written by Jennet Conant, the granddaughter of a chemist who oversaw the Manhattan Project, it provides a unique perspective into the people behind the project in a way that even non-scientists will enjoy.

While Santa Fe is well known for its rich history, vibrant art scene, uniquely shaped capitol building, and delicious food, it is not known as a budget destination. However, these tips will help you explore this beautiful city to the fullest while stretching your vacation dollars to the max.

Los Alamos

The Los Alamos History Museum is a must-see attraction in this high-altitude town. And while the town’s name is understandably connected to the development of the atomic bomb, this museum showcases the town’s entire history. You’ll certainly learn more about the brilliant scientists who lived and worked here in the 1940s (don’t miss the exhibit featuring a replica of the gate from Santa Fe’s 109 East Palace and highlighting Dorothy McKibbin, “the gatekeeper of Los Alamos”). But you can also visit an ancestral Pueblo site and step inside a small log cabin constructed during the state’s homestead era.

To learn more about northern New Mexico’s homesteading families, follow this self-guided driving tour.

After the Los Alamos History Museum, cross Central Avenue to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park’s visitor center, where you can pick up a park guide and get a stamp for your National Parks Passport. (This national park site also offers a Junior Ranger booklet for the younger members of your travel group.)

After exploring the center, take a self-guided walking tour through downtown Los Alamos. The route winds past the former icehouse where the first atomic device was assembled, the house where Nobel Prize winners Edwin McMillan and Hans Bethe lived, and the Women’s Army Corps dormitory. You’ll also see Bathtub Row, named for the only homes in town that had bathtubs during World War II.

Wrap up your visit to Los Alamos with a stop at the Bradbury Science Museum. Named for the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s second director, this venue includes roughly 60 interactive exhibits that highlight the lab’s historic and present-day research projects.

Pro Tip: Because the self-guided walking tour ends at the Bradbury Science Museum, consider parking your car there and walking the block to the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.

Bandelier National Monument

Approximately 30 minutes south of Los Alamos, Bandelier National Monument safeguards 33,000 acres of rugged landscape, prehistoric petroglyphs, and wildlife habitat. Take a guided tour to the ruins of the Tyuonyi Pueblo, a massive two-story, 400-room building constructed from volcanic tuff that was once used primarily for storing food.

Or take a hike on one of the monument’s many trails. With easy and moderate trails that range from 1 to 11 miles, you’re sure to find the perfect path to explore the park. Depending on the season, you can also boat, camp, picnic, or cross-country ski when you visit Bandelier National Monument.

Coronado Historic Site

Heading southwest around the Santa Fe National Forest toward Albuquerque, the Coronado Historic Site and the ruins of the Kuaua Pueblo are about 90 miles away from Bandelier. Founded in 1325, Kuaua was home to about 1,200 people when Francisco Vasquez de Coronado showed up unannounced. In search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold, the Spanish conquistador brought along an army of 2,500 soldiers and Native American allies.

The indigenous people were prosperous farmers, and without the food and supplies they provided to Coronado and his men, the outsiders would have perished. In an all-too-familiar tale, conflict between Coronado and the other Spanish explorers who followed forced the Pueblo tribe to abandon the site. Today, many descendants of the Kuaua people live in the Tiwa-speaking pueblos of Isleta, Picuris, Sandia, and Taos.

Albuquerque

Long known for hosting the world’s largest balloon festival — and more recently for being the setting of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul — Albuquerque is New Mexico’s largest city. Named for the governor of Spanish colonial New Mexico, the Duke of Alburquerque (no, that extra r isn’t a typo), the Duke City was an important stop on the trade route linking Mexico City with Santa Fe.

Continue exploring the state’s Native American culture, Spanish colonial past, and scientific history with visits to Petroglyph National Monument, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, the Old Town, and the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Or take in spectacular views of the city from the Sandia Peak Tramway.

Enjoy seasonally inspired Native American cuisine at Pueblo Harvest Cafe or dig into green chile-topped New Mexican favorites at Frontier Restaurant nearly any hour of the day. Don’t get back on the road without trying the biscochitos (New Mexico’s state cookies) at Golden Crown Panaderia.

Grants

Just over an hour’s drive west of Albuquerque, nestled between the dormant Mount Taylor stratovolcano and El Malpais National Monument, is the town of Grants. Learn about the Land of Enchantment’s mining history, including the uranium that fueled the first atomic bomb, with a stop at the New Mexico Mining Museum.

Gallup

The final stop on this New Mexico road trip is Gallup. While this town’s name may immediately conjure up data-driven, insightful polls about everything from poverty to political candidates, the town is actually named after a railroad paymaster, not the global analytics and advice firm.

