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California’s largest dispensary just opened, and it’s a full-on cannabis theme park

When it comes to buying recreational cannabis, there are dispensaries and then there are high-design centers where the purchase of weed is just one aspect of the experience. California’s largest dispensary, Planet 13, opened on July 1 and falls squarely in the latter category.

Planet 13’s Orange County location (the company’s name stems from how “M” — for marijuana — is the thirteenth letter in the alphabet) is located in Santa Ana close to both Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm. It’s the second Planet 13 location — the first opened in Sin City in 2018, and Matador named it one of the top dispensaries in Las Vegas thanks to water displays, an LED roof, and 40,000 square feet of space.

Photo: Planet 13/Facebook

From the looks of it, the Orange County location is no less appealing. There’s an 80-foot-wide digital waterfall, a sand-and-shore display that leaves digital footprints when you walk over it, and a Volkswagen van that puffs out fake smoke to make it look like the people inside just hotboxed the vehicle. Oh yeah, there’s also 50 registers and some 250 workers to help you complete the task you likely came for: actually buying cannabis.

Possibly the most exciting aspect is that the opening is only the first phase. According to the LA Times, an indoor rain simulation will come from the ceiling and 18-inch mechanical butterflies will float around like some sort of upside down Alice in Wonderland trip. A center for in-house cannabis products will also be added down the line, as well as a 15,000-square-foot public consumption lounge complete with a splash pool.

Photo: Planet 13/Facebook

It seems fitting that Planet 13’s two locations are in areas known for over-the-top, amusement-park-esque experiences. As draconian laws and drug policies change across the country, these beacons of marijuana signal what’s next in cannabis tourism. Yes, it may be easier to go to a smaller dispensary for a quick trip, just like it’s easier to watch Disney channel if you want to see your favorite characters. But that doesn’t mean a trip to Disneyland every once in a while isn’t worth the experience.

More like thisCannabisThe best recreational cannabis dispensaries in America

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The world’s most affordable cities for urban vacations in 2021

Major cities aren’t exactly known for their affordability. The mere suggestion of traveling to a large city in another country can immediately conjure images of expensive restaurants, overpriced trendy cocktail bars, and accommodation priced about $100 higher than its quality and cleanliness warrant. Not all cities are budget-breakers, however. Luggage storage company Bounce analyzed 75 popular city break destinations to find the most affordable cities for urban vacations. To arrive at the final list, it looked at the cost of five travel essentials — hotel rooms, meals at local restaurants, public transport tickets, a bottle of wine, and a cold beer.

According to their findings, these are the world’s 10 most cities for urban vacations:

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaIstanbul, Turkey Rio de Janeiro, BrazilSt. Petersburg, RussiaKrakow, PolandMoscow, Russia Porto, PortugalBudapest, HungaryKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaSantiago, Chile

Buenos Aires took the top spot largely thanks to its cheap wine (just $3.10 per bottle) and extremely reasonable public transportation cost ($0.27 for a one-way ticket). Istanbul followed closely behind, at just $.40 for a one-way travel ticket and its similarly cheap taxi fares, while Rio de Janeiro has the distinction of being the cheapest city on the list for draught beer, which costs just $1.34.

Bounce also analyzed the world’s most expensive cities for tourists, so if you really don’t mind shelling out some extra dough on vacation, these are the destinations for you:

Zurich, SwitzerlandReykjavik, IcelandGeneva, Switzerland New York City, United StatesLondon, EnglandCopenhagen, DenmarkSan Francisco, USA Boston, USA Las Vegas, United StatesAmsterdam, Netherlands More like thisFood + Drink10 of the most pungent, salty, and tangy fermented foods from around the world

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You won’t appreciate the power of the pickle until you try the ones served across Asia

The American understanding of what a pickle can accomplish is woefully inadequate. Don’t get me wrong, pickles in the US are delicious, mildly salty, satisfyingly crunchy, and refreshing spears that pair perfectly with hot dogs and cold cut sandwiches, but people in the US hardly value the versatility of the pickle. To understand just how flavorful and multifaceted a pickle can be, we have to look to Indonesia, China, India, and Vietnam — the entire region in fact — where pickles are a dietary staple.

First of all, pickles are not just cucumbers. Pickles, pan-Asian cuisine tells us, can be papaya, mango, mushrooms, daikon, limes, cabbage, or eggplant. And while people in some countries, like Japan, keep their pickling methods simple — often massaging a salt brine into vegetables like cucumber, resulting in a crisp, palate-reviving bite — most other countries, especially those in Southeast Asia, rely on complex layers of flavors to season their pickles.

“Pickles, whether they’re fermented in vinegar or a salt brine, add so much flavor and texture to a meal,” says Patricia Tanumihardja, author of Asian Pickles at Home, a collection of recipes for pickled sides and condiments from across Asia.

Tanumihardja, who’s Indonesian and Chinese, grew up eating pickles with nearly all of her meals. Her mother paired mie goreng (Indonesian spicy fried noodles) with pickled cucumber, carrot, and cauliflower; the “extra crunch” pairs perfectly with the soft noodles. She’d sometimes cook the pickles, too, adding pickled mustard cabbage and pickled plums to a chicken and pork soup alongside fresh tomatoes. The complex flavor profile, Tanumihardja says, is “sweet, tangy, salty, savory, all at the same time.”

In the course of her research, Tanumihardja found that pickled vegetables and condiments are a staple at the grocery store and the dinner table across Asia. But that’s where the similarities end. In Malaysia and Indonesia, for instance, pickles are seasoned with palm sugar, lime juice, shallots, and red chilies. But in India, the most common seasonings are turmeric, cardamom, and cumin. Japanese people prefer a minimalist rice bran pickle, whereas in India, the pickled vegetables are preserved in spicy oil.

The richness of these flavors lends itself to so much more than the humble American pickle, which finds itself mostly accompanying sandwiches. In Vietnam, pickles are served with soup, while in Japan a specific type of pickle called gari is served as a palate cleanser with sushi.

Tanumihardja, who keeps at least three jars of pickled vegetables in her fridge at all times, often mixes a grain, like farro, quinoa, or rice, with a fried egg and tops the dish with pickles — similar to bibimbap. She encourages people who are new to pickling to be “a little bit adventurous,” because pickling is a “worthwhile investment.”

These pickles might look different than those we’re used to in the West, but with a cornucopia of possibilities for spice, zest, and sweetness, exploring pickling techniques from across the continent should be a no brainer. Here are five ways to pickle vegetables inspired by recipes from across Asia.

Malaysia: Acar nenas dan timun

Photo: Dolly MJ/Shutterstock

In Malaysia, pickles are known as acar and typically served as a condiment or a side dish for grilled fish or fried rice. Malaysian acar recipes like acar nenas dan tumin combine two of the country’s favorite pickling ingredients: cucumber and pineapple. Another version, called acar awak, especially popular among the Nyonya people, mixes cabbage, carrots, long beans, and peanuts in a pickled sauce made from tamarind juice, and then it’s all heated up with Malaysian paste.

