Virginia Gil

Following another successful weekend of world-class racing last year, The Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix returns May 3 to 5, bringing with it a slew of fan experiences, entertainment and culinary offerings from the beach to the mainland. The races go down at the Miami International Autodrome, a 19-turn, 3.36-mile track within the complex of Hard Rock Stadium. Guests can catch a practice round on Friday and a qualifying race on Saturday, all leading up to the Grand Prix on Sunday, with Marc Anthony slated to belt the national anthem. Take in three days of spectacle at the Autodrome—but there’s fun to be had outside the grounds, too. Read on for everything you need to know ahead of this year’s F1 Miami Grand Prix.  Photograph: Courtesy Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix/Carl Bingham When and where is the F1 Miami Grand Prix 2024? The race will take place over three days on May 3, 4 and 5, 2024. Most events, including the race, will be held at the Miami International Autodrome inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The official Formula 1® Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix kicks off on Thursday, May 2 with a concert by music icon “The King” Don Omar at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida.  Is the 2024 Miami Grand Prix sold out? Tickets are still available in limited quantities on the official website, along with resale options via third-party sellers. Campus passes excluding seats for the races are also available online now. What food will be available at Hard

It's safe to say we are still "in season" here in Miami. Art exhibitions, food and music festivals, major sporting events, block parties, immersive theater, dance—spring has officially sprung. The Magic City is brimming with things to do, even on school nights. We've got tons of activities to jump into any day of the week, plus tourist attractions that even locals love. In this list, we've handpicked special events and happenings over the next seven days, enough to have you saying "This was the best week ever."  RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in Miami Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in Miami news, culture and dining.

The great American road trip is a tradition celebrated across books, movies and popular culture—nothing feels quite as freeing as setting off on the open road (windows or top down for the full, thrilling cliché). Seeing this expansive country by automobile is a true privilege that takes you through all types of terrains, delivering landscapes and waterfront views that will take your breath away and make you wonder—is this real life? You’d be amazed at how different one country can be as you explore coast by coast, traveling north, south, east and west. The question at hand then becomes, where are you going? There are some obvious choices, like the iconic Route 66 and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, both incredible in their own right. But you’ll also find lesser-known favorites in our guide to the best road trips in the U.S., including mountainside parkways and tunneled highways. These road trips will cover plenty of ground, checking off boxes on your bucket list of adventures.

Searching out the best Mexican food in Miami means something very different than it did just a few years ago. Back then, you’d have to stand in the yellow glow of food trucks in unassuming parking lots and peruse unbelievably long menus at places that have been around forever. Today—yes, you still might sidle up to a food truck and gorge yourself at the old-school Mexican spots. But Miami is now also home to places that would fit in well on the streets of Mexico City. We also now have monuments to Mexican cuisine, fancy places with “elevated” dishes and even one spot inside an actual castle (OK, chateau). The good news is that our guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Miami includes a range of prices, from affordable to outrageous—so that you’re free to properly indulge in one of the best cuisines on the planet.  RECOMMENDED: The best Miami rooftop bars for solid sips and dazzling views

Stroll Calle Ocho in Miami’s Little Havana to behold longtime locals literally creating the sights, sounds and flavors Miami is famous for. Colorful murals serve as the backdrop to the area’s rhythmic music scene, savory cuisine and yes, lively domino games. It's an experience that will seduce you into leaving with a guayabera and a box of expertly rolled cigars.Beyond being an epicenter of Miami’s Cuban-American community since the 1960s, Little Havana is also a solid destination to experience authentic Cuban culture and some of the best Cuban food in Miami without leaving the United States. Sip cafecito all day long and learn to salsa dance the night away at one of Miami’s top Latin Nightclubs. Loving Little Havana is easy, especially when you’re exploring these top things to do and see.  RECOMMENDED: Full Guide to Little Havana

Will eating your way through every burger in Miami lead to record-setting cholesterol levels? Maybe. But sniffing out the best burgers in the city is a worthy cause, at least in our book. It means consuming stacks of smash burgers, piles of traditional fritas and bountiful buns and patties prepared using fine-dining techniques at fancy sit-down restaurants. After housing every burger we could get our hands on—from the overhyped to the criminally under-the-radar, we’ve produced this guide to the very best burgers in Miami right now.  RECOMMENDED: The best breweries in Miami

