Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in California (if not the entire world). With a rugged coastline lining the west and towering mountains to the east, stunning views galore are guaranteed the entire length of the road trip. Even though the drive is relatively short at just 90 miles, a Big Sur road trip is all about the incredibly beautiful destinations and activities offered every mile of the way. Simply put, a Big Sur road trip is all about the journey rather than a destination! If you’re feeling overwhelmed while planning your Big Sur road trip, here’s an excellent route and itinerary you can follow. Not only will this itinerary have you seeing the very best of Big Sur, but you can also adapt the amount of time you spend at each spot to your needs!
The Ultimate Big Sur Road Trip Itinerary
Carmel
Carmel is a small town with a village feel that makes for the perfect starting point of the road trip and an ideal pit stop to do some last-minute shopping to prepare before hitting the road.
Carmel’s picturesque vibes can be felt every step you take through its narrow cobblestone streets. With petite cottages draped in greenery and flowers, cute boutique shops offering all sorts of local goodies, and the sound of the waves crashing in the background, a visit to this quaint little town will have you wondering if you’ve stepped inside a storybook!
Time Required: 1 to 2 days
Bixby Bridge
Offering sweeping views of the California coastline, Bixby Bride is one of the most iconic stops to make on a Big Sur road trip. Its unique location offers views of the canyon on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, making it a must-stop to snap a picture and take in the views!
Time Required: A few minutes
Andrew Molera State Park
Compared to other parks along the Big Sur region, Andrew Molera State Park is quite untouched and thus offers an authentic immersion into the nature of the place (plus incredible vistas of Monterey Bay below!).
Even though you could easily decide to spend the day laying at the beach here, the best way to explore the park is by putting on your hiking shoes and hitting a trail (or several of them!). Meadows, hilltops, bluffs, and dreamy beaches are all examples of the views you’ll get to see while hiking through Andrew Molera State Park!
For a pretty easy trail full of both beach views and forest goodness, the Bluffs Trail is an excellent choice to test out your skills. If you’re eager for a challenge, you can continue further up to the Panorama Trail, which is a bit steeper but well worth the effort as it provides the most magical views of the coast down below!
Time Required: 1 to 2 days
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
A Big Sur road trip is all about ocean views, but there’s one place in particular with no coast that’s also worth checking out: Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Located on the western slope of the Santa Lucia Mountains, this state park is all about hikes by the river surrounded by maples, redwoods, conifers, and other flora. If you’re a wildlife buff, this is probably the best place in Big Sur to spot fauna (keep your eyes out for bobcats, black-tail deer, and a huge variety of birds!)
Required: 1 to 2 days
Pfeiffer Beach
Pfeiffer Beach is one of the most unique places to visit while on your Big Sur road trip, especially if you love epic sunsets. Believe it or not, this glorious beach boasts a striking natural rock arch and purple sand (yes, you read that right!).
Pfeiffer Beach is located roughly two miles south of Pfeiffer State Park, but make sure you plan a bit more time to get there as the road can be a bit tricky to navigate. Once you get to Pfeiffer Beach, though, its beauty will make every twist and turn worth the effort.
Insider tip: Try to visit Pfeiffer Beach for sunset, when the last rays of the sun cut through Keyhole Arch, painting the most magical scene ever!
Time Required: Half a day
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is quite likely one of the world’s most beautiful stretches of coastline and a favorite stop for most Big Sur road trippers.
With the 80 feet McWay Falls crashing down from cliffs straight into the ocean, enchanting hidden beach coves, lush forests you can walk through, and the most incredible vistas Big Sur has to offer, Julia Pfeiffer makes for a grand finale to your Big Sur road trip.
Even though McWay Falls is usually the main reason most people visit the park, do try to spend at least an entire day exploring it to the fullest. On the menu of things to do are fabulous coastline hikes, walks through alluring forests, and even searching for the remains of an authentic shipwreck.
