9 Exciting Things To Do In Pigeon Forge

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! Read Also: Best Group Friendly Restaurants In Las Vegas Tips For Planning The Most Amazing Texas Trip Ever! Top 7 Ethiopian Restaurants In Los Angeles – Complete Guide

BY  Sibashree May 26, 2025

Welcome to Lisbon, where Fado music fills the air, and places such as Jerónimos Monastery, São Jorge Castle, and the Belém Tower tell stories from the past.  Further, at the recently held ExpoVacaciones 2025, Lisbon stood tall with this tourism message. The focus was on the city's rich culture, heritage, sustainability, and gastronomy.  Also, with a handsome tourist inflow from various European countries, Lisbon is now ready to explore Asian and other international markets.  Vera da Cunha Serrão, the representative of the Touristic Promotion of Lisbon at ExpoVacaciones, said,  “We’re proud to show what others saw in us. This is vital in understanding the global Portugal story.” However, around 314 km from Lisbon, Porto is another important location in the tourism landscape of Portugal.  The historic center of Porto, along with the Monastery of Serra do Pilar and the Dom Luís I Bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Moreover, the Lisbon to Porto journey, especially by train, is the most beautiful experience you can have. However, you can also enjoy a bus or car ride and take a flight to travel the distance.  In this Tour and Travel Guide, we will discuss the various modes of transportation from Lisbon to Porto, the journey, food, accommodation, and more!  What Is Porto Famous For? The “Rival” Of Lisbon Porto, with a touch of humor, is often called the “Rival of Lisbon.” And this comparison is beyond the origin of “Murder in Porto,” a craft beer that can blow your mind. If you still have doubts about “Is Porto Portugal worth seeing?” here are the reasons why it’s a must-visit destination in Portugal.  1. Port Wine Isn’t Porto famous for its port wine? Oh, Yes! The porthouses by River Douro sell the best wine and they also tell tales that go back to 1200s.  Local traders built these port houses or impressive buildings in the 1200s when the bishop of Porto introduced unfair taxes.  2. Historical Attractions Furthermore, if you are a history buff, you will get lost in the historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Palácio da Bolsa, or the Stock Exchange Palace, is a prominent landmark in the historical center.  3. The Most Beautiful Book Store In The World Porto also has Livraria Lello, which was built in 1906. Housed in a neo-Gothic architecture building, the bookstore has wooden staircases and red velvet carpets spread on the floor.  Once you reach here, you will know why it introduces itself as “The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World.”  And the “Little Birdie” here says that J.K.Rowling took inspiration from the interior of the bookstore.  4. Cruising Along The River Douro You can enjoy a cruise ride in Rabelo or the traditional boats in Porto to enjoy a different perspective of the city.  These traditional vessels were earlier used to transport port wines from the Douro Valley to Porto. 5. A Trip To The Douro Valley The Douro Valley is home to historical Fonseca and Crofts vineyards. You can have there the most amazing white port wine.  For a  more serene experience, you can visit the small town of Pinhao and enjoy a ride in the Rabelo boat for two hours.  What Is Lisbon Famous For? What Are The Best Attractions In Lisbon? Food, history, cultural heritage, and the love for Fado music come together in Lisbon. The Portuguese capital is now looking to achieve the perfect blend of heritage charm with modern amenities.  Furthermore, the city is now aiming to grow as a people-focused destination with a dynamic ambiance for local travelers.  Nevertheless, these are the top tourist attractions in the city. The Best Attractions in LisbonDetailsBelém TowerIt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this medieval fortress overlooks the Tagus River. Jerónimos MonasteryJerónimos Monastery is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lisbon. It stands out with its rich history and grand architecture. Alfama DistrictDo you want to listen to Fado Music and take a leisurely stroll along narrow alleys?The Alfama District, the oldest in Lisbon, will offer you all these opportunities. Oceanário de LisboaVisit Oceanário de Lisboa, an aquarium with diverse marine animals.  Furthermore, when you are in Lisbon, you must not miss a ride on Tram 28 from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Tram services are available from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, and the ticket charge is 3.10 euros. What Is The Lisbon To Porto Distance? The distance from Lisbon to Porto by road is 314 km. The journey by bus or train takes less than 3 hours.  What Is The Best Way To Go From Lisbon To Porto? Know The Modes Of Transportation You can take a train ride from Lisbon to Porto for the most beautiful journey. However, you can also take a bus ride or a flight to travel the distance.  Travel By Train From Lisbon To Porto  Twenty eight trains run between Lisbon to Porto on a daily basis. The train departs from the Gare do Oriente station in Lisbon and arrives at the Campanha Station in Porto.  The distance between these two places by train is 274 km and the journey takes between 2 hours 49 minutes and 3 hours 14 minutes based on the type of train you have boarded.  The Alfa Pendular trains are the fastest, and the regular intercity trains take a little longer to cover the distance.  You can book the train tickets online or by visiting the railway station. The ticket prices start from $30.  Also, the earliest train departs from Lisbon at 6:39 AM, and the last train departs at 10:09 PM.  Is It Worth Taking The Train From Lisbon To Porto? Yes, it is absolutely worth taking the train from Lisbon to Porto. The journey gives you the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Atlantic Coast to the fullest.  Further, trains are frequently available between these two cities, and they are more reliable and comfortable as a mode of transportation.  Moreover, they consume less time than the buses, and the railway stations in Lisbon and Porto offer easy access to city centers and all important locations.  Can You Go To Porto For The Day From Lisbon By Bus? Yes, you can travel from Lisbon to Porto by bus. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, and you can book the bus tickets online on platforms such as redBus.  RedBus daily runs 112 buses from Lisbon to Porto, and the buses take 3 hours and 36 minutes to cover the journey.  Traveling from Lisbon to Porto is a budget-friendly option as the ticket price on redBus starts from only EUR 4.99. Buses depart from the Lisboa Oriente Terminal in Lisbon and reach Porto Garagem Atlantico in Porto.  Moreover, the earliest departure time of the bus is 12:15 AM and the last bus from Lisbon departs at 11 PM.  Traveling From Lisbon To Porto By Car If you are traveling from Lisbon to Porto by car, the journey of 314 km will take around 3 hours.  You can take the main motorway A1 for the journey. However, if you want a more scenic road trip experience, you can choose routes such as A29, A17, or A8.  All the roads have tolls, and they offer excellent driving conditions.  Furthermore, during the road trip, you can stop by beautiful towns such as Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Alcobaça, Pombal, and Nazaré.  Travel From Lisbon To Porto By Plane If you want to save more time and you are willing to spend some extra Euros during your travel, you can take a flight from Lisbon to Porto.  The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and the ticket prices range from €30 - €120.  Flights depart from the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon and reach the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Lisbon And Porto? April to May or the spring season and September to October or the fall season are the best times to visit Lisbon and Porto. Spring is the season of flowers. Further, the average temperature of 60-70 degree F make it ideal for exploring the outdoors.  Moreover, the Liberation Day Celebration on 25th April is one of the major reasons to visit Lisbon and Porto during the spring season.  On the other hand, the fall season, especially October, is the time of grape harvesting near the Douro Valley. You will also love birdwatching in October.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gemma Hadley | Wine Writer & Communicator (@gemmakatehadley) What Are The Accommodation Options In Porto And Lisbon? The accommodations, especially the boutique hotels in Lisbon, match the quintessential European vibe of the city. You will also get Airbnbs in Lisbon. While these Airbnbs are great for budget travelers and larger groups, they fail to replicate the charm of boutique hotels.  Nevertheless, these are some well-known boutique hotels in Lisbon.  The Vintage Lisbon Lisbon Wine Hotel Memmo Alfama — Design Hotels On the other hand, the accommodations in Porto offer a cozier vibe, and there is something very quaint about the hotels and townhouses in this port city.  However, if you want to stay in a boutique hotel in Porto, you must explore options such as Wine & Books Porto Hotel, Bloom House By Sweet Porto, and PortoBay Teatro. What Is Porto Famous Food? If you love seafood and stew, Porto is the best location in Portugal for the ultimate gastronomic delight.  Tripas à Moda do Porto, or the triple stew, is hearty here, while the fresh seafood, especially cod, will allow you to indulge in coastal delight.  You can even try Francesinha or the sandwich here with melted cheese and layers of meat. However, the kick of this sandwich is the spicy beer-based sauce.  Moreover, if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to try Tarte de Amendoa or almond tart in Porto.  Also, don’t forget to try Cachorrinhos, Porto’s answer to an American hot dog, Bifana sandwich, Alheira sausage, and pastéis de bacalhau, a type of croquette.  Why Do People Like Porto More Than Lisbon? Which Is Prettier, Porto Or Lisbon? Lisbon is the most popular city in Portugal, and it should be the national capital. Also, the city's sunny vibe and quintessential European charm make it stand out.  However, if you want a cozier experience and you want to experience the old Portuguese vibe, Porto will be the go-to place.  Also, the port wine, wineries, and port houses around the Douro River have built a way of life that is unmatched, and the only reference here can be the history books or the stories you have heard.  Moreover, Porto has a unique visual appeal with well-preserved historic buildings and buildings adorned with azulejo or tile work. So, I find Porto prettier than Lisbon, and Porto would be my silent favorite if I had to choose between these two cities.  However, the choice will depend on your sense of aesthetics and the kind of experience you want to have in Portugal. Lisbon To Porto Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the Lisbon to Porto distance and journey. 1. Is Porto Worth A Day Trip From Lisbon? Yes, Porto is worth a day trip from Lisbon. The journey by train, bus, or car allows you to explore the beauty of the Atlantic Coast. Further, if you are traveling by car, you can stop by towns such as Figueira da Foz, Coimbra, Alcobaça, Pombal, and Nazaré. 2. How Many Days In Porto Is Enough? Three to five days are enough if you want to explore the best of Porto. You can see the Douro River, visit the Ribeira district, and Livraria Lello during your stay. Further, you must not miss exploring nearby attractions such as Guimarães and Braga 3. Is Porto An Expensive City? No, Porto is not an expensive city. The prices of hotels and other accommodations during the peak summer season can be higher. However, the hotel charges, transportation costs and overall standard of living here are less costlier than many other European cities, including Lisbon. 4. Should You Spend More Time In Porto Or Lisbon? The choice depends on your choice. If you want to experience the vibe of a cosmopolitan European City, Lisbon will be your ideal destination in Europe. However, Porto, by the Douro River, offers you a more laid-back vibe, and it has the best port wine in the world. 5. How Long Is The Train Ride From Lisbon To Porto? The duration of your train ride from Lisbon to Porto will depend on the kind of train you take. The Alfa Pendular trains are the fastest, and they cover the distance within 2 hours and 49 minutes. On the other hand, the regular intercity trains take a little longer to cover the distance and take 3 hours and 14 minutes.  Up Next... Best Mediterranean Cruises 2025 Destinations Right Here! Best Summer Destinations In Europe Beach: Couples Get Ready! Easiest Countries To Get Citizenship In 2025: Let’s Know The Names

