Tag: UNITED STATES

Florida State Park Bucket List

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 27, 2023
No Comments on Florida State Park Bucket List

Florida has an impressive 175 State Parks and we’ve compiled them all together to create the Florida State Park Bucket List. Our goal is to visit all of Florida’s State Parks and share our experiences with you.

The parks in bold are ones that we have visited, and the ones that are hyperlinked are ones we have written about in-depth here on 5 Suitcases. The parks are listed in alphabetical order.

Florida State Park Bucket List

Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park
Alafia River State Park
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Amelia Island State Park
Anastasia State Park
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Atlantic Ride Preserve State Park
Avalon State Park
Bahia Honda State Park
Bald Point State Park
Baseline Road Trailhead
Beker-South Fork
Beker-Wingate Creek State Park
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Shoals State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Blackwater Heritage State Trail
Blackwater River State Park

Blue Spring State Park
Buckman Lock- St. Johns Loop North & South
Bulow Creek State Park
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Caladesi Island State Park
Camp Helen State Park
Cayo Costa State Park
Cedar Key Museum State Park
Cedar Key Scrub State Preserve
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Cockroach Bay Preserve State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park

Colt Creek State Park
Constitution Convention Museum State Park
Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Curry Hammock State Park
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
De Leon Springs State Park
Deer Lake State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park
Dudley Farm Historic State Park
Dunnellon Trail

Dunns Creek State Park
Econfina River State Park
Eden Gardens State Park
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Egmont Key State Park
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Eureka West Recreation Area
Plantation Historic State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Falling Waters State Park
Fanning Springs State Park
Faver-Dykes State Park
Felburn Park
Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park
Florida Caverns State Park
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Forest Capital Museum State Park

Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Cooper State Park
Fort Foster State Historic Site
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Fort Mose Historic State Park
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Gasparilla Island State Park
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
Haw Creek Preserve State Park
Henderson Beach State Park
Highlands Hammock State Park
Hillsborough River State Park
Historic Santos Recreation Area
Honeymoon Island State Park
Hontoon Island State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Indian Key Historic State Park
Indian River Lagoon Preserve State Park
Inglis Bypass Recreation Area
Inglis Dam & Island Recreation Area
Inglis Lock Recreation Area
John D. Macarthur Beach State Park
John Gorrie Museum State Park
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Johnathan Dickinson State Park
Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble

Kenwood Recreation Area
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Koreshan State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lake Griffin State Park
Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Louisa State Park
Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Talquin State Park
Landbridge Trailhead
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Little Manatee River State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park

Long Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park
Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Marjory Stoneman Douglas House

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Myakka River State Park
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
Nature Coast State Trail
North Peninsula State Park
O’Leno State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park
Okeechobee Battlefield Historic State Park
Oleta River State Park
Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park
Orman House Historic State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park
Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Perdido Key State Park
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Price’s Scrub State Park
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park
Ravine Gardens State Park
River Rise Preserve State Park
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
Rodman Campground
Rodman Recreation Area
Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve State Park
Santos Trailhead & Campground
Savannas Preserve State Park
Seabranch Preserve State Park
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Shangri-la Trailhead & Campground
Silver Springs State Park
Skyway Fishing Pier State Park
St. Andrews State Park
St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park
St. Marks River Preserve State Park
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

St. Teresa Tract of Bald Point State Park
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Suwannee River State Park
Suwannee River Wilderness State Trail
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail
Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Three Rivers State Park
Tomoka State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Torreya State Park
Troy Spring State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Werne-Boyce Salt Springs State Park
Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
William J “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Withlachoochee Bay Trail
Withlachoochee State Trail
Ybor City Museum State Park
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park

Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

25/75 visited

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!

Tags FLORIDA, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES, USA

United States Washington DC

10 Practical Tips for Visiting Washington DC with Kids

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 20, 2023
No Comments on 10 Practical Tips for Visiting Washington DC with Kids

As we wrap up our posts about the District of Columbia, I thought I’d end by sharing tips for visiting Washington DC with kids. I visited DC numerous times before we took a family trip there- and let me tell you, visiting with the kids is a totally different ball game. Like with any trip, Visiting Washington DC with kids takes a bit of planning and foresight.