Required Time: 1 day
I hope this itinerary gave you a better outline of the must-do stops during your Big Sur road trip. The best thing about driving down this area of California is the fact that the locations are close to each other, so you can easily adjust the amount of time you want to stay at each place depending on how many days you have to dedicate to the trip!
Striking desert landscapes are the staples of Arizona. So much that, in fact, The Grand Canyon State is the only state in the USA that houses four entirely different desert regions. Each with its own distinctive scenery, fauna, and flora. If you’re currently plotting a trip to Arizona, chances are you’re extremely excited to experience a true adventure in the desert. With so many incredible places to choose from, though, I bet you’re having a pretty tough time deciding where to go! If you’re a first-timer to travel in Arizona or you’ve visited but haven’t seen much outside the cities, here are some of the best places in Arizona to visit for all things desert magic.
Places in Arizona You’ve Got to Visit for Desert Magic
1. Monument Valley
Shared between Utah and Arizona, Monument Valley is an icon of American Southwest Scenery.
Made up of towering sandstone formations, striking mesas, and captivating buttes. The desert landscape you’ll find at Monument Valley is so incredibly beautiful that it has been the setting of countless movies, including 2001: Space Odyssey, Stagecoach, The Lone Star Ranger, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Forrest Gump (to name just a few!)
The most popular way to explore the landscape of Monument Valley is by driving the 17-mile scenic road that winds through the area. But if you want to explore further afield, you can also choose to hike a few of the trails in the park. If you’re keen to go deeper, you can also book a guided tour of Monument Valley. Where a Navajo will take you beyond marked areas.
2. Saguaro National Park
Set close to Tucson, Saguaro National Park is a sea of gorgeous desert scenery towered by enormous saguaro cacti.
Saguaro cacti are commonly nicknamed “the kings of the Sonoran Desert”. Known to grow as tall as 50 feet, these desert giants can live up to 200 years. And Saguaro National Park is one of the very few places in the world where you can see them in their natural habitat.
Besides the gorgeous desert scenery that blankets the park, Saguaro National Park also homes mountains and pine forests. Which pretty much guarantees you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing what to see and what adventures to take on!
As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, Saguaro is also known for being the home to unique desert wildlife. Be it on a hike or during a scenic drive. Encounters with animals like deer, coyotes, javelinas, and desert tortoises are quite common!
3. Canyon De Chelly National Monument
Looking for a lesser-crowded alternative to the Grand Canyon? Canyon De Chelly is a wonderful choice!
Set in northwestern Arizona, Canyon De Chelly is a humongous canyon that sits in the heart of the Navajo Indian Reserve. During your visit, you won’t only get to see striking landscapes and unique geology. But you’ll also get the chance to get close and personal with Native American culture.
What makes Canyon De Chelly so unique is the fact that the canyon and the area around it have been continually inhabited for thousands of years and up to the present. Today, this national monument continues to be the home to Navajo people. Which will give you the chance to learn more about them. As well as see and explore ruins from the canyon’s first inhabitants, the Anazaki and Puebloans.
4. Sedona
Sedona may just be the most sought-after destination for Arizona desert magic. Thanks to the town’s location close to some of the most beautiful state parks and hiking trails in the entire state, Sedona is the perfect gateway for those looking to explore the desert while also enjoying city-like amenities and culture.
Think sweeping river canyons, maze-like rock formations, desert spires piercing the sky, and a landscape of red rock to get a pretty good picture of what the scenery around Sedona is all about. Among the most popular things to do here include hiking in the desert, checking out vortex sites. Driving in search of unique landmarks, and even checking out a cathedral located atop red rocks!
5. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Tucked away in the middle of the striking Sonoran Desert, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is the only place in the entire United States where organ pipe cacti grow in their natural habitat.
Organ pipe cactus look quite similar to saguaros. But instead of consisting of one trunk, organ pipes have several, making them look even more impressive!
Aside from its glorious landscape dotted with organ pipes, the park is also home to several archeological sites. As well as unique desert flora and wildlife, including Gila monsters and rattlesnakes.
