Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10+ Beaches You Can Visit

BY  Sibashree Jan 30, 2025

Indiana Dunes National Park At A Glance Location: 1100 North Mineral Springs Road, Porter, IN 46304 Visitor Center Contact Number: 219 395-1882 Hours Open: 6 AM to 11 PM Time Required: 1 Full Day Fees: $15-25 (Standard Pass), $45 (Annual Pass), and Free-$80 (America the Beautiful Pass, including Senior Passes) Area: More than 15000 acres Designation: National Lakeshore (1966) and National Park (15th February 2019) Famous For: Being the birthplace of American ecology, Housing 30% of the rare, endangered, threatened, and special concern plants of Indiana Best Time to Visit: April and May and Late September to October Best Way to Reach: Take the South Shore Train, having multiple stops in the park Unique Things Do In Indiana Dunes National Park | Plan Your Day Activities  Indiana Dunes National Park is a year-round attraction. So, every season offers the visitors something unique to do.  Let’s explore what wonders await at this national park, rich in biodiversity. 1. Swimming And Beach Activities https://www.instagram.com/p/DCK-9ndvTKl/?img_index=1 Many of the recreational things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park center around the miles of beaches in the park. The southern tip of Michigan and the beaches there are ideal for swimming and various beach activities.  Beaches In Indiana Dunes National ParkPorter BeachWest BeachDunbar BeachKemil BeachCentral Avenue BeachLake View BeachMount Baldy Beach Even if you don’t want to take part in adventurous activities, you can just enjoy a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beaches.  2. Biking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7wSPbEP6Dk/ You can bike through the 37 miles trail of the Indiana Dunes National Park and explore the dunes, historical spots, and wildlife of the park.  Further, the park has gravel and paved biking trails at various distances. So, you can choose a trail according to your level of expertise.  Biking Trails In Indiana Dunes National ParkDunes Kankakee Bike TrailCalumet Bike TrailPrairie Duneland Bike TrailPorter Brickyard Bike TrailOak Savannah Bike TrailMarquette Bike Trail 3. Geocaching Geocaching is one of the most unique things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. This treasure hunt game is played by geocachers.  These geocachers have to collect geocaches or hidden containers. So, if you are a geocacher or a participant in the game, you will have a smartphone with a free geocaching app and a GPS device.  Further, at Indiana Dunes National Park, you will be able to do four types of geocaching. You can try traditional or the most traditional geocaching at Chellberg Farm.  You can even try EarthCaching at Kemil Beach, Mount Baldy, and West Beach. Moreover, other types of geocaching in the park are Lab Caches at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk and Virtual Caching at A Century of Progress Historic District.  4. Bird Watching The park, nestled on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, attracts a lot of migrating birds. It is especially delightful with the sounds of the migrating songbirds in autumn.  So, you can be a beginner or an avid birdwatcher. You will be able to spot waterfowl or other wetland birds easily. Moreover, this park hosts the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival on the 3rd weekend of May. This is a four-day event, and the more than a dozen birdwatching spots in the park are amazing.  5. Camping Camping is one of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park if you want to explore the park at your own pace.  Moreover, the park campground has 66 campsites for tents and 53 RV sites. The campground here does not have electric hookup facilities.  Furthermore, campsites 15, 30, 41, and 55 are wheelchair accessible. However, camping facilities in the park are seasonal, and for the winter season, the camping ground will remain closed till 31st March.  Moreover, the camping fee per night at the park is $25. 6. Hiking https://www.instagram.com/p/C7rInRWoYm6/ You can explore the dunes of the park, rare plants, and diverse species of birds and animals by hiking. Further, many trails take you to the historic places in the park. For example, you can hike through the Bailly Homestead Trail and enjoy the presence of oak, maple, basswood, and beech trees.  You can even hike to the Chellberg Farm, Mnoke Prairie Trails, and Little Calumet River. Overall, the park has 15 trails with varying difficulty levels. So, irrespective of your expertise, you can choose the one most suitable for you. Moreover, the trails can take you from 20 minutes to 4 hours to conquer. Some moderate trails in the park are Calumet Dunes Trail, Cowles Bog Trail, Dune Ridge Trail, etc. Furthermore, West Beach Trails and Mount Baldy Beach Trail are some of the toughest hiking trails for you to complete in the park. 7. Visiting Historic Sites https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj7rf8vx3y/ Exploring the historic sites is one of the most meaningful things to do in Indiana Dunes National Park. Did you know that the park has more than 60 historic sites? The most important landmarks of the park are Chellberg Farm, Good Fellow Youth Camp, and Bailly Homestead. Moreover, you can visit the Cypress Log Cabin, House of Tomorrow, Florida Tropical House, and many other 1933 World’s Fair Century of Progress Homes. 