In this post, I will cover the logistics of visiting this gorgeous city but most importantly I will give you a plan for an awesome getaway for you and your girlfriends. With that, you won’t have to stress about planning, and instead, you can simply focus on enjoying a city that I know you’ll end up falling in love with!

In case you’re new here, know that I always base my itineraries on my own travels! So if I give you a plan, it means I have followed it or would have done it that way based on what I experienced at the destination. If you have a suggestion for a new restaurant or a hot tip, don’t forget to comment at the bottom of this post!

Looking for other ideas for the best weekends with your girlfriends? Check out my Miami Girls Weekend or Austin Guides for awesome itineraries!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Let’s talk about some San Diego logistics

Transportation to and in San Diego

Getting there

Getting to San Diego is pretty straightforward. You have a pretty well-connected airport right outside the city from which can catch a quick ~15 min Uber to the center. If the Uber fare is surging out of control, you can always take the bus on route 992 which can connect you to the trolley, train stations or the city center.

If you’re already in California, take the Amtrak along the Coast. It’s an experience within itself as its a super scenic and comfortable ride. When traveling in the southern direction, make sure to sit on the right-hand side to get the best views of the coast. I paid a little extra for the first-class cabin. It was slightly more comfortable than coach and you got a snack box with an alcoholic beverage. That alone made it worth the extra price. But to set your expectations straight, remember this is still an old train first class and not the Emirates suite.

Moving around the city

San Diego has a nice public transport system so if you don’t want to spend money on Ubers, you’ll be able to get around on the buses or trolleys. You can walk some parts of the city but if you want to see most of the attractions, you will be not able to avoid driving.

Should you rent a car in San Diego?

If you’re just staying in the city, there is no need to rent a car. Looking for parking and the cost of the rental will not save you any money and it won’t make your life easier either. However, it might be worth considering a rental if you’re planning to take some day trips out of San Diego. Some popular spots include La Jolla or even Tijuana in Mexico which is located only an hour away.

Best time to visit San Diego

Although San Diego has decent weather throughout the year, the best time to visit will be May through September for the sunshine, beach time, and overall lively vibe. As with any peak season though, it will be expensive. I personally visited in April and loved the shoulder season vibe. It wasn’t too crowded and the weather was just perfect enough to explore without overheating. However, it would get a little chilly at night and I did not do any water-related activities.

Is San Diego expensive?

Yes, it is. I won’t even beat around the bush and tell you that you can avoid spending money. Just as most destinations in California, San Diego is pricey, especially in the city center.

From accommodations to drinks and food and visiting attractions, you’ll be spending $500-$800 per person for a weekend there unless you’re really sticking to a low budget.

Where to stay in San Diego

Depending on what the goal of the weekend is, that will determine where you stay. However, for first timers, here are some areas to consider.

• If the goal of your girl’s weekend in San Diego is to party, stay near Gaslamp.
• If you want to relax near the beach, stay near Ocean Beach.
• Coronado is an island super close to the city that will give you chill vibes and cool restaurants.
• Downtown will have the vibes of any downtown.
• Or even La Jolla (25 min from center) if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities.

Is a weekend in San Diego enough time?

A weekend anywhere is never enough to truly get to know a destination however a weekend is sometimes all we got. San Diego has a ton of activities so I’d plan for a 3 day weekend. However, a quick Saturday/Sunday getaway will do the trick if you’re just planning to see the highlights! You certainly won’t be able to see everything and your schedule will be packed but it’s certainly do-able.

A Girls Weekend in San Diego Itinerary!

Day 1: Let your awesome girls’ trip to San Diego begin!

One of my favorite strategies for weekend trips is to always arrive on Friday afternoons. This way I can check into my accommodation, do some light exploring and get a full night sleep before the weekend ahead. I prefer this a lot more than arriving on Saturdays and losing half the day on check-in and travel. So with that, I say do your best to arrive in San Diego on check-in time Friday (early) afternoon to get your awesome San Diego girls’s trip going!

Late Lunch

Depending on where you’re staying in town, choose a place for a late lunch/early dinner vibe. My girlfriend and I stayed in the Gaslamp District so we found something nearby in the touristy area of San Diego. Food was delicious and it filled us up perfectly for the rest of the day.

Stroll along the waterfront

Right before sunset, head to the waterfront area near the Marina. It was a stunning place for golden hour and then for sunset. You can stroll along the promenade or grab a drink at one of the numerous waterfront spots. Watching the sunset along the boats is super cute!

We walked near the Seaport Village toward the Embarcadero. This area had a ton of shops, waterfront restaurants, park spaces and cool sculptures. If you like boat tours for dinner cruises, whale watching or speed jets, you can catch those from this area too. Another thing to do in this area is to catch some live music at the Randy Shell outdoor concert venue.

Gaslamp District Party Time

Now onto the best part, party time! A trip to San Diego will not be complete until you have spent some time walking through the Gaslamp District and grabbing a drink (or partying) in at least one of the bars on the “strip.” And especially if you’re spending a girls weekend in San Diego, this will be a fun activity of your stay! There are numerous places you can go to depending on the vibe you’re looking for.

If you’re a girl there will be a ton of promoters wandering the streets looking to get you into their club with a free drink pass. You have all different types of places in Gaslamp and way too many to name them all but to name some, there are clubs like Toro, F6IX, Parq and Oxford, a rooftop bar called Altitude, more low-key bars like The Tipsy Crow or Whiskey Girl. Honestly, I think the best way to explore Gaslamp is to go bar hopping and simply finding a place based on the vibe it has. But if you want a full list of what’s in the area, check out Gaslamp’s full list of all the bars and nightclubs.

Day 2: Sightseeing in full swing

Brunch in Little Italy

After a night in Gaslamp, you will need a solid brunch. I recommend having brunch in Little Italy which is a cute neighborhood in town to eat in and explore after. Here are some popular options in the area. If traveling in season, don’t forget your resys!

• Morning Glory – A popular breakfast/lunch place with cool decor
• Caffe Italia – A small cafe with breakfast food, coffee and gelato
• Farmers Table – Cool decor and extensive weekend brunch
• Parakeet Cafe – Healthy options for acai bowls, protein bowls or creative toasts
• Little Italy Food Hall – And if you’re traveling with a bunch of picky eaters, it might be a good idea to head to the foo hall with a ton of options for everyone!

Balboa Park

For the afternoon, head to Balboa Park to enjoy this beautiful and massive park. There are so many spaces and nooks there so pick 2-3 spots you want to see rather than trying to see them all. Here are some top spots to see in the park but note that there are many more than this:

• Botanical Building: A beautiful building (inside currently closed for construction) with a lily pond
• Japanese Friendship Garden: Has an entry fee but it’s a beautiful display of Japanese culture
• Alcazar Garden: A smaller space with Moorish accents
• San Diego Museum of Art: An art museum with impressive collections
• Spreckles Organ Pavillion: World’s largest outdoor pipe organ, free concerts on Sunday
• San Diego Zoo: If you’d like to spend your time with some animals
• Balboa Park Carousel: I personally love old carousels and this one is over 100 years old

Nightime activities

On day 2, treat yourself to a nice dinner. Places like Barbusa for some amazing Italian Born and Raised for high end steak or Top of the Market won’t disappoint. You can also venture out to the beautiful island of Coronado to places like Il Fornaio or Blue Water Grill for some waterfront night views.

If you’re up for night two of partying, head back to to Gaslamp and let your night continue!

Day 3: La Jolla and Old Town

La Jolla

Next on your itinerary is the famous La Jolla! It’s a quick 30 min ride from city center San Diego. There is so much to do in that area not to mention how beautiful it is. Start by exploring the La Jolla Cove, where you can admire the seals and sea lions sunbathing on the beach and rocks. I was so excited to spend time walking the stunning path admiring these lazy but super entertaining creatures! Walk all the way down to La Jolla Tide Pools as well where you’ll be able to see some cool sea creatures when as the name suggests, the tide is low.

Next, head over to Village of La Jolla for lunch and some shopping. Although popular and pricey, there are a couple of restaurants with stunning views of the ocean like Duke’s or George’s for example. The downtown area has many stores and boutiques you can explore as well.

If you want more outdoor time, make sure to visit Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. You can hike that area and get the most stunning views of the unique nature there right on the beach! It’s about 15-25 min drive from La Jolla but totally worth it!

Old Town

On your way back from La Jolla another fun things to do on your San Diego girls weekend itinerary is to stop in Old Town. The main touristy area is the Old Town Market which is full of stores and beautiful pieces. I got myself a nice hand painted vase from Mexico that is a centerpiece in my kitchen until this day. Additionally, there are some restaurants on site or food stands at which you can snag an elote or even a beer if you need an afternoon snack.

Back home 🙁

And just like that it’s time to wrap up your girls weekend in San Diego. There is nothing better than exploring this gem with your besties and I hope that you have the best weekend ever.

This is the itinerary I planned when I visited with my best friend but if you have any suggestions that you think would make this trip better, let me know in the comments!

A Delicious Jewish Food Tour in New York with Ultimate Food Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

July 18, 2023

Living in New Jersey/New York area spoils you rotten when it comes to experiencing good food. You get fantastic cuisine from almost every culture which sets your expectations high when it comes to any food activities. When I heard about Ultimate Food Tour’s Jewish Food Tour in New York, I was curious to check out…

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2 Days in Miami: A Unique Itinerary for a Quick Getaway

Kasia Kalemba

April 7, 2023

If you grew up on the East Coast, especially in the NJ/NY area, you are probably very familiar with Florida snowbirds. It’s a pretty standard migration route for those of us who need a seasonal reset and a serious vitamin D boost. I myself travel this route at least once per winter season. When I…

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Review: Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC with Ahoy Tours!

Kasia Kalemba

February 10, 2023

The absolute best way to travel in any city is through food. In food, we can find hidden history, traditions, and each generation’s contributions. It’s also something that makes us remember distinctive things about other cultures more than a history book or a museum. For example, I had moose and reindeer meat in Sweden, unique…

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Awesome Ideas for Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

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You’ve seen it in movies, pictures, and all over social media. Visiting Los Angeles for the first time is an awesome experience no matter how popular this place is. You find yourself in front of the Hollywood Sign or driving along Pacific Coast Highway and life doesn’t feel real for a second. As someone who…

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An Awesome Maine Getaway: Portland, Bar Harbor and Acadia

Kasia Kalemba

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One of the best things you can do on the East Coast during the fall is to explore New England during its most beautiful season of the area, fall! Nothing compares to the crispy air, changing leaf colors, local seafood, and just the most beautiful nature all around. I have visited Maine twice during this…

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A Perfect Itinerary for a 3-Day Austin Bachelorette Party

Kasia Kalemba

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When my college bestie and bride-to-be said that she wanted her last single hoorah in Austin, I didn’t know it would end up as the perfect destination for a bachelorette trip. Although this city is no secret to these kinds of parties, planning it was not as straightforward as we expected. Everyone on the internet…

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Now let me tell you. If you want to eat some seriously delicious food, learn about local Jewish history, and spend time with an awesome host, this tour is just that!

In this post, I’ll take you on this Upper East Side Jewish Food Tour journey with me! I hope it inspires you to check out this unique NYC activity 🙂

A little bit on Ultimate Food Tour’s background

I gotta say, aside from my curiosity about the food and its history, I always love learning about how unique ideas were born. Rarely are cool things carefully planned and executed, often times they happen because of a random life circumstance that pushes us to do something different. That follows Scott’s baby, or Ultimate Food Tours, which started as hobby, turned an Airbnb experience, and now is a well-established NYC Food Tour company offering 4 amazing options through NYC’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Things born out of pure passion and interest often reflect that in the actual experience and that’s certainly how I felt listening to Scott. He walked us through the history of the food and the neighborhood all with a personal connection and passion radiating from him. He was very knowledgeable about the topic and genuinely excited to take you on this tour. There is such a difference in the quality of your time when your guide has his full heart in what he does!

And Some Quick Logistics about the Jewish Food Tour

• The tour starts on the Upper East Side and continues throughout it
• This is mostly an outdoor walking tour so wear comfy shoes and dress weather appropriate
• Yes, there will be bathroom stops along the route
• Don’t eat much prior to the tour and portions will keep you full so no need to book resys for after either!
• The cost of the Jewish Food Tour is $90 per person which is very standard for a food tour experience

Let’s go on a Jewish Food Tour in NYC!

Stop 1: Orwashers’ Bakery

What’s more iconic than a real NYC bagel with lox? Nothing, so it was only appropriate to start this awesome food tour with the most delicious bagel topped with cream cheese, lox, and some green onions. If you know me, you know I am very picky about my lox and I do not overhype anything subpar. But let me tell you, Orwashers nailed this!

In addition to the tasting itself, this is where our history of Jewish foods begins. We learned that traditionally this was a sandwich that in order to become appropriate with kosher customs, had to get “re-invented” a little. This combo was originally intended to have a herring addition but since salmon was more available and cheaper in NYC, that ended up being the winner. Who knew that this substitution would become such a staple! Since the Yiddish word for Lox is Laks, that’s where that name came from. Today, this iconic sandwich is something most New Yorkers enjoy for their weekend breakfast!