6. Bandelier National Monument
Way back in time, what we know today as Bandolier National Monument was the home to Ancestral Puebloans before they moved to the Rio Grande Valley. For that reason, the area that makes up this national monument is considered sacred. And is protected in order to preserve the wonderful history of the Pueblo people.
The park is made up of sweeping canyons and glorious desert mesas. As you explore them, you’ll also come across ancient petroglyphs and cliff dwellings. Which will give you the chance to glimpse into what life 10,000 years ago at Bandelier was like!
Are you currently planning a trip to explore Arizona’s deserts? If so, which of these destinations are you looking forward to visiting the most? Let me know in the comment section below!
Few landscapes in the world are as beautiful and iconic as the ones you’ll find in Arizona. Especially if what you’re after are emblematic natural landmarks.
With the Grand Canyon and some of the most beautiful national monuments set within its boundaries, Arizona is king when it comes to postcard-worthy scenery. Some so unique that you’re unlikely to find anything remotely similar anywhere else in the world.
With that in mind, the Grand Canyon State has a ton more to offer beyond its iconic destinations. Arizona is so big that it brims with tons of hidden gems. Some of which even locals have never heard of!
If you’re the type of traveler who prefers checking out secret places rather than highlights or you just want to have a pretty good mix of both in your itinerary, here’s a list of 7 hidden gems in Arizona you may have never heard of!
Hidden Gems in Arizona You May Not Know Exist
1. White Pocket
Set in the heart of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, White Pocket is not just a hidden gem in Arizona. It’s also a pretty amazing alternative to The Wave because it looks rather similar. But it’s still far away from the usual traveler’s radar.
Picture a landscape of kaleidoscopic-looking rock formations, hoodoos coated in swirls of colors, and ponderosa pines all over to get a pretty good image of what White Pocket is all about. Plus, thanks to the fact that it’s still quite a secret, you don’t need a permit to enter. But you’re still very likely to get it all to yourself!
2. Barringer Meteor Crater
Here’s a fun fact for you: the best-preserved meteor impact on the planet lies in Arizona!
Barringer Meteor Crater stretches over 4,000 feet in diameter. And boasts a whopping depth of 560 feet. The crater itself is absolutely striking to look at. But when you add the fact that it’s backdropped by gorgeous plains and rugged scenery, you’re pretty much guaranteed an experience like no other here.
Aside from dropping your jaw right to the ground at the sight of this massive crater, the scenic drive to reach it is also a pretty incredible experience. As you make your way closer to the site, you’ll be treated to beautiful desert scenery. Make sure you plan a pit stop at the discovery center on the highway, where you’ll get to learn all about the meteorite that created the crater some 50,000 years ago!
3. Tumacacori National Historical Park
Located on the Santa Cruz River Valley, Tumacacori National Park still remains quite a secret in the usual Arizona route. And just happens to be a wonderful place to visit if you’re keen to learn more about the area’s history.
Back in the day, Tamacacori was the spot where O’odham Yaqui and Apache cultures would meet up with European missionaries. Sometimes, gatherings would become violent. But others were meant for them to work together to improve the area.
During your visit to Tumacacori, you can hike the Juan Batista de Anzano National Historic Trail. Go on a horseback riding adventure. Or explore the park’s Franciscan mission that was built together by American Indians and Spanish colonizers!
4. Jerome
Jerome is often nicknamed the “wickedest town in the West” due to the fact that it’s said to be incredibly haunted.
Once a prosperous gold mining hub, Jerome suffered plenty of manmade disasters. And its population slowly began to dwindle. Not too long after, this quirky town managed to come back to life by taking advantage of its valley and promoting itself as a destination for all things wine, arts, and ghastly sites.
Today, Jerome is a great spot to head to for historical buildings, wine-tasting, and a thriving art scene. Moreover, if you’re into haunted experiences, there are plenty of tours on offer that will show you just why this town is considered one of the most haunted places in the state!
