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For outdoor drinks and dining with a view in Chicago, head to one of these up-high bars.

Zihuatanejo—a nearly undiscovered town—has a white sand beach, waterfront fish shacks, cool places to stay, and a laid-back vibe. This Pacific coast paradise is perfect for a quick escape from real life.

Whether you’re headed to Italy for octopus, Japan for sushi, or New Zealand for shellfish, here’s what you need to know about finding the good stuff.

There’s never been a better time to explore close to home.

Between the animals and the water, this place is a colorful dream

AFAR chose a destination at random and sent author Paul Greenberg on 24 hours’ notice to a country where he swapped a beach vacation for a chance to catch his dinner.

Si cocinas como caminas, me como hasta la raspita. If you cook like you walk, I’ll eat even the burned part.

Wandering Chef: Hugo Ortega in Mexico City

Tayrona National Natural Park has become such a popular destination during typical vacation periods that authorities have had to limit admission. But an off-season visit offers singular luxuries like miles of all-but-solitary beaches, jungle trails, and a unique way to observe a variety of monkeys and tropical birds in every brilliant hue. Tayrona can be experienced as a day trip from Santa Marta or as a several-night stay at one of the park’s accommodations. From the main entrance at Cañaveral (El Zaíno), visitors can take a leisurely hike to the ocean while a donkey handles the luggage; horses are also available for those who prefer not to walk. This same park entrance also leads directly to high-roofed, native-wood cabins known as ecohabs, a slightly fancier option for staying in the park.

If you go south along the shore, past Miraflores and Barranco, you will reach Chorrillos. While not part of many tourist itineraries, it’s a quaint, off-the-beaten-path seaside area offering marvelous ocean views and sandy strolls. It’s also great for real-deal ceviche, sold right on the beach at cute, family-owned stalls. You can’t taste fresher seafood, but since these kitchens are not the gleaming steel labs found in upscale eateries, be sure to patronize places where you see lots of locals lining up. Bird-watchers love Pantanos de Villa, a wildlife refuge in Chorrillos that’s home to more than 170 avian species.

There is no other place like this in Austin; a drive thru with authentic Mexican “street” food that serves delicious tacos...fast! It is just like ordering Tacos in Mexico, delicious, cheap and quick, plus they have amazing Salsas (must try the Verde salsa!) They have great coffee too, so you will be properly caffeinated and with a full belly. Must try: Tacos; Al Pastor, De Pescado, Carne Guisada and any combo of the Breakfast Tacos.

Brothers José Carlos and Julio Imperatori co-own 304 O’Reilly, an art-inspired dining experience in Old Havana. José Carlos used to work at a government bar in Havana, but always dreamed of opening his own restaurant. As soon as the government passed the law allowing Cubans to own their own businesses, the brothers opened their doors. José Carlos focuses on the day-to-day management of the restaurant, while Julio is busy traveling the country, sourcing the best produce. It is this practice that makes 304 O’Reilly one of the finest restaurants in all of Havana. I enjoyed the ceviche de pescado, empanadas, and variety of gin cocktails on the menu. The atmosphere is fun and funky, and every woman receives a flower before leaving the building. All these components make 304 O’Reilly the perfect destination for a night out in Old Havana.

For unpretentious fried fish and ocean breezes when in the Northwest of Nicaragua, head to Poneloya. You don’t even need a car--buses leave from León regularly and in about half-an-hour you’re on the beach. Head to the northern end of Poneloya and you’ll see a handful of fish ‘shacks’ clustered around a cove...(We sought out Pastora, a friend-of-a-friend...) The catch-of-the-day will be fried up for you, served with rice, fried plantains and a fresh lime. Order a “Victoria” or a “Toña” (the local beers), and maybe there’ll even be a hammock for you to swing in while the fish sizzles... (March and April are the hottest months, and the Easter holiday crowds can be formidable. Come mid-week, December through February, for cooler weather and quiet sunsets...Remember, this is rustic--no tablecloths, bring cash, avoid the tapwater, but be open to friendly smiles and relaxation.)

This Playa del Carmen restaurant takes its name from a traditional Mexican dish known as aguachile: chili-marinated shrimp with lime juice, onion, and sometimes other ingredients that lend it a strong, spicy-citrus flavor. With its open-air setting and laid-back, beachy style, plus a location a few blocks from bustling 5th Avenue, Los Aguachiles is in fact more local hangout than tourist joint. There’s an extensive menu of other casual Mexican seafood, most notably delicious tacos and tostadas (crispy tortillas piled high with traditional ingredients), as well as mezcal cocktails and chamochela (michelada-style beer mixed with sauces, then rimmed with chili powder and decorated with a shrimp).