Visiting San Francisco’s Marin Headlands: 9 Things To Know

You know what’s on the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge: the Presidio, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the entire city of San Francisco. But do you know what’s on the north side of the bridge? Many visitors to San Francisco who drive across the Golden Gate Bridge pull off at the overlook at the north end of the bridge. They park in the parking lot, walk to the overlook to take photos of the bridge, and then they get back into their cars to go back across the bridge, unaware that they’re surrounded by hundreds of years of history.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, my wife and I decided to explore the Marin Headlands at the north end of the bridge, and we were surprised by what we found: historic military bases, a dog beach, missile silos, a marine animal hospital, and everything in between.

Here are nine things to know about visiting San Francisco’s Marin Headlands.

1. Instead Of Turning Around, Turn Right

The Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point is one of the most popular spots for visitors to San Francisco Bay. The standard itinerary is to drive across the bridge, get off at the overlook, take photos, and then take the loop road to the left and back onto the highway, heading south across the bridge. But a right turn leads to so much more.

That intersection (Highway 101 and Alexander Avenue) leads to two destinations. A right turn on Alexander Avenue will take you to Sausalito. A left turn will take you to the ramp for Highway 101 South. But if you take a right toward Sausalito, travel 900 feet, and then turn left on Bunker Road, you’ll be headed to the Marin Headlands.

Don’t worry — it’s easy to return to this point and back to Highway 101. But it’s amazing how many cars simply return to the highway and go back to San Francisco without checking out everything the Marin Headlands have to offer.

Fort Baker in the Marin Headlands. — Anatoliy Lukich / Shutterstock

2. Be Sure To Visit Fort Baker

Once you’ve turned on Bunker Road, you’ll have two options. Straight ahead is the Baker-Barry Tunnel and access to the western part of the Marin Headlands. But if you follow Bunker Road down to the right, you’ll eventually end up at Fort Baker.

When it was an operating Army base, Fort Baker guarded the entrance to San Francisco Bay. It was converted into a park, but 25 of the original buildings still remain, as does the massive parade ground at the center of the site.

Perhaps the best way to visit the site is to take the cell-phone tour. There are a series of signs around the park with phone numbers on them. Call the number, listen to the recording describing the history of that location, and then follow the prompts to the next location (and the next phone number to call for another recording).

3. The Best Views Of The Golden Gate Bridge Are From The Moore Road Pier

At the southwest end of Fort Baker is an active Coast Guard station, and just beyond that station, on Moore Road, is the Moore Road Pier.

What’s significant about this pier? Not much. It is no longer an active pier with boats docking alongside it. But it does provide one thing: incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Park just beyond the Coast Guard station in the parking lot off of Moore Road. From there, it’s a short walk out to the Moore Road Pier. Walk all the way to the end for the best photos. Perhaps you’ll even catch a cargo ship traveling under the massive bridge.

Golden Gate Bridge views from the Marin Headlands. — lunamarina / Shutterstock

4. There Are Two Routes To The Famous Loop Drive

The number-one attraction in the Marin Headlands is the loop drive. It climbs high above the Golden Gate Bridge to the north and west and provides stunning views of the bridge with the entire city behind. There are two ways to get to this loop road.

One route is to take the Baker-Barry Tunnel. This is the tunnel that you saw as you entered the park on Bunker Road. It’s a one-lane tunnel, so you’ll likely have to wait at a stoplight until the tunnel clears, but once you get the green light, you’ll be traveling underneath all of the traffic on Highway 101 and deep into the heart of the Marin Headlands. Once you come out of the tunnel, you’ll travel about a quarter of a mile to McCullough Road. Turn left on McCullough Road, and this will take you to the loop road.

If you’re coming from the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point and aren’t traveling to Fort Baker, there’s a quicker way to the loop road. Follow all of the cars leaving the Vista Point and heading back to the Golden Gate Bridge southbound, but instead of getting on Highway 101, turn right on Conzelman Road. This will start your climb up to the loop road.

5. The Loop Drive Becomes A One-Way Road Starting At The Marin Headlands Vista Point

The main overlook on the loop road is the Marin Headlands Vista Point. From that point to the west, it’s an even more exciting drive, because the road becomes a one-way loop.

Don’t worry — there are a couple of roads that lead back out once you reach the end of the one-way road. And the views are more than worth the trip! The views of the entrance to San Francisco Bay are simply stunning.

If you’re worried about navigating the loop road, be assured that the road feels safe. It would feel unsafe if cars had to pass other cars on this very skinny road, but this is why the one-way loop was put in. You’ll travel along, appreciating the views all around without having to worry about approaching vehicles.

Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands. — Kevin Kipper / Shutterstock

6. The Walk To Point Bonita Lighthouse Is Worth It

At the southwestern point of the Marin Headlands sits Point Bonita Lighthouse. It’s located at the end of a very skinny finger of land that extends into the Pacific Ocean.