If you are traveling to Jerome, make sure to make a stop in Cottonwood, a town you drive through to get to Jerome. It’s filled with wineries, good food, and cute shopping spots. Cottonwood is only an hour or hour and a half drive from Phoenix. So it’s totally worth it for a day trip.
5. Tombstone
Located right on the border with Mexico, Tombstone is a glorious historical city that was established as one of the last border towns from the area’s mining period.
A visit to Tombstone is all about traveling back in time to the town’s days of glory by checking out museums to learn its history, exploring remaining mines, and touring the streets on a stagecoach. It’s also a wonderful place to visit for cowboy experiences. Especially if you head to the O.K. Corral outdoor theater located on Allen Street, where an authentic cowboy gunfight is re-enacted!
6. Watson Lake
Surrounded by massive granite boulders, Watson Lake is a landscape of striking contrasts that are perfect for an outdoorsy day spent surrounded by postcard-perfect vistas.
Swimming isn’t allowed at Watson Lake, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the lake and its surroundings, be it by hitting a few hiking trails, boating, canoeing, rock climbing, and more!
7. Grand Canyon’s North Rim
The Grand Canyon is anything but a hidden gem in Arizona, but what many visitors to the state don’t know is that there’s a lesser-frequented side of the canyon you can visit if you want a more solitary experience.
The Grand Canyon’s North Rim only sees 10% of visitors to the park, which pretty much guarantees you’ll get it almost all to yourself. The North Rim is considered a section meant for more intrepid travelers because it lacks amenities, but it still has manageable hiking trails, a ton of boundary-free lookout points, and even a few campsites you can easily reach with incredible views all over (Cape Finale comes to mind!)
Are you currently planning a trip to Arizona? If so, which of these hidden gems in Arizona did you place in your itinerary? Let me know in the comment section below!
Some call it glamorous camping, others call it luxury camping, but what better way to experience the Wild West? Get off the beaten path and truly get out into nature by sleeping under the stars like a true Western cowboy or cowgirl. What really makes these glamping options truly unique is that they are all all-inclusive. This means meals, lodging, horseback riding, and other activities are all included in your rate! What’s more glamorous than not having to try to keep up with your spending while on vacation? Get comfortably out of your comfort zone by staying at one of these beautiful, DRA-approved, dude ranch glamping destinations!
Bar W Guest Ranch offers an unforgettable glamping experience right outside of Glacier National Park. Each of the four luxury canvas tents has a queen size bed, handcrafted log futon, private porch, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Don’t worry–your private, heated bathroom is located just a few feet from your tent. Grab your coffee, sit back, and relax while you watch the horses graze in the meadow from your own front porch.
Glamping at C Lazy U Ranch will no doubt top the list as your most memorable accommodation set-ups! A ranch hand will guide you to your Conestoga Wagon where the great outdoors (and a s’mores kit!) await you. After an evening around the fire with your loved ones, cozy up in your king-size bed made with luxurious linens and let the sounds of peace and serenity drift you to sleep.
For the more adventurous glampers, visit Flat Creek Ranch! Ride into the backcountry by horseback and take in views of the Tetons and Wind River mountain ranges, Cache Peak, and the headwaters of Flat Creek. After a good night’s sleep in your cozy, canvas tent under the stars, you will wake up to coffee brought to your tent. A hardy breakfast will leave you well rested and ready for your ride back to the ranch!
Experience the best of the Southwest from a pioneer wagon at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch! This wagon can comfortably sleep five with a king-size bed and three bunk beds and has electricity, air conditioning, and heat to ensure a relaxing stay under the stars. Private bathrooms and showers are provided nearby. These wagons are a once-in-a-lifetime experience–Come see why!
Tucked away in a discrete part of Greenhorn Ranch, awaits a charming 1972 Airstream. This fully restored camper, located along a seasonal creek, takes glamping to a whole new level! The soothing white classic is complete with a queen bed, small fridge, and a streamlined bathroom. Sit under the stars on your private deck and enjoy California glamping at its finest!
