What To See & Do
What You Need to Know to Ride the San Juan Island Ferry
Best San Juan Island Ferry Guide for Island Travel
Planning a unique island getaway begins with understanding the San Juan Island Ferry, the most accessible and scenic way to reach Friday Harbor. Departing from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, this route introduces travelers to the coastal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, with open water views and the possibility of spotting marine wildlife along the way.
Preparation is key to a smooth experience. Securing San Juan Island ferry reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Vehicle reservations fill quickly, and arriving at least 30 minutes before departure helps ensure your place on board. Reviewing the San Juan Island ferry schedule ahead of time is equally important, as routes and travel times vary depending on island stops.
Once on board, the ferry to San Juan Island becomes part of the journey. Outdoor decks offer expansive views, while interior seating provides a comfortable place to relax. Whether traveling as a walk-on passenger or with a vehicle, the ride sets the tone for a well-paced island experience.
Stay at a Boutique Friday Harbor Hotel Near the Ferry Terminal
Choosing lodging near the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal simplifies every part of your stay. Our boutique Friday Harbor hotel, within walking distance of the terminal, allows you to arrive without a car and still access shops, dining, and local tours with ease. Guests can select from elevated rooms, suites, private cottages, and options designed for families or those traveling with dogs.
Beyond San Juan Island, the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal connects you to Lopez, Orcas, and Shaw Island, making island hopping straightforward. Each destination offers a distinct experience, from Moran State Park on Orcas Island to the cycling-friendly roads of Lopez Island.
For travelers considering how to get to San Juan Island, the ferry remains the most practical and rewarding option. With thoughtful planning and the right accommodations, your trip begins the moment you board, so you can relax, unwind, and get ready to enjoy all the remarkable things to do on San Juan Island.
When and Where to See Whales Near Bandon
Oregon Coast Whale Watching
When Is Oregon Coast Whale Watching Season?
Oregon Coast whale watching season runs nearly year-round, but two windows stand out. Gray whales migrate south past Bandon from mid-December through mid-January, and they return north from late March through June, which is when the largest numbers pass close to shore. If you’re planning a wildlife getaway built around whale sightings, that spring stretch is your best bet.
The spring migration coincides with Oregon’s Whale Watch Week, when volunteers staff key viewpoints to help visitors spot spouts and tail flukes as the whales head north. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, just down the road from our hotel, is one of the better shore-based spots to catch the action. Coquille Point offers another solid vantage point nearby.
Whale watching does not stop once spring ends. Resident gray whales linger off the Oregon coast from June through October, feeding in the shallow waters near shore. Humpback whales show up occasionally in late summer and early fall, and on a lucky day you might spot orcas hunting along this stretch of coastline. That variety is part of what makes whale watching near Bandon worth planning around no matter the season.
Where to See Whales Near Bandon, Oregon
You do not need a boat to see whales here. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and Coquille Point both put you close enough to spot whales with a decent pair of binoculars, especially during the December and spring migration windows. Bring a jacket, since the wind off the water can be chilly even on a sunny day.
If you want a closer look, South Coast Tours operates guided boat trips from nearby Port Orford through the Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve. Beyond gray whales, the reserve supports harbor seals, sea lions, and a wide range of seabirds, so a boat trip often turns into a broader wildlife outing. Spring also overlaps with harbor seal pupping season, when you might spot pups tucked onto rocks and beaches while their mothers hunt offshore. Give them space and enjoy the view from a distance.
Whale watching is one of many reasons visitors visit the Southern Oregon Coast. The dramatic rock formations near Face Rock make for excellent beachcombing, Bandon Dunes draws golfers from around the country, and the Coquille River is a favorite for paddlers. Old Town Bandon rounds things out with local shops and fresh seafood after a day outdoors.
Plan Your Trip Around the Migration
Timing your visit to the whale migration gives you the best odds of a real sighting. Late March through June is the busiest window, when Whale Watch Week volunteers help visitors spot whales at prime viewpoints. If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, the December through January southbound migration pairs well with the coast’s storm watching season.
