With a history that dates back nearly 13,000 years, seven climate regions and some 6,000 miles of coastline, Mexico is a vast, complex land, worthy of exploring.
Historical offerings range from ancient temples to massive cathedrals built by the Spaniards but its natural landscapes, both along the coast as well as throughout the nation’s interior are equally impressive.
Cultural offerings are plentiful, ranging from ancient temples to massive cathedrals and ultra-modern museums. But the country’s natural landscapes, both coastal and interior, are equally impressive.
Planning a visit? Here are a few uniquely local experiences fully worth checking out.
Mayan/Aztec Temples
It would probably require years to fully explore all of Mexico’s ancient temples. History buffs should plan to add at least one excursion to an ancient temple to their wander-list.
Among the most famous is Teotihuacan near Mexico City. The complex, which means City of the Gods, is among the oldest in Mexico and home to more than 600 pyramids including the famed Pyramid of the Sun.
Just a few others temples complexes worth a visit are Tulum, a walled Mayan city in the Riviera Maya, Coba and Chichen Itza along the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenotes
No doubt the beaches along the Riviera Maya are some of the finest in the world. But Mexico insiders know the best swimming holes are literally swimming holes, known as cenotes, which are found sunken below ground primarily throughout the Riviera Maya.
Cenote translates to “sacred well” and indeed there is something spiritual about floating and snorkeling in these supremely pristine waters.
Xochimilco
Quick history lesson: Mexico City was once a small island located inside of a huge lake known as Texcoco. The Aztec people (also often referred to as the Mexica) built their home there, expanding it until Lake Texcoco all but disappeared. One of the few places where the original waters remain is Xochimilco in Mexico City.
This festive location is popular with visitors and locals alike, who can rent boats called trajineras. While on the water, vendors on other trajineras ply their wares—everything from Mariachi music to handmade tortillas.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Deep in the forested mountains northwest of Mexico City is the UNESCO-designated Monarch Butterfly Reserve. Every year in the fall, millions of Monarch butterflies return to the reserve turning the area a yellow gold when they are all present.
The science behind why they return largely confounds scientists, especially since the butterflies spend eight months on a migratory route to Eastern Canada and back, during which time four generations are born and then die.
Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez
Sometimes history can’t be written. It must be recorded in other manners.
Count Amalia Hernandez among the top historians in Mexico. Since the 1950s the now-late dancer toured the country searching to preserve the dances representative to each region.
The Ballet Folklorico continues to perform in every Wednesday and Sunday at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City. Even if you’re not a fan of dance, the theatre is well worth a visit.
After spending much of their lives chasing the American dream, workers are starting to eyeball foreign lands when it comes to their defining their retirement plans.
So what are the best places to retire? Algarve, Portugal is the world’s top retirement destination for 2014, according the Annual Global Retirement Index.
At the recent Retire Overseas Conference in Nashville, Tenn. more than 400 people heard about the list’s leading destinations and details for international relocation.
Algarve was new to No. 1 spot on the list and the designation can be in part attributed to the fact that Portugal passed legislation allowing retired expats to be free of income tax in 2012.
Add to that great weather and 42 golf courses in the region and that a retired couple could live comfortable on $1,500 per month in Portugal.
In 2013 Portugal placed No. 11 on the Retirement Index. Portugal took over the top spot from Ecuador, a country that has received the highest ranking for many years.
Cuenca, Ecuador garnered the No. 2 spot followed by George Town, Malaysia; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Dumaguete, Philippines; Pau, France and Medellin, Colombia.
“There’s no one best place to retire overseas; no one place is right for everyone,’’ said Kathleen Peddicord, organizer of the conference and publisher of Live and Invest Overseas. “That’s why we rate the top destination around the world, each for its own reasons.’’
Contributing factors to the rating: climate, cost of living, entertainment, environmental conditions, health care, infrastructure, real estate, residency options, existing expat community, safety, taxes and English spoken.
Nine other countries from the Americas placed on the index: Ambergris Caye, Belize; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cayo, Belize; City Beaches, Panama; Granada, Nicaragua; La Serena, Chile; Medoza, Argentina; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Samana, Dominican Republic.