In addition to their amazing bagels, Orwashers also serves bread, pastries, and cakes! Make sure to grab a traditional rugelach cookie as well!

Stop 2: Schaller’s Stube Sausage Bar

For our next stop, we had some delicious New York hot dogs. But this wasn’t some simple hot dog from a street vendor, this was some next-level meat. A perfectly done hot dog in a pretzel bun with sauerkraut and mustard was the perfect next bite!

At first, I was surprised about how hot dogs can be tied into local Jewish history. But we learned about how the famous Hebrew National Dogs came into the market and how they are still one the most popular selling hot dogs around! They’re iconic slogan of answering to a “higher authority” got them national attention and was one of the first major kosher items to start selling in supermarkets.

We also learned about the kosher custom of eating meat vs. dairy and how kosher restaurant certifications come about. I absolutely love learning about the influence of cultures on food and especially the new inventions that come about in melting-pot cities like New York!

Stop 3: Pastrami Queen

Continuing on our tour, we headed over to Pastrami Queen. If you’re a New Yorker, a good pastrami sandwich is a staple in your diet. While some will argue that Katz’ has the best one in town, after trying Pastrami Queen, you might change your mind. This hole-in-the-wall spot does indeed serve an awesome sandwich that I will cross the Hudson River from Jersey to have again. Not only was the pastrami perfectly cured and seasoned, the rye bread (which comes from Orwashers Bakery!) perfectly complimented it as well.

Stop 4: William Greenberg Desserts

Last but not least, we stopped at William Greenberg Desserts for the one and only, Black and White Cookie! If you’re from this area, chances are you had dozens of these in your life. Although what appears to be a pretty simple cookie, it’s not as easy to find a well-made black and white as you’d imagine. This bakery did indeed nail this and it was the perfect way to end our Jewish Food Tour in New York.

As many black and white cookies as I enjoyed in my life, I had no idea it carried a Jewish-American history nor that it’s thought to have roots in Manhattan itself. It also carries some interesting stories related to the war! Who knew this simple classic cookie carries so much cultural importance!

Thoughts on the Jewish Food Tour in NYC

I personally love learning about cultures through their food. It’s especially fascinating in areas like New York City where multiple nationalities, religions, and customs all come together in search for a better life. With that, different combinations of origins along with substitutions for traditional ingredients created masterpieces like a lox bagel, a pastrami sandwich, a hot dog or even a cookie! While we may be eating these foods on a regular basis, learning about their origins makes each bite that more special.

Going on this Jewish Food Tour in New York with Scott’s Ultimate Food Tour was such an awesome weekend activity. I’d certainly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in NYC! I loved it for its history, exploring the Upper East Side neighborhood in a different way, and most importantly the delicious food choices.

Whether you are a local like myself or someone visiting NYC for the first time, I’m confident you’ll enjoy this activity as much as I did!

And if the food stops on this route don’t necessarily go with your taste palette, Ultimate Food Tours has other routes in Chinatown, Times Square, and their Iconic Food Tour throughout the city.

I want to thank Scott for inviting me and my guest to spend the day with him! The opinions in this post are my own!

2 days in Miami might not seem like a lot of time but trust me that this itinerary will give you that small Miami boost that you need. This Miami 2 day itinerary is perfect not just for cold season travels but can be referenced all year round.

If you have more time in my favorite city, you can check out my full Miami guide or even my Miami to Key West one and if you’re traveling with your girlfriends, then check out the Miami Girls Weekend guide! Both offer unique ideas for visiting Miami and I am sure you will find something that aligns best with your upcoming trip.

I hope this itinerary will give you exactly what you need to have the perfect 2 days in Miami!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Day 1: Brunch + Design District + Night Activity

But first, let’s Brunch

Brunch is an absolute must to start your Miami exploring. Some ideas for a good meal:

• Mandolin – Mediterranean food, located in Design District, cool Greek aesthetics 
• Cvi.Che 105 – Stylish Peruvian chain with a couple of locations in the city
• Kalamata – Another Mediterranean spot with high-quality fresh dishes
• Mila – A boujee MediterrAsian restaurant and rooftop lounge with a unique brunch
• Orange Blossom – A typical brunch spot. Make sure to check out the back patio.

Design District

The Design District is a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that celebrates design, fashion, art, and architecture. It’s one of the fairly newer neighborhoods in Miami and I have to say it’s pretty impressive! In my previous guides, I always mentioned that this area was on my Miami to-do list and I’m happy to say that on my last visit, I got to explore it!

As you stroll through the Design District, you’ll be amazed by the stunning architecture that surrounds you. From the restored historic buildings to the modern structures designed by the world’s top architects, every corner is a feast for the eyes.

The Design District is also a shopper’s dream. From high-end luxury fashion brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, to independent boutiques and concept stores, you’ll at least indulge in some window shopping like myself. There are some restaurants on site too if you want to take a break from exploring!

Dinner Time

A nice dinner is a must in Miami and there is no shortage of places to have one. Here are some fresh options for you however if you’d like more, head over to the full Miami guide I mentioned earlier:

• Gitano: Have some good Mexican among gorgeous Tulum vibes
• Contessa: Old school Italian located in a modern Design District
• The Bazaar: Dine in Jose Aviles’ boujee Latin restaurant

Night out in Miami

If a 24-hour club in Miami or walking down Ocean Drive along with all the other tourists is the last thing you want to do on a night out, don’t worry, I have better choices for ya. Don’t get me wrong, you certainly have to experience the Miami classics as well but at a certain point you’ll want to try something new instead. I personally don’t want to club until 4 am anymore but still want to have a great night in Miami! So I’d recommend the following alternatives:

Viernes Culturales or Cultural Fridays is an event in Little Havana that takes place every third Friday of the month starting at noon. There will be music, dancing, local artisans, good food, and awesome drinks. Go at night for a fun vibe and a very cute cultural experience. Even if you don’t happen to be in Miami on the third Friday of the month, Little Havana at night is a fun place to be!

Another unique option and totally opposite of a neighborhood party are events at Faena Hotel. If you don’t know Faena, it’s a super boujee hotel that most of us can’t afford to stay at. However, a drink or a show at night, although not cheap, are cool glimpses into Miami Luxury stays. Currently, you can see Allura Cabaret on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the Faena Theater! In addition to the show, they have live music events along with some rotating shows. Dress to impress and enjoy a nice night out!

Day 2: Beach + Exploring + Activity

Beach time

Do not forget to schedule beach time into your 2 days in Miami! It would honestly be a sin not to take a nice stroll along the beautiful coast or to lay out and soak in the sun for a little bit. The beach hugs Miami on the east side and most of it is public. You can rent chairs at pretty much any point and a lot of hotels have some sort of beach chair arrangement.

On my most recent stay, I stayed in my new favorite Miami hotel, The Confidante, and I enjoyed the beach in that area. I also spent the morning soaking up the sun and swimming in a heated pool.

Afternoon Exploring

Before you explore, don’t forget to grab a bite. If you don’t want a formal sit down, a good place for a quick but delicious bite is the TimeOut Market. Although they’re pretty touristy, I do enjoy them because they do a good job of gathering the local specialties in a nicely situated place where you can also grab a decent afternoon cocktail!

Now back to exploring. Miami has a ton of exciting neighborhoods which I go into detail about in my full Miami guide. However, here’s a quick recap on some:

• Wynwood – What started as a hipster neighborhood with funky murals, coffee shops, and industrial vibes turned into a highly desired living area with $20 drinks. Nonetheless, a visit is well worth it and if you don’t want to spend too much, stop at a brewery like Veza Sur or Cerveceria La Tropical.
• Little Havana – Always a favorite of mine to grab a fresh Mojito and enjoy the Cuban vibes.
• South Beach – The most touristy yet iconic part of Miami with Art Deco buildings, and streets like Ocean Drive, Collins Ave or Espanola Way.
• Brickell – Financial area of Miami with high rises and drink spots on rooftops.
• Coral Gables – A boujee neighborhood with shopping, tree-lined streets, mansions and the famous Venetian Pool.

or some cool Miami activities …

If you’ve been to Miami a couple of times already or if you’re looking for something outside out of the most touristy spots, here are some ideas for unique Miami things to do:

Miami Nature Activities

Miami has some awesome nature spots that people often forget to check out. If you’d like to check out some unique vegetation, head over to Miami Beach Botanical Garden in South Beach, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or The Kampong both in Coral Gables.

You can also do a classic Everglades tour on an airboat! Some tours pick you up from Miami while others are located in the Everglades National Park.

Tour ideas

Another fun thing you can do is check out some of the local tours. These are pretty unique and give you a totally new perspective on the city! I always recommend a good boat day but there are many more things to do in Miami. Here is a list of cool activities I found with some top-rated reviews!

That’s a wrap on 2 days in Miami!

Miami is truly one of my favorite cities around. Even a quick 2-day getaway gets me the Miami boost I desperately need. Whether it’s your 1st or 20th time in Miami, this city’s vibe is really unmatched. And while you can totally spend the entire 2 days in Miami on a beach, or boat, or sipping drinks by the pool, if you’re an explorer like myself, I hope this guide gave you some new ideas for your upcoming trip!

Don’t forget to check out my Miami to Key West itinerary! Key West truly feels like another country and is a really iconic place to visit in your lifetime.

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When I visit new cities, I simply love doing food tours! But when Ahoy NYC Food Tours invited me on a tour in my own neighborhood, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, a Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC? I’ve eaten in these areas dozens of times so how could I possibly discover new things?

Well, spoiler alert. Ahoy Food Tours killed it! Not only did I eat some amazing Asian and Italian food but also learned about their shared immigrant history and saw some cool new spots in both neighborhoods. It’s safe to say that even when you think you’ve seen it all, you can ALWAYS find hidden gems in your own neighborhoods! You can have a Perfect Day right around the corner.

In this review, I will share some general information about the NYC Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour along with an overview of the food we tasted.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find a discount code for Ahoy Food Tours that you use when booking!

Let’s Start with Some Useful Info

Ahoy Food Tours has been around for a while, since 2008 to be exact. Each tour consists of a small group of up to 13 people. Their most popular public tour is the Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC but they also have another multicultural one on Mulberry Street. They also offer private and corporate events. Prices are pretty average for a food tour compared to local companies.

Our tour guide Maryana was amazing. She was super knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, history, and food of course. We really enjoyed her expertise!

Dietary Accommodations

Food tours and dietary restrictions don’t always go hand in hand. Previously I attended a food tour in another city where a company listed that they accommodate a specific food allergy. In practice, that accommodation ended up being a total failure and the tour ended up a dud for our group then.

My guest on Ahoy’s Food Tour was vegetarian so we knew that she wouldn’t be able to taste everything. But what pleasantly surprised us is that in every spot which included a meat bite, the tour had prepared a substitute delicious veggie tasting for her. Each accommodation is different but if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry about missing out! They do a great job with substitutions!

Overall Itinerary

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, there are 8 tastings with one alcoholic beverage included. You will certainly feel full after the tour as the portions are generous (for a food tour of course).

You’ll be walking for about half a mile outside so dress accordingly to NYC seasonal weather. During the stops outside, you’ll learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act, the tenements of the area, the dark history of Chinatown, and the immigrant history of Little Italy. As an immigrant myself, this was a very interesting portion of the tour. It shows how the people and history shaped the area along with the food and how much struggle they went through in hopes of a better life in this country.

Tasting Stop Overview

• At our meeting spot, we enjoyed hot tea and a pork bun
• Then we had some dumplings
• Next was a Chinese sponge cake
• Then a fresh mozzarella with prosciutto
• And some gnocchi with amazing marinara sauce
• Next was a cheese sampling from a famous cheese shop
• My favorite was the following sit-down stop with eggplant rollatini and a cold beer
• And lastly, we had cannoli to end on a perfect sweet tooth!

I was so full at the end and so happy with all the delicious tastings. There truly wasn’t a bad meal on this Little Italy and Chinatown food tour in NYC.

Now let’s dive a little more into each tasting!

Tasting 1: Tea Tasting with a Chinese Pastry

Our tour started at Silk Road Cafe for our first tasting of Jasmine Tea. It was served in cute little glasses and we let it seep while we settled in and got our introduction to the tour. Our tour guide explained the importance of balance within traditional Chinese cuisine. We sipped our tea and enjoyed her explanation of herbal concoctions throughout history.

Next was an insanely delicious pork bun (and taro bun for my vegetarian friend) from Fay Da Bakery. The slightly sweet bread along with the salty and perfectly seasoned pork was a perfect combo. The taro bun had a combination of sweetness with floral undertones, and almond slices on top were a great touch. I could have easily eaten two more!

