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The best resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica a great place for adventure that, in the past, we might have considered choosing to stay in a resort somewhat of a cop-out. But that would be like firing a bullet in our foot because having comfort and security is exactly what taking a vacation is all about. The Costa Rica resorts below are all outstanding, offering guests the highest level of customer service with all the opulent amenities of a Central American luxury stay. Whether you are considering staying in the mystical cloud forests in the highlands or want to trek south to the remote jungle of the Osa Peninsula, you can choose from a large variety of unique accommodation options. These are our favorite resorts in Costa Rica for the ultimate vacation experience.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

The best Costa Rican luxury resortsThe best beach resorts in Costa RicaThe best eco lodges in Costa Rica

The best Costa Rican luxury resorts

There’s an abundance of luxury Costa Rica resorts. From hotels that cater to wildlife enthusiasts and those who prefer to enjoy opulence with a view of the ocean. These, for many of us, will be a once-in-a-lifetime stay, but my god, it would be worth every dollar.

1. The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal — Arenal

Photo: The Springs Resort and Spa/Facebook

The Arenal Volcano is the biggest draw in Costa Rica’s lowland region. Arenal is the most active of the country’s six volcanoes, but it’s been a while since a major eruption, the last having been in 1968. It is located in Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses 29,692 acres and treats visitors to one of the world’s most precious ecosystems.

One of the better places to stay when exploring Arenal is The Springs Resort and Spa. The resort was built on 165 acres of private land and is a short 20-minute drive from the town of La Fortuna. The hotel has one of the best views of the volcano and towers over the Arenal Valley below. A range of activities abounds, including horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing, and access to 28 hot pools and springs. If you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, the spa uses the surrounding nature, drawing on ingredients from the forest for its five-star treatments. The accommodations are also spectacular and all rooms, suites, and villas at the resort come with a balcony, hammocks, beautiful rocking chairs, and a jacuzzi.

2. La Paloma Lodge — Osa Peninsula

Photo: La Paloma Lodge/Facebook

Located on the southern part of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote places in the country. People make the journey here mainly for the reward of incredible surf conditions, but it’s also home to Parque Nacional Corcovado — arguably one of the country’s better national parks in a country jam-packed with them. It’s home to a diverse range of unique wildlife.

La Paloma Lodge is an ideal place to stay if you are interested in exploring the peninsula. The lodge has a team of naturalist guides and promises guests an immersive experience in the surrounding rainforest. The resort sits on Drake Bay, a stretch of coastline where Sir Francis Drake reportedly hid his treasure in the 1500s. This is about as close to a hidden jungle retreat as you can get, with rooms that either open up to views over the ocean or into lush vegetation. Beyond tours of the national park, the resort also runs educational diving and boat trips around the local biological marine reserve, horseback riding along Drake Bay, a canopy expedition, and many other outdoor adventure activities.

3. Florblanca — Santa Teresa

Photo: Florblanca Resort/Facebook

Santa Teresa is a small town on the Nicoya Peninsula around 90 miles from the capital of San Jose. It was once a small fishing hub but now attracts surfers and creatives from all over the world. The main track road of Santa Teresa runs behind the beach and is peppered with nice local boutiques, restaurants, and hipster cafés.

Florblanca’s 11 villas are buried in the jungle that looks over the beach less than a mile from the town. Winding paths connect the rustic but luxurious villas, each with its own two-person hammock and private lounge area. The service here is impeccable — staff learn guests’ names before arrival — and the range of activities on offer is outstanding. If you enjoy outdoor adventure sports, this is a great place to make camp when in Costa Rica.

With a core focus on health and wellness, Florblanca offers classes in surfing, SUPing, fishing, pilates, and yoga. You can go ziplining, take local excursions around the peninsula, or just kick back with a coconut at the highly rated restaurant, Nectar.

4. Kinkara — San Isidro

Photo: Kinkara

Built into lush forest surroundings, Kinkara sits on the Talamanca mountain range. Located a short 20-minutes drive from San Isidro, the largest town in southern Costa Rica, the eco-friendly retreat lies 3,000 feet above sea level and has a view of the country’s tallest mountain, Mount Chirripó.

Kinkara is highly rated as being one of the best health and wellness resorts in the country, and past guests rave about the farm-to-table dishes that are produced by award-winning chefs at the onsite restaurant. In fact, the retreat aims to become the most biodiverse source of food grown in one location in the world.

Unlike other options in the country, Kinkara is unique in that its accommodation is glamping. The luxurious tents stand in a circle with inward views that look out over more than 100 beds of vegetables and herbs. Tours of the farm projects are available to all guests, as are other activities such as river hikes, mountain biking tours, yoga and meditation, and world-class treatments at the spa.

5. Nayara Springs — Alajuela Province, San Carlos

Photo: Nayara Springs/Facebook

Nayara Springs is another resort in the previously mentioned Arenal Volcano area. The Nayara Springs resort is the adults-only section of the well known Nayara Hotel to which it’s connected by a footbridge. Each of the 35 villas is elegant but homey, offering guests privacy with their own private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Breakfast is also served on the villa’s deck, away from other guests. One of the resort’s highlights is its fine-dining restaurant, Amor Loco, which serves up local red snapper and beef tenderloin. The area around the resort and nearby town of La Fortuna is an outdoor playground, but you might not want to leave the confines of Nayara. The resort offers daily yoga sessions, massages in an outdoor pavilion, and an extensive spa menu drawing on local traditions and ingredients.

The best beach resorts in Costa Rica

If your mind is set on the beach, Costa Rica’s 800 miles of coastline is peppered with resorts. Some are based in the developed areas, which is great for convenience and amienties. Others are a little off the dirt road and offer a more secluded and peaceful vacation. The options we’ve selected here are based in Guanacaste, a province in northwestern Costa Rica which is known for its beaches and biodiverce parks.

6. Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas — Playa Danta, Guanacaste

Photo: Casa Chameleon at Las Catalinas/Facebook

Playa Danta is on the Guanacaste coast around 45 minutes north of the well-known, busy beach town of Tamarindo. Its location at the north end of Potrero Bay means the black-sand beach does not get big swells unlike most other spots on the coastline, making it a great place to SUP, snorkel, and kayak — all without the crowds.

Casa Chameleon has been built into the hillside above the man-made luxury small town of Las Catalinas. Opulence is what’s on offer here, from the infinity pool with unobstructed views of the ocean, a yoga studio with a 360 panoramic vista, and an exceptional restaurant and bar. Small details such as unique brass door handles from Indonesia to Moroccan-style lighting really set this resort apart from others in the region. The rooms each come with a private saltwater plunge pool, terrace, and a luxurious king-sized bed.

7. Secrets Papagayo — Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste

Photo: Secrets Papagayo/Facebook

Unlike Santa Teresa, which has managed to avoid serious modernization, the Papagayo Peninsula in Guanacaste is a shiny new gated development. Here you’ll find upscale resorts, golf clubs, and a marina.

One of the better resorts on the peninsula is Secrets Papagayo. Unlike most of the places listed here, this property is extensive. There are 202 rooms, and the resort offers all the modern amenities of a typical upscale resort. Secrets is adults-only and attracts a lot of honeymooners looking for a quiet and peaceful escape. There are four on-site, à la carte restaurants; a buffet venue; a grill; and a café, so guests don’t really have to leave the property during their stay if they don’t want to. When it comes to activities, there’s everything you could expect in terms of water sports, but you can really step it up with ATV mountain excursions around Papagayo.