Stay Close to the Action at Our Bandon Oregon Hotel
A whale watching trip is easier when your hotel puts you minutes from the viewpoints. The Inn at Face Rock sits within walking distance of Bandon Beach and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, so you can head out at first light and be back in time for their breakfast buffet. Our rooms include free Wi-Fi, and several suites come with a partial ocean view and a fireplace for warming up after a morning outdoors. Guests also have access to our indoor pool and hot tub, which makes for a good way to close out a day spent on the water or the trail.
As one of the top rated Bandon Oregon Hotels, we are set up to be your home base for a coastal wildlife getaway, whether you are here for a few hours of whale spotting or a full week exploring the southern Oregon coast. Book your stay at the Inn at Face Rock and start your morning steps from Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Oregon coast whale watching season?
Oregon coast whale watching runs almost year-round. Gray whales migrate south from mid-December through mid-January, then return north from late March through June. Resident whales stick around from June through October, with occasional humpback and orca sightings in late summer and early fall.
When do whales migrate in Oregon?
Southbound migration runs mid-December through mid-January, and the northbound return runs late March through June. The northbound migration is the larger and more visible of the two, since more whales pass close to shore.
When can you see whales on the Oregon coast?
Late March through June offers the best odds, since that’s peak northbound migration and coincides with Oregon’s Whale Watch Week. The December to January window is a quieter alternative if you don’t mind cooler weather.
Where can you watch whales near Bandon, Oregon?
Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and Coquille Point are the most reliable shore based spots near Bandon. For a closer look, South Coast Tours runs guided boat trips out of Port Orford through the Redfish Rocks Marine Research Reserve.
Do you need a boat tour to see whales in Bandon?
No. Shore based whale watching is free and productive at spots like Face Rock Viewpoint, particularly during the migration windows. A guided tour simply gets you closer and adds a chance to spot seals, sea lions, and seabirds along the way.
When Should You Visit the Western North Carolina Mountains?
Best Time to Visit North Carolina for a Weekend in the Mountains
If you are planning a weekend in the western North Carolina mountains, the best time to visit North Carolina depends on how busy you want to be and the experiences you want to prioritize. There’s an incredible range of things to do in western North Carolina year-round. Spring brings comfortable days for scenic drives, waterfall hikes, and patio dining, and the forests and trails start to look fully alive again. Summer adds long daylight hours for tubing, kayaking, and exploring trail networks, while mountain elevations help keep days more comfortable than many southern destinations. For adventure seekers, this is often the best time to visit North Carolina.
However, if you’re truly looking for what we think is the best time to visit North Carolina, it has to be fall. Fall is the prime season for Blue Ridge color, crisp evenings, and orchard, vineyard, and scenic overlook days. It’s nothing short of spectacular, with gorgeous foliage fees around every twist and turn in the road and along every trail. If you’re looking for something quieter, consider a winter getaway. Winter is quieter and well-suited to cozy dinners, uncrowded shopping, and restorative downtime.
Saluda is an easy choice for a mountain base because it combines small-town character with access to outdoor highlights. Downtown is known for galleries, live music, and boutique shopping, and you can pair that with nearby hikes and waterfall outings. If you are also weighing the best time to visit Asheville, NC, Saluda makes it simple to add a day trip for dining, arts, and city energy without committing your entire weekend to a larger hub.
A Mountain Bed and Breakfast For Getaways in Saluda
For a weekend that balances exploration with comfort, Orchard Inn is one of the finest Bed and Breakfasts in Western North Carolina. Accommodations include rooms, suites, and private cottages, with select options featuring jetted tubs, private porches, and gas fireplaces. On-site amenities support a slower pace after a day outdoors, including a spa for massages and a sauna for unwinding. For dinner, Newmans provides an on-property option that fits naturally into a low-stress itinerary, and it is an appealing alternative to driving after an evening out.
