The Best And Most Beautiful Delaware Beaches To Visit

When you think of beaches, you probably think of semitropical swaths of white sand under palm trees and the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But much farther north than Florida, you’ll find another state that has as high a ratio of beachfront to land as the Sunshine State.

Situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Delaware Bay, Delaware River, and the Atlantic Ocean, the state of Delaware is home to a wide variety of beaches that are worth a visit on any summer afternoon.

Here are some of the best and most beautiful.

Rehoboth Beach

One of the most popular beaches in the state of Delaware is Rehoboth Beach, situated on the Atlantic side of Delaware in the southern third of the state. Thousands of tourists stroll the beach looking for the best spot in the sand all summer long.

There’s a wide wooden boardwalk that skirts a mile of the 1.5-mile beach; it’s lined with hotels, eateries, and shops. There’s even the family-focused Funland amusement park that’s been around since 1962. It’s most popular in the evening, when it’s not so hot and the beach is less crowded.

Rehoboth Beach is a public, free-entry beach, which means there are no showers or changing stalls, but there are public restrooms along the boardwalk. You can find metered parking on the streets or by the convention center a few blocks away.

Bethany Beach

Bethany Beach is nearly as well known as Rehoboth Beach, but it promotes itself as one of the quieter resort towns in the area. Bethany Beach lies farther south along the Atlantic Coast in Delaware, about 30 minutes from Rehoboth Beach. There aren’t as many traffic jams in the small town as there are farther north on Route 1 in the shopping district, but Bethany Beach doesn’t have quite as lively a downtown area as Rehoboth.

The crowds, however, still flock to this mile-long stretch of beach on the Atlantic to enjoy the glistening sands and sparkling water. The sand dunes provide a gorgeous backdrop for family photos and relaxation, and the ever-crashing waves make for a great time for older kids and grown-ups.

Because the lifeguards are off duty in the early morning, the crowds are thinner, and those who enjoy water sports like paddleboarding will find the beach more enjoyable and easier to navigate.

There is a small boardwalk that runs along the beach, where you’ll find some restaurants and shops. And on Monday nights during the summer, you can catch family-friendly films playing on the beach.

Cape Henlopen State Park

For a full outdoor experience and day of beachgoing, you’ll want to venture to the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park just a little north of Rehoboth Beach. Here you’ll find not only two swimming beaches but a host of other activities as well. There are hiking and biking trails, a basketball court, and an 18-hole disc golf course available for breaks from the balmy sea.

Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, and the park offers full bathhouses and restrooms, showers, umbrella rentals, and concession and rental shops.

You’ll love the family-friendly picnic areas as well as the World War II-era observation tower that visitors can climb. There’s an old bunker at the Fort Miles Historic Site as well, which will appeal to history buffs who love a great learning opportunity. Boat and kayak rentals are available, and there’s a great fishing pier as well.

One of the other nice things about this park is that it’s very accessible. Mats are available to give access to the beach to anyone with mobility issues.

Broadkill Beach

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, Broadkill Beach is a great alternative. And you won’t have to travel far to get there, since Broadkill is just 40 minutes north of Rehoboth Beach along Route 1. This low-key beach has a snack shack at one end, portable toilets, and no entry fee. Parking is limited — that’s one reason there aren’t as many visitors — so you’ll want to hit the beach early to make sure you snag a spot.

The beach offers surf fishing, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and other water activities, as well as access to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge features lovely trails perfect for those who love wildflowers, wildlife photography, and bird-watching.

Fenwick Island State Park Beach

Between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay lies Fenwick Island State Park. The 3-mile strip of barrier island beach offers several sandy areas for relaxation. The park provides changing rooms and showers, gift shops, and a snack stand, and lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

You’ll find a designated surfing area — a rare bird in Delaware — and great fishing spots along the water for those with fishing licenses. Some of the beaches are wheelchair accessible, thanks to the mats provided by the park. Local guides offer eco-tours of the dune system and surrounding waters, and you can rent kayaks and paddleboards or take a sailing lesson just outside the park.

Lewes Beach

Lewes, Delaware, is a charming, peaceful town where the pristine Lewes Beach attracts thousands of beachcombers annually. Lewes Beach is close enough to Cape Henlopen State Park that you can make it a double-beach day. Because the community itself is picturesque and relaxing, the beach has become one of the most popular places to go on a summer afternoon in Delaware. You can swim and enjoy water sports, stroll through the sand, and catch glimpses of the Breakwater Lighthouse just offshore.

Lewes Beach is especially great for those traveling with young children, thanks to the gentle surf, gradual slope, and little to no undertow. The lifeguards add to the safety of the beach, while the bathhouse is kept clean and offers showers for easy cleanup at the end of the day. There’s also a small concession stand where you can grab snacks, as well as an ice cream shop within walking distance and other vendors offering refreshments.

The town of Lewes welcomes visitors with its fantastic restaurants, historic sites, and shops filled with various gifts, souvenirs, and goodies.

