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BY  Sibashree Jan 20, 2026

A good summer trip! For the longest time, these road trips have been the ultimate bonding time for our family. Us, our parents, and the stars, the 15-year-old moody chatterbox, and the 10-year-old, giving me young Sheldon vibes.  Now, my daughter has always been a sport, and she has behaved her best during road trips. It’s my son who always brings the challenges. Also, he is now 10 and has a lot of opinions to share.  And with him growing up, the perennial sibling fights are more frequent. So, this time, we let our kids prepare their lists and make small chits. The trick was to shuffle the chits and keep them in a bowl. Finally, I will pick the chit, and it will be the place we go for this summer's road trip.  Now, I was amazed to see how detailed and diverse their lists were! Here are the best family road trip destinations they chose for this summer.  What Are The Best Family Road Trip Destinations In The USA? Be it the on-mountain summer experience, the dream adventure in the national parks, or the iconic and mighty Niagara Falls! The best places to travel with kids on a summer trip are endless in the USA.  These are the places our kids want to visit.  1. Vail Honestly, I would not have thought of Vail as one of the best family vacation spots if my daughter had not said it.  In the Rocky Mountains, Vail is beautiful in the fall and winter. However, it is more amazing during the summer.  Epic Discovery Learning about local wildlife, adventure sports, and a scenic gondola ride are the main attractions at Epic Discovery.  There are many fun activities for the kids. They can do ziplining, roll down the hill on a tube, or try their hands at the golf club. Also, for all of us, the forest flyer mountain coaster ride can be the ultimate adventure.  Also, if you think that seniors can’t enjoy it, they will love the gondola rides, exploring the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, and hiking through the short nature trails. River kayaking, white water rafting, and hot-air balloon rides are some other exciting activities here.  Moreover, you can try horseback riding or cattle drives. But as always, I am never up for these things ethically!  2. Orlando This was expected from my son. And Walt Disney is The PLACE when you are traveling in Orlando with kids. And my son has been cribbing since Christmas that we missed the Disney visit this time.  It was I who was unsure about it because I could not think of Walt Disney World without Toy Story Mania, and the reconstruction work was not complete before the holiday season.  However, the restoration of the Toy Story entrance archway is complete now. And this summer, Disney is going to have the debut of the “Soarin' Across America", and the experience around 30th June is going to be more patriotic at Walt Disney as the nation celebrates its 250th year.  Moreover, there is now a new snack kiosk near Toy Story Land. This place sells amazing pepperoni pizza spring rolls.  3. Luxury Glamping At The Resort At Paws Up Now, resorts are the most convenient choices when it comes to the best family holiday destinations. The Resort at Paws Up in Montana was once again my daughter’s suggestion.  She heard of it from her best friend, who went there last summer with her family.  I already knew about the resort, as it has multiple accolades to its name. It is a two-Michelin-Key resort, and in 2025, it won the title of the 8th best resort in the world in the “Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.” Glamping here gives a wonderful opportunity to sleep beneath the star-filled sky. Furthermore, this cattle ranch, spreading over 37000 acres, has 100 miles.  Along with cattle and horseback rides, you can enjoy water rafting here in the massive Blackfoot River. Furthermore, it has spa and wellness amenities for your rejuvenation. 4. Glacier And Yellowstone National Parks In Montana Montana also has gems such as the Glacier National Park and the Yellowstone National Park. You can do wilderness camping at Glacier National Park with a wilderness permit. It has easy to moderate hiking trails such as the Avalanche Lake, Hidden Meadow, and Highline Trail.  Furthermore, the national park has the North Fork Flathead River and the Middle Fork Flathead River.  Moreover, this 1,583 square miles of wilderness is the Crown of the Continent. It has fossils, a growing wildlife, and a unique geology.  The Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is home to bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. In fact, the concentration of mammals here is the highest among the lower 48 states.  In addition, it has reptiles such as the bullsnake and rubber boa.  5. Grand Teton National Park In Wyoming  The Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has the National Elk Refuge. It is an area of 25000 acres, offering refuge to 7000 elk.  Furthermore, the Oxbow Bend here is frequented by the mother bear grizzly No. 399 with her cubs. The Kelly Loop, Antelope Flats, and the Moose Wilson Road are the other spots in the national park to spot wildlife such as bison, pronghorns, and antelopes. Moreover, this national park has the endangered white bark pine trees, the bald eagles, which are a species of concern, and the grizzly bear, which is a species at risk.  By the way, I was surprised to see that both my kids had these national parks on their list of best holiday destinations for families.  6. California Coast We have been to the California Coast once during the spring, and I was glad to see that my son wanted to repeat it.  The last time, we started the trip in San Diego, and the kids had a lot of fun at Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches.  