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23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

From Hawaii to the Florida Keys, these are 23 of the best road trips in the U.S.

Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at The Wall Street Journal and her features have appeared in Outside , The Washington Post , Travel + Leisure , Bon Appétit , and more.

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From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the U.S. is brimming with scenic drives, some more stunning than others. Take the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway for example, meandering past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty, offering different panoramic vistas depending on the season.

Sometimes it's not just the nature but also the human-made sights that make the trip. As you cruise along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, the view to the west includes such iconic feats of American architecture as the Willis Tower, better known as the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world. And on U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West, travelers pass over coral reefs on the Seven-Mile Bridge to arrive at marinas where they can hand-feed tarpon and drink margaritas at beach bars blaring Jimmy Buffet hits.

Those road trips and more around the U.S., ahead.

Hana Highway, Maui

The T-shirts all say: "I survived the road to Hana." It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside stalls and take in the Jurassic vistas at every turn. In tiny Hana, a town on eastern Maui, a cinder cone shields a red-sand beach where nudists and endangered monk seals bake idly in the sun. Just beyond where the Road to Hana terminates, about 30 minutes further, are the must-visit Pools of Oheo, a gently cascading, seven-tiered gulch in Haleakala National Park .

Blue Ridge Parkway, the Carolinas and Virginia

Andre Jenny/Alamy

The nearly 469 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks. It's a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in autumn, a bounty of forest canopy in summer, and ski resorts in winter. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for emeralds, amethyst, rubies, topaz, and gold. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, with hundreds of bird species and more types of trees than the whole continent of Europe.

Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. Chicago's buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the blocky staircase of the Willis Tower — formerly the Sears Tower, once the tallest building in the world — to the Belle Époque elegance of Burnham and Root's Rookery, to the stark post-Bauhaus boxes of Mies van der Rohe. It could easily be called the greatest road for architecture-spotting on earth. Lake Shore Drive is just 15 miles long, but you'll want to break up the brief journey with a stop at Millennium Park to visit the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean").

17-Mile Drive, California

The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the towns of Pacific Grove to Carmel , the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs through the parts of the Del Monte Forest belonging to an exclusive golf community. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $11.25 entry fee to drive it. Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has sunlit kelp-forest tanks, a petting pool, and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.

U.S. 1, Florida Keys

M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy

Leaving the mainland for Florida's Keys, travelers enter a paradise of beach bars, water sports, and Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans). From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the Seven-Mile Bridge, among the longest bridges in the world. On the docks at Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed bait fish to tarpon more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the National Key Deer Refuge .

Route 12, Utah

The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12 winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. The 124-mile strip has funky small towns and very few entry and exit points, so it takes some commitment to witness the steep sandstone canyons and bluffs of purple sage, and to tackle the narrow cliff-hanging ridgeline road called The Hogback around the halfway point. Stop in at Escalante's artsy log-and-sandstone Kiva Koffeehouse , open Wednesdays to Sundays April through October, to get your caffeine fix with a stunning view of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument .

Bluebonnet Trail, Texas

Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the U.S. Southwest. They're especially abundant in Texas (where they're the official state flower) from March to May. Start this road trip in Austin, home of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority. Stop by to admire the native flower, then embark on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit Brenham's official tourism website for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou and Hermann parks.

North Shore Drive, Minnesota

Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of glacial beauty. In Duluth, a walking path along the lake's edge shows off the city highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out to the world. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out to the right, birch and northwood maples climbing high on the left. At your destination, you'll find the Split Rock Lighthouse , now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Welcome to the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. Trail Ridge Road begins at the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took) visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural body of water, which is also home to a historic town and year-round lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is not a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Though the White Mountains are a year-round sportsperson's paradise, the autumnal fireworks are the undisputed highlights of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. Serious leaf-peepers visit in October to see the maples, alder, and birch blazing in full technicolor glory. In the spring, expect yellow violets and wood anemone.

This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa) and takes about two to three hours to drive. However, you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a three-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

One of America's most inspiring public works projects runs along the spine of the Rockies past Glacier National Park's snow-covered peaks, sub-alpine meadows, and lakes across the Continental Divide. The 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. Snowdrifts threaten to top 100 feet in winter, so Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open only when conditions allow (typically in the summer months). To learn more about the geology of glaciers, local Native American customs, or the park's ecosystem, supplement your road trip with a class at the Glacier Institute .

Highway 101, Oregon

Unlike the rest of the West Coast, Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The 400-or-so miles of beaches off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive, fierce sea cliffs stand in contrast to the pastoral farmland and roaming cattle of Oregon's small towns . Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the Prehistoric Gardens, where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, Highway 101 loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. From the base of the peninsula, drive counterclockwise to climb into the Hoh Rain Forest, dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. You can spy the San Juan Islands from the top of Hurricane Ridge, 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish, sand dollars, and crabs. Take a break in the spooky logging town of Forks, a must for Twilight fans, but travel onward to Lake Quinault Lodge if you're looking for a place to stay. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.

Route 6, Massachusetts

The easternmost portion of Route 6 — which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California — links together Cape Cod's network of sand dunes, beaches, marshes, tidal ponds, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to Provincetown's music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the Cape Cod National Seashore . Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between May and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).

Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska

The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with so many peaks a lot of them haven't even been named. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez includes a 30-mile drop from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon, opening into Prince William Sound.

Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho

Meriwether Lewis came to the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass (7,323-foot elevation) in 1805. Instead of the fabled Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean, Lewis looked west over the mountains and saw more mountains. Determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on single-lane Forest Service roads from either Beaverhead Rock State Park in Montana or the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

For the full experience, go in July to see men dressed in buckskin traveling on dugout canoes at the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from Beaverhead Rock State Park.

Silverado Trail, California

Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by dozens of vineyards and wineries, the Silverado Trail on the eastern edge of Napa Valley gives the California road tripper endless vino options and perhaps some of tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting flight at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars , where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star French Laundry restaurant in Yountville is a highlight.

Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

This 10-mile coastal route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded-Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive — which confusingly follows Ocean Avenue , not Drive — compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of fin de siècle industry, the Vanderbilts, Astors, and Morgans. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which remained an active United States Army post from the early 19th century up until World War II.

Park Loop Road, Maine

The loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in an hour — when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the high ridgelines, sheer rock precipices, and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside cavern dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.

Highway 143, Tennessee

Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in heather — and purple rhododendron blossoms come early summer. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in thick grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

Only 7.4 miles long, this short-and-sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant Sleeping Bear Dunes , dense forest canopies, and a freshwater lake so wide you won't be able to see the opposite shore. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the '60s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake from the top of the " Dune Climb ," a sand mound estimated to be about 450 feet tall.

The High Road to Taos, New Mexico

The 77-mile route between Santa Fe and Taos delivers one photo op after another: ancient pueblos, deserts, forests, wildflower meadows, and artists' colonies in 17th-century adobe towns. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history, and provides canyon views over Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the Santa Fe Opera .