Tasting 2: Dumplings

Next, we headed over to Tasty Dumplings for some meat dumplings! Dumplings to me are always fascinating since most cultures in the world figured out their unique way of stuffing their favorite ingredients in a form of a dough pocket. For example, Eastern Europeans have pierogis, South Americans have empanadas, Italians have ravioli and Asians have dumplings! In essence these are allt’s the same food, yet they are all so different to each culture.

Back to Tasty Dumplings though, don’t let this hole-in-a-wall fool you with its simple appearance. The dumplings were superb!

Tasting 3: Spongecake

We enjoyed our next tasting which was a (purple) spongecake from Kam Hing Coffee Shop while listening to some interesting history behind Doyers Street. It’s quite wild yet fascinating and I won’t spoil it for you because it’s just one of those stories you’ll have to hear about in person. For a tad more suspense, I also won’t tell you the ingredient that makes the spongecake purple. I’ll save that detail for your tour too.

Tasting 4: Fresh Homemade Mozzarella wrapped in Prosciutto

After our Chinatown tour stops, we headed over to Little Italy. Personally, I have eaten many meals there and attended (my favorite) San Gennaro Feast! I love the food in that area so I was very excited about discovering some new gems!

Our first location in Little Italy was Alleva Dairy, which is the oldest cheese shop in America. Upon entering the shop, you could immediately smell the delicious scents of authentic Italian deli. We sampled homemade mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto (or if you’re from Jersey like me then call it mutz) 🙂 Since the cheese was unsalted, the cured prosciutto beautifully complimented it!

Tasting 5: Fresh Pasta

Our next bite was pasta in tomato sauce at Piemonte Ravioli. It was a small pasta store that sells pasta to very popular clients! I expected the sauce to be salty, however to my surprise, it had a slightly sweet aftertaste. We learned that it’s the tomatoes that give it that distinctive taste.

Tasting 6: Imported Cheeses and Olives

You can NEVER ever have enough cheese so when we arrived at Di Palo’s Fine Foods and tasted some Piave (cow milk) and Moliterno (sheep milk), my soul was super happy. Not only was the cheese amazing, but the store itself is such an institution. Their imported foods are impressive, I mean check out these cheese wheels!

Tasting 7: Eggplant Rollatini

Benito One was our sit-down spot where we had some Eggplant Rollatini along with an alcoholic beverage of our choice. The rollatini was probably my favorite meal out of the tour since I am a sucker for some good Italian!

The restaurant itself was such an interesting place and I am certainly planning to come back for a full dinner soon with my family.

Depending on the tour, the sit-down locations vary between this one and having Dim Sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

Tasting 8: Cannoli

Last but not least, we ended the tour with the perfect sweet tooth treat, a pistachio cannoli! Normally the tour does this tasting at Ferrara Bakery, which I LOVE dearly, however, it was closed on the day we did the tour.

Is Ahoy’s Little Italy and Chinatown Food Tour in NYC worth it?

Yes it is. As someone who has done a dozen of food tours, I have to say I really enjoyed Ahoy’s Food Tour. All the tastings were delicious and it was great to learn some interesting neighborhood history along with it. The food portions and picks were great, our tour guide really knew her stuff, and it was a great afternoon activity to do with my best friend.

Ahoy was generous to share this discount code for Perfect Day readers so you guys can save some $$. Visit their website for the tour schedule.

USE CODE PDSAHNY TO SAVE 20% OFF AHOY FOOD TOURS!

If you’re a fan of food tours, you’ll like this one. If you’ve never done one, Ahoy will set the bar high!

I am thankful to Ahoy’s team for the invite and I assure you that this is a truly honest and independent opinion about it.

As someone who frequently travels and even works a remote job based in California, I have never actually visited LA before. Since I was way overdue for a proper visit to Los Angeles, after spending an awesome week there, I fell in love with everything this area has to offer. It is very safe to say that I will be back very soon.

After a week in LA, I am back to show my favorite spots on my first-timer Los Angeles Itinerary. You’ll find a mix of the obvious and less obvious along with some logistics needed for your trip. Most importantly, you’ll have the perfect plan for your Los Angeles visit without the need to do much research outside of it.

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Quick Logistics

Transportation in Los Angles

LAX certainly does not need an introduction as it is one of the more known airports in the US. It has connections to most cities in the US, also being a big international hub as well. Coming from the East Coast, with the 3-hour difference, it’s a great early evening flight but that also means that most flights back home are redeyes! There is another smaller airport (John Wayne) located about an hour outside the city which had non-stop cheap flights from New York as well.

You will absolutely need a car in LA. For my travel dates, car rental prices were pretty steep, so I opted for one of my favorite car rental apps Turo. I picked up my 2010 Mazda in a random parking lot and drove off into the infamous LA traffic.

Speaking of LA traffic … Yes it was bad but coming from NJ/NY traffic it wasn’t as terrifying as I imagined. If you’ve ever driven in rush hour along Belt Parkway, BQE or the Parkway, LA traffic won’t be as scary for you. However, if you come from a more quiet town, yea, it will be bad.

Accommodations

I was lucky enough to say with a friend during my visit so I was able to save some major $ on accommodations. And let me tell ya, just like LA, hotels there won’t be cheap! Before I knew I’d be staying with my friend, I did some hotel research and found these highly-rated spots with a couple of different area locations. All areas below are wonderful if you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time:

• Huntley Santa Monica Beach
• Omni Los Angeles Hotel California Plaza in Downtown
• The Metric – Los Angeles Downtown
• E Central Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
• Dream Hollywood
• Hotel Ziggy
• The Kinney – Venice Beach
  

Length of Stay

How long to stay when you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time? There are a couple of things to consider when deciding on how long to stay: First, how much do you want to see in the LA area vs. the surrounding cities and second how much budget do you want to dedicate to this trip as California is kinda expensive. If you want to see the basics, Obviously you can easily fill a week with activities but I’d say 3-4 days is enough to get the gist of LA.

Random Things to Know

• A 3-mile drive could be either 3 minutes or 30 minutes in traffic, leave early!
• Parking decks are everywhere so you won’t be able to avoid them.
• Yes, everything is super expensive and on top of it, the taxes will get ya.
• (Mostly) everyone is dressed up or put together. Fancy athleisure is also the local uniform.
• The weather is mostly dry and sunny but the evenings get chilly! Grab a jacket!

Places to See When Visiting Los Angeles For the First Time

The spots I chose to visit below are a mix of very popular things to do and some less visited places. Depending on your pace, you can see everything below in an average of three days.

The Getty Villa

If you want to feel like you just transported yourself to a European Villa, don’t miss the Getty! They have Greek and Roman antiques along with other exhibitions. Aside from the art, the grounds are simply stunning! Additionally, you can eat in their small restaurants on-site, shop at the museum store or download the app if you want to do the art tour. Otherwise, you can simply explore the property and enjoy the beautiful surroundings like we did.

Admission is free but reservations are required. Don’t be shocked by the $20 parking fee though 🙂 Note that there is a second location, the Getty Center, so don’t confuse the two when you’re putting in your Google Map directions! You want to go to the Getty Villa located right on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Topanga Canyon Overlook

Starting your day at the Getty Villa will allow you to take a short detour toward Topanga Canyon Overlook. It’s a short 15-20 minute drive to a viewing point from the Villa. The views are incredible from there and the short drive along the canyon is also incredible. There are small hiking routes at the viewing point too if you want to explore the area a little more. I have not seen this overlook suggested in any Los Angeles guides and I found it by looking at a map! In my humble opinion, this spot is a gem and should absolutely be visited while you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time.

There is a cute cafe called Cafe 27 on the way where you can stop for coffee and admire some canyon views from the back patio too!

Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu

This was one of those moments where it hit me that I was in California. Although living in Jersey I get my fair share of the shore, California beaches hit a little differently. The mountains, tall palm trees, and surfer vibes hit your soul like no other. We picked up some sandwiches before and decided to have a picnic on El Matador Beach. Catching up with my college roommate while having a glass of Cali rose on the beach was just one of those true Perfect Days for me!

Pacific Coast Highway extends from the bottom of California all the way to Seattle and is a super popular national road trip. The tiny piece of it that we covered doesn’t even begin to cover its beauty but if this was the introduction, I certainly need to come back to do more of it!

Santa Monica Pier

After our little drive along the PCH, we made a stop at Santa Monica Pier. The walk along the water was beautiful and we had to get some software and of course, take the Ferris Wheel ride. The pier has the typical boardwalk attractions of small vendors, t-shirt shops, carnival rides, and games. It was one of those things you just have to do while visiting Los Angeles for the first time. Santa Monica is a great town to explore too after seeing the pier!

California Sunset

Not seeing a proper sunset in California is a sin. It’s the equivalent of not seeing one in Santorini. While there are many awesome viewing points for this, I strongly recommend that you see at least one of these incredible sunsets on the beach.

Griffith Observatory

This place has it all. A sweet drive up the hill with amazing views, a park with 360 panoramic views of all of LA, an unobstructed view of the Hollywood sign, an observatory with giant telescopes, and a center that you can explore for various exhibitions. I mean … all I’m saying is that you absolutely shouldn’t miss this. I recommend coming here a couple of hours before sunset so you can explore the inside with just enough time to see the sunset from there. Entry is free but you have to pay for parking. Their website is very informative in terms of opening hours, ways to get there including hiking and other relevant information.

Hollywood Sign

Ok so I did not do the Hollywood Sign hike because 1) My friend’s apartment had a view of it from her balcony and 2) I saw it from Griffith Observatory. I learned that despite there being Google Map directions to drive there, you actually can’t do that because it’s a road for locals only. However, I found this super informative hiking guide for you with step-by-step pictures on how to do it 🙂 I’m including this activity because it is a classic thing to do while visiting Los Angeles for the first time.

Exploring Beverly Hills

Even saying Beverly Hills sounds exclusive, doesn’t it?! Well, a trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without feeling poor in one of the richest areas around. Start with Rodeo Drive, the famous street lined with top luxury stores, insane cars and boujee restaurants. Maybe you’ll spot someone famous along the way. Then head over to the small park around the corner to take a picture with the Beverly Hills Sign. Note the streets branching off from the park, this is where you’ll see those classic street shots of influencers among tall palm trees. From there take a quick drive along Sunset Strip. The street is lined with stores, bars, and lively restaurants. If you’re into Selling Sunset, you’ll find the Oppenhemin group there too.

West Hollywood

West Hollywood or WeHo as locals like to call it, is your lively and exciting gayborhood. Santa Monica Blvd is your center for awesome bars, fancy restaurants like Bottega Louie or Pump and of course great nightlife. After getting some ice cream at Salt & Straw, we walked up and down the street enjoying the cozy street lights and cool atmosphere, and stopped at your local MedMan shop 🙂

There are other popular nearby attractions. First, you have LACMA to which most visitors just visit the famous light art installation outside. I was one of those visitors that skipped the inside but on my next visit, I plan to visit the inside too! La Brea Tar Pits are a cool outdoor museum with naturally bubbling asphalt and a museum for excavated fossils. Normally I wouldn’t recommend a mall for you guys but the Grove Outdoor Mall is actually a cool outdoor shopping area.

A Couple Recs Worth Your LA Time

Here are some miscellaneous food finds for ya that I enjoyed on my trip:

• I mean, did you even go to the West Coast if you didn’t visit In-N-Out?
• All Seasons Brewing is a cool place for a drink and some amazing tacos.
• The High Low in Los Feliz was one of my favorite low-key finds.
• My bestie introduced me to awesome sandwiches at Mendocino farms.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Los Angeles for the First Time

My week in LA was a mix of work and leisure. It was the perfect introduction to what this city has to offer. I tried to visit a variety of places, some more known, others not. I was lucky to have seen these gems with my college roommate who has been an LA local for a couple of years now. There are SO many more places to see in the area, not even including the national parks nearby. It is very safe to say that I will be back soon with part 2. I hope that this list gave you some ideas for places to visit on your trip! Comment below for places you think I should visit next time!

A map for ya:

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While these destinations are one of the best things to do in Maine in the fall, winter is also a magical time in town, and visiting in spring will save you from the crowds.

And don’t worry, if you’re not a hiker, you can explore most of the area from your car! Of course, the best views are rewarded by some effort but don’t fret, I’ll share spots with you that you can drive up to and not sacrifice the view 🙂

Don’t forget to save the map at the bottom of this guide!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Quick Maine Logistics

• Since l live on the East Coast, when I went on this awesome Maine getaway, I drove to all my destinations. If you’re not from the area, you can fly into Portland, Maine, and rent a car there. It will be difficult to explore the area without one.
• September and October are the best months to visit Maine but an early November or even Christmas visit will save you from the peak season crowds. Don’t forget spring either before the summer crowds start flocking in.
• A lot of businesses are seasonal being closed between mid-November to mid-April. Check the hours before heading out!
• Weather is very important to check when visiting especially if you want to spend time outdoors. We got one full day of rain forcing us to stay inside and needing to extend the trip by one more night!
• Speaking of the weather, pack accordingly! You will be pretty high up north so the temperatures might be slightly more chill than what you’re expecting!

