Alta, Utah, does not disappoint when it comes to offering the best and most memorable vacations. Whether you are into skiing, hiking, biking, walking, or relaxing and rejuvenating, you will find all the right spots to enjoy.
This destination has something for every kind of traveler; with the right travel timing and properly planned trip, you will get the best it has it has to offer.
Below is a highlight of some of the most scenic places you must visit. And near them, you will also find impressive Alta vacation rentals to suit your accommodation preferences.
Best Scenic Places In Alta, Utah | Into The Land Skiing Hard And Eating Well
Alta has played a crucial role in the development of skiing in Utah. At the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Alta Ski Area has the best snow in the state.
It awakens an adventurous spirit among the tourists. However, along with the ski area, there are many other scenic places in Alta, Utah.
1. Devil’s Castle
This rugged, dark peak rises above Cecret Lake in Albion Basin. It is a beautiful place, with the castle offering a priceless backdrop with its high-quality rock. Unfortunately, the road leading here experiences substantial snowfall during fall, and the number of vehicles allowed is limited.
However, you can enjoy some camping at Albion Basin grounds at an affordable fee. The Devil’s Castle can be accessed using the Snowbird Ski Resort tram, so no worries if you find you cannot access it with your vehicle. It is a peaceful, exciting place that will easily relax your mind.
2. Cecret Lake Trail
It is located at Albion Basin and features a small alpine lake. The Cecret Lake is a protected watershed supplying water to Salt Lake City. Additionally, it is part of Wasatch National Forest.
The dirt trail hike from Little Cottonwood Canyon is most fulfilling, especially when it opens up to the quartz monzonite surroundings. The Snowbird and Alta ski resorts surround the lake.
The scenic area will leave you feeling one with nature; it is one of the best places you can choose if you want to de-clutter your inner self. Nothing beats clean, fresh air in beautiful natural surroundings; this is exactly what you will get from the Cecret Lake trail.
3. Alta-Brighton Trailhead
This loop trail will take you through scenic surroundings near Sandy, Utah. The 6.9KM trail is challenging and will take more than three hours to complete. It is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. If you wish for some solitude, you can hike it during low-traffic times of the day.
You will particularly find the trailhead breathtaking when the wildflowers are fully bloomed. Alta-Brighton Trailhead is open throughout the year; enjoy its beauty anytime you visit Alta. For the ultimate experience, remember to carry your bug spray, water bottle, hiking boots, and sweatshirt.
4. Big Cottonwood Canyon
The Big Cottonwood Canyon is within the Wasatch Range, a few miles Southeast of Salt Lake City. It covers 15 miles offering amazing areas for picnicking, camping, rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The canyon has popular ski resorts where you can also experience snowboarding at its best. It has lots of trails, with the most popular leading to Lake Blanche, Lilian, and Florence.
Formed by the Big Cottonwood Creek, you will notice the canyon is V-shaped with rock forms that are quite impressive. It attracts botanical field trips, and wildflower walks from the local societies and institutions. This is the place to be if you love nature walks full of wildflowers.
5. Lake Blanche Trail
This is the classic hiking spot in the Twin Peaks Wilderness area. It goes through aspen trees and scrubs oaks before opening up to stunning views of quartzite mountains and the Great Salt Lake.
Summer afternoons can get quite hot, especially in the open areas. It is, therefore, advisable to take morning hikes and carry enough water because it is a steep trail that will drain you.
Most notable on this trail are the Dromedary and Sundial Peaks, which rise above the lake, and the small lakes Lilian and Florence. You will love the dramatic views, especially near the lake and its iconic landscapes.
6. Catherine’s Pass
It offers easy passage to Big and Small Cottonwood Canyons. The Pass is a wildflower hike, and since it is on the Northern side, it offers beautiful views of Little Cottonwood’s south ridge. Catherine’s Pass offers impressive scenery, even better than Secret Lake, so you can explore while here.
Additionally to the wildflowers, you will also love the grassy meadows and Big Cottonwood canyon views. It is a shorter hike thanks to the distance and elevation; however, if you love longer outings, you can consider descending to Lake Catherine or using the ridgelines East of Sunrise Peak. Whatever you choose, you will be impressed by the Pass.
7. Mount Wolverine
This gem is hidden behind Mt. Millicent and is unfortunately overlooked most of the time. You get refreshing views of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons from this peak. Thanks to its rugged cirque, it also makes a great spot for hiking and snow climbing.