The best eco lodges in Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not mess around when it come to eco-lodges. It might be a sweeping statement to say, Costa Rica has the best eco-lodges and eco-friendly wellness retreats in the world, but they are definitely leading the charge. Here are a few great options.

8. El Silencio Lodge and Spa — Toro Amarillo

Photo: El Silencio Lodge & Spa/Facebook

El Silencio sits in a remote valley in the cloud forest highlands near the Poas Volcano. The highlands are a short 90-minute drive from San Jose, making this a superb option if you have limited time in Costa Rica.

The grounds of the resort span over a 500-acre private reserve, and like many of the accommodations listed here, sustainability is at the core of the business. El Silencio makes a huge effort to reduce its environmental footprint in the forest and works hard to protect the local environment and culture. In other words, this is not a Cancun-esque vacation. Guests here are embedded in nature and encouraged to learn why the ecology of Costa Rica is not only special but also hugely important to the wellbeing of the entire planet. The suites are modern and stylish and come with private outdoor hot tubs, while the two- and three-bedroom villas have beautiful kitchens and lounge areas. The onsite restaurant, Las Ventanas, has a seasonal menu, and in keeping with the lodge’s commitment to supporting the region, it draws from local suppliers and farmers.

9. Lapa Rios Ecolodge — Osa Peninsula

Photo: Lapa Rios Lodge/Facebook

Another world-class lodge resort in the Osa Peninsula is Lapa Rios Ecolodge. The eco-conscious resort has been built into the rainforest and consists of 17 private bungalows. As the peninsula is a trek to reach, guests who make this journey commonly have an interest in learning about the unique ecosystem and wildlife — but this is no jungle camp. The upscale eco-lodge has an array of five-star villas to choose from. Each comes with its own private balcony, where guests can enjoy a view of the ocean with a soundtrack of bird song from the surrounding jungle.

10. Si Como No Resort, Spa, & Wildlife Refuge — Manuel Antonio National Park

Photo: Sí Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge/Facebook

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica. The park sits on the Central Pacific Coast near the town of Quepos. People flock here mainly because of the park’s beauty. Within its boundaries, you can hike to one of three pristine beaches through the thick rainforest, and this is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

The Si Como No Resort is not the most luxurious in the park, but it is one of the best in terms of value for money. The property is built into the hillside looking out over the Pacific. The resort has everything you could ever want from a relaxing and fun vacation. A movie theater, full-service spa, two restaurants, and two pools with swim-up bars keep guests fully entertained, and upgraded rooms have ocean views and private hot tubs. It is also an ideal option if you are traveling with family as Manuel Antonio is an easy transfer from the capital San Jose.

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You Can Join a ‘Game of Thrones’ Cruise That Sails To Filming Locations Ahead of ‘House of the Dragon’

If you’re like me, you plan to or already have binged all eight seasons of Game of Thrones. And as the three-year wait for the new prequel series House of the Dragon comes to an end this August, die-hard fans of Game of Thrones and author George R. R. Martin can look forward to watching the story’s beginnings come to life on-screen. For fans of the show who want a truly immersive experience, Sail Croatia offers a Game of Thrones-themed cruise where guests can visit the places depicted in the show.

While Game of Thrones was filmed predominantly in Northern Ireland, it also had many sets filmed in Croatia. On the Sail Croatia cruise, passengers will embark on a seven-day journey along the Dalmatian Coast to explore Croatia on a small luxury ship. The trip begins and ends in Split, the on-screen home to Diocletian’s Palace where the dragon dungeons are located. The trip also includes entry to the Game of Thrones Museum, which is home to authentic props, costumes, actual size figures and more.

Photo: Sail Croatia

On day one, guests will embark and arrive at the Makarska Riviera, known for its beautiful beaches, architecture, and mountain peaks. As the ship makes its way to King’s Landing, House of the Dragon will premiere, and guests can watch the show onboard.

Guests will also get to explore the city of Dubrovnik, home to several iconic scenes in Kings Landing, where there will be a walking excursion that leads you through the Red Keep, Blackwater Bay, and the Walk of Shame. Then a short ferry to Lokrum Island will showcase what was known as Qarth and return to Dubrovnik to take a seat on the Iron Throne.

Another included excursion is a wine tasting in Stalin Grad, inspired by fan-favorite character Tyrion Lannister. And on the last day, once guests return to Split, they can visit Klis Fortress, home to the filming location of the City of Meereen, where the iconic scene of Daenerys freeing enslaved people from their masters was filmed.

Photo: Sail Croatia

Pricing for the seven-day trip starts at $1,139 and begins on August 20. If you’re not done with your Game of Thrones adventure, a trip to Northern Ireland for the studio tour and other scenery featured in the show is the perfect place to start.

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A Local’s Guide To Making the Most of Summer in Finland, the Land of the Midnight Sun

The people of Finland are repeatedly listed as the happiest in the world. And while the arctic winter wonderland beauty and fairy tale aesthetic no doubt has something to do with that in the winter, spend some time in Finland in the summer and you’ll really see why it’s so easy to be content here.

No one knows this as well as the locals. We caught up with Sakari Manninen, who brought one of his home country’s favorite beverages, long drink, to the United States with his brand The Finnish Long Drink that he cofounded with a group of friends. Made with gin, soda, and natural flavors, it’s the embodiment of easy summertime sipping. The original long drink was created during the 1952 Summer Olympic Games in Helsinki as a way to serve good drinks fast to the masses. Today, long drink is Finland’s top-selling liquor category.

Photo: The Finnish Long Drink

With a background in Finland’s signature summer serve, it’s safe to say that Manninen knows how to make the most of the warmer months. Here’s his guide on embracing summer in the land of the midnight sun.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Matador Network: Can you describe what Finland is like during the summer and what types of things people typically do in the warmer months?

Sakari Manninen: Finland wakes up when the weather warms up. Days are longer with the sun not setting at all for a couple of months in the north. Finns like to hit the parks for picnics, go swimming or boating or do any other water activity, go golfing or walking outdoors or just have a nice backyard barbecue. Soccer (football for us Europeans) is a big sport here too.

What are the top three cities or regions of Finland that people should see on their first summer trip to the country?

Finland is known for its beautiful archipelago and lakes. There are 188,000 lakes and nearly 180,000 islands in Finland and it is often called the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” Needless to say that when visiting Finland in the summer, you should visit a cabin on a lake or at the sea. Every cabin would have a sauna next to the water, so you can try the authentic sauna-swim combination while enjoying an ice cold long drink.

The capital, Helsinki, has a great archipelago in front of it. Turku, a city less than two hours away from Helsinki on the southwest coast, is the oldest city in Finland and offers perhaps the best archipelago experience. If you are a lake person, check out the Tampere region, also about two hours away from Helsinki. You can reach both via train.

What are your favorite places to go swimming during the months with midnight sun?

When I’m not swimming in the sea or a lake, I like to go to the Helsinki Swimming Stadium near the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. It was opened in 1940 and used for the 1952 Summer Olympics. It’s a very popular spot on a nice summer day. However, if you want to swim during the night, you’d have to swim in the sea or a lake as the stadium closes for the night.

What are your favorite beaches in Finland to kick back with a long drink?

Photo: ArtBBNV/Shutterstock

You’ll find a bunch of public beaches in Helsinki. If we look a bit further, one of my favorites is on the west coast in Pori, and it’s called Yyteri Beach. Another one is called Hanko in southern Finland — it’s about an hour and a half drive away from Helsinki and it’s sometimes referred to as the Montauk of Finland. It’s a trendy spot with a lot of nice restaurants right next to the water. All of them naturally serve long drinks. Oh and yes, you are allowed to drink in a park and on a beach in Finland.

