Hawaii – Mark's Travel Journal

10 Best Places to Visit in November in the USA

A map, a notebook, a camera, and a compass.

November is a great time to explore the USA. Besides fewer crowds and possible discounts, you can also experience snow in some parts and warm weather in others. Not to mention that the Christmas spirit is in the air as preparations for December are underway. And even if almost all the leaves have fallen from the trees, the colors of nature are still vivid. There are still lots of activities that can be done outdoors, by yourself or with the family. As a matter of fact, there are enough great destinations that can satisfy any type of traveler. So without further ado, here are the best places to visit in November in the USA.

Salem, Massachusetts

With Halloween having just passed, one of the best places to visit in November in the USA is Salem. The well-known small town in Massachusetts is a popular tourist destination in October, but it is preferable to visit in November. The crowds are fewer, and the main attractions are still open. The Salem Witch Museum, for example, is a great place to visit and learn about the history revolving around the famous witch trials. In addition, you may visit the House of Seven Gables, the Witch House, or the Witch Dungeon Museum or go on a ghost tour.

San Francisco, California

With warm and sunny days and pleasantly cool afternoons, fall is the perfect season to visit San Francisco. And the best part is that you won’t see as many tourists roaming the streets as you would during peak season. Therefore, you can enjoy all the fun attractions that the city has to offer in peace. First, you can go to Alcatraz Island and see how the famous jail treated its inmates. Then, you can rent a bike and cycle on the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. For an extra treat, you can take a cruise around San Francisco and admire the humpback whales in their natural habitat. Even if November marks the end of the whale season, you can still be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants.

Los Angeles, California

If you plan to visit San Francisco this fall, it’s also a good time for a trip to LA. The City of Angels is very close, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, and packed with interesting sights. Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and the famous Hollywood are just a few of them. You can also visit the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, or the Academy Museum. For outdoor fun, you can take a stroll through the South Coast Botanic Garden, have a picnic at the beautiful Dume State Beach, or climb the 282 steps that take you to the top of Baldwin Hills. Also, you shouldn’t miss one of the best events in LA that start right in November, called Enchanted: Forest of Light. This event is held at the Descanso Gardens and features a beautiful display of art and lighting.

A view of a beach in Los Angeles. — Los Angeles is one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, not just for Hollywood but also for the lovely beaches and mild weather.

Kauai, Hawaii

If you want to postpone the coming of the cold season, you can find a tropical refuge in Hawaii. Kauai is an underrated jewel of the Hawaiian Islands, considered more beautiful than Maui or the Big Island. On the Garden Island, as it is also known, you can find amazing beaches, spectacular cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls, and lush forests. If you want to explore the island and its surroundings, you can go hiking, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving. And, in addition to admiring the beautiful landscape, there are other fun things to do on the island, like tasting the local cuisine. On your plate, you will find a unique blend of Western, Thai, Filipino, and Japanese influences that will delight your taste buds.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

In your pursuit of an endless summer, you can’t miss visiting one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The capital city of San Juan is one of the best exotic destinations in the Caribbean, if not in the world. Besides the beautiful beaches and clear waters, San Juan will amaze you with its cultural and historical settings. It’s a city full of old structures of Spanish colonial architecture that are vibrating with today’s modern energy. Only here can you book a room in a hotel housed in a 16th or 17th-century structure. And if you are a party goer that would enjoy a bit of nightlife, don’t worry. There is enough entertainment for you in the Santurce neighborhood, the modern cultural center of San Juan.

Miami, Florida

The Magic City is a popular destination for travelers that want to escape the cold temperatures. The weather is nice, at around 77°F, the city is less busy, and the prices drop. So, it’s the perfect time to escape for a relaxing weekend at the beach. If you want to stay active, go on a walk through the city streets and admire the Wynwood Walls. You will be able to see amazing colorful murals made by artists from around the globe. If you plan to explore Miami with friends, there is a lot of entertainment for groups taking place during November. The Miami Book Fair, the Miami Live Arts Month, or the Jazz Festival, for instance.

View of one of the best places to visit in November in the USA, Miami. — Miami is a lively and vibrant city that makes a great destination for a fall vacation.

New York City, New York

Even if the Big Apple is a great tourist destination all year round, November is the perfect time to visit. There is still enough time to enjoy the autumn foliage in the beautiful city parks, just before the hectic Christmas season starts. Moreover, there are fewer crowds in the city, making it easier to get around and see the main attractions. And there is quite a lot to see and do in New York as a tourist. For instance, if you want to have a fun Thanksgiving weekend in this city, don’t miss the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a spectacular display of music, color, and giant floating balloons. For a more quiet day, take a ferry around the Statue of Liberty or admire the view from the Empire State Building. If it gets too chilly, visit one of the many museums or go on a shopping spree.

