Located on the east coast, New Jersey may not be as overwhelmingly iconic as its neighbor New York, but there’s still plenty to do in this state! Here are 10 off-the-beaten-path suggestions for your 2022 trip to Jersey.
1. Rent A Swan Boat At Wesley Lake
Head over to Asbury Park’s Wesley Lake to enjoy an afternoon on the water. The lake offers pedal boat rentals for $20 for a half-hour ride, and is set to open for this year’s season on April 16th – just in time for an upcoming trip to New Jersey.
2. Island Beach State Park
New Jersey may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of getting back to nature, but the state does offer several opportunities for this. One such opportunity is Island Beach State Park, a barrier island stretching 10 miles. This state park is a great spot for hiking, kayaking, and – during the warmer months – swimming.
3. Check Out A Local Amusement Park
Here’s a great option for families with kids! Diggerland is an amusement park in West Berlin, New Jersey with a memorable draw. Kids aren’t the only ones who will have fun at this amusement park – in addition to offering some of the more usual amusement park offerings, they also offers guests the opportunity to try their hand at driving life-size construction vehicles. If you visit during the summer months, Diggerland features a waterpark as well.
4. Explore Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Head over to Princeton, New Jersey to enjoy a drink at this historic landmark. Yankee Doodle Tap Room has been a long-loved staple of the area and holds the title of Princeton’s oldest taproom.
6. Visit Lucy The Elephant
Lucy The Elephant is a classic roadside attraction located in Margate City. Even if you aren’t on a road trip, though, this is still a fun attraction to visit. Lucy is a six-story tall elephant statue. While you can usually go inside the statue, the interior is currently closed for construction. You can still view the looming elephant structure from the outside, though, or check out the gift shop.
7. Watch The Sunset
Sunset Beach may not live up to Jersey shore stereotypes of partying and drinks, but it does live up to its namesake of being an excellent spot to watch the setting sun. Located in Cape May, this is an especially great option for couples thanks to its dreamy atmosphere.
8. Enjoy A Drink At The 1933 Room
This speakeasy-themed bar will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into another era! The 1933 Room features a unique ambiance as well as great drinks – everything one looks for in a bar. Currently open Thurs-Saturday, the bar is located on the upper level of the Verve Restaurant.
9. Silverball Pinball Museum
Head over to Asbury Park, New Jersey to check out Silverball Pinball Museum. This retro spot is home to various classic pinball and arcade games. It also features a bar, as well as live entertainment on select nights.
10. Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge
New Jersey was once home to countless covered bridges. Nowadays, Green Sargeant’s covered bridge is one of the last historic structures of its kind still standing. Located in Hunterdon County, the bridge was constructed in 1872. Now over a century old, it still stands tall over the Wickecheoke bridge.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
San Antonio is one of the largest cities in Texas and a great place to visit. With well-known historical spots such as the Alamo and a wide variety of attractions, you won’t find yourself at a loss for things to do in this city. Here are 8 suggestions for off-the-beaten-path things to do in this Texas city!
1. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is an art gallery located in downtown San Antonio. Unlike traditional galleries that consist of passively walking through and viewing pieces, though, Hopscotch offers an interactive experience viewing the exhibits it contains. Founded in 2018, the interactive exhibits this gallery features span a wide variety of mediums, as well as ways guests can engage with them. Some are more hands-on, such as a glowing ball pit, whereas others offer mind-boggling optical illusions, such as their current exhibit Perspective. Tickets can be purchased online, with a limited capacity. Because of this, you may want to purchase tickets as soon as possible to ensure a neat fit into your schedule.
2. Cool Crest Mini Golf
Cool Crest Mini Golf is both a fun outing and a notable historic attraction. Originally opening in 1929, the mini-golf course is the oldest of its kind in the United States. Nowadays, Cool Crest Mini Golf consists of two courses – its original course and a “newer” one that opened in 1959. The site also features Metzger Biergarten, which features food trucks, a bar, and occasional live entertainment. Reservations for the courses can be made online.
3. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your trip, a visit to Natural Bridge Caverns is without a doubt one of the best ways to do so in the San Antonio area. Featuring two large cave systems, as well as climbing courses, ziplines, and the opportunity to mine for fossils, visitors of all kinds will love a trip here.
4. Enjoy A Meal At Rails
San Antonio offers countless places to grab a delicious bite to eat, but this option features a unique location as well as some great food. Rails is located at a historic, fully restored train depot. Offering a casual dining experience, this is an excellent choice for those looking for a relaxed meal. In addition to the restaurant, Rails also owns a small bed and breakfast next door – a charming apartment that could make a great lodging choice for those looking for a charming, cozy place to stay.
5. Relax At The Japanese Tea Garden
This beautiful, sprawling Japanese garden is the perfect place to catch your breath from your other adventures and outings in San Antonio. This lush garden is home to all manner of plants, and also features a 60-foot waterfall and several koi ponds. The garden is open daily from dawn to dusk. Additionally, admission into the Japanese Tea Garden is free, making this an additional great choice for those looking to stay within a specific budget for their trip.
6. Visit The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center
Enjoy some amazing art and learn more about the culture and history of Chicano, Latino, and Native American communities in San Antonio with a visit to The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center. The Cultural Arts Center features a wide expanse of art forms, ranging from plays to dance performances to art galleries. For a full list of what events you may be able to see during your trip, check out their website – tickets for shows are also available online.
7. Go On A Ghost Tour
San Antonio has a rich and varied history, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the city is home to several ghost tour. Sisters Grimm is one such tour. Offering a variety of tours, guests of all kinds won’t be disappointed. Those wanting to sit back and enjoy learning about the city and the spirits that supposedly haunt it will enjoy a bus tour, while those looking for some hands-on experiences will love the walking tour.
8. Explore The DoSeum
This is a great option for those who will be visiting the city with young children. The DoSeum is San Antonio’s children’s museum and is guaranteed to keep your little ones entertained. This interactive museum has been called one of the best children’s museums in the nation, and a look at their exhibits and programs explains why. Your family can look forward to exhibits such as Semmes Foundation Spy Academy, which not only has a fun spy theme but also aims to teach children about online safety. Tickets for The DoSeum can be purchased online.
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San Francisco may be best known for attractions such as The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, but this Californian city is home to countless other attractions as well. From botanical gardens to themed bars, here are 10 off-the-beaten-path things to do in San Francisco.
1. Stop By The Wave Organ
This unique instrument isn’t played by a person, but instead by the ocean itself. The Wave Organ is an acoustic sculpture located on the San Francisco Bay. The sculpture creates sound when waves crash into the various pipes and structures that make it up. For best results, visit at high tide.
2. Visit The Seward Street Slides
Here’s a great suggestion for those traveling with children. Tucked away in a tiny neighborhood park, the Seward Street Slides are a set of narrow, winding concrete slides that kids will love. Adults may also have fun slipping down this unique attraction. Many visitors recommend bringing cardboard to slide down on to increase the smoothness and speed of your trip. Additionally, the slides are closed in the evenings, so be sure to check the hours before you go.
3. Check Out The Aquarium of The Bay
If you’d enjoy seeing ocean life up close, head over to Pier 39’s Aquarium of The Bay. This Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), as well as being an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, making them a high-quality and reputable facility to visit. You can look forward to watching jellyfish drift through tanks, traversing a shark tunnel, or saying hi to some river otters during your trip.
4. Explore The San Francisco Botanical Garden
If you’re looking to spend some time relaxing, look no further than the San Francisco Botanical Garden. These gorgeous, sprawling gardens feature a huge variety of plants from all around the world, from looming redwood trees and exotic flowers to foliage native to San Francisco. This is a great way to catch your breath on a busy trip, and can also make for the perfect setting for a romantic stroll.
