Gerrish Lopez

Fried dough—from doughnuts and churros to zeppole and funnel cake—is such a simple treat, but so delicious. In New Orleans, the beignet is the fried delight of choice. Light, airy and piping hot, these fluffy squares are topped with mountains of powdered sugar, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The best beignets in New Orleans keep things simple, but a wave of creative interpretations also deserves a place on a beignet bucket list. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in New Orleans Two spots can claim to be OG beignet purveyors: Café du Monde and Morning Call, both operating for more than 100 years. A single order plus a hot café au lait is all you need to enjoy an iconic New Orleans culinary tradition. But the simple beignet has evolved over the years, and many cafes, coffee shops and restaurants have begun pushing beignets into bold new territory. Savory, flavored and stuffed versions have popped up, while renowned chefs have elevated the beignet to a dish worthy of a white tablecloth. There’s even an annual Beignet Fest, showcasing over-the-top versions of the humble treat every November. From classic to crazy, here are the must-try beignets in New Orleans for a sweet (or savory) taste of tradition. July 2025: Beignets are a worthy treat any time of year, but despite being served piping-hot, they’re a real summertime treat. Whether you’re enjoying an order of powdered sugar-topped originals with friends under the oaks in City Park or digging into a savory sampler with a

Modern life rarely gives you a chance to pause. Between endless emails, nonstop news and the daily grind, it’s easy to feel stretched thin—mentally, physically, emotionally. When stress piles up and scrolling through wellness tips isn’t cutting it, a deeper reset might be in order. That’s where the best yoga retreats in America come in. You don’t have to know your vinyasa from your ashtanga to benefit. Yoga retreats across the U.S. cater to everyone, from hardcore yogis to total beginners just looking to breathe deeper and sleep better. These retreats are designed for anyone looking to slow down, reconnect and breathe a little easier. Set in some of the most beautiful corners of the U.S.—from the stunning coast of California to the peaceful mountain air of Colorado or the big skies of Montana—they offer space to step away from noise and re-center. The best part? There’s very little decision fatigue. Most retreats are all-inclusive, meaning your meals, movement and meditation are all taken care of. You just show up, unplug and let the calm in. Whether you’re carving out a weekend or committing to a longer reset, there’s a retreat that fits. Here are some of the best yoga retreats in the country. RECOMMENDED: The best wellness retreats in the USA

Atlanta’s restaurant scene is finally receiving the recognition it deserves as a standout culinary city. With the introduction of the Michelin Guide in 2023 and the surge of food influencers drawing inspiration from the city’s vibrant dishes, Atlanta’s food resume is impressively well-rounded. And with a thriving bar scene and nightlife that doesn’t quit, this city knows how to keep things exciting.  There are plenty of options to fuel your way through the city, whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast after a long night out, or a creative take on sushi to tell your friends about. And in a place where Southern food is king, there’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in fried chicken dishes, shrimp and grits and more. If you’re in the mood for something more upscale, the city offers plenty of chic spots where the food is as innovative as the ambiance. From farm-to-table eateries to menus crafted by James Beard Award-winning chefs, these are the best restaurants in Atlanta right now.  June 2025: For this Atlanta restaurant guide, we’ve done our best to cover it all, from hearty, cheap eats to showstopping fine dining. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to get you outside, now that the weather is warming up (for real this time) and since the A’s culinary scene is constantly changing.

Living alone can be liberating—freedom to decorate however you want, eat cereal for dinner (without judgment) and truly live life on your own terms. But without someone to share the cost of rent, groceries or utilities, the solo lifestyle can get pricey. As rent continues to rise across much of the country, single renters are feeling the pinch more than ever. Fortunately, some cities rise to the top when it comes to affordability. RentHop, an AI-powered apartment search platform, has released its annual Singles Index, breaking down the housing burden in major U.S. cities—that is, the percentage of a single renter’s income that goes toward renting a studio apartment. The report blends rent prices with median incomes to spotlight where solo dwellers can stretch their dollars without sacrificing quality of life. While you might expect a few Midwestern staples on the list, there are some surprises too—tech hubs like Seattle and Austin are proving to be more accessible than coastal heavyweights. And these cities aren’t just affordable—they’re packed with culture, cuisine and community, offering the ideal backdrop for an independent lifestyle. So if you're flying solo and want to make the most of your paycheck, these are the top 10 cheapest cities in the U.S. for singles to call home.

