1. Detaille Island

-66.8666663,-66.7936327, map

Highlights: Research Station Base W’s historic huts, Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Antarctic Shag, Weddell Seals, Crabeater Seals, Whales, Brown Skua, Petrels

Detaille Island was our very first stop in Antarctica. We didn’t know what to expect, but looking back, it was the perfect introduction. It had everything: our first wildlife encounters, beautiful icebergs, and historic huts.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust maintains the island and the huts, which are like living museums. It was a former British research station, Base W, operating between 1956 and 1959. You can see an Adelie colony from far away, but we also saw one solo Adelie hopping around near our landing site.

After our landing, we went on a zodiac cruise around the area to see some of the ice formations and wildlife floating on the ice closer up.

Photo Tip: You need a long lens to shoot the penguin colony (this is the lens I shot with), and they were still tiny. The last photo was of a solo adelie on an iceberg.

2. Horseshoe Island

-67.8499993,-67.2102998, map

Highlights: Rocks with Malachite, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E Historic Buildings
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Weddell Seal, Crabeater Seal, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

When you walk onto Horseshoe Island, it’s hard to ignore the bright green veins in the rocks. Malachite makes them look like they’re from a different planet. Jacob kept referring to them as kryptonite.

You can walk up to a couple of viewpoints at Horseshoe Island, explore the historic buildings of Station E, or keep your eye out for wildlife. We saw a lone Adelie, Petrels with chicks, and some seals lazing in the bay.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seal bones. The shoreline near the bay had many seal bone pieces all over the place that you may walk past if you’re not looking for them.

3. Bongrain Point

-67.7166667,-67.8025749, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Cormorants

We went on a SUP excursion at Bongrain Point, a great way to have a quieter, meditative experience (Scenic Eclipse II fully outfits you in dry suits). But the wind picked up, so we had to cut it short and head to the Adelie penguin colony instead.

The Adelie Penguins were everywhere, bathing on the shore, walking to and from their colony, and many huddled together nursing their chicks.

Since there were so many penguins moving back and forth, you had to be extra diligent to give them space (stay at least 5 meters or 15 feet away).

Photo Tip: Having your camera without underwater housing can be nerve-wracking, so if photography is your primary goal, it’s better to be on zodiac boats or to opt for a landing.

4. Stonington Island

-68.1833281,-67.0389247, map

Highlights: East Base of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E, Huge Ice Shelf, Helicopter Tour, Polar Plunge
Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguin, Skuas, Various Seals, Various Whales

Stonington Island was the first chance for us to see an American Base. One of the unique features here is the two out-of-commission tanks they brought down as a mode of transportation (‘Murica!). There’s also Station E here, but it wasn’t open. Across the way, you can admire a giant ice shelf where some guests saw a big ice calving.

Afterward, we did a helicopter tour to appreciate the landscape and vastness from a bird’s-eye view. We even saw some whales.

Finally, conditions were perfect for a polar plunge. Luckily, it was a rare warm, sunny day to ease us into polar plunges. After setting up, we headed to the back of the ship, where they tied a safety belt on you before jumping in the water.

Once you get out, they have towels ready to wrap you and a choice of a shot or hot chocolate to warm yourself. The anticipation of jumping in was worse than actually doing it, plus I swam so fast that my brain didn’t have time to process what just happened.

Pro Tip: Wear robes over your bathing suit during the polar plunge. It keeps you warm while waiting, and it’s nice to throw back on after.

5. Jenny Island

-67.7333324,-68.4103212, map

Highlights: Elephant Seals
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Fur Seals, Weddel Seals, Crabeater Seals

We saw a massive group of Elephant Seals at Jenny Island basking in the sun and throwing their weight around. Afterward, we zodiac cruised around and saw a Leopard Seal floating on ice, too. Some guests said they saw all five seal types here.

6. Rothera Station

-67.5678406,-68.1292501, map

Highlights: Active Research Station
Wildlife Spotting: Whales, Birds

Rothera Research Station was established in 1975 and is the starting point for most British Antarctic Survey missions. We didn’t stop since it was an acting station, but we got to cruise by to see the scale of the station in comparison to the historic ones we visited.

7. Fish Islands

-66.0333333,-65.419247, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony 
Wildlife Spotting: Antarctic Shags, Adelie Penguins, Wilsons Storm Petrel

We zodiac cruised around Fish Islands, which ended up being one of our favorite outings.

An estimated 4000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins, along with Antarctic shags, inhabit Fish Islands and the Minnows. They were hard to tell apart at times because of their similar color patterns. We spent hours watching three goofy Adelie penguins play. Fish Islands is also where I shot my favorite penguin photo from this trip, the “Penguin Wedding.”

8. Grandidier Channel

-65.5833333,-64.7525803, map

Highlights: Whales Galore, Beautiful Icebergs, Stunning Mountain Scenery
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Antarctic Minke Whale, Orcas

While traveling through the Grandidier Channel, we were amazed by the beautiful ice formations and mountain scenery. Someone spotted a pod of orcas in the distance, followed by another pod. Then, two pods of humpback whales joined in. It was the craziest whale-watching experience of our lives. They were continuously peeping at us or showing off their tales.

Pro Tip: Go to the Navigation Bridge to watch whales. Scenic has an open bridge policy, and it’s the best place to stay informed since they’re always on the lookout and have more experience spotting wildlife.

Photo Tip: Make sure you always have your long lens ready and layers on you. You never know when you’ll have to hop outside.

9. Lemaire Channel

-65.133,-64.0025803, map

Highlights: Most Beautiful and Narrow Passage
Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Adelie Penguins, Gulls and Terns, Petrel

Many call the Lemaire Channel the most beautiful place in Antarctica. It’s a narrow passage with towering mountains on both sides. We saw Humpback Whales feeding in the area as we entered the channel.

We were at a set coursed menu when passing through, but they allowed us to go up to the ship’s bow for ten minutes to see it first. Even during our meal, whales came up less than 50 feet from the window beside us.

10. Flandres Bay

-65.0207214,-63.7911339, map

Highlights: Kayaking, Ice Formations
Wildlife Spotting: Giant Petrels, Brown Skua, Antarctic Shag, Humpback Whale, Seals

We kayaked in Flandres Bay. The water was glassy smooth, with stunning ice formations and mountains surrounding us. We saw very little wildlife compared to other days, like one sleeping humpback whale from a distance and a few Giant Petrels and Skuas.

It worked out perfectly as a photographer so that we could focus on the kayaking. If there had been tons of wildlife, I would have preferred to be on a zodiac since shooting on them is more manageable. We could hear some small avalanches and ice calving in the distance.