Highway 2, Nebraska

Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) make up nearly one-fourth of Nebraska, undulating in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2, stretching 52 miles from the South Dakota border to Grand Island, for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. The sand dunes are smack in the middle of the Central Flyway Migration Corridor ; look out for cranes at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center just off Highway 2 in Wood River.

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Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites! Share time outdoors with family and friends. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands.

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Join us in for the biggest classic car pilgrimage to Europe and be a part of the popular Circuit Historique de Laon, the largest and most popular event of its kind in Europe with over 700 cars attending this event every year.

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Call us to discuss your  next driving tour, 01732 879153, open monday to friday 9am to 5pm .

HISTORIC ROUTE 66

100th Anniversary Tour

ROUTE 66 IS PROBABLY THE MOST ICONIC ROAD TRIP IN THE WORLD IF IT'S ON YOUR 'BUCKET LIST' 2026 IS THE YEAR TO DO IT AS ROUTE 66 IS CELEBRATING ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY

The romance of Route 66 continues to captivate people around the world. Running between Chicago and Los Angeles for over 2448 miles, this legendary old road passes through the heart of the United States on a diagonal trip that takes in some of the country’s most archetypal roadside scenes. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66”. Now, in preparation for Route 66’s 100th anniversary in 2026, parts of the historic route are getting much-needed upgrades.

Bob Cole has escorted Route 66 on 3 previous occasions and will again be on hand to give you tips and advice as you make your way across the USA.  Route 66 passes through a diverse cross-section of American scenes, from the cornfields of Illinois all the way to the golden sands and sunshine of Los Angeles. It passes by numerous landscapes including the Grand Canyon, the Native American communities of the desert southwest, the small-town Midwest heartlands of Oklahoma and the Ozarks, as well as the gritty streets of St. Louis and Chicago. Whether you are motivated by an interest in history, feel a nostalgic yearning for the “good old days” Route 66 has come to represent, or simply want to experience first-hand the amazing diversity of people and landscapes that line its path, Route 66 offers an unforgettable journey into America, then and now. Route 66, America’s ‘Mother Road,’ readies for its Centennial - All of the eight states traversed by America’s defining highway are getting it ready for its 100th anniversary in 2026. States are handing out grants to restore vintage neon signs along the highway. In addition the Route 66 Centennial Commission, are planning numerous events around the anniversary. The Route 66 Mother Road Festival,  Springfield, Illinois will be hosting a double celebration as in addition to it being the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The festival will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary! 100's of cars, the music, the fun and nostalgia that Route 66 has brought to generations will return for a 25th year, rolling into historic downtown Springfield on 25th to 27th September 2026.  When is the best time to drive Route 66 -  The season starts in May and runs through to the end of October. Before or after that you risk running into cold weather, especially in the mid-west and the higher elevation portions of Route 66. From our experience, the best time to drive Route 66 is mid-September to late-October.

Click Here to see the 2023 Route 66 Photo Gallery

Route 66 Classic Tour

Tour itinerary.

Route 66 spans 2,400 miles, crosses eight states and three time zones The epitome of American  driving holidays , Route 66 takes you east to west, from Chicago to Santa Monica.

Look at our NEW Route 66 

100th Anniversary Tour Package including 3 Extra Overnight Stops!

• Return Economy  Trans atlantic Flights from London to Chicago & Los Angeles to London (See flight options below)

• 22  Days Standard Car Hire (Chevrolet Cruze or similar)  Upgrades av ailable on request

• 24 Nights Hotel Accommodation 

• Welcome breakfast in Chicago & Complimentary buffet breakfast at all hotels except Gallup, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas & the second night in Chicago.

• Services of a Scenic Car Tours Representative from Chicago to LA on our 2024 Tour

• 2 Nights Chicago, IL

• 1 or 2 Nights Springfield, IL  (1 Night on June Tour & 2 Nights Sept Tour) 

• AAA  Route 66 Festival  in Tulsa, OK (June Tour)

• Route 66 Mother Road Festival  in Springfield, IL (September tour)

• 2 Nights St Louis, MO

• 1 Night Springfield, MO

• NEW 1 or 2  Nights Tulsa, OK  (2 Nights on June Tour & 1 Night Sept Tour) 

• 1 Night Oklahoma City, OK

• 1 Night Amarillo, TX

• NEW 1  Night Tucumcari , NM

• 2 Nights Alburqurque, NM

• NEW 1  Night Gallup, NM

• 1 Night Flagstaff, AZ 

• 1 Night Monument Valley, AZ

• 2 Nights Grand Canyon, AZ

• 1 Night Needles, CA

• 2 Nights Las Vegas, NV

• 1 Night Victorville, CA

• 2 Nights Santa Monica, CA

• Admissions & Inclusions as per the Itinerary

• Evening Visit to the Big Texan Steak Ranch (meal cost payable locally)

• Detailed Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions

• Route 66 EZE Guide Book

• Commemorative Route 66 Tour Rally Plate

• Commemorative Tour T-Shirt & Baseball Cap

• Car Parking at all Hotels (except Chicago & Santa Monica where charges are payable locally)

ROUTE 66  TOUR HOTELS

See our selection of hotels, all of which have been hand-picked for their quality, facilities and location

NEW FOR 2026

1 or 2 additional n ight in tulsa, ok, 1 additional night in tucumcari, nm, 1 additional night at the iconic 'el rancho' hotel, gallup, nm, new hotels for 2026 include;, holiday inn hotel, amarillo, tx, treasure island hotel & casino, las vegas, nv incl. free parking, co mplimentary breakfast is  now included in all hotels except, 2nd night in  chicago, gallup, monument valley grand canyon & las vegas.

Classic Route 66 - 100th Anniversary Tour

Transatlantic Flights -  Due to the variety of flight requests we get for these tours, you have the option to book a flight inclusive package or a NON  inclusive flight package. The later gives you the flexibility to choose which day you travel on, which airport you travel from and affords you the option to upgrade or utilise any air miles etc you may have. If you choose the flight inclusive package, flight costs are estimated and we reserve the right to implement a flight supplement once the flights are on sale. Flight inclusive packages are operated for Scenic Car Tours by our sister company Success Tours ATOL No. 5114

Flight Inclusive Package

Package - Excluding Flights

*please note: all prices shown above are per person and based on 2 persons sharing a car and a twin/double room meal basis  -​ accommodation on a room only basis - some hotels may offer a limited complimentary buffet breakfast single occupancy supplement - £3900.00, let us arrange a bespoke route 66 tour for you, if you cannot make our set tour dates or if you would like to tweak the tour duration, give our r66 expert, james quote you for a tailor-made route 66 tour to suit you - call james on 01732 879153, other us road trips include.

