8 Wonderful Weekend Getaways In Florida

Considering a warm-weather escape? Odds are you don’t need a passport or a pricey plane ticket to get yourself there. Florida is America’s gem of a tropical destination, complete with the sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and tropical drinks you’re craving from a warm-weather fix.

So much more than Walt Disney World and South Beach (though, those are always worthy vacation contenders), Florida is home to national parks, marine reserves, shopping, dining, art, and more. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a trip for the whole family, Florida has a weekend getaway destination for you.

Skyline of Miami, Florida. — littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock

1. Miami

It may be the most obvious Florida suggestion, but it can’t be denied that Miami is one of the state’s best destinations for a weekend getaway. Weather alone puts it into the running with deliciously warm (and dry) temperatures in the winter.

If you’re in Miami on a quick weekend getaway, you won’t be short-changed for things to do. In fact, a weekend may hardly seem like enough. You don’t have to spend your entire vacation budget on a swanky South Beach hotel (though you can). Instead, consider opting for a property like Circa 39 in Miami Beach, which has vintage decor, an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool with cabanas, and beach access across the street — plus a wallet-friendly price tag.

Spend your days at the beach or dive into Miami’s cultural scene. Visit the masterful Wynwood Walls or the innovative art at the Institute of Contemporary Art — both are free to enjoy.

Miami’s dining scene is one of the best in the country, as well. Hot on the scene is Le Jardinier from Joel Robuchon. This Design District newcomer specializes in seasonal cuisine, with veggies taking the spotlight. Of course, when in Miami, you mustn’t leave without trying the iconic Cuban sandwich. Where to get the best is hotly debated among locals, but you can’t go wrong at La Carreta or Sergio’s.

Docks on Lake Okeechobee. — aarbois / Shutterstock

2. Lake Okeechobee

If you and your family love the great outdoors and don’t have to have a beach, there are plenty of easily accessible Florida destinations to enjoy. Lake Okeechobee, for example, is the largest lake (730 square miles, to be exact) in the state and is perfect for travelers who love lake life.

A Lake Okeechobee getaway means fishing, boating, and miles of trails to explore. The town best equipped for travelers is Clewiston, especially if you’re into fishing. This is the premiere spot for snagging the lake’s largemouth bass and speckled perch. From Clewiston, you can explore the 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, which is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Bring your hiking shoes or bicycle — the trail is perfect for both. If camping is your style, on the north end of the lake you’ll find the town of Okeechobee, which has a campground with activities for the entire family.

Skyline of Orlando, Florida. — aphotostory / Shutterstock

3. Orlando

We likely don’t need to tell you why most people are visiting Orlando (do the words Disney or Universal ring any bells?). If you have kids, or even perhaps because you were a kid, you’ve likely even been there yourself. But it turns out there are many other reasons to go to Orlando — reasons that aren’t doused in fairy dust or coated in movie magic.

Soak up a slice of local life in the Thornton Park District. You can catch locals at the Orlando Farmers Market on Sundays in nearby Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. Prepare to shop for local crafts and artisan products like pasta and honey. If you’re looking to splurge on a meal, Kadence is a Michelin-rated, nine-seat sushi bar that offers sake pairings and boasts some of the most coveted reservations in town.

Less than 15 minutes from downtown Orlando is one of its most high-end addresses: Winter Park. Drive around the lake to take in the stunning mansions, or hit the boutiques along Park Avenue. You can even catch views from the lake itself with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours.

The historic lighthouse on Sanibel Island. — William Silver / Shutterstock

4. Sanibel And Captiva Islands

Slip off the grid and into sanctuary with an escape to Sanibel Island and nearby Captiva. About 25 miles south of Fort Myers these small, family-friendly islands are known for their undisturbed beaches, rich wildlife, and even richer cuisine.

Sanibel is the larger of the islands, with Captiva as its smaller sister. On both, the beaches are the biggest attractions. Try Bowman’s Beach or Blind Pass Beach. For a deep dive into wildlife, the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of animals, from crocodiles and manatees to dozens of bird species. Visitors can also explore the Great Calusa Blueway, which is a 190-mile-long canoe and kayak trail.

For hotels, Casa Ybel Resort comes with a sense of place and decided island charm. The building is historic, and each room has a kitchen, so it’s perfect for families or couples who don’t want to eat every meal out. That said, if dining out is on the menu, the seafood on Sanibel Island cannot be beat. For something island upscale, try Il Cielo or The Sandbar. Or, it can’t get more beachy casual than the Lazy Flamingo. Guests can bring their own fish for the cooks to grill up or fry for eats that are cheap, delicious, and full of local flavor.