Because it sits on a tiny sliver of land in the ocean, you cannot drive to Point Bonita Lighthouse. You can and should walk there, however. Park in the Point Bonita parking lot (near the end of the one-way loop road) and follow the signs to the lighthouse trail.

7. The Marine Mammal Center Is Free And Open To The Public

The Marine Mammal Center is an active animal hospital for sea mammals. It is open to the public daily and is free of charge.

At the center, you can expect to see mostly seals and sea lions that the employees are nursing back to health. During “pupping season,” you’ll get to see northern elephant seals and California sea lion pups.

The center offers private tours (for a fee) that allow you to see the full facility. The fee supports the hospital and its programs.

Rodeo Beach and Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. — yhelfman / Shutterstock

8. Rodeo Beach Is Dog Friendly

On my visit to the Marin Headlands, I found Rodeo Beach and the adjacent Fort Cronkhite the most surprising. You’re driving along this mountainous terrain containing everything from missile silos to lighthouses, and then you come upon a lagoon and a very large beach tucked into a valley.

The beach — Rodeo Beach — is dog friendly, so if you have your four-legged friend with you, this is the place to go. It’s not a sandy beach, so it’s not the spot for beach volleyball, but the different types of smooth, tiny rocks would make for an interesting beach experience for both you and your dog.

9. There Are Two Routes Back To The Golden Gate Bridge

When you are in this area (Rodeo Beach, the Marine Mammal Center, and Fort Cronkhite), it can feel like you won’t find your way back, especially since one of the roads you took to get there was a one-way road. But there are two routes back to the Golden Gate Bridge from here.

Both start with Bunker Road. Leaving Rodeo Beach, get on Bunker Road and head back east. Once you get to McCullough Road, you have a choice. Turn right on McCullough, and it will take you back to Conzelman Road. Follow Conzelman Road until it ends, and you’ll be right at the ramp for the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can also take Bunker Road back to the Baker-Barry Tunnel. Once you come out of the tunnel, follow Baker Road back to Alexander Avenue. Turn right, and this will take you to the ramp for the Golden Gate Bridge.

And what an end to your journey! Look right as you cross back over the Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll see the Marin Headlands and all the wonderful places you’ve just experienced.

Planning a trip to San Francisco? Don’t miss these hidden gems, these fun and free things to do, and these great restaurants.

9 Places To See Reindeer In The Wild

Nimble and agile in even the deepest snow, with show-stopping antlers and thick, glossy fur, reindeer are some of nature’s most beautiful animals. The word reindeer comes from the Old Norse word “hreinin,” which means “horned animal.” However, they go by another name, too — caribou! The term caribou is likely from the Mi’kmaq word “xalibu,” meaning “the one who paws.”

Caribou and reindeer are the same species. In Europe, these majestic animals are generally referred to as reindeer, while in North America, they’re referred to as caribou. But no matter where you are and what you call them, there’s no denying that reindeer are fascinating creatures. Here’s where you can see wild reindeer herds.

Wild reindeer in Sweden. — Pphotosweden / Shutterstock

1. Swedish Lapland

In the northern Sweden province of Lapland, the indigenous Sami people have long lived beside reindeer, and the animals play an important role in their culture and lifestyle. You can see the reindeer in the wild and experience Sami culture, such as eating a traditional Sami meal which would include reindeer meat, in places including Jokkmokk and Boden.

Wild reindeer in Finland. — evgenii mitroshin / Shutterstock

2. Finnish Lapland

In Finland, they like to say that there are as many reindeer in Lapland as there are people. While it’s hard to verify exact figures, that sounds about right! It’s hard to spend time in Finnish Lapland and not see reindeer, but if you want a memorable encounter, try a traditional Sami reindeer sleigh ride. This practice is a traditional Sami form of transportation and the domesticated reindeer pulling the sleighs can take you close to large herds.

Reindeer at Tromoso Arctic Reindeer Experience in Norway. — Pav-Pro Photography Ltd / Shutterstock

3. Tromso And Northern Norway

The Sami people of Norway have also worked and lived with reindeer for centuries. As such, there are many locations across northern Norway where you can see reindeer in the wild. For instance, at the Tromso Arctic Reindeer Experience in Tromso, you can participate in reindeer feeding, reindeer sledding, and experiencing a traditional Sami meal inside a traditional hut.

If you prefer your reindeer encounter to be both more hands-off and cozier, head for Viewpoint Snohetta, a sheltered observation pavilion that allows visitors to observe the last remaining reindeer herd that is descended directly from the original mountain reindeer of Europe.

