Are you planning a trip to the Aloha State? If your vacation to Hawaii includes a visit to Honolulu, allow yourself a full day for a scenic drive through Oahu. I did this upon returning to Oahu for the first time in 30 years, having visited the Hawaiian Islands as a 13-year-old.

I traveled with my girlfriend this time, and we made the most of our week on the island. What follows is our one-day itinerary for a self-guided scenic drive around Oahu. It was one of the best drives of my life.

At the end of the article, I'll share a few alternative ideas for you to swap in. Before we continue, though, a word of warning.

Rental Car Logistics

While we had no trouble reserving a rental car a few days in advance, the pick-up times in Waikiki Beach were limited to 8 a.m. or later. This was the case for all the companies. I would've preferred to hit the road an hour earlier.

However, it wouldn't have been worth our time to take an Uber to the airport to get a car there, only to backtrack through downtown Honolulu to reach the east side of Oahu.

Instead, we did our best to work with this limitation. Ultimately, we saw everything we wanted on our Oahu road trip and were quite tired when we returned to our Waikiki Beach hotel. So, even if we had gotten the car earlier than 8 a.m., I don't think it would've made a big difference.

Picking up the Rental Car

Our Ford Fusion rental car was both economical and comfortable. The cost for a 24-hour rental, including insurance, fees, and taxes, was about $150.

The 24-hour rental is important because Budget doesn't accept returned cars after 3 p.m. I found this odd because they don't allow you to pick them up before 8 a.m. Seven hours won't buy you much in the way of stops on a drive around Oahu.

To get the most out of your day and car rental, return the car to the garage whenever you return to Waikiki, and then drop off the keys at the Budget kiosk the next day before 8 a.m. The cost would've been less had we booked the rental a few weeks earlier.

Direction of Travel

Everything I read about taking an Oahu scenic drive suggested traveling east of Honolulu and going counterclockwise around the island. I suspect this is because it allows you to see the sunrise on the East Coast and sunset on the West Coast if you're up early.

If this is your first time driving around Oahu, drive safely. There's no rush; you're on island time, and getting in an accident would be a surefire way to ruin the trip.

Budget Tip: Save money in Oahu with Go City. Buy a 1, 2, 3, or 5-day all-inclusive pass to enjoy tours, surf lessons, and access to parks like Waimea Valley at a discounted rate. Get your Go City pass here.

Top Oahu Attractions

Kona Coffee Purveyors / b Patissiere

Since the rental car wasn't available until 8 a.m., we got breakfast at Kona Coffee Purveyors, which opens at 7 a.m. daily. This shop offers Hawaiian coffee and fresh pastries by b Patissiere, one of the best bakeries in San Francisco.

We spent a week in Waikiki Beach and saw a line outside the cafe every morning. I'm pretty sure it was for the incredible pastries! My favorite was the chocolate banana almond croissant.

Kona Coffee is conveniently located in the International Market Place, the indoor/outdoor shopping mall where we picked up the rental car.

Hanauma Bay

Once we'd eaten and gotten our car for the day, I drove east of Honolulu on Route 72 to Hanauma Bay, our first stop. This stunning nature preserve, featuring a sandy beach, offers some of Oahu's best snorkeling. I remember swimming among the marine life here as a teen.

The clarity of the water and the quantity of colorful fish and coral set a high bar by which I judged all future snorkeling experiences. Unfortunately, the bay and beach were closed to visitors *unless* you had booked a snorkeling tour.

While we hadn't planned to snorkel that day, we at least wanted to get some photos from an observation deck above the beach. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long for a beautiful beach view.

Halona Beach Cove and Blowhole

Our Oahu scenic drive continued a few minutes east on Route 72, which led us to the lookout points for Halona Beach Cove and Blowhole on the side of Koko Crater.

The beach is not easily accessible, but if you're willing to climb down steep volcanic terrain, you may have it to yourself. We were satisfied with the view from above.

When a strong enough wave hits the rocks, the Halona Blowhole spouts water up like a geyser. It was anticlimactic but still worth a quick stop on your day trip around Oahu.

Related: Planning for Hawaii on a Budget

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail

Driving another few minutes east on Route 72 will bring you to the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail parking lot. This trail is a relatively easy uphill walk on a paved path.

We took about 30 minutes to reach the top, including a few stops for photos. We saw one pair of parents carrying their baby in a harness and another pushing a stroller.

Once you reach the top, you will see gorgeous views of Oahu's Windward Coast. On a clear day, look east; you might see Moloka'i, another Hawaiian island.

The ocean views make this one of the best spots on the island to see humpback whales. Whale-watching season in Hawaii runs from December to April.

They may have come early, but the coastal views of turquoise waters from Makapu'u Point were some of my favorites that day. The walk down was faster, taking about 15 minutes. We spent approximately 75 minutes at this stop.

Nu'uanu Pali Lookout

Our next photo-op on the Oahu scenic drive was the stunning Nu'uanu Pali lookout, a 30-minute drive from the Lighthouse Trail (take Route 71 North to 61 South, the Pali Highway).

