#the book is quite massive in its time span. it covers almost a century in which very complex and rapid changes happened

[kashilascorner]

Just finished reading Pachinko. I'm weeping, and reading the acknowledgements the author talks about how she basically spent 30 years writing it and I must say it was worth it

[basilandthym]

"Woah." 

  Thym paused in the doorway.  Before them was another Arcturus common room, cozy in its plush chairs and warm fires.  But this entryway space was massive next to the lounges of Virgo.  

  And there were stairs!

  Thym cast a single wide-eyed smile to Basil before taking off towards the nearest staircase.

  Basil smirked, letting them explore ahead. The main entryway for Orion was grand, but it was not what he’d brought them to see. And they’d see soon enough. He couldn’t dare rush the experience. 

Thym gazed through the second floor windows, watched in awe as the entryway’s floating lamps circled about the room, but it wasn’t long before they headed towards Orion’s left wing.  Basil strode ahead of them while they wandered the hallways, growing more enthusiastic as they reached another doorway.

"This," From the breezeway, Basil smiled, opening a double door for Thym "This is why New London is one of the greatest cities in the world".  

The Library stretched away behind Basil, and Thym’s eyes went wide.

"Years and years of study and one could barely begin to absorb all this collection has to offer." 

There was so much to see. Books at every angle. Large windows comfortably lit up the space, reaching up alongside the numerous floor-to-ceiling spanning cases. The New London skyline peeked through the rows and rows of knowledge, each line of shelves harboring what must’ve been a few thousand books each.  Unimaginable stores of information.

  Like any good library, where there were books, there were reading nooks. High or tucked away, dim or bright, a spot for lounging or intensive study, this place felt as if it could satisfy anyone’s habits. 

 A system of sliding ladders was affixed to each row, and the tallest ones sported safety tethers. It was a conscientious system, allowing scholars, students, and encumbered librarians to ascend and descend without worry of a nasty fall. Thym could just picture their new mentor, and honestly any downtowner, happily taking advantage of the safeguard. But not them. 

Basil made a sweeping gesture across the space. “Scholars from all over visit to further their studies. And ah, help desk is here to our left if-” 

“Basil?” Thym was distracted, starry eyed and ogling the next level. It featured a bridge-like walkway that connected the ends of the collection while keeping the space open and uncluttered “Vantage point?”

“Ah. yes” He turned and strode towards the wall of script before them, turning left at its corner. A stairwell hid just beyond the edge. At the reveal, Thym raced up, and this time Basil followed, only just managing to keep up with his long two-step strides. 

  They stopped, panting, to overlook the collection, stretching out below them, around them, and rising yet above them.

 "Collections spanning the century, wide areas of study from architecture, anthropology, and of course engineering." Basil smiled, pointing out the aisles as he listed their genres. There was pride absolutely welling from him. Thym had seen Basil take pride in his work, but not quite so unreserved.  A comfortable pride.  Upon stepping into this wonder, Basil seemed like a different person, younger and eager to share the place that’d become such a part of him.

"Alchemy too?" Thym asked. 

"What there is left, and found, we have and protect here at Orion." 

Pausing on the elevated walkway,Thym leaned over the rail with glee.  “Wow.”

  Though overall quiet, the keep was a bustle of reserved excitement, passion-driven academics exploring shelves and pages.  Thym smiled over at a youth scaling another of the high-reaching bookshelves. They waved and the young scholar waved back, before turning back to their task of searching. Thym looked back to Basil, and followed his gaze towards a tall figure carting some books back towards the front.

He gestured down to the librarian. "I know a great deal about this place, but you won't find an archivist more familiar with Orion’s collection than Serpentine.  If you ever have a question or need anything related to the library, she's the one to approach. Unequivocally reliable, pointing countless scholars in the right direction for years."  

“Huh. Well neat. Hey, thanks.” 

Basil dipped his head. 

“Care to see what might become your favorite aisle?”

Thym bounced in response “Let’s!”

Taking the stairs back down they looped around, and though resolved in his direction, Basil had to pause to watch Thym take it all in.  The kind of quiet, awed respect he found this place to inspire wasn’t there.  Instead, his new student was elated, hungry for revelation, running about from shelf to shelf as they passing row after row, before finally spinning to a stop at the section Basil had pointed out from above. He suppressed his smile as he traced the edge of a long, lacquered wooden table positioned outside the row he was walking past. “Before I started focusing more into alchemy, I rarely strayed from this spot.”

As they entered the section, Basil’s fingers fell gently over the spine of a book. He held a soft nostalgic expression, like these books could have been photos of dearly missed loved ones. Thym wasn’t yet so familiar, but… maybe someday they’d understand.  Basil turned and looked about, hands now clasped behind his back. 

“There's a great deal I could recommend to you, and will… yet there's a certain charm to traversing this collection yourself, discovery though your own discretion."  

"But I will say, this one here" he pointed to a book, mostly gray, almost standing out in its dullness. "It's not a read you can just walk away from. I think you’ll appreciate taking a look eventually." 

Basil moved onward through the aisle. Before they followed, Thym climbed up, slipped it out enough to commit it’s appearance and title to memory. 

Transcending Limitation Through Innovation. 

Thym repositioned the book and rushed back to join Basil at the end of the aisle. “You don’t suppose I could check a couple out today?”

“Well, first we really should… take the last steps in officializing your apprenticeship. Meet with Cardamom.  But… soon, yes.  I’d imagine you’ll be able to check out any you’d like.”

“Aw.” Thym responded with put-upon disappointment.  They supposed it’d be easy enough to read what they liked without leaving the library with it.  Or to leave the library with whatever they’d like, but they tried to put that thought on a backburner.

“I suppose I should return these?” Thym asked, producing from their coat the handful of books that Basil had leant to them on their voyage.

“Excellent idea.” Basil nodded once in approval “Let’s take these to Serpentine.”

She was not merely tall. She towered, maybe a full foot or taller than Basil. Behind pink tinted frames, Serpentine’s eyes fell on Thym as they approached. Her dark thick eyebrows gave her an added air of seriousness. 

“Basil here said that you were the one to go to for any and every library related matters.” Thym smirked, leaning on the island counter that separated them. “Anyone ever climb to the top of the cases without those supports?” 

Basil shot them a sharp questioning look, but it hardly cut through Thym’s bravado. 

Serpentine sighed. She glanced over to a short, pastel-bowtied library-goer and gave an exhausted smile. “Web… Too often forgets. Mostly he goes up and down just fine, but there’s been a couple times where he’s managed to get stuck up there… and he did break an arm last year from a fall.”

Basil frowned. Thym turned to look at him, more specifically his arm.  “Say Bas, you haven’t fallen off one of the long bookshelves have you?”

A silence.

“I kid.” They nudged him with a smile. “Well if I lose an arm pursuing boundless knowledge at least I have someone to go to for a replacement, hm?” 

“Please just remember... I can’t replace a broken neck.” He said flatly. 

“Dramatic. I’m sure no ones ever died grabbing a book. Anyways, these are for you!” 

Thym grinned as they plopped down the books.

“Oh?”

“Checking in” Basil confirmed. 

Serpentine nodded, sliding the books closer to her. She flipped open the covers, stamped the cards inside, and made a note on a log sheet which she then turned to Thym. “Sign please.” 

“Righto!” Thym laughed and scrawled a quick signature by the items indicated. 

“Thank you...” Serpentine raised her eyebrows. “Sorry, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure- you’re with Basil?” 

“Oh yep!  I’m Thym!  Apprentice.  Or, soon to be apprenticed.” Thym winked up at Basil. He simply blinked an affirmation.

Serpentine straightened and smiled. 

“Well. Welcome to Orion. If you are anything like Genovere, I imagine I’ll be seeing a lot of you.”

[taz-writes]

Feilan’s Worldbuilding: The Ruler and the Tribes

This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of posts that I write about the worldbuilding for my story! Because I like sharing the things I make, but because of the weird limbo state of the actual books I don’t have any excerpts that are post-able right now. In this massive ramble-post, I’m going to explain the basic structure of the country of Feilan as it exists in the current draft of my series, and some fundamental elements of How Stuff Works. 

Hey look, I made a map at one point! This is a little out of date in terms of where the cities are exactly, and it’s missing a few important landmarks that have been added since I created it. I think this version is from about two years ago now--it badly needs an update, but school has kept me on my toes a lot so I haven’t found time to make a new version. That free time is better spent doing homework, or better, actually writing some books. 

The country of Feilan is the ancestral home of the fairies, one of three dominant species on the country of Iliginia alongside humans and mersprites. It occupies a large peninsula on the southern end of a continent called Againia, although its territory used to stretch across the whole continent, as well as parts of two others. Over time, bits and pieces broke off mostly-peacefully to form their own governments. 

Feilan is a confederate monarchy consisting of 12 unique cultural/ethnic groups called tribes, each of which controls a certain section of territory within the greater whole. Only nine of those tribes are marked on the map up above, the remaining 3 are too small to be visually significant. The system is held together by the country’s ruling family, the del Aphirs, who are also the leaders of the Rinali tribe. The del Aphir dynasty is the oldest mostly-unbroken dynastic chain in the history of the planet, stretching back as far as written history. Although their rule has been disrupted a few times over the years, the family has never been fully exterminated, and they generally reclaim the throne within a few decades of losing it. They gained their position by being, according to legend and most historical records, directly descended from the Goddess of Light Faiana. They are one of two royal families with a claim to divine ancestry, the other being the Ravenharts, who are descendants of Harmonine, Goddess of Illusion. 

The leaders of the eleven tribes other than the Rinali balance out the Rinali monarch by approving most major legislation, providing counsel to the ruler, and suggesting new national laws. This is done during the Convention of Tribes every year at midsummer. The monarch generally has the power to override the tribal rulers, but doing so is ill-advised. While the tribal rulers can’t and won’t remove the monarch under normal circumstances, they can certainly make their life difficult. On the occasion that a del Aphir monarch does disappear, the Irkatzi Crown Princess would take the Feian throne, a fact which every Irkatzi Crown Princess since the invention of the title has used to her advantage. They’re almost infamous for it. 

There are five major tribes and seven minor ones. The minor tribes are usually submissive to the larger ones surrounding them, but they have enough power to pull some strings. The Rinali, Irkatzi, Tsi, Cydre, and Ajrijl are major tribes. The Morix, Javrier, Frinda, Kresshal, Alleani, Liarum, and Dandum are minor tribes. Each tribe’s territory is color-coded on the map up above! The Alleani occupy only a single citadel on the border between the Tsi and Rinali. The Liarum and Dandum are nomadic groups who travel through the deserts in Cydre territory. Although they’re technically living inside another tribe’s borders, they have their own autonomy and an agreement with the Cydre government that allows them to roam where they will within reason. 

The Tribes in a Nutshell: 

The Rinali are the ruling tribe. They’re considered a plains tribe. Their territory hosts the nation’s capitol city, Lanorium, although the current regime under Queen Kyrina has moved to the mountain of Eth Zantaara further to the north. They’re the origin point for most trends and aesthetics associated with Feilan as a whole, and they’ll often borrow things they like from the cultures of their neighbors. They’re kind of condescending about it, though. 