Winter and early spring make the best times to climb Mount Wolverine as snow climbs. The chutes penetrating the cliffs make interesting steep climbs, so come ready for some adventure. If you love camping, you will find the numerous walk-in campgrounds perfect for vacation trips.
8. Snowbird Tram
Snowbird’s aerial tram offers ten-minute rides to Hidden Peaks’ top. Going 2,900 vertical feet up along a 1.6-mile cable will have your heart racing with excitement, especially if it’s your first time. This tram is designed in such a way that it is also accessible by the handicapped, and so is the Hidden Peak terminal.
So you get to enjoy sightseeing and a round trip taking about 40 minutes. During summer, the tram interchanges with a Peruvian chairlift, allowing you to enjoy both on the same trip. This tram was opened in 1971 and has continued serving amid many upgrades.
9. Alta Ski Area
It was the first ski area in the US, so it remains a popular spot among skiers. You will love the renowned deep, steep powder skiing, especially during winter. You will find the terrain most suitable whether you are a beginner or an intermediate skier.
If you are looking for a natural mountain environment for authentic skiing experiences, the Alta Ski Area is, without a doubt, the place to be. There is everything to love about the ski mountain here, so why not take your time and indulge?
Tour And Travel Update
The 15 ski resorts in Utah make it a skiing hotspot in the country. Alta Ski Area is one of the most celebrated skiing spots in the state. 2022-23 was a great season for Alta and other skiing zones in Utah, with a record number of visitors
However, the year 2024 has witnessed a downfall in the number of tourist footfall. This downfall in tourist numbers has been further triggered by less snowfall this year.
Though the amount of snowfall has surpassed the seasonal snowfall amount, it is less by at least 270 inches from the last year.
10. Twin Lake Pass
Hiking in the Wasatch Mountains is a great move to visit the best scenic places in Alta, Utah. Especially the trail to Twin Lakes from Silver Lake is beautiful.
Hiking to the Twin Lake Pass is ideal in autumn and winter. In autumn, the trek route and surrounding area of the Lake look beautiful with the colors of fall.
Furthermore, the Twin Lake Pass, being an off-beat place in Alta, is a great escapade if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
11. Guardsman Pass Overlook
Guardsman Pass Overlook is a scenic drive in the fall and summer seasons. The drive goes up to around 7 miles to reach the summit of 2962 Meters. During the fall and summer seasons, the pass is well-maintained with decent traffic conditions.
However, in winter, it becomes a place of tourist attraction for a different reason. You can access this area through snowmobiles. Further, you can explore cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Pebble Peach, Torrey Pines, Augusta—the most common answers of where the best golf is. New Jersey golf does always make the list (but it should). It's the same when you talk about beautiful resorts on the American coastline. New Jersey isn’t the first place that comes to mind.
Why Not New Jersey?
New Jersey has world-renowned golf courses, with up to eight in the country's top 100 each year. There is an appreciation for the golf courses, but not always the state they’re in. People want a climate where you can play 12 months a year. With New Jersey, that’s not possible, but it's okay.
Up and down the Jersey Shore, no, not that Jersey Shore, are beautiful beaches with hotels and attractions to match. Whether you’re a few miles from New York City or further South, down to Cape May, there are plenty of options. The hardest to ignore is the New Jersey Golf School by Bird Golf at the Seaview Hotel, a top 20 Golf Resort in the World.
What Each Region Has to Offer
The Northernmost region relies heavily on performance-type entertainment. The South makes it possible to entertain yourself. Scenic golf courses and paradise-like resorts make New Jersey what it is. And that's one of the best under-the-radar, all-around destinations in America.
Put yourself in the Atlantic City area. Beaches, casinos, golf, shopping. Pick whatever you like. In one single area of New Jersey, you have access to any type of entertainment you’re looking for. Because of geography and notoriety, it is not discussed outside the direct region as much as it should be.
The Complete Destination Golf Experience
Where New Jersey is beginning to open its eyes is with combination golf courses and resorts. These are not resorts with executive courses, but complete and challenging tracks. Just because it’s not located in an area where you can play in shorts during March does not mean it shouldn’t be in the top conversation.
Case and point, the Seaview Hotel and Golf Club. While the rest of your vacation party is lounging, you can sneak off to the New Jersey golf school by Bird Golf. Besides world-class accommodations, you have world-class instructors pushing your game in the right direction.
Now he might not have visited the school, but even Dwight Eisenhower used to frequent Seaview.