Two destinations from Asia made the list Istanbul, Turkey and Nha Trang, Vietnam. And three in Europe: Abruzzo, Italy; Barcelona, Spain and Istria, Croatia.
The Retire Overseas Index is published by Live and Invest Overseas. The company is an overseas investment, real estate and retirement resource.
If you mention the word “park” in a city like LA, many folks are off on a tizzy about parking their beloved vehicles before they realize you’re talking about the other kind of park – the leafy kind designed for rest, relaxation and renewal.
Yep, urban parks in Los Angeles do exist.
Everyone knows about the granddaddy of them all, beautiful Griffith Park. It’s the city’s largest and it has made appearances in countless Hollywood movies. And yes, sports fans might even remember to mention Elysian Park, since it’s home to their beloved Dodgers.
…point to a renewed interest in beautiful outdoor spaces
But today we celebrate some of the newest additions to LA’s urban park scene – the ones most residents don’t even know about. They’re creative, even surprising in their design, [think water-wise plantings] — and they point to a renewed interest in beautiful outdoor spaces.
They’re for today’s LA resident and visitor, and a joy to “discover” for the first time.
So grab your sunglasses, pack a lunch, or simply bring a book. There’s a new breed of park out there, and there may just be a bench or patch of grass with your name on it.
Grand Park
It used to be a wasteland of concrete, but no more. Dubbed “the park for everyone,” the first thing you notice are the pink tables and chairs throughout. Yes, pink. Admire the majestic views from the four distinct terraced areas connecting City Hall to the Music Center. Wow, city planning at its best. You’ll quickly forget you’re atop a giant parking lot as you stretch out on the grand event lawn.
The stunning restored fountain – one of the largest in LA – is a glorious site to behold during the day, and at night it boasts a vibrant light show. Join the kids and dip your toes in the inviting wade pool, or grab a coffee in the well-placed Starbucks.
Find your own quiet corner or join the crowd for ever-changing art exhibits, community dance events or live musical concerts. Reminiscent of Washington D.C., Grand Park will make you proudly announce, “Downtown LA is back.”
Between 200 N Grand Avenue and 227 N Spring Street, Downtown Los Angeles
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
This oasis can be your little secret. Just blocks from the 110 freeway, you’ll be mesmerized by the skyline views that are so close that you feel you can reach out and touch them. Did we mention the stunning views?
Just blocks from the 110 freeway, you’ll be mesmerized by the skyline views at Vista Hermosa Natural Park in Downtown Los Angeles // (c) 2013 Corona / Flickr.com
Deceptive in size, the grounds feature terraced trails and flowing streams. Green grass welcomes from every direction, and there are even two small parking lots and clean bathrooms. Hike or picnic by the waterfall, or watch a soccer game on the giant field below.
Enjoy this quiet sanctuary and thank the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the LA Unified School District for collaborating – for they gave us a truly unique space that makes you say, “Wow, LA is beautiful.”
100 N. Toluca Street, Downtown Los Angeles
Grand Hope Park
This little gem has been cleaned up and caters to that new breed of LA resident, the one who resides downtown, as it’s within blocks of LA Live and the Staples Center.
Walk through the gates of the mosaic clock tower and join the new loft-dwellers as their kids frolic in one of downtown’s only gated playgrounds.
Grand Hope Park caters to that new breed of LA resident, the one who resides downtown. // (c) 2010 Ricardo Diaz / Flickr.com
No dogs are allowed, so it’s safe to lounge on the huge grassy space and make friends with the Fashion Institute students who spill out of the campus buildings nearby.
People-watching can be your new sport of choice here. Get your yoga on with one of the gathering classes, or simply watch from your own shaded corner under the arbor and the bougainvillea trees. This is city living at its best.
W. 9th Street & Hope, Downtown Los Angeles
Disney Hall Blue Ribbon Garden
Though technically not a park, this garden on the rooftop of the gleaming Walt Disney Concert Hall has to be mentioned, as it’s one of LA’s unique spaces open to the public.
The Disney Hall Blue Ribbon Garden, on the rooftop of the gleaming Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of LA’s unique public spaces. // (c) 2013 Daniel Djang / Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Channel your Manhattan vibe as you take in the city views and bask in the creative aura of the concert hall and nearby children’s amphitheater.