Metered parking is available at the beach.

Delaware Seashore State Park

The Delaware Seashore State Park comprises 6 miles of photo-worthy shoreline about halfway between Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach. The Atlantic Ocean invites swimmers into the crashing surf, while views of Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay make for unforgettable selfies.

The beaches at the park feature swimming areas, concession stands, umbrella rentals, lifeguards on duty, chairs, raft rentals, and more. You can sail, boat, surf, fish, and enjoy just about every water sport you can think of while visiting the beautiful beaches of this park. And if you’re looking for more than just sunbathing and swimming, you can hike the nature trails on Thompson Island and Burton Island within the park. Thompson Island is particularly well known for birding, while Burton Island teems with wildlife and unique plants and flowers.

If you want to stay longer to enjoy the beaches and trails, the park offers some beautiful campsites on either side of the Indian River Inlet. They accommodate everything from tents to large RVs. The North Inlet campsites feature three-point hookups — electricity, water, and sewer — and standard sites, while the South Inlet campsites feature only tent sites.

Dewey Beach

Adjacent to Rehoboth Bay, you’ll find Dewey Beach, locally known as Delaware’s party beach. The town offers more nightlife than most of the others nearby, along with music festivals all summer long, including the Elvis Festival and the Fiddlers’ Festival. But don’t let that keep you away if you’re bringing little ones along. The beach offers plenty of activities that the whole family can enjoy, including bonfires on the beach, free beach movie nights, junior lifeguard programs, and environmental education programs.

You can rent paddleboards, kayaks, pontoons, jet skis, and other water sports gear at local shops or participate in seaside yoga sessions. Dewey Beach is also a pet-friendly location, so you’ll want to bring Fido along.

If you can’t find parking near the beach, you can hop aboard the Jolly Trolley and ride straight to the shoreline.

Ready for a Delaware beach vacation? Here’s what to see and do on a weekend getaway to Rehoboth Beach.

Visiting The Arctic Circle Responsibly: 7 Things To Know

The Arctic Circle is alluring in its remoteness; it’s one of the last few places on Earth that feels like a true adventure. That said, visiting the Arctic Circle also means you’re traversing some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Polar bears, whales, walruses, and a host of rare and endangered wildlife call these lands and waters home. Inuit communities across the north are also navigating recent tourism influxes, not to mention a changing climate.

The Arctic Circle is a bucket-list and awe-inspiring destination, but you shouldn’t just book a tour or hop on a plane and hope for the best. The Arctic and its inhabitants need travelers to research, take time, and plan their trips responsibly.

I was invited to experience northern Canada and Greenland with Adventure Canada, a small-ship expedition company that focuses on responsible travel, both culturally and environmentally. After touring with an expedition team of climate change scientists, geoscientists, archaeologists, culturalists, and explorers, I learned how to decrease my footprint on a trip to the fragile north. Here are seven takeaways to help you visit the Arctic Circle responsibly.

A life preserver on a cruise ship. — Stephanie Vermillion

1. Choose A Responsible Tour Company

The Arctic Circle is not like, say, Europe. You can’t just show up with a backpack and figure it out. In most cases, it’s best to travel with a tourism company to ensure you’re safely visiting these wildlife-rich destinations (for the wildlife and yourself). By choosing a responsible tourism company, you’re taking a big first step toward responsible Arctic tourism.

Companies like Adventure Canada, which runs small-boat Arctic expeditions like the one I joined, make it easy to select a sustainable Arctic travel opportunity. Just look on the tour operator’s website or social media for clues. For instance, Adventure Canada empowers local communities by hiring Inuit guides at all levels — including as expedition leader — so guests learn from the people who actually live there. They also support the not-for-profit program Students on Ice, which fosters education among young and diverse conservationists. If your tour company can check at least a few of these boxes, you can head into your trip knowing you made a smart and safe-for-the-environment choice.

The Ocean Endeavor ship. — Stephanie Vermillion

2. Opt For Smaller Ships

As its narrow, ice-filled passageways indicate, the Arctic was not built for massive cruise ships. Adventure Canada ships typically host 200 passengers or less, which means a lower impact in terms of tourist numbers and a smaller, less intrusive ship.

Speaking of small boats, another way people travel through the Arctic’s Northwest Passage is by sailing, but this requires massive research on logistics, permits, and hiring the right crew. (For a glimpse into this type of travel, watch the 2015 documentary The Polar Sea.)

Learning about Inuit culture. — Stephanie Vermillion

3. Learn About The Culture

Before even stepping foot on Arctic soil, spend time learning about the Inuit culture. This is an entirely different culture than most people are used to, but it’s not “foreign” or “exotic.” It’s just, well, different. By learning about Inuit history — including troubling treatment in Canada — you’ll go into the trip with an appreciation for just how strong willed the people welcoming you really are.

By learning about contemporary Inuit culture, you’ll be able to relate better once you step foot on their soil. Circling the Midnight Sun is a great book that highlights the changing Inuit culture. Its author and longtime explorer, James Raffan, was actually part of the Adventure Canada expedition crew during my High Arctic trip, too.

