Author: Elle MacRae

Categories
Caribbean Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

Free Things to do in St. Thomas

Magens Bay
Magens Bay

Visiting St. Thomas doesn’t have to be expensive!  There are a few free things to do in St. Thomas. Like most Caribbean islands, there are endless opportunities to bask in the sunshine, splash in the sea, and enjoy the great outdoors.  But, there is more to St. Thomas than just beaches, the island is full of charm, Danish colonial architecture, and pirate folklore.

St. Thomas is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.  Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors step foot on the island (about 2 million of those arrive via cruise ship!).

Free Things to do in St. Thomas, USVI

Hit the Beach

Obviously one of the best free things to do in St. Thomas is hit the beach.  I mean…that’s why most of us visit the Caribbean, right?    St. Thomas is home to some absolutely incredible beaches including the world-renowned Magen’s Bay.  Magen’s Bay is often dubbed as one of the Top Ten Beaches in the Caribbean.  

There are loads of other great beaches on the island, as well.  In fact, St. Thomas has over 40 beaches just waiting to be explored!

Free beaches include Smith Bay Beach (also known as Lindquist Beach), Hull Bay Beach, and Coki Beach.

Drake's Seat

While there’s not much to do here, it is worth a stop if you are on your way to Magen’s Bay.  This vantage point, where Sir Francis Drake allegedly kept a look out for enemy ships, offers superb panoramic views of the Virgin Islands.  From this spot, you can see the spot where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

The view from Drake's Seat

99 Steps

The 99 Steps is one of the most visited landmarks in St. Thomas.  The famous staircase is one of the several “step-streets” built by the Danes to help them navigate the island’s hilly terrain.  The bricks used to construct the steps were once used as ballasts in the holds of trade ships that came over from Denmark.  Visitors can walk to the top of the 99 (err…it’s actually 103…) steps to discover a stairway leading to Blackbeard’s castle.

Main Street

St. Thomas is known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean.  Main Street (also known by its Danish name Dronningens Gade) is where you’ll find everything from souvenirs, perfume, designer clothes, and jewelry.  While shopping obviously costs money, it’s free to window shop.

Inexpensive Things to do in St. Thomas

If you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks, there are more fun, yet inexpensive things to do in St. Thomas.  For instance, we love taking the Skyride to Paradise Point (about $25/adult) to grab lunch, some drinks and enjoy the view.  

You can also island hop for a bargain!  Grab the Red Hook Ferry from St. Thomas to St. John ($6/each way).  It’ll cost you about $6 to grab a cab from the ferry terminal to Trunk Bay (one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world).  Purchase a day pass for $5. 

While you’re on St. John, spend some time at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins before heading back to St. Thomas.

Plan an Excursion

Since most visitors arrive via cruise ship, we thought we’d share another option.  Often times, you can book an excursion through a third party for cheaper than you can book it through the cruise ship.  

Let us Help You Plan Your Trip!

Save our Free Things to do in St. Thomas

For future reference, be sure to save our Free Things to do in St. Thomas.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

While you’re in St. Thomas, we suggest checking out the Skyride to Paradise Point and checking out one of the beaches.  Check out our list of the 5 Best Beaches in St. Thomas and our guide on How to Get to Magen’s Bay without a Cruise Excursion.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Cruise Travel

Easy-to-Use Printable Cruising Duck Tags

Have you heard that we just launched a new line of cruising duck tags?  One of the most popular trends on cruise ships is searching for hidden rubber ducks.  The rubber ducks can be hidden in most spots around the ship.  It’s a fun way to explore parts of the ship that you may not normally visit.  

The trend is pretty simple: people bring rubber ducks onboard the ship with them.  They often stick a tag on them indicating who hid the duck and sometimes asking that you post a photo of the duck in a Facebook group.  Once their duck is tagged and ready to go, they hide it somewhere on the ship. When a duck is located, the finder must decide: do they keep the duck or do they re-hide it for someone else to find?

No one really knows why or when this trend started, but our kids sure are glad that it did!   And actually, this isn’t just a kids game.  Grown-ups love it, too!  There’s even Cruising Duck Facebook Page, with more than 175,000 followers!

 

Cruising Duck Guidelines

There are some general guidelines to joining in on the fun:

  • Hide the duck in public areas  or in your stateroom for the next guest to find.
  • Do not hide ducks in the pools…that’s way too cliché.
  • Hiding ducks in the shops is a no-no.
  • Avoid hiding the ducks in places that may get a strong gust of wind.  Plastic and the ocean don’t get along very well.
  • Keep in mind kids are also looking, so keep your tags PG.

The Best Spots to Hide Your Cruising Ducks

People get wildly creative when hiding their cruising ducks.  You’ll find the little quackers hiding in greenery, adorning a light fixture, peeking around the edge of a decorative column, or taking a leisurely ride in the elevator. You may even find one peeking out of the coin tray in a slot machine or next to the ice cream machine!  Many cruisers hide them near the kids club for little ones to find them.

Our kids like to hide their ducks in stairwells, the arcade, window sills, and on the lounge chairs.

Our Cruising Duck Tag Collection

We launched our very own collection of cruising duck tags.  Our collection features dozens of fun, vibrant, and colorful designs.  

We offer two different options for our tags:

The easiest option is our printable tags.  These digital downloads were designed to be quick and easy to use.  Simply purchase your favorite design(s), download them to your computer and print them off on paper or cardstock.  Then, use a holepunch to pierce a hole in the corner and attach the cruising duck tag to your duck with string.  It’s as simple as that!  Although these tags aren’t personalized, the pack offers more than one design in the cruising duck pack.

The other option is a little more fun and adds a personal touch to your tags.  If you purchase one of our editable tags, you can use a free Canva account to personalize the tag with your family name, hometown, cruise ship information, and sailing date.  You can also edit the color of the text and the font!  Once you’ve tweaked the tag to your liking, print it off on paper or cardstock.  Then, use a holepunch to pierce a hole in the corner and attach the cruising duck tag to your duck with string.

Visit Our Shop

Our cruising duck tags include themes such as:

  • Holidays
  • Beach
  • Tropical Flowers
  • Polka Dots
  • Pride
  • USA
  • 80s
  • 90s
  • Nautical
  • Palm trees
  • Bachelorette
  • Party
  • and more!

Other Cruise Printables

Our shop also features:

  • Kids cruise journal and activities pack
  • Kids cruise countdown coloring sheets
  • Cruise scavenger hunt

Soon we’ll also be launching our collection of printable banners and more easy-to-use cruise printables.

Save Our Cruising Duck Tags for Your Next Cruise!

For future reference, be sure to save tips on visiting the National Museum of Natural History.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a cruise, check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise.  Browse our page to read about popular cruise destinations such as Nassau, St. Thomas, Mexico, Belize, Amber Cove, and more!  

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
United States Washington DC

Touring the Library of Congress- the World’s Largest Library

Library of Congress Exterior

The Library of Congress prides itself on being the largest library in the world. It serves as the main research hub for the U.S. Congress.   The library has a collection of over 158 million books, films, videos, audio recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts.  The library holds materials from all over the world and in more than 470 languages!

The interior of the building is jaw-dropping.  The building was designed to show that America was (and still is) a powerhouse in science, literature, and the arts- subjects that have been dominated by European countries for hundreds of years.  However, art featured in and on the building is meant to celebrate human achievement- not just American achievements.  One of the most splendid examples of this grandeur is the building’s dome, which is topped with the “Torch of Learning” and plated in 23-carat gold.

History of the Library of Congress

Until 1800, Congress held sessions in both New York City and Philadelphia before moving to Washington, DC.  In both of these cities, Congressmen had access to the impressive collections at the New York Society Library and the Library Company of Philadelphia.    In comparison, the original DC library, which was housed in the U.S. Capitol, was much more limited.

During the War of 1812, the British defeated American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg.  That evening, British forces set fire to multiple government buildings including the White House and the Capitol Building.  

In 1815, the efforts began to restore the collection.  The library purchased Thomas Jefferson’s entire personal collection of 6,487 books- many of which are on display at the Library of Congress. Some of the books were damaged in another fire, which took place in 1851.

We’ll discuss this collection a little more in a section below.

Thomas Jefferson collect at the Library of Congress

Following the Civil War, efforts to beef up the library continued.  The library received the right of transference of all copyrighted works to deposit two copies of books, maps, illustrations, and diagrams printed in the US.  

Can't Miss Exhibits at the Library of Congress

Thomas Jefferson's Library

Thomas Jefferson collect at the Library of Congress

Within a month of the  British burning down the US Library during the War of 1812, Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his personal Library.  Jefferson had spent the better part of 50 years collecting a wide variety of books in several languages.  These books were about philosophy, history, law, religion, architecture, natural sciences, mathematics, classical studies, modern inventions, music, meteorology, and more.  He even had cookbooks in his library!

Jefferson grouped his collection into three main categories: Memory, Reason, and Imagination.  

The Bible Collection

Even if you aren’t a religious person, you should definitely check out the Bible collection.  The collection features a rare, perfect copy of the Giant Bible of Mainz, the last handwritten bible before the print press was invented.  If you look closely, you can see lines drawn across the pages by scribes to ensure their lines were perfectly straight.

You can also view the Gutenberg Bible, which was the first Bible printed using the printing press.

The Gutenberg Bible- Library of Congress

The Main Reading Room

Okay, so technically this isn’t an exhibit, but it certainly attracts visitors like it is!  Visitors swarm the second floor overlook to look down onto the Main Reading Room.  

Surrounding Reading Room you’ll spot bronze statues.  These depict men who have made a significant global impact on knowledge.  The statues are:

  • Religion: Saint Paul the Apostle (a leader of the first generation of Christians) and Moses (Hebrew prophet, teacher, and leader)
  • Commerce: Christopher Columbus (explorer and navigator who “discovered” the Americas and enabled European colonization of the “New World”) and Robert Fulton (American engineer and inventor of the steam-powered engine)
  • History: Edward Gibbon (author of The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire) and Herodotus (Greek author of the first great narrative history produced in the ancient world, the History of the Greco-Persian Wars)
  • Art: Ludwig van Beethoven (world-renowned German composer and musician) and Michelangelo (Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet)
  • Philosophy: Plato (Ancient Greek philosopher) and Francis Bacon (British lawyer, statesman, and philosopher- not the inventor of bacon)
  • Poetry: William Shakespeare (English poet, dramatist, and actor) and Homer (the author of the Illiad and Odyssey)
  • Law: Solon (Athenian statesmen) and James Kent (helped shaped common laws of both the new United States and England)
  • Science: Sir Isaac Newton (English physicist and mathematician) and Joseph Henry (American scientist ho served as the first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution)

At the apex of the dome, there are twelve figures that represent the various cultures that have contributed to universal knowledge.

