This huge, industrial-style complex was once part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil Company, but is now a huge shopping complex made famous by its two 120’ high silos – and their famous owners from the reality TV series, Fixer Upper.

But visiting Magnolia Market is more than just a place where fans of the TV show can see where it all began, but a place where you can shop for boutiques, play games on the lawn and enjoy live entertainment.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing my best tips and favorite places in the Magnolia Market, including the Magnolia Table and more!

About Magnolia Market and Fixer Upper in Waco Tx

Magnolia Market was made famous by its celebrity owners, Chip and Joanna Gaines from the reality TV show, Fixer Upper.

In case you do not know anything about Magnolia Market, The Silos, Magnolia Table and Fixer Upper, it is an extremely popular renovation show on HGTV.

Chip and Joanna Gaines are a married couple from Waco Texas who take the worst house in the best street and turn it into their dream home for their clients.

Chip is the demo guy and the builder. Jo is the extraordinary designer.

Together they make a great team and are super cute, sweet and funny.

Although they had their own renovation and design business before Fixer Upper, the show has elevated them to celebrity status and they now have a Magnolia Empire that consists of their own home furnishing line, a bakery, restaurants, a magazine and best selling books.

Waco Texas is where Chip and Jo live and is the setting for the show Fixer Upper.

They have helped put Waco back on the map. It is no longer THAT place you heard about many years ago with the cult madness.

We only had half a day to spend in Waco Texas following the Fixer Upper Trail. And we only visited for that purpose but would love to come back and explore the many fun things to do in Waco beyond Fixer Upper and Magnolia Markets.

We enjoyed its young hipster modern vibe.

It was my Mum who introduced us to Fixer Upper. She watched it with the girls when minding them once and they excitedly told us about this lady who designed beautiful homes.

When we were preparing to move over to the US from Australia, we’d visit Mum and Dad each week for dinner and a Fixer Upper catch up.

We’d laugh at Chip and wow at Joanna’s modern and elegant design skills. “I want her to do our house one day … when we get one,” I used to say.

So when Qantas started direct flights to Dallas, I planned a one-month road trip with my parents and told them to fly into Dallas so we could visit Magnolia Markets in Waco Texas and follow the Fixer Upper and Chip and Jo story.

Things to Do at Magnolia Market

Magnolia Market is not just a place to shop. It has so much more to offer, including places to eat, relax, play and explore.

Here are some of the best attractions in Magnolia Market you should not skip.

1. Dine at Magnolia Table, Waco Texas

We wanted to start our day at Magnolia Table in the remodelled Elite Café, which Chip and Jo opened in March 2018.

“I think that’s the best bacon I’ve ever had,” I said after my first bite.

Dad didn’t waste much time eating his after that.

We don’t know what they did to it, but it was sensational.

“Oh that’ is really good. I think that’s the best bacon I’ve had in a decade.”

The perfect mix of salt, fat, and subtle smokiness. The sausage was equally delicious: made in house and is flavorful and moist, but not too oily.

And you know how much we love our lattes. Magnolia Table served up creamy coffee that perfectly balanced the flavors.

It was one of the most Australian tasting coffees we’ve had in the US. Because we know Australia does them best!

All the dishes at Magnolia Table is sourced locally, and you can tell.

The signature dish at Magnolia Table are Jo’s Tater Tots sprinkled with chives and parmesan cheese. Although it may not look like it, the breakfast is filling.

When we left we agreed that it was one of the best breakfasts we’d ever had.

Magnolia Table has been touched by the Chip and Jo effect – farmhouse style, sprinkled with class and sophistication.

Every element is designed with intention – how does it help create the mood and tell the brand story – even down to the wooden pencils and coloring sheets that come with the kids menu.

Signs in that elegant black and white typography remind you that you are welcome,

“Where everyone has a seat at the table.”

There’s an emphasis on community at Magnolia Table.

The ‘good ole days’ where people gathered around the table for conversation and hearty, yet delicious meals made with love from the garden.

A circled message on the menu invites you to leave your phones in the leather pouches hanging up on the wall beside the table.

The conversations flowed for us, particularly with the staff. The staff were enthusiastic and authentic in their engagement and spent time talking with us.

It was a delightful way to start our day in Waco Texas and indicative of the kind of people Chip and Jo are.

We fell even more in love with this Fixer Upper dynamic duo and so inspired by their innovative and visionary spirit.

A couple of nights before we visitied, we watched the renovation of the Elite Cafe into Magnolia Table on Fixer upper Season 5.

It was so cool to see its transformation knowing we had been part of the finished product!

• Magnolia Table is at 2132 S Valley Mills Dr, Waco, TX 76706
• Open 6 am – 3 pm daily. (Further tips on visiting Magnolia Table below.)

2. Check Out The Silos, Waco Texas

The Silos represent what great visionaries Chip and Jo are.

If you watch Fixer Upper, you would have seen the transformation of the the run down silos into an entertainment and retail space.

At the moment, there is nothing in the Silos; the attractions are built around it on the block of land.

According to a police officer securing the property, Chip plans to turn the inside of the Silos into a man cave so he can offer something to his male Fixer Upper and Magnolia fans.

I was surprised by the number of men wandering around looking like they were having  a fantastic time – my Dad included!

Surrounding the Silos is a wide open green space. Jo has added her small touches to it, with a section for games and a container filed with soccer balls and corn hole equipment.

You’re invited to play and pack up after yourself when you’re done. Corn hole is one of Savannah’s favorite games so we played it for awhile.

Once again, the objective is to bring families and friends together experiencing good ole fun.

There’s also a space off the green grass with picnic tables and swinging chairs.

If you arrive early you’ll more than likely get a chance to sit in it and enjoy the ambience. If you’re hungry, the perimeter of the Silos are a number of food trucks offering a variety of options.

3. Purchase Some Seeds at Magnolia Seed & Supply

At the back of the Silo is a garden to wander through with a small log cabin to purchase Juniper and Magnolia seeds.

I hope you can replicate something similar at home. I’m dreaming of it when I finally get a home … one day.

Jo and Chip have inspired me to maybe move in that direction.

For now, we were happy smelling the flowers, drinking water from the old horse trough and then sitting on the wooden mushroom logs in the old naked tipi.

4. Visit the Magnolia Bakery (Silos Baking Co)

Jo’s cupcakes are legendary.

So much so that queues can be over two hours long. Thankfully we only had a five minute wait.

Magnolia Bakery is organized with efficiency and bright smile. Minute considered details makes all the difference in the Magnolia world.

