AFAR Search

California Has Fully Reopened—What That Means for Travelers

On June 15, the state did away with the majority of its COVID-19 restrictions. One month later, Los Angeles County has reinstated its indoor mask mandate as cases begin to rise.

July 20, 2021 08:12 PM

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Michelle Baran

A view of buildings in downtown San Francisco as seen from a highpoint on a brick walk.

The recently released 2026 Happy City Index scores cities based on the happiness of their citizens. See which U.S. city ranked highest.

March 24, 2026 05:15 PM

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Devorah Lev-Tov

Alaska – Tongass National Forest, Mendenhall Glacier

Outdoor Adventure

National Forests Are an Outdoor Adventure Hack—These 11 Feel Like National Parks Minus Crowds or Fees

Some national forests are jaw-dropping and mistakenly overlooked.

March 25, 2026 01:02 PM

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Bailey Berg

Several High-Speed Train Routes Are Coming to the United States

Trains

These 5 New High-Speed Trains Are Coming to the U.S.

From Texas to Florida, train travel is about to get a lot faster across the country.

August 11, 2023 01:05 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Cities We Love

27 Non-Touristy Things to Do in San Francisco

Here’s what to do to get to know the multifaceted City by the Bay, from classic attractions to quirky events.

May 1, 2024 12:06 PM

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Jessie Beck

Jue Let, Texas interior; How Do You Like Them Apples cocktail (also from Jue Let)

Food + Drink

From Ghee-Washed Mezcal to Fish Sauce Margaritas, Asian American–Owned Bars Are Changing How America Drinks

Scotch and chrysanthemum tea. Ghee-washed mezcal. Baijiu and mapo tofu. At these Asian American-owned bars, childhood flavors are the inspiration behind inventive cocktails.

May 13, 2026 05:31 AM

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Katie Chang

U.S. Beaches

The 7 Best Beaches in South Carolina

Get ready for some incredible sunrises.

October 31, 2022 11:07 PM

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Chloe Arrojado

Outdoor Adventure

Redwoods Survive Wildfire at California’s Oldest State Park

Most of the ancient trees—some of them 2,000 years old—withstood the blaze.

August 27, 2020 03:08 PM

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Martha Mendoza

Trains

These 6 Glass-Roof Trains Have the Best Scenic Views, From the Grand Canyon to Machu Picchu

Immerse yourself in panoramic railway views thanks to glass domes, skylights, and observation cars.

August 26, 2025 02:09 PM

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Nicole Edenedo

Trains

Get Half Off Private Room Fares on Amtrak’s Most Scenic Routes This Spring

This two-for-one sale lets you bring along a companion for free in a private Amtrak Roomette.

March 15, 2022 07:09 PM

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Lyndsey Matthews

Festivals + Events

In Carlsbad, California, Flowers Are on the Menu

Flower spotting in Carlsbad goes beyond ranunculus at the Flower Fields. In spring, petals are incorporated into entrées, spa treatments, and cocktails.

April 12, 2022 07:00 PM

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Bailey Berg

Outdoor Adventure

Storm Tourism Is Surging—and Vancouver Island Is Leading the Charge

British Columbia’s wild winter weather makes it the epicenter of a growing travel trend.

September 23, 2025 10:10 AM

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Alexandra Marvar

History + Culture

10 Distinctive Lighthouses in the California Bay Area

From Point Arena to Pacific Grove, here are 10 lighthouses near San Francisco and the Bay Area you can visit.

June 29, 2020 03:44 PM

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Pat Tompkins

Weekend Getaways

Why Oceanside Is a Great Coastal Retreat a Quick Train Ride From L.A.

South of L.A., north of San Diego, right by Legoland, and on the Amtrak line—Oceanside is perfectly positioned for a weekend getaway on the coast.

August 13, 2021 02:35 PM

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Tim Chester

Beaches

20 of the Best Beaches—and Beach Resorts—in Costa Rica

With two distinctly different coasts and hundreds of beaches, this Central American country has a lot to offer for seaside adventures.

July 11, 2025 02:13 PM

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Jessie Beck

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