Cruises are becoming more and more popular as a way of vacationing and Alaska is no exception. The state capital of Alaska, Juneau, has no roads so by boat is the only way to go. A cruise to Alaska will give you an opportunity to see humpback whales, Kodiak bears, dog sleds, and even witness glaciers collapsing into the water. We’ve created a list of the great cruises for exploring Alaska.

• Ruby Princess

This cruise line sails from Los Angeles and Seattle. It has 7 or 12-night cruises and stops in lots of Alaskan destinations including Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Victoria, and Juneau. This cruise provides some Alaskan local flavor. You can eat some of the best fresh seafood and meet some of the Deadliest Catch fishermen. You can also meet mountain climbers who’ve scaled Denali. Other activities on the ship include playing with sled dog puppies and even an axe-throwing competition.

• Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss is based in Seattle. It has a capacity of 4,000. It features a  20,000-square-foot Observation Lounge to enjoy the scenic views in Alaska. This cruise ship is a good option for families as it also has on board a laser tag arena and go-kart track. As part of your cruise experience, you’ll stop for dog sledding in Juneau and Victoria, and Ketchikan. Additional activities you could partake in are, visiting the Klondike Gold Fields, touring Skagway on a train, or whale watching.

• Radiance of the Seas

This is a more modest size cruise line. It’s a great family cruise, offering a variety of dining options and kids programs. Enjoy a movie on the a 200-square-foot outdoor movie screen.

• Alaskan Dream

This cruise ship is a small one, just 40 passengers big. But this special catamaran cruise ship is owned by a native-Alaskan and offers one-of-a-kind options that focus on the glacial landscape and wildlife.

It is advantageous that this small boat is intimate but also because it can go where other large cruise ships cannot. Enjoy the inland exploring Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, and Talkeetna. There’s also an option to camp out on Colt Island at a retreat called Orca Point Lodge. Eat locally sourced seafood from wherever you happen to be that day.

• Disney Wonder

As the name implies, this is a family cruise and one of the best-themed cruises.  It sails from British Columbia and offers packages for five, seven, or nine nights and travels to Tracy Arm and Ketchikan. Kickoff your vacation with confetti and streamers and Mickey and more! Parents can recharge as there are a lot of activities for the kids to do separately. Also, there are many adults-only bars, nightclubs, a restaurant. The ship also makes a stop to dog sled and pan for gold.

• Safari Endeavor

This popular cruise ship sails from Sitka. It is on the smaller side and its purpose is to provide things to do off the cruise ship. This is a great option for adventurous travelers who want to hike, kayak, hike and more. Use an expert guide so you can learn as you explore. Stops the cruise line take vary but it travels from Sitka to Juneau you’ll be sure to experience glaciers, whales, and bears.  

• Holland America Eurodam

This family-oriented ship carries just over 2,000 passengers and sails from Seattle. It offers a lot of special options like cooking classes, concerts and more. It travels to Victoria, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, Sitka, and Juneau. You can opt to fish, hike, view wildlife and more.

Art Institute of Chicago

This is a wonderful museum even if you are not a huge art lover. The Art Institute has acclaimed art collections that are very diverse. You’ll be able to see a huge collection of George O’Keeffe works. There are also many other recognizable pieces including some from Chagall and Henri Matisse.

Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Sightseeing Tour

Get a great overview of Chicago’s A Hop-On Hop-Off Chicago Bus Tour is the perfect way to get an overview of Chicago’s history and notable sights.

You’ll see a lot including the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, the Museum Campus, and the Water Tower Mall.

Architecture River Cruise

Another tour, this one is by boat. Sail from the Navy Pier and you will learn so much about the city’s architecture and its history. Learn about the modern architecture and historical events like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. 

Skydeck Chicago

Included in our must-do list is Chicago’s popular Skydeck Chicago in the Willis Tower. Skydeck Chicago is 1,353 feet tall and provides some of the greatest views. The best time to go is in the morning. Take your camera and take it all in. You’ll be able to view Millennium Park, Soldier Field, Navy Pier, and Lake Michigan.

Navy Pier

You’ll find so much at Navy Pier. Simply explore many museums, restaurants, and theatres around. The Navy Pier Centennial Observation Wheel is popular and there is a  renowned children’s museum there as well. 

Admission to the pier itself is free. Additional costs may apply for additional attraction visits.

Millennium Park

Millennium Park is a beautiful park amidst an urban backdrop. It’s right in central Chicago and locals and visitors alike love to visit. Many events are often held here. It’s free to explore which makes for a great place to be when you have some time. 