8. Stargazing https://www.instagram.com/p/DA7De5iC5G_/ Despite being very close to the urban area. Indiana Dunes National Park is a hotspot for stargazing. The lakeshores of the park, especially, create an ideal ambiance for getting lost in celestial activities.  Furthermore, the sky over the footprint of Lake Michigan is darker, creating a deeper sense of intrigue. Kemil Beach is the best place in the national park for stargazing. Also, it is the “7th designated International Dark Sky Community.”  9. Horseback Riding https://www.instagram.com/p/CwAuqi-I4q3/ You can enjoy horseback riding in the park along the Glenwood Dunes trail. The trailhead is on Brummitt Road, Chesterton and it is the only equestrian trail in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Further, the trail remains open from 16th March to 14th December.  Moreover, you can opt for the best guided tours in the park. Every year, the park offers over 500 guided tours. So, you can get in touch with the park's visitor center before planning a day out. See you there! Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. 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BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 1, 2023

Road trips are a great way to spend time with family and friends, but they can also be dangerous if you don't take precautions. Every year, more than 1.3 million people die in road car accidents worldwide, and 3,700 people lose their lives every single day on the road. These accidents also cause injuries that lead to lifelong disabilities and devastating emotional trauma for survivors. But it doesn't have to be this way. You can stay safe on your next road trip by following these six tips. 6 Important Tips About Stay Safe While On A Road Trip Prepare Your Vehicle Before setting off, it's crucial to make sure your car is ready for your road adventure. Here’s what to do: Check Tire Pressure – Proper tire pressure is essential for optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life. You can measure it using a tire pressure gauge. Just make sure the tires are cool (not hot from driving) when taking a reading. Purchase Comprehensive Car Coverage – Buying comprehensive car coverage from a provider like ROLLiN' Insurance can keep you protected in case of car damage due to theft, natural disasters, or animal accidents as you cruise along your road trip. Pump Low Tires – Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure listed on the tire sidewall. You can also consult your car manual for this. Look at the Tire Tread – If the tread is uneven or low, it could lead to decreased traction, higher chances of blowouts, and extended braking times. Measure Fluid Levels – Check oil, coolant/antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid (if applicable) levels. You should also keep an eye on the levels of transmission and brake fluids. Keep an Emergency Kit – According to the NSC, you should always keep a jumper cable, flashlights, batteries, compass, wheel wrench and tripod jack, first-aid kit, duct tape, and a properly inflated spare tire on hand. Plan Your Route Planning your route ahead of time can make all the difference in having a safe and successful trip. Here are some things to keep in mind: Research your route ahead of time and plan for potential hazards or delays. You should always have a map or GPS with you. Take into account the weather when planning your trip. Check for snowfalls, hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rainfall, and other weather events. Check road conditions before leaving. If there’s snow or ice on the road, it's best to wait until conditions improve before traveling to avoid getting stuck in a dangerous situation. Practice Safe Driving Habits Driving is a privilege, and it's up to you to ensure you're driving safely. Your first responsibility in this regard is to obey traffic laws and drive safely. Keep in mind that speed limits vary from state to state. However, the average speed limit on freeways is 55 mph, which has been increased to 65 mph on rural interstate highways. But having the leave to do something doesn’t mean you should do it. So, don’t overspend, tailgate, or cut people off — just be a good (and safe) driver. Moreover, it's a wise move to equip your vehicle with the essentials. This can include the addition of trauma kits and other emergency supplies such as a basic first aid kit. This safety measure ensures that you're well-prepared in the event of an accident on the road. Be Aware of Your Surroundings If you're driving at night, make sure you have your headlights on to see clearly. Also, keep an eye out for local regulations and laws while passing through each new area. You don't want any surprises when it’s time for border crossings or other checkpoints! Plus, stay alert for suspicious activity or potential dangers along your route — this is especially important if you’re traveling alone. Remember: it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself from harm while traveling. Protect Your Valuables The last thing you want is to have your belongings stolen or lost while you're far away from home. Here are three tips to help you protect your valuables on the road: Keep your valuables, such as wallets, phones, and cameras, out of sight in the car. Avoid leaving them on the seats or dashboards where they are visible from