Observing seals in the Arctic. — Stephanie Vermillion

4. Enjoy Wildlife, From A Distance

Wildlife is one of the biggest High Arctic draws. You have the chance to see narwhals, polar bears, humpback whales, seals, walruses, and so many other unique and awe-inspiring animals. But these wild animals should remain, well, wild. That means enjoying the Arctic wildlife must happen at a safe distance. On foot, you should never approach a wild animal for a whole host of safety reasons. But even if you’re on a boat or bike ride, don’t let the excitement of capturing a good photo put a vulnerable animal at risk.

In many cases, it’s not up to you how close your tour guides get to an animal. With an eco-friendly company like Adventure Canada, guides are required to stay a ways back, unless the animal approaches the ship or zodiac boats on its own. Sure, the captain will idle and let the ship slowly move in the direction of, say, a polar bear on land, but when we saw swimming animals or vulnerable wildlife on the shores, we stopped, looked through binoculars, then moved on.

If you’re on a one-off tour with a company, let them know from the get-go that you’d rather stay at a safe and respectful distance if you spot whales or bears. This will set the tone for a responsible wildlife-viewing trip and will take the pressure off your guides, who are inevitably working for a tip.

An iceberg at sunset in the Arctic. — Stephanie Vermillion

5. Don’t Photograph People Without Permission

When you’re visiting a new place like the Arctic, it’s tempting to pull out your camera the second you land in a new community. Of course, you can take photos of these beautiful towns and the warm, welcoming people — but only if you ask. A good rule of thumb for travel photography is, If you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it here. I try to start a conversation first so that I can make a genuine, albeit brief, memory with the person; the photograph will then help me remember this once-in-a-lifetime connection.

A whale in the Arctic. — Stephanie Vermillion

6. Buy Local Souvenirs

As climate change impacts lifestyles across the Arctic, many Inuit are turning to tourism as a way to make ends meet. That’s why buying your souvenirs straight from the source — on the ground in local Arctic communities — is incredibly important. This approach guarantees your money goes to the artist or maker, which also means you could have the chance to meet the person behind your souvenir!

If you’re unsure about whether you’re buying from a locally sourced shop or not, ask the store owner where they get their merchandise. Or, if you’re on an expedition with Inuit guides, ask them for tips on where to shop.

Night time on an Arctic cruise. — Stephanie Vermillion

7. Spread Your Knowledge At Home

Visiting the Arctic Circle is a rare privilege. This trip-of-a-lifetime will put you face to face with the reality of climate change. Iceberg views will leave you awestruck, as will the diverse wildlife that flocks to the them. Interacting with Inuit people will help you put a face to climate problems, as they’ve been among the first to suffer — and are the least to blame.

A trip to the Arctic Circle is only responsible if you go home and spread your knowledge about what you saw in the Arctic Circle — and not just the beauty or the narwhal sighting. According to Cedar Swan, CEO of Adventure Canada, giving voices to vast environmental problems is one of the best ways her company can make a difference.

“I think our opportunity is to come home and be ambassadors for this place, because this experience shapes us and makes us just a little bit different,” she said. “Our hope is that we all go home as advocates, as allies, and with connections meaningful enough that we’ll fight for it.”

A snowy iceberg in the Arctic. — Stephanie Vermillion

A Few Things To Know Before Visiting The Arctic

Now that you’re ready to visit the Arctic responsibly, here are a few things to keep in mind before you jetset up north.

The Arctic Circle spans over 9,000 miles. Some of the easiest places to visit include northern Canada, Alaska, and northern Greenland. Your guide will likely choose your route for you, but if you know you want to visit say, Greenland, choose a company that specializes in this portion of the Arctic.

It’s crazy sunny! Sure, it’s chilly — and downright freezing (or below) — most of the year, but in the summer, the sun radiates off the icebergs and water. Bring sunscreen and some good sunblock on your spring, summer, or fall Arctic trip. That said, if you’re visiting in the winter, you won’t have to worry about sunscreen because there’s no sunlight!

Cold weather kills camera batteries, so make sure you pack a spare battery for any device you bring. Take it from the girl whose camera battery almost died when the first whale was spotted!

If you’d rather work your way up to the Arctic, Iceland may be a good place to test the waters — literally. Here’s how to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland as part of a trip north.

Experience Antarctica’s 2021 Solar Eclipse Onboard This Exclusive Cruise

On December 4, 2021, the sun will go dark over Antarctica and the lucky voyagers aboard the Poseidon Expeditions Sea Spirit will have a mesmerizing and unobscured front-row seat.

total solar eclipse, when Moon passes between planet Earth and Sun. — lgorZh / Shutterstock.com

A Solar Eclipse At The Bottom Of The World

Although solar eclipses are fairly common phenomena, occurring every 18 months or so, solar eclipses at the poles are fairly rare. It’s not a stretch to consider this cruise a once-in-a-lifetime chance to journey into the wild, uninhabited natural splendor of Antarctica, and to see the sun briefly blotted out over the planet’s most southern sea.