A wild reindeer in Alaska. — Pim Leijen / Shutterstock

4. Alaska, United States

You can see herds of caribou across Alaska, but one of the best places is at the Large Animal Research Station outside of Fairbanks, where caribou hangout next to muskoxen. The Station offers 45-minute tours for guests to see the animals and learn more about them. Tragically, woodland caribou in the lower 48 states are functionally extinct with an estimated three “grey ghosts” still in Idaho and Washington.

Reindeer at Cairngorms National Park in Scotland. — doliux / Shutterstock

5. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

There’s exactly one free-range herd of reindeer in the United Kingdom, and you can find them in Scotland’s Cairngorms National Park. The last record of wild British reindeer is from around 800 years ago, and this herd was reintroduced to the land back in 1952. There are 150 members of the herd, split between the Cairngorm Mountains and the Glenlivet Estate (yes, where scotch is made) and they can be visited as part of a two-hour trek to the foothills with herders to help with feeding time.

A baby reindeer in the snow. — Jellis Vaes / Shutterstock

6. Manitoba, Canada

Caribou live in every Canadian province and territory except for the Maritimes. However, they are in their greatest concentrations in Yukon, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, and Manitoba. Manitoba is home to the large Qamanirjuaq, Cape Churchill, and Pen Island herds. You can often combine caribou sightings with a polar bear safari out of Churchill, Manitoba, and may see smaller animals like foxes, weasels, and owls along with the big ones.

A herd of reindeer in Russia. — Evgeniia Ozerkina / Shutterstock

7. Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

One of the best places to see reindeer in Russia is on the remote peninsula of Kamchatka. Here, the indigenous Even people move with the herds over some of the most unforgiving territory imaginable. There are no roads leading in or out, and you can only visit by sea or air before transferring by snowmobile to join a tour group for a cultural excursion with the Even. However, for some travelers, the trek is well worth it to see such a pristine piece of wilderness.

A reindeer in the wild. — V. Belov / Shutterstock

8. Greenland

The reindeer is the most widespread land mammal on the west coast of Greenland. There’s an excellent chance you’ll see them on a hike in the Greenlandic fells, in particular in the area between Paamiut and Uummannaq. The reindeer plays an important role in Greenland’s economy.

In the late summer, you can see reindeer being hunted at many places on the west coast. In towns, you’ll see people sailing in with the results of their hunt and the meat is usually available at the local meat market. At private homes, it’s common to see racks set up to dry the meat. In short, the reindeer is everything here.

Wild reindeer in the snow. — Vladimir Melnikov / Shutterstock

9. The North Pole

Of course, there’s one last place where reindeer roam free but to get there you’ll have to have an excellent track record of always appearing on Santa’s “nice list”! The reindeer of the North Pole (which, in truth, are the caribou of the northern Canadian Arctic) embody the best of their species. Alas, getting to the Arctic and Santa’s workshop is easier said than done, so perhaps this reindeer viewing area is best left to the elves!

Want to see more arctic animals? Read up on visiting the Arctic Circle responsibly with these seven things to know.

8 Fantastic Livermore, California Wineries To Visit

While millions of travelers head to Napa Valley each year, the wineries of Livermore, California, have remained relatively under the radar. But the word is spreading quickly that Livermore, with its 60 wineries and 96,000 acres of vineyards, is one of the best places to enjoy sunny weather and red wines like petite syrah, zinfandel, and cabernet sauvignon. The warm-to-cool climate and gravelly soil create the ideal conditions for many fantastic wines.

The Livermore Valley, 40 minutes east of San Francisco, not only produces wines on par with Napa’s, but it also offers a more relaxed approach to tastings. Most Livermore Valley wineries are laid-back family-owned spots that value friendly service. Plus, they don’t break the bank — many offers pours for a third of the price of those offered in the famed Napa region. For the most part, no appointments are necessary — you just walk in and receive the warm welcome you deserve.

Here are eight fantastic wineries to visit on a trip to Livermore.

1. Wente Vineyards

There’s no better place to start your self-guided Livermore winery tour than at Wente Vineyards. Wente provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. It’s also one of the oldest vineyards in the region.

In 1883, the first generation of the Wente family bought 47 acres of land in Livermore to grow grapes. Since then, the winery has grown to include 2,000 acres of green vineyards, two tasting rooms, a golf course, and a restaurant.

Wente is noteworthy for being the first area winery to import chardonnay cuttings from France. The Wente family planted the vines in their vineyard and allowed the surrounding wineries to snip a few buds to bring back to their own farms. It’s estimated that the Wente clone — or genetically identical vine grown from that original — is responsible for 75 percent of all California chardonnays today.

Wente is an ideal place to spend a day or weekend at any time of year. During the summer, you can enjoy live music concerts. And when the air turns crisp, you can walk through the pop-up Christmas market.