11. Port Lockroy

-64.8250761,-63.5331398, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Penguin Post Office, Gift Shop
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguins

The UK Antarctic Trust runs Port Lockroy. During our visit, they were not taking visitors to protect the local Gentoo Penguin colony from the Avian Flu. Instead, a handful of the team came aboard our ship to give a presentation on their work. The staff there counts penguins, maintains the buildings, runs a gift shop, and has a post office.

After the presentation, they set up a pop-up post office and souvenir shop on our ship. They had clothes, alcohol, calendars, ornaments, postcards and more. Any purchases help support the UK Antarctic Trust. We purchased a handful of postcards to mail to our friends and family. Postcards were 2.5£, and postage was 2£ per postcard.

They said the postcards can take from one to three months to deliver. Ours took about a month before they arrived on the East Coast.

Pro Tip: They also have a passport stamp to stamp your passport, or we stamped the outgoing postcards.

12. Palaver Point

-64.15,-61.7525803, map

Highlights: Chinstrap Penguin Colony
Wildlife Spotting: Chinstrap Penguins, Seals, Skuas, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

After mainly seeing Adelies, we were excited to meet our first Chinstrap Penguins. They were so fun to watch and had chicks they were nursing. Palaver Point involved a short hike up to get a better vantage point of the colony. I could watch them all day! You can watch our fun video of them here.

13. Spert Island

-63.8499943,-60.9889249, map

Highlights: Beautiful Glaciers, Caves
Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguin

The staff was excited when we headed to Spert Island. We had people on our ship nearing 100 voyages to Antarctica who had never been because conditions didn’t work out.

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get better, Spert Island wowed us with its ice formations and sculptures carved out by nature. They were the most beautiful we’ve seen on the entire trip.

14. Fournier Bay

-64.5166127,-63.1103215, map

Highlights: Ice Formations, Pancake Ice
Wildlife Spotting: Leopard Seals, Petrels, Antarctic Tern

Using a scope, we guessed that one iceberg was over 900 feet tall. We saw all ice forms here: glaciers, ice sheets, icebergs, growlers, brash ice, and pancake ice.

15. Neko Harbour

-64.8375963,-62.7515093, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Continental Landing
Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguin, Humpback Whales, Fur Seal, Brown Skua, Petrels

Our final stop was Neko Harbour, where we made our continental landing and finally saw the Gentoo Penguins. I loved seeing their penguin highways. They were deeper highways than the other colonies, perhaps because they were larger penguins.

They also had the youngest chicks, some only a few days old. Since it was our last outing, we stayed as long as possible to watch them nurse and steal rocks from each other. When we returned, a few curious humpback whales swam beside the ship. They were so close I had to take off my long lens.

Do you want to visit Antarctica? What do you want to see most?

Now, who’s ready for a trip of a lifetime? Do you have any other questions about visiting Antarctica? Any other travel tips you can think of if you’ve been?

Planning Checklist

Is Athabasca Glacier on your travel bucket list? Have you walked on a glacier?

Best Things to Do in Sonoma County CA

1. Wineries

Let’s start with the obvious. Jacob is allergic to wine, so it’s nice to have options that don’t involve wine. But there was also no way I would skip out when I have the perfect DD.

Wineries cover less than 6% of the land in Sonoma, but still amount to over 60k acres of vineyards and 400+ wineries. Because of the varying landscapes, you can find over 50 grape varietals. We highlighted the ones we visited, plus other notable wineries we need to come back for.

Wine and Art Pairing at Paradise Ridge Winery

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, map

If you love art paired with your wine, you must visit Paradise Ridge Winery, which is only 10 minutes away from downtown Santa Rosa. As we drove onto the property, large-scale art installations greeted us against the backdrop of the beautiful vineyards.

We loved the origin story of how they started to incorporate art into the vineyard. Rene, co-owner and one of five kids who runs the winery, told us his dad had proposed to his mom in a sculpture garden. Some pieces are from Burning Man, and they even have a portion of The Empyrean Temple, a 40-foot sculpture, which was supposed to be used at Burning Man 2020.

We started our visit with a tasting at the main building, then strolled through the sculpture garden to view the art.  I loved their sparkling Shiraz.

Local Tip: Every Wednesday from May to October, they host a wine and sunsets event with live music. They have multiple seatings at 5, 5:30, and 6.

Korbel Winery + Korbel Delicatessen & Market

13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, map

Afterward, we headed over to Korbel Winery for some food and bubbly. They have a delicatessen and market, where we had our lunch. The sandwiches and salads were fresh and yummy, and we enjoyed our time on the outdoor patio.

They offer complimentary tastings for up to 3 champagnes, but you must call and make a reservation beforehand.

Bartholomew Estate Winery

1000 Vineyard Ln, 95476, map

Bartholomew Estate Winery is the first privately owned vineyard in Sonoma Valley. It’s conveniently located minutes from downtown Sonoma, and is a great place to wine taste and go for a stroll in their 375-acre park. We

Buena Vista Winery

18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476, map

Buena Vista was founded in 1857 and is the oldest commercial winery and California’s first premium winery. 

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441, map

If you want more than wine, check out Francis Ford Coppola Winery. They not only produce over forty wines, but they also serve food at their restaurant to pair with your wine. You can dip in either of their two swimming pools and check out their huge collection of movie memorabilia.

Benziger Family Winery

1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, map

Benziger Family Winery is one of the first wineries to integrate biodynamic farming, and you can even take a Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour.

Other Wineries to Check Out

Local Tip: Check out their guide to wineries you should visit during the holidays.

2. Foraging and Tasting Experience with Timber Cove Lodge

21780 Coast Hwy #1, Jenner, 95450, map

My mom grew up in a mountain village in Korea, where foraging was a part of life. Even after we immigrated to the US, as a kid, I remember my grandma and mom plucking random weeds on their walks for their banchan (Korean side dishes). Dandelion leaves were one of them. I have always been curious about foraging, but it wasn’t until this trip that I got to try it for myself. I’m not sure if my mom’s spirit is coming alive in me, but I had so much fun.

After foraging, we returned to Timber Cove Lodge for the tasting portion. Everything was delicious, but I was most intrigued by the oxalis lemonade. I will try this if I ever run into a patch of oxalis.

What You Can Find: Various mushrooms (chantarelles, porcini, hedgehogs, morels, turkey tails), bay laurel nuts, miner’s lettuce, stinging nettle, fiddlehead, oxalis, wild radish flower, forget-me-not, nori, huckleberry, blackberry, mussels, and sea snails.

Caution: There are toxic lookalikes. If you don’t know what you’re doing, go with a trained guide like Ty Kun! Also, it is illegal to forage or a permit is required in certain protected parks. Double-check the regulations before you go.