Vacationing takes extra effort these days, which is why finding the perfect place to stay has taken on greater importance. With so many amazing options to suit anyone on any budget, it can be a hard task to conquer. You don’t want just any central hotel or secluded Airbnb, it needs to be special to provide a sense of escapism that you wouldn’t otherwise get from a regular room. Although no shade to the regular Airbnbs and hotels—you're great, too.  We're all super unique and one room doesn't fit all. So whether you’re traveling to South Florida or you’re a local in need of a staycation, here are some unique Airbnbs in Miami as individual as you are. Enjoy! RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in MiamiThe best restaurants in MiamiThe best things to do in Miami Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Most bars and restaurants in Miami offer some sort of discounted offering during happy hour— and if they don't, they should. Because the rent is too damn high, and we all deserve a break where we can get it. If you're here, you're seeking out the best bang for your buck, and we know exactly where to find it. At these top Miami happy hour spots, you’ll find flowing drinks, yes. But there’s also an array of tasty bar victuals to be sampled from some of the finest restaurants in town. Dollar oysters and panoramic views, half-priced martinis and caviar-topped snacks, frozen libations and live music—get it all, and at prices that’ll make that monthly Brickell rent just a little easier to part with.  RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop bars in Miami

Studies have shown that Miami knows how to brunch better than any other city. We should note that said studies were not conducted by proper research centers but rather by a team of hungover journalists in dire need of good eggs and a bloody mary. Over several years of indulging in breakfast-lunch hybrids in the early weekend hour of around 2pm (basically dawn in Miami), we have confidently determined the finest places to brunch in a city that makes brunch an unofficial sport (along with day drinking and al fresco dining). We're laying it all out below in our guide to the very best places to brunch in Miami, the unscientifically official Brunch Capital of the Planet.

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

The best dance clubs in the U.S. span cities and tastes. As a Miami resident with decades of clubbing behind me and (hopefully) many years of late-night dancing still ahead of me, I'd be remiss not to throw in a couple of my local favorites in this latest edit. Like our Vegas picks below, Miami mega clubs are over-the-top in the best way—think bottle service, epic sound systems and light displays for days. Thanks to our local contributors, you'll also find low-key bars and lounges across cities like Minneapolis and Chicago, where you can party all night without any fuss or cut it up in warehouses and restaurants. Whether you're on vacation and looking to let loose after a long day of sightseeing or planning a vacation where you can turn up (think bachelor and bachelorette parties), the best dance clubs in America have you covered.  RECOMMENDED: The best gay clubs in the U.S.

America, the Beautiful. Or so the famous 1893 poem goes. There's nowhere that declaration rings more true than in America's national parks. These protected lands, from coast to coast, safeguard and showcase untamed wilderness with awe-inspiring beauty and diverse wildlife ecosystems. Today, there are more than 400 sites in the National Park Service, including 63 major parks—from America's first national park (Yellowstone) to dramatic landscapes carved by ancient forces. When adventure calls, turn to this list of some of the country's best national parks. (Pro tip: Grab an America the Beautiful pass, which gets you year-round access to all the parks. You'll be glad you did as you hike beneath towering redwoods, camp out under a blanket of stars, and witness the unspoiled natural beauty.  RECOMMENDED: The best national forests in the U.S.

Fairchild Garden transforms into a prehistoric playground this summer. Explore the lush grounds where life-size dinosaurs hold court amid a collection of cycads, ferns, conifers and all sorts of flowering plants that date back to primitive times. Kiddos can get hands-on during the ancient artifact digs, egg hunts and more while learning all about what the world was like 65 million years ago. Be sure to check the Fairchild Garden website for up-to-date information on upcoming dino events.