Main income source: food. Specifically wheat, grain, and cattle. Rinali soil is very fertile, fed by the flat century floodbanks around the rivers, and ash spread from back when Eth Zantaara was an active volcano. 

The Rinali have one of the more complicated internal systems of nobility, with quite a few different titles under the reigning monarch. They’re very feudal. 

Fashion is popular in Rinali territory, the trend being large elaborate costumes that show off imported wealth. 

The Irkatzi are the second-largest tribe in Feilan, but their associations with enclaves on two other continents make them the widest-spanning. They’re considered a forest tribe. Before joining Feilan as a component tribe, the Irkatzi existed as an independent empire with a range and scope rivaling Feilan’s own in ancient times. The Irkatzi can be divided into four or five sub-tribes depending upon who you ask, due to their history as an Imperial power. They’ve also tried to conquer the Ajrijl so many times that the stretch of Rinali land between their two territories is called the Dead Strip because of it. They joined Feilan at the beginning of the current Age, after the events of Calama’s Legend left them in dire straits with barely a quarter of their original population still alive. The last Irkatzi Empress, Iyanara, agreed to submit to Feian rule in exchange for the del Aphirs’ promise that if their family line should die out, then the Irkatzi ruler would take the throne of Feilan as well. This is where the title Crown Princess came from. 

Main income source: foreign trade. The Irkatzi are master shipbuilders, of both sea and sky. There are Irkatzi enclaves in Amarad and the country of Jaratra, left over from their colonial days, which supply the tribe with valuable overseas goods. The Irkatzi are the sole source of most tropical goods like rubber and chocolate in Feilan. 

There is no such thing as “Irkatzi territory.” Most other tribes’ lands are simply called “[x] territory,” but Irkatzi land is referred to as Karatza, which was the name of their empire. Irkatzi is a descriptor adjective. 

The Irkatzi have their own written and spoken language, which most Irkatzi learn to speak before they learn the common Feian tongue. I’ve actually developed the beginnings of a conlang for them, although it’s still a work in progress! Conlangs are HARD. 

The Irkatzi are actually a different ethnicity and almost a different species than fairies from every other tribe in Feilan. They naturally have purple blood, and many Irkatzi also have purple eyes--a trait linked to psychic magic, which is far more common in Irkatzi fairies than others. They can mix with other ethnicities, producing various diluted versions of this appearance, but the vast majority of Irkatzi are some shade of purple. When the purple blood combines with darker skin tones, some very interesting colors can appear, which is generally attributed to magic. 

The Irkatzi ruling family, the Ravenharts, can trace their ancestry back directly to the goddess Harmonine. But it’s actually believed that the entire Irkatzi tribe is somehow related to her. This would be in the same sense that everyone on Earth shares ancestry with Charlemagne or Genghis Khan, though, it’s not like they’re committing incest any time they date each other. 

The Tsi are the third major Feian tribe. They’re both a forest tribe and mountain tribe, depending on where you are. Their territory covers most of the Feian part of the Goldenrod Mountains, and all of it is heavily wooded. Within Tsi territory are the Tsi Great Forest Deeps: an ancient area of virgin forest full of strange residual magic and unique species. There are no true jungles on the continent, but the Deeps are functionally the same thing. They’re mysterious, and so treacherous that even the Tsi rarely stray below the canopies of the trees they call home. 

Main income source: Mining. Most fairies have an inherent dislike of being underground, since they’re an aerial species by nature. The Tsi, however, have overcome this natural aversion in order to mine deep into the Goldenrod Mountains and reap the rewards. They’re particularly famous for their stunning specimens of sapphire, but the mines closer to the shores hold large veins of salt that have been harvested over most of written history. Rumor has it that the magic in the Deeps has sunk into the earth, causing valuable minerals to form faster and larger than they would in other areas of the globe. 

The Tsi have two options of housing: either they live mostly-underground with the mines, or they live in large treehouse cities in the upper branches of the Great Forest’s massive trees. The Tsi Citadel doesn’t have a single building lower than 100 feet off the ground. The wall doesn’t count, most people forget it’s even there. The city’s name is the only reminder. 

The Tsi have the scariest cuisine in Feilan, according to literally everyone else. Their food isn’t particularly spicy, especially compared to the Cydre, but they eat things that most other people do NOT consider food. In addition to foraged nuts, fruits, and poultry, the Tsi regularly add the meat of snakes, wildcats, bears, elk, thaechiira, and Againian unicorns to their diets. They eat a LOT of meat. 

They also have a ceremony called a Bear Pageant in which their sitting ruler gets really drunk and wrestles a bear in public for the people’s amusement. Both parties are usually wearing frilly dresses. 

The Cydre are the fourth tribe. They are the only major desert tribe. The majority of the Cydre population lives on the aptly-named Cydre Plateau, a large mesa located in the center of the Purple Desert. The plateau is almost entirely covered in massive buildings. Cydre architecture is unrivaled in terms of efficiency and use of space, and they’ve managed to construct freestanding skyscrapers a hundred or more feet high. 

Main income source: crafts. The Cydre produce a type of glass called aurza glass, which reveals active magic when used for lenses. Aurza glass is also excellent for making enchanted objects. It’s created when glass is made using sand that’s marinated in aurza, a type of gaseous concentrated magic. The Cydre are also just good at fiddly little gadgets in general. They make clocks and things. 

The Cydre are split into two smaller units: the Academy of Blood and the Academy of Bone. The Academies pretty much rule daily life, to the point where the Cydre have two leaders, a Bone Princet and a Blood Princet. Princet is a gender-neutral title. Education is everything, and education is expensive. The two academies have different styles of dress and moral outlooks, and students and professors will often get into street fights with members of the opposing school. 

The Academy of Bone specializes in necromancy and illusion, and the Academy of Blood specializes in psychic magic and medical science. 

The Ajrijl are the fifth major tribe. That’s pronounced ASH-ree-yuhl, and it’s spelled like stupid. The capitol of Ajrijl territory has the largest population of any city in Feilan, apart from the Cydre plateau, which is technically one giant city but it doesn’t really count. They’re a plains tribe.

Main income source: hemp products. Paper in Feilan is made from hemp fiber, so is most fabric used for cheaper clothing and sails for ships. You can do so much stuff with hemp, seriously. 

The Ajrijl are fashion gods. Although the Rinali usually invent the trends, the Ajrijl are the ones who perfect and finesse them until they reach their highest points. This is, unsurprisingly, related to the fact that they dominate the textile industry for the most part. The Rinali compete with wool and some smaller amounts of cotton, but the Ajrijl definitely have the upper hand. 

stop making weed jokes they have a lot of rules against drug abuse

They also have a major cult dedicated to the worship of Nafia, the mother goddess, who’s not as popular in most other places. Most Feians, if they worship any gods at all, worship the Four of Four. Nafia is less an object of worship than an overarching fact of life. 

The minor tribes don’t do as many important things, and generally orbit the same spheres as the major tribes they border. The Frinda are fishermen, and they take advantage of not being Ajrijl by doing all the drugs that the Ajrijl refuse to. The Kresshal are also fishermen, but in a different part of the country. They’re pals with the Irkatzi. The Morix are rice farmers who produce a special kind of green dye that everyone else wants. The Javrier sell furs. The Liarum and Dandum are kind of a big question mark, so are the Alleani, I need to develop them more. 

And yeah, those are the tribes! This is far from an all-inclusive explanation, and the Irkatzi in particular deserve a lot more attention than I gave them in this post, but it’s a start. If you actually read this all the way through, then you’re a blessing, and I love you. Keep on keeping on. <3 I want to make another one of these posts about the Irkatzi specifically, and one about the magic system, and one about how fairies’ magic relates to their biology because that’s something I put a lot of thought into! Whether or not it’s good or helpful thought is still up in the air. 

[gemsofgreece]

@alatismeni-theitsa Okay this is from things I have read so far, most notably historian Charles Diehl’s History of the Byzantine Empire book series but also recent articles and Wikipedia:

Things that precede the Ottoman occupation:

Cuisine is the most important. I have found so much mind blowing stuff about it that I intend to make a series of posts with the history of Greek cuisine. Most of the things we eat today have their roots in both ancient and Byzantine cuisine. Our concepts of ingredient pairing and our cooking processes are almost the same. Also, some meals we often nowadays label Western European and eat in Christmas feasts or we even consider acquired taste etc are actually imperial Byzantine. The two most important Ottoman contributions in Greek food was rice and coffee. They also promoted the increased import of sugar. Other than that, even most of the oriental spices had been already integrated to the Byzantine cuisine thanks to the massive trade power the Empire was. That’s not to say that we haven’t been influenced by Turkish recipes. But it seems it’s been a process of give and take; Ottomans adjusted the recipes they found in the Byzantine Empire and then Greeks adjusted the adjusted recipes Ottomans were using. Fun fact I can’t keep for the future posts: Frikasse, to which we have given a french name, is a Byzantine dish. Bougatsa, which has a name that sounds literally anything but Greek, is however an Ancient Greek pie! And so many other stuff aaaah I hope I will get to make these posts soon!

Music is important too. I don’t have much to say here other than suggest you did some fitting music listening. Several Greek music instruments were already used in antiquity or medieval times, before the Ottomans, regardless if they were invented in Greek territory or not, ie instruments with a more oriental / Anatolian sound. Also, the melodies and the rhythm are quite consistent for the span of more than 15 centuries. Greek music did have an eastern feel to it even before the Ottoman invasion and I believe it has almost always sounded more eastern than western.

Imperial power is an important one too. Not that it has any impact on our modern lives but several characteristics of the Ottoman society resemble those of the Byzantine. The Byzantine Emperor was considered the most powerful and flawless man on earth and he was often perceived as a saint (not God though). The luxury in which the emperors were drenched was a sight to behold and it had to be seen up close to be believed. The imperial palaces were masterpieces of art and wealth and there were excessive and superfluous rituals held in the Byzantine court.

The fashion. Ottoman fashion was extraordinary, especially for the higher social classes and the sultans. Same thing. The high class Byzantine fashion was gorgeous and extremely expensive - they were basically covered in gold and jewels from head to toe. I believe the Byzantine fashion was a transitional phase between the elegance of Grecian and Roman fashion and the luxury of Ottoman fashion. These could also suggest some give or take relations here and there in the evolution of fashion and the eventual emerging of folk costumes in our region.

This needs its own post but it is remarkable how similar Byzantine and Modern Greek societies’ qualities (especially flaws!) were. We like to believe that some of our flaws are a consequence of the hardship during Ottoman occupation. While this has a lot of truth in it, there are also many flaws that are like timelessly Greek! One example is that the priests would often do not follow the counsel they gave others, they secretly did not fast and were fat. Byzantines were big on hospitality but more often than not it was because of their desire to impress and intimidate rather than genuine willingness to accommodate others. There were many scandals and corruption. The Byzantine Empire had huge ups and downs - everyone would spend spend spend until the empire reached the point of utter destitution. Usually then people would turn against the emperors and riot. When they had the army by their side, the previously super powerful emperor was done for good. The Byzantine empire survived 1000 years (insane for medieval times) because right at the moment of utter despair and degradation a new emperor (usually usurper) showed up violently and somehow proved to be indeed a competent ruler that started a great dynasty of emperors who made the empire rise again and reach once more sky highs of progress art and wealth. Anyway I digress. Last point was, emperor was said to be unmistakable and god-perfect but the loyalty of the Byzantines was on thin ice. The moment he would displease the people too much, the emperor lost his strength and was forced to give up on the throne or was killed which reminds me of the complex relationship modern Greeks have with royalty and monarchy . Greeks have historically been impatient and suspicious with monarchy. This is not a flaw though!