The scenic road ascends 1,200 feet into the Ko'olau Range, giving visitors a different perspective on the lush vegetation of Oahu's windward side.

To the northeast, you can see the azure waters off Kailua Beach. Equally beautiful, Lanikai Beach, located south of Kailua, is hidden by lush green hills. Give yourself 10-15 minutes in this remarkable place.

The Nu'uanu Pali scenic view is included on many of Get Your Guide's most popular half-day and full-day Oahu tours.

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nuts

My girlfriend, Kel, was keen to stop at a macadamia nut farm, and I'm glad we did. Tropical Farms is a great place, about 30 minutes up the coast from the Nu'uanu Pali lookout. Take Route 61 North to 83 North (part of the Kamehameha Highway).

While they weren't offering tours when we visited, they had free samples of their nuts and macadamia nut coffee. My favorite was the onion and garlic.

Kualoa Ranch

Go a few minutes north on Route 83, and you'll see the dramatic entrance to Kualoa Ranch. This Hawaiian ranch is renowned for being the location where scenes from Hollywood films, including Jurassic Park, Jumanji, and 50 First Dates, were shot.

Tours are costly and sell out well in advance. For example, the 2.5-hour Jurassic Adventure tour, which takes guests to the Hakipu'u and Ka'a'awa Valleys, is $140.

Other activities include horseback riding, electric mountain bikes, and ATVs. Even though we stopped to look, I already knew no tours were available that day.

If you want to incorporate a tour at Kualoa Ranch during your scenic drive around Oahu, you may need to book weeks in advance. Given the time required, I suggest taking a standalone day trip.

The Ranch offers round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels for $30 per person, so you don't need a rental car to get there.

Hukilau Cafe

Speaking of 50 First Dates, a romantic comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, many scenes are shot in a fictional Hukilau Cafe.

There's a cafe by the same name in Laie, a 25-minute drive north of Kualoa Ranch (on Route 83 North). However, this isn't the location where the scenes were filmed.

Despite that fact, or regardless of it, former Go Backpacking contributor and food blogger superstar Mark Wiens (and I) still went in the hopes of enjoying a typical Hawaiian meal.

You can read about Mark's experience at Hukilau Cafe here. During my drive around Oahu, the restaurant was closed for lunch that day, so I missed the opportunity to try their food.

Giovanni's Shrimp Truck

That was fine since I also had eyes on Giovanni's Shrimp Truck a few minutes north on Route 83. Giovanni's was one of the first shrimp food trucks on the North Shore of Oahu to make a name for itself.

There's a lunch line every day, year after year, and that was certainly the case when we stopped by around noon.

It took about 15-20 minutes to get our food. I ordered shrimp with butter and lemon while Kel got their signature shrimp scampi (i.e., garlic shrimp).

A third option is the hot and spicy shrimp plate. All three are the same size, come with white rice, and cost $15. By this point in the trip, I felt hungry, so I quickly worked on the dozen medium-sized shrimp.

Related: Best Places to Eat in Oahu

Dole Plantation

One of the places I remember best from my visit to Oahu as a teenager was the Dole Plantation. Tasting the fresh-picked pineapple was unforgettable.

I can also remember seeing the inside of a canning facility and the shape of machines used to remove pineapple cores.

Thirty years later, the Dole Plantation had become a much bigger tourist attraction, and it is now included on many Oahu island tours.

You can ride a train around the plantation to learn about pineapples and navigate a giant maze on foot. However, we were more interested in dessert, specifically the Dole pineapple whip dessert.

A Dole whip is pineapple-flavored soft-serve ice cream, and we paid an extra dollar for fresh pineapple chunks to be added.

Behind the gift shop, where you can buy the dessert and all forms of pineapple paraphernalia, there's a patio and a small garden that are free to enjoy.

Waimea Valley and Waterfall

Our daylight hours were running out by mid-afternoon, and we desperately wanted to swim under Waimea Falls. The Falls are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and we left the Dole Plantation around 3 p.m.

We backtracked along Route 99 and Route 83 North to Waimea Bay, where we turned right onto Waimea Valley Road, which provides access to Waimea Valley. From there, it was an easy 30-minute walk on paved paths through the botanical garden to reach Oahu's best-known waterfall.

There are rustic changing rooms and bathrooms, as well as a small hut where a gentleman handed out life jackets, which were required for swimming. He said we'd arrived at this beautiful place at the best time of day when most visitors had already left.

Kel and I enjoyed a 15-minute swim in the freshwater pool before drying off, changing, and returning to the car for another North Shore food experience.

Matsumoto Shave Ice

Heading south on Route 83 for a few minutes brought us to Haleiwa town, still on Oahu's North Shore. You'll find many cute shops, restaurants, and the historic Matsumoto Shave Ice here.

Matsumoto has been serving their refreshing dessert since 1951. On a typical day, they produce around 1,000 desserts for customers. President Obama has been seen getting shaved ice here, so you know it's good!

They have special machines to shave the ice and dozens of housemade flavored syrups to choose from. There are many places to buy shave ice on Oahu, but Matsumoto's is one of the best.