Glamping at Bull Hill Guest Ranch brings back a tradition that began when the ranch first opened in 1995. Beautifully furnished with two comfy queen beds, these tents are ideal for young couples, families, or those seeking privacy with a romantic twist. Each glamping tent has its own private bathroom 100 feet away as well as power, heat, and fans to keep you cool in the summer.
Get away from the world and internet-and cell service for that matter-and truly unwind while glamping at Goosewing Ranch! Three of their custom, handcrafted wagons can sleep up to five guests, while the fourth wagon with a king-size bed will make for the perfect romantic getaway for a couple. This is glamping, not camping, so you will have a dedicated chef, wrangler, and event coordinator at your service!
Glamping at a dude ranch is the new favorite way to relax and unwind while on vacation. Which ranch do you want to visit? Need help narrowing down the options further? Contact one of our dude ranch experts!
Offering a fusion of ancient, modern, and natural wonders, it’s not hard to imagine why the island is commonly referred to as “The Gathering Place”. With so many iconic sights to visit all over the island, the most surefire way to get to see as much as possible is to buckle up and hit the road in search of mesmerizing vistas.
If you’re currently in the research stages of your trip to Oahu, chances are you’re feeling a bit confused with the number of amazing scenic roads on offer. The good news, however, is that most of the top drives in Oahu are relatively short, which pretty much means you can fit in a lot of them in your schedule!
If you’re still unsure which ones to tackle, I’ve curated a list of the most incredibly scenic drives in Oahu, Hawaii you absolutely cannot miss out on driving during your trip!
The Most Scenic Drives in Hawaii For Jaw-Dropping Views
Lagoon Drive
If you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to waste time, the Lagoon Drive is a must for you. Located right next to Honolulu Airport, this is a drive you can do as soon as you land and rent a car, making it the perfect way to kickstart your Oahu adventure.
Lagoon Drive is super short at just 5 minutes, but despite the short distance, it still manages to provide the best views of the ocean sprinkled with dozens of small islets, which is a pretty warm welcome to receive when you’ve just landed in Hawaii!
Moreover, there’s a parking lot at the end of the drive, where you can sit in and watch views of the landscape and planes landing and taking off from the airport.
Highway 3
When it comes to awe-inspiring views, Highway 3 is sure to please. Beginning in the city of Honolulu, this gorgeous drive will take you all the way to the eastern tip of the island through the fascinating Koolau Mountain Range and the Haʻikū Valley, guaranteeing fascinating vistas every mile of the way.
Lush mountain views are the norm all over the drive, with surprises like views of Kāneʻohe Bay and Oʻahu’s windward side awaiting to mesmerize drivers. Seriously, you’ll find yourself wondering if you’re dreaming on a pretty constant basis while driving!
Pali Highway
Pali Highway is another drive that, although short, doesn’t lack gorgeous views all over. Starting in downtown Honolulu, the road ends in Pali Lookout after just 15 minutes, where you’ll get amazing panoramic vistas of the southern part of Oahu.
Even though Pali Lookout point is the main reason to drive this road, the entire drive is also an experience worth appreciating, with ocean views to one side and a mountainous backdrop to the other. As you exit the tunnels on Honolulu, you’ll reach the east side of the Koolau Mountain Range, where you’ll feel as though you’re eons away from the bustle and hustle of the city.
Windward Oahu
While the drive to the east coast from Honolulu to Kaneohe is one of the most popular scenic drives in Oahu, here’s a little insider tip for those looking for lesser-driven roads: If you drive further on towards the North Shore, you’ll discover one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.
Called the Windward Coast, this part of Oahu will have you curving your way through a much lesser-known coast, where gorgeous views of the ocean changing from a light turquoise tone to dark blue will leave you awe-struck. Moreover, the entire coast is dotted by tiny beaches hidden inside a verdant landscape, so keep your eyes out for them, and don’t forget to plan more time than you’ll think you’ll need in order to stop at a few of them!
