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!
Yearning for the thrill of the open road? California is one of the best places in the USA to go on a road trip. And if you’re on the lookout for the best routes to take in the Golden State, chances are you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed with options.
To make the decision a bit easier, I decided to take the time to list some of my favorite scenic drives in California that everyone must do at least once in their lives. From roads that lead up to sky-high peaks to drives through the desert in search of colorful mountains, these are some of the best scenic drives in California that absolutely need to be on your bucket list this year!
The Most Scenic Drives in California That Will Get Your Jaw on the Ground
1. Highway 395 (Sierra Nevada Mountains)
Sitting at the bottom of the dreamy Sierra Nevada mountains, Highway 395 is an amazing route to take if what you’re looking for is a long road trip with amazing stops lining every mile of the way.
Starting in bustling Los Angeles and ending at peaceful Lake Tahoe, this classic California drive will make you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time into old Western California. As the small towns scattered all over the highway have stayed pretty intact since back then.
Moreover, the highway runs all along the Sierra Nevada mountains, which pretty much guarantees epic mountains vistas the entire way long. As if that weren’t enough to convince you to brave this road trip, this incredibly scenic drive also passes through two of California’s most beautiful national parks: Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Park.
If you’re into off-the-beaten path destinations, you’ll also be treated to some of California’s best hidden jewels. Including the whacky-looking Mono Lake, Bristlecone Pine Forest, a ghost town called Bodie, and Devil’s Postpile.
Length: 450 miles
Required TIme: Several days. Highway 395 can take several days to entire weeks to complete depending on how many stops you make. And how much time you linger at each place. Moreover, there are many small detours along the road worth overnighting at. So make sure you take that into account when planning!
2. Highway 190 through Death Valley
Despite its somewhat melancholic name, Death Valley National Park is one of the most colorful and liveliest places in the United States. If you’re short on time or simply don’t feel up for hiking under harsh conditions, a great way to get the most out of your time at this incredible national park is by taking the scenic road (Highway 190) that runs right through it!
The highway will have you passing some of Death Valley’s highlights. Including Mesquite Sand Dunes at Stovepipe Wells, where you can park and head out on a one-mile walk up to the tallest sand dune in the park! Further along the road, you’ll stumble across Scotty’s Castle, a ranch full of history and a glimpse into what life during the 1920s was like in the area.
Next, make sure you stop at Harmony Borax Works. An abandoned mine and borax plant you can explore to get a pretty good picture of what life back in the 1800s was like here.
Another must-do during your visit is taking a little detour and following another incredibly scenic drive: The Artist’s Drive Loop, which is a short road lined by dreamy mountainsides splashed in every color of the rainbow.
At the very end of Highway 190, you’ll find Death Valley’s most iconic sight: Zabriskie Point. This viewpoint gives the most beautiful vistas of the park’s emblematic golden badlands below. Making it a perfect spot to end the drive as well as catch an insanely stunning sunset!
Length: 93 miles
Required Time: One to two days
3. Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway
Cutting through Cuyama, the Valley of San Joaquin, and up to mountain peaks that stand tall over 5,000 feet, the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway is a dream if what you’re after are gorgeous mountain views and forest adventures.
At just over 36 miles, this drive is relatively short. But dedicating at least two days to it is recommended in order to make a stop to explore Los Padres National Forest, where you can spend a day hiking or horseback riding to get a closer experience to the nature of the area.
If you’re up for hiking, a wonderful trail for beginners is the Piedra Blanca Formations trail, which offers gorgeous views all along as well as wildlife sighting opportunities. Moreover, if you’re feeling up for a more challenging feat, the Dry Lake Ridge Botanical Area hike is a must, especially if you love all things plants!
Distance: 36.5 miles
Required Time: 4 hours just to drive through the road, but at least a day to two days is recommended to make the most out of your time at Los Padres National Forest.
