Welcome To Biscayne National Park: Enjoy Kayaking and Canoeing At This Watery Wonder

BY  sagnika May 13, 2024

This is a call to action for all beach lovers! I am here with a list of nine beaches in Perth that will satisfy your urge to submerge yourself in the water and the activities that come with it. You will not be disappointed if you visit even one of these nine beaches. They are a collection of beaches with good views and different activities, including swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and scuba diving! Australia is known for its diversity in flora and fauna. If you are visiting Perth, they are a must. I am a mountain lover, but there is something in the sea and the wide expanse of the ocean that takes your breath away! Beaches are designed by nature to relax individuals into doing things they do not get time to do regularly. So, what is the best time to visit Australia? If you sit on the beach with a drink in hand and stare at people, you will have the best time of your life. I am also a reader, so if you spread your body along the white sand and read a book, I am sure you will have this relaxing memory for the rest of your life. 9 of the Best Beaches in Perth that You Must Visit So why are you looking for beaches in Perth? Did you know that, apart from Perth, other coastal areas in Australia, such as beaches in Sydney and Melbourne, are beautiful and worth visiting? Sometimes, even the locals need clarification about which one they should go to. The soft white sand is a visual treat, along with the crystal-clear water. When you think of a perfect day out, these beaches will rescue you. You can relax in the sun, and there are various services such as shelter, restrooms, shops, and food joints! Let me share with you some of my favorite beaches, which are not just visually appealing but also perfect for various purposes. Some of these beaches help you enjoy solitude, while others are perfect for a family picnic or romantic date. Leighton Beach This is my favorite beach in Perth, not just because it is dog-friendly but also because the stunning blue water takes my breath away. The stunning stretch of land is perfect for relaxing, going out to swim, and then grabbing coffee or a delicious bite of food. There is a place to eat, Wooden Wagon, in the dog beach area, which is people's favorite! Another place is Orange Box, where you can go ahead, pull out a deck chair close to the main car park, and enjoy the ambiance. If you are more of a wine person, a new place is opening called North Fremantle, which offers a variety of snacks along with a long-curated list of wines. Cottesloe Beach An iconic beach among all bountiful beaches, Cottesloe is mentioned as one of the significant beaches in Perth! To experience this beautiful beach for everyone, you must drive from Perth, which will take 20 minutes. This is the most popular beach in Perth—the locals call it Cott! Surrounded by vistas and coastlines, this beach has it all. Whether planning a family outing with your kids or a romantic beach date with your partner, you'll find everything you need to enjoy the ambiance. If you are a typical beach lover, this is it for you. Find a great spot, sit for a drink at the Cottesloe Beach Hotel, and enjoy the sunset while people-watching! You also cannot miss the Prego Italian restaurant if you love Italian food. Scarborough Beach Scarborough Beach is known for people-watching in Western Australia. You must check out this popular ocean oasis. It is the most iconic sandy spot surrounded by a high-rise cityscape. You can see hotels, cafes, surf shops, and restaurants all around the beaches! I can assure you that this beach is a premium destination, so you can easily experience sheltered and safe swimming conditions. The white sand and crystal-clear blue sea are perfect places to hang out with your friends, family, or partner. From The Lighthouse Cafe to the Whole Earth Cafe, you must check out these places for food. These are some of the coolest restaurants in Australia you must visit! Another significantly popular restaurant is The Kitchen at The Shack and Celeste, where people go to have some of the best beach drinks. City Beach One of the busiest beaches in Perth, City Beach is in an amazing place—in the center of the northern suburbs of Perth! Apart from swimming and snorkeling, you can spread your towel and relax with a book and sunglasses. Many families visit this beach, so this beach has a happy-go-lucky vibe! People are mostly in a festive mood when they see this beach. You will encounter a wide boardwalk with several restaurants and places to eat. Mullaloo Beach The Mullaloo beach is quite ideal for you if you have children! It is a popular spot for swimming so that you can take a dip in the ocean's calm waters. You will feel completely rejuvenated! You should also visit the locally operated restaurants and bars where you can get your food fix! Along with the food, you also need to be more aware of the surroundings. Hence, you can go to the beach to enjoy yourself. Floreat Beach If you want to get away from the crowd from Scarborough Beach or City Beach for a while, you can go to Floreat Beach, located across the stretch of sand to the south of Peasholm Dog Beach. There is also a gravel track, so you can