Travel
10 Reasons To Visit This Mind-Blowing Island In Michigan
When nine sites on a small island get on the United States National Register of Historic Places, you know the place is worth exploring. Mackinac Island is one of the best islands to visit because tourists enjoy its scenic landmarks and distinct culture and experience a chill life without cars. These 20 slides are enough proof.
The Picturesque Harbor Stays in Your Mind
Mackinac Island’s harbor is a beautiful spot on the southeast side of the island with stunning views of the lakes. The harbor has 1,860 feet of breakwaters, which keep boats safe and give visitors a peaceful place to relax. You’ll also enjoy the soothing sight of sailboats gently floating on the water.
Great Scenes Bustling With Activity
Besides the scenery, the harbor is also full of activity, with ferries, fishing boats, and people playing water sports. When visiting, you can take walks along the docks, have picnics in nearby parks, or eat grilled seafood. Depending on your needs or wants, the area is good enough for relaxation and adventure.
There Are Serene Water Bodies
Since Mackinac Island rests between Lake Huron and the Straits of Mackinac, there are enough water bodies around. You can watch the sights of the iconic Mackinac Bridge and see boats glide across the shimmering waters. You can also board the Mackinac Island Ferry and go on boat tours to see how far the beautiful waters stretch during their trip.
You’ll Enjoy the Views from the Lake Houses
Have you ever tried reading a book, watching a movie, or meditating while listening to the gentle lapping of waves with colorful gardens in the background? If you visit Mackinac Island in the fall, you’ll find it hard to forget the image of charming lake houses along Lake Huron. The autumn foliage creates a beautiful contrast with the deep blue waters.
There’s an Iconic Limestone Formation
Mother Nature gave Mackinac Island a permanent gift during the Nipissing post-glacial period. The island has the breathtaking Arch Rock, a limestone arch rising 146 feet above the water. This natural wonder was formed by wind, water, and glaciers over thousands of years, and the nearby Milliken Nature Center teaches about its history and geology.
Historical Island Architecture
The rich architecture in Mackinac Island complements the scenery. Buildings have a fine mix of styles, such as Gothic Revival, Carpenter Gothic, and Queen Anne. There are iconic buildings like the Grand Hotel and the Island House Hotel. While visiting, you can tour various architectural sites while enjoying the car-free atmosphere. Yes, car-free!
Car-Free for a Century
For over 100 years, Mackinac Island has had a standing ban on almost all motor vehicles, except city emergency vehicles (ambulance, police cars, and fire trucks), city service vehicles, and snowmobiles in winter. Bicycles and horse-drawn carriages have replaced cars as the main ways to get around. You can ride someone along trails, shorelines, and historical landmarks.
The Island Has One of the Grand Dames of the Gilded Age
In 1887, the Grand Hotel opened on Mackinac Island as a masterpiece of Victorian architecture. As of 2024, it has the world’s longest porch at 660ft, where guests can relax, sip afternoon tea, and enjoy the stunning view of over 10,000 geraniums when they bloom in the summer. Their rooms have distinct decor with historic charm and modern comfort.
There’s Lake Michigan Just Around the Corner
Imagine cooling off in one of the five Great Lakes of North America on a warm summer. Lake Michigan stretches 307 miles long and connects to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac. Since it’s also about 118 miles wide, it’s the second-largest Great Lake by volume. However, there’s more to it than its size.
The Great Lake is Relaxing
Lake Michigan is the perfect spot for swimming, boating, or relaxing because of its sandy beaches and forests. Also, towering dunes and serene parks like Indiana Dunes National Park will leave you with memories that’ll stay with you forever. You could even visit other areas from Mackinac Island.
You Can Explore the Natural Beauty Through Trails
Mackinac Island is a dream location for hikers and horseback riders, considering it has over 70 miles of trails across beaches, through forests, and along cliffs. Besides the Tranquil Bluff and Botanical Trail, the Outer Loop Trail is a peaceful 12.9 km journey with stops at historic sites like Fort Holmes. Remember to bring your camera.
