one day trip location near me

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

• 1 Day Getaways
• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Better together

Save up to $580 when you book a flight and hotel together*

Find the right fit

With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Everyone needs to getaway sometimes

What is a one day trip.

A one day trip is a mini vacation, a shot of adventure squeezed delightfully into 24 hours. That could be traveling after work to your hotel and spending the evening at the theater or on a boat cruise then filling the next day with some urban exploring. Maybe you like to travel in the morning, fill your day with adventures, then relax in your hotel and head home the next morning. Explore our library of one day getaway ideas to get your imagination going and design your dream one day trip around your schedule.

What are some great one day vacation ideas?

Pull on your walking boots, rent a bike, or take to the water on a wonderful outdoors adventure then stay in a luxury cabin for the ultimate detox reset. You might prefer to load up on culture by exploring museums before sipping classy cocktails in a chic hotel bar on a one-day city break. At Expedia, we help you discover new places for your one day getaway and find the right flights, accommodation, and car rental to get you there easily.

How do I find the best one day getaways?

Enter your starting location, destination, and travel dates and explore the fantastic selection of packages that include flights and accommodation. Alternatively, you can build your own one day getaway vacation by clicking on hotels, car rental, things to do, vacation rentals and flights separately. It’s easy to compare prices, find your best option, then just click to book—simple!

Are there any day trip ideas for couples?

Escape for a night in a luxury cabin with ocean views or celebrate a special occasion on a romantic one day getaway in a hotel with a hot tub. Yes, sip bubbles while sitting in bubbles—you know the right short break will bring you closer together.

How do I find one day getaway deals?

Search through the fantastic deals available for you on an impressive selection of one day getaway packages, hotels, and flights. Simply enter your location, destination, and travel dates then compare prices. Our filters make it easy for you to narrow your search by price, location, and amenities. If you’re flexible about when you travel, you could try changing the dates for even more variety.

Why should I book a one day getaway with Expedia?

At Expedia, you save money and enjoy a hassle-free booking journey to booking and your dream one day getaway. There’s a huge range of great escapes just a click away. 

• Vacation packages currently trending

Save with our bundle deals!

Car, Stay, Flight... book everything you need for your perfect weekend getaway with Expedia and save!

Vacation rental

Apartments, Villas, Cabins... we have everything you need!

Car Rentals

Hit the road with one of our car rental deals

Explore other types of vacation packages

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Gay & Lesbian Vacations 

Where to go when

• More Vacation Ideas
• Getaway Ideas
• Vacation Deals & Tips
• Top Vacation Destinations
• Best Travel Destinations by Month
• New Year's vacation deals
• Christmas vacation deals
• Spring travel deals
• Spring break vacation deals
• National Park Vacation Deals
• Northern Lights Vacations
• Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
• Fourth of July Weekend Getaways
• Labor Day Weekend Getaways
• MLK Day Weekend Getaways
• Thanksgiving Getaways
• Weekend Getaways
• 2 Day Getaways
• 3 Day Getaways
• 4 Day Getaways
• 5 Day Getaways
• 6 Day Getaways
• One Week Getaways
• 8 Day Getaways
• Las Vegas Getaway
• Vacation Rental Deals
• Vacations under $1000
• Vacations under $500
• Last Minute Vacation Deals
• Last Minute Hotel Deals
• Travel Deals + Vacation Ideas
• Plan a vacation
• Deposit and Vacation Payment Plans
• London Vacations
• Paris Vacations
• Cabo San Lucas Vacations
• Playa Del Carmen Vacations
• New York Vacations
• New Orleans Vacations
• Punta Cana Vacations
• Montego Bay Vacations
• Puerto Vallarta Vacations
• Honolulu Vacations
• Orlando Vacations
• Miami Vacations
• Cancun Vacations
• Los Angeles Vacations
• Fort Lauderdale Vacations
• January Vacations
• February Vacations
• March Vacations
• April Vacations
• May Vacations
• June Vacations
• July Vacations
• August Vacations
• September Vacations
• October Vacations
• November Vacations
• December Vacations

Find a road trip near me

Search for places within hours of your home city and plan a quick getaway.

Find somewhere new and interesting to explore that's only a few hours drive from your hometown. Plan a day trip or a weekend getaway, and escape from your city to discover nearby places. Search in any direction based on travel time or driving distance to find local towns and things to do. Explore a radius of 1 hour from West Covina CA .

Check out the latest coverage in the Los Angeles Times :

If you’re planning a road trip this summer, take Within Hours for a spin. The simple website allows you to plug in a destination and learn about nearby attractions.

Or from Clark.com :

Where do you start to search for somewhere new and interesting to explore that’s only a few hours drive from your hometown? WithinHours lets you search in any direction based on travel time or driving distance to find places to go and things to do.

Travel time from me

1 hour from me within 1-1/2 hours of me cities within 2 hours of me 2-1/2 hours from my location map a 3 hr radius from me 3-1/2 hour radius from here places within 4 hours of me within a 4-1/2 hour drive 5 hour drive from me 6 hours from me 7 hours away 8 hour radius places 9 hours away

Distance from me

7 miles from me cities 10 miles from me 13 miles away from me 20 miles away 27 miles from me places within 30 miles of me 39 miles away within 40 miles of me 47 miles from me cities located 50 miles from me cities 55 miles from me 60 miles from me cities 65 miles away from me

places 70 miles away 75 mile radius from me 80 miles away 85 miles distance 90 mile radius 95 miles distance from me 100 mile radius from me 150 miles from me 200 miles away 300 mile drive places 400 miles away 500 mile radius 600 miles from here

How to Plan a Day Trip

• February 23, 2024

Wondering how exactly to plan a day trip? I’ve got you covered.

There’s something very freeing about day trips. They’re this easy, low-stakes way just to GO SOMEWHERE and find inspiration from your new surroundings.

With a longer vacation comes a longer list of responsibilities, research, and stress. Don’t get me wrong, it’s very much worth it, and nothing beats the feeling of disembarking a plane in a brand new country. However, sometimes you want that pay off without worrying about making it through TSA or figuring out hotel bookings and fitting in a million things to see, eat, and experience.

Cue the day trip! Depending on where you live, a day trip is an easy car, bus, or train ride away, making it doable for everyone from solo travelers to young families and everyone in between. Below is my tried and true guide to planning one of your own.

The key to day trips is that they should not be overthought or over-planned. You really only want to pick one big must-do and then find a place for lunch or dinner, depending on how long you’ll be out. Throw in some downtown shopping to seek out cool small businesses, and that’s really it.

1. Pick your day trip destination

When it comes to picking your day trip destination, you’ll want to keep it fairly nearby. I recommend at least 30 minutes away but no more than two hours,  maybe three if it’s a really unique seasonal festival or big event. Remember, however far you go in one direction, you must repeat that same distance back. Five+ hours of transport in one day sounds pretty exhausting!

If you’re struggling to figure out a destination, here are some of my secret tips to help you out:

• Search “best places to live” in your state or nearby states. This usually means they have a fun downtown area full of great restaurants and boutiques. For example, it’s fairly easy from Brooklyn to the Hamptons, and spots like Fire Island or Sag Harbor are only around 2 hours away.
• Look for parks, forests, and hiking trails, and then look for their nearby towns. If you want to get outdoors on your day trip, you’ll first want to pick either a forest or park to enjoy. Then you’ll want to search for their nearby town to find where to eat and wander. If you’re in Louisville , for example, Bernheim Forest is a 30-minute drive away, and the small town of Clermont sits at the edge. Try some of the bourbons from James B. Beam Distilling, snap a picture in front of their famous barn, and then grab lunch or dinner at The Kitchen Table.
• Check for local festivals.  It’s usually a good sign that a town is a nice place to visit if they have an annual festival – the quirkier, the better. Even if you don’t visit during the actual festival dates, you’ll still find some fun things to do. A great example is the town of Julian, about an hour from San Diego and 2 1/2 hours from Los Angeles. It’s most known for its Apple Days Festival, but you can still see its restored historical homes, sample apple pies, and hike one of the many trails that go through the beautiful Cuyamaca Mountains any time of year.
• Look for independent bookstores. Here’s one of my best tips when looking for nearby destinations. Simply look for small, independent bookstores. If an independent bookstore is thriving, it’s a good indication that your day trip destination has created an ecosystem for small businesses to thrive. Bookshop.org has a great function that lets you look for local bookstores within 15-50 miles. Even better – see if you can time your day trip with an author event.

2. Figure out the big thing you want to do.

Once you’ve picked your destination, it’s time to choose your big thing to do. There’s so much to choose from, and it’s really up to what you want to do! Here are some ideas:

• Easier hikes and treks. There’s nothing like a nice hike or trek. You obviously don’t want to do a more intense hike on a day trip, but I always enjoy gentler trails that might take a few hours and offer some incredible scenic views.
• Cool, interactive museums. You’d be surprised by how many unique museums are located well outside major cities. For example, Corning in the Finger Lakes is home to the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass, as seen in Netflix’s “Blown Away.”
• Seasonal festivals or events. While I don’t necessarily recommend planning your day trip around a major festival as parking and crowds sound like a nightmare, there is something to be said for visiting around those dates. For example, any cherry blossom festival will have a few blooms the week before and after, so you can still experience them even if they’re not at their peak.
• Film location finds. TV shows and movies are often filmed all over the place, and you can always find a blog post or guide that’ll give you the exact locations. For example, Hamilton in Ontario, Canada, is a favorite for some of the most buzzed-about TV shows out there – “The Umbrella Academy,” “Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Queens’ Gambit,” and so much more. Astoria , OR is a treasure trove of Goonies  locations, and Cleveland , OH has a ton of  A Christmas Story  locations, including the original house.
• General sightseeing.  Sometimes day trip destinations have fantastic sightseeing on their own. Cape May in the Jersey Shore is home to the second largest concentration of Victorian homes after San Francisco and Manitou Springs near Colorado Springs , and Denver has a series of carbonated springs you can sip from.

3. Look into where to eat and grab a drink

One you’ve figured out the big thing to do, it’s time to figure out where you want to eat and maybe grab a drink. Most day trip destinations will have at least one or two really cool restaurants with an inventive menu and focus on local ingredients. Many will also have great breweries, wineries, and distilleries so you can sample some new concoctions. I like to look on Google Maps and Tripadvisor for reviews. Take them with a grain of salt, but I often find that if people complain about the same thing, there’s a bit of truth there. They also let you know if you need to make reservations or if those opening hours listed are more of a suggestion than a sure thing.

4. Figure out the logistics

By now, you’ve got your day trip about 90% planned! Pretty easy, right? The remaining 10% are just those little details that are easy to forget but will be a huge pain if you don’t plan for them. Here are some things to consider:

• How are you getting there?  If it’s driving, do you need to rent a car, and when does it need to be back by to avoid extra charges?If it’s public transport, just keep times in mind, so you don’t accidentally miss your train or bus and need to wait an extra hour or stay overnight.
• Parking.  For those driving, are you able to find parking easily? I’ve found this is pretty easy to figure out as you can look on Google Maps for parking locations, and there are always at least one or two reviews. Otherwise, you can google for parking advice, and there’s always some TripAdvisor forum or local website with advice.
• Kid-friendly, Pet-friendly.  If you’re traveling with kids or pets, you’ll also want to check that everywhere you’re going is friendly towards them. You can’t exactly leave your pet or kid in the car while you go get lunch!
• Snacks, drinks, and extra cash to have on hand. Before your day trip, just make sure you have snacks and drinks just in case. This goes double for kids.

And that’s really it for how to plan a day trip! You can use this guide for pretty much anywhere in the world. Below is an example for my fellow New Yorkers.

Example Day Trip: Millerton from NYC

Up in Dutchess County ,  Millerton has everything you need for an amazing day trip. It’s only 2 hours by car from Manhattan and has plenty of parking available along Main Street.

Since it’s located right on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail, I’d recommend that your big thing to do is to walk or bike along the trail and take in the stunning Taconic Hills. This is especially a must in autumn to see all the colorful foliage.

Afterward, grab a bite at the Oakhurst Diner. They have an inspired, modern menu where you can have everything from homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes to a vegetarian macro plate.

Walk off lunch around Main Street and check out all the local designers and antique stores, which range from old school to more modern finds. You can also, of course, find a cool independent bookstore in Oblong Books.

When you need a break, stop into the Harney and Sons flagship location. I’m a tea drinker, so this place was my jam! They have over 250 personally blended teas offered at their tea bar as well as a shop with all you could ever need to properly enjoy a cuppa.

Once you’ve had your fill, you can make the easy drive back into the city feeling refreshed and relaxed!

And there you have it. A complete guide on how to plan a day trip no matter where you live. What are some of your favorite day trip destinations?

This Post Has 4 Comments

Thanks Samantha for the basic simple tips that we sometimes forget. I feel like I have to get back into how to plan a trip after not planning for so long with our covid experience filling our time. Coming up with the destination is the most difficult challenge. I will use your independent bookstore suggestion.! Any other suggestions on ths point? Happy travels, Evelyn

Day trips are amazing. I completely agree. Perhaps we should all plan a day trip?.

Hi Samantha, Thanks so much for all your inspiration and great show!!! I am actually presenting “Road Trippin” Day Trips to our 55 and older community this Fall. Quick day trips are the best with places to see, to eat and experience. It gives us that excitement of when we first got our drivers license and could hit the road with the wind in our hair, music playing loudly and freedom to explore. There is so much out there, waiting just around the corner!

I love your show! My husband and I are saving for retirement. We do a lot of day trips. I live in Jacksonville Florida and there are many great places to go here. Savanna is next and then to Flagler Beach. I’ve always been a wanderer. My Mom said that we were two gypsies!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

It may be one of the smallest states in the country, but there are so…

Figuring out how to spend the perfect weekend in Louisville? As one of the oldest…

As the largest city in a state that prides itself on history and legacy, it’s…

The 15 Very Best Day Trips You Can Possibly Take In Ohio

April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.

More by this Author

Once you’ve lived in the Buckeye State for several years, you might find yourself wondering “What is there to do in Ohio?” Contrary to what you might think, Ohio is full of all kinds of neat places to discover and weekend vacation destinations. When you only have a day to explore, it can be difficult to pick a place that you can take in during a single day. The following are some of our favorite day trips in Ohio (listed in no particular order).

See if we’ve featured your favorite Ohio day trip:

1. The Wilds

2. German Village

3. Ohio State Reformatory

4. Old Man's Cave

5. The J.M. Smucker Company Store and Cafe

6. Peninsula

7. Jungle Jim's

Related Stories

14 Unique Day Trips In Ohio That You Can't Take Anywhere Else In The World

6 Incredible Ohio Day Trips You Can Take By Train

Take A Stroll Down Ohio's Oldest Paved Road For A Picture Perfect Day

8. stan hywet hall and gardens.

9. Yellow Springs

10. Clifton Mill

11. Raven’s Glenn Winery

13. Idle-Hour Ranch

14. Holden Arboretum

15. Granville

Have you been to any of these places before? What other day trips in Ohio would you recommend taking?  Share your thoughts and experiences with us. We would love to hear from you!

No matter where the road takes you, we highly recommend checking out this road trip packing list . We’re pretty sure we’ve thought of everything, so you don’t have to!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Ohio in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Ohio!

Thank you! You will receive your first email soon.

An error occured.

More to Explore

What is there to do in ohio.

What is there to do on a rainy day in Ohio?

There is plenty to see and do on a rainy day in Ohio! Especially if you have children, you want an activity that is going to keep their attention. Some of the best options to consider for things to do with kids on a rainy day in Ohio include:

• COSI in Columbus
• The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton
• EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester
• Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky

What do you do with kids in Ohio?

If you're wondering what else there is to do with kids in Ohio, there are several great getaways in and around the state that kids will especially appreciate.

• Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky and Great Wolf Lodge in Mason are massive indoor water parks that children absolutely love.
• Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs
• Play: CLE in Avon
• b.a. Sweetie Candy Company in Cleveland
• The Velvet Ice Cream Factory in Utica

There are also several children’s museums scattered throughout the state that feature plenty of hands-on exhibits and plenty of playtime. For more information, check out this great article on places to take your kids in Ohio .

What do you do with kids in Ohio without spending money?

Some of the best day trips to take on one tank of gas with kids in Ohio without spending money are as simple as exploring your local metro park or the closest state park. A little time in nature goes a long way, and many trails in Ohio are easy enough to hike with children. You can also dig for fossils and explore ancient ruins for free.

• Olander Park System's Fossil Park in Sylvania and Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe are great options for digging for fossils and exploring ancient ruins.
• Many museums in Ohio are also free to explore, such as The National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton.
• The Cleveland Museum of Art is another option.

For more information on these places and several more suggestions, check out this article on free things to do with kids in Ohio .

Related Articles

• Dine On The Water Before Boarding A Riverboat On This Delightful Ohio Day Trip On The Water
• From Morning To Night, We've Put Together The Perfect Family Friendly Summer Day In Butler County, Ohio
• The Small Town River In Ohio That's An Idyllic Summer Day Trip
• This Stunning European-Inspired Village In Ohio Is The Perfect Place For A Day Trip
• The Friendly Small Town In Ohio That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
• Your Whole Family Will Love This Day Trip To Some Of Ohio's Coolest Attractions
• This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Ohio Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset
• 12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover In Ohio This Year

Explore Ohio

Plan, Ready, Go

1 Day in NYC: Must-do’s for First-timers + Interactive Map

Only have one day in New York ? Maximize your visit with my itinerary created especially for NYC first-time visitors . I have visited New York City several times. During my last two trips, I was accompanied by people visiting for the first time.

I recommend spending at least four days in NYC . However, even one day can give you a taste of this top travel destination.

Key Things to Know: Top things to do in NYC for a day

• Essential Stops: Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, or Central Park for a mix of history and iconic landmarks.
• Transportation Tip: Maximize your time by using the subway for faster travel between Manhattan’s attractions.
• Customization: This itinerary is completely customizable to your particular interests and the exact amount of time you have in New York City.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

One day in New York itinerary 

9/11 memorial (and museum).

9/11 Memorial | Closest subway stops: WTC–Cortland St (1) and Cortland Street (R, W)  

Start your day by spending your morning in Lower Manhattan. 

In my opinion, your one-day in NYC itinerary should absolutely include the 9/11 Memorial. It’s one of my favorite free things to do in New York City .   

The terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers, forever changed the city and the United States. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and beautiful memorials that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

The 9/11 Memorial typically is open to the public all day every day. 

Optional: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is at the same location. Though I haven’t had the privilege of seeing it, I’ve heard great things. There is a charge for admission to the museum.

Statue of Liberty 

Ferry from Manhattan departs from Battery Park | Subway stops: South Ferry Station (1), Whitehall Street (R), Bowling Green (4, 5)  

Your one-day New York City itinerary must include the Statue of Liberty, my absolute favorite place in the city

Buy your tickets ahead of time onlin e, especially if you want to climb up to the crown. When available, those tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance.    

Even if you don’t want to go up onto the pedestal or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you can purchase a ticket to enjoy the cruise over to Liberty Island (with great views of both Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan). You can visit the new museum and walk around the monument’s exterior.

 If you only have a day in New York I recommend skipping a visit to Ellis Island even though it’s included in your ticket. 

More things to do on a day trip to New York City

• Explore NYC with a sightseeing helicopter tour over Manhattan .
• Pay a visit to the top of One World Observatory with this skip-the-line ticket .
• If you’re staying the night in New York, consider this sunset cruise in New York Harbor.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Lunch options: where to eat 

By the time you finish your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. The Crown Café offers a wide variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu includes vegetarian options as well as several items that can be made gluten-free upon request. 

Battery Park (where you’ll disembark from your cruise to Liberty Island) is a great picnic spot. You can grab a cheap lunch from a food truck or assemble a picnic from a nearby market.

If a restaurant is more what you’re looking for, wander into the Financial District where you’ll find a variety of popular eateries for all budgets. 