What makes the experience even more memorable is the fact that the sun shines nearly 24 hours a day in Antarctica during December, so you’ll be able to see the sky transition dramatically as the moon moves between the Earth and the sun.

Paul Sutter, a renowned scientist and published author, will be a special guest aboard the Sea Spirit, lending further credibility and prestige to this unparalleled journey.

Coastline of Ushuaia, Argentina. — Saiko3p / Shutterstock.com

Setting Sail For Antarctica

The Sea Spirit will set sail on November 21, 2021 from Ushuaia, Argentina and will return to the same port on December 12. Plan to arrive in Ushuaia on November 20, as your one-night hotel stay there is included. The southernmost city in Argentina, Ushuaia has a ton of character and you can spend your free day exploring the history of this fascinating region or simply enjoying a fine craft beer in one of the many cafes and quaint bars that line its streets.

The southern seas are abundant with sea life, and one of the first stops on this itinerary is the Falkland Islands: a fabulous place to check out penguins and albatrosses in their natural habitat. The Sea Spirit circles the Falklands for two days, briefly stopping in the Port of Stanley.

Up next: South Georgia Island. This truly off-the-beaten-path destination is home to many different kinds of penguins and sea lions and boasts untouched natural vistas. After bidding goodbye to this remote island, you’ll experience the solar eclipse as the Sea Spirit traverses the Scotia Sea. The trip will then conclude with a visit to the South Shetland Islands near the very bottom of the globe.

Drake Passage. Antarctica. — Steve Allen / Shutterstock.com

What You Need To Know Before Boarding

This bucket list trip is an extraordinary opportunity, so tickets do not come cheap. Plan to spend between $18,395 and $39,995 for your ticket to board the Sea Spirit. This ticket does not include airfare, alcohol on the ship, or staff gratuities. It does include your hotel in Ushuaia, accommodation, a complimentary parka, meals on board, excursions, and special glasses to wear during the eclipse.

Also, keep in mind that you should never touch wildlife, no matter how friendly or adorable the penguins or any other critters seem. The snow at the bottom of the earth is very reflective, so pack plenty of sunscreen to avoid getting the dreaded Antarctic sunburn.

Always stick with your guides during excursions. Antarctica is wild and unpredictable, and your guides are experts in both weather conditions and safety. Finally, Drake’s Passage is known for its rough seas. Even if you’re not prone to seasickness, pack medication so that you can enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

Antarctica is one of the last true wildernesses in the world, and an extraordinary bucket list destination — not to mention the perfect place to see the 2021 solar eclipse. Read up on how to travel to Antarctica and what to do and where to go during an Antarctica bucket list trip.

The Best Places To Fly Fish In Arkansas

Arkansas is home to some of the hottest fly fishing in the United States. Several of the major rivers include multiple locations that are ripe for top-notch trout fishing. The best spots have a cool water temperature and lots of room to cast a line.

Many of the spots in our guide are wide enough for boats, which is great if you’d rather not have to find the right mix of depth and distance from shore for wading. Whether you’re a resident fisherman or traveling to the state specifically for fishing, this guide on where to find the best fly fishing locations in all of Arkansas is for you.

The dam at Bull Shoals. — Jason Hunter / Flickr

Below Bull Shoals Dam On The White River

This location just south of Bull Shoals has a reputation for being one of the best spots in the state for catching trout on a fly rod. The White River has several excellent locations for fly fishing, however, the real action is just below the dam. Prior to 2011, water levels could fluctuate, however steps were taken to regulate the water temperature and depth for consistency. Some of the best fishing can be found right below the dam and favorable conditions last for dozens of miles. It’s one of just a few rare areas where you can catch a rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat all in the same location.

If you’re looking to do some fishing on the White River below the dam, there are several accommodation options that will allow you to stay as close as possible to the fishing action. Anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing opportunity should book a reservation at the White River Inn, which is an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing lodge. The best thing about this property is that it’s nestled right on the river. Of course, there are other standard lodging options available up and down the river as well.

Dry Run Creek On The North Fork River (For Anglers Under 16)

This prime Arkansas fly fishing location is also on the North Fork River, however, it’s roughly three and a half hours south of Norfork Dam, so unless you plan on doing a bit of driving on your trip, you won’t hit both spots. This stretch of water is strictly catch and release and anglers must be under the age of 16. If anyone on your adventure is young and learning to fly fish, this is an excellent opportunity and a wonderful confidence booster.

Norfork Lake in Arkansas. — Bohn and Reis / Shutterstock

Below The Norfork Dam At Norfork Lake

There’s something about dams and fly fishing for trout that make a perfect combination. Much like Bull Shoals Dam, here you’ll be able to catch the four most sought-after trout species, aside from steelhead. One of the best ways to approach the river below the dam from a fishing perspective is to bring a boat and float down the river for a little over four miles before you reach the town of Norfork. However, there are a few entry points for wading fly fishermen, too.