Tips for Visiting Washington DC with kids

1. Don't try to cram too much into your itinerary.

When I mapped out our itinerary, I planned for us to visit 3 places a day. That may not seem like a lot, but when you consider how long it takes to visit an attraction, transit in between, potty breaks, meals, etc., 3 places a day works out quite well.

When booking timed-entry tickets, I would book them for 10 o’clock and 4 o’clock,. This worked out perfectly for us! It gave us plenty of time at our first location and to check out another attraction before our 4:00 stop.

Check out our itinerary!

2. Try to stick to your normal schedule.

When we travel, we try to keep our schedules as close to our home schedule as possible. We’ve found that this helps cut down on meltdowns.

If your little one still naps, you may need to keep that in mind when you’re planning out your days in DC.

3. Make time for FUN!

As it turns out, many kids find museums to be…well…boring. Be sure to leave time for a little fun in your itinerary! Some National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum have done a great job or adding interactive displays in their exhibits.

After spending the morning learning about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and touring Ford’s Theater and the Petersen house, we let the kids decompress by running around and participating in STEAM activities at the National Children’s Museum. Y’all! THIS PLACE IS EVERYTHING! Trust me, add it to your itinerary now, your kids will thank you.

4. Take breaks.

Trust me, even if you use the Metro, you’ll be doing a TON of walking in DC. We walked between 7 and 8 miles every single day. Be sure to rest those little feet.

Enjoy an ice cream cone on the lawn at the National Mall, find a park bench, or find a spot to take a break inside of the museums.

5. Plan for the weather.

Straight up, the weather in DC during the summer months is miserable- and this is coming from a Florida girl. If you’re going during the summer, be sure to pack plenty of water and stay hydrated.

My favorite time to visit the capital is during the fall once the weather and crowds have died down.

If you’re going in the fall, winter, or even spring, consider dressing your kids in layers so they can peel off a layer as the days warms up. During our fall trip, our kids wore pants, a long sleeve shirt, and then a button down shirt on top. Towards the end of the day, we’d remove the top layer and tie it around their waist or toss it in our backpack.

6. Make sure your hotel is in an ideal location.

In the past, I’ve always stayed in Arlington or Alexandria when I’ve visited DC. When visiting Washington DC with kids, you’ll most likely want to book a room in DC so you can scoot back to the hotel quickly, if needed.

We found a hotel, Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall, that was in an ideal location. It was located less than 1/2 a mile away from the National Mall, and 1/2 a mile from the District Wharf, where there are plenty of food options.

Also, make sure your hotel includes breakfast. Trust me, the last thing you’ll want to do is drag hungry kids around first thing in the morning searching for breakfast.

7. All of the Smithsonian Museums are FREE

The Smithsonian museums are some of the best attractions in DC. The National Museum of American History features many pieces from pop culture that will probably spark your kids interest.

Our kids favorite museum was the National Air and Space Museum. There are lots of interactive elements (AND SPACE SHIPS!) that will keep your kids entertained.

Consider planning your museum visits for the afternoon, when the weather gets warmer, or in the event of rain.

8. Decide if You'll Be Bringing a Stroller

Despite the fact that everything we did in DC was all within the National Mall area, we did a TON of walking. As I mentioned before, we walked 25 miles during our 3 days in DC….and that is with us riding the Metro, a lot! You may want to bring along a stroller.

Our youngest were 4 when we went to DC and they were freaking champs when it came to walking. They didn’t complain once. In retrospect, with all of the running around they did in places like the National Children’s Museum, they probably did more than 25 miles on our trip.

9. Tour the White House

I’ve read other blogs that suggest you skip the White House tour, but they’re nuts- take the tour! It will be a memorable experience and will give them a little street cred.

Taking a White House tour requires a little advance planning. Be sure to check out our guide on Visiting the White House.

Although strollers are not allowed in the White House, you can baby wear (use a baby carrier worn on the body). Purses and bags are not allowed inside the White House, either, but there are lockers nearby (more info in the above mentioned post) where you can stash your belongings.

If you decide to skip the White House tour, considering going to the White House Visitor Center. The exhibits give you an insight on the daily lives of the President and their family.