There is so much more I could say. Byzantine history is truly fascinating. I should probably make another post with the most important things I learned after reading the entire book series, once this happens!

the world is really sleeping on the Byzantines huh?

known artists in the post:

Yannis K. Chronopoulos

Antoine Helbert

Joan Francesc Oliveras Pallerols

SIMULYATON on deviantart

robbiemcsweeney on deviantart

Igor Gennadievich Mashkov

[marymperezga]

35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It)

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe for you, beauty is the bright lights of a cityscape at night or a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a roaring waterfall, or an historic neighborhood in a famous city. For many, it’s a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, or Hawaii’s Mauna Key volcano. Beauty can be found anywhere, in anything, so we’ve gathered this list of some of America’s most beautiful places to travel.

But we aren’t stopping there. It’s one thing to tell you about America’s most beautiful places, and another to help you plan the perfect itinerary to see them. In our list below, you’ll gain 35 adventures to add to your bucket list and specific ways to experience them, from guided hiking tours, helicopter rides, and sailing expeditions, to recommended hotels and alternative lodging options in each spot.

The best part? When you’re visiting these places, you can book an affordable, comfortable accommodation on FlipKey! We offer hundreds of thousands of great rental properties—from cozy mountainside cabins to breezy beach homes to downtown apartments and lofts.

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and attractions to visit in the USA.

Island of Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s Beaches

There’s a reason big-budget films like Tropic Thunder and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature this lush location as a backdrop. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, from the spectacular Mt. Waialeale crater, which gets more rainfall than anywhere else on earth, to the stunning Mana Waiapuna falls featured in Jurassic Park, the towering spires of the Nā Pali Coast, and the resorts of Princeville. A great way to see it all is via this helicopter tour taking you over the island of Kauai, as well as the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s gorgeous beaches. Pro tip: Make time to check out the snorkeling, rafting, and kayaking experiences around the Nā Pali Coast and its famous sea caves, too.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Kauai!

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

It’s not hard to see why this six-hour excursion in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises. Glide past alpine and tidewater glaciers, spot abundant marine wildlife, and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Drifting past the jagged icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula, you might catch breath-taking glimpses of humpback, minke, and orca whales, among other creatures that flock to the plankton-rich waters. No matter your adventure style, there are plenty of tours available for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Kenai!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are so many ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Bus trip, helicopter tour from nearby Las Vegas, or travel the way visitors did in the early 20th century: by train! This iconic American destination is celebrated for its Colorado River views and awe-inspiring red rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Also worth exploring are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, both of which are about two hours away from the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near the Grand Canyon!

Colorado’s Blue Lakes

The Blue Lakes Hiking Trail near Telluride, situated above the tree line at about 12,400 feet, offers a gorgeous hike past alpine lakes and the peaks of Yankee Boy Basin. Hikers often tackle it as a day-long excursion, taking in the sight of colorful wildflowers and everything from marmots to mountain goats or sheep. If you’re staying in Denver and want to try something similar, you can take this private day tour of Mount Evans, which includes spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14er’, as well sightings of wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, and bison.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Colorado!

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

New York City is truly an incredible metropolis, worthy of many superlatives. While Central Park or the Statue of Liberty could certainly be considered beautiful, our pick here is the Brooklyn Bridge thanks to its stunning architecture (one reviewer claims it’s an “iconic engineering marvel“) and unique skyline views. Opened in 1883 and spanning nearly 6,000 feet, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges and a classic New York sight. Travelers rave about waking across the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or alternatively taking the view in at nighttime on a boat cruise—which also includes views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in New York!

Fall Foliage in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Anyone planning a getaway who loves history, New England, mountains, and dazzling fall colors, should put Bretton Woods in autumn on their travel wish list. It’s actually a point within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire. In fall, this place is simply spectacular. Hike up West Mountain for amazing views or ride The Cog, a cog railway carrying tourists up Mount Washington.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Bretton Woods!

Forsyth Park: Savannah, Georgia

The thirty-acre site of Forsyth Park, dating from the 1840s, is one of the most iconic spots in the city of Savannah. The park’s fountain is probably its most recognizable landmark, and the benches and Spanish moss-covered oaks that surround it have helped make it a romantic focal point for photography. Outside the park, TripAdvisor reviewers particularly love Savannah’s historic churches and cathedrals, this museum dedicated to the history of Prohibition, and sites like Bonaventure Cemetery, nestled on the bluff of the Wilmington River and famous for its old tree-lined roadways and historic architecture.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Savannah!

Maui’s Honokohau Falls and the Sea Cliffs of Molokai from the air

Taking a flight across Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes will really make you sit up and appreciate the world around you. On this helicopter tour over Molokai and Maui you’ll see a panorama of cliffs, jungle, ocean, and volcanoes, perhaps interrupted by a majestic whale or two. Take in those massive sea cliffs and that serene North Shore bathed in sunlight—you simply won’t want to leave.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Maui!

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Amateur shutterbugs flock to Driftwood Beach, a distinctive spot on the north end of Georgia’s Jekyll Island that looks, quite simply, like a graveyard for trees. Trust us, it’s a lot more beautiful than it sounds. It often shows up on lists rounding up the most romantic beaches in the country, due to its landscape of sun-scarred driftwood that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Catch it early in the morning or at sunset for a view that will take your breath away.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on Jekyll Island!

Views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The views at Lookout Mountain are nothing less than breathtaking, looking over the city of Chattanooga, as well as parts of neighboring states. There’s a powerful sense of history here, as several TripAdvisor reviewers note, as you stand on ground where Civil War soldiers fought and died. Also seek out Ruby Falls (which includes a cave and waterfall underneath the mountain), the rock formations and gardens in Rock City, and Point Park, memorializing the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds. Visit in the fall for the added bonus of colorful foliage!

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Chattanooga!

Views from the Stratosphere Observation Tower in Las Vegas

When people talk about the Stratosphere in Vegas, they could be referring to the hotel or the casino, but there’s a better chance that they really mean the roughly 1,150-foot-tall freestanding observation tower. This distinctive Sin City landmark includes two observation decks, the revolving Top of the World restaurant, and several bookable rides and attractions, such as this open-air leap from the tower via the SkyJump experience. This unlimited ride pass also lets you experience the thrills of rides like the Big Shot.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Las Vegas!

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur, California

As the Beach Boys crooned, Big Sur is a place of crimson sunsets and golden dawns. Pfeiffer Beach is an especially picturesque stretch where the waves roar as they hit the white sand of the beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer was particularly taken with the sight of the rocks perforated with holes, allowing water to splash through making for some spectacular camera shots. McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge get tons of deserved Big Sur hype, but Pfeiffer Beach is more of a hidden gem—check out its purple sand and amazing rock formations.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Big Sur!

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Missouri

This St. Louis cathedral, the mother church of the St. Louis archdiocese, is home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western hemisphere. This beautiful structure turned 100 years old in 2014 and is perhaps best known for its interior mosaics, which took almost 80 years to complete, using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The interiors are stunning, for sure, but its incredible exterior architecture also gives it a nod on our list of beautiful sights in America.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in St. Louis!

Views from the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago

If it’s a dizzying height with an epic Chicago view you want, head straight to the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, housed in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A quintessentially Chicagoan and perfectly Instagrammable moment can be captured 103 floors up the Willis Tower, where you step out onto the glass balconies of the ledge, extending more than four feet outside the building. Enjoy those 360-degree views then turn your gaze down to your feet to see the slightly stomach-churning sight of everything 1,353 feet below you. Skydeck admission is listed at $22, and you can also enjoy dinner on the 103rd floor.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Illinois!

The Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

It doesn’t get much more storybook perfect than this: a two-hour excursion into Casco Bay aboard a vintage lobster boat, offering sublime views of the Maine coastline dotted with lighthouses. Each charter includes a captain and deckhand to guide you, regale you with local color, and tend to your needs, but it’s the lighthouses that are the stars of this show. You’ll see four in total, including the Ram Island Light, the Spring Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and the iconic Portland Head Light, which was commissioned in 1791 by none other than George Washington himself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Portland, Maine!

Mauna Key Summit, Hawaii’s Big Island—from the air

Once-in-a-lifetime moments don’t get much more epic than watching the sun rise from the top of a volcano. In this case, it’s the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is what this sunrise excursion is built around. Watching the purple, blue, orange, and red rays of the sun peek out over the horizon is the culmination of this six-hour trip to the volcano’s peak. For a perfect bookend to this experience, take this small-group sunset and stargazing tour of Mauna Kea, during which you’ll use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on the Big Island!

Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

William F. Buckley once quipped he’d be happy to entrust the entirety of the United States government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone book. It was a rumination on the one-of-a-kind nature of the people here in Beantown, a truly iconic American city. Here, history and modernity coexist beautifully, and you feel it everywhere you go. In neighborhoods from Southie to Beacon Hill, with its cobblestone streets; in the foodie paradise of the North End; from the tree-lined streets of Back Bay to the pubs, taverns, and institutions such as Boston and Harvard universities; in beautiful public spaces like Boston Common and historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Boston!

Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Saint Augustine!

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Sedona!

Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

An awe-inspiring collection of artwork can be found in the German-made stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Gothic-inspired structure with distinctive twin spires and a pipe organ. This must-see landmark gathers high praise from TripAdvisor reviewers for the beauty of the church and the sense of serenity within. Elsewhere in the city, there’s a museum of art, Reader’s Alley (a restored miners’ village complete with restaurant and shops), and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Helena!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, while not home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, is still arguably Yellowstone’s best area to explore, particularly for photographers. One reviewer states: “This is a must-see location within the park. The area is simply beautiful and very unique. The colors are truly magnificent.”  Due to those stunning colors, the Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most photographed walks in Yellowstone. It includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Excelsior Geyser, plus the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool. This tour of Yellowstone lower loop is a good way to experience all these sites and more—led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to see several impressive geysers, along with the natural beauty of canyons, cascades and more.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yellowstone!

Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

One guaranteed way to feel the awesome power of nature is to visit the inimitable Niagara Falls. There are three magnificent falls here, two American and one Canadian. On this tour of the American side of the falls you’ll get aerial views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower, get up close to Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and also reach the closest accessible point of the falls at Cave of the Winds.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Niagara Falls!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive offering world-famous, breath-taking views. The road links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you can explore the scenery here a number of different ways. There’s this photo tour and hike led by a local guide along the parkway, or you could try an alternative guided hike that also passes by three lovely waterfalls.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in the North Carolina Mountains!

Wild Horses Grazing On the Beaches of Corolla, North Carolina

Now here’s a sight that’s unique to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Ancestors of the wild Spanish Mustangs who wander free here were brought over in the 1500s on Spanish vessels. The horses you see today make up the last remaining wild herd. This two-hour tour of the Outer Banks transports you through the sand dunes in open-air four-wheel drive vehicles to see the wild horses in all their splendor. You’ll also visit a maritime forest and a historic Coast Guard station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Corolla!