Those near the Norfork Dam have incredible trout fishing opportunities. Anyone traveling to the area has several choices for accomodations near the trout-rich waters. If you’re looking for a fishing-specific destination, Gene’s Fishing Resort in Salesville is hard to beat. It’s situated directly on the river and offers boat rentals for unbeatable fly fishing. Those opting for waders should check dam fishing forecasts to ensure the conditions will be safe as the dam sometimes releases incredible amounts of water to generate power.

Little Missouri River

This spot is perfect if you’re looking to catch some great fly fishing but aren’t looking to make a full fishing vacation out of your trip. You’ll find incredible smallmouth, walleye, and stocked rainbow trout-catching opportunities up and downstream of Lake Greeson. Whether you’re planning a float or dusting off the waders, you’re going to find easy access points and exciting fishing all year long. Many of the access points include picnic areas for a relaxing day by the river. You can reach the dam by following the lake from Daisy or heading north of Murfreesboro.

Below Blakely Dam

The Ouachita River has several dams, all of which make for excellent fishing in the waters below. One of the most popular is Blakely Dam. Fall through early spring are the best times for trout fishing on the river. It’s conveniently located just outside of Hot Springs. There are several access points for those looking to walk in with waders. Easy boat access makes drifting downstream just as easy.

Lake Hamilton

Lake Hamilton is also conveniently located near Hot Springs. It’s more geared toward bass fishing, so don’t expect to land bucket-loads of trout here. That being said, the striper fishing is some of the best in the state. If you plan on staying in the area for a few days and switching between Lake Hamilton and Blakely Dam, you’ll need to remember to outfit yourself with different gear. Striped bass typically require heavier rods and sinking line is essential since the bass are found deeper in the water.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake thanks to easy boat access points and handicap accessible piers. In addition to striped bass, you can catch several species of fish including crappie and largemouth bass. Thanks to the deep water and wide range of species, those in your party who choose to spin fish will also be able to enjoy themselves on the water.

Greers Ferry Dam

Situated just north of Heber Springs, Greers Ferry Dam blocks off the Little Red River to form Greers Ferry Lake. There are recreational areas above and below the dam for easy access and enjoyable fishing opportunities. It’s less renowned than the White River and North Fork River, allowing fly fishermen to beat the crowds during peak fishing season.

One of the best ways to take advantage of the quiet atmosphere is to stay at Lindsey’s Resort, which is near the water and boasts wonderful amenities. This fishing resort offers everything you’d expect including boat rentals and guided fly fishing excursions.

Spring River

If you stay up to date on the Arkansas fly fishing scene, you’ve likely heard of Spring River. It went under-appreciated for years thanks to the wide range of world-class trout fishing in the state, however, the crowds have left fishermen searching for quieter spots. While Spring River isn’t as quiet as it once was, this river is fed by Mammoth Spring, which means unlike a lake-fed river, the water is typically a chilly 58 degrees — perfect for trout fishing. You can count on Spring River to deliver excellent fishing conditions every day of the year.

The head of Mammoth Spring is a bit remote, so consider making lodging reservations to maximize fishing opportunities. Riverside Resort is a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts looking for a nice weekend of trout fishing.

Bear Creek Lake

Bear Creek Lake is a paradise for any fly fisherman targeting bluegill. Bear Creek boasts 15 miles of shoreline and lots of shallow water for wading. Access to the lake is a short drive southeast of Marianna. Once you arrive, aim for the sloped banks, which are prime breeding grounds for bluegill. Before you know it, you’ll be having an action-packed day. What makes the spot more exciting is the fact that there is a recreational area and campground right on the water, maximizing the time you have fishing and reducing your travel time to a short walk.

Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake near Rogers offers a quiet trout fishing opportunity for anyone who doesn’t require the excitement of fly fishing on a river. Trout were recently introduced after warm water species began to struggle in the lake. The results were wildly successful and each year sees an increase in the lake’s trout population.

Like many of the popular Arkansas fly fishing locations on our list, fishing-focused lodging is readily available here. Both lodging and guide services are available from Beaver Lakefront Cabins. You can also enjoy the views or fish at your own pace with a boat rental. Whether you’re looking to relax or simply want to maximize your time casting a line, Beaver Lakefront Cabins is a great choice.

No matter where you decide to venture in Arkansas, odds are you’re not very far from some of the country’s best fishing locations. With a plethora of species and beautiful waterbodies, fly fishing in Arkansas is as easy as closing your eyes and placing your finger somewhere on the state map. If you’re a fly fishing enthusiast who hasn’t had the opportunity to fish Arkansas’s waters yet, be sure to add it to your bucket list.

How To See Vietnam’s Beautiful Golden Bridge

Two giant stone-looking hands, aged, weathered, and ancient looking, lift a glistening bridge that sparkles in the sun as though made of pure gold.