3. Cedar Enzyme Bath at Osmosis

209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, CA 95472, map

Osmosis Day Spa and Sanctuary was the highlight of our trip. We did the Cedar Enzyme Bath, a practice from Japan, and Osmosis is the only place you get this treatment in North America.

When we first heard about the cedar bath, we imagined a cedar tub filled with water, but we were surprised to find ourselves buried in a mixture of ground cedar and rice bran. The natural enzyme fermentation results in a warm treatment that improves circulation, relieves joint and muscle pain, and cleanses skin.

In addition, the rest of the property is stunning. We spoke with Michael Stusser, who founded the spa. He studied as an apprentice in Japan, which helped him design the beautiful Zen gardens. Fun fact: the property used to be a junkyard, and they left one of the old cars there as a tribute to the space.

Local Tip: They have a locker where you can keep your belongings when you’re in the spa. We just brought our phones with us, and during the Cedar Enzyme Bath, our therapist helped us snap a few shots.

4. Forest Bathing + Wine Tasting with EcoWisdom

Have you heard of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku? It was developed in Japan in the 80s and is part of preventive health care and healing when they saw people’s mental health deteriorating from being overworked.

The idea is that you slow down and mindfully walk and meditate in a forest environment. Like meditation or yoga, if you’re a beginner, it helps to have someone guide you through it. Oftentimes in Japan, you end up having tea made from what was foraged during your forest bath. You take it all in through meditation and then taste the land.

Jenny from Ecowisdom showed us how to forest bathe with a Sonoma twist at Zephyr Vineyards. Near the end of our forest bath, rather than tea, we did a wine tasting, since wine is one of the few beverages where you taste the earth. If you try it, let us know if you can taste the redwood spice.

Even when I got home, it helped me pick up the daily habit of meditating again.

We did a second mediation with Jenny when we visited Timber Cove lodge and loved being by the coast.

Local Tip: It was rainy during our first experience, so having a solid rain jacket and waterproof boots helped.

5. Take a Stroll through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Even if you’re not outdoorsy, you can take a leisurely walk through the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. The trails are flat and quiet, and it’s an enjoyable stroll through the towering redwoods. I once heard someone say redwoods are “just trees”. I’m not immune to reductive thinking patterns, but hearing that made me want to hold onto the awe and wonder all the more.

Don’t miss the Colonel Armstrong Tree, that is approximately 1400 years old.

6. Drive to Bodega Bay

17110 Bodega Ln Bodega, CA 94922, map

Next, we headed to the picturesque Bodega Bay. Bodega Head is a popular rock cliff overlooking the ocean, where you can walk along the cliffs and sometimes spot migrating whales. You can also head to the beach for surfing lessons or charter a fishing boat.

If you’re a film nerd and saw Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (address linked above), their filming locations include Potter School and the Inn at the Tides. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve been itching to since visiting and watching Schitt’s Creek references.

Doran Regional Park is a great place to go birding.

See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

7. Sonoma Coast State Park

If you’re looking for beach time, head to the Sonoma Coast State Park. It encompasses 17 miles of the coast from Bodega Head to Vista Trail and has multiple beaches and rocky cliffs.

Schoolhouse Beach, Wright’s Beach, or Goat Rock Beach are popular spots for sunset. We wanted to spend some time on the beach, but since it was rainy the entire time, we saw Schoolhouse Beach from above.

Local Tip: It’s always good to have cash if you need to pay for entry and/or parking.

Bonus: The Barlow

6770 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472, map

The Barlow is an open-air marketplace that covers four city blocks where you will find restaurants, shops, breweries, cideries, galleries, and more.

We had a delicious lunch at Kosho Sushi and grabbed coffee at Taylor Lane Organic Coffee. I also couldn’t resist stopping at California Sister Floral, a super cute plant shop next to Taylor Lane.

The area was home to the Barlow family, who built facilities to process apples into applesauce. Some of the original structures are still there. In 2012, new structures were added, and local makers created a community where people can shop, drink, and play together.

Local Tip: If you see any fruit on the trees in the public areas, then you’re free to pick it. – Duskie, Farm to Pantry

Planning Checklist

Can you think of any other things to do in Sonoma that can’t be missed?

TLDR

Location – Santa Monica is a coastal city in Southern California, just west of downtown Los Angeles. The blend of surf culture, art, and upscale amenities makes it a quintessential California experience.

Our Fave Attractions – Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, Palisades Park, Tongva Park

Where to Eat – Blue Daisy Cafe, Bluestone Lane, Milo & Olive

Where to Stay – Search Santa Monica Hotel Deals

Santa Monica Neighborhoods

Some people mistake Santa Monica for being a neighborhood in LA, but it is its own city. It is best known for its pier and beach but also has eight different neighborhoods. 

Downtown / Third Street Promenade has two of the largest shopping areas in Santa Monica with a high concentration of shops, restaurants, and hotels. The farmers market is on Wednesday and Saturday.

Main Street is the artsy side of Santa Monica with surfer vibes. Main St has galleries, boutique shops, and the highest concentration of coffee shops in the city. There’s also a weekly farmers market on Sunday.

Mid-City: The furthest inland neighborhood is an arts and entertainment hub. You’ll find contemporary art collections here as well.

Montana Ave: High-end and local boutique shops. You’ll find 150+ boutique shops and restaurants.

Ocean Park Boulevard / Santa Monica Airport Area: Independent coffee shops, boutique stores, and art galleries. The airport is for private jet owners and the Museum of Flying.

Pico Boulevard: The most ethnically diverse neighborhood and home to Santa Monica College. Small local farmers market on Saturday.

Santa Monica Pier / Ocean Avenue: The most popular area with the famous pier and beach and open-air restaurants and bars.

Wilshire Boulevard: Where Douglas Park is located with playing fields and reflecting pools. A bunch of food options including a concentration of Mexican restaurants.

7 Things to Do in Santa Monica California

1. Santa Monica Pier

200 Santa Monica Pier, 90401, map

The Santa Monica Pier is probably the most recognizable landmark in the city and worth visiting at least once. Whether you want to hop on rides at Pacific Park, ride the historic Merry-Go-Round, or watch the street performers, there’s plenty to keep you busy. 

If you read about the Looff Hippodrome, that is actually the carousel. It was built in 1916 when it was called the Looff Pleasure Pier.

Fun Fact: It’s also the end of Route 66, and you can find an end of the trail sign on the pier. 

See More: The Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List

2. Santa Monica State Beach

34.0107301,-118.5176966, map

Since I live in a landlocked state and always miss the beach, we spent most of our time South of the Pier.

Since the beach is so large, running 3.5 miles in length, it’s easiest to break it up into two sections.

The Annenberg Community Beach House and North Beach Playground (great for kids) is North of the pier.