Staircases from 1st Street or Grand Avenue take you to this shaded sanctuary featuring lush vegetation, organic herbs and plenty of seating. Check out the mosaic fountain and make your wish.
135 N. Grand Avenue, Downtown Los Angeles
Silver Lake Meadow
For years, residents could jog around the Silverlake Reservoir and visit the nearby dog park, but no green space existed to simply hang out. Enter the newish Silverlake Meadow. Cue rejoicing locals.
Enjoy views of the Los Angeles Reservoir at the Silver Lake Meadow // (c) 2013 Silver Lake Reservoirs Conservancy
Though technically more a lawn than a meadow, this small dog-free space is perfect for frisbee tossing or a light picnic. There’s not much shade, so bring an umbrella, or simply come and enjoy the changing colors on the hillside and reservoir at sunset.
Mingle with the hipster families and see for yourself why Silverlake feels a world away from stereotypical La La Land.
Nothing gets the heart beating like the anticipation of a road trip. When it’s time to get out of LA, many charming beach towns beckon and are seemingly a short drive away.
But hop in the car and the bumper-to-bumper gridlock is enough to dampen the spirits of the most optimistic day-tripper or beach enthusiast.
Fear not, Southern Californians are blessed with a second, often forgotten option – the train. Yes indeed, in Los Angeles, you can choose to make the journey just as important as the destination and hop aboard Amtrak at Union Station.
…make the journey just as important as the destination and hop aboard Amtrak at Union Station
Suddenly you’re creating memories by hanging in the observation car, chatting up a stranger, taking pictures of the emerging coastline and preparing for the day’s beauty – for there’s a beach town lifestyle calling your name.
And wow, so many options. Both the Coast Starlight and the Pacific Surfliner trains have station stops dotting the coastline. You could ride all the way south to San Diego, or instead, north of Santa Barbara, before the track veers inland toward San Luis Obispo.
But today we’re featuring three smaller, lesser-known beach communities, where you can simply step off the train and smell the surf.
Carpinteria, Calif.
Just north of Ventura and about 12 miles southeast of Santa Barbara is the coastal community of Carpinteria, home of the “World’s Safest Beach.” Emerge from the train and breathe in that small-town charm.
Just steps from the station is Linden Avenue, which takes you two short blocks to the city’s peaceful, often crowd-free beach.
But first, consider a stop at the family-run, Island Brewing Company, an award-winning microbrewery literally across the street. Sample the brews and bask in an authentically local experience and watch more trains zip by – the tasting room patio is next to the tracks.
Carpinteria,Calif., home of the “World’s Safest Beach,” is easily accessible by Amtrak // (c) 2015 Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce
Watch the kids practicing football or baseball as you amble down to the gorgeous, clean beach, where locals are playing pick-up volleyball matches.
Right next to the city beach is Carpinteria State Beach and campsite, where the smells from grills and campfires only adds to the experience.
While dipping your toes in the Pacific, be sure to turn your back to the waves, because an equally-impressive view awaits – the breathtaking backdrop of mountains.
When ready to explore, walk into town to step into the cute boutiques, galleries and antique shops that dot Linden and Carpinteria Avenues.
…the coastal community of Carpinteria is home of the “World’s Safest Beach.
You won’t find cookie-cutter restaurants in this corner of town, but instead taco stands, ice cream parlors, and mom and pop places with names like The Worker Bee Café, Cabo’s Baja Grill & Cantina or Rusty’s Pizza Parlor.
You can hang with the bikers on a sunny patio, witness the thriving cyclist community at the bike shop or find literary treasures at the local library book sale.
If you happen to be visiting on a First Friday, you’re in for more of a treat – from 5-8 p.m. the city hosts music and entertainment while participating merchants and vendors offer refreshments in a hometown atmosphere.
As you hear that train whistle in the distance, you’ll realize that “unpretentious” may be the word to best describe this gem of a beach town.
When you say, “I want to take the train to the beach,” San Clemente is the ideal destination, for the station is just inches from the sand.
San Clemente is located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, at the southern tip of Orange County, and as you disembark with others in the know, you’ll appreciate public transit planning at its best. As the train pulls away, the sound of the waves replaces the sound of the engine.