The Florida coast in Naples. — pisaphotography / Shutterstock

5. Naples

Palm Beach may have the east coast, but when we’re talking west coast Florida, the charm and romance certainly goes to Naples. Culture and sophistication along with white sands and pretty views make Naples a crowd-pleaser for solo travelers, couples, and families. They don’t call it the Paradise Coast for nothing.

A first-timer to Naples will want to drink in the views from the 100-year-old pier, which juts into the Gulf of Mexico. Photographers, fishermen, and people watchers alike all gather at the communal pier to soak up a slice of life in the city.

Naples, believe it or not, has also transformed itself into one of Florida’s great culinary destinations. A must is 1500 South, which opened in March 2016 under the direction of James Beard Award winner Art Smith. Naples is also the jumping-off point from which to explore Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. Your first stop on the island should be 32-acre Tigertail Beach.

In addition to dining, shopping, and beautiful hotels, like the Ritz-Carlton Naples, the art scene in Naples is electric. Stroll Gallery Row along 3rd Street South to take in the collection of shops that sell everything from European art to works by local Floridian artists.

The skyline of St. Petersburg, Florida. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

6. St. Petersburg

A cultural renaissance has turned St. Petersburg (St. Pete’s to the locals) into a vibrant, multi-dimensional city. Picture dazzling street art, a refreshed historic district, and a world-class Dali Museum. This is the St. Pete’s of the 21st century. Add to that a burgeoning gourmet scene (gulf to grill, if you will), boutique shopping, and galleries, and it won’t be long before St. Pete’s becomes one of the great cultural destinations of the South.

The vibe in St. Petersburg is decidedly vintage, with samples of a retro era, like the Bon-Aire Resort Motel and the Postcard Inn. People move at a calmer pace in St. Petersburg’s Gulf waters. At night, though, St. Pete’s comes alive with tiki and beach bars. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar continually gets recognized as one of the city’s best. There’s also The SandBar at the SandBox Beach Lounge and the Toasted Monkey, a waterfront beach bar and grill.

Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. — Madison Y Photo / Shutterstock

7. Amelia Island

A sun-drenched island with a checkered past (think a long history of pirates), Amelia Island is a jewel in the string of barrier islands in the Atlantic. Today, the island is known for its championship golf courses, white sand beaches, sublime seafood, wildlife, and a healthy dose of serenity. Just 13 miles from the Georgia border, Amelia Island has a touch of southern charm, heavy with hanging moss and rich in a variety of cultures.

The Timucua tribe people settled here as early as 4,000 years ago. Since then, the island has been inhabited by the French, Spanish, English, Mexicans, and more. It’s a cultural melting pot in such a small space. The central town is Fernandina Beach, which beckons visitors with 50 blocks of historic buildings, Victorian architecture, restaurants, and more. Outside of town, you’ll find verdant parks and miles upon miles of beautiful beaches.

Aerial view of Key West, Florida. — Stuart Monk / Shutterstock

8. Key West

The ultimate Floridian escape, Key West is a taste of the Caribbean right on our very own soil. Laid-back, friendly, and buzzing with activity, Key West is a wonderful weekend getaway, whether you want to kick back and relax or sip daiquiris with your new (or older) best friends. Hotels abound here, so you’ll have your pick of size, style, and budget.

Seafood is the order of the day in Key West — try Thirsty Mermaid for oysters and the ceviche du jour. And, of course, there’s Pepe’s, which has been open since 1909 and is known for its Key lime pie and margaritas.

Tip: If Key West is too far of a journey, you can switch it up and head for Key Largo, the northernmost island in the Keys. It’s just an hour’s drive from the airports in South Florida and is home to a national park and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Still undecided but eager for your Florida weekend getaway? Read up on Key West vs. Key Largo: nine key differences between them.

8 Places To See Wild Horses Around The World

A horse running free is a thing of beauty.

These majestic, undomesticated beasts can be found all over the planet. Some are native breeds, while others are the descendants of previously domesticated animals that went feral generations ago. The origins of others, like the Namib Desert Horse, are a total mystery. The common thread is that these animals aren’t tame creatures — but wild and free animals that are at home in their natural element.

If you’re itching for an equine adventure, domestically or abroad, check out these eight places to see horses in the wild.