Cau Vang, which means gold bridge, near Da Nang in central Vietnam was conceived by architects from the TA Corporation for Sun World, which owns Ba Na Hills Resort. The bridge is in the Thien Gardens, a part of the resort.

The resort has been around since 1919, but these giant fiberglass and mesh hands and the stunning bridge they hold debuted in June 2018, when the attraction opened to the public. Cau Vang became an instant success and started drawing tourists from all over the world.

The bridge is meant to give pedestrians the feeling of walking along a golden thread stretched out in the hands of the gods. Wedding parties have gone there for stunning photos, honeymooners stroll along it in newly wedded bliss, and families thrill over the unique visuals of the bridge, the hands, and the beautiful surroundings.

Investors put about $2 billion into enticing tourists to the area to see this stunning bridge, and though they haven’t made the money back yet, it certainly has done its job of drawing more visitors to the area than ever before.

The Golden Bridge in Vietnam. — Hien Phung Thu / Shutterstock

Where Is The Golden Bridge?

If you look up the bridge on Google Maps, you’ll see a lot of green surrounding it, with the Sun World resort, a few restaurants, and scattered tourist attractions in the area, too. But when you zoom out, you’ll see that the bridge is smack dab in the middle of Vietnam, near the South China Sea coastline.

In terms of major Vietnamese cities, the Golden Bridge is closest to Da Nang — about 90 minutes away — but is also reasonably accessible from Hoi An, which is about two hours away by car.

The bridge is 4,600 feet above sea level and stretches 500 feet long, combining eight sections together into one gloriously bright vision with the stunning backdrop of the Truong Son Mountains.

A cable car in the Ba Na Foothills. — kitzcorner / Shutterstock

Ways To Get To The Golden Bridge

There are two journeys most visitors take to get to the Golden Bridge. They’ll either get there from Da Nang or Hoi An using varied means of transportation.

The most convenient option is taking a tour to the Golden Bridge. Tour companies operating out of both Da Nang and Hoi An offer visits to Sun World and its gleaming Golden Bridge. This is probably the easiest and most convenient way for larger groups or families to travel to the attraction. Most tours cost less than $100 per person for the day trip.

Coming from Da Nang, you can also journey to the Ba Na Foothills via cable car. The area’s cable car system is extensive. One of the lines is actually the longest nonstop cable car track in the world, running from Da Nang base station to the peak of the neighboring Vong Nguyet Hills in the Ba Na-Suoi Mo tourism area. It’s a short 15-minute ride with luxuries you wouldn’t expect, like drink service.

If you prefer the longer route, you can take a taxi from the city of Da Nang. This is also the best option if you want to go at your own pace. Taxi pricing laws have set the price per kilometer so you won’t need to haggle over the price, either, which some travelers consider a very nice perk.

Aerial view of the Golden Bridge. — Hien Phung Thu / Shutterstock

You can choose to take a motorbike taxi instead, which has a charm of its own, but price regulations do not apply here and you will have to bargain for the best deal.

You can also rent a car or motorbike yourself, plug in your GPS coordinates, and make your way up the mountains. There are private car services available for those who prefer the less haphazard jaunt than some taxis may offer.

Once you reach the Ba Na Foothills, you’ll purchase a ticket to Sun World and board a cable car that will take you up toward the bridge. Tickets to the park — which include access to the Golden Bridge — generally cost less than $40 per adult and around $25 for children.

Once you’ve made it to Sun World, you can visit the Golden Bridge right away — which is highly recommended to avoid the crowds — and enjoy the park afterward. The cable car takes you to various locations in the park, so you may either exit directly onto the Golden Bridge platform or at any of the other stops along the way.

The Ba Na Hills Resort in Vietnam. — Jimmy Tran / Shutterstock

What Is There To Do Around The Bridge?

The hotel at Sun World is an attraction in itself. The original founders of the resort were French colonists who constructed a beautiful French village where guests may stay in any of 200 villas. The park is loaded with restaurants, amusement rides, and more. Most impressive are the French village’s recreated French castles, churches, and cobbled streets. The park is home to a three-story indoor entertainment complex with dance games, computer games, car games, 4D and 5D cinema.

If you prefer a more relaxing, low-key day while visiting the bridge and park, you’ll find the area is rich with stunning gardens. There’s also a spa that offers a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments.

There are many cultural attractions as well, such as the recreated Linh Phong Zen Monastery, Linh Tu Pagoda of the Holy Mountain Mother, Holy Mother Shrine, and the Rain Sheltering Teahouse.

You could spend all day at the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills Resort and park without question, never seeing everything, so you may want to book a hotel room and stay for a couple of nights.

A foggy morning at Golden Bridge. — Apple Kullathida / Shutterstock

What Is The Crowd Situation?

Because the Golden Bridge is both new and absolutely wonderful — it became a viral sensation almost instantly — the crowds can be overwhelming. You may well want to stay overnight at the resort to help avoid the crowds that throng there from Da Nang and Hoi An during daylight hours.

