Planning the next family trip? Look to Galveston
Stretched along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Texas, Galveston is where maritime history, ornate Victorian mansions and a decidedly Floridian beach-town vibe seamlessly blend. A popular choice among late-1800s holidaying elites and investors looking for new prospects, this barrier island became the richest city in the state, packing Southern charm and wild decadence into its gilded mansion-lined streets. Today, it's evolved into a year-round destination with things to do for all ages. It's the variety on offer that's especially appealing, from immersive museums and world-class animal education centres to attractions focusing on much more than just planet Earth. Plus, the relaxed Gulf-inspired dining scene is well-suited to kids, the city is manageable in size, and gentle Gulf breezes and occasional afternoon rains ensure temperatures stay comfortable. Here's why under-the-radar Galveston should be your next family getaway. Moody Gardens Pyramids are impossible to miss on the approach to Galveston. Photograph by Moody Gardens 1. Learn about animals at the Moody Gardens Pyramids
The three pyramids rising high from the coastline, their glass exteriors glistening in the sun, are impossible not to notice upon your approach to Galveston — and yet even more eye-catching exhibits await inside. The pyramids are at the heart of Moody Gardens, a wildlife, education and nature centre with a focus on rescue and rehabilitation and programmes to save endangered species from extinction. The Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramids offer a chance to learn about animals and their habitats, and feature exhibits to help kids (and adults) connect the dots between marine biology, animal conservation and human activity. In the Rainforest Pyramid, animals such as sloths and saki monkeys roam free, and tropical birds flit through the canopy; the Aquarium Pyramid's Coral Reef Lab is dedicated to researching and helping to protect Florida's coral reefs, which are facing a severe bleaching crisis. The third — Discovery Pyramid — features travelling exhibitions and immersive motion-simulator experiences. Friendly sloths are just some of the animals roaming free in the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid. Photograph by Visit Galveston 2. Tour the historic harbour
Galveston's maritime heritage takes centre stage at the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. Visitors can climb aboard the fully restored 1877 vessel and imagine life at sea during the Age of Sail, plying gruelling trade routes around the world. On shore, the Ship to Shore exhibit uses immersive technology — think motion platforms and multimedia storytelling — to bring to life Galveston's seafaring history, from immigration to storm survival. Afterwards, take time to wander the adjacent harbour, where working fishing boats and occasional cruise ships pass by. There are also options to join harbour or dolphin-watching tours, or visit a retired jack-up oil rig to understand the science and impact of oil production. 3. Become an astronaut for a day
Just a 45-minute drive from Galveston, Space Center Houston is a must for any kids (or parents) interested in the universe. The official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center — part museum, part training ground — is where astronauts prepare for their missions. Kids can touch Moon rocks, try out virtual reality spacewalk and space travel simulators, see a Saturn V rocket (used for the Apollo missions) and explore one of two original aircraft used to transport the iconic Space Shuttles. Daily tram tours take visitors to mission control and astronaut training facilities (VIP options grant even more behind-the-scenes access), while interactive exhibits make the science of space travel more accessible. There are also STEM-focused play areas and challenges to test young minds. And with special events, seasonal programming and visiting astronaut talks happening regularly, there's always something new to learn. Plan a whole day to make the most of your time here. Space Center Houston is where NASA astronauts train for future missions and visitors can get a closer look at what the process entails. Photograph by Space Center Houston, Aaron Rodriguez 4. Tour Galveston's historic mansions
Galveston's past isn't just preserved — it's celebrated. For history-loving families, a visit to The Bryan Museum is a fascinating dive into Texas and American West heritage. Housed in a former orphanage, the museum's collection spans centuries and includes exhibits on cowboys, Native American culture and early settlers, all presented with striking visuals and thoughtful storytelling. Kids can marvel at historic weaponry, try on period clothing or follow a scavenger hunt through the galleries. Beyond the museum, Galveston's East End Historic District is dotted with grand Victorian homes, many open for tours. Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion are standouts offering not only an architectural wow-factor but also a glimpse into Galveston's gilded past. Walking tours of the district make for a gentle afternoon of exploring streets lined with trees and historic plaques. Finally, make time to stroll The Strand, once nicknamed the 'Wall Street of the Southwest' on account of it being a hub for bankers, brokers and cotton merchants. The Bryan Museum offers engaging and interactive exhibits on culture and heritage of Texas and the American West. Photograph by Visit Galveston 5. Indulge in Gulf food