5. Enjoy A Drink At The Tonga Room And Hurricane Bar
Wanting to grab a drink? Add a fun twist with a visit to The Tonga Room And Hurricane Bar. This tiki bar has an almost surreal feel to it thanks to it’s large, central lagoon. The lagoon was once a swimming pool. Nowadays, you may not be able to take a dip, but you can look forward to enjoying some live music played by a band on a boat in the middle of the lagoon.
6. Visit Some Ruins
The Sutro Baths were originally built as a public swimming facility in the late 1800s. After a period of financial hardship and a devastating fire, the facility was eventually left in ruins. You can visit the ruins today for yourself by heading over to Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
7. Explore The Exploratorium
Here’s another option for adults and kids alike! The Exploratorium offers hands-on, fun learning on a variety of subjects from microbiology to shadows. A visit here is a great way to not only keep children entertained but also add an educational twist to your trip. Adults won’t be left out either – the museum also offers some adults-only programs on Thursday evenings.
8. Find Quirky Gifts At Paxton Gate
Paxton Gate is a curiosity shop in San Francisco and the perfect stop for those looking to add a quirky flair to their trip. It offers a vast variety of eccentric wares ranging from fossils to more morbid items such as preserved snake paperweights.
9. See Bison
Bison might conjure images of remote wilderness, but you won’t have to travel far at all to see them in San Francisco. Head over to Golden Gate Park to check out the Bison paddock, home to a group of majestic animals.
10. Explore The California Academy Of Sciences
Exploring a museum may not sound like a fun afternoon, but the California Academy of Sciences is far from your average museum. This sprawling museum is home to a 3-story indoor rainforest, as well as a variety of live inhabitants from alligators to butterflies. Guests will also enjoy checking out some of the historical exhibits, which include a looming whale skeleton. Finally, if you’re in the mood for a bit to eat, the museum also offers on-site dining.
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The Hawaiian Islands have been subject to various travel restrictions for both domestic and international travelers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as of March 25th, 2022, all restrictions for domestic travelers have been removed, while international travelers have to meet general, but easy enough, U.S. requirements. If you’re looking for things to do on these beautiful islands, here are 10 off the beaten path suggestions that go beyond the typical beaches and bars.
1. Hulihe’e Palace (Oahu)
Learn more about the history of Hawaii by visiting Hulihe’e Palace. This historic building was once a summer home used by the Hawaiian monarchy. Nowadays, it’s a museum showcasing various artifacts.
2. Visit Kahuku Farms (Oahu)
Try some of the various goods such as fresh fruit, delicious acai bowls, and homemade pizza offered at this family-owned farm. Visiting Kahuku Farms is a great way to enjoy and support a locally owned business as well as have a relaxing excursion.
3. Hike Wai’anapanapa State Park (Maui)
If you’re looking to explore some of the gorgeous landscapes that make up Maui, consider spending an afternoon at Wai’anapanapa State Park. This beautiful park is home to several hiking trails, as well as black sand beaches and lava tubes.
4. Check Out The Mermaid Caves (Oahu)
These sea caves have long been considered a hidden gem in Oahu. Located along Zablan Beach, this is a great way to add a fun excursion to your vacation. To make sure you have the best time seeing the caves visit when the tide is low and they are most accessible. The areas surrounding them can also be rocky, so water shoes are recommended.
5. Explore The Garden Of The Gods (Lanai)
This stunning rock garden is about 40 minutes outside Lanai city, and is a great spot to see a unique side of the Hawaiian islands. Unlike the tropical landscape that makes up many popular places to visit, the Garden of the Gods features an otherworldly display of rock towers and formations.
6. Check The Glass Beach (Kauai)
This beach is far from your average sandy, or rocky, shore. This small but unique beach is known for being dotted with sea glass. While this likely won’t be your first choice if you’re looking to spend an afternoon lounging in the sun, it is a great spot to explore and find some dazzling polished glass. Unfortunately, there isn’t quite as much sea glass as there formerly was due to visitors taking pieces home with them, but this is still an interesting spot to check out.