Now, let’s get to your Perfect Fall Maine Getaway

My itinerary below can be done in 3-4 days depending on how much time you’d like to dedicate to the outdoor activities. I would recommend spending a full day in Portland and then the remaining in Bar Harbor and Acadia. These two cities are located about 3 hours from each other but depending on your in-between spots along the scenic drive, that time can be longer.

A Day in Portland

Portland deserves at least a day of your attention. It’s such a charming town lined with cobblestone streets, brick buildings, small shops, harbor views, and delicious food. Walking around them fills my soul with happiness and I promise it will fill yours too! Here is a day plan of things to see in Portland, Maine:

Portland Lighthouse

Portland Head Lighthouse is located a short drive from the city center. I’d recommend going there first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the area before it gets busy. But before you reach this picturesque gem, stop by Omi’s Coffee Shop for coffee and breakfast. It’s on the way to the lighthouse and they serve some delicious food!

When you get to the lighthouse, spend some time walking the small trails around and soaking in some sweet ocean views. If you’re into visiting lighthouses, you can enter this one during the season. Don’t forget to walk around though and get a view of the lighthouse from a distance.

Allagash Brewery

For any beer fans, make your way toward Allagash! It was founded in Maine and the brewery is pretty awesome. While you will have to drive a little outside the city, it will be worth it! There are other breweries nearby too if you want to do a little brewery hopping like Geary Brewing Co or Foundation Brewing. If you’re driving there, you can also grab this to-go!

Old Port & Commerical Street

For the early afternoon, the Old Port, Commercial, and Exchange Street are the areas of town to walk around and soak in the vibes of Portland. You’ll find many small shops, boutiques, famous bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants, and those charming cobblestone streets. My favorite spots are all the ones that have waterfront views. There is something about boats and port cities that always gets me. Plan to spend at least half a day there exploring and eating!

Here are some food & drink spots to check out:

• Portland Lobster & Co: This place is iconic for a reason. Often, touristy and popular places don’t live up to their expectations but I have visited this place on two different trips and it was delicious! Can’t miss a stop here during your Maine getaway.
• DiMillo’s On The Water: This is another popular spot in the area but don’t worry, the food and the views are spot on!
• Flatbread Company: Since I am a big fan of anything pizza-related, I had to stop at this place. It did not disappoint! They have great outdoor seating right on the water!
• The Highroller Lobster: I was really excited to try this place. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but it was a very pricey lunch and the lobster rolls were kinda average.
• Duckfat: Fries fired in duckfat? Sign me up!
• The Holy Donut or Hifi Donuts: Looking to satisfy your sweet cravings? Look no further with these perfect creations.
• The Bramhall: A nice speakeasy with some fancy cocktails for an after-dinner treat.
• Rosie’s Pub: I liked this spot for a late-night beer. The vibe was a little more local and it was the perfect chill pub atmosphere.

Eastern Promenade and/or Peaks Island

Eastern Promenade is a cute waterfront area for a walk or a nice picnic. The park has some romantic sailboat views and is just a pleasant place to spend some time in.

Visiting Peaks Island might be a stretch for one day in Portland but if your Maine getaway is a little longer, consider taking a short ferry ride there. Here is a quick and informative guide from Annaleise’s blog if you decide to visit this cute little gem of a destination.

Portland to Bar Harbor Drive

Now on to the next part! If you love Portland, you will LOVE Bar Harbor. Although it’s much smaller, it’s nonetheless stunning. A drive from Portland to Bar Harbor is about 3 hours but if you want to make a half-a-day adventure out of it, here are some spots to consider along your Maine getaway route. Depending on how much time you have, you can stop in all of them or choose one as they offer similar vibes.

• Freeport: Your first stop is known for its LL Bean flagship store, sweet shopping streets, and small-town charm.
• Wiscasset: Called the Prettiest Village in Maine, this small town is known for Red’s Eats, a famous lobster roll spot.
• Camden: Another charming little town on your Portland to Bar Harbor drive. Check out Harbor Park, for some pretty water views or Mount Battie for from above views! NYT wrote a cool piece on this spot with a short itinerary for a visit.
• Blue Hill: A low-key spot offering the best views without the crowds. You won’t find many things to do here but the point of this detour is to experience a small off-beaten path route and small-town life. If you make a stop here, you’re now under an hour away from Bar Harbor!

Exploring Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is one of my favorite towns on the East Coast despite being a pretty touristy spot. Located right on the water, this gateway to Acadia is just the perfect place for a fall in Maine getaway!

Since it’s a pretty popular vacation town, you have many choices for your accommodation. I stayed at Atlantic Eyrie Lodge and LOVED the views from there. Other good places in the area are Acadia Inn, Bar Harbor Motel, and Bar Harbor Cottages and Suites.

You can spend a whole day just enjoying the town and here are some highlights not to miss:

Main Street & Agamont Park

Bar Harbor’s Main Street is great. You’ll find tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and the entryway into Acadia! It’s likely you’ll have a meal and a snack there. A really pretty spot off of Main Street is Agamont Park. It may be small but the views are great. You can spend time watching boats pass by and people-watching.

Bar Island

Bar Island may seem like a small uninteresting island close to the mainland but what makes this place worth seeing is crossing it via a land bridge! As the low tide comes in, you’ll see swarms of people crossing the harbor on foot to explore the island! Don’t forget to check the times of the low tide because if you get stuck there on a high one, you’ll either have to wait for 10+ hr for the next one or have to be rescued for a hefty fee 🙂

Food

Bar Harbor has some delicious food, especially seafood. It would honestly be a sin if you didn’t try some there. Keep in mind that a lot of restaurants are seasonal so check before heading out! While the food isn’t outrageous, it is pricey due to its prime tourist location. It’s hard to go wrong as most places will serve good food but here are some top-rated recommendations:

• Stewman’s Lobster Pound: Located right on the water, this spot will likely have a long queue to enter! We stopped there for some beers which happened to have blueberries in it! The views were amazing and the vibes are the definition of Bar Harbor!
• Side Street Cafe: You’ll find this gem a couple of blocks away from the action but it’s consistently a top-rated spot in the area. It’s a more casual place with burgers, sandwiches, and lobsters of course.
• Geddy’s: This spot was one of my favorites in the area and it’s located right on Main Street! Also a pub vibe with some tasty food!
• Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing: You’ll have to drive a little to get to this gem because it’s located outside the city. However, this spot was amazing and so worth it! Note that there are two locations and I personally like this one in conjunction with the brewery.

For a more detailed food guide, I recommend visiting PackMoreIntoLife post on Bar Harbor eats! I love their recommendations and they even list spots that are open all year round!

Best Spots of Acadia

If you ended up in Bar Harbor, there is no way you should miss seeing Acadia National Park. Even if it’s for the sole reason that this area of the country doesn’t have that many of them. But before we get into the details of what to see, I’d like to preface that this guide is not for a very active hiker. It’s a more laid-back one although I will throw a more challenging route there for ya. Here are the spots that you should see at the very minimum:

Cadillac Moutain

This spot is the poster child for Acadia tourism. It’s where the US first sees the sun between late fall and early spring. People come here for sunrise or sunset and if you don’t feel like climbing it, well guess what, you can easily drive to the peak 🙂 Certain times of the year also require vehicle registrations. Here is the official info.

Park Loop Road

Park Loop Road is a great way to see the highlights of Acadia. This 27-mile journey will take you around the park without having to leave the car. Don’t forget to get your park pass as you are not allowed to drive the road without it.

As you’re driving through it, don’t miss the Sand Beach stop from which you can take a short and flat the Great Head Trail. Another known spot is a Thunder Hole, which is a rock inlet in which the waves crash with a big boom sound.

Beehive or Precipice Trail

There are many hiking trails in Acadia but one of the most known ones are the Beehive and Precipice Trails. The Beehive isn’t easy due to its steepness and spots where you have to climb metal rungs. I am personally not a hiker but took on the challenge and loved it. However, it is certainly not for everyone. The Precipice is very difficult but it’s on many people’s bucket list!

Jordan Pond

Jordan Pond is a quick 1 hour 3-mile loop trail with stunning views of the pond! The water is crazy clear and so worth the stop!

Long Pond

Long Pond is a short drive away from Bar Harbor but it’s worth your trip if you love kayaking. It’s such a peaceful area and you’ll love the views from there.

A Map for Your Maine Getaway

Final Thoughts

I love Maine and I know you will too. Although the best time for a Maine getaway is fall, I’d recommend seeing it in the winter too and in spring as the tourist towns slowly start to wake up. You’ll need at the very minimum 3 days to see some highlights but if I were you, I’d certainly make it at least 5.

Which spots are your favorite? Comment below!

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My gal pals and I got to work and ended up planning what you can call the best Austin Bachelorette weekend ever! Today I’m happy to share it with you so you don’t have to search any further 🙂 This plan is perfect for a 3-day weekend with activities spread out in just the perfect doses. Note, that this is not a traditional guide for Austin BUT although this is a plan for an awesome Austin bachelorette party, you can still find useful travel advice as well.

You will not find another route like this online because trust me, I searched and opted for making my own! So without further ado, let’s party it up in Austin, Texas!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Austin Logistics

How to get to and around Austin

The best part about flying into Austin is that Austin-Bergstrom Airport is SUPER close to the city. By super close, I mean like 15-25 minutes depending on where you’re staying. And from someone who lives in the NYC area, that’s a big treat! (I’m looking at you JFK!!!!). The Uber/Lyft option is probably the easiest and with a group and splitting some costs, it will be the easiest way to get around. I noticed Uber being significantly cheaper for many rides too compared to Lyft. Note that when you land, you will have to take a small yet maze-like walk to the rideshare pick-up garage. Just follow the signs and don’t get discouraged 🙂

If you’re staying in downtown Austin, another super cheap option is to catch the Capital Metro Bus for just $1.25!! I mean you can’t beat that price. An NYC metro ride costs twice that! It stops at the Neon Guitar Bus Stop and will take you to a couple of stops in the center. Not a bad option if you ask me.

When you get to the city, Ubers and Lyfts are your best bet. There are a ton of electric scooters around the city too so if your group is up for it, you can scoot along. Although a good chunk of the city is walkable, you will need to catch rides to get in between neighborhoods and especially the Lakes.

Where to stay in Austin

Where you’ll stay in Austin will depend on your budget and group size. Keep the following neighborhoods in mind for your party as they are most central to where the action will be:

• Downtown: City center which will put you in the middle of it all: sightseeing, party streets, but expect more pricey hotels and Airbnbs 🙂
  • The Line – stunning city views, modern rooms, restaurant, and pool!
  • W Austin – looking for a little more luxury, the W has a certain reputation for a reason!
  • Hotel ZaZa – what a beautiful spot! with boujee restaurants, pool and views!
• East Austin: This is where our group stayed and it ended up being a more budget-friendly and quirky option. We were still very close to the action but also in a little more local neighborhood.
  • Sentral – apartments for rent with beautiful aesthetic
  • East Austin Hotel – boutique spot and also affordable, good location for the East side
  • Arrive Austin – funky building and super cute interior, sweet location too
• South Congress: A trendy area of town with shops, restaurants, and people. We explored some streets there and would say that it was a very modern and nice area to stay in.
  • Austin Motel – stylish hotel with a sweet pool
  • Hotel Magdalena – the new kid on the block with an amazing location in the heart of SoCo
  • Hotel San Jose – bungalow-style hotel with another beautiful pool

What to pack for your Austin bachelorette?

First and foremost, you need a vibe! When else can you be extra and obnoxious with your girlfriends by wearing heart sunglasses, matching shirts, and cowboy hats if not at your best friend’s bachelorette? And Austin groups come in all costumes you can imagine. You can stick to the classics or come up with your own unique theme. Austin is your oyster so get creative!

In addition to your bach gear, you’ll need bathing suits, going-out outfits, exploring outfits, and walking shoes. You can get away with a small wedge rather than heels for a night out too. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and hydration packs. These 3 days are a marathon, not a sprint 🙂

Other things to know about Austin

• People say “Keep Austin Weird” for a reason
• Things add up quickly and it’s not necessarily the cheap city it once used to be
• There will be dozens of bachelorette parties walking the streets too
• You won’t see everything Austin has to offer in a weekend so pick things that are easy for the group and universally liked

3-Day Plan for a Perfect Austin Bachelorette Party

This guide will save you tons of stress in planning the perfect gal getaway! I followed this exact plan when visiting Austin and made a couple of tweaks to make it even better for you. You can trust that this was tested and I can vouch for its awesomeness.

Day 1: Start out with a bang!

Let’s not lounge around yet, I recommend getting the party started right away! There is no complete trip to Austin without a day on the lake and honestly, there is a reason for it! Since everyone will have the most energy on day 1, I recommend doing the most involved stuff first.

Breakfast

For any boat venture, you will need to pack meals for lunch so sandwiches, snacks, and of course some booze. What we found to be the quickest and easiest solution is to head over to Whole Foods, (Austin has the OG flagship store), and grab some breakfast bites, and lunches for later.