Adler Planetarium

The Planetarium is one of the oldest in the U.S. It is worth visiting to explore several different planetary exhibits. You have options to watch a show like Planet Nine or Skywatch Liv and experience the night sky in the historic Atwood Sphere.

Museum of Science & Industry

The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest museums. Its origin is from the 1893 World’s Fair. Today it is filled with wonderful exhibits for people of all ages. An hour here and you will get to see a lot, including a coal mine and WWII submarine.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum offers a variety of exhibits and features artifacts from all periods of history. They have a T-Rex skeleton, a collection of gemstones,  Ancient Egyptian artifacts, and a cool “Underground Adventure” exhibit.

Shedd Aquarium

The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is one of the best. It has more than 1,500 different types of creatures on display, including sharks, tropical fish, and sea otters. 

Our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is best known to be the government headquarters and has numerous memorials and museums. It’s a fun city to explore and learn but if you are considering a vacation in Washington D.C., you should read our list of things you might not know about the city:

The U.S. Capital has a Crypt.

Did you know there is an empty crypt in the U.S. Capital? George Washington was supposed to be buried there but he desired to be laid to rest at Mount Vernon instead.

Jefferson’s and Jackson’s statues are made of what?

Washington D.C. is only slightly named for the first president.

It is true that our first president, George Washington chose the land in 1971 to be the site of our nation’s capital. This entire land was named “Columbia”, after Christopher Columbus. Only a city added to this territory was called “Washington” after George Washington.

There are Marble Bathtubs in the Capitol Building.

In 1859, bathtubs were put in to make sure senators could bathe. Since they lived in boarding houses, they had no running water at home.

George Washington Never Lived There.

It wasn’t George Washington who began living in our nation’s capital. Washington died before the White House was finished, though he was part of laying its cornerstone in 1792. Rather, John Adams was the first president to actually live in Washington, D.C.

The Martin Luther King Jr.’s Step

The Lincoln Memorial has a step dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream Speech”.

The White House Was Not Originally White

The famous White House was not actually white originally. It was a gray-colored sandstone. During the War of 1812, the White House was burned by the British. After that, it was painted white. 

Only One President is Buried There.

It’s amazing to think this but only Woodrow Wilson was laid to rest in Washington D.C. in 1924. His grave is in the Washington National Cathedral.

Capital Building has a Statue of a Woman on it.

The Statue of Freedom is on top and it’s bronze, 19 feet tall and weighs about 15,000 pounds. It is of a woman wearing a headdress in the shape of an eagle’s head.

D.C. residents are very diverse.

Many of the people of D.C. speak another language other than English. The city includes 175 embassies and international cultural centers.

There was a Typo in the Original Inscription of the Lincoln Memorial. 

While it’s been fixed since, originally the word “FUTURE” was inscribed “EUTURE”.

The Washington Monument Is Two Different Colors.

Because the project of building the monument was put on hold for several years, the marble used to finish the project was from a different quarry. About a third of the way up the monument, you can see a noticable change of color in the stone.

Voting is fairly new in D.C.

Before 1961, residents of our capital. were not allowed to vote in presidential elections because of the Electoral College. The number of electoral votes each state gets is determined on how many senators and members of the House of Representatives it has. Since D.C. isn’t a state, it has no representatives in Congress. The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution let D.C. have the number of electoral votes it would have if it were a state, but no more than the number of electors the least-populated state has (currently, Wyoming). So D.C. gets a maximum of three electoral votes.

BAREFOOT BAR AT DUKE’S MALIBU

While its restaurant is well-known, the outdoor bar overlooking the Pacific Ocean is extremely fun. With a Hawaiian influenced menu and drink specials, you’ll be able to sit back and relax on their amazing deck.

NO VACANCY

Located in a restored Victorian house in Los Angeles, this bar is truly a wonderful place to discover. 3 stories high, you’ll have the option to enjoy a cocktail out in their brick-walled courtyard that often hosts entertainment.

BIG BAR AT ALCOVE

This is a very large patio that offers well-crafted cocktails. Located in L.A., it’s a secluded place to enjoy.

CHATEAU MARMONT

The Spanish-style courtyard was made famous by the likes of Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin and more. This glamorous garden terrace is one to check out.

Chateau Marmont

PACIFIC COAST GRILL

Right on the beach, this is premier water-front dining. The patio allows for a beautiful view and upscale food and beverage options.