Empire State Building 

20 West 34 Street | Subway stop: 34 St–Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), 33 St (M)  

Many believe that visiting the Empire State Building is a must on their trip to New York City.

I will admit right now that in all my NYC trips, I’ve only ever admired this iconic structure from the ground.  I do not like heights, nor do I generally pay money to stand atop them. But you who are not afraid of heights can go as high as the 102nd floor. The main observation deck is on the 86th floor.   

Time-saving tip: Upgrade your Empire State Building ticket to get skip-the-line access.

As an alternative, save the Empire State Building for after dinner, or even enjoy dinner at the State Grill and Bar.  

Times Square 

Subway stop: Times Square–42 Street (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7)   

You’ve seen it in movies and TV shows. Of all the places to visit in New York City, it’s hard to think of anything else that’s more New York than Times Square. Soak it in, take a few photos, and wander through so you can say you’ve been there (it’s great at night also). Maybe even buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt or stop in at M&M’s World.  

Times Square is just a 15-minute walk from the Empire State Building.  

Rockefeller Center 

Between 49th and 51st Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues | Subway stop: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M), 49 Street (N, R, W)  

A 10-minute walk from Times Square will take you to Rockefeller Center. It’s a New York City landmark that includes 30 Rockefeller Plaza (NBC Studios), Radio City Music Hall, and more.

In addition to some great shopping and dining, you can take a guided tour of Rockefeller Center, go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck , skate at the Rink, and more.     

If you’re feeling snackish, I recommend stopping at Magnolia Bakery for something yummy.  

Grab your Top of the Rock ticket here.

Central Park 

From North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave | Subway stops: There are several subway stops around the perimeter of the park including 5th Ave/59 Street (N, R, W), 59 Street/Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1), Central Park North (2, 3), and 6 stops on the west side of the park.  

Central Park is so quintessentially New York that you absolutely need to make time in your itinerary to see it even if only spending one day in New York.

Now, keep in mind that this park is huge. I mean it. Central Park covers 1.3 square miles (840 acres) of Manhattan. You could easily spend an entire day just exploring this place.  

To start I’d suggest looking at a map of the park and choosing a few things there you want to see. This might be the Central Park Zoo, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Belvedere Castle, or the Conservatory Water (where you can rent a model boat to sail on the pond).   

The southeast corner of Central Park is just a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center. If you want to walk all the way to the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue, expect a walk of closer to 30 minutes.

Time-saving Tip: Instead of walking to Central Park from Rockefeller Center, jump in a NYC cab.

Interactive map for your one day in New York City itinerary

Click on the yellow pins on the map below to see more information about each stop on your itinerary.

To see this map in your Google account just tap on the little star next to the map name.

Ways to modify this itinerary

With only one day in NYC, there are an incredible number of ways you could spend your time. Here are a few ways you could modify this one-day itinerary to fit your particular interests. It’s important that you get to see the things you want.

• Take the subway to Brooklyn then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying your view of the Manhattan skyline.
• Enjoy a tour of either or both of two of the premier art museums in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Museum of Modern Art.
• Explore Greenwich Village, Soho, and other iconic neighborhoods.
• End your day with a Broadway show.

Short half-day itinerary for NYC

Even if you don’t have a full day or 24 hours to spend in New York City, you can still see a few of the major highlights. Here are a few options:

• Focus on one area such as Lower Manhattan, grabbing a view of Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
• Explore the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center, and then stroll up to Central Park for some more exploring.
• Get the best of New York’s top art museums at The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim.

New York 1-day tours

Want to see the best of New York in a day, but rather leave the planning to someone else? Leave the planning to an expert tour guide.

• Pack the very best of NYC into one day with this highly rate expert guided tour . See New York’s major landmarks in only 6 hours.
• Go beyond Manhattan’s major tourist sites with this tour of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Harlem, and Coney Island .

Where to stay in New York City

If you’re thinking about spending more than a day in New York, you might be overwhelmed by the many hotel options.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in New York City: 

• Hyatt Place Midtown South (52 West 36th Street): We loved staying at this hotel. It’s just two blocks from the Empire State Building and just around the corner from the 34th Street – Herald Square subway stop. Book Now  
• For a more boutique-style accommodation try Archer Hotel New York (45 West 38th Street). Book Now

How to get around New York City

I say this so often, but I will continue to say it over and over: use your feet and the subway.

I’m serious about the subway. You’ll get where you want to go cheaper than Uber or taxis and of course much faster than walking especially when traveling from one area of Manhattan to another.  You can find subway maps on the MTA website .

Taxis are a fine option for getting around New York City especially if you are in a time crunch or are going someplace that just doesn’t have an easy subway route or a nearby stop.

Final thoughts on one day in New York

There are so many amazing things to do in NYC in a day of course that you can’t possibly see as much as you would like, BUT you can see the best of the best if you have 24 hours in the Big Apple.

From historical monuments to stunning views from the best observatories in the world, you almost can’t go wrong with how you spend your day here.

What do you think everyone should put on their 1-day NYC itinerary?

More articles about New York

• The essential overnight packing list
• Free things to do in NYC
• Must-do things in New York for first-timers
• The top day trips from NYC
• Scenic drives in New York state

Pin this post!  

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Can’t wait great job

Great article, Darcy! You have prepared an amazing one-day itinerary for people vising NYC along with some great tips to commute within the city. Subways are indeed the best way to get around the whole city. However, if the time permits, why not go sailing as well? After seeing the city on foot all day, one can relax on a sailboat and enjoy the skyline. Several companies offer rental for 2-3 hours including sunset cruises overlooking Manhattan. Book beforehand to get the best deals.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Privacy Overview

DISCOVER CALIFORNIA

© 2024 California.com All Rights Reserved

RECOMMENDED BUSINESSES

California Road Trip Ideas For Scenic One-Day Drives

When you just need to get away from it all—but can’t go too far—it’s time to head out on one of the best California road trips near you.

August 21, 2020

Home to ancient redwoods, majestic snow-capped mountains, pristine sandy beaches, and Joshua tree–dotted deserts, the Golden State has it all. With so many things to do and terrains to admire here, there’s no better way to see it than by going on a California road trip. While it can be easy to stay on the well-beaten path, such as the I-5 or Highway 101, there are plenty of rewards to be gained by visiting the more remote regions of California . 

The twists and turns of the road greet you with unparalleled ocean views, two-lane highways present little-seen treasures you’d otherwise never know were there, and old vines line the road to happiness. Endless possibilities lie within our borders, leaving you with a countless number of California trip ideas to add to your to-do list. 

While daydreaming about your next long-distance vacation can satisfy a bit of wanderlust, nothing beats the feeling of hitting the road for a new adventure. So, forget your existing weekend plans, and discover something new on these one-day driving routes.

California Road Trip Ideas for Quick Getaways

When you just need to get away from it all—but can’t go too far—it’s time to head out on one of the best California road trips near you. These short staycations allow you to unwind and relax as you watch the open road ahead. 

Does your business rank among the best in California?

Recomended businesses

Show me california.com recommended businesses near.

Learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process.

Lombard Street: The Urban Road Trip

California Road Trip Itinerary: Bodega Bay to Lombard Street, San Francisco

Round-trip driving time: 4 hours.

Did you even take a driving tour of California if you didn’t stop by one of the most famous winding streets in the world? While this San Francisco landmark can get incredibly busy, its eight hairpin turns, manicured lawns, and elegant mansions are worth every bit of stop-and-go traffic. 

Drive along the rugged bluffs of Bodega Bay on Highway 1 to appreciate the Golden State’s intense natural beauty. Stop by Tomales Bay and Point Reyes Station to admire the views and stretch your legs before continuing south. Take note of Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, and Sausalito as you drive past, making plans for future trips. 

Before you know it, you’ll be crossing San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge , passing through the Presidio, and turning onto the 101 (which also happens to be the straight portion of Lombard Street). Continue driving on Lombard Street after the 101 ends and glide down the switchbacks—which look terribly dangerous but were actually put in place to increase safety—of this one-way street. 

Make sure to enjoy the San Francisco Bay views from the top before making your descent, and take a picture once you reach the bottom to show off the curves of the “Crookedest Street in the World.” Afterward, head to nearby Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to check out some of the top S.F. attractions .

Route 152: The Rural Road Trip

California Road Trip Itinerary: Gustine to Santa Cruz

Round-trip driving time: 3 hours.

This stretch of highway is located east of Monterey Bay, between San Jose and Carmel-by-the-Sea. While the coastal towns get a lot of attention, the Central Valley is an agricultural haven worth spending time in, too. Cruise through Gilroy—the “Garlic Capital of the World”—and meet up with the famous Highway 1 in Watsonville, and make your way up to Santa Cruz for a road trip you won’t soon forget. 

The drive along Route 152 is not the most harrowing journey, but the winding roads that take you past strawberry fields, ranches, and grapevines provide a much-needed reprieve from the straight and boring freeways typically found in the rest of the state. (You can even stock up on the local garlic and fresh fruits you find along the way.) 

Since the gorgeous drive also gives you the opportunity to jump on the Pacific Coast Highway—another popular route where you can savor the region’s incredible seafood and scenery—this California road trip has something for everyone. 

Route 128: The Forested Road Trip

California Road Trip Itinerary: Winters to Albion

Round-trip driving time: 5 hours, 40 minutes.

Though California is largely famous for its surf culture , sweeping coastal bluffs, and ocean views, the redwoods in the northern end of the state are just as unique. The ancient, giant trees are somewhat harder to get to, but they are very much worth the excursion. Whether you are flying into the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time or exploring your own backyard, the drive from Winters to Albion will delight your senses. 

Watching the green canopies loom in the distance is both stunning and ominous; rows of grapevines are replaced by gargantuan tree trunks that soar hundreds of feet into the sky, warm breezes give way to crisp air, and a fresh scent of pine needles envelops it all. Emerge from the wonderland of redwoods to see the town of Albion, which overlooks the cresting waves of the Pacific Ocean. 

If the fresh ocean breeze captivates your senses, extend your day trip and turn it into a weekend glamping vacation in Mendocino . This side trip only adds 20 minutes to your drive each way and is very much worth experiencing, if you have the time.

Route 74: The Desert Road Trip

California Road Trip Itinerary: Dana Point to Palm Springs

Round-trip driving time: 7 hours.

As you stare out at the ocean in Dana Point, you may find it hard to believe that a desert oasis lies just over 100 miles away, but you can see it for yourself by taking a short drive to the neighboring town of San Juan Capistrano and hopping on the 74. 

Drive through Rancho Mission Viejo and into the northern portion of the Cleveland National Forest. Then, take a quick break to see Ortega Falls before you continue through the residential towns of Southern California, head across the San Bernardino National Forest, and curve north past Palm Desert to complete Route 74. 

Finish the journey by jumping on the 111 and cruising into the arid terrain of Palm Springs. The scenery changes dramatically on this route, so the drive is an excellent way to see—and appreciate—the various elements that make the Golden State unique. 

With so many drives to add to your California road trip itinerary, you should have enough adventures to fill the season—but if you’re still searching for staycations, check out the best mountain escapes near the Bay Area and the best getaways from Los Angeles .

Need help with a home improvement project? Get a free quote today!

Enter your zip code.

Inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Awesome thank you for subscribing to our newsletter..

When you provide your email address, you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy , and you are giving your consent to receive email communications from California.com regarding updates, happenings, special offers, and promotions from our partners.

RELATED Articles

RELATED CITIES

Discover More

How Long is the California Coast and 10 Other Fun Facts

We delve into some of California's most interesting natural fun facts.

The Oldest Cities in Southern California

Take a trip through the pages of the Golden State’s history and discover the oldest cities in Southern California.

The 9 Best Spots for Parasailing in California

Feeling adventurous? Take to the seas and see the world from a new vantage point by parasailing in California.

5 Tips for an Eco-Friendly California Road Trip

Wherever you plan on going next in California, there’s still time to make your road trip more eco-friendly. Here are our best tips.

• Group Enquiry? NEW
• 40 One Day Trip Near Pune
• Maharashtra

One Day Outing near Pune

Quick navigation, places near pune for one day trip, pawna lake (67 km from pune).

Pawna Lake is a notable artificial lake, enhancing the beauty and contributing to the tourism of Maharashtra. This place is a perfect getaway destination for those seeking a time out from their monotonous lives. Get away from the inevitable hustle bustle of your daily life and plan a one day trip near Pune. This place attracts tired city souls with its consummate natural beauty. Marvel at the popular expanse that lies before your eyes. 

The serene charm of Pawna Lake Lonavala offers the tranquillity and solace that your soul has been longing for. Indulge in various activities at this location and soak in the soothing treat this place has to offer. However, this is one of the popular places near Pune within 100 km, it is comparatively less crowded. Gaze at the pristine and untouched beauty of nature at such close proximity. Pavana Lake can be visited at any time of the year. Apparently, you will notice tourists flocking in the months of monsoon.

Activities:  Supposedly, there is a variety of activities you can participate in at Pawna Lake. The most common are overnight camping near the picturesque lake, lighting a fire near your tents, surrender to the emptiness of the location, witness the shades of water going from silver to orange to navy, gaze at the stars while feasting on your barbequed meal. You can even enjoy a swim in the waters of this quaint lake or plan a picnic with your family.

Distance From Pune:  Pavana Lake is at a distance of 45 km from the city of Pune . It is located near Pavana Nagar Village which has a good connectivity with Pune and Mumbai. However, you must explore the area around Pavana Lake by bike or car.

Mahabaleshwar (120 km from Pune)

Rediscover the old land of Mahabaleshwar, Kshetra in Maharashtra. This fairy tale land is visited by thousands of tourists every year and it serves as a refreshing getaway to all the flockers. Mahabaleshwar is well connected by bus to all major towns in the nearby region. 

This place is situated at a high altitude of 1353 metres above the sea and is connoted by sceneries, valleys and greenery on all sides. Also, the town has a cool climate which offers pleasant walks and amazing treks. You can visit the old Shiva Temple amidst the rich forest, where the water keeps flowing throughout the year and which is the source of five rivers, including Krishna, the second largest river in Peninsular India.  

Activities:  Enjoy a refreshing walk through the misty forests covered with rich flora and fauna, listen to the continuous whistling thrush as you hike up the pathway. Enthral in the stunning ranges of forest and hills in the surroundings of this hill station. Experience the advent of monsoon adding unique charm and appeal to Mahabaleshwar’s outlook. Enjoy horse riding, trekking, boating and witness sunrise and sunsets on the famous viewpoints or calmness of Venna lake.

Distance from Pune:  The extremely beautiful hill station is located around 120 km southwest from Pune. This plateau serves as a perfect destination for a one day trip near Pune and is situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra and is beautifully perched up in the Western Ghats.

Top Experiences To Do in Mahabaleshwar

• Mahabaleshwar

Lonavala (67 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Lonavala

Khandala (71 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Khandala

Alibaug (143 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Alibag

Kolad (117 km from Pune)

Rejuvenate at the sparkling waters of River Kundalika in Raigarh district of Maharashtra. Popularly visited for rafting, this village of Kolad is situated near the banks of Kundalika. Spare some time out to explore the picturesque hidden hamlet situated near Mumbai and Pune. Kolad boasts of being one of the best destination for whitewater rafting due to its heavenly rafting experience. The lush spreads of green and scenic beauty of this place make it a refreshing holiday spot. Soak in the atmosphere at the banks of Sutarwadi Lake and dump all your city stress revering at the view and listening to nature’s calming music. This destination is favourably visited in the month of August when the temperature is perfect in Kolad and is among one of the best places near Pune for one day trip. Activities:   Indulge in the popular rafting experience in roaring waters of river Kundalika that gives you a hint of adrenaline through your torso. Also, you can cliff jump, swim, kayak and cross the magically flowing Kundalika river. Camp at the popular valley and unwind all shades of beauty at Kolad. Go on a trekking expedition or zip lining activity, other than shooting and sunset watching. Distance from Pune:  This prominent destination was discovered by trekkers and rafters. It is situated in Raigad district, in Maharashtra and is around 117 km by road and 71 km by air from Pune city. Seek some fun with the best adventures to do in Kolad . Click Here to Book:   Duck Tour Singapore

Matheran (125 km from Pune)

Panchgani (102 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Panchgani

Lavasa (58 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Lavasa

Kamshet (45 km from Pune)

The popular hill station located near Pune, Kamshet is a scenic village situated at an elevation of 5500 ft above the mean sea level. People generally visit Kamshet on their weekend to pursue some adventure and activities on their one day trip near Pune. 

Witness the luscious green spreads and undulating hilly terrain of the environs and explore the beauty of the caves and pleasant lakes here. This place is a famous tourist spot where you can plan a trip between October and May to enthral over its natural beauty.  The salubrious nature and serenity of Kamshet qualify it as a place where love exists in every corner and just needs to be felt!

Activities:  Kamshet is an ideal destination for indulging in various activities safely. Marvel at the aerial beauty of this place, that makes it one of the two top paragliding spots in Maharashtra. The world-class paragliding facilities invite a large number of flying enthusiasts. Experience farming, swimming and walking in the lovely surroundings. Kamshet is also a home to many medieval fortresses and cultural temples that make it a great attraction for among pilgrims. You can also try camping here and explore the famous Bedse caves near Kamshet.

Distance from Pune:  Kamshet is located in the Western Ghats, near 45 km from Pune, in Maharashtra. It’s easy accessibility by road and railways, makes it a great destination for a short trip.

Sleep under the stary sky at the best places for camping near Pune . Checkout & Book:   Dolphin Show Dubai

Best of Mumbai

Satara (112 km from Pune)

Top Experiences To Do in Satara

Rajmachi Trek (170 km from Pune)

Adlabs Imagica (100 km from Pune)

Plan an exclusive one day trip near Pune to Adlabs Imagica, which is India’s first and the only International standard Theme Park. One of the popular tourist destinations for adventure seekers, situated near Pune and Mumbai. Embark on your journey to this fun-filled kingdom having a capacity of 15,000 people, stretching in an area of about 300 acres. 

The well known Imagica Theme Park offers entertainment, fun, action, relaxation, dining and shopping at a single place. There are different zones in this paradise land, offering different kinds of adventurous activities for all kind of public. Enjoy the most famous rides and waterpark in this amusement park.

Activities:  Ravel in the most exquisite and fun filled sports and activities at this themed land. Adlabs Imagica offers you the chance to hop on the rides exclusively designed for various target groups, categorised into family rides (like Bump it Boats, Save the Pirate and Splash Ahoy!), kids rides (like Happy Wheels, Tubby Takes Off and Humpty Falls), and thrill rides (like Dare 2 Drop, Nitro and Scream Machine). Witness the most entertaining street shows, and meet the amusing cartoon characters at Imagica. You can also buy a ticket to have fun at the water park. It is advisable that you carry all your essentials while visiting this place.

Distance from Pune:  Adlabs Imagica is one of the places near Pune within 100 km situated in Khopoli in Maharashtra, which is about 95 km from Pune airport.

Places for fun & frolic in Pune are never ending. Go for the best amusement parks in Pune .

Rajgad Fort (60 km from Pune)

As the name suggests, Rajgarh, the fort of the Ruler, is truly an amazing site of Royal time. The famous Raigarh Fort is an epitome of high-class architecture, initially a property of the great Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, later shifted to Raigarh. 

In October, the whole area is covered with wildflowers which add on to the beauty of this place and is surely a delight to behold. The fort is quite huge with an area of 24 square miles. This is a muddy trail with zigzag paths along with some boulder patches, taken to reach the fort, which is perched up at a height of 1400 m above sea level. However, the beauty of the fort and the environs are a treat to the eyes.

Activities:  This is one of a fascinating trekking locations. Most of the visitors flock in the season of summers and winters as it is a good time to trek here. The narrow and taxing trekking trails cannot be climbed in the monsoon season as the path gets really weary. Also, the sunset from the fort is a view to witness.

