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Your Guide To the World’s Blue Zones, Where People Live To Be Over 100

While varying significantly in location, language, and culture, five places around the world have discovered the secret to a long life. Dubbed the Blue Zones, these incredible communities have a life expectancy measurably longer in comparison to the rest of the world. While it’s hard to qualify, people living in Blue Zones often live to be 100 or older. The global life expectancy is just over 73 years old.

These healthy enclaves within California, Costa Rica, Greece, Italy, and Japan, attribute the long lives of their local populations to nutritious diets, routine exercise, and strong social ties within their respective communities.

National Geographic fellow and best-selling author Dan Buettner initially identified the Blue Zones, building upon demographic research on centenarians compiled by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain for the Journal of Experimental Gerontology.

While notable for their thriving wellness scenes and happy, active locals, Blue Zones are also stunningly beautiful destinations. With vibrantly colored beaches, diverse styles of cuisine, complex histories, rich cultures, and gorgeous mountain vistas, these places offer an impressive wealth of reasons to visit. Here’s your guide to the five Blue Zones.

Sardinia, Italy

Photo: Balate Dorin/Shutterstock

Sitting south of the Italian mainland, Sardinia is not only visually breathtaking but also has one of the healthiest communities in the world.

The social life for locals on the island is vibrant and, like all places mentioned on this list, there’s an emphasis on religious and familial bonds. Elders commonly live with younger kin and dine and drink together as a unit. The population is also highly active, partaking in mild exercise through gardening or exploring the wealth of fantastic scenery within the comfortable Sardinian climate.

Getting to Sardinia is easiest by flight, with airports in Alghero, Olbia, and the island’s largest city of Cagliari. Ferries are another option and many can transport vehicles. Ferry routes depart from the Italian ports of Palermo, Genoa, Naples, and the Roman suburb of Civitavecchia and further away hubs like Marseille and Barcelona.

Photo: Vladimir Sazonov/Shutterstock

Sardinia has no shortage of pretty coastal towns. When visiting the northeastern town of Palau, book a room at the upscale Capo D’Orso. The hotel is close to several nearby beaches and seaside dining options like its onsite restaurant Île Flottante, which serves delicious Italian cuisine with views over the ocean. When in Palau, take a boat tour of the nearby Maddelena Archipelago. It stops at secluded islands and visits the famous pink-sand beach of Spiaggia Rosa.

On the island’s eastern shore, the town of Santa Maria Navarrese offers proximity to a more lush and mountainous side of Sardinia. For accommodation, consider the elegant Nascar Hotel. While there, explore the nearby Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park, which has some of the island’s most beautiful and secluded seaside mountain trails.

Photo: dpVUE .images/Shutterstock

In western Sardinia, consider staying at Villa Barbarina Nature Resort in the city of Alghero. The resort is a green haven within vineyards and is well-known for its outstanding restaurant and bar. In Alghero, take time to wander the cobblestone streets rich with ornate Gothic architecture, explore the cavernous Neptune’s Grotto, or check out Alghero’s ancient Nuraghe Ruins that date back to the Bronze Age. When you want to get out of the city, explore the western coast, where you’ll find more of Sardinia’s colorful beaches, such as the black sand beach of Cala Dell’Argentiera and orange sands of Porto Ferro.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Photo: Cris Young/Shutterstock

With the country’s unofficial slogan “Pura Vida” (meaning “pure life” in English), it’s no surprise that Costa Rica has developed an impressive reputation for its high quality of living.

The Nicoya Peninsula, on the country’s Pacific coast, is one of the larger Blue Zones and home to many of Costa Rica’s popular wellness hubs including Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Nosara. People living in this region typically enjoy light meals with fresh dairy, whole grains, and vegetables. The local water also has a high calcium content, resulting in lower rates of heart disease and stronger bones. Overall, the local population is highly active and socially connected, with elders commonly living with family.

There are several ways to get to Nicoya. Most routes start at San Jose or Liberia. Both cities have daily buses and shuttles that run to Nicoya, but try to start in Liberia if you can as rides are significantly shorter than those departing from San Jose. You can also rent a car, and while the paved highways to Tamarindo make for a smooth drive, the roads get rougher and less developed further into the peninsula. For destinations like Malpais and Santa Teresa in the south, consider taking the ferry at Puntarenas if coming from San Jose for a shorter trip.

Photo: Joshua ten Brink/Shutterstock

If you decide to stay in north Nicoya near Tamarindo, try one of the 46 individually decorated rooms of Jardin Del Eden. On-site La Plumeria restaurant is quite tasty, and you’ll want to take time to walk into town to explore the vibrant nightlife at the Tamarindo Moonlight Market. It has local fire spinners, live music, and a large selection of handmade crafts in the many stalls.

If you base your trip in southern Nicoya, stay at the Canaima Chill House in Santa Teresa, one of Costa Rica’s many colorful options for eco-friendly lodging. It has hilltop views and you’ll be able to hear the immersive sounds of the jungle at your doorstep. Another excellent option is The Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in nearby Montezuma, near the roaring and spectacular Montezuma Waterfalls.

For wellness enthusiasts, it’s hard to beat Nosara in central Nicoya. Yoga fans will find plenty to love at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, offering daily classes and many attractive, eco-friendly rooms nestled in the lush jungle canopy. While you’re there, take a surf lesson at nearby Playa Guiones, home to some of the best breaks in the country.

Ikaria, Greece

Photo: Lemonakis Antonis/Shutterstock

While Greece has thousands of islands and inlets, Ikaria achieved Blue-Zone status by having an average of one in three residents live to the age of 90, substantially decreased rates of heart disease, and practically zero cases of dementia.

This is attributed to a Mediterranean diet, favoring fruits, vegetables, anti-inflammatory herbal teas, and red wine (in moderation). Intermittent fasting, a practice linked to slower aging, is also common within the population. Locals enjoy a carefree pace of life, with strong social ties in the pleasing climate. Many stay active by exploring the hilly topography and emphasizing leisure through mid-afternoon naps, relaxing along the Aegean coastline, or playing a fun game of dominos with friends.

The easiest way to get to Ikaria is via direct flight from Athens or Thessaloniki, although it is possible to get there by ferry. Direct routes exist from Mykonos, Samos, and other islands, and while there is a scenic route from Athens, it clocks in at a very long 11 hours. Public transportation on Ikaria is available to most of the popular destinations, but consider renting a car if you want to explore the more remote corners of the island.

Photo: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock

Ikaria is the least populated of the world’s Blue Zones and offers a more secluded, intimate experience with easy access to nature, regardless of where you’re based.

If you want to base yourself in a cute village, consider Armenistis, on the north shore of the island. The rooms of Toxotis Villas offer lovely views of the Mediterranean and proximity to the town’s shops and art galleries. The town of Nas, west of Armenistis, also has comfortable suites with ocean-facing balconies at Thea’s Inn. Grab a healthy dish of soufiko (vegetable stew) at the inn’s restaurant, which serves up authentic Blue-Zone recipes made with fresh ingredients grown right on the island.

Loma Linda, California

Photo: Sean Lema/Shutterstock

The only Blue Zone in the United States, Loma Linda is in the heart of Southern California. Loma Linda’s longevity is influenced by so many of the residents belonging to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The church views health as a core tenet of their faith. Vegetarianism is also widespread, with diets comprising light meals with fruits and vegetables. Nuts and tomatoes are popular staples, the latter of which is linked to decreased risk of ovarian and prostate cancers. Church members also do not partake in tobacco, caffeine, or alcohol.

Easily reachable by car, the city has entrances off Interstate 10 roughly 60 miles east of Los Angeles.

When visiting, you can hike the popular lofty trails within the nearby San Bernardino Mountains or stop in Big Bear Lake. About 45 miles northeast of town, Big Bear offers year-round attractions including trekking, fishing, and plenty of skiing come winter. If you get your fill of exploring the peaks and alpine lakes, consider trying some desert stargazing at Joshua Tree National Park or relaxing and enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean — both of which are under an hour’s drive away from Loma Linda.

For food, get a taste of Blue-Zone cuisine at the Loma Linda Market. The market has stalls selling a wide assortment of fresh, locally grown produce and one of Southern California’s largest selections of vegan meat alternatives. Grab a refreshing carrot juice from the market’s Nustart Juicery, and a tasty Blue Zone Burger from Vegan Fresh.

Photo: Booking.com

For lodging, check out the charming Loma Linda Inn in the center of town. If you want something closer to the mountains, consider the Bear Springs Hotel in nearby Highland, a quick 10 miles from the Loma Linda city center. If you’re with a group, consider renting this five-bedroom, private hilltop villa. The property has a large outdoor pool, lush garden, and barbecue facilities.

Okinawa, Japan

Photo: Shutterstock/Jihun Sim

South of Japan’s four main islands, Okinawa is unique among Blue Zones for having the highest rate of centenarian women in the world.

The Okinawan diet is notable for its simplicity, almost exclusively consisting of sweet potatoes, rice, and soy. Tofu is particularly prominent, especially in dishes like miso soup, and ingredients are often grown in household gardens. Meals are light and taken under the concept of “hara hachi bu.” Roughly translated to “eating until 80 percent full,” this approach is linked to increased health benefits and a more easily managed caloric intake.

Okinawans maintain active lifestyles through frequent walks, gardening, and spending leisure time with friends. The principle of “moai,” or maintaining a lifelong social support system, results in a tightly connected community, and the locals practice purposeful living according to an “ikigai,” a driving force and intention for one’s life.

Getting to Okinawa is possible via direct flights from Tokyo and other cities on the Japanese mainland, although domestic flights tend to be on the expensive side. You may find cheaper routes from other Asian cities like Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, and trips via ferry are also possible. While they’re more scenic, ferry rides can also be expensive and make for a slower journey.

Photo: jakavut patanapanlert/Shutterstock

Central Okinawa offers plenty to do for the history lover. Grab some magi-tacos from Cafe Mermaid or check out the nearby Nakagusuku Castle ruins, one of the island’s several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The narrow isthmus of central Okinawa also provides terrific opportunities for rooms with stunning ocean views, like the lovely Hyakuna Garan Hotel 30 minutes north of Naha. Its cliff-top villas overlook a cape and offer opportunities to see both the sunrise over the Pacific Ocean and the sunset over the East China Sea.

The nearby Umi no Ryotei Hotel, a ryokan (Japanese-style inn), offers a more authentic cultural experience with tatami-matted rooms and a communal outdoor onsen.

