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Field Trip Fest

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Field Trip Fest

March 30 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

FIELD TRIP FEST 2024

Join us for a day of craft beer, music, food, and fun! Our festival features a diverse lineup of talented artists, delicious local cuisine, and some of the top craft beers in the state. Don’t miss out on the ultimate experience!

40+ BREWERIES . VW BUS SHOW . 2 STAGES OF MUSIC

https://fieldtripfest.com/

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Music + Concerts | Field Trip Fest returns with Jamestown Revival,…

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Music + concerts, music + concerts | field trip fest returns with jamestown revival, robert jon & the wreck and more, tickets for the single-day music and beer festival in san juan capistrano are on sale now..

Docent Brewing in San Juan Capistrano is celebrating its 6th anniversary by hosting Field Trip Fest at Reata Park and Event Center on March 11.

The music and craft beer festival will feature two alternating stages with performances by Texas-based folk rock band Jamestown Revival and Austin-based blues guitarist Zach Person, along with Orange County artists Robert Jon & The Wreck , Moonsville Collective, Ted Z & The Wranglers, Victoria Bailey and Pio Gabriel.

General admission tickets are now on sale starting at $59; Early entry passes start at $69; Docent lounge passes start at $89; Parking passes start at $20 on fieldtripfest.com.

Docent Brewing is San Juan Capistrano’s first brewery house and will have complimentary beer sampling for attendees with more than 40 craft breweries participating from 1 p.m.- 4:30 p.m. The festival will also feature Heritage BBQ, one of South Orange County’s top eateries , food trucks, local vendors and three Docent Lounges.

As a new addition, the festival will host a VW Bus Show produced by the South County Bus Society where folks can browse through 80 different classic Volkswagen buses. This show is included with fest admission.

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Mobile International Festival

Field Trip Planner

The Mobile International Festival field trip planner has everything you need to know for planning your field trip, whether you're school staff, a teacher, a chaperone, or a parent or guardian of a student.

You can download the document by clicking the button below.

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Southeast Arizona Birding Festival

August 7–11, 2024.

Festival Field Trips

Festival links.

Van field trips include van transportation, but “Drive Yourself” field trips do not .   A packed lunch, snacks, and drinking water  are provided on full-day field trips . A light snack and drinking water  are provided on half-day field trips.   All Van Trips depart from the  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Reid Park .  “Drive Yourself” field trips will meet on-site at birding locations  and you will received detailed directions.

• Southeast Arizona specialty bird list
• 2023 Festival Species list (234 species)
• Meet our expert trip leaders
• Southeast Arizona habitats and field trip destinations
• Trip birding ethics:  The health and safety of birds is our top priority. Tucson Audubon uses the ABA’s position on birding ethics at   aba.org/about/ethics

field trip Schedule

Red-faced Warbler by Shawn Cooper

Field Trip Schedule & Registration 2024 -old

Home » Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival » Field Trip Schedule & Registration 2024 -old

Registration for all events will open on April 2nd, 2024 at 8:00 am PST

The 2024 Dean Hale Woodpecker Festival will take place from May 30th to June 2nd.

Many of the festival field trips take place in the Sisters area, but the festival is now offering a number of other field trips throughout the Central Oregon region.

Descriptions of the 2024 festival field trips can be found below. Please note that field trips vary from year to year based on trip leader availability and habitat conditions. We do our best to run our field trips as described below. However, we may need to modify and cancel field trips for a variety of reasons (i.e. weather, fire, smoke, permitting, safety, closures, etc.). Modifications to trips may include their location, guides, time and other aspects of the trip. In the unlikely event that changes need to be made to your trip, we will notify you via the email and/or text number provided to us during registration. Note that start times are strict, so please try to arrive early to the meeting place. End times are approximate. Some trips may end before the stated time. For trips that might be going long, your guides will try to advise the group about timing.

We are offering our field trips for free for the 2024 Festival. There will be fees for the photography workshops and the Festival Banquet Dinner. We hope to see you all at the Festival Banquet Dinner to hear Paul Bannick’s keynote presentation and to celebrate the conclusion of another great festival.

Many of our trips involve traversing rough or uneven terrain. And trips often involve traveling to remote areas far from medical facilities and sometimes out of cell service. For more information about what you can expect on a festival field trips click here .

Registration for field trips is anticipated to open at 8am PST on April 2nd. You may register for up to 2 people in the registration.

2024 Field Trips

R1 Summer Lake Overnight Trip

Wednesday May 29th and Thursday May 30th.

Meeting place and time: Summer Lake Lodge at 53460 OR-31, Summer Lake, OR 97640. Please meet your guides at the Summer Lake Lodge on Wednesday evening. Reservations have been made at the Lodge’s restaurant—the Flyway Restaurant at 6:00pm. Dinner is on your own. After dinner, the group will do some night birding looking for owls and rails. On Thursday morning, the group will meet at 7am at the Lodge to tour the Summer Lake area with a goal of finishing up no later than 3:00pm to allow for travel time back to Sisters. We have reserved some rooms at the lodge, but likely not enough for 10 people. We will open those reservations to people who sign up for the trip in order, and you will be responsible for contacting the lodge to put the reservation in your name. As a result, some people who register for this trip will need to arrange for alternative accommodations, such as camping at Summer Lake or other nearby camping/RV facilities.

Capacity: 10

This is a fantastic day out with some great scenery, but it is not a woodpecker rich environment. Summer Lake is a wildlife area that is rich with birds, including egrets, night-herons, bitterns, rails, waterfowl, curlews, avocets, stilts and other shorebirds. The terrain is generally level with packed dirt and gravel paths. The evening offers a chance for owls and rails.

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R2. Summer Lake Day Trip

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Wickiup Junction Park and Ride, Burgess Road, La Pine by 6:30 am.

Duration: 6:30am to 6pm.

This is a full day out with some beautiful scenery and will typically log 100 species for the outing. We will visit various habitats in the Great Basin area such as Cabin Lake, Fort Rock and Summer Lake WMA. Potential species in the Ft. Rock area are Sagebrush, Brewers, Vesper Sparrows as well as White-throated Swift, Say’s Phoebe, Sage Thrasher, Logger-head Shrike, Canyon and Rock Wren. At Cabin Lake we could see Clark’s Nutcracker, Pinyon Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Cassin’s Finch and forest edge species visiting the water holes. In the overall basin area we will see Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, and Swainson Hawk. The Summer Lake area will host marsh and shore birds. Ducks, Herons, Bitterns, Rails and Terns (Black Tern possible), waders and such are found in this extensive area. We will also venture into the hills to the west of Summer Lake to see Bluebirds, Lewis’s Woodpecker and Green-tailed Towhee.

This is not a Woodpecker centric trip but instead will focus on the great variety of bird life found in the High Desert region. Be prepared for a full day trip, bring plenty of food and water! The terrain is generally level with packed dirt and gravel paths.

R3. The Ochocos and surrounding areas

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Powell Butte school, 13650 OR-126, Powell Butte, OR 97753, about halfway between Prineville and Redmond on Hwy 126.

Duration: 6:30am to 3:00pm.

Number of people: 10 people.

Description: This is a fast-paced tour where we will be visiting many different habitats and locations. Most of the birding will be done close to vehicles. In Powell Butte, we have a chance for Rails and Bittern, and possibly basin species such as Gray Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher and several sparrow species. Stopping in Prineville we will visit a Tri-colored Blackbird colony and view breeding Clark’s and Western Grebes. Other possible birds include Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks and Prairie Falcon. Heading up into the forest we will look for Sapsuckers, Pileated Woodpecker and White-headed Woodpecker. There are a lot of other species here, too, including flycatchers, Dusky Grouse, Lazuli Bunting, MacGillivray’s warbler and possibly Sandhill Cranes. The trip will also include about a mile walk in the amazing Crooked River Wetlands.

R4. Smith Rock

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Smith Rock State Park at the Visitor Center Yurt by 8:00am. Note that there is a $5.00 parking fee or display of a state park pass required at Smith Rock.

Duration: 8am to 1pm.

Get an inside view of the rich natural and cultural history of one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders with the park’s former interpretive naturalist. Known as the Animal Village to the Northern Paiute and the birthplace of modern sport climbing, Smith Rock remains a mecca for wildlife. In addition to viewing nesting Peregrines, Bald and Golden Eagles we will explore the explosive events that created the park’s dramatic geology and traditional uses of native plants. This trip will involve hiking on level, barrier free trails along the canyon rim for approximately 2 miles.

R5. Browns Mountain and Wake Butte Woodpecker Adventure

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at the Brown’s Mountain Boat Ramp by 7:30am. NF-4285, Bend, OR 97701.

Duration: 7:30am to 3:00pm.