Japan: Tsukemono

Photo: norikko/Shutterstock

In Japan, tart and tangy pickled vegetables are called tsukemono. According to the Japanese recipe blog Just One Cookbook, tsukemono are served to “refresh the palate and provide refreshment to counter the heaviness of rich foods.” Often, Japanese pickling methods are simple and usually call for vegetables like cucumbers or daikon to be soaked in either a salt brine or rice bran. Shoyuzuke refers to the specific method of pickling vegetables in soy sauce; shoyuzuke​ recipes often add heat and spice with garlic and red chili peppers.

Vietnam: Ca phao muoi

Photo: /Shutterstock

Pickled whole golf-ball sized eggplants (also sometimes known as Kermit eggplants) are one of the most popular pickled snacks in Vietnam and come in many varieties — mắm cà phá, for instance, refers to eggplant fermented in fish sauce. The salty, crunchy eggplants are jarred and sold at grocery stores. Sometimes served as a condiment or side for steamed rice, pickled eggplant is also a common accompaniment to the many soups that define Vietnamese cuisine.

India: Naranga achar

Photo: yoamod/Shutterstock

The most distinctive characteristic of Indian pickles is that they’re fermented in oil to preserve the vegetables and prevent fungal growth. Naranga achar are spicy pickled limes, a common accompaniment to lentil curries and rice, or with paratha (Indian flatbread). Achar, which often contains pickled mangoes, also stands out because it doesn’t back down on heat. It’s often seasoned with spices that don’t appear in other Asian pickle recipes, like turmeric powder, mustard, and fenugreek seed.

Indonesian: Asinan buah

Photo: E Dewi Ambarwati/Shutterstock

The Javanese palate is attuned to sweetness, and this pickled fruit salad is a perfect mixture of salty tang, sweet, and sour. Brined in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and palm sugar, asinan buah usually includes some combination of cucumber, mango, jicama, and pineapple. Unlike many other pickles on this list, asinan buah is served as a snack on its own, rather than a condiment, but it’s also the perfect side dish for grilled meat. It’s especially popular in Bogor, a city in West Java, where you’ll find it at restaurants and at street vendors.

More like thisFood + Drink10 of the most pungent, salty, and tangy fermented foods from around the world

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A new initiative is making Costa Rica a top choice for female travelers

It doesn’t take much to convince travelers to visit Costa Rica. The beaches, jungles, cuisine, and pura vida lifestyle sell themselves. Now, a collaborative initiative between the Costa Rica Tourism Institute, National Women’s Institute, and National Commission for Tourism Security is giving female travelers yet another reason to boost Costa Rica to the top of their travel lists: the SOFIA Network, which “seeks to foster equality and safer travel environments.”

Launched on March 22, 2021, the SOFIA Network is the first tourism effort in Costa Rica targeted toward women and solo female travelers. Advancing gender equality and suppressing violence against women as tourism rebounds are chief among the initiative’s goals.

Women’s Condition Minister and National Women’s Institute Executive President Marcela Guerrero shared the following statement: “During pandemic times, when tourism has been impacted, we ask the commitment of every person in the industry and the tourism community, with the objective of guaranteeing equality between women and men in the Costa Rican tourism sector, eradicate violence against national and foreign women, and promote safe environments for tourists, as an axis of responsible, sustainable, and inclusive tourism.”

To meet these objectives, SOFIA Network is appealing to both the public and private sectors by inviting all actors in the tourism industry and local communities in heavily touristed areas to participate in a free and voluntary program. To participate, businesses and individuals can earn a SOFIA Network seal by studying the “Guide to Best Practices for Safety in Tourism Operations.” Businesses are required to prove that at least 80 percent of their staff have taken the course, which is valid for two years before requiring renewal.

According to Costa Rican Minister of Tourism Gustavo J. Segura, involvement in the program will “promote the pleasant permanence of tourists by strengthening the industry’s professional skills” and “build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable environment in a world where women are more independent and enjoy traveling alone.”

The push to make female travelers feel more comfortable in Costa Rica is not only socially significant but also statistically sound. According to data gathered by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, in 2019 an estimated 15.8 percent of non-resident arrivals in Costa Rica were solo female travelers, totaling nearly 400,000 women. If that many female travelers were already fulfilling their dreams of a solo trip to Costa Rica, we can only imagine how those figures will skyrocket once news of the SOFIA Network gets out.

More like thisWhere to StayThe best resorts for the ultimate 2021 vacation in Costa Rica

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9 tips for an awesome trip to Maui

We all have different feelings about traveling right now. When you’re ready, we hope you feel safe, inspired, and excited to join us on the Island of Maui. Read more about current safety protocols.

Maui deserves to be the central focus of your Hawaii trip. Unreal beaches and winding, cliffside roads — with farm-to-table fare around every serpentine corner — fringe the coasts, while a unique and storied culture runs through the heart of the isle, with age-old customs still practiced to this day.

Less mainstream than Oahu yet with plenty of tourist amenities should you need them, Maui strikes a balance that everyone from solo adventurers to honeymooners to families with young kids can appreciate. There are five regions to explore — West, Central, South, East, and Upcountry — each with a distinct regional vibe. Wherever you wind up, here are nine tips for an awesome trip.

1. Practice malama aina.

Photo: Tommy Lundberg/Hawaii Tourism Authority

The verb malama describes the core of Hawaiian culture: accepting one’s responsibility to both other people and nature. It’s at the heart of everything on the islands, from business practices to land use policies. When you’re here, keep in mind that you’re a guest on Hawaiian land, and the best way to honor your hosts is by enjoying local food, asking questions, listening to stories, and treating those around you with kindness.

Aina means land — so to practice malama aina is to be a steward of the island (and yes, that includes not just the land but the ocean as well!). Think of Maui as one giant national park: The only traces you should leave are your footprints. Respect for the environment is respect for the people who live here, which in turn is respect for the spirit of malama aina.

2. Be smart about where you stay and how you get around.

Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

Most of Maui’s major resorts and hotels sit on the western and southern shore in Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Wailea. These offer all-inclusive stays, beachside access, and luaus. For a more intimate local experience, rent a vacation property in a small town. Just be aware of scams — if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. You can easily get to bottom of things in a few minutes of internet research.

While hotels in resort areas like Kaanapali sometimes offer complimentary transfer services from the airport, your best bet is to rent a car (you can do this at the Kahului and Kapalua airports). Without your own wheels, you’ll be beholden to taxis, city buses, hotel shuttles, or tour buses. To guarantee a vehicle, reserve in advance.

When on the road, remember to follow aloha traffic customs: Drive slowly, let the locals pass, never tailgate or park on the road (especially on the snaking Hana Highway), and always stop for snacks at the fruit stands.

3. Prepare to chill…and be chilled.

Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

Leave your suit and tie behind for this trip — Maui’s laid-back culture rarely calls for formal wear. Opt for sandals, light dresses, and linen shirts when you’re heading out on the town.