Then, we continued our drive north and had an extensive beach experience at Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Newport Beach, and Solvang.  And of course, as we reached the Central Coast, we had to stay at the Madonna Inn. The charm of 1958 is still intact here with the iconic pink dining room and 110 uniquely themed rooms.  A We Continued North  We chose to stay at a resort near Pebble Beach, and from there, it was about 17 miles to Big Sur to enjoy its wonderful views.  Also, we booked a few rounds and enjoyed our time at the Pebble Beach golf courses.  Final Stop San Francisco Last time, our California road trip ended at Santa Cruz. We enjoyed the play at the boardwalk, which still has the old-world charm.  Furthermore, our kids enjoyed their time in San Francisco. Of course, the sundae at Ghirardelli was the biggest highlight. They also loved exploring Fisherman’s Wharf and flying kites by the Golden Gate Bridge.  7. Las Vegas Las Vegas, despite being the “Sin City,” is actually a fun place for kids. My daughter hasspecific demands about the Las Vegas summer trip.  She wants to stay at New York-New York as she is dying to take the Big Apple coaster ride there. Also, she has the Shark Reef Aquarium and the Circus Circus adventure dome on her wishlist.  8. Grand Canyon National Park The Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is one of the most beautiful road trip destinations. I told my son, “It’s going to be so hot and it’s the peak season, you will feel annoyed.” He was persistent as he wanted to join the “Junior Ranger Program.” “I also want to see the Yavapai Geology Museum, and I want to ride the train (Grand Canyon Railway),” He added.  Now, with his research being so immaculate, I had to consider his choice.  9. Zion National Park I know summer is the busiest time at Zion National Park, and the heat is intense. But it is also the time when we get access to almost all the trails in the park in Utah.  The Lower Emeraland Pool Hike will be easy this summer. It is an easy trail and usually takes 1 hour to complete.  I also chose this trail because it continues through Juniper and pinyon woods. So, even with the high heat, the kids would have a comfortable time walking.   As the trail ends, the beautiful Emerald Pool and ephemeral falls await us.  10. Niagara Falls Niagara Falls was the first place we visited on a family trip after my daughter was born. She was all of two then, but I don’t know if she remembers anything.  I think she has picked things about the trip from our family album. The real thrill begins with the boat ride to the mighty falls. She wants to enjoy the Maid of the Mist boat ride once again this summer.  And if we visit the Niagra Falls again this season, I have plans of descending at the tunnel behind the Horseshoe Falls. 11. Milwaukee And as they say, “The nearer the church, the farther from God," I know that I have missed visiting Milwaukee even after staying so close to it.  Milwaukee, suggested by my son, is a bright city in the summertime. And of course, the young lad is growing up to be quite a bike connoisseur. So, no wonder that the Harley-Davidson Museum was his calling.  The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival from July 9-12 is the ultimate time to visit Milwaukee if you are also a bike enthusiast like him.  Furthermore, the city also has the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Art and Public Museums.  12. Washington DC It’s great to see that my daughter wants to visit Washington, D.C. for the summer road trip. I am even happier because I once shared my experience of being there on 4th July.  The teens these days! They don’t show emotions, but they feel a lot! She specifically mentioned that she wanted this road trip to see the National 4th of July Parade and the fireworks.  I never knew that she harbored such patriotic feelings. 13. NYC We have been to NYC once. My son was 6 years old then. He still can’t forget the experience of seeing the Statue of Liberty. So, it was an expectation suggestion from him.  He also wanted to see the views of New York City from the One World Observatory and enjoy the elevator ride. Last time, he even loved the Central Park Zoo and a boat ride on the lake. 14. Chicago Contrary to the questions I get to read online, Chicago is a safe place, and it is one of the best holiday destinations with kids.  I don’t know why my son has picked the name, but I think he has done so for the Lincoln Park Zoo. He loves wildlife, and he wanted to meet the penguins at the “Malott Family Penguin Encounter.” A few days back, he was giving me a scoop on this.  Furthermore, Chicago has the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum. All are brilliant places for curious kids.  Moreover, my son is a huge baseball fan. So, a match day at Wrigley Field or the Guaranteed Rate Field would be a lifetime experience. Now, Are You Ready With The Best Holiday Destinations With Kids? Our list of family road trip destinations has been quite diverse. It’s time you plan your adventure! If you ask me, it’s a difficult task to choose among these destinations. I liked all the suggestions from my daughter and son. And I can’t take a side as I don’t want to deal with a sulking face for the next two days.  Nevertheless, from the list here, my favorite would be Chicago. Though kids see it in a different way, I always find it so culturally enriching to be in Chicago.  Also, being from India, Chicago always reminds me of how once a monk from India came and offered a lecture on the inclusiveness of Sanatana Dharma! Very pertinent in the days of wars and violent geopolitical stunts today. 