ROUTE 66 - COAST TO COAST

Florida to santa monica.

33 Days - June & September 2026

ROUTE 66 - EXPRESS TOUR

Chicago to santa monica.

15 Days - September 2026

Scenic Sedona Tours

Review Highlights

“ Casey did an awesome job as a guide telling us the history and interesting tidbits of information. ” in 6 reviews

“ noah was like an encyclopedia of knowledge about the history and knowledge of plants (plus he has a sense of humor). ” in 7 reviews

“ Our tour was excellent, Patrick was an excellent tour guide and made it very special for my wife, friend and I. ” in 5 reviews

Location & Hours

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2370 AZ-89A

Sedona, AZ 86336

Serving Sedona Area

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About the business.

The perfect tour of Sedona, Arizona with 6 stops along the way. See the beautiful red rocks, stop for lunch in Uptown Sedona, visit the Stupha and Vortexes, Chapel of the Holy Cross & more. …

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Noah was my tour guide and he was phenomenal!! He could answer any questions with ease and was very knowledgeable on the history of Sedona. The places we stopped at were gorgeous and I would HIGHLY recommend checking this place out. 10/10 for NOAH

Fantastic customer service!!! Special thanks to Ela and Ryan! Highly recommend this company!

Terrible customer service. Will be recommending pink jeep tour company to friends and visitors.

The 2 hour tour was good. We saw all the highlights and didn't have to drive ourselves. As the driver, I can't enjoy the beauty so I prefer to leave the driving to someone else. The Commentary left a lot to be desired when we could even hear it, but the beauty of Sedona made up for any deficits. I recommend it.

This tour has infinite value!!! NOT recommended for people who have trouble on uneven surfaces, getting on and off a bus or need a cane or walker. Noah, our guide was Sensational! Knew the area like the back of his hand, wasn't asked anything he didn't know; a veritable wealth of information on the city of Sedona, plant and wildlife, local culture, and of course humor throughout your day. Excellent opportunity to see a spectacular church built into the rock, Buddhist temple/park, excellent shopping center, another shop center with restaurants for lunch and multiple stunning vistas and rock formations that just take your breath away! Incredibly convenient since Noah does all the driving, tells you when and where to look, a plethora of great advice given for food, trails and off roading. Additionally, parks as close as humanly possible to each tourist area to minimize the wear and tear on travelers. The bus is clean, super comfy and complimentary water is given as much as desired.

See all photos from Lynnann W. for Scenic Sedona Tours

What's important to note that this tour is located in a gift shop called The Dragon's Den which is part of a small shopping plaza with a myriad of free parking. There's two options: a 5.5 hour tour with 6 stops or a 2 hour tour with 2 stops. The long tours only start at 10:00am and the 2 hour tours have several options during the day. Our entire tour took 5 hours and 10 minutes. The open air vehicles are actually located in the dumpster alley behind the shopping/food stores of the plaza. After tax and tip, the 5 hour tour cost me $120 per person I paid for. Five of the stops allow you to explore for 20-40 minutes and the 4th stop, we had 80 minutes to get lunch at Uptown. What is super cool is that we all get 15% discount coupons for which is good for one of 4 restaurants. The 6 stops are as follows: 1) Chapel of the Holy Cross 2) Tlaquepaque Arts Village 3) Sedona Airport Overlook 4) Uptown Sedona (you go out and buy your own lunch) 5) Vortex @ Rachel's Knoll 6) Amitahbha Stupa & Peace Park In addition to this, our amiable tour guide Avery was always talking about the sites and educating us on things to look out for while driving. We also made brief stops at some places such as seeing a Merlin statue, the graves of the founders of Sedona, and a statue of the woman whom Sedona was named after. I made the mistake of wearing shorts as I thought it'd be warm but it was cold (since it was an open air vehicle) for half the trip and the car was quite wet. The open car seats 9 passengers and ample room to be comfortable. What's nice is that this place comes equipped with a lot of small blankets to prevent you from sitting on wet seats. Also note that bottled water is provided. What I really liked was that we went to fairly crowded places and being part of this tour meant that I didn't have to worry about parking and parking fees. Sedona is a picturesque city and this tour shows a lot of nice spots.

great tour. noah was like an encyclopedia of knowledge about the history and knowledge of plants (plus he has a sense of humor). would recommend them.

This is the only part of our Sedona visit this year that was a big disappointment. Reviewers who mentioned it was over-priced are absolutely correct. Those who mentioned that the stops (including a very long one at a religious site) are excessive are also right. They call it a two hour tour, but the van is in motion less than 90 minutes, at best. But wait, as you get close to the end of the ride, the driver/guide launches into a pitch about everyone giving him a 20% tip! Whoa! 20% of an inflated price? For what they charge, and the age of the vans they use (very old), the owner should be paying drivers handsomely. Save yourself a lot of time and a lot of money. See the sites yourself - maps in the Sedona Chamber of Commerce (in the uptown area) are free and excellent with great advice (also free) from the dedicated team that works there.

We took the half day tour with Scenic Sedona Tours. They use a modified open-cabin van which we found comfortable and pleasant. We also appreciated the fact that the group size was limited to nine people. John was our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and entertaining. He took us to several interesting spots while providing relevant historical bits and explanations. I highly recommend this tour.

We had a great time with our guide Avery. He took us all over the Sedona area. We saw places we didn't even know were around, and also saw popular areas. He gave us great background and history of the area. Just remember December can be cold so bundle up. They provided warm blankets in the open air van. Would defiantly recommend Scenic Sedona Tours.

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Scenic Eclipse Below the Antarctic Circle

Travelled on Scenic Eclipse 1 to the Antarctic Circle in February 2024. The yacht is lovely and lives up to everything it claims. If you can, take a cabin known as a Spa Suite on deck 9. The space is generous and a bath-tub with a window is lovely. The staff overall were great, and we did observe officer level staff being entitled to dine in public areas. We would only suggest that they take use this privilege to say hello to guests. In particular we would like to acknowledge Raj at the front desk. He is a star! Amy and Joe did a wonderful job of keeping us entertained. Food venues are many and never appeared empty. Fellow passengers made great use of them. The expedition team is terrific and kept us all safe and well informed. Please consider your own level of mobility as the excursions can involve some choppy waters, wet landings over rocks and challenging hikes. Overall, we really enjoyed our trip and will consider Scenic again…it is a small yacht, under direct ownership, that is not yet part of a major cruise company. That is something that helps make it special.