  • Egypt represents Written Records
  • Judea represents Religion
  • Greece represents Philosophy
  • Rome represents Administration
  • Islam represents Physics
  • The Middle Ages represent Modern Languages
  • Italy represents Fine Arts
  • Germany represents the Art of Printing
  • Spain represents Discovery
  • England represents Literature
  • France represents Emancipation
  • America represents Science

How to Get a Tour of the Library of Congress

Guided tours are currently suspended but you can do a self-guided tour.

All visitors must reserve a timed-entry pass in order to access the building.  The passes are free and can be reserved up to 30 days in advance.

Parties of 19 or fewer can reserve a timed entry pass here. 

Parties of 20 people or more must request passes by filling out this form.

Many people also visit the Library of Congress to conduct research.   Learn more about resources available to researchers and registering for a Reader Identification Card. 

Best Time to Visit

The Library of Congress is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm.  They are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.  

The busiest time to visit the Library of Congress is during the lunch hours, especially on weekdays.  The best time to visit is in the late afternoons.

Getting to the Library of Congress

Address: 10 First Street, SE, Washington, DC 20540

We recommend accessing the Library of Congress via Metro.  

The closest Metro is Capitol South (Orange/Silver/Blue), which is just a 5-minute walk. The other is Union Station (Red), which is a 15-minute walk.

If you’re visiting the U.S. Capitol Building first, you can access the Library of Congress through an underground tunnel and avoid going through security twice.

What is there to do nearby?

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Categories
Florida Florida State Parks Orange City State Parks United States

How to See Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Seeing manatees at Blue Spring State Park is high on many people’s bucket list.  If it’s not on yours, it most definitely should be!  Seeing manatees at Blue Spring State Park is such an amazing and unique experience.  In this post, we’ll give you all of our best tips for making sure you spot these gentle giants during your visit!

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

6 Tips for Seeing Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Plan on visiting during the cold months.  On cold days, manatees leave the river and head to the springs where the water temperature is warmer.  The springs maintain a consistent year-round temperature of 72 degrees.  

Consider visiting on a weekday. Even during the winter, the springs get pretty packed.  The manatees at Blue Spring State Park are pretty popular!  If you visit during the week, it’ll be a lot less crowded, which not only makes getting into the park easier, but it also makes viewing them a little more enjoyable.  If you go on a weekend, you might feel rushed.

Check Facebook.  Each morning, an employee hops in a kayak and counts how many manatees there are in the spring run.  Then, the staff posts the number of the Blue Spring State Park Facebook Page.  The number can range anywhere from 0 to hundreds of manatees.  At the time of publication, the highest number of manatees counted in the run was 729 on 1/17/23.  We visited just 2 days before and saw 625 manatees!

My rule of thumb for this is, if the weather has been cool for a couple of days, it’s a pretty safe bet that there will be several manatees in the run.  I check the numbers the day before and plan my trip for the next day.

Get there early.  Honestly, if you wait until they post the number of manatees on Facebook, you may end up getting there too late.  People drive from all over to get a glimpse of the manatees and the park often reaches capacity by 10:00 (sometimes earlier).  Plan on getting to the park close to 8 am (when it opens).  Once all of the parking spots are filled up, the parks moves to a one out, one in system.  

Let Your Eyes Adjust.  Once you get to the park, it may take a moment for you to spot the manatees.  Their grayish color allows them to blend into their surroundings or the shadows.  Your best bet is to look in the areas where the sun is hitting the water.

Manatees come up for air every 5 minutes.  You’ll see them slowly start to surface, stick their adorable little noses out of the water and take a breath before going back under.

Often times, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of manatees playing near fallen trees.

Go beyond the dock. Most people go out on to the metal dock that is closest to the parking lot and picnic area.  Following the boardwalk to the left, heading towards the river, to scope out other vantage points.  You can even head down to the kayak launch to try to get a glimpse of the gentle giants.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, Blue Spring State Park is equally as magically during the summer!  It’s one of our favorite swimming holes here in Florida.  The natural lazy river is perfect for floating on a humid summer day.

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
United States Washington DC

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History: A Must See in DC!

Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is the world’s most popular natural history museum.  The museum, which is larger than 18 football fields, is located in the heart of the National Mall and is definitely worth a visit.  The museum follows the journey of the Earth and the life that inhabits it over the course of billions of years.  The museum is home to the largest natural history collection in the world.  

History of the National Museum of Natural History

The United States National Museum was founded in 1846 and was initial housed in what is today known as the Smithsonian Castle.  The museum’s collection quickly outgrew it’s space and a new museum, now the Arts and Industries Building, was constructed to house the specimens.

Congress authorized the construction of the current building in 1902.  When the current museum opened in 1910 it was one of the first Smithsonian buildings built to both hold collections and serve as a research facility.

Today, the museum holds over 145 million specimens of fossils, rocks, minerals, meteorites, human remains, cultural artifacts, plants, and animals.  It is the largest natural history collection in the world.  

National Museum of Natural History

Highlights of the National Museum of Natural History

Hall of Human Origins

This 15,000-square-foot gallery offers scientific evidence of human origins and evolution over the past 6 million years.  It explores how we have evolved the unique traits that distinguish humans from other species.  These include: the ability to walk upright, using tools, our large brains, and our use of symbols and language.

Things to Do:

  • Compare five touchable early human skulls to discover how the size and shape of our brain, skulls, and faces have evolved over millions of years.
  • Visit a “morphing station” to find out what you’d look like as an early human.
  • Explore Stone Age art, music, and jewelry from around the globe.

National Fossil Hall: Deep Time

The fossil hall invites you to explore how Earth’s past is connected to the present and helps forecast the future.  Get up close and personal with 700 fossils and discover how human actions have changed climate.  It makes think about the impact that YOU have on the planet.

Deep Time’s journey starts 4.6-billion years ago and ends in the future.  This exhibit is perfect for dinosaur lovers and aspiring scientists alike!  

Be sure to allot plenty of time to explore this impressive collection of complete fossils.  Including T-Rex, Triceratops, and a Wooly Mammoth.  

Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Sant Ocean Hall

Explore the ocean from the shore, to the shallows, all the way down to the deepest depths of the ocean.  This fascinating exhibit also takes you back in time to 3.8 billion years ago when the oceans were formed.  

The Sant Ocean Hall contains life-sized models like Phoenix, a North Atlantic Right Whale that scientists have been tracking since her birth in 1987.

Things to Do:

  • Snap a selfie with the gigantic fossilized jaws of a megalodon that lived between 2.6 and 23 million years ago.
  • Watch an impressive video presentation of global ocean data projected on a massive sphere.
  • Search for 20+ different species living in the Indo-Pacific coral reef.
Megalodon fossil, Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Gem Collection

The Mineral Rainbow- Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

This is one of our favorite exhibits in the museum!  Explore gem and minerals of every shape, size, and color of the rainbow!  You can even touch a real meteorite and learn about how they bring minerals to Earth.

Don’t miss the Harry Winston Gallery where you can see how some of these impressive gems are cut and set to form some of the most impressive jewelry you’ll ever set your eyes upon- including The Hope Diamond.

Things to Do:

  • Touch a real meteorite!
  • See lava and ash samples from three famous volcanoes.
  • View the 168-carat Mackay emerald and diamond necklace.
  • Gaze at the massive Carmen Lucia ruby, one of the largest rubies ever found.
  • Explore the Harry Winston Gallery and see the world-famous 45.5-carat blue diamond known as The Hope Diamond.
  • Step into the Mine Gallery and walk through a reproduction of four real American mines.
  • Try the “Make an Impact” interactive meteorite display.  Choose your meteorite size, speed, and other characteristics to see how big of an impression your meteorite can make!
The Gem Gallery- Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

Egyptian Mummies

Enter a Mummy’s tomb and learn how for 3,000 years ancient Egyptians embalmed, preserved, and entombed the dead with materials they would need in the afterlife.  

This impressive exhibit includes 3 human and 16 animal mummies, as well as pottery vessels, jewelry, tools, and other offerings excavated from Egyptian tombs.  

Things to Do:

  • Egyptians believed death marked the journey to eternal life.  Follow the journey of a young woman named Tentkhonsu through the intricate paintings covering her 3,o00-year-old coffin.
  • Explore the touchscreen interactive exhibit called “Mummies Unwrapped” to learn all about the steps of mummifications.

Visiting the National Museum of Natural History

The museum is located on the National Mall between 10th St. and Constitution Ave.

The nearest metro stops are Smithsonian or Federal Triangle

The museum is open from 10 am until 5:30 daily, except for Christmas Day.

Admission to the museum is free.

FAQ About the National Museum of Natural History

Is the National Museum of Natural History free?

Yes, entrance to the museum is completely free.

 

What can you see in the National Museum of Natural History?

  • Egyptian mummies
  • A massive collection of gems and minerals including The Hope Diamond
  • Fossils including T-Rex, Triceratops, and Megalodon
  • A model of a North Atlantic right whale that scientists have been tracking since her birth
  • Meteorites from space

Save Our Tips on Visiting the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

For future reference, be sure to save tips on visiting the National Museum of Natural History.   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, be sure to check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC.  You can also learn how to visit the White House.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
Florida Orlando SeaWorld Orlando United States

Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld

Antarctica Empire of the Penguins at SeaWorld Orlando

Foods and families alike will love the annual Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando!  The event takes place each year and features global cuisine and drink pairings that will blow your mind.  The Seven Seas Food Festival includes rock, country, Latin, and throwback concerts at special times such as Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo.  The event is included in your ticket price, however, there are upgrades available to help you enjoy the total experience.

Seven Seas Food Festival 2024

The event takes place on select dates between February 2, 2024 and May 19, 2024.  It overlaps some of the biggest party holidays including, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Cinco de Mayo.

Visitors can choose from over 200 food and drink options including 50+ unique food choices, 75+ craft beers, and 75+ wine and cocktail selections.  These flavors are expertly paired to offer your palate a tantalizing experience.

Culinary Marketplace Hours

Thursdays and Fridays: 11:00 a.m. – Park Close
Saturdays and Sundays: 11:00 a.m. – Park Close

 

The Seven Seas Food Festival is set up going around the lagoon.  28 different stops wrap around the lagoon from the entrance way to the Glacier Bar.  If you work your way around the lagoon, you’ll end your visit near the performance space.  