I hope this list of the most scenic drives in California inspired you to hit the road! Even though there are plenty more roads offering incredibly scenic views, these are all great options, especially because they all cross through some of the Golden State’s top highlights and national parks!
Did any of these scenic California drives tempt you to buckle up and head out to the open road? Which one fits your personality the most? Let me know your favorite in the comment section down below.
Hawaii is world-renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters. Beach goodness is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a trip to Oahu. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a fantastic place for all sorts of outdoor adventures!
Even though most people who visit Oahu tend to focus on the coast, the island is also a mecca for exploring nature. If you’re currently on the lookout for ways to enjoy Hawaii beyond its beaches or you just want to craft a rounded itinerary that includes a bit of everything, here’s the perfect Oahu bucket list for all things nature!
The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List for Nature Lovers
Diamond Head
Diamond Head is a volcanic cone that soars high above Waikiki and Honolulu’s skyline. As one of the most iconic natural landmarks, you’ll probably recognize it right away from seeing it on almost every Honolulu postcard!
If you’re looking for an epic hike but don’t necessarily want to travel too far away from the capital, the Diamond Head Summit Trail is just what you’re after. This 1.6-mile trail will take you to the summit of the volcano. And while the distance may be short, the hike can get pretty challenging due to the rapid altitude gain.
Luckily, the entire trail is paved and stairs are provided on the steepest portions of the hike. Moreover, there are plenty of viewpoints with benches along the way, giving you plenty of reasons to rest your legs!
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
If you love natural scenery but don’t necessarily feel like hiking a volcano or walking deep into the forest, Hommaluhia Botanical Gardens is just what you’re looking for.
Surrounded by the majestic Koolau Mountains, this 400-acre property boasts some of the most idyllic settings on the island (think dreamy lakes, streams, and beautiful hiking trails), a visit to Hoomaluhia is a wonderful way to get to know the flora of Hawaii (and beyond) up close.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Located on the southeastern side of Oahu inside the Koko Head Volcanic region, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a perfect combo of beach goodness and adventures out in nature. Especially if you want to explore Oahu’s beaches and mountains in one go!
Thanks to its relatively low-key status, snorkeling here is an absolute dream. Hundreds of species love swimming around Hanauma’s wine glass-shaped bay. Including several endemic animals. While here, keep your eyes out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, who love hanging out around the bay!
After exploring under Hanauma Bay’s waters, you can continue scouring its lush surroundings by hitting a trail or two. A must while here is braving the Koko Head Crater Trail, which will take you all the way up to the volcano’s crater. Another great hike is the Makupu’u Lighthouse Trail. Which is a wonderful option for beginners or those not looking for a very challenging trail.
Ka’ena Point State Park
Legend in ancient Hawaiian folklore has it that Ka’ena Point is the jumping off point for souls leaving this world and hopping into the spirit realm to join their ancestors.
Located at the northwesternmost tip of Oahu and lined by a volcanic coastline, Ka’ena Point State Park boasts some of the most fabulous views in Oahu. With lots of hiking trails available to enjoy the glorious vistas from different angles.
The Ka’ena Point Trail is a must while visiting. This 5-mile hike will have you rocking your way (get the pun?) along the volcanic coast, where you’ll get to catch fabulous views of the Pacific Coast, stumble across tide pools, and have wildlife encounters all throughout.
Waimea Falls Park
If you’ve always dreamt of hiking in the rainforest, Waimea Falls Park provides a wonderful experience that will have you feeling as though you were somehow transported into the Amazonas.
Set on the North Shore of Oahu, the hike to Waimea Falls is considered one of the best trails on the island. The fact that it’s short and accessible makes it perfect for pretty much anyone keen to tackle it. And even though it’s not a very long trail, it still manages to awe visitors with views of lush botanical gardens, walls covered by enormous plants, and vistas of a striking 45-foot waterfall crashing down into a natural pool.
Moreover, Waimea Falls Park is a wonderful place for those looking to learn about Hawaiian culture and the importance nature has to its people. With lots of educational presentations and workshops on offer for curious visitors to enjoy during their visit.