10. See the Monuments at Night

Believe me, there’s nothing quite like seeing the monuments all lit up at night. If your kiddos aren’t too tired, take an evening stroll. If they are feeling a little drowsy, you can always find a spot on the lawn at the National Mall to take in the sights.

The Lincoln Memorial is jaw dropping at night, as is the Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument. There are plenty of options available including tours via boat, trolley, and bicycle (for older kids).

Our Kids Must-Haves for DC

Our kids each have their own little camera to take with us on trips. The love bringing them along on our trips to capture their memories. Our kids have this one, which has a video mode that our kids love to play with.

One thing we always do is check out library books about the destinations we’re visiting. This gives our kids the opportunity to have some background knowledge about the things they are seeing. Amazon has this cute little Kids’ Travel Guide that is full of coloring pages, fun facts, and special activities.

Not that you ever need an excuse to be fancy AF, but DC makes for a pretty good reason. How cute would pictures at the Lincoln Memorial, Ford’s Theater, and White House be your kiddo in a top hat?

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!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post: 10 Practice Tips for Visiting Washington DC with Kids. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Be sure to check out our family-friendly 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary and our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond to help you plan your trip. We’ll also show you how to score a tour of the White House and share Tips on Riding the DC Metro.

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!

**This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience**

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

United States Washington DC

10 Tips for Riding the DC Metro That Will Make Your Trip Easier!

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 13, 2023
No Comments on 10 Tips for Riding the DC Metro That Will Make Your Trip Easier!

Riding the DC Metro is one of the easiest ways to navigate the city. One of the best features of Washington, DC is that it is very pedestrian-friendly. Many of the main attractions are centered on or around the National Mall.

I remember my very first trip to Washington, DC with my family. My dad made us walk EVERYWHERE because he was intimidated by riding the DC metro. I can see how it might be a little daunting, if you’re not used to riding public transportation. To help, we’ve put together a list of tips to for riding the DC Metro.

DC Metro Passes

A SmarTrip card is required to enter and exit the system. All riders ages 5 and older must have a card. SmartTrip cards can be ordered online or you may buy a card at the station. Cards cost $10/each, $2 for the card itself and they come preloaded with $8 of credit. You can also purchase the pass at any Metro station.

Fares for single trips average between $2.25 and $6.00 during peak hours. Peak hours are from opening until 9:30 and between 3 pm and 7 pm on weekdays.

Each vending machine will show you how much it will cost to travel to any station within the system.

Prior to our last trip (see our 4 day itinerary), we planned on purchasing a 3-day pass (a weekly pass is also available). After talking to one of the Metro stewards, he actually convinced us that it would be more economical to load $20 on a Metro card and go from there. Don’t hesitate to speak to the employees and decide which option would be best for you.

Having a card, whether pre-loaded or a 3-day or weekly pass, makes it easier to utilize the Metro system. Not only can it save you money, but it also makes it easier to get in and out of the station- since you won’t have to worry about purchasing tickets at each stop. This is especially beneficial during peak times (morning and afternoon rush hours and during special events).

1-Day Passes

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of re-loading cards, you can purchase a 1 day pass for $15/person. Although this seems like a good deal, you may want to do the math first. If you’re staying close to the National Mall or Capitol Hill, you’ll probably want to skip this option. This will be better for people who are staying a bit further out.

3-Day Passes

If you’re visiting DC for a weekend, you may want to look into a 3-day pass. It costs $30 and allows for unlimited Metro and Metrobus rides for 3 consecutive days.

Navigating & Riding the DC Metro

The Metro is made up of six different lines, each of them color coded. In several portions of the Metro system, two or more lines run parallel to each other, making it convenient to pop on any of the lines. We used the Orange/Silver/Blue lines for pretty much everything on our last trip, as we stayed in the National Mall area.

If you are flying into DC, we suggest looking into catching a flight in and out of Reagan National Airport since there is a Metro stop directly in the airport. The Silver Line services Dulles International Airport, but you’ll have to do a little more walking.

Once you’re at the Metro, be sure to use the signs throughout the station to ensure you’re in the proper location. Find the platform with the corresponding final stop, that will let you know which side of the platform you need to be on.