While the Sisters area may be considered the epicenter of Central Oregon’s woodpeckers, southern Deschutes County can hold its own with a wide variety of woodpeckers calling the area home. The trip will involve stops at Browns Mountain and Wake Butte with hiking along rugged paths with elevation gain. The trip will include several sit spots to listen and look for Pileated, Black-backed, and White-headed woodpeckers, as well as other woodpeckers and sapsuckers. After several hours of quiet birding at the base of Browns Mountain, we will drive to the Wake Butte parking area and hike from there to several sit spots in the same way. Depending on road and weather conditions, may take Upper Deschutes Road (FS 4040) from Browns Mountain area to Wake Butte with several sit spots on the way. Please note that the route will not include a number of sensitive areas with known nesting sites. The participants will drive their own vehicles and those vehicles need to be capable of navigating rough terrain (i.e AWD/4WD and high clearance). A Forest Service Pass is required to park. Your guides will be in contact prior to the trip to help coordinate carpooling and forest pass requirements. Participants should be able to hike at least three miles at a time and to sit still for at least fifteen minutes on either the ground or on something they bring in their pack. Participants should be comfortable with a trip that may lack any restroom facilities (we are not certain what facilities may be available at the time that the trip runs). We recommend that people use the facilities at North Twin Lake on their way to trip starting point.

Friday May 31st

F1/F2. Trout Creek Butte Loop

Meeting place and time. Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

Duration: 6:30am – 3:00pm.

This trip will likely include the area around Trout Creek Swamp up to the Scott Pass Trailhead which has good Pileated territory and in recent years American Three-toed Woodpeckers have nested here. Many other birds are found in the surrounding brush such as Lazuli Bunting, flycatchers, Hermit and Townsend’s warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, and Townsend’s Solitaire. The habitat is quite varied with burn, scrub, and denser forest. We will also visit Cold Springs Campground which is good for the sapsuckers and White-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain includes bumpy trails, uneven ground and modest inclines. The exact itinerary may change depending on recent sightings in the area.

F3. Calliope Crossing/Indian Ford/Black Butte Swamp

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

Duration: 7:00am to 2:00pm.

You are going to enjoy your visit to this Deschutes County birding hotspot! Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, Pacific Slope and Gray Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch and Calliope Hummingbird. Among uncommon birds in the area are Wild Turkey and Northern Pygmy-Owl. Trails walked will be typically level, with some uneven ground. This trip will also involve a trip to Indian Ford, the Black Butte Swamp, or other nearby areas, if time permits.

F4. Shevlin Park/Awbrey Hall Burn

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:30am at the Aspen Hall Parking lot of Shevlin Park. 18920 NW Shevlin Park Rd., Bend, OR 97701.

Duration: 7:30am to 3:30pm.

We go to Shevlin Park for the spectacle of many Lewis’s Woodpeckers and sapsuckers, then to the old Awbrey Hall Burn to view our resident birds of the big Ponderosa pines, with a chance for Pileated Woodpecker and Black-backed Woodpecker. Both areas are rich in migrants so we will also see songbirds of the riparian areas and pine forest including empids and Calliope Hummingbirds. Expect to walk about 3.5 miles [slowly] on forest trails with slopes and rough spots throughout the course of the day. These trails also go through areas likely to have ticks.

F5. Suttle Lake

Duration: 7:00am to 3:00pm.

Capacity: 6

This is a small group trip and will involve a four-mile hike around Suttle Lake. We will scope the lake from both ends in search of birds on the water. Species here might include Barrow’s Goldeneye, Bald Eagle, Mountain Chickadee, White-headed Woodpecker, American Dipper, Warbling Vireo, Pygmy Nuthatch, Fox Sparrow, and Townsend’s Warbler. Time permitting, we may drive up to Scout Lake.

F6. The Ochocos and surrounding areas

Duration: 6:30am to 3:00pm;

Capacity: 10 people.

F7. Smith Rock

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at Smith Rock State Park at the Visitor Center. Note that there is a $5.00 parking fee or display of a state park pass required at Smith Rock.

Duration: 8am to 3pm.

Get an inside view of the rich natural and cultural history of one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders with the park’s former interpretive naturalist. Known as the Animal Village to the Northern Paiute and the birthplace of modern sport climbing, Smith Rock remains a mecca for wildlife. In addition to viewing nesting Peregrines, Bald and Golden Eagles we will explore the explosive events that created the park’s dramatic geology and traditional uses of native plants. This trip will involve hiking on moderately steep trails into and out of the canyon for approximately 3.5 miles

F8. Sunriver Nature Trails.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Sunriver Nature Center parking lot, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver by 7:30am.

Duration: 7:30am to 1:00pm.

The Sunriver Resort area is one of the top birding locations in Deschutes County. Located in both open and Ponderosa Pine habitat. We will explore the marsh abutting the Sunriver Nature Center where we can see Wilson’s Snipe and hear Sora and Virginia Rail. The forest habitat we will look for Vireos, Flycatchers, Nuthatches, Red Crossbills and various Warbler species. A good portion of this trip is along the Deschutes River which is home to numerous water and water-edge species. This trip also has the potential to sight some owls which inhabit the surrounding areas.

We will walk about 4-6 miles on paved, uneven mulch, and rough gravel paths, and along a road for a few stretches. We will leave paths frequently when looking for birds. Bring water and snacks for this outing.

F9. Hike and Bird Delintment Lake (Harney County)

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Sinclair Gas Station, 740 US-20, Hines, OR 97738. This is a good location to fuel up for the drive and to leave vehicles for carpooling.

Duration: 7am to 2pm.

We will caravan from our meeting location to Delintment Lake, arriving around 9:00. Starting at the dam, we’ll make our way around Delintment, looking for Williamson’s Sapsuckers, waterfowl, and other songbirds. After the almost 2-mile hike around the lake, we’ll meander a bit of the Delintment Creek Trail. This trail travels along the edge of a burn scar from a 2007 fire and travel is slow. We’ll travel about 1-mile up the trail (or as far as time allows), looking for shrub-loving forest birds, before heading back down the trail to our vehicles.

F10. Birding By Ear at Indian Ford Meadow Preserve

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. 69700-69714 Indian Ford Rd., Sisters, OR 97759.

Duration: 7:00am to noon.

Join one of Deschutes Land Trust volunteer guides, Amy Sanchez, for a bird walk at one of Central Oregon’s birding hot spots–the Indian Ford Meadow Preserve. The Preserve is a 63 acre meadow outside of Sisters, Oregon that is bisected by Indian Ford Creek, and contains both wetland and pine forest habitat. Amy will explain some technique for using your ears (and technology) to identify birds by sound alone.

F11. Birding for Beginners with Hannah and Erik.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Calliope Crossing. N. Pine St., Sisters, OR 97759 (off Indian Ford Rd. at NF-2058).

Duration: 8am-11am.

Capacity. 10

Whether you’re just discovering the joys of birding or seeking to develop your birding skills, this trip with Hannah and Erik is for you! Calliope Crossing is a top Deschutes County birding hotspot! Dense riparian habitat surrounded by ponderosa pine forest supports all three Sapsuckers, Pacific Slope and Gray Flycatchers, Cassin’s Vireo, Western Wood-pewee, House Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warbler, Cassin’s Finch and Calliope Hummingbird. Trails walked will be typically level, with some uneven ground. It’s a great area to see a wide variety of birds, but also to spend some time with individual birds to hone your ID skills.

F12. Birding for Beginners with Hannah and Erik.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 1:00pm at Calliope Crossing. N. Pine St., Sisters, OR 97759 (off Indian Ford Rd. at NF-2058).

Duration: 1pm to 4pm.

F13. Empids, Woodpeckers and Others, Oh My!

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Sisters Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

This is a “study and learn” trip in the Green Ridge area of the Sisters Forest Service, focusing on the local Empids usually seen in early summer such as Gray, Dusky, Hammond’s, Western and Willow flycatchers. There will also be opportunities to see various sparrows, such as thick-billed Fox Sparrows and Green-tailed Towhees as well as some species that are either hybrids and maybe subject to splits in coming years. Woodpeckers, perhaps more Sapsuckers than others, will also be seen since they are in most visited areas.

F14. Oregon Outback Loop– Fort Rock and Cabin Lake

Meeting place and time. Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Wickiup Junction/Burgess Road Park & Ride in LaPine.

This trip is an excursion into the Oregon Outback to see species found in juniper and sage habitats. The first stop will be the sagebrush desert surrounding Fort Rock Natural Area, to try to find Sage Thrasher, Sagebrush Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow and Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawk, as well as White-throated Swift, Prairie Falcon, Rock Wren and Canyon Wren. We will leave the sage desert expanse to visit the higher elevation area of Cabin Lake, where desert merges with pine forest. The Cabin Lake blinds, a collaborative effort between ECAS and ODFW, allow close encounters with White-headed Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Cassin’s Finch, Western Tanager and Pinyon Jay.