Date of experience : 10 February 2024

The most amazing Mekong experience

My husband and I went onboard Scenic Spirit on the Mekong in November 2023 for a week to celebrate our honeymoon in style. We had the most amazing experience. From the cultural ports of call to the fantastic food and drink onboard, the whole cruise from start to finish was superb. I could talk about the wonderful crew onboard for hours. Timea our Hotel Director was phenomenal, you can see that she cares and looks after her crew onboard as it's like a floating family. They go above and beyond and I honestly can't speak any higher of the ship. We had the best time and would go back in a heartbeat just to see the beautiful ship and its crew. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone wanting to go to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Date of experience : 21 November 2023

Scenic Eclipse II

In September 2023, I arranged a trip on board Scenic Eclipse II from Dublin to Plymouth, my first time on a 6-Star Ultra All-Inclusive Yacht. Firstly, the range of dining options on board meant we were spoilt for choice, with a range of different cuisines. My favourite was Chefs Table, the staff were fantastic and the food was delicious to say the least. The ship itself was very spacious, we never had to wait more than a few minutes at the bar in the lounge to be served or whilst waiting to be seated at a dining venue. The staff throughout could not do enough for you. The entertainment on board was brilliant but small, from shows in the impressive theatre to a talented singer in the lounge after our evening meal. I would like to shoutout to the discovery team on board who we had interesting chats with during our cruise. They were a delight to be amongst. My favourite thing about this ship is the suites. We were in a Grand Deluxe Verandah. The space within the suite was impeccable and very well designed. From a TV that turns at ease from the wall, to the comfiest pillows at sea. The en-suite shower room was spacious too, however the towels were a tad small. Overall, fantastic experience on board and I cannot wait to book my next for 2025.

Date of experience : 26 September 2023

Wonderful experiences with Scenic

I have done several river cruises previously with Scenic which introduced me to not wanting for ANYTHING on holiday, and in 2023 decided to take the plunge and book Scenic Eclipse through South America - what can I say WOW this company truly know how to pull out all of the stops and make you feel special. The suites on both river and Scenic Eclipse 2 are pure luxury - wonderful amenities and amazingly every single suite has the services of a butler. I have had too many to name on river but Minty on Scenic Eclipse II was just perfect - discreet, conscientious and a joy to have around. The crew on board all ships I have travelled on are simply wonderful - I cannot fault a single thing. There's also a great choice of included excursions and the facilities on board are second to none - I particularly enjoyed the choice of dining options, the Peleton bike on Scenic Eclipse 2 and the fact that literally EVERYTHING is included - meals, dining all drinks and excursions. Everyone deserves a Scenic cruise at least once!

Date of experience : 07 November 2023

Scenic river cruise experience …

We booked a scenic all inclusive cruise down the Rhine in October 2023 we sailed out of Amsterdam and we noticed that the engine didn’t seem to be performing as it should at 5am the boat stopped and in the morning we were informed that the gearbox needed repairing . We then spent 3 days/ 2 nights in a hotel and had long coach journeys to cover the itinerary . For 3 days we had a coach holiday with poor food and only one drink in the hotel. Scenic response to my complaint was: Dear Mr Weaver I am sorry you are disappointed with our River Cruise Compensation offer. As I am sure you can appreciate, the situation was beyond our control and our aim was to keep disruption to an absolute minimum for you, whilst ensuring the excursions go ahead as planned, albeit from a different port with a longer travel time. The impact of high and low waters has on river cruising has been an issue since river cruising began, however, due to global warming and ice melting on the mountains, it is getting worse. During the summer months the rivers can sometimes drop below an acceptable level to sail on and in the winter with heavy rainfall and the rivers high, this stops the ships from sailing under the numerous bridges along the rivers. How can the height of the river cause a gearbox failure. Scenic then realised that they had sent out the wrong email so much for the promised detail investigation They offered compensation of £440 each for a holiday that cost £5000 each. I have complained to ABTA but to no avail The holiday was ok but not worth the money and I am disappointed with the treatment I have received to my complaint.

Date of experience : 09 October 2023

Highlights of Normandy and Seine

My Daughter asked to Visit Paris for her 18th Birthday (She was doing her A levels when it was her birthday so we went in July), After weighing up the options Looking at Cost of flights, Accommodation, Meals, things to do etc we decided a river Cruises was our best option. We flew In/Out Paris and the ship sailed to Honfleur and Back to Paris. Direct flights from Manchester were included with Air France. Flight was delayed and we felt we were waiting for our bags for an age in Charles De Gaulle. However once we made it through Customs we came through into the Arrivals hall and there was a Scenic Representative waiting for us. She took our bags and led us to our transfer vehicle. She offered us water and asked us what kind of station we would like to listen to, Told us our approx journey duration and asked us if we were in a talkative mood or would prefer to not chat. She informed us that as our flight was delayed we were due to be sharing the transfer but that they were further delayed so instead of us waiting longer she said she would take us to the ship now and another transfer would be arranged for the others. We were in a chatty mood and she told us a few details about things we were passing and even sang along with us to a few songs. Which made the journey so much more enjoyable than just looking out the window. On arrival to the ship (Scenic Gem), they check your passport and completed the check in process, they do take your photo for your ship pass, not the most flattering so do be aware. We were given a glass of champagne and then shown to our cabin and introduced to our butler. Our cases had already been delivered to our cabin and were on the beds. Our butler then explained how to use the TV, shower etc, gave us the number to reach him on should we need anything. We unpacked and made our way to the lounge for the Port talk. During the Port talk we were advised that there would be a safety drill the following morning whilst we are sailing, to allow for all guests to be onboard. She explained to us that we dock further down the river due to sailing restriction in Paris. Day tripping cruises have priority over river cruises so they sail part way up the Seine and then turn around and sail back out of Paris towards Honfleur. We had some amazing Scenic Freechoice experiences, Mine and My daughters personal highlights were the D Day Landing sites. Not being a history buff myself i was amazed by how much effort went into the D Day landings and was a truly reflective experience. Another highlight was celebrating Bastille Day in Honfleur, The Captain was able to navigate us into a great position to view the fireworks and was lovely to see so many locals and visitors on the riverside watching them unfold too. I did celebrate my birthday whilst onboard and was lucky enough to be invited to L'Amour Restaurant that evening to enjoy my birthday and they even brought me cake and sang to me. My daughter got to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night (on the hour every hour for 2 mins btw after it goes dark) when we cruised back into Paris at the end of the cruise, But we made some very special memories and met some amazing people along the way. The crew onboard and the guests definitely made the cruise even more special. We are looking forward to the next one, Possibly on the Scenic Eclipse,

Date of experience : 11 July 2023

A tale of 2 Scenics

A tale of 2 Scenics. Scenic Portugal Douro Cruise was fantastic, all the staff were amazing. Scenic UK totally useless with impossible communication and all made worse by their use of Addison Lee for transportation between home and airport.Outward journey car arrived 40 minutes late and then went to the wrong terminal. Return. The car hadn't turned up after waiting well over an hour from pick up time. Gave up in the end. Sort your UK operation out Scenic before you ruin the reputation of your Portuguese hosts.

