Despite his dream of building a capital city along the banks of the Potomac River and unlike the real estate cliché “George Washington slept here,” America’s first president never once laid his head down on a pillow within the District of Columbia, aka Washington, DC. The closest he ever got was a good night’s sleep at his homestead in nearby Mount Vernon, VA.

Some 228 years later, our nation’s capital welcomes more than 22 million visitors a year. A world-class city embedded with a vibrant history, spectacular monuments, outstanding museums, plentiful parks, lush gardens and exceptional chef-driven cuisine, Washington, DC is well worth a visit. But, don’t just take my word for it, join me as I take the lens cap off and document this monumental city originally planned by Pierre L’Enfant.

For starters, there’s the Smithsonian Institution, a collection of 19 massive, artifacts-filled museums and galleries and the National Zoo, many standing shoulder-to-shoulder on either side of the two-mile long National Mall, “America’s front yard.” Art, history — natural and chronicled — science, and red-white-and-blue ingenuity to rocket into space, are all on display inside these titanic buildings. And, the best part? Entry is absolutely free for we, the people.

Bookending the Mall is the Capitol Building at the eastern end, where the legislative branches of government apply their checks and balances atop old Jenkins’ Hill, and the awe-inspiring Lincoln Memorial, where Honest Abe sits in deep contemplation at the western edge along the banks of the Potomac. And, smack dab in the middle of it all stands the Washington Monument, a 555-foot marble obelisk — the tallest structure in the District — honoring the “Father of His Country” that’s encircled by 56 American flags, one for each state along with the five territories and the District of Columbia.

Our historical walk around the Mall also includes a bevy of memorials: Jefferson, Vietnam and Korean War Veterans, Martin Luther King, Jr., FDR and World War II. Join the lengthy queue to get inside the National Archives to view John Hancock’s John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. Book way in advance for access to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the newest venue on the Mall. Spend an entire day exploring the myriad of exhibitions at the National Galleries of Art and Portrait. Reach for the sky and the stars beyond at the National Air and Space Museum. And, stop long enough to smell the plant life inside the US Botanic Garden.

The United States is a cultural melting pot and its capital reflects the nation’s sea-to-shining-sea international roots. Heavily influenced by Egyptian, Greek, Roman, medieval European and 19th-century French architecture, wherever you look, especially up, you’ll see an abundance of tall columns, massive domes and the occasional flying buttress. From the White House to the U.S. Capitol, from the Washington Monument to the Library of Congress, from Union Station to the National Cathedral, a simple stroll around architecturally impressive DC alone is well worth the airfare. Right?

The District’s a showcase of American performance arts and is home to such iconic venues as the National Theatre and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In the early 20^th century, jazz music had a dizzying effect here as DC natives, like Duke Ellington, played the night away on stages up and down famed U Street. Years later, homegrown go-go, a blend of funk, R&B and hip-hop set the beat around clubs and out on the street.

And, let’s not forget that John Philip Souza came marching down Pennsylvania Avenue at the dawn of the 1900s leading the Marine Corps Band, the oldest musical group in the US. Today, Souza’s iconic march music is one of the highlights at the annual A Capitol Fourth, the national Independence Day celebration that unfolds at twilight on the West Lawn of Capitol Hill.

The White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, the three pillars of the US government, all punch their clocks here, while the Pentagon, the State Department, the World Bank and embassies from almost every corner of the globe float around their orbit. Power, those that carry it and those eager to wrestle it away, is why DC emits such a 24/7/365 buzz. Can you feel it?

Washingtonians, all 700,000+ of them, know full well the difference between the city itself and the District of Columbia, aka “inside the beltway.”

Beyond the high profile attractions, the politics, the leaks, the lobbying and the “fake news,” the city, all 68 square miles of it, is made up of small, distinctive neighborhoods where normal folk live and breathe. Here, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs are hopping; Ubers are hailed and bicycles and electric scooters are shared via smartphone apps, and one of the cleanest metro systems in the world moves the populace quickly; and, where friends share a laugh, like my DC-based fam, on colorful row-house front porches or on terraces atop apartment complexes with fab views of their fair city spread out below.

While we’re here, let’s grab some cutlery and tuck in to one of the country’s hottest food scenes. The District is a can’t-miss epicurean destination touted by the likes of Bon Appétit, the Michelin Guide and Zagat, and where celebrity chefs like José Andrés, Tim Ma and Marjorie Meek-Bradley conjure up their culinary wizardry.

From food magazine-worthy dishes created and plated at coveted tables around Penn Quarter, to local favorite half-smokes served at a 24-hour diner up in Adams Morgan, to one-stop grazing at foodie mecca Union Market, just about every kitchen on the planet is represented within DC.