Across the seasons, Western North Carolina offers plenty to build a trip around. Spring and summer bring community events and outdoor recreation, and fall supports scenic drives, hikes, and winery visits in the Tryon Foothills. Winter favors quiet mornings, relaxed afternoons in town, and evenings by the fire. When you are choosing where to go in North Carolina for a mountain weekend, Saluda delivers a mix of culture, nature, and proximity to Asheville that works in any season. Book your stay and plan your ideal weekend.
Where Circus History Comes to Life
Things to Do in Baraboo, WI: A History and Circus Lover’s Getaway
What makes the list of things to do in Baraboo WI, unique is that this Sauk County city is where the Ringling Bros. Circus got its start. That history shows up everywhere here, from the historic buildings downtown to the bluffs above Devil’s Lake. For a getaway built around history and culture, Baraboo gives you a rare chance to walk through the same streets and buildings the Ringling family once called home, then unwind at the end of the day just a few blocks from where it all began.
Circus World anchors the list of Baraboo attractions for good reason. This is the actual former winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus, spread across 64 acres with seven National Historic Landmark buildings and the world’s largest collection of restored circus wagons. From mid-May through early September, live Big Top performances run daily. Outside that window, the site stays open for self-guided tours of the wagon collection and historic buildings. If circus history is the draw, plan around the performance season.
Devil’s Lake State Park rounds out any list of things to do in Baraboo WI with a different kind of history: geological rather than human. Quartzite bluffs rising 500 feet ring a 360-acre lake carved by retreating glaciers. The East Bluff Trail climbs from the north shore and rewards a short, steep hike with a wide view over the water. A park sticker is required, and the main lots fill by mid-morning on summer weekends, so plan an early start.
Downtown Baraboo is where the food and drink side of this trip comes together, and it’s easy to cover on foot. Driftless Glen Distillery sits on the banks of the Baraboo River and offers tours along with a full restaurant menu, making it worth a longer stop for lunch or dinner. AL. Ringling Brewing Co. pours around 19 house-made beers, including the Ringling family’s beer recipe, next to the historic 1906 AL. Ringling Mansion.
Among Baraboo restaurants for a comfort-food finish, locals are split between the diner classics at Broadway Diner and the burgers at Baraboo Burger Company. Both are straightforward, no-frills options after a day of walking and hiking. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Baraboo WI after dinner, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells offers gaming, live music, and dining a short drive away.
Stay at a Baraboo Bed and Breakfast Tied to Ringling History
For a history and culture getaway, staying at a Baraboo Bed and Breakfast that’s part of the story changes the whole trip. The Ringling House was built in 1901 as the home of Charles Ringling, one of the five circus-founding brothers, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original woodwork, stained-glass windows, and the grand staircase are still intact, and guests can learn the family’s history directly from innkeepers who know the area well. It’s within walking distance of Circus World and Al. Ringling Brewing Co., and just a short drive from Devil’s Lake.
Plan Your Baraboo Getaway
Whether you’re checking Baraboo events for the week or building a longer Wisconsin itinerary, a stay that puts you inside the history makes the trip complete. Book your room at the Ringling House Bed and Breakfast and start your Baraboo getaway where the Ringling story began.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Baraboo WI with kids?
Circus World’s live Big Top performances during the summer season and the trails at Devil’s Lake State Park both work well for families, with shorter, kid-friendly options available at the East Bluff.
What are unique things to do in Baraboo WI?
Touring the former Ringling Bros. winter quarters at Circus World and staying overnight in Charles Ringling’s original 1901 home are both unique experiences in Baraboo and unavailable elsewhere.
What is there to do in Baraboo WI this weekend?
Check Baraboo events listings for seasonal happenings, then combine a hike at Devil’s Lake with a stop at Circus World and dinner downtown for a full weekend itinerary.
Where Couples in the South Go For Romantic Escapes
Best Weekend Getaways in NC for Couples in Durham
Durham stands out as one of the best weekend getaways in NC for couples looking to reconnect, especially if you enjoy a city with creative energy and plenty of things to keep you engaged. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Durham gives just the right taste of history, while still also managing to offer all the modern amenities you crave in a great getaway destination, making it an ideal destination for couples’ weekend getaways in the South.