“So where are you eating?” This is a question that is regularly asked of both locals and visitors. Everyone has their lists of standards, favorites and new spots to try. The best restaurants in New Orleans keep people coming back again and again—even for generations. Dining out here goes beyond the food; it’s a deep expression of the city’s heritage, shaped by generations of Creole and Cajun cooking and infused with the traditions of all the cultures that make the city great. Iconic restaurants like Dooky Chase’s, Commander’s Palace and Brennan’s aren’t just popular—they’re part of the city’s culinary foundation, turning out classic dishes and legendary chefs who helped put New Orleans on the map. At the same time, the food scene is evolving as new spots and new chefs bring fresh ideas, adding modern flavors to strong culinary roots. Here's where to eat in the best food city in the world. June 2025: Summer is just around the corner, and that means the heat and humidity that we all know and love. Snoball stands are open and buzzing, and many restaurants are adding more salads and chilled dishes to menus. It’s a great time to seek out spicy flavors that cool you down—Saffron and Queen Trini Lisa have plenty of options. And speaking of Saffron, keep an eye out for Kingsway, the new restaurant opening soon from the same team. RECOMMENDED:🍸 The best bars in New Orleans🍩 The best beignets in New Orleans🍳 The best brunch in New Orleans📍 The best things to do in New Orleans🏨 The

No one throws a party like New Orleans. The city lives for music, food and culture—and it doesn’t miss a chance to celebrate any of it. There’s a festival for just about everything here, from jazz and zydeco to gumbo, beignets and crawfish. Whether it’s in honor of a neighborhood, an iconic dish or a musical tradition, New Orleans knows how to turn it into a full-on event. The best festivals bring it all together: great music, incredible food, local art and plenty of dancing. Mardi Gras is the best-known celebration—though Carnival (the period leading up to Mardi Gras) is a whole season rather than a single festival—but it’s far from the only game in town. No matter when you visit, odds are some sort of festival is on the calendar. Spring into early summer is “peak festival season” with French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest as highlights, but fall is packed with plenty of smaller fests. If you want a true taste of New Orleans, these are the festivals that deliver it all in one place. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

New Orleans has its own unique style, from its music and dining scenes to festival fashion and very local decor. The city’s shopping scene reflects this quirky style with shops that sell everything from vintage gems to contemporary art. The French Market and French Quarter are great for souvenirs, but if you explore a bit further when you’re shopping in New Orleans, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items you won’t get anywhere else. Browse eclectic bookshops, record stores, costume shops, art galleries and clothing shops that ooze New Orleans charm. Big-name brands are around—Canal Place has upscale fashion and the Riverwalk covers outlet basics—but the real appeal is in the local businesses in New Orleans’ unique neighborhoods. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to clothes designed right here in New Orleans. If you want to shop like a local, these are the best places to shop in New Orleans. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in New Orleans

Atlanta attracts a mix of leisure and business travelers throughout the year, so you know it’s always bustling with activity. From historic landmarks and lush green parks to world-class museums and a vibrant nightlife scene, the best things to do in Atlanta will please everyone (kids, too). Atlanta has done well to preserve its history and culture, from its arts and industry to music and theater, not to mention the history of the Civil Rights movement. Once you’ve explored all that Atlanta has to offer, dive into the city’s culinary offerings, where you’ll find a slew of renowned bars and restaurants ranging from local favorites to ones with a coveted Michelin star. No matter what you choose to do, Atlanta guarantees a fun time.  June 2025: It’s an excititing time to be in Atlanta. You can catch a FIFA Club World Cup match, kick off summer with the appropriately-named Summerfest, spend an after-hours evening at the High Museum of Art, stroll an Alice in Wonderland-themed exhibit at Atlanta Botanical Garden and mark Juneteenth at Piedmont Park. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Festival season continues in New Orleans as we barrel into summer with rising heat and humidity. But summer temps can’t stop this city from celebrating. Some of the best things to do in New Orleans in June—like the Creole Tomato Festival—are outdoors, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool, from catching river breezes to enjoying a snoball to taking a dip in a hotel pool. While crawfish season might be winding down, the food scene stays hot. The iconic dining scene is enhanced in June by the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and Restaurant Week. Otherwise, there are plenty of things to do in New Orleans to feel the city’s vibe. New Orleans’ music calendar is packed, so you can dance the night away to whatever you’re into, from jazz, blues and brass to funk, soul or hip-hop. History buffs will find plenty of stories throughout the city, from museums and historic homes to cemeteries and neighborhoods. The unique art and architecture of New Orleans is a feast for the eyes, and outdoor activities abound. Here are some of the best things to do in New Orleans to soak up the culture and flavors of the city. This guide was updated by New Orleans-based writer Gerrish Lopez. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED: Where to stay in New OrleansRECOMMENDED: The best hotels in New Orleans