After you’ve boarded the train, pay attention to the maps located at the middle of each car. Although the train operators will announce the stops, they are often difficult to understand or hear. Count the stops on the map (posted on the train or at the station) and keep an eye out for your stop. The Metro stop’s names are also posted on the walls of the Metro stations, so you can look out the window to see where you are.

The Metro Lines

Red: serves the northern part of the city. The main stations are Union Station, Metro Center, Chinatown, and Dupont Circle.

Blue: runs east-west through the city and then cuts south. The main stations are Capitol South, Smithsonian, McPherson Square (White House), Arlington National Cemetery, National Airport.

Silver: runs east-west through the city. It offers the closest access to Dulles Airport that you can get to using public transportation.

Orange: runs east-west through the city. The orange/silver/blue lines follow the same tracks inside downtown.

Green: runs north-south. Take the Green line to get to Navy-Yard/Nationals Park Baseball Stadium.

Yellow: runs north-south. The yellow line shares a track with Green for most of downtown. Both lines visit L’Enfant Plaza. The Yellow line continues south into Virginia to the Pentagon, Ronald Reagan National Airport and King Street for Old Town Alexandria.

Tips for Riding the DC Metro

Each Metro station has ticket kiosks where you can use cash or a credit card to purchase or reload a prepaid card. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance in picking which option is best for you.
To locate the Metro stations, look for tall brown signs with the letter “M” and the station name. The name of the stop and the color lines that service the station will be noted on the top of the post. See our example above in the “Navigating the DC Metro” section.

There are also maps strategically located around the tourist areas which make it easy to locate where the Metro entrances are. Some of them can be hidden behind bushes (we’re looking at you Smithsonian Station!), between buildings, or even accessed via the first floor of a building. Again, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once you know what you’re looking for, they are easy to spot.

3. Most of the stations in downtown Washington, DC are deep underground. These stations are accessed via a long escalator ride. Stand on the right side of the escalator, and pass on the left. Never block the way of other passengers. Many locals use the Metro for commuting too and from work and have the timing down to a science. If you block them, they could potentially miss their ride

4. Be sure to check the color coded maps to make sure you are getting on the right train and where to transfer, if needed. Don’t be shy- even the locals refer to the map. If you’d rather be less obvious about it, you can download the app to help you navigate.

5. Before you board a train, check the color band on the digital marquee on the side of the train, this color will indicate what line you are boarding.

6. Be sure not to stand directly in front of the doors. Be sure to stand back and let passengers get off before you board.

7. There is a map of the Metro posted in each of the cars, for you to refer to.

8. Do not eat or drink while you are riding.

9. Marijuana has been legalized in DC, this head led to use on the Metro system. If the smell bothers you, switch cars at the next available stop.

10. Keep your ticket/pass in your right hand for a fast exit. Remember, people are on tight schedules. It’s never okay to stand in front of the exit gate to locate your ticket.

Riding the DC Metro is efficient, reliable, convenient, and easy. If you find yourself in Washington, DC, don’t be afraid to ride the Metro. It sure beats walking everywhere!

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post: 10 Tips for Riding the DC Metro. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

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!

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

United States Washington DC

National Museum of American History- Iconic Treasures from America’s Past

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date May 6, 2023
No Comments on National Museum of American History- Iconic Treasures from America’s Past

Mary Lincoln's Dress- 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 discovers, 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 History of the National Museum of American History

The museum opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology. It was renamed in 1980 to reflect the ever-growing collection of objects that reflect the experience of the American people.

Layout of the National Museum of American History

The museum has three exhibition floors that is anchored by a landmark object that highlights the theme of the wing.

275 feet of glass-fronted cases serve as artifact walls lining the first and second floor core. The artifact walls are organized around themes such as pop culture, business, work and economy, arts, home and family, community, land and natural resources, American people, politics and political reform, science, medicine, technology, and the US’s role in the world.

Please note that the following information is correct as of the publication date. The museum is constantly growing, evolving, and swapping out exhibits.

Lower Level

The lower level features a museum store, locker room, cafeteria, cafe, restrooms, and lactation room. You’ll also find ride simulators here.