Distance from Pune:  The popular Rajgarh Fort is located southwest of Pune city, in Maharashtra. The base village of the trail, Gunjavane is at a distance of about 60 km from Pune and can be visited for a one day trip near Pune.

Best of Goa

Bhaja Caves (60 km from Pune)

Created about 2200 years back, these ancient rock caves are of importance as they signify Buddhist cut out rock architecture in Deccan region. The not so famous caves of Bhaja are located near Lonavala and are worth a visit. 

The most prominent reason for their tourist's attraction is the number of stupas situated in Bhaja caves. The caves are perched up on a hill at the foot of a small village; a passage of steps has been created by government for easy access to the caves. The climb is steep and you need to be physically fit to reach the location, however, you can take several breaks on your way.

Activities:  Bhaja caves are open from 8 am to 6 pm and is an amazing ride from Pune. Explore the village down below or witness the scenic beauty from the top of the hill. Breathe in the fresh air and take a dip in the waters of the enchanting waterfall ( visible in monsoon) near the cave.

Distance from Pune:  These are one of the oldest caves in India, located near Lonavala in Maharashtra. The ancient group of caves is situated in the valley of Indrayani River. These caves are about 400 ft above the village of Bhaja, near the major route of ancient trade which ran from the Arabian sea eastward into the Deccan Plateau.

Bhandardara (171 km from Pune)

Nestled in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is a perfect spot for a one day trip near Pune. This hill station is adorned with an array of beautiful views and wonders of nature. When here you can explore the scenic waterfalls that are the epitome of serenity or can hike up the pathways to the notch of the range. If you are on a search of soulful escapade then this is just the right place for you. Activities: Boating at Arthur Lake, witnessing the Umbrella falls, and camping at Amrutheshwara. Distance from Pune: Approximately 171 km and a drive of 5 hours

Top Experiences To Do in Bhandardara

• Bhandardara

Malshej Ghat (138 km from Pune)

Sinhagad (31 km from Pune)

Best of Alibag

Lohagad-Visapur (64 km from Pune)

A crowning glory of the Western Ghats, the Lohagad and Visapur Forts are connected via a small range of walking pathways which make them an ideal trekking destination and one of the most preferred places near pune for one day trip. One of the most historic places in the state of Maharashtra, the Lohagad and Visapur Forts are beautifully adorned in all the bounties of nature.

What’s more awesome is that both the forts are located near the Bhaja Caves, which belong to an ear long bygone but still carry the stories within them in the form of carvings. Take a break for a while and embark on one of the most spectacular places near Pune for one day trip. Activities:  Trekking, Sightseeing, Hiking, Photography Distance: It is located at a distance of 64 km from Pune.

Maval, Takve Lake (100 km from Pune)

Refresh at this beautiful setting, connoted by the charms and biodiversity of Maval Takve Lake. The word Maval is taken from the Marathi language, which means the direction in which the sun sets. Plan an exquisite one day trip near Pune breathing the quiet life near the picturesque Maval Takve Lake. 

This destination serves as a delightful treat for the holiday mongers trying to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. Embrace the serenity of Maval’s surroundings while internalizing every bit of your parched soul. Relax in the calmness of this low budget destination. Drench in the soothing cool air that makes the trip worthwhile.

Activities:  Camp at the foothills of western ghats, revering the landscapes and breathtaking views, indulge in a photo session, picnic spots, take a dip in the sparkling water, experience rope climbing, other than river crossing, mountain climbing and kayaking are few of the activities that can be enjoyed on your trip.

Distance from Pune:  Situated in the eastern part of the Western Ghats, and west side of Pune, this famous lake boasts of being one of the stunning biodiversity sites. This is one of the places near Pune within 100 km. Take a short trip of 38 km from Pune to Malva Tal Lake to witness the origin of several rivers and captivate the beauty of Sahyadri Range.

Wai (88 km from Pune)

Panvel (116 km from Pune)

The most crowded city of Navi Mumbai, Panvel, is often referred as the gateway of the Konkan coast. Get inspired by the verdant landscapes with panoramic views from the top of this town. Panvel serves as a base to travel to all other nearby destination including the Rajgarh fort and Khopoli. 

This place is highly populated due to it's closeness to the major city of Mumbai. Panvel is a picturesque destination with amazing turquoise clear skies and is rich in variety of birds that migrates to this very land. Embark on this enthralling experience on your weekend, though it is not possible to explore this little place in just a matter of a day or two. However, you can visit the major attractions here on your one day trip near Pune.

Activities:  Panvel is home to two prominent Ganesh temples in Maharashtra, Ballaleshwar and Varadvinayak which attracts a number of pilgrims. You can visit the Karnala fort or the Karnala bird sanctuary which is a key attraction for bird enthusiasts. Karnala fort is a natural habitat of over 150 species of birds which includes red-vented bulbul, Indian grey hornbill, owl and beautiful migratory birds like the Magpie Robin, the Malabar whistling thrush and the Paradise flycatcher. Apart from these, explore the beauty of Gadeshwar Dam and the scenic environs of Panvel.

Distance from Pune:  Panvel, a city in Raigarh district of Maharashtra is situated at a distance of 116 km from Pune. This destination in Konkan district is a popular getaway option.

Best of Mahabaleshwar

Mulshi Dam (60 km from Pune)

The major dam on the banks of Mula River is known as Mulshi Dam, water running from which is used for irrigation and electricity production. This dam is an extremely picturesque location in Maharashtra which offers unique views at every point and is suitable for an amazing one day outing near Pune. This place is more enticing during the wet season as you witness this beauty in all its glory. 

This place is full of magical surroundings with forts, forests, hilly terrains and lakes around it. If you plan to trek in this area, then there are regular buses that drop you to the base point Kanderi from where you can start your journey. You can even decide to chill out in the number of resorts that circles the lake.

Activities:  The most common things to engage yourself in Pune during your visit to Mulshi Dam, is trekking and camping. Get in the area of mulshi lake and just sit around the misty green hills, with the clear blue sky. Just admire the calmness and peace around you. You can even take a soothing bath in the lake or experience camping by the lake at night. Also, there is temple which is situated on the hill and is a good trekking option. Stay in the luxurious resorts near the Mulshi lake and relax on your weekend.

Distance from Pune:  The place is on the west side of Pune at about 60 km which is an easy travel by road. This is close to Lonavla as well as the Konkan region and is a paradise for the nature lover.

Tikona Fort (60 km from Pune)

Amidst the beauty of Maharashtra, there is the majestic fort of Tikona. Tikona Fort is a fort perched on a hill and literally means three-sided fort. This fort has witnessed many dynasties rule in their era in the Maratha region. Also popularly known as Vitangarh, the fort is dotted with special features, such as the Maruti carvings, the small Hanuman carving, mammoth entrance, grinding wheel and what not.

This idyllic setting calls for a romantic day out or a short trek to the fort atop. As you reach the epitome, you will see a red colour flag that marks the highest point of this location. You will come across the small Trimbakeshwar Temple on your way to the point.

This fort was built during the Silhara dynasty and is still a beautiful site to visit. If you look down from the fort, you can admire the view of the fresh green grass and small herbs and shrubs growing on the walls and the vistas of the fields filled with water and vegetation in the wet months.

Activities:  Tikona Fort is a great destination for a one day trek near Pune and Mumbai. You can admire the eye-catching views of the forts at Visapur, Tung and Lohagad. Also, relax at the picturesque Pawna dam or the enclosed lake and Satvahan caves. Waddle through the mud, look at the farmers working in the fields along the road, hear the sweet chirping of the birds, spot beautiful streams making this walk a lot more fun and evenly satisfying. Spot small flowers and practice hands at photography on your trek to this great destination. Witness the breathtaking views of beautiful clouds and soothe in the heavenly drops of water, notice the greenery everywhere and see the magnificent valleys on both sides from the top of the small plateau. Have lunch inside the caves and make this trip an amazing one.

Distance from Pune:  Situated near Kamshet, Tikona is a small fort located 60 km from Pune, in Maval in Maharashtra. However, Bedse caves and Tadashi Temple are also located near to Tikona Fort which could be visited on your way.

Tamhini Ghat (70 km from Pune)

Junnar Caves (100 km from Pune)

Wander in the remarkably cut out caves in Maharashtra, the Junnar Caves. Famous for its rock carved temple, this is a house of many devotees. Junnar cave is a group of 200 caves situated in a single place, serving the largest collection of caves in the whole of India.two caves serves as prayer houses, while the rest are monasteries. 

These sites can be visited from 9 am in the morning to 5 pm. This is one of the ASI protected monument cut out of the big rock on the hill of Junnar. Further, these caves of Junnar are divided into various categories depending on the location of their excavation. 

Visitors need to deck up 300 steep steps to reach this ancient site. The Junnar caves are datable from 1st century AD to 3rd century AD, offering revelling views of landscapes and vegetation nearby. This is one of the most prominent and ancient destinations for Buddhist pilgrims.

Activities:  The unique and beautifully engraved tourist site of Junnar has been of religious importance for decades. This is a group of caves, of which cave 7 is the biggest and has an idol of Ganesh, which is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines, a set of the eight significant Ganesh shrines in Maharashtra. You can enjoy the windy and lovely areas near Junnar as this place is popular for sightseeing and climbing. Also, you can travel to Shivneri which is the birthplace of Maratha ruler, Shivaji.

Distance from Pune:  Junnar caves is ancient cut out rocks, situated at Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. This is one of the places near Pune within 100 km, having largest cave excavations in India, which could be visited on a weekend trip. It is about a 96 km drive from Junnar to Pune.

Best of Panchgani

Panshet (41 km from Pune)

If you are planning for a relaxing One day trip near Pune then Panshet is the best choice for you. With a mighty reservoir overlooking the ghats, this place makes a great picnic spot. Panshet Dam is the key attraction of this region and one must not dare to miss out on this beauty. Apart from this, you can also enjoy camping at X-thrill and add a new dimension to your weekend plan! Activities: Enjoying camping at X-thrill, relaxing at the Panshet dam, gaping at the beauty of the valley. Distance from Pune: Approximately 41 km and a drive of 1.5 hours

Khadakwasla Dam (14 km from Pune)

Famed as a major tourist attraction the Khadakwasla Dam is established over the Mutha river and that flows in the entire city. This is located in the proximity of Pune and that's what makes it one of the best places for a One day trip near Pune. The Khadakwasla Lake is a hotspot for the cyclic buffs as the roads to the lake are quite smooth and the views are plus to it. In the monsoons, the beauty of the place doubles up and one must definitely witness the jaw-dropping backdrops of the quaint city. Activities: Visiting the Sinhagarh Fort, witnessing the realm of Aga Khan Palace, and hiking the Neelanteshwar hill. Distance from Pune: Approximately 13.5 km and a drive of 1 hour

Dapoli Beach (182 km from Pune)

Tucked between Bhagamandala and Dabhol creek, this is one of the serene beaches in the entire Konkan coast. The sparkling golden sands with coconut groves arched on it, this place is itself a beautiful one. If you are an adventure lover then you can bike over the rocky stretches or pump up the adrenaline with a range of water adventures. Apart from this, here you can also enjoy parasailing and stroll along with the fine sands. Activities: Exploring the Mandoli village, Dolphin watching session at the beach, bumper rides, jet-skiing, and several other water sports. Distance from Pune: Approximately 182 km and a drive of 5 hours

Korigad Fort (90 km from Pune)

Perched about 20 Km away from Lonavala, Korigad is one of the hill forts near Pune  that marks its existence since 1500 AD. This fort in Pune is cradled at an altitude of 929 meters above the sea level and boasts breathtaking views of Aamby Valley. Just 1 km away from the ethereal hamlet of Peth Shahpur, Korigad fort has 2 artificial lakes on its east. If you are an adventure enthusiast who wishes to embark on an enthralling night trek, Korigad Fort is an ideal destination for you. Distance from Pune station: Korigad fort is situated around 92.5 Km away from Pune station. Location: Aamby Valley, Pune, Maharashtra Entry fee: No entry fee. Timings: The fort remains open for 24 hours a day.

Best of Kolad

Resorts near Pune for One Day Trip

Day out with adventure activities near pune - flat 24% off.

Check In Time: 9:30 AM

Check Out Time:6:00 PM

- Indulge in array of activities at camping resort in Pune like Raft Building & River Crossing, Archery, Closing with Music Session, Jungle Trek, Rifle Shooting, Team Building Activities (if more than 10 people are present).

- Experience the lush greenery enveloping the hills, that will add an extra dose of fun and excitement to your adventure. 

- Get away from the city's hustle and spend some time in calm and relaxed mood. Also, enjoy breakfast, lunch and evening snacks as well in the day out.

How to reach?

The campsite is located approximately 25 km away from the Pune-Mahabaleshwar Highway and can be accessed easily by private or shared vehicle. Exact location will be shared with you right after confirmed bookings.

Multi Adventure Day Outing near Pune Flat 31% off

Day Out At Heritage Fort Hotel Flat 18% Off

Day Out at Kunjwan Resort, Pune

Activity Location:   Pasure, Bhor, Pune

Day-out Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Activity Duration: 8 Hours

About Day Out at Kunjwan Resort, Pune:

Kunjwan Resort is perched on the cliffs of a lush green hilly meadow with views of the neighbouring Western Ghats mountains. The resort provides a beautiful view of the Bhatghar Dam backwaters, making it a peaceful haven. The outing is appropriate for businesses, families, and friends. The Kunjwan Resort Pune offers a fun-filled day-out package that includes a variety of indoor and outdoor games, as well as other activities. Make a reservation for this exciting day out with your friends and family for utmost fun.

Best of Kamshet

Wildernest Resort Pune Day Out

Activity Location: Sinhagad Road, Pune

Activity Timings: 09:00 AM- 6:00 PM

Activity Duration: 9 hours

About Wildernest Resort Pune Day Out:

Nestled amidst the Sahyadris, surrounded by a serene landscape, the Wildernest Resort is a hilltop resort in western Maharashtra, Pune. Equipped with various amenities such as a beautiful infinity pool, kid's play area, and a restaurant is one of the perfect getaways. Get indulged in plenty of indoor-outdoor games and make the most out of your time in this resort.

Della Adventure Park Tickets, Lonavala

Activity Location: Lonavala

Park Timings:

• Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Friday to Sunday : 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

About Della Adventure Park Lonavala:

Grab the entry ticket to explore the largest extreme adventure park – Della Adventure Park and enjoy an entire day getting indulged in the 50+ fun and adventure activities. Spend a thrilling day with your dear ones with this one-day trip near Mumbai and Pune and indulge in various adventure activities. Not just thrilling activities for adults, but the amazing spot also caters overwhelming options for children too like virtual games, virtual dancing, foosball, carrom, chess, etc.

Village Resort Pune Day Out, Book Online @ Flat 17% off

Soma Vineyards Nashik I Book & Get Flat 34% Off

Location:  Nashik Check-in Time : 2:00 PM  Check-Out Time :12:00 PM

Nashik, the wine capital of India, attracts a wide range of travellers from around the globe for its rich historical past. Nashik is like a feather in the city’s hat, which extends the experience of a lifetime.

Soma vineyards Nashik offers one of the best wine tour experiences in Nashik. The vineyard is located between the backwaters of the Gangapur Dam and Sahyadri Ranges. It offers you a pleasant perspective of the grand vineyards where you can engage yourself with a plantation walk and get a heady dose of fun with vineyard visits and tastings. The overnight stay will be in an apartment which is in the city and is just 15 KM away from the Soma vineyard resort Nashik.

While here, you can also savour in the delightful nourishment from Culture Kitchen, the in-house eatery that serves exclusive soul food and other delectable cuisines, an epitome of luxury, romance and solitude, Soma Village is the perfect getaway destination for all those looking wine enthusiasts.

Soma Vineyards Nashik Tour Suitable for: Age group between 12- 70 years Family, Friends, and Corporates. 

Child policy: Children below 5 years can join without any charges. For those from 6 years, a full amount will be charged. 

How to reach S oma vineyard, Nashik :  You can easily take any public or private transportation to the location. It is around 18 KM from Nashik.

People Also Ask About Pune

Which are the famous resorts near pune for one day trips, what are the best one day trips near pune with family, what are the best one-day trips near pune for couples, what are the best one day trips near pune in winter, which are some of the famous water parks around pune, which are the popular places to visit near pune.

Trending in Pune

Camping in pune.

Pune Top Attractions

Shaniwar Wada is an excellent example of the Maratha Imperial architecture used in India in the bygone era. It tells the historical tale of the Maratha Kingdom as it has seen every event that occurred in Peshwas Life over time. It was built by the Peshwas’ symbolizing the brave hearts of the Marathas, who strived hard to keep its glory alive. Though the fort couldn’t tolerate the battering from the wrong time but the stone boundaries still recite the untold tales of the colourful journeys lead by the heroic Marathas.However, some ruins still remain reciting the remarkable stories and contorted tales. You can witness the enormous stone boundaries made to protect the beautiful Shaniwar Wada, which shows the level of security provided to the people of the kingdom. The walls have a magnificent wooden gate reflecting the Mughal architecture, which is another example of how secure the palace was made. There are long iron spikes tucked into the gate, which could reduce the attack of the enemy and kept elephants away.Besides this, you can see a garden which follows the style of the Mughal architecture. It also has a lovely fountain resembling a 16 petaled lotus, right in the middle of the garden. Adding to that, you can see the boundaries marked on the ground, which could tell about all the rooms. There is nothing more than this havoc of time, which changed the face of the mighty Shaniwar Wada into nothing. But you can still make these remains your window into the past to relive what has happened in history.History of Shaniwar Wada:The foundation stone of the Shaniwar Wada was laid in 1730 by Peshwa Bajirao I. Initially, it was intended to be a colossal palace of seven stories made out of stone. But the people of the national capital argued that only King can have a castle made of stone. So, the construction of Shaniwar Wada began using bricks. It took two years to complete this elegant structure, which displayed an excellent blend of the Maratha Imperial architecture with the Mughal architecture. The interiors had valuable furniture and decorations along with carvings of flowers and paintings of scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The first major fire in the year 1791 destroyed a significant part of the fort, which was re-constructed again. Then the next explosion in 1808 burnt all the necessary artifacts and documents in the palace. Then another fire in 1812 destroyed the upper two stories of the castle, followed by a fire in 1813 which destroyed the Royal Hall. All this destruction was taken to another level in the year 1818. The British attacked Shaniwar Wada, which resulted in collapsing all the top stories. Finally, in the year 1828, a fire caught the whole palace, which burned for a week and wrecked it. Architecture of Shaniwar Wada:Architecture of Shaniwar Wada is an excellent example of Maratha style of construction blended with authentic Mughal architecture. The main gate, also known as Delhi Darwaza, is adorned with iron spikes to restrain the enemy attack as it is enormous enough to pass an elephant through it. There is a small aisle on the top of the door which has dome-shaped windows definitely taken from the Mughal architecture. Besides this gate, the Wada has four more gates, namely Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaja, and Narayan Darwaza. The walls have floral carvings and paintings resembling the Mughal architecture style. Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are also found painted at various significant spots. The windows and doors are also dome-shaped contributing to the traces of Mughal architecture. Archaeologists believe that initially, the fort was six-floored before it was destroyed by the fire. Finally, the garden has a 16 petaled lotus representing the grace of the bygone era.