PGA Level Golf
New Jersey has top-level golf, of equal pedigree to that of PGA Major-hosting courses. Bartustrol has hosted the US Open seven times and PGA Championship three times with a fourth on the way. Trump National, Seaview, and Englewood also each have a major under their belt as well.
Any article highlighting New Jersey golf wouldn't be complete without focusing on Pine Valley. You know, a course frequently ranked number one in the world. New Jersey golf, is not bad.
What Makes it Worth the Trip?
World-class golf is nice, but we’re highlighting what New Jersey has to offer in the way of relaxation. It is what makes their golf course resorts special.
So few people realize what high-quality instruction can do for you, but New Jersey golf school by Bird Golf is changing that. You’re combining the best of both worlds, relaxation, and golf. With New Jersey golf school by Bird Golf paving the way, it won’t remain underappreciated for long.
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The Mornington Peninsula, a charming corner of Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its tantalizing vineyards, captivating coastlines, and scenic landscapes.
While the region’s celebrated wineries often play host to wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, families shouldn’t overlook this delightful destination.
Some wineries have noted the growing number of families seeking unique and enriching experiences, curating spaces where children are welcome and actively engaged.
Several of Mornington Peninsula’s wineries are embracing a more inclusive approach in a venture away from the stereotype of adults-only wine-tasting venues.
These establishments have created an environment where parents can enjoy the nuances of world-class wines while their children partake in fun-filled activities designed just for them. So, let’s visit these child-friendly wineries in Mornington Peninsula.
Reasons Which Make Child-Friendly Wineries In Mornington Peninsula A Perfect Family Outing Destination
You drive just an hour from Melbourne and reach the Mornington Peninsula. It is a delightful coastal escapade, and you will love your winter trips to this land of thrills and marine activities.
Further, the wineries, incredibly family friendly wineries here, function as major tourism boosters. The new generation of makers here is bringing positive changes in the beverage scenario of this tourism hub in Australia.
Moreover, visiting the best wineries Mornington Peninsula is a great exercise to reinforce family bonding over quality time. Here’s more to why it will be a delightful experience for you and your kids.
A. Offers an insight into wine-making
Firstly, the Crittenden Wine Centre stands out as a pioneering family-oriented establishment. Nestled in a serene natural setting, this winery offers a fascinating insight into the winemaking process, ideal for inquisitive young minds.
The Wine Centre's sprawling lawn is perfect for children to frolic and play while parents savor the diverse range of wines. An added bonus: a picnic by the estate’s tranquil lake, feeding the resident ducks, promises a charming family experience.
B. An opportunity to discover sustainable viticulture
Another great option is the Trofeo Estate, known for its terracotta wine vats and innovative sustainable farming practices. Children have the opportunity to learn about sustainable viticulture and the importance of preserving nature while enjoying the estate's expansive gardens. The restaurant provides a children’s menu, catering to the smaller appetites in the family. It also serves up a variety of gluten-free and vegan options, ensuring everyone is accommodated.
C. Strengthens family bonds
Over at Stumpy Gully Vineyard, families can enjoy the blend of modern winemaking techniques with traditional family values. With a farm on-site, kids can interact with a variety of animals, learning about their roles in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. The restaurant's patio, overlooking the vineyard, serves as a picturesque setting for a family meal. A special kids' menu, packed with favorites like chicken nuggets and fries, is also available.
What To Expect On A Normal Outing Day In The Mornington Peninsula?
Montalto, in Red Hill South, boasts an inclusive atmosphere where children can participate in a treasure hunt through the Sculpture Trail, a vibrant outdoor gallery. The Piazza Garden, a casual alfresco dining area, offers a menu that caters to all, including child-friendly options.
T'Gallant Winemakers are well known for their Roman-style pizzas, which are a hit with kids of all ages. As parents relish the winery’s signature Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, children can enjoy an authentic pizza and explore the stunning grounds. The winery also offers non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, giving kids a special 'wine tasting' experience of their own.
Tucks NOW, a chic, family-friendly winery, is another must-visit. This vibrant winery combines contemporary design with traditional viticulture, creating an inspiring space for both adults and kids. A highlight for children is the specially designed Tucks Kids Packs, complete with crayons and coloring books.
The list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Main Ridge Estate, one of the Peninsula's original vineyards. The winery features large open spaces for kids to play and explore while parents can unwind with a glass of wine under the shade of mature native trees.
Tips To Take Kids On The Mornington Peninsula Winery
There are several tips you should keep in mind when visiting a winery with your children.