7. Visit Lanai Cat Sanctuary (Lanai)
Here’s a great option for all the cat lovers out there! Lanai Cat Sanctuary started in 2004 as a rescue operation seeking to help Lanai street cats. Since then, the sanctuary has expanded massively, and now provides hundreds of cats a place to live. If this heart-warming backstory isn’t great enough, you can also visit the sanctuary and all the cute cats that call it home. The sanctuary doesn’t require appointments to visit.
8. Tour Kazumura Cave (The Big Island)
This lava tube was discovered somewhat recently, but already boasts an interesting claim to fame: it’s the longest known lava tube. Guided tours through the cave are offered, and are a great way to add a little adventure to your trip.
9. Explore Kaumana Caves (The Big Island)
Here’s another option if the various caves dotting the Hawaiian islands interest you. Head over to Kaumana Caves State Park to explore part of a lava tube! Visitors will descend into the cave via a metal ladder and can look forward to checking out parts of the cave. It should be noted that portions of the cave run under private property, limiting the area that is open to the general public, but visiting is still a unique experience regardless. If you do decide to check out Kaumana Caves, make sure to bring a strong flashlight as well as sturdy shoes. Phone flashlights typically won’t be bright enough to provide enough light beyond the entrance.
10. Nakalele Blowhole (Maui)
If you’re up for a bit of a hike, consider heading out to see Nakalele Blowhole. This stunning and fun natural feature is caused by water being forced through an underwater cave, creating a geyser-like display. The hike to reach the blowhole isn’t long – a little over a mile round trip – but it is rocky and rough in several areas. If you do decide to check out this memorable feature, you’ll likely want to wear some sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet.
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Still relatively unexplored by Westerners, Africa is perhaps the most underrated continent in the world. From its Pacific to Indian Coasts, the cradle of humanity is brimming with culture and ready to be re-discovered following two years Covid.
Unlike several well-known destinations in Asia or the Caribbean, which still impose stricter travel rules, others in Africa, which are just as paradisiac, are welcoming U.S. travelers with open arms and very simple entry requirements.
Here you will find 5 off the beaten path destinations in the African continent which are currently open for American, Canadian, and British visitors, whether testing or vaccination is needed for entry, and most importantly: what these unheard-of countries have to offer.
Cape Verde
Looking for spotless beaches with the clearest of waters, luxury resorts that are much more affordable than similar beach retreats in the Maldives or Cancun, and a warm tropical climate all year-round? Cape Verde might be that dream destination you never knew you needed.
An archipelago off the Western coast of Africa, this country is steeped in History, owing its dual European-African identity to its strong links to Portugal, and featuring several island getaways vacationers can pick from, including the tourist hotspots of Sal and Boa Vista.
Covid Entry Requirements For Cape Verde
When it comes to Covid entry requirements, Cape Verde is noticeably one of the easiest countries to visit in the African continent right now. In order to enter, Americans need to fill out a Travel Form in advance and present only one of the following documents:
A vaccination certificate certifying full immunization with all required doses of an approved vaccination scheme;
A recovery letter dated no earlier than 90 days prior to departure;
A negative PCR test result issued within 72 hours of flying;
A negative Rapid Antigen test result obtained 48 hours before flying.
Once in Cape Verde, other than regular temperature checks at the airport, visitors are not required to undergo further testing or observe quarantine, being able to enjoy their time in the sun worries-free. On the other hand, presenting Covid documents may be necessary for inter-island travel.
Mozambique
Like Cape Verde, Mozambique is a former Portuguese colony and a nation boasting incredible wildlife, beaches, and marine parks. Straddling the Indian Ocean coast, this hidden gem is just as intriguing as its neighbor South Africa, but without the usual crowds of tourists.
Here you can visit the Quirimbas Archipelago, comprising 250km of coral islands, explore the impressive ruins of Ibo, an island owing much of its History to the Portuguese colonial period, or then just relax at quieter beaches such as Tofo.