Unique Santa Monica Beach Activities:

• Original Muscle Beach – Did you know that the Original Muscle Beach is actually at Santa Monica State Beach, not Venice? It’s just south of the pier. 
• Bike along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – It was a nice way to sightsee, but we primarily used it for transportation.
• Beach Cycling – we did the class during sunset.

Then you have the typical beach activities like beach volleyball, swimming, etc.

Local Tip: Lyft has bike rentals that you can get right on the app. There is a small unlock fee, and then you pay by the minute. You’ll find plenty of them along the paved pathway on the beach. If you want to ride all day, it’s cheaper to get a rental from one of the local shops.

3. Santa Monica Farmer’s Market

155-199 Arizona Ave, 90401, map

The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a great spot to pick up pastries, produce, flowers, and more. It was one of our favorites when we lived in LA.

Wed/Sat: Arizona Ave (between 4th and Ocean) 8 AM – 1 PM
Sat: Pico Blvd & Cloverfield Blvd 8 AM – 1 PM
Sun: 2640 Main St 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Local Tip: Some vendors only take cash but there should be an ATM on site.

See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Los Angeles

4. Montana Avenue

1413 Montana Ave, 90403, map

Montana Ave had my favorite boutique shops. It covers roughly 10 blocks and has over 150 distinct shops and cafes. Our favorites were:

• Burro – curated collection of stationery, home goods, clothing, gifts, and more. The original store is based in Venice CA.
• Field Guide LA – Plants and home decor. I wanted to take all the plants and planters home. Unfortunately, it is closed now.
• Sweet Lady Jane Bakery – famous triple berry cake. Original bakery is in West Hollywood.

5. Palisades Park

1450 Ocean Ave, 90402, map

If you don’t love sand but still want to enjoy ocean views, go to Palisades Park. It overlooks the ocean and you can see all the tourist action down below. 

The park is 1.6 miles long and has plenty of grassy areas to hang out on. There’s also a paved pathway where you can bike, run, or skate along.

Besides that, you’ll find public art, a rose garden, historic structures, and Camera Obscura, which houses artists-in-residence and the historic Camera Obscura mechanism (one of the earliest optical inventions).

Local Tip: If you want to avoid the tourist crowds, stay near the northern part of the park. The closer you get to the pier, the more people you’ll see.

6. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302, map

It always surprises me when you can find nature in the middle of a city. The Santa Monica Mountains is a great spot to get away from all the city noise. It has over 500 miles of trails, historical and cultural sites, old movie ranches, and more. 

Local Tip: If you’re not sure where you want to start, stop by their Visitor Center first. Check out their website for any closures.

See More: Your Complete List of All National Parks in the US

7. Tongva Park

1615 Ocean Ave, 90401, map

Since Tongva Park is right near the pier, we stopped by to see the popular photo spot that frames the beach and pier.

The park is divided into 4 main sections: Observation Hill, Discovery Hill, Garden Hill, and Gathering Hill.

See More: 37 Most Instagrammable Spots in Los Angeles

Map fo the Best Things to Do in Santa Monica CA

More Things to Do in Santa Monica

• Heal the Bay Aquarium
• Malibu Discovery Wine Tour – The company is based in Santa Monica, and they pick you up from your hotel.
• Surf Lessons – there are several options.
• Santa Monica Stairs (map) – if you want to squeeze in another workout.

Monuments + Museums in Santa Monica

• Bergamot Station Arts Center
• California Heritage Museum
• Gehry House
• Museum of Flying

Shows in Santa Monica

• Aero Theatre – American Cinematheque – historic movie theater
• Barker Hanger at Santa Monica Airport – event venue hosting concerts trade shows, galas, etc
• The Broad Stage

Shop in Santa Monica

Our favorite place to shop in Santa Monica is Montana Ave, but here are some other notable areas.

• 3rd Street Promenade – touristy area with big box stores and buskers
• Erewhon Market – if you think Whole Foods is “whole paycheck”, this is Whole Foods on steroids.
• jAdis – prop shop + antique store
• McCabe’s Guitar Shop
• Santa Monica Place – free outdoor shopping mall

Where to Eat in Santa Monica

• Blue Daisy Cafe (Breakfast & Brunch, ) – Had the Figs, Honey & Goat Cheese Toast and Croissant French Toast, and both were good!
• Bluestone Lane (Coffee & Tea, ) – Aussie-style cafe that was first founded in NYC. Loved their toasts and plant wall.
• Calabra (Mediterranean, ) – The food was pretty good. Their lounge-type seating wasn’t as comfortable as we would have liked for a meal, so maybe it’s a better spot for drinks.
• Father’s Office (Burgers, ) – famous burger we had more than 5 years ago. We never went back after Jacob was annoyed at their pretentious attitude when he asked if they had ketchup. A simple no would have sufficed. Also, if it was the best burger out there, maybe we’d overlook the service. Who knows? Hoping it’s a better experience for you.
• Milo & Olive (Italian, ) – Solid pizzas and pasta.
• Pasjoli (French, ) – Beautifully presented and delicious food.
• Pono Burger (Burgers, ) – didn’t get to try their burgers, but people love this spot.
• Santa Monica Brew Works (Brewpubs, ) – great spot to hang out and try different beers.
• The Upper West (New American, ) – service was fantastic, and we loved everything we ordered, especially the spicy ahi tuna crispy rice.

Essential Tips

• The Best Time to Visit: Because of its moderate climate year-round, it’s a popular spot to visit any time. Summer is the busiest time with the fewest deals. Nov – February is best to avoid crowds (besides the holidays).
• Weather: The highs in Santa Monica range from the mid-60s in the winter to the low 70s in the summer. The lows are in the low 50s in the winter and low 60s in the summer.
• Go Car-less: Santa Monica is very walking-friendly. There are a few public parking spots along the beach and in decks, which costs anywhere from $7-18. Otherwise, we recommend walking, biking, and rideshare to get around.
• Bikes and Scooters: This was our favorite way to get around. You’ll find a ton of bikes and scooters for rent all over town. Just download the appropriate app. Keep in mind that both should be ridden on the road and not the sidewalk.
• Pack Layers: It is warm in the afternoons but gets cool in the morning and evenings. We always had a light jacket on us. 
• Pack Walking Shoes: Since you’ll be doing a lot of walking, pack comfortable walking shoes. Lately, we love these for travel. See all our favorite travel shoes here.
• Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits.

Best Places to Stay in Santa Monica

How to Get to Santa Monica

• By Plane: These are the airports you can fly into.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) 8 miles away
  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) 23 miles away
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA) 52 miles away
  • Long Beach Airport (LGB) 32 miles away
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) 56 miles away
• By Car (map): LA is a huge area so there are several roads that will take you to here. From:
  • Downtown LA: 1-10
  • Anaheim/San Diego: I-5
  • Santa Barbara or Malibu: US-1

Planning Checklist

More Resources

• Fodor’s Los Angeles Travel Guide
• Day Hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Map

Any other things to do in Santa Monica that we need to check out next? Which of these have you done?