However, you may need outerwear: A light jacket or sweater will help ward off the wind in the evenings, and you’ll want a heavier jacket (and/or a raincoat or windbreaker) if you’re planning on visiting Haleakala National Park. Pack some sturdy closed-toe shoes for this part of the trip, too.

4. If you climb Haleakala for sunrise, make sure to stick around.

Photo: Max Wagner/Hawaii Tourism Authority

While a trip up to the summit of Haleakala volcano — Hawaii’s third highest at 10,023 feet — is beautiful any time of day, sunrise is the Instagram-famous stunner. To secure a spot, you’ll need a reservation (up to 60 days in advance) and an alarm clock. It can easily take two hours to get up there, you’ll want to arrive before dawn, and sunrise always happens before 7am.

Those who come for sunrise often make two mistakes: wearing shorts and leaving soon after. It can be 30 degrees colder at the summit than at sea level, and Haleakala doesn’t quit after sunrise. The hiking, sunset watching, and stargazing opportunities are life-alteringly impressive, too.

Tip: Consider tacking on a visit to MauiWine, a 45-minute drive to the southwest. Try the Maui Blanc, made from hand-picked pineapples.

5. Don’t miss the drive along the Hana Highway…

Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

The Hana Highway, which winds for 52 miles along the island’s northern coast, holds every element of an iconic Maui road trip: narrow bridges, cliffside views, food stands, and more than 600 white-knuckle, hairpin turns.

It can take anywhere from two hours to a full day to drive its length, depending on how often you stop for photos and snacks. Start in Kahului in Central Maui and head east until you reach Hana, a small coastal town with a loose relationship with time and a true aloha way of life.

6. …but adhere to the “Road to Hana Code of Conduct.”

Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

With those aforementioned narrow bridges, blind curves, and plenty of reasons to stop, the Hana Highway requires that drivers be smart and aware. Though the full list is longer, here are some of the key points from the Code of Conduct:

Yield to oncoming traffic at bridges.Make sure you’re not blocking traffic if you stop for photos. Any cars stopped on the highway are subject to towing.If cars are building up behind you, find a pullout and let them pass.Use state parks, fruit farms, and rest facilities for breaks.Don’t leave anything behind, especially litter.Dust and decontaminate your gear before entering East Maui from West Maui and vice versa (to deter invasive species).

And, finally, take it easy on the drive. You’re here to enjoy yourself.

7. Be willing to ask permission.

Photo: Max Wagner/Hawaii Tourism Authority

One of Hawaii’s long-standing customs is oli, or the idea of asking permission. Do this, and doors will open to you. It’s a customary sign of respect, humility, and appreciation.

While you may not be chanting an oli to the forests, you should ask your guide where it’s appropriate to wander off-trail. Ask a local if that nearby postcard-perfect waterfall is on public land. If it’s not, ask if the owners are amenable to visitors. Do strike up conversations with islanders — many will open up their homes, or at least their local knowledge, to you if you politely ask.

8. Eat local, and definitely visit the farm stands.

Photo: Dana Edmunds/Hawaii Tourism Authority

Chow down on hamburgers made with hyper-local beef and feast on haupia, a coconut-milk dessert. Maui’s heritage — traditional roots blended with years of Asian and mainland US influence — means you can get everything from the day’s spearfished catch at Lahaina Grill to authentic Japanese sushi at Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar. (Looking for ocean views while you dine? Try Mama’s Fish House.)

Regardless of the cuisine, Hawaiian cooking is united by some common tenets: the use of high-quality, local ingredients and sharing generously. There’s a word for this way of eating: kuleana, the responsibility to only take what you need and serve it with love.

Of course, sometimes you have to head outside the dining room to get the freshest produce. Roadside stands, especially along the Hana Highway, are hands-down the best place to get your paws on papaya, mango, pineapple, and coconut.

9. Remember that no two beaches are the same.

Photo: Tor Johnson/Hawaii Tourism Authority

You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the massive winter waves of Honolua Bay, as the bluffs above the bay offer an excellent vantage point for you to hang-ten vicariously. The same goes for Hookipa Beach, the “windsurfing capital of the world,” with constant east-facing trade winds making it a playground for pros.

For Maui’s famed black sand, you’ll want to head to Waianapanapa State Park on the east shore. It’s ideal for families, with excellent camping facilities, safe swimming spots, and freshwater pools to explore.

Kihei, in the southwest, is best for beachcombing and whale watching, thanks to its proximity to the main humpback migration route (visit from October to April to catch a glimpse). Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, at the north end of this region, is a prime destination for bird watchers on the lookout for endangered Hawaiian stilts and coots.

And Although most of Maui’s beaches are great for snorkeling, Molokini — a small, crescent-moon-shaped island just three miles off the coast — is far and away the leading site for diving into the island’s moving kaleidoscope of tropical fish, like butterflyfish and unicornfish. It’s like a microcosm of Maui itself: so many worlds to explore.

The post 9 essential tips for an awesome trip to Maui appeared first on Matador Network.

10 luxurious Airbnbs for your Napa Valley bachelorette party

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

Location is key when considering Airbnbs for a bachelorette party in Napa because the Valley is more than a one-stop-shop. Stretching 30 miles from tip to tail and flanked by its lesser-known but equally charming sister Sonoma Valley, Northern California’s wine country offers an unforgettable backdrop to a girlfriend’s wine and dine getaway. While most Airbnb listings have acres of beautiful vineyards and complimentary wine on arrival, take care to select one that meets your party’s bachelorette vision. Here we’ve simplified the search by compiling a list of luxury Airbnbs in Napa Valley towns that will take your party to the next level.

1. Renovated historic home in the heart of Napa

Photo: Airbnb

Walkable to downtown Napa, this stylish home is the ideal base for your bachelorette bash. The Arbor House was previously a B&B, so all four bedrooms have a spacious footprint and ensuite bathrooms. The historic home is beautifully modernized and well-designed for groups. Challenge your friends to a bocce ball match in the garden, then head into town for Michelin-Star dining, live music, and Instagram-worthy wine bars. Downtown Napa is a hub for boutique shopping and is surrounded by wineries in every direction.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $917 per night

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2. Designer Home near Oxbow Market, Napa

Photo: Airbnb

The Oxbow House is a contemporary home that sleeps six and it will dazzle your guests with its impeccable interior design and stunning chef’s kitchen. After a day of wine tasting, you’ll enjoy the relaxing outdoor space complete with casual garden games. Be sure to pop into the Oxbow Public Market to peruse the vendors and nosh on cheese plates, fresh oysters, and flights of sparkling wine. And if you thought Venice was the only place for gondolas, surprise your friends with a cocktail cruise aboard the nearby Napa Valley Gondola.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1109 per night

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3. Boutique Inn for extra-large groups, downtown Napa

Photo: Airbnb

If your list of besties is particularly large and your budget is generous, check out the White House Inn, which can be fully retained for private events and host up to 16 overnight guests. Breakfast service, housekeeping, and full-time staff are included in the price. You can even request hosted meals and planned excursions as easy add-ons. The grounds include a sparkling pool with cabanas, manicured gardens, and outdoor dining nooks. The guest rooms are lavishly furnished and have white marble ensuite bathrooms. If you weren’t feeling spoiled enough, the location is ideal — just half a mile to the center of town.