Seven Seas Food Festival Food and Drink Menu- 2024

The below menu is in number order starting at #1 and ending at #24.  The foods in bold are the ones we tried and have rated.

1. Flamecraft Bar

Features 13 rotating draught beers. 

Specialty Cocktails:
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri (Flor de Cana Rum, Strawberry)
Frozen Pina Colada (Flor de Cana Rum, Coconut
Frozen) Orlando Vice (Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri)

 

2. Smugglers

Craft Brews:
Cloud Chaser by Crooked Can Brewery (Winter Garden, Florida)
Two Hearted IPA by Bells (Kalamazoo, Michigan)

Wines:
Moscato (Ca Montebello, Italy)
Riesling (Fulkerson Winery, New York)

3. Caribbean Moonshine Tasting

Specialty Cocktails:
Marmalade Mayhem
Cat 5 Coconut
Passionfruit Prohibition
Banana Breeze
PB&C Cannonball

4. Café De Mar

Food:  
Whiskey Maple Hog- Cinnamon roll with bacon and a whiskey glaze

Specialty Cocktails:
Frozen Orlando Vice (Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri)
Strawberry Daiquiri 
Piña Colada

Wines:
Peach Moscato (New Jersey)
Sangue di Giuda (Italy)

5. French Market

Food:

Duck Confit- served with Tabais Bean
Escargot- Garlic butter, Crostini

Dessert:
Mini Creme Brulee- Rich Vanilla Custard, Caramelized Sugar

Wines:
Bordeaux Rouge-Comtesse de Malet Roquefort, France
Sparkling Wine Cremant de Loire Brut- J. de Villebois, France

6. All-American Market

Food:  
Cannonball Chicken Wings- Tossed in Cannonball BBQ Sauce
Lobster Mac & Cheese- Sharp cheddar mac and cheese, lobster, crispy shallot, green onion
Fried Pickles- Served with a Texas Petal Sauce

Craft Brews:
Veteran’s Pride APA- Wop’s Hops Brewing
Yuengling Lager

Specialty Cocktails: 
Strawberry Whiskey Smash (Jim Beam, Strawberry)

7. Polynesian Market

Food:
Lamb Ribs- roasted lamb served with Hawaiian Slaw, sesame seeds, pickle red onion and a BBQ sweet & sour sauce (GF)
Ahi Tuna Poke Nachos- Tortilla chips, wakame, furikake, spicy aioli, toasted sesame oil

Craft Brews:
Big Wave Golden Ale (Kona Brewing Co., Kailuna-Kona, Hawaii)

Specialty Cocktails:
Frozen Polynesian Summer (Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum, coconut cream, mango, pineapple)

8. North Atlantic Market

Food:
Classic Lobster Roll- Brioche, tender butter lettuce, garnished with micro celery
Prince Edwards Island Shrimp Fritters- PEI shrimp, succotash, fermented spicy aioli
Fish & Chips- fried cod, sidewinder fries, tartar sauce
Boston Cream Pie- Vanilla Pastry Creme, Chocolate

Craft Brews: 
Liberty Limeade 

Specialty Cocktail: 
Moose Juice (Canadian Club whisky, raspberry, cranberry, lemonade)

9. Coaster Cocktails

Specialty Drinks:

Pipeline (Henricks gin, Tito’s vodka, Bacardi rum, peach schnapps, orange juice, pineapple, grenadine)
Kraken (Tito’s vodka, Midori, green apple, pineapple juice) Mako (Milagro tequila, pineapple, blueberry, lime sour)
Ice Breaker (Spiced rum, passion fruit, lemonade, Sprite)
Penguin Trek (Non-Alcoholic) (Sprite, Blue Raspberry, Garnish with Silver Edible Glitter)

 

10. Sweet Sips

Food: 
Raz Dazzle Cupcake- Vanilla cupcake, raspberry filling, vanilla frosting, raspberry
Coco Loco Cupcake- Chocolate cupcake, chocolate filling, chocolate frosting, chocolate hard shell
Island Dream Cupcake- Pineapple cupcake, Malibu frosting
Orange Bliss Cupcake- Orange cupcake, Grand Marnier frosting
Passionate Cupcake– Passionfruit Cupcake, Passion Liqueur, Peach Schnapps Mousse, White Chocolate Straw)

Wines:

Riesling White Wine (Chateau Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Washington)
Peach Moscato Fruit Wine (Tomasello Winery, Hammonton, New Jersey)
Moscato d’Asti Sparkling Wine (Risata Wines, Piedmont, Italy)
Sangue di Giuda (Ca Montebello, Oltrepò Pavese, Italy)

 

Palermo Fontina Cheese Meatballs- Seven Seas Food Festival SeaWorld Orlando

11. Italian Market

Food:
Palermo Fontina Cheese Meatballs- Homemade meatballs with Fontina cheese and fresh herbs in Pomodoro sauce garnished with Garlic panzito
Mini Calzone- Ricotta, mozzarella, house made marinara sauce
Italian Cannoli- Mascarpone vanilla cream, cherry and pistachio crumbs

Craft Brews: 
Va Bene Italian Pilsner (Ivanhoe Park Brewing) 

Wine:
Pinot Grigio- Gabbiano, Italy
Chianti– Da Vinci, Tuscany

12. Italian Wine Tasting

Smooth Red Blend- Roscata, Italy
Tre Red Blend- Brancaia, Italy
Sweet Rose- Sonoroso, Italy
Sweet White- Sonoroso, Italy

12. España

Wine:
Cava Brut (Bodegas Pazo De Villarei, Valencia, Spain)
Abadia Do Seixo (Bodegas Pazo De Villarei, Rias Baixas, Spain)
Vendimia Seleccionada (Vega Del Rayo, Rioja, Spain)
Cermeno Vedimia Seleccionada (Covitoro Bodegas, Toro, Spain)

13. Sweet & Sour

Specialty Cocktails:

Jalapeño Margarita (Jalapeño tequila, Triple Sec, lime sour)
Strawberry Margarita (Rock N Roll strawberry tequila, Triple Sec, strawberry lime sour)
Watermelon Margarita (Milagro Tequila, Triple Sec, watermelon, lime sour)
Mango Margarita (Milagro Tequila, Triple Sec, Mango, Lime Sour)

14. Irish Market

Food:
Bangers and Mash- Guinness Sausage, Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Gravy
St. Patrick’s Day Nachos- Crispy Potato Chips, Corned Beef, Cheese, Red Cabbage
Jameson Donut- Chocolate Jameson Mousse, Chocolate Icing, Candy Orange

Craft Brews:
Guinness Draught (Guinness Brewery, Dublin, Ireland)
Strongbow Cider

Specialty Cocktails:
Irish Cold brew Latte (Jameson Cold Brew, coffee, cream, simple syrup)

15. Mediterranean Market

Food:

Walking Gyros- Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Tzatziki Sauce
Moroccan Grilled Lamb Chop- Boursin whipped mashed potatoes served with tzatziki sauce, micro celery garnish (GF)
Baklava- Flaky filo dough layered with honey drenched walnuts (Vegetarian)

 Specialty Cocktails:

Mediterranean Sangria (Red sangria, red wine, cranberry juice, orange juice, lime)

Wine:
Akakies Sparkling Rose (Kir-Yianni, Greece)
Assyrtiko (Mylonas Winery, Greece)

16. Indian Market

Food:

Garlic Naan with Chickpea Curry- Tomato Cream Stew, Peas, Chutney
Chicken Tikka Masala- Tomato Cream Sauce, Peppers, Jasmine Rise

Dessert:

Jalebi- Indian Funnel Cake with Wildflower Honey

Beer:

Kingfisher Premium Lager

Cocktail: 

Mango Mojito- Bacardi Light Rum, Mango, Lime, Mint

17. Asian Market

Food:
Tempura Battered Sushi- California Roll, Deep Fried, topped with Masago, Eel Sauce
Deep Fried Dumpling- Asian vegetables served atop Ponzu sauce (Vegetarian)
Bing Su- Salted caramel ice cream topped with caramel popcorn and caramel

Craft Brews:
Asahi (Asahi Brewery, Osaka, Japan)

Specialty Cocktails:
Elderflower Mule (Tito’s Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, Ginger Beer, Lime)

Wine:
Shimizu-No-Mai Pure Snow Sake (Takashimizu Brewery, Akita, Japan)
Kobai Plum Wine (Gekkeikan, Kyoto, Japan)

18. Waterway Bar

Food:
Penguin Pretzel

Craft Brews:  
Featuring 12 rotating draught beers

Specialty Cocktails:
Frozen Jack & Coke
Frozen Pina Colada 
Frozen Lime Margarita

Wine:

Chardonnay (Juggernaut, Sonoma Coast)

19. Mama's Pretzel Kitchen

Featuring 8 rotating draught beers.

20. German Market

Food:  
Bratwurst- Smoked bacon and cheddar brat, pretzel bun, sauerkraut served with beer infused cheese
Footlong Pretzel on a Stick- Choice of: chocolate, sprinkles or cinnamon sugar (Vegetarian)

Specialty Cocktails:
German Blood Orange Mule (Monkey 47 Gin, Blood Orange Ginger Beer, Orange Slice)
Sparkling Strawberry Punch Mocktail (Sparkling spritzer, strawberry)

Wine:
R Riesling (August Kesseler, Germany)

21. Beer Graden

Craft Beer:
Golden Road Mango Cart
Kona Hanalei
Blond Belle Isle- Brewlando
Wicked Weed Burst Sour Strawberry Kiwi
Hazzle Little Thing- Sierra Nevada
Island Beats Tropical IPA- Lagunitas Brewing

Wine:
The Stag (St. Huberts, Paso Robles)

22. Gulf Coast Market

Food:
Cajun Shrimp and Grits- Cheddar stone grits, royal red shrimp, andouille sausage, roasted tomatoes, green peas
Boudin Balls- Cajun Rice Balls with Ground Pork & Chicken, Remoulade Sauce
Beignets- Cinnamon sugar, Whipped Cream

Craft Brews:
Purple Haze (Abita Brewing Co., Covington, Louisiana)

Specialty Cocktails:
Hurricane (Bacardi Dark Rum, passion fruit, orange and lime juices)

 

23. Mexican Market

Food:

Taco al Pastor- Mazina tortilla, chipotle ancho adobo chicken, grilled pineapple nappa cabbage, onion, and cilantro
Mexican Street Corn- Queso fresco with cilantro avocado crema garnished with tajin (GF, Vegetarian)
Dulce de Leche Mini Cake– Sweet Moist Milky Cake with Caramel