There is a neighborhood and bar scene to satisfy every kind of night out in Atlanta, you just have to know where to look. Looking for an epic dive for a night out with friends? Bars in Edgewood and East Atlanta have the go-to spots. In the mood for an upscale vibe with high end cocktails to match? Midtown and Buckhead have you covered, including some of Atlanta’s best bars that we’ve listed below.  Of course, we can’t forget Atlanta’s institutions, bar mainstays that’ve now survived new development, recessions and economic booms, plus a whole pandemic. Iconic Atlanta bars like Northside and Eddie’s have seen Atlanta through many stages, and we thank them for their ongoing service.  That doesn’t mean that we don’t celebrate the newcomers—some of the best bars in Atlanta are bringing a new flavor to the city, making for a robust nightlife scene with as many options as there are flavors at your favorite wing spot.  May 2025: We’ve refined our list for this Atlanta bar guide while doing our best to cover it all, from dives to sports bars to upscale spots. We’re updating this list monthly so you have plenty of options to imbibe this spring. 

Las Vegas has plenty of places to grab a drink. It’s a city built on vice, after all. But what visitors are finding out is that Vegas is a much more sophisticated drinking city than one would think. Mixologists are digging deep into the ingredient bible and crafting amazing cocktails—some enhanced with theatrics such as smoke and fire. These techniques are not only great for Instagram but purposely add a depth of flavor to enhance the cocktail. Ready for an elevated drinking experience? Below, you'll find the best bars in Las Vegas right now, from dive bars and speakeasies to rooftop lounges and resort bars. Raise your glass to these spots! April 2025: So many bars in Las Vegas are upping the ante and getting more creative with their mixology programs. We’re no longer just a beer and wine and city, and it shows with a couple new openings on this list, including Petite Boheme and Doberman Drawing Room. RECOMMENDED:🍴 The best restaurants in Las Vegas🍤 The best buffets in Vegas🥑 The best brunches in Las Vegas📍 The best things to do in Vegas🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Vegas This guide was updated by Las Vegas-based writer Ryan Slattery. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. 

The po'boy is the number one sandwich in New Orleans, but it's more than just a sandwich. As with many iconic dishes in the city, it represents history, family and plenty of good times. Generations of locals are loyal to their favorite po’boy shops, many of which are small, family-run operations. Patrons rate their po'boys not just by what's between the bread, but by the bread itself: a po’boy loaf is a particular size and shape, and each shop sticks with its preferred producer, whether old-school bakers Leidenheimer or Gendusa, or the Vietnamese bakery Dong Phuong for a more recent twist. Classic po’boys are stuffed with everything from fried shrimp or oysters to hot sausage, roast beef or french fries, but you’ll find plenty of variation, including some modern and even vegan options. Ask for your po’boy "dressed," which means topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles. Whatever you’re in the mood for, here are some of the best po’boys in New Orleans. Last updated April 2025: Most po'boy shops offer seating inside, but now is the time to take your po'boy to go and enjoy a picnic and the perfect weather. But don't wander too far from the source, especially if you've ordered a roast beef po'boy with juicy debris.