If you base your trip in the southern city of Naha, consider Ryukyu Onsen Senagajima Hotel, another ryokan with a relaxing public onsen. Most guests tend to visit Sakaemachi Arcade, a lively market home to many vendors of handcrafted Japanese souvenirs and an energetic nightlife.

But if you’re looking to be surrounded by nature, consider the sparsely populated northern half of Okinawa. Visit the lovely seaside rock formations at Cape Manzamo, which offer captivating photographic opportunities overlooking the East China Sea. While there, climb to the summit of Mount Yohana, the highest point on the island, and enjoy an incredible view of the surrounding subtropical laurel forests and seaside towns.

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Every Michelin Star Restaurant in Las Vegas and How Much They Cost

Before we launch into a list of Michelin star restaurants in Las Vegas, we have to get one thing straight: Technically, there are no Michelin star restaurants in Las Vegas. Only two editions of the Las Vegas Michelin guide were ever published — in 2008 and 2009 — and the rules state that Michelin ratings are only good for a year.

Nine of the original Michelin star restaurants in Las Vegas are still standing. Over the past decade, their menus may have evolved, some of the furniture may have been moved around, and even some of the executive chefs may have changed. But the reputations of these Michelin star restaurants in Las Vegas continue to precede them. When it comes to the level of culinary artistry that drives the top restaurants in major food destinations, even a 15-year-old guide is a pretty good indicator of where to get a great meal — especially in a place so synonymous with indulgence that it’s nicknamed Sin City.

If gluttony is one sin you’re looking to embrace during your next trip to Nevada’s adult playground, these are the nine restaurants that earned top spots in the short-lived Las Vegas Michelin guides — and how much you should be prepared to spend at each one.

Three starsJoël Robuchon

Photo: Joël Robuchon

French chef and restaurateur Joël Robuchon racked up 31 Michelin stars in his lifetime — more than any other chef to date. The only restaurant in Las Vegas ever to receive Michelin’s highest rating, Robuchon’s eponymous eatery in the MGM Grand earned him three of those stars.

Inside, the restaurant could pass for an Upper East Side pied-à-terre, with vaulted ceilings, plush velvet booths, and a Baccarat chandelier hanging overhead. The Art Deco decor adheres to a deep purple and red color palette that’s as sumptuous as the French-inspired fare that’s served on gilded dinnerware. Robuchon has described his culinary mission as creating “grand” yet “simple” dishes from top-of-the-line ingredients and equipment. Specific ingredients change as the menus do, but at least one expression of caviar and foie gras is all but guaranteed.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a pretty penny to dine at the top-rated Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas. Exactly how many pennies you should expect to spend depends on whether you order a la carte or choose one of Joël Robuchon’s tasting menus. The priciest option is the 16-course degustation (or tasting) menu, which will run you $500 per person excluding cocktails and wine pairings. But even if you opt for one of the smaller tasting menus or plan to go a la cart, you’re probably looking at a couple of hundred dollars per person on just the food alone.

Where: MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Two starsPicasso

Photo: Bellagio + Picasso

Julian Serrano, the executive chef behind this Bellagio hotspot, could only be described as an artist. But his creations aren’t the only artworks on display. Original Picasso paintings also hang from the walls of this Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas.

The cuisine at Picasso is driven by Spanish and French influences, a nod to the birthplace of both Madrid-born Serrano and the restaurant’s Málaga-born muse. The wine cellar further celebrates the continent’s bounty with over 1,500 wines from European vineyards. Picasso’s five-course degustation menu comes in at less than $150 per person with optional wine pairings at two price points: standard for $93 or premium for $168. There’s also a four-course prix fixe menu — with $83 and $148 wine pairings — and a five-course vegan tasting menu.

The best seats in the house are located outside on the patio, which overlooks the Bellagio fountains, although Picasso fans may want to dine inside. Between the terracotta tiles, bistro-style chairs, and colorful cubist rug, the decor itself is reminiscent of a Picasso still life.

Where: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Restaurant Guy Savoy

Photo: Erik Kabik Photography + Caesars Palace

Located in Caesars Palace, Restaurant Guy Savoy in Las Vegas is modeled after Restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris, which currently holds three Michelin stars. Though the Vegas location was only awarded two stars, some of the chef’s signature dishes appear at both restaurants, including Savoy’s renowned “Colors of Caviar” and “Octopus Terrine.”

True to the French fine-dining experience, a la carte orderers can expect to spend $65 to $95 on small bites and $100 to $150 on mains. For special occasions, parties of up to six can reserve the chef’s table for a three-hour, 10-course meal accompanied by Krug Champagnes for $500 per person. Another tasting option is the Forbes Five-Star Celebration menu, which is seven courses and costs $615 per person with the premium wine pairing.

Where: Caesars Palace, 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

One starAureole

Photo: Mandalay Bay + Aureole

Mandalay Bay’s Aureole sets out to wine and dine its patrons — emphasis on the wine. The restaurant’s centerpiece is a four-story steel-and-glass wine tower stocked with almost 3,000 different selections and 50,000 total bottles from around the world. “Wine angels” tend to the collection, donning sparkly getups and appearing to descend from the heavens as they’re literally strapped into wires to navigate the vertical cellar. Equally spectacular is the Swan Court oudoor dining area, which is positioned next to a lagoon where elegant white waterfowl swim.

Aureole’s varied menu is best described as upscale American, although dishes like the Spanish Octopus with Iberico chorizo and Black Truffle Tagliatelle give the cuisine a Mediterranean bent. In addition to the regular menu, which features $20 to $30 appetizers and $60 to $100 mains, Aureole has a seasonal six-course tasting menu for $149 per person. Occasionally, the restaurant also hosts special events, such as the Chimney Rock dinner that’s currently on offer and includes a six-course meal plus wine pairings from Napa’s Stags Leap district.

Where: Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119

L’Atelier Joël Robuchon

Photo: MGM Grand Resort International

L’Atelier Joël Robuchon was designed for diners who want to experience a Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas but have reservations about paying for the full Robuchon — or couldn’t get a reservation at the three-star flagship. The open kitchen at L’Atelier — meaning “workshop” in French — is a major selling point of the one-star experience. Snag a seat at the counter for the ultimate look into how the magic is made.

The appeal of L’Atelier is based on its tapas-style bites, while the techniques and ingredients used reflect Robuchon’s classic French background. The restaurant has five set menus: a theater menu for $58 per person, two prix fixe menus priced at $98 and $128 per person, and a seasonal discovery menu for $188 per person or $168 per person for the vegetarian option. Additional wine pairings are offered at two price points, either $125 or $225 per person.

Where: MGM Grand, 3799 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Le Cirque

Photo: MGM Grand Resort International

Le Cirque has been bringing gastronomes to the Bellagio since 1998 when the casino-hotel first arrived in Las Vegas. But the Le Cirque name dates back even farther. The first Le Cirque opened in Manhattan in 1974 and quickly became a gathering place for New York City’s elite. It’s since shuttered, but the Las Vegas location is going strong — some say it’s better than ever under the direction of the new executive chef Dameon Evers. And the whimsical decor is even more fabulous than the original, with circus-themed wallpaper and a flowy fabric fixture hanging down from the ceiling to create the illusion that you’re dining under a big top.

Don’t expect to be served peanuts and cracker jacks, however. Le Cirque specializes in French-inspired seafood, although ingredients like duck confit, white truffles, and a 45-day dry-aged American Wagyu that you can only get at Le Cirque, also appear on the menus.

Le Cirque’s signature degustation menu is 10 courses and costs $388 per person. There’s also a six-course menu for $288 per person and a vegetarian version for the same price that can be made vegan on request. But the best deal is the theater menu. For $128 per person, you can get a three-course meal at Le Cirque before hopping over to the Bellagio’s Cirque du Soleil theater for an after-dinner show.

Where: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Michael Mina

Photo: Bellagio + Michael Mina

Lobster pot pie. Hamachi crudo. Ice cold or charcoal-grilled oysters. Royal Osetra caviar. The Bellagio’s Michael Mina restaurant brings all the flavors of the ocean to the middle of Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Fresh seafood is flown in daily while the dishes themselves transport diners all over the world, from the Mediterranean to Japan.

Two seven-course tasting menus are available at this Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas: Seasons of Mina and the Signature Tasting Menu, both of which are priced at $175 per person plus $105 for the wine pairing. A vegetarian tasting menu is also available for $115 per person, plus $82 for the wine pairing. If you do eat shellfish, consesus says that the lobster pot pie with black truffle is the dish to get, either as part of the Signature Tasting Menu or a la carte.

Where: Bellagio Hotel & Casino, 600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

DJT

The only full-service restaurant in the Trump International Hotel, DJT is a classic American steakhouse with a marbleized interior to mirror the sheen of the hotel’s golden facade.

It’s pricey for a typical restaurant — think $20 starters and $58 ribeyes — but compared to the prix fixe menus of some other Michelin star restaurants in Las Vegas, DJT is a pretty good deal. Even the wine list is reasonable, with bottles averaging around $75, although it’s the craft cocktails that really stand out.

Old fashioned fans are in particular luck. DJT serves four different versions of the old fashioned — the millionaire, billionaire, trillionaire, and extraordinaire — made with White Pig Rye Whiskey aged 10 to 18 years and priced from $25 to $150, respectively.

Booze aside, DJT is also the rare Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas to have a dedicated kids menu. And considering Trump International is a smoke-free hotel without a casino, it’s one spot you can feel as comfortable bringing the whole family as you would a date.

Where: Trump International Hotel, 2000 Fashion Show Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89109

Wing Lei

Photo: Wynn Las Vegas + Wing Lei

When Wing Lei was awarded its first Michelin star, no other Chinese restaurant in North America could claim that honor. But with dishes like wok-tossed sea cucumber, chilled abalone, and Japanese wagyu, Wing Lei isn’t your average late-night chow mein joint.

Chef Ming Yu blends Cantonese, Shanghainese, and Szechuan traditions in his cuisine, but there’s one clear showstopper on the menu: the Imperial Peking Duck, which is carved tableside when ordered a la carte and is also the backbone of the restaurant’s two tasting menus. All six courses of the Imperial Peking Duck Tasting Menu incorporate the star ingredient and together cost $118.88 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $78.88. The other tasting menu, Chef Ming’s Summer Signature Dinner, only has five courses but costs $50 more per person for the meal and $20 more per person for the wine pairings.

Either prix fixe option is bound to impress, but Wing Lei is one Michelin star restaurant in Las Vegas where we’d recommend ordering family-style. Just be careful — the entire seafood section is market price, and that’s a quick way to blow your budget if you’re not paying attention.