Boat Party

The layout of Austin lakes might seem obvious to the locals but this initially confused me too. So let me try to explain this in the dumbed-down version of what they look like:

• Lady Bird Lake: Close to downtown, this lake is made more so for a walk around it, kayaking, or lounging in its popular swimming section Barton Springs.
• Lake Austin: Also close to downtown and where boats dock to party in the Party Cove area.
• Lake Travis: ~35 minutes outside of town, most boats dock here in Devil’s Cove area to party. It’s a warmer-temperature lake with a cool party vibe for bachelorettes.

Now, if you have a big group, there is a huge selection of boats you can rent. A simple google search will show you how many businesses provide this service. Prices will range based on your group size and length of the rental but expect to spend anywhere from $70-$200 a person.

If you have a smaller group as we did, there is another option that is incredibly fun. Premier Party Cruises has a Disco Cruise which is a group boat for only bachelor and bachelorette parties. If you think that sounds obnoxious, well it is. But since everyone was in the same mindset, it ended up being a ton of fun. You won’t worry about much, all you need to remember is to bring your drinks and the best party mood 🙂 We picked the morning cruise giving us the afternoon to rest. However, there is also a later one in the day if waking up before 9 isn’t your thing.

Next you rest or …

After 4+ hours on the boat, you’ll need a shower and a nap before continuing the night. Take some time to relax before a full night ahead. If you have time though or are ready to rally, I’d recommend checking out The Oasis on Lake Travis. The sunset views look amazing from this spot and there are many areas of it for you to explore. Since this restaurant is about 30 minutes outside the city, it makes sense to check it out when you’re close to Lake Travis.

Dinner & Party Time!

We had one major goal for ATX and that is to have some bomb BBQ. However, most of the famous BBQ spots in the city are either casual joints or trucks. Note that it’s probably the better way to do it but we were on a mission to get a good BBQ and a nice sit-down meal for the bride. Lambert’s seemed like the perfect place to do it so we booked their dinner and music option which they host upstairs.

Was it worth it? Yea, it was a great meal with some nice music but I would certainly also set aside some time to experience BBQ the way it was supposed to be experienced, not necessarily the fancy version of it 🙂 So with that said, some other BBQ spots worth your time are:

• Terry Black’s BBQ
• Cooper’s Old Time BBQ
• Franklin’s BBQ – note that this spot is famous with super long lines. Might not be ideal for dinner but it had to get a mention in this guide!

Now it’s time to rally and head toward the famous party area of Rainey Street. It can get pretty wild but that’s why you’re in Austin! My personal pet peeve is sardine-like bars so the most popular places like Clive or Unbarlievable won’t be where you’d find me having fun. Rather, I’d recommend places where I can dance without elbowing 3 people like Cantina or Tiki Bar. However, rather than planning where to party, just follow the music that makes you the happiest and you’ll be totally fine!

The second major party street in Austin is 6th Street. They call it Dirty 6th and after seeing it I can easily tell you there is a reason for it. Maybe a couple of years ago you could have convinced me to party there but today that won’t be the case 🙂 One place that I will recommend on the 6th though is Mala Vida. It’s a Latin outdoor club/bar place so if you like Latin vibes, it will be a cool place to visit.

Day 2

Brunch or Brew Bus

There is no better way to cure last night’s hangover than with a Brunch Bus. In true Austin fashion, they one-upped a traditional bus tour and created Twisted Texas Tour which offers a band on board, 3 brunch spots, and 3 drinks. They’re also BYOB so you can sip between the stops too.

Honest opinion tho, it’s pretty pricey for you end up getting but it is still fun. I wish they served a little more food because you don’t really fill up on what’s offered. Additionally, I wouldn’t recommend the bus option for someone who has a specific food allergy. Although the website says they accommodate, that didn’t end up being the case for one of us who had a dairy allergy. If that’s the case in your group, I’d consider the Brew Bus instead. Overall it is a fun activity and it is pretty unique but expect to want more food afterward 🙂

Other sweet alternatives for a tour include:

Explore SoCo

After the brunch bus, you can take a little break and then head out to explore South Congress for some cool shopping. On this street, you’ll find some gems like Allens Boots, South Congress Books, Maya Star, Maufrais, and the iconic Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds which unfortunately will be closing sometime this year. There are so many shops there and you can spend hours exploring.

If you’re in the SoCo area, don’t forget to stop at Guero’s Tacos. It is famous for a reason and it is absolutely delicious. Not to mention the live music they often have.

Dinner

Dinner options in Austin are endless. You can find all sorts of cool restaurants all over town. I couldn’t possibly check out all of them but I did some research to help you narrow down what you might love. Here is what I got:

• Hula Hut – You’ll find this spot on many guides and although it didn’t knock my socks off, I still enjoyed the views from here.
• Perry’s Steakhouse – If you’re feeling boujee and want to treat your bride, Perry’s is your spot to go splurge and enjoy a great steak.
• Red Ash – Italian spot with great food, phenomenal reviews and unique industrial chic decor.
• Fixe Austin – Fancy vibes and Southern cooking.

Hire some good-looking cowboys to serve you pool-side drinks at home!

If your bestie isn’t into the whole stripper scene, there is an awesome alternative that can end up being even more fun for your crew at home. The Cocktail CowBoys are a great time for any bachelorette weekend in Austin. They are your hype boys that bartend, serve drinks, take and pose in pictures, pamper the bride and bridesmaids, Spotify DJ and hype you up before you go out (or stay in). They come with a vibe of southern gentlemen who know how to throw a great party, and make your bride feel like a queen!

They reached out to me after I got back and I seriously wish I found them before the trip! Make sure to save some $$ when you book them with the code perfectday for $20 off your booking here!

Day 3

On Day 3, you’ll want to take it easy. Even two days of non-stop fun can get exhausting. I recommend a lazy day on the river with a nice farewell dinner at the end of the day!

Breakfast

Before you head out of the water, you’ll want to eat well. If you’re floating with the same company I recommend below, their meeting point is close to the best breakfast place around, Cisco’s. I loved my huge breakfast tacos and it was the absolute perfect way to start the day. Another spot that is also super tasty is Cenote. Breakfast was delicious and we enjoyed the patio vibes!

Floating on the River

This is a very popular activity for a reason. You get to sip beers in a float for 3 hours and not do much of anything else. We really enjoyed it for our last day in Austin. The tubing company that we went with is called ATXcrusions and they provided roundtrip transport, tubes, and coolers with ice.

Explore more or relax

Tubing did take up about 5-6 hours so after getting back home we rested until the evening. However, if you’re up for more adventure, here are some ideas for your afternoon:

• See Austin’s Congress which has a beautiful structure and awesome grounds
• Walk Lady Bird Lake, one of the most tranquil and iconic places in town
• Picnic and relax at Zilker Park, another awesome nook of the city
• View sunset at Mount Bonnel
• See Cathedral of Junk, a quirky place that adds to the weirdness of Austin

Easy night-out

For the last night, I recommend having a different vibe. Head over to the East side of Austin for cool dinner spots and some funky drinking spots after. It’s time to soak in the last vibes of your trip and laugh at all the stupid things you did for the past couple of days in a more calm atmosphere!

For dinner, check out Salt & Time for a unique vibe, delicious Tex-Mex at Suerte or one of the best restaurants in the US, Canje.

After dinner, head to the local drinking wells. We had Easy Tiger on our radar but it ended up being closed. We ended up exploring the streets of East Austin which was a ton of fun. The area is full of bars, but you can grab a beer Lazarus Brewing, dance honky-tonk at White Horse or taste some wine at Apt 115.

Final Thoughts

Austin is an awesome place for a bachelorette party. Although it’s not a hidden gem, I promise you will enjoy everything it has to offer. I hope that my 3-day plan gave you a good itinerary for a weekend with your girlfriends or at least some ideas that you haven’t heard of before. If you have any questions or suggestions, contact me and I will be happy to help ya!

Looking for another girl’s weekend plan? Check out my awesome Miami Girls Weekend Guide!

Map for you to save

Puerto Rico is a stunning island with baby blue waters, amazing mountain views, tropical forests, and even more stunning smaller islands nearby. While 4 days in Puerto Rico is certainly not enough to see the whole island, it is a good introduction, especially for first-time visitors.

I focus on making the most of your time-off with short stay itineraries so that’s what I plan to give you today. My guide will walk you through all the necessary logistics to travel to Puerto Rico and ideas on how to plan your days. This 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary is perfect for a first-time visitor or someone looking for a quick weekend getaway.

¡Vamos a Puerto Rico!

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through there 🙂

Let’s Get to the Logistics of Visiting Puerto Rico

Before jumping straight into the itinerary, I want to prepare you with the necessary logistics of visiting Puerto Rico. While they might not be as involved as visiting Bolivia or Peru for example, knowing what to expect will go a long way and save you any possible stress on arrival.

Puerto Rico FAQ

• Puerto Rico is a US territory so you can just travel as you would in the states. Your license is enough and you don’t need a passport to travel there.
• The currency in Puerto Rico is the American dollar. Although the prices in smaller shops and restaurants aren’t too expensive, expect more US comparable prices in the main touristy areas.
• A lot of people are bilingual so you can get away with speaking English in the tourist areas but knowing basic Spanish will make your life much easier.
• The drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 but a lot of clubs will be over 21.
• Tipping is standard just as it is in the US, especially in areas like San Juan.

Best time to go to Puerto Rico

Good news, the best time to visit Puerto Rico is any time! You can visit Puerto Rico all year round as temperatures stay pretty consistent throughout the year. The high season is June to August and expect it to be a tad colder between late November to early March. Don’t forget that September is also the peak of hurricane season so it might be more rainy compared to other months. Note that the mountains are more chilly than more coastal locations so consider where you’d like to travel and pack accordingly.

I visited the island twice, both times during May which is considered the shoulder season. In my opinion, it is the perfect month to visit the island. The water in the ocean was decent to swim in and I was able to get a good tan. I stayed in three different parts of PR, San Juan, Aibonito, and Guanica, and loved the weather in all those locations during that time.

How to get To Puerto Rico

I am lucky because from NYC, there are multiple daily flights from all the airports in the area to Puerto Rico. However, there are connections to the main airport in San Juan from pretty much all major airports in the US.

When you land, you can now get an Uber pickup at the airport which wasn’t the case a couple of years ago. Alternatively, you can grab a cab for a little over $20. If you have a lot of luggage or have a bigger group there are shared airport transfers or private ones as well.

Transport on the Island

I will just say that renting a car is the best way to see Puerto Rico in 4 days. There is an island Metro Bus but with changing schedules and a reputation for being late, I would save myself the headache if you want to see more than one area of the island. However, if you’re only planning to stay in San Juan, Ubers will be sufficient and I would not get a rental in that case.

I picked up my rental at the airport, had no issues at the counter, and was super happy to have the independence of traveling around. If you decide on a little road trip in Puerto Rico, prepare for some twists and turns in the mountains.

I always use RentalCars.com for my car rentals as they have a good selection of vendors and are available in most places.

If you’re from New Jersey like me and never had to pump your gas, when I rent cars, I always google how local gas stations work 🙂 In Puerto Rico, you will have to pump your gas (just like anywhere else outside of New Jersey really). Simply pull up to the pump and go inside the station to pay for the pump that you parked at. A full tank is Spanish is el tanque lleno.

Where to stay during 4 days in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has it all, fun historical cities, stunning beaches, small neighboring islands, and mountains so if you only have 4 short days, plan out your stay based on the route you will take. I recommend reading my guide before deciding on where to stay. For this particular itinerary, I suggest San Juan -> Culebra -> Ponce area but if that’s too dense for you in 4 days, consider San Juan and Ponce only.

San Juan Area

In the northern part of the island, San Juan offers history, a lively atmosphere, and beaches. But San Juan isn’t just one area to stay in, it has a couple of neighborhoods to choose from:

• Old San Juan: This area is the historical portion and also the most touristy. Stay there for a city vibe, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Consider the colonial El Palacio Hotel
• Condado: Right next to Old San Juan, you will find boujee Condado with luxury hotels, high-end stores, and of course awesome beaches. Consider the beachfront La Concha Resort
• Ocean Park: Going away from Old San Juan, the next beach area where people love to stay for its more quiet vibes is Ocean Park. You’ll find really nice hotels and more of a tranquil kinda vibe. Consider the Bohemian Duna Apartments
• Isla Verde (Carolina): The next town over is closest to the airport. I liked this area for the beach and the restaurants. It’s way quieter too but still super stunning.
  Consider the beachfront Marriot Resort

Here is an awesome blog that goes into a ton of detail about San Juan areas with specific recommendations for hotels and restaurants!

People & safety in Puerto Rico

Overall, Puerto Rico is considered a safe destination for tourists with crime rates lower than a lot of parts of the US. If you’re staying in Old San Juan, you should be ok but don’t let your guard down either. Driving there is pretty safe, the roads are good and drivers are fine for the most part. Oh and also, apparently car theft is still an issue so make sure not to leave any belongings in it and lock up!