Gulf cuisine is rich in seafood, while Tex-Mex influences and casual dining make eating out with kids a breeze. Before exploring The Strand and the harbour area, start the day with breakfast at Star Drug Store. First opened in 1886 as Texas's first drug store, it's now a much-loved breakfast and lunch spot, serving hearty portions of fluffy pancakes and other classic breakfast plates, plus shakes and malts. For lunch near The Strand, kids and adults alike will love the Italian-influenced Riondo's Ristorante, offering crowd-favourite pastas and pizzas. If you're introducing the little ones to seafood, head to BLVD Seafood, which serves Gulf redfish, shrimp and soft-shell crab, all grilled or blackened, in a taco, wrap or bowl. Trendy Sugar & Rye is good for dinner, with a New Orleans-inspired menu of jambalaya, Cajun seafood pasta and gumbo (parents and adventurous young diners should try the Texas brisket onion soup). And if you get a chance for a parents-only evening, book at Rudy & Paco for impeccable service, a carefully curated wine list and an extensive menu of South- and Central American-influenced steak and seafood. The grilled Gulf red snapper in Creole sauce is a standout. A 15-minute drive from downtown Galveston, Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center is a great choice for families. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, access to the Moody Gardens Pyramids, ropes course and zip-lines. The hotel's Palm Beach water park doubles the fun with a lazy river, wave pool and water slides. All 433 guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed. Family packages with two-day passes to Moody Gardens Pyramids from $486 (£357) per night for two adults and two children.
This story was created with the support of Travel Texas and Visit Galveston. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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National Geographic
4 hours ago
- National Geographic
8 war memorial sites everybody should visit on a trip to Vietnam
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). This year marks half a century since the end of the Vietnam War, or the American War, as it's known in Vietnam. The conflict dragged on for almost 20 years, from 1955 to 1975, with the US army supporting the anti-communist South Vietnam against pro-communist North Vietnam, which was in turn supported by international communist allies. It was a period of civil war that had a profound impact on Vietnam. Today, the people of this fast-growing Southeast Asian country have taken great strides to put the war behind them, but they honour Vietnam's past with a number of monuments and museums nationwide. Many of these sites have become incredibly popular with history buffs — and visiting them can be a profound, moving and eye-opening experience. Ho Chi Minh City War Remnants Museum Vietnam's most poignant war museum is this one in Ho Chi Minh City, which documents many of the worst atrocities inflicted by US soldiers on the Vietnamese people — such as the My Lai Massacre, when 500 unarmed villagers in Southern Vietnam were murdered by US Army infantrymen. Other exhibits highlight the effects of Agent Orange, a chemical herbicide used by the Americans to destroy the jungle being used as cover by North Vietnamese forces. Also interesting is the museum's huge collection of aircraft and weaponry from the war, including unexploded ordnance and experimental explosives. Reunification Palace This vast modernist monolith is where the war officially ended in 1975, when South Vietnamese authorities surrendered to the North. Built in 1966, the building — originally called the Independence Palace but now known as the Reunification Palace — is open to the public on guided tours. Its interiors are a testament to its 1960s heyday, with plush chaises longues and flamboyant, mid-century furnishings in the former living quarters. Downstairs, the tour visits the bunker war rooms, with vintage radio equipment, telephones and wood-panelled walls. Take a tour with an English-speaking guide. The Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City is where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. Photograph by Quang Ngoc Nguyen, Alamy Cu Chi District Cu Chi Tunnels The Viet Cong — the Communist guerilla army tasked with resisting the US-backed forces in the south of Vietnam — made extensive use of subterranean tunnels and rooms, which allowed them