Date of experience : 16 May 2022

FLIGHT LONG WAY ROUND

We are on a cruise round the Artic islands of Svalbard , Greenland and Iceland in 2023. Flight for our homeward journey from Reykjavik to Heathrow should take three hours and twenty minutes, As Scenic can’t get a direct flight we have to go via Frankfurt making our journey EIGHT HOURS , LEAVING REYKJAVIK 13.50 arriving HEATHROW 22.10 , just dreadful if we known no way would we have booked

Date of experience : 16 October 2022

Not to be Trusted

After a problematic Rhine cruise, Scenic offered compensation thro a third party they use to handle complaints. A partial refund was agreed and all went smoothly until until it came to Scenic actually making payment. Three months later they are still making excuses about non payment. Suspect they are trying to wear me down - unfortunately for them I about to recover through the small claims court. Its a shame they are so difficult to deal with.

Date of experience : 06 September 2022

Appalling company

Appalling company. Booked a trip to Aus/NZ in Feb 22 to travel in January 23. They Cancelled the trip due to low numbers and booked us on November 23 trip. This too was cancelled last week. Had monies from us and wasted 18months of my time. Now had to rebook using a different company at a premium. They refuse any sort of compensation just £500 voucher to use on a future holiday. As if.

Date of experience : 26 August 2023

Where's our refund, 8 weeks late?

We were offered a refund for a missed trip during our Cruise, which we thought was generous, however we are still waiting 8 weeks later and 8 weeks of emails chasing. It doesn't take 8 weeks for an electronic transfer, when they have confirmed all of our Bank details. Apparently they are receiving a lot of emails in Finance, causing a delay, but how can that be when there was only 160 people on the boat? Mostly couples, so 80 emails in 8 weeks? It is seriously reducing their chances of us re-booking with Scenic.

Date of experience : 05 October 2022

Barcelona to Rome cruise…first rate

We went on the Barcelona to Rome cruise on the new Eclipse 2 and it was all but faultless. Check in was almost a delight! We liked the light airy public areas, the great crew from serving staff to the guys on the tenders. The cabins were of high calibre but fairly standard in design. Food was great, we liked the Asian fusion the best and the "posh" Elements was over-hyped and the sommeliere over-bearing. The "entertainments" were not too great but the organisation of the excursions were very good. A most enjoyable experience.Would go again like a shot!

Date of experience : 06 June 2023

no communication, poor service, failed promises.

Patchy but well meaning on board experience, until the engine failed (on their second trip since lock downs) and bags packed and outside our 'luxury' ship cabin at 7am to be herded onto a coach with no idea or reassurance of where a hotel would be or at what comfort/standard. A long coach journey ahead, no info on where we would be put up, herded, refusal to answer questions. Hardly the 'luxury' experience we had booked and paid for. Promises that scenic would contact us within the week broken, e mails not answered. Scenic is among the most expensive river cruise companies, but what do we get for our money? Beware, as they are also Emerald another river cruise company.

Date of experience : 29 April 2022

Tried to pay final balance for cruise…

Tried to pay final balance for cruise with sister company Emerald Cruises and what a SHAMBLES.Tried 3 times with 35 minute wait 1st time,38 minute wait 2nd time and 3rd time a message stating 'we are currently experiencing technical difficulties please try again later' and then I was cut off.WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS COMPANY? TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE-I SHALL NEVER USE AGAIN. SUGGEST YOU AVOID LIKE THE PLAGUE

Date of experience : 14 February 2022

Noisy cabin

We were in a cabin (C235) which suffered from excessive noise and vibration during the night. On going to reception staff they said there were no free cabins and that nobody had ever complained about it before. Reading these reviews I see that that is not the case! Lies, lies, lies. Eventually, after 4 nights we were moved to a different cabin. The passenger opposite us spent 3 nights sleeping in the lounge before being moved. This is a five star company (well 5 star prices) which seems to have no regard for its customers.

Date of experience : 21 September 2022

Absolutely useless.

Scenic are absolutely useless. They are very good at selling you a holiday and taking your money but thereafter they just don’t care. Trying to contact them is hopeless and usually involves waiting up to an hour on the phone before speaking to anyone. I will never travel with them again and suggest you look elsewhere if you want a river cruise holiday.

Date of experience : 22 June 2022

Flights cancelled on way out to our …

Flights cancelled on way out to our jewels of the Danube and Rhine trip. The good points were generally the staff on board were good. Food very good. Main complaint is the customer service. Nothing was their fault, although we missed a full day of our cruise, plus all the orientation. We're told I was lying when I complained about some aspects! It's taken since we returned in June to get a response out of Scenic. And like others offers of vouchers off next trip only compensation. We can't afford to go with them, even if we wanted to. I would avoid unless you can guarantee all goes well with your trip. Don't expect help from Scenic if things go wrong.

Date of experience : 14 June 2023

Went on gems of danube river 1 star not 5 star

Went on gems of danube river cruise.home 6 days ago One and half days before start of cruise told by email water levels low so had a much longer journey to boat and 2nd day extra journey to do excursions in Nurumberg. Was kept waiting 3 hours at Munich Airport before our journey to the boat, without any proper explanation from scenic staff and rude when pressured. Only after phoning emergency uk number was travel resolved and eventually arrived at boat nearly in tears and nearly missing dinner. Two and half days moored overlooking dusty towpath out of a 7 day cruise. Once sailing things improved as food, cabin and staff good. Our journey home was awful. Delays, delays , long check in , racing to gates to catch flight from Paris then delays again,and heaven knows why but we had to fly to Paris then onwards to home airport in uk instead of a direct flight. Horrendous and stressful journey and then no cases when we arrived. This was not a 5 star holiday. No contact from scenic since arriving home , and no customer phone number or email on website to resolve complaints. We have been very let down by scenic.

Date of experience : 17 August 2023

3 years and still no refund

I've been awaiting a refund for three years. YEARS. We had a trip booked for May 2020, and of course that was cancelled due to covid in March 2020. We had already paid thousands of dollars toward our trip, and as of March 2023 we are STILL awaiting our reimbursement. I've tried at least a dozen times to get in touch with their customer service and am always tossed around from office to office, auto response to auto response. It has been such a headache. We had really been looking forward to our trip but will unfortunately never book with them again.

Date of experience : 16 March 2023

Absolutely fantastic

Absolutely fantastic, nothing whatsoever to complain about. Service and food exceptional, crew couldn't do enough for us. At first, price charged seemed a bit high, but you certainly get what you pay for and when we go river cruising again I, like a lot of passengers we met, will only use Scenic.

Date of experience : 12 April 2019

Best Scenic Driving Tours in Kauai

Close your eyes. Picture your dream of Hawaii. What do you see? If you envision lush green fields, wild fruits, towering waterfall-covered mountains, and bountiful white sand beaches, then you are seeing Kauai. 