Wild horses on a beach in the Outer Banks. — Dennis W Donohue / Shutterstock

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The exquisite Outer Banks is a fabulous place to spot Colonial Spanish Mustangs. These hearty and handsome animals have weathered hurricanes and thrived in the Outer Banks for almost half a millennium. The Bankers, as they’re nicknamed, arrived courtesy of the Spanish and are some of the area’s truly multigenerational residents. They are well worth visiting, and a fabulous way to see the mustangs is by taking an open-air Hummer tour, the likes of which are offered by Wild Horse Adventure Tours, an Outer Banks company that works to offset its carbon footprint.

A herd of wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. — Alicia Marvin / Shutterstock

2. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

There are plenty of reasons to love Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and its wild horses are a serious selling point. Theodore Roosevelt National Park is the ideal place to reconnect with nature and spend time with animals that you would otherwise only see in captivity. The wild mustangs who roam the vast expanse of the park are nothing short of breathtaking. These feral horses are wild animals, unlike other tame horses used for horseback riding in the park, so pack your binoculars. It’s advisable to admire them from a distance.

A wild horse and her foal on Arizona's Salt River. — GoDog Photo / Shutterstock

3. Salt River, Arizona

Wild horses don’t just roam the plains of North Dakota or the islands off the Carolinas. Arizona’s Salt River is home to wild horses, thought to be the descendants of escaped or abandoned farm animals. While some see the horses as pests, others claim that they’ve improved the ecosystem and assimilated into the environment. Visit these magnificent creatures by hiking or tubing through Salt River Canyon, which is part of Tonto National Forest.

A herd of wild horses in Tahuata, Tahiti. — TahitiIslandsTravel.com

4. Tahuata, Tahiti

Tahuata is teeming with wild horses, and lucky for you, this tranquil paradise has not hit the tourist map yet. It’s part of the Marquesas Islands, a quiet natural Eden where people have learned how to respect and live alongside their undomesticated equine neighbors. If you’re craving unparalleled natural serenity sans the crowds, Tahuata is the place for you. There are plenty of boat tours from nearby Hiva Oa, and you can spend hours seeing these beauties for yourself.

Wild horses in Cotopaxi National Park. — Jonatas / Shutterstock

5. Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

There is no shortage of animals in the Ecuadorian Andes, but the horses of Cotopaxi National Park are in a class all their own. These wild creatures are striking when spotted against the backdrop of the high Andes and the landscape of Cotopaxi. You can take horseback riding tours through the park, a fabulous way to see the extraordinary landscape of the Andes mountains.

Considering climbing Cotopaxi? Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing Quito experience.

Wild horses in the Camargue, France. — Vadim Petrakov / Shutterstock

6. The Camargue, France

The Camargue’s claim to fame is a herd of alabaster horses that runs free through the region, earning it the nickname the Wild West of France. The pastoral south of France has a lot to offer in terms of jaw-dropping terrain and is a cherished UNESCO site, but the biggest draw to the area is the horses. Check out these snowy stallions at the Regional Nature Park. Or, take a 4×4 safari tour to see the famous Camargue horses, plus flamingos and bulls.

A wild horse and her foal on Sable Island. — JoeMWilson / Shutterstock

7. Sable Island, Canada

Nova Scotia’s Sable Island is a remote paradise for wild horses. Nearly 400 roam the untouched island, and you can see them for yourself by registering with the park and taking a small airplane or boat to Sable Island. As this horse haven is very isolated, visitors are responsible for their own safety and advised to check weather conditions before venturing out. On Sable Island you can walk amongst the horses and make unique memories with these beautiful creatures.

Wild horses in the deserts of Aus, Namibia. — Fotografie-Kuhlmann / Shutterstock

8. Aus, Namibia

The Namib Desert Horse is a rare feral creature who roams the vast desert. Nobody knows precisely how they got to Aus, Namibia, although there are plenty of theories, including the possibility that they descended from German army horses. These horses are the wildest on our list, thriving entirely independently of humans. The best way to check out these horses is as part of a longer tour of the country.

Seeing horses in the wild is a unique and profoundly moving experience, and one that you’ll cherish for years to come. If you’re a nature-lover committed to planning one-of-a-kind vacations, make sure you put these equine hotspots on your bucket list.

Want to see other animals in the wild? These are the best places to spot koalas, reindeer, sugar gliders, and sloths.

Weekend Getaway In Atlantic City: The Best Things To See And Do

There’s a song from the musical Ragtime, set in the early 1900s, that opens like this:

Let’s run away to Atlantic City

Let’s feel the wind in our hair

Sharing a grand and romantic city

Sea and salty air

Train’s gonna take us to the sunniest hideaway

Troubles will slide away

Just a ride away…

For a resident of New York City in 1910, there was no greater escape than a train ride down to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Maybe they’d catch a Harry Houdini escape act, or perhaps just stroll the grand boardwalk near the ocean.