First Floor

On the first floor’s 1 East Wing, you’ll find exhibits that feature transportation and technology. They include America on the Move, Lighting A Revolution, Power Machinery, On the Water, and more. It is here you’ll find The John Bull 1831 locomotive, Southern Railway locomotive no. 1401 which pulled Franklin D. Roosevelt’s funeral train,, Santa Cruz Railroad no. 3, and a 1926 Ford Model T Roadster.

In the 2 West Wing, is the Archives Center, The Value of Money, Inventive Minds Places of Invention, Wonderplace, Spark!Lab, and more. Spark!Lab is a hands-on exhibit inspired by invention and innovations. The Vassar Telescope is the anchoring artifact.

Second Floor

The galleries in 2 East are rotating exhibits.

Located in the center of the second floor (2 Center) is the original Star Spangled Banner Flag which inspired Francis Scott Key’s iconic poem.

2 West houses relics important to the American Democracy. The signature piece is the George Washington statue, sculpted by Horatio Greenough in celebration of the centennial of Washington’s birth. Also on this floor, you’ll find an entire colonial house (circa 1710/1760) from Ipswich, Massachusetts located in the “Within These Walls” exhibit.

Third Floor

3 East exhibits are focused on the military history of the United States. The exhibits include “The Price of Freedom” and “Gunboat Philadelphia“. This gunboat was constructed in 1776 for service in the Revolutionary War. It was part of a fleet under the command of General Benedict Arnold. The vessel was sunk during battle on October 11, 1776.

The center of the third floor, 3 Center, features “The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden” which explores the public and personal lives of the men who have held that office. It also features a very popular exhibit, “First Ladies of America” which highlights these women’s contributions to our society, their changing roles, and displays their dresses.

3 West has exhibits that reflect American Popular Culture.

FAQ About the National Museum of American History

How long does it take to walk through the National Museum of American History?

The museum houses a magnificent collection of historical American relics and memorabilia from the nation’s found to present times. The exhibits cover 3 whole floors! We suggest that you plan on spending at least 3 hours in the museum. Even with 3 hours, you may not be able to see everything.

What can you see at the National Museum of American History?

The museum’s collection houses everything from gowns of America’s First Ladies, the hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated, and Dorothy’s Ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. Whether you’re a history fan or a pop culture fanatic, you’ll find something there that will interest you!

Do you need tickets for the National Museum of American History?

You do not need tickets to enter the museum. Admission is free.

Plan Your Visit the National Museum of American History

The museum is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas. The typical hours are from 10 am until 5:30 pm.

The museum is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets in Washington, DC.

The museum entrances are located on Constitution Avenue on the first floor, and Madison Drive (National Mall) on the second floor.

The nearest Metro stop to the museum is Federal Triangle.

Refer to the official website for exhibit closures and special notices.

What is there to do nearby?

The White House Visitor Center
The White House
Ford’s Theatre
National Children’s Museum
National Archives Museum
National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of African American History
Museum of Natural History
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of the American Indian
Library of Congress
National Air and Space Museum
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Save a Pin & Start Planning Your Adventure

For future reference, be sure to save our post: National Museum of American History- Iconic Treasures from America’s Past. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Visiting the National Museum of American History will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to DC! While you’re at the museum, you won’t want to miss these highlights! Be sure to check out our family-friendly 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary and our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond to help you plan your trip. We’ll also show you how to score a tour of 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!

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

United States Washington DC

10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date April 29, 2023
5 Comments on 10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History

Mary Lincoln's tea set- National Museum of American History

With nearly 3 million objects, it’s hard to narrow it down to just 10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History! We’ve hand-selected our 10 favorite relics that represent American culture. If you’re looking to maximize your time at the museum, we recommend hitting these highlights during your visit.

Here is a full list of exhibitions (http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions), and we’ve listed some of our favorites below.

Please note that the museum does sometimes close exhibitions or remove objections for preservation work.

This list barely scratches the surface of all of the incredible must see things at the National Museum of American History. The museum is a treasure trove of items that represent and celebrate the American culture. However, if you’re pressed for time, you’ll definitely want to try to check out these must see things at the National Museum of American History.

10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History

1. Abraham Lincolns Top Hat

Abraham Lincoln stood a whopping 6’4″ tall and towered over most of his contemporaries. Despite of this, he was known for his love of wearing top hats.