Have a look at them:
1. Prep your children.
Educate your kid about the usual winery behavior, which is nothing different from restaurant, movie, or store behavior. Tell your kids that it is unethical to touch things until asked. Keeping a low voice tone, walking instead of aimlessly running, and being polite are among the next important lessons your kid must know before visiting a winery.
2. Choose a location where kids can play.
Children are fond of playing, and they can do it EVERYWHERE! Choose places that have ample outdoor spaces for keeping your kids entertained.
Thankfully, the Wineries In Mornington Peninsula have restaurants and other destinations that will prevent your kids from getting bored. Certain wineries have kid’s activity zones that include toys, games, and even coloring.
3. Conduct a tour or private arrivals.
Various wineries let you visit privately so that you are well aware of the place before taking your kids. Discovering primitive ruins and caves and knowing more about prohibitions will help kids learn new things. It becomes an excellent opportunity for them to learn something apart from the bookish lesions. Wineries like that of the Mornington Peninsula indeed have a lot of things to be discovered by kids.
4. Don’t forget to thank your host.
Thanking your host is another essential thing to do with kids because they learn from their parents. Whether you enjoy the experience or not, showing your host some gratitude is always necessary. As a token of appreciation and thanks, you can purchase a bottle of wine from a family friendly winery, Mornington Peninsula. This way, they make money without the urge to ask for something extra when they already have kids around them.
5. Normalize teaching kids about unknown things.
Unexpected situations might arise in a winery since it is not an all-kid place. But instead of hushing them down, normalize letting your child know about different things. However, don’t be too frank and put a leash on the amount of knowledge you want to impart to them.
Some More Child-Friendly Wineries In Mornington Peninsula
There are countless child-friendly wineries on the Mornington Peninsula. So, I have curated a few more cool options for you.
1. Tucks Winery
https://www.instagram.com/p/C10zkNZsw-d/?img_index=1
Address: 37 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia
Tucks Winery overlooks some of the best wineries in the region. So, you will enjoy the best views from here as you indulge in sumptuous food and refreshing wine.
Further, this winery has a laid-back vibe with picnic tables for families. Moreover, the outdoor swing will allow you to spend playful time with your kids.
2. Kerri Greens
https://www.instagram.com/p/CooPD0lvluy/?hl=en
Address: 38 Paringa Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937, Australia
Lucas & Alyce Blanck presents a forward-thinking winery for children in the form of Kerri Greens. It is astonishing to find a water tank house transformed into a winery, cellar door, and barrel room.
Along with being a favorite of kids, this winery is also pet-friendly. You must not miss the grape juice here.
3. Stillwater at Crittenden Estate
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzaGLNOROK7/?img_index=1
Address: 25 Harrisons Road, Dromana VIC 3936, Australia
You will be spoilt with choices at Stillwater at Crittenden Estate. Your kids can engage in the activities here as you taste the masterclass vineyard offering.
Further, the little ones will enjoy the totem tennis and soccer sessions on the grassy field. In addition, you can enjoy a stroll around the lake and feed the ducks.
4. Panton
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce77gbhvUpI/
Address: 11 Shoreham Rd, Shoreham VIC 3916, Australia
Unfortunately, Panton, one of the best child-friendly wineries in Mornington Peninsula, only opens its doors on the first weekend of every month.
You can try Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties of wine here made with grapes from a single vineyard.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, the Mornington Peninsula is no longer just for the wine enthusiast. It's an exciting destination where families can have an immersive, enriching experience. The wineries in this region have redefined the norms of traditional wine-tasting venues, transforming them into versatile spaces that cater to all ages.
These establishments are not merely kid friendly wineries; they are vibrant destinations that combine the pleasure of wine tasting with the joy of family-friendly activities and learning experiences. So pack up the family and embark on a journey of discovery and delight in the Mornington Peninsula!
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If you're looking for a romantic weekend away in Scotland, then consider a weekend break in the country's fabled Highlands. There are plenty of activities, attractions, and hotels to choose from in the Highlands.
You can spend a night or two in a charming Highland hotel or log cabin. Click here for more information about this destination. Many of these accommodations have private hot tubs so you can relax in the tub in the evenings.
Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland | Make The Most Of Your Couple Trip
Scotland is a place with thriving honeymoon tourism. Further, recently, The Times has named a Scottish location as one of the best honeymoon destinations in the world. Wester Ross, the Scottish Highland, is now basking in its new-found glory.