A majority of Gallup’s residents are Native Americans, so this is the ideal place to learn more about the Navajo code talkers and the important role they played in World War II by touring the special exhibit housed in the McKinley County Chamber of Commerce. During the summer months, Native Americans perform nightly dances in Courthouse Square.

What To Know Before You Go

While the average altitude in New Mexico is about 5,700 feet above sea level, the majority of this road trip is at 6,000 to more than 7,000 feet. An altitude change of as little as 1,000 feet can trigger altitude sickness, so be proactive in managing the altitude change.

From flautas to fajitas, when you order New Mexican cuisine, you’ll be asked the state question, “Red or green?” Your server wants to know if you’d like red chiles or green chiles added to your meal. If you want to try both, simply reply, “Christmas.”

Classic Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix To Sedona

With its quirky little desert towns, endless open roads, and booming cities, Arizona is tailor made for road trips.

Although the routes are virtually limitless, one of the best and most well traveled road trips is the trek from the state’s major population center of Phoenix to the world-renowned beauty of Sedona.

Depending on the season, the 120-mile trip is likely to yield classic Southwestern views such as towering saguaro cacti, wildflowers in a rainbow of colors, and mining and ranching historical sites — not to mention the stunning red rocks of Sedona.

While the trip could be done in a quick 2-hour drive up Interstate 17 and Highway 179, the more interesting option includes a detour through the lovely Verde Valley, along with stops at a national monument, two state parks, and an environmental enclave.

Phoenix

As the fifth-largest city in the United States, Phoenix has a multitude of attractions, neighborhoods, and resorts from which to choose. If your trip to Arizona is focused on a road trip to Sedona, I suggest staying in Scottsdale, located in the northeastern section of Phoenix’s sprawling Valley of the Sun metro area.

There, you’ll find a year-round array of memorable Arizona activities — everything from cheering on your favorite Major League Baseball team at a spring training game (typically from mid-February through late March) and taking in a gorgeous desert sunset at the Pinnacle Peak Park to dining canalside at the upscale Scottsdale Waterfront and relaxing in a lazy river at the luxurious Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.

Other not-to-be-missed attractions include Phoenix’s host of unique restaurants and bars as well as its spectacular desert hiking. Plan to stay for three or four days, and you will have time to take in the magnificent Desert Botanical Garden, Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home at Taliesin West, and the Native American treasures at the Heard Museum.

From Scottsdale, it’s easy to get to Interstate 17 to begin your journey north.

Cacti and wildflowers along Black Canyon Trail. — Cindy Barks

Black Canyon City

Less than an hour north of Phoenix is the Old West outpost of Black Canyon City, where travelers have been stopping at the Rock Springs Cafe for sustenance for more than a century. It’s a great spot for Arizona breakfast favorites such as biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos. The cafe is also famous for its pies, so you might want to stock up on a signature cherry crumb or apple bourbon.

The nearby Black Canyon Trail is also worth checking out for its giant saguaro cacti and plentiful wildflowers in the spring. The trail runs north-south for 80 miles, but you can sample a few miles of it by stopping at the Black Canyon City Trailhead, where a short walk will get you into a forest of saguaros. The trail is rated as intermediate and is recommended only from November through April. Plan to spend about 2 hours on an out-and-back trek.

Agua Fria National Monument

Another stellar fall, winter, and spring hiking opportunity is available just a half hour north of Black Canyon City at the Agua Fria National Monument. The massive 71,000-acre national monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. The Badger Springs Trail features a shady walk down a trickling wash to the larger flow of the Agua Fria River.

Along the way, keep an eye out for prehistoric petroglyphs (rock art carvings), wildflowers, and a variety of desert wildlife. The interstate’s Badger Springs exit takes you to a dirt road, where a short drive will get you to the trailhead. The hike to the river is less than a mile and is rated as easy; 2 or 3 hours will allow for a refreshing dip in the river and a picnic lunch. Note that river flows tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

Arcosanti

Billed as “the most unique architecture and ecology experiment in Arizona,” the experimental community of Arcosanti lies just over an hour north of Phoenix near the small town of Cordes Lakes.

Created by architect Paolo Soleri in 1970, Arcosanti is an urban laboratory that offers walk-through demonstrations and tours that focus on efficient alternatives to urban sprawl. Arcosanti also offers a cafe and a molten bronze bell-casting business. The website suggests scheduling a tour. An hour or two should give you a taste of the community.

Camp Verde

For a glimpse of life as a frontier soldier, consider stopping at the Fort Verde State Historic Park in the nearby town of Camp Verde. The fort was the base for General George Crook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers in the 1870s and 1880s and has been well preserved over the decades.