Pulling up to Edan Bistro—where the parking is miraculously free, I might add—is like landing in San Sebastian for a meal. Chef Aitor Garate Berasaluze is the chef and owner (and server and occasional busser—he’s committed!) of this modest Spanish restaurant in North Miami, and the Basque region native is pouring years of experience and limitless dedication into every detail. Formerly of Lur, chef Aitor cooks the kind of ingredient-forward, technique-heavy Basque dishes you’d expect from the Spanish region’s Michelin-starred restaurants (where he also happens to have worked). At Edan, his first brick-and-mortar restaurant, diners can order á la carte at brunch and dinner, but the latter offers a special eight-course tasting menu you’d be remiss to skip. It’s a bargain at $100 and includes highlights like scallop carpaccio over crispy parmesan toast with a basil emulsion and micro greens and crispy mushroom croquetas with a black garlic emulsion and smoked shiitake. Photograph: Courtesy Edan Bistro Most of the dishes on the tasting menu change often because the chef is so meticulous about ingredients. The night I dined, I enjoyed crab with some kind of sunflower-seed sauce and soul-warming cauliflower soup. Both were rich, complex bites that lingered on the brain long after the meal had ended. Luckily, the Basque cheesecake is a constant and a must whether you’re going full hog or stopping in for a bite. It’s just that good. Chef Aitor, also an experienced sommelier, will ha

It's not every night that a Miami club rolls out the red carpet for you and friends, opening its doors for a night of free cocktails and dizzying Latin beats. But it will happen this Saturday as Bacardí takes over Wynwood's La Otra for Rum Room, featuring the fan-favorite expression, BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho. Said spirit will be complimentary from 8pm to midnight, as well as bites courtesy of Louie's at the Palm House. Puerto Rican DJ Safe Sadick keeps the vibes high with an all-vinyl set. RSVP is essential. 

The Bal Harbour Shops is literally in bloom this month as the Fleurs de Villes exhibition returns with thousands of fresh flowers worked into arresting designs by some of the area's top florists. From March 1 to March 10, dozens of larger-than-life mannequins will be displayed throughout the outdoor mall, each with a bespoke living garment inspired by famous female artists like Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O'Keeffe, complementing this year's theme, Artiste, in honor of International Women's Month. There will be special events and activations throughout the event to highlight the stunning installation.

Celebrity chefs (hundreds of them) and hungry people from around the U.S. descend on South Beach and across the city for Miami’s largest and most famous annual food festival, proceeds from which benefit Florida International University Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management School. It's major. For its 23rd year, SOBEWFF offers even more big-ticket events, including another rendition of the uber-popular Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE! hosted by Guy Fieri, plus additional intimate dinners hosted by culinary luminaries. There will be burger battles, punch bowl socials, taco and tequila pairings, a new Noche Cubana and more food and drinks than you’ll know what to do with. Break out your stretchy pants, and buckle up, people. Various locations

Beloved eyewear company Warby Parker continues its Miami expansion with a brand new shop at Dadeland Mall. Its newest location is stocked with the brand’s 2024 spring collection, including sunglasses and its full lineup of optical eyewear. In the market for a new prescription pair? Warby Parker offers in-store eye exams for a one-stop shopping experience. Each of the brand’s stores features a unique design element. For Dadeland, Warby Parker partnered with illustrator Diana Ejaita to create a vibrant artwork. 

If you're at the stage of holiday shopping where you've only shopped for yourself, help is on the way (and it includes more gifts for you). This weekend, pick up presents for you and yours at Leret Leret's special two-day pop-up at Il Giardino at Mr. C Miami. Known for its limited-edition garments accented by whimsical abstractions of sunny-side-up eggs, rainbows and mushrooms, among other real-world items, the NYC-designed luxury brand will showcase its newly released collection of cashmere crewnecks, cardigans, vests and kids sweaters. Everyone deserves a cozy fit this season. 