Kauai is known as The Garden Isle. It’s the wettest, a lushest and most verdant island in the state of Hawaii. That’s because it’s a central dormant volcano, Mount Waialeale, which is the rainiest place on earth. Its crater is lovingly referred to as The Blue Hole, and all that rainwater carves its way back to the ocean via Hawaii’s only navigable rivers.

Add tropical heat to all that moisture, and you have a recipe for life; lush, ever-growing life as far as the eye can see. But for all its beauty, Kauai lacks in urbanization. You won’t find any semblance of the city on Hawaii’s westernmost touristed island. The island’s government has even outlawed the construction of buildings taller than a palm tree, so you’d be hard-pressed to find a three-story structure.

This is the island for the outdoor lover and the relaxer. It’s the kind of island that falls asleep early to rise with the sun (and the crowing feral roosters) to challenge the island’s indomitable landscapes. It’s the island for those seeking solitude in a remote paradise far from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

You can see a lot of the island from your car, and you’ll find scenic landscapes in every direction. As you drive around the island, notice that each side -- north, east, south, and west -- has its own climate and landscape. It’s awe-inspiring to see just how much nature can be packed on such a small island, and it’s all waiting for you to explore. Here are Kauai’s six best scenic drives.

Hall of Trees

The towering trees that line this road are eucalyptus. Yes, the same eucalyptus trees that koalas feed off of in Australia. If you stop to take a picture of the Hall of Trees, take some time to appreciate the scent of the fragrant leaves.

The northern end of Maluhia Road takes you through a towering tree tunnel, and the trees don’t look like they belong on the tropical island. For a moment, you may feel like you’re in England heading down a long driveway leading to a castle. And the trees bending over the road to make a perfect and massive hallway that will take your breath away.

The tunnel doesn’t last all that long, maybe a third of a mile, but it’s long enough to get lost in its beauty. At one point, you’ll be able to look both backward and forward to see nothing but a tree tunnel. It can feel like a portal to another world.

When you burst out onto the other side, the trees will clear to unveil evergreen pastures. Horses roam these fields, and the area is smattered with much more tropical-looking trees. You’ll be instantly whisked back to Kauai.

And just a little further down the road, you’ll arrive at the historic town of Koloa. This is where they make the island’s only spirit -- Koloa Rum -- and it’s a great place to stop for a snack. The town’s grocery store, Sueoka’s Market, sells box lunches, and you’ll find a charming little ice cream shop right next door. Have a tasty treat while you peruse the small town’s little shops to cap off the drive.

Hanalei Bay

You’ll gaze upon the valley from up on high. Fields of taro span to the foot of massive inland mountains that are covered in waterfalls. The Hanalei River winds its way to the ocean past the small town of the same name. And the half-moon bay is accentuated by a stunning streak of white sand that sits in stark contrast to the unbelievably blue water of the bay.

As you descend the switchbacks down the cliffside, it feels like you’re entering another world. The air gets hotter and more humid. The landscape changes from dense forest to clear, open fields. A winding river appears. And, at the very bottom of the road, you’ll be presented with the north shore’s first one-lane bridge. Here’s how it works:

Drive slowly. If nobody is coming the other way, cross the bridge. If someone is coming the other way, stop on your side of the bridge off to the right side of the road to allow traffic to pass. Allow five cars to pass, and then it is your turn. It’s a local courtesy to allow five cars to pass before the other side gets their go.

After the one-lane bridge, the road hugs the Hanalei River. The river feeds the fields of taro to the south, and you may see a few stand-up paddleboarders on the slow-moving water. And you’ll get to marvel at the hibiscus flowers floating in the water. Each bloom only opens for a day before dropping into the slow current of the river.

The road will wind its way past high-end restaurants before it enters the small town of Hanalei. You’ll be shocked at all the high-end stores in this remote part of America. You may even run into a celebrity if you grab a drink at the Tahiti Nui, Hanalei’s oldest bar.

And it’s a special treat to drive down to Hanalei Beach . The white sand is inviting, and then you’ll be surrounded by towering waterfall-covered mountains. Take a moment to look at the mountainous landscape around you, and you might be able to make out the outline of a sleeping dragon. That’s Puff the Magic Dragon. He lives down by the sea in a town called Hanalei.

Waimea Canyon

Simply take Kauai’s highway west towards the town of Waimea. Just past the Big Save grocery store, you’ll want to take a right up Waimea Canyon Drive. The road will switchback up a steep hillside to give you breathtaking views of the town below, and, for some reason, the ocean looks even bluer here on the west coast.

Fight the urge to stop for a picture on these switchbacks because the views are about to get a lot more beautiful. if you can believe it. The road will finally get to the top of the hill, and you’ll drive alongside a cascading waterfall carved into the tiered red dirt. 

There will be one intersection. Make sure to stay right to keep climbing in elevation. Soon, the canyon will begin to emerge on your right. Continue to fight the urge to stop. The big viewpoints are just up ahead.

There are two main viewpoints on the Waimea Canyon Road. Each viewpoint has a parking lot and facilities. You’ll also find plenty of tourists at each location, but this shouldn’t dissuade you from making a pit stop.

The canyon is absolutely breathtaking. Your mind has a difficult time understanding the depths of this phenomenon. It almost looks fake. And the colors of the canyon really pop. Stark red dirt sits in contrast to the lush greens of trees and bushes. Minerals burst through the ground to give the canyon oranges and purples, as well. And off in the distance, waterfalls pour hundreds of feet into oblivion.

Keep driving up Waimea Canyon Road to find the second well-signposted viewpoint. Along the way, the canyon will continue to reveal itself. At times, you’ll be driving right on the edge of the canyon itself, but fight the urge to stop the car to have a look. Always pull off to the side of the road responsibly and then peer into the canyon on foot. 

Kalalau Valley Lookout

There are three ways to get to the valley. First, you can take a boat, but the valley’s beach is often violent as there is no protective reef or bay. Second, you can take a helicopter down to the valley floor, but the helipad is usually reserved for rescues and law enforcement. Lastly, and most commonly, you can hike to the valley. The trailhead can be found 11 miles north of Kalalau Valley at Ke’e Beach . Hikers must ascend and descend each and every cathedral cliff of the coast and traverse “crawler’s ledge” to enter this beautiful and remote valley.

From a distance, the Na Pali Coast looks like the massive talons of an island-sized dragon, and each of the talons reaches out into the ocean to create these cathedral cliffs. The cliffs create valleys, and the cliffs themselves are covered in crags, vegetation, and waterfalls. 

But there’s good news -- you don’t have to boat, helicopter or hike to the valley to see its beauty. You can drive to the Kalalau Lookout at the very end of the Waimea Canyon Road. 

The drive will take you past Waimea Canyon and through a small “town” known as Kokee. At 3,000 feet of elevation, Kokee can be chilly, so you might want to pack something warm to wear. Kokee is essentially a restaurant, open fields, tent camping sites and a collection of cabins. And the cabins can be reserved on the cheap with a two-night minimum stay.