Later on, Atlantic City gained a reputation as the East Coast’s center for nightlife. People traveled from far and wide to see artists like Frank Sinatra at the Vermilion Room or catch Martin and Lewis at a local supper club.

And in 1976, when a referendum in New Jersey legalized casinos in the state but restricted them to Atlantic City, the town became the East Coast’s gambling hot spot. Casino after casino popped up along the beach, and many of those casinos still exist today.

Atlantic City has a rich history, and on a weekend getaway in town, you can experience quite a bit of it. Here are some of the best things to see and do while you’re there.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. — Alexanderphoto7 / Shutterstock.com

Check Out A Casino

You can’t go to Atlantic City without at least checking out the gambling scene. After all, you’re in the Las Vegas of the East Coast. Even if you’re not a gambler, it’s fun to walk through the casinos to check out the sights and sounds.

The largest hotel and casino in Atlantic City is the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Built in 2003, it’s also the city’s newest casino and the only one built in the 21st century. Visitors love its Tuscan theme and modern amenities. Take in a show at The Music Box or spend a day at the 54,000-square-foot spa.

The casinos in Atlantic City offer much more than gambling. The scene is very much like that of Las Vegas, and there’s plenty of entertainment to be had. Internationally known comedians from Jerry Seinfeld to Jay Leno visit Atlantic City on the regular, and many of the acts that you would see in Las Vegas also play in Atlantic City. For example, Tony Orlando’s Incredible Christmas Show plays in two locations: Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

That’s right — Atlantic City provides much of the same nightlife and shows. Plus, if you’re into gambling, you’ll find every card and dice game you can imagine.

Steel Pier in Atlantic City. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Stroll The Boardwalk

If you want to travel back in time to the Atlantic City of old, then you’ll need to walk the town’s world-famous boardwalk. In fact, the term boardwalk comes from the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which was the first of its kind to be built in the United States (it was constructed in 1870).

The boardwalk extends between the buildings and the beach for more than 4 miles, but you don’t have to walk the entire length. The best place to start is right at Steel Pier near the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. When you think of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, you probably think of Ferris wheels and cotton candy shops — that’s Steel Pier. In the past, one of the pier’s most well-known attractions was the Diving Horse, a water-loving horse who would jump from a platform into the water.

The best time to visit the Boardwalk is during the summer. From Steel Pier, you can walk down the Boardwalk in either direction and stop in all the shops and novelty stores. Don’t forget to grab some ice cream as you stroll the wooden planks steeped in New Jersey history.

The Absecon Lighthouse in Atlantic City. — f11photo / Shutterstock

Visit The Absecon Lighthouse

The Absecon Lighthouse sits at the intersection of Pacific and Rhode Island Avenues. The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey, the structure towers 171 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can climb the 228 steps to see the incredible view. But a visit to Absecon Lighthouse doesn’t need to include a climb to the top. You can visit the keeper’s house museum, peruse the gift shop, or simply enjoy the grounds.

There’s a lot of history here. The lighthouse was built in 1857 to warn ships of the dangerous waters around Absecon Island. It remained in operation until 1933, when it was decommissioned and the light was extinguished. The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and remains there today. The tower fell into disrepair, but an effort to restore it to its original glory was undertaken in the 1990s. In 1999, the tower was once again opened to visitors.

The lighthouse is open nearly the entire year — it only closes for two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s. From September through June, it is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and during the peak vacation season in July and August, it is open seven days a week.

Food from Dock's Oyster House. — Dock’s Oyster House

Eating In Atlantic City

It’s not just casino buffets — there are many excellent places to eat in Atlantic City. We’ll start with breakfast.

Gilchrist Restaurant

If you’re a frequent visitor to Atlantic City, you knew this was coming when I said “breakfast.” There are now four locations of Gilchrist Restaurant, a breakfast spot known for its hotcakes. Order either the blueberry pancakes or the regular pancakes — you won’t be disappointed. Some people take weekend trips to Atlantic City just for Sunday-morning pancakes at Gilchrist.

If you’re not a pancake person, don’t worry — there are plenty of other items on the menu. The omelets are great (try the Greek omelet), and the Hungry Man Combo will give you a sampling of several different menu items. Gilchrist Restaurant is only open until 2 p.m., but it serves lunch as well, with the hot roast beef sandwich being a popular lunch item.

Cafe 2825

The best meal in Atlantic City might be found at Cafe 2825. Wander down Atlantic Avenue, and at the corner of Atlantic and Brighton, you’ll find Cafe 2825.