Sixteen guests, 17 bedrooms
Price: $9000 per night

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4. Upscale townhouse at Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa

Photo: Airbnb

Napa Valley is known for the Silverado Trail, which runs the length of the valley and is dotted with wineries and tasting rooms. Equally well known is the Silverado Resort and Spa, a superb choice for a girlfriend’s getaway. This contemporary home has an open floorplan that extends to a spacious patio overlooking the golf course. The resort property offers an array of amenities including pools, tennis courts, restaurants, and luxury spa services. Hop on beach cruiser bikes to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting; no designated driver required.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $917 per night

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5. Premier vineyard retreat, St. Helena

Photo: Airbnb

The Ink House in St. Helena is a luxurious option for a splurge-worthy bachelorette party. The décor is lavish in all the right ways. Each recently remodeled room includes an ensuite bathroom and the outdoor space is sure to match the bride’s vision of a five-star, wine-country retreat. St. Helena’s Main Street bustles with boutiques and upscale bistros. It’s also the boarding point of the Napa Wine Train, which offers many itineraries, including an elegant Estate Winery Tour and a breathtaking Castle Winery Tour. Be sure to book in advance.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $2974 per night

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6. Stylish home with resort-style pool, downtown St. Helena

Photo: Airbnb

Slightly smaller groups that prefer to be right in town should consider this beautifully renovated home just off Main Street in St. Helena. Designer details are everywhere in this three-bedroom, three-bath home and the outdoor space is magazine-worthy. Prior guests rave about the snazzy, hot tub/pool with 26 jets and two relaxation stations. There’s even a fitness room with Peloton Bike and Peloton Tread. Several desirable farm-to-table restaurants are located within walking distance, and there’s certainly no shortage of wineries.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1395 per night

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7. Calistoga villa with private pool and vineyards

Photo: Airbnb

Calistoga is yet another great town at the north end of Napa Valley. Known for its hot springs and luxury mud bath traditions, Calistoga is the ideal locale if unique and extravagant spa treatments are a high priority for your bridal party. This gorgeous retreat blends white marble with reclaimed wood, creating a rich yet approachable vibe. Start your day with poolside mimosas or a pre-dawn hot air balloon ride with Calistoga Balloons. Round out the day with a cave tour at Joseph Cellars Winery or a gondola ride above Sterling Vineyards.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1500 per night

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8. Spectacular contemporary estate in Healdsburg

Photo: Airbnb

This stunning Xanadu estate will please the pickiest of brides. Its contemporary style and attention to detail is apparent throughout. There are sweeping valley views from nearly every window and folding patio doors to the pool deck and outdoor play areas. This eco-friendly home is solar-powered and surrounded by drought-resistant landscaping to appeal to conservation-minded guests. Several private wine tour operators are based in Healdsburg and offer a bachelorette “Bubbles Tour” of sparkling wine hotspots plus gourmet nibbles.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1495 per night

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9. Spacious Tuscan villa, walkable to downtown Sonoma

Photo: Airbnb

The whole squad will fit into Casa Sebastiani, with six bedrooms, five bathrooms and large entertaining spaces. This Tuscan style villa sits within the grounds of Sebastiani Vineyards and Winery, so tipsy bachelorettes can enjoy wine making tours and tastings on-site; no driver needed. Guests rave about the outdoor spaces, private pool, and sweeping views. Book a private chef through the villa’s SuperHost, or walk less than a mile to shops and Michelin-rated restaurants in town. There are well-known wineries around Sonoma and they offer a wealth of wine-lover experiences.

Fourteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $2094 per night

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10. Budget-friendly Bungalow for ten guests in Sonoma

Photo: Airbnb

Just a short stroll from Sonoma’s town square, this adorable bungalow is surprisingly spacious and the price is a win. It has four bedrooms, an open and updated kitchen, plus a lovely back garden with a hot tub. The SuperHost is highly ranked in the Sonoma area and known for quick responsiveness. Dining options at all price points surround the central plaza. Cornerstone Marketplace is a nearby alternative, where you can wander through the art and garden installations, enjoy complimentary live music, and affordable dining options.

Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $358 per night

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More like thisWineThe classic wineries that put Napa on the map are still must-visits

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The tastiest road trip itinerary through America’s Barbecue Belt

Different styles of barbecue are popular around the world. Some are done in underground pits, others in slow smokers that burn through the night. And while it’d be a monumental task to taste every style out there, it’s undeniable that some of the best slow cooked meats can be found on a barbecue road trip through the Southern United States.

Yes, there are under-appreciated barbecue styles elsewhere in the country — California’s Santa Maria-style, Chicago barbecue, and Hawaiian barbecue come to mind — but the styles served up in the South are most often what people think of when they talk about classic American barbecue. Fasten your seatbelt for a road trip around the Barbecue Belt.

Central Texas

Brisket — a cut from the lower chest of a cow — is king in Texas. That’s especially true in central Texas. In Austin and smaller cities around the middle of the state, hunks of brisket are typically given a simple dry rub treatment with salt and pepper before being smoked over mesquite, oak, and hickory for 12 to 24 hours. The meat is full of flavor despite the simple preparation thanks to the low and slow cook time and natural fattiness of brisket. Each bite has a crisp outside crust and a juicy interior.

There are a lot of famous Texas barbecue spots out there to add to a barbecue road trip. To taste some of the most iconic examples, stop by the spots with the highest accolades: Franklin Barbecue (900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702), Snow’s (516 Main St, Lexington, TX 78947), and Louie Mueller Barbecue (206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574).

Kansas City

Kansas City has a long history with barbecue, and the city’s pitmasters have a strong influence on barbecue across the country. Consider, for proof, that there are about 100 barbecue restaurants in Kansas City and it’s the home of the American Royal World Series of Barbecue.

Here, slow-cooked beef covered in a thick and sweet molasses-based sauce is the most iconic, but pork, chicken, sausage, turkey, and fish all commonly make barbecue menus as well. Be sure to order the burnt ends if they’re available, which are the charred bits at the end of a slab of brisket.

Start with the following for any visit where the goal is to explore what Kansas City has to offer on the barbecue front: Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue (1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127), Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (3002 W 47th Ave, Kansas City, KS 66103), and Slap’s BBQ (553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101).

Memphis

Kansas City and central Texas can have their beef ribs. In Memphis, the focus is on pork — specifically slow cooked pork ribs and pork shoulder sandwiches. There are more than 100 barbecue restaurants in Memphis. The style traditional to the city is to either serve the ribs dry (meaning with a dry rub) or wet (slathered in sauce). The sandwiches typically are chopped pork shoulder.