Craft Brews:
Modelo Especial (Grupo Modelo Brewery, Mexico City, Mexico)

Specialty Cocktails:
Frozen Pitaya Punch (Bacardi Rum, Triple Sec, dragon fruit, cranberry, lime)

24. Glacier Bar

Food:
Seven Seas Bougie Donut- Strawberry cheesecake filling, strawberry buttercream, brown sugar crumble

Craft Brews:
Featuring 6 rotating draught beers

Specialty Cocktails:
Spicy Piña Margarita (Milagro Tequila, spicy pineapple, lime sour)
Sparkling Mojito (Flor De Caña silver rum, club soda, mint)

Wine:
Bin No. 27 Port (Fonseca, Portugal)

Picanha Steak- Seven Seas Food Festival SeaWorld Orlando

25. Brazilian Market

Food:
Picanha Steak – Cilantro chimichurri, three bean salad (GF)
Pão De Queijo- Brazilian cheese bread, Guava Dipping Sauce
Galinhada- Marinated Chicken Thigh, Saffron Rice

Craft Brews:
Easy Fridays Lager (Hidden Springs Ale Works)

Specialty Cocktails: 
Frozen Guava Mint Caipirinha (Cachaca, guava, mint, coconut water, lime juice)

Wine:
Reserva Malbec (Don Genaro, Mendoza, Argentina)

26. Half Pipe Pavillion

Peach Lemonade (non-alcoholic) Peach Puree, Lemonade
Tito’s Lemonade– Tito’s Vodka, Lemonade, Basil
Cucumber Mint Lemonade- Tito’s Vodka, Lemonade, Cucumber, Mint
Strawberry Lemonade- Tito’s Vodka, Lemonade, Strawberry

27. Caribbean Market

Food:
Smoked Jerk Chicken Slider-  smoked chicken on a brioche bun with pineapple slaw and cilantro
Mojo Pork Tostones– Cilantro Garlic Sauce, Pickled Onion
Rum Cake- Topped with Whipped Cream

Craft Brews:
Cerveza Palma 

Specialty Cocktails:
Coconut Mojito- Bacardi Light Rum, Coconut, Lime, Mint
Caribbean Sunset- non-alcoholic (orange, lemonade, Sprite, grenadine)

28. Veggie Market

Food:

Veg’d Out Sandwich- Soybean Chicken Patty, Brioche Bun, Green Goddess Sauce, Arugula, Tomato
Taco ‘Bout It– Plant Based Chorizo, Pico de Gallo, Lettuce, Crema
Lil Fruit Tart– Lime, Mango, Dairy-Free Custard, Lavender

Cocktails:
Strawberry Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)- Lemonade, Strawberry

Wines:

Pinot Noir 
Sauvignon Blanc

Sampler Lanyard

If you’d like to try several different food and drinks, you may want to consider purchasing a sampler lanyard.  You can save up to 40% with a 10 sample lanyard or up to 50% with a 15 sample lanyard.  

10 sample lanyards cost $70 each and $15 sample lanyards cost $85 each.  Lanyards can be shared by multiple people.

Hanson at Seven Seas Food Festival, 2023 SeaWorld Orlando

2024 Concert Line Up for the Seven Seas Food Festival

  • February 3- Kool & the Gang
  • February 4- Josh Turner
  • February 17- Gente de Zona
  • February 24- Hanson
  • February 25- Newsboys
  • March 2- Gloria Gaynor
  • March 3- Night Ranger
  • March 16- Corey Kent
  • March 23- Blood, Sweat, & Tears
  • March 24- Warrant
  • March 30- Natalie Grant
  • March 31- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  • April 6- Grupo Niche
  • April 7- Owl City
  • April 13- Hoobastank
  • April 14- Chris Janson
  • April 20- Gavin DeGraw
  • April 21- Jason Derulo
  • April 27- Chris Lane
  • April 28- Ludacris
  • May 4- Relient K
  • May 5- To Be Announced
  • May 11- To Be Announced
  • May 12- All-4-One
  • May 18- To Be Announced
  • May 19- To Be Announced 



    You can purchase reserved seating on the SeaWorld Orlando website if want to ensure decent seats for the show

    The concert lineup for the Seven Seas Food Festival is slowly trickling out.  This list will be updated as more acts are announced.

Special Events

Mardi Gras

  • SELECT DATES, FEB. 8 – 18

    • POP-UP PARADE – The Wild Arctic Plaza will come to life as entertainers, bead captains, stilt walkers, and musicians bring the Mardi Gras spirit to SeaWorld during this special pop-up parade.

      Select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m.

    • LIVE MUSIC – Immerse yourself in the music of New Orleans as our live band brings Cajun and jazz classics to Orlando.

      Select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m.

    • STREET PARTY – The sights and sounds of Bourbon Street will take over Wild Arctic Plaza with a DJ, street performers, and a dance party.

      Select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m.

    • GULF COAST FLAVORS – Enjoy classic Gulf Coast flavors as part of our Seven Seas Food Festival including beignets, po’ boys, and southern libations.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Dates Unreleased

  • STREETS OF GREEN – Make your way to the Irish Market Plaza at select times to see lively entertainers, amazing stilt walkers, and more.
    Select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m.
  • TIMELESS TUNES – Lose yourself in Irish melodies as traditional musicians bring their beautiful sounds to Orlando throughout the day.
    Select times from 12:30 – 6 p.m.
  • TASTES OF IRELAND – Take your Seven Seas Food Festival voyage to the Emerald Isle for classic recipes like corned beef hash and toast the day with a Guinness Irish Stout. See what’s new on the menu, 11:30 a.m. – park close.
    11:30 a.m. to park close.

Save Our 2024 Guide to SeaWorld Orlando's Seven Seas Food Festival

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If you’re interested in seeing manatees in the wild, check out our post on one of our favorite state parks:  Blue Spring State Park or read our post about the 12 Best Places to see Manatees in the Wild.

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Categories
Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Dominican Republic

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Amber Cove?

Puerto Plata, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Amber Cove?” This is a question that I get asked a lot.  As cruisers, there are some ports where you absolutely want to book an excursion to really get the best out of your day in port.  On the other hand, there are some ports where you can totally get away with not booking an excursion.  If you’re visiting Amber Cove and you’re on a budget, you’re in luck!  You absolutely do not need to book an excursion in Amber Cove!  However, there are lots of really great options available if you decide you want to venture out.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Amber Cove?

Amber Cove is one of the ports designed specifically for cruisers by the Carnival Corporation.  Ports like Mahogany Bay, Costa Maya, Amber Cove, and Grand Turk were built as havens for cruisers.  They each include shops, restaurants, bars, beaches and/or pools, and other fun things for you to do while you’re in port for the day.

Amber Cove offers bars, restaurants, shops, a resort style swimming pool, a lazy river, water slides and a splash area.   Oh, and the best part?  It’s totally free!  There’s also zip lining available for just a small fee.

Check out our article on 12 Things to Know About Amber Cove for more information on these amazing amenities!  With all of these wonderful features, it’s easy to see why you don’t need to book an excursion in Amber Cove!

Nearby Beaches

Since Amber Cove and Puerto Plata are situated on the Atlantic, the waters can be rather choppy.   In fact, Amber Cove itself doesn’t have beach access for this reason.  That doesn’t mean that there aren’t great beaches in the area, however!  In fact, there are lovely golden sand beaches lined dotted with palm trees all along the coast.  If you want to plan a beach day here, you’ll definitely want to look into booking an excursion or hiring a taxi.  

  1. Maimón Beach

The closest beach to the cruise port Maimón Beach.  It is about 15-20 minute walk (or 1/2 a mile) from the cruise terminal.  The beach has loungers available for rent and is located near bars and restaurants.  

2. Playa Cofresi

Playa Cofresi is about a 10 minute cab ride from the cruise port.  The beach has gentle waves and plenty of lounge chairs in the shade that are available for rent.  Like many of the beaches in this area, there is lots of seaweed.

3. Playa Grande

Playa Grande is a 15 minute cab ride from the cruise port.  This golden beach is known for its swells, which are great for those who enjoy water sports.  

4. Playa Bachata

Another option is to get a day pass for Playa Bachata Resort.  The resorts offers a day pass where you can take advantage of their bars, restaurants, pools, beach, and more.  It’s located about 1/2 a mile from the cruise port and is accessible by foot or by cab.

Recommended Excursions in Amber Cove

The port offers some of the best excursions in the region.  Visit the majestic waterfalls of Rio de Damajagua, zip line, take in the historic sights, hit the beach, swim with dolphins, go on an ATV adventure, or try your hand at watersports.  Whatever you’re into- there’s plenty to do in Amber Cove.

Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-road Buggy Combo

This exhilarating tour starts with a 2-hour Polaris buggy ride through the local villages and out into the jungle.  You’ll cross the river multiple times, so plan on getting wet!  

Next, take a 40-minute somewhat strenuous hike through the stunning Dominican landscape before cooling off in a waterfall.  If you dare, slide into a fresh, cool pool of mountain water.  Be sure to bring a towel, water shoes, and a couple of bottles of water.

Although the Carnival website doesn’t list it as a requirement, participants must be able to swim.

This is many people’s favorite excursion in Amber cove.

Minimum Age: 8-years-old
Tour Length: 6 hours
Link:  Waterfalls of Damajagua and Off-road Buggy Combo

Damajagua Waterfalls & Monkeyland

Start off in the tropical jungle where you’ll get a chance to visit with super-friendly squirrel monkeys!  Don’t be surprised if they hop on to your shoulder and request a treat.

Next, take an  adventurous 40-minute hike through the jungle to the breathtaking waterfalls of Damajagua.  Here you’ll slide down a natural waterslide into a pool of cool, fresh, mountain water.  

Although the Carnival website doesn’t list it as a requirement, participants must be able to swim.

This is probably the best excursion in Amber Cove as it combines 2 fan favorites!

Mega Truck Country Ride & Culture with Lunch

Want to get a snapshot of Dominican life, history, and culture?  Climb abord an open-air safari truck to explore Puerto Plata.  You’ll get a glimpse of important landmarks such as Independence Square, Felipe Cathedral, and more.  You’ll even get a chance to experience the streams, sugarcane fields, and villages of the countryside.

Visit a ranch where you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch.

Minimum Age: 6-years-old
Tour Length: 5.5 hours
Link: Mega Truck Country Ride & Culture with Lunch

Power Snorkel Adventure

This tour shows you a whole different side of the Dominican Republic…underwater!  You’ll start with a 45 minute off-road adventure in an open air safari truck.  After traveling through the countryside, you’ll arrive at a stunning bay surrounded by a reef.  A SeaScooter will help you explore the reef system with ease. 

