Florida Has a Snorkel-friendly 'Reef Trail' With an Underwater Museum That Helps Restore Coral

Florida's newest must-see attraction is, quite fittingly, under the sea.
Art and marine conservation have converged off the coast of Hollywood Beach, where the state's newest snorkel-accessible artificial reef trail, Guardians of the Reef, has recently been deployed.
Developed by Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI), a nonprofit focused on conserving and restoring marine environments via innovative artificial structures, the trail is part coral nursery, part art installation—and fully open to the public.
Over three days in May, the team installed 50 custom sculptural reef modules, including 16 interactive sculptures and 34 coral nursery habitats, across four easy-to-snorkel public park sites located just 250 feet to 350 feet offshore. The modules sit at snorkel-friendly depths of eight to 15 feet deep and are marked with safety buoys, inviting swimmers to explore an interactive underwater gallery that's not only visually stunning but also ecologically significant.
'This isn't just a reef, it's a movement,' Shelby Thomas, CEO and founder of ORAI, said in a release obtained by Travel + Leisure . 'We're building cities in the sea for marine life while creating a unique underwater museum that heals marine ecosystems—and inviting the public to become ocean stewards.'
Each of the 16 sculptures doubles as marine habitat and carries symbolic meaning. The Poseidon and Amphitrite statue pays homage to the mythological guardians of the sea and preside over structures engineered for coral regrowth, while the interactive mermaid tail and diver selfie sculptures encourages visitors to literally see themselves as stewards of the ocean.
There are also various underwater animal figures representing the virtues needed to protect marine life, including a turtle (peace and longevity), octopus (wisdom and adaptability), and seahorse (fragility and patience).
Best of all, the modules aren't just for artsy inspiration or under-sea fun, as the living installations actively function to restore marine habitats. Each module is equipped with 100 Coral Lok anchors to support live coral outplanting in an effort to support biodiversity and reverse the decline of Florida's coral reefs.
The organization hopes this living art exhibit will not only restore reefs but also spark further action—so if you swim out, pair your envy-inducing under-the-sea selfie with a digital oath to protect the ocean.
If You Go: The reef sites are accessible from Hollywood's North Beach Park, Keating Park, and Harry Berry Park. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins and remember to beware of boat traffic. Always use a 'diver down' flag when snorkeling.
For more info, visit oceanrescuealliance.org.

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Score Cheap Vacation Flights by Asking Google the Best Time to Buy

CNET

an hour ago

CNET

Score Cheap Vacation Flights by Asking Google the Best Time to Buy

If you're looking to save some money on your next flight, check with Google before you hit the buy has officially arrived, and it's vacation season once again. It's one of the most popular times of the year to travel, which can make hopping on a flight a much more expensive endeavor. The good news is that you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for a flight if you know where to look. Even during the peak of summer, it's still possible to find affordable flights, and Google has tons of information to help you make an informed decision. Google Flights has released a robust travel report after aggregating four years of airfare data and trends to provide US travelers with an overarching guide on finding the cheapest flights and the best times to book them. I have reviewed this report thoroughly and highlighted the most important takeaways below to help you find a flight in your budget and let you relax while traveling instead of stressing about money. For more key travel tips, explore these travel essentials you need for every vacation and then take a look at this travel checklist. You should also review CNET's roundup of the best headphones for travel. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 9:29 Loaded : 3.14% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 9:29 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How to Use Google Maps Like a Pro What days are the cheapest to fly? CNET If you're planning to book a flight, you're likely trying to find the most budget-friendly option. According to Google Flights, the cheapest flights are available when flying on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with Tuesday being the cheapest day, according to the historical flight data. Flying early- to midweek can save travelers 13% to 20% on airfare compared to flying on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with Sunday the most expensive day to fly. Do layovers on flights save you money? It may come as no surprise that flights with layovers are cheaper than nonstop flights but you may not realize just how significant those savings can be. The Google Flight data shows that travelers can save 25% by booking a flight with a layover instead of a nonstop flight. Which day of the week is the cheapest for booking flights? There are certainly cheaper days to fly, there aren't really cheaper days to book. "There's not much benefit to buying your tickets on a certain day of the week," according to the Google report. Google Flights does state that Tuesdays are typically the cheapest day of the week to book, according to the data, but Tuesday bookings are only 1.3% cheaper than the most expensive day, Sunday. Is it cheaper to book flights far in advance? To wait or not to wait? According to Google, it's better to book your travel far in advance, especially if you need to fly on a specific day or time. There are some patterns you can analyze to decide whether it's better to wait for lower prices or book now based on specific scenarios, destinations and dates of travel. For domestic flights, the prices are generally at their lowest between 21 and 52 days before your trip -- with 38 days before departure being the cheapest day to book on average. For international flights, the prices are generally lowest between 50 and 101 days before your trip, but it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. According to Google, "Average prices don't meaningfully drop anytime before departure but they usually do start to rise within 50 days of the flight itself" for international travel from the US. Never miss out on the cheapest airfare again./Gianmarco Chumbe/CNET When is the best time to book a flight in every season? Here's what Google says about the best times to book holiday flights and vacation trips to certain popular destinations. Summer break: The cheapest domestic flights in July and August are usually available 13 to 43 days in advance, with 21 days before departure being the cheapest day on average to book. Thanksgiving: The cheapest domestic flights over the Thanksgiving holiday are usually available 26 to 59 days in advance, with 45 days out being the cheapest -- meaning it's best to book Thanksgiving flights in early October. Christmas: The cheapest domestic flights over the winter holidays are usually available 36 to 72 days in advance, with 58 days out being the cheapest. It's best to book Christmas or holiday travel in the latter half of October. Spring break: The cheapest domestic flights in March and April are available between 33 to 59 days in advance, with 44 days before departure being the cheapest time to book on average. When is the best time to book a flight to Europe? International flights to Europe from the US are usually cheaper 50 or more days before departure, with 94 days out being the cheapest day to book on average. As with all international travel, it's generally best practice to book as early as you can. When is the best time to book a flight to Mexico or the Caribbean? International flights to Mexico and the Caribbean are the one exception to the broader international trend, according to Google. That's because flights are generally at their lowest between 26 and 68 days in advance, with 44 days out being the cheapest. For more, check out CNET's picks for the best travel credit cards in 2025. You can also explore the 12 travel essentials you always need to pack and the worst airlines for flight delays and cancellations.