Breaking down which to visit can be hard with so many options, but start with Payne’s Bar-B-Que (1762 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114) for a delicious sandwich and to A&R BBQ (3721 Hickory Hill Rd, Memphis, TN 38115) for ribs. If you don’t mind a wait, Cozy Corner (735 North Pkwy, Memphis, TN 38105) is one of the city’s most popular barbecue draws.

North Alabama

Barbecue seems relegated to red meats across the South. Not so when it comes to Alabama’s classic barbecue style of chicken slow-cooked and smothered with mayonnaise-based Alabama white sauce. The sauce is made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper (with a few modifications depending on who is doing the sauce making). A man named Big Bob Gibson created the sauce in 1925 in Decatur, Alabama, as a way to keep his chicken moist when cooking alongside pork. Today, Gibson’s great-grandchildren are keeping the Alabama white sauce tradition alive in the original location — and is a spot to make sure you add to any barbecue road trip.

Chicken with Alabama white sauce isn’t found much outside of the state, making barbecue chicken a must-stop on any proper barbecue tour. To start, make a point to eat at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Que (1715 6th Ave SE Decatur, AL 35601) and SAW’s Soul Kitchen (SAW’s Soul Kitchen, 215 41st St S, Birmingham, AL 35222).

South Carolina

The Palmetto State is considered by some to be the original home of American barbecue. Pork is the primarily protein — usually whole hog that’s slow cooked and chopped or shredded. The two main styles in the state are centered around Columbia (known as the Midlands), where pitmasters use a mustard-based sauce, and in the northern region of Peedee, where a vinegar and pepper sauce is preferred.

Try Hite’s Bar-B-Que in Columbia (240 Dreher Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169) for the mustard-based style, and Scott’s Bar-B-Que (2734 Hemingway Hwy #5420, Hemingway, SC 29554) for classic vinegar whole hog barbecue.

Eastern Carolina

One of two popular barbecue styles in North Carolina, Eastern-style barbecue is defined by whole smoked pig (“everything but the squeal”) that’s brushed with a tangy vinegar and red pepper sauce. After 12 hours or more, the pig is chopped up with more of the vinegar sauce and served by the plate or with a bun.

We’ll let you decide which side of the North Carolina barbecue line you land on, but for a taste of whole hog Eastern-style barbecue you should pull up a seat at the historic Skylight Inn (4618 Lee St, Ayden, NC 28513).

Lexington style

Stay in North Carolina for the next barbecue pit stop. The state is split both by geography and by barbecue preferences. In the western part of the state in the Piedmont region, pitmasters add ketchup or tomato paste to the vinegar sauce as both a seasoning and in the coleslaw. This is called Western-style or Lexington-style after the town where you’ll find many of the joints making this type of barbecue. The ketchup sauce divide has caused state legislature battles and countless passionate arguments.

Stop by the oldest barbecue in downtown Lexington, The Bar-B-Q Center (900 N Main St, Lexington, NC 27292), as well as Stamey’s Barbecue (2206 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403), which opened in 1930.

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These 5 hikes to Chamonix’s glaciers are some of the best walks in the world

Chamonix, France, is best known as a hardcore ski destination and Europe’s mountaineering capital. But, in summer, the trekking and hiking routes that take you about the stunning Chamonix valley are equally spectacular. Chamonix is not just home to some of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps, but also to several major glaciers — including the largest one in France, Mer de Glace. And you don’t need to pack crampons and ice axes to experience them. These five hikes to glaciers will bring your right to the crevasses of major glaciers or allow you to see them from a panoramic perspective of the high mountains.

Mer de Glace glacier via Grand Balcon Nord Hike

Photo: Geartooth Productions/Shutterstock

At nearly 25 thousand feet long and over 600 feet deep, Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. The name of the glacier translates to English as “Sea of Ice” and explains what this massive glacier appeared like to the early explorers of Chamonix — crevasses of ice glistened in the valley like frozen waves. Although it has declined significantly over the last century, Mer de Glace is still an incredible glacier to experience up close.

You will combine your visit to Mer de Glace with a walk on Grand Balcon Nord — a trekking path that runs along the Chamonix valley at the height of over 7,000 feet. The day logistics are as follows: Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the half-way station called Plan de l’Aiguille du Midi, hike for two hours and 15 minutes to Mer de Glace, explore the glacier, and take the Montenvers train back to Chamonix. The cable car and the train ride will ensure that you don’t have to do the tricky ascent from and descent to the valley on foot.

Start your day with a meal at the Refuge du Plan de L’Aiguille just outside of the cable car station. The 150-year old Alpine hut has retained its original rustic feel. The hut runs an overnight refuge for trekkers and mountaineers and has a great selection of food with the best fruit tarts in the valley. After the snack, enjoy a hike along Grand Balcon Nord trail with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi station, the Chamonix valley below, and Mer de Glace from the lookout at Signal Point. Bring your binoculars or a zoom photo lens to spot the mountaineers atop the glacier below.

Once you ascend towards Mer de Glace, you can take another free gondola and walk a set of stairs to the large grottos carved inside the ice. There are marks on the cliffside along the stairs that will show how much the glacier has receded from previous years. After exploring Mer de Glace, take the historical Montenvers train back down to Chamonix.

2. Panoramic glacier view from le Brévent

Photo: Anna Shevchenko

Just over 8,000 feet high, le Brévent is the peak located right across from Mont Blanc. It offers the highest panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, which is the collection of peaks around Mont Blanc. You will also have views of des Bossons and de Taconnaz glaciers. To get to the viewpoint, take the gondola from Chamonix to Plan Praz station and then the cable car to le Brévent. Plan Praz is the favourite spot for the paragliders in the Chamonix valley.

From le Brévent station follow the signs on the path to Lac du Brévent. The trail will take you down the switchbacks below the station to the ridge across from Mont Blanc. Stay here a while to enjoy the view of the glaciers towering above the valley right across from you and watch the paragliders soar silently through the air. Bring your binoculars or zoom lens and you can spot mountaineers atop of Mont Blanc.

End your day with a beer and a snack at either Brévent or Plan Praz stations before you head back down to Chamonix.

3. Glacier des Bossons

Photo: Julia Kuznetsova/Shutterstock

Les Bossons glacier extends from Mont Blanc towards the valley and is visible from almost anywhere in the town of Chamonix. You can experience Les Bossons glacier on a quick visit to the Chalet du Glacier.

Walk over or take a bus to Les Bossons village located 2.5 miles west of Chamonix. The stream below the glacier, Torrent des Bossons, is a great place to view the glacier from the ground level. From there, take a 40-minute walk uphill or ride the Bossons chairlift to the chalet. Chalet du Glacier has an outdoor terrace that overlooks the glacier and the valley. You can enjoy a tasty meal and learn more about the history of les Bossons glacier and the plane crash that occurred in the area in 1966 in an informative display offered by the chalet owners.

