10 Free Things To Do In Brisbane, Australia

Much more affordable than Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane, Australia, offers numerous free activities for the frugal traveler. If you’re on a budget and looking to get the most bang for your buck, this is the city for you.

With its free guided tours, free museums, and even free public transportation, you can easily enjoy a day in Brisbane without spending a dime. The city boasts more than 260 days of sunshine per year, so make sure to take advantage of the innumerable free parks (and man-made city beach!) full of complimentary amenities such as Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and barbecue areas.

Here are 10 fun and free things to do in Brisbane.

Brisbane's City Hall. — EQRoy / Shutterstock

1. Take A Walking Tour

There’s no better way to get acquainted with a new city than by taking a walking tour, especially if it’s a free one! Although there are a few different guided tours available, the one offered by Visit Brisbane is dedicated to showing off the very best of what the city has to offer.

The free tour takes visitors through the Central Business District, and a knowledgeable guide is ready to answer any questions. The tour stops by all the main sights, including the historic Brisbane City Hall and Treasury Brisbane Casino, but it also covers little details such as sculptures, plaques, and lamppost adornments that you’d probably miss otherwise.

The free guided tour of Brisbane starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre. Arrive early to secure your same-day spot, or call the center ahead of time.

Swimmers enjoying Streets Beach. — Martin Valigursky / Shutterstock

2. Go Swimming At Streets Beach

After your long walk around the city, you’ll probably want to refresh before heading out to explore. Instead of stopping at your hotel, head to South Bank Parklands, where you’ll find the largest inner-city beach in Australia.

Streets Beach resembles most oceanside beaches — it’s got palm trees, clear blue water, lifeguards, and fine sand — but it’s entirely man-made. The artificial lagoon is a popular place to lay out, read a book, and enjoy the cool waters. The striking backdrop of modern and historic buildings across the Brisbane River makes this a truly unique spot to take a swim. And although it seems too good to be true, access to Streets Beach is completely free.

3. Appreciate Art At The QAGOMA

Most of the museums in Brisbane are free to visit. However, the QAGOMA compound, made up of the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, is one of the largest and best contemporary art museums in the city.

The complex is home to more than 17,000 works of art in permanent and visiting exhibitions. Special exhibitions or events may require a fee. You’ll find modern art from around the world as well as artwork by indigenous Australian artists.

Conveniently located in the heart of the city in an area called the Cultural Precinct, the QAGOMA is surrounded by other interesting cultural attractions. To the left of the complex is the State Library of Queensland, and to the right are the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and South Bank Parklands. The area is easily accessible by car (a spot in the large lot costs $17 per day) and by public transportation (the Cultural Centre busway station is nearby).

4. Enjoy Live Music At The Melbourne Street Green

Across the street from the Queensland Art Gallery is the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Although attending a performance inside costs money, the center hosts free musical performances on the corner of Melbourne Street and Grey Street every week.

Guitar chords, soft vocals, and sometimes even the sounds of a didgeridoo fill the air as artists from every musical genre showcase their talents every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Although this area is always open, it transforms during Green Jam. Under strings of lights, locals and visitors sit on lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and around plastic tables with snacks and drinks from the bar.

Tourists walking along Brisbane's South Bank. — Travis k / Shutterstock

5. Stroll Along The Banks Of The Brisbane River

There are several pathways along the Brisbane River, including the Bicentennial Bikeway, Clem Jones Promenade, City Reach Boardwalk, and New Farm Riverwalk. They’re all wide, clean, paved paths that flow effortlessly into one another.

Walking along these pathways, you’ll always have the bustling city on one side and the Brisbane River on the other. You can make your way — all for free — from the suburb of Toowong to New Farm on the north bank and from West End to Kangaroo Point on the south bank. There are more than 11 miles of inner-city riverside walks, and you can switch between banks using any of the area’s bridges, including the Kurilpa Bridge, Goodwill Bridge, or Story Bridge.

If you get tired of walking, you can rent a CityCycle bike to continue your journey — it’s not free, but it only costs $2 for a 24-hour rental. For convenience, most of the pathways feature both a pedestrian path and a cycling path.

View of Brisbane from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. — Maythee Voran / Shutterstock

6. Watch The Sunset At The Kangaroo Point Cliffs

For one of the most stunning views of Brisbane’s Central Business District, visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

The sharp, flat cliff face was formed when the area was excavated for construction materials. Today, there are upper and lower terraces with well-maintained walking and biking tracks for leisurely strolls or long runs along the river.