Regardless of your crave, one thing’s for certain: it’s all delectable no matter where you dine. Uh, I’ll have the Maryland crab cake sandwich topped with crispy bacon, please.

With loads of attractions and activities for every visitor, budget-minded and value-added, Washington, DC is teeming with a good-time vibe. Affording unmatched free access to museums, monuments and memorials and one-of-a-kind events, like the National Cherry Blossom Festival, not to mention five pro sports teams — Redskins, Nationals, Wizards, Capitals and DC United — the District is in a class all by itself.

Washington, DC, America’s monumental city that our first commander-in-chief envisioned, is all grown up now. I’m just happy that you let me show you around.

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Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial Birthday

These are among examples of activities being planned, and undertaken, to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of the United States on July 4, 2026. They recall the moment when the Founding Fathers, who had gathered in Philadelphia, declared independence of the 13 American colonies from Great Britain. 

This historic event is being recognized in Virginia, where Jamestown was established in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in the New World. The Massachusetts Plymouth Colony, which was created in 1620.  And Maryland, founded by Lord Baltimore in 1632.

Solemn and serious activities will recall America’s 250^th anniversary

These and other states, and cities, have planned a year-long list of festivities to recognize and honor this special birthday.  Some will be solemn and serious, others less so. All will attract people from near and far  who are seeking to recall and commemorate the nation’s birth, and its past accomplishments. Wherever you live, whatever your interests there’s likely to be a choice of exciting, and educational, events that you may wish to take in.

Philadelphia will be a hub of celebration of the Unites States special birthday

Those activities in Philadelphia were kicking off a year-long party.  At the Museum of the American Revolution, located just steps away from Independence Hall, immersive galleries, interactive exhibits and theater experiences relate compelling stories of the people and complex events that helped to spark the American rebellion.

Celebration of the birth of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in the self-proclaimed City of Brotherly Love got underway this fall with a parade of ships along the Delaware River, a Toast to the Navy gala, and a gathering at the tavern which was the birthplace of the Marine Corps.

States also will get into the action. A web-based hub has been posted which helps residents of, and visitors to, Delaware locate sites associated with the semiquincentennial remembrance. It includes a three-day Revolutionary War driving itinerary; a calendar of events listing special exhibitions and other related activities, and an overview of places with strong ties to the Revolutionary War. Among these are Cooch’s Bridge, sight of the only significant military action in the state, and the Grand Opera House, former site of a hospital that treated wounded from both sides during the fighting.

Massachusetts offers an immersion in early American history

A road trip through Massachusetts is like an immersion in history. That state kicked off its fetes by reliving the Battle of Lexington when – on April 19, 1775 – the British sent 700 soldiers from Boston to destroy ammunition and other supplies and the town’s militia confronted them, leaving eight colonists dead. George Washington then wrote “The first blood was spilt,” and the American Revolutionary War had begun.

After Lexington, the British marched to Concord to ransack more military equipment. Among displays at that town’s museum is the iron-and-glass lantern that Paul Revere famously carried during his “midnight ride,” which is recalled in the familiar poem written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 

Events in Philadelphia and along the Delaware River recalling and recounting the genesis of the U.S. Navy aren’t the only water-related activities planned. American Cruise Lines, the largest river cruise company in the country, will launch an array of extended sailings throughout the year in honor of the nation’s founding. They will include Great United States, Spring Across America and Civil War Battlefields itineraries.  

Whether you prefer to wander by water, mull over museum displays or check out places where important chapters of U.S. history were written, numerous opportunities will abound throughout the country to celebrate the nation’s special birthday.

For information about 250^th anniversary events throughout the United States, log onto america250.org.

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On the side of a brick building, at the corner of E 7th St and North Arizona Ave, a mural greeted me. This particular block of North Arizona was more of an alley than a street. It was open to cars, with a few parking spaces at an angle to the alley, but the short block was better experienced on foot.

Beginning at the mural — Greetings from Tucson, it said — any aimless drifter could wobble dreamily down the alley, past streams of ants, weeds, splotches of motor oil and a yard of broken air conditioning parts toward the best speakeasy pizza joint anywhere. Street art and ghost signs were included in the pilgrimage.

One block, this alley. That’s it. No more was necessary.

I started at the mural, a tourist attraction painted in 2017 by Greetings Tour, an outfit started by muralist Victor Ving and photographer Lisa Beggs, who traveled across the country painting postcard-style murals in various cities.

Across 7th St, a sprawling sports restaurant with a thousand televisions, a huge patio and pickleball courts blasted “All Star” by Smash Mouth-an unsettling hellish combo of everything I didn’t want to experience. Instead, I needed a dingy, hidden side street that nobody would possibly write about, or even think about. My speakeasy pizza waited.