Multnomah Falls: Bridal Veil, Oregon

There’s an old Native American story that says Multnomah Falls was created for a young princess who wanted a secret place to bathe. This is certainly a place of beauty, with a roaring cascade of over 600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. If you’re feeling particularly gutsy, walk up the trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the falls and gives you an unobstructed view up to the top—and a stomach-churning view down the roughly 70-foot drop. Tours like this show you around Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge as part of a half-day excursion from Portland.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Bridal Veil!

The Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

New England oozes an irresistible storybook charm, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Newport, Rhode Island, with its yacht-lined harbor and Gilded Age mansions. You can take a guided trolley tour or simply admire these castles of wealth from the water on a harbor sightseeing cruise. Most tours include a stop at The Breakers, a mansion that housed the Vanderbilts and is among the most impressive of the city’s historic abodes. Alternatively, walk along the famous Cliff Walk and see the mansions from a unique, picturesque perspective.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Newport!

Charleston’s Historic District: South Carolina

Charleston’s history dates back more than three centuries, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating past of this handsome port city. Wander among its antebellum mansions, old churches, and graceful homes, and try a tour of the historic district by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a delightfully old-school experience—you’ll be pulled along by the same kind of horse that worked American farms in the 1800s, while learning about the founding of the city.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Charleston!

Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce and More

The Beehive State is home to so many beautiful parks and other stunning natural wonders that it can be a little tricky to narrow down your itinerary. One way to check off several points on your list in one go is this epic seven-day tour of some of the top protected wilderness areas in the country. Along the way, you’ll see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, as part of a thrilling week of hiking and exploring the rock pillars, rivers, and cliffs this area has to offer.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Utah!

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited beaches along the coastline of Olympic National Park in Washington, and is well-known for its reddish sand and little islands of rock, known as ‘sea stacks’. The rugged shoreline, peppered with rocks and driftwood, makes for a memorable afternoon of beachcombing accompanied by gorgeous views.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Olympic National Park!

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

One of the most visited attractions in Washington state is Snoqualmie Falls, attracting more than 1.5 million people a year. The site includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and, of course, the beautiful 270-foot waterfall. A few tours in the area include visits to the falls, such as this falls and wineries tour and this excursion that also includes Seattle city center.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Snoqualmie!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

One of the most iconic, easily recognizable landmarks in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge, stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building. It’s an imposing monument and a marvel of engineering skill, as well as a gateway into San Francisco, but you don’t have to just admire it from afar. You could try this cruise departing from Fisherman’s Wharf and gliding close to the bridge, or a guided bike tour from San Fran to Sausalito, taking you right across the bridge itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Kiva Beach: South Lake Tahoe, California

Kiva Beach is a little bit of a hidden gem, and it’s totally worth the trip. Here you’ll get great views of the mountains around it, including Mount Tallac, and it’s also one of the few truly pet-friendly beaches in the area, making it a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand with a furry four-legged companion.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in South Lake Tahoe!

Views From the Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California

This public observatory is set on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, housing a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, and a bookstore. Walk around the back to get sweeping, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles skyline—especially breathtaking at night, when you can see the bright lights of the city sparkling in the distance. There’s a bust of actor James Dean on one side that’s positioned so you can capture it and the famous Hollywood sign in the same shot. The observatory is packaged in multiple tours that take in a variety of Los Angeles landmarks.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Yosemite National Park, California

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for the natural beauty of its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the granite cliffs made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Especially worth a visit are the 317-foot Vernal Fall, beautiful Mirror Lake, and Yosemite Falls, the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. The shops and restaurants of Yosemite Village are also popular.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yosemite!

Bluebonnet Blooms: Spicewood, Texas (Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area)

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has plenty of active fun in store for visitors, including a 6.5-mile mountain bike trail. But if you’re after a beautiful display of nature at its best, come in the spring to see the ground blanketed in gorgeous bluebonnet wildflowers. There’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate the dazzling colors of nature.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Spicewood, Texas!

This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.

The post 35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/08/21/35-most-beautiful-places-to-travel-in-america-what-to-see-how-to-see-it/

[180abroad]

Days 117: Story and Song--the Book of Kells and a Musical Irish Pub Crawl

Today we stayed in Dublin to see some of the city’s highlights: the Book of Kells at Trinity Collge, the Irish National Gallery, and--perhaps best of all--the city’s thriving pub music culture.

On our way to Trinity College, we passed by an odd-looking stone pillar with a creepy moon face at its base. The Steine is a replica that marks the spot where a colony of Viking invaders erected a large standing stone here on the bank of the River Liffey. Which is odd, because the Liffey isn’t even in sight of the Steine.

Today, the Liffey runs through Dublin at a respectable 140 feet or so wide. But before a massive land reclamation project that narrowed it in the early 1700s, it was many times larger. The Steine, which marked the north bank, is around 300 feet north of the current north bank.

The creepy face is supposed to represent Ivar the Boneless, the Viking lord who founded the dynasty that ruled Dublin and terrorized the rest of Ireland for several centuries before the Normans came and took the job for themselves.

I first heard about the Book of Kells through the animated film The Secret of Kells, which my friend Dustin showed back when it came out in 2009. While the movie is firmly planted in the realm of Studio Ghibli-esque fantasy, the Book of Kells itself is quite real, though only slightly less fantastic.

The book was made by Celtic monks who originally lived on the Scottish holy island of Iona but were forced to flee when Vikings invaded. They eventually settled and built a new monastery in the Irish village of Kells.

More than the dramatic story, however, the Book is famous for the stunningly intricate illustrations that cover almost every page. Some of the Celtic knotwork is so tiny that scholars aren’t exactly sure how it could have been made, given the crudeness of the writing quills and the lack of any magnification devices at the time.

Even blown up to wall-sized proportions, the illustrations are amazingly complex.

The exhibit starts with some interesting background info on the different types of bibles that monks made, as well as the techniques and materials used to make them.

As we learned from a timeline in the exhibit, the Book of Kells has had an adventurous life. In addition to surviving Viking raids, it has also escaped numerous fires and the pillaging of Oliver Cromwell’s armies.

The exhibit also included some other interesting artifacts, including a standing stone with ancient Irish “Ogham” writing on it and a selection of 6th-century “pocket gospels” that were small enough for missionaries to carry in their satchels.

It was all fascinating, but the exhibit was claustrophobically crowded and uncomfortably hot, so we took pictures of all the signs and moved on as quickly as we could.

There was quite a crowd around the books, and in the end it required a bit of shoving and shouldering to get a view. But it was well worth it. The book is currently bound in four volumes--one for each gospel. Two are on display at any given time. One is opened to a full-page illustration, and the other is open to a page of normal (but still impressively penned) text. We got to see the opening illustration of the book of Matthew and a passage from Mark describing the burial of Christ’s body after the crucifixion.

Sadly--though quite understandably--we weren’t able to take any pictures of the book itself.

Moving on, the exhibit concludes with Trinity College’s “Long Hall,” a towering library filled with hundreds of thousands of books. It also includes important cultural artifacts like an original copy of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic (Ireland’s early 20th-century declaration of independence from Britain).

I remember learning stories as a kid that the tiny signatures at the bottom of the US Declaration of Independence may have been written that way because the signers were afraid of personal retaliation by the British. Our founding fathers might not have suffered that fate, but Ireland’s weren’t so lucky. All seven of the signatories named at the bottom of the Proclamation were rounded up and executed as traitors by the British army.

The Long Hall also holds the misnamed “Brian Boru Harp,” a medieval Celtic harp that was used as the model for the modern Irish national emblem. It's also the harp used in the Guinness logo--but mirrored out of respect. Brian Boru was an ancient Irish king who at one point was said to have owned the harp, but scholars have long since determined that there is no possible connection whatsoever.

The hall also included a series of displays on the importance and complexity of preserving old books. Specifically, it demonstrates this by showing off dozens of real books that have been ruined in various ways--fire, water, light exposure, dust, pests, etc.

Next, we went to the Irish National Gallery. It is admittedly not as impressive as many of the other galleries we’ve visited, but it's still worth visiting if you’re at all interested in art (or things that are free).

The first floor is filled with works by Irish painters that you’ve probably never heard of despite being just as good as many of their continental contemporaries. The works mainly focus on landscapes and portraits, so that’s a plus if you’re into either of them.

There is a small room dedicated to the works of Jack Yeats, the younger brother of the poet W. B. Yeats. The room shows the evolution of his distinctive artistic style over the course of his career. Photos weren’t allowed in this room, but I made a point to snap some pictures in the gift shop.

The middle floor houses the Irish national portrait gallery (which we skipped), and the top floor focuses on works from the rest of Europe. Jessica noticed a painting from across the room that immediately reminded us of the sculpture of Laocoön in the Vatican (which has followed us around ever since).

When we walked up to read the placard, it actually mentioned the Laocoön statue by name as a reference used by the artist for this painting.

Jessica and I have been continuously amazed by how many connections like this we are able to make now, especially because we’re seeing things so close together. If we’d gone to Rome on one trip and to Dublin on another trip years later, I don’t know if we would have even stopped to look at this painting, much less made the connection.

We also couldn’t help noticing that the gallery had the most extraordinarily large elevator of any museum we’ve visited.

We had a couple hours to kill before our evening musical pub crawl, but since it had been a pretty long day already, we decided to head over early and relax with some refreshing pints of cider.

The tour was lead by two local musicians who used to play together years ago and were paired together for the first time since. They had great chemistry and repeatedly told us just how lucky we were to be enjoying their “reunion tour.”

After the introductions and a half-pint, we left the Oliver St. John Gogarty and headed over to our next pub, the Ha’Penny Inn, named for the nearby Ha’Penny Bridge, which originally cost half a penny to cross.

The tour was a delightful mix of performance, education, sing-along, and drink. One thing we learned was that Irish folk songs can be divided into jigs and reels--terms that are actually borrowed from the types of dancing that they went with. Jigs are in 6/8 time, fast, lively, and fun. They can tell stories about young love, drinking, or--preferably--both. Reels are in 4/4 time, slower, and generally deal with lost love, death, or--preferably--both.

We learned that both the music and the dance go back millennia, to Ireland’s Celtic roots. The Celts actually originated in continental Europe and at one time spanned from Britain and Ireland all the way down into Spain. The Romans wiped the Celts off of the continent, and the Anglo-Saxons drove them out of England into the fringes of Wales and Scotland. Only Ireland remained as a relatively unpolluted bastion of Celtic culture well into the High Middle Ages.

Sadly, the specific origins of their various arts and traditions have been forgotten. As our musical guides said, the Irish have always been better at making stuff up than at writing it down.

There are hundreds of pubs in Dublin, and pretty much all of them have live bands or recorded music playing day and night. But if you want to see some real traditional music, you need to look for a “session.” On certain nights, various pubs will open their stage for local musicians to show up with their instruments and just have fun playing with each other.