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TLDR

Location – Key West is the southernmost point in the continental United States, located at the tip of the Florida Keys, about 90 miles from Cuba. It’s known for its laid-back island vibes, pastel architecture, and stunning sunsets.

Our Fave Attractions – Cruisin’ Tikis, Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Keys Cable Park

Trail Description – Loop vs Out and Back

Where to Eat – Blue Heaven, Cuban Coffee Queen, Matt Stock Island Kicthen & Bar

Where to Stay – Perry Hotel

1. Cruisin’ Tikis Sunset Cruise

1605 N Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, map

Sure, you can take any sunset cruise, but Cruisin’ Tikis is the best kind. Just picture yourself on a floating tiki bar with your beverage of choice in hand.

It’s BYOB and they provide a cooler for you to keep your drinks cold. They also have a bar near the launch-off point to purchase beverages, but it’s much cheaper if you pick them up before heading over.

Local Tip: During the day, they do cruises out to a sandbar where you can hop into the water. They also have full moon cruises.

See More: 7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida

2. Fury Water Adventures

0 Duval St, Key West, FL 33040, map

If you want to try a variety of water activities all at once, Fury is the way to go.

We did the Ultimate Adventure H2.0 which included banana boating, jet-skiing, snorkeling, parasailing at Key West’s largest ocean water park. Due to the weather, we didn’t get a chance to parasail, but we tried everything else. 

They are a very well-oiled machine. Everyone is separated into groups, and they rotate you through each activity. In between activities, there’s also an obstacle course you can play on. Plus, they serve breakfast and lunch.

After lunch, you snorkel at the 3rd largest reef in the world.

Local Tip: If you want to get a seat in the covered area, arrive early. Otherwise, they fill up quickly. They provide everything you need except for a towel. Also, save some room at the end for cookies.

3. Greetings from Key West Mural + Cuban Coffee Queen

284 Margaret St, Key West, FL 33040, map

We stumbled across the Greetings from Key West mural on the side of Cuban Coffee Queen, which is the coffee spot everyone told us to try. If you make this stop, you have to try the bagel too, which tasted like a hybrid of bagel and Cuban sandwich.

Local Tip: Parking in town can be hard to find. Renting bikes is a great way to get around.

4. Sunset Parties at Mallory Square

400 Wall St, Key West, FL 33040, map

At Mallory Square, they have nightly Key West Sunset Celebrations. You’ll find magicians, jugglers, musicians, artists, food vendors, and more.

If you can’t make it during sunset, there is still plenty to see, shop, and enjoy in Mallory Square during the day.

5. See the Southernmost Point Buoy

Whitehead St &, South St, Key West, FL 33040, map

You can find the Southernmost Point in the Continental US located in Key West. The brightly painted buoy that marks it is a popular photo spot.

Local Tip: Want to check out the action? See out their live webcam.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park

281 Trumbo Rd, Key West, FL 33040, map

Dry Tortugas National Park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and can only be accessed by boat or seaplane.

Whether you want to see Fort Jefferson, snorkel in crystal clear water, camp in Garden Key, or explore via kayak, there are a lot of ways to enjoy the park.

We’ll write up a full guide next time we go. Unfortunately for us, tickets were sold out during our visit.

Local Tip: Not only will you want to plan how you will get there ASAP, but keep in mind that parts of the park are closed seasonally or year-round to protect natural resources.

See More: 15 Least Visited National Parks You Need to See Next

7. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

907 Whitehead St, Key West, FL 33040, map

Cats! And history, but we’re going to start with the cats.

Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat (polydactyl cats) that he named Snow White. Since then, they have multiplied, and now there are approximately 60 polydactyl cats that still live on the grounds, some of which are descendants of Snow White. 

Besides that, you can tour Ernest Hemingway’s home and garden and see why he spent so much time in Key West.

If you’re a writer, they even a program where you can book a space to write your next masterpiece in the same space where he wrote many of his own.

Local Tip: They only accept cash at the gates. General Admission is $17 for adults and $7 for children 6-12.

8. Try Wakeboarding, Kitesurfing, or Foilboarding at Keys Cable Park

59300 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, map

The Lagoon and Keys Cable Park are located about an hour away from Key West on Grassy Key. This was our favorite spot on our Visit Florida trip.

We had lunch at Bongo’s Cafe, toured the garden, shops, and wakeboarded at the cable park. It was amazing to hear that they are self-sufficient and generate more electricity than they use.

It was both our first time wakeboarding and although we were nervous, once we got in the water, we didn’t want to stop. It’s also easier learning using the cable system instead of on a boat. 

Local Tip: If you’ve never tried any of the board sports, they suggest you start with wakeboarding. If you’re more experienced, they also have ramps and spots to hones your skills.

9. Clear Kayak Guided Tours Through Mangroves

17015 Overseas Hwy, Sugarloaf Shores, FL 33042, map

This was our first time on a clear kayak. We were going to check out beautiful mangroves with the potential to see jellyfish, manatees, dolphins, starfish, and more.

Unfortunately, the weather had other plans for us. After paddling out and watching the weather, the storm changed directions and came for us so our trip was cut short. We need to come back to do the full kayaking excursion!

Local Tip: They provide dry bags for your phone and your gear. It’s better to be on the safer side. Take it from me – RIP phone.

Planning Checklist

What are your favorite things to do in Key West Florida? Anything we missed?

7 Fun Things to Do in Sarasota Florida

1. Myakka River State Park

13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241, map

ntrance Fee: $6 per vehicle
Boat Tour: $20 for adults, $12 for kids

When we turned into Myakka River State Park, it felt like we entered a scene from Jurrasic Park (cue the opening theme song – yes, we were singing it). As we kept driving, we were surprised by the sheer size of the park.

Florida has nearly 200 state parks, and Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest covering 37,000 acres.

During our visit, we went on a boat tour where we saw a bunch of gators, including a baby gator, and various birds.

There’s also a picturesque canopy walkway we were planning on checking out but then got distracted by the flower fields in bloom.

The boat tours run at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm. Tickets are first-come, first-served.

Local Tip: The flowers are typically in bloom late May but we were lucky enough to still catch them late June.

Britt’s Tip: Myakka has a 15-mile loop that takes you through the entire park, parts we never saw. There are so many cool trees, big fields, and animals, it’s a fun walk, and you can do as much or as little as you like. Myakka is so cool because of its HUGE old Florida trees covered in moss and it houses species of birds you can only see in this area of Florida.