I shuffled up the alley, inspired by a passage from the foreword to Tucson Salvage, a book by local columnist Brian Jabas Smith. Tucson was an outpost for the lost and weary, a sanctuary for misfits, miscreants and misers. These days, even tourism professionals used phrases like “Don’t Fit Right In,” branding the city as a place where people just don’t fit right in. However, Smith was better than anyone else at capturing this original desert slacker town, his home town, a place to which he never wanted to return, but did. Tucson Salvage, his anthology of alt-weekly newspaper columns, was the definitive guide to the gritty underbelly of the whole sweltering mess.

On one hand, it was only 92 degrees, manageable for Tucson. The concussive blast-furnace weather had not yet arrived – this was May, after all – yet the heat became part of the experience. The sun-parched asphalt was cracked in a hundred places. To my left was a dumpster. Along the opposite building, yellow weeds grew at the bottom of a chain-link fence topped with circular barbed wire, bent in several places. Streams of large ants crawled in single-file fashion toward some unidentifiable destination beneath the weeds. Steps later, I saw more dumpsters, along with cars, all of which seemed haphazardly dropped onto the asphalt from above. They sat in front of another gorgeous monochromatic mural, a black and white image in a pulp southwestern style.

Opposite me, right where another back alley came off 6th Ave and ran behind brick buildings, I spotted a yard of broken equipment. Air conditioning ducts. A pallet of bricks. Ripped fiberglass. It was a glorious view. I sensed beauty in the mundane, the Zen of the forgotten and the discarded.

Just as Phil Cousineau wrote, “the art of pilgrimage is the art of reimagining how we walk, talk, listen, see, hear, write, and draw as we ready for the journey of our soul’s deep desire. Try and see your next journey as more than an itinerary, to see it rather as the slow accretion of details.”

And that I did, as the sun continued to fry the pavement. Throughout my visit, locals told me to carry a water bottle. Some janky storefronts even kept a multi-gallon water receptacle out on the sidewalk, perhaps on a chair, just for homeless people, or anyone, to walk up and fill their bottles. The sense of community-people looking out for each other-was prominent. I loved it.

At the end of the alley, as it dumped onto East 6th St, I arrived at the Promised Land, my new favorite speakeasy pizza restaurant. A cozy joint offering wood-fired, sourdough-crust pizzas with an emphasis on local ingredients, Anello was its name. The best thing? Anello did not have a sign. Nowhere. This was intentional. Just look for the red light above the window, I was told. I arrived before dusk, so the light wasn’t on yet. But I found the place.

Oddly enough, Tucson was the first city in the United States to become a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Wait, what? Yes, it’s true. In 2015. So now the food scene was something to brag about.

Inside Anello, there was room for maybe 25 people, half of which were at a long, community table in the middle of the tiny space, where I plopped down right next to several others I didn’t know. A great idea. Within seconds we were talking about all sorts of stuff. Behind the counter, employees toiled away at a classic wood-fired oven from Italy. Waitstaff answered questions about the wine list. A takeout window opened up into the alley, which I had completely missed.

‘The Verde pizza came with smoked mozzarella, a parsley puree and tons of pistachios. I added pepperoni. It was perfect. Just perfect.

Anello was small. Very small. In all the right ways. The bathroom included a small bookshelf where food tomes held court. Another great idea.

The Promised Land of Speakeasy Pizza was worth the short stroll through the garbage, the ants, the dirt, the grime and the weeds. UNESCO knew what it was doing. My longing was fulfilled.

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My getaway began at the historic 1927 Winnedumah Hotel, where a couple friends and I met Cindy and Derek Abrahams, the property’s general managers. They told me about the fascinating history surrounding the Winnedumah and set me up in the Bing Crosby suite. That’s right, I stayed in the same room that the legendary actor/crooner stayed in while he was in town filming or sneaking away from Hollywood.

Vintage and charming, the Crosby suite features two rooms that share a Jack and Jill bathroom. The suite has a 1920s décor, with classic hard wood floors and furniture, metal framed beds and period-era bathroom fixtures.

There are no televisions in the hotel rooms, but the serenity of the property, with its gentle creaking wood floors and crackling fireplace in the lobby, inspire relaxation, book reading, or conversation with friends, fellow guests from around the world, or with Cindy and Derek, who are knowledgeable about the area and treat guests like family.

“When people visit Independence and the Winnedumah Hotel, they are going to get an authentic, historic Eastern Sierra Nevada experience,” says Cindy. “This is the old west and we’ve got the mountains, the high desert and quintessential small town USA. And when you stay here, you get a very personal, boutique hotel experience.”

Independence is located off U.S. Route 395, the main north-south highway cutting through the Owens Valley. The tiny town is a gateway to outdoor havens such as the John Muir Wilderness Area and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. Hikers pass through while trekking the Pacific Crest Trail, or on their way up California’s two tallest peaks, Mt. Whitney and Mt. Williamson. Others stay at the Winnedumah Hotel for quieter experience while skiing in busy Mammoth. Whatever the reason, the hotel gets about 60 percent of its clientele from international travelers.