There are Ancient Museums
The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum was once the Indian Dormitory built after the 1836 Treaty of Washington. The building first served Native Americans receiving annuities until it was restored in 1966 and reopened in 2010 as the art museum. Today, it features Victorian art, Native American culture, photography, and a creative children’s art studio.
Mission Point
The 108-foot-tall glassed-in Mission Point would interest visitors keen on the incredible views of the Mackinac Straits, shipwreck exhibits, lighthouses, the lives of the Anishinaabek people, and the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. Fans of the movie “Somewhere in Time” can see its history here, too. Mackinac Island also has other sites, like the Biddle House Native American Museum.
You Can Hang Out in Parks Worth Visiting
Over 80% of Mackinac Island is preserved as the Mackinac Island State Park. Visitors can treat themselves to the atmosphere of limestone bluffs, vibrant forests, trails, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, and geological formations. Families will love parks like Marquette Park and Great Turtle Park, which have playgrounds and picnic spots.
Expansive Golf Courses
Besides water sports, visitors can play golf on Mackinac Island. Its Wawashkamo Golf Club is the state’s oldest operating course since 1898, with its classic Scottish nine-hole links style. The Jewel Golf Course at the Grand Hotel also has stunning Lake Huron views. Since cars aren’t allowed, players travel between courses with horse-drawn carriages. Exotic!
The Island Repeatedly Appears In Movies
Mackinac Island doesn’t just attract tourists with its beauty; it also draws Hollywood stars. Its iconic Round Island Lighthouse, Mission Point, and the Grand Hotel have been the backdrop for classic films like “Somewhere in Time.” Besides famous TV mentions, the island features in two mid-2000s TV series “Dirty Jobs” episodes.
Sailing Is a Culture
Sailing is a huge part of Mackinac’s identity, with its own sailing club and a vibrant maritime culture. The island hosts the finish line for two major freshwater races: the Port Huron to Mackinac Race and the Chicago Yacht Club Race. Held every July, these events draw over 500 boats and 3,500 sailors, making them global highlights.
The Island Showcases Its Real Beauty in Summer
During summer, flowers bloom in vibrant colors, and the sparkling waters glisten under the sun. The calm lake breezes and the sweet scent of lilacs during the Lilac Festival create an unforgettable experience. Visitors are left daydreaming about this paradise long after they leave. Travel sites recommend taking a good photo to frame for later.
A Vacation Spot With Numerous Cultural Festivals
Mackinac Island is famous for the unique charm of its exciting festivals, cornhole tournaments, and concerts. The annual Lilac Festival in June showcases the island’s beautiful lilacs with parades, live music, and a horse-drawn Lilac Parade. In August, there’s a Fudge Festival for fudge-making demonstrations and family-friendly activities to celebrate the island’s sweetest tradition.
There Are Top-Notch Events Yearly
Besides festivals, Mackinac Island is eventful. You can attend creative workshops and art walks and participate in the Fort 2 Fort 5-Mile Challenge—a fitness across a historic site. There’s also the Memorial Weekend Pageant & Michigan’s largest parade. You can catch the 8-mile Run/Walk in September or schedule your visit for the spooky Halloween Weekend in October.
Malibu’s beautiful coastline and rolling hills have made it one of California’s most beautiful places, attracting both locals and visitors for generations. The wildfires have left their mark, but these 10 glimpses capture the breathtaking beauty that once defined Malibu.
Golden State’s Iconic Pacific Coast Highway
Wind in your hair, the salty scent of the Pacific, and the open road ahead—this was more than just a drive. It was a journey through towering cliffs and sunlit beaches, where every curve revealed a new postcard-worthy scene. At sunset, the asphalt glowed gold and mirrored the waves below.
Beachfront Homes
Where architecture met the ocean, these homes stood as private retreats with glass walls and wooden decks stretching over the sand. Some were sleek and modern, others cozy hideaways weathered by sea spray. Each morning, the tide greeted their doorsteps, and at night, moonlight danced on the water.