What about food during the summer? Are there any specialties or things that people shouldn’t miss?

New (small) potatoes with dill, pickled herring, gravlax, smoked salmon, and rye bread. Those are some of the most traditional Finnish summer foods — so delicious. You’ll find a lot of restaurants in the Finnish cities that serve those dishes during the summer.

What are your favorite summer things to do in Helsinki?

I like playing tennis at some of the outdoor courts in Helsinki. Also just biking or walking around the city on a nice summer day is great, there’s so many more people around. You can stop at any of the hundreds of restaurants/bars with a terrace for an ice cold long drink and some tasty snacks.

What are some of your favorite saunas to visit in Finland?

The one at my family’s cottage and the one at my grandfather’s old summer place. So many memories at both. After those, the sauna on Lonna Island right in front of Helsinki is an awesome public sauna with great views. You can get there by using a Nordic boat ride app called Bout, or take a ferry from the Market Square (Kauppatori).

Photo: Hivaka/Shutterstock

Do you have any favorite biking trails to do in the summer?

My favorite one is the biking route that goes from the center of Helsinki to Espoo and back. It’s about 12 miles long. It goes around the bay between Helsinki and Espoo, so the views are awesome throughout the route. (Here is a link to the map.)

What summer events should people mark on their calendars before planning a trip to Finland?

Midsummer is the biggest celebration of the summer in Finland and the whole Nordics. It’s a celebration for the summer solstice. What’s funny about it is that Helsinki loses probably more than half of its population for that long weekend at the end of June, as everyone heads to their summer places. Many restaurants will also be closed during Midsummer, so unless you have access to a summer place, I’d avoid visiting Helsinki during that time.

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The ultimate guide to Irish accents

The people of Ireland get annoyed with the fake Hollywood Irish accent and there’s a good reason for that: There are many different Irish accents, not just one.

Irish accents vary by counties, of course. People from Derry speak very differently from those in Roscommon, and people from Limerick don’t sound the same as the ones from Mayo. But even within these areas, there is an assortment of accents. In Ireland, you truly only need to drive 10 miles in any directions, and you’ll hear a different pronunciation of the English language.

Northern Irish accentDublin accentCork accentDonegal accentMayo accentLimerick accentWhat is the most common Irish accent?Northern Irish accent

In the same way that there is not one single Irish accent, there is not one and only Northern Irish accent.

Northern Ireland, which is administratively part of the United Kingdom, consists of six counties: Derry, Antrim, Down, Tyrone, Armagh and Fermanagh, each of which contains a multitude of accents. But if we consider the north of Ireland through a less political and more geographical lens, it should include the entire province of Ulster, which comprises three more counties: Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. That means there are even more Northern Irish accents to contend with!

One can argue that the whole of Northern Ireland/Ulster shares some common features when it comes to pronunciation. The video below explains those features:

The Belfast accent is likely the most recognized Northern Irish accent. It is the accent of famous actor Jamie Dornan. Listen to him in the video below to hear his accent and learn a few Northern Irish slang words along the way.

Dublin accent

Photo: Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

Typically, the Dublin accent is split in two: the North Dublin accent and the South Dublin accent. The Liffey, the river that runs through the capital of the Irish Republic, is what divides the two areas.

But, geography aside, the distinction between the two accents is based on class. The North Dublin accent is described as working-class while the South Dublin accent is thought of as posh. And don’t get Dubliners started on the Dublin 4 accent (an area of South Dublin) — it is mostly loathed and ridiculed for being extra snobbish.

The main sound differences between North and South Dubliners are:

People from North Dublin tend to pronounce “th” like “d” and omit the consonant “t” when it’s located at the end of a word.South Dubliners elongate their vowels and the speech is a little slower.Cork accent

The inhabitants of Cork get their fair share of slagging from the rest of the country for their unique sing-songy pronunciation — the pitch of their voice goes up and down very liberally, sometimes even within the same word. But the melodic intonation isn’t the only specific characteristic of the Cork accent. Corkonians tend to blend all their letters together, especially consonants, and elongate their vowels.

If you want to pass for a Corkonian, there are two important linguistic aspects you need to master before the accent:

Pepper your sentences with “boy” for no reason other than you can.Pronounce Cork like “Cark”.

Watch the trailer for the movie The Young Offenders, a comedy set in Cork, and listen carefully to the two young men’s accent:

Donegal accent

County Donegal is part of the Province of Ulster in the north of Ireland, however, it is not part of the country of Northern Ireland. While it is geographically in the north, the Donegal accent is quite different from what you would hear in Derry or Belfast.

Often considered the most beautiful and the sexiest accent in the whole of Ireland, the Donegal accent can be a little difficult to understand for those who are unfamiliar with it.

Get a taste of the Donegal accent in this video by Irish YouTuber Jamie Jay Car:

Mayo accent

Photo: dvlcom – www.dvlcom.co.uk/Shutterstock

County Mayo is located in the west of Ireland and is home to several Irish Gaelic-speaking areas known as Gaeltachtaí.

One very distinctive features of the Mayo accent is the pronunciation of “s” as “sh”.

For a hilarious, yet a little exaggerated rendition of the Mayo accent, check out Alan Clarke’s TikTok below:

@alanclarkeofficial When you don’t think you have a Mayo accent ……. #mayoforsam ♬ original sound – Alan Clarke

Limerick accent

The Limerick accent, like the people of Limerick and the county in general, is often made fun of for being on the rough side. The Limerick accent is nasal and sharp.

The best way to get acquainted with the Limerick accent is to listen to the Rubberbandits, an Irish comedy hip-hop duo from Limerick City. Check out their accent in the video below:

What is the most common Irish accent?

Pronunciation and intonation changes every few miles in Ireland, so pinpointing the most common Irish accent is an impossible task. That said, if we take into account that the most populated part of the country is Dublin and that the most populated area in Dublin is the town of Swords in North Dublin, we could extrapolate and say that the North Dublin accent is the most common. Of course, that kind of reasoning does not take into account that people with different accents, whether from other parts of Ireland, or from other countries entirely, settle in Swords.

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10 Travel Accessories Under $10 You Won’t Regret Buying

When it comes to travel accessories, some of the best ones are quite expensive. In most cases, it makes sense — there’s quite a lot of tech jammed into my noise-canceling earbuds, and it can be hard to find one pair of shorts that can tackle every summer travel activity.

But sometimes, you luck out and find that the best travel accessories and the best cheap travel accessories overlap. Some simple products can be exceedingly useful on the road or in planes, as we discovered when building the list below.

Note that because some of these travel accessories are so inexpensive, they don’t qualify for free shipping unless you buy them with other items that total at least $25. Amazon calls them “add-on items.” So buy a few, or add them to your cart and order them along with a few other things you need.

Prices are accurate at time of publication, though they can change on a whim, so we recommend buying these travel accessories ASAP if you’re interested. If you have Amazon Prime, it should be easy to return them if you end up not loving it.

We hope you love the travel accessories we recommend below! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to buy anything. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

A passport and vaccine holder combo: $9.99

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If you thought passports couldn’t warp, think again. They can also get cut, burned, bent, have coffee spilled on them, and get stepped on. It’s a huge pain in the butt to replace your passport so it’s a no-brainer to spend sub-$10 on a travel accessory to protect it. This highly rated option comes in multiple colors and has a separate clear pocket for your COVID-19 vaccination card, which is extremely delicate and prone to damage.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Good quality product! “I was wondering what I would get for less than $10 but was surprised at the quality. The color I got (red wine) was absolutely beautiful and matched with the color shown. We were going on a cruise, so I needed my passport and vaccination card. This was perfect as it has a see-through window for the vaccination card and a slot inside to hold the passport. I had several people ask me where I purchased it. I plan on getting more for birthday gifts.”

