What Is The Closest Beach To Nashville? (10 Beaches With Guide)

BY  Sibashree Jan 17, 2025

The specific geographical location of New Orleans, especially the proximity to Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, blesses the city with a vast coastal landscape.  So, along with the local heritage and culture of the city, the beaches and beach activities on the Gulf Coast can be a prominent factor in boosting tourism here.  From Bay Saint Louis, the closest beach to New Orleans, to more beautiful options like the Biloxi Beaches, await you with a lot of excitement! No wonder people are opting for vacation rentals near the New Orleans beach locations and cruise trips in the Mississippi River.  Adventure Life is such a service, organizing a Lower Mississippi River Cruise. You can contact them at +1.800.344.6118 to know more about the cruise trip.  Along with these cruise trips, many other activities like fishing, nature strolls, hiking, and bird watching make the beautiful beaches in New Orleans a lot of fun!  Charmed and impressed with these beaches, we have created a beach tour guide at Tour and Travel. Let’s explore the places!  Closest Beach To New Orleans | Explore The Gulf Shores At Their Best  Summer days in New Orleans can be extra balmy. So, winter, especially January, is the ideal time to explore the beaches here. The average temperature in New Orleans ranges between 43-62 degrees F and rarely there is snowfall in the city. All these weather conditions add to beach fun and vibe in New Orleans, and these are places you need to be at for some beach fun.  1. Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi | The Closest Beach To New Orleans Distance from New Orleans: 58.7 Miles An hour's drive from New Orleans will take you to Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. The water here is shallow, but the peaceful ambiance and stretches of white sand more than makeup for it.  Enjoy sunbathing and crabbing here on a sunny day, and let your kids build adorable sand castles.  2. White Sands Lake Day Beach  Distance from New Orleans: 74 Miles Franklinton, on the north of New Orleans, has White Sands Lake Day Beach. This is a man-made and spring-fed lake that has become a popular tourist destination near New Orleans.  The Aqua Park is the prime attraction here. Your little ones will love playing on the slides and with inflatable water toys here. You can even play beach volleyball, kayaking, and boating here.  For a relaxing experience, you can even try full-day cooking. The entry fee to the Aqua Park is $18 for adults and $12 for children. 3. Biloxi Beaches Distance from New Orleans (90.2 Miles) The City of Biloxi has been one of the forerunners in restoring the beaches after the rampage of Hurricane Katrina. On its southern border, Biloxi is surrounded by a beautiful white sand beach, the Harrison County Sand Beach. With a whopping 26 miles of shimmering white sand, the Harrison County Sand Beach is the largest man-made white sand beach in the world. You can take a stroll along the pedestrian pathway here and on your way, you will also find some magnificent sand dunes.  The beach is also known for hosting special events. You can contact the Harrison County Sand Beach Authority at (228) 896-0055.  Moreover, you can take a drive along Beach Boulevard to enjoy the sound of the Mississippi and meet the historic oak trees. You will even find the antebellum homes here.  4. Grand Isle State Park Distance from New Orleans (110 Miles) Grand Isle State Park is next on our list of closest beaches to New Orleans. If you want to experience the coastal wildlife of Louisiana, there can be no better place than your destination.  Nestled at the southeast corner of Louisiana, the Grand Isle State Park is accessible to visitors with an entry fee of just $3.  Here, you can be a part of the deep-water fishing excursions and wildlife viewing. If you are here for fishing, don’t miss the longest fishing pier in Louisiana. It is 400 feet in length.  Do you want to make the most of the Grand Isle State Park fishing experience? Why don’t you get in touch with the best fish charter services, like the Southern Angler Fishing Charters, and explore the options? You can reach out to them at +1 504-458-7328.  Furthermore, this state park has a lot of hiking trails that you can explore. You will even enjoy birdwatching here with varieties like seagulls and pelicans displaying their prowess.  5. Dauphin Island, Alabama Distance from New Orleans (148 Miles) Dauphin Island on the border of Alabama and Mississippi, is a great spot for family vacation near New Orleans. This will be your ideal destination if you especially want to relax and have a low-key holiday.  Like many other beaches in New Orleans or beyond, it does not experience a rush of visitors. However, if you want to know about the local history, you will love visiting  Fort Gaines here.  This historical site has an association with the American Civil War. You must pay $10 for adults and $5 for children to visit this historical fort.  Moreover, Dauphin Island is a wonderful location for avid birders. It is home to the Audubon Bird Sanctuary. Covering a span of 165 acres, this bird sanctuary will allow you to walk through the trails and meet winged wonders. You will find osprey, gray catbirds, blue jays, and yellow-rumped warblers here.  No wonder that the American Bird Conservancy has termed Dauphin Island as the "Globally Import Bird Area.” Dauphin Island is also “America's Birdiest City." 6. Orange Beach, Alabama Distance from New Orleans: Around 200 Miles Orange Beach, Alabama, is not the closest beach to New Orleans. However, covering the 200-mile distance between the two is worth it because of the pristine shores. Looking at the stretches of white sand shores is an experience in itself.  Another major attraction on Orange Beach is the coastal cuisine. In fact, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism organized a specialized Foodie’s getaway for a gastronomic tour of the area.  Further, there are dedicated food trails like the “Oyster Trail,” “Burger Trail,” “Shrimp Trail,” etc. The Mardi Gras Food & Drink trail is another attraction for food lovers here. You can email Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism at Info@AlabamasBeaches.com to learn more about this food tour.  You can even get real-time updates about the city of Orange Beach, Alabama, from the government website or by contacting the authorities at 251-981-6979. Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  sagnika Aug 5, 2023