The Adamson House
A relic of Malibu’s Spanish heritage, this mansion told stories through intricate ceramic tiles and arched windows that framed the Pacific. The gardens, lush with bougainvillea and palms, led to a quiet lagoon where the past still lingered. Inside, every detail whispered of a time when Malibu was untouched.
Prestigious Restaurants & Shops
Here, meals came with a front-row seat to the Pacific’s endless performance. Nobu’s miso cod melted in your mouth as waves crashed below while Geoffrey’s clifftop tables turned an ordinary lunch into an occasion. Moreover, at the Malibu Country Mart, high fashion was mixed effortlessly with barefoot luxury.
Point Dume
This rugged cliff stretched into the ocean, standing as one of Malibu’s most breathtaking vantage points with sweeping views of the endless blue horizon. Spring draped the cliffs in wildflowers while winter waves pounded the shore. Hikers paused at the summit and stared at the horizon with the knowledge they stood where land met infinity.
Rosenthal Winery
This was a vineyard perched against the Pacific, where glasses clinked beneath open skies and every sip carried a hint of ocean breeze. Live music filled the afternoons as locals and travelers melted into sun-drenched bliss. Here, the time slowed, the waves sang, and the drinks flowed freely.
Stunning Beaches
Soft golden sands and waves that hummed their melody—Malibu’s beaches weren’t just places but experiences. Surfers carved through dawn-lit swells at First Point while explorers ducked through El Matador’s rugged sea caves. Each tide reset the canvas, which left behind footprints that wouldn’t last.
On-Point Pier
Before wildfires reshaped Malibu’s surroundings, the Malibu Pier stood as a quiet retreat, free from the flashy attractions of other coastal spots. Its weathered wooden planks stretched over the Pacific, offering a timeless scene of fishermen casting lines and pelicans circling overhead.
Vibrant Wildlife
Whether soaring above, swimming below, or resting in between, wildlife was woven into every corner of Malibu. Dolphins rode the waves alongside paddleboarders, while hawks glided effortlessly over rugged canyons. On the shore, a sea lion stretched out on the warm sand, lazily watching the tides roll in.
Outdoor Adventures & Hiking Trails
Beyond the beaches, Malibu’s trails carried a different kind of beauty—one carved into canyons, hidden behind waterfalls, and wrapped in the whispers of old Hollywood hideaways. Solstice Canyon’s ruins sat half-swallowed by ivy, holding echoes of a forgotten past, while Escondido Falls tumbled over cliffs after generous rain.
The Great Basin calls to the adventurous traveler, promising a journey off the grid. These ten destinations, each more remote than the last, demand a spirit of adventure and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Prepare for dirt roads, limited amenities, and the chance to connect with scenery that has remained largely untouched by the modern world.
Jarbidge, Nevada
Located deep in Nevada’s northeastern corner, Jarbidge defies modern convenience with its dirt-road-only access. You’ll find yourself among just twelve year-round souls who brave winters at 6,200 feet elevation. The local trading post, dating from 1912, still serves as both a social hub and a survival necessity.
Baker, Nevada
You’ll need to drive 286 miles from Baker just to get groceries, but with a front-row seat to nature’s ultimate light show, the journey becomes part of the adventure. Great Basin National Park rangers guide you to witness countless stars piercing through some of the darkest skies in America.
Kingston, Nevada
Kingston’s weathered buildings tell tales of its 1865 silver strike. Here, you’ll spot wild horses roaming the Toiyabe Range while locals tend their high-desert gardens. The community still gathers monthly in their 1920s schoolhouse for potlucks and storytelling.
Berlin, Nevada
Night watchmen tell newcomers: count your footsteps through Berlin’s preserved cabins—if they echo twice, you’re not alone. Since the 1890s, this desert-locked mining town has kept its secrets, especially when stamp mills whisper on moonlit nights.
Denio, Nevada
That frosty milkshake at Denio’s lone café might be your last civilization’s comfort for 130 miles. Here at the Nevada-Oregon line, travelers pause before plunging into an ocean of sagebrush, fueling both vehicles and frontier dreams.