If you do stay, you can glide out to the Golden Bridge entrance as early as 7 a.m. and beat most of the crowds traveling in from the city. You’ll also likely experience the ethereal fog that overtakes the bridge in the early mornings — often even on clear days.

Even in the off-season and midweek, you’re likely to have to contend with thousands of tourists equally eager to see the stunning bridge and the incredible views of the coastline and city below. Weekends and the peak tourism season are, of course, much more crowded. Peak season in Vietnam tends to be between March and May and again from October to December.

Of course, if you want the full experience of this splendid attraction, you’ll want to stay all day and revisit the bridge a few times throughout the day. You’ll notice the dramatic differences between clear skies, sunset views, and the morning fog wonderment.

A tourist on the Golden Bridge. — Carlos Neto / Shutterstock

Photography Tips For The Golden Bridge

Because you’ve come all this way and want to remember this beautiful place forever, you might find a few of these tips to be very helpful in framing and timing your photos of the Golden Bridge.

First off, if you’d like to avoid the crowds in your photos (for the most part) a lot of travelers have noticed that if you take photos by the first hand on the bridge — nearest the stage area in the cable car station — you will have greater success. For some reason, people don’t stop to linger here as much, but continue onward to find the second hand.

Secondly, in the early hours of the day, crowds are smaller, so getting people-free images will be easier anywhere along the bridge. This will be especially helpful for snagging some shots of the family without crowds huddling around with selfie sticks of their own.

There’s also a designated viewpoint that’s at the furthest end of the bridge. This viewpoint can be a great spot for taking stunning Golden Bridge photos. If you stop in the flower garden at the train station, you’ll have some beautiful views of the hand and bridge that make for more great photos, too. And if you have the right seat on the cable car, you may even be able to snap a winning picture when the cable car is between platforms.

The Linh Un Ba Pagoda also offers some great shots of the bridge. The pagoda is less crowded than other areas of the resort, so you’ll have plenty of time to take those perfect shots without bumping into others.

Love bridges? You’ll want to know the story behind India’s incredible living root bridges and see pictures of the world’s most terrifying bridges.

9 Amazing Things To See And Do On Oahu’s North Shore

Just a short drive from the crowds and traffic jams of Honolulu and Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most laid-back destinations: Oahu’s North Shore.

The area has a reputation for being a bit bohemian and a bit ramshackle (in the best possible way), all while offering visitors gorgeous parks, delicious food, and some of the best athletic events in the world. You’ll quickly get the sense that everyone knows everyone else there, and keeping things low-key — and unspoiled by developers — is a real priority. Spending a day or two on the North Shore will change how you see Hawaii, and the area might just become your favorite travel destination — at least, that’s what happened for me!

Here are nine ways to make wonderful memories on Oahu’s North Shore.

A surfer at Oahu's North Shore. — I. Noyan Yilmaz / Shutterstock

1. Watch World-Class Surfing

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the surfing is world-class. The North Shore is one of the best and most challenging places to surf in the world. In the winter, you would be hard-pressed to find bigger waves anywhere. Spots like Waimea’s Sunset Beach Park attract some of the top-ranked surfers and tons of fans. If you see a bunch of cars and happen to spot a free parking spot, grab it and join the many admirers on the beach.

It’s important to note that surfing isn’t just an athletic endeavor on Oahu’s North Shore. Its roots run as deep as the area’s community, spirituality, and sacrifice. For instance, The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, the Super Bowl of Surfing, only happens when the waves are deemed high enough. It honors the life of Waimea lifeguard Eddie Aikau, who is credited with saving more than 500 people throughout his career and heroically attempting a 20-mile paddle to save capsized canoers. If you see Eddie Would Go bumper stickers along the North Shore, you’ll know that they reference Aikau’s selflessness.

If you dream of learning to surf yourself, the North Shore Surf Girls specialize in beginner lessons for children and adults. These are the same surf girls who were celebrated in the movie Blue Crush!

Water safety is important at all beaches, but it’s absolutely paramount on the North Shore, especially in winter. Swim only at beaches staffed by lifeguards, and heed their instructions and recommendations.

2. Visit Hawaii’s Oldest Surf And Dive Shop

Before 1965, iconic landmark Surf N Sea was a train station with rooms for rent upstairs. Now it’s one of the North Shore’s most popular places to rent surfboards, paddles, wetsuits, and snorkel and dive gear. You can buy cool surf- and swim-related accessories and souvenirs, and there are even handcrafted ukuleles!

Surf N Sea also offers dive tours of the area and three-day Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification courses. The friendly staff can tell you where to go to watch some great surfing on any given day.

3. Enjoy Coffee Samples Most Visitors Miss

It’s a great mystery why more tourists aren’t streaming into Waialua. This little town was known for its sugar mill, and when the mill shut down in 1996, the town’s economy slumped. The creative, passionate people who live there made the best of the situation and turned the old sugar mill into a creative hub. The complex’s North Shore Soap Factory sells handmade soaps and toiletries and offers behind-the-scenes tours of their operations. However, my favorite Waialua business is Island X Hawaii, located in the same complex.