I hope this list of amazing nature spots in Oahu inspired you to visit a few of these places! Even though the entire island is home to stunning views and places worth visiting, these destinations, in particular, provide an excellent opportunity to get more personal with the nature of Oahu.
Which of these places are you most excited to visit? Feel free to let me know all about your nature-filled Oahu itinerary in the comment section below!
When it comes to beautiful places to hit the road in, Arizona pretty much takes the cake. It doesn’t matter which direction you want to drive. You are sure to find something incredible along the way you haven’t seen before.
Thanks to its enormous size and incredibly dramatic landscapes that range from endless desert terrain to pine forests, very few experiences in the world compare to what scenic driving in Arizona is like.
Put into simple words, scenic driving in The Grand Canyon State is an experience like no other. From extremely picturesque desert landscapes that will make you feel as though you were transported to Mars to driving up alluring mountains, here’s a list of the most scenic drives in Arizona, The Grand Canyon State you’ve got to drive at least once in your life!
The Most Scenic Drives in Arizona
1. Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179)
The Red Rock Scenic Byway may be short at only 14.5 miles. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for with wonderful stops to make and insanely dramatic landscapes.
This byway links Interstate 17 with Sedona, which pretty much means the scenery all the way consists of striking desertscapes. Along the road, you’ll be treated to views of striking red rock formations, tons of trailheads to give you an excuse to stop and take a hike, and some of Sedona’s most famous landmarks (including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte).
Moreover, you’ll also get the chance to stop and explore Tlaquepaque, a historic Spanish Village. As well as the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a unique chapel sitting atop red rocks!
Hot tip: Don’t just assume the only parking spot by Chapel of the Holy Cross is the first one you see. There’s parking up near the top as well that’s generally open, so you don’t have to hike it with your littles.
2. Desert View Drive
Want to see as much of the Grand Canyon in a short amount of time? The Desert View Drive connects the most popular lookout points of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim section, offering a great chance to explore as much of America’s most famous canyon without having to tire your legs out.
As you make your way along the road, you’ll stumble across some of the most striking vistas of the Grand Canyon. And get plenty of chances to park your car at several viewpoints like Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Navajo Point.
Moreover, there are several trailheads for short hikes scattered along the road. If you’re interested in learning more about the area, you can also stop at the Tusayan Pueblo & Museum.
As a tip, keep in mind that this drive is extremely popular. So expect crowds, especially during the summer months.
3. Apache Trail Scenic Byway
The Apache Trail Scenic Byway was once used by the Apache people. Which pretty much means you’ll be driving the exact same route they once took to get from place to place!
This 44-mile scenic drive traverses the northern part of Superstition Mountain, which guarantees spectacular views every mile of the way. Throughout the drive, you’ll be treated to gorgeous desert vistas, get the chance to see a few lakes, zig-zag your way through canyons, and get plenty of excuses to park the car and stop at lookout points to fully take in the views.
This drive is a mix of paved road and gravel. The only community on the drive is Tortilla Flat, which boasts a total population of six people. But does have a little coffee shop for drivers to stop at. Once you get past Tortilla Flat, the road gets very narrow. So it’s not recommended for large RVs.
4. Catalina Highway
Taking drivers all the way from Tucson up to Mount Lemmon, Catalina Highway is extremely unique because it provides a perfect example of how the terrain in Arizona can change in a very short amount of time.
As you make your way through the striking Catalina Mountains, you’ll get to cross mountain forests, plunging canyons tucked away in the desert, and pounding rockscapes – all within only 27 miles!
Aside from getting to feel as though you’re crossing several states in a matter of minutes, this drive will give you the chance to see tons of wildlife as well as pass several hiking trails, picnic areas, camping spots, and overlooks.
5. Monument Valley Scenic Drive (Highway 163)
Driving Monument Valley’s scenic road is as close as you can get to feeling as though you’re inside a Wild West Movie.