Related: 5 Hawaiian Fusion Foods

Sunset at Haleiwa Beach Park

I'd initially planned to watch the sun go down at Sunset Beach Park on the North Shore. This beach is just a minute or two up the road from the Banzai Pipeline beach, a mecca for surfers worldwide.

However, upon arrival, we found parking at both beaches to be extremely limited, with many cars already occupying the spots.

Instead, we left the shave ice shop for nearby Haleiwa Beach Park, which has plenty of parking. A rainbow appeared inland, to the west, while we watched the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Stand-up paddleboarders could be seen gently floating on the water in the distance.

Once the sun went down over the horizon, we hopped in the car and drove back to Waikiki Beach, marking the end of the drive.

Despite an unexpected torrential downpour, it took about one hour. The day made for one of the best scenic drives I've experienced in the United States.

Related: Beauty of Oahu Island

Alternative Places To Go

Hopefully, our Oahu scenic drive gave you some ideas to make your one-day tour of the island a reality. Follow it, and you'll see some of the most beautiful places on the island.

There are many more exciting stops on Oahu than one day allows, so I thought I'd share a few alternatives to what we did.

If you prefer to try malasadas (Portuguese donuts) for breakfast, head to Leonard's Bakery instead of Kona Coffee Purveyors. Leonard's is open from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

If you come to Honolulu from the east, such as the mainland United States, Canada, or Europe, jet lag may cause you to wake up very early.

Consider taking advantage of this by doing a sunrise hike at the Diamond Head crater. We did this on a different day from our drive around Oahu and used Uber.

It was a 30-minute hike to the top of the crater; our reward was breathtaking views. Allow 15-20 minutes to return. Check the official website for travel advisories and hours.

The Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie is a popular destination on the eastern side of Oahu. Here, you can discover the local cultural traditions through live shows, guided tours, and authentic cuisine.

I recommend leaving Pearl Harbor for another day, as you will need to reserve a time slot for the USS Arizona. Visiting the USS Missouri battleship alone can take an additional hour or two.

Wrapping Up

Whether you follow this route precisely or mix and match with your preferred stops, a one-day scenic drive around Oahu delivers a remarkable taste of Hawaii.

From the morning views at Hanauma Bay lookout to sunset at Haleiwa Beach Park, the island's natural wonders, famous beaches, and lush mountains make every mile memorable.

This drive is as much about the journey as the destination-an unforgettable day exploring the scenic routes of Oahu that will leave you dreaming of your next island adventure.

As I recently discovered, there are numerous free things to do in San Francisco, California, whether you're visiting for the first time or living there.

Twenty years ago, I visited the Golden Gate City for the first time. My spur-of-the-moment decision to fly across the country for a long weekend with someone I barely knew was more of a social visit than a sightseeing experience. Ever since, I've wanted to go back and explore more of the city.

That opportunity came when my girlfriend and I planned a week on Oahu, and I spent a weekend in San Francisco before meeting her in Honolulu.

Free Activities in San Francisco

San Francisco may have one of the highest living costs in the United States, but I found plenty to do for free. If you're planning a move here, especially from Southern California, hiring experienced long distance movers from Temecula can help ease the transition and give you more time to enjoy your new home.

Additional worthwhile activities cost $20 or less; I'll also mention those. However, the emphasis here is on free things to do in San Francisco.

1. Golden Gate Bridge

First and foremost, I knew I had to see the Golden Gate Bridge in person. I'd been kicking myself for twenty years for not seeing it the first time I visited. I was unsure if I'd get any pretty pictures because my visit coincided with an unusual cold snap in August.

On my second full day in the city by the bay, the clouds began to part around noon, and bluish skies emerged. I took a break from visiting the best bakeries in San Francisco and headed by Uber to Battery Godfrey, an old gun battery dating back to 1895.

There are many places to choose from for scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. I wanted to do a little hiking, so I picked that one. I walked north, passing under the bridge, before visiting a few more outlooks on the east side.

If I had more time, I would've loved to spend an hour walking across the bridge to take in the detailed craftsmanship and the best views from the north side. Bicycling will get you across faster.

The white tarps in the photo above are related to work on installing nets, a deterrent for would-be jumpers.

2. Fisherman's Wharf

The day before the Golden Gate Bridge, I walked around Fisherman's Wharf while San Francisco was overcast and moody. This bustling neighborhood is full of seafood restaurants. I got crab chowder, served in fresh-baked sourdough bread, for $12.

The historic Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Cafe is just a block from the large Fisherman's Wharf sign. It has been baking bread since 1859.

Naval attractions include the USS Pampanito, a World War II submarine, and the SS Jeremiah O'Brien. Both vessels are located at Pier 45, which you can access on foot for free.

A self-guided tour of the submarine is $20. I did it; however, if you've walked through a WWII submarine before (as I had in San Diego), there's not much new to see. Save your money unless you want the photos standing on top of it.

Pier 45 is also home to the Musée Mécanique, a free museum filled with classic arcade games. And by classic, I don't mean Pac-Man. These are games so old you'll get a kick out of what used to pass as cutting-edge entertainment.

Bring quarters or small bills (such as $1 or $5) to use in the change machines if you want to play. I didn't have any or see any that took debit cards, so I missed the opportunity.