BY  Arnab Feb 8, 2023

Traveling to a new place can be a wonderful opportunity to experience different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. Did you know for example, that the cute little cherubs we associate with romance actually originated from Cherubim, who originated during ancient Mesopotamian times? It can be fascinating learning these little nuggets of information! Moreover, one of the best ways to do this is to fully immerse yourself in the ancient culture of a location on a holiday. This can be a transformative experience, allowing you to connect with the history and traditions of a place in a way that simply visiting tourist attractions cannot. Here Are Three Best Places You Can Immerse Yourself In Ancient Culture: There happen to be a handful of locations that are perfect for immersing oneself in ancient culture, and we are going to take you through a couple of our favorites in this article. Let’s dive right into it. 1. Egypt Is As Ancient As it Gets A 10-day trip to Egypt offers travelers an unparalleled journey into the heart of ancient history and culture. When experiencing the remnants of bygone eras, there is no better destination than this timeless land. Egypt, with its vast desert landscapes and the winding Nile River, boasts some of the most iconic ancient sites in the world, including the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. Here, visitors can step into the shadows of great pharaohs, marvel at age-old engineering feats, and be captivated by tales that have shaped civilizations for millennia. These sites are not only impressive in their own right, but they also offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt. You can even wander around a plethora of ruins of temples and tombs and imagine what life was like for the people who built and used them. If you want to go to one of the most historic locations on this earth, then you should plan a trip to Egypt right away. There is just no other place like it. 2. China Has A Rich Culture Of Ancient History Next up, we have China. China has a long and rich history and houses a multitude of historical locations and landmarks, such as the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, and the Terracotta Army. These sites can offer you an insight into the history and culture of ancient China, and you can learn about the customs, beliefs, and daily life of the people who built these impressive structures. Visiting China can be a little expensive, so it is important that you learn how to fund travelling adventures before committing to a holiday in such a magical country. 3. Mexico Is An Underrated Gem Another destination that is ideal for experiencing ancient culture is Mexico, specifically the ancient Mayan civilization. The Mayan civilization is one of the most fascinating and mysterious ancient cultures in the world. Visitors to Mexico can explore the ruins of ancient Mayan cities, such as Chichen Itza and Tikal, and gain an understanding of the architecture, astronomy, and religious practices of this advanced civilization. Additionally, you can also explore the Mayan culture by visiting the many cenotes or sinkholes, which the Mayans believed to be sacred places. Mexico is an underrated gem when it comes to ancient culture, and you will be able to scratch your itch for ancient civilizations ten times over if you decide to give it a visit. To sum up, immersing yourself in the ancient culture of a destination can be a truly enriching experience. Whether you are exploring the ruins of Egypt, Mexico, or China, you will gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of these ancient civilizations and come away with a greater appreciation for the world around us. So, consider visiting one of these locations on your next holiday and try to fully immerse yourself in ancient culture for a truly memorable vacation. Have fun! Read Also: The Top 5 Reasons To Visit Edinburgh: From Castles To Culture, This City Has It All! Where Is The Most Popular Spot In The World To Take A Selfie? 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico The Best 5 Places To Visit In Sicily This Year