Our laidback, sandal-loving city gets the ultimate destination for comfort footwear, as Birkenstock opens its first Miami location in the Design District. Debuting during Miami Art Week, the sleek shop is only the brand’s fifth store in the U.S., and it’s stocked with a full range of sandals, clogs, sneakers, shoes and boots for men, women and kids. Birkenstock Miami offers a selection of designer styles, including a limited-edition store exclusive in collaboration with Concepts, which sees the classic Arizona sandal boldly done with long-haired cowhide in four vibrant colors. Be sure to get it while you can. Photograph: Courtesy Birkenstock Shoppers will appreciate the lush contemporary aesthetic, combining bits of tropical Miami with the neighborhood’s modern, design-forward retail spaces. High above the sleek, wooden displays and travertine floors, a massive living plant wall celebrates South Florida’s local flora. It all makes for a bright, breezy shopping experience in the heart of one of Miami’s top retail neighborhoods.

Our laidback, sandal-loving city gets the ultimate destination for comfort footwear as Birkenstock opens its first Miami location in the Design District. Debuting during Miami Art Week, the sleek shop is only the brand’s fifth store in the U.S., and it’s stocked with a full range of sandals, clogs, sneakers, shoes and boots for men, women and kids. Birkenstock Miami offers a selection of designer styles, including a limited-edition store exclusive in collaboration with Concepts, which sees the classic Arizona sandal boldly done with long-haired cowhide in four vibrant colors.  Photograph: Courtesy Birkenstock Shoppers will appreciate the lush contemporary aesthetic, combining bits of tropical Miami with the neighborhood’s modern, design-forward aesthetic. High above the stylish, wooden displays and travertine floors, a massive living plant wall celebrates South Florida’s local flora. It all makes for a bright, breezy shopping experience in the heart of one of Miami’s top retail neighborhoods.

Countdown to Christmas with a cocktail in hand at Miracle in Miami. The international holiday-themed pop-up bar makes a new home at Better Days in Brickell this yuletide season for a month of festive drinks and naughty fun. Expect the usual (fake) snow, holiday hits on repeat (these guys must be beating some kind of record for the most consecutive plays of Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas") and cheeky libations like the Yippie Ki Yay Mother F****r!, made with a potent trio of rums, coconut orgeat and acid-adjusted pineapple juice.

Because eight nights of celebrations aren’t enough, the Society of Young Jewish Professionals is throwing the ultimate holiday singles event—think of it as an IRL JDate on steroids. Dance, drink and connect with old friends and new prospects at this annual rager, which celebrates 37 years! In 2023, the party returns to its old stomping grounds, LIV, at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. 

Assemble along the 12-mile, 2.5-hour route to watch the "World's Most Watched Boat Parade," in which dazzling displays and illuminated vessels of all sizes travel down the Intracoastal Highway with the likes of Rudolph, Santa Claus and other Christmas favorites. The procession begins at 6pm with live bands, celebrities and radio personalities providing entertainment throughout the night. You could probably watch the parade anywhere along the route, however the parade viewing area brings you opportunities to pose with Santa and grab a hot chocolate or a cocktail. You can even enter your own boat for $35. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

If aspiring to live like a character in a Nancy Meyers movie is high on your wishlist, let us direct you to this recent USA Today story: America's best coastal small towns. These 10 oceanfront and lakefront communities offer the finest scenic views, historic attractions, and excellent restaurants, and they're brimming with old-world charm. If there was ever a place to embrace the Meyers-inspired coastal grandmother aesthetic, it's in these places. These waterfront cities have a lot in common despite their differences in geography, terrain and climate. For starters, they're all walkable and offer the convenience of having restaurants and attractions nearby. Most benefit from year-round activity, while a few are best experienced in the summer.  Stuart, Florida, is the No. 1 spot to rock your half-tucked button-downs and chinos. Located on Florida's Treasure Coast, America's top coastal small town provides much in the way of leisure, including fantastic places to picnic and several museums, such as the Stuart Heritage and Road to Victory Military Museum. Second on the list is actually inland, the wonderfully charming Saugatuck, Michigan. There's so much to see and do at this lakeside destination, including art galleries, breweries, restaurants and beaches, of course. It's popular with vacationers and a romantic place to host a wedding.  Photograph: Shutterstock Florida makes a second appearance with Key West, number three, thanks to a vibrant arts and culture scene and nonstop

