Visiting USA

Beach along Highway 1

The best places on Highway 1 in California span the coast from north to south. There is so much beautiful coastline that the entire highway is worth a drive, but if you only have a short time to visit California, here are some of the top places to stop. They are listed in order from north to south:

Mendocino – Famous for its laid-back vibe and gorgeous coastline, Mendocino is home to wineries, B&Bs, Victorian architecture, stunning Redwood trees, and beautiful beaches. While there, don’t miss nearby Fort Bragg, Sea Ranch, Elk, Gualala, and Point Arena.

Point Reyes – The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of most stunning places on Highway 1 in California. Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, it has great beaches and is home to the famous Point Reyes Lighthouse.

San Francisco – This pretty city by the bay needs no introduction. Its famous Victorian buildings, lively farmers’ markets, great food, rich history, and steep hills attract visitors from all over the world.

Half Moon Bay – The sleepy farm town of Half Moon Bay is home to some of the most famous big wave surfing in California. For those that prefer to stay on land, there are miles of beaches and a great coastal trail for hiking. Additionally, you can play golf or stay the night at the famous Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay.

Pescadero – The historic town of Pescadero is one of the oldest in California. Just 2 miles from the Pescadero State Beach on Highway 1, it is home to the famous Duarte’s Tavern, which has been open since the 19th century. If you eat there, don’t miss the restaurant’s classic artichoke dishes. Afterwards, walk off the calories by strolling through the antique shops and general store.

Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz is known throughout the world as a great surfing destination, and is one of the best places along Highway 1 in California. The city is home to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, the Mystery Spot, great shopping, good food, and a classic California vibe.

Monterey and Carmel – The neighboring cities of Monterey and Carmel are the perfect places to go for boutique shopping, California history, and the famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. There are trails running along the coast that are perfect for walking or cycling, and the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course is also located there. Make sure to book well in advance if you want to play.

Big Sur – Big Sur is what most people think of when they think of Highway 1. The sunning rocks jutting out of the sea, the high cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, and the rocky beaches along the coast all make Big Sur one of the most iconic spots in California.

Santa Barbara – The pretty city of Santa Barbara is one of the most beloved places in Southern California. There is no shortage of things to do there, including wine tasting at the area’s famous wineries, shopping at art galleries, relaxing at spas, and of course going to the beach.

San Diego – One of the final stops on Highway 1 before the border with Mexico, San Diego is a classic California surf city with a great atmosphere and friendly locals. Don’t miss towns like pretty Del Mar, chi chi La Jolla, and laid-back Pacific Beach as you make your way to the famous Gaslamp district in downtown San Diego. When you’re tired of the city, head to the beaches to see some more of the best places on Highway 1 in California.

Empire State Building in New York City

New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world. People travel from all over the globe to visit New York, and as such, there is no shortage of things to keep visitors busy. With so much to do, it can be hard to narrow the options down to a manageable list. To help you, here is my list of the top 10 things to do in New York City:

1. Go to the top of the Empire State Building. The views from the iconic skyscraper in Manhattan are second to none, and on clear days you can see for miles in all directions. If the lines are long, you can go to the top of Rockefeller Center as an alternative.

2. Go shopping. Many visitors come to New York City just for retail therapy. From the famous luxury goods stores on 5th Avenue to the funky shops and galleries in SoHo, there is no shortage of opportunities for shopping in New York City.

3. Take a walk in Central Park. The park is one of the most famous urban green spaces in the world and has featured in countless films set in New York City. It is beautiful at any time of year, especially in autumn when the leaves change.

4. Visit the museums. New York City has some of the best museums in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Frick Collection, the Natural History Museum, the Guggenheim Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and more. There are also special exhibitions at places like the New York Public Library that are worth checking out.

5. Eat. Some of the best restaurants in the world are located in Manhattan, which makes eating one of the top 10 things to do in New York City. But you don’t have to break the bank to find good food. There are plenty of hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve great food at prices that are easy on the wallet.

6. Get tickets to a Broadway show. There is a never-ending stream of world-class musicals and plays on Broadway, and no trip to New York is complete without seeing one. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to experience the energy of Times Square.

7. Don’t forget Brooklyn. Most visitors to New York City never leave Manhattan. But Brooklyn is worth a visit for its great restaurants, funky shopping, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. To get there, you can take the subway or walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

8. Visit the Statue of Liberty. One of New York City’s most famous monuments is the green statue carrying the eternal flame. A symbol of the USA, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to the Statue of Liberty.

9. Go ice skating at Rockefeller Center. If you happen to be visiting New York in the winter, don’t pass up a chance to glide across one of the world’s most famous ice skating rinks.

10. Take a trip to Ground Zero. September 11, 2001 changed the world. Seeing where the World Trade Center used to stand and walking around the memorial certainly deserves a place on anyone’s list of top 10 things to do in New York City.

Seattle Skyline

With as many great sights as Seattle has, it is hard to narrow all of the highlights down to a manageable list. But here is my best effort to distill the city’s attractions into a Top 10 Seattle list:

1. Visit the Space Needle. Sure, it’s cliche, but no visit to Seattle is complete without a trip to the city’s most iconic landmark. Make sure to go all the way up to the top for great views over the city.

2. The famous Pike Place Market is a favorite of foodie travelers, and is not to be missed on a visit to Seattle. While you’re there, make sure to visit the original Starbucks coffee shop in Pike Place!

3. Speaking of coffee, drinking a good cup of joe should be on any traveler’s list of things to do in Seattle. The city is teeming with cafes, and Seattle locals take their coffee very seriously.

4. Visit Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The area is brimming with great shops and restaurants, including the famous Melrose Market with its sandwich bar, butcher, cheese shop, gift stores, and Sitka and Spruce restaurant. Also worth a visit are design shop Nube Green and ice cream store Molly Moor’s.

5. Another great Seattle neighborhood is Ballard. While it’s a bit off the beaten path, Ballard deserves its place on any top 10 Seattle list. The area is full of great boutiques like Venue, Jax Joon, Ketch, Dolce Vita, Re-Soul. When you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, sit down for award winning cuisine at Seattle restaurant the Walrus and the Carpenter.

6. Catch some live music. Seattle is the birthplace of Grunge, but the city celebrates all kinds of music. The architecturally stunning Experience Music Project in Seattle is a great place to start. After hours, head to Jazz Alley for a night of dinner, live music, and dancing.

7. Go kayaking in Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty, and visitors don’t have to leave Seattle to experience it. Kayaking outfitters operate throughout the city, offering excursions for all skill levels.

8. Visit the library. Most people don’t make a bee line for the library when visiting a new city. But renowned architect Rem Koolhaus’ Seattle Central Library is not your everyday home for books. The stunning space is worthy of a walk, and the cafe is a great place to get a cup of the famous Seattle coffee.

9. Take a day trip from Seattle. While Seattle has no shortage of things to do, there are many areas around the city that are worth visiting as well. Try Mount Rainier, San Juan Island, or Victoria, BC.

10. See the sculptures. Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park is open all year and is free to visit. The outdoor space is home to a stunning collection of sculptures, and free tours are offered for those that want a more in-depth look. The unique museum definitely deserves a place on any top 10 Seattle list.