2. Murrieta’s Well Estate Vineyard

Like Wente, Murrieta’s Well has been around since the 1880s. The founder, Louis Mel, later sold his Livermore winery to Ernest Wente. The Wente family still cares for the property today. However, Murrieta’s Well distinguishes itself not only from Wente, but also from other vineyards in the Livermore Valley.

Murrieta’s Well’s wines are made exclusively from grapes grown on the property, and the vineyard focuses on creating the perfect wine blends in small batches. The resident winemaker, Robbie Meyer, concocts creative, great-tasting combinations. When you visit, make sure to try the red blend, The Spur, and the white blend, The Whip. Reservations are required, so book your visit today, and don’t miss out on the $25 wine-tasting opportunity.

3. Concannon Vineyard

Concannon Vineyard, another old Livermore winery, has been in operation for 136 years, and a beautiful Victorian home was built on the property in 1885.

One of the largest vineyards in the area, Concannon features both indoor and outdoor tasting areas. The large lawn and gorgeous house provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic featuring one of the winery’s glasses of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, or petite syrah.

Concannon Vineyard is best known for its cabernet sauvignon. In 1893, James Concannon traveled to Bordeaux’s Chateau Margaux after the roots of his vineyards were damaged by pests. He brought French cabernet vines back to Concannon Vineyard, and they ended up growing so well that they became internationally renowned. It’s estimated that 80 percent of all cabernet sauvignon in California comes from the original vines planted by Concannon.

4. McGrail Vineyards

A more recent addition to the Livermore winery scene, McGrail Vineyards debuted in 2008. It’s a green oasis amidst the golden rolling hills of Northern California. Instead of large-scale operations, McGrail focuses on small-batch productions.

For tasting award-winning wines, Livermore Valley is the place to be, and McGrail is no exception. The winery is best known for its cabernet sauvignon, which has won several awards. In 2019 alone, the 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won gold, the 2014 and 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons won silver, and the 2016 Colton’s Cabernet Sauvignon won bronze in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

McGrail provides a welcoming ambiance for the whole family (including four-legged friends!), whether you go for the casual wine flight ($15), seated group tasting ($25), or 90-minute vineyard tour ($35). In addition to wine tasting, you can enjoy a round or two at the bocce ball court with a bottle or glass of your choosing ($10).

5. Retzlaff Vineyards

Retzlaff Vineyards, part of a historic estate, is a beautiful winery with a large lawn, 100-year-old pepper trees, and a garden. Retzlaff offers tours of the garden and vineyards plus a wine tasting with light snacks ($20). Otherwise, you can enjoy the cozy tasting room with a full or reserve flight of six wines ($20 to $25). The best part is that if you purchase two bottles, your wine-tasting fee is refunded. Fittingly, the tagline is, “Come for a taste, stay for a bottle!”

Established in 1985, the family-owned vineyard provides a friendly atmosphere that makes you want to visit again and again. Notably, Retzlaff Vineyards became a certified organic vineyard in 2006. This means that the vineyard doesn’t use pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers and is non-GMO. Retzlaff is best known for its 2013 and 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Blends, which won bronze in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and its Estate Port made from organic cabernet sauvignon. The port won a silver medal in the Sunset International Wine Competition.

6. Darcie Kent Vineyards

Darcie Kent Vineyards is owned by a family that has been in the winemaking business for five generations; however, the Livermore location opened in 1996. What really stands out are the winery’s vibrant wine labels that were painted by Darcie Kent herself.

The main tasting room provides a chance to enjoy Darcie Kent red blends, award-winning chardonnays, and cabernet Francs. While you’re tasting, you can admire Darcie Kent’s watercolor and acrylic depictions of the local landscape. It’s a tasting room and an art gallery in one!

For an extra-special day, sip a full-bodied wine on the sun-drenched back deck with a trained wine guide. The hour-long tasting includes five wines, plus a primer on the estate’s history and wine-tasting techniques ($30 for white and $40 for red).

7. BoaVentura Vineyards

The land BoaVentura sits upon was once a ranch owned by the Concannon family. Today, the farmhouse is the Caires family home, while the barn is used for wine tastings and events that provide visitors with a taste of life in wine country.

The 5-acre winery offers stunning views of Livermore Valley from two grass lawns, perfect for energetic pets, small children, and family picnics. To get the most out of your experience at BoaVentura, try the eight-wine tasting option for just $20. Due to the owner’s Portuguese heritage, there’s no doubt you’ll try a few wines made from grapes usually found in Portugal. Don’t leave without trying several varieties of the smooth and fruity cabernet sauvignon.

8. Cedar Mountain Winery

Just a mile down the road from BoaVentura, Cedar Mountain Winery is also a must-visit. Run by Earl and Linda Ault, Cedar Mountain started as a 20-acre farm in 1990. Their entrance into the wine market began with a cabernet sauvignon and a chardonnay. Soon after, they released a sauvignon blanc, and the rest is history!