Minimum Age:  10-years-old
Tour length: 4 hours
Link:  Power Snorkel Adventure

Triple Adventure: Zip, Buggy & Power Snorkel

This tour allows you to experience the Dominican Republic from the air, sea, and land! Begin with a trek to the Ocean Outpost in a safari style truck.  At the outpost, prepare to fly across the Atlantic on the Adrenaline High Wire Zip.    

The fun doesn’t stop there! Next, hop in a dune buggy to the waterfront where you’ll use a sea scooter to explore the stunning emerald water.   

Minimum Age: 12-years-old
Tour length: 5.5 hours
Link: Triple Adventure: Zip, Buggy & Power Snorkel

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Categories
Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

5 of the Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Are you looking for the best beaches in St. Thomas?  Well, look no further!   Each year more than 500 cruise ships dock in the harbor of St. Thomas.  Thousands of Americans also travel here by air, since you do not need a passport to visit!  It is estimated that close to two million tourists travel to the USVI each year.

When people arrive in St. Thomas they have two things on their mind, shopping (it’s the shopping capital of the Caribbean), and the beach.  In this post, we’ll outline where to find the best beaches in St. Thomas!

Grab your snorkel gear, a towel, and some sunscreen and let’s get started!

The 5 Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Magen's Bay

We’ll start with the most obvious choice, first:  Magen’s Bay.  Magen’s Bay is often called the most beautiful beach in St. Thomas and frequently ranks as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean.  The one-mile-long horseshoe-shaped stretch of white sand is absolutely stunning.  While many cruisers book an excursion to get to the beach, it’s actually quite easy to get to the beach on your own– in fact, we suggest not booking an excursion.

There is also a rental shop where you can rent:

  • Beach chairs
  • Lounge chairs
  • Floats
  • Snorkel gear
  • Paddleboards 
  • Kayaks 

There is also a 1 1/2 mile trail, a coconut grove, a mangrove, and an arboretum.

Coki Beach

Coki Beach is another popular choice with tourists.  Though it is not as large as the nearby Magen’s Bay, it still offers the same soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters. 

Thanks to the calm waters, it is popular for snorkeling and diving.  You can even snorkel right from the beach! Over the years, tourists have been encouraged to buy dog biscuits to feed to the fish.  Because of this, the friendly fish are quick to approach swimmers looking for a little snack!  

The beach is right next to the Coral World Ocean Park.  There are plenty of amenities and little shops where you can purchase souvenirs, local food, and beverages.  Coki Dive Center is also located nearby.  They offer intro diving lessons for children and adult, certification classes, and beach and boat dives.  

You’ll also find options for renting SUP, jet skiis, beach gear, and more!

Sapphire Beach

This lively beach gets its name from the stunning shades of blue water that dance along the shore.  We love this beach because it has stunning views of the neighboring island of St. John. 

Sapphire Beach is popular with families because of the trees that provide shade.  Your little ones will love seeking out the iguanas and ducks that are known to hang out by the pond close by.

A nearby reef and rocky ledge make this a hot spot for snorkeling. In fact, some say that this is one of the best spots on the island to snorkel.       

Sapphire Beach is also popular for jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing because of its proximity to the marina.  The sports booth offers kayaks, windsurfing, snorkel gear, and chair rentals.  If you want to kick it up a notch, you can rent a jet ski from the local marina.

The best thing about this beach?  It doesn’t get nearly as crowded as the others!

Lindquist Beach

Lindquist Beach is another popular beach located on the East end of the island.  It has shallow waters marking it great for little ones!  Grown-ups will enjoy the views of nearby St. John and the British Virgin Islands.  There are restroom facilities, which is a huge bonus!

A lifeguard is on duty between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.  There’s an offshore reef that is wonderful for snorkeling.  Little ones will love playing in the tide pools and older kids will enjoy the shallow shelf.

Part of the beach is made up of land protected by Smith Bay Park.  Smith Bay Park is a 21-acre park managed by the National Park Service.  There is a $5 fee per person to enter the beach.  If you’re driving to the beach, plan on paying $2 to park.

Hull Bay

I learned about Hull Bay Beach from a local girl who told me it’s very popular with the islanders. According to her, it’s one of the best beaches in St. Thomas!   It’s really easy to get to via taxi for travelers but if you’re driving on your own, be sure to type in “Hideaway Hull Bay” rather than “Hull Bay Beach.”  If you do the latter, it will take you to private property.  Hideaway is the name of a restaurant that is located right on the beach making it an easy landmark.

The stunning beach has a snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks.  There is also a dive shop that offers snorkel tours in the protected bay.  

Don't Forget to Pack These Items!

We hope you’ve been inspired by our list of the best beaches in St. Thomas!  No matter which beach you end up at, we suggest you bring along snorkel equipment!  You’re guaranteed to find something interesting in the turquoise waters that surround the island.

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Categories
Florida Orlando SeaWorld Orlando United States

All You Need to Know About Visiting SeaWorld Orlando with Kids

The kids examining rays at SeaWorld Orlando

Our three kids are obsessed with thrill rides and sea animals, so a trip to SeaWorld Orlando was inevitable for us.  I had reservations about visiting the park, but I was pleasantly surprised by everything the park has to offer.  Over the last couple of decades, the park has grown from more than aquariums and animal shows.  It’s now a mecca for rollercoasters and thrill rides and home to some of the most unique rides in all of Orlando, Florida.

In this post, we’ll break down all of the attractions and ocean-themed fun by age group so you can see just how much SeaWorld Orlando has to offer!

The kids examining rays at SeaWorld Orlando

Getting Around SeaWorld Orlando

The rides and attractions of SeaWorld Orlando encircle a lagoon at the center of the park. 

If you’re traveling with little kids, you may want to head to Sesame Street, first.  There are signs posted around the park showing you how to get- how to get to Sesame Street.  Just past the entrance (when you see the first coaster), head right down a path and follow it to Sesame Street Land.

If you’re a mission to tackle some of the most insane coasters in Orlando, you’re going to want to head left.

We suggest hitting up Sesame Street Land, or a few of the coasters, before heading to the animal shows, encounters, and aquariums.

It’s easy to do a lot of unnecessary walking at SeaWorld Orlando- since the attractions circle a lagoon, you’ll have to backtrack if you don’t do the attractions as you come to them.

The Animals of SeaWorld

Thousands of animals call SeaWorld Orlando home.  Here, you can get up close and personal with dolphins, whales, rays, octopus, sharks, penguins, fish, and more!

Be sure to take a look at the daily schedule to see what shows and learning experiences are available during your visit.  Choose from Dolphin Days, Orca Encounter, Sea Lion High: The New Class, Pets Ahoy, and Ocean Discovery.

Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove is a 700,000 gallon lagoon that is houses a pod of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. This is one of the largest interactive dolphin pools in the world.  If you pay for a dolphin feeding/encounter, it will take place here.

Pro-Tip: Dolphin feeding tends to draw a large crowd, so plan on going first thing in the morning.

Visiting with a mama dolphin and her calves in the Dolphin Nursery

Dolphin Nursery

Is there anything cuter than a baby dolphin?  We think not!  The Dolphin Nursery is home to new dolphin mommies and their calves.  

Pro-Tip: This is one of the most popular attractions in the park.  It is located right near the entrance of the park.  If you’re interested in visiting, stop by right as you enter the park.  If the area is closed off that means there’s a dolphin in labor or one that has just given birth.

Jewel of the Sea Aquarium

Located next to the Journey to Atlantis ride, this aquarium boasts jellyfish illuminated by an interactive backlight.

Manatee Rehabilitation Area

Each year countless manatees are injured by boats and ships, or malnourished when their food source is wiped out.  Florida zoos, aquariums, and SeaWorld Orlando take in these gentle creates to rehabilitate them and release them- when it’s possible to do so.  

In the rehab area, you may be able to wish these creatures a speedy recovery and learn how you can help keep them safe.

Manta Aquarium

Our favorite spot to watch the marine animals was the Manta Aquarium.  We watched in amazement as thousands of graceful animals danced in front of our view.  

Pro-Tip:  Hit up this aquarium before or after you ride Manta.  The aquarium is air conditioned and is a great spot to take a break for the Florida heat.

Pelican Preserve

Located near the Manta Ride and Manta Aquarium, these outdoor exhibit is home to several rescued pelicans.

Antarctica Empire of the Penguins

I’m going to be very honest with you- we were really disappointed with this exhibit.  We waited in line for 40 minutes to see the penguins…and it was literally just tank with penguins.  Perhaps we should have done our research, because we though that it may be a ride (considering the line).  

Don’t get me wrong, the penguins were a lot of fun to watch, but the line was really long considering it was just another aquarium.

Antarctica Empire of the Penguins at SeaWorld Orlando

Shark Encounter

Surround yourself by sharks, barracuda, eels, and venomous fish in the world’s largest underwater acrylic tunnel!    The 60 foot tunnel is an absolute must-see!

Stingray Lagoon

Stingray Lagoon is another popular animal attraction.  This habitat showcases over 200 stingrays- some of them as large as 5 feet in diameter!  Don’t miss the opportunity to feed and touch these gentle creatures!

Turtle Trek

This habitat offers underwater viewing rooms that give visitors an up-close-and-personal view of turtles.  Follow a sea turtles journey their sandy nest to the ocean.

Wild Arctic Habitat

Learn all about belugas, walruses, and harbor seals in this freezing cold habitat!  

SeaWorld Orlando with Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers (+ Family Rides)

Believe it or not, there is plenty to do with young kids at SeaWorld Orlando!  Although our boys (age 5) weren’t tall enough for the rollercoasters, they still had loads of rides they could experience in Sesame Street Land.

We got to meet Elmo and Abbi Cadabby at Sesame Street Land!

Rides for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers

Abby's Flower Tower

With a bit of magic from Abby Cadabby’s wand, you’ll be sent up, up ,up in a colorful flower pot on Abby’s Flower Tower.  This ride gives you great views of the hustle and bustle of Sesame Street.

 Height Requirement: 42″

Big Bird's Twirl 'n' Whirl

Hop into one of Big Bird’s nests and twirl ’round and ’round on this family-fun ride!  Riders control the speed of the spinning with a steering wheel at the center of the nest.

Height Requirement: 36″

The kiddos on the Cookie Drop ride at SeaWorld Orlando

Cookie Monster's Cookie Drop!