Saturday June 1st

Sa1. Photography Workshop with Paul Bannick.

Meeting place and time: Please meet at the Belfry by noon. The Befry is located at 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters, Oregon 97759.

Duration: Noon to 2pm.

Capacity: 30

In this classroom workshop, Paul utilizes his own photos and knowledge to teach students how to photograph wildlife, particularly birds, in the field. He covers everything from how to find and approach your subject to how to capture the photos that you imagine. He covers compositional guides, depth of field, shutter speed, exposure compensation, the use of flash, shooting modes, and even the selection of equipment, Paul will help bring each student’s photography to the next level.

Sa2. Photography Workshop with Paul Bannick.

Meeting place and time: Please meet at the Belfry by 2:30pm. The Befry is located at 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters, Oregon 97759.

Duration: 2:30 to 4:30pm.

Sa3. Greater Sage-Grouse Project Educational Trip

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at the Brothers Oasis Rest Area (34400 US-20, Brothers, OR 97712) by 9:00am. About 43 miles east of Bend. We will travel on gravel and dirt roads that are Subaru-suitable. Bring your own lunch. Walking will be under 2 miles on flat terrain.

Duration: 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Dr. Stu Garrett is the project leader for the ECAS Brothers Greater Sage-Grouse project in Central Oregon. The project focuses on improving the sagebrush steppe habitat with particular attention to the native wildflowers and grasses that are necessary for the grouse. Stu will describe the challenges faced by the Greater Sage-Grouse in Central Oregon and nature of the project trying to help them. The trip will stop at a number of spots in the area that are essential to the project and are primarily on public property. Stu will discuss several aspects of the ecology of the sagebrush steppe. The trip will include observing birds of the sage-steppe but it is unlikely we will see sage-grouse despite being in their occupied habitat. Possible sightings will be mountain bluebirds, sage thrashers, sage sparrows, raptors, shrikes, and pronghorn antelope.

Sa4/Sa5. Trout Creek Butte Loop

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 6:30am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

Sa6. Calliope Crossing/Indian Ford/Black Butte Swamp

Sa7. Empids, Woodpeckers and Others, Oh, my!

Duration: 7:00am to 1:00pm.

Sa8. Think Wild Birding Basics Walk and Facility Tour

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Hatfield Ponds, 22395 McGrath Rd., Bend, OR 97701.

Number of people: 10 people

Description: Think Wild operates a hospital and conservation center in Bend, Oregon. Their vision is to foster a high desert community that prioritizes native wildlife protection and conservation. Join Sadie Pollock, Think Wild’s Education and Volunteer Manager, and Mary Shivell, former ECAS president, will be leading a Birding Basics walk at Hatfield Ponds, the top birding hotspot in Deschutes County. The walk will primarily be on packed gravel paths.

Sa9. Accessible Sunriver Nature Trails

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides at Sunriver Nature Center parking lot, 57245 River Rd, Sunriver by 8:00am.

Duration: 8:00am to noon.

The Sunriver Resort area is one of the top birding locations in Deschutes County and much of the birding can be done from paved and rough gravel paths. Located in both open and Ponderosa Pine habitat, many birds can be seen including nesting Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Western Meadowlarks, a variety of woodpeckers and occasionally owls. We hope to visit the resident Trumpeter Swans which we can observe on the Sunriver Nature Center’s Lake Aspen. We will walk about 2 miles on paved and rough gravel paths, and along a road for a few stretches. You are invited to have lunch with your guides at the Owl’s Nest at the Sunriver Resort. Lunch is on your own.

Sa10. Camp Polk Meadow Preserve

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Sisters Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

Duration: 8:00am to 1:00pm.

Camp Polk Meadow Preserve has a long and illustrious history as a crossroads for Native Americans, explorers, soldiers and settlers. The Hindman barn on the Preserve is believed to be one of Deschutes County’s oldest structures. Owned and managed by Deschutes Land Trust, this is a great meadow with willow, alders, and other riparian habitat. It is a great example of what a concerted restoration can achieve. Dippers nest on the river; Virginia and Sora Rails can be found in the ponds. A diversity of sapsuckers, White-headed Woodpeckers, Calliope Hummingbirds, a variety of flycatchers and warblers are all possible. Great Horned Owls and other owls are sometimes seen. Since this area can often be marshy and buggy, long pants and waterproof footwear are recommended. This area has grassy trails with inclines and uneven ground; walking poles and tick-prevention clothing are recommended. A Deschutes Land Trust waiver will be required with registration.

Sa11 Oregon Outback Loop– Fort Rock and Cabin Lake

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7:00am at the Wickiup Junction/Burgess Road Park & Ride in LaPine.

Sa12. The Deschutes Land Trust Metolius Preserve.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 7am at the Creekside Park, Sisters, Oregon.

Duration: 7:00 to noon.

This trip will explore the Deschutes Land Trust’s Metolius Preserve. The Land Trust purchased this 1,240-acre property from Willamette Industries in 2002, and they have since engaged in intensive restoration activities. You will explore some of the most productive habitats. The tour will include up to three miles of walking, mostly on trails but also on some uneven ground.

Sa13. Owl Prowl.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:30pm at the Belfry.

Duration: 8:30pm to 11:0pm.

We will travel to areas via caravan to stop, look and listen for owls. Your guides will do their best to find owls, but there are no guarantees that these elusive, nocturnal birds will be found.

Sa14. Sawyer Park Birding by Ear.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the parking lot of Sawyer Park, Bend, Oregon. 62999 O. B. Riley Rd., Bend, OR 97701.

Duration: 8:00am to 11:00am.

David Tracy is a long-time ECAS volunteer and avid birder who leads a weekly bird walk each spring at Sawyer Park to help people develop their birding-by-ear skills. Sawyer Park has a mix of mature pine and juniper that is bisected by the Deschutes River, and includes some productive riparian area, resulting in an impressive diversity of birds. Be prepared to walk about a mile on generally flat trails that can be uneven or muddy in places. This trip is a great way to see and hear a variety of birds while developing your bird ID skills.

Sa15. Festival Banquet Dinner.

Meeting place and time: This event will occur at the Belfry in downtown Sisters, Oregon. The address is 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters, OR 97759.

Duration: Doors open at 5:00pm and the event will conclude no later than 9:00pm. A buffet dinner catered by Bowtie Catering will open at 6:00pm. Paul Bannick will present his talk entitled “The Owl and the Woodpecker Revisited” at 7:00pm.

Capacity: 100

This is a can’t miss event featuring a fantastic speaker, great food, and an opportunity to meet fellow festival attendees, guides, ECAS board members and other bird-loving people.

Sa16. Kowa Optics and Digiscoping with Hannah and Erik.

Meeting place and time:

Sunday, June 2nd, The Belfry in downtown Sisters. The address is 302 E. Main Ave., Sisters, OR 97759.

Duration: 1:00 to 5:00pm.

Interested in digiscoping but don’t know where to start? Ask Kowa Sporting Optics Ambassadors, Hannah and Erik, your digiscope questions and check out some of their tips for getting your best photos. Drop in anytime!

Su1. DLT Metolius Preserve.

Su2. Calliope Crossing.

Su3. Banding Bluebirds and Kestrels

Attendees will be taken to a local bluebird trail where they will be able to observe young bluebirds (and maybe kestrels too) being banded. Local banders will explain the banding program. The group will have the opportunity for hands-on experience with managing nesting boxes for bluebirds and kestrels.

Su4. Trout Creek Butte Loop.

This trip is a short version of the full day trip and will focus on areas that were the most productive on the weekend trips. It will follow the FS 1018 Road from the Mackenzie Hwy to the 15 Road and return to the Mackenzie Hwy. It will likely include Scott Pass Trailhead and Trout Creek Swamp which has good Pileated territory and in recent years and American Three-toed Woodpeckers have nested here. Many other birds are found in the surrounding brush such as Lazuli Bunting, flycatchers, Hermit and Townsend’s warblers, Green-tailed Towhee, and Townsend’s Solitaire. The habitat is quite varied with burn, scrub, and denser forest. We will also visit Cold Springs Campground which is good for the sapsuckers and White-headed Woodpeckers. The terrain includes bumpy trails, uneven ground and modest inclines. The exact itinerary may change depending on recent sightings in the area.

Su5. Sawyer Park Birding by Ear.

Meeting place and time: Meet your guides by 8:00am at the Sawyer Park, Bend, Oregon. 62999 O. B. Riley Rd., Bend, OR 97701.

For more information about what you can expect on a festival field trips click here .