Other incredibly interesting stops to make along the way include the Valley of the Temples and Mokolii, a small island more commonly known as “Chinaman’s Hat” due to its shape. While at Mokolii, you can hit a few hiking trails or simply stretch your legs while enjoying a picnic with gorgeous views galore.
Tantalus Round Top Drive
Tantalus Round Top Drive may be extremely short, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for with some of the most iconic views in entire Oahu. When you get to the final viewpoint of the drive, Tantalus Lookout Point, you’ll be treated to some of the most fabulous views of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean!
Tantalus Lookout Point is a popular spot to watch the sun go down, so, if possible, try getting there right before sunset.
Have you ever driven any of these scenic roads on the island of Oahu? Which of them was your favorite and why? Let me know all about your experience in the comment section below!
Hawaii’s beaches are as close as you can get to paradise on Earth. Being the third-largest island in the state, Oahu is home to some of the best ones in the entire archipelago, making it a great destination to head to if your plans in Hawaii revolve mostly around beach-hopping.
If you’re currently planning a getaway to Oahu, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed deciding which beaches to visit first. The good news is that, with 227 miles of coastline, you’re pretty much guaranteed a great experience no matter where you go.
The best way to decide which beaches will make it to your itinerary is to consider your interests. So I decided to create a list of the best beaches in Hawaii’s Oahu island for every type of traveler. Whether you’re taking the kids or looking for pristine shores surrounded by nature, this list is sure to have the ideal spot for you!
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Hawaii
Waikiki Beach
Set on the coast of Honolulu, Waikiki might very well be the most popular beach on the island of Oahu for locals and tourists alike, if the 5 million annual visitors that go there are any indication. If you like bustling, lively locations and don’t mind the crowds too much, you’ll love it here, especially if you’re into swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Waikiki’s gentle waves are ideal for beginner’s surfing lessons. So if learning how to brave waves is one of the items on your bucket list, look for one of the many instructors available and take a class, or just relax at the beach and watch while others do it.
Lanikai Beach
Set on the island’s Windward Coast, Lanikai boasts some of the softest sand and the bluest waters in Oahu. Add the two beautiful offshore islets in front of it, and you’ll be set for a day in beach heaven.
Of course, you can spend the whole day relaxing. But if you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can kayak your way to the Mokes (a nearby islet). Or hike the Lanikai Pillbox Trail to catch some of the best vistas Oahu!
Haleiwa
Haleiwa Beach is located about an hour’s drive away from Honolulu in the North Shore area of the island, discreetly hidden behind a grove of Pride Indian trees.
This laid-back surfer town distills country flavor and a local ambiance that enchants visitors. While here, you can spend the day at the beach. But you can also dedicate a few hours to exploring the town itself.
Various small art galleries and local boutiques are favorites for all. And for history buffs, the old Emerson Mission homestead and the ruins of Waialua’s Female Seminary remain from the days of missionary work in the area.
Keep in mind that Haleiwa Beach has a rocky and shallow ocean bottom, so it’s not ideal for swimming. But it is great for surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and boat racing!
Waimea Bay
Located in the North Shore area of Oahu, Waimea is mostly famous for its giant winter waves. Which can reach up to 30 feet and make it a favorite of serious, hardcore surfers. Watching these ocean masters is an exciting experience in itself. Which makes it a location worthy of getting a place in your Oahu itinerary if you happen to be there during the surfing season.
With summer come calmer waters and Waimea becomes a great destination for swimming, snorkeling, bodyboarding, snorkeling, fishing, or just relaxing and enjoying the views of the blue ocean and overall beach ambiance.
Sunset Beach
Set right outside Haleiwa Town, Sunset Beach is another bucket list-must haven in Oahu, especially if you’re in search of a kid-friendly beach that’s good for swimming and light snorkeling during the summer. The sunsets here are really special, which explains the name given to this place, so make sure you stay around to witness at least one of them during your stay on the island!