The San Clemente Pier is one of the longest wooden piers remaining in Southern California // (c) Trey Ratcliff / Flickr.com
A mere 30-second walk from the station and you’re facing the impressive San Clemente Pier, framed by palm trees, with available beach on either side.
After visiting the sea, get your exercise and stroll along this landmark, one of the longest wooden piers remaining in Southern California. Observe the local fishermen reeling in their catch, or choose to cheer on the surfers from above as they “catch a wave.”
…see why San Clemente is called the “Spanish Village by the Sea”
When you reach the end, see why San Clemente is called the “Spanish Village by the Sea,” for the views of the coast and the town’s cliff-hugging architectural homes are stunning.
As a reward, consider a bowl of clam chowder at The Fisherman’s Restaurant right on the pier, with deck seating above the pounding surf.
The actual town center of San Clemente offers loads of fun thrift shops, bars and homey eateries as well, but it’s a steep hike up the hill without a car. If you need two days at the beach, spend a night at the Beachcomber Motel, an indie property right in the heart of the action, with killer views.
But remember, proximity to the pier and beach means you’ll be hearing those lovely trains pass by several times during the day and into the night – a small price to pay for beachside perfection.
In northern San Diego County, just below Carlsbad, is the scenic town of Encinitas, where you can’t help but notice the healthy lifestyle. (Consider bringing your bike along for the ride, as Amtrak offers limited reserved bicycle spaces on most trips, often with no fee.)
The glistening sands of Moonlight State Beach, in Encinitas, Calif., reflect the sky and give the illusion you’re walking on water. // (c) 2014 Ed Forsyth
On Coast Highway 101, just blocks from the station, you’ll discover you’re among friends, as long-distance cyclists zip through town on training rides, and locals on beach cruisers coast into this bike-friendly, historic shopping district.
You can ride south alongside spectacular coastal views or simply meander north, waving to passing trains.
Meet the local, friendly waitresses at The Encinitas Café and the 101 Diner, and practice your meditation with a visit to the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple and Gardens, perched above the Pacific.
The pace is simply slower here, where people live and breathe surfing, especially in the northern Leucadia district, where the motto is, “Happy the Funk Up.”
…in the northern Leucadia district the motto is, “Happy the Funk Up.”
Pottery and plant places intermingle with arty bookstores and yoga studios. There are enough coffeehouses to try a new one each day of the week, but the Pannikin Coffee & Tea takes the cake, as it’s embedded in an historic Santa Fe RailwayStation, built in 1888.
The “taco shops” are also omnipresent, but you’ll swear-off canned soup forever after trying the tasty, flavorful soups at La Especial Norte, a thriving Mexican eatery.
And then there are the beaches. Take in the views perched atop the steps down to Grandview beach, or follow the parade of surfers to Leucadia State Beach, known locally as Beacon’s. At low tide, wander down B Street to Moonlight State Beach, where the glistening sands reflect the skies, giving the illusion you’re walking on water.
Featuring a large playground, fire pits, volleyball nets and well-maintained restrooms, you’ll see why the local residents can’t resist a day at the beach.
Even if you skip the train and choose a longer visit via car, the towns of Carpinteria, San Clemente and Encinitas offer a beach town culture, with a chance to park within steps of the beach, often with no fees or hassles.
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner makes station stops dotting Southern California’s coastline. // (c) 2012 Don Barrett / Flickr.com
More than 30 million people visited Barcelona last year. This is a number most tourism boards would kill for, but for Barcelona, it’s a big problem.
The city, which welcomes nearly as many visitors each month as it has residents, is facing a variety of challenges many of which are directly affected by unrestricted tourism.
Among them are rising property values and a stretched-to-the-max city infrastructure that is funded by locals but used to support tourists.
The rising property values says Barcelona’s mayor Ada Colau—the city’s first female mayor—were at the heart of the Spain’s financial crisis. Thousands of residents found they were no longer pay their mortgage or afford rent and many were evicted.
In fact, before politics, Colau was an anti-eviction activist who eventually ran for mayor on a platform that promised to crackdown on out-of-control visitor numbers.