The first thing to know: Call ahead. Reservations are accepted two weeks in advance, and if you want to get a table for the evening, you’ll likely need a reservation. So as your weekend getaway approaches, pick an evening to dine at Cafe 2825 and make a reservation two weeks in advance.

Cafe 2825 brands itself as “fresh, seasonal, regional Italian cuisine (by a guy named Joe),” so come ready to enjoy some great Italian food. The signature dish is the Chicken Parmigiana Bolognese ala Vodka Fra Diavolo, Italian for “chicken Parmesan with vodka and melted mozzarella.” Also, “delicious.”

Dock’s Oyster House

You’re in Atlantic City, after all, so you’ll probably want some seafood. Why not head to a spot that’s been serving the catch of the day since the 1800s?

Dock’s Oyster House was opened by Harry “Dock” Dougherty in 1897. It has been expanded several times, most recently by the fourth generation of Doughertys in 2015. Dinner is served nightly starting at 4:30 p.m.

Dock’s offers a full raw bar (you can’t call yourself an “oyster house” without one), but the menu features much more than that. Seared sea scallops, crispy wasabi tuna, and pan-roasted branzino are all local favorites. You could also try something that has been on the menu since 1897, such as the crabmeat sauté or the pan-sautéed crab cakes.

Atlantic City Boardwalk. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Shopping In Atlantic City

The most popular place to shop in Atlantic City has already been mentioned: It’s the world-famous boardwalk. Novelty stores, T-shirt shops, and souvenir stands line different parts of the boardwalk from north to south. But Atlantic City’s shopping opportunities aren’t restricted to this area.

Here are a few other shopping options for your weekend in Atlantic City.

Tanger Outlets

Tucked between the convention center and several of the casinos are the Tanger Outlets. This outdoor mall has nearly every name-brand store you might be looking for, from Michael Kors to Polo to Chico’s. Name a store you’d find at a mall, and you’ll likely find an outlet version here.

The Quarter At Tropicana

Much like many of the casinos in Las Vegas, many of the Atlantic City casinos have their own shopping areas attached. This is the case with The Quarter at Tropicana, which is located within the Tropicana Casino complex. This shopping area offers more unique stores than the ones at Tanger Mall, including jewelers like Erwin Pearl and clothing retailers like Marshall Rousso.

Downbeach

If you like to play board games, some of the street and neighborhood names in the Atlantic City area might sound familiar to you. That’s because the majority of the properties in the game Monopoly were named for Atlantic City locations. During your time in Atlantic City, look for Atlantic Avenue, Ventnor Avenue, and more. If you head toward the Downbeach area, you’ll pass through the pretty neighborhood Marven Gardens, the inspiration for the game’s Marvin Gardens.

Near the intersection of Ventnor and Gladstone Avenues in Downbeach you’ll find a collection of shops. This is your more typical beach-town shopping area, with quaint locally owned clothing stores mixed in with coffee shops and children’s stores. And it’s not just restricted to Ventnor Avenue — these little shopping areas can be found up and down the beach — even at Boardwalk and Park Place.

Planning a trip to New Jersey? Don’t miss the state’s hidden gems.

8 Places To See Baby Sea Turtles Hatch

We vacationers aren’t the only ones who flock to the beach in the summer. Sea turtles of egg-laying age, recalling their own brief childhoods on the sand, return to their early homes to build nests when the weather heats up.

About two months later, lucky viewers can watch swarms of hatchling sea turtles rush along the beach toward the ocean, safety, and a long life at sea, navigating by the moonlight and the downward slope of the sand. Someday, years from now, they may return to the very same spot to make their own nests.

If you’re smitten with sea turtles, here are a few of the top spots to watch the hatchlings start their journeys. Depending on the location, hatching season can vary; according to Sea Turtle Trackers Inc., hatching season stretches from April through October, but it’s best to contact the organizations listed below for site-specific predictions.

A baby sea turtle on the beach. — Tommy Daynjer / Shutterstock

1. Fernandina Beach, Florida

Just off the northeast Florida coast, you’ll find a charming barrier landmass called Amelia Island. With 13 miles of beaches, the island offers plenty of options for kicking back and relaxing, but there’s also the unique option of becoming involved with the baby sea turtle hatching process on the island’s Fernandina Beach.