THE LIBRARY ALEHOUSE

Santa Monica is where you’ll find this bar. Enjoy a beer from a great selection on its back patio. And their burgers are delicious.

TAR AND ROSES

Want a wonderful ambiance and great hospitality? Tar and Roses in Santa Monica is your place. Dimly lit and cozy, it’s a great place for a glass of libation.

STAY GOLD DELICATESSEN

The Stay Gold Deli in Oakland offers a casual and fun experience outdoors. Sit at a picnic table to enjoy some barbeque or a local beer before playing some foosball.

OLD KAN BEER & CO.

This hotspot is also in Oakland and has a huge outdoor space. It’s also a dog- and kid-friendly place.

THE POINT PATIO BAR & BISTRO

In southern Cali, The Point has a lot to offer for both beer-on-tap, microbreweries, and many wine offerings. They have a large patio and wonderful food.

TOLEDOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Toledos in Fresno offers what seems to be an outdoor forest. It’s a very relaxing place for a margarita!

PACIFICA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Pacifica Seafood Restaurant is mostly comprised of outdoor seating. There is an upper deck overlooking the El Paseo Boulevard and the mountains. This restaurant also offers patio cabanas which provide semi-private dining and drinking.

PIERO’S ACQUA PAZZA

Cozy outdoor experiences can be found here near the River at Rancho Mirage, a grande shopping complex in Palm Springs. Enjoy a beverage overlooking the moonlit waters and under the stars.

That concludes our list of top outdoor bars of California. Hope you try to check out some of them!

Mount Rainier

To begin our list of birding hotspots is Mount Rainier. Your elevation plays a part in which birds you see. Here you will find many species year round and some particular birds will be found only during specific seasons. The endangered Northern Spotted Owl can be seen from the lowest part of the park. Other birds like the Gray Jay, Mountain Chickadee, and Evening Grosbeak are common in the to find as you move up in elevation. Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons are known to pass overhead as they migrate.

Great Washington State Birding Trail

At the Great Washington State Birding Trail, you’ll find some of the best birding in the state. This trail has 7 identified routes where you’re apt to spot a number of birds. This diverse trail includes coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, rivers and wide valleys. It is the home of hundreds of birds including Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Tufted Puffins, and Black-Chinned Hummingbirds.

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

This is a large natural resource in southwestern Washington. It is a popular destination that has diverse habitats. Visit in late fall into spring for views of birds such as Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, Ring-Necked Ducks, and White-breasted Nuthatches. There are a few different trails to hike as well as an auto-trail to drive through to view the waterfowl.

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

If waterbirds are on your list of birds to see, visit the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. A 5-mile trail affords you views of mudflats, grasslands, and the bay and all the variety of birds that live in these habitats. Included are ducks, loons, sandpipers, sparrows, and hummingbirds.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

At the southern end of the Puget Sound, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to go birding any time of year. Freshwater from the Nisqually River meets the salt water of the Puget Sound makes for a diverse variety of birds including waterfowl, shorebirds, gulls, and more. Osprey and Peregrine Falcon can also be seen.

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is glacial in an area called the “Channeled Scablands”. There are hundreds of marshes in vast wetlands. Turnbull is home to many birds including three species of nuthatches, Northern Pygmy-Owls and several species of woodpeckers. There are both walking trails and trails to take by car.

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge finishes our list of top birding destinations. It is home to a huge migration in late April/early May, tens of thousands of shorebirds. They even hold festivals at this time of year. The trails are great to view birds such as  Ivory Gulls, Horned Puffins, and the rare Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Sometimes, the Peregrine Falcon can be spotted hunting overhead.

We hope our list of great destinations in Washington will help you plan your next birding expedition. Happy birding!

Crystal River State Park

The manatee is an endangered animal known to be found in Florida waters. The Crystal River State Park, located in Citrus County Florida, has the clearest waters around and it is actually legal to swim alongside the manatees.

Tigertail Beach

Located on Marco Island, Florida, Tigertail Beach is a beauty with is white sand and blue waters. Best of all, it tends to be quiet with not a lot of crowds which makes it feel like you’ve found a secret beach.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve

A truly unique experience, visit the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley, Florida, and have a hands-on experience with a variety of wolves in large natural habitats. Tours are approximately 4 hours and you can also feed and interact with other animals such as raccoons, skunks, and coyotes. Very cool place!

Secret Woods Nature Center

Located in urban Dania Beach, come and visit all sorts of nature and wildlife here. You can find maple, cypress, and mangrove trees as well as a  butterfly garden and reptile exhibit.