White-headed Woodpecker (Jim Anderson)

Lewis’s Woodpecker (Tom Crabtree)

American Three-toed Woodpecker in the nest cavity. (Jack Bowling)

Mark your calendar!

The 22nd Annual Festival of Nature

May 23-26, 2024

Registration is open for the 2024 Festival of Nature

Celebrate the Natural beauty of the door peninsula  

Explore our field trips.

Over 70 field trips are scheduled throughout Door County in 2024. Check them out and choose your adventure! 

Explore our Events

In addition to Field Trips, check out the special events and art exhibitions happening during the Festival of Nature.

Support our Sponsors

The Festival of Nature would not be possible without our community of sponsors. Please help us by thanking them and supporting their businesses! 

GET INVOLVED

Interested in volunteering, or leading a Festival of Nature Field Trip in the future? Contact us to get involved! 

Welcome to Moscow

Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow (aka Fest City) is known for its lively celebrations and charming hometown vibe. Whether you’re exploring picturesque landscapes, rocking out at a music festival or indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine, this welcoming city offers an array of experiences for every style of adventurer. The only question is, where should you begin?

See + Explore

With so many things to do, your weekend getaway in Moscow might just turn into a weeklong retreat! Indulge in some retail therapy, immerse yourself in the great outdoors or show some spirit at a sporting event.

Drink + Dine

Pop into one of our local eateries and sample everything from burgers to bouillabaisse. Or, sip your way through Moscow’s craft beer scene and find an ale to cure your ails.

Stay + Play

Looking for your ultimate basecamp? Take your pick of hotels in the heart of the action, cozy B&Bs and more.

Upcoming Events

Immerse yourself in cinematic magic at a film festival or enjoy family-friendly fun at the annual Renaissance fair. Mark your calendars and stay up to date with the latest happenings in Fest City.

Vandal Science Days- Two Days of Exploration on the U of I Campus

6th Annual Brewersfest

Drive Electric Earth Month – EV Meet and Greet

TSA Pop-Up Enrollment

Northstar Financial Trusts 101

Kenworthy presents Copy Cat Cinema

Moscow gift card.

It’s time to shop ’til you drop, local style! Snag this exclusive gift card and experience the magic of Moscow’s businesses.

Let’s Get Social!

Take us along on your adventures by tagging #VisitMoscowID .

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Journey to the Middle Ages | Texas Renaissance Festival

• Post author: Jill
• Post published: September 9, 2021
• Post category: Middle Ages / Prairies & Lakes / World History

Why visit the Texas Renaissance Festival?

This is the largest Renaissance Festival in the nation. It’s fun, and a little silly. It’s a good excuse to wear a costume and immerse yourself in the lighter side of the dark ages. There are a few educational displays and costumed staff scattered around the grounds explaining different aspects of living in the middle ages, and some shops have demonstrations on various topics (see below.) However, this place is going to be mostly for entertainment purposes. So plan to enjoy thy day of merriment!

A Great Field Trip for These Topics:

• Middle Ages
• Demonstration Topics (See Below)

Quick Info:

Texas Renaissance Festival

21778 Farm to Market 1774

Todd Mission, TX 77363

2021  Season: October 9 – November 28

Saturday, Sunday & Thanksgiving Friday 9 am – 8 pm

Admission Pricing by Varies by Date  (Expect to pay about $30- $40 for adults and half that for Children)

Children 12 & Under: Free on Sundays

Go to their ticketing page here for details.

General Parking: Free.  Preferred: $20 Valet: $40

What Can You Expect to See & Do at the Renaissance Festival?

Shows and performers.

There are 20 stage areas where you can catch a performance. Enjoy lively musical acts, acrobatics, knights jousting, or learn about birds of prey. There is a huge variety of entertainment, some of it quite unique. It was our first time seeing a human fountain, and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

There are 400 shops to browse! Shop for candles, soaps, and potions, or costumes and magic wands.

Demonstrations

Some of the shops offer demonstrations in medieval skills:

• Candlemaking
• Blacksmithing
• Paper Making & Operating a Printing Press
• Broom Making
• Glass Blowing
• Coin Making
• Weaving & Spinning

Rides, Games, & Activities

Giant swings, slides, and other hand powered rides are some of the medieval amusements available to families. Try your hand at games of skill or crafts. Explore museums of torture. Visit the petting zoo, or go for an elephant or camel ride.

Food & Drinks

So much food here, traditional fair food or pub/tavern food is easy to find. There are also plenty of tastes around the world to try; Greek, Polish, Italian, Latin, and Chinese, just to name a few. Drinks are a big deal here. Most vendors will have beer, wines, mead, ciders, and frozen adult beverages. Adults can even sign up for wine or scotch tastings. Specialty and craft non-alcoholic drinks are flowing too. You should be able to find sodas, lemonades, and lots of kid friendly treats. On cool days, they have hot chocolate, coffee, and cider.

Themed Weekends:

Choosing when to visit is part of the fun. Weekends are themed and guest are encouraged to dress the part.

• OKTOBERFEST (October 9th & 10th)
• 1001 DREAMS Fairies & Elves (October 16th & 17th)
• PIRATE ADVENTUE (October 23rd & 24th)
• ALL HALLOWS EVE (October 30th & 31st)
• HEROES AND VILLAINS (November 6th & 7th)
• BARBARIAN INVASION (November 13th & 14th)
• HIGHLAND FLING (November 20th-21st)
• CELTIC CHRISTMAS (November 26th-28th)

Tips for Visitors:

If you are entering with a digital ticket, it’s a good idea to take a screenshot of the QR code before arriving. Cell coverage is spotty.

Some of the shows and entertainment are meant for adults. You should be able to find signs at the performance areas and a quick warning at the beginning of the act if it’s not meant for kid audiences. Find family friendly entertainment on their For Kids page.

Campgrounds are available for festival guests. More info here .

Additional Resources to go with the Field Trip:

Connect with field trip texas:, you might also like.

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Fountain Show Dazzles at Epic Central | Grand Prairie, TX

SOUTHWEST WINGS

Birding and nature festival in sierra vista, arizona, greatest little birding festival in the united states - since 1991, our mission is to promote nature-based tourism and environmental awareness in southeastern arizona.

​FIELD TRIPS | Guides  | TRIP TIPS  

2024 sPRING FLING field trips

TUE. APRIL 30  |  Wed. M AY 1  | thu. MAY. 2  | Fri. MAY 3  | Sat. MAY 4

PLEAS E NOTE

Spring Fling 2024  festival will be mainly Group Van Field Trips (marked GROUP VAN ) with a few small-group, car-caravan style guided field trips in participants' own vehicles (marked CAR CARAVAN ). Van trips go to more remote or distant locations and car-caravan trips will require less driving.

A ll group van trips will leave from Cochise College, Sierra Vista while e ach car caravan will have a set meeting point and time, where you will meet your guide. 

Bag lunch is provided on Group Van trips consisting of a sandwich of your choice on Wheatberry bread, whole fruit (based on availability), chips, cookies and water. Please select your choice of sandwich from the menu below Field Tri p descriptions on the registration page. 

See a map of Cochise College h ere .

Download spreadsheet of birds seen during Spring Fling 2022  here

See eBird trip report for Spring Fling 2023 here

Find current Field Trip availability on our registration site  here

Tuesday , APRIL 30, 2024  

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Early Bird Check-in and Free Welcome Jamboree 

Early Bird check-in starts at 3pm.

Festival participants are cordially invited to join us as our guest for our pre-festival FREE Welcome Jamboree festivities at Cochise College, Sierra Vista.

Enjoy a chance to meet your fellow Southwest Wings participants, guides, and the faces behind “The Greatest Little Birding Festival in the United States”, along with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages (non-alcoholic, due to licensing restrictions).

All attendees must register for the Jamboree. 

The Check-in and Jamboree will take place at the Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus Library, in Building 900.  See map .

Wednesday, MAY 1, 2024

6:00 AM - 4:00 PM

WF1 Chiricahua Mountains/Cave Creek ( three days,  two nights)     GROUP VAN

(Return Fri day, May 3 )

Join expert bird guide, James Petersen , on an exploration of the Chiricahua Mountains. We will start with Cassin's and Botteri's Sparrows in the prairies at the base, then climb into the pine-oak woodlands to search for Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Bridled Titmouse. Entering the coniferous forest, we'll look for Virginia's, Grace's, and Olive Warblers along with Greater Pewees, Red-faced Warblers, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller's Jay. A Chiricahua specialty is the Mexican Chickadee, not found anywhere else on public lands within the entire United States.