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Crescent City is the birthplace of jazz music, with a charming festive spirit and lots of street parties. In addition, we just have to mention the unique local cuisine that has French, African, and American influences. And to top it all, the ideal time to visit this musical city is right in November. Aside from the pleasant weather and fewer tourists, the prices are lower for transportation and accommodation. Also, the many festivals and events in the city are a delight for any visitor. The International Wine Awards, the Po-Boy sandwich festival, the annual Turkey Day Race, or the Congo Square Rhythms Festival are just a few examples.

Phoenix, Arizona

November is the best time to visit Phoenix if you want to avoid the summer heat. Temperatures are dropping to an average of 67°F, which makes it easier to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking in the mountains, strolling through local parks, or visiting outdoor museums are much more enjoyable. And, of course, the Grand Canyon, the region’s most renowned natural wonder. As indoor activities, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum are excellent places to visit and learn about local culture and history. Also, if you want to have a memorable family trip with the kids, visit the Children’s Museum, the local Zoo, or the Science Center. As you can see, Phoenix has a lot of great places that are worth visiting in November.

Sunset in Arizona. — Phoenix is not all about deserts and cactuses, but a city that can offer a lot of fun outdoor activities for all its tourists.

Seattle, Washington

While November is one of the rainiest months, hotel discounts make Emerald City a great place to visit currently. You can stay dry by visiting one of the many museums and galleries or by going shopping in Pike Place Market. At the same time, you can take part in the Northwest Chocolate Festival, the Earshot Jazz Festival, or the Holiday Wine Fest. And if you want to get warm and energized while in Seattle, you can go on a coffee tour around the city. You can find a coffee shop at every corner, so you can just grab a book and spend a relaxing day in a cozy cafe.

In conclusion

There are a lot of great places that are worth visiting this fall. As you can see, we can name at least 10. So, if you are wondering where to go on your next trip, check out our list of best places to visit in November in the USA. We can guarantee that you will enjoy every one of them.

The Most Popular Islands to Travel to This Summer

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Summer has finally arrived, and what better time to plan your trip than now? You might have found it difficult to choose where exactly you should spend your precious free time, or maybe you need a change of scenery without using your vacation days, so you might give traveling and working abroad a try. There are so many wonderful islands you can travel to this summer, but with our help, you will find it quite easy to pick your dream destination. In this article, you will find five of the most popular islands to travel to this summer, located on all corners of the globe.

1. Santorini, Greece

A view of Santorini, Greece, which is one of the most popular islands to travel to this summer. — A perfect island destination you can visit this summer season: Santorini, Greece.

Whitewashed buildings, blue roofs, and cliffside views; only one place comes to mind to most people when they hear such descriptions: Santorini, Greece. This wonderful island has been made thanks to a previous volcanic eruption that helped it become such a unique place to visit. Unfortunately though, over the past year, COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the travel industry, and Greece has also felt these effects. Currently, it has become easier to visit this breathtaking island, but only while following the safety precautions the country requires.

Renting a place has never been easier with the help of various websites where you can find proper accommodation for you this summer. Renting one of these hillside buildings may be exactly what you need to enjoy this summer season to the fullest. But if you are more interested in walking and exploring the area, then you can enjoy its wonderful art galleries, microbreweries, and various restaurants. Or, if you prefer, you may let your eyes feast on all the views this island has to offer.

2. Hawaii, US

Hawaii is a group of different wonderful volcanic islands surrounded by the Pacific ocean. They have been known as the perfect locations to spend your summer days, and they are called Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii. All of these islands have diverse landscapes and activities you can partake in. You cannot go wrong choosing one this summer.

It is important to note that Hawaii is known for its scorching summers, but luckily, there are many different beaches you can visit throughout the day. You may also want to explore the island, give surfing a try, swim with friendly dolphins, or if you are a foodie, you should try traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Hawaii is often regarded as a place filled with very friendly and eager-to-help people. So if you ever need help choosing a perfect restaurant to visit this summer – be sure to ask the locals.

3. The Maldives

The Maldives consist of even more islands – around 1200, to be exact. This means that there are almost 1200 perfect islands for you to visit this season. Sometimes it seems impossible to believe these islands are real and that such paradise on Earth does indeed exist. The Maldives is quite a remote place to visit, and traveling there might burn a hole in your wallet, but you can rest assured the cost is very just for one of the most popular islands to travel to this summer.

These islands have many things to offer, whether you are traveling on a tight budget or not. If you want to avoid spending a lot of your hard-earned money, you can contact local guest houses. If you wish to splurge a little, you can reserve a spot in various resorts. These resorts more often than not come with privately-owned islands. There are many activities people of all ages can do in the Maldives, so do not fret. The Maldives can be a great location to bring your children so that they can enjoy their summer vacation as well. One thing is sure – you cannot find a better place to look at marine life while diving and snorkeling.

Clear water and blue skies with a coast of one of the Maldives islands. — The Maldives have some of the most transparent waters you can find in the world.