access the beach at different points. There might be some swells of waves, you can go surfing here. Have some solitude when you hang out on this beach. Mettams Pool Located in the northern area of West Coast Highway, this beach is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts! Mettams have shelters along with grass; hence, you can easily take shelter if the wind is strong. There are several cafes across the coast so that you can hang out there after snorkeling! Furthermore, the view is so scenic your heart will flutter. Additionally, the reef is so beautiful you can explore it all by yourself! Trigg Beach If you are a surfer, darling, you must visit the Trigg beach! You can visit anytime as a tourist, but the locals always head there when the weather is wild, and the waves swell skyward. For experienced surfers, that is an adventure. However, if you are still a beginner, avoid rough weather. The rough waves rip your boat apart, or surfers can touch the sky! Perth's experienced surfers rate this beach as one of the best, which means you might find a lot of crowds. It is the mecca of surfing and quite popular among the locals! Along with the solitude, you will also get the thrill of adventure. Coogee Beach If you are staying in Perth City, you must travel to Coogee Beach by car, which will take about 35 minutes. If you are planning to visit this beach, you must try the jetty jumps, apart from going on a jetty for fishing! It is also considered one of the best beaches in Australia! A huge area is covered in grass where you can organize your family picnic. In the beach environment, there is an abandoned power station that you can visit before you go to the beach. Finishing Off... In short, the beaches in Perth are worth checking out, especially if you are a white sand and blue water fan. Beaches in Perth are not just a place to hang out but also the identity of the place. The pristine coastline brings several beaches with white sand and turquoise sea water. I have always wondered how free it feels when we go to the beach! In addition, I am sure you will feel the same energy when you go to these beaches; I have made a list of them in this blog. Along with surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, you can have a picnic or a barbeque. Comment on what you think is important when visiting a beach and enjoying yourself. Learn More About: 10 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Australia 8 Beaches Of Melbourne, Australia Where You Can Cool Off 8 Best Places To Live In Australia For You If You Have A Family

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 19, 2021

These national parks Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Chicago, the windy city! That is the first thought that comes to our mind when we think about the state Illinois located in the central estern region of the United States Of America. Although Chicago is the perfect destination when it comes to relieving the American nostalgia with vintage buildings and dinners, all our nature’s enthusiasts will be leaning more towards the Mississippi river bay of Illinois. One more thing that attracts travellers towards this town are the breathtaking national parks illinois. It is no short of windy roads and state parks giving you the serene experience that the city of Chicago can’t. These national parks near Illinois will give you the ultimate experience of ‘Breathing within nature.’ Following the general US restrictions, travel to Illinois from other states and countries have been open. National Parks In Illinois Taking the famous route 66 which trails to the pacific west coast, then you will tumble across two of the most well known Illinois national parks which can be a jackpot for people who take a special interest in the history of the state. It is known as the ‘Land of Lincoln’ afterall! These national parks in Illinois also have excellent hiking trails. Are There Any National Parks In Illinois? Yes, Illinois has two major national parks. These are Pullman National Monument Lincoln Home National Historic Site. However, they are mostly national park services. Nevertheless, they don’t fall short of showing the mesmerizing beauty of nature. However, if hiking is more in your forte then here are the three more National historic trails of the national park Illinois which you can add to your itinerary. Here Are The List Of National Park Illinois Trails Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail Are Illinois National Parks Open? Following every Covid Guideline, National parks Illinois have been opened for travel. Pullman National Monument This Illinois national park is located in the northern side of the state. It will take you less than thirty minutes to reach the location from Chicago. It is a small national park which is evidently surrounded by districts which have found their place in American history. This district is known to be the first planned one in the whole country. Other than the short walks you can take throughout the community and fill your day with other attractive sightseeing then go for the Pullman park which is a must. If you are nature’s prodigy and love camping then you might find a place right in this national park Illinois. However, on travelling a little west you will find the beautiful MacMahon Woods to have a night or two in the wilderness. Lincoln Home National Historic Site This Illinois national park is located in the breathtaking state capital Springfield. It gets its name because of the fact that the former president resided here with his family before becoming the president of the United States. The national park itself is not that big, but nevertheless sublime. Therefore, it won't take you more than an hour or two to cover the entire ground. However, the main attraction here is not there woods, it is Lincoln house itself which has a visiting entry. There is also a show that airs regarding this subject. Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail National park Illinois trails are the perfect blend which will give you a look at the locals and the mesmerizing nature that surrounds it. Although, make sure you know your route and sites since there are certain private properties that do not allow the entrance of outside public. Since it is in the south of the Mississippi River, you can find hiking trails, scenic beauties, and camping ground. If you have plans to travel a little towards the west, Shimek state forest among the national parks in Illinois. Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail The next on the list of the best national parks in Illinois is the Trail of Tears, also known as the “Journey of Injustice.” Most urban places may be reached by car in just one hour from one of these routes, which are dispersed all throughout the nation. We can better appreciate Native Americans' history and struggles by studying the Trail of Tears, a national historic trail. The Indian Removal Act was established by Congress in 1830, which is when the trail's history began. The law signed by President Andrew Jackson permitted "for an exchange of lands with the Indians residing in any of the states or territories, and for their removal west of the river Mississippi". What Is The Most Beautiful National Park In Illinois? Shawnee National Forest which is located in Harrisburg is known to be the most beautiful national park trail in Illinois. Lewis And Clark National Historic Trail This historic trail doesn’t restrict national park Illinois. The headquarters of this park is situated in the state of Omaha however, it stretches up to Hartford Illinois. It is situated in the west of the Mississippi River from St.Louis. Other than the breathtaking landscape which you can explore, you can also squeeze some time for the historical attractions with old buildings and exhibits that are flourishing around this area. The closest camping site for this trail is Granite City, or if the riverside camping is what you desire then you can drive to Sioux Passage Park. What Is The Biggest National Park In Illinois? Although, the measurement of national park Illinois cannot be given, in terms of state parks the biggest one which covers almost 8000 acres in Pere Marquette State Park. These are some of the best national parks in Illinois. However, if Illinois is not your last stop and national parks aren’t the only trails you are looking for, then here is a list of other state parks or national parks in the driveaway neighbourhood that you can explore. In just a three hour drive, you can reach Mark Twain National park in the neighbouring state of Missouri. You can Visit Chicago and dive into the city life for a little while.  Again in just a three hour ride, you can visit Indiana Dunes National Parks which has some of the most desirable camping grounds. A night of wild adventures and sweet smokey smores!  Some Of The State Parks You Can Visit If you have crossed all the national parks Illinois in the list then step towards some of the state parks. With gorgeous sites and fun activities like fishing, camping, and boating filled in these trips, you won’t be disappointed.  Clinton Lake State Recreation Area  Rock Cut State Park  Fort Massac State Park  Illinois Beach State Park  Hennepin Canal State Trail  The best part is, the government charges no extra penny for you to enter these paradises.  Are Covid 19 Tests Required To Travel To National Park Illinois? If you are an unvaccinated traveler then you have to get a Covid Test for travelling to Illinois. You don’t have to get quarantined though.  Final Thoughts  With big cities of the country getting all the limelight, we are forgetting the other smaller states where lies the sublime beauties of mother nature as well as the nostalgia of American history.  So, this season let us rekindle the hidden beauties of national parks illinois that will tweek all your travel love metre again. Read Also: A Guide To National Parks In Alabama – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin – Latest Guide A Guide To National Parks In Arkansas – Latest Guide Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina – Travel Guide

BY  Sibashree Jul 10, 2024