Step off Magazine Street and into The Vintage, where velvet banquettes, antique mirrors and mismatched chandeliers pull you into a curated mix of Parisian café meets New Orleans charm.  The vibe: This chic spot is an ideal stop any time of day. During work hours, laptops and lattes rule; by night, it’s candles, charcuterie and clinking glasses. It’s elegant but laid-back, welcoming all to enjoy the atmosphere. Grab a table inside (an excellent backdrop for pics) or choose a sidewalk table where you can catch the Magazine Street buzz. The food: From coffee and pastries in the morning to sandwiches, flatbreads and small plates later in the day, The Vintage is truly an all-day cafe. Don’t miss the beignets, whether it’s an order of traditional plain or fancy versions filled with chocolate, mini beignets topped with cinnamon or seasonal options that celebrate Mardi Gras, Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Cheese boards and charcuterie plates are perfect for late-night bites with friends. The drink: Coffee is the star for the morning crowd; cold brew, lattes, cappuccinos or a simple cup are all made with lovingly-sourced beans. Later, opt for Champagne, rosé, adult coffee concoctions, unique cocktails, beers and mocktails.  Time Out tip: The Bubbles and Bites happy hour from 3-6pm is an excellent time to unwind with a glass of sparkling and a cheese board or perhaps a beignet flight.

Founded in 1983 by the late Loretta Harrison—the city’s first African-American woman to own and run a praline company—this Marigny sweet shop sells classic New Orleans pralines, pies, cookies and creative beignets, both sweet and savory. The vibe: The shop is small, bright, charming and unfussy. There are a few tables scattered around and a neon sign that welcomes you in. Friendly staff will treat you like neighbors, creating the perfect vibe for satisfying your sweet tooth. The food: The pralines are the headliners, of course. They’re chewy, nutty and rich with brown sugar. But don’t miss the stuffed beignets. Get one stuffed with praline, peanut butter and jelly, crab, shrimp, burger or fried chicken. The stuffed beignets are a favorite offering at Jazz Fest every year and won top prize at the inaugural Beignet Festival back in 2016. The drink: Pair your sweets with a fresh-brewed coffee, iced or hot, or grab a cold drink from the cooler. Time Out tip: Keep an eye out for special seasonal pralines, like pumpkin spice in the fall or rum-flavored around Mardi Gras. 

This New Orleans legend has been serving hot beignets and chicory coffee since 1862. You’ll find the iconic original spot on Decatur Street in the French Quarter, open 24/7. There's also a breezier outpost in City Park where you can enjoy your beignets under centuries-old oak trees. Café du Monde is known around the world, and while tourists flock to the green and white awning, locals are equally enamored.  The vibe: The French Quarter location is chaotic in the best way. The open-air patio is lively and buzzing with activity at all hours, as servers in white shirts and black bow ties flit from table to table. Car and foot traffic flows by on Decatur Street, and there’s usually a street performer or two entertaining from the sidewalk.  The food: Café du Monde is about beignets and beignets only. An order of three with a mountain of powdered sugar is all you need. They’re crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside. If you’re not covered in powdered sugar by the time you’re done, you’re not doing it right. Just don’t wear black. The drink: Order a café au lait made with their signature dark-roast coffee and chicory. It’s the classic accompaniment, available iced for those hot summer days. Time Out tip: You’ll get the full experience by sitting at a table, but you can also head to the takeout window for a to-go order. Head across the street to the river to enjoy while watching the ships go by. Be sure to take a peek around the side of the building where you can watch the beign

Brennan’s is a must-visit for anyone who loves indulgence, history and a touch of Southern charm. It's also the birthplace of Bananas Foster, the famed dessert that's flambeed tableside. Breakfast service is legendary, featuring iconic dishes like eggs Hussarde and eggs Sardou. The pastel-pink facade and lush courtyard make for the perfect NOLA backdrop, and the chandeliers, white-tablecloth service and lengthy history make Brennan's a timeless New Orleans tradition where every meal feels like a celebration.

Back for its 14th dazzling year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights glows even brighter with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound curtain, "Nature’s Wonders." This year, the event brings even more magical vibes with new music, new choreography and more lights. Plus, sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns will be lit dramatically, including the towering White Rabbit and the grinning Cheshire Cat.

A round of golf in Truist Park? Yes, this once-in-a-lifetime golfing experience is happening in the legendary home of the Braves. Hit tee shots from the upper deck to custom greens on the field below. A clubhouse festival—featuring music, food, beer and golf challenges—bookends your round of golf.