As you join the Magnolia Bakery queue, you’re handed an order sheet to make the process flow. By the time you reach the front of the queue you are ready to pay and collect.

The girl’s cupcakes were light and fluffy. If you are a cupcake lover, you’ll be happy to wait for these.

My only disappointment was there were no gluten free cupcakes. There were gluten free cookies, but I don’t like cookies. My mouth watered and my eyes cried looking at those cupcakes.

The bakery building is worth looking at without the cupcakes.

The European inspired design feels like you’ve stepped over into France. It’s minimalistic and inviting and has gorgeous views of the Silos in the background.

There’s a small garden area to the side for you to rest and eat. Try to nab the wooden stools under the sign for a great photo opportunity.

And in between the bakery and the silos is this great hashtag photo opportunity for your Instagram.

I love the girls in this one.

5. Shop At Magnolia Market at the Silos

When I finally get my own place, I’m driving to Magnolia Market to buy all the furnishings. I might just bring back Jo with me to put it altogether!!

The Magnolia home store is a wonderful store. It’s filled with the style and essence of Jo.

Chip’s essence is not ignored either. He has his own section dedicated to the men called Chip’s Corner.

I generally don’t have patience to shop, but I loved browsing through all the homeware pieces in the store.

It’s the kind of home decor you’ve seen on the show and ranges from kitchen items to rugs and wallpaper.

The steel wall plaques on display by Jimmy Don were the most eye catching pieces in the store for me.

There are also T-shirts and hats in the store with the Magnolia Table. I couldn’t help but pick up a tank I have admired Jo wearing many times on the show.

And my sweet girls plotted together to buy me a beautiful notebook and sweet smelling Magnolia candle for Mother’s Day. It made my day.

Here are a few other things to do at the Silos that are new since our visit:

6. Drink Coffee at Magnolia Press

If you need a coffee to refuel, then the Magnolia Press coffee shop does some excellent coffee.

The point of Magnolia Press is to pick up a coffee and enjoy it as your browse the store.

It looks like an industrial library, and even though the idea is to grab a coffee on the go, you’ll want to sit around for a while and admire the decor – or sit outside on the patio.

7. Shop for Women’s Clothing at Reverie

Reverie is a women’s clothing store that has boutique, contemporary pieces. It’s the kind of fashion you would see Joanna wearing on Fixer Upper.

8. Shop for Jewelery at Vie Bien Aimee

Vie Bien Aimee is a shop selling artisan bath and body products. You can find some moisturisers, face creams, and other skincare and beauty tools.

9. Shop for Accessories at Tried and True

Want some accessories to go with your new clothing? Head to Tried & True which has bags, hats, jewelery, belts and other accessories.

10. Shop for Plants at Ferny’s Retro Plant Shop

If you are looking for some new plants to add to your home, then head over to Ferny’s (previously Juniper & Crew).

It’s owned by Jo’s little sister and offers a place to shop for plants in a quirky, fun and retro environment.

You can also find jazzy pots to go with the plants, too.

11. Get some Stationary at Chapter one

Need a birthday card? How about a new journal? Head to the Chapter One store to find stationery sets and arts and crafts goods.

12. Shop for Men’s Clothing at No. 16

As well as offering men’s clothing, you can also find other manly goods such as camping items and woodworking tools.

Opening Hours

Magnolia Market is open Monday – Saturday from 9.00am – 6.00pm. They are closed on Sundays.

It is located in downtown Waco, just 2 miles from Cameron Park Zoo.

Other Fixer Upper Locations in Waco

If you’re also a fan of the show and want to see more Fixer Upper locations in Waco, here are some other places nearby to explore.

See Discounted Items at Little Shop on Bosque

Although not in the Magnolia Market complex, Little Shop is worth checking out.

It’s the discounted supply store where you can find discounted Magnolia items. It’s housed in the first retail shop by Chip and Jo before they rose to fame.

Harp Design Co

Everyone knows Clint Harp from Fixer Upper. He creates feature woodwork pieces for the homes Chip and Jo renovate.

He has his own store and workshop in Waco Texas. He also now has his own DIY TV Show!!

I love seeing how Fixer Upper has helped so many other people thrive in their own business. What a wonderful story and positive ripple.

Next door to Harper Design is Clint’s House, which was also renovated on the show on season one, episode 11.

You can take pictures and admire the featured door, which Clint made. It’s eye catching.

Clint has turned this into a Bed and Breakfast you can rent when you visit Waco Texas.

We picked up a beautiful map from Harper Design with the words Wander written over the top. And a wooden heart shaped bowl for Savannah.

822 North 15^th Street, Waco

Magnolia House

Magnolia House is the Bed and Breakfast Chip and Jo renovated in season three of Fixer Upper.

It’s about a 20 minute drive south west of Waco Texas in the downtown McGregor area.

We stopped in on our way down to San Antonio. We were surprised by how small the block of land is compared to what it looks like on TV.

You also see the Carriage House down the back that was fixed up on the show for the managers of Magnolia House.

It’s a charming home. You can rent it out, but is usually booked months, if not a year in advance.

Apparently it’s okay to pop over and take a few photos!

323 South Madison Ave, McGregor TX

JDH Designs

You can also visit Jimmy Don’s workshop, who does all the metalwork designs for the show.

It’s located about 20 miles west of Waco so was too far of a diversion for us.

9685 North Lonestar Parkway, Crawford TX

The Brazos River

Wander over the  the pedestrian Waco Suspension Bridge which spans the Brazos River, the longest river in Texas.

You’ll see the bridge and river in many of the B-Roll shots of Fixer Upper.

But, the bridge has a story of its own.

It was part of the Chisholm Trail, a trade route trod by millions of heads of cattle in the 19th century. On the northern shore of the bridge near Indian Spring Park, is a herd of larger than life bronze cattle sculpture.

If you feel the braided steel cables and stout brick tower look familiar, then cast your minds eye towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

The cables were furnished by John A. Roebling from New York, who built the Brooklyn Bridge.

There are a few food trucks scattered around the foreshore of the river.

Places to Eat Near Magnolia Market, Waco, Tx

Unfortunately, we only had half a day so didn’t have time to explore the other things to do in Waco, Tx that doesn’t involve Fixer Upper.

But if you have more time, these are a few eateries nearby that you should check out.

Common Grounds

Common Grounds is a café that Jo has visited before on the show.

It is in the Baylor University area and was full of students on lap tops studying for their final exams.

The Cowboy Coffee is Jo’s favorite and made famous because of the show. I’m not sure what it is. It has a secret sauce and is labelled as sweet so I stayed away from it.

I like my coffees strong and bitter – no sweetener allowed.