We have two nights at Portal Peak Lodge at the mouth of majestic Cave Creek Canyon. There we will explore sycamore-laced South Fork for Elegant Trogon, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Painted Redstart, and Hepatic Tanager. The many hummingbird feeders in the area host colorful Rivoli's, Blue-throated and Broad-billed Hummingbirds. On a pre-breakfast excursion into the desert below Portal we'll try for Bendire's and Crissal Thrashers and adjacent foothills harbor Juniper Titmouse and Black-chinned Sparrow.  A night run up Cave Creek may net us Whiskered Screech-Owl and Elf Owl, along with calling Mexican Whip-poor-will.

This trip includes all meals and two nights accommodation at the Portal Peak Lodge. This trip is best suited for intermediate birding skills. Bring hat and sunscreen, camera, pocket flashlight, and wear sturdy hiking boots. With birding stops en route, this trip may get back after 4 pm. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate.  Guide: James Petersen

Price is for double occupancy, however, if you are interested in single occupancy, please contact SWWings at [email protected] .

WF2 California Gulch/Santa Cruz Valley (three days, two nights)     GROUP VAN

(Return Friday, May 3)

The rugged canyons of the Atascosa Mountains and Pajarito Wilderness are some of the most celebrated birding spots on the Arizona/Sonora border. This overnight tour, with professional guide Richard Fray , will focus on the search for the area’s most famous specialty birds, among them Rose-throated Becard, Montezuma Quail, Buff-collared Nightjar, and Five-striped Sparrow. This tour also provides excellent opportunities for seeing a good cross-section of southeast Arizona’s many specialties, including Elf Owl, Gray Hawk, Elegant Trogon, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Tropical Kingbird, Painted Redstart, Botteri’s, Rufous-winged and Rufous-crowned Sparrows, and Scott’s Oriole. We begin in Patagonia, where we will hit prime locations for Violet-crowned Hummingbird, and other exciting possibilities. After lunch our route takes us directly to California Gulch, where we will look for the rare Five-striped Sparrow, Black-capped Gnatcatcher and other species. We will remain in the area until the end of the day to look for Buff-collared Nightjar, which breeds there, as well as the chance of other night birds. We will have a 'picnic' dinner and be late back to our accommodation.

The next morning, after a little sleep in and a home-cooked breakfast, we will explore the “birdy” Santa Cruz Valley, where we hope to spot Rose-throated Becard, Thick-billed Kingbird and others. Sites around Rio Rico and Nogales could produce Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and Elegant Trogon. The final day, we'll head back to Sierra Vista via Box Canyon, which could produce Five-striped Sparrow and Lucifer Hummingbird, and the grasslands of Las Cienegas. Most of our birding will be from the vehicle or on level, sometimes rocky paths. This trip includes all meals and lodging at the Rancho Santa Cruz B&B. Please select your first day's lunch sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. This trip is best suited for intermediate birding skills. Bring binoculars, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Guide Richard Fray.

Price is for double occupancy, however, if you are interested in single occupancy please contact [email protected] .

Meeting place: Cochise College, Sierra Vista. Follow Campus Drive to east of Colombo Avenue and park in parking lot on the left. Map link

6:00 AM - 3:00 PM

W1 Carr Canyon    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide, Steve Tracey , on this tour of Carr Canyon, beginning in the lower canyon, where we will look for Gambel's Quail, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. We may stop at the Carr House Nature Center to check the hummingbird feeders. Venturing to the top of Carr Canyon, we may see up to six species of hummingbirds, as well as Arizona, Gila and Acorn Woodpeckers, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace's and Olive Warblers, Painted Redstart, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole and other mountain and canyon specialties. Be prepared for a slow walk covering a mile or two with a 200ft elevation gain and uneven terrain. This trip is best suited for intermediate birders. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear comfortable, sturdy trail shoes.  Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate with elevation. Guide Steve Tracey.

6.00 AM - 3:00 PM

W2 Miller Canyon    GROUP VAN

Join birding expert  Jennie MacFarland , on an exploration of one of the finest Huachuca Mountain Canyons. Miller Canyon is known to local birders as a reliable place to find Red-faced Warblers and there may even be a chance of a Mexican Spotted Owl. Other SE Arizona specialties including Arizona Woodpecker, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Painted Redstart, Grace’s Warbler and Hepatic Tanager are all found here. This trip includes a visit to the famous hummingbird feeders at Beatty's B&B where up to 10 species of hummingbirds can be found, including a chance of the rare White-eared Hummingbird. Bring hat, sun protection and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Jennie MacFarland

W 3 Coronado National Memorial    GROUP VAN

Enjoy a scenic exploration of the south side of the Huachuca Mountains with professional guide and environmental educator, Jeff Babson . The tour begins with a drive through the grasslands which carpet the foothills on the way to the entrance to the Coronado National Monument. Here we may find the newly split Chihuahuan Meadowlark and Botteri's Sparrow as well as Western and Cassin's Kingbirds, and Loggerhead Shrike. The visitor centre, has a large observation window at the back and a trail runs from the centre through to a picnic area and this is good for Arizona Woodpecker. Driving upwards the road becomes a track, and there is a chance anywhere along here of encountering Montezuma Quail. The area is good for mid-elevation species, such as Painted Redstart and Black-throated Gray Warbler. The trip reaches its highest point at Montezuma Pass, with its incredible views over to Mexico. Here we will stop and hike up the Coronado Peak Trail, an easy walk with a 300ft elevation gain. Venturing over the other side, we will explore along the trail to Copper Canyon, where a small stream crosses the road. Always good for butterflies, this area also hosts Rufous-crowned Sparrow and Hepatic Tanager. Bring hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking difficulty 2-3 easy to moderate. Guide Jeff Babson.

W 4 Madera and Box Canyons    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide David Simpson  on a trip which will take you to Madera Canyon via Box Canyon and the Santa Rita grasslands and explore this famous birding site. The grasslands on the way are good for Grasshopper Sparrow and the newly split Chihuahuan Meadowlark. For the last couple of years Box Canyon has hosted breeding Five-striped Sparrow and we will stop to look for this rare species, also hoping to see Varied Bunting and Scott's Oriole. Moving on to Madera Canyon we will bird the many habitats it has to offer - grassland, riparian, and woodland. We will also enjoy a picnic lunch and watch feeding stations. Target species would include Rivoli's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Painted Redstart, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Hepatic Tanager, Botteri’s Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco and Scott’s Oriole. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide David Simpson .  

6:30 AM - 12:00 PM

W5  San Pedro River Specialties    CAR CARAVAN

Join professional guide  Ken Blankenship on a half-day exploration of the San Pedro Rive r which starts at the renowned Casa San Pedro. After a look at the feeders which attract many hummingbirds and other species, the tour will take you along the riverine habitat of the San Pedro River. The shady cottonwoods and lush riverside vegetation are home to a wide range of species including Gray Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Vermilion Flycatcher, Abert's Towhee, and Blue Grosbeak while in nearby grassland there is Botteri's Sparrow. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Ken Blankenship.

Meeting place:  Parking lot at Casa San Pedro, 8933 S Yell Lane, Hereford. Map link .  

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

WN1 Owl Prowl    CAR CARAVAN

The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, local birding guides Jennie MacFarland and Steve Tracey  will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon windbreakers.'

Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Guides:  Jennie MacFarland and Steve Tracey .

Meeting place: Ramsey Canyon Preserve parking lot, at the top of Ramsey Canyon Road. Map link

thursday, MAY 2, 2024

T1 Hummingbird Hunt    GROUP VAN

Sierra Vista is the Hummingbird Capital of the United States, so what better place can there be to hunt for hummingbirds. This exciting trip is led by professional bird guide Kristy Gallo , and will visit all of the best locations for hummingbirds in the Huachuca Mountains. As well as the regulars such as Rivoli’s, Broad-billed and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds there will be opportunities to look for Violet-crowned and Lucifer and maybe rarer ones like White-eared and Berylline. Visit locations like Ash Canyon Sanctuary, Beatty’s feeders in Miller Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, Casa San Pedro and wherever other interesting hummers have been seen. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy.  Guide Kristy Gallo .

Meeting place : Cochise College, Sierra Vista. Follow Campus Drive to east of Colombo Avenue and park in parking lot on the left.  Map link

T2 Las Cienegas NCA    GROUP VAN

​Join professional guide Jeff Babson  on a visit to what was formerly one of the Southwest’s largest cattle ranches. This expansive BLM National Conservation Area is home to Pronghorn Antelope, Prairie Dogs and a wide variety of birds. We will visit rolling grasslands, mesquite thickets and cottonwood-lined Cienega Creek, one of the area’s only sources of permanent water, looking for Zone-tailed and Gray Hawks, Burrowing Owl, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Bell’s Vireo, Lucy’s Warbler, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Abert’s Towhee, and Cassin’s, Botteri’s, Song, Lark, and Grasshopper Sparrows. If time permits, it may be possible to visit Patagonia for a short look at hummingbirds and some riparian species. Bring hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Jeff Babson.