Touring the world for the first time since 2019, the Prince of Pop is making a welcome stop in Atlanta. Get ready to rock your body to all the hits, as one of the most celebrated voices in pop heads out in support of his latest album. From Cry Me a River to his newest single, “Selfish,” you know Justin Timberlake will bring the energy to this show.

Urban Trivia puts a fresh spin on the classic trivia game, focusing on the latest and greatest in black culture. The game has been such a smash hit that the creators are taking it on the road with a live show. It’s a wild ride that celebrates black culture and will test the audience’s knowledge with tons of laughs on the side.

Experience the magic of the holiday season and shop for all your friends and family at the Euro-style Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village District. There will be traditional German festivities with a dose of Atlanta spirit. This is old-world charm that’s just right for the season, with culinary delights and handcrafted treasures galore.

Back for its 14th dazzling year, Garden Lights, Holiday Nights glows even brighter with the world’s largest synchronized light and sound curtain, "Nature’s Wonders." This year, the event brings even more magical vibes with new music, new choreography and more lights. Plus, sculptures from Alice’s Wonderland Returns will be lit dramatically, including the towering White Rabbit and the grinning Cheshire Cat. 

The Grammy-nominated guitar virtuoso known for his electrifying solo career and roles in Vulfpeck and Fearless Flyers, drops by The Eastern on his latest tour. He’s been playing sold-out shows around the world, making a name for himself through content creation and fostering collabs with the likes of Apple and CBS.gerr

A royal ghost drops some late-night gossip, and suddenly Denmark's royal family is doomed. Caught in the chaos, Hamlet spirals into an existential crisis—pondering life, love, death and revenge like only a moody prince can. Come see why this tragic masterpiece still reigns supreme as the greatest play of all time.

Labor Day weekend typically represents the last hurrah of summer. If you're looking to get away one more time, you're in luck. Domestic airfare is the cheapest it's been in five years, according to Dollar Flight Club's new Labor Day 2025 Travel Report. While international fares are far higher (40-60% more) and still creeping towards their summer peak, round-trip tickets within the U.S. are averaging 17% below pre-pandemic levels. Thanks to extra seat capacity, last-minute sales and a dip in demand, U.S. routes are flush with deals. For some Labor Day weekend inspiration, Dollar Flight Club has identified the U.S. cities where round-trip travel is averaging under $300. For neon nights, pool days and endless entertainment, head to Vegas for $244 round trip. Theme park thrills and plenty of sunshine can be yours for just $258 round-trip to Orlando. A desert vacay in Phoenix is hovering around $265. For $273, you can head to Denver for craft beer, live music and mountain trails. Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, and Boston are also accessible with round-trip fares below $300. The key to finding these deals and traveling on the cheap, according to Dollar Flight Club, is to be savvy. Use Google Flights’ Explore tool to spot surprise deals, set fare alerts on services like Dollar Flight Club or Hopper, book by early August, fly mid-week and pack light to save on baggage fees. Find the full report here. Labor Day destinations averaging less than $300 round trip Las Vegas, NV—

Two giants of the candy aisle—Oreo and Reese’s—just teamed up to launch not one but two mouth-watering mashups: the Reese’s Oreo Cup and the Oreo Reese’s Cookie. Fans have been asking for this collaboration for years, and America's number one cookie and number one candy are finally coming together. First up is the Reese’s Oreo Cup. It's a classic Reese’s peanut butter cup, but leveled up with Oreo cookie crumbs swirled into milk chocolate and white creme. Then there’s the Oreo Reese’s Cookie. The classic Oreo chocolate sandwich cookie is stuffed with a peanut buttery Reese’s creme dotted with Oreo crumbs. Starting Monday, August 18, superfans can jump on the presale over at The Hershey’s Store. Orders start shipping the week of September 2. By September 2025, you’ll spot Reese’s Oreo Cups in stores nationwide in king size, standard size and mini cups. And there's no need to hoard—they’re here to stay as a permanent addition to to the brand's sweet snacking repertoire. The Oreo Reese’s Cookies, on the other hand, are a limited run. They'll be available nationwide starting September 2025 while supplies last, before they make an official comeback in January 2026. Sign up for the pre-sale here. Naturally, the internet has lost it. Snackers everywhere are calling this the "mashup of the decade," and it’s hard to argue with that. Who doesn’t want the crunch of an Oreo mixed with Reese’s iconic peanut butter? "This collaboration redefines what it means to be a snacking leader by tap