3. Sea Lions at Pier 39

Another fun and free activity in San Francisco is visiting the sea lions at Pier 39. I LOVE sea lions. They're adorable, make silly sounds, get testy with each other, and are generally neat to observe. Swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands was a highlight of my week there.

But you don't need to fly to Ecuador to get up close and personal with these cute mammals. You have to survive the gauntlet of commercialism that exists at Pier 39. Walk through this sizeable outdoor mall to reach the sea lions.

Then, take all the time you want to watch them from the observation deck. Thankfully, it was possible to walk off Pier 39 without passing by all the shops again.

4. Lombard Street

My awareness of Lombard Street, one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, dates back to childhood. I don't know precisely when or where I learned about it, but I knew I had to see what's been dubbed the "most crooked street in the world" because of its eight hairpin turns.

Walking up or down Lombard Street is possible, depending on your preference for physical activity. The benefits of walking are that it's free, and you can take your time and enjoy the eccentricity of this short but winding street in San Francisco.

In the interest of time, I took an Uber down it on my way from Coit Tower ($10 scenic view) to the Beat Museum ($8). I quickly learned this is not an original idea. There was a continuous line of cars doing the same thing! Perhaps that's unsurprising, considering the street sees two million visitors annually.

5. Alamo Square Park and the Painted Ladies

Any child of the 80s likely remembers the Full House sitcom, set in San Francisco. The opening features scenes of the fictional Tanner family playing in Alamo Square Park, across the street from beautiful old Victorian houses, known colloquially as The Painted Ladies.

Hanging out in Alamo Square Park with the Painted Ladies was one of my favorite free things in San Francisco. Sure, there were travelers like me there to snap photos. However, many locals were also picnicking there to enjoy the weather and the view.

See also: Things To Do in Temecula

6. Ghirardelli Square

I love chocolate almost as much as sea lions, so walking through Ghirardelli Square near the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park was a no-brainer.

This complex, now featuring restaurants, bars, a cheese shop, and a sweet gift shop, was once a 19th-century chocolate factory owned by Domenico "Domingo" Ghirardelli. It's been preserved and protected on the National Register of Historic Places.

I skipped one here since I indulged in one of their famous hot fudge sundaes at a Ghirardelli cafe in San Diego. I was content to walk around and take in the views, including a distant Alcatraz Island.

7. Ferry Building

Across downtown, on the eastern coast, is another historic landmark that's free to explore - the Ferry Building. Opened in 1898, the Ferry Building was once a transportation hub for people traveling to and from San Francisco. As the name suggests, travelers took ferries.

This historic building underwent a complete restoration in 2003. Today, it houses a marketplace (a mall) full of restaurants, cafes, and food and wine shops. Book Passage is a small but well-known bookstore that hosts an annual travel writing conference.

While you're here, walk across the street to Embarcadero Plaza for a quick look at the Vaillancourt Fountain, a fascinating 1971 sculpture.

8. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers

No bookstore was more influential than City Lights Booksellers & Publishers during the Beat Generation.

Founded in 1953 by poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin, City Lights is one of the few truly great independent bookstores in the United States, a place where booklovers from across the country and around the world come to browse, read, and just soak in the ambiance of alternative culture's only "Literary Landmark."

City Lights website

Ferlinghetti passed away in February 2021 at the age of 101. His bookstore was an important meeting place for Beat-era writers and poets, such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, whom I read, studied, and grew fond of in college.

A dedicated poetry room on the second floor is full of beatnik literature. There's a basement, too, in addition to the street-level space. Perusing a historic Beat Generation bookstore is one of the best free things in San Francisco.

9. Vesuvio Cafe

If I've sold you on City Lights, take a minute to walk down Jack Kerouac Alley, which separates the bookstore from Vesuvio Cafe, another worthy destination on this list.

Vesuvio is a bar and café that was once popular among the Beat poets and writers. It's a symbiotic relationship, having a restaurant and bar across an alley from a groundbreaking bookstore.

Inside, you'll see old photos and memorabilia on the walls. Walk up the creaky old wooden staircase to glimpse even more on the second floor, which looks down on the first.

Whether you stop in for a quick look or grab a drink to soak up the atmosphere, Vesuvio Cafe is worth a minute of your time in San Francisco.

Related: San Francisco's Coffee Culture

10. Chinatown

I will round out my list with a walk in Chinatown, which I learned is more of a ghost town on Saturday mornings. I walked past the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, which I'd hoped to visit but was closed.

Still, I enjoyed multiple street art murals depicting dragons and Bruce Lee, and getting a feel for the Chinese shops and restaurants here.

On my last night in town, I returned for a Chinese Mai Tai at Li Po Cocktail Lounge, which Anthony Bourdain featured on his show The Layover.

I was proud that I could see and do so many things in San Francisco, but there was much more I missed out on during my visit.

Next time, I'd love to explore Golden Gate Park, including the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Clarion Alley Street Art in the Mission District. All of these places are free.

Taking a road trip to Zion National Park in Utah can be a wonderful experience in the fall or winter. Nearby day hikes and places to camp make the city of St. George a worthy stop on your journey.