Buckle up and hold on tight as you bounce up and down on Cookie Monster’s Cookie Drop!

Height Requirement:  42″

Elmo's Choo Choo Train

All aboard Elmo’s Choo Choo Train!  Be on the lookout for butterflies, caterpillars, and Twiddlebugs on this family-friendly ride.

Height Requirement: 36″

Infinity Falls

Climb aboard a circular raft and prepare to get drenched on this family water ride!  Explore tropical ruins filled with breathtaking waterfalls, surprise geysers, and flowing fountains before plunging down one of the tallest drops of its kind into a pounding waterfall!  Infinity Falls is the world’s tallest river rapids attraction!

Height Requirement:  42″- 77″

Pro-Tip:  Plan on wearing clothes and shoes that will dry easily if you’re going to ride the water rides.  Use a dry bag or rent a locker to keep your items dry.  Hit up the ride early in the day for the lowest waits- and time to dry off.

There are family dryers available for an additional charge.

Journey to Atlantis

This family-friendly flume rollercoaster transports you to the mythical paradise known as Atlantis.  You’ll explore dark passageways in the sunken city before being catapulted 60 feet out of the city gates into the waters below.

Height Requirement: 42″

Pro-Tip: Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for shorter wait times- this is one of the most popular rides at the park!  Avoid queueing up for the ride after one of the shows lets out- people tend to catch a show and then do the ride since it is close to the Whale and Dolphin Theaters.

Rubber Duckie Water Works

If your little one isn’t up for the larger water rides, or isn’t tall enough, they can still have fun splashing about in the Rubber Duckie Water Works- an outdoor splashpad.

Slimey's Slider

This is my favorite ride in all of Sesame Street Land (who am I kidding…it’s my favorite in the entire SeaWorld Orlando theme park!).  This exhilarating swoop and swivel ride spins, rocks, and slides!  

Height Requirement: 42″

Resting our feet on the Sunny Day Carousel

Sunny Day Carousel

This classic ride is perfect for young kids and family’s alike. 

Guests under 42 inches tall must be accompanied by a supervising companion (at least 14 years old) standing next to the rider on the inside of the Carousel to ride. One supervising companion (at least 14 years old) per child under 42 inches. Hand-held infants are only permitted to ride on the bench seats.

Pro-Tip:  Ride the carousel during the Shamu show times for the shortest wait times!

Super Grover's Box Car Derby

If your kiddo isn’t quite tall enough for some of the larger coasters (listed in the section below), they’ll be happy to know there’s a kid-friendly coaster in Sesame Street Land!  Super Grover’s Box Car Derby is a family-friendly coaster full of hills, twists, turns, and small dives!

Height Requirement: 38″

SeaWorld Orlando with Big Kids and Teens

Our adrenaline junkie daughter was super stoked to see how many thrill rides there are at SeaWorld Orlando.  The rollercoasters there are insane– some of the best in Orlando!  If you’re older kids like thrill rides, this is definitely the place for them!

Rides for Big Kids & Teens

Ice Breaker

The Ice Breaker is SeaWorld’s first launch coaster.  It features four airtime filled launches (both forwards and backwards!) and a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida! The ride has a series of exhilarating twists, turns, and airtime hills that will send your heart racing.

Height Requirement: 54″

Kraken

Designed to mimic the mythological beast that terrified sailors for centuries, Kraken is Orlando’s only floor less roller coaster.  Riders feet dangle as the zoom across this exhilarating coaster at heights of 150 feet! 

Height Requirement: 54″

Mako

You guys!  Our 9-year-old is obsessed with this ride.  Mako is the tallest and fastest rollercoaster in Orlando!  This hyper coaster is known for it’s high speeds, deep plummets, and racing turns.  Named after one of the ocean’s fastest sharks, this coaster hits speeds of 73 mph.

Height Requirement: 54″

Smiley after riding Mako at SeaWorld Orlando

Manta

Soar like a manta on the only flying roller coaster of its kind in Florida!  The ride will send in in a head-first, face-down nosedive before you are sent spinning, gliding, and flying like a giant manta ray.  

Height Requirement: 54″

Pro-Tip: The lines are the shortest during the first hour of the park opening.  You cannot take anything with you on the ride, so unless you have someone sitting this one out- you’ll need to rent a locker to store your stuff.

Food Options at SeaWorld Orlando

No outside food, beverages, or coolers are allowed to be brought into SeaWorld Orlando, except you may bring a bottle of water or a refillable water bottle.

Breakfast is available at the Panini Bistro Cafe until 11 am.  

Eateries include:

  • Altitude Burgers -accepts All-Day Dining Deal
  • Captain Pete’s Island Hotdogs -accepts All-Day Dining Deal & mobile ordering is available
  • Coaster Coffee Company- serves Starbucks coffee, pastries, and treats
  • Dine with Orcas
  • Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor
  • Expedition Cafe -accepts All-Day Dining Deal
  • Flamecraft Bar- a full-service bar
  • Glacier Bar- serves Coca-Cola Freestyle, frozen drinks, and ice-cold beer
  • Lakeside Grill –accepts All-Day Dining Deal
  • Mama’s Pretzel Kitchen
  • Panini Shore Cafe -accepts All-Day Dining Deal & mobile ordering is available
  • Seafire Grill -accepts All-Day Dining Deal & mobile ordering is available 
  • Sharks Underwater Grill and Bar
  • The Sand Bar
  • Voyager’s Smokehouse-  -accepts All-Day Dining Deal & mobile ordering available
  • Waterway Bar- full-service bar
  • Waterway Grill-  -accepts All-Day Dining Deal & mobile ordering available

All-Day Dining Deal- if you purchase this package, you’ll be able to eat and drink all day.  Orders can only be placed once every 90 minutes at participating restaurants.  Receive 1 soft drink or tea, 1 entrée and 1 side or dessert.

Learn more at SeaWorld.com

Freezing in Antarctica! Visiting SeaWorld Orlando in the winter is a TOTALLY different experience! Many of the rides were closed because of the cold/wind.

Visiting SeaWorld Orlando in the Winter

On our first family visit to SeaWorld Orlando, we visited in January and it was freezing!  Without warning, every single rollercoaster was closed and we were told that due to the temperatures, most of the animal shows were unavailable.  We got to see the dolphin show, but all of the other animals were tucked away elsewhere.

Sunny Day Guarantee

If you’ve ever visited Florida in the summer, you know that afternoon showers are almost inevitable.  If it rains, some of the park’s attractions may be unavailable.  Whether it’s a mere sprinkle or a torrential downpour, stop by Guest Services and you can get a complimentary pass for a return visit.  The visit must be used within 1-year of the initial visit.  

This offer is not valid for complimentary tickets, 14 Day Length of Stay tickets and packages, Discovery Cove ticket packets, or for visitors who do not have their original admission ticket or order number.

Our Favorite Orlando Theme Parks Ranked

For Toddlers, Pre-School, & Young Kids

For Older Kids & Teens

Save these SeaWorld Orlando Tips and Start Planning Your Adventure!

For future reference, be sure to save these tips for visiting SeaWorld Orlando with your kiddos.  Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re interested in seeing manatees in the wild, check out our post on one of our favorite state parks:  Blue Spring State Park or read our post about the 12 Best Places to see Manatees in the Wild.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

Categories
National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores United States Washington DC

The Ultimate Guide to the National Mall & Beyond

The White House- Washington, DC

The Washington Monument is positioned between the U.S. Capitol Building and the stately Lincoln Memorial.  In between, you’ll find places like the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, the World War I and World War II Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  It is here that the AIDS Quilt was displayed and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered.

The National Mall is where history is made and where the nation comes to remember its founders and heroes.  It is home to some of our nation’s most iconic memorials, monuments, and museums.  Each year, millions of people come to “American’s Front Yard” to honor our veterans and historical leaders.

National Museum of Natural History

The National Mall is also a cultural hub for the United States.  Here you can marvel at original works by Rodin, Da Vinci and Van Gogh mixed in with relics important to American History such as the Star-Spangled Banner, the hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated, portraits of every president in the National Portrait Gallery, and a collection of dresses representing each of the First Ladies.  

History of the National Mall

When Pierre Charles L’Enfant drew his vision for the nation’s capital in 1791, he included a “grand avenue” that was 1 mile in length and 400 feet wide.  On his renderings, he placed this avenue between the Congress House (now the US Capitol) and an equestrian statue of George Washington.  The statue was placed directly south of the President’s home (now the White House), and directly west of the Congress House.  

Just over a decade later, Mathew Cary drew a map that named this area the “Mall”, a name derived from The Mall in London, which was a promenade near Buckingham Palace.

In the 1880s projects such as dredging the river and creating the Tidal Basin, building “the Smithsonian Castle” and other buildings began to shape the modern-day National Mall.

In 1902, a redesign of the Mall, which extended L’Enfant’s plan, would further map out the area.

In 1966, the National Park Service listed the National Mall on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Getting Around the National Mall

The National Mall is pedestrian-friendly.  You can easily explore it on foot, via scooter or bicycle, or hop on one of the Big Bus Tours.  

You can easily spend a day walking the 2-mile loop trail along the National Mall and the 2-mile loop trail around the Tidal Basin.

DC’s grid pattern makes it easy to navigate.  When walking the National Mall, keep in mind the Lincoln Memorial is on the western end of the mall, the U.S. Capitol Building is on the eastern end and the Washington Monument is in the center.  

Map Courtesy of: DCCirculator.com

This map from DCCirculator is perfect!  It offers a wonderful walking/biking route that starts and ends at the Union Station Metro and includes the entire National Mall.  It is important to note that to do the monuments, memorials, and museums justice, you’ll want to dedicate more than a full day to the National Mall.  

If you’re visiting in the spring, be sure to include the Tidal Basin loop where you’ll find the famous Cherry Blossoms in bloom.

Highlights of the National Mall

United States Capitol

Each year more than 3.5 million people visit the U.S. Capitol building.  Not only is this where Congress meets, but it is also a museum dedicated to American History.  

Only visitors with tour reservations can enter the Capitol Visitor Center.   To schedule a tour, visit the Capitol’s website.  The tour is led by a tour guide and visits the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the National Statuary Hall.  It does not include the House and Senate Galleries.  

US Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum. From roses to orchids, the rainforest of the Mid-Atlantic, and rare plants, there’s a wide variety of plants in the U.S. Botanic Garden.  

Admission to the garden is free and there are no advance ticket reservations required.