The upper boardwalk is lined with picnic tables and gas barbecues for romantic evenings or group gatherings. The cliffs provide a fantastic view of the sun setting behind the sea of Brisbane skyscrapers. Access to the cliffs (and scenic skyline views) is free — just bring along your favorite tapas for a budget-friendly night out.

Tourists on a CityHopper boat ferry. — Richie Chan / Shutterstock

7. Catch A Ride On The CityHopper

If you’re hoping to float down the Brisbane River without a care in the world, the relaxed (and free) CityHopper ferries are for you. The upper decks of the two-story ferries are the perfect places for sunbathing and photographing the towering skyscrapers of the Central Business District.

Servicing the inner city with stops from North Quay to New Farm, these cute ferries are a great way to enjoy Brisbane from the water. Along the way, stop at Thornton Street, which provides access to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Then float across the Brisbane River to Eagle Street Pier for a beautiful view of the Story Bridge.

Another three stops downriver will bring you to shady Merthyr Park near the Brisbane Powerhouse, an old power station that has been converted into an arts center. The Powerhouse offers free gallery access, comedy afternoons, and other events.

8. Meander Through The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens

You can take a break from the busy urban center at the City Botanic Gardens. This 121-acre space, just a 15-minute walk from King George Square, offers everything from 23 species of bamboo to an avenue flanked by weeping fig trees and a lagoon teeming with fish, birds, and water dragons.

Although the space is beautiful on its own, it’s fascinating to learn about the area’s flora and fauna. The City Botanic Gardens offers free hour-long guided walks led by volunteers Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The garden’s central location makes it a great complement to a walk along City Reach Boardwalk, a bite at the restaurant-filled Eagle Street Pier, or a ride on the CityHopper.

The Brisbane Lookout at Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens. — Svineyard / Shutterstock

9. Explore The Mount Coot-Tha Precinct

Just a 15-minute car ride from Brisbane’s Central Business District, Mount Coot-Tha’s 4,000 acres consist of eucalyptus forests, walking tracks, a botanic garden, and a planetarium. Entrance to the park, including the 138-acre Mount Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens and the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, is free. After exploring the Mount Coot-Tha area, make your way to the top to the Brisbane Lookout either by trail, car, or bus.

Once you’ve made it to the top of Mount Coot-Tha, appreciate the sweeping view of Brisbane. You can also see Moreton Bay in the distance on a clear day. The view from the Brisbane Lookout is most stunning early in the morning and during sunset.

The Jan Powers Farmers Market in Brisbane. — ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock

10. People-Watch At The Markets

As the agricultural capital of Australia, Queensland is brimming with tropical fruit, crisp vegetables, and fresh dairy products. Farmers flock to Brisbane, the largest city in Queensland, to sell their fresh produce and goods at the city’s various markets.

Although the products are delicious, you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy the lively ambiance of the markets. Almost always outdoors, the markets are a great place to peruse the stalls, people-watch (and fawn over four-legged companions), and enjoy the sunshine, usually within earshot of a local musician playing for passersby.

Farmers markets can be found around the city every weekend. Some of the most popular are the Davies Park Markets in West End, the Riverside Sunday Markets at the City Botanic Gardens, and the Powerhouse Farmers Markets in New Farm.

Planning a trip to Brisbane? Don’t miss the city’s best restaurants.

Swimming With Pigs In The Bahamas: What You Need To Know

We love the Bahamas. With its white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and close proximity to the United States, it’s no wonder the massive island chain has become such a popular vacation destination. In addition to snorkeling, fishing, and enjoying the sand and surf, the Bahamas offer another truly memorable experience: swimming with swine. These pigs aren’t your ordinary barnyard variety, however — they’ve obtained worldwide fame and have been featured on The Today Show and even an episode of The Bachelor.

Here’s what you need to know about the adorable celebrity pigs of the Exumas, and how you can have your own close encounter with these fascinating island residents.

Pigs swimming in the Bahamas. — BlueOrange Studio / Shutterstock

Where Can You Find The Pigs?