Snow Canyon State Park

Just north of St. George is a state park that locals have lauded as a place that would be a national park if it were in any other state in the United States.

Utah's Snow Canyon State Park comprises more than 7,000 acres of hiking and biking trails and a scenic and dramatic campground for travelers en route to Zion National Park.

Spend the day hiking and exploring, or spend the night in the campground on your way to Zion National Park.

True adventurers will not be disappointed as they hike the lava formations, caves, and colorful sandstone cliffs. Zion National Park's boundaries are some distance away, but stopping at Snow Canyon State Park before or after your stay in Zion should be mandatory.

Hiking on the Rocks

My favorite hike takes you through gorgeous scenery and sandstone and white limestone rock formations that we were allowed to walk and climb upon.

The Snow Canyon Loop Trail took us through most of the park's features in a 3.5-mile moderate loop. Check out trail guides here.

Exploring Slot Canyons

During our exploration of Snow Canyon State Park, we hiked in and out of mysterious slot canyons. This one pictured above is often referred to as Utah's most accessible slot canyon.

Lava Tubes

One of the highlights of the Snow Canyon Loop Trail was our journey into a huge lava tube. We took our headlamps!

Lava tubes are formed by the hot flowing lava traveling underneath the layers of already hardened rock above. When the lava stops flowing, a cave or tube is left behind.

Neverending Fun

Hiking over the red rocks, taking in beautiful vistas, and spending time together with very few people around us was fun.

Snow Canyon State Park is an excellent place for photographers to get that unusual shot. Snow Canyon is as scenic for photography as any place I have visited, hiked, or backpacked in the Western United States.

Snow Canyon State Park is just the right place to warm up your body and mind before visiting Zion National Park.

Beautiful Views

Snow Canyon State Park, Utah, has excellent views any time of year and day. We hiked in the middle of the day during one November, but we soon realized that sunrise or sunset would be stellar, too, as the rocks would glow in the low setting or rising sun.

Any time of day is a great time to hike in this majestic place. The red rocks and white limestone are so beautiful; it was very emotional for me. Making a road trip stop at Snow Canyon State Park is an easy way to make your visit to Zion National Park even more memorable.

Climb a Volcano

Just a few miles north of Snow Canyon State Park on Highway 18 sit two very distinct and impressive extinct cinder cone volcanoes that you can climb and explore.

This cinder cone volcano is about 500 feet above the valley floor below. From downtown St. George, it is just a short 15-minute drive to the parking area and trailhead. It's a great stop before you continue to Zion National Park.

Standing on the crater's edge, I saw Snow Canyon State Park and the entire Santa Clara volcanic field. Although this field of lava and cinder cones is inactive, it is one of the most recent active fields in the Colorado Plateau.

Use your favorite internet map and enter "Cinder Cone Trail" on Highway 18, and it will direct you to the parking lot. It is a steep hike, but worth it.

Hike or Bike Red Rocks

Zion National Park has many great trails, but it is not a place for mountain biking. So, if you are on a road trip with your mountain bikes, make a stop and get a nice ride just outside the park.

Red Reef Canyon and Prospector Trail Loop

One of the most popular places to go hiking near Zion National Park is the Red Reef Canyon and Prospector Trail.

While these two trails merge and form a loop, it may be better as an out-and-back for less experienced hikers and bikers, as the trail can be more than difficult in certain parts.

During Spring and early summer, water run-offs make this trail a swimming area. Late summer, fall, and winter are your best bets.

In 2009, the US Congress designated this area as wilderness. Named the Cottonwood Canyon Wilderness, it is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Related: Things To Do on a Utah Road Trip

Red Reef Canyon and Prospector Trail are not far from Zion National Park, right off Interstate 15, just north of State Highway 9. There is no direct exit, so use your internet mapping software to follow the directions for north and southbound approaches.

Sometimes, even Google Maps or Waze does not work. So, I have found the following directions helpful.

1. Take I-15 Exit 16 to Hurricane City (SR 9).
2. Take the exit ramp south toward Hurricane and continue to the first traffic light in 0.8 miles.
3. Turn left at the light onto 6300 West and continue for 2.0 miles as 6300 West turns into Old Highway 91.
4. Just past Winkle Distributing, turn left onto a gravel road between Winkle Distributing and the Rocky Mountain Power maintenance building.
5. Continue through two freeway tunnels to reach the trailhead.

I hope these tips inspire you to make the most of your road trip to Zion National Park.

Try as I might, I couldn't remember visiting Kennedy Space Center attractions during my childhood trips to Florida. My parents had taken my brother and me to Disney World twice. And with Cape Canaveral just an hour's drive east of Orlando, it was hard to imagine we hadn't been.

The lack of photographic evidence in family albums seemed to confirm it. So, this summer, my girlfriend and I planned a weekend at Cocoa Beach, a mere half-hour drive south of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

We gave ourselves one full day to explore this awe-inspiring museum, a testament to human ingenuity. Given our time constraints, we had to prioritize what to see. The museum's visiting hours, combined with our limited energy levels and attention spans, restricted us.