Island X produces the Old Sugar Mill brand of coffee and chocolate. But this isn’t your ordinary coffee and chocolate! Both are grown locally, and the staff will happily show you around so that you can see how both are produced. Rumors about the products abound: People say that Island X’s cocoa beans are the world’s rarest single-origin cocoa beans (and they just might be — I can’t find any evidence to the contrary!). Others say that the company’s peaberry coffee (made from rare coffee beans that don’t split in two but stay in small, round shapes) is the base for Neiman Marcus’s swanky house blend. Whether that’s true or not, both are delicious.

In addition to looking around, investigating the rumors, and sampling coffee to your heart’s content, you can pick up coconut- and pineapple-flavored pancake mix and other food-based souvenirs.

The beach from the TV show Lost. — OnlyInHawaii.org

4. Hang Out At The Lost Beach

In this case, the Lost beach isn’t a beach that’s hard to find or that comes and goes with the tides. It’s where the television show Lost was filmed! Even if you’re not a fan of the show, it’s a beautiful, quiet beach to explore. Its proper name is the Mokuleia Army Beach, and it was once reserved for military personnel.

Today, it still feels like a laid-back community beach, and during weekdays, you might just be the only one there — unless you count the sea turtles who sometimes spend time there as well. It’s a beautiful beach for walking, relaxing, and watching kite surfers, but don’t swim there — in general, the water is too dangerous.

5. Stop By Kim Taylor Reece’s Studio

In the tiny community of Sacred Falls, North Shore artist Kim Taylor Reece has set up his studio and shop in a stunning seaside home. Reece is an award-winning photographer who has traveled to 35 Pacific islands to document dance, costumes, and culture. He specializes in breathtaking black-and-white hula dance photos, and his books, prints, calendars, and postcards make fantastic souvenirs. If you’re lucky, Reece himself might be staffing the shop — he was during my visit! — and he’s a great conversationalist, always happy to recommend his favorite photography spots.

6. Pick Up Snacks And More At Ted’s Bakery

A bakery will make my list of the best things to do in just about any location. What can I say? Homemade treats win me over every time! But even if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, I recommend that you stop by Ted’s Bakery in Haleiwa.

This beloved local institution is the kind of place that people drive to the North Shore for. Sometimes people from other islands go there directly from the airport! Ted’s is famous for cream pies, and the best of all is the chocolate haupia cream pie, with layers of rich, smooth dark chocolate custard cream and haupia (creamy coconut pudding). It’s rich, silky, and not overwhelmingly sweet, so the coconut and chocolate really pop.

You can also pick up cakes, pastries, bread, breakfast sandwiches (try the spam, egg, and cheese), and more substantial meals. Come lunchtime, you can try the classic plate lunch that Hawaii (and especially the North Shore) is known for — but only Ted’s includes a free slice of pie on the side!

7. Make Some Feathered Friends

The James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge provides freshwater wetland habitats for four of Hawaii’s six endangered waterbirds. The refuge is closed to visitors during nesting season, from mid-February through mid-October, but during the rest of the year, visitors are welcome. If possible, visit on a Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. or on a Saturday morning at 9 a.m. That’s when volunteers provide free guided tours.

To see a side of the North Shore that most tourists (and even locals) miss, participate in the refuge’s monthly volunteer project. On the first Saturday of each month, volunteers get together to help pull weeds and plant native trees and shrubs. To join them, simply meet at the main entrance of the refuge at 8:30 a.m. — you’ll be done by noon.

The Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site. — Kelly Headrick / Shutterstock

8. Experience Hawaiian History

Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site comprises 2 beautiful acres of protected parkland. The name translates to “Hill of Escape,” likely a reference to the human sacrifices that once took place there. Constructed in the 1600s, the Heiau played an important role in the social and political systems of the area. The complex of stone walls and wood-and-thatch buildings was used for religious ceremonies.

Due to the site’s fragility, visitors can only see the Heiau from outside the stone walls. The park gates open at 7 a.m., making the site the perfect spot to start the day, especially if jet lag has you awake bright and early.

North Shore Tacos's on Oahu's North Shore. — Joshua Rainey Photography / Shutterstock.com

9. Savor Local Flavors

The North Shore is famous for its food trucks, which offer creative menus and generous portions at reasonable prices. Everyone has their own favorite stops, but you can’t go wrong with Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken, North Shore Tacos, and Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.

Ray’s Kiawe Broiled Chicken in Haleiwa offers ultra-juicy and flavorful broiled chicken served with a side of pineapple slaw.

North Shore Tacos’s name doesn’t do the Haleiwa truck justice — the tacos are just the tip of the iceberg! The burritos, pineapple smoothies, and quesadillas are all to die for, too.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa, arguably the most popular of all the food trucks, is where to go for classic North Shore garlic shrimp.

Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out Honolulu’s best free and frugal activities, and be sure to make time for Pearl Harbor.