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A set of soft, leak-proof travel containers: $9.49 for four

[image error][image error]If you’re anything like me, you have specific products that you like to use while traveling. I don’t want to rely on a hotel bar of soap to wash my face. However, too many travel containers leak, especially if they’re flat, soft containers, where the caps can pop off if the bottle gets squeezed wrong. Fortunately, these leakproof containers have a lot going for them aside from the fact that they’re one of the best travel accessories under $10. They’re soft so they can squish into almost any bag and can be squeezed tightly to eke out the last bit of product. They’re easy to clean with a blast of hot water and can even be cleaned in the dishwasher when you want to switch products.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Better than drugstore bottles by far! “I have really expensive skincare products that I use, so when I have to store the cleaners/moisturizers in travel bottles, I don’t want to “lose” product by not being able to squeeze all of it out (which is very common with hard, drugstore-brand travel bottles). These bottles allow me to get all of the product out quickly, and they have sturdy caps as well. Skip the drugstore, and just get these instead!”

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A stick-anywhere cell phone mount: $9.99

Photo: Flipstik

I travel a lot and it can be really hard to take photos when I’m alone. Fortunately, for under $10 you can get the Flipstik, a small panel that sticks to the back of your phone. Flip up the top, and it reveals a sticky surface. I’ve use it to stick my phone to walls, patio furniture, trees, and even the back of airplane seats so I can watch a movie on planes without straining my neck. My concern before I tested this out was that it would get dirty, and it does — but once you lightly rinse it off with water, it’s good to go again.

I’ve been using it for a few months and it hasn’t lost any of it’s stickiness. It also comes in multiple colors and patterns and doubles as stand in the horizontal position. It’s one of the best cheap travel accessories for people who like to take photos when they’re solo.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Deeply in love with my Flip Stick! “This must be the best invention since sliced bread, seriously!!! For mere 10 dollars you have a selfie stick (without the hand), a tripod and a phone holder all in one without having to carry any of it!!! It just sits on the back of your phone without taking literally any extra space (it’s basically flat). Now you don’t have to ask strangers to take a picture of you and your friends outside either! You just stick your phone to any flat surface and boom! And when I say you stick it, it REALLY sticks – the grip is super strong! One of the best investments ever made by me!”

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A small case for your laptop cube and cords: $9.99

[image error]I’ve seen a heck of a lot of tech cases on the market and most are huge panels with enough loops, pockets, and clips to carry enough tech for a dozen people. In my carry-on bag, I usually have my computer cord and my phone charger, and maybe some headphones. Using one of those big cases is overkill and takes up too much space, but not using one at all results in knots as my computer cord gets tangled around everything else in the bag.

That’s why I dig this small case, perfectly sized for a charging cube and a few cords. It doesn’t take up much space but keeps the rest of my bag organized and tangle-free. It’s genuinely one of the best travel accessories I have, especially considering the amazing price. And it comes in multiple colors if black is a little too boring for you.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Really impressed with storage capacity! “I used this case this past weekend while traveling. I was able to fit four charging cables with three wall adapters of varying sizes. It zipped easily and there was no bulging or strain on the zipper. I am very pleased with my purchase, and will consider purchasing additional items as a gift for others. Also, the rose gold color is a lovely non-glittery, somewhat metallic pink. Very nice and matches many other rose gold/millennium pink items I’ve purchased previously.”

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A sleep mask with a travel pouch: $9.98

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I’ve used more than a few free airplane eye masks and they’re pretty terrible. That’s why I’m happily surprised to see one of the best travel accessories out there priced under $10. This budget sleep mask has all the features of a far more expensive option, including internal indentations for your eyes (so it doesn’t push against your eyeballs), a nose panel to block out light, and an adjustable strap so it doesn’t dig into your scalp.

But in my opinion, the best feature is the included carrying case. Your eye mask is going to get dirty if you just shove it in your carry-on bag, and strapping a dirty mask to your noggin for a few hours while you sleep is a surefire way to wake up with oil and acne on your face. So a case is a must-have.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Believe the hype! “This is the holy grail of eye masks. It’s butter soft against the skin. It has an adjustable strap in the back yet it has no scratchy Velcro or hard snaps. It is thick and dark enough to block light yet not overly hot. It’s breathable and it also has an adjustable nose area that can be pinched down to seal out any remaining light. It’s so seemingly simple that I don’t understand how so many companies get it so wrong. This company did not. They got it perfect. Well done people.

Buy this. Don’t waste your time and money on anything else.”

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Incredibly clear spot acne patches: $9.99

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Between the aforementioned eye mask, face masks, and the inevitable sweat of running through airports to catch my flights, I find that acne during travel is hard to avoid, even as an adult. So I’ve tried lots of acne patches, and these are the best — both in terms of effectiveness and subtlety. It’s really, really hard to see these on your face when properly applied (and impossible to see under a mask, of course). Considering how ridiculously light and tiny a sheet is, there’s no reason not to carry them while traveling. And this particular set is far cheaper than buying them at the local pharmacy.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Best patches out there! “I’ve tried numerous patches for acne and nothing works like Dots for Spots. It’s super easy to just put it on overnight, take it off in the morning, and your acne is hardly there anymore if it’s there at all! I was actually shocked at how well these perform, as was my husband. I’ll definitely be a reoccurring buyer.”

Buy Now

A filler for the seat gap in your car: $9.99

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When I’m not traveling, I tend to drive a lot. While I don’t commute for work, I do spend a lot of time driving for hobbies, moving between my climbing gym, favorite mountain bike trails, trailheads, and more. Because I carry a lot of gear for various activities (and always like to have snacks on hand) my car gets a bit messy, which is why I love these car inserts. They block the space between your console and your front seats and prevent dirt and crumbs from piling up in your car. It also has an extra cup holder and plenty of space to hold your phone, which is helpful if your primary cup holders are already being used for coffee or another passenger’s phone.

It’s supposed to be universal, and it seems like it fits in most cars — but most of the negative reviews are around people with less mainstream cars who say it doesn’t fit. Fortunately, if it doesn’t fit in your car, you can just send it back. It’s one of my favorite road trip travel accessories and worth a shot if you spend a lot of time in your car.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Life changing! “Fits perfect in Sierra pick up. Does not infringe on leg space. Room for cell and drink and more!! Nothing gets in the dead zone now!!”

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An easy-to-remove phone leash: $9.98

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I’m not going to lie, phone leashes are pretty dorky and I tend to smile when I see them in use by a young person at the mall or at an airport. But they’re one of the best travel accessories for anyone who plans in participating in an activity where you could potentially drop your phone. That includes ski trips, where your phone is gone forever if you drop it off the lift in a storm, activities like via ferrata or rock climbing, or something as simple as taking photos off the side of a boat. This one fits all phones, won’t block the camera, has a finger loop for extra security, and goes on and off in about two seconds.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Saved my phone multiple times! “I drop my phone several times a day. I bought this before we did the Mighty 5 National Parks in Utah. My phone did not fall off a cliff, plunge into the Colorado River or get crushed under a National monument thanks to this thing. Just make sure the strap is out of the viewfinder when taking a picture.”