Sightseeing options in Puerto Rico

There is so much to do on the island, especially if you only have 4 days in Puerto Rico. We will dive in below on the specifics of what to see! The route I recommend for a first-timer that wants to see the most from the island is the following: San Juan -> East Side: Yunque and Fajardo -> Culebra -> Drive through mountains towards Ponce.

Perfect 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary

Don’t forget to save my map at the bottom of the page with all the recommendations below.

Day 0: Arrival in Puerto Rico

If you’re like me and you channel an old (but active) lady traveler, I love to fly in the night before your trip. It lets me settle in, nest in my Airbnb, and get a good night’s sleep before starting my busy itinerary 🙂 So, if that’s something you relate to and your first night is in the San Juan area, settle in and head out for a quick bite or a drink.

I flew into San Juan airport in the early evening. For my first night there, I stayed in the Condado area. It’s close enough to Old San Juan but after settling in, I decided to walk down the street and eat at Tayzan Sushi which 1) was delicious and 2) was open pretty late which worked with my arrival, and 3) it has interesting fusion dishes. There are many spots on Ashford Ave (main street of Condado) that serve late-night food so finding a place to grab a bite shouldn’t be a problem on late arrival.

Day 1: Exploring San Juan

Ok guys, this one is kind of obvious but you should start with San Juan for your day 1 of the 4-day itinerary. I get that walking around cities might not fascinate you much but I promise that this town, especially Old San Juan shouldn’t be skipped. It’s nice and colorful, full of history and tasty stops for food and drinks. It can be done in half a day if you really wanted to but that would require an early start. Here is a simple route to see the highlights of San Juan on your first day in Puerto Rico!

La Ventana del Mar

If you’re coming from the Condado direction, before entering the historic zone of Old San Juan stop at this cute little park called La Ventana del Mar. It is a public space with a beautiful view of the ocean, a small beach, sculptures, and a couple of restaurants and bars. It’s a nice first impression of San Juan and I enjoyed this beautiful spot before heading into the historic areas.

Castillo de San Cristobal

There are two fortifications in the city of San Juan, one of them being Castillo de San Cristobal. If you’re not planning to dive deep into the history of San Juan’s defense, it is a nice area to take a stroll through. The views from there are awesome and it’s worth stopping at.

Tip: If you’re also planning to visit the second fortification, the $10 entrance fee covers both entries.

Plaza Colon

After visiting the fort, head over to Plaza Colon. It’s a lively town square surrounded by shops and bars. I recommend grabbing a street snack or a drink in this area and taking time to pause and do some people-watching. This is also a good place for some artisan shopping. Don’t forget to grab a chichaito shot at Los Tres Cuernos 🙂

If you’ve read any of my other guides, you will notice that I almost always catch a walking tour of the city. I did attempt to go on one in Old San Juan that had a meeting point at Plaza Colon. But it never showed up … So I’m happy that I prepared a plan beforehand because otherwise, I would have been scrambling last minute on Google.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

After soaking in some Old San Juan vibes, head to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Many people recommend going inside and experiencing the beautiful views that you will get from above. Personally, after visiting the first fort, I simply enjoyed spending time on the lawn. It’s a huge outdoor space and it was nice to relax there for a little. The lawn is also a very popular place for people flying kites.

While there, don’t forget to grab a street snack like an empanadilla, alcapurria, bacalaito or chicharrones! If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, try a Puerto Rican shaved ice or piragua!

Another noteworthy location in that area is Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. It’s a beautiful burial ground facing the ocean. You can walk past it and say a little prayer to all those buried there.

Street Stroll

Heading back to the main part of Viejo San Juan, take a stroll among the most known streets in town. First walk along Calle del Cristo, a nice colorful street that’s a perfect backdrop for some awesome photos as well as a spot for some shopping. Next walk over to Calle de San Justo, which had a beautiful view leading into the ocean. Calle de la Fortaleza is the street with all the colorful umbrellas or kites (whichever display is there at the moment). And lastly, Paseo de la Princesa will lead you to the port and the famous fountain. That’s a good spot for sunset if you will be returning at night too.

La Perla

I will briefly mention this place for awareness but since I did visit I am in no condition to provide you any advice on it. This ocean-front neighborhood connected to Old San Juan got more attention as it became the filming location for Despacito.

Upon my first visit, I was told by two people who grew up in San Juan that I should not visit this place under any circumstance. More recently, I noticed a ton more articles popping up about the tourism efforts and being able to visit. Even Discover Puerto Rico promotes it on its page. So I say do your research to decide whether or not to visit this part of town but know that it has a very dangerous history due to poverty and drugs. No matter what you decide, I wouldn’t recommend going there at night.

Food & Drinks in Old San Juan

For some good food and drink grabs, try the following places:

• El Jibarito: A popular spot in town but who wouldn’t wait for a little for authentic Puerto Rican food that gets consistently good reviews?
• Hecho en Casa: Awesome spot for mofongo.
• Marmalade: For an upscale experience that is worth every cent, visit the amazing Marmalade.
• La Factoría: Arguably the most famous bar in town and of course, the filming location of Despacito.
• Barrachina: Another very know place in town that claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada. It was pretty but I found it extremely touristy for my own taste.
• La Verguenza: A nice spot with rooftop views of the ocean.

Here is a very descriptive guide on more restaurants in town to try.

And for your nightlife in San Juan, which you certainly shouldn’t miss out on, I have a couple of places for you too.

• La Placita de Santurce: A part of the Santurce neighborhood that comes to life as it gets darker outside. It’s a connection of a couple of blocks filled with music and dancing.
• El Cafetin: A fun bar in the heart of Old San Juan.
• Club Kronos: If you want to feel a club atmosphere, head to Condado to visit this gem.
• El Bar Bero: A cocktail bar speakeasy if classier nights are your thing.
• El Batey Bar: A little divey but nonetheless very fun.

Day 2: El Yunque & the Beach

During your 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary, you won’t be able to see everything so I suggest picking something that aligns with your interests. However, if you’re a first-time visitor, I strongly recommend going to El Yunque, the national forest.

El Yunque National Forest

Located a short drive from San Juan (a little over an hour), you will find a stunning tropical rainforest, the only one in the US. There are two entry time windows, one morning and one afternoon and you pay per car. Don’t forget to make a reservation before your visit.

Once there, you’ll have numerous waterfalls, stunning viewpoints, and hike routes to choose from. If you’re hiking make sure to plan your routes ahead of time but if hiking is not your thing, you can just simply take a drive through it too. Make sure to stop at Yokahú Observation Tower.

If you’re planning to see this stunning forest, I recommend Angie’s guide which is a very detailed plan for the day.

Afternoon options

Now, option one for the night: If you’re planning to head back to San Juan I recommend driving to Carolina (Isla Verde), the nice and chill beach area of San Juan. Take a nice dip in the ocean and relax for a bit. The area has many restaurants and bars to enjoy during the second part of your day. Recommendations for your food and drinks in that area:

• El Alambique: A beach club restaurant with really good food.
• Lupi’s Mexican Grill: Mexican food in PR? Why not?!
• Panaderia España: Although not beachfront, I made a quick stop there for some croquetas and I was not disappointed.
• Bebo’s: A local spot that might not look the most inviting but has a selection of some tasty BBQ. It is also a short drive from the beach.

For your second option, you can spend the night on the eastern side of the island to be closer to the Ceiba port from which you can take the ferry to the stunning islands of Puerto Rico on the next day. Another bonus of staying in that area for the night is the option of seeing the Bioluminescent Bay (Laguna Grande) located in the city of Fajardo. The drive from Fajardo to Ceiba Port (the departure port for the islands) takes only 20-25 minutes compared to over an hour from San Juan.

Day 3: Visit one of the amazing islands of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has stunning islands on its east side that are reachable by flight or ferry. The flights from San Juan can be pricey but will certainly save you some travel time. They are also accessible from the Ceiba Port located an hour from San Juan airport. That’s why if you’re planning to take the ferry, I recommend spending the previous night closer to the port.

Note that you cannot take your rental car to the islands which might be ok for a day trip or an organized tour. The islands are also connected to each other by ferry so who says you can visit both (although that might be a little hectic). You have the option of doing a day trip or spending the night there. Make sure to know your ferry times well if you’re just spending the day there.

Culebra:

The first island is Culebra. It is home to the famous Flamenco Beach, named one of the best in the world, and a spot to dive or snorkel or just simply relax! Culebra has stunning white sand beaches. I did not visit the island (which I deeply regret) so I cannot give you a detailed guide but I found this blog that has an amazing plan for a trip there.

Vieques:

The second island, Vieques, is a nature lover paradise with some stunning beaches too! In Vieques, you will find the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world Mosquito Bay. Also, there are only 5 of them in total and 3 are in Puerto Rico! Here is another super informative full guide to the island. Side note about the bays, if you google them, most of the pictures you’ll find are heavily photoshopped. Don’t expect them to be that bright.

I’d say that staying a night on the island will give you a little more flexibility with exploring and not stress you out by making sure you take the ferry. Even with staying one night, when you get back the next day you can still have enough time to explore more of the island.

Day 4: Exploring a more local side of Puerto Rico

If you’ve either returned to San Juan or if you spent the night on one of the islands, today you will take a scenic drive from either direction toward Ponce. Most of the roads in the middle of the island offer amazing views of the mountains and are perfect for a super short Puerto Rican road trip. What will distinguish an awesome trip to Puerto Rico from simply a typical one that everyone else takes is days like today.

Although a one-day road trip may not seem too short to see much, I promise you that on this leg of the itinerary you will see a more local way of life, practice more of your Spanish, and see places that a lot of tourists do not venture off to. This is why I recommend getting a car for the island. It will give you the freedom and allow you to dive deeper into the local culture.

Mountain drive toward a lechonera

No matter where you’re driving from, I recommend putting Lechonera Los Pinos in your GPS. That area in the mountains is known for the restaurants that serve amazing roasted pork or Lechon. Honestly, most of the restaurants in the area will have similar dishes but debate with the locals which ones are their favorite 🙂 It is certainly one of those Puerto Rican bucket list items you will remember! I vividly remember sitting at an outside table, sipping on a cold Medalla with a nice plate of rice and pork. I’m pretty sure I was the only tourist there too at that time.

Quick stop in Aibonito

After your lechon stop, put in La Curva del Árbol in your GPS for the first scenic spot, it is a really nice viewpoint. It should take you a little over 30 minutes to get there. After that, head toward Aibonito (20 minutes), a small mountain town that is the highest elevation on the island. There isn’t much to do in the town per se but the drive through the mountains will be worth it. If you choose to stop there, the town has a main plaza with nice surrounding streets so you can grab a drink or ice cream in town. If you’re short on time, you can skip Aibonito and head to Ponce from the last viewpoint.

Exploring Ponce

For your last spot of the day, you’ll head toward Ponce which is another amazing town in Puerto Rico. From Aibonito, it will take another hour. There you can wander around La Guancha Boardwalk or visit Parque de Bombas, or do a wine tasting at Museo Castillo Serralles.

As your 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary is coming to an end, you can head back to San Juan (1.5 hours) to prep for your flight home. If your flight isn’t until the next day, I recommend staying in the area of Ponce. I personally spent a night at Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa arriving late afternoon. Although it was only one day, I really enjoyed the resort. It was waterfront, had a nice bar and jacuzzis, and pretty nice rooms.

More ideas for your 4 day Puerto Rico itinerary

If for some reason you’d like a different option for one of the day options above, feel free to swap it for some other amazing things to do in Puerto Rico:

The western side of the island:

If you rented a car, another road trip you can take is toward the western side of San Juan. Rincon is one of the bigger towns there, is known for surfing and other outdoor activities. More specific ideas on what to do there can be found in this super awesome guide by Vanessa from Travel Lemming.

Here are some stops for your road trip from east to west:

• Parque Las Cavernas del Rio Camuy: These a local caves which look pretty impressive. The tour times run on a schedule and people spend a couple of hours there. If this is something you would like to see, make sure to research current operating times as well as requirements.
• Cascada Gozalandia: A waterfall hike from which you can take a jump into the pool below. Here is some more useful info on making this stop on your western drive.
• Faro Punta Higüeras: Closer to Rincon, you will find this picturesque lighthouse.

And some restaurant spots worth visiting:

• Restaurant El Platanal: Low-key mofongo spot.
• Guayabo’s Tropical Sunset: A beachfront restaurant offering some tasty bites.
• Villa Cofresí Hotel: In Rincon, a place known for its pirata drinks.