Feel free to stop in Kokee to smell the abundant yellow ginger that wafts on the air. Continue your drive out of Kokee up more switchbacks. The road will narrow, and you’ll finally get to a sign that says Kalalau Valley Lookout near an observatory. Ignore this first lookout. Continue to drive.

Drive until the road completely ends. There will be no signs, but this is the bigger and better Kalalau Valley Lookout. You’ll walk up a small hill to a concrete lookout with railings, but the real thrill and the real views are on the valley’s edge. Just take extreme caution when walking up to the edge of the valley. It’s thousands of feet to the floor below.

Colors seem to be more vibrant in the valley. The blues are electric, the greens seem to glow and the red dirt looks like it’s been painted with a brush. The craggy valley walls are massive, the beach is a slash of white and the ocean shimmers in the distance. This, right here, could be the most impressive lookout in all of Hawaii. Just make sure to drive up here when it’s clear. You won’t be able to see 3,000 feet to the valley floor if there’s fog.

Polihale Beach

Take Kauai’s main highway south out of Lihue, do not turn down the Hall of Trees and stay on the road as it bends to the west. Stop in the town of Waimea at the Ishihara Market. Walk to the back of the market where you’ll find a deli and the island’s most delicious poke. You’ll have your choice as the deli preps a variety of poke daily, and you can’t go wrong. Order up some fresh seafood and save it for the beach.

Continue on the highway west out of town. The road will hug the ocean before turning back north along the west coast. Eventually, the road will run out of pavement and you’ll have to drive on a washboard dirt road for a few miles. Take it slow. Your rental car should make it. 

The dirt road will run alongside massive open farm fields with impossibly green crops. Off in the distance, you’ll begin to make out the southernmost cathedral cliff of the Na Pali Coast. Just behind that cliff sits the most beautiful place in all of Hawaii -- Kalalau Valley.

Keep driving on the dirt road until you come upon a massive monkeypod tree. It’s the first giant tree you’ll encounter here on the dry west coast. Under its canopy is a sign welcoming you to Polihale Beach Park. From here, you have two choices.

You can drive up the sandy hill to the beach park’s first pavilion, or you can continue down the dirt road where road conditions get worse. You’ll find more pullouts down the dirt road with each leading to another covered pavilion. These pavilions can be reserved and rented for the night.

The pavilions sit on hills that overlook the beach. You’ll have to climb down a steep dune to the water, and you may notice some tire tracks on the sand. You’re legally allowed to drive four-wheel-drive vehicles on the beach. If you’ve rented a 4WD vehicle, then let a little air out of your tires before hitting the sand. Full tires may spin in the soft white sand without traction.

The water here is crystal clear and the waves are huge. Look carefully into the oncoming waves to see dolphins, turtles and monk seals riding the surf. And this beach is absolutely perfect for whale watching between the months of January and March. You might even be lucky enough to see a rare instance of interspecies play where spinner dolphins swim onto the snouts of humpback whales only to be thrown into the air. And spinner dolphins always spin like footballs out of the water.

Take extreme caution when swimming at Polihale. There are no lifeguards, you’re miles from the nearest town and the surf can be violent. Carefully watch the waves before getting in. You may notice that they are breaking sideways into each other. This is a side current that can turn into a rip current. You can also fall victim to the undertow. It’s best to stay out of the water altogether, but, if you can’t help yourself, stay in the shallows.

Take out your poke from Ishihara Market and enjoy the sun setting over the towering island of Niihau off in the distance. Just drive back slowly. The dirt road becomes covered in nocturnal frogs after dark.

Ke’e Beach

Take the Kuhio Highway north out of Lihue past Princeville. Descend the cliff to Hanalei Bay and drive past the town. You’ll hit another one-land bridge as the road hugs the western side of the bay.

As you leave Hanalei, you’ll enter another world. The road hugs cliff edges take you past remote beaches and all the houses out here are built on stilts. You’ll drive over a series of one-lane bridges and each takes you over yet another stream pouring into the Pacific.

There’s no mistaking the landscape here at the end of the road. You are deep in the heart of a rainforest. When the canopy breaks, you can look inland to see towering waterfall-covered mountains as the road hugs yet another white sand beach.

You’ll eventually hit a hard corner. A mountain stream will pour over the road and you’ll have to slow down to cross the water. That’s when the first north shore cave will present itself. These caves are filled with water and seemingly go on forever. It’s a haunting place to take a picture.

You’ll pass yet another cave before the landscape opens up a bit. You’ll be shocked to find a farm so far away from civilization, but that farm is telling you that you’re close to the end of the road. The road will then dip under the canopy of a thick rainforest before ending at Ke’e Beach .

There is a small parking lot here at the end of the road, and you’ll want to get here early in the morning to secure a spot. On the southern side of the parking lot, you’ll see the trailhead to Kalalau Valley which sits 11 miles down the coast. Continue walking towards the lifeguard tower to the beach, and the beach is absolutely stunning.

The jungle seems to crawl right out into the ocean here at Ke’e Beach. Feral chickens peck at fallen coconuts with their chicks right on the sand. And the beach is pressed up against a massive cathedral cliff. That cliff side gives a sunset picture from Ke’e Beach some impressive scale. 

There’s a protective reef about 75 yards into the water, but the ocean can get up and over the reef when the surf is violent. If the water is calm, snorkel out to the reef to see an abundance of tropical fish. 

If you’re feeling up to it, like the first mile of the Kalalau Trail. You’ll ascend the first cathedral cliff of the Na Pali Coast. At the top of the cliff, you’ll be able to see down the indomitable coast to make out each and every cathedral cliff. It’s an awe-inspiring sight, and it’s the best way to see the Na Pali Coast on land. You’ll also get beautiful views of Ke’e Beach below.

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VOTED SEDONA’S #1 TOUR!

Experience one of the 7 wonders of the world

Hear stories, facts, and legends from your expert local guide, voted grand canyon's #1 tour, the grand canyon’s natural wonder is unlike anything on earth, and scenic sedona tours is your expert guide for this phenomenal experience. this complete tour offers style and comfort on your way to one of the seven wonders of the world., this is an all day tour departing from our office in sedona. along your journey you will make a 15 minute stop in flagstaff at kickstand kafe to stretch your legs, use the restroom..

I had an exceptional experience on the Scenic Sedona Tour that I wish to share! I was very impressed with the five-hour tour, an invaluable experience that I could not have otherwise received as an unescorted tourist in Sedona. The effects of the last years have rendered Sedona more challenging to explore. This tour not only offers a docent and a driver, museum level knowledgeable and inspired guides, it allows all members of the party to relax, learn and absorb its energy, without the rigors of limited parking and space. We were treated to the world class sites, including Chapel of the Holy Cross and vortex, Bell Rock, Courthouse Rock, Airport Rock, and Amitabha Stupa/vortex. I did the Perfect Sedona Tour which was an excellent length of time to see the beautiful sites of the amazing town of Sedona. Avery was a brilliant guide who was informative without being stuffy about the facts, he kep things on track and took me to one of the hidden gems of this town!