Buy Now

A set of vacuum packing cubes: $12.99

[image error] [image error][image error]I use packing cubes with zipper compression a lot while traveling as they’re quick and easy to pack and repack. However, one of my favorite travel accessories for any trip where I need specialized gear is a space-saving vacuum bag. These bags have a unique design that allows you to pack them, zip them tightly, then roll them to expel excess air. I use them for trips where I need to bring something I’m only going to use once or twice, like a pair of ski pants or a puffy down jacket.

It’s crazy how much they compress clothing, and despite the fact that they feel a little flimsy and thin, I’ve yet to have one rip or break on me. I strongly recommend them for anyone trying to go carry-on only with a checked bag’s worth of clothing.

By the way: yes, this set is over $10. It was $9.99, and the price changed while we were writing this article. But considering it’s such a useful travel accessory, we decided to keep it in — so keep an eye on it to see if it drops below $10 again. If you don’t mind raising your budget to about $15, you’ll find many more options.

The review that convinced us to buy:

Easy to use and a great value! “Easy to use and a great value. I bought these and a box of name brand bags at the same time. They all got mixed together and I honestly couldn’t tell the difference. They all worked equally as well. I used them to pack for a vacation trip. They saved me so much space that I over packed, lol. I re-used them to pack for the return trip and they worked just as well. I have them stored in my suitcase for the next time we travel. I wish I had bought them a long time ago. The best tip I read someone else post was to sit on them to remove the air. Worked like a charm!

Buy Now

Two worldwide travel adapters: $9.99

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Knowing what kind of plug you need in any given country can be difficult, especially since sometimes hotels may opt to include the type of plug most commonly used by their guests — not the kind of plug most commonly used in that country. Fortunately, that’s not a problem if you carry a universal travel adapter to make all your devices work in any type of plug anywhere in the world. It’s one of the most useful travel accessories for frequent flyers, though, at under $10, it’s a smart buy for even a single trip abroad.

Note that this is a plug converter, not a voltage converter (which you may or may not need).

The review that convinced us to buy:

Great product! “I’ve only used the European plug so far, but it worked great for my purposes! I like that these are small where so many of the others are huge and cannot fit in a lot of the outlet spaces. Highly recommend this set!”

Buy Now

More like thisTechnology + GearAirFly Pro Is the Best $50 I’ve Ever Spent on a Travel Accessory

Why a Non-Profit Wants To Grow a Billion Oysters Along NYC’s Coast by 2035

It’s not entirely apparent today, but the harbor waters surrounding New York City once accommodated more than 200,000 acres of oyster beds. In the 1800s, oysters were an abundant treat, and New Yorkers ate them with reckless abandon – in fact, they enjoyed their oysters far too much. By 1910, the oyster population had plummeted due to over harvesting and all of the toxic sewage the city dumped into the water. By 1927, the last of the city’s oysters fisheries shut down. But now, an organization called the Billion Oyster Project is working to restore New York’s once thriving oyster population. And that matters for many reasons.

For the average person, oysters are merely a delicious treat, probably slurped down with a splash of lemon juice and a glass of Champagne. But oysters serve much more important environmental purposes, too. First, reefs constructed from oyster shells provide a safe habitat for all kinds of marine life – in New York, crabs, puffer fish, and seahorses have all been spotted around oyster reefs. Oysters can also filter some pollutants from water, including nitrogen, which means cleaner water.

Oysters can also help New York City with one problem that is especially relevant right now: Their shells are a natural storm barrier, protecting against high waves, reducing erosion, and lowering the risk of flooding. So you might see why New York City would be particularly invested in restoring oyster beds to New York Harbor. And that’s where the Billion Oyster Project comes in.

Murray Fisher and Pete Malinowski founded the BOP in 2014. The pair met at The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, where they were teachers. They were particularly interested in getting public school students involved in oyster restoration, and today 100 schools have partnered with the BOP to provide scientific and environmental education to K-12 students.

So far, the BOP has restored 75 million live oysters to the harbor, and restaurants donate used oyster shells to the project. This way, after the oysters are enjoyed by diners and the shells go to good use instead of being sent to landfills. The program launched in 2015, and, so far, it has collected 2 million pounds of oyster shells. In 2022, the BOP has already gathered 300,000 pounds of shells from 50 different restaurants around the city.

One of the most ambitious aspects of the BOP is that with the help of volunteers, it’s actually building oyster reefs in New York Harbor. So far, the project has built around 15 reefs across each of the five boroughs in places like Sunset Park, Governors Island, Coney Island, and Brooklyn Bridge Park. The BOP also runs four oyster nurseries, where volunteers can harvest shells to contribute to the reefs.

Recently, the BOP partnered with the Scotch whisky distillery Talisker on its One For The Sea campaign, which encourages its customers to adopt more sustainable living practices. As part of that partnership, Talisker will serve as the Shell Collection Program’s lead sponsor. Ultimately, the BOP hopes to restore one billion oysters to New York Harbor by 2035.

More like thisFood + DrinkIf You Want To Eat More Sustainable Seafood, Eat More Tinned Fish

The Park Hyatt St. Kitts Offers Accessible Caribbean Luxury With Top-Notch Dining

We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

It was hard for me not to let out a little gasp when I arrived at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts. The entry to the resort reveals a stunning frame of Nevis and Banana Bay, the resort’s private palm tree-lined beach, that welcomed me to my first stay in St. Kitts.

After making my way over the long open-air walkway, which was elevated over a Koi pond, I was ushered into the lobby. The space is set up like a contemporary living room with curved wicker armchairs flanking a coffee table and a long marble table that serves as the check-in desk. The design feels open and fresh, and immediately inspired relaxation. I was given a cool, damp towel and bottle of water and, after a quick check-in, I was transported by golf cart to my suite.

Set on 20 acres, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts has 126 guestrooms and feels uncrowded and private. I visited in June, which is low season, but even during the busy season the amenities and accommodations are spread out across the property to make sure guests don’t feel cramped or crowded even when the hotel is at full occupancy.

The rooms at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Photo: Tadeu Brunelli

The first Park Hyatt property in the Caribbean, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts opened in 2017. The entire property faces the Narrows, a strait between St. Kitts and Nevis. As an avid traveler to the Caribbean, I’ve found that resorts sometimes try to punch up the decor with bright, tropical hues, but here, the rooms are decked out in sophisticated cream-colored armchairs and couches, white high beamed ceilings, and polished wood floors. Each guestroom also has floor-to-ceiling windows that emphasize the sweeping bay views.

The guestrooms are separated into 18, three-story buildings (if you book a room on the third floor, note that there are no elevators). I stayed in the third-floor Plunge Pool Rooftop Suite, which includes a spacious living room, a king-sized bed facing the water, and an open-concept bathroom with a deep soaking tub and rainfall shower. But the highlight is the terrace with a private infinity plunge pool.

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

The Park Hyatt St. Kitts is the only resort in St. Kitts with private rooftop plunge pool suites, and the rooftop pool views rival other Caribbean islands like St. Lucia and Antigua. The terrace also comes with a mini wet bar and a couch and armchair, which makes it an ideal location to sip a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoy a glass of wine while the sun set.

Other suite options include the Beachside Suite (on the ground floor with a private deck and terrace), the plunge pool rooftop deluxe suite (which has a 1,305-square-foot private deck), and the 2,300-square-foot Bi-level Private Penthouse Suite (including a private pool and butler). The three bedroom, two-story, 5,280-square-feet Presidential Villa is the pinnacle of the suite options.

Outside of the suites, there are rooms with either one king bed or two queen beds, and options with beachside openings or ocean views.