Where: Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109

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The Waves in Hawaii Are so Big Right Now They’re Taking Out Weddings and Restaurants

Hawaii is one of the most sought out destinations in the world for surfers looking to catch the perfect wave, but tourists were in for a shock once they saw how big the waves could get. This past weekend the remnants of Tropical Storm Darby went out with a bang, reaching what the National Weather Service predicted to be “historic” swells on the south side of the island with waves up to 20 feet high.

@cbsnews Colossal waves crashed over the roof of a two-story condo building in Keauhou-Kona, Hawaii, on Saturday, damaging several buildings. #news #hawaii #weather ♬ original sound – cbsnews

Even though Darby had already weakened and passed the south of the islands, the swells made their way from the storm’s original center, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski.

The waves ended up even bigger than anticipated, with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources reporting a 25-foot wave spotted at Diamond Head in Honolulu, making these waves the highest south shore surf in more than 25 years. Wedding parties marveled at the sight until the waves crashed into tables, chairs, and decorations.

@malikadudley1 Wow… #huliheepalace #kona #bigisland ♬ original sound – Malika Dudley

Restaurant-goers also were in for a wet afternoon. A TikTok video caught by Maui local Lisa Newman showed a massive wave flooding Honu Restaurant in Lahaina, Maui.

@moonchildmaui On July 16 @5:17pm this happened high tide combined with big swell #waveofdestruction #honuoceanside #maui #lahaina #hightide #bigsurf #swell #summerswell #surfsup ♬ My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme from "Titanic") – Céline Dion

However, some surfers were excited about the thought of catching huge waves, with Khon 2 reporting that surfers of all ages were out in full force. Kurt Lager, Ocean Safety Acting Chief of Operations, said there were 228 rescues and 3265 preventative actions taken on the south shore on Saturday alone.

@ocean.808 Surfers enjoying the south swell on the island of Oahu.. 07.17.22 #ocean808 ♬ Makapuu Lighthouse – Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar – 30 (Hawaii Hiking Ocean) – PacificSounds

High surf advisory warnings are still in effect at time of writing in Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii. As the experts say, when in doubt, don’t go out.

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Pitch Your Tent at These 10 Rad West Coast BLM Camping Spots

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages more than 245 acres of public land across the United States – nearly 12 percent of the entire country. While some land under the agency’s purview is dedicated to managing natural resources like ores and timber, the BLM also oversees more than 35 million acres of what they call “National Conservation Lands.” That includes national monuments, wilderness areas, and national scenic trails.

Most of these National Conservation Lands are in the West and focused on promoting recreational opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing, and camping.

The BLM manages some of the country’s most beautiful destinations, like The Wave. Photo: warnsweet/Shutterstock

There are two different types of BLM camping available on those 35 million acres. The first is dispersed backcountry camping. It’s typically free of charge, as long as you aren’t near established recreational facilities (although camping may be restricted in culturally or ecologically sensitive areas). You can more or less camp anywhere on BLM land, as long as you follow a few basic rules.

The second type of BLM camping is in established campgrounds with creature comforts like water, basic restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. This type of BLM camping usually has a relatively modest fee of $5-15 per night.

Along the West Coast – in California, Oregon, and Washington – the BLM manages more than 31 million acres, from the Cascades to the Colorado Desert, offering a bounty of established campgrounds and dispersed camping destinations. So, for road trippers and outdoor lovers ready to get off-the-grid, here’s a shortlist of the best BLM camping on the West Coast.

BLM camping in CaliforniaTuttle Creek Campground (Lone Pine)

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

Though it’s overshadowed by the granite spires of 14,505-foot Mount Whitney (the highest peak in the contiguous United States), the Tuttle Creek Campground is one of the best spots for BLM camping in California. It’s tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada along the crystalline waters of Tuttle Creek. A strategic staging point for climbers tackling Mount Whitney, the campground is just five miles from the pint-sized town of Lone Pine, which was a hangout for Hollywood elites during the early 1900s who would come to shoot in the cinematic landscape. If that appeals to you, stop by the Museum of Lone Pine Film History, which pays homage to the hamlet’s silver-screen history.

The campground is also less than three miles from the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, a massive conglomeration of rust-colored rocks and arches seen in hundreds of films, including “Gladiator” and “Iron Man.”

If you snag a spot at this BLM California campsite, don’t forget to take advantage of the campground’s unobstructed sunrise and sunset views of Sierra, when rosy alpenglow illuminates the peaks.

Fees and Amenities: Open year-round, the campground offers potable water (except during winter), drop toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. All 83 sites are available first come, first served at $5 per night. Click here for a map.

Cottonwood Campground (Boulevard)

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

At the southwestern edge of the 600,000-acre Anza Borrego State Park — the largest park in California — is the Cottonwood Campground, which serves as a gateway to the Colorado Desert.

It’s one of the best BLM campgrounds in California for adventure, with a handful of hikes beginning from the campground, including the Sombrero Peak Trail (named for a peak in the southern fringes of the Anza Borrego State Park) and the Pepperwood Trail, which threads Pepperwood Canyon on a 14-mile path to the edge of the park.

The campground is a strategically ideal place to catch the desert’s kaleidoscopic super bloom in the spring, catalyzed by the region’s diversity of flora. Within the park are plants from more than 90 plant families, including hundreds of species that produce seasonal spring flowers.

However, the campground is equally spectacular after sunset. For stargazers, the town of Borrego Springs became the world’s second International Dark Sky Community in 2009 and was certified as an International Dark Sky Park about a decade later. Stargazers can even take guided night tours to learn more about the sky above.

Fees and Amenities: Open year-round, these campsites have drop toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. All 25 campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis ($6 per night). Click here for a map.

Crowley Lake Campground (Mammoth Lakes)

Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

Overshadowed by the Glass Mountains, Crowley Lake Campground provides easy access to a smorgasbord of outdoor adventures in the Eastern Sierra, as well as access to the lake’s unique column formations. About 15 miles west of the campground is Mammoth Lakes, tucked against 11,053-foot Mammoth Mountain. The aptly named resort town is perched at the edge of the lake-studded Inyo National Forest and provides plenty of creature comforts, like cafes, breweries, and outdoor outfitters.

About 30 miles to the south, the town of Bishop is a hub for climbing and bouldering in the Buttermilks and a portal to the John Muir Wilderness. But there’s no need to even leave this hip California BLM camping location if you’re an angler since the photogenic lake is heavy on resident brown and rainbow trout.

Fees and Amenities: Amenities include potable water, pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground is open from May to October. All 47 campsites are useable for tents or RVs on a first-come, first-served basis at $8 per night. Click here for a map.

McCabe Flat Campground (Midpines)

Photo: cb_travel/Shutterstock

About 30 miles west of Yosemite National Park, the McCabe Flat Campground serves up exceptional access to the Merced Wild and Scenic River for fishing or floating. The campground includes a sandy beach, and all eleven campsites are less than 200 feet from the water.

For landlubbers, the regional Merced River Trail follows the historic Yosemite Valley Railroad grade along the north side of the waterway. The Merced River also lures recreational gold miners anxious to celebrate the region’s richly entrenched mining history.

Just a few miles south in Mariposa, the California State Mining and Mineral Museum contains the largest crystallized gold nugget harvested during the state’s gold rush in the mid-1800s: a 14-pound piece dubbed the “Fricot Nugget.” It’s the best BLM camping spot in California if you want to visit Yosemite and experience the cool, under-the-radar areas around the park that most visitors skip.

Fees and Amenities: This campsite is open year-round and has only eight campsites, three of which are reachable by car (the rest are walk-in only). The campground has pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, yours for only $10 a night. Keep in mind it does not have potable water. Click here for a map.

Mattole Campground (Petrolia)

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

The Mattole Campground is on northern California’s Lost Coast, a ruggedly wild stretch of Pacific Coastline buttressed by the peaks of the Kings Range. It’s a portal to some of the remote swathes of the state and one of the most challenging hikes in California.

This epic California BLM camping location is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Mattole River. It serves as the northern terminus for the Lost Coast Trail – a 35-mile wilderness traverse extending from Sinkhole Wilderness State Park to the Mattole River (although the more popular section is the 24.6-mile coastal stretch from the Mattole River to Shelter Cove).

You’ll also want to visit the Punta Gorda Lighthouse, a remote outpost used from 1912 to 1951 to help prevent the many shipwrecks occurring along the rugged ribbon of coastline. Mountain bikers should head to the Paradise Royale Area about 35 miles south of the BLM campsite, with more than 20 miles of trails crafted just for mountain bikers.

Fees and Amenities: Open year-round, the compact campground offers drop toilets and campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. You can’t make reservations, and sites are $8 per night. Click here for a map.

BLM camping in OregonTyee Campground (Westlake)

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On the shores of the Umpqua River, about 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, the Tyee Campground treats campers to a stunning sampling of southern Oregon’s natural assets. About an hour north of this stunning BLM camping area in Oregon is the Dunes Day Use Area, which preserves part of an 80-mile chain of towering sand dunes paralleling the Pacific Ocean. And just 15 miles north of the campground is Elkton and the Elkton Oregon AVA, known for pinot noirs.

But aspiring wildlife photographers should head to the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area, about 45 miles west of the campground. It’s the best spot to see the region’s hulking Roosevelt elk, North America’s largest elk species. The wildlife viewing area features several strategic viewing spots spread along Highway 38.

Fees and Amenities: This is one of the few BLM camping sites in Oregon that requires reservations at $14 per night. All 15 sites have fire pits and picnic tables and the site has restrooms and potable water. Click here for a map and here for reservations.

Green Mountain Campground (Silver Lake)

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

A gateway to the cache of otherworldly geological wonders in Oregon’s Christmas Valley, the Green Mountain Campground is a fascinating place to unplug and one of the best places for BLM camping in Oregon for hikers.

Crack-in-the- Ground (an awesome hike inside a volcanic fissure) is less than six miles south of the campground; it’s part of the very cool Four Craters Lava Bed Wilderness Study Area. The ancient volcanic fissure was sculpted more than 1,000 years ago during a series of violent eruptions and preserved by the arid landscape. Now, the geological anomaly is a sublime hiking destination, best showcased on Crack-in-the Ground’s 1.7-mile loop.