Experienced hikers should consider climbing another 3,000 feet up the trail to Chalet des Pyramides/Le Jonction. The highly exposed alpine trail will take you to the junction where glaciers des Bossons and de Taconaz merge. The open Alpine views of the glacier field below Mont Blanc and the neighboring peaks are worth the extra effort.

4. Lac Blanc and Lacs des Chéserys

Photo: Anna Shevchenko

A hike to Lac Blanc and Lacs des Chéserys is one of the most famous walks in Chamonix. Lac Blanc is a high alpine lake with a milky blue hue — the milkiness being caused by mineral runoff from the glaciers — and is often surrounded by snow even in the summer. Lacs des Chéserys are neighboring lakes known for their clear mirror-like surface with some of the best views of the Mont Blanc massif, the Bossons, Mer de Glace, and the Argentiére glaciers.

Start your day in the village of Les Praz, less than two miles outside of Chamonix. From Les Praz, take a cable car to the Flégère station. From there walk the following loop: Hike for three hours to Lac Blanc, enjoy the lake, have a snack at the Refuge Chalet du Lac Blanc, and then ascend to Lacs des Chéserys. After that, you can walk back to the Flégère station along the Grand Balcon Sud path.

Allocate at least five hours for the entire walk. The Balcon portion of the hike will take you past a number of waterfalls and streams through an alpine meadow. Expect to meet ibexes, with their distinctive long and curved horns, and always give them plenty of room to pass you on the narrow trail. Blooming azaleas will turn the meadow into a sea of pink in late June and early July.

5. Argentière Glacier

Photo: LACROIX CHRISTINE/Shutterstock

The Argentière glacier is another large glacier in the Mont Blanc massif. It extends towards the village of Argentière, located 20 minutes away by bus from the center of Chamonix. You will start your journey by taking the Grands Montets cable car from Argentière to the middle station Lognan at 6,470 feet. Follow the signs to Refuge Chalet de Lognan; they will lead you to a dirt path along the ridge. You will see the refuge in about 15 minutes perched on the side of the cliff to the left.

Stay on your track to the Point de Vue, a viewpoint over the Argentière glacier at 7670 feet. The trail will reach a cliffside along the path of the glacier. You will soon turn the corner and see the mass of the Argentière glacier ahead of you protruding above the track and dropping deep down below it. The crevasses and seracs, or points and ridges of ice, will glow sapphire in the sun and you will hear the sound of the waterfall rushing between them.

The dirt path will end at the wall of the cliff and you will find smaller footpaths along the side of the mountain that can get you even closer to the glacier. Proceed only if you’re a skilled hiker and are well-equipped with hiking boots and good balance. Find a spot in the grass and enjoy the head-spinning panorama before you.

After experiencing the glacier up close, walk back to Lognan station and take the cable car to the higher Grands Montets station at 10,810 feet. The station has a café and multiple terraces with panoramic views of the Argentière glacier, the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc, and other adjacent peaks, as well as the mountains across the valley. Watch mountaineers get on ice right outside of the station and paragliders float off the snowy ledges below you.

Important tips for planning your trip

Photo: Anna Shevchenko

The hiking season in Chamonix runs from May to September. All of the routes are well developed with excellent directional signage. Most signs give directions in time rather than distance or elevation gain, so consider the length of each trip ahead and according to your own abilities.

Check the cable car and lift schedule ahead of your hike. If you miss the last trip down, you will be stuck having to descend over 6,500 feet on foot. Plan to be at the station on time for the quick ride to the valley; but, just in case, always save enough energy and food for a hike down on your own.

We recommend that buy the Vallée de Chamonix Summer Mountain Hiking Map at the Chamonix Tourism Office and pick up a free brochure with up-to-date schedules for all of the cable cars, gondolas, and ski lifts. Ask your accommodation provider for the Carte d’Hôte Guest Card for free access to the buses in the valley.

The Chamonix hiking map suggested above grades all of the hikes to glaciers listed here as “easy.” Please don’t be fooled by this evaluation. Do not get on the trails in Chamonix without good hiking boots and poles. The hikes will feature varied terrain with gravel, sleek granite steps, stream crossings, and often snow. Dress for sunny conditions that can quickly change to rain and hail. The ability to have a meal at the chalets is a nice perk, but be prepared for unexpected closures and always bring enough food and water to last through the day.

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The most idyllic Sri Lankan beach for every type of traveler

The small, teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka is home otherworldly hikes, cave temples, stunning tea plantations, a rich biodiversity within its many national parks, verdant untouched jungle landscapes, and one of the best coastal topographies on Earth.

Encapsulated by beaches, Sri Lanka has a stretch of sand for every kind of traveler. Resort speckled shores, bohemian surf paradises, and restaurant-lined city beaches each offer different experiences to enthrall backpackers and families alike. And when compared to the packed shores of Goa, India, Sri Lanka’s neighbor to the north, you might find the beaches here peaceful.

On an island of this size, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to visit all of the coastal towns mentioned here. But to fully soak in the atmosphere of each, you should narrow your focus to a handful that suit your travel style. These are some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for every type of traveler.

For families: Tangalle

Photo: Marius Dobilas/Shutterstock

As one of the largest beach towns in southern Sri Lanka, Tangalle is an easy add on to most itineraries. Tangelle is a two-hour bus ride from the popular mountain town of Ella, and visiting here proves a relaxing introduction to the Sri Lankan coastline.

Tangalle is one of the most family-friendly and popular beaches in Sri Lanka, and it makes for a safe base to explore the coastline. There’s not a lot to do in Tangalle for the adventurous traveler — the waters here aren’t suitable for surfing and the landscape is too flat for hiking — but you can easily venture to closeby swimmable and scenic beaches such as Goyambokka and Silent Beach.

Most cafes in this area cater to the typical tourist palate — think American and traditional English breakfasts of white toast, jam, and scrambled eggs. That said, The Lounge, located beachside, has some of Tangalle’s best seafood and cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re hoping to start your day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast of egg hoppers, sambol, and pani pol (a local breakfast dish that resembles a sugar-filled rolled pancake) make an effort to order the night before with one of the local beachside restaurants and they will accommodate you.

For surfers and fans of dining and drinking on the beach: Hiriketiya

Photo: Creative Family/Shutterstock

Moving west along the southern coastline you’ll find Hiriketiya. This vibe of this beach town is best described as hippy surf paradise meets trendy cafe.

Hiriketiya is one of the most popular surf destinations in the country, and it’s also an ideal place to learn to surf. For around $3, you can rent a surfboard and join the locals paddling off the U-shaped bay fringed with palm trees. The town itself is small — just a smattering of surf shops, spas, murals, and coworking coffee shops — but the beach is one of the best in the world. A few hotels and beachside cafes serve fresh seafood and provide a backdrop to the sandy stray dogs and sunbathers enjoying arguably the most photogenic beach in all of Sri Lanka.