The Exumas are a sandy chain of 365 islands that begin just 35 miles from Nassau and stretch for more than 100 miles. While they are served by an airport in George Town, the Exumas still maintain a remote, off-the-beaten-path feel with their pristine beaches and amazing fishing and snorkeling opportunities. Their famous, feral porcine residents live on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited sandy island that can only be reached by boat. It’s about 80 miles from Nassau and 30 miles from George Town. The island, only a mile long, features a forested stretch where the small group of pigs can forage for food and a gorgeous beach where they go to sun and swim. It’s a small slice of paradise that these creatures have claimed, and who can blame them?

A pig swimming in the Bahamas. — Jon Ruiz Ortiz / Shutterstock

Where Did The Pigs Come From?

The pigs — some spotted, some pink, and all really cute — are not native to Big Major Cay. But they are a bit of a mystery: No one is really sure where these adorable residents came from. Some say that a few were left behind by the sailors who first cruised these waters, and that the castaways formed their own little colony on the island. Others speculate that they survived a shipwreck, swam to shore, and thrived.

While these legends are lots of fun, it’s most likely that residents of nearby islands placed the pigs there themselves. The Exumas are quite far-flung, and getting food deliveries from America could be tricky. The people who lived nearby probably chose to raise the pigs on Big Major Cay in case they had trouble getting the essentials they needed. The island was close enough to provide easy access to the animals, but far enough away to prevent any stink associated with the swine. Big Major Cay’s freshwater pond and forest provided food and water to sustain the pigs.

About The Pigs

The herd on Big Major Cay fluctuates in size — according to the Bahamian government, there are about 20 pigs and piglets there now — but one thing is certain: When motorboats approach, the pigs know it’s time to eat. You’ll see them jump right into the water to swim alongside your boat. As they snort and squeal, your tour operator will provide you food to give to them, as well as instructions on how to approach them. They will likely follow you straight up to shore.

It’s important to be on your best behavior when interacting with the animals. While the recent influx of tourists has made the pigs quite used to visitors and usually very friendly, you’ll still need to use common sense when getting up close and personal with them. Get your selfies, swim nearby, and even give them a scratch or two if you go to shore, but remember that the pigs are feral animals and can be unpredictable. When in doubt, listen to your tour guide. And of course, be gentle with these creatures. After all, you’re visiting their home. Be a good guest!

A pig on the beach in the Bahamas. — Iren Key / Shutterstock

Do not give the pigs any other food than what your operator supplies for them, and try to put the food in the water or give it directly to them. In 2017, a number of the pigs died unexpectedly. While the first reports indicated that tourists might have given them alcohol (obviously, inhumane and a huge no-no), further testing showed large quantities of sand in their stomachs. Veterinarians and other experts suspected that this was because tourists threw food into the sand for the pigs to root up. The government is so concerned about the Exuma pigs that it might soon start posting a warden on the beach to help keep the animals safe from harmful tourist interactions.

The Exuma pigs are a huge tourist attraction and bring in much-needed cash for the Bahamas. Those dollars are especially important in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Dorian, which skipped Big Major Cay. The tour operators who take visitors to the island understand that, and they are grateful for your patronage. Just be responsible and respectful when visiting.

How To See The Pigs

As we mentioned before, the Exumas are remote, and Big Major Cay is no exception. It’s not cheap to get there, and your trek will likely involve both a plane and a boat. Your best bet is to book a chartered trip, and there are a few options to consider. From Nassau, you can book a quick flight on a puddle jumper to Staniel Cay, and arrange a charter or tour from there — Big Major Cay is only a short boat ride away. When all is said and done, you’ll pay about $500 per person going this route.

You can also take a high-speed boat from Nassau. Tour operators regularly offer excursions to see the pigs and take in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding islands and cays. You’ll need to be prepared for a full day at sea on a small saddleback-type seat, but most tours include snacks and lunch and make frequent stops. This option will cost about $400 per person. Whatever you decide, don’t forget to bring high-SPF sunscreen!

Check out our guide to the best Exuma resorts to make your stay a memorable one.

A word to the wise: Make sure that when you book your trip, you are heading to Big Major Cay and not to another island in the Exumas chain. Sadly, copycats have tried to cash in on the phenomenon, establishing fly-by-night attractions that aren’t concerned with the safety or well-being of the animals. The Humane Society in the Bahamas is working with the government to crack down on these facilities, but you can do your part by doing your due diligence and insisting on the Big Major Cay for your trip.