Exploration Tower

Located at Port Canaveral, the Exploration Tower is 7 stories high. Its observation deck is such an exciting discovery as you can view rocket launches. Make sure to experience interactive exhibits, the gift shop, and cafe. It is one of many places in Port Canaveral where you can learn about the area’s military, space, and beach culture.

Florida Surf Museum

In Cocoa Beach in the Ron Jon Surf Shop, this museums exhibits all sorts of things that demonstrate the history and culture of Florida surfing. View videos, out-of-print surf magazines, and memorabilia. Hit this destination if surfing is your thing

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

This museum is in Delray Beach and exhibits Japanese culture. It is a one of a kind place that features a villa, a peaceful bonsai garden, festivals, classes, and more. Enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony while visiting.

Winter Park

Close to Orlando, this charming place is great to visit in the winter months. Explore the downtown shops and restaurants and enjoy the arts and culture found here. Usually, there is a festival, farmers market or other event happening. This scenic town is also great to take a boat tour or visit one of many gardens.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

This might be the best surfing in all of Florida. At Melbourne Beach, enjoy 3 miles of beach to surf, snorkel, and to saltwater fish.  

Bob’s River Place

You’ll find the best swimming hole and amazing rope swings at Bob’s. It’s a great family destination situated in the woods of Suwannee, Florida. Children and adults alike will love the waterslides or taking a river tour.

Florida Caverns State Park

Marianna, Florida is home to a unique park that includes open-air caves with limestone formation to explore. Do a day trip or camp overnight. While there also enjoy the swimming hole, bicycling and other boating activities.

Cayo Costa Island State Park

This private island located south of Boca Grande is a great destination for enjoying its beaches and hiking trails. While here, you can spot wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins. If staying overnight, stay at the cabins on the island.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of hidden gems located in Florida and that you will check some of them out on your next visit.

Jacob’s Well

Have a swim in a Texan spring. Located in Wimberly, Texas, Jacob’s Well is a fully submerged cavern, fed from Cypress Creek. While pretty narrow (about 12 feet), this swimming spot gets pretty deep, around 23 feet before declining down to a depth of about 137 feet. The water is fairly cool in temperature but many enjoy getting in. While you can visit year-round if you want to get in the spring, make sure you visit during the open season.

Hueco Tanks State Park

With three granite mountains, Hueco Tanks State Park is a beauty. In El Paso County, this park is large at 860 acres. Trails date back to Native Americans, and you may spot some drawings on rocks and historic artifacts. In addition, this is a popular place to bird watch or to rock climb and of course to explore.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

These botanical gardens contain over 300 plants and are truly breathtaking. Located in Orange, Texas, this unique oasis is a great place to bird watch as well. Enjoy hands-on exhibits and learn how people can live in harmony with nature.

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge

This is 150 acres of big lions and tigers! What a unique place to visit and learn about these animals. Take a tour of the rehabilitated animals and support their survival.

Westcave Preserve

Home to a variety of wildlife, this lush preserve is a gorgeous place to discover. You can only go with a guide, so book your 2-hour tour and take your camera to capture it all. You’ll visit canyons, grottos and at the end an amazing cave.

City of Marfa

This is a unique Texan destination that made our list. It is a small desert city that offers a lot of beauty in the way of art and culture with various exhibitions, films, and concerts. Additionally, for a long time, Marfa has been reported to have been haunted! Known as “Marfa Lights”, the unexplained spirits or some have even said UFOs, can be viewed from town.

Goose Island State Park

Having one of the oldest tree in America (it’s almost 1000 years old), Goose Island State Park in Rockport, Texas is a seaside park. Take a photo in front of the 89-foot tree or enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing here.  

Boca Chica Park and Beach

Hidden on the edge of Texas is the Boca Chica Park and Beach, a natural preserve.  Enjoy the dune-covered beach, surf its waves or fish. It’s also a great place to hike, camp, and bird watch.

Regency Bridge

Known to many as the “Swinging Bridge” the Regency Bridge is a one-lane suspension bridge over the Colorado River in Texas. Are you brave enough to cross? 

Galveston Island State Park

Located on Galveston Island, this park has amazing unobstructed views of the beach horizon. Its terrain is flat and almost has no trees making the views exquisite. There are also many trails for hiking and it’s a great place to camp.

There’s our list for top Texan hotspots. Hope you visit some on your next Texas stay.