Leaving the Ha’Penny, we made our way to the last pub of the night. On the way, we saw the iconic Dublin spire--which locals joke was built to remind drunk Irishmen which side of the Liffey they’re on when they stumble out of a pub--and a statue of two ladies that the locals lovingly refer to as the Hags with the Bags.

The evening concluded with dinner and a performance from a great Irish stepdancer--both on her own and together with the musicians. We learned that the music and dance were always considered a single art form in Celtic culture. Only recently have they become seen as separate types of performance.

Dinner was fantastic, and we enjoyed talking with several couples about our various travel plans and experiences.

Afterward, our guides gave some recommendations for pubs where we could see a session--The Cobblestone was their highest recommendation--but Jessica and I had had a long day and plenty to drink already, so we headed half-reluctantly back home to bed.

Next Post: Kilmainham Gaol and the National Museum of Archaeology

Last Post: Blarney and Cashel–the Real Rock Stars of Ireland

[kevingbakeruk]

35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It)

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe for you, beauty is the bright lights of a cityscape at night or a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a roaring waterfall, or an historic neighborhood in a famous city. For many, it’s a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, or Hawaii’s Mauna Key volcano. Beauty can be found anywhere, in anything, so we’ve gathered this list of some of America’s most beautiful places to travel—the landmarks, attractions, and breathtaking views to see before you die.

But we aren’t stopping there. It’s one thing to tell you about America’s most beautiful places, and another to help you plan the perfect itinerary to see them. In our list below, you’ll gain 35 adventures to add to your bucket list and specific ways to experience them, from guided hiking tours, helicopter rides, and sailing expeditions, to recommended hotels and alternative lodging options in each spot.

The best part? When you’re visiting these places, you can book an affordable, comfortable accommodation right on FlipKey! We offer hundreds of thousands of great rental properties—from cozy mountainside cabins to breezy beach homes to downtown apartments and lofts. Find the perfect place to stay during your scenic getaway.

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and attractions to visit in the USA.

Island of Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s Beaches

There’s a reason big-budget films like Tropic Thunder and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature this lush location as a backdrop. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, from the spectacular Mt. Waialeale crater, which gets more rainfall than anywhere else on earth, to the stunning Mana Waiapuna falls featured in Jurassic Park, the towering spires of the Nā Pali Coast, and the resorts of Princeville. A great way to see it all is via this helicopter tour taking you over the island of Kauai, as well as the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s gorgeous beaches. Pro tip: Make time to check out the snorkeling, rafting, and kayaking experiences around the Nā Pali Coast and its famous sea caves, too.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Kauai!

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

It’s not hard to see why this six-hour excursion in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises. Glide past alpine and tidewater glaciers, spot abundant marine wildlife, and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Drifting past the jagged icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula, you might catch breath-taking glimpses of humpback, minke, and orca whales, among other creatures that flock to the plankton-rich waters. No matter your adventure style, there are plenty of tours available for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Kenai!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are so many ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Bus trip, helicopter tour from nearby Las Vegas, or travel the way visitors did in the early 20th century: by train! This iconic American destination is celebrated for its Colorado River views and awe-inspiring red rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Also worth exploring are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, both of which are about two hours away from the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near the Grand Canyon!

Colorado’s Blue Lakes

The Blue Lakes Hiking Trail near Telluride, situated above the tree line at about 12,400 feet, offers a gorgeous hike past alpine lakes and the peaks of Yankee Boy Basin. Hikers often tackle it as a day-long excursion, taking in the sight of colorful wildflowers and everything from marmots to mountain goats or sheep. If you’re staying in Denver and want to try something similar, you can take this private day tour of Mount Evans, which includes spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14er’, as well sightings of wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, and bison.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Colorado!

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

New York City is truly an incredible metropolis, worthy of many superlatives. While Central Park or the Statue of Liberty could certainly be considered beautiful, our pick here is the Brooklyn Bridge thanks to its stunning architecture (one reviewer claims it’s an “iconic engineering marvel“) and unique skyline views. Opened in 1883 and spanning nearly 6,000 feet, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges and a classic New York sight. Travelers rave about waking across the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or alternatively taking the view in at nighttime on a boat cruise—which also includes views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in New York!

Fall Foliage in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Anyone planning a getaway who loves history, New England, mountains, and dazzling fall colors, should put Bretton Woods in autumn on their travel wish list. It’s actually a point within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire. In fall, this place is simply spectacular. Hike up West Mountain for amazing views or ride The Cog, a cog railway carrying tourists up Mount Washington.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Bretton Woods!

Forsyth Park: Savannah, Georgia

The thirty-acre site of Forsyth Park, dating from the 1840s, is one of the most iconic spots in the city of Savannah. The park’s fountain is probably its most recognizable landmark, and the benches and Spanish moss-covered oaks that surround it have helped make it a romantic focal point for photography. Outside the park, TripAdvisor reviewers particularly love Savannah’s historic churches and cathedrals, this museumdedicated to the history of Prohibition, and sites like Bonaventure Cemetery, nestled on the bluff of the Wilmington River and famous for its old tree-lined roadways and historic architecture.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Savannah!

Maui’s Honokohau Falls and the Sea Cliffs of Molokai from the air

Taking a flight across Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes will really make you sit up and appreciate the world around you. On this helicopter tour over Molokai and Maui you’ll see a panorama of cliffs, jungle, ocean, and volcanoes, perhaps interrupted by a majestic whale or two. Take in those massive sea cliffs and that serene North Shore bathed in sunlight—you simply won’t want to leave.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Maui!

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Amateur shutterbugs flock to Driftwood Beach, a distinctive spot on the north end of Georgia’s Jekyll Island that looks, quite simply, like a graveyard for trees. Trust us, it’s a lot more beautiful than it sounds. It often shows up on lists rounding up the most romantic beaches in the country, due to its landscape of sun-scarred driftwood that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Catch it early in the morning or at sunset for a view that will take your breath away.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on Jekyll Island!

Views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The views at Lookout Mountain are nothing less than breathtaking, looking over the city of Chattanooga, as well as parts of neighboring states. There’s a powerful sense of history here, as several TripAdvisor reviewers note, as you stand on ground where Civil War soldiers fought and died. Also seek out Ruby Falls (which includes a cave and waterfall underneath the mountain), the rock formations and gardens in Rock City, and Point Park, memorializing the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds. Visit in the fall for the added bonus of colorful foliage!

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Chattanooga!

Views from the Stratosphere Observation Tower in Las Vegas

When people talk about the Stratosphere in Vegas, they could be referring to the hotel or the casino, but there’s a better chance that they really mean the roughly 1,150-foot-tall freestanding observation tower. This distinctive Sin City landmark includes two observation decks, the revolving Top of the World restaurant, and several bookable rides and attractions, such as this open-air leap from the tower via the SkyJump experience. This unlimited ride pass also lets you experience the thrills of rides like the Big Shot.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Las Vegas!

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur, California

As the Beach Boys crooned, Big Sur is a place of crimson sunsets and golden dawns. Pfeiffer Beach is an especially picturesque stretch where the waves roar as they hit the white sand of the beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer was particularly taken with the sight of the rocks perforated with holes, allowing water to splash through making for some spectacular camera shots. McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge get tons of deserved Big Sur hype, but Pfeiffer Beach is more of a hidden gem—check out its purple sand and amazing rock formations.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Big Sur!

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Missouri

This St. Louis cathedral, the mother church of the St. Louis archdiocese, is home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western hemisphere. This beautiful structure turned 100 years old in 2014 and is perhaps best known for its interior mosaics, which took almost 80 years to complete, using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The interiors are stunning, for sure, but its incredible exterior architecture also gives it a nod on our list of beautiful sights in America.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in St. Louis!

Views from the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago

If it’s a dizzying height with an epic Chicago view you want, head straight to the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, housed in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A quintessentially Chicagoan and perfectly Instagrammable moment can be captured 103 floors up the Willis Tower, where you step out onto the glass balconies of the ledge, extending more than four feet outside the building. Enjoy those 360-degree views then turn your gaze down to your feet to see the slightly stomach-churning sight of everything 1,353 feet below you. Skydeck admission is listed at $22, and you can also enjoy dinner on the 103rd floor, bookable here.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Illinois!

The Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

It doesn’t get much more storybook perfect than this: a two-hour excursion into Casco Bay aboard a vintage lobster boat, offering sublime views of the Maine coastline dotted with lighthouses. Each charter includes a captain and deckhand to guide you, regale you with local color, and tend to your needs, but it’s the lighthouses that are the stars of this show. You’ll see four in total, including the Ram Island Light, the Spring Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and the iconic Portland Head Light, which was commissioned in 1791 by none other than George Washington himself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Portland, Maine!

Mauna Key Summit, Hawaii’s Big Island—from the air

Once-in-a-lifetime moments don’t get much more epic than watching the sun rise from the top of a volcano. In this case, it’s the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is what this sunrise excursion is built around. Watching the purple, blue, orange, and red rays of the sun peek out over the horizon is the culmination of this six-hour trip to the volcano’s peak. For a perfect bookend to this experience, take this small-group sunset and stargazing tour of Mauna Kea, during which you’ll use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on the Big Island!

Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

William F. Buckley once quipped he’d be happy to entrust the entirety of the United States government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone book. It was a rumination on the one-of-a-kind nature of the people here in Beantown, a truly iconic American city. Here, history and modernity coexist beautifully, and you feel it everywhere you go. In neighborhoods from Southie to Beacon Hill, with its cobblestone streets; in the foodie paradise of the North End; from the tree-lined streets of Back Bay to the pubs, taverns, and institutions such as Boston and Harvard universities; in beautiful public spaces like Boston Common and historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Boston!

Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Saint Augustine!

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Sedona!

Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

An awe-inspiring collection of artwork can be found in the German-made stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Gothic-inspired structure with distinctive twin spires and a pipe organ. This must-see landmark gathers high praise from TripAdvisor reviewers for the beauty of the church and the sense of serenity within. Elsewhere in the city, there’s a museum of art, Reader’s Alley (a restored miners’ village complete with restaurant and shops), and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Helena!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, while not home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, is still arguably Yellowstone’s best area to explore, particularly for photographers. One reviewer states: “This is a must-see location within the park. The area is simply beautiful and very unique. The colors are truly magnificent.”  Due to those stunning colors, the Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most photographed walks in Yellowstone. It includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Excelsior Geyser, plus the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool. This tour is a good way to experience all these sites and more—led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to see several impressive geysers, along with the natural beauty of canyons, cascades and more.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yellowstone!

Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

One guaranteed way to feel the awesome power of nature is to visit the inimitable Niagara Falls. There are three magnificent falls here, two American and one Canadian. On this tour of the American side of the falls you’ll get aerial views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower, get up close to Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and also reach the closest accessible point of the falls at Cave of the Winds.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Niagara Falls!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive offering world-famous, breath-taking views. The road links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you can explore the scenery here a number of different ways. There’s this photo tour and hike led by a local guide along the parkway, or you could try an alternative guided hike that also passes by three lovely waterfalls.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in the North Carolina Mountains!

Wild Horses Grazing On the Beaches of Corolla, North Carolina

Now here’s a sight that’s unique to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Ancestors of the wild Spanish Mustangs who wander free here were brought over in the 1500s on Spanish vessels. The horses you see today make up the last remaining wild herd. This two-hour tour of the Outer Banks transports you through the sand dunes in open-air four-wheel drive vehicles to see the wild horses in all their splendor. You’ll also visit a maritime forest and a historic Coast Guard station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Corolla!