Built in 1982 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is a magnificent piece of history situated in 19 acres of land in the Yerwada area in Pune. Referred to as one of the most important landmarks of Indian history, along with the Indian freedom struggle, the palace has its roots deeply etched into bygone eras. The palace was built to help the poor in the areas surrounding Pune, which was drastically hit by famine in the early 1980s. One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in all of Pune, the Aga Khan Palace is also a famous tourist attraction, which was designed by a world-famous architect called Charles Correa.Additionally, the palace houses the samadhis (memorials) of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi. Sources suggest that both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai breathed their last in the palace premises. And it is because of this that their memorials have been safeguarded in the palace grounds.The Aga Khan Palace is located in a huge ground, and has five, luxurious and spacious halls, along with several lawns. The structure resonates of Italian architecture, elegant yet intricate and magnificent.Of all the rooms and features of the palace, its arches are the most beautiful, almost mesmerising to the eyes. Aga Khan Palace has two huge floors, in addition to a corridor which spreads across the entire structure. The palace is known for organising several exhibitions and programmes throughout the year. Most of these reflect Gandhi’s lifestyle, thereby offering visitors a deep insight into the Mahatma’s life. Moreover, it is because of this and Gandhi’s links to it that the palace is now also known as the Gandhi National Memorial Society. One of the most prominent attractions of the palace is the room where Gandhi stayed during his imprisonment, along with his personal belongings and pictures of the other freedom fighters. |

Sinhagad or Kondana is a pride of the southwestern region of Pune. This fort was the one to support Maharashtra during the ancient battles. Sinhagad battle of 1671 is the significant one. Bhuleshwar range of the great Sahyadris is the home to this historical monument. The fortress has an elevation of around 1312 m above the sea level. Sinhagad has got its own breakneck slopes to protect it from all sides. There are two entrances to this fort – one in the north-eastern region (Pune Darwaza) and another one towards the southeastern part (Kalyan Darwaza). The authenticity and the richness of Sinhagad fortress date back to around 1000 years. This is evident from the carvings present on the walls of Kaundinya Eshwar temple there. Sinhagad is valued as a true sightseeing heritage.To begin your sightseeing adventure, you have Rajaram’s tomb which is worth a visit. The fortress displays some of the adorable monoliths of Tanaji Malusare – one of the efficient safe-keepers of the fort from Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Besides these crucial displays, the fortress has got its own military depot, a Kali temple, breweries, and a Hanuman effigy. Pune Darwaza, Kalyan Darwaza, Tilak Bungalow, Hawa Point, Kade Lot, Amruteshwar Temple, Tanaji Samadhi and Memorial raises the elegance of this fortress even today.Summiting the fortress offers some stunning views of the Khadakwasla Dam from one end; while from its other side, you can see glimpses of Torna Fort.

More Pune Attractions

Pune travel guides.

Pune Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Pune

More things to do in pune, more on pune tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Advertisement

Map: 4.8-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes New Jersey

By William B. Davis ,  Madison Dong ,  Judson Jones ,  John Keefe ,  Bea Malsky and Lazaro Gamio

Shake intensity

A light, 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck in New Jersey on Friday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The quake was felt across the New York City metropolitan area, and from Philadelphia to Boston.

The temblor happened at 10:23 a.m. Eastern about 4 miles north of Whitehouse Station, N.J., data from the agency shows.

As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake's reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.

Aftershocks in the region

At 5:59 p.m. Eastern on Friday, a light aftershock with a magnitude of 3.8 struck near Gladstone, New Jersey, according to U.S.G.S. (The agency initially gave the quake a preliminary magnitude of 4.0.)

An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.

Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles

Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.

How this quake compares

The U.S.G.S. has logged 188 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or greater within a 250-mile radius of New York City since 1957. In that timeframe, only seven have had a magnitude at or above 4.5. Today’s quake had the third-highest magnitude in the available data.

Today’s earthquake

Magnitude 4.8

250-mile radius

from New York City

Source: U. S.G.S.

By Lazaro Gamio

Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Eastern. Shake data is as of Friday, April 5 at 10:44 a.m. Eastern. Aftershocks data is as of Thursday, April 11 at 6:08 a.m. Eastern.

• Share full article

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

13 best day trips from Houston

Mar 16, 2021 • 8 min read

Lake Livingston State Park, Texas. ©Getty

Houston , the USA’s fourth-largest metropolis, can seem so huge that thoughts of the myriad sights and landscapes just beyond its edges often fade from your mind’s eye.

But if you are in Houston for a few days, a day trip to some of the exceptional cities, museums, beaches, lakes and wildernesses nearby will make your time here a truly memorable one.  

These thirteen best day trips take you around the compass clockwise from north to west. So there will be something to enthral you whichever direction you are bound, family day trips from Houston to romantic day trips from Houston, beaches to barbecue joints, wetlands to wild islands, famous battlegrounds to beautiful bayous and arresting art museums to space-age sights.

Sam Houston National Forest

The arboreal adventure playground of Sam Houston National Forest is the biggest of Texas’ four main national forests, spilling over 255 emerald-green square miles. Top choice amongst the many outdoor activities here is the 128-mile Lone Star Trail, the state’s longest wilderness hike, which links the three distinct areas of the forest. There are myriad other connecting hiking and biking trails and at the three key recreation areas are picnicking places, lake swimming and watersports. The sense of remoteness is remarkable given you are a mere one-hour drive north of Houston.

Lake Livingston State Park

This, one of Texas’ largest lakes at 130 square miles of surface area and more than 450 miles of shoreline, is primarily famous for excellent white bass fishing. But it brushes the eastern edge of Sam Houston National Forest and amongst the woods winsomely hemming the lake are great hiking paths, especially throughout lovely Lake Livingston State Park in the southeast corner. At the park’s southern end you can still reconnoitre the remains of the ghost town of Swartout. This countrified escape lies just 1¼ hours north from Houston.

Anahuac Wildlife Refuge

The Anahuac Wildlife Refuge is one of the Texas mainland coast’s most wondrous wildlife sanctuaries: a 37,000-acre zone of prairies and bayou-riven coastal marshes where the fauna features alligators (it is one of the best spots in the USA to spy the toothy creatures), coyotes, bobcats, river otters, feral hogs, swamp rabbits, mottled ducks and snow geese. The latter descend in tens of thousands during winter months: an absolutely mesmeric sight. Trails fan out around the main refuge entrance near Shoveler Pond; the visitor center on Lake Anahuac just off I-10 is 45 minutes east of Houston.

Stark Museum of Art

The city of Orange might be small but the Stark Museum of Art is immensely significant on a national scale: it houses one of the biggest assemblages of art and artefacts pertaining to the American Old West. Paintings, sculpture, prints and texts comprise a collection featuring works by greats of the genre like Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell. The couple that collected most of these works, William and Miriam Stark, lived nearby in a now-restored 1890s Queen Anne-style wooden house filled with more of their cache of unique decorative objects. The museum is 1¾ hours east of Houston.

Sea Rim State Park

Snug against the Louisiana border is this 4000-acre wetland wildlife haven, protecting fauna from American alligators to river otters, coyote and ghost crabs but most renowned for its stupendous birdlife, being on a major migratory route. Avian highlights include roseate spoonbills, snowy and cattle egrets and many heron varieties. The Gambusia Nature Trail boardwalk transports you grippingly close to some of the best wildlife, kayakers can paddle umpteen unspoilt waterways and mire meets surf in a spectacular sandy swathe of shoreline ranking amongst the best beaches in Texas. The park is 1¾ hours east of Houston.    

San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site

The spot where Texas won independence from Mexico, in the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836, is dramatically marked with the San Jacinto Monument and surrounding site , which runs to 1100 acres. The 567-foot monument is the world’s tallest stone column and capped in a Lone Star, Texas’ easily identifiable symbol. At 500 feet up, the observation deck has the region’s best birds-eye views, including of the Battleship USS Texas, a 27,000-tonne veteran vessel of both World Wars once considered the world’s most dangerous weapon, and of Houston’s skyline beyond. A museum also retells the story of Texas’ road to freedom. The site is 30 minutes’ drive southeast of Downtown.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston , attached to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is the closest most of us will ever get to a moon landing. The captivating interactive museum explores the past, present and future of space missions. The Apollo and Shuttle programs were not launched from Houston, but much of the planning, control and training happened here. The best bit comes when you get whizzed to Mission Control (yep, as in ‘Houston, we have a problem’) and to see the Astronaut Training Facility. You may also get to clock the control room currently used to monitor the International Space Station. Set aside several hours for your visit. Unsurprisingly, this is the most popular attraction with international tourists in the wider Houston area, and just 30 minutes southeast of Downtown.

Galveston Island

No trip to this part of Texas would be complete without a jaunt to the fascinating mishmash of attractions at Galveston . Balanced on a barrier island blessed with long sandy beaches, this is the local seaside resort of choice and a great family day trip from Houston, as well as being a history-entrenched city replete with handsome Victorian-era buildings, museums and scrumptious seafood restaurants. For sun and sand, the San Luis Pass Pocket Park Beaches are prettiest whilst East Beach is the place for partying. For an old-fashioned taste of the 19th-century glory days here, hit the city’s Strand Historic District. You can do justice to some of the beaches and still absorb a portion of the historic charm in a day trip, as all this is one hour southeast of Houston.

Surfside Beach

If you fancy hassle-free sea air without Galveston’s crowds, the pleasant settlement of Surfside Beach hogs a ravishing expanse of blonde sand on the Gulf of Mexico coast . The surf, as the name intimates, is some of the state’s most consistent, and there are a smattering of places to eat. As you bear northeast along the sand you will find wilder, undeveloped strand, but the whole area seems quite quiet and low-key. Surfside Beach is one hour south of Houston.

Matagorda Island   

If you want to get as far away as possible in feel from Houston for the day, this is where to come. Matagorda Island is only accessible by chartered boat – or your own craft – from Port O’ Connor and when you arrive here, there is nothing: nothing save entrancing wilderness wrapped by dreamy empty sandy beaches all the way down the island’s 38-mile length. A lighthouse is the only hallmark of civilisation; otherwise it is you and a magnificent menagerie of wildlife that can include bald eagles, alligators, coyotes and much more. Bring everything you need for the journey, including drinking water. The island is three hours southwest of Houston via Port O’ Connor, including road and boat time.

It was at the Alamo, where a Texas army outnumbered almost ten to one fought valiantly against Mexican troops to their deaths, that the tide turned in the Texas Revolution. Many Texans, incensed by bloodshed that day, enlisted and spurred the state on to gain independence from Mexico following the Battle of San Jacinto under two months later. Little Gonzales supplied 32 of Texas’ 200-odd fated Alamo force and Gonzales Memorial Museum remembers them with a wealth of revolutionary artefacts. The city is thus a must-see for Texan history buffs, but also a brilliant base for forays into the nearby prairie region, a montage of hills, oak and pecan forests and slow-flowing rivers where superb kayaking beckons. Gonzales is a two-hour motor west of Houston.

Texas is all sizzlingly superlative where barbecue is concerned, but the Lone Star State lauds little Lockhart above everywhere else as the Holy Grail of grilled meat. There are three key pit stops for barbecue devotees: Kreuz Market and Smitty’s Market, both run by siblings that went their separate grilling ways after a family dispute, and Black’s Barbecue, supposedly the state’s oldest family-run barbecue restaurant and serving sensational brisket since 1932. Come with your appetite, which will hopefully get worked up on the 2¾-hour drive west from Houston.

A beguiling indigo-hued lupine native to Texas and Northern Mexico, the bluebonnet is the official state flower, but you do not see it just anywhere. Prepossessing Brenham, however, is swaddled in fields of the pretty little things and known as Texas’ bluebonnet capital, with a wildflower trail around the region taking you to where the finest flora flourishes. But you should tarry in the cute downtown too, lined as it is with independent boutiques and antique shops. The sweetest attraction is delightfully old-fashioned Bluebell Creameries, producers of the unofficial state ice cream, with a visitor center, shop, café and 50-something divine flavours to keep you amused. What with all the ice cream and flowers, this makes one of the most romantic day trips from Houston, 1¼ hours southeast of here.

You might also like:

Texas' five best road trips T exas' 10 best food experiences 15 unforgettable experiences in US national parks

Explore related stories

Train Travel

Jan 29, 2024 • 7 min read

There’s no getting around the sheer size and scale of the USA – it’s an absolute, supersized whopper – and the best way to see it all is via train.

Sep 13, 2023 • 8 min read

Aug 31, 2023 • 6 min read

Aug 28, 2023 • 8 min read

Aug 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Aug 25, 2023 • 6 min read

Apr 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Mar 5, 2023 • 9 min read

Jan 27, 2023 • 6 min read

Oct 12, 2022 • 6 min read

One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Dallas Itinerary: Complete with Self-Guided Walking Tour

January 18, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Top Things to Do if You Have Just 24 Hours to Spend in Dallas, Texas

If you only have 24 hours or less in Dallas you will have one busy day. Sleeping in and calling room service is not an option. The city is home art-filled plazas, presidential memorials, and incredible museums where you can take in various art and cultures.

Since Dallas is so large, it’s hard to see most of it in just one day. If you’re fixing to see the whole city and as many of its neighborhoods as possible, there are all kinds of ways to do it, from Segways to tour buses (you can even tour the best bars in town on a party bike), which I highlight at the end.

However, my recommended Dallas itinerary will mostly focus on an easy-to-follow self-guided walking tour.

Where to Stay in Dallas

First, let’s discuss where you should base yourself while in Dallas.

A lot of thing things to do that you’ll find on this One Day in Dallas itinerary are located in the West End Historical District in downtown Dallas. Therefore, I recommend staying the night there.

And if you’re driving and just doing a day trip to Dallas from elsewhere, find a good spot in the West End to park your car and then explore on foot!

Dallas Accommodation Recommendations:

Hyatt Regency: Located right by the Reunion Tower (where I recommend you end your day at sunset), it makes it easy to finish up the sightseeing portion of your 24 hours in Dallas and quickly head to your room to change for dinner and drinks.

—> Click here to view pictures and prices for Hyatt Regency Dallas .

Aloft Dallas: A budget-friendly option in downtown Dallas that is located right across the street from Pioneer Plaza, which you’ll see in itinerary below is where I recommend you start your day in Dallas.

–> Click here to view pictures and prices for Aloft Dallas Downtown .

Omni Dallas: Located in between Reunion Tower and Pioneer Plaza, you’ll be in a great spot for starting and ending your sightseeing journey in Dallas. In addition, Omni is known for its modern vibe with well-appointed rooms and swanky lounges. Omni Dallas also has a large outdoor pool with views of the skyscrapers.

–> Click here to view pictures and prices for Omni Dallas .

Immerse Yourself in The Atmosphere of Dallas and its Historical Part!

If you want to get from this city as much as possible in a short time, then one easy way to do so is with a guided sightseeing tour of Dallas. Learn interesting info about Dallas, hear stories about the city’s history, focusing on both major and minor events throughout Dallas’ timeline in a small group of people with a local guide. Don’t miss such a perfect chance to explore Dallas completely!

Morning in Dallas: Spend it in the West End Historical District

Now here is my recommended itinerary for the top things to do in Dallas if you have just 24 hours to spend there.

As I mentioned above, I recommend starting your day and spending most of your time in the West End Historical District of Dallas. Get up early and be ready for a cultural and history-filled day in this vibrant and interesting section of Dallas.

These morning sights are easy to be walked between as you can see from this map. Also, zoom out and you can see in the bottom left where the Reunion Tower is located, which I where I recommend you end your day before dinner and the nightlife portion of your 24 hours in Dallas.

Cattle Drive Sculptures

Wake up early and beat the crowds by starting your day at Pioneer Plaza in the West End where you’ll get to see an impressive work of art called the Cattle Drive Sculptures.

The larger than life Cattle Drive Sculptures consist of three cowboys and a herd of cattle…running right through Pioneer Plaza in Downtown Dallas! It’s definitely a cool sight to behold and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dallas, making it a fun way to start your day in Dallas.

Dealey Plaza and the Grassy Knolls

Dealey Plaza is known for two things: being the “birthplace of Dallas” and being the site of JFK’s assassination in 1963.

Dealey Plaza is referred to as the birthplace of Dallas because it where the first home and trading post in Dallas was built.

To see the exact site of JFK’s assassination, head to the Grassy Knolls part of Dealey Plaza.

The Sixth Floor Museum

One of the most defining moments in American History happened when John F. Kennedy was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. The tragedy sparked a never-ending slew of conspiracy theories and dogged pursuit of the truth by investigative minds for over half a century.

At the Sixth Floor Museum, you can discover more about the assassination and even take a tour that includes a guided trip down to the Grassy Knolls and the JFK Memorial.

John F. Kennedy Memorial

Just one block from Dealey Plaza is the John F. Kennedy Memorial, which was dedicated in 1970. Even if you don’t do the above mentioned tour, it’s worth going here on your own after you tour the Sixth Floor Museum.

The memorial consists of square blocks made of cement that you can walk among. In the middle is a large plaque with Kennedy’s name on it.

Separate the facts, stories and theories behind that pivotal day in 1963

Join this JFK Assassination and Museum Tour with Lee Harvey Oswald Rooming House and put evetything in a right place.Visit both the Grassy Knoll in Dealey Plaza and the John F. Kennedy Memorial during this tour that includes entrance fees and round-trip transport. Your historian-guide will acquaint you with interesting facts and stories.

Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture

The Old Red Museum is located in a gorgeous red-hued building that was built in 1892 and once served as the courthouse (aptly named the Old Red Courthouse). The building is designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.

After you’re done appreciating the architecture of the building, head inside the museum to learn more about Dallas’s past and how it has impacted the culture and vibe of Dallas today. You’ll see some of Dallas’s most prized artifacts, and families will enjoy the interactive features of many of the exhibits.

Afternoon in Dallas: Culture and Art

After lunch, I recommend spending your time at one of the below listed places. If you have just one day in Dallas, it will be hard to do more than one or two, but that gives you a reason to return to Dallas one day!

The Dallas Arboretum

While in Dallas, you should take some time to experience the differences in the sights and sounds at the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Get an education on history, nature, art, and horticulture all in one with a visit to this world-famous destination.

Dallas Museum of Art

Five millennia and over 25,000 pieces span this impressive open-access museum in Dallas. After nearly 120 years of collecting, the DMA is one of the ten largest art museums nationwide. If you love art, this is the place to head so make sure it’s on your Dallas itinerary.

Check the calendar before your visit so you can prepare for workshops and events taking place during your day in Dallas.

George W Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The library contains an impressive collection of presidential records from the Bush administration and a museum memorializing George W Bush and his term in the white house. Interactive exhibits and tributes recall a pivotal time in American History marred by a malevolent terrorist attack on 9/11.

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

With 12 halls and exhibits including a children’s museum and a huge Dinosaur exhibit, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science will easily eat up your afternoon. It’s a great pick for families, and it is a truly unique museum that is worth prioritizing on your list of things to do with one day in Dallas. The museum even includes exhibits on sports and weather.

Visit Perot Museum of Nature and Science and 3 more popular Dallas attractions

If you are planning to visit Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, Dallas Zoo, George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum or Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, then I highly recommend you to buy Dallas CityPASS. This way you will have an opportunity to visit 4 attractions, you choose with no additional cost for you. This mobile ticket is valid for 9 days, so you may spread out the joy.

The Dallas World Aquarium

This exotic and immersive aquarium transports visitors to a water-filled world where you’ll get the chance to see with your own eyes some of the most unique and interesting creatures of land and sea.

Take a trek through a cloud forest, explore the world of central America, and discover five other exhibitions providing a glimpse at wildlife in many different forms.

Evening and Nightlife in Dallas

Reunion tower.

The best view of Dallas is from the indoor and outdoor observation decks of Reunion Tower. The geosphere at the top of the tower provides a sweeping 360-degree view. You’ll see for miles in any direction.

The Reunion Tower is a great place to go for sunset viewing before getting ready for your night on the town.

Dinner and Drinks in Dallas

By finishing off the sightseeing part of your day in Dallas at Reunion Tower, you’re also finishing up back in the West End. After you get your sunset pics, head to one of the many restaurants located in the West End for some delicious Texan cuisine.

After you fill your belly, you’re a short walk away from fantastic bars and pubs to have some tasty drinks in, before you make your way back to your hotel, exhausted from your fun and cultural day in Dallas!

One Day in Dallas Bonus Section: City Sightseeing Tours

If you’re less of a self-guided traveler and more of an escorted tour fan, then these sightseeing tours will pair you with an expert guide who will show you a lot of Dallas. I’ve included four different types so you can pick the transportation style that most fits your style.