How To Spend An Amazing Day In Saint Petersburg, Russia

Saint Petersburg, the former capital of Russia, is often referred to as the Russian Versailles or the Venice of the North. Its beautiful old buildings — including some of the most incredible palaces you’ve ever seen — many rivers, and quaint atmosphere make for an unforgettable visit. The palaces, gardens, and churches of Saint Petersburg give the home of Peter the Great and the magnificent Romanovs such a romantic feel that you’ll long to return again and again.

Here’s how to spend an amazing day in Saint Petersburg.

Statues and fountains at the Peterhof Palace. — Alberto Garcia / Flickr

Marvel At The Peterhof Palace

The beautiful Peterhof Palace, with its rich yellow exterior walls, bright white trim, and shining golden accents, is one of the most spectacular sights in Saint Petersburg. The arched entryways to the grounds of the palace welcome you with a royal air of an era long past.

You could spend an entire day or just a few hours here, depending on your schedule. During your visit, eat a picnic lunch on the grounds, splash around in the pools and fountains (only some, of course, welcome visitors into their sparkling waters), read a book by the Baltic Sea, meander through the Japanese gardens, or explore the belongings of Peter the Great. There are more than 200 gilded and marble statues and 64 fountains on the grounds. You probably won’t see them all, but everything you see will be spectacular.

Visit The Church Of The Savior On The Spilled Blood

The most famous of the onion-shaped, brilliantly colored cathedrals of Russia is located in Moscow’s Red Square. But Saint Petersburg offers an equally beautiful architectural marvel: the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, also known as the Church of the Resurrection. The exterior alone, with its gilded domes and colorful spires, might just be the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen. But the interior, with its vibrant ceiling art, elaborate archways, and iconic murals, will leave you speechless.

The church was constructed in 1883 to honor the memory of Tsar Alexander II, who had emancipated the serfs of Russia two decades earlier. It stands on the site where the Tsar was mortally injured in an assissination attempt. A temporary shrine was erected at the site while plans for the permanent memorial were drawn up.

During the Russian Revolution of 1917, the church was damaged. It was closed by the Soviets in the 1930s and then damaged again during World War II. During the war, the church functioned as a rations storage facility and then as storage for a local opera company.

Eventually, reconstruction began to restore the cathedral’s former glory; the process took 25 years. The structure was reopened in 1997 and has been welcoming visitors ever since.

You’ll likely need an hour or two to explore this magnificent structure.

Inside the Mariinsky Theatre. — Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose / Flickr

Enjoy A Russian Ballet

There is no better way to end your day in Saint Petersburg than by taking in a Russian ballet at either the beautiful Mariinsky Theatre — home of the famous Mariinsky Ballet Company — or the Mikhailovsky Theatre — the oldest ballet theater in Russia.

Both historic buildings are worth a visit, even if you’re not able to attend one of the magnificent operas or ballets they host. The elaborate interiors with their multiple balconies, vast stages, and beautiful atmospheric lighting are nearly as pleasurable to observe as the live art taking place onstage.

Be sure to check the theaters’ calendars before deciding which to visit — or take a private tour to get an in-depth understanding of the history of the theater and catch glimpses of spaces you wouldn’t normally see during a show. Most performances last between 2 and 3 hours, and you’ll want to spend some time beforehand simply admiring the beautiful architecture.

Explore The Cathedral Of Saints Peter And Paul

As you walk the streets of Saint Petersburg, you’ll see multiple churches, fortresses, and other buildings that date to the time when Tsars ruled the country and ballets by Tchaikovsky were all the rage. Among the many towering domes are those of the culturally significant Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul within the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Work began on the original structure just one month after Saint Petersburg was officially founded on May 27, 1703. The original church was consecrated nearly a year later on April 1. Less than a decade later, construction on the current stone Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul began; the work took 20 years to complete. The building was consecrated in June of 1733 and was radically different in style from traditional Russian Orthodox churches like the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. Instead of having rounded, gilded, colorful domes like the traditional churches, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul features a bell tower and rectangular spire. Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are ornate and worth seeing.

If you’re a fan of the Romanovs, this site will have more significance for you than many of the other attractions in Saint Petersburg, since this is where the Romanovs themselves are buried. Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Elizabeth of Russia, and the three Alexanders, along with Nicholas II and his family, are all interred in the small Chapel of Saint Catherine.

The fortress is a splendid place to walk and discover the past, so be sure to leave at least 2 hours for the whole experience.