4. Hokkaido, Japan

When it comes to Japan, many people have found it to be quite an attractive place to visit, and these days, it has even become one of the most popular places for expats. So, be wary of the charm of Japan because it might make you want to pack up your life and move across the world. Japan, in itself, consists of quite a lot of islands that might scratch your particular itch this summer.

Summer is the perfect time to visit Japan if you are a big nature enthusiast. You do not have to only visit beaches – you can go and explore their untouched hills, views, and forests. You can also take a dip in their various natural and unique hot springs. Hiking, cycling, and any other types of outdoor adventures await you here. But make sure to also take in their unique and ancient culture while also appreciating their forward-thinking technological advances.

A blue van driving on a road — Let the adventurer in you take the wheel by renting a van and exploring Japan’s unique sights this summer.

5. Capri, Italy

Year after year, Capri is the location people choose to visit in Italy, and for good reasons. This island has everything anyone can need – it has lovely caves, grottos, and old ruins that you can freely explore. But it also has different options if you wish to enjoy it in a more laid-back way. You might visit its beaches or update your wardrobe by stopping by various designer boutiques. If you are the type of person that likes original souvenirs that you can bring home, then this island might be the spot for you.

It is a very well-known fact that Italy has some of the best food you can enjoy. That means it might be a lovely time for you to take your taste buds on an adventure. You just might find your next favorite food. We are confident Italy belongs on this list of perfect islands to travel to this summer, and it might be the ideal island for you.

Where to Travel For The Best Stargazing In The World

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In most urban areas, only around 500 stars are visible on a given night, but in the prized locations highlighted below, up to 15,000 are easily seen. That’s pretty incredible. It you’re planning a trip and want some nighttime eye candy, here are six of the best places in the world to go outside and look up. Here’s where to travel for the best stargazing in the world.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii

The Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island has perhaps the most ideal stargazing conditions in the world. At an elevation above 13,000 feet, it is the highest point in Hawaii. Its high elevation and location in the middle of the Pacific create excellent conditions, but the surrounding cloud layer makes it even more perfect for studying the sky. A tropical inversion cloud layer 2,000 feet thick sits below the summit, preventing pollutants and moist air from the ocean from rising up. The view itself is so spectacular that one of the world’s most advanced astronomical observatories is located at the top. The visitor’s center at 9,000 feet offers lectures, question and answer sessions, and telescope viewing.

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania might seem like an odd place for first-class stargazing, but Cherry Springs State Park is one of the best viewing points in the world. The 82 acre park is set within the 262,000 acre Susquehannock State Forest, protecting it from light pollution. A tremendous number of stars are visible at this Gold-Certified International Dark Sky Park. In fact, the sky is so dark that the Northern Lights were seen here four times back in 2014, a very unusual event this far below the Arctic Circle. The park offers Night Sky Tours on Friday and Saturday nights that use lasers to identify and explain constellations and planets. Visitors can also use telescopes on site.

Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert in Chile is already a stunning natural wonder with its red dunes, huge rock formations, and even a desert flowering in wet years. It’s also the driest non-polar desert in the world due to its high elevation, which makes it an exceptionally perfect place for stargazing. The newly constructed ALMA Observatory takes advantage of these conditions and the lack of light pollution in the desert. At times, the Milky Way can shine so brightly here that it casts a shadow on the desert floor.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

In 2007, Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah became the first ever International Dark Sky Park, a designation since reserved for the best stargazing locations in the world. The beauty of the stars visible in the desert is supplemented by the striking natural setting. Owachomo bridge, perhaps the oldest bridge in the park, was created when a river changed course and carved a hole into solid rock.

Photo by Tobias Bju00f8rkli on Pexels.com

Denali National Park, Alaska

The Northern Lights are caused by a coronal mass ejection, which is a gust of solar wind and magnetic fields that interact with the earth’s atmosphere. The result are stunning dancing waves of green, red, blue, and violet that are occasionally visible in northern climates. Denali National Park in Alaska is one of the best places for viewing the phenomenon. The park encompasses four million acres of federally protected land, and the cold and clear Alaskan nights made conditions ideal. The magnificent park also offers bears, wolves, caribou, and moose as well as some of the most stunning mountain views in the world. This is definitely where to travel for the best stargazing in the world.

Tromsø, Norway

Brave stargazers might seek to venture inside the Arctic Circle itself for viewing the northern lights. There’s no better place to experience the enchanted north than Tromsø. Not only does it offer fantastic views of the aurora borealis (the sun is invisible from November to January), it’s a lovely city in its own right. In the 19th century it was called the Paris of the North, and visitors can enjoy reindeer spotting, sledding with huskies, and visiting the famous Arctic Cathedral in this Norse and Sami medieval city. And if you are thinking of travelling to Norway, you don’t want to miss the Fjords!

Conclusion

There you have it. Some of the best destinations in the world to gaze at the wonder of stars. Some are easy to get to and some not so easy to get to but it’s well worth it to get out there. It’s time to travel!