The amenities at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Photo: Tadeu Brunelli

With the mountains of Nevis in the background, the resort’s beachfront area is picturesque. Yet some parts, especially toward the ends of the Bay, are pretty rocky, so I spent most of my time in the resort’s two pools. The Lagoon Pool is a zero-entry infinity pool near the beach with lots of lounge seating. The Ramparts Pool is a second-story, adults-only pool with stone arches built to resemble St. Kitts’s UNESCO-recognized Brimstone Hill Fortress, a military rampart that was constructed from volcanic basalt rock.

Photo: Tadeu Brunelli

For even more privacy, there are also six “floating” cabanas that are set away from the beach, and I spent an afternoon here, lulled to sleep by the sound of the man-made waterfall. Though I was content to mostly lie on the beach all day, the resort offers non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. For families, there’s also a kid’s program, Island Fort Kids Club, which includes supervised activities like pool scavenger hunts, jewelry making, and outdoor movie nights.

Dining options at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

During my four-day stay, I ate at all three restaurants, and each has stunning views and top-notch menus. I’ve noticed that some Caribbean resorts rely on burgers, steaks, and pasta, but the restaurants had a diverse selection of dishes.

The Great House, the resort’s main dining venue has an excellent selection of seafood dishes like conch chowder soup, squid ink tagliatelle (made in-house), and a hearty lobster roll. The all-day menu at The Fisherman’s Village has mango barbeque pork ribs and yellowfin tuna tostadas alongside St. Kittian favorites like slow braised oxtail and rum cake.

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

But my most memorable meal was at The Stone Barn, the adults-only oceanside restaurant with a six-course tasting menu. The courses I had included spiny lobster roulade and wagyu tenderloin paired with wines from the resort’s impressive portfolio. While I had a few culinary splurges, I also snacked casual fare from the poolside bar like chicken tenders, which were also delicious.

Exploring St. Kitts from the Park Hyatt

Photo: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Located on the southern end of the island, the Park Hyatt St. Kitts is a convenient base to explore the rest of the island — and there’s so much to do on St. Kitts. The resort offers lots of off-resort excursions, including three themed day trips: Journey to Sweetness, Journey Off the Beaten Path, and Journey to the Wild Side. I decided to combine all three tours for a day of sightseeing, and the open-air tour bus picked me up from the front of the hotel.

I spend the first part of the day touring a plantation home and a sugar mill and learning about the sobering history of sugar production on the island. For the second part of the tour, our guide led us on a hike through the hilly terrain of St. Kitts, ending our hike with rum punch, fresh mango, and banana bread. For our last part of the tour, we hung out at Shipwreck Beach Bar, a local thatched-roofed beachfront bar where I waded in the water of the black sand beach.

Along with the themed tours, the resort’s concierge can also arrange ATV Tours, zip-lining excursions, deep-sea fishing, and yacht tours, and for guests who want to spend a day on neighboring Nevis, the concierge can also arrange a 10-minute boat ride that takes off right from the resort’s private pier.

Getting to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Only a three-hour flight from Miami, getting to St. Kitts was pretty easy, and the hotel is only 25 minutes from the Robert L. Bradshaw International airport. The average price for a standard room at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts starts at around $365 per night during the low season.

More like thisBeaches and IslandsA Stunning New Resort Makes One of the Caribbean’s Least Visited Islands Instantly Accessible

14 Ways a Myrtle Beach Vacation Is Way More Than Just a Beach Vacation

14 Ways a Myrtle Beach Vacation is Way More Than Just a Beach Vacation

By: Stephanie Burt

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

It is more than a place — Myrtle Beach is a destination, a vibe, a lifestyle that’s been celebrated in song and captured by many a vacation photograph over the years. And while those photographs may show an ever-evolving Grand Strand, one thing stays the same: Myrtle Beach’s 60 miles of open, endless beach are as timeless as ever.

And while millions of visitors may come for that never-ending sun and sand, you shouldn’t leave without experiencing all you can of this beloved vacation spot, from hiking and art galleries to thrill rides and, of course, dining by the sea. Start with this list and see for yourself just how good the Grand Strand can be — beyond the golden sand.

This guide is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach.


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Discover Your Inner Artist

The natural beauty and rich culture of this region have inspired artists for generations. From folk art to murals to modern oil paintings, they’ve tried to capture that inspiration in myriad ways — catch a bit of it yourself at various galleries, museums, festivals, and performing arts venues. The region has so much to offer, and you can experience much of it for free.

Photo: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

2/32. Immerse Yourself in Another Culture and Time

Gullah history is as interwoven with Myrtle Beach as the strands of a sweetgrass basket. Learn about these roots with a guided tour of the Hopsewee Plantation, led by a descendant of the West African slaves who were brought to work on Carolina plantations. Participate in a hands-on sweetgrass basket-weaving workshop, then meander on over to River Oak Cottage Tea Room for an English tea service or a full lunch menu of Lowcountry recipes.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/33. Get in the Swing of Things in the Golf Capital of the World

From a multitude of mini-golf options — more per square mile than anywhere else in the country — to award-winning courses and stunning 18th-hole views, Myrtle Beach rings like a golfer’s siren call. While you’re here, practice your skills on one of nine exquisite courses ranked by Golf Digest. And if you’d like to polish your putting or otherwise hone your game, golf lessons are everywhere, which means you can take home more than just the memories.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

2/34. Uncover Some Wild Surprises

An evening people-watching on the Boardwalk might be “wild” enough, but don’t forget the region is home to plenty of native wild animals, too. One of the best places to view them — from egrets to alligators and otters — is the Lowcountry Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens. There’s even a “butterfly experience” to enjoy the natural poetry of these important pollinators.

Photo: Ben Whalen/Shutterstock

2/35. Treat the Kids to Some Science and Awe

Part of Broadway at the Beach, WonderWorks touts itself as a “museum of the mind,” and it wows children and adults alike with 100 interactive exhibits. More wows are waiting at The Hollywood Wax Museum — with its strikingly lifelike figures of celebrities and other notables — and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, which illustrates through each of its hundreds of exhibits just how wild and mysterious the world around us is.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/36. Play With Your Food at Themed Restaurants

Do barbecued ribs taste better with a side of live animatronic dinosaurs? Explore the answer at DinoLand Cafe. Or, perhaps colorful drinks make you want to sing and dance along with the servers at The Hangout. Maybe watching authentic sword fights and falconry at Medieval Times really works up your appetite for a four-course feast. Either way, Myrtle Beach’s various themed restaurants can delight, dazzle, and provide a show that’s much more than just a dinner out.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/37. Feel the Harmony in the Cradle of Country and Beach Music

That Myrtle Beach air carries three things: salt, fresh seafood, and good music. The strains of a familiar song can be heard day and night on the Grand Strand, from pier to poolside bar. Learn to dance the Carolina Shag (the official dance of South Carolina) at Fat Harold’s Beach Club, listen to live music at the Tin Roof, or party all day (and night) at the Carolina Country Music Fest.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

2/38. Dine Al Fresco With
a View of the Tides

Whether it’s a casual meal on a pier or dock or fine dining with a view of the surf crashing onto the sand, Myrtle Beach has plenty of options to take al fresco dining to the next level. Sip a mojito at Mojo’s Marina on Murrells Inlet, take in your beachfront-burrito view at Banditos Cantina, or become part of a six-decade Grand Strand tradition with a meal under the stars at Sea Captain’s House.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/39. Join The Big Leagues at The Ripken Experience