Multnomah Falls: Bridal Veil, Oregon

There’s an old Native American story that says Multnomah Falls was created for a young princess who wanted a secret place to bathe. This is certainly a place of beauty, with a roaring cascade of over 600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. If you’re feeling particularly gutsy, walk up the trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the falls and gives you an unobstructed view up to the top—and a stomach-churning view down the roughly 70-foot drop. Tours like this show you around Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge as part of a half-day excursion from Portland.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Bridal Veil!

The Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

New England oozes an irresistible storybook charm, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Newport, Rhode Island, with its yacht-lined harbor and Gilded Age mansions. You can take a guided trolley tour or simply admire these castles of wealth from the water on a harbor sightseeing cruise. Most tours include a stop at The Breakers, a mansion that housed the Vanderbilts and is among the most impressive of the city’s historic abodes. Alternatively, walk along the famous Cliff Walk and see the mansions from a unique, picturesque perspective.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Newport!

Charleston’s Historic District: South Carolina

Charleston’s history dates back more than three centuries, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating past of this handsome port city. Wander among its antebellum mansions, old churches, and graceful homes, and try a tour of the historic district by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a delightfully old-school experience—you’ll be pulled along by the same kind of horse that worked American farms in the 1800s, while learning about the founding of the city.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Charleston!

Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce and More

The Beehive State is home to so many beautiful parks and other stunning natural wonders that it can be a little tricky to narrow down your itinerary. One way to check off several points on your list in one go is this epic seven-day tour of some of the top protected wilderness areas in the country. Along the way, you’ll see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, as part of a thrilling week of hiking and exploring the rock pillars, rivers, and cliffs this area has to offer.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Utah!

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited beaches along the coastline of Olympic National Park in Washington, and is well-known for its reddish sand and little islands of rock, known as ‘sea stacks’. The rugged shoreline, peppered with rocks and driftwood, makes for a memorable afternoon of beachcombing accompanied by gorgeous views.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Olympic National Park!

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

One of the most visited attractions in Washington state is Snoqualmie Falls, attracting more than 1.5 million people a year. The site includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and, of course, the beautiful 270-foot waterfall. A few tours in the area include visits to the falls, such as this falls and wineries tour and this excursion that also includes Seattle city center.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Snoqualmie!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

One of the most iconic, easily recognizable landmarks in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge, stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building. It’s an imposing monument and a marvel of engineering skill, as well as a gateway into San Francisco, but you don’t have to just admire it from afar. You could try this cruise departing from Fisherman’s Wharf and gliding close to the bridge, or a guided bike tour from San Fran to Sausalito, taking you right across the bridge itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Kiva Beach: South Lake Tahoe, California

Kiva Beach is a little bit of a hidden gem, and it’s totally worth the trip. Here you’ll get great views of the mountains around it, including Mount Tallac, and it’s also one of the few truly pet-friendly beaches in the area, making it a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand with a furry four-legged companion.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in South Lake Tahoe!

Views From the Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California

This public observatory is set on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, housing a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, and a bookstore. Walk around the back to get sweeping, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles skyline—especially breathtaking at night, when you can see the bright lights of the city sparkling in the distance. There’s a bust of actor James Dean on one side that’s positioned so you can capture it and the famous Hollywood sign in the same shot. The observatory is packaged in multiple tours that take in a variety of Los Angeles landmarks.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Yosemite National Park, California

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for the natural beauty of its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the granite cliffs made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Especially worth a visit are the 317-foot Vernal Fall, beautiful Mirror Lake, and Yosemite Falls, the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. The shops and restaurants of Yosemite Village are also popular.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yosemite!

Bluebonnet Blooms: Spicewood, Texas (Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area)

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has plenty of active fun in store for visitors, including a 6.5-mile mountain bike trail. But if you’re after a beautiful display of nature at its best, come in the spring to see the ground blanketed in gorgeous bluebonnet wildflowers. There’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate the dazzling colors of nature.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Spicewood, Texas!

The post 35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2018/11/26/35-most-beautiful-places-to-travel-in-america-what-to-see-how-to-see-it/

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35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It)

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe for you, beauty is the bright lights of a cityscape at night or a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a roaring waterfall, or an historic neighborhood in a famous city. For many, it’s a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, or Hawaii’s Mauna Key volcano. Beauty can be found anywhere, in anything, so we’ve gathered this list of some of America’s most beautiful places to travel.

But we aren’t stopping there. It’s one thing to tell you about America’s most beautiful places, and another to help you plan the perfect itinerary to see them. In our list below, you’ll gain 35 adventures to add to your bucket list and specific ways to experience them, from guided hiking tours, helicopter rides, and sailing expeditions, to recommended hotels and alternative lodging options in each spot.

The best part? When you’re visiting these places, you can book an affordable, comfortable accommodation on FlipKey! We offer hundreds of thousands of great rental properties—from cozy mountainside cabins to breezy beach homes to downtown apartments and lofts.

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and attractions to visit in the USA.

Island of Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s Beaches

There’s a reason big-budget films like Tropic Thunder and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature this lush location as a backdrop. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, from the spectacular Mt. Waialeale crater, which gets more rainfall than anywhere else on earth, to the stunning Mana Waiapuna falls featured in Jurassic Park, the towering spires of the Nā Pali Coast, and the resorts of Princeville. A great way to see it all is via this helicopter tour taking you over the island of Kauai, as well as the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s gorgeous beaches. Pro tip: Make time to check out the snorkeling, rafting, and kayaking experiences around the Nā Pali Coast and its famous sea caves, too.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Kauai!

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

It’s not hard to see why this six-hour excursion in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises. Glide past alpine and tidewater glaciers, spot abundant marine wildlife, and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Drifting past the jagged icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula, you might catch breath-taking glimpses of humpback, minke, and orca whales, among other creatures that flock to the plankton-rich waters. No matter your adventure style, there are plenty of tours available for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Kenai!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are so many ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Bus trip, helicopter tour from nearby Las Vegas, or travel the way visitors did in the early 20th century: by train! This iconic American destination is celebrated for its Colorado River views and awe-inspiring red rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Also worth exploring are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, both of which are about two hours away from the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near the Grand Canyon!

Colorado’s Blue Lakes

The Blue Lakes Hiking Trail near Telluride, situated above the tree line at about 12,400 feet, offers a gorgeous hike past alpine lakes and the peaks of Yankee Boy Basin. Hikers often tackle it as a day-long excursion, taking in the sight of colorful wildflowers and everything from marmots to mountain goats or sheep. If you’re staying in Denver and want to try something similar, you can take this private day tour of Mount Evans, which includes spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14er’, as well sightings of wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, and bison.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Colorado!

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

New York City is truly an incredible metropolis, worthy of many superlatives. While Central Park or the Statue of Liberty could certainly be considered beautiful, our pick here is the Brooklyn Bridge thanks to its stunning architecture (one reviewer claims it’s an “iconic engineering marvel“) and unique skyline views. Opened in 1883 and spanning nearly 6,000 feet, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges and a classic New York sight. Travelers rave about waking across the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or alternatively taking the view in at nighttime on a boat cruise—which also includes views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in New York!

Fall Foliage in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Anyone planning a getaway who loves history, New England, mountains, and dazzling fall colors, should put Bretton Woods in autumn on their travel wish list. It’s actually a point within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire. In fall, this place is simply spectacular. Hike up West Mountain for amazing views or ride The Cog, a cog railway carrying tourists up Mount Washington.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Bretton Woods!

Forsyth Park: Savannah, Georgia

The thirty-acre site of Forsyth Park, dating from the 1840s, is one of the most iconic spots in the city of Savannah. The park’s fountain is probably its most recognizable landmark, and the benches and Spanish moss-covered oaks that surround it have helped make it a romantic focal point for photography. Outside the park, TripAdvisor reviewers particularly love Savannah’s historic churches and cathedrals, this museum dedicated to the history of Prohibition, and sites like Bonaventure Cemetery, nestled on the bluff of the Wilmington River and famous for its old tree-lined roadways and historic architecture.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Savannah!

Maui’s Honokohau Falls and the Sea Cliffs of Molokai from the air

Taking a flight across Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes will really make you sit up and appreciate the world around you. On this helicopter tour over Molokai and Maui you’ll see a panorama of cliffs, jungle, ocean, and volcanoes, perhaps interrupted by a majestic whale or two. Take in those massive sea cliffs and that serene North Shore bathed in sunlight—you simply won’t want to leave.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Maui!

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Amateur shutterbugs flock to Driftwood Beach, a distinctive spot on the north end of Georgia’s Jekyll Island that looks, quite simply, like a graveyard for trees. Trust us, it’s a lot more beautiful than it sounds. It often shows up on lists rounding up the most romantic beaches in the country, due to its landscape of sun-scarred driftwood that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Catch it early in the morning or at sunset for a view that will take your breath away.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on Jekyll Island!

Views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The views at Lookout Mountain are nothing less than breathtaking, looking over the city of Chattanooga, as well as parts of neighboring states. There’s a powerful sense of history here, as several TripAdvisor reviewers note, as you stand on ground where Civil War soldiers fought and died. Also seek out Ruby Falls (which includes a cave and waterfall underneath the mountain), the rock formations and gardens in Rock City, and Point Park, memorializing the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds. Visit in the fall for the added bonus of colorful foliage!

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Chattanooga!

Views from the Stratosphere Observation Tower in Las Vegas

When people talk about the Stratosphere in Vegas, they could be referring to the hotel or the casino, but there’s a better chance that they really mean the roughly 1,150-foot-tall freestanding observation tower. This distinctive Sin City landmark includes two observation decks, the revolving Top of the World restaurant, and several bookable rides and attractions, such as this open-air leap from the tower via the SkyJump experience. This unlimited ride pass also lets you experience the thrills of rides like the Big Shot.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Las Vegas!

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur, California

As the Beach Boys crooned, Big Sur is a place of crimson sunsets and golden dawns. Pfeiffer Beach is an especially picturesque stretch where the waves roar as they hit the white sand of the beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer was particularly taken with the sight of the rocks perforated with holes, allowing water to splash through making for some spectacular camera shots. McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge get tons of deserved Big Sur hype, but Pfeiffer Beach is more of a hidden gem—check out its purple sand and amazing rock formations.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Big Sur!

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Missouri

This St. Louis cathedral, the mother church of the St. Louis archdiocese, is home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western hemisphere. This beautiful structure turned 100 years old in 2014 and is perhaps best known for its interior mosaics, which took almost 80 years to complete, using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The interiors are stunning, for sure, but its incredible exterior architecture also gives it a nod on our list of beautiful sights in America.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in St. Louis!

Views from the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago

If it’s a dizzying height with an epic Chicago view you want, head straight to the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, housed in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A quintessentially Chicagoan and perfectly Instagrammable moment can be captured 103 floors up the Willis Tower, where you step out onto the glass balconies of the ledge, extending more than four feet outside the building. Enjoy those 360-degree views then turn your gaze down to your feet to see the slightly stomach-churning sight of everything 1,353 feet below you. Skydeck admission is listed at $22, and you can also enjoy dinner on the 103rd floor.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Illinois!

The Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

It doesn’t get much more storybook perfect than this: a two-hour excursion into Casco Bay aboard a vintage lobster boat, offering sublime views of the Maine coastline dotted with lighthouses. Each charter includes a captain and deckhand to guide you, regale you with local color, and tend to your needs, but it’s the lighthouses that are the stars of this show. You’ll see four in total, including the Ram Island Light, the Spring Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and the iconic Portland Head Light, which was commissioned in 1791 by none other than George Washington himself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Portland, Maine!

Mauna Key Summit, Hawaii’s Big Island—from the air

Once-in-a-lifetime moments don’t get much more epic than watching the sun rise from the top of a volcano. In this case, it’s the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is what this sunrise excursion is built around. Watching the purple, blue, orange, and red rays of the sun peek out over the horizon is the culmination of this six-hour trip to the volcano’s peak. For a perfect bookend to this experience, take this small-group sunset and stargazing tour of Mauna Kea, during which you’ll use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on the Big Island!

Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

William F. Buckley once quipped he’d be happy to entrust the entirety of the United States government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone book. It was a rumination on the one-of-a-kind nature of the people here in Beantown, a truly iconic American city. Here, history and modernity coexist beautifully, and you feel it everywhere you go. In neighborhoods from Southie to Beacon Hill, with its cobblestone streets; in the foodie paradise of the North End; from the tree-lined streets of Back Bay to the pubs, taverns, and institutions such as Boston and Harvard universities; in beautiful public spaces like Boston Common and historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Boston!

Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Saint Augustine!

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Sedona!

Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

An awe-inspiring collection of artwork can be found in the German-made stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Gothic-inspired structure with distinctive twin spires and a pipe organ. This must-see landmark gathers high praise from TripAdvisor reviewers for the beauty of the church and the sense of serenity within. Elsewhere in the city, there’s a museum of art, Reader’s Alley (a restored miners’ village complete with restaurant and shops), and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Helena!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, while not home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, is still arguably Yellowstone’s best area to explore, particularly for photographers. One reviewer states: “This is a must-see location within the park. The area is simply beautiful and very unique. The colors are truly magnificent.”  Due to those stunning colors, the Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most photographed walks in Yellowstone. It includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Excelsior Geyser, plus the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool. This tour of Yellowstone lower loop is a good way to experience all these sites and more—led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to see several impressive geysers, along with the natural beauty of canyons, cascades and more.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yellowstone!

Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

One guaranteed way to feel the awesome power of nature is to visit the inimitable Niagara Falls. There are three magnificent falls here, two American and one Canadian. On this tour of the American side of the falls you’ll get aerial views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower, get up close to Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and also reach the closest accessible point of the falls at Cave of the Winds.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Niagara Falls!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive offering world-famous, breath-taking views. The road links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you can explore the scenery here a number of different ways. There’s this photo tour and hike led by a local guide along the parkway, or you could try an alternative guided hike that also passes by three lovely waterfalls.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in the North Carolina Mountains!

Wild Horses Grazing On the Beaches of Corolla, North Carolina

Now here’s a sight that’s unique to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Ancestors of the wild Spanish Mustangs who wander free here were brought over in the 1500s on Spanish vessels. The horses you see today make up the last remaining wild herd. This two-hour tour of the Outer Banks transports you through the sand dunes in open-air four-wheel drive vehicles to see the wild horses in all their splendor. You’ll also visit a maritime forest and a historic Coast Guard station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Corolla!

Multnomah Falls: Bridal Veil, Oregon

There’s an old Native American story that says Multnomah Falls was created for a young princess who wanted a secret place to bathe. This is certainly a place of beauty, with a roaring cascade of over 600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. If you’re feeling particularly gutsy, walk up the trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the falls and gives you an unobstructed view up to the top—and a stomach-churning view down the roughly 70-foot drop. Tours like this show you around Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge as part of a half-day excursion from Portland.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Bridal Veil!

The Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

New England oozes an irresistible storybook charm, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Newport, Rhode Island, with its yacht-lined harbor and Gilded Age mansions. You can take a guided trolley tour or simply admire these castles of wealth from the water on a harbor sightseeing cruise. Most tours include a stop at The Breakers, a mansion that housed the Vanderbilts and is among the most impressive of the city’s historic abodes. Alternatively, walk along the famous Cliff Walk and see the mansions from a unique, picturesque perspective.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Newport!

Charleston’s Historic District: South Carolina

Charleston’s history dates back more than three centuries, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating past of this handsome port city. Wander among its antebellum mansions, old churches, and graceful homes, and try a tour of the historic district by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a delightfully old-school experience—you’ll be pulled along by the same kind of horse that worked American farms in the 1800s, while learning about the founding of the city.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Charleston!

Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce and More

The Beehive State is home to so many beautiful parks and other stunning natural wonders that it can be a little tricky to narrow down your itinerary. One way to check off several points on your list in one go is this epic seven-day tour of some of the top protected wilderness areas in the country. Along the way, you’ll see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, as part of a thrilling week of hiking and exploring the rock pillars, rivers, and cliffs this area has to offer.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Utah!

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited beaches along the coastline of Olympic National Park in Washington, and is well-known for its reddish sand and little islands of rock, known as ‘sea stacks’. The rugged shoreline, peppered with rocks and driftwood, makes for a memorable afternoon of beachcombing accompanied by gorgeous views.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Olympic National Park!

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

One of the most visited attractions in Washington state is Snoqualmie Falls, attracting more than 1.5 million people a year. The site includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and, of course, the beautiful 270-foot waterfall. A few tours in the area include visits to the falls, such as this falls and wineries tour and this excursion that also includes Seattle city center.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Snoqualmie!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

One of the most iconic, easily recognizable landmarks in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge, stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building. It’s an imposing monument and a marvel of engineering skill, as well as a gateway into San Francisco, but you don’t have to just admire it from afar. You could try this cruise departing from Fisherman’s Wharf and gliding close to the bridge, or a guided bike tour from San Fran to Sausalito, taking you right across the bridge itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Kiva Beach: South Lake Tahoe, California

Kiva Beach is a little bit of a hidden gem, and it’s totally worth the trip. Here you’ll get great views of the mountains around it, including Mount Tallac, and it’s also one of the few truly pet-friendly beaches in the area, making it a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand with a furry four-legged companion.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in South Lake Tahoe!

Views From the Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California

This public observatory is set on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, housing a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, and a bookstore. Walk around the back to get sweeping, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles skyline—especially breathtaking at night, when you can see the bright lights of the city sparkling in the distance. There’s a bust of actor James Dean on one side that’s positioned so you can capture it and the famous Hollywood sign in the same shot. The observatory is packaged in multiple tours that take in a variety of Los Angeles landmarks.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Yosemite National Park, California

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for the natural beauty of its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the granite cliffs made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Especially worth a visit are the 317-foot Vernal Fall, beautiful Mirror Lake, and Yosemite Falls, the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. The shops and restaurants of Yosemite Village are also popular.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yosemite!

Bluebonnet Blooms: Spicewood, Texas (Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area)

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has plenty of active fun in store for visitors, including a 6.5-mile mountain bike trail. But if you’re after a beautiful display of nature at its best, come in the spring to see the ground blanketed in gorgeous bluebonnet wildflowers. There’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate the dazzling colors of nature.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Spicewood, Texas!

This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.

The post 35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/08/21/35-most-beautiful-places-to-travel-in-america-what-to-see-how-to-see-it/

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35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It)

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe for you, beauty is the bright lights of a cityscape at night or a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a roaring waterfall, or an historic neighborhood in a famous city. For many, it’s a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone’s Old Faithful geyser, or Hawaii’s Mauna Key volcano. Beauty can be found anywhere, in anything, so we’ve gathered this list of some of America’s most beautiful places to travel.

But we aren’t stopping there. It’s one thing to tell you about America’s most beautiful places, and another to help you plan the perfect itinerary to see them. In our list below, you’ll gain 35 adventures to add to your bucket list and specific ways to experience them, from guided hiking tours, helicopter rides, and sailing expeditions, to recommended hotels and alternative lodging options in each spot.

The best part? When you’re visiting these places, you can book an affordable, comfortable accommodation on FlipKey! We offer hundreds of thousands of great rental properties—from cozy mountainside cabins to breezy beach homes to downtown apartments and lofts.

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and attractions to visit in the USA.

Island of Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s Beaches

There’s a reason big-budget films like Tropic Thunder and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature this lush location as a backdrop. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, from the spectacular Mt. Waialeale crater, which gets more rainfall than anywhere else on earth, to the stunning Mana Waiapuna falls featured in Jurassic Park, the towering spires of the Nā Pali Coast, and the resorts of Princeville. A great way to see it all is via this helicopter tour taking you over the island of Kauai, as well as the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s gorgeous beaches. Pro tip: Make time to check out the snorkeling, rafting, and kayaking experiences around the Nā Pali Coast and its famous sea caves, too.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Kauai!

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

It’s not hard to see why this six-hour excursion in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises. Glide past alpine and tidewater glaciers, spot abundant marine wildlife, and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Drifting past the jagged icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula, you might catch breath-taking glimpses of humpback, minke, and orca whales, among other creatures that flock to the plankton-rich waters. No matter your adventure style, there are plenty of tours available for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Kenai!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are so many ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Bus trip, helicopter tour from nearby Las Vegas, or travel the way visitors did in the early 20th century: by train! This iconic American destination is celebrated for its Colorado River views and awe-inspiring red rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Also worth exploring are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, both of which are about two hours away from the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near the Grand Canyon!

Colorado’s Blue Lakes

The Blue Lakes Hiking Trail near Telluride, situated above the tree line at about 12,400 feet, offers a gorgeous hike past alpine lakes and the peaks of Yankee Boy Basin. Hikers often tackle it as a day-long excursion, taking in the sight of colorful wildflowers and everything from marmots to mountain goats or sheep. If you’re staying in Denver and want to try something similar, you can take this private day tour of Mount Evans, which includes spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14er’, as well sightings of wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, and bison.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Colorado!

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

New York City is truly an incredible metropolis, worthy of many superlatives. While Central Park or the Statue of Liberty could certainly be considered beautiful, our pick here is the Brooklyn Bridge thanks to its stunning architecture (one reviewer claims it’s an “iconic engineering marvel“) and unique skyline views. Opened in 1883 and spanning nearly 6,000 feet, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges and a classic New York sight. Travelers rave about waking across the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or alternatively taking the view in at nighttime on a boat cruise—which also includes views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in New York!

Fall Foliage in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Anyone planning a getaway who loves history, New England, mountains, and dazzling fall colors, should put Bretton Woods in autumn on their travel wish list. It’s actually a point within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire. In fall, this place is simply spectacular. Hike up West Mountain for amazing views or ride The Cog, a cog railway carrying tourists up Mount Washington.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Bretton Woods!