Is your heart craving some natural beauty that will help you relax? Why don't you visit Fiji, situated in the middle of nowhere, not exactly nowhere! You will forget all your worries with the endless South Pacific around you. Want to know what are the things to do in Fiji? A travel destination that is nothing short of heaven, Fiji is home to 333 tropical islands. It is in the middle of the South Pacific, with authentic flavors, enticing culture, and beautiful nature. Read the article to learn more about what to do when in Fiji! There are a variety of activities that travelers can experience with the abundant collection of flora and fauna. There is also the tribal culture for you to experience unique and thrilling events. You Won't Believe When I Say About The Best Things To Do In Fiji! Fiji is more than just a travel destination. Instead, you will experience an authentic culture when you visit Fiji. If you are traveling from the US, you do not need a visa; your stay can be as long as four months. You can book tickets on the 10 hours long direct flight from Los Angeles to Fiji. The destination in Fiji is Nadi International Airport; hence, if you live closer to Los Angeles, you are in luck. However, if you live elsewhere, you must travel to Los Angeles and then fly. Fiji Airways and Air New Zealand are two airlines that operate in Fiji, and they both offer regular flights daily if you travel from the USA, Europe, or the UK. You could visit Fiji between May and September to experience clear blue skies. You can go between October to April if you want to experience the rain. However, you do stand at the risk of experiencing a storm or cyclone. Some of the best resorts in Fiji are Sheraton Resort & Spa, situated on Tokoriki Island, InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, and others. 1. Go For A Safari To The Sigatoka River! The Sigatoka River Safari is very entertaining. It takes you around the Sigatoka River Valley, where you can visit villages, eat Fijian delicacies, drink Kava or Yaqona, a sedative and narcotic Figian drink, and dance. The drink is made with the crushed root of Yaqona and further strained with water. The safari also includes coastal Inland Tours, including a river cruise, The Cannibals Cave Tour, or visiting a waterfall. The river safari lasts 4 hours, including the Kava ceremony in the local villages, where people drink from a big communal bowl. A busy market is situated at the banks of the Sigatoka River across 4 km inland! You can visit this hub which gives glimpses of urban life in the provinces of Fiji. The market has small-scale shops creating a strong and bustling network of sellers and curry restaurants. There is also the Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park to visit if you want something exciting. The dunes are spread across 650 hectares while stretching across 3 km at the mouth of the river. You can have some fantastic views, especially when the dunes rise to 80m in some places. 2. Visit Kula Wild Adventure Park One of the largest collections of native wildlife is boasted by Kula Eco Park, situated in a temperate forest. Tourists can use boardwalks to walk around and explore the wilderness. The collection of water birds, doves, patrons, and reptiles is to look for! There are reptile enclosures, a reef fish aquarium, and aviary cages where the huge crested iguanas are the highlight considering they are only found in limited islands in Fiji such as Yasawa and Vanua Levu. Marine displays such as soft and hard corals, tropical fish, and ocean turtles exist. 3. Stroll Around The Garden Of The Sleeping Giant! The Garden of the Sleeping Giant is 35 acres of rainforest that acts as an adventure park. There are zip wires which are used by travelers, mostly adventure junkies, who can fly across the jungle through these at a speed of 60 km per hour. Also, there are ropes for swinging, pools for swimming, and you can also spot parrots. There are waterfalls to which you can walk around, or you can also get a 1 hour guided walk, a part of the package when you buy the entrance tickets. The adventure park was founded by the actor Raymond Burr, also known as Perry Mason! A collection of flowering plants, orchids, and trees spread across the gentle trails across the landscape. The park is situated just north of Nadi, so you can also take a guided tour to Nadi to experience the culture there. You can also take a dip in the thermal pools, which are pretty restorative! 4. Explore Nadi One of the most authentic places to visit in Fiji is Nadi, a multicultural town with the perfect feel of the vibrant culture. You can enjoy the place, explore the shops, relish some authentic and native drinks, and eat delicious cuisine. So to answer, things to do in Nadi Fiji, read along! A live tourism spot, Nadi creates opportunities for some of the most exciting things to do in Fiji. You can try the zip lining experience with Zip Fiji's newest ziplining expertise, which only lasts 35 minutes and creates a beautiful and exciting adventure. There are 5 km of zip lines across the canyons, mountain tops, and caves. If you like speed, you will love this experience as they create a jaw-dropping experience where you can take in the breathtaking ocean views and the limestone cave exploration. What can be more exciting than experiencing 3 diverse ecosystems? There is also the Tifajek Mud Pool & Hotspring and Sabeto Hot Spring Mud Pool and Tours for you to dip and relax! Further, you can explore the souvenir market, which is open-air, where you will find cannibal forks, hand-painted clothes, wooden kava bowls, and others. 