As one of Arizona’s most iconic landmarks, Monument Valley’s Highway 163 will take you on an adventure through authentic Navajo Land. Along the road, you’ll get the chance to see the most striking desert landscapes you could ever imagine. Including towering red rock spires, buttes, and all sorts of whacky-looking formations that look as though they belong on an entirely different planet.
Aside from giving you the chance to see some of the most emblematic landscapes Monument Valley has to offer, this drive will also take you to other Arizona highlights. Including the quirky-named village of Mexican Hat and a suspension bridge over the San Juan River.
6. Ajo Mountain Drive
Cutting right through the heart of Organ Pipe Cactus Monument, the Ajo Mountain Drive is a 21-mile road that will have you snaking your way through the Sonoran Desert and all the up to the alluring Ajo Mountains.
Aside from the striking desert scenery all over, what makes this road stand high above the crowds as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Arizona is the fact that it’s lined by organ pipe cacti and saguaros, two humongous species of cacti you’re not bound to find anywhere else in the world.
Hot Tip: Bring your Passport and continue south to cross the Mexican border about 1 and a half hours to get to our nearest beach town, Rocky Point. By taking this drive, you are already so close. Why not visit where us local Phoenicians go to get out of the heat!
Have you driven any of these scenic Arizona drives? If so, what was your experience like? Feel free to tell us all about it in the comment section below!
California is the perfect place to visit if what you’re after is a bit of diversity in your itinerary. From exciting cities to charming vineyards and towering snow-capped peaks, it’s almost impossible to believe so much beauty can fit into a single place.
Simply put, you could easily dedicate an entire year to exploring the Golden State and still not get to see a quarter of the beauty it has to offer. So if you’re planning a visit and trying to decide what to see and do, chances are you’re currently having a really hard time narrowing down the options.
The good news? Cali isn’t going anywhere. So my biggest recommendation would be to focus on a few main places instead of trying to tick off everything on the list. If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the main spots you definitely don’t want to miss out on during your visit!
Places in California You’ve Got To Visit At Least Once
1. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Home to the largest sequoia trees in the world, this stunning national park will make you feel as though you’re walking inside a storybook forest. Picture views of humongous natural canopies backdropped by snowy mountain peaks and you’ve got a pretty good image of what a visit to Sequoia National Park is all about!
In case you didn’t know, sequoias are the biggest trees in the world. Redwoods can grow taller. But sequoias win in overall size. In fact, General Sherman, the name given to the biggest tree on the planet resides inside Sequoia National Park!
Seeing groves of sequoias is the main highlight during a visit to this majestic national park. But it also has more surprises on the menu for its visitors, including the highest peak and one of the deepest canyons inside the continental USA. The Great Western Divide is also set here, providing some of the most jaw-dropping views of mountains in the distance!
2. McWay Falls
A road trip through Big Sur is a bucket-list-worthy item in itself. But if you don’t have time to do the entire trip, an absolute must-do in your list should be witnessing the beauty of McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
This stunning 80 feet high waterfall cascades down into a gorgeous beach tucked inside a hidden cove, making the view a sight you aren’t bound to forget anytime soon. Accessing McWay falls requires hiking a relatively short and gentle trail, making it a perfect place to stop and stretch your legs after a drive!
3. Lake Tahoe
Imagine a dreamy alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and you’ve got yourself a pretty good picture of what a day spent at Lake Tahoe is all about. Being one of the largest lakes in the USA, Lake Tahoe is home to a myriad of fun activities year-round, making it the perfect respite for any season of the year!
During the summer months, Lake Tahoe’s waters become the stars of the show, with beach activities and watersports turning into the main thing to do for visitors and locals alike. Think paddleboarding, hiking to hidden beaches, or kayaking as a few examples of the activities on offer here – all of which come with stunning views of the lake and the Sierra Mountains off in the distance!