But many of the Winnedumah’s first visitors were local, coming by way of Hollywood. Numerous early westerns were filmed in nearby Lone Pine and the Alabama Hills. This brought the likes of Roy Rogers, Gary Cooper, Gabby Hayes, John Wayne and Bing Crosby to the newly built Winnedumah Hotel. Wayne had a favorite room at the hotel and when Crosby visited, he was given the room above the managers’ suite so they could hear him sing in the shower. Even famed California photographer Ansel Adams sought comfort at the property while on photo shoots.

The hotel lobby still has the original 1892 piano that Bing used to sit at and sing as well as other furnishings from the 1920’s, including the overstuffed chairs in the lobby and the steel mesh chairs on the front porch which can be seen in Roy Roger’s first movie “Under Western Stars.”

Besides the Winnedumah, the town also boasts one restaurant, a sandwich shop and a taco truck. For culture there is the Eastern California Museum, located a couple blocks from the hotel. After a complimentary buffet breakfast at the hotel, we walked to the museum and discovered an incredible collection of beautiful, hand-crafted Native American baskets.

The display is one of the largest exhibits of local Paiute-Shoshone basketry in the nation. Ornamental and functional baskets, along with cradleboards, projectile points, bows and arrows, and rare examples of Paiute beadwork are included in the extensive exhibit. The basket exhibit includes more than 400 pieces and nearly 100 other, related artifacts, and is contained in about 14 large display cases.

The museum also showcases a large collection of historic photographs, Owens Valley history, scores of old west guns, and extensive mining and farming equipment and historic structures found outside in the museum yard. There is also lovely creek and pond outside, with majestic views of the Eastern Sierra mountains in the background.

Directly across from the Winnedumah Hotel is the iconic Independence Courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1969 the courthouse held 24 members of the Manson Family for possession of stolen vehicles and property.

About five miles south of Independence, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, is Manzanar War Relocation Center, where Japanese-Americans were held during World War II. Visitors to this historic and somber site will find a Visitor Center with extensive exhibits, a short film and a bookstore. There are also two reconstructed barracks, a women’s latrine, and a mess hall onsite.

About three miles northwest of Independence is the Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery. Built in 1916, it has supplied trout eggs to other hatcheries in California and other western states. It is the only hatchery to produce golden trout, California’s state fish.

If You Go:

Independence

Winnedumah Hotel or call (760) 878-2040.

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If I had to pick a favorite Southern California hotel for family fun and culinary delight, the Hyatt Regency Irvine would be near the top of the list. With a sprawling pool complex featuring two kid-friendly waterslides, a standout signature restaurant, and some of the most imaginative family suites in the region, the hotel delivers everything a family needs for a memorable getaway.

On our recent return visit, we checked into one of the property’s luxurious bunk-bed suites — an 850-sq-ft retreat designed with both kids and parents in mind. The main room features a king bed, a large TV, a stylish bathroom, and a full balcony overlooking the resort and cityscape. But the real showstopper is the private kids’ bedroom: a bunk setup with a queen mattress below and a full on top, plus a sleeper sofa, mini-fridge, large TV, and pool views. The kids loved it so much that we’re already planning another stay this summer. While the kids reveled in their “fortress,” the spacious living room became our own sanctuary — a place to catch up on sleep in the plush king bed or unwind on the balcony with views of the Irvine skyline.

When the kids weren’t in their room, they were at their favorite spot: the Pool Oasis. This family-centric area features two waterslides and a massive 20-foot LED video screen. The shallow play zone was perfect for our three-year-old, giving him a safe space to splash while we relaxed nearby.

On our first night, we stumbled into a bit of dive-in-movie magic, watching the original Muppet Movie — complete with Steve Martin — right from the water. Families laughed, splashed, and floated under the glow of the giant screen, creating one of those rare, effortless vacation moments you hope your kids remember.

For dinner, we headed to Warehouse 72, the hotel’s signature restaurant. The space itself is an experience, with 80-foot digital art walls displaying rotating scenes from cherry blossoms to Mediterranean coastlines. Executive Chef Jaime Salazar’s menu leans modern American with global flair. Our meal included pork belly kimchi fried rice and a 14-ounce Double R Ranch ribeye with bone marrow bordelaise, followed by the restaurant’s famous Frozen S’mores — torched tableside for a bit of theatrical fun.

The next morning, we drove to Irvine’s Great Park, a 1,300-acre urban playground built on the former El Toro Marine Base. Nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park, it offers a huge range of free and low-cost activities. Our kids loved the Great Park Carousel and the Farm + Food Lab, an outdoor classroom where they learned about gardening. The highlight, though, was the Great Park Balloon — a bright orange helium balloon that rises 400 feet above the city for panoramic views.