From weeklong experiences to tournaments, clinics, and camps, The Ripken Experience aims to provide ballplayers with an experience similar to what professional players have in the big leagues. Multiple batting cages, bullpens, and extensive training facilities provide emerging players with the environment to excel. And during tournaments, players will even have a chance to come up to bat to their own “take the field” music.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

2/310. Sit Back and Enjoy the Show

In Myrtle Beach, it’s not only the light sparkling off the water that’s bright. Stage lights shine all over the Grand Strand, with a dizzying array of live shows to enjoy year-round. Some of the most enduring crowd favorites include national acts at the Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry and classical music at the Long Bay Symphony. But there are also magicians, murder-mystery nights, amazing impressions — and even pirates. All it takes is a ticket, and the night’s fun is set.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/311. Let the Kids’ Imaginations Run Wild

Myrtle Beach can make a child’s imagination soar, from pirates to aquarium sleepovers and everything in between. Here are just a few ideas: The EdVenture Children’s Museum invites interactive learning and play; kids can play golf at many area courses for free; state parks run junior ranger programs; heck, they can even enjoy an interactive storytelling experience with a princess at Wonders Theatre.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

2/312. Make Some Waves

The beach is a great place to begin your Myrtle Beach adventure, but it’s not where the outdoor fun should end. From kayaking the tidal creeks to flying over the beach in a parasail, the Grand Strand offers countless watersport adventures. Some are more about thrills (think surfboards and Jet Skis) and some are more about chills (think dolphin-watching tours and deep-sea fishing).

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/313. Slow Down to Nature’s Pace

There’s no doubt there’s beauty at every turn in this slice of South Carolina. It’s surprisingly easy to explore, too, whether you’re strolling through Brookgreen Gardens, signing up for a birdwatching tour of a salt marsh, fishing off a pier, or sleeping under the stars at one of Myrtle Beach’s favorite campgrounds. Myrtle Beach seems made for nature lovers, no fancy skills or equipment required.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

2/314. Sign Up for a Thrill a Minute

Enjoy a 187-foot-high 360º-view of the Grand Strand inside a glass-enclosed gondola on The SkyWheel. Challenge the whole family to a friendly race to the finish line in go-karts. Spend a day at The Funplex, a tropical-themed thrill-seekers park just one block from the beach. Once you get your thrill on the rides, get your chill back on the sand. It’ll be there when you’re ready.

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

3/3




This guide is proudly produced in partnership with Visit Myrtle Beach.

The Best Tours To Take in Galveston for Every Type of Traveler

Galveston is the island city that draws travelers from across the world with its rich blend of colorful characters, dynamic art, and architecture, and interesting history. Nearly seven million visitors flood its historic streets and avenues each year, looking for food, adventure, and seaside fun. The island is generous to its guests, offering several Galveston tours for foodies, paranormal believers, history seekers, and animal enthusiasts. Whatever reason brought you to Galveston, you’ll be happy indulging in one (or more) of these amazing tours.

The best Galveston tours for foodies

Photo: Taste of the Strand

Your tastebuds will love you, but your belt might burst when you experience one of Taste of the Strand’s walking food tour options.

1. Taste of the Strand Food Tour

The original foodie tour of Galveston, Taste of the Strand Food Tour, introduces you to the Galveston Island Strand District’s local cuisine and eateries. A food tour guide will walk with your group while giving you the history of the city and its restaurants as you prepare to take part in savory southern dishes. The stops on the tour can change without warning and the menus are set by the restaurants, so it’s highly recommended that those with severe food allergies speak with the company before purchasing tickets.

Adults 16 years of age and up will pay $105 per ticket while children eight to 15 cost $55. Children under seven years old will share food with a paying adult. There are discounts for senior citizens, military veterans, police, fire, EMS, medical personnel, and teachers.

2. Tapas on the Strand Food and Drink Tour

Tapas on the Strand Food and Drink Tour is a two-hour walking tour of Galveston’s historic Strand District. This tour is ideal for those beverage aficionados who also fancy themselves as foodies. You’ll enjoy small plates of food and adult drinks that highlight the Gulf Coast. Adult tickets are $135 (with alcohol) or $99.98 (without alcohol). Senior citizens, military veterans, and select front-line workers will receive a discount as well as young adults who cannot legally purchase alcohol.

3. Pubs N’ Grubs Tour

If you claim to be Irish or you just really like to drink, then you’ll want to book the Pubs N’ Grubs Tour with Taste of the Strand. On this tour, you’ll enjoy bar bites and plenty of adult beverages as you create a string of blurry memories that you’ll find on your iPhone the next morning. Adults will pay $145 per ticket, while a discount is available for senior citizens, military personnel, and other service members. You’ll want to book online as quickly as possible, as this tour often sells out early.

4. Private Couples Food Tour

The ultimate romantic experience in Galveston, the Private Couples Food Tour is the best way to do date night the correct way (no sleeping on the couch for you tonight). The tour is a private outing that lets you and your significant other experience the taste of the Strand for a truly unique night out.

The menu for the Private Couples Food Tour changes seasonally, so there are always delightful surprises in store.

Online reservations are not available for this tour, but you can reach out directly to Taste of The Strand Food Tour for booking.

5. Exclusive Private Group Tour

If you have a special occasion to celebrate or a large group to make memories with, you’ll want to book an Exclusive Private Group Tour.

Groups of up to 16 visitors are invited to enjoy a tour catered to adults while walking the beautiful streets of Galveston. It’s the best option to consider if you’re having a bachelor or bachelorette party, an anniversary celebration, a bridal shower, a big birthday gathering, or a good old-fashioned group adventure.

You’ll need to call the company to get the details of this activity straightened out.

The Best galveston ghost tours

Photo: Timothy L Barnes/Shutterstock

Travelers who love to embrace the things that go bump in the night will feel right at home with some of the best Galveston tours of the paranormal side to the island city.

Get ready to believe in the metaphysical as these tours guide you along the haunted streets of a town that has seen more than its fair share of tragedy.

6. Al’s Authentic Paranormal Tours

If you simply want a few spooky bedtime stories, then this may not be the tour for you. Al’s Authentic Paranormal Tours takes into account detailed historical facts and combines them with personal paranormal experiences in various spots around Galveston.

The aforementioned Al carefully guides each group tour on an hour and a half walk about the city spinning spooky yarns daily for a small $15 fee per person. After nearly 1,400 guided tours throughout the city, Al’s remains one of the highest-rated ghostly experiences, which should be enough proof to trust in his connection to the supernatural side of Galveston.

Al also provides private tours and guided day history-centric city tours as well.

7. Historic Galveston Ghost Tours

One of the highest-rated spook-tacular tours on the island, Historic Galveston Ghost Tours offers an eerie glimpse into the underworld of the Galveston paranormal plane with excursions into the infamous Silk Stocking District.

The Historic Galveston Ghost Tours walks you past the murderer’s row of haunted residences in Galveston, including the Sealy Mansion, the Normandy Inn, and Ashton Villa.

Prices are $20 for adults, and $15 for children under 15 years old, while children under the age of four are admitted free. Active military members with proper identification are free as well.

8. Spooky Strand Ghost Tours

“Behind every window, someone may be watching” is how Spooky Strand Ghost Tours frames its chilling supernatural outings. While some unbelievers will no doubt point out that that’s how windows are supposed to work, those who believe in the afterlife will let their minds drift off to Galveston’s many natural disasters, wars, and fires that have devastated the island and how so many lives came to a sudden, violent end.