BY  Barsha Dec 28, 2023

Bangkok is home to over a thousand temples. Some of these temples are historical and have cultural significance, and some others or mainly for local prayers. During a Holiday in the Capital of Thailand, booking a Bangkok temple tour is a must to explore the city’s main highlights and most beautiful temples. In this article, we will be listing the best and most recommended 5 temples in Bangkok to visit. Wat Pho  Wat Pho temple (also known as the temple of the sleeping or reclining Buddha), is one of the most important temples to visit when being in Bangkok. The temple is home to the famous sleeping Buddha statue which measures 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height. The statue is covered in gold leaf and is a unique piece of art. This temple is considered as the largest temple in Bangkok and is the birthplace for Traditional Thai massage. It was the first public university in Thailand that specialized in religion, science, and literature. Till today, It is still a center of learning for traditional Thai massage and medicine. During your visit to Wat Pho temple, you can book a traditional Thai massage session that combines stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension and enhance flexibility and circulation. It's often described as a combination of yoga and meditation. This Temple is very popular among Bangkok temple tours since it has a strategic location near the Chaophraya river, the Grand Palace, and other important Landmarks in Bangkok. Wat Phra Kaew Wat Phra Kaew is located inside the Grand Palace. This temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand. Despite its name, the statue is actually made of jade or jasper rather than emerald. This temple is considered as the Personal chapel of the Royal Family. Wat Phra Kaew was Constructed in 1782 when King Rama I moved the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok.  The temple's architecture is a stunning example of Thai craftsmanship, with intricate carvings, colorful mosaics, and gold-leafed figures adorning its structures. The Great thing about visiting this temple is that you will have the opportunity to combine the visit of both the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew since they are both within the same location. They are also within a very short walking distance from Wat Pho, making combining both of them in a half-day visit a very popular choice among tourists visiting Bangkok. Wat Arun  Wat Arun is Known as the temple of Dawn and it dates back to the Ayutthaya period. It has a unique design, similar to the Ayutthaya temples design and having some Khmer elements as well. The temple was renovated by King Rama II and It has been a significant symbol of the Rattanakosin Period and the shift of the capital from Thonburi to Bangkok. Wat Arun’s towers (known as prangs) are decorated with colorful porcelain and seashells, making it visually unique. The central prang is a symbolic representation of Mount Meru, the center of the world in Buddhist cosmology. The temple is located along the Chaophraya river and is often included on the same day when visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. You just need to take a ferry boat to cross the river to reach the other side of the City and visit this amazing temple. Wat Arun has undergone several renovations in the past years and the last significant restoration completed was in 2017 under the supervision of UNESCO. Wat Traimit  Wat Traimit is another beautiful temple in Bangkok with unique features. It is famous for housing the world's largest solid gold Buddha image. The statue is about 3 meters tall and weighs approximately 5.5 tons. The Golden Buddha dates back to the 13th or 14th century, originating in the Sukhothai period. However, the exact origins and history of the statue are still subject to debate and research, and no one has confirmed it. Wat Traimit is one of the most sacred temples, not only in Bangkok but all around Thailand. The building is a beautiful example of modern Thai Buddhist architecture. The temple complex includes a museum where visitors can learn about the history of the Golden Buddha and the Chinatown area where the temple is located. In addition to that, it also offers insights into the Chinese community's role in Thai society. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) Wat Benchamabophit is famous for its use of white Carrara marble from Italy, which gives it a distinctly elegant appearance. This feature is unique among Bangkok's temples and of course, is the reason why it gained the name of the Marble Temple of Bangkok. This temple was built in the Late 19th Century during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), in 1899. It is a fine example of modern Thai religious architecture from the end of the 19th century. The temple's design is a fusion of traditional Thai architecture and European influences. Wat Benchamabophit is associated with the Thai royal family and has been used for numerous royal ceremonies. When you hold a five Thai baht coin, you will find the image of this temple on the back of the Coin, reflecting its importance and significance in Thai culture. The temple is home to 52 Buddha images, representing various styles and postures from different periods of Thai history. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Buddhist art in Thailand. The temple complex includes beautifully maintained gardens and courtyards, adding to its serene and tranquil ambiance. Read Also: Crime Rate In Florida Trending Down While California Skyrockets: Report World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square