There’s a lovely outside seating area, a small porch in the front and plenty of comfy couches inside.

There’s a backyard stage turning it into an indie concert venue with bean bag chairs.

Heritage Creamery

Next door to Common Grounds, is an independently owned and locally operated ice cream store, Heritage Creamery.

Everything is 100% all-natural and made in their shop using fresh, top-of-the-line ingredients with no additives or preservatives.

We popped in there to grab the girls an ice cream while we sat in the back garden of common grounds enjoying a coffee.

Tips for Visiting Magnolia Table & Magnolia Market

1. Arrive early. Magnolia Table, especially on the weekend, can have up to 4 hour wait times. The restaurant opens at 6am. I’d arrive not long after that. Better yet, make a reservation in advance.
2. After breakfast at Magnolia Table, head straight to the Silos and Magnolia Bakery which can also have lines up to two hours long.
3. Start lining up for the bakery immediately. You can easily wander around the Silos and Magnolia Market at any time.
4. If you’re afraid of the traffic circle out the front of Magnolia Market, come off the I 35 and turn onto the frontage road – check name – and enter the parking lot from the back entrance.
5. There are plenty of warnings about the traffic circle out the front (roundabouts) We have them everywhere in Australia, so we weren’t worried about it. American’s aren’t that used to them so often don’t know how to drive on them! There are warnings not to try and cross it on feet if you park outside of Magnolia Table.
6. Parking is limited at Magnolia Table, another good reason to arrive early. You can take the free LaSalle Circle Shuttle bus from the Silos to Magnolia Table. It runs every 30 minutes or so from 9am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. That way, you can park once and still visit Magnolia Table.
7. While you are waiting for your table at Magnolia Table, take your photos and visit the gift shop.
8. You will get a text when your table is ready, so have a phone with you. It comes in handy if you do have a four hour wait. You can go into Waco and visit the Silos while you wait.
9. Wednesday is the quietest day at Magnolia Table and the Silos in Waco Texas.
10. Everything looks smaller than what you see on TV. So be prepared. I thought the Silo area looked much bigger on TV with less around it. Same too with Magnolia House. We were expecting it to be on a large block of land.
11. You can stay in a number of the Fixer Upper homes that have been converted into B&B’s
12. Bring your camera. Capture the beauty of Chip and Jo’s designs, the delicious food, and Silo Selfies.
13. You might want to read some of the Magnolia stories before you visit:
    • The Magnolia Story
    • Capital Gaines: Things I learned doing Stupid Stuff
    • Magnolia Table: A collection of recipes for gathering.

They are on my reading list. I am subscribed to the quarterly Magnolia Journal which I love. Mum now has my stack to take home to her.

Where to stay in Waco Texas

We continued on to stay at the Emily Morgan Inn in San Antonio so don’t have personal experience for accommodation in Waco. From our research and professional travel judgement, we can recommend the following. You can also use the map to search for places to stay in Waco.

• Hotel Indigo Waco: We love the Hotel Indigo brand; You’re guaranteed boutique sophistication that fits with community personality. This is the closest hotel to Magnolia Market at just a 10-minute walk. at Hotel Indigo.
• This Newly Remodeled home inspired by Magnolia’s own Fixer Upper show. Open concept 3Bd 2Bth; stocked Kitchen. Spacious Backyard where you can have a delicious barbecue and relax next to the fire.

Video: 10 Things to Explore on the Fixer Upper Trail

Final Thoughts on Visiting Magnolia Market, Waco

Waco has definitely been transformed because of Chip and Jo and Fixer Upper. We loved strolling through the market and seeing all the visitors out and about, playing on the grass, enjoying picnics and listening to music.

It’s wonderful to see and look at how many local people have been employed and the spill over effect for other local businesses.

Waco is a vibrant thriving area with a lot of cool things to offer. We’d love to return and explore more, but for now, we feel content having been able to explore Magnolia Market.

Tours of Waco Texas & the Fixer Upper Trail

• Classic Waco 2.5 hour tour
• Magnolia Market day tour from Austin
• Brazos River Tour
• Waco TV Show tour with lunch

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Welcome to the legendary San Antonio River Walk, also known as the Paseo del Rio; a 15-mile oasis in the heart of a hot Texas city.

The San Antonio River Walk is what will turn your impression of America’s seventh largest city from a heaving metropolis image into scenes of memorable wows.

Not only is it peaceful, but there are so many things to do on the San Antonio River Walk.

I feel so tranquil just reliving the River Walk through these photos. Our trip to San Antonio was short, with the intention of taking my Dad to see the Alamo, which was a lifelong dream of his.

We did however, have time to explore the River Walk.

It’s a place I will always go back to whenever I’m in the city. After every visit, I discover more amazing things to do in San Antonio, including exploring nearby Texas Hill Country.

In this guide, I will reveal to you all the best attractions on the San Antonio Riverwalk so you can make the most of your visit.

Where is The River Walk in San Antonio?

It begins at the University of Incarnate Word College, just 4 miles north of the city, and flows through approximately 5-miles of downtown San Antonio before eventually joining the Guadalupe River and flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s divided into three sections: The Downtown Reach, The Museum Reach, and the Mission Reach. The entire length of the Riverwalk is 15 miles.

Attractions in Downtown Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

The downtown area is the most popular part of the Riverwalk since it’s so close to some of the other main attractions in San Antonio.

Below are some of the best things to do in downtown San Antonio Riverwalk.

1. Walk Along The Riverwalk Path

The San Antonio River Walk has been named by some as the American Venice. But instead of old world European charm, it has the sights, sounds and flavors of Native America, Old Mexico and the Wild West.

A little more raw and edgy than Venice.

Brightly colored umbrellas line the banks of the San Antonio River, as diners and merrymakers sit at tables underneath relishing in the festive spirit.

Colorful, (and brightly lit at night), barges pass under arched stone bridges, which help you move from one side of the river to explore the many restaurants, bars and unique attractions.

The shady cypress, oaks, and willows, give off a tropical, exotic aura.

You naturally slip into a tranquil spirit as soon as you step down onto the river walk.

It’s a perfect match to the cobble stone streets surrounding the historic Alamo on the street level just above.

The Hyatt Hotel provides a public walk through connecting the River Walk to the Alamo through a beautiful urban park lined with fountains.

Mornings are a good time to see the main part of the River Walk, when the crowds are smaller and the light filters softly through the trees.

2. Watch the Mariachi Bands

At night the River Walk takes on a different character with the sparkling lights reflecting on the water and mariachi bands playing to the diners spilling out from the River Walk restaurants.