Even with some of the tours, activities, and experiences unavailable due to pandemic restrictions, we still found it challenging to access everything available.

This article reflects our game plan that day, so you can get an idea of how long it can take to see the top attractions at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Kennedy Space Center Tickets and Arrival

Tickets

I bought two adult tickets in advance for $57 apiece to ensure we could get into the Kennedy Space Center on the day we wanted. Kids age 12+ are considered adults. Children's tickets for those aged 3-11 are $47.

Tickets are only valid for your selected date and do not include parking ($10 for cars). However, unless otherwise noted, they provide access to all of the attractions in this article.

You can present the ticket on your mobile device at the gate, pick it up at Will Call, or print it at home if you prefer paper.

Arrival

The Kennedy Space Center is currently open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We left Cocoa Beach a little later than I'd wanted, arriving at the Visitor Complex parking lot around 9:25 a.m.

A Blue Origin Rocket Factory is visible from the road as you near the entrance to the Space Center, a reminder that innovative rocket science continues.

Thankfully, it wasn't too busy. There were other visitors before us, but it wasn't the crush of humanity I had imagined it could be during a typical summer season. I flashed our tickets on my iPhone at the entry gate, and we were in a one-of-a-kind engineering wonderland.

Top Attractions

Rocket Garden

The first Kennedy Space Center attraction visitors see is the Rocket Garden. It's impossible to miss, and it's one of the park's original features. All of the rockets on display are real, though none were launched into space, as that technology only recently became available (thanks, SpaceX).

The 95-foot silver rocket (front-left, pictured above) is a full-scale replica of the Mercury-Atlas rocket that launched John Glenn into outer space on February 20, 1962. He was the first American to orbit Earth.

The 223-foot-long Saturn 1B rocket, positioned horizontally, launched Apollo 7, the first crewed Apollo mission. It was another step toward landing astronauts on the Moon. A full-size Saturn V rocket engine is on display, and you can also sit inside a Mercury capsule.

Apollo/Saturn V Center

Shuttle and Vehicle Assembly Building

Seeing the Saturn V rocket, which launched people to the Moon multiple times, was tops on my list of things to do at the Kennedy Space Center.

The Apollo/Saturn V Center is 20 minutes north of the Visitor Complex. A general admission ticket includes complimentary round-trip shuttle bus rides. However, you must reserve a time.

I didn't know how busy the park would get over the day, but I didn't want to risk missing this experience, so I suggested we go early and get it out of the way.

We booked a 10 a.m. shuttle, which drove past the immense Vehicle Assembly Building. Sit on the right side of the bus if you want a shot at good photos.

If not for the pandemic, it would be possible to get closer to the building where rockets are assembled via a 20-minute bus tour and launch complex 39 B.

Firing Room

Upon arrival at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, you'll first see the actual Firing Room where engineers launched the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. The Apollo 8 mission was the first to send humans into orbit around the Moon, setting the stage for later missions to land on it.

Once everyone is in the room, a launch sequence occurs, culminating in video footage of the Apollo 8 launching from Cape Canaveral. It must have been extremely tense in that room as everyone waited with bated breath to launch that rocket. When the show ends, doors open to the full-size Saturn V rocket.

Saturn V Rocket

Walking into the exhibition space, you first see five enormous Saturn V F-1 engines, each capable of generating more than 7.5 million pounds of thrust.

That's how much power was required to lift the 363-foot, 6-million-pound Saturn V rocket out of Earth's atmosphere and toward the Moon.

This rocket is the most complex machine ever built. From 1967 to 1972, thirteen Saturn V rockets were launched.

It was a team effort, to say the least. About 400,000 people were estimated to have been involved in its design and construction.

There's more to the Saturn V than just the engines at the bottom, though those were the most powerful. As you walk the length of the rocket, from bottom to top, you pass by the various stages, which reveal yet more engines.

The second stage (pictured below) boasts another five engines and a lot of wiring. It's hard to imagine how meticulous the engineers needed to be to assemble everything.

Although there were backup systems in place, overall, everything had to work correctly for the Apollo missions to be successful and bring the astronauts home safely.

The third stage of the Saturn V had just one engine, and boy, it looks delicate.

While much of my attention was on the enormity of the rocket, there were some other interesting displays, including:

• "Moonscape" features a real Lunar Module 9 in a scene from the Apollo 11 mission, during which Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong planted a US flag on the Moon.
• Lunar roving vehicle from Apollo 16.
• Command Service Module.
• A 3.7 billion-year-old lunar rock sample you can physically touch.
• Life-size holograms of astronauts that answer your questions.

Apollo Treasures Gallery

The Apollo Treasures collection features the actual crew capsule "Kitty Hawk" from the Apollo 14 mission in a dedicated space off the main exhibition hall. I find the exterior fascinating, especially the burn marks from the small rockets firing to position the capsule as needed.

I also find it amazing that humans have been able to engineer materials to withstand the temperatures of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This capsule can float (with the help of some airbags deployed upon landing) in the ocean.