Dallas and JFK Full-Day Tour with Sixth Floor Museum and Oswald Rooming House

This exhaustive tour of Dallas is one of the most comprehensive city tours you can do if you have just 24 hours or less to spend in Dallas. This 7-hour small-group tour takes you to the top sites of the city, including in-depth visits to the Sixth Floor Museum and Oswald Rooming House.

Shorter Sightseeing Tour: Welcome to Dallas

For an overview of Dallas that still gives you time to explore the city on your own, opt for a shorter sightseeing tour. The 3-hour Welcome to Dallas Tour gives you the quintessential sampling of the city and effortlessly takes you to some of the top sites to see in Dallas. Plus, it has convenient departures in both the morning and afternoon.

Dallas Segway Tour

A Segway sightseeing tour offers a different spin of things when touring Dallas. Like a walking tour on wheels, this 2-hour Segway tour through the middle of the historical district gives you an on-foot perspective without overworking.

Dallas Party Bike Tour

Unique and popular, one of the best ways to get around Dallas is on a Dallas Party Bike tour. It’s more effort than a segway, but hey — you get drinks! The 15-seat bike stops at three top locations in Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighborhood.

Found this One Day in Dallas Itinerary helpful? Pin to easily read again later!

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

Search for a Destination…

25 Questions (and Answers!) About the Great North American Eclipse

The McDonald Observatory’s guide to one of nature’s most beautiful and astounding events: What you might see, how to view it safely, how astronomers will study it, how animals might react, and some of the mythology and superstitions about the Sun’s great disappearing act.

1. What’s happening?

The Moon will cross directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun from view along a narrow path across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Viewers across the rest of the United States will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering only part of the Sun’s disk.

2. When will it happen?

The eclipse takes place on April 8. It will get underway at 10:42 a.m. CDT, when the Moon’s shadow first touches Earth’s surface, creating a partial eclipse. The Big Show—totality—begins at about 11:39 a.m., over the south-central Pacific Ocean. The shadow will first touch North America an hour and a half later, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Moving at more than 1,600 miles (2,575 km) per hour, the path of totality will enter the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The lunar shadow will exit the United States and enter the Canadian province of New Brunswick near Houlton, Maine, at 2:35 p.m. (3:35 p.m. EDT).

3. How long will totality last?

The exact timing depends on your location. The maximum length is 4 minutes, 27 seconds near Torreon, Mexico. In the United States, several towns in southwestern Texas will see 4 minutes, 24 seconds of totality. The closer a location is to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer the eclipse will last.

4. What will it look like?

Eclipse veterans say there’s nothing quite like a total solar eclipse. In the last moments before the Sun disappears behind the Moon, bits of sunlight filter through the lunar mountains and canyons, forming bright points of light known as Baily’s beads. The last of the beads provides a brief blaze known as a diamond ring effect. When it fades away, the sky turns dark and the corona comes into view— million-degree plasma expelled from the Sun’s surface. It forms silvery filaments that radiate away from the Sun. Solar prominences, which are fountains of gas from the surface, form smaller, redder streamers on the rim of the Sun’s disk.

5. What safety precautions do I need to take?

It’s perfectly safe to look at the total phase of the eclipse with your eyes alone. In fact, experts say it’s the best way to enjoy the spectacle. The corona, which surrounds the intervening Moon with silvery tendrils of light, is only about as bright as a full Moon.

During the partial phases of the eclipse, however, including the final moments before and first moments after totality, your eyes need protection from the Sun’s blinding light. Even a 99-percent-eclipsed Sun is thousands of times brighter than a full Moon, so even a tiny sliver of direct sunlight can be dangerous!

To stay safe, use commercially available eclipse viewers, which can look like eyeglasses or can be embedded in a flat sheet that you hold in front of your face. Make sure your viewer meets the proper safety standards, and inspect it before you use it to make sure there are no scratches to let in unfiltered sunlight.

You also can view the eclipse through a piece of welder’s glass (No. 14 or darker), or stand under a leafy tree and look at the ground; the gaps between leaves act as lenses, projecting a view of the eclipse on the ground. With an especially leafy tree you can see hundreds of images of the eclipse at once. (You can also use a colander or similar piece of gear to create the same effect.)

One final mode of eclipse watching is with a pinhole camera. You can make one by poking a small hole in an index card, file folder, or piece of stiff cardboard. Let the Sun shine through the hole onto the ground or a piece of paper, but don’t look at the Sun through the hole! The hole projects an image of the eclipsed Sun, allowing you to follow the entire sequence, from the moment of first contact through the Moon’s disappearance hours later.

6. Where can I see the eclipse?

In the United States, the path of totality will extend from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Houlton, Maine. It will cross 15 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Tennessee, and Michigan (although it barely nicks the last two).

In Texas, the eclipse will darken the sky over Austin, Waco, and Dallas—the most populous city in the path, where totality (the period when the Sun is totally eclipsed) will last 3 minutes, 51 seconds.

Other large cities along the path include Little Rock; Indianapolis; Dayton, Toledo, and Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and Burlington, Vermont.

Outside the path of totality, American skywatchers will see a partial eclipse, in which the Sun covers only part of the Sun’s disk. The sky will grow dusky and the air will get cooler, but the partially eclipsed Sun is still too bright to look at without proper eye protection. The closer to the path of totality, the greater the extent of the eclipse. From Memphis and Nashville, for example, the Moon will cover more than 95 percent of the Sun’s disk. From Denver and Phoenix, it’s about 65 percent. And for the unlucky skywatchers in Seattle, far to the northwest of the eclipse centerline, it’s a meager 20 percent.

The total eclipse path also crosses Mexico, from the Pacific coast, at Mazatlán, to the Texas border. It also crosses a small portion of Canada, barely including Hamilton, Ontario. Eclipse Details for Locations Around the United States • aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Eclipse2024 • eclipse.aas.org • GreatAmericanEclipse.com

7. What causes solar eclipses?

These awe-inspiring spectacles are the result of a pleasant celestial coincidence: The Sun and Moon appear almost exactly the same size in Earth’s sky. The Sun is actually about 400 times wider than the Moon but it’s also about 400 times farther, so when the new Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun—an alignment known as syzygy—it can cover the Sun’s disk, blocking it from view.

8. Why don’t we see an eclipse at every new Moon?

The Moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted a bit with respect to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic. Because of that angle, the Moon passes north or south of the Sun most months, so there’s no eclipse. When the geometry is just right, however, the Moon casts its shadow on Earth’s surface, creating a solar eclipse. Not all eclipses are total. The Moon’s distance from Earth varies a bit, as does Earth’s distance from the Sun. If the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun when the Moon is at its farthest, we see an annular eclipse, in which a ring of sunlight encircles the Moon. Regardless of the distance, if the SunMoon-Earth alignment is off by a small amount, the Moon can cover only a portion of the Sun’s disk, creating a partial eclipse.

9. How often do solar eclipses happen?

Earth sees as least two solar eclipses per year, and, rarely, as many as five. Only three eclipses per two years are total. In addition, total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths. According to Belgian astronomer Jean Meuss, who specializes in calculating such things, any given place on Earth will see a total solar eclipse, on average, once every 375 years. That number is averaged over many centuries, so the exact gap varies. It might be centuries between succeeding eclipses, or it might be only a few years. A small region of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, close to the southeast of St. Louis, for example, saw the total eclipse of 2017 and will experience this year’s eclipse as well. Overall, though, you don’t want to wait for a total eclipse to come to you. If you have a chance to travel to an eclipse path, take it!

10. What is the limit for the length of totality?

Astronomers have calculated the length of totality for eclipses thousands of years into the future. Their calculations show that the greatest extent of totality will come during the eclipse of July 16, 2186, at 7 minutes, 29 seconds, in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of South America. The eclipse will occur when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, so it appears largest in the sky, and Earth is near its farthest point from the Sun, so the Sun appears smaller than average. That eclipse, by the way, belongs to the same Saros cycle as this year’s.

11. When will the next total eclipse be seen from the United States?

The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in the United States will take place on March 30, 2033, across Alaska. On August 22, 2044, a total eclipse will be visible across parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The next eclipse to cross the entire country will take place on August 12, 2045, streaking from northern California to southern Florida. Here are the other total solar eclipses visible from the contiguous U.S. this century:

March 30, 2052 Florida, Georgia, tip of South Carolina May 11, 2078 From Louisiana to North Carolina May 1, 2079 From Philadelphia up the Atlantic coast to Maine September 14, 2099 From North Dakota to the Virginia-North Carolina border

12. What is the origin of the word ‘eclipse?’

The word first appeared in English writings in the late 13th century. It traces its roots, however, to the Greek words “ecleipsis” or “ekleipein.” According to various sources, the meaning was “to leave out, fail to appear,” “a failing, forsaking,” or “abandon, cease, die.”

13. Do solar eclipses follow any kind of pattern?

The Moon goes through several cycles. The best known is its 29.5-day cycle of phases, from new through full and back again. Other cycles include its distance from Earth (which varies by about 30,000 miles (50,000 km) over 27.5 days) and its relationship to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic (27.2 days), among others. These three cycles overlap every 6,585.3 days, which is 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours.

This cycle of cycles is known as a Saros (a word created by Babylonians). The circumstances for each succeeding eclipse in a Saros are similar—the Moon is about the same distance from Earth, for example, and they occur at the same time of year. Each eclipse occurs one-third of the way around Earth from the previous one, however; the next eclipse in this Saros, for example, will be visible from parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Each Saros begins with a partial eclipse. A portion of the Moon just nips the northern edge of the Sun, for example, blocking only a fraction of the Sun’s light. With each succeeding eclipse in the cycle, the Moon covers a larger fraction of the solar disk, eventually creating dozens of total eclipses. The Moon then slides out of alignment again, this time in the opposite direction, creating more partial eclipses. The series ends with a grazing partial eclipse on the opposite hemisphere (the southern tip, for example).

Several Saros cycles churn along simultaneously (40 are active now), so Earth doesn’t have to wait 18 years between eclipses. They can occur at intervals of one, five, six, or seven months.

The April 8 eclipse is the 30th of Saros 139, a series of 71 events that began with a partial eclipse, in the far north, and will end with another partial eclipse, this time in the far southern hemisphere. The next eclipse in this Saros, also total, will take place on April 20, 2042.

First eclipse May 17, 1501

First total eclipse December 21, 1843

Final total eclipse March 26, 2601

Longest total eclipse July 16, 2186,  7 minutes, 29 seconds

Final partial eclipse July 3, 2763

All eclipses 71 (43 total, 16 partial, 12 hybrid)

Source: NASA Catalog of Solar Eclipses: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros139.html

14. What about eclipse seasons?

Eclipses occur in “seasons,” with two or three eclipses (lunar and solar) in a period of about five weeks. Individual eclipses are separated by two weeks: a lunar eclipse at full Moon, a solar eclipse at new Moon (the sequence can occur in either order). If the first eclipse in a season occurs during the first few days of the window, then the season will have three eclipses. When one eclipse in the season is poor, the other usually is much better.

That’s certainly the case with the season that includes the April 8 eclipse. It begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of March 24, in which the Moon will pass through Earth’s outer shadow. The eclipse will cover the Americas, although the shadow is so faint that most skywatchers won’t notice it.

This article was previously published in the March/April 2024 issue of StarDate  magazine, a publication of The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory. Catch StarDate’s daily radio program on more than 300 stations nationwide or subscribe online at  stardate.org .

15. How can astronomers forecast eclipses so accurately?

They’ve been recording eclipses and the motions of the Moon for millennia. And over the past half century they’ve been bouncing laser beams off of special reflectors carried to the Moon by Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. Those observations reveal the Moon’s position to within a fraction of an inch. Using a combination of the Earth-Moon distance, the Moon’s precise shape, Earth’s rotation and its distance from the Sun, and other factors, astronomers can predict the timing of an eclipse to within a fraction of a second many centuries into the future.

Edmond Halley made the first confirmed solar eclipse prediction, using the laws of gravity devised only a few decades earlier by Isaac Newton. Halley forecast that an eclipse would cross England on May 3, 1715. He missed the timing by just four minutes and the path by 20 miles, so the eclipse is known as Halley’s Eclipse.

16. What are the types of solar eclipses?

Total : the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Annular : the Moon is too far away to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around it.

Partial : the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s disk.

Hybrid : an eclipse that is annular at its beginning and end, but total at its peak.

17. What are Baily’s beads?

During the minute or two before or after totality, bits of the Sun shine through canyons and other features on the limb of the Moon, producing “beads” of sunlight. They were first recorded and explained by Edmond Halley, in 1715. During a presentation to the Royal Academy of Sciences more than a century later, however, astronomer Frances Baily first described them as “a string of beads,” so they’ve been known as Baily’s beads ever since. Please note that Baily’s beads are too bright to look at without eye protection!

18. Will Earth always see total solar eclipses?

No, it will not. The Moon is moving away from Earth at about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year. Based on that rate of recession, in about 600 million years the Moon would have moved so far from Earth that it would no longer appear large enough to cover the Sun. The speed at which the Moon separates from Earth changes over the eons, however, so scientists aren’t sure just when Earth will see its final total solar eclipse.

19. How will the eclipse affect solar power?

If your solar-powered house is in or near the path of totality, the lights truly will go out, as they do at night. For large power grids, the eclipse will temporarily reduce the total amount of electricity contributed by solar generation. During the October 14, 2023, annular eclipse, available solar power plummeted in California and Texas. At the same time, demand increased as individual Sun-powered homes and other buildings began drawing electricity from the power grid. Both networks were able to compensate with stations powered by natural gas and other sources.

The power drop during this year’s eclipse could be more dramatic because there will be less sunlight at the peak of the eclipse.

20. What are some of the myths and superstitions associated with solar eclipses?

Most ancient cultures created stories to explain the Sun’s mysterious and terrifying disappearances.

In China and elsewhere, it was thought the Sun was being devoured by a dragon. Other cultures blamed a hungry frog (Vietnam), a giant wolf loosed by the god Loki (Scandinavia), or the severed head of a monster (India). Still others saw an eclipse as a quarrel (or a reunion) between Sun and Moon. Some peoples shot flaming arrows into the sky to scare away the monster or to rekindle the solar fire. One especially intriguing story, from Transylvania, said that an eclipse occurred when the Sun covered her face in disgust at bad human behavior.

Eclipses have been seen as omens of evil deeds to come. In August 1133, King Henry I left England for Normandy one day before a lengthy solar eclipse, bringing prophesies of doom. The country later was plunged into civil war, and Henry died before he could return home, strengthening the impression that solar eclipses were bad mojo.

Ancient superstitions claimed that eclipses could cause plague and other maladies. Modern superstitions say that food prepared during an eclipse is poison and that an eclipse will damage the babies of pregnant women who look at it. None of that is true, of course. There’s nothing at all to fear from this beautiful natural event.

21. How do animals react to solar eclipses?

Scientists haven’t studied the topic very thoroughly, but they do have some general conclusions. Many daytime animals start their evening rituals, while many nighttime animals wake up when the eclipse is over, perhaps cursing their alarm clocks for letting them sleep so late!

During the 2017 total eclipse, scientists observed 17 species at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. About three-quarters of the species showed some response as the sky darkened. Some animals acted nervous, while others simply headed for bed. A species of gibbon had the most unusual reaction, moving excitedly and chattering in ways the zookeepers hadn’t seen before.

Other studies have reported that bats and owls sometimes come out during totality, hippos move toward their nighttime feeding grounds, and spiders tear down their webs, only to rebuild them when the Sun returns. Bees have been seen to return to their hives during totality and not budge until the next day, crickets begin their evening chorus, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes emerge, ready to dine on unsuspecting eclipse watchers.

A NASA project, Eclipse Soundscapes, is using volunteers around the country to learn more about how animals react to the changes. The project collected audio recordings and observations by participants during the annular eclipse last year, and will repeat the observations this year. Volunteers can sign up at eclipsesoundscapes.org

22. How will scientists study this year’s eclipse?

Astronomers don’t pay quite as much professional attention to solar eclipses as they did in decades and centuries past. However, they still schedule special observations to add to their knowledge of the Sun and especially the inner edge of the corona.

Sun-watching satellites create artificial eclipses by placing a small disk across the face of the Sun, blocking the Sun’s disk and revealing the corona, solar prominences, and big explosions of charged particles known as coronal mass ejections.

Because of the way light travels around the edges of an eclipsing disk, however, it’s difficult to observe the region just above the Sun’s visible surface, which is where much of the action takes place. The corona is heated to millions of degrees there, and the constant flow of particles known as the solar wind is accelerated to a million miles per hour or faster, so solar astronomers really want to see that region in detail. The eclipsing Moon doesn’t create the same effects around the limb of the Sun, so a solar eclipse still provides the best way to look close to the Sun’s surface.

For this year’s eclipse, some scientists will repeat a series of experiments they conducted in 2017 using a pair of highaltitude WB-57 aircraft to “tag team” through the lunar shadow, providing several extra minutes of observations.

Other scientists will use the eclipse to study Earth’s ionosphere, an electrically charged layer of the atmosphere that “bends” radio waves, allowing them to travel thousands of miles around the planet. Sunlight rips apart atoms and molecules during the day, intensifying the charge. At night, the atoms and molecules recombine, reducing the charge.

Physicists want to understand how the ionosphere reacts to the temporary loss of sunlight during an eclipse. They will do so with the help of thousands of volunteer ham radio operators, who will exchange messages with others around the planet. During last October’s annular eclipse, when the Moon covered most but not all of the Sun, the experiment showed a large and immediate change in the ionosphere as the sunlight dimmed.

NASA also will launch three small “sounding” rockets, which loft instruments into space for a few minutes, to probe the ionosphere shortly before, during, and shortly after the eclipse.

Another project will use radar to study changes in the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s atmosphere, while yet another will use a radio telescope to map sunspots and surrounding regions as the Moon passes across them.

One project will piece together images of the eclipse snapped through more than 40 identical telescopes spaced along the path of totality to create a one-hour movie of the eclipse. The telescopes will be equipped with instruments that see the three-dimensional structure of the corona, allowing solar scientists to plot how the corona changes.

23. What have astronomers learned from eclipses?

Solar eclipses have been powerful tools for studying the Sun, the layout of the solar system, and the physics of the universe.

Until the Space Age, astronomers could see the Sun’s corona only during eclipses, so they traveled around the world to catch these brief glimpses of it.

Eclipses also offered a chance to refine the scale of the solar system. Watching an eclipse from different spots on Earth and comparing the angles of the Moon and Sun helped reveal the relative sizes and distances of both bodies, which were important steps in understanding their true distances.

During an eclipse in 1868, two astronomers discovered a new element in the corona. It was named helium, after Helios, a Greek name for the Sun. The element wasn’t discovered on Earth until a quarter of a century later.

An eclipse in 1919 helped confirm General Relativity, which was Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity. The theory predicted that the gravity of a massive body should deflect the path of light rays flying near its surface. During the eclipse, astronomers found that the positions of background stars that appeared near the Sun were shifted by a tiny amount, which was in perfect agreement with Einstein’s equations.

Today, astronomers are using records of eclipses dating back thousands of years to measure changes in Earth’s rotation rate and the distance to the Moon.

24. How did astronomers study eclipses in the past?

With great effort! From the time they could accurately predict when and where solar eclipses would be visible, they organized expeditions that took them to every continent except Antarctica, on trips that lasted months and that sometimes were spoiled by clouds or problems both technical and human.

During the American Revolution, for example, a group of Harvard scientists led by Samuel Williams received safe passage from the British army to view an eclipse from Penobscot Bay, Maine, on October 21, 1780. Williams slightly miscalculated the eclipse path, though, so the group missed totality by a few miles. (The expedition did make some useful observations, however.)

In 1860, an expedition headed by Simon Newcomb, one of America’s top astronomers, journeyed up the Saskatchewan River, hundreds of miles from the nearest city, braving rapids, mosquitoes, and bad weather. After five grueling weeks, they had to stop short of their planned viewing site, although at a location still inside the eclipse path. Clouds covered the Sun until almost the end of totality, however, so the expedition came up empty.