the outside. Always lock your car doors when you're not in the vehicle, even if you're running a quick errand. When parking your car, try to choose a spot that's visible and well-trafficked. This can make it less likely that someone will try to break into your car or steal it. Stay Connected While you're driving, it's essential to keep in touch with friends and family back home. So carry a charger or a portable battery pack. It will keep you connected even if your phone's battery runs low. Plus, consider using a location-sharing app that allows your loved ones to track your location in real time if you’re exploring a new area. And don’t forget to keep a list of emergency phone numbers with you, including the local police, fire department, hospital, and any other emergency services in the area. Final Words As you set out on your next road trip adventure, it's important to keep safety in mind. By following these simple but effective tips, you can enjoy a safe and stress-free road trip. So buckle up, pack your bags, and hit the road for your next adventure with confidence and peace of mind. Read Also: The Easy Way to Travel in India 10 Useful Tips For Planning A Trip That You Will Love Why Engage Competent Tourism Companies For Executing Best Leisure Time

BY  sagnika Feb 9, 2023

Are you planning a trip to San Marcos? Are you wondering what are the best things to do in San Marcos? Do you worry about organising a pleasant trip? You don’t really need to worry because you have arrived at the right destination. We actually visited San Marcos recently. And guess what? It was a crazy trip - we met some amazing people, made some great memories, and came back home so happy. Keep reading, and you will soon have your trip planned - stay tuned! Things To Do In San Marcos - Top Activities To Enjoy Are you already typing ‘things to do in San Marcos tx’ on Google? Come on, stop! You know that one never really works out. There are just way too many search results - we were so spoilt for choice that we ended up wasting a whole lot of time. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through the same - you can just save this article and plan your trip accordingly. So without wasting any time, scroll down and checkout the best things to do in San Marcos! 1. San Marcos River: choicehotels.com One of the most fun things to do in San Marcos is to visit the famous river. It’s not really a river - it’s one of those closed water supplies that are unique. Originating from a beautiful natural spring on one side, this river is a popular spot for snorkeling, inner tubing, and swimming. Review By NF2013_13: Beautiful river running through town for so many to enjoy. San Marcos River is spring-fed from the Edwards Aquifer. Who knew Texas had an aquifer? I'm from FL and thought we were the only ones. The river is clear with long flowing grasses growing in parts. We saw kayakers and paddle boarders enjoying their day. The town has adopted "mermaids" as its "known for" character. They are beautiful works of art located throughout the small city. If you're there, check out the Root Cellar Restaurant, and be sure to stop by Kissing Alley. 2. San Marcos Premium Outlets: choicehotels.com We love to shop, and we love buying from premium outlets. So we didn’t literally do the ‘san Marcos things to do’ search to find out all the top premium outlets. You will not just have fun, but you will come back with some crazy clothes! Review By Paul S: This place is HUGE, it is best to go there with a plan of which shops you want to go to. When I was there, it was not so busy, and I could drive from quadrant to quadrant with easy parking everywhere I went. I would not want to be there on a busy day and have to walk the entire place. The range of shops is supreme, but many of them are not outlet or discount shops, so expect to pay full price unless you are a size XS or XXL and can buy off the clearance racks! 3. Central Texas Wing Of The Commemorative Air Force: choicehotels.com There are 7 CAF aircraft in the Central Texas Wing. If you love aircraft or these sorts of activities, then you will have a blast here! You will literally forget about all the fun things to do in San Marcos CA - because this is so much better. You just have to take out words for now, but once you are there, you will know. Review By Liz E: My husband and I popped in here en route to San Antonio to pass an hour, I think we were there for about 4 hours in the end! The guys who volunteer here are so enthusiastic, and we were given our own private tour of the museum. We were even lucky enough to see one of the planes go out on a test flight. I cannot praise these volunteers highly enough for keeping this facility going, and we feel like we have made life-long friends! 4. Wonder World Cave And Park: choicehotels.com One of the best things to do in San Marcos TX, is to visit the beautiful Wonder World Cave! This is the first show cave here, and tourists have enjoyed visiting this cave for over a hundred years now. The place has only evolved, and you will even find a park with several entertainment zones. Review By Viorica: We had a great visit. The cave is beautiful. Our tour guide Olivia was awesome, she gave us lots of good information, and overall she is just a sweet person. I only wish we had a little more time in the cave rooms for pictures. If you wanted to take pictures, you had to stay back from the group and do so otherwise, the tour moved pretty fast. P.S if you plan to visit, make sure you wear nonslip shoes because the cave is wet and slippery. 