We spent our final day back at the Hyatt pool, this time in a private cabana equipped with a fridge, TV, and comfy couches — the perfect shaded home base. Lunch came from the hotel’s Market Cafe: burgers, smoothies, and snacks enjoyed in the comfort of our cabana.

As the sun set, the kids retreated to their beloved bunk-bed suite while we relaxed on the balcony, watching the Irvine skyline light up.

The Hyatt Regency Irvine stands out as one of the area’s most refined full-service hotels. Its 516 newly renovated rooms lean into a “thoughtfully modern” aesthetic, with curated artwork and high-end finishes that feel more like a luxury residence than a standard hotel. The property also features a 24-hour fitness center and 56,000 square feet of event space, all just two miles from John Wayne Airport and centrally located for trips to Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, or Newport Beach.

For families planning a summer getaway, now is a great time to book. World of Hyatt members can often find early-booking savings of up to 25% for summer stays, and the Hyatt Family Rate may offer a second room for kids at a significant discount when booked by phone. With its blend of luxury for parents and pure “fortress fun” for kids, the Hyatt Regency Irvine is an ideal home base for a Southern California summer.

Hyatt Regency Irvine is located at 17900 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92614. For more information or current specials, call 949.751.1234 or visit hyatt.com.

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The scene was different for Sam and Judy Crawford. While they also lolled on chaise lounges to soak up the sun’s rays and cooled off in clear water, they ended their relaxing afternoon silt and sting free. That’s because they were replicating a visit to a beach on the roof of the hotel where they were staying.

Rooftop swimming pools occupy the top of a number of lodgings throughout the country. They provide people with added appeal and places to replicate a seaside sojourn without having to travel from their place of accommodation. Many make up in attractions and ambience anything they might lack in ocean views.

With gas prices rising and airport congestion still unpredictable, many folks are rethinking long-haul trips in favor of closer-to-home escapes. Some are opting  for a “staycation” summer, finding an escape right where they live.

For residents of the Nation’s Capital, and those who visit it, that can include the hidden rooftop pool at the Arlo Washington, DC hotel.  Framed by plush loungers and set against a bold, colorful wall mural, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the U.S. Capitol Building and city skyline.

Art also enhances the experience for guests atop the Arlo Wynwood in Miami, Florida. Along with a 360-degree view of the city below, the heated swim bath is overlooked by a larger-than-life mural which was created by an acclaimed graffiti artist.

It’s oversize chess pieces that greet those enjoying the Rooftop and Pool Lounge at Hotel Effie in Sandestin, Florida. That is the only such installation along the self-proclaimed Emerald Coast, which stretches about 100 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. If they’re not relaxing in a private cabana or enjoying breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon, guests may participate in wine tastings, yoga, bingo nights and other enticing activities.

People travel far to gaze in awe at the New York City skyline and there are few more dramatic views than that from the rooftop pool deck at the Arlo Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn. A dramatic Water Tower Bar overlooks the pool and poolside cabanas. Guests of the property may book a complementary pool time slot, and others can make a reservation through resortpass.com.

For a classic yet unexpected location, look no further than the rooftop’s Water Tower. These kinds of structures are an iconic sight throughout the city, but at Art Williamsburg, that edifice can serve as your very own private event venue. Perfect for gatherings, photo shoots, weddings, cocktail and other occasions, the Water Tower has a private bar, can be furnished for your event, and is accessible by elevator.

Have you ever surfed on a rooftop?  You can at the FlowRider Wave Ride at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Its advanced waveform technology provides a safe, yet thrilling, environment where people may “hang ten” and test their boarding talents. The innovative design gently absorbs impacts, allowing everyone to master the waves with confidence and enjoy a unique experience right on the Las Vegas Strip. 

Another thrill awaits those checking out the rooftop pool at the Joule Hotel in Dallas. It’s cantilevered over the streets below, and the clear walled edge gives the fortunately false impression that swimmers might plunge off the top of the building.   

Worrying that you may fall to your death, or trying to surf high above city streets, may not be on your bucket list. However, they’re among unusual, and unexpected, activities that swimming pools perched on the roofs of some buildings offer, and are available to those who wish to take part in them.

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If there’s a destination in the United States with a more convergent personality than Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and Singer Island, Florida I can’t imagine what, or where, it is.

One morning, during my recent visit there, I observed nattily dressed men and women playing the genteel game of croquet. That pastime traces its roots back to England in the 1860s, when it was promoted by the Earl of Essex and became a popular, socially accepted form of leisure.