King Mongkut of Siam invited a French expedition and hundreds of other dignitaries to view an eclipse from present-day Thailand in 1868. He built an observatory and a large compound to house his guests at a site Mongkut himself had selected as the best viewing spot. The eclipse came off perfectly, but many visitors contracted malaria. So did Mongkut, who died a few weeks later.

An expedition in 1914, to Russia, was plagued by both clouds and the start of World War I. The team abandoned its instruments at a Russian observatory and escaped through Scandinavia.

The eclipse of July 29, 1878, offered fewer impediments. In fact, it was a scientific and social extravaganza. The eclipse path stretched from Montana Territory to Texas. Teams of astronomers from the United States and Europe spread out along the path. Thomas Edison stationed his group in Wyoming, where he used a tasimeter, a device of his own creation, to try to measure the temperature of the corona. Samuel Pierpoint Langley, a future secretary of the Smithsonian, was atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. Maria Mitchell, perhaps America’s leading female scientist, decamped to Denver. And Asaph Hall, who had discovered the moons of Mars just the year before, journeyed to the flatlands of eastern Colorado.

Thousands of average Americans joined the festivities, paying outrageous prices for some of the best viewing spots. Some things, it seems, never change.

25. What about lunar eclipses?

While solar eclipses happen during new Moon, lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is full, so it aligns opposite the Sun in our sky. The Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. In a total eclipse, the entire lunar disk turns orange or red. In a partial eclipse, Earth’s inner shadow covers only a portion of the Moon. And during a penumbral eclipse, the Moon passes through the outer portion of Earth’s shadow, darkening the Moon so little that most people don’t even notice it.

Lunar eclipses happen as often as solar eclipses—at least twice per year. This is a poor year for lunar eclipses, however. There is a penumbral eclipse on the night of March 24, with the Moon slipping through Earth’s faint outer shadow, and a partial eclipse on the night of September 17, in which the Moon barely dips into the darker inner shadow. Both eclipses will be visible from most of the United States.

Explore Latest Articles

Apr 10, 2024

Clint Dawson and Stephen Vladeck Honored With President’s Research Impact Award

Apr 09, 2024

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

Apr 05, 2024

A UTotal Solar Eclipse

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content

ONE DAY TRIPS

make the most of your visit

Adventure Awaits

Plan your escape.

We’ve made unforgettable memories all over the world. Let us help you create memories too.

Dare to live the life you’ve  always  wanted.

Popular Guides

Lose yourself in paradise with our travel guides for amazing options in one day.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Learn the art of green travel

Travel responsibly, minimize your footprint, and see the world without killing the planet.

Visual Stories

Get practical advice based on our own experience and adventures.

Travel Hacking: Go further with less

Learn the tips and tricks that saved us over $4000 in one year.

Jobs fill your pocket, but adventures fill your soul. Jamie Lyn Beatty

Trips for Families

Journeys worth making for the culinary (or liquid) delights alone.

Activities for Adventurers

Create memories with these extraordinary experiences when you get there.

Off-strip Las Vegas

One day in Fiji

Hello world, explore more.

12 AWESOME Places For A One-Day Trip Near Colombo

Colombo is the biggest city in Sri Lanka, and there are 12 really fun of places that make exciting one day trips from Colombo Sri Lanka!

Wondering where you can go on a one-day trip from Colombo, Sri Lanka?

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka, and while there are a few things to see in the capital city, you do not necessarily need a significant amount of time in Colombo to see everything.

Instead of spending all of your time exploring the city, you should consider taking one of these one-day trips from Colombo!

In this post, we are going to tell you about 12 beautiful places in Sri Lanka for a one-day trip from Colombo, explain which months of the year are the best time to go, and finally, we will show you where to find the best tours for each day trip from Colombo.

Some of these one-day trip places near Colombo are adventurous, some are historically interesting, and others are just beautiful landmarks of Sri Lanka that would be worth a visit.

13 Best One-Day Trips from Colombo

When narrowing down these day trips from Colombo, we chose not to include some beautiful places in Sri Lanka that were more than 4 hours away from the city. This amount of time in the car, in our opinion, is not worth a day trip but rather a multi-day excursion.

Jump to “Multi-day trips from Colombo”

We also left out some popular day trips in Sri Lanka for ethical reasons (like Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary) or because we feel that they are slightly overrated (like Unawatuna Beach & Negombo).

We hope that narrowing down these excursions makes it easier for you to decide what is worth your time and energy!

So without further ado, here are 12 of the best one-day trip places near Colo mbo :

#1 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Book a tour of Sigiriya Rock Fortress HERE!

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Also known as Lion’s Rock) is a massive monolith dropped right in the center of the Sri Lankan plains. This phenomenon is understandably one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is great for adventure travelers, hikers, and history buffs.

At the top of Sigiriya Rock, you can experience stunning views and the ancient ruins of a 5th-century royal palace. The ancient city has lots of other preserved ruins, but this massive granite rock palace is the main attraction.

The climb to the top of Sigiriya takes roughly one hour to complete, and the entrance fee is about $30/per person.

Sigiriya is quite a far distance from Colombo, at 180 kilometers (3.5 hours by car). You can read more about how to get from Colombo to Sigiriya here, in case you want to visit for a couple of days!

Best Time To Visit Sigiriya Rock

The best time to visit Sigiriya and Dambulla is between January and September. This is when the cultural triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, & Anuradhapura) experiences the least amount of rainfall.

If you travel in June or July, it will be HOT. Bring lots of water on the hike and try to get to Sigiriya as early as possible.

How to Book a Tour

The best value for your money would be to Book this Colombo to Sigiriya Day Tour , which is a little more expensive, but it includes your tickets to Lion’s Rock and included a village cultural experience, where you will participate in a fishing boat ride, bullock cart ride, and a Sri Lankan cooking class in one trip!

#2 – Temple of the Sacred Tooth & Kandy Town

Book a tour of Temple of the Sacred Tooth HERE!

Kandy is a popular tourist city in the foothills of Sri Lanka’s hill country. It is much cooler than Colombo (in temperature and scenery), making it a popular city for tourists to spend a few days and digital nomads to base themselves on for a few months.

If you do not have time to actually stay the night in Kandy, it is only 3 hours from Colombo by car or train. You should absolutely take a day trip to go and see the highlights of Kandy, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, shopping, and tons of delicious cafes and restaurants .

The Royal Botanical Gardens are wonderful. We did not expect to enjoy them as much as we did, but we spent all morning in the gardens without getting bored. They have a huge variety of plant species and flower gardens, but the most beautiful sections of all were the three palm groves. It is 100% worth the time and effort to come here!

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most famous part of Kandy. It is believed that the temple holds the actual tooth of The Buddha, kept safe in a seven-layer, two-story casket inside the temple.

While this is the most significant part of the temple, the grounds are also beautiful to explore, and the exterior makes for great photos!

The Queens Hotel & Kandy Lake: The Queens Hotel is a colonial-era historical hotel that sits across from the Temple of the Scared Tooth Relic. The temple is fully functional and a very popular place to photograph in Kandy.

Adjacent to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Queens Hotel is Kandy Lake. The lake is a nice place to take a stroll and has some nice viewpoints along the way.

Best Time to Visit Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka, is affected moderately by both monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. You can expect some rain during all months of the year, but the driest season tends to be from December to May . Kandy is also at a higher elevation, so you should pack a long-sleeved shirt and pants for the cooler evenings in Kandy.

The best tour from Kandy is this Kandy Day Tour From Colombo . It includes a guided tour of the Royal Botanical Gardens, shopping district, and Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, as well as complete transportation to and from the city of Kandy from Colombo.

If you want to save some money, you can consider finding your own transportation to/from Kandy and book this Full-Day Tour starting in Kandy.

#3 – Galle, Fort & Stilt Fishing

Book a trip to Galle Fort HERE!

The historic city of Galle and Galle Fort are some of the best places to visit from Colombo City. The Galle Fort is over 400 years old and is one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sights in Sri Lanka.

The city of Galle is also famous for European-influenced architecture, great shopping, and wonderful restaurants on the coast. If you are interested in Ceylon gems and jewelry, Galle would be a great place to shop for a piece to take home.

Stilt-fishing is a famed local profession in Galle. While it is no longer used in a practical sense, today, stilt-fishing in Sri Lanka is a performance for travelers, providing insight into the history of traditional Sri Lankan fishing.

Best Time to Visit Galle Fort

The best time of year to take a day trip from Colombo to Galle is from late December to April, but the shoulder seasons (May and November) can be a decent time to visit, depending on the year.

This is the highest-rated day tour from Colombo by a long shot . You will spend time at Bentota Beach, see the Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa, explore Galle Fort, and see the historic art of stilt-fishing in Ahanagama.

#4 – Dambulla Cave Temple And Royal Temple

Book a day trip to Dambulla Cave Temple HERE!

The town of Dambulla is famous for its two gorgeous temples.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is an amazing temple complex built into a cave on the outskirts of Dambulla. The entrance fee to the temple is only a few dollars, and after climbing the stairs up to the temple entrance, visitors are rewarded with an intricate architectural complex to walk around.

At the base of the small mountain below the cave is the Golden Temple in Dambulla . The Golden Temple is known for its massive, golden Buddha statue and colorful palace at its foot. This temple is in the same complex (and therefore included in the price) as the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Best time to Visit Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla is one point of the cultural triangle, and therefore (similar to Sigiriya), there is no BAD time to visit. However, the best time is between January – April.

There are several day tours that visit the Dambulla/Sigiriya area from Colombo. Many, but not all, include Dambulla Cave and Royal Temple. We recommend pairing the temple with Lion’s Rock in this awesome day tour with Viator . This allows you to see three of the coolest attractions in this part of the country!

#5 – Kitugala White Water Rafting

Book a white water rafting trip in Kitugala HERE!

Kitugala is one of the adventure capitals of Sri Lanka, and it is only 2.5 hours from Colombo. In Kituagala, you are able to find tours that will take you hiking through the rainforest or trekking to waterfalls, but the most popular reason people go to Kitugala is for White Water Rafting!

Best Time to Visit Kitugala

The Kitugala region is the wettest region of Sri Lanka because the town is heavily affected by both monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. For the very best chance of good weather, try to come during late winter (January to March) .

We found the most affordable and highly-rated white water rafting tours in Kitugala on Viator. Feel free to click the link for our recommended tour or explore Viator for more options.

#6 – The Ancient City of Anuradhapura

Book a day trip to Anuradhapura HERE!

Another amazing historical sight that you can visit on a day trip from Colombo is the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura.

This city is home to some of the largest stupas in the world, as well as an entire ancient city that has been excavated and preserved. You can rent a bicycle and explore miles of building foundations, bathhouses, moonstones, religious monuments, wells, and more.

The entry fee for Anuradhapura is $25 , and most people take the whole day to learn about the history of the city first-hand.

Slightly northeast of the city is a famous peak called Mintahale. This is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and it is a popular pairing for day trips from Colombo to Anuradhapura .

Best Time to Visit Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the third point in the Sri Lankan cultural triangle (with Sigiriya and Dambulla). Any time between January and September would be a great time to visit, with the exception of June and July, as they are the hottest months of the year.

You can check the prices of a day trip from Colombo to Anuradhapura here . Most tours include transportation and meals, but unfortunately, they usually do not include the entrance fee to the ruins.

#7 – Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex

You may have already seen some of the jaw-dropping pictures on Instagram of people climbing the stairs to the top of Ambuluwawa Tower . We can assure you that it is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka for a one-day trip.

The multi-religious complex is dominated by a spiraling staircase that comes to a point that is thousands of feet above the Gampola. The actual structure itself is not quite as tall as we thought it would be, but the views surpassed all our expectations.

Ambuluwawa Tower is a long drive from Colombo, at 3 hours, but it ended up being one of the best experiences we had in the country. It’s absolutely worth a day trip if you will be staying in Colombo for a few days.

Best Time to Visit Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa is affected by the same climate and seasons as Kandy. You can expect it to be temperate throughout the year, with the best weather from December to April and the most rainfall coming between June and October.

There are no day tours to book online for Ambuluwawa Tower, but if you day a tour to Kandy and rent a motorbike, you can visit very easily on your own!

#8 – Pidurangala Rock

Book a day trip to Pidurangala Rock HERE!

Earlier, we talked about the Lion’s Rock Fortress in Sigiriya, which is an astounding place to see up close at the top. However, the BEST view of Lion’s Rock is actually from the top of Pidurangala Rock.

This was definitely the highlight of Dambulla/Sigiriya for us. Our advice is to give Pidurangala Rock a definite spot in your itinerary while traveling in Sri Lanka.

Most travelers hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock to watch the sunrise over Sigiriya. The rock is not too hard of a climb, and once you are finished, you have the entire day to explore the rest of Sigiriya!

Best Time to Visit Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is in Sigiriya, so the best time to visit is between January and October, just like Lion’s Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple.

This Sigiriya + & Pidurangala Rock tour is an excellent tour option from Colombo if you are interested in visiting Pidurangala Rock!

#9 – Take a National Park Safari

Book a Safari day trip from Colombo HERE!

Another popular thing to do in Sri Lanka is to take a wildlife safari at one of the national parks! There are so many national parks throughout the country!

Unfortunately, some of the most popular safaris in Sri Lanka—Yala and Uduwalawe National Park—are over 5 hours from Colombo. This is a little too far for a day trip… unless you are willing to drive a whole 10 hours for a one-day trip, It’s not worth it.

No worries! Fortunately, there are 4 other National Parks in Sri Lanka located just a few hours north and east of Colombo! These national parks would easily make a fun one-day trip from Colombo .

Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park / Habarana National Park

Heading towards Sigiriya, there are 3 national parks close together; Kaudulla National Park, Minneriya National Park , and Habarana National Parks . These parks actually have the densest population of elephants in the country. Visit these parks between J uly through October to witness ‘the gathering’. At this time of year, all of the elephants migrate to Minneriya National Park as other water sources in the area dry up.

Pazook Tip: Be sure to ask around to see which national park has the most wildlife action. This changes throughout the year, but it’s unpredictable. The local tour guides will be able to tell you which tour is best whenever you are actually in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is another really popular national park not too far from Colombo. This park is becoming more popular as an alternative to the busy national parks in the South and around Sigiriya. This is actually the only place outside of Yala National Park where you can see leopards in their natural habitat.

If you take a safari through Wilpattu, you will also see peacocks, foxes, water buffalo, and a variety of beautiful birds!

Best Time To Take A Safari

The best time to visit is between July and October when hundreds of elephants gather in Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park. Northern Sri Lanka is affected by the northeast monsoon, so it is best to avoid this region between October and January. The weather at the northern national parks is similar to Wilpattu National Park.

The cheapest tours to these three national parks are from Sigiriya. However, you can book a day trip from Colombo as well. These tours include transportation, a meal, and usually a couple of other stops along the way.

Minneriya National Park Safari (unavailable for the summer) – The most well-known National Park and home to ‘the gathering’ of elephants each summer in Sri Lanka is Minneriya National Park. This national park is one of the few reservoirs that stays green throughout the dry season.

Kaudulla National Park Safari – This national park is right next to Minneriya National Park, and elephants frequently travel between the two parks throughout the year. Ask locals for advice on which park to visit to see the elephants since they migrate back and forth.

Habarana National Park (Hurulu Eco Park) – At certain times of the year, the elephants will migrate away from Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks to a third National Park nearby called Habarana National Park. There is a section of Habarana National Park called Hurulu Eco Park, which is where we took a safari and saw tons of elephants, birds, and peacocks.

Willpattu National Park – If you want to take a safari at Wilpattu National Park, you should book with Big Game Camp. This is a super unique experience where you get to go glamping in the National Park! They will take you on a half-day safari and a night walk throughout your luxury camping experience.

We actually had a poor experience on our day tour of Wilpattu National Park because of a bad tour guide. Later on, we discovered that the best safari experience in Wilpattu is with Big Game Camp . So now we are recommending them to you!

Interested in an OVERNIGHT safari in Wilpatu National Park?

—> Book your experience with Big Game Camp HERE! <—

#10 – Adam’s Peak Sunrise Hike (overnight)

Book a day trip to Adam’s Peak HERE!

Adam’s Peak is one of the most sacred places in all Sri Lanka. It is a coveted pilgrimage that has made it onto a lot of Sri Lanka bucket lists over the years.

Although the hike is extremely popular, it is also very difficult. The hike for sunrise involves starting around 2:00 am and hiking over 5000 steps to the top.

The entirety of the hike takes between 4-6 hours, depending on your experience. It takes 3-4 hours to get to the top, then 1-2 hours to get down.

Most hikers try to get down the mountain by 9 am before the heat of the day sets in.

The hike is well-lit and easy to follow, so you do not necessarily need a tour guide to lead you up the mountain, just a ride to the base of the hike and someone to wait on you for the morning, so you have a ride back to Colombo.

The ‘night trips’ begin around 10 pm from Colombo. The drive to Nallathaniya is slightly over 4 hours.

When you get to the base of the mountain, you can eat a late meal and begin hiking straight away. The tour driver will find a place to sleep for the night (or maybe he will hike along with you), then drive you back the next morning when you get back down the mountain.

Even though the hike is rigorous, it is SO worth it. The sunrise from the top of Adam’s Peak was the most beautiful sunrise we have ever seen! We would consider this one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka for a one-day trip!

Pazook Tip: you can also travel to Adam’s Peak as a one-day trip from Kandy .

Best Time to Visit Adam’s Peak

You can only hike Adam’s Peak safely between December – April . This is the pilgrimage season. Outside of these months, it is too rainy to safely climb to the top of the peak.

Adam’s Peak is 147 kilometers from Colombo. By car, this is about 4-5 hours. When looking for a day trip, it is worth taking a day tour that includes transportation.

This day trip from Colombo to Adam’s Peak is the best we could find!

#11 – Hikkaduwa Beach & Sea Turtles

Book a day trip to Hikkaduwa HERE!

The best place to go swimming and snorkeling on the east coast of Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa Beach. It is also a great place to go surfing or simply relax in the sun.

Hikkaduwa is also widely known for its Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center . You can visit the hatchery to learn about sea turtles and even watch them be released back into the ocean once they are old enough.

This is not necessarily the best beach in Sri Lanka (like the beaches in Trincomalee ), but it is very laid-back, really beautiful, and easily one of the most accessible beaches from Colombo.

Best Time to Visit Hikkaduwa Beach

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is when the southeast monsoon season is over. The monsoon ends in mid-December, and Hikkaduwa stays sunny and dry until mid-May. Therefore, visiting the beach town in the early spring is best for surfing, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

If you want the complete experience of Hikkaduwa, then this day tour from Colombo will hit all the major places in the town, from a boat trip on Hikkaduwa Lagoon in the morning to a Seafood BBQ buffet in the evening.

For travelers most interested in the Turtle Hatchery, the best bang for your buck is to book the Day Tour from Colombo to Galle with a pit stop at the Turtle Hatchery in Hikkaduwa and a River Cruise in Bentota.

These two tours are great, but if you want to save some money, consider taking the train to Hikkaduwa and booking a simple snorkeling tour for just $30 (not bookable in the summer).

#12 – Laxapana & Aberdeen Waterfalls

Two of the best waterfalls in Sri Lanka were actually fairly close to Colombo.

Laxapana Falls and Aberdeen Waterfall are both only a couple of hours from Colombo (near Adam’s Peak). These waterfalls are two of our personal favorites in Sri Lanka, and the best part is that they are practically crowd-free!

The hike is not easy for either of the waterfalls, but they are also not too difficult for someone who is in decent shape. If you have time, you should definitely take a day tour of Laxapana and Aberdeen Waterfall.

Best Time to Visit Laxapana & Aberdeen Falls

Like most of the day trips near Colombo, the best weather is from December to April.