Covid Entry Requirements For Mozambique
While Mozambique does not require proof of vaccination to enter, it also does not differentiate between existing categories of travelers, expecting all incoming passengers to present proof of a negative PCR test, issued up to 72 hours prior to travel.
U.S. citizens also require a visa to visit Mozambique, which is issued upon arrival. Travelers are advised to contact Mozambican authorities in order to obtain more information on visa fees, which may vary depending on the duration of their stay. In summary, they must carry:
A negative PCR test result issued up to 72 hours prior to traveling;
A return ticket;
An accommodation booking.
Despite the availability of visas on arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Mozambique advises Americans to obtain their visas in advance from the Mozambican Embassy in Washington, noting that some ‘U.S. citizens have been denied entry for not having obtained the proper type of visa in advance’.
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago country in the Indian ocean, off the Eastern coast of Africa, and one of the most developed nations in the whole continent. Its small capital, Victoria, offers a more relaxed city break, while the Morne Seychellois National Park allows visitors to get back in touch with nature.
Boat trips are also a common activity across the Seychellois islands, which are famous for water activities and some of the most beautiful secret beaches in Africa. When visiting, travelers are likely to land in Mahé, the main island, and the country’s most important hub.
Covid Entry Requirements For Seychelles
As of March 15, 2022, fully vaccinated visitors no longer need to take Covid tests before traveling to Seychelles. If more than six months have passed since completion of a primary vaccination scheme, they must have received a booster in order to continue being eligible to bypass testing.`
Other travelers are also welcome, though they may have to undergo testing prior to flying, especially those who are unvaccinated and have not had Covid in the year preceding travel. Generally, travelers must select one of the Covid proofs of entry below:
A vaccination certificate dated less than 6 months;
A booster dose;
A recovery certificate dated less than a year prior to travel;
A negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel;
A negative Rapid Antigen test in under 24 hours.
Tanzania
Tanzania is yet another surprising destination in Southeastern Africa, cornered between snowy peaks to the North, the nations of Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi to the West, Mozambique to the South, and the Indian Ocean to the East.
It is home to the impressive Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in all of Africa, and the autonomous island of Zanzibar, which features the UNESCO-listed Stone City. Classical African safaris and wildlife observation are also popular activities among visitors.
Those who have been fully vaccinated against Covid are exempt from all kinds of testing before and after arrival to Tanzania, but they must be able to present a valid certificate with a readable QR code upon landing. This means U.S. citizens who only hold a physical CDC card may face further challenges.
Alternatively, those who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate can enter by presenting either a negative RT-PCR or NAAT test result. The test must be performed within 72 hours of departure and presented at the border upon landing. Thus, Americans are advised to hold either a:
Digital vaccination certificate with a QR code; or a
Negative PCR or NAAT test result performed 72 hours prior to flying.
São Tomé and Principe
An island-country located in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Principe has been made famous for its striking nature, which includes unique rock formations and an abundance of rainforests. As another former colony of Portugal, its cities also feature traditional Portuguese architecture.
Beach lovers will also inevitably fall in love with the country, which boasts miles of pristine coastline. Some of its most famous attractions are the Rolas Island, a small island with turquoise water beaches, the Cão Grande peak, which is a major national landmark, and the Blue Lagoon.
Covid Entry Requirements For São Tomé and Principe
São Tomé and Principe has some of the easiest Covid entry requirements on this list. All are welcome irrespective of vaccination status, though all travelers must undergo testing prior to departure. Once through the border, Americans are free to explore the islands unrestricted.
In sum, they must present a single document:
A negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours of traveling.
Whether it’s unexpected beach breaks, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the Saharan drylands, or city-hopping across different nations, there is surely no shortage of landmarks to be visited in Africa.
As more countries in this continent reopen for tourism, Americans are advised to follow official CDC guidance ahead of making travel plans, and ensure they are covered for any Covid-related eventualities while abroad.
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