If you’re looking for things to do on the San Antonio River Walk at night, then head to the downtown district and keep your ears on the ground for mariachi music.

Get yourself a cocktail and enjoy the live music under the glowing fairy lights on the river walk.

3. Try The Deviled Eggs at The Esquire Tavern

One of the best bars on the River Walk is The Esquire Tavern, which is a vintage-inspired, old-fashioned tavern that has become well known for its exquisite food and mezcal selection.

One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the deviled eggs, which are so well seasoned it’s hard to describe how good they are.

4. Take a River Barge Cruise

One of the most popular things to do on the San Antonio River Walk is a relaxing 35-minute narrated river cruise.

With a combination of live guides and recorded commentary, you’ll enjoy the sights of downtown and the Pearl Brewery District from a relaxing boat tour.

The cruise also runs on a hop-on, hop-off basis so you can simply dismount the barge at various points when you want to explore on the ground for a while, and rejoin the cruise when you’re ready to explore some more.

The cruise passes several of the top sites on the River Walk, including the Alamo, San Antonio Museum of Art, Pearl Brewery, and the Market Square.

5. Do Some Boutique Shopping

Get in some shopping and dining at Rivercenter, which is a 4-level shopping mall with over 100 streets, 6 restaurants, as well as IMAX theatres and a Marriott hotel.

Shop for boutique items such as handcrafted jewelry, or pick up some locally made produce.

6. Check out La Villita Historic Arts Village

Stop in to check out the caliche block and stucco structures in La Villita Historic Arts Village.

It’s a collection of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants that date to the mid-1800s when European immigrants lived and worked there.

7. Catch a Show at Arneson River Theatre

Just outside of the entrance to La Villita is an outdoor theater, the stage sits across the river, separate from the amphitheatre style seating.

The open-air theatre was built in 1939-1941 and was named after the father of the river walk, Edwin P. Arneson, who was the regional engineer for the River Walk.

The stage sits on one side of the river, and the spectators on the other. It can seat around 800 people.

There are on average around 200 performances a year, from theater to musical performances, so be sure to check out what’s on with the La Villita Historic Arts Village when you go.

This part of the River Walk is also famous for the celebratory parades they host throughout the year, particularly when one of the professional sporting teams win.

We were fortunate to be in San Antonio back in 2007 when the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championship.

It was fantastic watching the players float by on the river boats barges with crowds of fans cheering them on.

Like Chicago, they dye the river green on St Patrick’s Day.

8. Check out the Aztec Theater

Another theater worth checking out is the Aztec Theater, which was built in 1926 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

It has stunning architecture, made from columns, sculptures and murals.

Attractions on The Museum Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

The Museum Reach area is an 1.33-mile extension that features visual and aural works of art, terraces landscaped with native plants and pedestrian access to the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the historic Pearl Brewery complex.

9. Watch the Ford Holiday River Parade

Around Christmas time, is the Ford Holiday River Parade, which is an annual parade showcasing illuminated floats, where live bands play and local celebs come to perform.

It has been going for more than 30 years and contains more than 1.8 million LED lights.

The parade starts at the northern part of the river near the Southwest School of Art.

The event is a charity event which raises money for children’s charities.

10. Walk Through Brackenridge Park

The River Walk continues for another two miles through Brackenridge Park, where you’ll find soft shady trails winding through the woods and attractions like the Japanese Tea Garden, Sunken Garden Theater, Witte Museum, and the San Antonio Zoo.

We didn’t get a chance to walk along this section, but we did see parts of it on our hop on hop off tour of San Antonio, which gave us a nice overview of the city.

The Museum Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk is looks quieter and has a more local flavor.

11. Check out the Pearl Brewery Complex

The path heading north goes to the Pearl Brewery complex, which is filled with some of the city’s trendiest stores, bars, and restaurants.

The Pearl Complex was the most recommended thing for us to do in San Antonio apart from the Alamo and River Walk.

The Pearl Brewery was founded in 1883 and over the century has become the crown jewel of San Antonio.

It’s not just a brewery, but a community of innovative and world-class restaurants and bars. It’s also the space where the Pearl Farmers Market operates every Saturday and Sunday to sell farm fresh produce to local arts and crafts.

Hotel Emma is a San Antonio boutique hotel housed within the Pearl Brewery and receives rave reviews.

Attractions on The Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk

12. Check out the Spanish Colonial Missions

South of downtown the trail will take you down the eight-mile Mission Reach to the four sister Spanish colonial missions, Concepcion, San Jose, San Juan, and Espada.

These missions have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

This part of the river walk is the nation’s largest urban ecosystem restoration and will give you access to miles of additional hiking and bike trails.

How to Experience the San Antonio River Walk

The Downtown and Museum Reach sections of the River Walk are open 24/7, which provides you with endless opportunities for exploration, day or night.

The Mission Reach is open during daylight hours only so plan accordingly.

The central loop of the San Antonio River Walk can be enjoyed by walkers or boat cruisers.

The North and South extensions of the San Antonio River Walk are perfectly suited to joggers and cyclists (and walkers too).

You can get on the water to explore the river on barge cruises or kayaks with Go Rio Cruises. They guide you through more than thirty canoe chutes over light rapids in shallow water.

You can borrow a B-Cycle for as little as $10 a day, as long as you dock it every half an hour. There are multiple stations along the trail.

You can also rent an electric assisted bike from Blue Star Bicycles.

San Antonio Bike Tours caters to riders of all experience levels.

Dine at the Iron Cactus

The Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar is one of the best Mexican restaurants on the San Antonio River Walk.

It’s a Tex Mex fusion with dishes like Mexican Meatloak, Baja Fish Tacos, Tequila marinated fajitas, hickory grilled salmon, and burgers.

My parents aren’t adventurous eaters so I was worried about Visiting a Tex Mex restaurant, but they had plenty of options for those who don’t like exotic  and spice.

The Iron Cactus has over 100 different Tequilas, and named top ten 10 tequila bars in the country by Spirits and Cocktails and top 25 Tequila Bars in the country by USA TODAY.

We’re not usually tequila drinkers having horrible memories of lip sick suck foul tasting tequila shots in our twenties.

But there is a remarkable difference between the crappy tequila used for lip sip sucks and those authentic award winning Mexican tequilas used in sophisticated cocktails.

When in San Antonio…you cannot go past having a margarita when visiting a Mexican restaurant, especially one so classy as the Iron Cactus.

Upon recommendation from our server, we ordered the extra strong Iron Cactus Double Barrel made from Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau.

It’s mixed with fresh lime juice and organic agave nectar.

Craig and I shared it. It was deliciously smooth and subtle.