About 25 miles east of this Oregon BLM campground is the Christmas Valley Sand Dune Area, harboring the largest swath of inland dunes in the entire Pacific Northwest. It preserves more than 10,000 acres of shifting sands. But before you hike the massive dunes, consider hiking the campsite’s adjacent Green Mountain Fire Lookout first. An outpost in the Christmas Valley since the early 1960s and later updated in 2011, the lookout tower is still actively staffed from June through October.

Fees and Amenities: This year-round BLM camping site in Oregon has vault toilets and a fire ring and picnic table at each site. It only has six spots, all of which are first come, first served (and free). It’s a remote campground accessible only by dirt road, so 4WD vehicles are the best bet. Click here for a map.

Chimney Rock Campground (Prineville)

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

Offering a photogenic snapshot of central Oregon’s high desert region near the Lower Crooked River Backcountry Byway, the Chimney Rock Campground sits in the shadow of eponymous Chimney Rock. It’s a basalt butte towering above the Lower Crooked Wild and Scenic River and serves up panoramic summit views of the Crooked River Canyon. Fortunately, the Oregon BLM camping site is near the start for the relatively easy 2.6-mile hike on the Chimney Rock Trail.

Cyclists will appreciate that this BLM camping location is on the Crooked River Scenic Bikeway, a cliff-edged stretch of roadway extending from the historic frontier town of Prineville to the Big Bend Campground. It was designated as an Oregon Scenic Bikeways in 2018. And, for more leisurely getaways, the riverside campground also offers plenty of places to cast for rainbow and redband trout.

Fees and Amenities:: This Oregon BLM campsite is open year-round. In addition to toilets and water, there’s a large fishing deck for guest use. All 16 campsites are first come, first served ($8 per night, $2 per vehicle for extra vehicles). Click here for a map.

Susan Creek Campground (Roseburg)

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Tucked along the North Umpqua Wild and Scenic River at the edge of the Cascade Range in southern Oregon, the Susan Creek Campground is a multi-sport adventure hub with enough amenities to entice reluctant campers.

Of course, with easy river access, seasonally spawning salmon and steelhead trout are the main attractions for anglers in the spring and fall. For hikers, the 1.5-mile Emerald Trail links this BLM camping destination to the Tioga Bridge, a pedestrian crossing to the North Umpqua River Day-Use Area.

Nearby is Susan Creek Falls, a 50-foot-tall cascade accessed via a 1.6-mile, out-and-back hike. For a longer excursion, there’s the North Umpqua Trail, a 79-mile regional route open to hikers and mountain bikers. Road trippers will appreciate that this campground is along the northern portion of the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, a 172-mile scenic route paralleling the North Umpqua and Upper Rogue Wild and Scenic River. This is also an ideal BLM campsite if you want to visit Crater Lake National Park as it’s only about 50 miles to the entrance.

Fees and Amenities: Amenities include potable water, restrooms with flushable toilets, tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Half of the campground’s 30 sites can be reserved in advance ($20 per night for a non-electric campsite). The campground is only open from mid-April to late October. Click here for a map and here for reservations.

BLM camping in WashingtonUmtanum Campground (Ellensburg)

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Washington’s Umtanum BLM campground is one of four different BLM campgrounds in the Yakima River Canyon, along a stretch of flatwater made for lazy float trips. Buttressed by basalt cliffs and pillowy hills peppered with ponderosa pine, the Washington BLM campground makes a strategic basecamp for a multi-day camping trip on the Yakima River.

But, there are plenty of reasons to pitch your tent and stay put at this highly-regarded BLM camping location. Bird watchers will appreciate that the canyon is an Audubon Important Bird Area, harboring a diversity of raptors, including golden eagles, great horned owls, and prairie falcons. And anglers, never fear: there’s a ribbon of water sluicing through the canyon, part of a 75-mile stretch of trout stream.

Fees and Amenities: Open year-round, amenities include drop toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. You can make reservations for stays May through September, but it’s walk-up-only from October to April. Click here for a map and here for reservations.

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Stewart Island Is the Perfect Addition To Any New Zealand Trip

New Zealand beckons with its mountains, glaciers, fjords, geothermal curiosities, and high-octane activities. You won’t find these sights – nor a single bungee jump – on Rakiura, also known as Stewart Island, New Zealand, the country’s often overlooked third-largest island.

This subantarctic isle sits 18.5 miles off the coast of New Zealand’s Southland. According to the original Māori name, Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, it represents the anchor stone of Maui’s canoe – the mythological demigod who heaved New Zealand out of the Pacific Ocean with his fishing rod.

What you will face on Stewart Island is pure, unsullied wilderness. Almost 90 percent of the island is a designated national park, and feathered inhabitants outnumber the human population. 17 miles of road is trumped by 174 miles of trekking trails. And, what you might encounter is a display of the Southern Lights or a glimpse of Aotearoa’s bashful mascot, the kiwi. But, as Rakiura likes to remind us, nature makes no promises.

As the Long White Cloud reopens to tourists, step away from the crowds and revel in Stewart Island, New Zealand, and its untamed landscapes. Here’s how to do so.

Explore Oban and its surrounds

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Oban, located on Halfmoon Bay, is the sole township on Stewart Island and is the starting point for any exploration.

Reaching Oban isn’t for the faint-hearted. Although the ferry crossing from the south island city of Bluff only takes an hour, the Foveaux Strait is notorious for its fierce waves and stomach-curdling currents. Real NZ operates twice or thrice daily departures, subject to the time of year. Travelers with deeper pockets can fly from Invercargill Airport with Stewart Island Flights.

Coastal walking trails depart from Halfmoon Bay and link the island’s tranquil bays. Tuck into the island’s specialty battered blue cod or a scoop of mussels from the Kai Kart. Those spending a Sunday night on the island can participate in the weekly pub quiz at the South Sea Hotel.

Besides a visitor center and a lone convenience store, Oban consists of a handful of guest houses and backpacker hostels. There is one ATM in town that only accepts New Zealand-issued bank cards – so bring cash with you.

Spot some kiwis

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Perhaps due to the absence of preying land mammals in Aotearoa over 1,000 years ago, New Zealand’s national bird is flightless. Nowadays things have changed, and, in order to preserve them, kiwis live almost exclusively in captivity.

Rakiura is one of the few places in the country where wild species dwell. An estimated 20,000 Stewart Island brown kiwis (tokoeka) reside on the isle in contrast to the 500 gumboot-wearing kiwis.

The best spot to stand a chance at crossing paths with a tokoeka – a “weka with a walking stick” – is the Traill Park rugby ground in Oban or while tramping in the national park. Visit the pitch during twilight and carry a low-light red torch. Kiwis’ eyes are sensitive to regular flashlights and cellphone torches. Ruggedy Range organizes guided nature walks that increase your odds of having a rendezvous with a kiwi.

During daylight hours, swing by the Moturau Moana Native Gardens in Oban where other native birds such as chatty kākā parrots preen under the sun.

Make the journey out to Ulva Island

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Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara) is a smaller island in the Paterson Inlet (Whaka a Te Wera). Rakiura Adventure connects Oban’s Golden Bay to Flagstaff Point via ferry and water taxi

This predator-free sanctuary is where kiwis roam without risk. Uniquely, the nocturnal birds wander during the day on Ulva Island. There’s no guarantee but you’ll have the possibility to tick off other beautiful birds endemic to New Zealand. Keep your eyes peeled for weka, kākāriki, tūī, fantails (piwakawaka), Stewart Island robins (toutouwai), and yellowhead (mohua). Other wildlife includes dolphins and seals, including the rare New Zealand sea lion (rāpoka).
Even if clouds are gathering – a typical occurrence on this unpredictable isle – Ulva Island is a great shout for a rainy day. The rainforest canopy protects much of the island pathways.

Scope the Southern Lights

Rakiura means “the land of the glowing skies” in the Māori language and references both the epic sunsets that grace the horizon as well as the phenomenon of the Southern Lights.

Stewart Island is one of the likeliest spots in New Zealand’s Southland to catch the Aurora Australis lighting up the night skies. This remote and undeveloped isle is free of light pollution and constitutes the world’s southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Sightings are most common during the winter months of April through September. Even without experiencing the aurora, Rakiura is gifted with pristine stargazing and Milky Way-watching potential.

Hike the Rakiura Track

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Travelers with more time on their hands can tackle the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. These 10 trekking trails were laid out by the Department of Conservation (DOC) based on the diversity of the scenery and terrain. Stewart Island’s route skirts along the coastline from Lee Bay and Port William before it whisks you deep into the hinterland and toward the coves of the Paterson Inlet.

Stay tuned for footprints or the shriek of a kiwi as you trek through the rimu and kamahi forests. These showcase an assortment of ferns – New Zealand’s other emblem.

Planned as a loop, the Rakiura Track covers 20 miles and takes three days to complete. You have the option to pitch a tent in the designated DOC campsites or book a bunk in the huts. As with all Great Walks, advance booking for either is essential. As this tramp has a reputation for ludicrously muddy conditions, gaiters and good humor are advisable following a downpour.

Three days not enough? The North West Circuit is an arduous 11-day hike while the Southern Circuit demands an average of six days to complete.

Where to stay on Steward Island

Oban and its surrounds are home to a collection of Airbnbs and guest lodges. Check out these recommendations.

We hope you love the Stewart Island, New Zealand, Airbnbs 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.

Butterfields Beach House north of Oban w/ car available

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

If you’re visiting Steward Island for the views, they don’t get better than from the deck at this beach house just north of central Oban. You’re right on the water, with a gorgeous beach in front of you and a high chance that you’ll wake up to the sound of native birds tweeting from just outside. The home comes with a six-person car available for use if you need it.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $157 per night

Book Now

Inlet view in Oban

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Surrounded by wild birds, this home in Oban is a great place from which to to base your Steward Island trip. Located right on an island, you’ll have all the comforts of a private house with easy access to the town’s amenities as well as the water and hiking trails.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $169 per night

Book Now

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10 European UNESCO Archeological Sites You Can Visit for a Dive Deep Into the Past

Started in 1978, the UNESCO World Heritage List now recognizes over 1,000 sites in more than 165 states for having outstanding cultural, historical, or scientific significance to humanity. After being designated to the list, each site is protected for all time against degradation and development.

UNESCO World Heritage sites range from historic buildings like churches and archaeological sites to natural sites like Yellowstone National Park and the Galápagos Islands, and you could easily spend a lifetime visiting every one of them. To get you started, we’ve pulled 10 must-see European archeological sites from the list, including temples, Viking monuments, stone circles, and cave paintings, ranging from 450,000 years old to the 13th century.