Camp Verde also provides access to the Verde River, a true oasis in the desert. Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking are all popular activities at the town’s White Bridge Picnic Site.

Or, if you’re in the mood for a lively casino setting, Camp Verde is home to Cliff Castle Casino, a gaming, dining, recreation, and lodging enterprise of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The casino, located just off the interstate, offers a number of dining options, including a buffet, restaurant, cafe, and marketplace for snacks and grab-and-go items.

Expect to spend a half day or so exploring Camp Verde.

Cottonwood

Rather than continuing north on Interstate 17 from Camp Verde, head northwest on Highway 260 to the midsize town of Cottonwood. At less than a half hour from Sedona, Cottonwood is a convenient and less-expensive option for accommodations.

It also boasts a fun atmosphere all its own. For the liveliest scene, make your way to historic Old Town Cottonwood, where a row of charming vintage buildings house a surprisingly robust choice of eateries, wine-tasting options, and hotels. For an indoor-outdoor dining venue, I recommend Pizzeria Bocce, where you can choose to sit around a patio firepit in the cool-weather months or in a hip dining room in the heat of summer.

Just up the street, the Tavern Hotel offers boutique lodging choices in a renovated 1920s-era building that once served as a grocery store. Or if you’re longing for a leafy-green camping experience, Dead Horse Ranch State Park is hard to beat, with its giant cottonwood trees and pretty fishing lagoons. An overnight stay in Cottonwood would allow you to take in the main attractions.

Clarkdale

Mining, railroad, and Native American histories converge in Clarkdale, a small town 4 miles northwest of Cottonwood. Many of the town’s brick and stucco houses date to the mining days of the early-to-mid-1900s, when Clarkdale was a “company town” of the United Verde Copper Company.

For a splendid view of one of the railroads that served the mines, hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, which was built in 1911 and was brought back to life in 1990 to carry sightseers along the river-carved canyon.

Overlooking it all is the Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo that sits high atop a hill above the Verde River. The pueblo, built by the Sinagua people centuries ago, was excavated and preserved in the 1930s. If you plan to take the 3.5-hour train ride, expect to spend 5 or 6 hours in Clarkdale.

Jerome

You shouldn’t visit the Verde Valley without taking the 10-minute, steep, and twisting drive up to Jerome. This popular mining town, known through the years as the “Wickedest City in the West,” was a ghost town, an artist colony, and finally, a tourist destination.

Perhaps the best pastime in Jerome is to walk its steep streets and take in the ruins. Jerome is also a wonderful place for a lunch break, and virtually every visitor ends up at some point at The Haunted Hamburger, a cool ghost-themed eatery perched on the edge of the mountain. Other prominent attractions include the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum, the Gold King Mine, the Asylum Restaurant, and the Connor Hotel Bar. You can expect to spend 3 to 4 hours dining and exploring.

Sedona

From the Verde Valley, Sedona is a 20-mile drive northeast on Highway 89A. Visitors could easily spend weeks hiking Sedona’s stellar trails and driving the scenic byways, but if you have just a day or two, I recommend starting out by spending 2 or 3 hours on one of the iconic hikes, such as the easy West Fork Trail or the moderate Devil’s Bridge Trail.

From there, head to Uptown Sedona, where you can choose from a huge assortment of eateries such as 89Agave and the Open Range Grill & Tavern. If souvenir shopping is on your agenda, Uptown is the place for it, and there are numerous spots where you can find crystals, Southwestern art, and jewelry.

A drive north through Oak Creek Canyon should also be on your list of must-dos. Plan to spend several hours, allowing for possible traffic jams and sightseeing stops at Slide Rock State Park or Indian Gardens Cafe & Market.

Among Sedona’s other prominent attractions are Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek, the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, and Red Rock State Park. For something more offbeat, consider taking a Sedona Jeep tour or finding the energy at Sedona’s famous vortexes.

Accommodations in Sedona range from small and tranquil to deluxe and full service. For a bed and breakfast experience, consider A Sunset Chateau, and for a splurge, check out the luxurious Enchantment Resort. Plan for two to three days in Sedona in order to explore and relax.

What To Know Before You Go

Sedona’s stunning beauty makes it a bucket-list-worthy destination, and millions flock there each year. That means that the small town of just over 10,000 is often thronged with visitors. The town’s tourism department recommends winter, with its mild temperatures, as the best season to visit.

If you do visit during the busier seasons, try to time your road trip so that you are not heading north on Interstate 17 on Friday or Saturday or heading south on Sunday. Those are the times when all of Phoenix seems to be traveling to or from the high country of Northern Arizona at the same time. Especially on long holiday weekends, the interstate can become clogged with stop-and-go traffic for miles.