I really loved the taste of this tequila and it may be a new way for me to approach this famous liqueur. Shots begone.

The food was equally delicious and the menu extensive, including gluten free options.

Our friendly waiter recommended the Pescado del Mar as his favorite dish on the menu.

It’s seared Atlantic Cod topped with wild caught gulf shrimp and bay scallops all nicely tied together in a citrus-butter sauce and served with sauteed spinach and the cilantro lime rice.

It was delicious, but I was kind of jealous of Craig’s Southwest Paella.

A perfect mix of shrimp, mussels, bay scallops, jalapeno Texas sausage with lobster cream.

I know, your mouth is watering right?

After spending the day at his beloved Alamo, how could my Dad not order the Travis Burger?

We finished our meal with Mexican Donuts and my favorite gluten free dessert, Vanilla Bean Espresso Creme brulee.

I snuck a sample of the donuts and they were sensational!!

And here’s a look at all the desserts on offer.

The Iron Cactus has prime position on the river front and what I loved about it that separates it from the other many restaurants you’ll find on the San Antonio River Walk is the lack of the other restaurants surrounding it.

It’s on a much quieter and peaceful part of the river, which feels slightly more upmarket and refined.

The foot traffic is separated by a large stone planter box and shaded by trees.

The Iron Cactus is popular, so be sure to reserve a table ahead of time. We ate as guests of the restaurant.

Video: the Alamo and San Antonio Riverwalk

Where to Stay on The San Antonio River Walk

In need of a place to stay? Here are some places we recommend you stay on the San Antonio River Walk…

The Emily Morgan Hotel

We stayed at the Emily Morgan Hotel, the official hotel of the Alamo, and an historic hotel of America.

Our room overlooked the Alamo. The hotel is located right near the Alamo, the River Walk and within walking distance of many downtown San Antonio attractions.

It’s stylish and elegant and will enhance your San Antonio historical and cultural experience. We stayed as guests of the Emily Morgan Hotel.

Omni La Mansion del Rio

This is one of the most popular hotels on the River Walk given that it’s a pet friendly hotel with valet parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.

It also has a tropical courtyard and a restaurant, Las Canarias, which has 3 levels and has views of the River Walk.

The guest rooms are spacious and elegantly styled, with marble bathrooms, and some even have a balcony overlooking the river.

FAQs About San Antonio River Walk

Here’s what people usually ask us about visiting the San Antonio River Walk…

Final Thoughts on Visiting San Antonio River Walk, Texas

There are plenty of things to see and do on the San Antonio River Walk. It was a complete contrast from the rest of the city, and to be honest, it didn’t even feel like we were in a city!

Exploring the River Walk was one of the highlights of our trip to San Antonio. Even our kids loved it.

We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in the city.

More Texas Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Texas? Check out these other guides…

• Things to do in Big Bend National Park
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• Enchanted Rock State Park – hiking the summit trail
• A 4-wk Dallas to Boston Road Trip

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This relaxing vintage train journey allows you to take in the beautiful scenery from panoramic windows, or from an open air car.

If you want to see the unusual rock formations, copper mines, and stunning unspoiled Verde Valley landscapes, then you will want to give this experience a go.

But what is the Verde Canyon Railroad and what is a trip like? Then keep reading to learn about our experiences…

What is the Verde Canyon Railroad?

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a 40-mile return journey through 100 years of history, culture and dramatic scenery.

It follows the Verde River and the riparian ecosystem it carves along the way with cottonwood and high sandstone cliffs flanking its sides.

You’ll ride along historic trestles, passing Native American ruins and historic sites, as well as see the iconic red rock canyon scenes.

This is a region that is only accessible by train – unless you want to strap on the boots and do a bit of hiking, but we’re talking about taking a break from that.

The Rail Road was completed in 1912 to service the mining town of Jerome. The mining era ended in 1962, but the railroad endured and in 1990 the first passenger scenic excursion of the Verde Canyon Railroad began.

Now passengers can travel through the same isolated and rugged landscape that those early pioneers saw as they were struggling to blast and lay the tracks.

For the train buffs, the train is powered by Vintage FP7 locomotives, only two of 10 remaining in service in North America.

Those into photography will want to grab their best wide angle camera for this trip!

What is the Railroad Experience Like?

The Verde Canyon Railroad is somewhat of a hidden gem because of its remote location, but is still one of the top things to do in Sedona, which is just a 30-minute drive from the starting point.

We had so many other tips and attractions on our list of things to do in Sedona, including dinner at Elote Café, hiking the Devil’s Bridge, the Pink Jeep tour, and all the fantastic vortex hikes.

But I only found out about the Verde Canyon Railroad experience when I popped into the visitor center to get a Sedona map.

I overhead a staff member telling a couple about the train trip and mentioning that it was not only one of the top Sedona attractions and things to do in Arizona, but one of the top four attractions in the USA!

What???

That’s massive kudos. I knew then it was something for us to experience.

Our girls insisted that we do it in style – first class!

In the First Class carriage you get appetizers, champagne toast upon arrival, access to a cash bar, and comfy seats large enough to lie down on – not just for the children; I spied a few adults resting after a couple of glasses of wine!

You can also purchase alcoholic drinks such as beer and ales, and of course, many varieties of wine.

That’s the style and pace of the Verde Canyon Railroad.

After a week of challenging hikes in Sedona and thrilling off-road adventures, we LOVED having the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the canyon without having to walk, climb, drive, or hold on tight.

We could even enjoy a glass of wine and a toasty winter blaster liquor coffee while doing it.

And I could actually wear jeans, a pretty top, and my favorite cowgirl boots! Sometimes it’s nice to dress up after days in the wilderness.

It also made for great timing to go to the Elote Café for dinner after the train ride. Since we were dressed a little more fancy and not all sweaty for a change it made sense.

It’s very easy for me to slip into the gentle swaying of train travel.

I caught the train every day to school, to University, and to my big girl job. I love how rail travel offers a space to contemplate, relax, switch off and connect.

This train is no different. The moment you step aboard the train you’re greeted by friendly staff holding a tray of champagne ready for a toast.

Hello Verde Canyon!

Our carriage had loads of energy.

I’m not sure if it was the $16 bottle of wines everyone seemed to have on their tables, or just the natural spirit of the unique experience bringing out the joy.

We were probably the youngest on the train, but everyone was friendly and curious and kind to the girls. Like all good train journeys we struck up many conversations with strangers who felt like friends.

Most of this happened on the return journey – which is what I liked so much about this experience.

On the first leg of the Verde Valley journey, we spent most of the 90 minutes out in the open-air viewing cars.