Other spots on the island:

• Cabo Rojo Salt Flats: These pink salt flats located in the southwestern part of the island near Cabo Rojo are sure to grab your attention! Since they’re located a little far from San Juan, they might not be reachable on your 4-day itinerary but nonetheless, they should be added to your future itineraries.
• Playa Sucia: Despite its name, this beach is actually a hidden gem for tourists on the island. Located near Cabo Rojo, it’s definitely worth a visit. Here is a super informative blog on this location to help you plan the visit there.
• Cueva Ventana: While you will have to put a little bit of effort to reach this place, it will be worth the unique view it provides. Cueva Ventana means cave window and that is exactly what this place is. Read more on this place and get the details for the hike here.
• Toro Verde Adventure Park: If you like zip lining (the biggest zipline in America) and other adventure activities, head over to this park for the day to get an adrenaline rush in your veins!

Final Thoughts

Puerto Rico is a gem of a destination and being so close to the US, you have no excuse not visit. Even if it’s just a short 4 days, the island will fill your soul with amazing things to do. I hope my plan shows you the best that Puerto Rico has to offer. If you have any additional feedback or thoughts, please comment below!

Downloadable Itinerary

Before downloading the itinerary, which is a pocket summary of the content above, remember to read the full guide so you are best prepared for your travels!

Map for your Puerto Rico Itinerary

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In his best style, he shares ways to save money through cheap attractions, transportation, and finding good places to eat that won’t break the bank while you’re visiting New York City. Having grown up right outside of NYC, I could tell you that these are some of the best picks for seeing NYC on a budget.

This guide is perfect for a first-time NYC visitor who wants to experience NYC for what it’s best known for but not empty their wallet in the process.

Perfect Day Somewhere welcomes Nomadic Matt and is thrilled to have his guest post for the best tips on visiting NYC on a budget!

In this guest post, all the recommendations are Matt’s while the photos are mine or stock.

This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Visiting New York on a Budget: Guide by Nomadic Matt

New York is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s one that I called home for six years, written a guidebook about, and visit so often my friends joke that it’s like I’ve never moved away. 

This is home to almost 10 million people who collectively speak over 800 languages. You can find every culture in the world here. It’s also famous for its incredible art scene, world-class museums, diverse restaurants, theater productions, cocktail bars, history, festivals, and countless other things. 

A lot of visitors get sticker shock visiting the city and its reputation as being one of the most expensive cities in the world keeps a lot of people away. There’s no doubt the city is expensive and many prices have gone up. Luckily, there are plenty of things to fill your New York City itinerary that won’t cost you an arm and a leg — if you know where to look! 

Here are some ways to explore NYC on a budget:

Take the subway 

New York and its boroughs (and parts of New Jersey) are well connected by subway, which will take you wherever you need to go, or close to it. (And riding it is an experience in and of itself.) 

Bopping around town means taking the train a lot, and fares can add up if you pay $2.75 for each ride. But a seven-day unlimited MetroCard is $33 — you just need to use the subway 12 times to get your money’s worth. 

Relax in Central Park 

Designed by famed and prolific landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Central Park is the perfect (and free!) spot to relax, away from the hustle and bustle. It has lots of meandering paths, bike lanes, and lakes in which you can row. You can easily spend hours wandering around, as the park covers over 843 acres. 

During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions (line up early for tickets to Shakespeare in the Park). From the late spring to the early fall, there are also free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. 

Go on a free walking tour 

There are dozens of walking tours in New York to choose from (including many free ones), in seemingly every niche possible, from history to Jewish history tours to ghost tours to Mafia tours to food tours to pub crawls. 

My two favorite free tours: Free Tours by Foot offers over 18 different options, focusing on different neighborhoods and Big Apple Greeter is a program that pairs you New Yorkers who volunteer to show visitors around for a day. 

Get free museum admission 

NYC is home to some of the best museums in the world. Many offer free entry (usually a “pay-what-you-wish” policy) on certain days of the week. Some that offer discounted entry or free admission are:

• The Whitney Museum of American Art 
• The Solomon R. Guggenheim 
• The Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design 
• The 9/11 Memorial Museum 

The days and discounts vary, so be sure to check the museum’s website for more information. Most require you to book your visit in advance.

Eat on the cheap 

While the city is famous for high-end restaurants, there are a ton of food carts, dollar-slice shops, kebab places, bagel spots, and inexpensive Asian eateries (especially Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai) that can help you eat out without breaking the bank. Some of my favorites include: 

• Ess-a-Bagel — 831 3^rd Avenue
• Murray’s Bagels — 500 Avenue of the Americas
• Vanessa’s Dumplings — 118A Eldridge Street

• Jacob Restaurant
• Manna’s Restaurant

• Gray’s Papaya — 2090 Broadway
• Crif Dogs — 113 St. Mark’s Place
• Joe’s Pizza — 150 E. 14th Street and other locations

• Percy’s Pizza — 190 Bleecker Street
• 2 Bros Pizza — 32 St. Mark’s Place and other locations

There are inexpensive falafel and gyro stands all over Manhattan, but the best one is Mamoun’s in Greenwich Village on MacDougal Street.

See the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry 

The Statue of Liberty is spectacular to see up close (it’s as big as you imagine), but if the line’s too long or you don’t want to pay $30, take the free Staten Island ferry for photos of the statue and the city skyline instead. It’s a faster, cheaper, and a more local experience, as commuters use this ferry to travel between Staten Island and Manhattan. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way.

Walk the High Line 

Made from a converted elevated train track, the High Line is an extremely popular urban walking park on the west side of NYC. It runs for 1.45 miles and is lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery. Having opened in 2009, the park now receives over 8 million visitors each year. 

Go for a walk, sit with a book, people-watch — the High Line is one of the best things in town to do, especially on a nice day. (The new Whitney Museum of American Art is located near the southern terminus of the park. It’s worth visiting too, or at least admiring the incredible architecture from the outside!) 

Stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge 

Located near City Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1883. Today, it’s a major tourist attraction and local icon. 

Walking the 1.6 miles across the bridge into Brooklyn and the waterfront park on the other side takes about 25 minutes. Stopping to take photos and meandering extends the walk to about 40 minutes. I suggest going in the evening so you can see the lights of the city skyline.

See a Broadway Show – at a discount! 

You can’t come to N.Y.C. and not see a Broadway show. There are many great ones to choose from, from musicals to Shakespeare to offbeat productions. There’s nothing better than witnessing N.Y.C. theater. It is an integral part of life here that you should definitely check out. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half-price tickets. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have, but it’s usually a wide selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour.

See Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the city’s historic train station. It was going to be torn down in 1975 but was saved by Jacqueline Kennedy, who raised money for its preservation. I love coming to the main concourse and looking up at the “stars” in the ceiling as everyone races to and fro.

Attend a taping

TV shows like Saturday Night Live, The View, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Daily Show, Last Week Tonight, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon offer free tickets to their tapings (although they must be reserved well in advance). See each show’s website for details and to make reservations.

Browse Street Markets and Festivals

All year long, there are street markets and festivals if you look for them. In the summer, you pretty much can’t wander around on a weekend without running into one. In the winter, there are holiday markets in many of parks, selling hot chocolate and goodies. I like to just walk around these festivals and people-watch.

Consider getting the New York Pass 

This sightseeing pass allows you free entry to over 80 attractions and includes a hop-on/hop-off tour. If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, this can save you money. A one-day pass is $129 USD per person while a two-day pass is $174 USD.

Save on Accommodation

Accommodation in NYC can be very expensive. To save money on your accommodation, use discount rates like AAA or AARP, websites like Mr. Rebates or Rakuten, which can get you 1-4% cashback, check out HotelTonight, a hotel-booking app is perfect for last-minute bookings, and try SnapTravel, which sends hotel deals straight to your phone or Facebook account. You simply plug in your dates and what city you’ll be in, and they’ll send you the best deals. You can save up to 50% off the price of a hotel with them. They are a helpful, under-the-radar service that has saved me a ton of money. 

While New York City can certainly be pricey, it doesn’t have to be astronomically expensive to visit. True, it’s never going to be cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. By enjoying the abundance of free parks, museums, and attractions, you can explore this amazing city without missing out.

Author Bio:

Matt Kepnes runs the award-winning travel site nomadicmatt.com, which helps people travel the world on a budget. He’s the author of the NYT best-seller How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and the travel memoir Ten Years a Nomad. His writings and advice have been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The Guardian, Lifehacker, Budget Travel, BBC, Time, and countless other publications. You can follow him on Instagram at @nomadicmatt. When he’s not on the road, he lives in Austin.

Bonus from Perfect Day Somewhere for NYC on a budget during the holidays!

Matt’s NYC on a budget guide above includes ideas that are relevant all year round. However, if you’re visiting NYC in the winter, the city is filled with awesome things to see that won’t break the bank. There is nothing more magical than NYC lighting up with Christmas lights, stores decked out with all the holiday decor, and the Christmas trees popping up around the city. The best part is that seeing most of the best attractions won’t cost you anything. Here are some of my favorite NYC holiday spots to check out:

• Rockefeller Tree: This is one of the most iconic NYC Chirstmas locations for a reason. In addition to the tree, the whole Rockefeller Center has amazing decorations too. Is it crowded and touristy? Yes. Is it worth seeing at least once in your lifetime? Super yes.
• Saks Fifth Ave: Not too far from the tree, you’ll find the cute lights show on the Saks 5th Ave building. The show is a couple minutes long and repeats itself around the clock.
• Hudson Yards: Relatively a newer spot in the city as the Vessel only opened up a couple of year ago, Hudson Yards shops is an awesome spot for some unique holiday decor.
• Dyker Heights: This neighborhood is a little bit of a hike from Manhattan but in my opinion is also the coolest spot to see some holiday decor. Dyker Heights is a residential neighborhood in Brooklyn decked out with decorations beyond your imagination.

Final Thoughts

At the very start of Matt’s guide, he says that NYC is one of his favorite cities in the world and I couldn’t agree more with him. In addition to the endless things you can do in the city, I also truly love it for its diversity. You can find people from every nook of the world and every path of life. Going to NYC feels like you’re traveling the world every time you turn the corner. Each group has its neighborhood and people beautifully blend in together immersing themselves in each other’s cultures. I think that’s why I love it so much and no matter where else I travel, NYC will always has a special place in my heart.

More local guides:

Don’t forget that the best views in New York are actually in New Jersey 🙂 I hope you enjoyed this NYC on a budget guide. Here are some additional local guides from a local.

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Credits: Banner Image Photo by Jermaine Ee on Unsplash

Resort towns can be tricky off-season, you either end up in a ghost town or find yourself in a less crowded paradise. I heard many good things about visiting Cape May off-season and I’m here to tell you that those things are not wrong. My simple weekend getaway itinerary will give you enough to do during your little escape and let you relax a little too. I personally visited in mid-October and although a lot of places were winding down for the winter, it didn’t limit my plans too much.

In this guide, you will find some visiting logistics, along with a full two-day plan for your visit. 

Note that you may encounter some affiliate links in this post. They will not make anything more expensive for you but rather provide a small commission for me should you choose to book it via the link I provide. Since I do not charge for any of my awesome travel advice and don’t make you sign up for anything to download my stuff, I appreciate any link clicks and bookings through here 🙂

Quick Cape May Logistics

Transportation

Getting there couldn’t be any easier, just go all the way down the parkway 🙂 No seriously, when you get to Exit 0 you’ve arrived. If you’re coming from the north I actually found a bus route from NYC, first bus 319 to Atlantic City and then 522 to Cape May but with over 4 hours of travel time, I don’t know if that’s a smart choice worth the hassle. If you’re coming from the south you can take the Cape May ferry which goes between Cape May and Delaware. It transports cars too!

The main part of town isn’t that big so if you stay in the heart of Cape May, then everything will be within walking distance. There are a couple of attractions a short drive away too, so just like in most of New Jersey, you’ll need a car.  

In-season, you will find a free town shuttle called the Cape May Jitney. It runs between July and the end of September. If you have a special occasion, you can also rent these all to yourself! They run within a certain radius too which won’t restrict you to only staying in Cape May.

How long and where to stay in Cape May

Since there isn’t an overabundance of things to do in Cape May off-season, I would spend 2-3 days there. A weekend is sufficient enough to see the attractions and not feel too bored. I also recommend visiting during the weekend only as many of the attractions close on weekdays during the off-season. In season, however, you can easily spend a week there. 

In terms of where to stay, I would simply recommend staying as close to the main part of town as possible. This will allow you to walk everywhere during your weekend escape and not waste time looking for parking. The best thing about traveling off-season is getting amazing hotel rates that in the summer are 3-4x the amount. I was honestly surprised by how expensive hotels in Cape May are during peak months. A simple night at a decent place can start at $300+ for a night during the summer months. Note that a ton of B&Bs has a 2-3 night minimum too. That’s pretty pricey if you ask me.

While price is one thing to consider, another is availability. I booked my off-season trip almost two months out with very limited options. I don’t know if that’s the corona effect, but I strongly recommend booking ahead of time. My choices were limited to a $600 a night hotel and a small family-owned more budget yet still pricey, The Buckingham Motel. I can’t say that there was anything wrong with it, the owner was really nice and the property and rooms were very clean. However, the place is very outdated so if you like a more modern feel with good TVs and nice bathrooms, and updated kitchens (yes some rooms have kitchens), then this isn’t the place for you. 