Butrint, Albania

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When it dates back to: 50,000 BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1992Address/location: SH81, Butrint, AlbaniaWhat you need to see there: The Greek theater, which once held 2,500 people and is known for its impressive number of stone inscriptions.

Butrint was the first Albanian site to make the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. The site is a microcosm of Mediterranean history, having been inhabited as early as 50,000 BCE, and in more recent centuries serving as a Greek colony, a Roman city, and a diocese (an area controlled by a bishop.)

According to Roman writer Virgil, Butrint, or Bouthroton to the ancient Greeks, was founded after the fall of Troy by King Priam’s son, and Greek historian Hekateus claimed that the city was modeled after Troy itself. Butrint today bears all of the elements of a Greek polis, including a well-preserved theater and an agora. Later Roman aqueducts, baths, and a forum can be found, as well as an early-Christian baptistery with a magnificent mosaic floor.

After the fifth century CE, Butrint became a fortified diocese, and a basilica was built. Byzantines held the city until the 13th century, then Venetian merchants until it was abandoned in the 16th century when nearby marshes began encroaching on the city.

The European archeological site of Butrint is 12 miles from Saranda, close to the Greek border. There are hydrofoil day trips from the Greek island of Corfu to Saranda, with buses from the city to Butrint.

Jelling Mounds and Runic Stones, Denmark

Photo: username/Shutterstock">Peter Helge Petersen/Shutterstock

Photo: Peter Helge Petersen/Shutterstock

Photo: Peter Helge Petersen/Shutterstock

When it dates back to: 900 CE, with a church dating to 1100 CEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1994Address/locations: Thyrasvej 1, 7300 Jelling, DenmarkWhat you need to see there: The runic stone situated between two burial mounds that proclaims the Christianization of Denmark.

Considered by many Danes to mark the location of the creation of Denmark as a nation state, the Jelling Mounds and Runic Stones World Heritage Site are an incredible example of pagan Nordic culture and early Nordic Christianization.

The site was a royal monument and seat of power during the reigns of Danish kings Gorm and Harald Bluetooth. Two 10th century mounds, 200 feet in diameter and 20 feet tall, dominate the site, one containing a burial chamber of oak. A beautiful runic stone between the mounds was erected by Harald Bluetooth to proclaim his introduction of Christianity to Denmark and his integration of Norway into his kingdom, and features the earliest depiction of Christ found in Scandinavia. There is also a simple church of whitewashed stone dating to 1100 on site, with frescoes inside dating to 1125. The church was built on the site of three earlier churches, one of which was raised by Harald himself.

The Jelling Mounds are located in central Jutland, three hours east of Copenhagen. You can also fly into the town of Billund and take a one hour bus to the site.

Kernavė Archaeological Site, Lithuania

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Photo: DroneTop/Shutterstock

Photo: DroneTop/Shutterstock

When it dates back to: Sparsely inhabited from 8,000 BCE, with 13th century hillfortsWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 2004Address/locations: Kerniaus g. 4A, Kernavė 19172, LithuaniaWhat you need to see there: The five hillforts of Kernavė, which provide beautiful views of the former medieval capital of Lithuania.

Kernavė, located in eastern Lithuania, features evidence of over 10,000 years of human settlement, from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The archaeological site today is dominated by five massive hillforts, created when Kernavė was a Christian feudal town in the 13th century. At the time, Kernavė was the medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and served as an important hub for craftsmen and merchants, until it was destroyed by the Teutonic Order during the Lithuanian Civil War in the 14th century. The wet peat in the valley covered the remains of the city and provided unusually good preservation; the oldest known medgringa, a secret, underwater road through the swamps, was found in Kernavė, dating to the fourth century.

There is a museum on site that has presentations on Kernavė’s long history, and an open-air area with a rebuilt section of the medieval town, constructed using medieval techniques.

The European archeological site of Kernavė is 21 miles northwest of Vilnius and can be reached by bus.

Prehistoric Sites and Decorated Caves of the Vézère Valley, France

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When it dates back to: Rock shelters date back to 450,000 years agoWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1979Address/locations: 24290 Montignac, FranceWhat you need to see there: Rouffignac Cave, the longest cave system in the region, and the 3D reproductions of Lascaux Cave.

Vézère Valley in France is the site of the famous Lascaux Cave, which features 600 polychrome paintings created around 15,000 BCE. The valley has a further 25 decorated caves and 147 prehistoric sites dating from 450,000 to 9,000 years ago, making for an unusually rich archeological site that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

Twelve caves are open to a limited number of visitors every day, including Rouffignac Cave, the longest cave system in the region. An electrical train ferries visitors through the cave, where hundreds of engravings and monochrome paintings can be seen. Visitors can also visit the Cro-Magnon Shelter where, in 1868, the skeletons of five ancestral humans, dating from between 10,000 and 35,000 years ago and distinct from Neanderthals, were found. While Lascaux is closed to the public, there are extensive 3D reproductions easily accessible.

The nearby town of Les Eyzies can be reached by train from Bordeaux, however the valley is large and the sites are difficult to access without a car.

Archaeological Site of Delphi, Greece

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When it dates back to: Sixth century BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1987Address/locations: Delphi 220 54, GreeceWhat you need to see there: The Temple of Apollo and the Sacred Way, which is lined with votive statues and treasury buildings.

The sanctuary of Delphi, situated at the foot of Mount Parnassos, was the religious center of the Greeks during the sixth century BCE. Delphi was known to the Greeks as the omphalos, or navel of the world, and was visited by pilgrims throughout the Mediterranean. Many of them came to consult the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess living at the sanctuary who supposedly communed with the god Apollo and relayed his messages to the public. The priestess was consulted before any Greek colony was founded, and had immense power over political and military decisions.

Delphi is a monumental complex, featuring temples to Athena, treasury buildings, and the sanctuary to Apollo, where the priestess delivered her messages. Delphi was also the site of several Greek games and contests, and has gymnasiums, theaters, and stadion.

This European archeological site is 110 miles northwest from Athens, connected to the capital by bus. The town itself has numerous hotels and restaurants.

Brú na Bóinne — Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne, Ireland

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When it dates back to: 3,000 BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1993Address/locations: Glebe, Donore, Co. Meath, A92 EH5C, IrelandWhat you need to see there: Newgrange’s megalithic passage tomb, the largest one in Ireland.

Brú na Bóinne in Ireland is Europe’s largest and most important example of megalithic art. The site was referenced in works of early Irish literature, and was believed to have been where the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings similar to elves, lived. Three massive burial mounds built 5,000 years ago dominate the site, while forty satellite passage graves surround the nearby area, creating a massive funerary and ritual landscape older than the Egyptian pyramids.

The area is divided into three groups, Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth; Knowth has thirty monuments from Neolithic to Anglo-Norman, while Newgrange has the largest megalithic passage tomb in Ireland, and Dowth has occupation evidence through the Middle Ages. Each group also features megalithic art in the form of beautifully carved stones. The entire area was used for rituals, gatherings, and for the living to connect with the dead.

There is a visitor center in the Boyne river valley that features a full-scale replica of the Newgrange chamber and provides tours to the Newgrange burial mound itself.

The site is 30 miles north of Dublin, and there are trains and buses to the nearby town of Drogheda.

Archaeological Area of Agrigento, Italy

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When it dates back to: Sixth century BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1997Address/locations: 92100 Agrigento, Province of Agrigento, Italy What you need to see there: The fluted column on the seven temples of the Valley of the Temples.

Agrigento, designated in 1997, was one of the leading cities in the Mediterranean world in the sixth century BCE, known for its magnificent Doric temples. Founded by the Greeks in 580 BCE, the Greek poet Pindar called it “the most beautiful city of those inhabited by man.”

Today, the city is one of the best examples of Greek art and architecture, famous for its “Valley of Temples”, which is home to seven temples with beautiful fluted columns. The site also has the so-called Tomb of Theron, a large pyramidal monument built to commemorate Roman soldiers, and the Olympieion field, a monument complex dominated by the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

The European archeological site is 52 miles from Palermo, which has buses to Agrigento.

Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the Côa Valley, Portugal, and Siega Verde, Spain

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When it dates back to: 20,000 BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1998Address/locations: Côa Valley, R. do Museu, 5150-610 Vila Nova Foz Côa, Portugal; Siega Verde, DSA-470, km 26, 400, 37488 Villar de la Yegua, Salamanca, SpainWhat you need to see there: A kayak tour down the Côa River to see the best of the rock art panels, as well as the birds and otters that call the valley home.

Côa Valley and Siega Verde are two separate sites that straddle the border between Portugal and Spain; Côa Valley is in Portugal and Siega Verde is in Spain. Both sites are considered to be the best open-air ensembles of Paleolithic art on the Iberian Peninsula. Dating from 20,000 BCE to 7,000 BCE, the sites contain hundreds of panels of animal and anthropomorphic figures that were carved and picked into the cliffs.

In 1995, a new dam on the Côa River was proposed that would have flooded the lower levels of the river valley and large areas of the site. World interest in saving the site mobilized anti-dam campaigns in Portugal, as well archaeologists and UNESCO. In 1998, the sites were designated as World Heritage Sites.

The sites are one hour and fifteen minutes apart, and Côa Valley is two hours from Salamanca, Spain. There is a visitor center and museum in Côa Valley, where you can take a guided 4×4 tour or a kayak trip down the Côa River to see the sites.

Archeological ensemble of Mérida, Spain

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When it dates back to: 25 BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1993Address/locations: P.º Roma, s/n, 06800 Mérida, Badajoz, SpainWhat you need to see there: A performance in the ancient Roman theater.

Mérida was the site of the colony Augusta Emerita, a Roman city founded in 25 BCE as an idealized model of Rome, and the capital of Lusitania, the western-most province of the Roman Empire. Today, the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida is the most extensive Roman archaeological site in Spain.

The site features numerous Roman remains, including an amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests that seated 15,000 spectators, an open-air venue known as a circus that seated 30,000 spectators, a beautiful bridge over the Guadiana, several aqueducts, a temple to Diana, and a necropolis. There is also a beautiful theater which is still used today for classical performances throughout the summer.

Mérida is located in Extremadura, Spain, and is a five-hour train or bus ride from Madrid, and a three hour bus from Seville.

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites, UK

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When it dates back to: 3,700 BCEWhen it became a UNESCO World Heritage site: 1986Address/locations: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United KingdomWhat you need to see there: The Stonehenge circle of standing stones and the Avebury stone circle, the largest stone circle in the world.