Winter brings in mountain activities. During the colder months, people flock to Lake Tahoe’s world-class ski resorts in search of some serious fun in the snow. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your jam, though, there are plenty of things to do here, including skating, snowshoeing, and hiking!
4. Joshua Tree National Park
California’s desert adventures are unparalleled, and one of the best places to experience them is Joshua Tree National Park. Located exactly on the spot where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, this alluring national park is a combination of two entirely different ecosystems that, put together, create the quirkiest landscape you could think of!
Joshua Tree is a mecca for outdoor activities, with hiking, rock climbing, biking, and horseback riding being just a few of the activities on the menu. As if that weren’t enough, it’s also considered one of the best places in the USA for clear night skies, making stargazing here an absolute dream!
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley is THE place to go if you’re eager to experience California’s love for great wine. Picture rolling hills dotted by quaint wine farms, restaurants in every corner offering wine lists longer than their food menus, farm-to-table eateries spread all over town and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the love Napa has for great hosting.
Naturally, the main thing to do while in Napa is to go on a vineyard-hopping adventure. If you’re new to wine-tasting, a great option for you is Beringer Estate. For special occasions worth splurging on, Inglenook, which is a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, is a must, and for the most Instagram-worthy spots, Chateau Montelena is your go-to!
6. Channel Islands National Park
Commonly dubbed the Galapagos of North America, Channel Islands National Park is one of the most unique places in the world and a must-visit if solitude and peaceful nature outings are what you’re after. Thanks to the fact that this park is pretty remote, it still remains a bit of a secret in the national park system.
Made up of five remote islands, the Channel Islands is a haven for incredible views. While here, you’ll get to see jutting rock cliffs, untouched beaches, isolated ocean views, and wildlife sightings you can’t find anywhere else in the world!
Getting to the Channel Islands can be a bit tricky, as the only way to access them is via plane or boat. The easiest islands to get to are Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz, which you can access year-round. The remaining three islands are a bit trickier to get to, but with a little planning, you can find boats on a seasonal basis.
I hope this list of the best destinations in California helped you plot the ultimate bucket list. With so many incredible things to do spread all over the state, choosing where to go can be a pretty difficult feat, but these places are a great way to start exploring the Golden State!
Have you ever been to any of these California destinations? What was your experience like? Let me know all about it in the comment section below!
I’ll let you in on a secret. I have a love and hate relationship with summer. So many fun things to do, but there’s also the humidity and the sun’s scorching heat. So, I make sure to choose my wardrobe for this season to make sure that I enjoy it. The thing is, this weather calls for fewer layering pieces and more skin, and there are days when it feels too hot and humid that I tend to sweat a lot. If you live in a desert climate like me, summer isn’t only May-September. We have temperatures well into the 90s from May-October and sometimes November.
It’s easy to keep comfortable and stylish throughout summer when you have a few styling tricks up your sleeves. For us, less is more, and can be for you too to beat the summer heat! So I’m sharing practical and helpful styling tips for creating fashionable yet comfortable outfits that never go out of style.
8 Summer Style Tips
Wearing loose-fitting clothes
Your summer bestie is loose-fitting clothing. It helps you stay cool as it allows good air circulation. Try loose shirts, flowy dresses, oversize tops, wide-leg pants, and skirts with light fabric. So get away from clingy sweaty clothes and always go with incredible airflow.
Choosing breathable fabrics
Choose breathable fabrics to fill your summer wardrobe. Soak up the fun under the sun while wearing the best clothes fit for humid weather. Here are some of the best summer fabrics:
Cotton is excellent for the heat with its lightweight and breathable fabric that leaves you staying cool.
Linen, another breathable fabric, is light, and I love that it is loosely woven because it allows heat to escape from your body easily and dries quickly.
Rayon blends well with cotton, and it’s very thin fibers make it lighter, preventing it from sticking to your body.