Her campaign platform included promises to reduce visitor numbers put a hold on the development of new hotels and to increase tourism taxes.
Finding wildlife in the wild is never easy. An excursion hunting for bears, moose, deer or other mammals, while serving up amazing views of wild and remote areas, can still end up being disappointing if the wildlife doesn’t appear.
But if you can’t be sure you’re going to see wildlife, trekking with your own llama has to be a pretty good second-best option.
Lunch with a Llama, a new package at the Antlers at Vail hotel, allows guests to do just that. Participants search for Colorado wildlife in its native Rocky Mountain habitat, on half-day hikes accompanied by a pack llama.
Lunch with a Llama was inspired by a recent (and unexpected) visit from a baby moose, who took a brief respite in lobby of Antlers at Vail. The moose-on-the-loose made international news, but hotel staff assure guests this is not an everyday experience.
“We’ve had close encounters with wildlife before,” says Antlers General Manager Rob LeVine, referring to bear tracks outside, a trapped weasel once, and even a fox by the swimming pool, but “this is a first for a moose, or any animal, in the lobby.”
The moose’s unexpected visit inspired Antlers staff to create the opportunity for guests to experience the area’s bountiful wildlife – and be guaranteed a photo-op, if not with a moose, then a llama. “But, outside the hotel,” said LeVine.
The Lunch with a Llama package includes a half-day “Lunch with a Llama” trek to view wildlife for two, organized through Vail’s Paragon Guides. The package, which runs throughout the month of August 2014, includes two nights’ lodging in an Antlers one-bedroom suite.
The package starts at $690 for two, but can be upgraded for families traveling with llama-loving kids to $757. For the more adventurous, a full-day wildlife-viewing llama trek can also be arranged, for an additional charge.
The Antlers at Vail is located in a fabulous mountain setting on the banks of Gore Creek, just steps from restaurants, galleries, shops, free Vail town shuttle and the Lionshead Gondola.
The property was recently awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and GreenLeader status, and features condominiums ranging from studio suites up to four-bedroom penthouses. Every unit includes a fully-equipped kitchen, fireplace, private balcony, daily maid service, and complimentary wi-fi and parking.
I confess, when it comes to golf, I’m a non-believer. It’s not that I hate golf, I just don’t get it.
It’s possible that a childhood trauma–a 1973 run in with a windmill on my local mini golf course that left me nearly decapitated and publicly humiliated–has left some long-term emotional scars.
I do appreciate the magic that goes into creating a gorgeous course. The lush carpets of green, the gently sloping hills, the water features, the scenic views.
I even appreciate the golf pros, the sport’s uber-cheerleaders, even though a conversation with a pro always starts out with an animated “I’ll teach you how to play [little lady],” and always ends with a sigh and some form of “well, keep at it, I’m sure one day you’ll get it.”
But playing golf? Meh, just not for me. So every time my golf-adverse self gets near a gorgeous course, I’m pretty much always on the outside looking in.
Which means when it comes to an especially amazing course like the Princeville Makai Golf Club in Kauai, named one of the “Top 5 Great Golf Settings in the U.S.” by National Geographic Traveler, there’s no way anyone’s going to let me past the clubhouse.
Even if I were to suck it up and attempt to play, there are few foursomes that would have me. Because of the windmill incident. And, you know, my nickname–the Divot Diva.
So imagine my delight to be lured with propaganda that allows me to enjoy the beauty of that course, “without having to swing a club.”
Princeville Golf Course tours for non-golfers? Genius.
The course, which is located along Kauai’s north shore, is now offering a “Sunset Golf Cart Tour” at 5:00 p.m. daily. Two people can check out a 2014 Club Car Prestige electric cart and explore the course at their leisure.
Guests can follow the cart paths past all 18 holes, stop wherever they want to take photos, enjoy a snack or drinks (including champagne) at the Makai Grill, and watch the sun set over Hanalei Bay. Information on wildlife and scenic points is even provided.
The Sunset Golf Cart Tour starts at $40 per golf cart for 2 guests and should last about 90 minutes. Meaning that the time you saved by not playing golf leaves you almost 3 hours for important things like shopping, eating, soaking up the sun, relaxing with a deluxe spa package, or enjoying Kauai’s other activities.