Stonehenge and Avebury in southern England are two Neolithic sanctuaries featuring some of the most famous megaliths in the world. In the surrounding area there are a further 700 archaeological sites, making for a uniquely dense ceremonial and funerary landscape.

The monuments were built over a period of 2,000 years, from 3,700 to 1,600 BCE. Stonehenge is dominated by the world-renowned circle of standing stones, the most sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world. Avebury has the largest stone circle in the world, and the nearby site of Silbury Hill has the largest prehistoric mound in Europe. Many of the monuments have significant astronomical alignments.

Stonehenge and Avebury are in the southwest of England, 10 miles from the town of Salisbury. Salisbury can be reached by train or bus from London, and from there the Stonehenge Tour bus can take you to the site.

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Why You Should Take a Factory Tour on Your Next Trip To Europe. Yes, a Factory Tour.

There’s something about seeing age-old traditional crafts being made and learning about the people who choose to keep these skills alive. But it can be equally interesting – and arguably even more valuable – to know how the things we use every day are made.

Touring the facilities that produce the clothes we wear and the cars we drive helps us not only appreciate those things on a deeper level, but also to make better choices as consumers. It also turns out that these modern factories can be as important to a place as leather is to Florence. Portugal has been producing textiles since the 18th century, after all, and can you really imagine Stuttgart without Porsche?

Factory tours are also a lesson in ultimate efficiency. Until I toured Volvo’s factory outside of Gothenburg, Sweden, I didn’t think about the fact that wooden blocks are more comfortable to stand on than concrete and wood absorbs oil stains better.

That kind of direct look serves both the companies and the viewers: by showing you their sustainable and worker-oriented credentials, companies get to burnish their brand. By having you there watching it, companies are also under more pressure to really walk the walk. So go ahead and book a factor tour (and you really do need to book these tours in advance) the next time you’re in Europe to see how things are made.

1. Porsche factory tour in Stuttgart, Germany

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In the Zuffenhausen area of Stuttgart, Porsche offers factory tours that include a visit to The Porsche Museum, which has nearly 100 beautiful vehicles to drool over. The museum entrance fee is 10€ (about $10) and 5€ for students, kids, and seniors.

The tour allows you to “accompany a sports car through production and experience the perfect symbiosis of tradition and modernity,” says Frank Wiesmann, a product communications manager of Porsche North America.

His wording might sound corporate, but Porsche has in fact been making luxury and race cars since 1948, so they do hew to values of craftsmanship and quality. Porsche cars are also some of the world’s most innovative, and the factory is a good place to see all that come together.

“Visitors are typically fascinated by the experience,” Wiesmann says, particularly when the car’s “body is connected to the drivetrain and chassis.” The tour gives some insight into “Porsche Production 4.0,” a method of building cars that he says is “smart, lean and green.”

You can go even greener and get a tour of the fully electric Porsche Taycan’s assembly and painting process. You’ll start at the Porsche Museum foyer and take a bus to your destination. The two-hour tours are €15 per adult, with €6 for 14-18 year-olds and free under 14. Children under eight aren’t permitted on the tours.

2. Porsche factory tour and drive in Leipzig, Germany

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Porsche manufactures its Panamera and Macan models in Leipzig in eastern Germany. You can see the whole production process there and, just as in Stuttgart, be amazed by the sophisticated robotic machinery, the places where the human touch is still essential, and other elements of putting together a car that you just haven’t seen before. The 90-minute tour is for people aged 14 and up and costs €12.

The real reason to go out to Leipzig for the tour though is the part that comes afterward, if you’re willing to pay the money: You can ride “co-pilot” in a Panamera or in a GT3 Cup race car driven by a professional driver in a private track. (Helmets are obligatory for the GT3 Cup drives). The cost is €110 for the Panamera and €250 for the GT3 Cup. Coupled with the factory tour, the whole experience takes three hours.

3. Getzer textile factory tour in Bludenz, Austria

The Getzer Textile Factory was founded more than two hundred years ago in Bludenz, Austria. Today, Getzer says it’s a leading maker of “dressmaking damasks, fashion fabrics, and technical textiles.” For the consumer, the point of visiting a factory like this is to see a textile making process that is actually Earth friendly.

Getzer has received a bluesign certificate since 2006 for its shirt fabrics, damasks, and corporate apparel – and the company goes through recertification every three years. The bluesign idea of producing fabrics with the lowest environmental impact was conceived in Switzerland in 1997 and outdoor-wear companies like Mammut are bluesign certified. For Getzer, the means the fibers, chemicals, and dyes it uses meet strict ecological standards.

Contact the company directly, at least two months ahead of time, to have them organize a walking tour of the factory that lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. You’ll visit the weaving preparation area, the weaving mill, the finishing area, and the dying mill.

4. BMW factory tour in Munich, Germany

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There’s plenty of things to see in Munich, one of Matador’s favorite second cities in Europe – among them excellent museums, sprawling castles, and, in summer, welcoming beer gardens. While you’re there, you should add in a visit to the BMW factory, which has been churning out world-class cars for over a century. You can combine the tour with the visit to the 534,000-square-foot BMW Museum, which costs €10 for adults and €7 for seniors, students, and youth. Among its stunning collection of new and classic cars is one used in a James Bond film.

The factory tour itself, which is only for ages six and up, lasts 90 minutes and costs €14 for adults and €11 for students, seniors, and youth. While the Porsche tour is on a bus, the BMW tour has you walking. The nice part about that is you can get really close in some places, and spend longer in certain spots. But be prepared to walk almost two miles.

5. Volvo factory tour in Göthenburg, Sweden

Göthenburg is another visit-worthy second city, with opulent 17th and 18th century architecture, bustling cobbled streets, and inviting cafes to duck into when the weather invariably gets cold. Just outside town, Volvo has been making cars since 1927.

Today, the Volvo factory is an interesting place to see Nordic values at work. It is also surprisingly quiet in the factory. Note that factory tours are also not available over the summer months.

Starting in 2015, Volvo extended its eco-commitment to the cars themselves when it launched its first hybrid. It now plans to build only electric cars by 2030, phasing out all cars with internal combustion engines. You can see all of this in process for SEK 125 ($12) on a factory tour that you take on a little cart. Because you’re on the cart, you can’t linger long in any one area, but seeing huge slabs of steel become finished cars by the time your tour ends is very memorable.

6. ISTO organic clothing factory tours in northern Portugal

The organic clothing manufacturer ISTO touts the transparency of its sustainable products and the production process itself. It endeavors to back it up with free tours of not just one factory, but of many of the suppliers it works with in northern Portugal from the cities of Braga and Porto to Benedita and Serra da Estrela. It calls the effort “Factourism.”

Unlike automotive factory tours, ISTO tours don’t happen on a regular basis. You’ll have to register to participate in a tour when they are open to the public. Because ISTO is committed to working with independent operators it can trust, some of the factories you’ll see will in fact feel like artisan workshops. The family-owned NGS MALHAS has only 25 employees and makes top-quality jersey fabric, whereas the family-owned MODCOM has even fewer workers who sew lightweight jackets and other linen apparel for ISTO.

The ISTO tour will take you through more sizable factory floors as well. The Label Factory ETILABEL has 180 employees and they just make labels. But they are OEKO-TEK certified, which is why ISTO uses them exclusively for their own labels. ISTO also works with knitwear manufacturers like A. Ferreira & Filhos and a leather maker, Olhamar.

With fourteen factories that make ISTO’s organic and sustainable clothing, Factourism is starting to sound pretty fascinating after all. .

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Where To Go Camping Near Houston

Houston may be the fourth largest city in the United States, but it also has plenty of natural areas just on its outskirts where you can go camping and enjoy the beautiful Texas outdoors. Near the Gulf of Mexico and among the state’s many wildlife refuges and a national forest, nearby parks offer campers a chance to observe the stars in an observatory, make a splash at exhilarating water parks, party with one of America’s favorite cartoon bears, and relax on the banks of winding rivers. Whether you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent or just want to park your RV, these are some of the best places for camping in Houston.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Photo: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Hey Boo Boo, let’s get a pic-a-nic basket at Jellystone Park. The most famous bear in the world invites families everywhere to join him for a truly unique, family fun experience. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is about 45 minutes outside of Houston in Waller, Texas.

The park offers an incredible amount of fun things to do for all including a kid’s water zone, outdoor pool, thrilling water slides, splash pads, a lazy river, pedal boats, a lake for fishing, mini-golf, arts and crafts events, laser tag, and an arcade.

Photo: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park allows visitors to rent golf carts for getting around the park easily, pool cabana rentals, and you can even schedule a visit from Yogi himself.

These fun activities won’t be conquered in a day (although day passes are available in peak season), so you’ll want to plan on camping overnight to keep the fun going throughout the entire vacation.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park fees and camping amenities

Photo: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Day camp passes for ages four and up are $31, while children three and younger are free. Smarter than the average bear visitors will snatch up fun passes that give you instant access to paid activities, tasty treats, and bear visits. Passes start at $46 and go up to $88 per visitor.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park offers many ways to stay overnight in the park. Each camping option varies in price and availability depending on the season.

Larger groups (up to 28 visitors) can relax in the stately Grand Lodge, which offers a full kitchen and a detached billiards room. Park visitors who want to relax by the water will have their pick of several options, including Yogi Bear on the Lake Cabins, Cindy Bear on the Lake cabins, and more.

Travelers with RVs have their pick from pull-through, back-in, or paved sites with water and electric hookups. Standard tent sites are available and come with a picnic table, fire ring, water, and electricity hookups.

During peak summer months, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is very popular, so you’ll want to head online and reserve your spot well in advance.

Splashway Water Park and Campground

Photo: Splashway Water Park and Campground

The small Texas town of Sheridan holds one of the best family camping secrets in the entire state. Splashway Water Park and Campground combine all the thrills of a water adventure park with a clean and safe campground for the entire family to spend quality time together.

While Sheridan is an hour and a half outside of Houston, it remains a popular stop for travelers near and far for its variety of ways to spend the day having fun or simply relaxing under the sun.

Photo: Splashway Water Park and Campground

The water park features tons of popular attractions such as the Dueling Splash Blasters and Jet Stream slides that will keep the older kids entertained for hours while younger visitors will have a blast in the Minnow Pond and Toddler Bay areas.

When mom and dad get a craving for Tex-Mex, they can head over to Tortuga’s Tacos and Cantina for delicious nachos, pulled pork, and an ice-cold beer.