There really are no official tours from Colombo to Laxapana Falls or Aberdeen Waterfall, but you can hire a private car charter from Colombo or rent a Tuk-Tuk and visit these waterfalls on a private day trip of your own.

How to Book One-Day Tours from Colombo

When scanning through the popular one-day trips from Colombo, you will find that there are very few one-off tours. Most day tours will try to combine multiple excursions into one tour in order to make the most of the trip.

Most travelers are excited about this, and it gives them an opportunity to see more of the island without extra time commuting.

If you do not want to book a tour that only goes to one destination, we recommend hiring a private driver for the day . This way, you can create your own itinerary and can come and go as you wish.

Interested in hiring a private driver in Sri Lanka?

—> See prices and hire HERE <—

Our Top Tour Booking Sites

If you are interested in booking a proper day tour, here are three quality companies to consider doing business with;

Viator – Viator is owned and operated by TripAdvisor, the largest travel company on the market. As you may expect, this means that Viator has the largest variety of tours and operators to choose from. There are countless options for day tours around Colombo for all different budgets.

Get Your Guide – We actually did not start using this website until recently because it tends to be more expensive than the other tour guide websites on the market. However, this is probably because they are a bit more selective on which tours they will promote on their website. Ultimately, you will get more for the value. You can be sure that any tour found on Get Your Guide is from one of the best tour groups in Sri Lanka.

Klook.com – Klook used to be our go-to tour guide booking platform. However, this company is based out of Hong Kong, and unfortunately, we have noticed increasingly less variety on the website over the past few years.

Colombo Multi-Day Tours

If you are up for it, you can travel to farther parts of Sri Lanka or see a bunch of different places in one trip on a Multi-Day Tour from Colombo. The nice part about this is that they are all-inclusive, so you do not have to worry about finding a place to stay, preparing meals, or having to book tickets train/bus around the country.

Here are a few of the best multi-day tours from Colombo:

All-Inclusive 2-Day Sri Lanka Tour – This overnight experience includes one jeep safari in Yala National Park, Rawana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, a Tea Garden tour, and a stop at Ramboda Falls on your way back to Colombo!

4-Day Cultural Heritage Tour from Colombo (not bookable in summer) – Visit Dambulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy in 4 days on this all-inclusive multi-day tour from Colombo.

Complete Sri Lanka 8-Day Tour – This tour has everything. You will visit Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, and Mirissa Beach before concluding the trip back to Colombo!

Protect Yourself

*affordable travel insurance*.

Travel insurance is becoming much more affordable these days and also much more necessary after the effects of the pandemic on global travel.

Get quality travel insurance with Safety wing for just $40/month .

–> CLICK HERE For More Information! <—

Where to stay in colombo.

If you are going to base yourself in Colombo, you are going to need to know where to stay in Colombo . The best area to be in is near Viharamhadevi Park. This is also referred to as District 7, and it is the nicest area in Colombo. It is also where the government leaders live, so the streets are kept clean, and during the power cuts of early 2022, it was the only place in the city that never lost power.

Almost all of the places worth visiting in Colombo are within walking distance (or a short drive) from this area, as well as the best cafes in Colombo to find coffee and brunch each day.

Here are three great hotels in Colombo for every travel budget :

Budget Hotel in Colombo – New Colombo Guest Hotel

Check Availability and Current Prices HERE!

C1 Colombo Fort Hotel is at the heart of Colombo, in a perfect location for exploring the best parts of the city, and also within walking distance from the train station, where you can take day trips to places all around Sri Lanka!

This hotel is usually between $20-40 per night (depending on the season), making it one of the most affordable places for budget travelers in Sri Lanka. The rooms are spacious and clean, and there are hostel beds for ultra-budget travelers.

Mid-Range Hotel in Colombo- Wonder Hotel

If you have a little more to budget for a stay in Colombo, then we would recommend booking a room at Wonder Hotel . There is a rooftop pool, lounge chairs, and even a sky bar for guests to enjoy.

Additionally, Wonder Hotel is in the perfect location for Colombo. It is close to the Galle Face, for a view of the ocean, yet still walking distance from all of the best parts of the city.

The only negative feedback that this hotel receives is that it does not offer free breakfast. That said, it is actually hard to find a quality hotel in Colombo that does.

Luxury Hotel in Colombo – Movenpick Hotel Colombo

Movenpick Hotel in Colombo might be the best place to stay in the city for under $100/night. This beautiful hotel has rooms with a view, professional staff, and four delicious restaurants to choose from if you want to eat at the hotel or order room service.

The rooftop is equipped with an infinity pool, and it is also just two blocks from the ocean. This is the best place to splurge in Colombo.

Hostel in Colombo – Hostel at Galle Face

For solo travelers taking one-day trips from Colombo, you should consider grabbing a bunk at the Hostel at Galle Face . This hostel is only $11/night and puts you in a prime location to explore Colombo, as well as the rest of the island nation.

The Hostel at Galle Face has free breakfast, A/C, and even free Wi-fi throughout the property. You will also have access to a kitchen area if you want to cook your own food and a terrace with a comfortable lounge space for relaxing.

Colombo FAQS

To be honest, Colombo is not worth visiting unless you have extended time in Sri Lanka. The main reason for this is that we believe that there are much better things to do and see in other areas of Sri Lanka.

There truly is not a whole lot to do in the city, and the best things to see in Sri Lanka are in other parts of the country. Consider only spending about 1-2 days in Colombo (or none at all) if you are interested in the city.

Yes, you can wear shorts in Colombo. However, it is respectful to cover your knees (and shoulders) when entering sacred historical sites and temples around Sri Lanka.

Although Colombo has seen some recent civil unrest, overall, it is a safe place for tourists to visit. There are some areas that felt less safe (such as the neighborhood northeast of Pettah), but the main sections of the city and tourist centers are safe.

Colombo is not a very expensive city. Generally, you can find all of the food you need, plus a decent guesthouse for less than $50 per day. Transportation is also inexpensive if you walk or take tuk-tuks around the city.

How to Get Around Colombo

Colombo is a very busy city with a ton of traffic. So much so that we do not recommend renting a car in Colombo . It would take too long to get around and may stress you out to the max.

To get around Colombo City, you should consider walking or calling a tuk-tuk driver to get from one place to another.

Hail a Tuk-tuk Around Colombo

Tuk-tuks are everywhere in Colombo. You can hail a driver by holding your arm out toward the street like a taxi. The base rate for tuk-tuks is usually 50 LKR per Kilometer . This will be higher if there is excessive traffic, but make sure to agree on a price before stepping into the tuk-tuk. Drivers often overcharge tourists.

If you want to skip the haggling and stress altogether, there is a local ride-sharing app called Pick.me . This app is similar to Uber, so you can call a taxi to come and pick you up for a set price from anywhere in Colombo. This app is very user-friendly, but you do need a Sri Lankan phone number to sign up.

We highly recommend getting a SIM card for your phone in Sri Lanka so that you have access to data usage around the island as well. They do not cost very much and are very simple to activate.

Drive your own tuk-tuk

If you are interested in taking any of these day trips from Colombo and want to drive yourself, then consider renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka. Driving your own tuk-tuk is a super unique experience, and it was super fun to travel from one city to the next by driving a Tuk-tuk on our own!

Renting a Tuk-tuk for yourself! (discount code)

If you are interested in renting your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, do not hesitate to visit tuktukrental.com!

Use Discount Code: PAZOOKTRAVEL for 5% off your booking.

Weather in colombo, sri lanka.

Since Colombo is on the east coast of Sri Lanka, the monsoon season comes from late April to early November. It is not ideal to travel to Colombo during this time. Some day trips like Adam’s Peak and Kitugala would be difficult to visit during these months.

If you will be visiting Colombo, it is best to come between December and April to avoid the rainy monsoon season, but this does not mean that the city is any less hot! Colombo is exceptionally hot and humid for the majority of the year.

In fact, many of the day trips from Colombo mentioned above are going to be just as hot during this time.

The only exception to this is Adam’s Peak, Kandy , and Ambuluwawa Tower . These places are far enough in the hills of Sri Lanka that they cool off quite a bit. Make sure to bring a jacket (a rain jacket would be best) if you plan to take one of these day trips from Colombo.

Packing for Colombo Day Trips

Sri lanka weather and how to pack.

Since the weather is different in various regions of the country, packing for Sri Lanka can be confusing. It is hot at the beach but can be chilly in the mountains. You might pack differently depending on where you are planning to go and when.

special items to pack for Sri Lanka

• Hiking Sandals or Hiking Boots – We use Chaco’s Sandals for easy hikes, but you might want to bring some proper hiking boots! Our recommendations: Oboz Sawtooth X Mid B-Dry Hiking Boots or Oboz Bridger Mid B-Dry Hiking Boot – Men’s
• Universal Plug Adaptor – Sometimes Sri Lanka hotels have universal adaptors, but we HIGHLY recommend that you have one on hand for when this isn’t the case.
• External Battery Pack – This is absolutely essential. You do NOT want to get stuck with a dead phone in Sri Lanka. This Belkin Battery works really well.
• GRAYL Water Purifying Bottle – This water-purifying bottle is perfect for filtering tap water
• Quick-dry Towel – Quick-dry towels are very useful for hiking, snorkeling, camping, or just to use around the hotel.

Our Camera Gear

Traveling through Sri Lanka was absolutely amazing! We are so glad that we invested in nice camera gear so that we could beautifully capture all of the memories. For photos and video in Sri Lanka, we used a Sony A7rii Mirrorless Camera, GoPro Hero 7, and DJI Mini 2 Drone.

Sony A7rii Mirrorless Camera – If you love travel photography and are sick of using your iPhone, this camera is truly a game-changer.

GoPro Hero 8 Black – GoPro just keeps getting better with its action camera features. The most recent editions are UNREAL.

DJI Mini 4 – The drone has been one of the coolest progressions of travel video and photography. While drones can be incredibly expensive, the DJI Mini 2 is a great affordable option for beautiful imaging.

Sri Lanka does require that you register your drone if it is over 250 grams , but the DJI Mini 2 is just below this threshold! It is a very affordable drone and has wonderful video quality that can be downloaded straight to your phone!

Final Thoughts…

There are so many awesome day trips to take from Colombo. If you find yourself stationed in the nation’s Capital for a while, consider exploring some other areas of Sri Lanka through one of these awesome tours!

As always, if you have any questions about Colombo travel, feel free to get in touch with us through our CONTACT page .

SAFE TRAVELS!

Caleb & Sarah

More posts for Sri Lanka Travel

What to Wear in Sri Lanka: Dress Code + Packing List!

Hiriketiya Beach: 13 Perfect Things To Do + Travel Tips (2024)

9 Fun Things To Do In Tangalle Beach, Sri Lanka

6 Awesome Cafes in Colombo

Kolapathana Waterfall: Ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide

15 STUNNING WATERFALLS IN SRI LANKA (Worth the Trek!)

Caleb & Sarah Pasiuk (PAZOOK) are the founders and creators of The Pazook Travel Journal. They worked as English Teachers in South Korea for 2.5 years, have traveled to over 20 countries, and are experts in traveling to tropical destinations like Bali, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Greece, and Puerto Rico!

Subscribe To Our Journal

Stay in touch and get consistent updates on our travel guides and journal entries, some of the links here are affiliate links. this means that, at zero cost to you, we will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase., by using these links, you are supporting the pazook travel journal and allowing us to continue providing free content to you on our site., click here to read our privacy policy and our affiliate disclosure agreement ..

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

More from CBS News

Bill Nye shares tips for eclipse: "Be in the moment"

Inflation's rising again. Here are 3 smart accounts to open now.

Congress is gearing up for the next funding fight. Will this time be different?

What if mortgage rates don't fall? 3 things buyers can do this spring

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

Picnic Spots near Pune for a One Day Trip

Top hotel collections.

Resorts in Mulshi

5 Star Hotels

Here is the list of 41 Picnic Spots near Pune for a One Day Trip

1. pawna lake.

With visitors and tourists flocking to Lonavala for morning treks and campsites, Pawana Lake is somewhat aloof, about 20 kilometres from the Lonavala Railway Station. The sheer size of the lake along with the surroundings make for an awesome sight as it imposes itself like a canvas painting in your eyes. A camper's paradise is what it is, surrounded by high towering hills and blessed with an all year round pleasant climate rendering it a lovely getaway location.

Distance from Pune: 52 km

Lavasa also popularly known as the 'lake city' is situated at a distance of 57 km from Pune which takes nearly 2 hours to cover. Being recognized as the first smart city of India, this city is a perfect getaway to spend a picnic with friends and family. There are some fun activities to indulge in here which include boating, cycling, trying out adventure sports such as zip line, zorbing, rock climbing and riding on a speed boat. Tourists can also go on long nature walks or eat at some wonderful restaurants lined next to each other.

3. Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala is a perfect one-day picnic spot equidistant from Mumbai and Pune. The ideal time to visit the place is during the monsoon season. It is a perfect place to spend time with one's families as well as friends. Khandala is situated at a distance of 5 km from Lonavala and is famous for its outdoor activities. Lonavala lies at a distance of 65 km from Pune and can be reached within 1 and a half hours by road. Some famous attractions here include Duke's nose, Amrutanjan Point, Shivaji Park, Bushi dam and Ryewood Park.

4. Panchgani

Panchgani is a perfect spot to visit in summers. It is situated at the foot of five hills and lies on the way to Mahabaleshwar. This famous picnic spot is known for its pleasant weather throughout the year making it even more visited. Panchgani lies at a distance of 100 km from Pune which takes nearly 3 hours to reach. Some famous attractions here include Table Land, Sydney Point, Devil's Kitchen and Parsi Point. The adventurous ones in the group can also try their hands at Parasailing.

Top Hotels In Pune

₽ 2,219 onwards

₽ 2,636 onwards

₽ 3,440 onwards

₽ 5,293 onwards

₽ 419 onwards

₽ 788 onwards

5. Rajmachi

Midway between Lonavala and Khandala is a fort by the name of Rajmachi Fort, a prominent landmark that watches over some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and wide sceneries of the region. Atop the Western Ghats, the complex comprises two forts that are individually located at the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Peaks.

For all the adventure lovers out there, Kamshet is the place to go. It is situated at a distance of 47 km from Pune which takes not more than an hour to cover. The beauty of the hills around, lakes and greenery make the place a perfect spot for the nature lovers as well. One can have a peaceful time and relax away from the noisy and the usual fast-moving lifestyle. Activities here include paragliding from Tower Hill, Shelar, Kondeshwar Cliff or visit the Bhairi Cave. The Kondeshwar Temple too can be visited with a waterfall on the way.

Panshet is the perfect location to enjoy water sports. One is likely to have a great one-day trip of relaxation here with family and friends. It is situated at a distance of 50 km from Pune, and one can enjoy a nice drive on the curvy road to the destination. Some other attractions worth visiting here include Sinhagad Fort and Varasgaon.

8. Lohagad Fort

This fort is situated at the height of 3499 feet above sea level. It is a very well-known trekking as well as a picnic spot. Summer season is the ideal time to visit the fort due to ease of accessibility and the scenic beauty around. It is one of those forts near Pune which can be commuted to via train or trekking. One can take a train till Lohagad from the Malawi station or drive all the way up there which requires covering a distance of 50 km from Pune. Some famous attractions here include Karla caves and Durgha. It is a perfect destination for trekking for the adventure lovers over a short weekend.

9. Adlabs Imagica

This water amusement park serves as a heaven in a sticky and hot weather. It is situated near the Khopoli city and is the perfect spot to spend time with friends or family. It lies at a distance of 92 km from Pune off the Mumbai-Pune express highway and can be easily reached in 2 hours. The rides situated within the park and the different theme parks are worth paying a visit to.

10. Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is a popular one-day picnic spot marked by its rich history and finger-licking street food. Summer season is an ideal time to visit the place. The history of the fort can be traced back to the 17th century and is situated on the top of the Kondhana Hill. It lies at a distance of 25 km from Pune and is an easy drive till there. Some must-visit spots here include the historical ruins from Shivaji's reign. Khadakwasla is another stop on the way to Sinhagad Fort.

11. Khadakwasla

This lake is a very famous hang out place. It is quite accessible for the people of Pune as well. Khadakwasla is popular for its delicacies. This is why the spot is usually crowded with people enjoying the local food. The spot lies at a distance of 20 km from Pune and takes less than one hour to reach. Some other attractions located nearby include Panshet, Sinhagad, and Varasgaon.

It is one of the best places to visit for a one day trip. It can be reached in one and a half hour from Pune by road. It is the perfect location to go out for camping since it is abode to Mulshi Lake. The place has a pleasant weather all through the year which appears so endearing to the eyes. Some other famous attractions of the place include the Temgarh dam, Panshet, and Varasgaon dam.

Known For : Kondana Caves Peth Fort Trekking in Karjat

Karjat, a quaint little village is the last station of Thane district in Maharashtra. The river Ulhas finds its origin in Karjat and trekking and historical spots make it a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.

Distance from Pune: 101 km

Best Time: June to September

11 Karjat Attractions

14. Karla Caves

Karla Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and a famous tourist attraction located near Lonavala. Also known as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells, it is one of the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. These caves houses one of the largest Chaityas (prayer hall with a stupa) in India. Karla Caves is mainly known for the Ekvira Temple located inside.

Distance from Pune: 58 km

15. Malshej Ghat

The very beautiful Malshej Ghat is surrounded by the Western Ghats making it a very famous trekking destination. The ideal time to visit this hill station is during the summer and monsoon season. People get awestruck at the waterfalls here, and the flamingos make the scenic beauty appear even more beautiful. It is situated at a distance of 140 km from Pune which takes 3 hours to reach. Some popular attractions here include the trekking destination Harischandraghad, Shivneri Fort, Jivdhan Fort, Pimpalgaon-Joga Dam and Lenyadri Caves.

16. Manikgad Fort

Manikgad Fort is located on a hill in Manikgad village of Maharashtra. The fort is about 1,878 feet high and is impregnable from three sides. The upper part can be reached only from the south.

Distance from Pune: 108 km

17. Kolad River Rafting

Kolad is an instance of paradise for adventure enthusiasts. Kundalika river's 14 kilometer stretch of exciting rapids provide one, one and a half hours of white water rafting. The monsoon season tends to be the best for the adventure sport, though at times rafting pauses due to weather conditions.

Known For : Panchvati Sula Vineyard Dudhsagar falls, Nasik

Nasik is a religious Hindu city which is also known for also has forts, waterfalls and vineyards. With multiple vineyards present in Nashik, the most popular being Sula, the wine-tourism industry is mushrooming in this part of Maharashtra. Nashik gives you the chance to experience a fabulous cocktail of extremes - from temples to vineyards, hills to waterfalls, this place offers a lot to see.

Distance from Pune: 214 km

Best Time: July to March

39 Nasik Attractions

19. Mahabaleshwar

It is a famous picnic spot near Pune popular for Wilson Point which is the highest sunrise point situated at the height of 4710 feet. It also has fresh and juicy strawberries and is a heaven for people who love adventures, treks, nature and capturing beautiful moments. Mahabaleshwar lies at a distance of 120 km from Pune and takes nearly 3 hours to reach. The scenic views offered by the hill station are beyond words. Some attractions worth visiting here include Venna Lake, Tapola, local markets in Mahabaleshwar and Pratapghad Fort.

Known For : Kashid Beach Murud Janjira Fort Phansad Bird Sanctuary

A Beach town, popular for its white sand and blue seas situated in Konkan region of Maharashtra, Kashid is the perfect destination for a quiet weekend getaway from Mumbai. A soothing and calm place in nature's lap, Kashid is mildly enchanting with its quiet environment and picturesque location.