Currently, the winery offers more than 20 wines ranging from premium and reserve to dessert wines. However, this Livermore winery is best known for its large selection of port. That’s why it’s one of the best ways to end a day of wine tasting in the Livermore Valley. Cedar Mountain Winery’s bestsellers include two ports created in 1998: Chardonnay del Sol and Viognier Port. The Viognier Port has won a silver medal in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Patrons have taken a liking to these two port wines, so it’s not unusual for them to be sold out from time to time.

Can’t get enough of California wine? Make a pilgrimage to the world-renowned Napa Valley wine region. The tours shouldn’t be missed, but there are plenty of other things to do in the area.

8 Excellent Hidden Gems In Door County, Wisconsin

It’s not often that a county is better known than the cities that county comprises. Travelers flock to Key West, Florida, not to Monroe County. But in northeastern Wisconsin, people don’t say that they’re vacationing in Sturgeon Bay or Baileys Harbor — they say that they’re headed to Door County.

Door County encompasses the long peninsula that extends into Lake Michigan in northeastern Wisconsin. End to end, the peninsula is approximately 60 miles long. To the west is Green Bay (the body of water, not the city), and to the east is Lake Michigan. The city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is southwest of Door County.

Door County has long been a summer vacation destination for people from Milwaukee, Chicago, and across the Midwest. People living as far away as Kansas City and Saint Louis have summer homes in Door County, and during the dog days of summer, they flock to the peninsula for a respite from the heat.

While Door County hasn’t been a secret in some time, some of its attractions are still waiting to be discovered. Here are eight hidden gems on the peninsula that you must visit.

1. Door County Maritime Museum

Door County is rich in maritime history. To the west, ships have long traveled into and out of Green Bay. To the east is Lake Michigan and all of its maritime history. In the center, near the southern end of Door County, is Sturgeon Bay.

Sturgeon Bay itself dissects approximately 75 percent of the Door Peninsula. To provide a shortcut from Lake Michigan to Green Bay, the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal was dug through the remaining 25 percent. At the center of that waterway sits the town of Sturgeon Bay.

The best way to learn more about the maritime history of the region is to visit the Door County Maritime Museum in Sturgeon Bay. Perhaps the most exciting thing about the museum is that visitors have full access to the historic tugboat John Purves. The John Purves was once a working tugboat that could accommodate a crew of 13. On your tour of the boat, you’ll see where these crewmen lived, from the cabins to the engine room to the galley. The tug was built in 1919, so you’ll get a glimpse of a full 100 years of history.

Sister Bay in Door County. — Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock.com

2. Boathouse On The Bay

The towns on the west coast of Door County have interesting names: Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sister Bay. All three have something else in common — waterfront dining with fantastic views of the sunset. While the towns on the Lake Michigan side get a view of the sunrise over the water, the Green Bay side provides the best sunset views.

Right on the water in Sister Bay, you’ll find Boathouse on the Bay. It’s a two-story restaurant and bar right across the street from the Sister Bay Marina. If it’s waterfront dining with the sun setting over the masts of sailboats that you’re looking for, this is the place.

The top level of Boathouse on the Bay is the Flybridge Bar, but you don’t have to be on the deck to get an amazing view of the marina. If the weather is cooperating, the doors to the downstairs are opened up to let the outside in.

The views aren’t the only thing to love about Boathouse — the food is fantastic, too. Try the lobster mac and cheese, the Cajun pasta, or the Door County whitefish.

The Ridges Sanctuary is a nature preserve and land trust. — Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

3. Hotz Memorial Town Park

Newport State Park and Peninsula State Park are the most popular waterfront parks in Door County, but in the summer, they can be insanely crowded. When I visited Peninsula State Park recently, I sat in a traffic jam near the campground, since there were so many cars going into and out of the state park! For a more relaxing experience, check out the little-known Hotz Memorial Town Park.

Located on the Lake Michigan side, Hotz Memorial Town Park is just north of Newport State Park, but it’s not nearly as crowded. From the main highway in Door County (Highway 42), turn off on Europe Bay Road and travel until it dead-ends at Lake Michigan. There are parking spaces right next to the lake for park visitors.

The most popular attractions at the park are the trails between Europe Lake and Lake Michigan. From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Europe Bay Trail and the Hotz Trail. The full loop is a very manageable, level 2.4 miles. But if you want a shorter walk, there are cutoffs in the center that can shorten your hike to less than a mile.

Sunset viewed from Washington Island Wisconsin. — Retired Guy Photography / Shutterstock.com

4. Washington Island

Washington Island, as the name might suggest, is not connected to mainland Door County by roads. The only access is by ferry out of Northport. The ferry ride itself is quite enjoyable, since you cross the boating passageway known as Death’s Door. But don’t worry — it’s perfectly safe! The name was given to the area centuries ago by sailors trying to navigate around the many difficult-to-see islands off the northern tip of Door County.