A day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park can be the best staycation plan in Miami. Like the Biscayne National Park, it also witnesses a handsome footfall yearly. In 2023, 84,285 people visited this National Park despite its remote location.   Located around 70 miles west of Key West, it sits pretty at the end of the reef that stretches from Miami to the gulf.   The first time I heard about this place from a friend and went through the photos she had clicked, I got goosebumps. I know it sounds hackneyed, but how can I not give in to the tranquility of the turquoise ocean and the quaint appeal of the small islands?  Further, the best thing is that it is less crowded than many other national parks, such as  Everglades National Park, which had more than 8 million visitors in 2023, according to the National Park Service data. So, much of its pristineness is still there.  However, they say you have to put a little extra effort into taking the path less trodden by. So, planning a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park will be elaborate, and there will be a lot of factors to consider.  Should we start planning? Let’s begin with a discussion of why a visit to this National Park is absolutely worth it!   Know Dry Tortugas National Park: Why Is It Famous?   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ3G7GB8DnI Dry Tortugas is a group of seven small coral islands in the Mexican Gulf. Juan Ponce de León discovered this bunch of islands, and he named them as Tortugas or turtles.   He got the idea from the large number of sea turtles that were habitating there. He got to see a hundred of them there. The “Dry” part was added to the name because of the unavailability of fresh water there.   So, when you visit the National Park, you get a whiff of history, a close encounter with wildlife, and the most unadulterated experience of life in the water.   Sooty terns and brown noddy terns regularly nest on these islands, especially on Bush Key, making the National Park a must-visit for birders. However, you may experience a seasonal closure from July to August to not create any disturbance to the breeding birds. The best time to visit this National Park is from November to April.   Also, you will have sea turtles, colorful schools of fish, and various water creatures as your host as you step into the National Park.  Further, you cannot just miss the best fusion of artificial and natural architecture in the forms of Fort Jefferson and colorful coral reefs.   So, despite a remote location and some concerns regarding connectivity, a visit to this National Park is completely worth it.   How To Reach Dry Tortugas National Park?  You can reach Dry Tortugas by boat or seaplane. You will first arrive at Garden Key. From there, you can take a ride to Dry Tortugas National Park in your personal boat or through charters and permitted tours, such as The Yankee Freedom Ferry or Key West seaplane charters.   If your budget is not a constraint, you can choose the private boat or seaplane options. The first one will give you more flexibility, and you will be in charge of how you want to explore the National Park. Further, traveling by seaplane for wildlife spotting and sightseeing will save you time in transportation.  The most cost-effective mode of traveling, however, is taking the Yankee Freedom Ferry.   Planning The Perfect Day Tripping To Dry Tortugas National Park  You need to know the places you can visit and the things to do if you want to plan a perfect day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. Let’s know the wonders waiting for us at the National Park.  Places You Can Visit At Dry Tortugas National Park  Various places in Dry Tortugas National Park await to offer you a rich cultural and wildlife experience. Be it the Fort Jefferson or the swimming beaches, there is much for you to explore!  Fort Jefferson  Fort Jefferson on Bush Key Island houses the National Park visitor center. Built in the 1800s, it is a tell-tale symbol of the historical importance of the National Park and its islands. Very few people know that in that era, it was the largest fortification  in the US.   The fort also shows how it has stood the passage of time, hit by storms and waves.   Garden Key  Garden Key is the go-to place for snorkeling and scuba diving at Dry Tortugas. It also has campgrounds, a visitor center, and the park headquarters.   The historic Fort Jefferson is on this island, and you already know how important it is as a landmark at Dry Tortugas and in Florida.   Bush Key  Are you a lover of pristineness? Bush Key should be on your mind thanks to its unadulterated sub-tropical vibe. It is also the home to the rarest snooty terns and brown noddy terns.   Loggerhead Key  Loggerhead Key is the largest island or key at Dry Tortugas. You cannot miss the lighthouse and the previous site of the Carnegie Laboratory for Marine Ecology. Also, the sea turtles will welcome you as you visit the island.   Swimming Beaches   Getting in the water is the best pursuit at Dry Tortugas National Park. Along with scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing, you can also indulge in swimming.   However, there is no lifeguard facility available. So, you have to be careful of the current and coral reefs.   Things To Do At Dry Tortugas National Park  You are bound to get dumbstruck when you visit a place that is kind of a miniature of the entire universe. It has the historic Fort Jefferson, serene blue water, rare and vibrant birds, coral reefs, and the most amazing marine life.   So, once you are at this National Park, you can paddle through the open water, take part in snorkeling and scuba diving, go kayaking, and explore wildlife. Are you looking for something leisurely? How about fishing?  