The USBG consists of three locations: the Conservatory, Bartholdi Park, and the Production Facility.  The Conservatory is divided into separate rooms, each representing a different habitat.  The rooms are:  the Garden Court, Rare and Endangered Plants, Plant Exploration, Orchid House, Medicinal Plants, Desert, Hawaii, Garden Primeval, Plant Adaptation, Jungle, Children’s Garden, and Southern Exposure.

Washington Monument

This white marble obelisk is probably one of the most recognized monuments on the National Mall.  

Construction of the 555 foot monument started in 1848 to honor George Washington, the United States’ first president.

If you’re lucky enough, you can snag tickets to take an elevator to the top of the monument for an impressive view of the National Mall.  Tickets are available at recreation.gov.  

Washington Monument

World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial

56 pillars, representing each state and territory, surround an impressive fountain that honors those who lost their lives in World War II.  Completed in 2004, the World War II Memorial, located halfway between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, is a great place to sit down and rest your feet as you honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  

Be sure to take the time to read the inscriptions on the wall in honor of the 16 million who served in the armed forces during WWII and the more than 400,000 who died.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Lincoln Memorial- Washington, DC

Lincoln Memorial

One of the most iconic memorials in the US honors one of the most iconic Presidents in our nation’s history: Abraham Lincoln.  The Lincoln Memorial was completed in 1922 and features 36 columns (representing the number of states in the Union during his presidency) and a massive statue of Lincoln.

 The Lincoln Memorial has been the backdrop for many key points in American history.  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech took place on the monument’s steps.   The memorial was also the site of the Inaugural Celebration for America’s first black President of the United States, Barack Obama.

Visit:  10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Lincoln Memorial to learn a bunch of interesting facts about this memorial.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the most popular, and most moving, memorials on the National Mall.  Two black granite walls are engraved with the names of 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service in the Vietnam conflict.  The memorial includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, the Three Servicemen statue, and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

If you are looking for a specific name, there are several books near the wall that have the names of the veterans listed chronologically, by the date of causality.  

Museums on the National Mall

The National Mall is lined with some of the most impressive, and most visited, museums in the country.  All of the museums are free to visit.  Our favorite museums are the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Gallery of Art.

National Museum of the American Indian

This museum serves as a memorial to the indigenous people of the Americas.  It was created after controversy erupted because the Smithsonian Institution held more than 12,000 Indian remains in storage.  2/3 of the collection (including human remains, funerary objects, sacred objects, and ceremonial objects) was given back to the tribal communities.  

The Washington, DC branch of the museum opened in 2004.  It was the first national museum in the country dedicated exclusively to Native Americans.  

An aerial view of the America by Air Exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum

National Air and Space Museum

Did you know that the National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in the world?  The museum is so large that its collection is actually housed in two locations one in Chantilly, Virginia and the other in Washington, DC.  In this post, we’ll be discussing the DC location.

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has undergone a massive overhaul and re-opened their doors in October of 2022.  Eight newly renovated galleries are now open.  The remaining galleries are expected to be unveiled in 2025.  The new exhibits invite visitors to explore air and space in new, interactive, and exciting ways.  We can’t wait to visit again once the museum is completely open to see what this masterpiece evolves into! 

Hirshhorn Museum

The Hirsshorn Museum and Sculpture garden houses  collection of contemporary and modern art primarily from the post-World War II period.  It is located halfway between the Washington Monument and the US Capitol.  

Notable artists featured in the Hirshhorn include Picasso, Matisse, Cassatt, Pollock, Rodin, and more.  

National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art holds the largest collection of African art.   9,000 works of traditional and contemporary African art and 300,000 photographs are housed within the museum.

Founded in 1964, it was the first museum dedicated to African art in the United States.  The museum’s objects range from 15th-century sculptures and masks to contemporary art.

National Museum of Asian Art

The Asian art collection is housed in two buildings the The Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery.  The Freer houses over 26,000 objects spanning 6,000 of history from the Neolitich to the modern eras.  The Sackler Gallery also holds ancient and contemporary pieces, many of which were donated by pharmaceuticalist Arthur Sackler.  

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Opening in 2016, one of the newest museums on the National Mall is the National Museum of African American History and Culture.  This extremely popular museum is the world’s largest museum dedicated to African-American history and culture.  The museum has more than 40,000 objects in its collection, although a majority of them are not on display.  

The building, modeled after an old slave ship, features 10 stories- 5 below ground and 5 above ground.  Some of the items you may see here include several items from the São José-Paquete de Africa (a slave ship excavated off the coast of South Africa in 2015), personal effects of Harriet Tubman including her hymnal and a shawl given to her by Queen Victoria, and garments, feet and wrist manacles worn by slaves.   

You’ll also find an entire slave cabin that was deconstructed and rebuilt from its original location on Edisto Island, South Carolina. 

Relics from the Jim Crow/Civil Rights era include a segregated train car, several historical signs, the dress Rosa Parks was sewing the day she refused to give up her seat, and more.

There are also several pop culture items such as Muhammad Ali’s gloves, a cape and jumpsuit worn by soul singer James Brown, costumes from the musical The Wiz, Chuck Berry’s red Cadillac convertible, Kobe Bryant’s uniform, and items from President Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign.

National Museum of American History

The National Museum of American History houses some of the most important artifacts from America’s past. The collection features more than 3 million historical objects from colonial times to modern day.

The museum focuses on more than just history, you’ll find several relics from pop culture, scientific discoveries, and more.  Where else are you going to find the Star-Spangled Banner, C3P0, Alexander Grand Bells’ Large Box Telephone, and Prince’s Yellow Cloud Electric Guitar, all under one roof?

The addition of pop culture relics helps make this museum fun and entertaining for all ages!  The museum is a part of the Smithsonian Institution and is located on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

The desk Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on-National American History Museum
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History

National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History is the world’s most popular natural history museum.  The museum, which is larger than 18 football fields, is located in the heart of the National Mall and is worth a visit.  The museum follows the journey of the Earth and the life that inhabits it throughout billions of years.  The museum is home to the largest natural history collection in the world.  

National Gallery of Art

The museum is split into two buildings, the East Building and the West Building.  The East Building has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art including pieces by Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Matisse.  The West Building houses the historical collection including works by da Vinci, Vermeer, Monet, van Dyck, Raphael, and Cezanne. 

Other Sites on the National Mall

Garfield Monument

Four months after President James A. Garfield was elected as the 20th President of the United States, he was assassinated by Charles J. Guiteau.  The monument was unveiled in 1887, features three allegorical figures: the Student (depicting his time as an educator), the Warrior (commemorating his service during the Civil War), and the Statesmen (a nod to his career as a public servant).

Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial

This Memorial honors Dwight “Ike” D. Eisenhower, the President and Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II.  The memorial features large columns framing a mesh tapestry that depicts the site of the Normandy landings, and bronze statues of Eisenhower in various settings.  

Pro-Tip: Eisenhower’s home is located about 90 minutes away.  If you’re an Eisenhower fan, enjoy collecting National Park stamps, or like exploring the homes of past presidents, you should check it out!

Smithsonian Castle

Nicknamed the castle because of its Romanesque and early Gothic motifs, this building was completed in 1855.  It was the first Smithsonian Building and today serves as the Visitor Center to the Smithsonian Museums.

John Paul Jones Memorial

This memorial is dedicated to the man who once famously said, “I have not yet begun to fight!”  John Paul Jones was our country’s first naval war hero and father of the United States Navy.  He was the only naval officer to receive a Congressional Gold Medal during the American Revolutionary War.  

His monument was dedicated in 1912 and was the first monument raised in Potomac Park, near the Tidal Basin.  

District of Columbia War Memorial

Personally, I think this is one of the most beautiful memorial’s on the National Mall.  It was constructed in 1931 to honor the 26,000 DC residents who served (and the 499 who died) in WWI.  

The memorial is a circular, open-air Corinthian temple with a domed roof.  It is surrounded by an open lawn and flanked on the east and west sides by Ash Woods, a large grove of elm, maple, beech, and oak trees.

John Ericsson Memorial

Although he may not be as famous as some of his National Mall counterparts, John Ericsson is the man who revolutionized naval history with his invention of the screw propeller.  Ericsson also designed the USS Monitor, a Union ship used during the American Civil War.  

The Arts of War and The Arts of Peace Sculptures

These bronze statue groups are located by the Watergate Steps and the Lincoln Memorial.  They were commissioned in 1929 to accent the plaza on the east side of the Lincoln Memorial and as part of the Arlington Memorial Bridge.  The Arts of War were sculpted by Leo Friedlander and features Valor and Sacrifice.  The Arts of Peace were sculpted by James Earle Fraser and feature Music and Harvest and Aspiration and Literature. 

National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial

This brand new national monument is scheduled to be completed in 2024.  It will honor those who served on active duty to support Operation Desert Storm or Operation Desert Shield.  The monument will aim to educate visitors about the events of the two operations and celebrate the 34-nation coalition that banded together to liberate Kuwait.  

Signatures of the signers of the Declaration of Independence at Constitution Gardens

Constitution Gardens & Signers Memorial

Situated next to the Reflecting Pool and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Constitution Gardens has a small pond that contains a memorial to the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.  Each stone includes the delegate’s signature, name, occupation, and place of residence.   Some notable names include John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Richard Henry Lee,  Francis Lightfoot Lee, and John Penn.

To be honest, the “park” is a little lackluster.

The historic Lockkeeper's House

The Lockkeeper's House

Aside from the White House, this is the oldest building on the National Mall.  It was built in 1837 at what is now the corner of 17th Street, NW, and Constitution Avenue.  This area was once part of the Washington City Canal which connected to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal (C&O Canal).  The 35o-square foot home served as the canal lockkeeper’s residence.  They were responsible for collecting tolls, recording commerce, and managing traffic in the canal.

In 2017, the National Park Service moved the building to its current location.  The house now serves as an NPS education center.

Peace Monument

Also known as the Naval Monument or the Civil War Sailors Monument, the Peace Monument was erected on the grounds of the US Capitol in the late 1870s.  It memorializes naval deaths at sea during the Civil War.  Today, it stands as part of a three-part sculpture group including the James A. Garfield Monument and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial

This memorial honors the American Civil War General and 18th United States President Ulysses S. Grant.  The memorial is situated at the base of Capitol Hill, below the west front of the US Capitol.  It features Grant on horseback overlooking the Capitol Reflecting Pool, and facing the Lincoln Memorial, which honors Grant’s wartime president, Abraham Lincoln.

Getting to the National Mall

By Car

I won’t sugarcoat it, parking in DC sucks.  I’ve arrived to the National Mall via car many times, and each time we’ve had to circle for parking.  Visitor parking is available along Ohio Drive, SW between the Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Memorials.  