That afternoon, I watched a spirited polo match, which originated in ancient Persia more than 2,000 years ago and evolved to become known as “The Sport of Kings,” popular in high society.

When evening arrived, I ate dinner during my month-long stay at a number of what can only be described as “dive bars” which are dotted throughout the community. They compete for customers with white tablecloth fine dining establishments that offer excellent food at sometimes excessive prices.

This diversity is, to me, one of the Palm Beach area’s numerous inviting, and intriguing, traits. Walking or driving in the region introduces visitors to a smorgasbord of things to do and see which range from upscale to underprivileged, from interesting man-made attractions to some of Mother Nature’s magnificent handiworks.

Palm Beach, Florida has its share of inviting beaches – and more

For starters Florida means inviting seashores, and this location has its share of them.  Those seeking a serene setting and calm waters often head for Sandy Point Beach.  Trails meandering inland from the Riviera Municipal Beach cross dunes and coastal hammocks, and this stretch of sand offers excellent shelling. Ocean Reef Park is often pounded by powerful waves which can challenge all but the most accomplished swimmers.

This oceanfront location attracted Native Americans at least 3,000 years ago. Evidence of their habitation incudes pre-Columbian archaeological complexes consisting of a burial mound and cemeteries.

Early white settlers built the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse around 1860. Twenty years later, Standard Oil tycoon Henry Fagler constructed three resort hotels which transformed the tropical landscape into a winter resort for the wealthy, then he extended the Forida East Coast Railway to the area.

In 1902, Flagler built a spectacular mansion as a gift for his bride, a beaux arts–styled modern manor adorned with pink aluminum-leaf wallpaper which was more expensive at the time than gold. The 4,750-square-foot Grand Hall, Library with its painted cast plaster ceiling and silk- and wood-lined Drawing Room give visitors a feel for the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy at that time. So vast is that castle-like structure that my first thought upon entering was if I had ever lived there, I’d have needed a map to find my way around.

Reliving the Gilded Age in Palm Beach, Florida

Those who are there in mid-day may segue into a “Gilded Age Style” lunch in the Café des Beaux-Arts. It’s housed in the Pavilion, a 19th-century, iron-and-glass railway palace which also displays Flagler’s private railroad car.

Palm Beach continues to live up to its reputation as a retreat for the super-rich.  Several years ago, Forbes magazine reported that the city was home to at least 30 billionaires – that’s billion with a B.  As I strolled along Worth Avenue, past high-end stores like Valentina, Versace and Ralph Lauren, I agreed with its description as one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country which combines European sophistication with elegant style and grace.

Hanging out with locals in Palm Beach, Florida

I also enjoyed the balance provided by stores, restaurants, bars and other establishments that cater largely to locals.  Along with their touches of resident vibe, they offer opportunities to meet and mingle with folks who live in the area. Often, they can recommend below-the-radar places to see, and things to do, that visitors otherwise might miss.

In an area where Technicolor flowers and multi-hued foliage grow wild, gardens might seem redundant. However, formal plantings add an inviting painter’s palette to the landscape.

Some, like the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, introduce human touches to Mother Nature’s handiwork.  Ann was a renowned sculpture whose works are displayed among some 250 species of rare tropical palms, cycads and native plants, as well as in her home.

Wildlife thrived in Palm Beach, Florida

Where there are sea, sand and soil there’s likely to be wildlife, and it abounds at this destination. The John McArthur Beach State Park offers sightings of sea turtles, osprey and pelicans.  Hikers in Phil Foster Park frequently encounter gopher, tortoise and herons. Droll-looking mammals referred to as sea cows congregate in large numbers in Manatee Lagoon, while in the visitor center there I enjoyed close-up views of animals of various sizes as they enjoyed a meal of lettuce and vegetables.

Getting close up and personal with those endearing creatures is one opportunity among many to meet and mingle with denizens of the Palm Beach area of Florida. Other experiences range from reliving the Gilded Age of high society to enjoying magnificent natural settings to checking out fun and funky places at which to sup and sip.

For more information, log onto thepalmbeaches.com.

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Spas are ubiquitous – and most offer similar services: massages, facials, reflexology, hot coal treatments. I sought out the unusual.  

I’ve had several different massages over the years. A couple of facials. But they all had one thing in common. Tactile manipulation of various body parts. That and soft New Age-y music in the background to induce relaxation.

 Neither was true at SiSpa at the Palm Beach Marriott on Singer Island. My body remained untouched — at least by a masseuse — and the sounds more resemble bells– Tibetan bowls to be exact — which more reflect a spiritual journey — an affirmation of self —  that the usual relaxation escape.

 Every kind of sound — different tones and pitches, highs and lows, soft and loud, close and far away — I felt the reverberations throughout my body, a magical, musical symphony coursing through every organ.