Those must-see attractions in cities around the country—if you didn't get a selfie there, did you even visit that city?—often end up being a little disappointing. A new study by FloridaRentals.com looked at thousands of TripAdvisor reviews to expose America’s worst tourist traps, and the results might surprise you (or not, if you've been stuck in one of these lines before). The rental marketplace analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for the top 230 tourist attractions in the country with more than 100 reviews, then looked for reviews with terms related to being overpriced, overrated and too expensive: common indicators of a tourist trap. The attractions were then ranked by percentage of these types of reviews. At the top of the list is Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, with more than 4% of its reviews grumbling about sky-high prices and an underwhelming payoff. Out of more than 20,000 reviews, 814 called it overpriced, overrated or flat-out disappointing. Apparently, the view from 605 feet isn’t enough to make everyone happy. Coming in at second place is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Nearly 4% of guests left unimpressed, calling it "expensive," "not worth it" and complaining there's "not much to see." Though Florida is home to the country's number one attraction according to Tripadvisor's Best of the Best awards, several of Florida's other attractions are a big disappointment for many: Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot World Showcase and Universal’s Islands of Adventure also made the list of

Astro-tourism is having a moment in 2025, and a new study from KÜHL has pinpointed America’s top national parks for stargazing. By weighing event frequency, light pollution, Dark-Sky Park certification, elevation and campground access, they’ve named 10 must-see parks, and crowned one clear winner. Great Basin National Park, Nevada, tops the list. With a pristine Bortle 1 sky, IDA Dark-Sky certification and high-altitude vistas from Wheeler Peak (13,000+ feet), this hidden Nevada gem hosts 53 stargazing events a year. Here, the stars feel ancient and impossibly close—no telescope required. Death Valley National Park, California, lands second. Its Bortle 1 skies and Dark-Sky certification make for jaw-dropping nightscapes. Though there’s no formal programming, the park’s 12 campgrounds and wide-open desert mean you can claim your own quiet corner under the cosmos. In third place, Zion National Park in Utah shines with 59 night sky programs between July and December—the highest in the country. Its Bortle 2 skies aren’t the darkest, but still impress. Three campgrounds and towering sandstone cliffs (peaks up to 8,726 feet) create a dramatic stage for stargazing. Rounding out the top five are Big Bend National Park in Texas and Capitol Reef National Park in Utah—both Dark-Sky certified and known for raw, remote terrain and Bortle 1 nights perfect for self-guided skywatching. Beyond the top five, the study highlights parks with unique stargazing strengths. Denali National Park in A

Peak summer is here and if you're looking to hit the beach to cool off, you're not alone (by a lot). But if you look beyond the most popular beaches, you can avoid the crowds and bad beach etiquette that comes along with them. Hidden gems and underrated beaches offer an experience that's a bit closer to paradise, and a new report by BoatBooker reveals just that: lesser-known beaches around the country that you'll want to check out for your next beach getaway. The boat tour company analyzed data from Google Maps, searching for terms like "secluded beaches," "hidden beaches" and "quiet beaches" with fewer than 100 reviews. The result is a list of America’s best under-the-radar coastal gems. South Carolina shines as a hidden beach capital, with five beaches in the top 10, and the number one underrated beach in the country. Topping the list is Vereen Memorial Park in Little River, SC. Just north of Myrtle Beach, this 115-acre spot isn’t your typical sun-and-sand destination. With wooden boardwalks that wind through salt marshes, peaceful trails shaded by oaks and calm views of the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s perfect for anyone craving peace and quiet. Second place goes to Driftwood Beach at Edisto Island, also in SC. It’s a surreal stretch where fallen trees bleach in the sun, tide pools fill with seashells and the crowds remain small. In third place is Gunnison Beach in Sandy Hook, NJ, a (quietly) clothing-optional favorite for those looking to get some sun without the tan lines