Stops on these 90-minute walking tours include the Railroad Museum, the Tremont House, and the Sealy-Hutchings Building. Tour guides will entertain the crowds with haunting tales of legendary pirate Jean Lafitte, who turned Galveston into a den of iniquity, sin, and murder.

The company operates three tours every evening at 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, with special midnight tours available on the weekends. Persons 13 years of age or older are $20, while children 15 to three years old are $15. Military discounts are offered as well. Pets are allowed on the tour (while on a leash!), so feel free to bring along Mr. Bark Twain to be the Scooby to your Shaggy while you walk around Galveston.

9. Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour

Ghost City Tours has created a boozy and spooky good time with the Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour. This tour takes you to some of the city’s finest haunted bars and pubs where you’ll drink the night away while being regaled with scary stories that may make a believer out of the most hardened skeptic.

Your blurry memory of this experience may include paranormal activity because each pub and bar you visit has a documented ghoulish presence, and they’re waiting for the right visitor to come along and bring them to life. Or so the stories go.

This adults-only tour is for those 21 years of age or older with tickets priced at $29.99 each.

The best Galveston tours for historians

Photo: Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock

The city of Galveston has a long, complicated history that twists tales of legendary figures like the pirate Jean Lafitte, houses of ill repute, and a seemingly lawless era where celebrities and dignitaries from around the nation descended to the island to let off steam and get lost for a short time.

It’s impossible to tell the story of Galveston without diving deep into the underworld that fed it and created one of the largest economies in the nation during the Great Depression and Prohibition. Luckily, there are several tours in place that will help shine a light on this often overlooked and marginalized piece of Texas history.

10. Red Light District Tours of Galveston

Author and speaker Kimber Fountain guides visitors through the seedy nightlife and often forgotten parts of Galveston’s past where booze, wild parties, and sex workers collided, often resulting in a deadly mix.

Why should you consider the Red Light District Tours of Galveston? Fountain literally wrote the book Galveston’s Red Light District: A History of The Line, about the tales, both grim and jubilant, that originated in Galveston’s Red Light District. The tour is $39.95 per person and covers approximately 12 city blocks.

They recommend the tour for adults and older teens because of the mature content. It’s not censored for younger children, which are allowed on the tour if an adult accompanies them, so bring kids along if you don’t mind therapy bills later in life.

11. SegCity’s Rat Pack Tour

Galveston was once known as The Free State of Galveston because of the lax attention to rules from government agents and law enforcers over vices such as drinking, gambling, and prostitution.

During the Rat Pack Tour of the city, you’ll scan the homes of former residents Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Al Capone where they spent their time in Galveston. You’ll also see where their famous businesses existed: The Hollywood Diner Club, The Pelican Club, and the world-famous Balinese Room.

Tours run multiple times a day and cost $79 per person.

12. Galveston’s Red Light District Tours

The ladies, madams, and houses of prostitution that made Galveston the “Sin City” of the South come to life on Galveston’s Red Light District Tours.

The mob, prostitution, and vices of all kinds have a deeply intertwined history with Galveston. On the Galveston Red Light District Tour, you’ll learn about those city connections, and why and how prostitution flourished on the island for nearly 100 years.

This walking tour costs $25 for adults and $15 for children. It takes you to eight various bordellos that are still standing (although not active) and buildings that were used for gambling houses and illegal liquor.

The best Galveston tours to see the city

Photo: SegCity

Galveston is a thriving, dynamic city with an energetic tapestry of life, art, food, architecture, and history.

Because of its size, you can see Galveston in a relatively short amount of time. Whether you want to experience it on foot, on a bus, or on an ultra-cool segway, the city is begging for your attention and is ready to reward those travelers who give it more than just a passing glance.

13. SegCity’s Turtles and Murals Segway Tours

Galveston is home to a vibrant art scene that includes more than museums and galleries. On SegCity’s Turtles and Murals Segway Tour you’ll zip through the streets of the Strand Historic District, the Post Office Art District, and the West End Market Area on a segway as you search out unique selfies and Insta-ready snaps with Galveston’s urban art as your backdrop.

You and your crew will learn exciting facts about sea turtles that inhabit Galveston’s beaches and waters, as well as play a virtual trivia game on your phone while you tour the city. Tickets cost $60 with add-ons such as bottles of water, insurance, and GoPro’s that can help complete your trip.

14. SegCity’s Seawall Cruise Tour

Fire up those segways once again as you set out on SegCity’s Seawall Cruise Tour. This tour is designed for people who want to experience a fun, relaxing ride along the world-famous Galveston seawall without having their thoughts interrupted every 30 seconds with a tour guide’s history stories or interesting tidbits.

You’ll snap photos and take as much video as you want as the sea air whisks its way through your hair while you peer out over the water in search of dolphins and birds. Each ride lasts roughly an hour and will cost $50 per person.

15. Galveston’s Historic Port, Pirates and Architecture Bus Tour

Hop on the Galveston Experience bus to take part in the popular Port, Pirates, and Architecture Tour while enjoying the air conditioning and one of the best ways to see the island.

The tour makes stops at the 1892 Bishop’s Palace, the Port of Galveston, the 1859 Ashton Villa, and the Moody Mansion while also passing by several other historical landmarks in and around the city.

You’ll want to contact Galveston Experience directly to set up a tour as the hours fluctuate from season to season.

The best Galveston tours for animal enthusiasts

Photo: Baywatch Dolphin Tours

Galveston is not only a fascinating city full of history, beautiful architecture, and ghostly scenes, but it’s also a beautiful island paradise that is home to a plethora of wildlife species, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Whether you’re in town for a day, a weekend, or longer, you owe it to yourself to book a tour that puts these amazing creatures front and center.

16. Galveston Water Adventures Dolphin Tours

Hop aboard the Cruise-N-Time twin-engine open-air tour boat and set sail into Galveston Bay for an hour-long excursion to see the birds and marine life that call the area home.

Galveston Water Adventures lets your travel group get up close to amazing dolphins as they swim and play in the waters below. The entire crew will have an incredible time snapping photos and posing for Instagram as the Galveston Water Adventures team delights with fun local stories.

Multiple outings are offered each day, scheduled roughly an hour and a half apart, so you should have plenty of opportunities to fit a dolphin tour into your schedule. Tickets for children under 11 years of age are $16.80, while adults 12 and older are $26.40. Toddlers under two years old are free. The Cruise-N-Time tour boat is also wheelchair accessible.

17. Baywatch Dolphin Tours

Despite the namesake, Pamela Anderson does not appear on this tour, but your group will absolutely have a damn good time with Baywatch Dolphin Tours.

Baywatch Dolphin Tours, featured once on Good Morning America, is one of Galveston’s most popular tours and is at Pier 21 just a few blocks removed from the historic Strand. The company keeps four vessels, operating at every 30 minutes, to whisk visitors three miles through Galveston Harbor.

The tours operate year-round and let adults partake in the fun for $20 per person, $12 for children, while freeloading pets and infants get to tour for free.

18. Historic Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch

Who wouldn’t want to learn about Galveston history while spotting dolphins? On this tour, you’ll climb aboard the Seagull II, a 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel, as she sets sail into the beautiful Galveston Harbor where you’ll learn about the history of the city while keeping an eye out for those fun-loving dolphins.

Your crew will see and learn about the fully restored 1877 sailing vessel Elissa, the Civil War Battle of Galveston, and the still partially submerged concrete oil tanker SS Selma which lies in rest in the Galveston Harbor.

Adults and children six years of age and older are $17, while children five and under are free. The tour lasts for about an hour and runs five times a day. Field trips and school groups are also welcome to learn about the history of the harbor from the decks of the Seagull II.

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