Every carriage no matter the class gets access to an open air carriage. As the windows within the carriages aren’t super large, this is how you’ll get your best views.

I was worried that since we had already experienced so many striking Sedona colors, vistas and Red Rock landscapes that it may be a little blasé, but no. I don’t think you ever could with the scenery out here.

It’s magnetic.

In the open air carriages our guide, Shu, shared many stories about the history and culture of the region.

He pointed out caves where they once saw mountain lions, alerting us to rock face names like Turtle and Elephant Rock, Abraham Lincoln and Nixon, and the ancient cliff dwellings from the local Sinagua tribe. who built their stone structures in caved perched precariously above.

The guides are very good at alerting you to when good photo opportunities are arriving. Counting you down to cameras at the ready for curves, bridge crossings and tunnel approaches.

I loved following the Verde River and getting a glimpse at the land it carved. I can only imagine how pretty it must be in the spring and fall when those beautiful deciduous trees are in full bloom shading the river.

Keep an eye out for the different plants: cottonwoods, walnuts, askes, alders and oaks, and various cactus and indigenous plants like banana yuccas.

You may even spot some wildlife, at least birds if you don’t see any of the bigger animals. We saw deer out the window on the way back.

It was hard to pull the girls out of the carriage to step outside and soak up the views. They were engrossed in their activity book with crossword puzzles, quizzes, find a words, and word classifying all about the flora and fauna of the region, the history and the culture.

I was most impressed with everything they learned as a result of this clever way to engage the kids. They were most excited to learn that Verde meant green.

When they did come outside they were wowed and were on the lookout for animals that perhaps were sneaking down to the river banks for a drink.

We did see mule deer on the return journey back through the cabin window.

Oh, it was pretty hard to drag them away from the $1 ice cream we bought for them on the way back.

The train stops for 25 minutes in the old ghost town of Perkinsville. It once housed a community of about 20 families, but everyone left.

It was nice to stand out in the warm sun and watch the engine detach from the front of the train and roll along beside us to go to the back ready to return to Clarkdale AZ.

If you are a Western fan, you may recognize the Railroad station in Perkinsville. Parts of the movie How the West Was Won was filmed here.

The return leg was where we relaxed a little more. Chatting with our friends in the carriage and drinking our delicious liquor coffee.

We continued to pop out to the open air carriage, especially going through the tunnel. I never get tired of the sudden blackness a tunnel journey can give to a train experience.

I recommend you keep popping out because even though you have seen the scenery before, it changes with the direction you travel in and the changing light.

The afternoon rays illuminate the canyon in different ways and gives it a softer light.

There wasn’t an absence of a smiling face as we exited from the train saying goodbye to one another and thanking the excellent staff. The Verde Canyon Railroad will be on of the highlights of our USA Road Trip I am sure.

This is a journey that will give you a glimpse of what life in the South-West was like prior to the arrival of humans, who have now taken over most of the expansive Wild West.

It’s a magnificent wilderness route in the isolated high desert.

Video of the Verde Canyon Railroad experience

Click play to join the journey with us on the Verde Canyon Railroad…

Planning Your Rail Journey

The Verde Canyon Railway runs from March 1st until April 30th, and again from September 12th to October 31st. They also hold a Magical Christmas Journey train rides from November 24th until December 24th.

They also hold many event rides throughout the year, such as wine tasting rides in the summer and special Valentine’s Day rides.

You can reserve event rides via an Online Reservation system for the Verde Canyon Railway.

Our train departed at 1:00pm AZ time in Clarkdale. Departure times can change throughout the months.

It is recommended that you arrive an hour early to give yourself time to check in and board the train. There is a train depot with food, drinks, a small museum, and plenty of information boards for you to peruse while you wait to depart.

FAQs About the Verde Canyon Railroad

Here’s what people usually ask us about the Verde Canyon Railroad…

Where to Stay in Sedona

Still deciding on a place to stay in Sedona? Here are some places we stayed that we would recommend.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

We’ve stayed at the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock.

Situated in the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort is a nice place to come back to after your daily activities, and it’s just a 15-minute drive into Uptown along the gorgeous Red Rock Scenic Byway 179!

You can get stunning red rock views from your balcony all the way to Bell Rock, and resort amenities include three sparkling pools, an expansive athletic club and spa, and championship golf course.

Our kids loved the games of cornhole, table tennis, and jenga – allowing parents to actually sit and relax during a meal whilst they were entertained.

There’s also fire pits to sit around, and you can dine out on the resort porch area with distant views.

Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas

If you want to stay in the heart of Uptown without spending a fortune, consider the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas.

My parents and sister have stayed here in one of the Creekside Villas and loved the space and location.

Book early because of this hotels proximity to Uptown.

Luxury Sedona Resorts

If you’re looking for luxury, consider the L’Auberge de Sedona situated on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Uptown. This is an unmatched luxury resort and nature spa with award-winning dining.

Sedona Boutique Hotels

Another popular choice is Orchards Inn, which offers panoramic red rock views and is centrally located among Uptowns finest shops, galleries and restaurants.

There are plenty of other great places to stay in Sedona depending upon whether you are looking for Uptown Sedona hotels, Sedona family resorts, or other hotels near Sedona AZ.

More Sedona Tours

Below are other recommended tours and Sedona attractions from our partners at Get Your Guide:

• Pink Jeep Tour
• Vortex Tour
• Helicopter and Jeep Combination Tour
• Ancient Ruins Tour
• Winery and Jeep Tour
• Grand Canyon Classic Tour

Free American Southwest Itinerary

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More Arizona and Southwest Adventures

Visiting other parts of Arizona and the Southwest? Then you may enjoy these other resources…

• 8 Best Tips for Planning a Trip to the Grand Canyon With Kids
• 18 Amazing Things to do in Tucson, Arizona with kids or without!
• 12 Incredible Things to do in Canyonlands National Park Utah (for 1st time visitors)
• 15 Amazing Things To Do In Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – Don’t Miss This Place!
• 20 Incredible Places to Visit in Utah For Your Utah Road Trip
• 29 Best Things to do in Arizona

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This centuries old fortress is where the Texian Army and Mexican Forces fought side by side at the Battle of the Alamo against the Native Americas.

It’s also one of the first Spanish missions in Texas, making it one of the oldest landmarks in the state.

Its important and bloody past is one of the most famous and poignant moments in Texas history, so no stop to San Antonio would be complete without paying The Alamo a visit.

Although it’s free to enter, there is plenty to see and do here. If you’re thinking of visiting The Alamo in San Antionio Texas, then keep reading to learn about its history and what there is to see and do.