If the crowds of Hiriketiya Beach get to be too much, venture up the highway 10 minutes via local bus to Dickwella Beach. Hailing a bus is simple. Just wave a hand at the bright blue buses like you would a taxi, and they’ll deliver you up the highway for under a dollar. Dickwella Beach is a vast quiet stretch of sand where you’ll find a handful of thatched wooden shacks serving freshly pressed passionfruit mojitos.

If it’s authentic Sri Lankan cuisine you’re looking for, this town has some of the best. Just a few blocks from the sand of Hiriketiya proper, you’ll find Garlic Cafe. A local and tourist favorite serving a vegetarian buffet of curried delicacies from rustic orange clay pots every evening. For dessert, consider a cup of fresh buffalo curd topped with local honey. It’s the Sri Lankan answer to ice cream and equally as satisfying. The waterfront restaurants are temptingly scenic, but generally offer a more Westernized spin on the local cuisine — if any Sri Lankan food at all.

For true beach lovers: Mirissa

Photo: Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock

Don’t be scared away by this southern beach town’s Instagram fame. Mirissa is trendy but laid back. If you’re beach-hopping on the southern coast, it’s one of the must-see beaches in Sri Lanka. Yes, it will be busy with tourists, but the sheer size of Mirissa leaves plenty of room for you to enjoy one of the several idyllic beaches in the area: Mirissa, Weligama, and Secret Beach.

Mirissa beach offers a seemingly endless vista of the open ocean from its rock-strewn stretch of sand. This swath of shoreline is perfect for sunbathing or simply watching the sky turn to hues of pink and lavender at sunset. It’s also the closest beach to the town center ensuring the walk from your accommodation is a short one.

Photo: VladyslaV Travel photo/Shutterstock

But when it comes to the best sunset spots in Mirissa, Parrot Rock wins by a landslide. At low tide, you can climb to its summit for unrivaled panoramic ocean views and a chance to spot some black-tipped sharks in the protected outcroppings. Just make sure you keep an eye on the ever-changing tide or you’ll find yourself marooned on the island.

Another must-visit local attraction near the beach is Coconut Tree Hill, which is a small knoll just outside of town dotted with picturesque skinny palms that’s best enjoyed at sunrise. Visiting at this early hour also ensures that you’ll have fewer tourists to jostle with for the best photo spots.

Secret beach, although not much of a secret, is a local favorite. Shaded and rocky, this tucked-away cove is separated from the town by a short hike down a deeply rutted dirt path. It’s worth the effort if you plan to snorkel, as sometimes turtles and stingrays are spotted in the area.

Weligama beach is the single best beach in the country for first-time surfers. The small rolling waves here don’t hold a candle to Hiriketiya’s crashers, and without coral or a rocky shoreline you’ll have nothing to break your fall but soft sand.

In the town of Mirissa you’ll have the option to dine on sushi, Chinese dim sum, vegan favorites, or local cuisines. No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop is as authentic as it gets. Once just a simple roadside food cart, Dewmini has now expanded into a lovely family-run restaurant offering Sri Lankan roti and other local staples.

Mirissa is also world-renowned for whale watching. Both grey and fin whales feed year-round in Sri Lanka’s warm southern waters, and hundreds of small whale watching operations eager to capitalize on the native wildlife have sprung up over the years. Raja and the Whales is the most sustainable and ethical whale watching company in the region and an absolute must-do if you plan to visit Mirissa.

For backpackers and bohemian surfers: Unawatuna

Photo: Efimova Anna/Shutterstock

Unawatuna is a favorite of backpackers and bohemian surfers alike. Sri Lanka isn’t a huge party destination, but Unawatuna has a vibrant nightlife. This town is also the ideal jumping off point for several famous southern beaches in Sri Lanka, namely, Unawatuna, Wijaya, and Dalawella beach.

Unawatuna Beach is perfect for swimming and lounging while still remaining close to the new trendy cafes and restaurants that have popped up since the 2004 tsunami.

Wijaya Beach is a hot snorkel spot that almost always has a few giant sea turtles milling about in the coral-protected bay. You can spend a day snorkeling here, but the water is so clear and the turtles are often so close to shore you won’t even need to jump in with a mask to see them.

The highlight of a visit to Dalawella beach is swinging high over the ocean on a rope swing attached to a towering palm. Although the rope swing has become a bit of a tourist gimmick, it’s a lovely experience at sunset. The beach itself, although crowded with restaurants, is protected from the waves and great for sunbathing.

Pay a visit to the Unawatuna Japanese Peace Pagoda. Architecturally stunning, this white pagoda stands in stark contrast to the vibrant surrounding jungle and turquoise waters. If you go, be sure to dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered at all times.

For travelers looking for an artsy beach town: Galle

Photo: Kengoo/Shutterstock

Next door to Unawatuna, Galle deserves a spotlight all its own. Cast aside all your expectations of a typical bohemian beach town because Galle is Sri Lankan luxury.

If it wasn’t for this church-strewn cobblestoned town’s deeply European atmosphere you might forget that Sri Lanka was once a Dutch colony. Some highlights of Galle are the postcard ready white lighthouse perched on the pier, the Maritime Archeology Museum, and the white crumbling facade of the Dutch Reformed Church. Pedlar street, lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries, offers some of the best people-watching and shopping in the country. Galle is UNESCO-Heritage recognized which helps to keep the town clean, perfectly preserved and brimming with local artisans.

When the sweltering heat has you searching for sand, Koggala Beach is only a short bus ride away. Here you’ll find a turtle hatchery, a rugged shoreline with tossing waves and lush jungle edges, and often, the iconic stilted Sri Lankan fisherman.

For beach nightlife lovers: Negombo

Photo: My Good Images/Shutterstock

Leaving the south coast behind, this town sits high on Sri Lanka’s west coast. Just like the southern beaches in Sri Lanka, it’s easily reachable by bus from Colombo.

For travelers who loathe simply lounging on the sand, Negombo is the perfect combination of a modern city beach and a traditional fishing village. Although not quite as urbanized as the capital city of Colombo, Negombo has a thriving nightlife scene and a wide array of restaurants. As for its shoreline, Negombo beach is covered in an impossibly wide expanse of golden sand with a strip of palms separating the city from the sea.

First thing in the morning, Negombo fish market is an experience not to be missed. Small boats careen onto the sand and unload the day’s catch ready to be sliced and dried right on the shore for distribution to the local markets. It’s a view of local life, but be sure to get there early, as it’s all over by 9:00 AM each day.

Most guesthouses and hotels in the area can also arrange boat tours of the Negombo Lagoon and Muthurajawela Marsh, which are close to town. Here, you can spend the day swimming, bird-watching, and weaving through the mangroves that line the lagoon.