A collection of astronaut space suits showing their evolution is also displayed. Once we'd finished at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, we caught a shuttle bus back to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Space Shuttle Atlantis

At 11:50 a.m., our return bus from the Apollo/Saturn V Center dropped us off outside the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, another of the park's marquee attractions.

Standing tall outside the entrance are two solid rocket boosters and the orange external fuel tank, which launched NASA space shuttles into orbit around Earth for 30 years.

I have to admit, the rockets and fuel tank seemed smaller in person than I'd imagined watching them on TV over the years.

Inside, visitors are treated to a stunning display of the Atlantis shuttle, mounted with a rotation of 43.21 degrees. This allows visitors to peer into the cargo bay. Atlantis was in operation from October 1985 through July 2011.

Key missions included:

• Deploying interplanetary probes (Magellan to Venus, and Galileo to Jupiter).
• Docking and crew change at the Russian Space Station Mir.
• Delivery of components for the International Space Station.
• Servicing Mission 4 to the Hubble Space Telescope.

I loved the close-up view of individual tiles that make up the heat shield plating. During STS-27, a classified four-day mission in December 1988 to launch a satellite, some protective tiles were significantly damaged under a wing during liftoff.

It was so bad that some of the crew, including Commander Robert Gibson, thought they would die during re-entry, much like the Space Shuttle Columbia would be lost 15 years later. To the crew's relief, Atlantis survived re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and landed safely.

Seeing a Space Shuttle up close for the first time in my life was a treat. I grew up with this type of space travel, whereas the Apollo program had ended by the time I was born.

Other Exhibits

There's also a replica of the Hubble Space Telescope, which I believe was built to be as large as possible while still fitting in a shuttle cargo bay.

On the lower level, you'll find Forever Remembered, a touching tribute to the 14 astronauts who died in the Challenger and Columbia accidents. There's wreckage from each shuttle on somber display, along with some personal effects of each astronaut.

You'll also see some examples of how new technologies allowed astronauts to eat, sleep, and, yes, poop in zero gravity.

We left the shuttle exhibit at 1 p.m., after spending about 75 minutes there. It was lunchtime, and we took a 45-minute break to eat in one of the cafeteria-style restaurants.

Space Mirror Memorial

Near the Space Shuttle exhibit is a giant white steel square. That's the back of the beautiful Space Mirror Memorial, dedicated to the 24 astronauts who have died due to US space exploration.

Each name is lit up amidst polished black granite, which brilliantly reflects the sky. Take a few minutes to wander over to this unique tribute.

Journey to Mars

At 2 p.m., we checked out the Mars exhibit, which was timely considering I watched the Perseverance rover land on the planet live back in February. Also fascinating about that mission is the drone helicopter, which successfully flew on the Red Planet.

The Mars exhibit features life-size replicas of the rover and its predecessors, Curiosity and Spirit. The rovers' evolution is evident, as they have become larger and more equipped with cameras and sensors.

We only gave the Mars exhibit 15 minutes. By this point, I was running out of steam, and I still wanted to leave time to swim at Cocoa Beach.

Related: Clearwater Beach, Florida

Additional Experiences

The best Kennedy Space Center attractions are the Apollo/Saturn V Center, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and Rocket Garden. Taking your time at all three can quickly fill a full day at the park, as it did for us. But, there's more.

• IMAX Theater: A rotating selection of space movies, some in 3D.
• Heroes & Legends: Explore the US Astronaut Hall of Fame.
• Astronaut Training Experience ($175): In this unique four- to five-hour experience, pretend you're going on a mission to Mars and train accordingly.
• Dine with an Astronaut.

If you're inclined to watch movies during your visit and want to pay extra for the Astronaut Training Experience, you'll want to budget two days. I want my next visit to the region to watch a rocket launch.

Going for my first walk on the white sand of Clearwater Beach, Florida, felt like a rebirth. I'd survived the pandemic, been fully vaccinated, and reconnected with my parents in person. It was time for a few days of R&R at one of the best beaches in the United States.

Clearwater Beach is located on a barrier island off the western coast of Florida, a half-hour west of Tampa Bay and north of St. Petersburg.

In mid-May, when I visited, the weather on Clearwater Beach was ideal. Highs were in the 80s, with lots of sun and wisps of white clouds across the otherwise blue skies.

I chose Clearwater Beach for its accolades and because it's one of the most convenient beaches close to Tampa Airport, with direct Southwest Airlines flights from Tampa International to Austin.

I fly this route often enough that it made sense to get a Southwest credit card to earn points for free flights.

On the other hand, choosing where to stay was a more difficult decision. Clearwater Beach is pricier than I expected.

Clearwater Beach Travel Guide

Where To Stay

I began by searching for Airbnbs in Clearwater Beach, only to find the cheapest options available were still expensive for what you get. The big hotels were $400 or more per night, and there was no way I would pay that. I prefer to fly to Mexico for the weekend for that price.

Sta 'n Pla Motel

I settled on a one-bedroom apartment in the Sta 'n Pla Motel two blocks from the beach. Including fees, it came out to $200 per night. Thankfully, I had $80 in Airbnb credit, bringing the cost down to $160 per night, or $320 total.