 And there’s a theory underlining the enchanting experience. Mostly it’s based on aligning the chakras — apparently, there are seven of them, points along the spine said to represent energy sources in the body. Each is associated with physical, emotional and spiritual functions. ranging from the root chakra between your legs up to the crown chakra atop your head. There’s also heart, throat and solar plexus — and each chakra controls a different body part — and if the energy in any is blocked, it can have physical and emotional repercussions. 

Enter the Tibetan Bowls — a sort of sound therapy to entice your brain to incorporate relaxation and health and peace; to release tension in the body; to bring clarity, improved self-esteem and the healing of negativity. One bowl was placed on each chakra and emitted its own sound when struck. I know one bowl was on my solar plexus, which is related to survival, heart, and communication and another on my head, connected to prayer and intuition. I lost count after that.

 Elsa, a Reiki-trained master (a step-above my chakra-addled brain), encouraged me — in her soft voice in my dimly lit room — to be calm and listen to the sounds of the bowls, to close my eyes, breathe in and out and connect with the bowls, to focus on their message. Meditation was key.

 I did the best I could, while trying not to think about all these notes (paper ones, not musical) I should be taking. There’s a separate chant for each chakra which Elsa repeated while circling the table on which I was lying. Apparently, each chakra also has its own color but fortunately I didn’t have to concern myself with that.

 Different bowls were struck at different times, sometimes in conjunction with each other, other times in concert. The concert — I mean the treatment — ended with a grand finale (crescendo?) of all seven bowls playing in unison. It was mesmerizing. 

 I may not have understood it all; I may have been a tad preoccupied with trying to remember the experience for this article as opposed to just experiencing it. But it did feel somewhat mystical and magical — and I really didn’t want the session to end.

 But there’s even more to the overall spa experience — to be explored at leisure either before your scheduled procedure or after. And yes, you can get all kinds of massages and facials you want. There’s a nail salon, a fitness room, a room with stone beds to lie on with cold cucumbers on your eyes (don’t ask — or at least don’t ask me….), a steam room, a relaxation room with tea, infused water, fruit and a Chex Mix assortment — and of course a jacuzzi. The actual treatment may be the least of the relaxation options. The Mimosa at the end satiates the only sense not yet gratified!

 For more information, visit SiSpa at Palm Beach  

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Overlooking the world‑renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course and the shimmering Pacific Ocean, this AAA Five Diamond resort blends world‑class dining, a full‑service spa, and warm, attentive service into a luxurious and exciting getaway. It is the kind of place that instantly slows your pulse and puts you in vacation mode. 

Our family’s stay at the resort began in the lobby, where grand wooden beams, handcrafted furniture, and a massive stone fireplace welcomed us with cozy charm. We then checked into a gorgeous suite, overlooking the ocean. 

Spacious and serene, the room featured two large queen beds dressed in Egyptian cotton linens and quilted duvets, a giant TV, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. The granite and marble bathroom—with its oversized bathtub and warm Craftsman accents—felt like a private spa. But the real showstopper was the balcony. Huge, furnished, and overlooking the Pacific, it became our favorite place for morning coffee and sunset wine. 

Since we were traveling with our two young kids, the staff surprised us with a small teepee set up right in the middle of the room. This instantly became their hideaway—perfect for watching TV, snacking, or just giggling together. It was a thoughtful touch that made the stay more special. 

Outside the room, we explored the lush and beautiful grounds, with winding paths, native plants, and glimpses of the ocean peeking through the trees. Tucked in the middle of the property is the pool area, where we spent much of our time. Here, the kids made instant friends and spent hours splashing around while we enjoyed a leisurely lunch under the warm sun. It quickly became our daytime home base.

Besides luxurious accommodations, the lodge is also known for exceptional dining. The Grill at Torrey Pines, with panoramic views of the golf course and a custom wood‑burning rotisserie, became a go‑to spot. For breakfast we savored bacon and eggs, along with a big, delicious breakfast burrito, with eggs, sausage, potatoes and beans. The kids devoured fluffy buttermilk pancakes, a Belgian waffle with honey pecan butter, and more maple syrup than I care to admit.

After breakfast my son and I played a round of golf at the resort and then the whole family drove a couple miles to La Jolla Shores Beach. This beautiful, sandy beach is approximately 1 mile long, features a playground on the sand, and it is adjacent to the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. Many novice scuba classes are held at La Jolla Shores. The previous time we were at the beach, we saw scores of harmless leopard sharks swimming through the waves. 

After playing at the beach, we headed back to The Lodge at Torrey Pines for a lunch of burgers and fried calamari at The Grill. We then relaxed by the pool until dinner.

For supper we shared seared albacore tuna with asparagus and Meyer lemon relish, followed by a rich red wine braised lamb shank served with carrot risotto and fresh spring vegetables. The kids stuck to the classics—chicken tenders and a big, juicy hamburger. For dessert, we all split homemade ice cream and warm cookies. 