The State Hermitage Museum at night. — kuhnmi / Flickr

Appreciate Art At The State Hermitage Museum

If you have extra time, try to stop by the State Hermitage Museum. The museum is housed within the former Winter Palace of the Tsars, situated on the River Neva — where all the lovely lighted bridges open at night to let the boats pass through — on Palace Square. Inside the Hermitage Museum are more than three million items, from Impressionist masterpieces to Oriental treasures. Taking the guided tour is the best way to see the most important pieces, due to the sheer size of the collection.

Fireworks on Saint Petersburg Day. — MostPetersburg.com

Participate In The Saint Petersburg Day Festivities

If you are able to visit on Saint Petersburg Day, May 27, you must. The city celebrates its founding like nothing else. Uniformed soldiers line the streets, parades pass by, flags fly everywhere, and fireworks light up the sky. You’ll see the somewhat somber Russian city glorying in its own beauty and history — as it should.

Eating In Saint Petersburg

There are a variety of traditional dishes that you’ll want to consider trying when you’re visiting the old capital of Russia. Probably the most famous is the red soup called borscht, which originated in Ukraine but has become synonymous with Russian cuisine. The soup is made from beetroot, which gives the dish its unique red shade, and it is usually served with savory buns known as pampuski. You’ll find the best borscht at Teplo near Saint Isaac’s Square and the cathedral.

You’ll also want to hunt down some chicken Kiev, or stuffed chicken breast that is rolled in breadcrumbs and eggs and then fried or baked with loads of butter and herbs. You’ll find some tasty chicken Kiev at Metropole and Gogol.

Two other traditional dishes in Saint Petersburg are pelmeni and vareniki. Pelmeni are savory Russian dumplings similar to wontons. Vareniki are sweet dumplings stuffed with berries and cottage cheese. You’ll find these delicious dishes at Pelmenya near the Fabergé Museum. If you’re renting an apartment, you can pick up a package of these delights in the frozen food section of any grocery store and whip some up for yourself.

A shop selling Matroyshka dolls. — Open Minder / Flickr

Shopping In Saint Petersburg

The street markets lining the walkways of Saint Petersburg are the best place to start your souvenir shopping. You’ll find a wide range of interesting goods here, plus friendly folks offering tourists a little piece of Russian history. You could take home a military hat from days gone by or a handcarved wooden lacquer box depicting scenes from Russian folklore and history.

Other souvenirs to look out for include the famous Russian nesting dolls, amber jewelry, and decorated birch bark goods. You’ll also want to consider bringing home some Khokhloma goods, or traditional painted wooden items featuring red and gold flower patterns on dark backgrounds. Gzhel, or blue-on-white ceramic pieces, are worth a look, as are valenki, or beautiful felt boots. Some souvenirs as famous as the nesting dolls are the replica Fabergé eggs, which can be found in a range of shops and boutiques near the State Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.

The best places to find these handicrafts are the little markets and carts along the streets surrounding the tourist hot spots, such as the pier near the Russian Cruiser Aurora. Most of the handicrafts and other trinkets and treasures mentioned here can be found at bargain prices.

Planning a trip to Russia? Don’t skip the country’s captivating capital, Moscow.

The Son Doong Cave In Vietnam Is So Big, It Has Its Own Weather System

While seeking shelter from a storm, Ho Khanh, a farmer in central Vietnam, stumbled upon a small entrance to what would soon become known as the largest cave system in the world. He reported his discovery to the British Caving Research Association, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the cave was actually explored for the first time.

After the first expedition into Son Doong, the cave was immediately crowned the largest of its kind in the world. Follow along as we share the interesting history of the long-lost cave and how you can explore its depths yourself.

The entrance to Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam. — Mark and Anna Photography / Shutterstock

Where Is Hang Son Doong Cave?

Hang Son Doong, which translates to Mountain River Cave, is in Phong Nha Ke Bong National Park in the Quang Binh province of Central Vietnam. The cave is about 30 miles northwest of Dong Hoi, a coastal Vietnamese city.

The interior of Hang Son Doong Cave. — Christian Vollmert / Shutterstock

The History Of The World’s Largest Cave

Son Doong is 3 million years old and 1.35 billion cubic feet long. For context, the cave is so massive a New York City block with 40 skyscrapers could fit in its depths, and a Boeing 747 could comfortably fit in its largest passage.