to move across the country undetected. A stretch of the tunnels has been preserved at Cu Chi, 19 miles north west of Ho Chi Minh City. Guides lead you through hidden trapdoors, camouflaged with earth and leaves, into the dark, dank tunnels, which average just over 3ft in height. Thankfully, the venomous centipedes and spiders, as well as the rampant malaria that soldiers had to contend with, are no longer found here. The Viet Cong made extensive use of subterranean tunnels and rooms, which allowed them to move across the country undetected. Photograph by Alamy Quang Ngai Province Son My Memorial Both moving and harrowing, this memorial stands on the site of the My Lai Massacre in Son My village in Southern Vietnam. The memorial takes the form of a sculpture representing the villagers who lost their lives, including an elderly woman holding the body of a dead child, her fist raised in defiance. Despite the horrors that took place here, this is now a peaceful spot, with the statue surrounded by gardens lined with rose beds. There's also a small museum documenting the massacre. It's worth lingering for a while; Son My is now a thriving town where travellers can take river boat tours and feast on seafood by the long, sandy beach. Quang Tri Demilitarised Zone The Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) marked the dividing line between North and South Vietnam from 21 July 1954 to 2 July 1976. This was the site of some of the most strategically important places during the Vietnam War, including the Khe Sanh Combat Base, a US Marine Corps outpost that can now be visited as a museum, and the nearby Ta Con Airport, where the remains of planes, tanks and missile launchers are rusting into the surrounding grassy landscape — although some sit on tarmac and are fairly well preserved. The DMZ sits in hilly, rural Quang Tri province, which can be reached in around 2.5 hours by car from Hue. Vinh Moc Tunnels Like the Cu Chi Tunnels, those at Vinh Moc have been preserved and can be visited. But these differ from Cu Chi in that ordinary Vietnamese people, not just soldiers, lived in them — 90 families from nearby villages took permanent refuge underground between 1966 and 1972 when this area began being heavily bombed by South Vietnamese and US forces. Tours take you inside the tunnels, showing you areas carved out for use as kitchens, wells and even maternity rooms — 17 people are believed to have been born down here. The Vinh Moc Tunnels are close to the DMZ, and day visits to both areas can be taken from Hue. The people of Vietnam have taken great strides to put the war behind them, but they honour the past with a number of monuments and museums nationwide. Photograph by Jui-Chi Chan, Getty Images Hanoi Vietnam Military History Museum Hanoi's war museum moved in late 2024 from its old spot near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to a striking fan-shaped brutalist building in the west of the city. Inside, hangar-like rooms contain a vast range of military hardware left over from the Vietnam War — there's a Soviet-made MiG-21 fighter jet and a tank that crashed through the gates of the Reunification Palace during the North's capture of Saigon in 1975. There are also rooms containing moving exhibitions with personal items — photographs, clothing, letters and so on — that belonged to soldiers and villagers who were affected by the war. Hoa Lo Prison Many US prisoners of war were incarcerated here — ironically nicknamed the 'Hanoi Hilton' — by North Vietnamese forces. Conditions were grim; inmates suffered atrocities later described as war crimes. The prison pre-dates the Vietnam-US War, however; it was built by the French in the late 19th century. Most of it was demolished in the 1990s, but the remaining portion was converted into this museum. Exhibits include the personal effects of famous former inmates, such as the flight suit of former US presidential candidate John McCain, who was imprisoned here after his plane was shot down over Hanoi in 1967. Most of Hoa La prison was demolished in the 1990s, but the remaining portion was converted into a museum. Photograph by Getty Images This story was created with the support of InsideAsia and Vietnam Airlines. Published in the July/August 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
Cariuma Is Hosting an End-of-season Sale With Comfy Travel Shoes Up to 50% Off—Shop the 10 Best Deals