After dinner, we wandered along the resort’s lush pathways, watching the sky fade from gold to deep purple and listening to the waves crashing on the rocks below. 

The next morning I worked out in the state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxed in the sauna at the resort’s world‑class Spa at Torrey Pines. From here, I joined the kids for a game of croquet on the lawn. This big green space also doubles as an unforgettable spot for weddings, as it overlooks the oceans and the bluffs of La Jolla. 

We then explored more of the property. What makes The Lodge especially captivating is its sense of history and craftsmanship. Modeled after the iconic Gamble and Blacker houses in Pasadena, the resort is a tribute to early 1900s Craftsman architecture. Everywhere you look, there are thoughtful details: handcrafted woodwork, stained glass, stonework, and warm earth tones that echo the natural beauty outside.

Even the trees surrounding the property have a story. Torrey pines are among the rarest pine species in the world, growing only in La Jolla and on Santa Rosa Island. They survive in desert conditions by drawing moisture from coastal fog, and their five‑needle fascicles help them pull water from the air. Walking among them feels like stepping into a living museum of California’s natural history.

And then, of course, there’s the golf. Torrey Pines Golf Course is legendary—a 36‑hole municipal course originally designed by William F. Bell and later updated by Rees Jones for the 2008 U.S. Open. The South Course stretches 7,698 yards, while the North Course spans 7,258 yards, both offering jaw‑dropping ocean views. Even if you’re not a golfer, watching players tee off against the backdrop of the Pacific is mesmerizing.

For more information on staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, visit www.lodgetorreypines.com or call (858) 453-4420. 

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Suddenly everything changed. Police cars were everywhere: Slowly patrolling the streets, parked along the sidewalks and driving into, and out of, a gated community. A bevy of police officers crowded the pavement and spilled out into the narrow road I was following.

Welcome to Mar-a-Lago, a lavish estate which has a storied history but is known today primarily as the home of Donald J. Trump.

That ornate estate that was built between 1924 and 1927 for successful businesswoman and leading society figure Marjorie Merriweather Post. Nestled on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida, it was acquired in 1985 by then-businessman and real estate investor Donald Trump, who used it as his residence.

Ten years later, he converted it into the Mar-a-Lago Club, an exclusive members-only institution with guest rooms, a spa and other hotel-style amenities. When they are there, members of the Trump family stay in private quarters nestled in a closed-off area of the grounds.

During his first presidency, Trump visited Mar-a-Lago frequently and held meetings there with international leaders like Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese president Xi Jinping. The name Mar-a-Lago means “sea to lake” in Spanish. It refers to the fact that the estate extends from one side of Palm Beach Island to the other, touching the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Lake Worth Lagoon on the west. The property is said to span 126 rooms and extend over an acre and a half.
In 1969, Mar-a-Lago was designated a national historic site. A report prepared by the Department of the Interior explained that it provides “an excellent picture of winter resort life in Palm Beach prior to the Depression.”

Ms. Post, who died in 1973, willed the estate to the United States government to serve as a Winter White House for presidents and visiting foreign dignitaries, but most of them preferred other residences. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1980 because it exemplified “the baronial way of life of the wealthy who built mansions in Florida during the Florida land boom of the 1920s.”

I asked several residents of the area what it was like to live near such a legendary property which is visited by heads of state, leading political figures and other well-known dignitaries. The response of most of them was surprising. In essence, a big yawn.

“We don’t usually know who’s there,” one youngish man told me. “All it means for locals is traffic jams,” a sixty-something woman explained.

“I voted for Trump but if I’d known how much his being president would mess up traffic here, I would have voted differently,” admitted a well-dressed gentleman.

For visitors to the Palm Beach area, Mar-a-Lago can offer an intriguing diversion from the sun, sand and surf attractions for which the destination is best known. These include Worth Avenue, a shopper’s dream, which is lined by upscale boutiques and designer stores offering everything haute couture to unique art galleries.

Waterfront settings offer a choice of inviting stretches of sand fronting deep blue water. Golfers face a choice of 100 public, municipal and private courses, including six at the PGA National Resort.
History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate Palm Beach’s legacy of luxury and splendor, with must-see spots like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, the historic Breakers Palm Beach hotel and the Society of the Four Arts., which encompasses an art gallery, concert hall, two libraries and gardens.

Mar-a-Lago adds a unique touch which combines historical tidbits, opulent architecture and a lovely semi-tropical setting. In addition, if you’re lucky, or unlucky, depending upon your politics, an opportunity to see a motorcade leave or arrive which includes a car transporting the president of the United States.

WHEN YOU GO
maralagoclub.com
townofpalmbeach.com

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