Lincoln added the black silk mourning band in honor of his son Willie who died of typhoid fever in 1862. The last time he wore this hat was the evening of April 14, 1865 when he attended the play Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theater.

It was on that fateful night that he was assassinated by actor John Wilkes Booth. After Lincoln’s assassination, the US War Department preserved his hat and other material left at the theater. The hat remained hidden, in storage, until 1893 when the excitement of his death started to die down. Today, the hat is one of the Smithsonian’s most treasured objects.

You can also view his life mask, pocket watch, and a model submitted with a patent application for a devise to make riverboats more buoyant. This item is on most people’s list of must see things at the National Museum of American History.

2. Dorothy's Ruby Slippers from Wizard of Oz

These iconic shoes are recognized world-wide and are one of the most popular objects in the Smithsonian’s collection. They were worn by sixteen-year-old Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. In the original book by L. Frank Baum, the magic slippers were actually silver. The costume designers for the movie chose to change the shoes to ruby red so that they would stand out more against the yellow-brick road.

Although several pairs of shoes were created for the character Dorothy, these seem to be the primary pair used for dance sequences since they are well-worn.

3. A Piece of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall was a guarded concrete barrier that divided the city of Berlin from 1961 until 1989. On November 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall came tumbling down to signify the collapse of Communism. Once the wall was torn down, portions of the wall were cut into memorial-size chunks of concrete which were sold in shops and even flea markets.

The piece of the Berlin Wall that is housed in the National Museum of American History was purchased by a Canadian student who purchased it in a Berlin flea market. He then sold the fragment on an Internet auction site.

You might ask, how does a chunk of concrete from Europe qualify as American history? Several Americans were posted at a crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin known as Checkpoint Charlie. The United States played a critical role in bringing Communism to an end and reuniting the German People.

4. The 9/11 Collection

The date September 11, 2001 will forever be engrained in our generation’s memory as one of the most traumatizing events of our lifetime. In the September 11th attacks, four coordinated suicide terrorist attacks were carried out against the United States by the terrorist network al-Qaeda. That morning, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial airliners. The first two planes were crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane barreled into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. The final plane was meant to hit another federal building in Washington, DC but it crashed in a field following a passenger revolt.

Items in this collection include pieces of the airplanes used in the attacks, rescuer’s uniforms, Mayor Giuliani’s boots and coat, fragments of the Pentagon and World Trade Center, and much more. The collection is extremely moving and is definitely one of the must see things at the National Museum of American History.

This collection of pieces should be on your list of must see things at the National Museum of American History. They serve as a reminder for those that lost their lives on 9/11.

5. The First Ladies Dresses

The First Ladies exhibition has always been one of my favorites in the museum. Although these relics may seem like they’re just a collection of dresses worn by First Ladies, they actually represent how these women have changed the country in both small and profound ways.

In this collection you’ll silver services and china used by the First Ladies, along with shoes and jewelry worn at Inaugurations. Highlights included Jacqueline Kennedy’s pearl necklace, Mary Lincoln’s purse, and relics from the first Presidency held by Washington.

6. The Gunboat Philadelphia

The Gunboat Philadelphia was constructed in 1776 for service in the Revolutionary War. It was part of a fleet under the command of General Benedict Arnold. The vessel was sunk during battle on October 11, 1776.

Colonel Lorenzo Hagglund raised it out of Lake Champlain in 1935. Hagglund left the boat to his museum in his will.

Believe it or not, the boat was installed on the east side of the third floor of the museum before the exterior wall was put in place.

7. George Washington's Uniform

A uniform consisting of a coat, waistcoat, and knee breeches belonging to George Washington is another one of the must see things in the National Museum of American History. The uniform was worn by George Washington from 1789 until his death in 1799.

The clothes date from the Revolutionary Period and were often worn by Washington as he posed for life portraits.

The uniform has been in the Smithsonian’s possession since 1883 and has been on display almost continuously, since. It was taken off exhibit during World War II, along with other artifacts, for safekeeping.

Other relics from the OG George W. include his battle sword, flintlock pistol, a camp chest, and a chair that sat by his bed.