Once you arrive on Washington Island, the possibilities are endless. Given that the island is only 6 miles long by 5 miles wide, my wife and I decided to ditch our car and rent bikes for our day trip. We ended up exploring the entire island on our bikes! Bikes are available to rent near the ferry dock.

There’s so much to see on Washington Island. If the lavender is in bloom, the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop is a must-visit — stop by the store for lavender-infused soaps, lotions, and even cookies. At the highest point of the island is the Mountain Park Lookout Tower. A climb to the top will give you a view of almost the entire island. There are many places to eat, but the best is the restaurant in the historic Hotel Washington. It’s only open for dinner, but the food is worth taking the late ferry back to the mainland.

5. Alexander Noble House Museum

Located in the heart of historic Fish Creek is the Victorian-era Alexander Noble House Museum. Alexander Noble was one of the founding fathers of Fish Creek, located on the Green Bay side of Door County, and his home, which was completed in 1875, is the oldest remaining structure in Fish Creek.

The home contains many of its original furnishings and provides a fascinating glimpse into life in Door County in the 19th century. And since the museum is located in the center of town, after your tour you’ll be able to browse the charming shops of downtown Fish Creek. The town is home to some of the best shopping in Door County!

6. Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub

Baileys Harbor is located on the Lake Michigan side of Door County. The harbor itself is bordered on three sides by land, so it’s a quiet place for boats to escape Lake Michigan. The town sits on the western side of the harbor.

In downtown Baileys Harbor, right at the intersection of the two main roads (Highway 57 and Route F), sits Baileys Harbor Cornerstone Pub. If you’re in Baileys Harbor for the day, perhaps visiting the Anclam Town Park Swimming Beach or maybe the Christina Nilsson shipwreck, you must stop at the Cornerstone Pub.

If you’re able, visit Cornerstone for the restaurant’s well-known Friday-night fish fry. Whitefish, walleye, yellow perch, haddock — you name it, they fry it. But the menu isn’t limited to fish — it includes everything from prime rib to burritos. Visit the website for a list of the beer currently on tap.

Whitefish Dunes Sate Natural Area in Wisconsin. — William Sterk / Shutterstock

7. Whitefish Dunes State Natural Area

Farther down the Lake Michigan side you’ll find the Whitefish Dunes State Natural Area. These public lands are located on the isthmus between Clark Lake and Lake Michigan. The strip of land, only 2,000 feet wide, isn’t really land — it mostly consists of sand dunes and sand-loving trees and shrubs.

Geologically, the area is quite unique. In one area, you’ll find the largest sand dunes on the western side of Lake Michigan, and less than a mile to the north, you’ll find cliffs overlooking the same lake.

There are several trails at the Whitefish Dunes State Natural Area. Some take you right to the water, where you can walk from the sandy dunes to the sandy beach. Others take you back into the woods and across to Clark Lake.

But the natural area isn’t all sand dunes. Cave Point County Park is also located there, and you can rent kayaks and paddle right up to the entrances of the cliffside caves.

8. Egg Harbor

No trip to Door County would be complete without a trip to Egg Harbor. Like most towns in Door County, it’s located right on the water. And if you’re looking for a relaxing stroll from shop to shop, you’ll love Egg Harbor.

Your starting point should be Harbor View Park. This public park is one block from the Egg Harbor Marina and is at the center of all the shops and restaurants. From there, you can head north or south.

Make sure not to miss the Egg Harbor Main Street Shops. And if you see the large bike rack out front, remember that many people come to Door County for just that type of getaway. Why not ditch the car, hop on a bike, and enjoy Door County at a more relaxed pace?

Can’t get enough of Wisconsin? Consider Elkhart Lake or the Wisconsin Dells for your next vacation destination.

Meet Devil’s Throat, Iguazu Falls’ Incredible Waterfall

If you’re headed to South America anytime soon, you’ll want to put Iguazu Falls and Devil’s Throat on your bucket list. The immense falls are on the border between Brazil and Argentina and offer some of the most amazing waterfall experiences in the world. The whole area boasts 275 distinct waterfalls plus large islands and is one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

Devil’s Throat itself is the main attraction and easily accessible for people of all fitness levels.

Aerial view of the Devil's Throat at Iguazu Falls. — Jan Schneckenhaus / Shutterstock

Devil’s Throat Is The Largest Water Curtain Of Iguazu Falls

Among the falls known as Iguazu Falls, Devil’s Throat is the largest. It drops more than 262 feet into a creamy white pool that’s indistinguishable because of the permanent mist that forms thanks to the powerful water flow. The curtain contains 14 falls total and is shaped like a horseshoe.