Best views, best guide Viator review: Unparalleled views; a warm caring guide who knew everything, including every local stop along the way and was able to improvise around weather and crowds We even had live music played for us; a comfy little bus with big windows. We loved it.

Great day, Great driver, Great experience. Viator review: Excellent experience to the Grand Canyon. Starting in Sedona we had a beautiful drive to Flagstaf then on to the Canyon. Al was a great driver with plenty of knowledge of the area. Very attentive and considerate of passengers. Was available yet felt like we were on our own. Great day at the Grand Canyon and Al set us up and let us go at our own pace and was waiting when we were finished. Much better than trying to go on our own, no worry of parking or driving and was able to enjoy the sights much more. Thanks for a great experience and would recommend to anyone wanting a more relaxing day.

Best Time Ever Tripadvisor review: Scenic Sedona Tours was an excellent choice to explore what Sedona has to offer. Tom took us to the highlights of Sedona and we didn’t have to drive ourselves. We were just able to enjoy the sights. Tom provided many extra details at each place. His skills and knowledge was outstanding; he also was a great driver. Treat yourselves to travel with Scenic Sedona Tours.

Scenic Sedona Tours Office

Located in the dragon’s den, crystals | magic | fresh apparel  , 2370 az-89a, unit #5, sedona, az 86336 safeway shopping center 1-800-408-0613, between two great breakfast spots: – cafe jose & sedonuts, free all-day parking.

All-day parking is available in the main lot. Please, park in the middle area of the shopping center, to assist shoppers. 

OTHER SEDONA HIGHLIGHTS

Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock  Scenic Byway  is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of  Sedona , Arizona. Definite must see with spectacular views and often referred to as a “museum without walls.”

This highly acclaimed National Scenic Byway, begins shortly after you exit #298 off Interstate 17 and has earned the distinction of being Arizona’s First All-American Road!

Thunder Mountain

Capitol Butte (6355′) is one of the highest summits in  Sedona with fantastic views.

This quartz filled conductive mountain is notorious for taking in numerous lightning strikes during thunderstorms. Starting point for several easy-to-moderate trails for hiking, bicycling & horseback riding.

MOVIE LOCATIONS

Hollywood filmed movies like Broken Arrow 1950, are filmed in Sedona.

Broken Arrow is a 1950 American Western film directed by Delmer Daves and starred James Stewart as Tom Jeffords and Jeff Chandler as Cochise. The film is based on these historical figures but fictionalizes their story in dramatized form. It was nominated for three Academy Award.

National Lampoon’s Vacation, sometimes referred to as Vacation, is a 1983 American road comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, and Christie Brinkley in her acting debut.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes. All Day Parking is available in the main lot. Please, park in the middle area of the shopping center, to assist shoppers. 

How do I make a Reservation & get my Ticket?

You can make a reservation on our website by clicking the Book Now buttons or 1-800-408-0613. Confirmation Email will be sent when you book. Just bring a valid ID on day of tour.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance of the tour date, will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour will not receive a refund.

Do you offer Hotel pickups?

We offer hotel pickup & dropoff for the 5 1/2 hour “The Perfect  Sedona Tour”, at all major hotels in Uptown Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and West Sedona.

Unfortunately we don’t offer hotel pickups for 2 hour Sedona Highlight Tour.

Do infants require car seats?

Yes. Feel free to bring car seats and/or boosters.

Can we bring snacks & drinks on the bus?

TOUR & CONTACTS

Tours start & finish:, scenic sedona tours, crystals | magick | fresh apparel, 2370 az-89a, unit #5, sedona, az 86336, safeway shopping center, between two great breakfast spots:, – cafe jose & sedonuts, all day parking is available in the main lot. please, park in the middle area of the shopping center, to assist shoppers. .

“1-800-408-0613”

[email protected]

VOTED #1 TOUR

We are so proud to be Voted Sedona’s #1 Best New Tour! This tour is designed to be truly be one of your best memories of Sedona. So, let’s have some fun discovering what makes “The Perfect Sedona”.

My husband and I will be in moscow and wanted to take a side trip..understand Vladimir & Suzdal is quite nice. Do you prefer that to Sergiev Posad? Do you know any agencies that provide group tours or private tours to Vladimir & Suzdal? I understand that Patriarshy Dom is not operating its group tour during this time. Please advise. Any information you have to share would be helpful.

Vladimir & Suzdal are close to each other. you can use vladimir as base and also visit suzdal.

I will give you some links ( sorry i am out on tour and can't do more research).

http://gotorussia.vand.ru/ ( this is a tour operator offering 1 day tour from moscow to Vladimir , Suzdal or both) there are also combo tours with sergiev Possad with any of the above towns.

In order to organize tours from Vladimir, there are 3 major sites where you will get infor about the tours operating from Vladimir, how to reach there etc.

1. http://www.tour.vladimir.ru

2. http://www.vladimir-city.ru ( official site)

3. http://www.museum.vladimir.ru ( my recommended site)

<< go to english version / select option "services" / tours & excursions

My sugestion would be to go to Vladimir by train from moscow in the evening, take rest and then join a full day tour of vladimir - suzdal and return at night or next day morning. The train takes 2-3 hrs. Details available at http://www.poezda.net ( in english) .You can even book online

Trains are clean and safe. Hotel Vladimir at Vladimir is ok. near the train station. you can find the contacts in google. ( book the tickets in advance.)

You can visit sergiev possad ( quite near to moscow) using the moscow based tour agency mentioned above. They offer day trips to Sergivev possad.

If you want to search the net further, go to http://www.yandex.ru ( russian website) and type in "vladimir tour" or "suzdal tour" in ENGLISH. This will give you many sites with english option

have a nice trip

will you consider a DIY trip?

from moscow to vladimir take a long-distance train or a suburban (electrichek) train from kursky station. there are several in the daytime/early evening. certain long-distance trains are faster and can arrive in 2 hours. suburbans take 3 hrs. probably less complicated to buy suburban ticket than one of a long-distance train (where you need passport, specify what type of seat, which train number...) and also cheaper

once in vladimir you can walk around for 1-2 hours or even have your dinner there. then take a bus (avtobus) at the bus station just up a slope from the train station. the bus runs every 30-60mins till late. i took the one around 8-9pm. and the evening buses go directly into city centre of suzdal. the trip is about 40-60mins

the tricky part is if you reserve your accomodation in suzdal with a guesthouse/B&B, it may not be easy to locate. the one i had booked did not have a sign hanging at the door. i walked around for about an hour and at last had to find a local to talk to my host over phone and then she kindly led me to the right wooden house

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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