Still a lot, but I'd been waiting 17 months to see a beach and didn't lose too much sleep over it. Besides, I had a trick up my sleeve to end the trip on a high note.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The last night of my Florida trip would be spent in a Gulf-view room at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach Resort, a $500+ value that I received for significantly less.

A few years earlier, while at the Austin Kite Festival in Zilker Park, I was approached by a woman signing up people to attend a Wyndham timeshare presentation. The reward for attending was 30,000 points that could be redeemed at Wyndham's locations.

I signed up, earned the points in exchange for a few hours of my time (during which I did not buy a timeshare), and waited for an excellent opportunity to use them. That opportunity came in the form of a night at their premier Clearwater Beach resort. It would be my first time staying at a Wyndham property.

The points were enough for a standard room, which I booked. I later received an email offering the chance to upgrade to a Gulf view room for $60, based on availability.

I signed up and was happy to learn I'd received the upgrade at check-in. As you can see from the view from my balcony above, the scenery was spectacular.

Staying at the resort afforded me access to the pool, though I didn't use it for more than a quick dip. However, I enjoyed a happy hour cocktail and salad with chicken for dinner at the pool bar.

I sat in one of the resort's shaded lounge chairs on the beach the morning of my departure. I left mid-morning before anyone came by to charge me. My stay at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater was well worth my time listening to the timeshare presentation.

Where To Eat

Columbia Restaurant

When it comes to Clearwater Beach restaurants, I made a few discoveries. First and foremost, Columbia Restaurant is technically located just south of the bridge on Sand Key.

Columbia is a family-owned and operated Spanish restaurant that has been in operation for more than 117 years. The original location is in Tampa Bay.

I had the chicken and plantains, a mojito, and a terrific view of the sparkling blue waters outside. I sat inside due to the heat; however, they have a large outdoor deck and a dock with jet skis!

Palm Pavilion

My friend, Shannon of A Little Adrift, was in the area when I was visiting, so we met up for lunch at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar. It was the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch, catching up with an old friend.

We had chips, salsa, and guacamole, and I ordered fish tacos as the main course. Shannon and I last shared Mexican food in Oaxaca five years earlier. I appreciated being able to linger as long as we liked on the restaurant's deck without pressure to pay and leave.

As mentioned above, I also had dinner at Wyndham's pool bar one night.

Shor American Seafood Grill

Another night, I ate at Shor American Seafood Grill at the Hyatt Regency Beach Resort. I picked it for the convenient location and Gulf view. The grilled avocado and salmon dishes were excellent, too.

Things To Do in Clearwater Beach

If all you want is to hang out at the beach, I can't blame you. After a year and a half in landlocked Austin, TX, that was my focus. However, there are plenty of activities available as well.

Hang Out on Clearwater Beach

Let's start with the white sandy beach and calm, clear Gulf waters. It's a legit world-class beach, even if it doesn't sound as exotic as a Thai beach half a world away.

I went for walks on the beach in the mornings and left my footprints on the freshly groomed sand. The beaches were packed with families, couples, and groups of friends in the afternoons. On one walk, I noticed the music played went from Guns 'n Roses to reggaeton to electronica.

The vacationers were in a generally upbeat mood. It was the largest concentration of people I'd been around since 2019, and I felt comfortable and safe (both being outside and fully vaccinated).

I watched the sunset each evening, first from the beach and the next night from my balcony at the Wyndham. As fair-skinned as I am, I can better enjoy beaches in the early mornings and late afternoons when the risk of burning is lower.

Pier 60

Anyone who walks along Clearwater Beach will see and eventually run into Pier 60. This wooden pier provides visitors with a unique vantage point to view the beach.

Fishing with the best baitcasting reels from the pier is allowed, and plenty of people were fishing when I walked out on it. There's a $2 charge if you want to walk to the far end of the pier, which I recommend. If you're lucky, you may spot some dolphins!

Dolphin Watching

Want to increase your odds of seeing wild dolphins at play? Book one of the many boat tours in Clearwater.

Watersports

There are numerous watersports to enjoy in Clearwater Beach. Banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are popular activities.

Explore Nearby Beaches and Islands

If you'd like to escape the crowds on Clearwater Beach, many other beaches on nearby islands are worth exploring. Having a car, either your own or a rental, helps here, as rideshare prices can be costly during the summer.

• Sand Key Park and Beach - a few minutes' drive south of Clearwater Beach.
• Caladesi Island State Park is at the north end of the same island as Clearwater Beach. Accessible via foot or boat.
• Honeymoon Island State Park is just north of Caladesi Island, accessible by boat or car (via the Dunedin Causeway).
• If you're willing to travel further south along Florida's Gulf Coast, consider booking a Treasure Island beach hotel for easy access to beautiful sunsets, waterfront dining, and a relaxed small-town vibe.

Overall, my experience at Clearwater Beach surpassed my expectations. The white sand and warm Gulf waters are vacation-worthy. Finding affordable accommodation may be challenging, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall).

Florida often comes to mind when discussing unusual and odd behavior in the United States. But it's also the state that undeniably offers some of our best beaches, and Clearwater Beach is one of them.