5. Try Sea-Kayaking! Sea-Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Fiji! Sea-Kayaks are available in every resort for the guests to experience the beautiful sea and are usually addressed as a complimentary activity. It is important to inform someone of your attempting the activity and wear a life jacket because it is important that you are safe. A sudden squall storm or dangerous current might be a risk. Hence, informing your resort regarding your activities would be best. One of the best experiences you can get for Kayaking is visiting the Lavena Coastline, situated on Taveuni within the Bouma National Heritage Park. You will need to make a half-day trip to the coastline. You can also access packages inclusive of camping on the beaches, snorkeling at the lagoons, overnight visits at villages, and Kayaking offered by two companies Tamarillo Tropical Expeditions and South Sea Ventures. The packages will give you a wholesome experience, along with helping you save some money. 6. Enjoy A Stunning View After Hiking The Waya Island If you are in Fiji for stunning views of nature, worry not! We have got you covered. Waya Island is one of the most beautiful locales to offer spectacular views with its photogenic views and amazing hiking trails. Hiking is one of the things to do in Fiji island. You will find rock protrusions, fantastic collections of flora and fauna, and ridges with knife edges, creating a beautiful view of the island. These elements create a picture where it seems as if a giant is peering from the island, floating in the sea, and slanting back! There is the Octopus Resort situated on the northwest coast, where you can start your walking trails along the hills with or without a guide exploring the interiors of the island. There is also a beautiful, unguided coastal walk you can enjoy with your partner or family. It is completely safe and offers a wonderful experience. 7. Walk Through The Fijian Markets Wondering what to do in Fiji? If you are a people person, you must visit the Fijians Market as it is a mesmerizing place with exotic seafood, vegetables, and fruit collection. Due to heavy import duties, you might not find fashion and expensive lifestyle products. Isolation is another factor that might make you feel that there is a lack of fashion and design, yet you must visit the urban municipal markets. Filled up to the brim with local produce, designs, and native culture, you will experience a mix of character, authenticity, and exoticism. If you are one of those travelers who love connecting with the place when you visit, the handicrafts and local produce will steal your heart and money! (wink) 8. Live At Savusavu The significant tourist center in Vanua Levu, Suvasavu, is the place to be if you want to experience rolling hills, sunsets, and a chilling beer. There is a perfect place for scuba diving in the Namena Lagoon while Yachts anchor around Savusavu, creating the ideal locale for experiencing a social hub. Many bars and restaurants on the waterfront create a perfect place for a romantic dinner or family outing. so, it is one of the best places to visit in Fiji! You can also take a peaceful walk around the Savusavu hills. Good options for fishing in the bay can also be attempted. 9. Attempt Snorkeling! Have you ever tried snorkeling? It is one of the best experiences to have if you are an adventure lover. With vibrant coral reefs across most of Fiji islands, you should try snorkeling and scuba diving to explore diverse fish species. Diving is available the whole year. However, it is the best experience, especially during October and November. The corals across Fiji are world known, especially due to their nutrient-rich channels spread between the larger islands such as Beqa Lagoon, Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni, and the rainbow reef. 10. Turn Up At The Fijian Meke Dance Night! If you visit Fiji, you must attend the classic Figian night out, where the feast is complete with the underground oven-roasted pig. There is a song and traditional dance involved, which is called make. The tradition has been passed down through generations, thus, creating specific artistic expressions for Fijians. The music that people enjoy on the dance night includes rhythmic clapping and chanting and the addition of Lali drum hits and bamboo sticks. Lali is a hollowed wood that is used in creating the rhythm. Recently, ukulele and guitar have also been introduced at dance nights. Group dancing includes males or females; however, in recent times, the pakalolo dance has been introduced, where both males and females can dance together. 11. Take A Dive In Beqa Lagoon With The Sharks! Do you want to check out tiger and bull sharks? Visit Beqa Island, situated south of Pacific Harbour, some 12 km away, and experience the shark-feeding dive-off. You will see some mean-looking sharks, such as Silvertips, sickle-fin lemon sharks, bull sharks, reef sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. If you want one of the safest experiences, go with the Beqa Adventure Divers and Aqua Trek Beqa, as they claim the highest safety records. Apart from the sharks, you can also have a peaceful diving experience in the lagoons when Shark-feedoff is closed. 