You’d need to have been living under a rock to miss the frenzy surrounding the upcoming solar eclipse. People are traveling to different states and booking hotels to get a better view of the phenomenon, and even big brands are buying into the craze with eclipse-themed food. It’s all great and exciting (especially if the weather gods cooperate!), but how many of us really know enough about a total solar eclipse? Is it actually that big of a deal? In short, yes. Here’s why. How often do solar eclipses occur? Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, with up to five occurring in a single year, though that’s pretty rare. Total solar eclipses happen about every 18 months. Because solar eclipses are only visible from small areas worldwide, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States will be in 2044. What even is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially or totally blocking the sun from Earth. In a total solar eclipse, which we’ll see on April 8, the moon fully obscures the sun. Lunar eclipses can be seen from anywhere in the world but solar eclipses are limited to relatively small areas of the world. Americans are incredibly fortunate to be in the path of totality—the swath of the globe that can see when the moon completely covers the sun—covering areas of the U.S., from Texas to Maine. These folks will see the sky darken entirely for about three to four minutes. Why do they happen? Solar eclipses ha

If you’re a woman with wanderlust, lacking a travel companion should not be why you skip a trip and stay home. With solo female travel on the rise in America and around the world, we independent ladies have more reasons than ever before to jet set on our own. For those looking for a place to kickstart their travels, the Independent recently ranked the 10 best U.S. cities for solo female domestic travel. The list features less-trodden destinations with walkable neighborhoods, lower crime rates, a relaxed restaurant scene (no reservations, no problem), above-average arts and culture options, and affordable accommodations. It eschews obvious choices like New York or Las Vegas in favor of places like Charleston and Sedona—safe, fun, and welcoming spots for unaccompanied women. Washington, D.C. also made the cut for its wealth of free attractions and walking tours, while Austin offers budget lodging, live music and next-level barbecue. Huntsville, Alabama, perhaps the most surprising suggestion, is a hit with women looking to shop, experience a thriving social scene and… chat up the area’s retired engineers. We agree that the last one is a bit strange, but making friends on the road is also part of traveling alone. For the list of places to solo female travel cities you might not have considered, click here.

For someone who lives by shortcuts, express lanes, Global Entry, TSA-pre check and anything else that can get me to my destination faster, I took a remarkably long time to travel from Colorado to Utah recently—about 30 hours, to be exact. It typically takes six hours by car, but this was a journey no vehicle could make.  I was headed west aboard Rocky Mountaineer, traveling from Denver to Moab on the luxury train’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route. Over the course of two days with an overnight in Glenwood Springs, I’d be among the 52 passengers enjoying the experience of a lifetime, riding alongside mountains, down valleys and through tunnels, admiring the scenery of the autumn-kissed American West. It was magical and would test my patience and reliance on technology in ways I didn’t expect.  The Canadian company, which operates luxury train experiences in Western Canada and the American West, launched the Colorado/Utah route in 2021, taking passengers through parts of the Rockies that are inaccessible by car. This was the train’s first full season, which runs April through October to maximize the daylight hours it can travel.  Photograph: Virginia Gil for Time OutCustom glass-dome coaches offer panoramic views The Rocky Mountaineer embodies every ubiquitous quote you’ve ever read about the journey being greater than the destination, and it makes good on its promise. You only travel while the sun’s out in order to get optimal views of your surroundings, which you’re guarantee

Several factors go into choosing which airline to fly. Is the price right? Are you a loyalty member? Will it get you to your destination without a connection? And so on, and so on. Here to simplify your decision is the Wall Street Journal’s annual ranking of the best and worst airlines in the U.S. for 2023. The publication looked at the U.S. carriers’ performance over the last year, including timeliness and baggage handling. The top airline for 2023 was, once again, Delta. The third-time winner showed a commendable rate of on-time flights (83 percent!) and had the least number of complaints. It also had fewer cancellations than in the previous year. Second place went to Alaska Airlines, which saw quite a few bumps in 2024. But last year, it was clear skies for the airline with less than a 1% cancellation rate and on-time arrivals. Baggage handling was Alaksa’s only downfall, and was also true of United Airlines, dropping two spots to sixth place in 2023. JetBlue was the lowest-ranked airline for 2023, coming in last place in every single category—cancellations, on-time arrivals and delays (both over 45 minutes and on the tarmac). Only about 66 percent of JetBlue flights arrived on time last year. Yikes! You know the saying, past behavior predicts future behavior—you might want to rethink the low-cost flight next time you book.