There are approximately 1,200 metered parking spaces throughout the National Mall area.  Pay stations accept credit and debit cards only- no cash.  You can also e-pay using the Parkmobile app or website.  

There are about 400 free parking spaces at Hains Point, in East Potomac Park.

Our preferred place to park is located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.  It’s located right by the National Mall, the White House, the Children’s Museum, and other popular sites.

By Metro

Using public transportation is the best option for reaching the National Mall with ease.  

The Mall area on the east can be reached using the following Metro stations: Federal Center at 3rd and D Streets, SW; L’Enfant Plaza at Maryland Avenue and 7th Street, SW; Archives-Navy Memorial at Pennsylvania Avenue and 7th Street, NW; Smithsonian at 12th Street on the Mall, SW; and Federal Triangle along 12th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, NW.

The west end of the National Mall can be accessed using any of the following stations: Farragut West at 17th and I or 18th and I Streets, NW; Foggy Bottom/George Washington University at 23rd and I Streets, NW; and Arlington Cemetery across Arlington Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River.

Convenient Metro access to the uptown memorial parks is through the following stations: Foggy Bottom/George Washington University; Dupont Circle; Farragut West; Farragut North; U Street/African American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo; Shaw-Howard U; McPherson Square; Metro Center; Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street/Convention Center; Gallery Place/Chinatown; Judiciary Court; Union Station; Federal Center SW; L’Enfant Plaza; and Waterfront.

Eating at the National Mall

The National Mall is the mecca for DC food trucks.  We’re talking more than 100 of them!  This means that food is not only easily accessible, but also that there’s something for everyone!

Additionally, several of the Smithsonian’s feature cafes.

  • Sweet Home Café @ African American History and Culture Museum
  • Mars Café @ Air and Space Museum
  • Shake Shack @ the Air and Space Museum- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
  • Courtyard Cafe @ American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery
  • Eat at America’s Table @ American History Museum
  • Jazz Café @ American History Museum
  • Mitsitam Café @ American Indian Museum
  • Dolcezza Coffee & Gelato @ Hirshhorn
  • Atrium Café @ Natural History Museum
  • Ocean Terrace Café @ Natural History Museum
  • Castle Café @ Smithsonian Castle

Where to Find Public Restrooms

All of the museums and major monuments/memorials have public restrooms.  You’ll also find restrooms near Constitution Gardens, near the Washington Monument, and by the World War II Memorial.

Nearby and Worth the Visit

East of the Capitol

Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Believe it or not, an overwhelming 1.7 million visitors visit this library each year!  

The Library of Congress was founded in 1800, making it the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States.  Known as the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress has a collection of more than 38 million books, 14 million photographs, 5.5 million maps, and so much more.  

Be sure to head upstairs to the overlook of the main reading room, it’s absolutely stunning.  

Sure, the book collection is great, but the architecture of the Library of Congress, is awe-inspiring.  

The Reading Room at the Library of Congress

Highlights of the Library of Congress include a Gutenberg Bible and Thomas Jefferson’s personal library.  In 1815, Congress approved the purchase of 6,487 books for $23,950.  Visitors can peruse his private collection.

If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check out the Children’s Library.  It’s rather small, bu tour kids enjoyed browsing the familiar titles.

Supreme Court

Known as the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has the ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all US federal cases, and over state cases that involve a point of federal law.  

Unfortunately, at this time, court hearings are not open to the public.  

Folger Shakespeare Library

This independent research library is located on Capitol Hill.  It features the world’ largest collection of printed works of William Shakespeare, and houses a collection of rare materials from 1500 – 1750 Britain and Europe.  The collection also includes 250,000 playbills, 2,000 promptbooks, costumes, recordings and props.  It holds 90,000 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures and other visual arts.

North of the National Mall

Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre

Ford’s Theatre is the scene of one of the most tragic events in American history; the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  This National Historic Site is composed of four parts:  the Museum, the Theatre (where Lincoln was shot), the Petersen House (where Lincoln died), the museum, and the Aftermath Exhibits.  These sites have exhibits that tell the story of Lincoln’s presidency, his assassination, and the legacy Lincoln left.

Although this venue is located off of the National Mall, you can easily access it from the Mall and it is well worth a visit.  The Ford’s Theatre a must-see while in Washington, DC.

National Portrait Gallery

You can learn a lot about a nation and its history through portraits of its people- both the leaders and the commoners.  The National Portrait Gallery is a prime example of this.  The gallery houses everything from portraits of presidents to paintings of everyday people.

The Hall of American Presidents is probably the most visited part of the museum.  There is a portrait of each president- each one of them unique in their own way.

National Children's Museum

The National Children’s Museum sparks curiosity in STEAM for children ages 12 and under.  STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities help develop soft skills (creativity, problem-solving, collaboration), increase engagement and motivation, and help personalize learning experiences for children.  The activities help capture their interest in fun, engaging, and innovative ways.

We found this was a great way to balance out out the heaviness of visiting Ford’s Theatre.

The Dream Machine Source: Nationalchildrensmuseum.org

National Archives

The National Archives Building is where many of the key documents that have formed our nation are stored.  These record include paper documents, microfilm, pictures, motion pictures, and electronic media.  Census records are among the most frequently requested documents at the National Archives (for genealogy research).  

Some notable documents include the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of the United States.

 

Northwest of the National Mall

The White House

Dude...they actually let US inside the White House!

Visiting the White House is the opportunity of a lifetime. The White House tour is one of my most memorable experiences from all of my trips to Washington, DC. It requires a bit of planning to schedule a tour of the White House. Trust me when I say that it is well worth the effort!

Want to know how you can get a White House Tour?  Read all about it in our Guide to Visiting the White House!

The White House Visitor Center

The White House Visitor exhibit area features nearly 100 historical artifacts, archival footage, interactive displays, informational panels, videos, and photos from the most famous house in the United States of America. There is even a large-scale model of the White House and tactile exhibits that kids will love!

 

Large Scale Model of the White House

Unlike the White House which requires that you book a tour in advance, the White House Visitor Center is open to anyone. The White House Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service and is free and open to the public. It provides an insight into what life in the White House is like for the First Families through artifacts. These relics include Franklin D. Roosevelt’s desk, Abraham Lincoln’s china, copies of the First Lady’s date books, and photos of visits from royal families around the globe.

Albert Einstein Memorial

The Albert Einstein Memorial depicts Einstein seated with manuscript papers in hand.  It honors one of the most influential physicists of all time.  He worked with President FDR to develop 

Southwest of the National Mall

Arlington House

Arlington House is the national’s memorial to Robert E. Lee.  Interestingly, it is the only national memorial that honors a person who fought a war against the United States.   Lee served as a general in the Confederate Army from 1861 until 1865.  On April 9, 1865, he was cornered by General Ulysses S. Grant’s Union Army where he eventually surrendered.

To be clear, the memorial doesn’t hoor the Confederacy, instead it honors Lee for his role in promoting peace and reunion following the Civil War.  

The house itself was built on Arlington Estate by George Washington Parke Custis, as a memorial to his foster father, George Washington.  Robert E. Lee never owned the home, however.  Instead, it was left to his wife and son in Custis’s will.

 Today, it is now in the middle of the U.S. Army’s Arlington National Cemetery.  

Arlington National Cemetery

This cemetery is the final resting place for nearly 400,000 people.  Arlington National Cemetery was established during the Civil War.  

Notable burials include:

  • President William H. Taft
  • President John F. Kennedy & his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
  • Senator Robert F. Kenney
  • Senator Ted Kennedy
  • Senator (and astronaut) John Glenn

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

Located just off the National Mall, the FDR Memorial was dedicated in 1997.  It honors the only president to hold four terms in office.  He was best known for leading the country through the Great Depression and World War II.  

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial was built to honor the incredible statesman, diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, Founding Father, and third President of the United States.  Jefferson was the chief author of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal intellectual force behind the American Revolution, and the founder of the Democratic-Republican Party.

The memorial is built in the neoclassical style and features multiple quotes that capture Jefferson’s ideology, philosophy, and legacy.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is located in West Potomac Park, right next to the National Mall. King was a clergyman, activist and key leader of the Civil Rights Movement.  He advocated for nonviolent resistance and inspired countless people of color to stand up for their rights.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a granite statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. called “Stone of Hope.”  Inspiration for the piece comes from a line in King’s “I Have a Dream” speech where he stated, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”

The memorial opened on August 22, 2011 after more than two decades of fund-raising, planning, and construction.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

One of the most moving museums in the District of Columbia is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM).  The USHMM is our nation’s official memorial to the Holocaust.  The center is dedicated to helping the leaders and citizens of the world fight hatred, prevent genocide, and promote human dignity, peace, and kindness. 

The USHMM contains more than 12,750 artifacts, 93,000 library items, and a list of over 200,000 registered survivors and their families.  It is truly remarkable and an absolute must-see.

Despite its proximity to the Smithsonian museums, the USHMM is not part of the group.  Instead, it operates as an independent entity.  A timed entry ticket is required to enter.

Ready to Start Planning?

Honestly, there’s nothing like a trip to Washington, DC.  It is the perfect destination for families.  If a museum or monument isn’t holding your kids attention, there’s always another one you can check out- and it’ll most likely be free!

If you’d like a little guidance for your itinerary, see our 4 Day Itinerary.  It was designed with young kids in mind and hits a lot of the most popular sights in Washington, DC such as:

The White House
National Museum of American History
National Air & Space Museum
Ford’s Theater
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
National Children’s Museum

and so much more!

Junior Ranger Program

The Junior Ranger Program invites visitors to explore, learn about, and protect national parks. Participants complete activities in a special Junior Ranger booklet, then take an official pledge and receive a Junior Ranger badge or patch.

🗺️ How It Works

  1. Visit a National Park
    Head to a participating national park, monument, historic site, or recreation area. You can ask a ranger at the visitor center for a Junior Ranger activity book.

  2. Complete Activities
    Activities vary by location and are tailored to the park’s unique features. Common tasks include:

  3. Meet a Park Ranger
    After completing the booklet, kids (and adults!) show their work to a ranger. They may ask a few questions or have a quick chat.

  4. Take the Junior Ranger Pledge
    Participants promise to protect parks, learn about nature, and share what they’ve learned.

  5. Earn a Badge or Patch
    Every park has a unique Junior Ranger badge, making it a fun collectible!

Save Our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond!

For future reference, be sure to save our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, be sure to check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC.  You can also learn how to visit the White House.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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