The foot bridge leading to the Devil's Throat. — Julia Chan Kar Wai / Shutterstock

There Are Several Ways To Experience Devil’s Throat

You’ll start your journey via the Jungle Train to the Devil’s Throat Station or picking up a rental car. From there, on foot, you’ll take a footbridge of 3,600 feet that leads to the immense waterfalls. It’s a safe, quiet, level bridge that’s wheelchair accessible. The platform at the end offers incredible views of the falls.

You can also view the falls by speedboat. You’ll need to dress warmly and bring along a slicker or poncho for this as you’ll definitely get drenched.

A rainbow at the Devil's Throat. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

The Best Time To See Devil’s Throat Is In The Afternoon

By afternoon, the sun rises above the falls, giving viewers the best visuals of Devil’s Throat. Morning time views will likely be obstructed by glare from the sun.

The Devil's Throat at Iguazu Falls. — Donatas Dabravolskas / Shutterstock

Eleanor Roosevelt Visited Iguazu Falls And Had Something To Say About It

When the first lady visited Iguazu Falls, she exclaimed, “Poor Niagara!” The falls are so stunning that she couldn’t help but compare them to the much smaller Niagara Falls. Iguazu is 1.7 miles wide — Niagara is only 0.70 miles wide — and about 100 feet taller than Niagara.

The Iguazu Falls Were Declared A UNESCO World Heritage Site In 1984

The Iguazu Falls are often revered as the most spectacular waterfall in the world, thanks to the width and height of the overall system of the falls and the breathtaking beauty of the rushing waters. Between the falls’ natural beauty and their cultural importance, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mid-1980s.

A Spanish Conquistador Was The First European To Spot The Falls

In 1541, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca explored the region we now know as Argentina. During that exploration, he saw and wrote about Iguazu Falls. This discovery led to naming one of the falls on the Argentine side of the natural wonder after the explorer. Centuries later, near the end of the 19th century, an explorer known as Boselli also saw and wrote about the falls; today another one of them bears his name. Despite these European names, Iguazu means “big water” in the indigenous Tupi or Guarani language.

Birds Live Inside The Falls

There’s a species of bird that builds its nests behind the rushing water of Iguazu Falls. If you’re lucky, when you visit, you’ll see the Great Dusky Swifts swooping out through the water. The birds are fairly large with silvery heads and dark, greyish-brown feathered bodies. They cling to the exposed rocks in the falls when they’re not flying around or perched in their nests.

A rainbow at the Devil's Throat in Iguazu Falls. — saiko3p / Shutterstock

Iguazu Falls Produces Electrical Energy For Argentina And Brazil

The governments of both Argentina and Brazil have recognized the vast energy source in the stunning falls, and they’ve harnessed the waterpower to create electrical energy for both countries. The falls powers 40 percent of the electricity consumed by the nations through this natural hydroelectric powerplant.

Planning a trip to Iguazu Falls? Be sure to stop by our guide to the best hotels in Iguazu Falls to make sure you get the best accommodations for your needs.

Exploring Rio Secreto, Mexico’s Incredible Underground River

Cool shimmering water engulfs you, and cathedral-like caverns open up around you.

Illuminated only by the headlamp on your helmet, the caverns reveal clusters of multicolored stalactites, hanging like petrified icicles from the craggy cave ceiling.

As if that were not surreal enough, the scene is all reflected on the glasslike surface of the blue-green water all around you.

Welcome to Rio Secreto, the massive underground river that flows beneath the jungle of Riviera Maya in Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo.

Billed as a “Mayan Underground,” the natural phenomenon located about an hour south of Cancun in Playa del Carmen lives up to its slightly mysterious aura. As you traverse the twisting route of the river, you’ll be immersed at times in absolute silence and pitch darkness.

Still, visitors are put at ease by the knowledgeable tour guides who shepherd their groups through the narrow passageways and deep pools of water. Along the way, the guides seamlessly weave in the cave’s history, culture, and ecology.

Rio Secreto’s website emphasizes the uniqueness of the natural reserve.

“Rio Secreto could well be one of the natural wonders of the world,” it states, adding that touring the river, with its thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, is “like stepping back in time to witness something mysterious and truly spectacular.”

Along with its magnificent sights, a tour of the natural reserve comes with a few conditions and restrictions. Based on the information I gathered during a sponsored press trip to the area, here are some of the things to expect on a voyage into the underground world of Rio Secreto.

Tourists walking to the entrance of Rio Secreto. — Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto Is Deep In The Jungle

Before you set foot in the massive cave that is Rio Secreto, you will take a bumpy ride in a van on a dirt road through the jungle of Riviera Maya.

While the main entrance to the attraction is located just off of the Cancun-Tulum Federal Highway 307, you’ll be transported from there by van for about 5 miles to a spot near the mouth of the cave.

It pays to stay alert during the ride, because tropical flowers intertwine with the thick undergrowth alongside the road, and you might even spot jaguars and iguanas.