The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch (AISTW) is a conservation organization that conducts all nesting and evacuation tours for the beaches on the island. While AISTW makes it clear just how difficult it can be to catch the baby turtles in the act of hatching and making their way to the water, you can watch volunteers “excavate” a nest after the hatch. This inventory of egg shells, unhatched eggs, and maybe even live baby turtles who were late to the party is exceptional in its own right.

Paradise island with the Atlantis Resort in the background. — Pola Damonte / Shuttertsock.com

2. Atlantis, Paradise Island, The Bahamas

The Atlantis resort on Paradise Island is just that — a true paradise. This tropical resort is home to the world’s largest open-air marine habitat, employs over 100 marine biologists, and offers a variety of marine animal activities. Two of the most memorable experiences available are the Sea Turtle Swim and Hatchling Release.

The first option includes taking a boat out to the turtle release point, where you snorkel alongside a recently released sea turtle. You get to name your turtle, pose with the animal for an unforgettable photo op, and take home an official certificate at the end of the experience. Or you can choose to help release a baby sea turtle on the beach under the moonlight.

Proceeds from both of these activities go toward conservation group The Blue Project. While the resort’s water park, restaurants, and casino can be enjoyed by those staying elsewhere, the Sea Turtle Swim and Hatchling Release are reserved for guests who are checked in at Atlantis. Space is very limited, so be sure to contact the resort about your desire to participate as soon as possible.

3. Boca Raton, Florida

The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center can be found on the southeast shore of Florida in Boca Raton. This nature center is dedicated to the conservation, research, and rehabilitation of sea turtles and offers a range of turtle-centric activities.

Take the Turtle Walk for a decent chance at spotting a sea turtle building a nest. Or sign up for a Hatchling Release. While it may not involve hundreds of baby turtles dodging seagulls, it’s at least a sure chance to see an adorable animal make its way to the ocean.

Loggerhead Marinelife Center release. — Thomas Barrat / Shutterstock.com

4. Juno Beach, Florida

Also along the southeast shore of Florida is the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, which strives to research and preserve sea turtles. Here you’ll find a variety of options to learn about the lives of these fascinating animals — and to get hands-on experience with their egg-laying, hatching, and release cycles.

There’s a guided walk to learn about (and hopefully witness) a female turtle in the process of nesting and laying eggs. You can also choose to help with the excavation of a nest, or check out the after-hours experience of releasing hatchlings into the ocean.

5. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Communities on the Pacific shorelines of Mexico play an integral part in sea turtle conservation. Each year, thousands of turtles come ashore to nest, leading to thousands of baby hatchlings. While Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular resort destinations for tourists, it also has one of the most advanced sea turtle protection programs in the world.

Organizations like the Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates allow visitors to witness hatchling releases. You can also check with local hotels to see if they participate in turtle releases.

A baby sea turtle in Texas. — IrinaK / Shutterstock

6. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

Located just off Texas’s Gulf Shore, not far from Corpus Christi, Padre Island National Seashore is home to a diverse group of sea turtles. There are five different species of sea turtles found in the Gulf, and all five use Padre Island and its surrounding waters for feeding and nesting.

The only sea turtle research branch of the U.S. National Park Service is found here, and the team specializes in recovery, rehabilitation, and protection of these creatures. They also offer public viewings of hatchling releases.

7. Bald Head Island, North Carolina

Off the southern tip of North Carolina, you’ll find Bald Head Island. Here the Bald Head Island Conservancy is helping protect the habitat and lives of the area’s turtles. They offer nest excavation experiences free of charge a couple of days after hatching where handlers will determine how many turtles hatched and assist any unhatched stragglers on their way. Additional educational programs are available including an overnight nest patrol ride-along that is limited to two participants per night. Costs for this and other programs can be found on their site.

8. Jekyll Island, Georgia

The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, located on Jekyll Island, is the state’s only sea turtle rehabilitation facility. In addition to offering insightful environmental education to the public, visitors can also experience turtle walks, beach patrol rides, and nest excavations.

Regardless of where you go to see sea turtles hatching, there will always be an element of chance. This is a natural process, after all, and the turtles themselves aren’t checking their calendars. However, even the sight of one or two of these cute, defenseless little buddies toddling across the beach during a controlled release is enough to change the way you think about the natural world — and our relationship with it. It’s worth it.

Want more of adorable animals in the wild? Here’s where to see koalas in their natural habitats, plus nine places to see reindeer in the wild.

Visiting Budapest’s Shoes On The Danube Memorial

Wander down the Pest (no, not west) side of the Danube River, and you’ll find one of Budapest’s most poignant and historically relevant memorials. What looks like a collection of old shoes is actually a tribute to the innocent Jewish Hungarians who were slaughtered by the Arrow Cross Party at the height of the Second World War.