During the winter months, Sunset Beach becomes a prime destination for surfers, because it’s the longest stretch of rideable surf in the world! Accordingly, various surfing events are hosted here, including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, so plan your dates right if you’re interested in checking out one of them.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is one more picture-perfect beach park with soft white sands, low waves, and great amenities, making it ideal if what you want is a super relaxing day at the beach.
Families traveling with kids love it here, as well as windsurfers, and sailboarders, but there are plenty of things to do here for everyone. While here, you can spend your time simply enjoying the light-colored sand, blue waters, picnic areas, and beach volleyball court.
You can also rent some water sports equipment at the boat ramp if you’re in the mood for some water adventures, and then head to nearby Kailua and check out its many restaurants and shops.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
If you’re after enjoying a quiet location amid nature, Hanauma Bay should be next on your list!
Only 30 minutes from Honolulu, this unique bay is known for its wine glass shape and for the fact that it seems it’s eons away from the bustling capital city, which make for a perfect outing if a day of nature goodness sounds appealing to you.
Snorkeling is the top activity here, as hundreds of marine species inhabit the area, including lots of honus, which are the green sea turtles that have made Hanauma their home! Hiking the Koko Bay Trail to a crater is another favorite for exploring the lush hills that surround the bay and catching some breathtaking ocean views.
Laniakea Beach – Turtle Beach
Laniakea translates into “wide sky”, and you’ll see why this extensive beach was given that name when you venture past the first 30 yards where most people hang out.
Aside from its beauty, the top attraction at Laniakea is giant green turtles that live there. It’s hard to believe that they were once on the endangered species list, but thanks to the protection efforts of government and volunteers, they can now be easily spotted swimming and frolicking around the island.
Have you visited the island of Oahu in Hawaii? Which were your favorite beaches? Let me know in the comment section below!
ideal pit stop to do some last-minute shopping to prepare before hitting the road.
love epic sunsets. Believe it or not, this glorious beach boasts a striking natural rock arch and purple sand (yes, you read that right!).
cacti.
close to some of the most beautiful state parks and hiking trails in the entire state, Sedona is the perfect gateway for those looking to explore the desert while also enjoying city-like amenities and culture.
place in the entire United States where organ pipe cacti grow in their natural habitat. 
It’s also a pretty amazing alternative to The Wave because it looks rather similar. But it’s still far away from the usual traveler’s radar. 
also a pretty incredible experience. As you make your way closer to the site, you’ll be treated to beautiful desert scenery. Make sure you plan a pit stop at the discovery center on the highway, where you’ll get to learn all about the meteorite that created the crater some 50,000 years ago!
haunted.
the last border towns from the area’s mining period. 
absolutely cannot miss out on driving during your trip!
and planes landing and taking off from the airport.
Honolulu, the road ends in Pali Lookout after just 15 minutes, where you’ll get amazing panoramic vistas of the southern part of Oahu.
here’s a little insider tip for those looking for lesser-driven roads: If you drive further on towards the North Shore, you’ll discover one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.
most iconic views in entire Oahu. When you get to the final viewpoint of the drive, Tantalus Lookout Point, you’ll be treated to some of the most fabulous views of Diamond Head, Honolulu, Waikiki, and the Pacific Ocean!
and tourists alike, if the 5 million annual visitors that go there are any indication. If you like bustling, lively locations and don’t mind the crowds too much, you’ll love it here, especially if you’re into swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
discreetly hidden behind a grove of Pride Indian trees.
up to 30 feet and make it a favorite of serious, hardcore surfers. Watching these ocean masters is an exciting experience in itself. Which makes it a location worthy of getting a place in your Oahu itinerary if you happen to be there during the surfing season. 
amenities, making it ideal if what you want is a super relaxing day at the beach. 
venture past the first 30 yards where most people hang out.
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