Splashway Water Park fees and camping amenities

Photo: Splashway Water Park and Campground

Daily water park tickets begin at $49 (with senior citizen and military discounts available) and can be purchased in person or online for a small discount. If you plan on multiple days at the park, then the season pass ($139) may be your best bet and it comes with discounts on food, drinks, campsites, and cabana rentals.

Splashway offers a variety of camping options: cabins, bunkhouses, cottages, RV sites, and tent camping sites.

Families in need of a getaway will find cabins available at Splashway for $199 per night. They accommodate up to 12 visitors and include a bedroom with a queen-size bed, a loft with two full-size and queen-size beds, a full bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen. They also come with air conditioning, heat, a satellite TV, and a screened-in porch with tables and chairs.

Bunkhouses are fully equipped retreats with private showers, restrooms, and a kitchen. They sleep 20 visitors and cost $450 per night. The bunkhouses include plenty of beds, two full couches, a stacked kitchen, a picnic table, a covered porch, a fire pit, and air conditioning.

Photo: Splashway Water Park and Campground

The Splashway cottages are $130 per night and sleep five guests. They include one twin bunk bed and a full-size bed with a twin-size bunk bed overhead, a small kitchen, television, bathroom with a stand-up shower, and air conditioning.

RV sites are $65 nightly and offer 30 or 50 amp electrical connections, pull-through or back-in sites, plus full hookups, including sewage.

And for $45 per evening, you can sleep under the stars in a tent. Who needs modern comforts when you have birds chirping, warm Texas breezes in the evening, a roaring campfire, and the sound of the air conditioning buzzing in the cottage next door you should have sprung for?

Brazos Bend State Park

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Brazos Bend State Park is a one-of-a-kind park where visitors not only get to explore nature but the solar system as well. The park, located roughly 45 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, is home to nearly 40 miles of hiking and biking trails that keep outdoors enthusiasts happy for the extent of their stay. Designated areas also allow for horses on the trails as well. If hiking isn’t your thing, be sure to bring your fishing pole and cast off from one of four piers available inside the park.

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

After you spend the day under the sun, head to the George Observatory for an evening of stargazing, constellation laser tours from amateur astrologists, or enjoying live camera feeds of the universe. Visitors will also have a chance to bask in all that heavenly glory with deck and dome telescopes. The observatory is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, so you’ll need a ticket to enter.

Brazos Bend State Park fees and camping amenities

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Visitors 13 years of age or older are subject to a daily fee of $7 while children 12 years old or younger are free to enter. If you have a Texas State Parks Pass, the fee is waived for you and your guests.

The park also has many primitive camping options to choose from, including sites with electricity, water hookups, upright grills, and fire rings. The fees range from $12 to $25 depending on your needs. If you like to sleep with your horse, there are primitive equestrian sites located under a grove of pecan trees for ambiance. Water for your horse friends is available, but you’ll have to bring drinking water and the fee is $12 nightly.

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Nonprofit youth organizations can find special group campgrounds for $25 and up that come with a large firepit, picnic tables, and a water spigot. Individuals or adult groups can not use these group campgrounds. All campsites have restrooms and showers nearby for convenience.

Screened shelters at Brazos Bend State Park are $25 per night and come with water, electricity, an upright grill, and a fire ring. Restrooms and showers are located nearby as well.

A single cabin is available for travelers who like to camp without the actual experience of camping. It’ll cost you $65 per evening and it comes with running water, air conditioning, beds (but you’ll have to bring bedding), a fire ring, grill, and more. Restrooms and showers are located nearby.

Brazos Bend State Park also has several group facilities for day use such as an amphitheater ($20 daily), pavilions ($50 daily), and a group dining hall for up to 100 park guests. The group dining hall is $150 per day with a $50 returnable cleaning deposit.

Lake Livingston

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Lake Livingston State Park is a great place to get away from the city for a weekend. On the shores of Lake Livingston, the park provides ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Several walking and biking trails wind through the woods, providing a chance to see some of the native wildlife.

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

In addition, Lake Livingston State Park offers a variety of camping options, from primitive sites to RV hookups. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Lake Livingston State Park deserves a spot on your camping list.

Lake Livingston fees and camping amenities

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Daily entrance fees are $6 for persons aged 13 years or older, while children 12 years old or younger are free. A Texas State Parks Pass gives you and your guests free admission to the park.

Campsites at Lake Livingston range from primitive sites with water hookups for $14 per night, plus the daily entrance fee to full sites with electricity and picnic tables for $20. Full RV hookups are available via reservation for $30 per night.

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Screened shelters with water, and electricity, plus a picnic table are $35 but don’t allow pets.

A group hall with air conditioning, heater, outdoor grill, tables, and chairs, plus plenty of space for up to 50 guests, can be reserved for $125 daily.

Galveston Island State Park

Photo: Visit Galveston

Galveston Island State Park allows travelers to experience Texas beach camping in a pristine environment along the Gulf of Mexico. Located a quick jaunt from downtown Houston, Galveston Island State Park is a premier spot for biking, fishing, kayaking, hiking, as well as bird watching, and relaxation.

The park is home to three paddling trails: Dana Cove, Oak Bayou, and Jenkins Bayou. You’ll need to bring your own kayak or paddle because the park doesn’t offer rentals, but it’s worth the effort to see nature like our ancestors intended — in a plastic boat.

Galveston Island State Park fees and camping amenities

Photo: Visit Galveston

Entrance fees begin at $5 per day for visitors 13 years old or older, while children 12 years of age or younger are free. Again, if you have a Texas State Parks Pass, the fee is waived for you and your guests.

Campsites with electricity on the bay side begin at $20 per night and are for trailer or RV campers only. These sites are over a mile from the beach and share pavilions and fire rings with other sites. Restrooms and showers are located nearby.

Photo: Visit Galveston

Primitive campsites for tent campers on the bay side come with a shade shelter, fire ring, grill, water, and a picnic table. These campsites cost $15 per evening. Tent campers wanting the beach experience will have an option for grounded primitive sites with water (but no electricity) and sites that are on raised tent platforms. Platform sites cost $20 per evening and one ADA platform is available.

Dry camping is available for trailers and motorhomes only ($10 per night), while several beachside upgraded and premium camping sites that include water and 50 amp hookups range from $30 to $35 per night.

Stephen F. Austin State Park

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Located just 50 minutes west of Houston, Stephen F. Austin State Park offers visitors a chance to get away from the controlled chaos of city living to rest along the shaded shores of the Brazos River.

Here you’ll have five miles of hiking and biking trails that meander along the river and historic sites that offer a glance at what life was like for some of the first Anglo-American settlers in Texas.

Stephen F. Austin State Park fees and camping amenities

Photo: Texas Parks and Wildlife

Daily entrance fees for persons aged 13 years or older are $5, while children 12 and younger are free. And if you have a Texas State Parks Pass, the fee is waived for you and your guests.

Visitors can choose between primitive campsites, campsites with water, and RV sites with full hookups that vary between $12 and $28. A group campsite with space for up to 60 campers is available for $100 per night and comes with a fire ring, picnic tables, and water, but no electricity. Restrooms without showers are nearby.

Stephen F. Austin State Park also has screened shelters for $35 nightly with water and electricity available. Showers and restrooms are nearby the sites as well.

An ADA-accessible cabin is $75 nightly and sleeps four comfortably. The cabin has water, electricity, air conditioning, heat, a mini-fridge, and, perhaps most importantly, a microwave. So bring your popcorn, but leave your dog at home because pets aren’t allowed inside the cabin.

Groups looking for more amenities such as full kitchens, air conditioning, and ADA-accessible lodging will find options that will cost between $100 and $300 daily.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

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Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a beautiful nature preserve located just north of Houston. The park covers nearly 5,000 acres of land, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life. It is a great place to go for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, birding, fishing, and horseback riding for the day.

There are also several camping sites available for those who want to spend the night under the stars. The park is open year-round, and it offers a wonderful escape from the daily commotion of city life. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an overnight adventure, Lake Houston Wilderness Park deserves a spot on your list.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park fees and camping amenities

The daily fee is $3 for those aged 13 to 65, with kids 12 years of age or younger free. There is also a discount for senior citizens and military members.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers an incredible choice of options for overnight campers including primitive campsites, lakeside cabins, A-frames, screen shelters, and RV sites.

Single campsites are for those groups of less than eight campers and cost $7 per night, plus the daily entrance fee for each visitor. There are a multitude of options available and include amenities such as a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, and lantern pole. There is also access to centrally located water and electricity.

Group campsites accommodate up to 50 campers overnight and cost $40 per evening. Group campsites at Lake Houston Wilderness Park include lantern poles, fire rings, one group fire ring with benches, a water table, and a pavilion with electricity.

If you desire spots that are still technically camping but guard you a bit from bugs and rodents, check out the five lakeside A-frames that sleep up to six campers and cost $35 per evening. The A-frames are screened facilities on raised platforms near Lake Dabney. Each offers an in-ground fire ring with a grill, picnic table, electricity, and water. There is one ADA-compliant lakeside A-frame available on request.

The Forest Cottage and Lazy Creek Lodge are less “cottage” and “lodge” and more “large screened shelters” but they sleep groups. Amenities include a large central room with a fireplace, running water, and electricity, but offers no bedding, air conditioning, heat, or showers. You will have access to floor and ceiling fans, a refrigerator, tables, and chairs, as well as restrooms.

Outside you’ll have use of an outdoor patio with picnic tables, a barbecue pit, and a fire ring with benches. An area around the back is available for those that wish to pitch a tent. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed, so leave Mr. Pugglesworth at home for this trip.

If you want less-than-primitive options, then the lakeside cabins are what you need. You’ll be “camping” on two queen-size beds plus a sofa that converts to a queen-size bed. The kitchen has a refrigerator, microwave, and oven. You’ll have modern comforts like ceiling fans, air conditioning, and a bathroom complete with a shower and hot water.

The Rustic Cabin sleeps eight and includes amenities such as air conditioning and heating, ceiling fans, kitchen appliances such as a microwave and small refrigerator, foldout table and chairs, an outdoor patio with a picnic table, barbeque grill, and fire ring. No beds are provided here, so bring an air mattress, or sleeping bag, or set up your tent outside.

There are four RV sites that cost $30 per night and full hookup access to electricity, water, and sewer. Amenities also include a fire ring with a grill, picnic table, and lantern pole.