Known as the Shoes on the Danube Bank, this memorial is a lasting reminder of the dangers of fascism, antisemitism, and xenophobia. Pay your respects to the 20,000 innocent fallen Hungarians on your next trip to Budapest.

Where Is The Shoes On The Danube Memorial?

The Shoes on the Danube is located in front of the Hungarian Parliament on the banks of the Danube River.

Budapest is split into two parts: Buda and Pest, with the Danube separating the two. There are many bridges that span the river, so you can easily cross and visit attractions on either side.

What’s The Story Behind The Memorial?

During the darkest days of the Second World War, the Arrow Cross Party rose to prominence in Hungary and began to carry out their ghoulish campaign of death and terror against Hungarian Jews.

The Shoes on the Danube memorial is a lasting way to honor the victims of the Arrow Cross Party. It’s comprised of 60 pairs of iron shoes scattered along the promenade and represents the final cruel act the Arrow Cross Party inflicted upon its victims, who were made to strip and remove their shoes before they were murdered on the riverbank.

The memorial is the result of a joint effort between artist Gyula Pauer and director Can Togay and was installed in 2005. The simple shoes are accompanied by multi-lingual signs that read: “To the memory of victims shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen in 1944-45.”

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the memorial is that the shoes are different sizes, representing the indiscriminate killing inflicted by the Arrow Cross Party.

How To Visit Budapest’s Shoes On The Danube Memorial

The Shoes on the Danube Memorial is free and open to the public, but if you want to hear the story behind the shoes and the history of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, there are plenty of tours available. Not every Jewish Quarter tour stops by the memorial, so check with tour operators before booking.

The Budapest Grand Walk is a phenomenal way to catch the most famous sights in the city, including the Shoes on the Danube Memorial. As its name implies, the tour involves plenty of walking, and you should plan to devote the better part of your day to the tour. Alternately, bus tours are available and are a good option for those who would prefer to do less walking.

You can also see the memorial on your own. Tram Line 2 runs right down the Pest side of the Danube. This line passes the Hungarian Parliament, and the memorial is nearby.

Note that although the area is relatively safe, petty crimes of opportunity are somewhat common in Budapest. Many thieves strike on public transportation, so keep your bag in front of you at all times and avoid tucking cash into back pockets where it can be stolen. Think twice about bringing your passport, and leave some of your bank cards at the hotel.

Apps like Smart City and Maps.me give you access to public transportation schedules and city maps offline and are a great way to keep oriented even when you don’t have Wi-Fi, so download them before heading out!

The Little Princess statue on the Danube. — Nataliya Nazarova / Shutterstock

Other Notable Sights Around The Shoes On The Danube

The Danube promenade has a plethora of historic and fascinating attractions, so you can make the most of your time on the Pest side of the river. The area right around the memorial is bursting with amazing cafes and shops. Stroll between the Szechenyi Chain and Elizabeth Bridges to browse for unique souvenirs, get an afternoon pick-me-up, and pay a visit to the Little Princess statue perched on the Danube River promenade railing.

The Hungarian Parliament building, located right behind the memorial, offers a captivating glimpse into Hungarian politics. Hours and ticket prices vary, with special pricing for children. The Hungarian Parliament is able to accommodate guests with mobility concerns as well as visually impaired visitors.

The Inner-City Mother Church of the Blessed Virgin is another fantastic slice of Hungarian history. Its legacy spans nearly 2,000 years, and it shares space with an ancient Roman site known as the Contra Aquincum. You can visit both of these significant sites right off the Elizabeth Bridge.

Vigado, a celebration of neoclassical architecture, is one of Budapest’s most cherished concert halls. Its lavish halls and chambers were once filled with the original music of Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss, and Ferenc Erkel. You can attend a world-class concert or take a guided tour of Vigado’s spectacular architecture.

The Shoes on the Danube is a sobering memento of a terrible time in Hungarian and global history. It’s also a moving and special tribute, and a loving, humanizing reminder of the Arrow Cross’s victims. The Shoes on the Danube is a wonderful place to slow down and pay your respects if you find yourself in Hungary’s capital.

What else can you do in Budapest? Consider these nine amazing things.

6 Places To See Sloths In The Wild

Few experiences can compare to seeing wild animals in their natural habitats. That’s especially true when we’re talking about sloths. Yes, they’re adorable, but when you’ve seen them hanging from trees and swimming across lakes, you’ll gain a new appreciation for these arboreal mammals.