12. Try Skydiving! Want to experience an adrenaline rush? Go and try skydiving in Fiji! Jump off the planes to ride the waves of the clouds and experience the beautiful view of Fiji from up above! Free fall and experience Fiji's sandy beaches, coral reefs, and turquoise waters, creating a grandiose visual experience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you must not miss at any cost. You will be charged somewhere around $300, which can go up to $650. The Skydive Fiji was established in 2004, and its safety record is among the highest. Have an exhilarating experience with supporting staff on the ground and in the air. There are licensed pilots and instructors who ensure that people have an understanding of a lifetime of collecting priceless memories. 13. Have A Go At Birdwatching! Carry your binoculars and travel feet! Fiji has a collection of exotic bird species, including the red-throated lorikeet and rare collared lory. Some endangered bird species can also be found; hence, lovers of aviaries or bird enthusiasts, plan that trip and explore the thick Kula WILD Adventure Park! Conclusion Fiji is never disappointing! Do you think you can be bored with such a variety of things to do in Fiji? It is a haven for travelers, especially the ones who are easily inspired by nature, attracted to the sea, and in love with mountains. I have often realized that places with diverse ecosystems are perfect for people who are wanderers by nature. Fiji embraces travelers with all its beauty and diverse culture, so do not miss out on it! Start planning and comment below to let us know about your choice of thing to do in Fiji! Read Also: Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit Is Machu Picchu Closing In 2023? Know It All Here! Best 10 National Parks In New Mexico To Visit

BY  Sibashree Sep 12, 2024

I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution.  Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico.  So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park.  Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park's wildlife.  Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions  The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. - 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era.  Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people.  Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of  Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680.  However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it!  Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the  Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain.  The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions.  Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation.  The Pecos Pueblo Site Today  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cto5MWnS5Oa/ The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms. Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route.  Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez.  Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians.  The Santa Fe Trail  Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski's Trading Post says? It says,  Santa Fe Trail 1822-1879 Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico.  With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion. Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today!  “Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch.  Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  https://www.instagram.com/p/B9xRKctnb3M/ Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 3. Battle Begins: March 26, 18624. Reinforcements: 27th March, 18625. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 18626. Battle Ends: 29th March, 18627. Casualty: Death of 375 People 8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America.  The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters.  You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail.  As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail.  More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail  Time: Around 1 hour Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course! The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site's history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico.  Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park  “Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free! Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It's amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” - Isabelle M. “I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn't care for it but I think it's really amazing what is still here. He thinks it's all recreation and I can't say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don't see it that way. It's pretty awesome that it's free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that's also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” - Lydia G. Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park https://www.instagram.com/p/CA-hAl8nrUW/ This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home.  MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock SquirrelBirds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald EagleFish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard FrogReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way.  A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in. Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico Established: 28th June, 1965 Area: 27 km² Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center How to Reach: Via State Road 63  Entry Fee: Free Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October) Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego. Kootenay National Park Or The Land Of Ice And Fire (Experiencing Nature’s Game Of Contrasts)