2. Find Shark Teeth at South Brohard Beach

1900 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, map

After seeing people in Peace River looking for shark teeth, we wanted to try our luck at Venice Florida, the shark tooth capital of the world.

Did you know there are shark teeth hunting equipment (or beachcombing equipment) that makes it easier on you? Floridians know what’s up.

We rented our equipment from Shark Frenzy. It’s a family-run shop, and they invented shark teeth hunting tools because they loved it so much. Brittany’s enthusiasm for shark teeth got us extra excited to get out there.

They have two different types of sifters, one on a large handle with a basket and one made to float. You can technically just use the one with the handle, but we found it much easier to have both. Jacob loves efficiency, so we scooped up the sand several times and dumped it on the floating sifter.

They told us we shouldn’t have trouble finding them, but we were still skeptical. But sure enough, after our third or fourth scoop, we found one! Then another, and another, and another. We ended up with a bunch of teeth, which Shark Frenzy later helped us identify.

Local Tip: Ask the folks at Shark Frenzy where to head. Depending on the recent weather, they may suggest a different beach. Also, wear sunglasses. The white sand can be blinding.

Britt’s Tip: Shady parking spots are far more important than a close parking spot. I can’t stress this enough. Most places have pretty available parking, but for beach access, go before 10:00 to guarantee a spot. You can also go for sunset almost any day and find a spot.

3. Nathan Benderson Park

5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235, map

“You went canoeing yesterday? That’s cute!”

“Stroke! Stroke! And Stroke!” our instructor shouted as we fumbled to paddle together as a team. It was our first time paddling a dragon boat, and it the most intense workout of our trip.

We later learned we were gliding through one of the premier paddling and rowing destinations in America.

Nathan Benderson Park is a beautiful community park that includes North America’s premier 2,000-meter sprint rowing course and regatta center. Just before our visit, the NCAA held their Rowing National Championships here. When it’s not used for races, the public can enjoy the water and trails.

You can canoe, rowboat, kayak, or SUP on the water (there is a rental station there), or even take a 5-week course on Dragon Boats.

Local Tip: Because it closes during events, check the calendar to see what they have coming up.

4. Kayaking or Canoeing with Gators at Peace River

2816 NW, Co Rd 661, Arcadia, FL 34266, map

Our next adventure took us down the Peace River in canoes. We stopped by the Canoe Outpost where we then hopped on a bus to our launching point. From there, we made our way down five miles.

Along the way, we saw some gators, which freaked us out. We’d see their eyes bob above the water then go under, which I presumed meant they were lurking to attack us. Later we learned that they’re generally shy and try to swim away from humans. 

We also saw people wading in the river looking for fossilized poop and shark teeth. It’s one of the best spots to look for Megladon shark teeth (the largest shark known to man that’s now extinct) without diving.

Local Tip: Bring water! If you don’t want to hop in the river to cool down, you’ll appreciate having water to stay hydrated.

See More: Kayaking through Sweetwater Creek State Park Georgia

5. John & Marble Ringling Museum or Art

5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, map

The Ringlings (yes, the circus Ringlings) spent their winters in Sarasota starting in the early 1900s and at one point owned more than 25% of the city’s real estate.

Their love of art and architecture eventually led to opening the Museum of Art with hopes to “promote education and art appreciation, especially among our young people.”

The museum is made up of 21 galleries including the Circus Museum, Center of Asian Art, and Sarasota Museum of Art. On top of that, you can visit Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, which was their custom-built winter home.

Britt’s Tip: Ca’da’Zan – the big Venetian gothic revival building at the Ringling museum. It’s a museum and gardens with a HUGE balcony overlooking Sarasota bay. They offer free yoga on the terrace in the summer and winter. It’s architecturally gorgeous, the museum is cool, and the views from the balcony are classic Sarasota.

6. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236, map

Downtown Tickets: $28 ($23 Online) for adults, $12 ($12 Online) for kids
Spanish Point Tickets: $28 ($20 Online) for adults, $12 ($12 Online) for kids

We’ve always loved checking out botanical gardens and even more now that I’m obsessed with plants. The Selby Gardens not only brings you to a tropical oasis in town but it’s also located right on the shores of Sarasota Bay.

They have two campuses, the Downtown Sarasota Campus and the Historic Spanish Point Campus, and they recommend two hours minimum for the downtown location and an hour for the Spanish Point location.

If you’re unsure which campus to go to, there are a few differences. The Downtown Sarasota campus covers 15 acres along the bay where you can see rainforest, desert, native Florida, and display gardens. 

They also have a bayfront mangrove walkway. The Historic Spanish Point campus covers 30 acres where you can learn about the area’s native and pioneer history and see native Florida plants along the trails and boardwalks.

Local Tip: If you’re looking into more insight, they have guided and self-guided tours you can purchase.

Britt’s Tip: I LOVE the Selby gardens. If Esther and I had gone there, it would be hard to get us to leave. They have an entire orchid greenhouse that is massive. They have different geological areas at the gardens that showcase the trees and flowers that would grow in those climates.

7. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, map

Tickets: $24 for adults, $18 for kids

This is a really unique spot because it’s both a marine research facility and an aquarium.

At Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, you’ll meet sharks, manatees, sea turtles, and gators. They even have an “Oh Baby!” gallery where you can meet ocean animal moms, dads, and babies. 

The most unique experiences are the behind-the-scenes tour or animal encounters where you’ll get to see how the biologist prep for the day or interact directly with the animals.

The hands-on experience in the bay teaches you about the plants and animals you find in the wild. Keep in mind that you will go into the water waist deep and they require water shoes.

Local Tip: Encounters and additional experiences are limited and only happen at certain times of the day, so book them ahead of time.

Planning Checklist

Were any of these things to do in Sarasota a surprise for you? Would any of these be a first experience?

1. Fly High on a Glider Ride with Roaring NV

1142 Airport Rd, Minden, NV 89423, map

Until recently, flying on a glider wasn’t on our bucket list. We didn’t know anything about glider planes or how they worked. As we planned for our trip, we quickly learned that Carson Valley is rated as the best place in the US to fly gliders.

Our pilot Stefan told us about the amazing flights that people took in the area, including some record-breaking flights in the US.

In case you don’t know how a glider plane works, you start with a tow plane that brings you up to a high enough altitude. Then the tow cable is released and you glide. Experienced pilots know to read the drafts and ride the wind. During our flight, we saw Lake Tahoe and the entire Carson Valley.

It was a fun way to get an overview of the surrounding area we would be exploring in the next few days.

The engineless aircraft we rode in was built in 1964!

Local Tip: Although they have gliders that can seat two guests, like the one we did, we recommend doing your own flight. It gives you much more space to move around, and you get to sit in the front giving you a much better view of everything.