During your stay, you can experience some of the most engaging things to do in Durham and the Triangle as a whole. Enjoy a live performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center, explore thought-provoking museums, or take a leisurely walk through downtown neighborhoods filled with character. Durham’s nationally recognized food scene won’t disappoint either, offering everything from upscale dining to casual local favorites that invite you to slow down and savor the moment together.
A Romantic North Carolina Bed and Breakfast for Couples Retreats
After a full day of exploring, returning to a peaceful retreat makes all the difference. Our Durham Bed and Breakfast is one of the most romantic getaways in NC, offering couples a refined place to relax and recharge. The historic Inn sits on six acres of landscaped grounds, creating a setting that feels private and unhurried while remaining close to everything Durham has to offer, including Duke University.
Guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with upscale amenities that encourage comfort and connection. Couples looking for extra privacy can choose a romantic cottage or private log cabin, each providing a secluded retreat experience. Every morning begins with a three-course gourmet breakfast, served with genuine Southern hospitality that sets a warm tone for the day ahead.
To personalize your weekend even further, our specials and packages allow you to create meaningful moments, whether that includes fresh flowers, rose petals, or chocolate-covered strawberries waiting in your room. These thoughtful details transform simple weekend getaways for couples into memorable romantic experiences.
Durham’s vibrant culture, paired with a stay at our Bed and Breakfast, is without a doubt one of the best weekend getaways in NC for couples. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a couples retreat, or simply enjoying time away together, your Durham escape promises to leave you with a lasting memory.
Where to Go With Your Girlfriends for Texas Getaways
Best Girls Weekend Getaways in Texas Start in Granbury
Planning the perfect girls’ weekend getaway is all about finding a destination that brings you plenty of fun, relaxation, and meaningful time together. Granbury checks every box. There’s an unbeatable range of things to do in Granbury, TX. This lively Texas town offers an inviting mix of boutique shopping, wine tasting, lake activities, and dining, all wrapped in an easygoing atmosphere that makes reconnecting effortless. It is no surprise that Granbury continues to rank among the best places for girls’ trips in Texas.
Spend the morning browsing the Historic Granbury Square, where locally owned boutiques, home decor shops, and specialty food stores make wandering feel like part of the fun. Head out for wine tasting at nearby wineries, book a spa treatment, or enjoy time on Lake Granbury soaking up wide-open views and fresh air. Evenings can be as lively or laid-back as your group prefers, with live performances, memorable meals, or unhurried conversations over a glass of wine.
Where to Stay for the Best Girls Weekend Getaways in Texas
Inn on Lake Granbury elevates every girls’ trip in Texas. This boutique hotel in Granbury offers stylish guest rooms as well as private spaces ideal for group stays. The Cottage is a favorite for girls’ weekend getaways, featuring lake views, a full kitchen, and cozy gathering spaces that make late nights and slow mornings feel effortless. For larger groups, the Lake House provides room to spread out while keeping everyone together under one roof.
Food is part of the experience here. Award-winning breakfast options are available as an enhancement and include chef-prepared dishes that make mornings something to look forward to. Afternoon appetizers delivered to your room add an extra layer of indulgence to your stay.
Beyond the rooms, the property invites relaxation. Spend time by the saltwater pool during warmer months, unwind in the year-round hot tub, or enjoy peaceful moments on the grounds. In-room massage treatments and thoughtful add-ons make it easy to turn a simple weekend into one of the best girls’ weekend getaways in Texas.
From shopping and wine tasting to lake days and unforgettable stays, Granbury brings together everything you want in a girls’ trip. Book your getaway and see why this destination continues to stand out among places to go in Texas for the weekend.