T3 Patagonia/Sonoita Specialties    GROUP VAN

Join professional tour leader David Simpson on a search for the best birds of the Sonoita and Patagonia area. The Nature Conservancy’s Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is one of southeastern Arizona’s best-known destinations for riparian birds. Stops will be made at the Preserve, Las Cienegas NCA, Patagonia Lake State Park, Patagonia roadside rest stop, and Paton’s Hummingbird Center in search of a wide range of riparian and brushy grassland specialty species, hummingbirds, and possible Mexican vagrants. Search birds include Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird, Chihuahuan Meadowlark,  Varied Bunting and Rufous-winged Sparrow. Our exact itinerary may vary based on where the target birds are being seen. We will enjoy a picnic lunch in the shade somewhere along the way. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. This trip is best suited for beginner to intermediate birders. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide David Simpson

T4 Garden and Huachuca Canyons    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide, Jennie MacFarland  on a full day within Fort Huachuca where destinations will include Huachuca and Garden Canyons. We will explore a variety of habitats including foothill grasslands, sycamore-lined canyon woodland, and pine forest. We will search for regional and mountain specialties such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, Grace’s Warbler and Hepatic Tanager. In the grassland areas, we may encounter Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, Chihuahuan Meadowlark , and raptors. Bring hat, sun protection and walking shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3, moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland.

PLEASE NOTE: This trip enters Fort Huachuca and a visitor's pass is required. If you are eligible, please obtain your pass before the trip as there may not be time to get one on the day. See Visitor Access  

Meeting place: Cochise College, Sierra Vista. Follow Campus Drive to east of Colombo Avenue and park in parking lot on the left. Map link  

T5 San Pedro River Trails   CAR CARAVAN  

The San Pedro River in May is a vibrant green ribbon of life, an avian super highway through the desert for millions of migrants. The dense cottonwood/willow forest is alive with bird song as those species that stay to breed set up territories and get down to business. Join naturalist guide Robert Weissler in an exploration of the lush cottonwood/willow forest which in May is home to Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, low elevation warblers including Lucy's Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, and many more. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 2 Easy. Guide Robert Weissler.

Meeting place:  San Pedro House parking lot. Follow Hwy 90 to the east of Sierra Vista and turn right just before the San Pedro River. Map link .

T6 Ramsey Canyon    CAR CARAVAN

Join bird guide, Dan Hoobler on a visit to the world famous Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this area has been a hot spot for birding for decades. The lower canyon is good for Montezuma and Gambel's Quails, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. Ramsey Canyon is a reliable location to find Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers, Hepatic Tanager, Grace's and Red-faced Warblers and Painted Redstart as well as hummingbirds around the information centre. Be prepared for a slow hike covering two miles with a steep 200-foot elevation gain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Dan Hoobler .

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

T7 Butterflies an d Dragonflies of the Sierra Vista Area CAR CARAVAN

Join leader Rich Bailowitz (co-author of several butterfly books as well as Field Guide to the Damselflies and Dragonflies of Arizona and Sonora ) as we search for some of the butterflies and dragonflies of the Sierra Vista area. The day will include stops in Escapule Wash (near the San Pedro River) and in Huachuca Canyon, at various elevations between 4,500 and 6,500ft. A net will be used to catch and release insects for up-close species identification. This trip is best suited for butterfly and dragonfly enthusiasts of all skill levels. Bring your own lunch, as well as hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes.  Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Rich Bailowitz.

PLEASE NOTE: This trip enters Fort Huachuca and a visitor's pass is required. If you are eligible, please obtain your pass before the trip as there may not be time to get one on the day. See Visitor access

TN1 Blacklight Adventure    CAR CARAVAN

After the sun sets, a whole new world awakens, largely unseen by most. Join Jeff Babson to explore the Huachuca Mountains at night and step into the nighttime world of moths and other insects. At historic Carr House, set at the entrance to Carr Canyon, we will set up a black (or UV) light to see what we can draw out of the darkness. Southern Arizona is as famous for insects as it is for birds, and is home to over a thousand species of moth as well as a great variety of beetles. This is an easy, casual way to get acquainted with nature after dark and we may even be serenaded by owls. Bring a camera, flashlight, light jacket, and hat. Guide Jeff Babson.

Meeting place:   Carr House, about 2.3 miles up Carr Canyon Road, off Highway 92. Drive through gate to park. Map link .

friday, MAY 3, 2024

F1 Chickadee Chase   GROUP VAN

Join professional bird guide David Simpson for a trip to the Chiricahua Mountains to search for the Mexican Chickadee. The trips starts with a drive across the Sulphur Spring Valley and chance to see grassland species before ascending into the Sierra Madrean pine-oak woodlands along past Pinery Canyon where we will look for Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Painted Redstart and Bridled Titmouse, and as we get higher and enter the coniferous forest there are Virginia's, Grace's, and Olive Warblers. Up at Rustler and Barfoot Parks there is Greater Pewee, Red-faced Warbler, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller's Jay. The most special bird up here is the Mexican Chickadee - this is the only public land on which it occurs in the entire United States. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included - please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide David Simpson .

F2 Garden and Huachuca Canyons    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide, Jeff Babson  on a full day within Fort Huachuca where destinations will include Huachuca and Garden Canyons. We will explore a variety of habitats including foothill grasslands, sycamore-lined canyon woodland, and pine forest. We will search for regional and mountain specialties such as Elegant Trogon, Arizona Woodpecker, Buff-breasted and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, Grace’s Warbler and Hepatic Tanager. In the grassland areas, we may encounter Loggerhead Shrike, Cassin’s and Western Kingbirds, Black-throated Sparrow, Canyon Towhee, Chihuahuan Meadowlark , and raptors. Bring hat, sun protection and walking shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3, moderate. Guide Jeff Babson.

F3  Madera and Box Canyons     GROUP VAN

Join professional guide Jennie MacFarland  on a trip which will take you to Madera Canyon via Box Canyon and the Santa Rita grasslands and explore this famous birding site. For the last couple of years Box Canyon has hosted breeding Five-striped Sparrow and we will stop to look for this rare species, also hoping to see Varied Bunting and Scott's Oriole. Moving on to Madera Canyon we will bird the many habitats it has to offer - grassland, riparian, and woodland. We will also enjoy a picnic lunch and watch feeding stations. Target species would include Rivoli's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Painted Redstart, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Hepatic Tanager, Botteri’s Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco and Scott’s Oriole. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jennie MacFarland

Meeting place: Cochise College, Sierra Vista. Follow Campus Drive to east of Colombo Avenue and park in parking lot on the left. Map link ​

F4 Lake Cochise and Pinery Canyon    GROUP VAN

Lake Cochise, near Willcox, is a magnet for waterbirds. Shorebirds, like Black-necked Stilt and Wilson's Phalarope, wildfowl like Cinnamon Teal, and others like White-faced Ibis, are drawn to the water here. Join guide Steve Tracey to spend a few hours checking the lake and the area around it before heading for the nearby Chiricahua Mountains. Explore up to Pinery Canyon, a beautiful area on the east side of the Chiricahuas, where typical canyon species can be found, including Western and Dusky-capped Flycatchers, Yellow-eyed Junco, Red-faced Warbler and Painted Redstart, and the sought-after Mexican Chickadee is often seen here. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide Steve Tracey

F5 Hunter Canyon    CAR CARAVAN

Join professional guide Kristy Gallo  on a hike up Hunter Canyon where the 2011 Miller Peak Wilderness fire left its mark, with the result being a unique combination of habitats that are home to a nice diversity of bird species. The initial hike is dominated by successional oak-scrub with birds like Crissal Thrasher, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Black-chinned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Scott’s Oriole. Higher up, the trail enters a stand of soaring conifers that were spared when the fire “jumped” the canyon; here we hope to find Band-tailed Pigeon, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace’s and Virginia’s Warblers, “Mountain” Pygmy-Owl and more. The pine forest wasn’t completely spared, however, and the scrubby disturbed habitat has been home to a resident pair of Rufous-capped Warblers, which we hope to search for. Bring hat, sun protection, water and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Kristy Gallo.

Meeting place:  Parking lot next to La Sierra Grill  Steakhouse just north of the junction of Highway 92 and Hereford Road at 6.30am.  Map link

FN1 Owl Prowl    CAR CARAVAN

The Huachuca Mountains are home to several sought-after nocturnal birds, including Whiskered and Western Screech-Owls, Common Poorwill, and Mexican Whip-poor-will. On this trip, local bird guide Jennie MacFarland will target these birds with the possibility of seeing many other nocturnal creatures. Please wear darker or khaki clothing and a soft material fleece or jacket; avoid light and bright clothing hats and anything that makes a lot of rustling noises, such as crinkly nylon windbreakers.'