Forsyth Park: Savannah, Georgia

The thirty-acre site of Forsyth Park, dating from the 1840s, is one of the most iconic spots in the city of Savannah. The park’s fountain is probably its most recognizable landmark, and the benches and Spanish moss-covered oaks that surround it have helped make it a romantic focal point for photography. Outside the park, TripAdvisor reviewers particularly love Savannah’s historic churches and cathedrals, this museum dedicated to the history of Prohibition, and sites like Bonaventure Cemetery, nestled on the bluff of the Wilmington River and famous for its old tree-lined roadways and historic architecture.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Savannah!

Maui’s Honokohau Falls and the Sea Cliffs of Molokai from the air

Taking a flight across Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes will really make you sit up and appreciate the world around you. On this helicopter tour over Molokai and Maui you’ll see a panorama of cliffs, jungle, ocean, and volcanoes, perhaps interrupted by a majestic whale or two. Take in those massive sea cliffs and that serene North Shore bathed in sunlight—you simply won’t want to leave.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Maui!

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Amateur shutterbugs flock to Driftwood Beach, a distinctive spot on the north end of Georgia’s Jekyll Island that looks, quite simply, like a graveyard for trees. Trust us, it’s a lot more beautiful than it sounds. It often shows up on lists rounding up the most romantic beaches in the country, due to its landscape of sun-scarred driftwood that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Catch it early in the morning or at sunset for a view that will take your breath away.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on Jekyll Island!

Views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The views at Lookout Mountain are nothing less than breathtaking, looking over the city of Chattanooga, as well as parts of neighboring states. There’s a powerful sense of history here, as several TripAdvisor reviewers note, as you stand on ground where Civil War soldiers fought and died. Also seek out Ruby Falls (which includes a cave and waterfall underneath the mountain), the rock formations and gardens in Rock City, and Point Park, memorializing the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds. Visit in the fall for the added bonus of colorful foliage!

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Chattanooga!

Views from the Stratosphere Observation Tower in Las Vegas

When people talk about the Stratosphere in Vegas, they could be referring to the hotel or the casino, but there’s a better chance that they really mean the roughly 1,150-foot-tall freestanding observation tower. This distinctive Sin City landmark includes two observation decks, the revolving Top of the World restaurant, and several bookable rides and attractions, such as this open-air leap from the tower via the SkyJump experience. This unlimited ride pass also lets you experience the thrills of rides like the Big Shot.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Las Vegas!

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur, California

As the Beach Boys crooned, Big Sur is a place of crimson sunsets and golden dawns. Pfeiffer Beach is an especially picturesque stretch where the waves roar as they hit the white sand of the beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer was particularly taken with the sight of the rocks perforated with holes, allowing water to splash through making for some spectacular camera shots. McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge get tons of deserved Big Sur hype, but Pfeiffer Beach is more of a hidden gem—check out its purple sand and amazing rock formations.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Big Sur!

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Missouri

This St. Louis cathedral, the mother church of the St. Louis archdiocese, is home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western hemisphere. This beautiful structure turned 100 years old in 2014 and is perhaps best known for its interior mosaics, which took almost 80 years to complete, using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The interiors are stunning, for sure, but its incredible exterior architecture also gives it a nod on our list of beautiful sights in America.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in St. Louis!

Views from the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago

If it’s a dizzying height with an epic Chicago view you want, head straight to the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago, housed in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A quintessentially Chicagoan and perfectly Instagrammable moment can be captured 103 floors up the Willis Tower, where you step out onto the glass balconies of the ledge, extending more than four feet outside the building. Enjoy those 360-degree views then turn your gaze down to your feet to see the slightly stomach-churning sight of everything 1,353 feet below you. Skydeck admission is listed at $22, and you can also enjoy dinner on the 103rd floor.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Illinois!

The Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

It doesn’t get much more storybook perfect than this: a two-hour excursion into Casco Bay aboard a vintage lobster boat, offering sublime views of the Maine coastline dotted with lighthouses. Each charter includes a captain and deckhand to guide you, regale you with local color, and tend to your needs, but it’s the lighthouses that are the stars of this show. You’ll see four in total, including the Ram Island Light, the Spring Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and the iconic Portland Head Light, which was commissioned in 1791 by none other than George Washington himself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Portland, Maine!

Mauna Key Summit, Hawaii’s Big Island—from the air

Once-in-a-lifetime moments don’t get much more epic than watching the sun rise from the top of a volcano. In this case, it’s the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is what this sunrise excursion is built around. Watching the purple, blue, orange, and red rays of the sun peek out over the horizon is the culmination of this six-hour trip to the volcano’s peak. For a perfect bookend to this experience, take this small-group sunset and stargazing tour of Mauna Kea, during which you’ll use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals on the Big Island!

Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

William F. Buckley once quipped he’d be happy to entrust the entirety of the United States government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone book. It was a rumination on the one-of-a-kind nature of the people here in Beantown, a truly iconic American city. Here, history and modernity coexist beautifully, and you feel it everywhere you go. In neighborhoods from Southie to Beacon Hill, with its cobblestone streets; in the foodie paradise of the North End; from the tree-lined streets of Back Bay to the pubs, taverns, and institutions such as Boston and Harvard universities; in beautiful public spaces like Boston Common and historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Boston!

Saint Augustine, Florida

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Saint Augustine!

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Sedona!

Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

An awe-inspiring collection of artwork can be found in the German-made stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Helena, a Gothic-inspired structure with distinctive twin spires and a pipe organ. This must-see landmark gathers high praise from TripAdvisor reviewers for the beauty of the church and the sense of serenity within. Elsewhere in the city, there’s a museum of art, Reader’s Alley (a restored miners’ village complete with restaurant and shops), and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Helena!

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, while not home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, is still arguably Yellowstone’s best area to explore, particularly for photographers. One reviewer states: “This is a must-see location within the park. The area is simply beautiful and very unique. The colors are truly magnificent.”  Due to those stunning colors, the Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most photographed walks in Yellowstone. It includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Excelsior Geyser, plus the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool. This tour of Yellowstone lower loop is a good way to experience all these sites and more—led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to see several impressive geysers, along with the natural beauty of canyons, cascades and more.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yellowstone!

Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

One guaranteed way to feel the awesome power of nature is to visit the inimitable Niagara Falls. There are three magnificent falls here, two American and one Canadian. On this tour of the American side of the falls you’ll get aerial views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower, get up close to Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and also reach the closest accessible point of the falls at Cave of the Winds.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Niagara Falls!

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Mountains

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive offering world-famous, breath-taking views. The road links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you can explore the scenery here a number of different ways. There’s this photo tour and hike led by a local guide along the parkway, or you could try an alternative guided hike that also passes by three lovely waterfalls.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in the North Carolina Mountains!

Wild Horses Grazing On the Beaches of Corolla, North Carolina

Now here’s a sight that’s unique to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Ancestors of the wild Spanish Mustangs who wander free here were brought over in the 1500s on Spanish vessels. The horses you see today make up the last remaining wild herd. This two-hour tour of the Outer Banks transports you through the sand dunes in open-air four-wheel drive vehicles to see the wild horses in all their splendor. You’ll also visit a maritime forest and a historic Coast Guard station.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Corolla!

Multnomah Falls: Bridal Veil, Oregon

There’s an old Native American story that says Multnomah Falls was created for a young princess who wanted a secret place to bathe. This is certainly a place of beauty, with a roaring cascade of over 600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. If you’re feeling particularly gutsy, walk up the trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the falls and gives you an unobstructed view up to the top—and a stomach-churning view down the roughly 70-foot drop. Tours like this show you around Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge as part of a half-day excursion from Portland.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Bridal Veil!

The Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

New England oozes an irresistible storybook charm, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Newport, Rhode Island, with its yacht-lined harbor and Gilded Age mansions. You can take a guided trolley tour or simply admire these castles of wealth from the water on a harbor sightseeing cruise. Most tours include a stop at The Breakers, a mansion that housed the Vanderbilts and is among the most impressive of the city’s historic abodes. Alternatively, walk along the famous Cliff Walk and see the mansions from a unique, picturesque perspective.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Newport!

Charleston’s Historic District: South Carolina

Charleston’s history dates back more than three centuries, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating past of this handsome port city. Wander among its antebellum mansions, old churches, and graceful homes, and try a tour of the historic district by horse-drawn carriage. It’s a delightfully old-school experience—you’ll be pulled along by the same kind of horse that worked American farms in the 1800s, while learning about the founding of the city.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Charleston!

Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce and More

The Beehive State is home to so many beautiful parks and other stunning natural wonders that it can be a little tricky to narrow down your itinerary. One way to check off several points on your list in one go is this epic seven-day tour of some of the top protected wilderness areas in the country. Along the way, you’ll see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, as part of a thrilling week of hiking and exploring the rock pillars, rivers, and cliffs this area has to offer.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in Utah!

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited beaches along the coastline of Olympic National Park in Washington, and is well-known for its reddish sand and little islands of rock, known as ‘sea stacks’. The rugged shoreline, peppered with rocks and driftwood, makes for a memorable afternoon of beachcombing accompanied by gorgeous views.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Olympic National Park!

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

One of the most visited attractions in Washington state is Snoqualmie Falls, attracting more than 1.5 million people a year. The site includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and, of course, the beautiful 270-foot waterfall. A few tours in the area include visits to the falls, such as this falls and wineries tour and this excursion that also includes Seattle city center.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Snoqualmie!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

One of the most iconic, easily recognizable landmarks in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge, stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building. It’s an imposing monument and a marvel of engineering skill, as well as a gateway into San Francisco, but you don’t have to just admire it from afar. You could try this cruise departing from Fisherman’s Wharf and gliding close to the bridge, or a guided bike tour from San Fran to Sausalito, taking you right across the bridge itself.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Kiva Beach: South Lake Tahoe, California

Kiva Beach is a little bit of a hidden gem, and it’s totally worth the trip. Here you’ll get great views of the mountains around it, including Mount Tallac, and it’s also one of the few truly pet-friendly beaches in the area, making it a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand with a furry four-legged companion.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in South Lake Tahoe!

Views From the Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California

This public observatory is set on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, housing a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, and a bookstore. Walk around the back to get sweeping, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles skyline—especially breathtaking at night, when you can see the bright lights of the city sparkling in the distance. There’s a bust of actor James Dean on one side that’s positioned so you can capture it and the famous Hollywood sign in the same shot. The observatory is packaged in multiple tours that take in a variety of Los Angeles landmarks.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals in California!

Yosemite National Park, California

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for the natural beauty of its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the granite cliffs made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Especially worth a visit are the 317-foot Vernal Fall, beautiful Mirror Lake, and Yosemite Falls, the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. The shops and restaurants of Yosemite Village are also popular.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Yosemite!

Bluebonnet Blooms: Spicewood, Texas (Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area)

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has plenty of active fun in store for visitors, including a 6.5-mile mountain bike trail. But if you’re after a beautiful display of nature at its best, come in the spring to see the ground blanketed in gorgeous bluebonnet wildflowers. There’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate the dazzling colors of nature.

Where To Stay: Browse all FlipKey rentals near Spicewood, Texas!

This post was originally published on the TripAdvisor blog. FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company.

The post 35 Most Beautiful Places To Travel In America (What To See & How To See It) appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2019/08/21/35-most-beautiful-places-to-travel-in-america-what-to-see-how-to-see-it/