The Times has called this place “wildly romantic.” Furthermore, the Torridon Hotel adds to the romantic charm of the Scottish highland.
https://www.instagram.com/bamford/reel/DDUDYUNN0TN/
On the exterior, the hotel looks like a Victorian house. However, as you enter it, you will find the best amenities, like whiskey bars and luxurious suites. The whiskey bar here serves the best single malts.
Do you want to know about other options for romantic weekend breaks Scotland? You can check these Tour and Travel favorites.
Orkney is an archipelago off the northeastern coast of Scotland
Ideal for romantic weekend breaks Scotland. They are located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, 16 km north of the mainland. The islands are separated from the Shetland Islands by the Fair Isle Channel.
The islands are approximately 202 square miles in area, making them the sixth-largest Scottish island and ninth-largest island group surrounding Great Britain.
The islands are divided into three distinct regions. The Mainland, also known as the Hrossey, is the largest and is home to the main settlements. It also serves as the transport hub of Orkney and has many connections to the outside world.
The Mainland is heavily populated, making up about 75 percent of the total population. The Mainland consists of two main areas: the East Mainland, which consists of four parishes, and the West Mainland, which contains the largest settlement, St Ola.
Loch Ness
If you love the outdoors, then you will love a weekend break in Loch Ness. This large freshwater loch is located in the Highlands and has more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined!
The loch, close enough to be considered in your list of short break options, is also renowned for its spectacular scenery and adventure sports. If you're looking for an authentic experience, consider staying in a Highland lodge.
If you're interested in hiking, there are several great options for you to explore. Besides the loch, you can take a walk along the Affric Kintail Way, a 44-mile cross-country route. Another option is the Great Glen Way, which runs from Inverness to Fort William.
If you'd like to spend more time on the loch, you can also check out the South Loch Ness Trail, a 28-mile route that runs down the side of the loch. This route will also take you to the Falls of Foyers, a 165-foot waterfall.
Inverness
If you're planning a romantic getaway to Inverness, Scotland, there are many options for hotels and accommodations. For instance, you can book a room at the Holiday Inn Express Inverness, which offers free parking and free breakfast. The hotel is also a short walk away from the city's main attractions, including Victorian Market, the Inverness Castle, and Eden Court Theater.
The capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness is an exciting place to take a weekend break. This city is home to award-winning 5* hotels, quality restaurants, and traditional Highland accommodations. There are many options to suit any budget, including themed breaks. There are also plenty of places to eat and drink, including a variety of excellent pubs, bistros, and restaurants serving local dishes.
Highlands
Highlands is a stunning region in the British Isles. Weekend breaks to the Highlands are both action-packed and relaxing. Click the link: wikihow for tips on how to plan a trip. There are many hotels to choose from and there are package deals available too. Whether you want to get away from it all and relax, the hotels in Highland have something for everyone.
The Highland Hotel is set in a glen with scenic views of the Cairngorms National Park. It offers rooms with balconies, and you can choose from Double and Twin rooms with a view. The hotel also serves traditional Scottish cuisine and has a bar with over 250 whiskies and 110 gins.
Guests can dine in its elegant 1887 Restaurant or enjoy casual fare in the Bo & Muc Restaurant. Both restaurants offer menus featuring local produce and are renowned for their extensive collection of malt whiskies.
While you are in the Highlands, don't miss the chance to visit Stirling. This historic city once served as the capital of Scotland. King Robert the Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn and later, William Wallace battled the English army in Stirling, resulting in the creation of the Scottish nation.
Kelso - The Best Place For Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland In Winter
If you are looking for romantic weekend breaks Scotland, you must be aware of #Kelso. Kelso is a rage these days on Instagram, and it is now the most scenic place in Scotland to visit during winter.
Currently, #Kelso has more than 181k posts on Instagram. Furthermore, this place is close to the Scottish borders, and its scenic beauty is mesmerizing. Moreover, this market town is surrounded by countryside. So, here, you will find the best of both worlds.
In addition, the proximity of Kelso to Newcastle, Carlisle, and Edinburgh makes it easily accessible for romantic weekend breaks in Scotland.
You will love Kelso in winter as it has the beautiful Border Ice Rink. Some other attractions here are the Floors Castle and Kelso Racecourse. So, throughout the year, the town organizes many events for the locals and tourists.
Do you also want a farmhouse experience with your partner? You can visit Beirhope Farmhouse. It promises the most unique alpaca experience, and with the backdrop of an amazing scenic view, it can be your ideal staycation destination.
For a stay or visit to the Beirhope Farmhouse, you can get in touch with them at 01573 440631/07900 681756.
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