Another thing that makes the trip to Dry Tortugas National Park amazing is the Junior Ranger Program. It is for kids and people who are young at heart. This program includes snorkeling and many other activities that allow you to be a member of the National Park Service as a junior ranger.   The Perfect Dry Tortugas Day Trip: Make A Note Of These Things   Thanks to the remote location of Dry Tortugas National Park, your trip planning to the place will require a lot more emphasis on your food, accommodation, and safety measures. If you are especially traveling with your family or kids, these are the aspects you need to be particular about.  My friend was saying how even an ill-fitted pair of shoes can create major issues in outdoor activities or, specifically, pursuits in the water. I think that it’s true for a visit to Katmai National Park or any other National Park for that matter.  Nonetheless, for now, Dry Tortugas National Park is the focus. So let’s prepare well to make the most of the adventures there.   Food And Accommodation   A trip to Dry Tortugas National Park is not your regular luxury vacation. So, you will get very limited services there. You will not even find any food and beverage stall or service at the National Park.   Bring your own meal and water! It’s as simple as that! Amenities YOU WILL NOT GET at this National Park are:  Restaurants  Hotels  Fuel Centers  Gas Stations  Marine Supplies  Other Gear  However, once your ferry is docked at Garden Key, you can buy some sodas and snacks onboard. You can set up your accommodation in the primitive areas of Garden Key. Also, if you have a private boat, you can spend your night in the vessel, anchored in the right place.   Safety Measures   You must not compromise with your safety while indulging in the beauty of ocean wilderness. Remember, you will have to travel around 68 miles through the open sea by seaplane or boat.   Further, the conditions at this National Park are primitive, with no facilities for snacking, restrooms, or public telephones. So, commit to a day trip if you are physically fit and able to bring all the essentials with you. Be particular to carry your medicines, protective clothing, gears, sunscreen, etc.   In addition, there will be various safety guidelines for various activities like snorkeling, kayaking/ canoeing, and exploring wildlife and marine activities. Also, there will be seasonal restrictions due to weather changes and other natural conditions. As a responsible visitor, you must abide by all these.   Moreover, if you want to plan ahead, you can visit the National Park Service website to be familiar with the safety guidelines.   Make Your Plan Right!   Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the newest American National Parks, earning the designation in 1992. In terms of experience, it offers a mixed bag as you can encounter history and the most exotic marine life at this park.  Visitors love day trips to this National Park, and this needs a lot of planning regarding the safety measures, food and accommodation, and places and activities. However, if you are in for more excitement, you can stay overnight at Dry Tortugas National Park by camping at Garden Key.   That’s it! You know what you can expect at the National Park and what should be on your itinerary plan. It’s time to gear up and set in for Dry Tortugas.   Dry Tortugas National Park FAQs   Why Is Dry Tortugas National Park Famous?  Dry Tortugas National Park is famous for the diverse experiences and activities it offers. You will meet sea turtles, rare sooty terns, and various aquatic creatures here.   Further, the coral reefs and Fort Jefferson add to the allure of this mesmerizing place.   What Country Owns The Dry Tortugas?  The United States of America owns the Dry Tortugas. It is located in the Gulf of Mexico, around 70 miles from the West Key.  Why Are Dry Tortugas Not Visited?  Dry Tortugas National Park has fewer visitors because of its remote location and primitive conditions. You can only take a boat or a seaplane to get there.  Also, you have to carry your food, snacks, gear, and all other essentials, as the park does not have snacking or beverage services. Further, camping is the only way out if you want to stay there as there are no hotels or lodges around.   Who Was The Most Famous Prisoner At Dry Tortugas?  Dr. Samuel Mudd was the most famous prisoner at Dry Tortugas. The US army abandoned him in 1878.   Can You Swim In Dry Tortugas?   Yes, you can swim Dry Tortugas along with taking part in other water pursuits like scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Loggerhead Key has the calmest water around. So, it can be the best place to enjoy your time in the water.   You can also take the North, South, and East Beach of Garden Key to access open water for swimming. However, there is no lifeguard facility at Dry Tortugas. So, beware of how far you are going into the water. Further, you must be aware of the current and coral reef positions.   Also Read Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit In 2023! Top 10 National Parks In Oregon That You Need To Explore In 2023! Sky Harbor Airport Parking Made Easy: Insider Tips For A Smooth Journey.