Tripadvisor just revealed its 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do, and it's clear that travelers in the U.S. love a good mix of rockets, rock 'n' roll, and raw history. These picks aren’t from critics—they’re from travelers who lined up, snapped pics and left glowing five-star reviews on the platform. Topping the list of the best attractions in the U.S. is the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island, Florida. It also ranked as the number three best attraction in the world—the only U.S. attraction to make the list. What's so special about it? Space geeks and casual visitors alike rave about the Rocket Garden, the awe-inspiring sight of the space shuttle Atlantis and the chance to meet a real astronaut. The interactive journey brings space exploration down to Earth, complete with IMAX films that will leave you starry-eyed. At number two is the Empire State Building. Yes, it’s a classic New York tourist spot, but that’s the point. Two observation decks offer panoramic views that never get old, while inside, exhibits dive into the building’s history. Grab a bite at one of the seven restaurants, and you’ve got the perfect Midtown detour. Number three goes to Sun Studio in Memphis, where Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis made music history. The storytelling is top notch, featuring guides who mix music trivia, jokes and behind-the-scenes tales. Even if you’re not a music buff, you’ll walk out with a new appreciation for rock 'n' roll

Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas is getting a major upgrade next year. Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast a thrilling new addition to the already packed roster of entertainment options: the sprawling Great Tides Waterpark. The park will feature 19 waterslides, a so-called "dynamic river" (speedier than your average lazy river) and for adventurous types, the opportunity to go cliff diving. The six-acre playground will open in the summer of 2026. Towering above it all will be the 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight different slides. Tidepool Town, a colorful 9,000-square-foot splash zone, will offer prime playtime for kids and families. The flowing river, stretching nearly 800 feet, will include a grotto tunnel illuminated with a bioluminescent glow. Cliffside Cove is the spot where adrenaline junkies can launch themselves off 10- and 15-foot ledges while onlookers sip cocktails at the nearby Grotto Bar. A new Jet Karts Track will blend go-kart vibes with jet skiing on a mini aquatic racecourse. After all that action, Hammock Bay will be the spot with 50 hammocks ready for peak vacation lounging. Some of these new thrills will cost extra. The Great Tides Waterpark, Jet Karts Track, and Vibe Shore Club all come with upcharges. But Norwegian is betting big that the promise of high-speed slides and aquatic kart racing will be worth it. Great Stirrup Cay has long been a fan favorite among Norwegian’s private ports, and these upgrades have been years in the making. W

Hot on the heels of making their secret menu official, Starbucks has announced the return of its beloved raspberry syrup, ripe and ready to add a taste of summer to your favorite coffee beverage. Starting today, July 29, you can sip on a brand new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew or whatever sweet, fruity coffee combo you come up with. This raspberry revival is just as tasty as the syrup you know and love, with a bright new upgrade. The juicy, sweet-tart flavor is the same, but the syrup is now tinted with a bold sangria hue thanks to the addition of real fruits and veggies. To showcase the return of raspberry, Starbucks is also introducing the brand-new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. It's made with smooth Starbucks cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a frothy layer of raspberry cream cold foam. The drink balances smooth cocoa flavors of the cold brew with notes of raspberry, making it the perfect summer pick-me-up. Beyond this signature drink, the raspberry syrup is ready to remix your usual Starbucks order, or you can try a few house recommendations: White Chocolate Mocha with Raspberry Syrup: Raspberry brings a fruity twist to creamy white chocolate and espresso, available hot or iced. Strawberry Acai Refresher with Raspberry Syrup: Sweet strawberry, passionfruit and açaí notes are boosted by raspberry, shaken with ice and real strawberry pieces. Iced Green Tea with Raspberry Syrup: Green tea meets mint, lemongrass, lemon verbena and a punch of raspberry. Like hot

Think Waikiki Beach is a tropical dream? Think again. According to a new study from the software and security experts at Cloudwards, the iconic Hawaiian stretch isn’t just busy—it’s the single most complained-about beach on the entire planet. Cloudwards analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for 200 of the world’s most popular beaches, hunting for gripes about dirt, crowds, lines and noise. Using those keywords, they created a "Complaint Score" out of 100. Waikiki Beach earned a flawless 100—but not in a good way. The bulk of the complaints are about overcrowding. Nearly seven in ten negative reviews slam Waikiki for being jam-packed, while others mention litter and the occasional headache-inducing noise. Turns out paradise is tough to enjoy when everyone else has the same idea. Waikiki isn't the only U.S. entry on the list. Four American beaches make an appearance in the top ten. Venice Beach in Los Angeles took second place worldwide with a complaint score of 89.7. While people still love its murals and boardwalk energy, over 60-percent of the complaints zeroed in on cleanliness issues—trash-strewn sands, funky smells and murky water. Two more U.S. favorites also cracked the global top ten: Clearwater Beach in Florida (65.5) and La Jolla Cove in California (64.3). Both beaches see their share of moans about crowds but also get slammed for garbage and pollution. And when Cloudwards focused on the “dirtiest” beaches based on review keywords, U.S. beaches snagged half of the top ten spo