Photography Tip: Wear dark colors (and if possible, request early on for the pilot to wear dark colors too) so you have fewer reflections to deal with. I ended up photoshopping out most of the reflections.

See More: 101 Things to do in Nevada Bucket List

2. Wild Horse Tour

On the other side of the valley, wild horses roam the hills. You can get a high clearance vehicle and try to navigate the dirt roads in search of them, but the area is massive and you can get turned around quickly. Instead, we wanted to focus on capturing photos, so we met up with a local guide Dwayne Hicks.

Dwayne has spent time with these horses since he was a kid. Even on the short drive over there, you could tell how much he loved these majestic animals. When we found our first band of horses, he told us more about how they interact and pointed out some of the horses that he’s been watching for over 10 years. He even narrated the horses interactions, which was entertaining for us.

Our favorite thing is that he’s a photographer himself. He knew exactly where to go for the shot. We could ultimately dictate where to go and how long to stay, but he was always able to suggest the best course of action.

Local Tip: You never know how close the horses will get, so it’s good to be prepared with a long lens. Most of my shots are with a 60-600mm lens. Sometimes you might be able to get away with a 70-200mm, but the longer the better.

3. Explore the Historic Dangberg Home Ranch

1450 NV-88, Minden, NV 89423, map

During your visit to the Carson Valley, you’ll hear about a few prominent families in the valley that played a huge role in how it is now. Dangberg is one of them. 

The Dangberg Ranch dates back to the 1800s and has a ton of history packed into it. Because they kept a lot of their belongings, you get to see over 40,000 artifacts that they rotate through. Four generations of Dangbergs lived here all the way to the 1990s.

When you see volunteers or staff, ask them to tell you stories about the family and items. Don’t miss the pianos and the oldest, known to exist, pair of Levis in Nevada.

Local Tip: The ranch grounds are open seven days a week during daylight hours (as long as there isn’t a special event). Even if the gate is shut, it means there are cattle in the pasture. Just open it, park inside, and be sure to close the gate. A good rule of thumb at a ranch is to always leave the gate how you found it. You won’t have access to the buildings unless the staff is there, but there it’s still beautiful to see the exterior.

4. Go Antiquing

1578 U.S. Hwy 395 N, Minden, NV 89423, map

If you love antiquing, you’ll find plenty of antique stores here. We stopped by the Red Barn Antiques because the building stood out to us. As we browsed, we learned that the family-owned business also saves and repurposes barn wood from old local barns. They take that wood and make them into furniture and decor.

One of the things I love about exploring the shops and restaurants is finding out the history of the buildings. The Red Barn Antiques store was originally a Blacksmith Shop, and the building was built in 1909. You’ll see a bunch of markings on the barn doors, which are actually cattle brands burned throughout the years.

Local Tip: If you find something you love there but don’t have space to pack it, they ship items as well.

5. Golf in Carson Valley NV

1027 Riverview Dr, Gardnerville, NV 89460, map

Beautiful greens, mountains, rushing rivers, and giant cottonwood trees are just some of the landscapes you’ll find at one of four golf courses in Carson Valley. We didn’t have time to play a round, but we did spend time at the driving range and putting green. Needless to say, I’m rusty and Esther is not a fan of golf but came for the views.

Local Tip: The Carson Valley Golf Course also offers FootGolf on their course.

6. Have a Traditional Basque Dinner

1426 US-395, Gardnerville, NV 89410, map

One of the best ways to experience Basque history is through a traditional Basque Dinner. It’s served family-style, and you will not leave hungry.

It includes soup, salad, strew, beans, fries, wine, coffee, and ice cream. Plus you get to choose one of 7-8 main entrees, which changes depending on the time of year.

If you really want to dive in, you can even share a table with strangers to get to know other locals or travelers. When you’re visiting, ask about the cowboy hats on the wall and money on the ceiling.

J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room is another building in town with a ton of history. In 1896, it was moved from Virginia City (can you imagine what it took to move entire buildings back then?). It became a sheepherder hotel, bar, and dining room. In 1955, it was taken over by the Lekumberrys and is still run by JB & Marie Louise today. We had the pleasure to meet Marie as she told us stories of growing up here.

Local Tip: Try a Picon Punch, one of the must-haves for a Basque dinner (like its name, it packs a punch). Also, ask about traditional wine + ice cream.

7. Get a Drink at the Oldest Bar in Nevada

2282 Main St, Genoa, NV 89411, map

Enjoy a drink where Mark Twain, Ulysses S Grant, Teddy Roosevelt, Clark Gable, and more have. The Genoa Bar and Saloon is known as Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor and was built in 1853. It’s one of the few buildings in Genoa that wasn’t burned down in the 1910 fire.

We absolutely loved walking around to see all the history hung up on the walls. When we asked the bartender what his favorites were, he pointed out an original wanted poster from Abe Lincoln’s assassination and the single bra hanging on the wall that belonged to Raquel Welch.

Also, pictured below is Sue Knight who we mentioned earlier.

Local Tip: In the winter, the bar is heated by a beautiful wood stove and locals will bring in wood to keep it going.

8. Mormon Station State Historic Park

2295 Main St, Genoa, NV 89411, map

Imagine making your way west with the promise of gold. After a long and treacherous journey with your last stop 500 miles away, you come across a log cabin with much-needed respite. Mormon Station became a vital stop on the California Trail and as more people settled in the area, eventually became the town of Genoa.

The museum tells you more about that history and you can see a bunch of artifacts. It costs $1 (children 12 and under are free) to go inside of the museum, but you can walk around the grounds and check out the historic stockade and wagon shed for free.

Local Tip: The large lawns and huge trees in the park are perfect for picnicking. Please be sure to dispose of your trash in the garbage cans so it doesn’t attract any unwanted wildlife.

9. Check out the Art Galleries

1615 U.S. Hwy 395 N suite b, Minden, NV 89423, map

It’s easy to see why Carson Valley draws a lot of professional artists. The scenery is breathtaking! On top of that, you have the wildlife, history, and Old West feel. On our first day, we visited Prism Gallery to get some inspiration.

It was cool to see the work of local photographers, including the photographer who took us to see wild horses.

Local Tip: Not only can you enjoy the art inside, but the gallery is located in the Historic Wool & Flour Warehouse, which is cool to see in itself.

10. Hike the Sierras

We usually try to fit in a hike on our trips, but ended up being too busy soaring through the sky, checking out the wild horses, and filling up on delicious food. Next time we visit, we’ll definitely hit the trails.

With 50+ miles of trails easily accessible, you can find a trail that fits your interest and fitness level. You can go out and hike on your own, or hire a guide to take you to the best spots. Many of the trails are shared, so you can mountain bike or go horseback riding too.

Local Tip: Stop by the Caron Valley NV Visitor Center to get the most up-to-date info or tips on where to rent gear.