Why Harwich Port Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Your Guide to Harwich Port, a Unique Cape Cod Town
Harwich Port is one of those coastal Cape Cod towns that feels welcoming the moment you arrive. With its walkable Main Street, classic shoreline, and strong sense of community, it offers an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, Harwich Port delivers a uniquely easygoing coastal escape.
Part of what sets Harwich Port apart is its balance. You can spend your morning browsing local shops, stopping into art galleries, or grabbing coffee at a neighborhood café, then head straight to the beach without ever getting in the car. Red River Beach is a local favorite and sits just minutes from town, making it easy to mix seaside time with exploring the village.
Harwich also has deep roots that still shape the area today. Once a center for fishing, shipbuilding, and farming, the town remains closely tied to the land and sea. The cranberry harvest is a perfect example. During harvest season, the bright red bogs north of town offer a glimpse into a tradition that remains an important part of Harwich Cape Cod history.
Outdoor experiences round out the appeal. Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, explore Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands, or spend an afternoon kayaking nearby waterways. Freshwater ponds, wildlife areas, and coastal views give you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without feeling rushed.
Stay at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Harwich Port
Choosing the right Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast can shape your entire trip. Staying at an adults-only boutique inn like The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn places you close to beaches, dining, and the best things to do on Cape Cod. Housed in a restored sea captain’s home, the inn blends modern comfort with classic Cape character, offering thoughtful amenities and a relaxed atmosphere that fits perfectly with the town.
From outdoor adventures to local culture and coastal scenery, Harwich Port is a place that invites you to slow down and enjoy Cape Cod at its most genuine. It is no surprise that visitors return year after year to experience this unique coastal town.
Why Spring is Great for Weekend Getaways in Iowa
Explore the Best Weekend Getaways in Iowa This Spring
Spring in the Midwest brings a sense of renewal, making it the perfect time to plan weekend getaways in Iowa. As the snow melts and landscapes turn vibrant green and bright. Charming river towns, lively cities, and scenic countrysides create an inviting backdrop for a refreshing escape. There are so many things to explore in Iowa!
If you are mapping out an Iowa road trip, start with the state’s hidden gem small towns. Albia offers striking Victorian architecture and easy access to hiking trails and Lake Rathbun. In Pella, Dutch heritage shines through its windmill, tulip gardens, and locally owned bakeries. Decorah surprises visitors with limestone bluffs, trout streams, and cultural experiences rooted in Norwegian history. Along the Mississippi River, Clinton’s riverfront trails and historic downtown make it an ideal stop for a relaxed spring weekend.
Larger destinations also deliver memorable things to do in Iowa. Des Moines offers the vibrant East Village, the downtown Farmers Market, and renowned Iowa attractions like Blank Park Zoo. Dubuque pairs river views with historic charm, including the Fenelon Place Elevator and easy access to scenic overlooks. For a lakeside retreat, Okoboji begins to buzz in spring as trails reopen and the deep blue waters draw visitors back outdoors.
Whether you are searching for romantic getaways in Iowa or planning activities in Iowa this weekend with friends, the variety of places to visit makes it easy to customize your trip. Outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers will all find something that fits their style.
Discover Unique Places to Stay in Iowa
An important element of the best weekend getaways in Iowa is where you stay. Unique places to stay in Iowa, especially locally owned Bed and Breakfasts, offer personalized hospitality and thoughtfully prepared breakfasts. These welcoming properties often reflect the character of their communities and provide insider recommendations on nearby Iowa attractions.
Spring is your invitation to explore somewhere new. Plan your weekend getaways in Iowa, chart your route, and book a stay that turns a simple trip into a memorable one.
Why the Shalom Wildlife Zoo Is Wisconsin’s Most Extraordinary Zoo Experience
A Wildlife Adventure Right Across the Street
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo is a stretch of Wisconsin woodland where wolves, elk, and tigers roam along four miles of wooded trails, and every turn brings you closer to them. It also happens to sit directly across the street from our front door. Longtime locals still know it as the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, and that name tells you something about the experience. This is not a place of concrete enclosures. Four miles of roads wind through woods and open meadows, and you can explore them on foot or from a rented golf cart during the regular season, making it a genuine wildlife adventure rather than a typical zoo visit.