About The Alamo San Antonio Texas

The Alamo stands in the center of Downtown San Antonio in Texas.

The old fort and cobble stoned streets, beautiful oak trees and the tree-lined San Antonio River Walk across from it, makes it one of the prettiest cities in the US.

This Spanish military presidio on the riverbank was originally the Mission of San Antonio de Valero, which was build in 1718 and later relocated to its current place.

The Alamo, and the nearby San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, (which we didn’t get to visit) are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next time we visit San Antonio I want to bike along the river to explore each of the missions, which are set along a 12 mile path from downtown.

The Alamo is one of the pivotal battle sites of America in February 1836, at the time of the Texas revolution.

The Native Americans, fighting for independence from the tyrannical control of the Mexicans, were severely outnumbered by the Mexican army who surrounded them in the military garrison.

Only a few women and children in the fort survived after the 13-day siege came to an end.

During the siege of the Alamo, roughly 200 Texan soldiers defending the Alamo were killed, including their leaders, Colonels William B. Travis and James Bowie, and the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett.

You can wander through the old Church to see where the last few soldiers fought until the bitter end and then wander through the grounds to see other parts of the old fort whose boundaries are now much smaller.

As you walk through the Alamo grounds and inside the old kitchen of the mission (the oldest building in San Antonio), you will learn the history of the Alamo and the mission leading up to that fateful evening when the battle was lost and all the soldiers killed.

I’m glad that life has settled into defined territories and boundaries.

While the world is not absent of skirmishes and battles between armies for control – at least in the area I live in – I’m glad I live in the era and area where the dust has settled.

I hope we’ve evolved into a world where the need for borders becomes less as our fear and control for unhealthy power diminishes. Utopian view I know.

But it has to start with a vision right?

Empower from within rather than take power from without.

I guess, the freedom I experience in being able to move freely (relatively) between borders comes as a result of the sacrifices of many hundreds of years ago.

Remember the Alamo

The Alamo’s importance is significant for the American people, in particular Texans, as it’s the moment they reclaimed their freedom and set in motion the path to independence and unity with the United States.

The soldiers sacrifice within the Alamo cannot be forgotten.

It is said a couple of months after the Battle of the Alamo, in April 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto in present day Pasadena, Texas took place.

It was said that the Texan Army, lead by General Samuel Houston, fought against Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican army, where soldier’s cried “Remember the Alamo!” before launching into battle.

This battle was said to have lasted only 18 minutes but it is one of the most prominent battles of the Texan Revolution.

They crossed that line and chose to give up their lives for that independence and now the Alamo stands watch over their spirits.

Cries ‘Remember the Alamo’ were heard in following battles which eventually lead to the Texan victory over Mexico.

It is said that you could hear the Texan armies shout “Remember the Alamo!”

Many years later, U.S. soldiers cried the same words during the Mexican-American War in 1846–48.

Remember the Alamo, is a testament to the fight against tyranny.

Remember the Alamo represents bravery and courage and the fight of the Independent Texas Spirit.

Again, I am reminded of what I learned in our recent visit to Greater Williamsburg learning about the Revolutionary Wall and figuring out why Americans are so obsessed with liberty.

Here they were again at the Alamo fighting and dying for it.

It’s something as an Australian I won’t understand, as my country hasn’t lived and died for liberty.

But, as a visitor to the Alamo I can comprehend deeply the importance of remembering it.

Life from Death

It was woman power that eventually came around to help the Alamo survive.

After the battle it was used for various reasons, it even had a structure built on top of it. Eventually, instead of being the protector, it became the protected.

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas fought to ensure the Alamo survived as a shrine to Texas liberty and is now a place people from all over the country and world can come to visit, pay their respects and remember.

The story that captured my attention the most in the Alamo is the magnificent 100 year old oak tree in the courtyard.

It doesn’t have anything to do with the Alamo of the old, but definitely brings new life to what was a crumbling place of bloodshed.

The oak was moved here in 1917 and helps create a lush green landscape so unlike what would have been in the 1800’s.

The birds sound happy resting on its branches and it emanates a subtle, captivating smell I can’t quite describe.

I feel such peace and joy standing underneath is overarching branches and taking in its beauty.

Life will always follow death, often in more evolved and better form.

Live your life so you can contribute to the better form evolution.

Video: The Alamo and San Antonio River Walk

What to See at The Alamo

Apart from learn about the history and hear stories of old, the Alamo is an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place to visit.

And it’s free. So you can wander around for as long and often as you like.

There are beautiful gardens out the back and in the courtyard and reenactments from actors sharing life in the fort back in the 1800’s.

Be sure to come back in the late afternoon, when it is quieter and you can get better photos out the front. Seeing it lit up at night is also ethereally beautiful.

The girls really enjoyed the visit and Savannah even whipped out my notebook to take notes of what she was learning!

You cannot beat hands on learning experiences for kids.

Alamo Church

One of the biggest tourist attractions in The Alamo is the Alamo Church, which was built in 1755.

The church had an important role in the Battle of the Alamo and now stands as a memorial to the Alamo Defenders.

Long Barrack Museum and Wall of History

The Long Barrack Museum is located inside the oldest building in the Alamo.

It was original built as a two story convento, which served as the quarters and offices for Spanish Missionaries.

During the siege, the Alamo’s garrison withdrew into this building, for their last stand against Santa Anna’s soldiers.

Today, the building is kept as a museum.

Just outside the Long Barrack you will find the Wall of History, where you can read about 300 years of history that took place on this site.

Briscoe Western Art Museum

Although not in the compounds of The Alamo, just a short 5 minute walk away on the banks of the River Walk is the Briscoe Western Art Museum, which is houses inside the former public library.

The museum contains exhibits and artefacts from Texas’s Western era. You can see art that depict stories of cowboys, Native Americans, and the vaquero.

You can see objects, tools, and weapons that would have been used at the time of the battle and see history come to life.

Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

Admission is free to enter The Alamo, but you need to get a free timed ticket to enter the church as the capacity is limited to a certain number of people at a time. You can reserve your free entry here.

It’s open daily from 9.00am to 5.30pm, but closes Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

You can also purchase guided tours and audio tours if you want to learn more about the battle and the history of the barracks.

The Alamo is located on Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, opposite the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.

Where to Stay near the Alamo: The Emily Morgan Hotel

In the background, looking over the Alamo, stands the The Emily Morgan Hotel, an historic hotel of America, and where we stayed for our two day visit.

The Emily Morgan is the official Alamo Hotel and you can see the Alamo from the bedroom window.