In 2019, a team of divers discovered that the cave is connected to another cave, Hang Thung, making the cave system even more elaborate — and seemingly endless. The cave is so advanced it even has a weather system, rainforest, and an intriguing display of rare limestone cave pearls.

A photographer in Hang Son Doong Cave. — Vietnam Stock Images / Shutterstock

There is no evidence of the cave having been explored by humans prior to the 2000s, but other forms of life caught on to the magic of Son Doong before we did. Snakes, monkeys, flying foxes, squirrels, birds, and rats have been spotted underground; and seven new species of white, eyeless creatures (think fish, spiders, scorpion, and shrimp) have been discovered there.

Camping inside Hang Son Doong Cave. — XU GENG / Shutterstock

How You Can Visit

For $3,000, you can weave your way through the largest cave system on earth. The four-day-long excursion will be an experience you’ll never forget. On your first night, you’ll sleep in Hang En Cave — the third largest cave in the world — and then spend two nights exploring Son Doong. You’ll trek through over 15 miles of jungle and 5 miles of caves. During your expedition, you might stumble upon 400-million-year old fossils, encounter strange, eyeless creatures, see stalagmites over 200 feet tall, and even swim in the inky-black waters of the cave.

Person looking down into Hang Son Doong Cave. — hyunwoong park / Shutterstock

Oxalis is the only tour operator that takes people into the cave. The tours are capped at 10 people and run from February to August. Only 1,000 people are allowed to travel through the cave system every year, so book your tour in advance!

To make the expedition run as safely and smoothly as possible, a crew of caving experts, chefs, local guides, and park rangers are present for every single expedition. According to Oxalis, you don’t need climbing or caving experience, but visitors should have recent experience trekking rough trails and camping.

View from inside Hang Son Doong Cave. — David A Knight / Shutterstock

You can reach the entrance of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park from the small nearby town of San Trach. If you’re traveling from outside the area, you can fly into Dong Hoi Airport, which is about 30 miles south of the park.

Cau Vang — a stunning pedestrian bridge held up by two gigantic golden hands — should be your next stop after your unforgettable journey through Son Doong. Here are our tips for how to visit Vietnam’s Golden Bridge.

The Best U.S. Cities To Visit In December

Most of the time, the word vacation evokes beach scenes in Italy, springtime flower festivals in Holland, and autumn foliage trips through the UK. But December in America offers unique opportunities that vacations taken at other times, in other places often can’t. And not just because the holidays can be magical in Walt Disney World.

In fact, some of the best vacations can be had Stateside during the winter months — the off-season in many places. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, more comfortable temperatures, and loads of attractions and special events that make any one of these trips a delight.

The Chicago Bean in December. — MarynaG / Shutterstock

Chicago, Illinois

Despite being in the cold north, Chicago is one of the best cities to visit in December. The city is magical — with lights, festivals, markets, and all the museums, theaters, and zoos still going full tilt. There’s no real off-season in Chicago.

If you’re into outdoorsy activities, be sure to rent a pair of skates at the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon or the more traditional rink at Millennium Park.

Grab some hot cocoa or coffee from the many boutique shops along Michigan Avenue and head into the heart of the shopping district along the Magnificent Mile. Everything is open and bustling year-round, so you’ll find great service, fabulous sales, and delicious meals everywhere you go.

Don’t forget to pop into the Lincoln Park Zoo for the glorious ZooLights, grab a drink at the Hancock Signature Lounge on the building’s 96th floor, and stroll downtown at night to take in the city’s incredible light displays that twinkle from November to January. There truly is something magical in the air when Chicago’s streets are lit up — no matter how cold it gets.

Book your December getaway to Chicago today!

Palm trees with Christmas lines in St. Augustine. — artconcept / Shutterstock

St. Augustine, Florida

Of course, if building a sandman is more appealing to you than a snowman, you’ll want to consider St. Augustine, Florida, for your next December getaway. While the town sort of “shuts down” when autumn hits and the bustling tourist season ends, there are still plenty of events to attend, sights to see, and things to do.

If you’re from a cooler climate, you’ll enjoy the beaches’ warmth in December. Bonus: St. Augustine’s beaches happen to be some of the nicest on the eastern coast of Florida north of Miami. There are seasonal events going on — Nights of Lights, a Christmas Parade, and the Luminary Night at the St. Augustine lighthouse. You can also experience the eccentric Villa Zorayda Museum by candlelight, take a trolley tour through the city’s historic town center, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, or explore St. Augustine’s Victorian history at the Lightner Museum.