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo may be the closest attraction, but plenty of others sit within a short drive. Our corner of Washington County puts you minutes from the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s hiking and biking trails, the Eisenbahn State Trail, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art downtown. When guests ask about things to do in West Bend, WI, we never run short of suggestions. The area deserves a full weekend, with mornings at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo, afternoons on the trails, and evenings in town.
And when the day winds down after visiting the best Wisconsin zoo, you are one crosswalk from comfort. Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast offers privacy, a delicious multi-course breakfast, and an in-house spa waiting after a day outside.
Experience the Shalom Wildlife Zoo Like a Local
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo has been part of West Bend since 1979, and it still runs more like a sanctuary than a traditional zoo. The zoo consistently earns outstanding visitor reviews and has become one of the area’s most popular wildlife attractions. The reason becomes obvious about five minutes in. A four-mile trail loops through woods and open meadows, and the animals live in large natural habitats rather than traditional exhibits. The visit is more like a hike to see the animals than a typical Wisconsin zoo visit.
The residents are the reason to visit the Shalom Wildlife Zoo. Elk herds rest in the grass, wolves watch from wooded hillsides, and tigers, cougars, zebras, and even capybaras appear as the trail unwinds. Down at the petting zoo, feed is available for getting face-to-face with the friendlier animals. The staff is always happy to answer questions about the animals, conservation efforts, and the history of the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, making the experience as educational as it is entertaining.
A little planning makes the day easy. During the main season, which runs from mid-April through early November, the Shalom Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry an hour and a half before closing. Plan on an entry fee, with children two and under free.
A leisurely walk through the sanctuary typically takes two to three hours, and if you would rather ride, three-hour golf cart rentals cover the same ground with less effort. Carts are rented for a fee beyond admission, seat up to four, and are first come, first served, so arrive early on summer weekends. You will not need to pack a lunch, either. The Grizzly Grill sits near the zoo entrance, and the Little Tiger’s snack area waits at the midpoint of the trail, perfectly timed for a break. Either way you travel, wear comfortable shoes, since personal vehicles are not permitted on the trail during this season.
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo does not hibernate, either. During the annual Christmas at the Zoo celebration, guests can drive the trail from the warmth of their own vehicles and experience festive displays. Seasonal winter events and operating hours vary each year, so check the dates before you visit. Whatever the season, plan on spending at least three hours exploring this unique West Bend zoo.
Rest Easy at a Top-Rated Bed and Breakfast Wisconsin Getaway
The best part of a day at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo is how it ends. Cross the street, and you are back at Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast. Detox in the steam room, brave the cold deluge shower, then settle into the hot tub or sauna in our private spa. Book a massage ahead of your stay, and it is waiting when the trail dust settles. Prefer to stay outside? Check out our property, which holds a 1.3-mile wooded hiking trail and lighted pickleball court. Each of our luxury guest rooms offers additional comfort with wooded views, fine linens, and amenities such as jetted tubs and cozy fireplaces.
Morning brings the best part of your stay. A gourmet breakfast is served fresh each day, often with maple syrup that we tap from trees right on the property.
Book Your Wildlife Adventure Today
Start planning your West Bend getaway at the Bed and Breakfast Wisconsin visitors choose for a relaxing wildlife adventure. Book your stay at Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Shalom Wildlife Zoo?
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo sits in West Bend, Wisconsin, directly across the street from Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast in Washington County.
How much are Shalom Wildlife Zoo tickets?
Shalom Wildlife Zoo charges an entry fee per visitor, with children two and under admitted free; golf cart rentals are available for an additional fee.
When did the Shalom Wildlife Zoo open?
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo, originally known as the Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary, has been part of West Bend since 1979.
Where should you stay near the Shalom Wildlife Zoo?
Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast sits directly across the street from the Shalom Wildlife Zoo, making it the closest lodging option for a West Bend wildlife adventure.