Uber has announced another new feature aimed at ensuring the safety and security of women who ride and drive using the platform. The new Women Preferences tool will let female drivers and passengers request women-only rides. And here's everything you need to know. Starting next month, the pilot will kick off in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Detroit. Women riders will see new options pop up in the app: "Women Drivers" for on-demand rides, the ability to reserve in advance with a woman driver and a setting to boost the chances of being matched with a woman driver whenever they ride. It won’t be a 100-percent guarantee, but it’s designed to make it a lot more likely. On the driver side, women drivers can toggle on a "Women Rider Preference" to focus on picking up women. That means they can choose to drive women, especially during busy hours at night, while keeping the flexibility to turn the feature off anytime. Safety concerns have dogged ride-hailing apps for years, and surveys have shown that many women—whether behind the wheel or in the backseat—feel uneasy. Back in 2019, Uber launched a similar feature in Saudi Arabia after women got the right to drive, then expanded it to dozens of other countries. Lyft, Uber’s main rival, launched its own version in late 2023 for women and nonbinary riders and drivers. To use the new tool, women riders can update their app settings to switch on the preference or tap the "Women Drivers" option when booking a trip. If the wait is too long,

A new, women-only app is turning heads, and sparking debate. Tea is now the number one lifestyle app on the App Store, with over a million women signing up in just one week. The draw? it's crowdsourced background checks for modern dating, as users post pictures of the men they’re seeing and ask for "tea"—meaning gossip, warnings and red flags. Launched by founder Sean Cook after seeing his mother get catfished online, Tea’s stated aim is simple: help women avoid dangerous or deceptive dates. And it’s clearly striking a chord, especially with Gen Z on TikTok. But it isn’t without controversy. What does Tea do? It isn’t a dating app. Instead, it helps women verify that the guy from Hinge really is who he says he is. Users can run reverse image searches through the app’s Catfish Finder AI, look up phone numbers for secrets like a hidden marriage and access background info from public records and criminal databases. Tea also has an anonymous chat space—Tea Party Group Chat—where women swap stories, ask questions and share feedback on exes or current dates. There’s even a "green flag" feature to confirm that someone is legit, alongside protections that block screenshots to keep posts within the app. Who can use Tea? Tea is strictly for women, verified through identity checks. The app uses SafeSip AI moderation to catch and remove harmful content before it spreads. But is it all good? It's debatable. Critics warn that posting photos of men without consent can quickly cross ethical

A good night out means different things to different people. Maybe it’s sweating it out on a dancefloor until dawn. Maybe it’s catching up over a glass of wine, immersing yourself in rare grooves at a listening bar or even wiling away the hours at a sober club. Whatever your style, America’s nightlife scene has it all, but one city stands out above the rest. According to Time Out, Las Vegas has been crowned not only the best nightlife city in the U.S., but the world’s best nightlife city for 2025. The city scored an impressive 88-percent approval rating from a survey of locals and won praise from Time Out's expert panel. Sin City still brings the classic casino vibes and and mega-clubs with confetti drops, but the city’s after-dark scene has evolved. These days, the real magic often happens off the Strip. Vegas’s Arts District is home to cocktail lounges like Stray Pirate, Doberman and Nocturno, where bartenders craft creative drinks with wild infusions. Locals love the city’s speakeasies, too: There’s one hidden behind a barbershop, another behind a bookshelf at a Malaysian eatery and another called The Lock, which you literally crawl into through a safe door. Add tiki bars, live music joints and art-filled night markets, and it’s easy to see why most locals call their nightlife “exciting.” While Vegas is the only U.S. city to be named among the world's best, America's top nightlife cities are far from tame. At number two, Chicago keeps the party going with its mix of gritty