You’ll find really great vacation deals during December since this is St. Augustine’s off-season. Romantic inns and bed and breakfasts have lower prices while most of the attractions of the area are still open but way less busy than they are during peak summer months.

Book your December getaway to St. Augustine today!

Breckenridge, Colorado

For skiing and other winter sports, Breckenridge is the perfect spot for a December vacation. Ski season is already in full swing by December and Breckenridge has some of the best slopes in the country. Admittedly, crowds will be heavy during December, and you won’t score any off-season deals, but the ski terrain, which includes nearly 3,000 acres along Tenmile Range, promises more space (and therefore more dispersed crowds) than a lot of other ski spots in the state.

The town itself is a charming, homey sort of place full of great spots for tourists to enjoy year-round. Visit Main Street for dining and shopping at locally-owned stores, tour the world’s highest distillery — the Breckenridge Distillery — go horseback riding through the snow, or meander the streets taking in the public art displays around the town, which is gorgeous, tourist-friendly, and always active.

Just be sure to book your accommodations a few months in advance since December is the start of Breckenridge’s winter peak season.

A beach in Key West during December. — Philip Lange / Shutterstock

Key West, Florida

If you’re loving the idea of warm weather in December, Key West is a great option. The beaches may be narrow, but the water activities, hiking, shopping, and exploring are plentiful in every season, with temperatures in December hovering around 70 degrees.

With the warm air and semi-tropical waters, you can skip the slopes and take on the waves if you’re up for water skiing. Or go diving and snorkeling around the coral reefs. Charters go out from the island for fishing year-round, as well, and Key West restaurants offer fresh catches cooked up in Southern style.

Key West is great for unique revelry in winter — it is known as the place for parties, after all, with great drinking spots like the Green Parrot and Sloppy Joe’s, plus fishing tournaments, lighted bike rides, and other events and spots where (almost) anything goes.

Best of all, in Key West, you can pretty much forget that it’s wintertime and just enjoy the temperate weather while you walk or bike the island, get some shopping in, and feast on steak, seafood, and Cuban dishes.

Snow on the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville. — Gabriel Swinney / Shutterstock

Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re not looking for the giant slopes of Colorado but still want some gorgeous mountain views during your December trip, Asheville, North Carolina, will pique your interest. This beautiful town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. Ski slopes are nearby, hiking trails are accessible year-round, and the crowds aren’t as huge as those in the Rocky Mountain states this time of year.

The weather is much milder here than it is in many other snowy destinations, so pencil in some trail hikes, a stroll along Asheville’s historic streets — where boutiques and restaurants offer a variety of unique options — and a tour of the city’s historic spots. You’ll learn about the interesting figures who built homes here, including George Vanderbilt and his 250-room castle-like chateau, which hosts diverse holiday-themed events, from Gingerbread House Tea to Candlelit Christmas Evenings.

The St. Louis Arch surrounded by snow. — The Wandering Soul / Shutterstock

St. Louis, Missouri

For a destination with moderate December temperatures and loads to do, St. Louis, Missouri is a great option. This Midwest city offers more than you might expect, from a plethora of restaurants to interesting museums and historic sites in and around the city.

Pack a coat and gloves and get outside to explore the site of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair in Forest Park. The area features multiple attractions in close proximity, including historic sites from the fair turned into unique vantage points, the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Jewel Box greenhouse, and the historic Cabanne House.

St. Louis’s many gardens, parks, and other attractions are open year-round — like the Missouri Botanical Garden. For the kid at heart, an afternoon spent climbing the structures and viewing the artwork at the City Museum is a few hours well spent, while a drive through Lone Elk Park promises elk, deer, raccoon, and other Midwest critter sightings. And don’t forget to take a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for spectacular views of the city, day or night.

Biloxi Lighthouse in Mississippi. — Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Biloxi, Mississippi

Another warm destination that’s well worth the visit is Biloxi, Mississippi, home of new restaurants, hotels, casinos, and more after its post-Katrina rebuild. Temperatures in the mid-60s barely require a sweater and the sunny skies promise pleasant views.