5. Tanger Outlets San Marcos: choicehotels.com From crazy designer brands to crazy merchandise, you will save so much if you shop from Tanger outlets. If you love shopping as much as we do, then this is perhaps one of the first spots to hit. Yes, you can bargain - isn’t that what you need to save a few bucks? And whatever you save, you can use to shop some more. Review By Traveler Mom: Tanger outlets are the best outlets, and the San Marcos location is no exception. Great options of stores that fit variables ages and badges. Guess and Disney stores were my favorites, and their employees are very kind, active, and helpful. There is no real kids' area, so be aware of this if you are visiting with young kids. 6. The Wittliff Collections: choicehotels.com The Wittliff Collections was first founded in 1986, dedicated to collect and preserve the legendary Southwest’s creative legacy. This was done to foster ‘the spirit of place,’ so there’s no way you can miss out on this legendary spot. One of the best things to do in San Marcos, you can’t miss out on The Wittliff Collections. Review By Shelly R: Once we understood where to park. Being in the college library was quiet and not crowded. We went for the Lonesome Dove Exhibit, and you get to see the original clothing on mannequins and some behind glass, but you basically get a personal walk-through. The room was small, but the student who let us in to view it said they would be expanding the collection. Absolutely amazing to see original stuff from this movie, especially if you're a Texan, Western, and Lonesome Dove fan! 7. San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wanna go on a safari ride? There is a San Diego Zoo but there is the safari park which is situated in Escondido which is about 20 minutes far from San Marcos! If you are visiting any of the cities such as Poway, Temescula, Vista and Carlsbad, you can easily visit this zoo because this is the closest. The visiting hours are from 9 am To 6 pm while you will have to pay $69 as adults for entry while $59 for kids below 11 years of age! Review By Bill E Lots of areas to cover. Realistic settings for most of the animals. The "extras" were pricey. Open Truck safari wasn't really worth it although the animals were in a more natural setting. Zipline was a lot of fun but expensive for a 4 minute ride. If you have the bucks go for it. With the construction going on I would skip the balloon ride. 8. Trek Bicycle North County There are many trails across San Marcos so you can just rent a bike and travel around the place! You can rent the bicycle which costs around $75 to $100 from 11 am to 6 pm. The North County in San Marcos is perfect for bike treks hence, it is convenient for outdoorsy people. You can go on a beachside adventure, events or culinary experience on your electric bike! There are many trails across San Marcos so you need to just go!  Review By Sheree C A fabulous ride peddling or not! As a family we really enjoyed it. All the little interesting stories along the way made it really fantastic. I would definitely recommend this experience. 9. Legoland Visit the iconic amusement park in San Diego when you have a trip planned to San marcos! If you have a child-like personality or have children accompanying you on the trip, this place will be perfect in the itinerary. Only a 20 minutes ride from San Marcos, you can experience the best rides, races and building attractions. It is a fun park which also has an aquarium so you can easily make bookings at Legoland California Resort in one of their themed rooms! It will be open from 10 am to 6 pm everyday while the tickets are charged somewhere between $89 to $150. It will take about 2 days to cover the whole of the experience. Reviews By Daria Singer Clean, safe. Very understanding staff. Not particularly busy on weekdays during the winter, weekends tyou will have to que up. Food in the park is nothing special and obviously overpriced but that was expected. It is definitely convenient to buy a yearly… 10. Blissful Goat Yoga Craving for some fun things to do while visiting San Diego? How about experiencing the one-of-a-kind yoga class while interacting with baby goats. The experience is a customized adventure for anyone who wants to attend the classes. Situated at a private property, Blissful Goat Yoga is quite close to Sunshine Mountain Winery and Buena Creek Gardens. It is quite funny, I agree but imagine such a unique experience where you can interact with strangers and goats as the owner, Star Bailey, guides you through the Yoga. You can take funny pictures of the goats and selfies with goats thus having an experience which is so interesting and fun! Going to a yoga session can actually be helpful and relaxing! Reviews By Taylor My boyfriend and I decided to try goat yoga and although we are not great at yoga ourselves, we still had a blast! Loved the passionate insights from the owner and the atmosphere of balancing yoga practice with having fun with the goats… And It’s A Wrap! And it’s a wrap on the best things to do in San Marcos. So what are you even waiting for? Plan your trip to san Marcos already! We can’t wait - and while doing so, don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below! 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