Opting for lighter colors
Beat the summer heat with light-colored clothing. Choose white and light colored outfits that quickly absorb the heat of the sun. Black and other dark colors absorb more heat than lighter ones. Classic options are white summer tops which go well with neutral colored skirts or pants. A breezy linen top is another summer wear must-have whether you’re dressing up or down.
Choosing a smaller bag
Since summer means adventures, carefully choose the bag you’ll pair up with your summer outfit. Make it fashionable and should be functional too. If you have kids, sometimes a smaller bag may not work, so choose a lighter colored bag, a longer strap, or even a tote in canvas to keep cooler but have space for all the things.
Wearing open-toe sandals/slides
Dress up your summer look with pretty open-toe sandals that let your toes breathe. The warm weather requires you to keep your heels away for the meantime and elevate your summer outfit with easy-to-wear slides.
Using a lightweight scarf/wide-brimmed hat
Buy a wide-brimmed hat and a scarf for the ultimate summer look. Wearing these is essential because it minimizes your sun exposure, thus protecting your skin. According to dermatologists, choose a wide-brimmed hat that covers not just your face but your ears and neck too.
Wearing minimal jewelry/accessories
For the perfect summer accessories styling, less is more. Stay away from bangles, dangling earrings and necklaces because they cling to your skin under the heat of the sun. Try accessorizing with a thin and simple gold necklace and stud earrings. Also, remember that neutral colors match white and light summer outfits.
Wearing natural makeup
Heavy makeup is a big no-no on a hot summer day. Say goodbye in the meantime to heavy and dark eyeliners, eye shadows, lipstick, and heavy foundation. Go for more natural and light makeup. Use tinted moisturizer instead of foundation and add a touch of liquid highlighter; top it off with pale pink tinted lip balms.
I’ve always loved summer more than any other time because I grew up in the midwest and it seemed to get shorter and shorter each year. Now that I live in the desert, I still love summer and all the freedom it brings. I also love the variety of clothing and less need for makeup day to day. I feel like my skin can breathe better in summer and is much more healthy versus any other time of the year. If you have any other recommendations for summer styling, I’d love to know the ones I left out. Please share in the comments which of the tips were your favorite and if you’d like more of these tips!
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. 
you’re looking for is a long road trip with amazing stops lining every mile of the way.
places in the United States. If you’re short on time or simply don’t feel up for hiking under harsh conditions, a great way to get the most out of your time at this incredible national park is by taking the scenic road (Highway 190) that runs right through it!
the Jacinto Reyes Scenic Byway is a dream if what you’re after are gorgeous mountain views and forest adventures.
iconic natural landmarks, you’ll probably recognize it right away from seeing it on almost every Honolulu postcard!
Hommaluhia Botanical Gardens is just what you’re looking for.
swimming around Hanauma’s wine glass-shaped bay. Including several endemic animals. While here, keep your eyes out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, who love hanging out around the bay!
boasts some of the most fabulous views in Oahu. With lots of hiking trails available to enjoy the glorious vistas from different angles.
The fact that it’s short and accessible makes it perfect for pretty much anyone keen to tackle it. And even though it’s not a very long trail, it still manages to awe visitors with views of lush botanical gardens, walls covered by enormous plants, and vistas of a striking 45-foot waterfall crashing down into a natural pool.
wonderful stops to make and insanely dramatic landscapes.
popular lookout points of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim section, offering a great chance to explore as much of America’s most famous canyon without having to tire your legs out.
driving the exact same route they once took to get from place to place!
Movie.
will have you snaking your way through the Sonoran Desert and all the up to the alluring Ajo Mountains.
year-round, making it the perfect respite for any season of the year!
wine farms, restaurants in every corner offering wine lists longer than their food menus, farm-to-table eateries spread all over town and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the love Napa has for great hosting.
and a must-visit if solitude and peaceful nature outings are what you’re after. Thanks to the fact that this park is pretty remote, it still remains a bit of a secret in the national park system.
dresses, oversize tops, wide-leg pants, and skirts with light fabric. So get away from clingy sweaty clothes and always go with incredible airflow.
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