Coming off from a hectic holiday season, amid a stressful start to the year, we could all use some relaxation. There’s no better—and weather-proof—way to unwind than a day at the spa—am I right? Your choice this year is clear: the Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, CA, which was just named number one in the country. The top-ranking spot in Spas of America’s annual list of the Top 100 Spas in North America for 2023 beat out 82 places from the U.S., 14 from Canada and four from Mexico—pretty impressive for a facility that opened in April last year. High Google reviews not withstanding (winners need at least four stars to be considered), the Spa at Séc-he also receives the Green Spa Planet Sustainable Spa/Wellness Facility Award for 2023. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Spa at Séc-he (@thespaatseche) So, what makes the Palm Springs spa superior? It comprises the therapeutic waters of Séc-he, the Agua Caliente hot mineral springs. The remarkable natural resource combines rainwater and snowmelt naturally collected underground before being brought back to the surface (it doesn't connect to any other water source in the Coachella Valley). It’s cared for and protected by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, who’ve used the healing springs for thousands of years. The Spa at Séc-he boasts 22 mineral baths, a cold plunge, a menthol dry sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, a couple of halotherapy salt caves, aromatherapy showers and several whirlpo

If you've been wondering what Usher will perform at this year's Super Bowl halftime show, you're not alone. Fans all over the country have speculated about setlists from the moment the Grammy-winning singer announced he'd take the stage. Will it be like his Las Vegas residency? Will his performance be as star-studded as his social media announcement? Or will Usher pull a Rihanna and dominate the show all by himself? Well, Usher’s latest teaser is hinting at all of the above. In a new, one-minute trailer released this morning, set to a remix of his aughts hit single “Yeah!,” we see old footage of a young Usher on stage and fans of all ages (including Lebron James) singing and dancing along in the car, on the street and even on the football field. Might there be a marching band gracing the stage this year, too? Maybe. Anything is possible, probably except another pregnancy announcement, but anything goes when Apple Music produces a show.   See the full trailer here and make your own predictions about the Usher’s performance that’s been “30 years in the making.”

For those of you looking to book an aesthetic vacation, Condé Nast Traveler's list of the 50 most beautiful places in America should be the first stop on your search. The publication recently updated its ranking of the country's most jaw-dropping destinations, places they say are as "exciting as they are diverse." It's a list of canyons, valleys, basins, parks and corners in between, where the landscapes are truly something to behold. At the very top of the list is Acadia National Park in Maine, an essential stop on any New England vacation, and not just for those travelers looking to add content to their Instagram feeds. The 47-000 acre, coastal park sits mostly on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, featuring a mixed landscape of mountains, woodlands and rocky beaches. It boasts an abundance of wildlife (think bears, whales and moose) and plenty of terrain to keep folks busy hiking, biking, camping and sightseeing. Other dreamy national parks made the list, including Badlands in South Dakota, Denali in Alaska and Grand Teton in Wyoming. Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes (the tallest of their kind in North America) and Texas’ Hamilton Pool Preserve were also included. America’s most beautiful places truly run the gamut, you just have to enjoy nature to appreciate them.

Here at Time Out, we love helping you discover the best things to do in your cities, especially during the holiday season. From where to see Christmas lights to the best places to go ice skating and the can’t-miss celebrations in your town, you'll find all the guidance you need to make the most out of this special time of year. Off the clock, our editors are right there with you, taking in a performance of The Nutcracker and raising a glass of soul-warming mulled wine at the local Christmas market, plus a few more of our favorite holiday traditions we won't gatekeep from you.    Photograph: Don RiddleBemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel A festive martini crawl in Manhattan This is the time of year in NYC for a little extra sparkle and throwback glam. I always make a point to meet up with friends for holiday martinis at what I consider to be my personal holy trinity of Manhattan bars: Bemelmans, King Cole Bar and Grand Central Oyster Bar. (Amen.) The drinks at all three of these classic spots are liquid perfection, but I've found the one at King Cole Bar packs a real punch. You'll probably want to stick to just one or you may find yourself waking up after New Year's.—Will Gleason, North American Content Director Liza Voll Seeing the Nutcracker by the Boston Ballet As a little girl, my Dad would take me to see The Nutcracker every year and it was always the highlight of the Christmas season for me. And now, as an adult, the first thing I do when the weather starts to get chil