After arriving at the cave site, you’ll take a fairly easy 10-minute hike through the jungle to get to the mouth of the underground river.

Swimming Suits Are Required

As you wait for your van ride at Rio Secreto’s main entrance, a recorded message will fill you in on the details of your coming cave tour.

Among the rules: “Inside the underground river system, you will not need to wear anything other than your bathing suit and prescription glasses, if required.”

Since you will be in the water for virtually all of the tour, from 3 hours to all day, a swimming suit certainly makes sense.

Because you will be putting on a wetsuit over your swimming suit, a comfortable, athletic-style swimming suit is recommended.

A tour group at Rio Secreto. — Rio Secreto

Everyone Must Take An Outdoor Shower

Once you have changed into your swimming suit and stowed your other items in an assigned locker, you’ll be required to take an outdoor shower.

The Rio Secreto instructions explain that this is because it is vitally important to preserve the purity of the water. Visitors are asked to refrain from applying any chemical products to their skin, and the showers are required to ensure that any remaining sunscreen, insect spray, or other cosmetic products are removed.

No Cameras Are Allowed

Among the items you are required to leave behind in your locker are your camera and cell phone.

“For your safety and for the preservation of the river, you are not allowed to carry cameras or wear watches, earrings, or other accessories,” the introduction explains.

Once you’re inside the cave, the reason becomes obvious. It would be nearly impossible to carry a camera or phone while wading through waist- and shoulder-deep water. And camera flashes would be distracting for others on the tour.

There’s no need to worry that you won’t have pictures from the tour. Excellent professional photographers accompany the tourgoers and take multiple shots of each participant, as well as the group, at numerous scenic spots along the route.

Tourists admiring Rio Secreto. — Rio Secreto

Special Expedition Equipment Will Be Provided

After you’ve taken a shower, you’ll line up to be fitted for your wetsuit, life vest, and helmet.

Each of these items is crucial. The wetsuit will help to protect you from the cool water and rocky walls of the cave, while the life vest will be important in the deeper sections of the river. The helmet will keep you from hitting your head on the cave’s low ceilings and overhangs, and it also comes equipped with a headlamp that will light the way through the dark cave.

For extra help traversing the rocky sections of the riverbed and gauging the depth of the water, the wooden sticks that are provided (but not required) also come in handy.

Mayan Smoke Ceremony at Rio Secreto. — Rio Secreto

You’ll Experience A Mayan Smoke Ceremony

As you approach the mouth of the cave, a Mayan shaman will conduct a smoke ceremony to cleanse you before you enter the sacred cave.

The short ceremony offers fascinating insight into Mayan culture and the important role that the region’s caves and cenotes (sinkholes) have played in Mayan history.

It’s Pitch Black Inside

Although the headlamp on your helmet will always be available to use, there are times on the tour when the guide will ask you to turn off your light.

At those times — like when the group members are instructed to float on their backs in a circular formation — expect moments of complete darkness. No light pollution here — the darkness is stunning.

Inside the Rio Secreto cave. — Rio Secreto

The Cave Terrain Is Rough And Uneven

Like the floor of any river, the floor of the Rio Secreto can be rough and rocky at times. Although the guides do their best to point out approaching high steps and deep holes, the route can get a little treacherous.

To help navigate the river, sturdy water shoes are recommended. Visitors can either bring their own or use the ones provided by the tour.

The River Gets Deep

While the tour is mostly navigable on foot, there are sections that are too deep for walking. Those areas, near the end of the tour, will require some brief floating/swimming.

But since all participants are required to wear life vests, the deep sections should be doable for non-swimmers.

Conservation Is Central To Rio Secreto

On its website and in its promotional literature, Rio Secreto emphasizes the preservation aspect of its mission.

The audio introduction for visitors refers to the underground river as a “unique, fragile world that only a few people will have the opportunity to experience during their lifetime.”

It adds that the reserve’s driving force is conservation.

“By visiting us, you are participating in our passion to preserve this incredible natural beauty,” the introduction says, adding that a significant percentage of the entry fees go toward the preservation of the underground river, local plants and wildlife, water quality studies, and a variety of environmental-education programs.

As visitors prepare to take the van ride to the cave, the introduction concludes: “You are about to discover our planet’s deepest undiscovered territory. Keep your eyes and hearts open so that what you see will remain forever imprinted on them.”

A cave tour at Rio Secreto. — Rio Secreto

A Variety Of Tours Are Available

Tours can be booked online on the Rio Secreto website and range in price from about $79 to $119. A variety of times, durations, and experiences are on offer.

Some tours include just admission and a buffet lunch, while others include additional activities such as rappelling, snorkeling, and biking. Transportation from local hotels can also be added on.

Planning a trip to Mexico? Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s drinking water.