According to celebs and Travel + Leisure editors alike, Cariuma sneakers are the best choice to pack for your travels, no matter what your vacation has in store. Although the sustainably-made shoes are well worth their full price tags, Cariuma is currently hosting a rare end-of-season sale offering up to 50 percent off select styles, making now the best time to add a pair to your packing list if you're ready for straight-from-the-box comfort. From the shopper-adored Oca Low style to a Simpsons-inspired spin on the Naioca Pro skater sneakers, there's no shortage of travel-ready shoes on sale at Cariuma right now. With neutral shades and bright hues fully in stock, keep reading to find the 10 best footwear deals worth shopping to round out the season—starting at just $45. Breathable, lightweight, and endlessly supportive, these knit white sneakers are the dreamiest addition to your summer footwear collection now that they're on sale for 50 percent off. In classic Cariuma fashion, the insoles are crafted with moldable cork insoles that form to your unique foot shape for a perfect fit, while the exteriors are designed from self-regenerating bamboo and recycled plastics that give them an ultra-sustainable spin. The super light construction ensures they won't bog down your suitcase (although they're likely to become your top pick to wear during travel days, anyway), and the monochromatic design ensures they'll be easy to style with everything in your wardrobe. If you're instead looking for a pair of white sneakers with a little more contrast, these pebbled leather Cariuma shoes with gum soles should satisfy you—and they're also on sale for 50 percent off. The Oca Low style is one of the most popular selections on the Cariuma site, and shoppers adore it for its low-profile design and endless comfort, tied with their high-quality construction. The uppers are made from unbelievably supple pebbled leather that adds a luxe touch to these otherwise basic shoes, while the outsoles are fitted with slip-resistant rubber to keep you safe on everything from cobblestone streets to slick airport tile. Luckily, they're even available in a full range of sizes from 5 to 12.5, so you should have no trouble finding your perfect fit. After wearing these sneakers during a walking-heavy trip to Norway last year, I can confirm that the Uba Leather Sneakers are well worth the investment—and now they're half off. These skater-style shoes err on the sportier side with a chunky profile that instantly adds a cool factor to even my simplest jean and T-shirt pairings. But while they're not designed like traditional walking shoes, these sneakers are fitted with deep cupsoles that cradle your feet, as well as cork insoles that mold to your foot shape for a more comfortable wearing experience. 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If your footwear selection is lacking personality, these leopard-print sneakers will quickly remedy the issue, so now, while they're on sale for just $45, is the best time to shop. The ultra-popular Oca Low style will prepare you for just about anything on your travel agenda with its supportive cork insoles and lightweight exteriors, and the grippy rubber outsoles add function to the mix. They're sustainably made with organic cotton canvas uppers and lining, and best of all (as with all other Cariuma shoes), with every pair of sneakers purchased, the brand plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest to aid in reforestation efforts. Simple and sporty with a beautiful pop of pink, these leather and suede Cariuma sneakers are packed with personality and will look just as nice paired with your favorite denim shorts as with a flouncy mini dress. Padding at the heels makes them comfy straight from the box, which is essential if you're snagging a new pair of shoes right before a big trip with no time to break them in, and the combination of leather and suede allows them to stand out from other pairs in your collection. Plus, at 50 percent off, they're practically a steal (and they're fully stocked in sizes ranging from 5 to 12). With a dark, moody color palette, these elevated skate-style sneakers will bring a cool, vintage feel to your favorite travel outfits without sacrificing comfort—just don't wait too long to shop since select sizes are selling out fast. With insoles crafted to cup the feet and a highly supportive yet flexible design, you'll find sightseeing days and walking tours feel like a breeze. Suede and mesh exteriors remain breathable in the summer heat to keep your feet cool and comfy all day long, and best of all, they're currently priced at just $65. Fans of The Simpsons will want to jump at the chance to snag the Naioca Pro Bart Simpson sneakers while they're on sale for a mere $53, and not only are they stylish, but they're also a practical choice to travel with. This style of skate shoes is made with a smooth suede exterior and adorned with the image of Bart Simpson holding his famous skateboard. But while the design is bold and out there, the craftsmanship remains as reliable as ever, boasting outsoles made from slip-resistant rubber and insoles crafted with cork and bio-based foam that creates a truly personalized fit. Now you can shop them in sizes ranging from 5 to 9.5 in women's and 5 to 8 in men's, so don't let these novelty sneakers sell out without snagging a pair of your own. Add a pop of color to your packing list this summer with these darling rose-colored Salvas sneakers that are a sweet pick while they're on sale for $70. 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The ultra-lightweight construction ensures they'll hardly weigh down your luggage while taking up minimal space, and they're even woven from self-regenerating bamboo and recycled plastics, along with other sustainable materials like cork insoles and outsoles made of sugarcane-derived EVA. In short, they're good for the planet and your summer packing list. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This May Be The Most Unique National Park in the U.S.—and It Has Historic Bathhouses, Thermal Springs, and a Brewery