BY  Sibashree Jun 13, 2025

With Jekyll Island being named the best travel destination in Georgia by Travel+Leisure, the beach tourism industry in the state is once again grabbing all the attention. Furthermore, Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, has been in the news recently. Macey Rewis, an artist focused on marine life, is raising funds for the Tybee Island Marine Science Center’s conservation and educational programs. She has been working with Low Country Grit to offer support to the museum. “I shared with her what we were doing, and she said I already give a portion of my proceeds back to foster conservation and clean water on the coast. She was in. Tybee Marine Science Center was in. It was like a perfect partnership, and I found out her turtle was the original Ike that they had first rescued.” - Alexa Frame, Founder, Low Country Grit Additionally, Tybee Island is elevating its food scene a few notches with The Window. This grab-and-go window for breakfast and lunch opened by Ryan and Randy during the Memorial Day Weekend has become an instant hit. The Window is serving the best Chicken Biscuits, Bacon, Egg and Cheese, sausage egg, ham, and more. So, now you have more reasons to visit Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta. However, Atlanta has many other nearby beaches, such as South Walton in Florida and Edisto Island in South Carolina. In this Tour and Travel Guide, let’s explore the best beaches near Atlanta. However, before that, let’s know what the perfect time is to plan a beach trip near Atlanta. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island, the closest Gulf beach to Atlanta, is a popular summer destination for many. However, high temperatures and surging crowds are the main challenges for a summer visit to Tybee Island. So, plan a trip during spring (April to May) or the fall season (September to November) to enjoy the island’s beauty and outdoor activities to the fullest. Do you want to visit the island in any other month? Here are the temperature and rainfall details of Tybee Island by month. MonthsHighest TemperatureLowest TemperatureDays of RainfallJanuary1565February1696March20117April22155May25214June29259July31259August302510September27247October25204November18145December16106 What Is The Closest Beach To Atlanta? Know The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Planning The Perfect Coastal Getaway The nearby beaches are a major reason to visit Atlanta. So, let’s start with Tybee Island, the closest beach to Atlanta, and then explore other beach attractions. 1. Tybee Island, Georgia: The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 265 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours What is the easiest beach to get to from Atlanta? It’s Tybee Island. Located on the easternmost part of Georgia, Tybee Island has shopping, dining, and a vibrant nightlife vibe. Furthermore, this barrier island is known for its laid-back vibe. It also has a historic lighthouse, and when at Tybee Island, you must spend some time at the Marine Science Center. 2. South Walton, Florida: A Beach With A Unique Dune Lake Ecosystem Distance from Atlanta: 302 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours South Walton is the closest beach to Atlanta in Florida by car. Visit Rosemary Beach in South Walton to indulge in the quintessential French Quarter feel. Grayton Beach, on the other hand, has an inimitable hippie vibe. However, the most happening feature is the dune lake ecosystem. 3. Jacksonville, Florida: The Closest Beach To Atlanta With An Intracoastal Eco Tour Distance from Atlanta: 346 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Jacksonville is one of the best Florida beaches close to Georgia. With Neptune and Atlantic Beaches, Jacksonville also offers a white sand stretch of 22 miles. Don’t miss the Intracoastal Eco-Tour here if you love spending time in nature. Further, explore the Shipwreck Island Waterpark for the ultimate family fun. Jacksonville also has a happening nightlife. 4. Jekyll Island, Georgia: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Mini Golf Matches Distance from Atlanta: 422 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 40 Minutes Jekyll Island is a top attraction in Georgia if you think summer is the best time to visit Savannah beaches. Jekyll Island is peaceful and ideal for a family vacation. Furthermore, you will enjoy the mini golf matches and dolphin tours here. 5. Gulf Shores, Alabama: Explore 32 Miles Of White Sand Stretches Distance from Atlanta: 354 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours Gulf Shores, combined with Orange Beach, features 32 miles of white sand stretches. The quartz from the Appalachian Mountains is used to create this sand. The beaches near the town center are busier, and you will find the quieter ones to the west. 6. Daytona Beach, Florida: The Original American Beach Distance from Atlanta: 433 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes Daytona Beach will be one of your top choices if you are looking for family-friendly beaches in Florida. It also has the nickname of the “Original American Beach.” You will find the tallest lighthouse in Florida here. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art and the Boardwalk & Pier are other popular attractions here. Moreover, the best outdoor activities here are playing golf and zip-lining. 7. Edisto Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Spotting Turtles Distance from Atlanta: 287 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours If you love interacting with wildlife, Edisto Island will be your favorite beach closest to Atlanta. You will spot turtles, dolphins, and other wildlife on the island. Moreover, you can take a bike ride or a boat ride here for adventure. 8. New Smyrna Beach, Florida: Closest Beach To Atlanta With Traffic-Free Family Zones Distance from Atlanta: 450 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours 30 Minutes With a stretch of 13 miles, New Smyrna Beach is a favorite of surfers. Further, it has traffic-free zones for families. River cruising, kayaking, and boating are other popular attractions on the beach. 9. Panama City Beach, Florida: The Spring Break Capital Of The World Panama City Beach, or the Spring Break Capital of the World, has close to 28 miles of sugar-white sand beaches. It is also one of the closest beaches to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Furthermore, the beach, where you can collect the most beautiful shells and spend the whole day swimming, becomes the most vibrant at night. Also, it has exciting theme parks, and the city authority is planning to establish it as the most family-friendly destination in Florida. 10. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina: Closest Beach To Atlanta For Dolphin Spotting Distance from Atlanta: 282 Miles Travel Time: 4 Hours 30 Minutes There are a lot of things to do in Hilton Head. It is especially a delightful location to explore marine life with kids. The dolphin-watching excursion or a zip-line ride over the waterways and forests are the best adventure activities here. Moreover, you will love kayaking, biking, and cruising here. 11. Ossabaw Island, Georgia: The Most Pristine And Closest Beach To Atlanta Distance from Atlanta: 247 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours Ossabaw Island is the third-largest barrier island in Georgia. Further, around 13 miles of its seashore are underdeveloped. So, if you want to enjoy a pristine charm, Ossabaw Island will instantly become your favorite. The distance between Atlanta and Savannah is around 250 miles. You can take a boat ride for just 20 minutes to reach Ossabaw Island from Savannah. Also, if you have enough time, you must explore the unique things to do in Savannah to learn about the culture and history of Georgia and the USA.   12. Perdido Key, Florida: The Best Beach With Golf Areas Distance from Atlanta: 335 Miles Travel Time: 6 Hours Perdido Key is one of the most family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. You will love the stretches of white sand here. Also, it has golf areas, recreation zones, and the Perdido Key State Park. 13. Wilmington, North Carolina: Home To 3 Beautiful Beaches Distance from Atlanta: 416 Miles Travel Time: 7 Hours Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach call Wilmington their home. Carolina Beach is the most happening among them, thanks to festivals and a beautiful boardwalk. Further, Wrightsville Beach is famous for watersports. Also, you will love the relaxed vibe of Kure Beach with the aquarium. What Are The Best Beaches Near Atlanta For Families? Are you planning a family trip to Atlanta? Visit the following family-friendly beaches near Atlanta. Tybee Island - Gentle waves, relaxed vibe, exploring wildlife at the Marine Science Center. Jekyll Island: Calm waters, dolphin tours, mini golf matches. Neptune Park on St. Simons Island: Mini golf course on the beachfront, hunting hidden tree spirits. Panama City Beach: Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark. Hilton Head Island: Scenic beauty, The Sandbox Children's Museum. What Are The Best Pet-Friendly Beaches Near Atlanta? Morningside Nature Preserve is the best pet-friendly beach near Atlanta. It remains open from 6 AM to 11 PM every day. Your pawsome friends will love cooling off at the shallow creek zones. Also, this 33-acre place has a suspension bridge. Herbert Taylor Park & Daniel Johnson Park are other pet-friendly beaches near Atlanta. It is safe for pets in the gentle waves. The Closest Beach To Atlanta: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the closest beach to Atlanta. 1. What Cities Are 2 Hours From Atlanta? Chattanooga, Suches, and Blue Ridge are the cities located at a 2-hour distance from Atlanta. 2. What Beach Is 4 Hours Drive From Atlanta? Tybee Island is a 4-hour drive from Atlanta. It is also close to Savannah. 3. What Beach Is 1 Hour From Atlanta? There is no beach at a distance of 1 hour from Atlanta. Tybee Island is the closest beach to Atlanta, and it is located at a distance of 4 hours. 4. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Atlanta? Tybee Island is the closest ocean beach to Atlanta. The distance between these two places is 265 miles.