I've Lived in Virginia for 22 Years—and These Are the Best Small Towns in the State

Travel + Leisure

an hour ago

Travel + Leisure

I've Lived in Virginia for 22 Years—and These Are the Best Small Towns in the State

While I spent my childhood at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, hours away from any major East Coast city, I didn't fully appreciate Virginia's small towns until I left the one I grew up in. It took several years living outside of the state to finally understand the charm of a sleepy main street dotted with locally owned shops, the delight of a community filled with faces you recognize, and the appeal of living somewhere with easy access to the outdoors. After nearly a decade away, though, Virginia reeled me back in, welcoming me home to a world with rolling hills, four distinct seasons, and a passion for music, history, and good old-fashioned comfort food. I might have an affinity for the mountain towns in the Blue Ridge, but I've also traveled across the state to explore the less-populated areas outside of Washington, D.C., the underrated spots along the coast, and the oft-overlooked corners of the Piedmont and Shenandoah Valley regions. And in my experience as a travel writer and a full-fledged Virginian, I can definitively say the Commonwealth is filled with dozens of incredible small towns to add to your travel list; s, however, are better than others. So without further ado, here are the best small towns in Virginia—from a quaint getaway in the heart of horse country to a remote escape on the Eastern Shore. Rolling green hills in Middleburg Virginia. Jumping Rocks/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Middleburg is a powerhouse destination in Virginia, albeit a small one. Known as the 'horse and hunt capital of the nation,' the town is filled with history, culture, and architecture you simply can't walk or drive past without snapping a picture. The main thoroughfare, Washington Street, is lined with stone buildings, brick sidewalks, and businesses that look as if they could star in a Hallmark movie. There are also quite a few first-rate accommodations in Middleburg, making it an extra-charming weekend retreat. The stately Red Fox Inn & Tavern, which has roots dating back to 1728, sits prominently in the middle of town, and both Salamander Middleburg and Goodstone Inn & Restaurant are just a short drive away. Cars driving in downtown Lexington, Virginia. Andriy Blokhin/Adobe Stock Lexington might technically be categorized as a city, but as soon as you enter the historic downtown, an area listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's difficult to describe this part of Virginia as anything other than a picturesque small town. Home to Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute (VMI) plus a roster of local businesses you can navigate to via antique brick sidewalks—I love Lex Running Shop, Purveyors on Main, and Lexington Mercantile—Lexington is full of energy, charm, and unique experiences. Lime Kiln Theater combines all three of those characteristics, offering an annual summer lineup of live performances from its legendary outdoor venue (an old limestone quarry and kiln). Guests sit inside the club house at the Virginia International Raceway in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Houston Cofield/Bloomberg via Getty Images Meadows of Dan is more than just a stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway; it's a small town that deserves a hefty dose of recognition. For starters, this is where you'll find Primland, a repeat winner in Travel + Leisure 's World's Best Awards and a favorite resort among golfers, hikers, and travelers searching for a luxe outdoor experience. Meadows of Dan also lays claim to one of the most photographed spots on the parkway (the historic Mabry Mill), an old-fashioned candy factory, and several endearing places to grab something to eat—including Primitive Coffee Market, Jane's Country Cafe, and Poor Farmers Market. A view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the cliffs around a house in town of Bedford has significantly evolved since I last called it home. When I was younger, I couldn't have imagined there would be an art gallery with an expertly curated selection of local work (Goose Creek Studio), an all-day cafe with a flavorful menu of sandwiches and other lunch staples (Town Kitchen & Provisions), or a boutique hotel (Hotel Fauna is set to open later this year). What hasn't changed, though, is Bedford's incredible proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, its admiration of history, or its walkability. Before heading up to hike one of three peaks that make up the Peaks of Otter—Flat Top, Sharp Top, and Harkening Hill—pop into Mountain Fruit & Produce for apple fried pies and local jam. Spend an afternoon learning World War II history at the National D-Day