If 2022 was the year of so-called “revenge travel” and airline meltdowns then 2023 was the year of reparations and a much-needed train renaissance. Over the last 12 months, we’ve reported on the much-needed changes the government is doing to improve travel for all Americans, including compensation for canceled flights. We’ve also dedicated many hours to writing about what you, our readers, seem to love the most: trains. From sharing our once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the Rocky Mountaineer and riding the rails from NYC to Orlando to previewing track improvements and highly-anticipated new routes, the humble train dominated our headlines. Cruises—another slow, leisurely way to see the world—was back in a big way in 2023. We announced new ship launches and gave you an insider’s look into adults-only sailings. Plus, we tapped the experts for cruising etiquette and info you might not know as a first-time cruiser. It was a busy year for travel in the U.S. and the stories you’ll find below are only a snapshot, reflecting the headlines that most piqued your interest. There’s more where these came from, and more to come as we gear up for 2024 with previews of anticipated hotel openings, new restaurants to look out for and more to look forward to in the U.S. This cruise line is implementing a curfew and cracking down on rowdy passengers Carnival Cruise Line announced that it was working to make passengers behave better. Amtrak routes between New York and Montreal to resume The Ad

After a successful run at Time Out Market Chicago and even a stint abroad as part of the inaugural Chefs on Tour series, Valhalla is closing this month. The Market’s first full-service restaurant, which opened in the fall of 2022, will serve its final service on December 31. The good news? Reservations are still available for both a-la-carte dining and the 11-course tasting experience inspired by the chef’s travels around the world. The even better news: it’s not the last you’ll see of Valhalla as chef Stephen Gillanders is moving his innovative concept to a permanent location. “Valhalla was always meant to be different and go through evolutions—that’s why we are excited to now open its next chapter in a permanent location, the details of which we will share soon. I want to thank our guests for their support and the Time Out Market Chicago team for the great partnership and for believing in Valhalla—I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he said. Chef Gillanders’ intimate fine dining experience was a hit from the moment it opened at Time Out Market Chicago. As its first full-service restaurant, Valhalla broke new territory at the food hall, creating an upscale experience that melded into the Market’s energetic atmosphere—a tradition that continues to be on the cutting edge of global fine dining. Goodbyes are tough, but this next phase of Valhalla underscores Time Out Market’s mission as it partners with chefs and restaurants worldwide. “We pride ourselves to provide a pl

It doesn’t matter how structured your life is, travel will always disrupt your routine. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a constant when you travel. That’s where rituals come in. People who spend a lot of time exploring new places tend to develop certain habits—things they do to stay grounded and connected no matter what part of the world they might find themselves. Some of these help in getting to know a new place, while others are just weird quirks we can’t really make sense of (I mean, pictures of doors, really?). Are you the guy collecting pictures of doors? Is hitting the grocery store the first thing you do when you land somewhere new? Whether you’re looking to feel seen, are curious about how your fellow travelers explore or are simply interested in seeing the world a little differently, you’ll resonate with something on this list of unique travel rituals we found on Reddit. Below, our curated picks of the most helpful and interesting habits, because no one understands your collection of door photos, sir. 1. Visit a local supermarket Several Reddit users cited this as the first thing they do when they land. It’s a great place to pick up snacks to keep in your hotel, stock up on milk and easy breakfast when traveling with kids and get to know the local food. Spices, candy and chocolate also make for cheap and memorable souvenirs. 2. Take some kind of tour—walking, cycling, food, bus Walking is an easy, low-impact activity when you're jetlagged. Not only will it k