While you’re in Biloxi, you’ll want to visit the historical sites of the city, including the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library — also known as Beauvoir — and the Biloxi Lighthouse, but you’ll also have a blast seeing the newer side of town. Visit some of the casinos — Beau Rivage and the Golden Nugget are good picks — view art at the quirky Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, and grab a pint at the Biloxi Brewing Company to round out your vacation with some of the town’s unique modern highlights.

Snowy Astoria harbor during the winter. — Jonathan Lingel / Shutterstock

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, situated at the convergence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean, was established as a trading post in 1810. This beautiful historic town is a great place to vacation during the off-season in December. The weather can be a bit unpredictable — it could be fair and sunny or stormy and brisk — but that’s part of the charm of the town in wintertime. During your visit, you’ll find a range of activities that no one else is participating in because no one else is visiting. If you hate crowds and love unique vacations all to yourself, Astoria’s your kind of place.

You’ll want to pop into the Oregon Film Museum for a bit to relive memories of The Goonies, which was filmed primarily in Astoria back in the ’80s. The museum is also the site of the opening into the jail featured in the film.

For wildlife viewing with a twist, plus a good pint, you’ll want to hit up the Buoy Beer Company, which has a glass floor that allows you to see sea lions hanging out below.

Astoria’s historic downtown is charming and extremely walkable, so plan to enjoy a few hours popping into whatever museums, shops, and other attractions catch your eye. Nearby, you’ll find waterfalls, beaches, hiking trails, and other splendid outdoor spaces worth exploring. Temps are moderate, hovering in the 40s and 50s all month long.

Going to vacation in Oregon? Rent a car or hop on a tour bus from Portland to visit Multnomah Falls.

These eight great warm cities to visit around Christmas deserve your consideration, too. And if you want your vacation to be all about celebrating the season, then you need to read up on the best U.S. cities for a Christmas getaway in 2019.

Thor’s Well On The Oregon Coast Appears To Be Draining The Pacific Ocean

The massive hole in the Pacific Ocean known as Thor’s Well looks nothing short of terrifying. Thor’s Well, sometimes called the Gate to Hell, appears to be swallowing the Pacific Ocean gulp by gulp. In actuality, this natural wonder in Oregon is completely benign.

Read on to discover exactly what’s going on beneath the surface — and learn how you can safely experience this incredible water phenomenon for yourself.

The Science Behind Thor’s Well

Thor’s Well is located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area right off of the Oregon Coast Highway. It’s about 4 miles south of Yachats, Oregon.

Scientists theorize that the feature started out as a sea cave dug out by the waves. The roof of the cave later collapsed, leaving openings at the top and bottom through which the ocean now surges and sprays.

Instead of a sinkhole, Thor’s Well is actually just a bowl-shaped hole. During high tide, waves fill the collapsed sea cave until the water overflows and bursts from the rocky surface. When the tide recedes, the bowl empties once more, creating a cycle of the hole churning with water and then becoming a shallow pool.

The 10-foot-wide pit looks bottomless, but don’t let the pictures deceive you — it’s actually only 20 feet deep!

Thor's Well in Oregon. — Jeffrey Schwartz / Shutterstock

How To Visit

To spot Thor’s Well in action, you’ll want to park just south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at the Cook’s Chasm pull-out. From there, you can walk directly down to the hole, or you can keep a safe distance if you’d prefer to admire its beauty from afar.

To witness the metamorphosis of Thor’s Well, we suggest visiting an hour before high tide, when the cave is almost empty. If you have the time, stay until high tide fills the cave to the brim, creating bubbles and layers of sea foam.

Even at high tide, Thor’s Well isn’t necessarily dangerous — but the Pacific Ocean is, with its volatile waves, undercurrents, and blustery winds. Visiting during the winter is more dangerous than visiting at any other time of year, since the Pacific is more violent during the colder months. If you go during the winter, make sure to pay attention to the weather and keep a safe distance from Thor’s Well.

You’ll find clusters of spectators at the supposed sinkhole on warm summer afternoons. If you don’t mind some friendly company, try to visit then!

Since the tides fluctuate throughout the year, this tide tracker will help you choose the right time to visit.

Natural Marvels Like It

If you’re all about the thrill of seeing an ocean cave up close, you’ll have to check out the two similar wonders next door! Devil’s Churn and Sprouting Horn — both within a mile of Thor’s Well — are other water wonders to visit while you’re on the coast.

Astoria, Oregon, also showcases the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and it’s just a 4-hour drive up the Oregon coast! Here’s why you should make time for Astoria.