Tuscarora, Nevada
Artists now inhabit Tuscarora’s historic mining cabins, which makes this remote outpost a creative haven. The journey here requires navigating unpaved roads, but ceramic works from local potters draw collectors worldwide. The town’s population fluctuates with workshop seasons.
Manhattan, Nevada
Manhattan preserves its mining heritage 45 miles from civilization. During your visit, you’ll witness the preserved ruins of a stamp mill and historic buildings. Local prospectors still work claims in these hills, following veins of silver first discovered in 1866.
Ibapah, Utah
Catch glimpses of mail riders’ ghosts along Ibapah’s ancient Pony Express paths—if Deep Creek Valley’s isolation doesn’t stop you first. In Utah’s timeless pocket, Goshute heritage and ranching traditions blend beneath mountains that guard against change.
Gold Point, Nevada
Gold Point’s six permanent residents maintain a living ghost town. Your overnight stay in restored miners’ cabins reveals million-dollar desert sunsets. The local saloon opens whenever visitors arrive, serving stories alongside cold drinks.
Rachel, Nevada
Rachel earned its UFO Capital nickname from mysterious lights dancing above desert highways. Your last fuel stop waits 40 miles away, but the Little A’Le’Inn serves up otherworldly tales with every meal. Even the biggest skeptics can’t help but question what they see in these mysterious dark skies.
If you love outdoor adventure, there are sand dunes across the US that should be on your bucket list. These 10 natural wonders offer activities like sandboarding, off-roading, and hiking, which makes them perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Rising to 750 feet, these massive dunes are framed by dramatic alpine peaks, creating a breathtaking contrast. Seasonal Medano Creek flows through the area and offers a fun water element in spring. At night, stargazing under the high-altitude sky is nothing short of magical.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
Home to North America’s tallest single sand dune, Bruneau offers a unique mix of earth and sky exploration. The on-site observatory makes it a stargazer’s haven, while the nearby lake provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. It’s an unexpected gem for adventurers.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Oregon
Stretching 40 miles along the Pacific, this dune system combines sandy expanses with lush forests and wetlands. ATV riders love the adrenaline-packed trails, and hikers can enjoy serene pathways surrounded by coastal beauty.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, Utah
These striking pink dunes, sculpted by wind and time, are a photographer’s dream. Here, sunrise paints the environment in fiery hues while off-road enthusiasts explore the rolling sands. For a quieter adventure, wander on foot to discover hidden desert flora and peaceful vistas.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan
Overlooking the azure waters of Lake Michigan, these towering dunes combine stunning scenery with rich Native American legends. While the Dune Climb is a popular activity, peaceful trails through nearby forests give a quieter way to connect with this unique environment.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, North Carolina
The tallest dunes on the East Coast provide the perfect setting for kite flying or simply soaking in the views. Its constantly shifting sands create a dynamic environment, and sunsets here are among the most beautiful on the Atlantic Coast.
Little Sahara Recreation Area, Utah
This sprawling 10,600-acre setting is a playground for off-road enthusiasts. Sand Mountain offers steep challenges, while the open terrain invites casual riders to explore. Moreover, cooler months showcase the desert’s raw beauty—an ideal spot for thrill-seekers.
Kelso Dunes, California
Famous for their “singing sands,” the dunes here create a low humming sound when grains shift—a rare natural phenomenon. Hikers climbing to the summit are rewarded with sweeping views of the Mojave Desert, which makes it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas
The dynamic park features rolling dunes ideal for sand sledding, with sand disks available to rent. Families can also enjoy horseback riding trails that weave through the terrain. Because of the vast, open skies, it is a peaceful spot for camping and stargazing.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
This shimmering expanse of white gypsum dunes is like stepping into another world. Sand sledding is a favorite activity here, while moonlit ranger tours reveal the park’s surreal beauty. Unique wildlife, like the bleached earless lizard, adds an extra layer of intrigue.
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