When I mention good rates below, note that this is a pricey town. Good means under ~$300 a night 🙂 

Options: 

Rentals:

• Airbnb: If you’re booking far out in advance and traveling with friends, this is a great option for this area. It will save you money, and give everyone space and flexibility. 
• Cape May Rentals: Like a lot of shore towns, finding houses can be done through local rental agencies rather than Airbnb. The selection will be much larger but a lot of the places are rented out by the week.

Hotels: 

• Lokal is beautiful and extremely modern with two nights in-season priced at over 1k and off-season a little more than half of that. Its style and atmosphere are really nice.
• Congress Hall’s style is just the opposite of the above, screaming class and old money. The prices are similar too. It’s located right in the center of town too but also close to the beach. 
• Icona, Montreal Beach Resorts, and La Mer are a little under a mile walk to the town but located beachfront. Off-season rates aren’t bad and the proximity to the beach is awesome.
• The Grand Hotel is both, close to town and the beachfront. Off-season rates are pretty good for the area. 
• The Beach Shack is super cute and located close to the beach. It’s booked out months in advance and its off-season rates are great! 

Bed & Breakfast 

Cape May is extremely charming so staying in an old Victorian B&B is an experience within itself. 

• The Southern Mansion is pricey but it certainly doesn’t lack any charm.
• The Virginia Hotel is a classic in the area and it is an adults-only resort for those not wanting children around.
• Rhythm of the Sea has a 2-night minimum and it’s located right next to the beach. 
• Wilbraham Mansion is an old luxury house with a heated pool and jacuzzi suites. Has a great location too. 
• The Harrison’s style is awesome, contemporary old money? Is that a thing? Also a great location with pretty ok off-season rates. 

Budgeting in Cape May 

As mentioned above, traveling to Cape May is not a cheap weekend escape. Although traveling off-season will save you a good amount on your accommodations, it’s still a pricey town. Here is a very basic breakdown of prices. Expect to spend an average nightly rate of $200-$300 a night for off-season and $300+ in-season for accommodations. Restaurants are similar to city prices, $12ish a cocktail, $20+ for meals. Depending on the activity, that could cost you too. Expect to pay around $600 at the very very minimum for an off-season weekend getaway. 

Food options 

One of my favorite things to do in Cape May was to eat. Honestly, this place has some awesome food spots. Rather than making one list, I will give you my recommendations scattered in the guide below. 

Miscellaneous things to know about Cape May 

• If staying in town is not very important to you, you will find better rates in the neighboring towns. Although Wildwood wouldn’t be my first choice, hotels there are slightly cheaper. 
• Atlantic City is a little under an hour north of Cape May which could be a good stop on your way home. 
• When traveling off-season, always check if a place is closed for the season. Although the town stays open for the most part, some places do indeed close. 

Perfect Cape May Weekend Itinerary 

Day 0

Evening Arrival: Drinks and Dinner

I personally like to arrive Friday evenings and stay until Sunday night compared to arriving Saturday mornings and leaving Monday mornings. That is the plan I will lead with and try to convince you that it’s the best way to travel. 

After checking into the hotel and freshening up, head out to town and don’t waste any more time. Arriving later in the day does limit you in terms of which places you can go out to eat since Cape May is somewhat of an “early town.” Here are a couple of good options for your first night dinner and drinks: 

• Harry’s Ocean Bar and Grill: If you’re near the beach, this is a solid pick for dinner and drinks. It’s pretty casual, the food is great and it’s open till 10 pm or so. When traveling off-season, the rooftop part might be closed later in the day and weekend hours end an hour earlier during certain months. 
• Fins: Located right in heart of town, this awesome place has a cool vibe with an aquarium inside. It’s casual yet shore trendy. Hours vary by the day but dinner is served until 10 pm. 
• The Boiler Room is an underground pizza bar that is only open on the weekends. It’s open late and has an awesome ambiance. This should be on your best things to do in Cape May list! It’s located in the basement of Congress Hall. Follow the signs to the bathroom and it will be located right next to it. 

Day 1 

Normally in most of my guides, I say wake up early and start your day to see the most of each place. This time I’ll tell you that if you’re traveling off-season, don’t feel guilty about sleeping in till 10 am or so. At the end of the day, with the limited about of things you can do in Cape May off-season, it’s important to schedule some beauty sleep in too 🙂 

We brunch in Cape May 

Brunch is the most important meal of any traveling day. When doing my research, every single blog mentioned MadBatter as the place to eat the “best lunch you ever had.” Whenever I see this amount of recommendations for a place, I get suspicious. Listen maybe it is that good, but it usually ends up being crowded, overpriced, and rushed due to its popularity. You can’t make a reservation there either. Arriving around noon on a Saturday and off-season, the line was still enormous and the wait was under 2 hours. I couldn’t do it. 

I ended up opting out for another popular pick The Blue Pig Tavern located at Congress Hall. Although you can make a reservation (which I highly recommend), I walked in and was seated in under 10 minutes. They have an awesome inside room and a pretty garden seating area too and either way they’re both nice. Let me tell you, this place DID NOT disappoint. The food was delicious probably for the reason that their ingredients come from the local Beach Plum Farm. Another popular area pick, their food was delicious and I highly recommend it. 

Some other brunch spots for your consideration: 

• Elaine’s is a hotel, boutique, and restaurant. They have a nice outdoor space and good ratings for lunch. 
• Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is one of those shore chains everyone raves about. Passing by around lunch, you’ll also see a big line of hungry pancake lovers. 
• George’s Place is a fancy Greek diner that’s a BYOB and cash only. Make a reservation and enjoy this unique spot. 

Shopping time! 

Explore Washington Street Mall  

Washington Street Mall is a charming area in the heart of Cape May that has tons of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It can get crowded during the day but it’s still a really cute place that has that downtown feel. It’s not that big but don’t forget to explore the side streets which have some hidden gems too.

In terms of shopping, you won’t find chains here but rather a collection of all locally owned shops. You can buy a variety of items ranging from souvenirs, trinkets, jewelry, and clothes to snacks. If you’re more of a people watcher, grab some sweets at Crepe May or Uncle Charley’s Ice Cream or coffee at Coffee Tyme and enjoy the area. If you prefer an afternoon drink while people watch check out The Ugly Mug or Delaney’s Irish Pub. Depending on how much you browse, you can easily spend an hour or two in this area. Here is a website with a list of all the available shops. 

More Shopping at West End Garage 

After spending some time at the Washington Street Mall, you’ll notice that despite the large selection of products, you don’t see many artisanal or handmade items there. This is why you’ll head to West End Garge which is a large shopping space located about a 10-minute walk from downtown. This whole place is filled with a large selection of local artists’ crafts. It even has a small bakery and cafe on site. As you browse throughout the whole space you’ll notice that each of the small shops doesn’t have cashiers in them. You will actually pay for anything you find there in the first room you enter so don’t get confused 🙂

See Cape May’s Beach & Lighthouse 

If you’re traveling here off-season, you’ll, unfortunately, miss one of the best things to do in Cape May which is the beach. However, just because you can’t swim, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see its beauty.

Here are a couple of stops for your afternoon in Cape May. Note that the easiest way to see all these spots is to drive between them. They’re about 10 minutes from each other and are all easily seen in one afternoon. 

• A cool spot to watch some talented surfers (even off-season) is near Sunset Pavillion. There is a ton of them and they’re insanely talented.
• Cape May Lighthouse is a local landmark that’s one of those “top things to do in Cape May” things. You’ll need to purchase a $12 ticket online and entry is until 5 pm. 
• Sunset Beach is located right by the lighthouse and as its name suggests is the place to see the sunset. 
• If you like the sights of boats against a sunset sky, visit Schellenger’s Landing which houses a couple of south jersey marinas and waterfront restaurants. 

Dinner Time 

There are many cool places in town to grab dinner. For my pick, I went to a decently rated Italian place in town. I’m obsessed with good pasta so I was looking forward to this. Ugh, as much as I loved talking to the owners and the ambiance of the restaurant, the food was not great at all so I won’t recommend it. So instead, here are other picks that were recommended to me: 

• 410 Bank Street: A New Orleans-inspired stylish restaurant with award-winning dishes. 
• Sapore Italiano: An Italian gem in town that won’t disappoint. 
• Elaine’s which is mentioned earlier in the post for brunch has some cool outdoor dining vibes at night. 
• Lucky Bones is a very popular casual pick in town located a short drive away. 

For more picks check out this list of restaurants open year-round! 

Bonus – Night Cap time!

If you’re not ready for your day to be over, head out for a drink. These restaurants are open a little later for a nice after-hours cocktail: Ugly Mug, ​​Delaney’s Irish Bar & Restaurant, and Fin’s Bar & Grill.

Day 2

Morning 

Get ready for another day of Cape May Attractions. For the start of your day, I recommend grabbing a coffee and something sweet at Madison Bakery on Beach Avenue. I’d pick that location as the in-town one does not have the greatest reviews. At the beach one, however, I had one of the best chocolate croissants around.  

The next activity for a nice Sunday morning is renting a bike and exploring the town a little more. Shield’s is a bike rental place right next to the bakery and they offer pretty decent rates for the area. I recommend biking the promenade on which you can bike off-season after 10 am.  

Afternoon 

For lunch head over to Exit 0 Filling Station, a really cool restaurant that’s a gas station. Since I visited in the early off-season, I was able to get a table outside. If it’s too cold, however, the inside is just as awesome and I suggest this place for a unique dining experience! The menu is unique too, it’s a combination of burgers and curries. Weird yet tasty. 

Wineries

One of the more awesome things to do in Cape May in the fall is to visit one of the beautiful wineries. I was really excited to see Willow Creek Winery in the West Cape due to its great reputation and stunning grounds. I didn’t check their website though and when I arrived they closed for a private event. So always check 🙂 I did get to see the grounds a little and they really were stunning. On Fridays and Saturdays, they set up firepits in the evening too! 

Another popular winery in the area is Cape May Winery. That’s where I ended up since the above was closed. I do have to say that their way of seating is a little rare, you have to wait to be hostess seated but then you also have to order your food at one window and your wine at another. Can’t say that I loved that setup but the wine was worth the hassle. Prices started in the upper $20s. They have live music on the weekends and a cute little shop on site too. 

If wine isn’t your thing, Cape May Brewery offers a nice selection of beers and seltzers. They have a tasting room and beer garden on a first come first serve basis. They’re also open all year round so you don’t need to worry about being there off-season. 

Sunday Evening

Rather than heading home, enjoy the last hours of your weekend getaway and stay in town just a little longer. Ignore the Sunday scaries with Mad Batter’s open mic night on Sunday evenings or take a nice stroll on Washington Street when it’s all nice and quiet.

If you’re driving north, another option that’s a little more involved and extra is making a short stop in Atlantic City. It’s about an hour north of Cape May and if you head out in the afternoon, you can squeeze in a couple of hours there too. Casinos don’t close so if you have time, it’s a cool stop to enjoy the gambling paradise of New Jersey. 

Map

Bonus Tips for your Cape May Adventure

Winter-Specific Events for Things to do in Cape May 

Christmas time is magical even down the shore. Cape May becomes alive closer to the holidays and for a good reason. People flock to Washington Street Mall for Christmas shopping while enjoying the decorations in the mall. The Victorian houses also get decorated nicely for this season. Here are some Cape May winter events for you: 

• Cape May Christmas Parade: This year it will be on December 4, 2021. The owner of the motel I stayed at highly recommended it for a cute winter activity.
• The tree lighting ceremony at Physick Estate is on November 20th. 
• Congress Hall hosts a Winter Wonderland on its grounds starting December 1. 

More Activities 

If there is something on my list that you didn’t like, feel free to swap it with the additional off-season Cape May things to do below: 

• Emlen Physick Estate: If you’re a history nerd, you can visit this old mansion museum for a tour. Closer to Christmas, they decorate the estate to authentically represent a Victorian Christmas. Tickets are $20 for an adult.
• Whale and dolphin-watching cruises are very popular down in Cape May. Off-season rates might be a bit better but the air much cooler 🙂 Here are a couple of companies that run these tours. 
• If theater is on your travel must-do list, check out East Lynne Theater Co which hosts a variety of shows even in the off-season. 

​​Final Thoughts 

I hope that the itinerary above gave you a nice plan for some awesome Cape May activities. Although traveling off-season does have its cons, it’s also a unique experience allowing you to see this place without the people and annoyances that come with the in-season crowds. Yes, maybe you will miss the beautiful beaches in the summer, but who says you can’t come back in the summer as well 🙂 

Cape May is a gorgeous historic Jersey shore destination. I hope you add this place to your local bucket list and enjoy it as much as I did. Finally, as always, if you have any suggestions any other useful info that you think should be added to my off-season Cape May list, leave them down in the comments! 

More Off-Season Guides

I love local off-season weekend travels! Make sure to check out my Newport and Montauk guides for honest opinions on whether off-season travels there are worth it!

And below are some additional local guides too!

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