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5 states with the most scenic and laid-back nude beaches

Nude beaches aren’t for everyone, but what better way to say “life is back in session” than by flinging off your clothes and seeing way more of people than you ever wanted to? Nude beaches aren’t just for Europeans, folks. They’re scattered all over the US, and if you know where to look you might just find your new favorite summer hangout. I’m not saying you’ll be making a clothes bonfire and moving to a nudist colony in the woods anytime soon, but I’m not saying you won’t, either. From Oregon to Massachusetts, these are the states with the best nude beaches in the US.

Massachusetts

Photo: Allan Wood Photography/Shutterstock

Moshup Beach

A Martha’s Vineyard beach vacation conjures images of frat guys in Sperrys playing spikeball in the backyard of a beach cottage one of their parents owns. But you don’t have to wear preppy clothes to have a memorable Martha’s Vineyard beach day. In fact, you don’t have to wear clothes at all. Moshup Beach on the island’s west end is among the most famous nude beaches in Massachusetts. Backed by multicolored cliffs that look out of place on the New England coast, the beach is a popular destination for nude and none-nude bathers alike. Nude beachgoers typically gather about a third of a mile north of the beach’s entry path, just below the Gay Head lighthouse. You might come across a “No Nudity” sign or two — a remnant from the nearby town of Aquinnah’s failed attempt to outlaw nudity — but you’ll find the rule unenforced.

Longnook Beach

Longnook Beach is located near the town of Truro on Cape Cod. The nude beachgoers here mostly consist of couples and families, and with white sand and dunes as high as 75 feet, there’s more scenery here than just the nude bathers surrounding you. The beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, where nudity is technically banned, though like most nude beaches the park rangers largely leave nude sunbathers alone.

Herring Cove

Located in Provincetown, one of the most famous LGBTQ destinations in the US, Herring Cove Beach is unsurprisingly popular with the gay community. Nudity is particularly common toward the beach’s southern end, just over a mile south of the NPS beach parking lot. It’s frequented mostly by gay men, though there’s also a lesbian section slightly farther north. The nude portion of the beach is located on a thin strip of land between Cape Cod Bay and a tidal lake, and the warm lake water is perfect for swimming.

Hawaii

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Little Beach, Maui

One of Hawaii’s most popular nude beaches, Little Beach is found in Makena State Park. About 10 miles south of Kihei on Maui’s west coast, the crescent-shaped beach is just a few hundred feet long. You can get there via a short walk over a rocky outcropping from the larger Big Beach (which is not nude). It’s worth noting that no beaches in Hawaii officially allow nudity, though the ones listed here are known as safe havens for nude sunbathers.

Kehena Black Sand Beach, Big Island

Just east of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, this beach is known — apart from the nudity — by its black sand created by a volcanic eruption in the 1950s. The clothing-optional beach is a great place for whale watching, seeing dolphins and sea turtles, and going snorkeling.

Polo Beach, Oahu

Found on the north coast of Oahu, Polo Beach is a small beach named for the nearby polo field. Once you arrive, you can walk a few minutes either left or right to reach the nudist portion of the beach.

Texas

Photo: Roschetzky Photography/Shutterstock

UFO Beach, South Padre Island

Don’t get your hopes up. The only alien lifeforms you’ll see on UFO beach are the wrinkled, leather-tan sunbathers sprawled out on the sand catching rays. The beach takes its name from an alien-looking “escape pod” that washed ashore, though it was later determined to be nothing more than an ocean buoy. At eight miles from the nearest town and accessible via a remote dirt road, you’ll have plenty of privacy here to let it all hang out.

Hippie Hollow, Austin

This county park is located on the shores of Lake Travis, 18 miles from Austin. Nude use was legalized by the county in the early 1980s, and it’s the only state park that’s clothing-optional. The area is popular not just for its free spirited clothing-optional ethos, but also for its blue-green waters and picturesque tree-covered hills. Since summer temperatures can easily exceed 100 degrees, you’ll probably want to go nude even if you’re hesitant.

McFaddin Beach, Bolivar Peninsula

When a hurricane destroyed much of State Highway 87 near Port Arthur in 1989, McFaddin Beach was left isolated enough to make it popular among nude beachgoers. The nude area of the beach begins three miles east of the junction of highways 124 and 97, and you can park directly on the beach. Parking on the beach sounds cool, but your car should have four-wheel drive if you don’t want to get stuck.

Oregon

Photo: TLPhotoPDX/Shutterstock

Rooster State Park, Corbett

Twenty-three miles east of Portland you’ll find Rooster State Park, one of the most well-known nude beaches in the Pacific Northwest. Located along the Columbia River, Rooster State Park’s nude area begins a few hundred feet east of the parking lot, and it has stunning views of the river gorge and green hills surrounding it. It’s especially popular with gay sunbathers. Nudity is also common on the walking trails behind the beach, and there’s a volleyball area in the forest for those looking to dabble in nude volleyball.

Collins Beach, Portland

Another of the Pacific Northwest’s best-known nude beaches, Collins Beach near Portland is also on the Columbia River. The beach is located on Sauvie island, a river island created by three waterways. It’s known for its social atmosphere and hot temperatures — since, unlike Rooster State Park, Collins doesn’t benefit from the cool wind blowing through the gorge. As an extremely popular beach, it’s almost always crowded during the summer, so you may want to sunbathe elsewhere if privacy is important to you.

Bagby Hot Springs, Mount Hood National Forest

So this one isn’t technically a beach, but it’s one of Oregon’s most remote and intriguing nude recreation areas. Bagby Hot Springs provides water to a bathhouse located deep in Mount Hood National Forest, and nudity is well established here. The bathhouse is composed of private rooms with a soaking tub in each, and a communal area with several tubs. The communal area can hold six bathers at once, so you’d better know your friends extremely well or be open to making new friends. When planning your trip, keep in mind that the remote site is 40 miles away from the nearest services in Estacada.

California

Photo: Sherry V Smith/Shutterstock

San Gregorio, Half Moon Bay

Claiming to be California’s oldest nude beach, San Gregorio is private property that has operated as a nude beach since 1967. Since the beach is quite large, there’s plenty of space for everyone and it rarely feels overcrowded. There’s a small per car parking fee, and cameras are prohibited on the beach.

Baker Beach, San Francisco

Baker Beach is known mostly for its unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Thanks to its stunning views, this is one of the most popular beaches in the Bay Area, and it regularly attracts hundreds of visitors. Only the north end of the beach is nude, however, so disrobe accordingly.

Black’s Beach, San Diego

Although not technically a legal nude beach, Black’s Beach is so commonly frequented by nude bathers that nudity has become synonymous with the place. The beach’s nude bathing custom dates back to the 1960s, and the city sanctioned part of the beach as clothing optional in the early 1970s. Though the laws changed, Black’s Beach has been known for nude bathing ever since. To reach Black’s Beach, you’ll have to descend one of two trails from a clifftop parking area, winding 300 feet down the cliffs. The south trail, called the Burro Trail, is easier with more paved sections and handrails, while the north trail is steeper and more challenging.

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