8. Thomas Jefferson's Desk

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on this portable desk of his own design. The desk features a hinged writing board and a lockable drawer for pens, inkwell, and paper.

Jefferson used this desk throughout his life as a revolutionary patriot, American diplomat, and President of the United States.

Jefferson gifted the writing desk to his granddaughter, Eleanora Randolph Coolidge as a wedding gift. The desk remained in the Coolidge family until 1880.

The other object pictured (on the left) is George Washington’s document box which he used to store documents during the Constitutional Convention.

These objects can be found in the “American Democracy” gallery on the west wing of the second floor.

9. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag

One of the greatest treasures in the museum is the original Star-Spangled Banner. The flag measures 30 feet tall and 34 feet long and was commissioned for Fort McHenry. The flag bears 15 stars and 15 stripes.

The flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem he originally called, “Defence of Fort M’Henry” as he watched the Battle of Fort McHenry from an enemy ship in the bay.

The poem was later set to the tune of a song and became our National Anthem. It located in the center of the second floor and is definitely one of the must see things in the National Museum of American History.

10. The Presidential Football

The nuclear football, known as the Presidential Football, is a briefcase that holds the contents/codes that are used by the president of the United States to authorize a nuclear attack if they are away from one of the fixed command centers.

The nuclear football is required to be near the president at all times. It is typically held by an aid. There have been a handful of occasions when a president has been separated from the aid manning the “football”. Presidents Ford, Carter, H.W. Bush, and Clinton have all reportedly been separated from this critical case.

In fact, President Clinton reportedly lost the nuclear codes for several months- without even knowing it! His aid always claimed to have the codes on hand, but in fact had lost them. This wasn’t discovered until it was time to replace the codes.

After this event, it became mandated that the Defense Department would need to physically see the codes, rather than taking someone’s word for it.

Plan Your Visit to See the 10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History

The museum is open every day of the year with the exception of Christmas. The typical hours are from 10 am until 5:30 pm.

The museum is located on the National Mall at Constitution Avenue, N.W., between 12th and 14th Streets in Washington, DC.

The museum entrances are located on Constitution Avenue on the first floor, and Madison Drive (National Mall) on the second floor.

The nearest Metro stop to the museum is Federal Triangle.

What is there to do Nearby?

The White House
White House Visitor’s Center
Ford’s Theatre
National Children’s Museum
National Archives Museum
National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of African American History
Museum of Natural History
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of the American Indian
Library of Congress
National Air and Space Museum
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Save Our 10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History

For future reference, be sure to save our 10 Must See Things at the National Museum of American History. Pin one of the images below to Pinterest. Go ahead and follow 5Suitcases on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Visiting the National Museum of American History will definitely be one of the highlights of your trip to DC! Be sure to check out our family-friendly 4 Day Washington DC Itinerary and our Ultimate Guide to the National Mall and Beyond to help you plan your trip. We’ll also show you how to score a tour of 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!

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

United States Washington DC

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

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date April 15, 2023
No Comments on Touring the Library of Congress- the World’s Largest Library

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.

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

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 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?

The White House
White House Visitor Center
National Children’s Museum
National Archives Museum
National Portrait Gallery
National Museum of African American History
Museum of Natural History
National Museum of American History
National Gallery of Art
National Museum of the American Indian
Ford’s Theatre
National Air and Space Museum
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial

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!

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

Florida Florida State Parks Orange City State Parks United States

How to See Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date April 8, 2023
No Comments on How to See 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!

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!

Tags FLORIDA, STATE PARK, UNITED STATES, USA

United States Washington DC

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

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date April 1, 2023
No Comments on Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History: A Must See in DC!

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.

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.

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.

Gem Collection

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!

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!

Tags UNITED STATES, USA, WASHINGTON DC

Florida Orlando SeaWorld Orlando United States

Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date March 25, 2023
No Comments on 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)

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)

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.

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

For future reference, be sure to save our guide to SeaWorld Orlando’s Seven Seas Food Festival. 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!

Tags FLORIDA, SEAWORLD, THEME PARK, UNITED STATES, USA

Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

5 of the Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Post author By Elle MacRae
Post date March 11, 2023
No Comments on 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.