Photography Tip: If you have no time to hike the Sierras, you can photograph the mountains with reflections on the roads running perpendicular to them. Our favorite ones were Muller Lane and Genoa Lane, but it depends on which farmers are flooding their fields.

See More: Our Day Hiking Essentials

Planning Checklist

Have you been to Carson Valley Nevada? Can you think of any other things to do in Carson Valley that shouldn’t be missed?

15 Amazing Things to Do in Jackson Hole in the Winter

1. Grand Teton National Park →

43.7618739,-110.7887954, map

You can’t visit the Jackson Hole area without seeing Grand Teton National Park. If you fly in, you actually land inside the park! Because of the weather during our visit, we weren’t able to see the mountain peaks, but there are plenty of activities to do and the park is completely transformed in the winter. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get both the snowy landscape and the Tetons.

Local Tip: Roads and pull-outs are limited in the winter so be sure you know what your options are before heading in.

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Grand Teton National Park

2. Yellowstone National Park →

43.7618739,-110.7887954, map

Yellowstone National Park is also close by, but if you want to visit, you will need to do some planning ahead of time. They close the closest park entrances to vehicles during the winter so you will only be able to see the park through tours.

See More: Best Things to do in Yellowstone National Park + Essential Tips for Your Visit

3. Wildlife Tours

650 W Broadway, Jackson, WY 83001, map

Since our time was limited and we weren’t familiar with the terrain in snow, we decided to take a tour with Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris (JHWS) to increase our chances to see wildlife.

We’ve done a fair share of wildlife viewing over the years, which can always be hit or miss. On this trip, we saw moose, bison, bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and elk on our half-day safari. Either we were really lucky, or our tour guides know their wildlife (probably both).

JHWS is the only tour company that completely focuses on wildlife, although there are other companies that offer similar wildlife and other scenic tours in Jackson Hole. And because they have a network of guides and are spending time in the park every day, they are able to share info with each other and know the pattern of how the animals move. It’s amazing how they can spot animals from such long distances when they look like ambiguous dots to us.

In between looking for wildlife, our guide taught us a lot about the history of the area and its relationship to the animals. He knew the area intimately since he was a naturalist in Yellowstone National Park for many years too.

On top of that, the groups are small, they pick you up from your hotel, and provide snacks, binoculars, and spotting scopes.

Pro Tip: If you plan on photographing the wildlife, be sure you have long lenses. We brought a Canon 100-400mm lens and a Sigma 150-600mm lens. It also helps if you have a cropped sensor, but our full-frame cameras worked okay too. If you’re newer to photography, you can book their photo tours where they have photographers guiding you. 

Photography Tip: Batteries die faster in cold weather so it’s a good idea to have extra batteries. You can also store them close to your body so your body heat helps them last longer.

See More: 25 Best Gifts for Photographers

4. Snowshoeing or Nordic Skiiing

Since hiking is tough in the snow, one of the best ways to get around is snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. If you’re new to these activities, go for a guided tour. Otherwise, there are plenty of places in town to rent your own gear and explore on your own.

We went to Hoback Sports, which was around the corner from where we were staying to rent snowshoes and made our way out to Mormon Row. There was no one else out there so we had the whole place to ourselves.

Some popular trails to check out:

• Bradley and Taggart Lakes
• Cache Creek
• Mormon Row

Local Tip: Be sure to account for the weight of any gear you plan on carrying to ensure you get the correct snowshoes. Jacob was carrying all our camera gear which added 10+ lbs so he should have sized up.

Special thanks to 66ºNorth for sending us new gear to keep us warm. Read more about how to dress warm below.

5. Sleigh Rides at the National Elk Refuge

532 N Cache St, Jackson, WY 83001, map

On our first trip to Jackson, we learned the best time to visit the National Elk Refuge is during the winter. In the summer, it wasn’t as exciting seeing the open fields and a handful of birds. In the winter, thousands of elk make the refuge their home.

We picked up our tickets next to the visitor center then they shuttled us over to the refuge. During the sleigh ride, your guide tells you more about the elk and you may even get lucky enough to spot some other animals. We saw a coyote running around looking for food, but apparently the week before two wolves came down very close to the sleigh.

Local Tip: The elk make their way to the refuge as the weather gets colder and there’s more snow on the ground. The cows and calves come down to the refuge first, followed by the bulls later. While we were there, we only spotted a few bulls, but after the snowfall over the weekend, they expected that more would arrive.

6. Dog Sledding Tours

This has been on our bucket list for a while. We didn’t get a chance to dog sled while in Jackson Hole since it’s so popular. It was booked months in advance. On top of that, the Pedigree State Stop sled dog race was in town during our visit, so they were even busier.

Local Tip: If this is high on your list, book through one of the dog sled companies as soon as you know you’re visiting.

7. Snowmobiling

This is another adventure that is on our bucket list. Since most of Yellowstone National Park is closed off to vehicles, one of the best ways to see the park is via snowmobile. If you own your own snowmobile or want to rent one to explore on your own, you can try your luck at the coveted snowmobile permit lottery. Otherwise, there are a few outfitters in town that do guided tours into the park, on Togwotee pass, and to Granite Hot Springs.

8. Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding

This is one of the biggest draws to the Jackson Hole area. During our visit, most of the visitors were in town to hit the slopes. Since Esther is still recovering from two surgeries, we decided that it was too intense for this trip since she tends to fall a lot, but it was sooo tempting during the fresh powder days.

Local Tip: If this is your main activity, book a stay at one of the hotels near the slopes or ensure that your hotel provides a shuttle since parking fills up fast especially on fresh powder days.

9. Hot Springs

After spending days being active, the perfect way to relax is soaking in one of the hot springs near town. There are two established spots to choose from: Astoria Hot Springs Park and Granite Hot Springs.

We visited Granite Hot Springs on our last visit (photos below). During the winter, it’s only accessible via snowmobile, dog sled, skiing, or fat tire biking making it a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Local Tip: Bring some flip flops and your own towel.

See More: 25 Amazing Hot Springs in the US You Must Soak In

10. Fat Tire Biking

Fat tire biking is one of the newest activities that is getting popular in Jackson Hole. These bikes are built for off-roading, but unlike mountain bikes, the oversized tires help you fly down snow-packed trails. Cache Creek is one of the most popular trail systems but you can talk to the rental companies to find out the best trail for you. 

11. Shopping & Dining

Don’t miss out on the amazing shopping and dining that Jackson Hole has to offer. We stayed only a few blocks from Jackson Town Square, which was the perfect location to explore the shops and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, local products, or gear for your adventures, you’re bound to find a store to meet your needs.

Planning Checklist

Are there any other Jackson Hole winter activities that we missed?