Memorial, then venture back to town to get your steps in around 'The Loop,' a three-mile pedestrian sidewalk that provides walkers with a nice stretch of scenic views. Wooden walkway along Cape Charles Beach. There are two small towns on the Eastern Shore that I recommend—the first is Cape Charles. You may initially be drawn to this part of the state for water views and fresh seafood, but Cape Charles will quickly demonstrate its appeal is multifaceted. Spend a day at Cape Charles Beach, explore freshwater wetlands and a maritime dune woodland at Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve, and get some shopping in at Peach Street Books, Gull Hummock Gourmet Market, and Moonrise Jewelry. Of course, it wouldn't be a true Eastern Shore trip without oysters, so try not to leave without having dinner at The Shanty. Wild horses in Chincoteague National Wildlife Reserve. Denise Panyik-Dale/Getty Images Another Eastern Shore favorite, Chincoteague is the type of small town where you could easily spend a week—if not longer—and never grow bored. If you love to get out on the water and fish, you won't find a better place to spend your time. If you prefer to read on the beach, take long sandy walks, or go shelling, it's your dream vacation destination. You can also time your visit for late July, when the annual Pony Penning occurs; 2025 marks year 100 for the tradition. The event brings locals and tourists to the area as Virginia's herd of wild ponies is moved from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. It includes the famous Pony Swim, where the animals swim the six-minute journey across the Assateague plays a defining role in the culture of many small towns in Virginia, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Floyd. The mountain town is located atop the Blue Ridge Plateau, and it's one of the biggest stops along Virginia's heritage music trail, also known as The Crooked Road. People come from far and wide to listen to bluegrass music at the weekly Friday Night Jamboree at Floyd Country Store or attend FloydFest, a multiday music festival in July. Other reasons to plan a visit to Floyd include Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, which claims to have Virginia's highest and longest zip line, and plenty of local bites—follow the Floyd Farm Trail to discover some of the best local farms and farm stores. Residential street in Abingdon, Virginia. Melinda Fawver/Adobe Stock You don't need to travel to Virginia's biggest cities to experience a diverse culinary scene; one of the most impressive dining destinations is a small town tucked in the southwest corner of the state. You'll want to come hungry to Abingdon, where the food offerings extend beyond a couple of local favorites. Inside The Tavern, housed in Abingdon's oldest building, the team serves up European-inspired entrees, all whipped up with a Southern touch. Dine on cheeseburger egg rolls or fried oyster tacos at Jack's 128 Pecan, fill up with tonkatsu ramen at Foresta, or get your caffeine fix at The Girl & The Raven. The Flohr House in Wytheville, you're road tripping along I-81, schedule in some time to stop in Wytheville, a small town with several claims to fame. Not only does it have one of the smallest churches in the U.S., a water tower painted to resemble a rainbow-striped hot air balloon, and a 100-foot-tall lookout tower with panoramic views (found at Big Walker Lookout), but Wytheville also has a 100-year-old diner with famous hot dogs, Skeeter's World Famous Hot Dogs, and one of the most well-known motorcycle trails in this part of Virginia, The Claw of the Dragon. People watching a rodeo in Woodstock, Virginia. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Some of Virginia's best antique stores, breweries, vineyards, restaurants, farmers markets, and scenic views are hidden away in small towns across the state. Case in point: Woodstock, Virginia. This historic town in the Shenandoah Valley is ideal for a long weekend. Poke around Spring Hollow Antiques, sip wine at Muse Vineyards or beer at Woodstock Brewhouse, have a bite to eat at Woodstock Garden Cafe, and peruse the local produce at South Street Barn Market (open year-round on Saturdays). More adventurous travelers should also make a point to explore nearby Seven Bends State Park or hike up to the Woodstock Tower.

Is the U.S. ready to host the World Cup in 2026?

Washington Post

2 hours ago

Washington Post

Is the U.S. ready to host the World Cup in 2026?

Sports Is the U.S. ready to host the World Cup in 2026? June 23, 2025 | 9:05 PM GMT With the Trump administration's travel restrictions complicating whether visiting fans can even attend matches, and many logistical challenges still needing resolution, the U.S. has a long way to go in a short amount of time. Ava Wallace and Ella Brockway discuss the preparations for the upcoming 2026 tournament.