While sloths live throughout Central and South America, they’re easiest to find in Peru and Costa Rica. Here’s a look at a few unique destinations where you can see sloths in the wild.

A sloth in Costa Rica. — Nacho Such / Shutterstock

1. Rincon De La Vieja, Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja literally translates to “the old woman’s corner.” That’s a reference to a legend about a woman whose lover was thrown into Rincon de la Vieja — an active volcano — by her father.

Legends aside, Rincon de la Vieja is a dry tropical forest, so if you don’t do well with humidity, this is one of your better sloth-spotting options. And Rincon de la Vieja National Park features miniature geysers, sulfurous hot springs, and volcanic mud pits, which aren’t exactly the sights you’d expect to see in Costa Rica.

Because the climate is dry, the area isn’t quite as biodiverse as a rainforest, but you’ll still see an astounding variety of animals including two-toed sloths living in the park. Spring for a guided tour, as sloths can be difficult to see with untrained eyes.

2. Bijagua Ranas, Costa Rica

If you’re hoping to see sloths and you’re not especially concerned about seeing other wildlife, you can’t do much better than Bijagua Ranas. This privately owned property is located between the provinces of Alajuela and Guanacaste, near Tenorio National Park; it’s bordered on both sides by a river, so it’s sometimes mistakenly referred to as an island.

This little area has an enormous population of three-toed sloths in its treetops. The animals are completely wild, but Bijagua Ranas is protected from human development, and, for some reason, sloths have flourished here. You might also see red-eyed tree frogs, bats, and other wildlife, but the sloths are the real draw for tourists.

A slot in Costa Rica. — NaturesMomentsuk / Shutterstock

3. La Fortuna, Costa Rica

If you’re not willing to go deep into the rainforest, La Fortuna is one of the most accommodating places to see wild sloths (and if you are willing to don some serious hiking gear, don’t worry, we’ll get to a few options in a moment). Located northwest of San Jose, La Fortuna is a small town with gorgeous views of two volcanoes: Arenal, which is active, and Chato, which is dormant.

It’s also home to Bogarin Trail, a private urban park with 1.24 miles of walking trails. Take a guided tour, and you’ll stand a decent chance of seeing both two- and three-fingered sloths along with basilisks, snakes, toucans, and various other wild animals. This is one of the least “remote” options on this list, as you’ll still be able to hear the sounds from the city while taking your tour, but it’s a convenient way to see sloths without sacrificing many creature comforts (no pun intended).

4. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Monteverde is a small town about three hours from San Jose, and it offers some of the world’s most breathtaking views of cloud forests, a type of high-altitude rainforest with a thin layer of clouds just below the canopy line. These humid areas offer unbelievable photo opportunities, particularly if you’re able to experience them from the canopy — and that’s certainly an option at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

To see wild sloths, you’ll probably want to book a guided night tour. If you’re especially lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal, a gorgeous migratory bird with elegant tail feathers.

A sloth in Peru. — Terri Butler Photography / Shutterstock

5. Tambopata National Reserve, Peru

Located in the Peruvian Amazon between Cuzco and the Bolivian border, Tambopata National Reserve has numerous jungle lodges offering overnight accommodations for tourists. Some of the reserves offers treetop walks, so if you’ve ever wanted to traverse canopy walkways high above the rainforest floor, you’re in luck. If you’re set on seeing an elusive two-toed sloth, consider booking a jungle nightwalk with an experienced guide.

While Tambopata is open year round, your best bet is to visit during the dry season from May to October, as rain could thwart or damper your sloth-spotting efforts.

6. Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, Peru

Pacaya-Samiria is near Iquitos, the hub of the Peruvian rainforest and one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. It also has a wet season (December through March), but this can work to your advantage, as rising waters often mean more animal diversity on dry land. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll have a decent chance of catching a few brown-throated sloths, along with pink river dolphins, squirrel monkeys, river turtles, and jaguars.

A quick note: When traveling to any part of the rainforest, make sure you’re adequately prepared. Bring raincoats, loose clothes, sunscreen, binoculars, mosquito repellent, and plenty of water. Talk to your doctor when preparing for your trip; many travelers choose to get yellow fever vaccinations, for instance, and antimalarial medication may be appropriate for some travelers.

With that said, a properly planned trip to a tropical destination can be a life-changing experience, and there’s simply no other way to see wild sloths in their natural habitat. If you’re willing to put in some legwork, this is a totally achievable bucket-list item — provided that you don’t have a sloth-like work ethic!

Going to see sloths? Here’s how to plan the perfect Costa Rica vacation, plus the best eco-lodges in Costa Rica.