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The 5 Best Amusement Parks Near Houston

Maybe it’s summer and the kids are out of school, already bored, and you’re desperately looking for a way to entertain them. Maybe it’s just a regular weekend and you need a way to entertain the kids on a warm Saturday afternoon. Maybe you don’t have kids at all, and just want to relive your youth. Whatever your reasons, amusement and theme parks are the perfect place to get your adrenaline fix mixed with a dose of good old fashioned fun. These Houston amusement parks are waiting to be explored, from the Typhoon Texas Waterpark to to the rides at Traders Village, and the legendary Kemah Boardwalk.

1. Kemah Boardwalk

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Twenty miles south of Houston in Kemah, Kemah Boardwalk is not only one of the best amusement parks in the Houston area, but in all of Texas. Overlooking Galveston Bay, the park has a Ferris wheel, a wooden roller coaster, carnival-style midway games, a double-decker carousel, and an entertainment complex with shops and restaurants along the waterfront. Some of the most popular attractions include Stingray Reef, Boardwalk Tower, the Dancing Water Fountains, and the arcade. Apart from the rides, the park is famous for its Aquarium Restaurant, a seafood restaurant with aquarium-like water tanks that make for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Spread over 60 acres, Kemah Boardwalk is also one of the state’s largest amusement parks.

2. Typhoon Texas Waterpark

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Texas is hot. That’s not exactly a revelation. But it’s often easy to forget that with all that adrenaline flowing, running around an amusement park in the hot sun, things can get pretty sweaty and uncomfortable. That’s where waterparks come in. Attractions at Typhoon Texas range from a huge swimming pool with water slides, a lazy river, an activity pool with ropes and stepping stones, and intense rafting rides. There are also dining areas, like the Taco Shack and River Grill, and a variety of cabanas perfect for families to rent.

3. Funplex

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Funplex has pretty much everything you could possibly want in an amusement park. Primarily: rides, swings, go-karts, arcade games, and a roller coaster. It’s also the only Houston amusement park with a roller rink. Encompassing over 200,000 square feet, Funplex is fun for adults too, with two massive TVs showing live sports, bowling, and a Ferris wheel. There’s even a sports bar to cap off the experience. In addition to the classic attractions you’d find in an amusement park, Funplex raises the stakes with its virtual reality experiences. They’ve got a VR roller coaster – for those who want a thrilling roller coaster experience without actually going on a roller coaster – and a VR car simulator, a racing game that makes you feel like you’re actually speeding down a track.

4. Galveston Island Pleasure Pier

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Located on a dock overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island’s Pleasure Pier has 16 rides, midway carnival games, a candy shop, live music venues, and a brew station for adults. There’s also a restaurant with amusement park favorites like hot dogs, burgers, pizza, turkey legs, and funnel cakes. Since the park is located right on the water, many of the rides are also over the water, adding both stunning views and an element of drama. The most adrenaline-pumping rides include the Texas Star Flyer – a swing suspended 230 feet above sea level with a panoramic view of the Gulf – and the Iron Shark Rollercoaster, a 52-mile-per-hour beast with a heart-stopping vertical drop. There are more subdued rides, too, like the carousel, teacups, and kids Ferris wheel.

5. Rides at Traders Village

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Traders Village isn’t a typical amusement park experience, but that’s what makes it worth visiting. Not simply a theme park with rides and snack stands, Traders Village is a huge outdoor flea market – the largest on the Texas Gulf Coast – where you’ll find a wide array of oddities you won’t see anywhere else. In addition to bargain shopping, there are also several rides sure to stoke your adrenaline. The flea-market inspired Fleafall is among the most heart pounding, with guests freefalling 128 feet at speeds of over 45 mph. There’s also the Pharaoh’s Fury, a King Tut-themed pendulum ride, and more relaxing experiences like the carousel, Trackless Family Train, and kids bumper cars.

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13 (Practically) Free Things To Do in Myrtle Beach

Don’t break the bank when visiting one of the best beaches in the US, where everything from museums to pier visits to live entertainment can be free. We’re talking Myrtle Beach — the fastest-growing city in the nation.

Tap into how fun being frugal can be along the 60 miles that make up Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand with the list below — you’ll find ideas that are great for date night, hang time, or family fun, all showcasing how this slice of South Carolina offers up its delights for free (or just about!).

1. Pick from 60+ miles of wide-open beaches

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

Time on Myrtle Beach’s best stretches of sand comes free of charge. There are plenty of frugal ways to while away the sunny days, from bodysurfing to throwing a Frisbee to reading/picnicking/relaxing under the shade of an umbrella.

Reference the SC Beach Access Guide (scan the amenities map and swim advisories), load up on the SPF, and you’re ready for a day of free fun and sun. There are numerous “beach stores” in town to grab any extra accoutrements, and if what you need is a beach-going wheelchair, two Grand Strand communities, Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach, offer those for free, too.

2. Explore The Pier at Garden City

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

Like to fish? Relax and listen to live music? Stroll for sea views? Blast up some arcade games? Sing karaoke? The Pier at Garden City — eight miles south of Myrtle Beach — offers all these free or low-cost activities and more, but it’s most famous for its constant stream of anglers and musicians.

And while the onsite cafe’s hand-dipped ice cream and ice-cold drinks may require opening the wallet, the 668 feet of over-the-ocean views and live tunes come free for the taking.

3. Visit the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum opened its doors in 1997 and has been welcoming guests for free ever since.

With 11 galleries housing rotating exhibits, the museum showcases a wide range of visual arts, from mixed media to sculpture to oil paintings, and there are programs to creatively engage children and adults alike throughout the year. The museum is also home to the Lineta Pritchard Pottery Studio — you might run into aspiring or working potters during open studio hours.

The museum’s location is worth mention, too: From here, you’re a short walk away from Springmaid Pier, Myrtle Beach’s second-longest pier and just the spot to take in the sea-nic views.

4. Create your own mural tour in Conway

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

15 miles from Myrtle Beach rests the charming river town of Conway, whose old-timey town center comes lined with street art. Explore this clash of ages by creating your own walking tour of Conway’s newest and brightest murals.

Nine modern pieces of art — including a piece on the water tower — depict the history and culture of this river town. Tack on a wander under the live oak trees, maybe stop in a shop or get a bite to eat, and end your walking tour on the town’s riverwalk, ideally on a swing facing the Waccamaw River.

5. Explore Huntington Beach State Park

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One of the jewels of the South Carolina park system, Huntington Beach State Park comprises three miles of pristine beach, 2,500 acres on Murrells Inlet — home to a wide array of wildlife, in and above the water — and more than enough campsites for a last-minute reservation (usually!).

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children 6–15, with children under six totally free. Though it comes with an additional fee, the tours are worth it: Follow a naturalist around the park for a lesson on all things wild and wonderful, or tour Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark located inside the park.

6. Catch a breeze on the area’s bike trails

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From boggy marshes to windswept dunes, Myrtle Beach’s bike trails never cross the same backdrop twice — and with the region’s bounty of greenways and boardwalks, getting on two wheels and exploring is safe and easy.

If you’re yearning to be out in nature, then spots like the above Huntington Beach State Park (with 26 miles of trails) or the East Coast Greenway — bikers can access the epic 3,000-mile route near Carolina Forest — provide plenty of natural beauty and distance from the sounds of city life.

Tip: Many area hotels offer bike rentals, and there are also dedicated spots to rent bikes if your hotel or Airbnb doesn’t come with wheels.

7. Travel back in time (yep, for free)

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

Before it was all glitz and glam and SkyWheels, Myrtle Beach was an Indigenous outpost and then agricultural hotspot — up until some 75 years ago. You’ll travel through these eras at the Horry County Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm, for free.

Start inside the museum, where exhibits focus on the human and natural history of Horry County, one of the largest counties in the eastern United States. Then head outside to experience Myrtle Beach life on a “one-horse farm.” Replicating the period from 1900-1955, peek inside the kitchen with its wood-burning stove, learn about curing meat and sourcing fresh water, and definitely make friends with the family mule.

8. Wander the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Photo: Kevin Ruck/Shutterstock

Take one step on the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade and you’ll be taking part in South Carolina tradition. Part of Myrtle Beach culture since its early days, the boardwalk was and is a place to see and be seen, get to the heart of the downtown action, and soak in the timeless revelry of the Grand Strand.

More than a mile long and winding over the sand from the 14th Avenue Pier to the 2nd Avenue Pier, this is one of the best boardwalks in the US, according to Conde Nast Traveler. The people-watching, window-shopping, and sea-breezing are totally free.

9. Experience Broadway at the Beach

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

June through August, Broadway at the Beach — essentially a massive entertainment district — transforms after dark with its Great American Nights Series. Weather permitting, catch free nightly music, strolling entertainers, dancing, and weekly fireworks. Stiltwalkers, acoustic musicians, storytellers, and plenty of DJ dance parties happen all season long.

10. Stroll the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

It’s true that the Murrells Inlet MarshWalk is home to some of the region’s best seafood restaurants, but those fabulous establishments rest on an intertwined system of tidal creeks and salt marshes also worth exploring.

Sunset is one of the most popular times to promenade down this half-mile boardwalk, when it’s common to spot a snowy egret lifting off a bank or tiny crabs scurrying into the seagrass. Expect free sights, free rhythms of live music, and free aromas of hot hushpuppies and freshly fried shrimp.

11. Experience sensory fun

Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

Savannah’s Playground in The Market Common has a simple goal: to be welcoming and fun for children no matter their age or abilities. It’s the Southeast’s first all-abilities playground.

Divided into three zones — early childhood, school age, and interactive — look for ADA-compliant and adaptive swings, sit-and-spin elements, and the Harmony Music Park, which invites children to creatively make music as part of their playtime.

12. Hunt for shells and shark teeth

Photo: Stacey Stauff Smith Photos/Shutterstock

Visit any of Myrtle Beach’s stretches of sand, and you’ll more than likely see someone stopping, stooping, and celebrating. They’re hunting for shark teeth and shells, a time-honored tradition for beachgoers of all ages.

There’s a trick to knowing what to look for, but with 60+ miles of uninterrupted coastline, there are plenty of chances to get the hang of spotting these tiny fossils.

13. Get a sugar rush

Photo: Kseniia Perminova/Shutterstock

It doesn’t cost much for a little by-the-pound candy or sweets at Sugar Life Ice Cream, a kaleidoscope of color, flavor, and sweet offerings. Choose a goody from a selection of ice cream flavors, novelty candy items, bulk bins, and various other sweet treats, including old-fashioned candy and a local classic: salt water taffy. In Myrtle Beach, a few dollars and a little sweetness goes a long way.