Owl trips are conducted only at the spring event and, like all birding, there are no guarantees except that we will have a good time. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy, Darkness. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and field guide. Cameras are okay. Best suited for intermediate to advanced birders. Guide Jennie MacFarland.

saturday, MAY 4, 2024

S1 Hummingbird Hunt     GROUP VAN

S2 Carr Canyon    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide, Jeff Babson , on this tour of Carr Canyon, beginning in the lower canyon, where we will look for Gambel's Quail, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. We may stop at the Carr House Nature Center to check the hummingbird feeders with up to six species of hummingbirds. Venturing to the top of Carr Canyon, we may see Zone-tailed Hawk, as well as Arizona, Gila and Acorn Woodpeckers, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace's and Olive Warblers, Painted Redstart, Yellow-eyed Junco, Hepatic Tanager, Scott's Oriole and other mountain and canyon specialties. We will also be on the lookout for some of the characteristic plants, mammals, and reptiles of the Huachuca Mountains. Be prepared for a slow walk covering a mile or two with a 200ft elevation gain and uneven terrain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Jeff Babson .

S3 Chasing Rarities    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide Richard Fray , on a day long excursion to see what's new or unusual in Southeastern Arizona. This trip's destinations will be based on recent bird reports in the area and the group's desires. With no pre-planned destination your guide will be free to chase after what's available in any direction or location. The trip may include any of the areas covered by our regular trips or may try a new location to see what is available. Bring hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 to 4 moderate to difficult. Guide Richard Fray.

PLEASE NOTE: This trip may enter Fort Huachuca and a visitor's pass is required. If you are eligible, please obtain your pass before the trip as there may not be time to get one on the day. See Visitor access

S4 Saint David/Wilcox     GROUP VAN

​The focus of this trip with professional bird guide David Simpson will be the Benedictine’s Holy Trinity Monastery, a 132-acre site on the east side of the San Pedro River in St. David, Arizona. A popular retreat center, the grounds include a 1.3-mile birding trail, several small ponds, a pecan orchard, mesquite woodland, a working farm, and magnificent cottonwoods. Nesting birds are numerous and include: Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Mississippi Kite (at one of its only nesting sites in Arizona), Bell’s Vireo, Vermilion Flycatcher, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Curve-billed Thrasher, Lucy’s Warbler, Summer Tanager, and Blue Grosbeak. Tropical Kingbird, another local breeder, can usually be found here. Time and weather permitting, we will make a trip to Twin Lakes in Willcox, where we could add a number of shorebirds such as Wilson’s and Red-necked Phalaropes, Least and Baird’s Sandpipers, Long-billed Curlew, and Horned Lark. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 2 easy. Guide: David Simpson .

S5 Patagonia/Sonoita    GROUP VAN

Join professional tour leader Scott Olmstead for a trip to the Patagonia area. Patagonia is one of south-eastern Arizona’s best-known destinations for riparian birds. Specialties that can be found here include Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Thick-billed Kingbirds, Northern Beardless Tyrannulet and Rufous-winged Sparrow. Good birding sites in Patagonia are numerous and our probable itinerary will include Harshaw Canyon, Patagonia Lake State Park and the Paton Center for Hummingbirds. Our exact itinerary will be at the discretion of the leader, and may vary based on where the target birds are most readily being seen. A short visit (about an hour) to the open grasslands around Sonoita will complement the riparian habitats of Patagonia, and we should see a wide variety of species. We will enjoy a lunch break in the shade somewhere along the way. Bring hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Scott Olmstead.

S6 Scotia Canyon    GROUP VAN

Join professional guide, Ken Blankenship ,  on an exploration of Scotia Canyon, a lesser-known 'hotspot' on the west side of the Huachuca Mountains. The rich Madrean woodlands and sycamore-lined riparian habitat hosts breeding birds like  Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon, Plumbeous Vireo, Painted Redstart, Red-faced and Grace's Warblers and much, much more. The area will be accessed along the road past Parker Lake, with a quick stop there to look for any interesting birds. Hiking will be along a rough gravel road, with moderate elevation gain. Bring hat, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Lunch is included – please select your sandwich filling from menu below the Field Trip descriptions on the registration page. Hiking Difficulty: 3 moderate. Guide Ken Blankenship.

S7  San Pedro River Trails   CAR CARAVAN  

The San Pedro River in May is a vibrant green ribbon of life, an avian super highway through the desert for millions of migrants. The dense cottonwood/willow forest is alive with bird song as those species that stay to breed set up territories and get down to business. Jo in naturalist guide Robert Weissler in an exploration of the lush cottonwood/willow forest which in May is home to Gray and Zone-tailed Hawks, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, low elevation warblers including Lucy's Warbler, Abert’s Towhee, and many more. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 2 Easy. Guide Robert Weissler.

S 8 Ramsey Canyon    CAR CARAVAN

Join bird guide , Dan Hoobler on a visit to the world famous Ramsey Canyon in the Huachuca Mountains. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, this area has been a hot spot for birding for decades. The lower canyon is good for Montezuma and Gambel's Quails, Gila and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, Rufous-crowned, Chipping and Botteri's Sparrows, Blue and Black-headed Grosbeaks, and other canyon outlet species. Ramsey Canyon is a reliable location to find Arizona and Acorn Woodpeckers, Hepatic Tanager, Grace's and Red-faced Warblers and Painted Redstart as well as hummingbirds around the information centre. Be prepared for a slow hike covering two miles with a steep 200-foot elevation gain. Bring hat, water, sun protection, and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Dan Hoobler.

S9 Hunter Canyon    CAR CARAVAN

Join professional guide Jennie MacFarland   on a hike up Hunter Canyon where the 2011 Miller Peak Wilderness fire left its mark, with the result being a unique combination of habitats that are home to a nice diversity of bird species. The initial hike is dominated by successional oak-scrub with birds like Crissal Thrasher, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay, Black-chinned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee, and Scott’s Oriole. Higher up, the trail enters a stand of soaring conifers that were spared when the fire “jumped” the canyon; here we hope to find Band-tailed Pigeon, Buff-breasted Flycatcher, Grace’s and Virginia’s Warblers, “Mountain” Pygmy-Owl and more. The pine forest wasn’t completely spared, however, and the scrubby disturbed habitat has been home to a resident pair of Rufous-capped Warblers, which we hope to search for. Bring hat, sun protection, water and wear trail shoes. Hiking Difficulty: 4 difficult. Guide Jennie MacFarland.

Meeting place:  Parking lot next to La Sierra Grill Steakhouse just north of the junction of Highway 92 and Hereford Road at 6.30am.  Map link

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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Moscow International Film Festival

The film festival has been held since 1935. Second oldest after the Venice Film Festival. Moscow International Film Festival is one of the most important events in the film industry. This is not only an influential professional venue, but also an interesting event for muscovites and guest of the city.

Christmas Festival

This is the most favourite festival of Muscovites and guests of the city. Interesting events take place at 80 venues throughout the city. Numerous ice rinks, food zones, hockey courts, slides, a children’s snowboard park are open. Every day, in special chalets around the city, puppet shows and fairy tales are read. Concerts and master classes await visitors, where you can try yourself in Gzhel painting, clay modelling, decoupage. You can make jewellery, toys and gifts to loved ones, as well as send a letter to Santa Claus. On Red Square, everyone is interested in not only skating on the rink themselves, but also enjoying the colourful ice show from the famous Russian skaters.

Festival “Moscow Maslenitsa”

One of the brightest, longest events in Russia, dedicated to the seeing off of winter and the meeting of spring. Everyone will be able to learn how to cook pancakes, attend a lot of creative and craft workshops. Take part in traditional Shrovetide fun. Build a huge stuffed animal from straw and burn it, ride on crusts, take part in a masquerade parade. At numerous venues it will be possible to see street performances and performances by the best vocal ensembles and folk artists.

New Year on Red Square

The festive concert begins at 20.00. Then everyone lights the New Year tree together. At midnight, guests will be surprised by festive fireworks. Tickets are on sale in advance at the expected symbolic price of 2,025 rubles.

International exhibition NEFTEGAZ-2022

Neftegaz (Oil and gas exhibition) is the largest exhibition in Russia, which is one of the ten most significant in the industry. Lots of business meetings. Sighning of contracts. Experience exchange. The exhibition is attended by over 500 companies from around the world.

Easter Gift Festival

Easter festival is one of the most striking and major events of the city in April. Guests and residents of the city will be able to learn about the traditions of Easter, taste various options for Easter cakes, try other holiday treats. And also take part in charity events.