Hot Springs National Park encompasses over 5,500 acres and includes downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. There are 47 hot springs in the area, and you can soak in the healing waters at several bathhouses. Fill up your water bottle with fresh spring water at seven fill stations around the park. Enjoy a cold beer made with thermal hot spring water at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the only brewery located within a national park. Hot Springs National Park is free to access. With ancient thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and mountain views, Hot Springs National Park is arguably one of the most interesting national parks in the country. It spans over 5,500 acres, is home to 47 hot springs, and includes parts of downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas, as well as forested hikes and scenic creeks. Originally Quapaw and Caddo land, the area has long been a place where travelers came to seek treatment for various ailments. Hot Springs became a part of the United States during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and it quickly became a popular resort town. The government decided to preserve it in 1820, long before the creation of Yellowstone, but it wasn't designated as an official national park until 1916. Hot Springs is the only national park with nonvolcanic geothermal springs, with over 700,000 gallons of water produced per day. The Victorian-era bathhouses that served visitors from the 1800s are still standing, and you can find them today in Bathhouse Row. 'The thing that most people should know about the national park is that it's one of the few urban national parks in the country,' says Coleman Gocio, a Hot Springs native and the owner of Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. 'As far as stuff to see, the spring water is amazing. A lot of people think that we're going to have big pools of springs to jump in, but they're piped off to jug fountains where you can taste the spring water.' Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Hot Springs National Park. A sign for the Hot Springs National Park. Hot Springs National Park is free to visit, although some tours and activities require an admission fee. The park is also open year-round, but some points of interest, like the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, are closed between November and March. Unlike some of the parks out west, there is no outdoor bathing in the hot springs. If you want to have a soak, you'll need to book a reservation at a place like the Buckstaff Bathhouse or the Quapaw Bathhouse. You can, however, feel the heat of the thermal springs at The Display Spring behind the Maurice Bathhouse, the Hot Water Cascade at Arlington Lawn, and the Fordyce Fountains between the Fordyce and Maurice Bathhouses. Visitors gathered around a hot spring. In terms of weather, the best times to visit Hot Springs are in the spring and fall. 'Fall is one of my favorite times of the year around here because the temperature [and] weather is just phenomenal,' says Gocio. 'The mountain biking is incredible with our really stellar trail system.' But there's really no bad time to visit Hot Springs, and no matter what time you visit, there's likely something going on around town. The World Championship Running of the Tubs in June pays homage to Bathhouse Row with a Pinewood Derby-style race using modified bathtubs. The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in May brings in celebrity guests for the merriment. The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in October is the oldest documentary film festival in North America. Hot Springs National Park is about 53 miles southwest of Little Rock's Clinton National Airport (LIT)—that's about an hour-long drive. Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport (HOT) has regional flights available on Southern Airways Express, but you will likely find more flight options out of Little Rock. Since Hot Springs National Park is in an urban area, you'll be able to find ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber. However, renting a car will be more convenient for exploring Hot Springs and the surrounding area. Guests entering a bathhouse located on Bathhouse Row. The most popular part of the Hot Springs experience is Bathhouse Row, where generations of travelers have come to 'take to the waters." The Fordyce Bathhouse is now a visitor center, with historic artifacts and incredible stained glass ceilings on display—if you want to learn more, you can also catch daily ranger tours of the facility. If it's a real soak you're after, the Quapaw and Buckstaff bathhouses are still in operation. The mineral-rich water that made Hot Springs famous can be found throughout the park, where visitors can fill up their personal containers. You'll even see people drive up with large jugs to take with them. These thermal springs can be found in seven locations, but the easiest and most popular one to access is the Hale and Maurice bathhouses. Hot Springs Bicycle Touring Co. even has a bike tour that visits the different springs and compares the water minerality. Several iterations of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower has stood in the park since 1877, but the current version was built in 1983 and is 216 feet tall. From the top, visitors can see over 140 square miles of the surrounding area, including the entire park and the Ouachita Mountains. You can reach the top by elevator, making it accessible to all. However, note that this attraction does charge an admission fee of $14 per person. A sign for the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. Hot Springs National Park has 26 miles of trails, so you have plenty of hiking routes to choose from, varying from 0.2 miles to 17 miles. For an easy stroll and hardly any grade, check out the Hot Springs Mountain Trail. At 1.7 miles, it follows the top of the mountain with scenic lookout points to stop for water and soak in the views. At 0.6 miles, the Peak Trail is short but with a slight grade. It's on the steep side, so step carefully, but you're rewarded when you reach the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, the best way to see the park from above. The longest trail in the national park, the Sunset Trail is 10 miles one way or can be done in a loop, ranging from 15 to 17 miles. It also reaches the highest point within the park, Music Mountain, at over 1,400 feet. A guest room at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Lookout Point Lakeside Inn Hot Springs National Park doesn't have a traditional 'lodge,' but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of great places to stay. Want to stay in the hotel of choice of gangster Al Capone? You can do just that at The Arlington, where he had his own suite. The historic property, which opened in 1875, has 500 luxury rooms, multiple restaurants, and an on-site spa that has pools full of the local thermal waters. Live out your Schitt's Creek dreams at Dame's Fortune Cottage Court, a converted historic motel accented with vintage charm. Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District. Gulpha Gorge Campground is the national park-run campground with 40 riverside spaces for tents and RVs. Reservations are required and can be booked six months in advance, starting at $34 per site. The campground also has accessible sites and trailhead access. While it's a short drive outside of town, Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is worth the trip and sits on the shores of Lake Hamilton, where guests can take out canoes and kayaks. There are stunning guest rooms with lake views and a daily breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Located in a 1913 doctor's office, The Waters Hot Springs reopened as a hotel in 2017 with 62 modern guest rooms. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant and a rooftop bar with the best views in town. An outdoor dining patio at Superior Bathhouse Brewery. Superior Bathhouse Brewery If you're camping, you might want to pick up groceries on your way into town. But Hot Springs has plenty of great restaurants if you don't want to bother. Located in a historic motor court, Best Cafe and Bar is open for breakfast and lunch, and highlights regional, local ingredients in its dishes. Start with the biscuits and gravy with a sunny-side-up egg, or the confit pork belly hash. A New York transplant brought his brick oven pies to Deluca's Pizza, arguably one of the best pizzerias in the states. The Sidetown (a Margherita-style pie) is one of the most popular selections, but the restaurant also has pasta and salads. The Pancake Shop is a Hot Springs classic, open since 1940. Of course, the pancakes are the big draw, including buttermilk and buckwheat flapjacks stuffed with fruit. The eatery also has its own blend of coffee and all the other breakfast favorites, such as oatmeal and omelettes. For traditional German fare, turn to Steinhaus Keller, which brings the Oktoberfest vibe year-round. Menu staples include spaetzle, goulash, schnitzel, and wurst platters, all of which can be paired with beer straight from the motherland. Founded in 2013, Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery located within a national park and sits in a historic bathhouse. It makes its beer using the thermal waters of the spring, and while you're enjoying your brew, you can also enjoy elevated pub fare, including pretzels, wings, and sandwiches.