Distance from Pune: 176 km

Best Time: October to March

7 Kashid Attractions

21. Matheran

Matheran is a traffic-free zone since vehicles have been banned in here. This is why one can travel via rickshaws and toy trains here which is an experience in itself. It lies at a distance of 125 km from Pune and can be reached by taking a toy train from Nerul in approximately 2 hours (to cover 20 km). Some very famous attractions here include Bazaar Peth which can be reached by taking a 3 km walk from Dasturi Naka. Some antique engines can also be observed at Matheran Railway Station. The landscapes of the place make it worth paying a visit to.

22. Kaas Plateau

Declared as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites of India in 2012, Kaas Plateau in Panchgani is a magical place with landscapes with lakes, flowers and butterflies all around. Kaas Plateau is a biodiversity hotspot situated at a mighty altitude of 1200 metres and is a major biodiversity hotspot owing to the many varieties of endemic flowers and butterflies that are found here.

Distance from Pune: 135 km

Wai is a pristine town tucked 89 kms from Pune on the banks of River Krishna. Known as the town of Peshwas, Wai is lately getting a lot of tourist traction. Other than natural and architectural beauty, the town is popular because it is known to be the home town of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi (Tambe family) and Gopikabai, wife of Nanasaheb Peshwa.

Dapoli is a beach situated in Ratnagiri which is spread over a long stretch. It is a perfect getaway for spending a delightful picnic with friends and family. There are some quiet sea shores present at the place, which along with the water activities make the trip a memorable one. It is situated at a distance of 200 km from Pune extending the drive up to 4 hours. Attractions include Panhalekaji which is an archaeological site, Harnai port and the sea ports of Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg.

Satara is situated at the foothill of the Sahyadri Mountain Range. It is a lovely picnic spot near Pune and abode to rivers such as Koyna and Krishna whose branches flow through the hills. This location lies at a distance of 112 km from Pune which takes nearly 2 hours 30 minutes to reach. Some famous attractions here include Ajinkyatara Fort, Karad and Koteshwar Mandir.

26. Bhandardara

Known For : Umbrella Falls Wilson Dam Kalsubai Peak

Bhandardara, a hill station nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra, has all the nature's blessings a place can get. The lush greenery, the humble waterfalls and surrounded by high mountains makes for the perfect holiday spot for city dwellers.

Distance from Pune: 164 km

Best Time: June to March

7 Bhandardara Attractions

27. Della Adventure Park

Della Adventure Park is a fun amusement cum waterpark based in Lonavala. Boasting of a plethora of activities including Aqua Zorb, swoop swing, flying fox, rappelling, paintball, buggy ride, bull ride, land zorbing etc, the park also has a nightlife club and several restaurants both for fine dine and binge eating.

Distance from Pune: 72 km

28. Alibaug

Alibaug is a perfect beach spot which provides a quiet time to relax simply. The beach, hotels, and resort make Alibaug a very famous destination. Alibauh is situated at a distance of 140 km from Pune which takes approximately 4 hours to reach. However, an easier way to reach via Mumbai is to take a ferry ride from there which takes one hour to reach. There are some other beaches nearby in addition to Colaba Fort which is yet another tourist place worth visiting.

29. Pune Okayama Friendship Garden

Welcome to the Japanese Garden in Pune. One of its kinds, the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan, in Asia. Also called the Pu. La. Deshpande Udyan, it was named after the famous Marathi writer and humorist, Pu La Deshpande who received the Padma Bhushan in 1990. This garden reflects on the Indo-Japanese relationship, as it is inspired by the 300-year old Okayama Korakuen Garden in Japan.

Distance from Pune: 5 km

30. Devkund Waterfalls

Located in Bhira, Raigad district, Maharashtra, Devkund Waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful picnic spot. The Devkund waterfalls in fact lie at the confluence of three waterfalls and it is believed that they originate from the river Kundalika. Enveloped by a forest of the same name, 'Devkund', you can reach the peak by taking a three-hour long trek from the base village of Bhira.

Distance from Pune: 147 km

31. Harihareshwar

This place is bounded by four hills namely Harihar, Brahmadri, Pushphadri and Harishinachal which makes it a place of religious significance. It lies on the Konkan coast and is a peaceful place to introspect and calm oneself. It takes nearly 4 to 5 hours to reach the place by road. The stunning Tamhini Ghats lie on the way of the drive. The coast has some beaches in addition to Kuda cave which is yet another spot to enjoy.

32. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves are located near Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra, India. Adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings and frescoes, Ajanta and Ellora caves are an amalgamation of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu monuments as the complex includes both Buddhist monasteries as well as Hindu and Jain temples.

33. Adventure Sports in Pune

Given a number dams and gardens with water bodies, Pune has variety of options for water sports and paragliding. It also has a number horse riding centers.

34. Rajgad Fort

Fortresses have been speaking of the grandeur of our country for several years. Situated near Pune, Rajgad fort is surrounded by Torna, Sinhgad and Purandar forts. It is symbolic of the victories and battles fought by the Maratha army and stands to glorify the feats of- famous Indian ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji.

This city is popularly known as the 'city of dreams' or 'Mayanagri'. It is situated at a distance of 148 km from Pune which takes nearly two and a half hours to cover. There are many attractions in Mumbai which can be visited and enjoyed. South Mumbai has Gateway of India, CST station, and other architectural wonders. Colaba and Fashion Street are famous for their shopping experience. Marine Drive is a quiet, peaceful and a pleasant place to spend time at. You are likely to get some mouth-watering delicacies at the Girgaum Chowpatty near Marine Drive. You can also take a ferry ride from the Gateway of India.

36. Bandardara

This hill station provides some great views of the lake as well as Sahyadri Mountains. It is a perfect spot to spend a quiet and relaxed weekend and is considered as one of the best destinations to spend one-day trips at. It is situated at a distance of 170 km from Pune which takes nearly 3 hours to cover by road. Attractions nearby worth enjoying include Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, Ratnagad Fort, Amruteswar temple and Wilson Dam.

37. Dajipur

This place is rich in its biodiversity and has a vast variety of fauna. If you love spending time in the middle of the wildlife, then this is the place for you. It is situated at a distance of 300 km from Pune and takes 6 hours to reach. Apart from the wildlife sanctuary, there are some other attractions as well including Ponda Ghat, Dajipur Lake, and Radhangri.

38. Panhala

Panhala is a hill station very different from the rest of them. This town is situated amidst the Konkan and has forts as well as greenery which together transform the place into an idealistic one. It is situated at a distance of 250 km from Pune and can be reached in 5 hours. Some other famous attractions near the hill station include Amberkhana, Sjja Kothi, and Jyotiba Temple.

39. Visapur Fort

Perched upon a lush green plateau, the Visapur Fort is a very popular excursion destination for adventure mongers as well as nature lovers. The fort stands majestically tall and ruggedly firm at the height of 1084 meters above sea level offering a panoramic view of a wide range of hills covered in a thick blanket of green.

40. Tikona Fort

A dominant hill fortress of the Pawana Maval region of the Konkan, Tikona Fort is a loved, frequented and very popular one-day trek spot of Maharashtra. The real Marathi name of the fort is Vitandgad, but it gets its more famous name from the triangular shape it is built in. With a clouded origin and dynamic history of many takeovers and recoveries, the fort stands tall along the green hillocks of Sahyadri.

41. Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwarwada, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas.

After discussing so many popular spots for spending a day out, there is just one thing left to do. What is it you ask? PACKING! Where are you planning to go? ;)

This post was published by Saumya Bansal

Share this post on social media Facebook Twitter

FAQs on Picnic Spots near Pune for a One Day Trip

Which are the less crowded places to visit near pune, which are the best places to go near pune in the weekend, which are the best places to go for adventure activities near pune, related collections.

Best Places For Camping Near Pune That Are Worth Visiting!

Best Destinations for River Rafting Near Pune

Trip To Sinhagad Fort: The Gates of Sahyadri On wheels

Hill Stations

Beautiful Hill Stations Near Pune To Beat The Summer Heat

Beaches & Islands

Beaches near Pune For A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Sightseeing

Stunning Waterfalls near Pune to Beat the Heat

Serene Places to Visit near Pune Within 100 Kms

Places to Visit near Pune Within 200 Km

Places to Visit near Pune Within 300 Km

Fantastic Places to visit near Pune under 400kms

Majestic Places to visit near Pune under 500kms

Spectacular Monsoon Getaways From Pune Under 100 Kms

Places Near

Places to Visit Near Pune | Weekend Getaways from Pune

Comments on this post

Browse hotel collections, by hotel type.

Best Resorts in Mulshi

Best Resorts in Pune for a much-needed break!

Best Hotels in Pune

Best Villas In Pune

Best Resorts Near Pune For Family

Best Homestays In Pune

Best Villas Near Pune

Best Places To Stay In Pune for an Urban Getaway

Best Business Hotels In Pune

Farm Stays In Pune

By Budget Category

Lodges In Pune

Cheap Hotels In Pune

Luxury Hotels In Pune

By Star Category

Best 5-Star Hotels in Pune

3 Star Hotels In Pune

With Specific Facilities

Camping In Pune

Hostels In Pune

Hotels Near Pune Airport

Hotels In Hinjawadi

Hotels In Viman Nagar

Hotels In Baner

Hotels In Koregaon Park

Hotels In Pimpri Chinchwad

Hotels In Wakad

Hotels In Hadapsar

Hotels In Kharadi

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Sinhagad Fort

Hotels Near Kasarsai Dam

Hotels Near University of Pune

Hotels Near Koregaon Park

Hotels Near Mulshi Dam

Hotels Near Pune Junction Railway Station

Hotels Near Darshan Museum

Hotels Near Timezone

Hotels Near Shaniwar Wada

Hotels Near Amanora Mall

Hotels Near Shinde Chatri

For Special Purposes

Best Resorts Near Pune For A Weekend Getaway

Best Resorts Near Pune For Couples

Resorts In Pune For Family

Pet-Friendly Hotels In Pune

Top Places in Pune

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

One Day In Minneapolis Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Minneapolis, Minnesota

Exploring the city of Minneapolis in 24 hours is absolutely a fun thing to do, and with our quick one-day Minneapolis itinerary, you will be able to plan a memorable trip. This is a rapidly developing city in the state of Minnesota, but travelers love it because of its heavenly scenery, luxuriant vegetation, and bountiful adventure activities. A small but magnificent city, Minneapolis experiences a hot-summer humid continental climate. Winters are predominantly cold and snowy. Thus, one day in Minneapolis has something to offer to everyone – landscapes, beaches, museums, art galleries, and thrilling nightlife, you name it! It is also an ideal destination for a honeymoon couple with luxurious hotels and resorts.

Plan your trip to Minneapolis

1. What is the best time to visit Minneapolis? 2. A Few Facts about Minneapolis 3. One Day in Minneapolis Itinerary 3.1. Enjoy the street life of the picturesque city 3.2. Explore the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden 3.3. Go for a wonderful boat ride at Chain of Lakes Regional Park 3.4. Admire the work of artists at Walker Art Center 3.5. Glide along the Mississippi River 4. Where to stay in Minneapolis? 5. Day trips from Minneapolis 6. Extra tips for visiting Minneapolis

What is the best time to visit Minneapolis?

Well, Minneapolis is a place where you can have fun whenever you want because it’s accessible throughout the year. But generally, the winter months are the best time to experience the huge snow. During Christmas and New Year, you will see the different colors and vibes around the town. Minneapolis also has the best Thanksgiving and Halloween festivals!

During the Thanksgiving festival, local and international visitors come together to celebrate the festival with pomp and show. From November to February, Minneapolis experiences great snow, and it is the best time to explore the streets of the city. Obviously, your experience depends upon your choice of the month – you are free to choose any month or season that suits you. You’ll have plenty to see.

A Few Facts about Minneapolis

You should know that Minneapolis is also known as the city of lakes. You know the LA Lakers? They were originally founded as the Minneapolis Lakers, and the name “Lakers” comes from these very lakes.

The city is also divided into eleven communities, each with its own neighborhood. The Dakota tribe is native to this part of the US, and they are permanent settlers near St. Anthony Fall.

Minneapolis is also a paradise for book lovers. It is home to the three nonprofit literary presses namely; Graywolf Press, Milkweed Editions , and Coffee House Press .

During the month of September, Minneapolis host the Monarch Butterfly Festival, an event that celebrates the incredible 2300-mile journey this butterfly makes every year.

One Day in Minneapolis Itinerary

During your one day in Minneapolis, you can enjoy a lot of what the city has to offer because this itinerary will prepare you thoroughly and help you plan ahead. There are several must-visit sights here, but visiting a significant number of Minneapolis attractions in just one day can be tricky. Therefore, follow this guide to utilize your one day in an appropriate manner so that you can cover all the most iconic landmarks of the town.

Enjoy the street life of the picturesque city

Midtown Global Market is a perfect place to have fun with friends and family. The place offers you various options to shop, eat, and relax. From vibrant cafes to classic restaurants, Midtown Global Market is a paradise for food lovers. It has multiple outlets of authentic and international restaurants that serve finger-licking cuisines.

Parking is free here for one hour,  so you can park your car or bike on 10th Street for one hour. All the marketplaces and spots are beautifully designed by the local artists. You will find various wall paintings and graffiti that will make your Instagram feed more colorful and eye-catching. Address: 920E. Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55407 Operational hours : Monday to Saturday 10am to 08pm; Sunday 11am to 06pm.

Explore the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden

For nature lovers, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is a heavenly place. During a one-day trip to Minneapolis, this is definitely a must. The garden is spread over 12 acres of land and is home to 500 plants and 130 species of birds.

Enter at the garden gate, and you’ll be greeted by the exotic wildflowers, herbs, and chirping of birds. It has also a center where you can see the cultural program and gift shops, all inspired by the nature surrounding them.

Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55405, USA Operational hours: 10am to 06pm(Tue-Sun) *Monday Closed

Go for a wonderful boat ride at Chain of Lakes Regional Park

No trip to the land of the lakes is complete visiting these fascinating bodies of water. Each of the five that form the Chains of Lake has something unique to offer; Lake Harriet observes Live Music in summer, not to mention a rose garden, bird sanctuary, and two family-friendly beaches.

Additionally, Lake Calhoun attracts the more active crowd with plenty of bikes and boat rentals. The Chain of Lakes is open all year round and is located only about five miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis. So, make sure you come here if at all possible.

Address: 400 South 4th St Operational hours: 6 am to midnight in developed areas, and 6 am to 10 pm in undeveloped areas.

Admire the work of artists at Walker Art Center

If you are fond of art, historical facts, or figures, then you must add Walker Art Center to your one-day Minneapolis itinerary. It will be two hours very well spent, and during this time, you will see gorgeous art of the local and globally renowned artists. Walker Art Center is well known for its great collections of modern and contemporary art comprising photographs, sculptures, and paintings of both European and American artists.

This art museum hosts several special events, including the annual Rock the Garden summer music festival. It’s good to know that this place is suited for kids, too. Not only will they enjoy the interior but everyone up to the age of 18 also gets in free!

Address: 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403, America Operational hours: 11am-06pm

Glide along the Mississippi River

The Mississippi River is a natural feature of Minneapolis that stretches for 9 miles through the city. The best way to experience the grand Mississippi is along the West River Parkway.

The trail offers a magnificent view and is near the old mill district. Also, St. Anthony Falls attract many visitors every year. Once you watch explore the Mississippi here, you will understand why this is such an iconic river for the US. The crystal-clear water of the river will enchant you and provide an incredible experience.

Address: Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States Operational hours: Open 24/7

Where to stay in Minneapolis?

Royal Sonesta Minneapolis

35 South 7th Street, Downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN 55402

If you want a five-star place to stay, Royal Sonesta is the place to go to in Minneapolis. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, safe for your laptop, and many other features that help you enjoy your stay to the fullest. Furthermore, the restaurant here operates on the farm-to-table principle, so you can expect exceptionally tasty meals. Or you can pick up a meal and take it with you as you explore the city.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Loews Minneapolis Hotel

601 First Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Loews Minneapolis Hotel is a great place to stay because it’s close to the city center and offers exceptional comfort. Pets are allowed, and limestone counters in the bathrooms give the whole place a wonderful dash of elegance. The hotel also has a great bar that lets you create your own drink, and there are many other features here that will make sure you love every second of your stay here.

Hampton Inn and Suites

19 North 8th Street, Downtown Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Another hotel with a great central location, Hampton Inn and Suites will provide you with some great value for your money. Spacious and comfortable rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and a garden are just some of the features you can expect here. The guests praise the breakfast here, and you can even get complimentary coffee. No doubt, you will feel very welcome in this hotel.

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

6051 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416

If you’re looking for a budget option, Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites are definitely where you should head. The place even has its own pool! Then there’s also a 24-hour fitness center, the rooms have their own coffeemakers, and there’s even a place where you can make your own barbecue. A great place to stay, no doubt about that!

Day trips from Minneapolis

If you have time for a little detour, Hopkins, Stillwater, Plymouth are some of the nearest towns that can easily be explored in a minimum time. But that’s not all! Allow us to suggest a few great day trips from Minneapolis you could enjoy without too much effort. 

Minneapolis is actually just one half of the region known as the Twin Cities, the other being Saint Paul. So, if you have the time, go and check out Minneapolis’ brother – it has an incredible zoo, Minnesota Children’s Museum is a great place to visit if you have kids along, the cathedral of St. Paul is quite beautiful, and there’s a generally great vibe all over the place. Don’t miss it!

Just 15 miles from Minneapolis city center is the town of Plymouth. It is full of incredible nature, and places such as the Millennium Garden or one of the amazing parks are a nature lover’s dream come true. If you want to just take a moment to take in a breath of fresh air, come here!

Taylors Falls

Now this is something really special. The incredible Taylors Falls are less than an hour away from Minneapolis, and you won’t regret heading there. The scenery looks very much like it was painted by a master painter. The rolling mountains and the mighty river will make you forget about everything else.

Red Wing is an incredibly charming town less than an hour away from Minneapolis. It’s a perfect destination if you’re interested in hiking or great views, but if you just want to take it easy and check out the famous shoe museum there, you can easily do so and have a great day out.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a picturesque zoo and botanical garden .  It is one of the most visited places in Saint Paul. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory receives around 1.9 million visitors annually. It has major attractions of points like an amusement park, zoo, cafeteria, a golf course, pool, and carousel lake Como.

Bell Museum, Saint Paul

In the entire town of Saint Paul, Bell Museum is one of the most attractive architectural pieces. It is formerly called the James Ford Bell Museum of Natural History. Bell Museum is located in the heart of Minnesota University. It is part of the university’s college of food and agriculture and natural Science.

Minnehaha Falls

Saint Paul is blessed with natural resources. Apart from the lakes and rivers, it has countless waterfalls. Minnehaha falls is a prime example of its natural beauty. This amazing waterfall is part of Minnehaha regional park. It offers a magnificent view to the eyes.

How to reach Minneapolis?

Minneapolis is a metropolitan city which makes it widely connected to the rest of the country and other countries. Air mode is the fastest mode of transportation to reach Minneapolis. Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain Airport is the nearest airport to Minneapolis. All major airlines that provide countless flights to America or other countries also give quick air service in Minneapolis city.

Extra tips for visiting Minneapolis

Once you plan a one-day or short trip to Minneapolis, try to start your day in the early morning so that you can get sufficient time to explore the city. If possible, use a rental taxi or cab as it allows you to cover maximum places within 24 hours.  It also helps you to reach your destination at the right time. We hope this short one-day Minneapolis itinerary will help you in the perfect execution of your plan.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

John Steifert

John Steifert, a final year student of California University and passionate Content Creator who works as an intern in the travel-based industry. He has been working in this field for so many years. Being a brilliant content writer, Mr.John delivered top-notch quality work on time and with zero plagiarism. His passion for traveling and exploring new things enlarges his knowledge and similarly, he pours all his experience into his work.

Thank you for sharing your content. I really like it. It was useful information for me.

Minnehaha Falls is not in St. Paul. It’s in Minnehaha Park in South Minneapolis, south of 46th Street near the Ford Bridge. Also, it’s Taylors Falls, and not “Taylor Falls.”

Thanks for the feedback!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.