The solemn ceremony of the changing of the guard at the walls of the Moscow Kremlin

The ceremony is held every on the Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. This is a colourful sight introducing Russian military traditions. Every year, the organizers introduce new elements into the program, preserving the classic part. To enter the territory of the Kremlin, an entrance ticket is required.

Russia Victory Day in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945

In May 9th Russia celebrate the day of victory of Soviet troops over Nazi Germany. On this day, parades, commemorative events, and festive fireworks are held solemnly throughout the country. The main military parade of the country takes place in Moscow on Red Square. Throughout the city, at special concert venues, art groups perform, songs of the war years are heard everywhere. People dance, relax. Many older people cry, remembering the horror of years gone by.

Night of museums

Museum Night is an annual project that will take place in Moscow 15 times. Most of the city’s cultural institutions traditionally take part in it. Most of the city’s museums and exhibitions are free to visit. In parks, country estates, thematic performances and entertainment cultural events are held. About 200 museums, exhibition halls and art spaces take part in the festival. Many sites prepare special projects on the topic for visitors.

Fish Week festival

This year the festival will be held in Moscow for the sixth time. Everyone can taste a variety of seafood dishes, as well as purchase fish, shrimp, caviar «take away”. Every day, gastronomic shows and various master classes for both adults and children will be held at the festival venues.

A cappella Moscow Spring international festival

Bright and talented performers and bands from different countries come to Moscow to demonstrate all their singing a cappella skills. The show takes place at different open-air scenes in the center of Moscow. Everyone can visit any city concerts, creative workshops, music, theatre performances.

Horse racing events

In Moscow, the racing season lasts from May to September. Purebred racehorse competitions are held at the Central Moscow Hippodrome. Throughout the entire period, horses demonstrate all their power, beauty and strength. By tradition, in the spring a big holiday is held, dedicated to the opening of the race.

Day of Russia

On this day, all cities of the country host ceremonies, entertainment programs, holiday concerts with the participation of popular performers. Everyone can participate in sports and youth flash mobs, visit museums and improvised fairs. And the culmination of the holiday will be a big fireworks.

Flower Jam Festival

Within the framework of the festival, the international competition of urban landscape design of the same name takes place. The task of the contestants is to come up with gardens, compositions that will beneficially affect the emotional and physical condition of the city residents. Across the city will appear compositions of fresh flowers. The city is blooming.

International Festival "Russian Cuisine"

This year the festival of Russian cuisine will be held for the forth time. Guests will be able to taste a wide palette of dishes from multinational Russia. Appreciate the skills of the best chefs in Russia. Taste ready-made dishes according to old Russian recipes. The largest outdoor food court in Moscow will open. Performances of famous pop singers and folk artists will complement the holiday atmosphere.

International Fireworks Festival Rostec

The largest festival of pyrotechnic art in Russia. The strongest pyrotechnics from different countries gather to show the audience all their highest skills and compete for the title of best. A diverse program is provided for guests and residents of the city: creative and sporting events, thematic spaces, quests and games, performances by musical groups and much more.

International Military Music Festival Spasskaya Tower

This holiday festival takes place on Red Square. This is one of the most ambitious and vibrant events of the year. Spectators are waiting for the parade of military bands, musical groups from around the world. Music from classical to pop sounds in the city center. Military bands from many countries demonstrate entire dance performances, performances with weapons. Colorful laser and pyrotechnic shows decorate this event. The grand fireworks on the closing day are unforgettable.

Moscow City day

Bright, large-scale and spectacular holiday. In 2022, Muscovites will celebrate the 875th anniversary of their city. Moscow greets this day on a grand scale. The whole city is seething. At various venues there are concerts and live music. Sports competitions for families, fairs for all are held. Everywhere – an atmosphere of joy and emancipation.

Moscow Balloon Festival

The festival will be held at the Expocentre on Krasnaya Presnya. This is the largest festival in Europe in terms of the number of participants, guests and sponsors. The best professional graphic designers from all over the world compete here. The program includes: an air show, master classes, an exhibition of sculptures from balloons, as well as exciting seminars from professional aero designers.

XI Moscow International Festival Circle of Light

One of the largest light festivals in the world. Grand multimedia shows await guests and residents: 3D mapping, pyrotechnic effects using high-altitude fountains, fire flames, laser projections. Many light installations of fireworks with musical accompaniment.

XVIII Moscow Gastronomic Festival

Hundreds of restaurants in Moscow present a signature tasting menu. It offers new tastes, unusual food combinations, bold culinary experiments. Special brunches take place all month. The city has a lot of thematic entertainment, promotions from the partners of the festival. At the end of the festival, a magnificent ball is held at which members of the international jury will choose the winner.

National Unity Day of Russia

In Moscow, the program of this general public holiday is especially solemn and vibrant. A variety of patriotic events, rallies, parades are held. In the evening, festive concerts of pop stars and musical groups will take place.

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15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

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Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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Coachella 2024: Festival quietly relaxes its alcohol rules

Apr. 13—A funny thing happened at the Coachella beer garden this year.

No one cared if festival-goers walked back on to the grounds with their alcoholic beverages, a significant change from previous years when those imbibing had to finish their beverages before leaving the beer garden to rejoin the party.

For the first time Coachella's history, festival-goers are able take their drinks on the field and to the stages.

Not that organizers made a big deal about it before the gates opened on Friday afternoon; as most people said they had no idea they were now free-range drinkers until they saw the security guards weren't around.

"I walked out yesterday (with beers) with a group of friends and I thought, 'We can't do this,'" said Jack Patton of Sacramento, as he sipped a hazy IPA in the craft beer tent.

Patton said he figures the change will make for safer imbibing at Coachella. In the past, friends would smuggle in harder stuff hidden in water bottles and the like.

"It's just beer, it's not a shot or a whole water bottle of it," he said.

Daniel Eapen and Stanley Wong came from Toronto for their first Coachella this year. They'd never experienced the beer garden lockdown here before, but knew it from other festivals they've attended.

"I'm not really a big fan of dancing with a drink in my hand, so it doesn't really affect me much," Eapen said, a cup of Pilsner on the table in front of him. "But it would be nice if you were waiting with your friends to walk around, I guess."

Lena Aceveto of Ventura County was the only person we found who knew that Coachella had changed the rules. Her husband goes deep into the Coachella social media sites and had seen something on Reddit.

"This place used to be super crowded because you couldn't leave," she said looking around the Craft Beer garden that had plenty of room on Saturday.

"I think it's better now," Aceveto said. "I like that you don't have to stay out. You can go and enjoy a set and a drink."

(c)2024 The Whittier Daily News, Calif. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Love Is in the Desert Air! See All the Photos of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce at Coachella

The Grammy winner and NFL pro partied in the crowd during weekend one of the famed California music festival

Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce spent date night on the Coachella grounds this weekend.

All eyes were on the hot couple during their visit to the SoCal music festival on Saturday. The singer and athlete were seen dancing and kissing throughout performances by pals Ice Spice and Jack Antonoff . Wearing matching smiles and color-coordinated hats, Swift and Kelce made an adorable duo as they packed on PDA in the crowd.

Check out all the photos from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's festive night out at Coachella this past weekend.

Backstage VIPs

Christina House / Los Angeles Times via Getty 

Taylor Swift supported her longtime friend and collaborator Jack Antonoff and his band Bleachers during their Saturday set at Coachella 2024 in Indio, California. The pop star hung out backstage, where she and her boyfriend Travis Kelce were spotted kissing and dancing together throughout the performance.

Karma Is Her Boyfriend

Jennifer Johnson/Shutterstock for Neon Carnival 

The couple also got to watch Ice Spice take the Coachella stage. The rapper even performed her verse on Taylor Swift's song "Karma," which the two artists remixed together in May 2023 .

The pair shared a passionate kiss while watching a performance from the crowd, as seen in an image first published by TMZ .

Coachella Couture

Both Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce accessorized their festival 'fits with baseball caps. Wearing a green embroidered hat, the "Cruel Summer" singer repped her boyfriend's podcast New Heights , which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce. By her side, the Kansas City Chiefs player paid homage to Adam Sandler's 1996 comedy in a white Happy Gilmore cap.

Feeling Festive

Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images

Throughout the weekend, fan-captured clips of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce hanging out the desert swept across the Internet. One TikTok user shared footage of the stars looking sweet together as they chatted with fellow festival-goers before Ice Spice's set. Later, the A-list duo blended into the crowd alongside Taylor Swift's Eras Tour opener Sabrina Carpenter and her boyfriend, Barry Keoghan .

Quality Time

TheImageDirect.com

Before their PDA-packed appearance at Coachella, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoyed a far more low-key date night in L.A. They were spotted grabbing dinner together at L.A. hotspot Sushi Park  on Friday prior to leaving town.

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