I liked peeking out early in the morning and watching the jungled landscape and sandstone walls of this magnificent structure.

One morning three Buddhist monks walked around the outside of it, their bright orange robes contrasting against the green of the trees. I thought for a moment I was back in Cambodia.

I know my Dad was wowed when he walked into his room and down below was his beloved Alamo!

The Emily Morgan was a fantastic hotel to stay in. I highly recommend it as an experience to enrich your visit to the Alamo.

The Emily Morgan Hotel dates back to the 1920s; it’s classy and sophisticated and you can learn more about its history in the gorgeous foyer.

The guest rooms are stylish, spacious and comfortable.

The Emily Morgan was named after the Yellow Rose of Texas, a cream colored mulatto who was instrumental in helping the Texans eventually defeat the Mexicans.

She was kidnapped by the Mexican leader Santa Anna, who was known as the Napoleon of the West. Legend has it that one day she was approached by Sam Houston and asked if she could help them by “distracting” Santa Anna. She agreed.

Houston and his army surprised attacked Santa Anna and won. She became the Yellow Rose of Texas and the hero. Woman Power!

The Emily Morgan hotel is within walking distance to most San Antonio attractions, including a short stroll to the San Antonio River Walk. 

If you’re looking for the quintessential San Antonio Hotel this is it. It was one of our favorite hotels on our Dallas to Boston road trip.

Final Thoughts on Visiting The Alamo, San Antonio

You just never know where life will take you.

Every moment offers infinite possibilities, which is why it’s important to never put a wall on your dreaming.

Love the joy of the dreaming. Talk about it with enthusiasm and bring parts of it into your life anyway you can.

In the current moment, you may think that your wildest dreams can never be a reality. You can clearly see, in the current moment, the obstacles getting in the way.

Let them be.

They may not always be there. And your unexpected paths around them can easily open up.

Hold your dreams inside a wishing machine and allow the unseen forces to orchestrate grand plans to bring it to life.

When the perfect moment arises, the unseen forces recognizes and remembers and says, “Hey. This will be a great time to deliver that dream you have been yearning for for years.”

Who’d have thought that because of our lifestyle, travel blogging, and our road trip from Dallas to Boston, my Dad would get the opportunity to live one of his dreams?

One I’ve known about since I was a little girl watching John Wayne westerns with my parents on a Saturday night.

The Alamo in San Antonio was one of his favorites.

I loved it because I used to love the TV show Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.

Davy Crockett was a hero of the Alamo.

I remember watching The Alamo with him and the silence that came at the end of the battle.

“What? They all died?”

How could that be? Davy Crocket can’t die. Heroes don’t die.

But the reality is they often do. Eventually anyway.

What doesn’t die is their spirit, their bravery and the ripple effect of their contribution to evolution.

A ripple that reached all the way to a man’s dreaming on the shores of Australia.

Brought to him in the form of John Wayne, the “greatest” actor that ever lived and expressed into reality for him by a daughter who loves the freedom and growth of travel, especially in the US.

It was delightful to walk though the doors of this legendary sandstone fort in San Antonio Texas with him, watching him walk around in awe and imagining how it looked during the moment of the battle.

It was time to Remember the Alamo.

More Texas Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to Texas? Here are some other guides that may be useful…

• The San Antonio Riverwalk
• Epic guide of things to do in Big Bend National Park
• In Dallas, we visited the JFK Museum.
• And one of our favorites – a day with Chip and Jo in Waco, Texas
• Enchanting things to do in Texas Hill Country

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The best way to experience this wild landscape and get an up-close look at the red rocks of Sedona, is certainly on a Broken Arrow Sedona Pink Jeep Tour.

By riding around in a 4WD, Sedona Jeep Tours takes you into this untamed desert, on the exclusive Broken Arrow trail, to places a standard vehicle can’t reach.

Not only do you get closer to the rock formations, cliffs and overlooks, but you also get the thrill of the ride!

These tours are not for the fainthearted. The custom-built, open-air jeep wrangler can go up and down rocky terrains that should not be deemed possible.

But the skilled drivers know exactly what to do.

If you’re thinking of taking a Broken Arrow Sedona Jeep Tour but not sure what the experience is like, well, read on to read about our experience!

About The Sedona Pink Adventure Tours Company

Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has been running award winning excursions and the most talked-about off-road adventures in the Southwest.

They run multiple Pink adventure tours throughout Red Rock Country.

The Broken Arrow tour is exclusive to Pink Jeep Tours. It is the most popular tour and extreme off-roading.

You can also combine it with a Scenic Rim Combo Tour, which takes you to where some of Hollywood’s most beloved westerns were filmed.

It’s also where the movie “Broken Arrow” starring Jimmy Stewart was made in the 1950s.

The exclusive Broken Arrow 4WD track is located in Sedona, just a 5 hour drive (282.4 mi) via I-40 E from Las Vegas, making it an ideal day trip.

Our Experience on A Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour Broken Arrow

Savannah sat a little slouched on the seat, one elbow resting on the side of the pink jeep.

“Well, if we’ve done it once, we can do it again,” she said with the grace of someone who’s experienced a few things in life.

On our Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, it wasn’t a few mild things.

She’d just came down a 45 degree graded rock face called The Devil’s Staircase. “Oh, we’re really not doing this!” she’d squealed as we teetered at the top.

Her and Kalyra squealed and giggled as their seats in the back raised up and they tipped forward and rocked as we descended down the steep slope!

The rock face before that one was an ascent and I had slipped back from my seat almost falling on top of them, which had them giggling just as hard.

This was going to be a 4×4 adventure to embrace.

To be honest I didn’t even think about whether the girls would be freaked out by this experience. I just signed them up.

We’ve been on so many adventures now I just take it for granted they’re ready for it and will love it.

To me, it feels like fun, but to their young souls it could possibly have been terrifying.

At the beginning of the Broken Arrow Jeep Tour, I saw a little fear in their faces and heard it in their nervous giggles.

But they willingly jumped in the back seats – the bumpy ones of the jeep.

They cuddled and covered their eyes, and whooped and maybe said, “Oh No” a few too many times, but by the end of it, they had this thing in the bag!!

I’m not sure what I enjoyed more: the spectacular giant red rock spires and formations that makes Sedona unique geological formations and sooo beautiful, or the thrilling adventure driving up and over rocks and and bumpy tracks, or watching their reactions and the joy they got from this experience.

I love how they are always living on the edge of their comfort zone, the place of amazing growth.

Just the change they had from the nervous beginning to taking the next dip down in their stride.

The Sedona Pink Jeep Tours are one of the most recognized and loved Sedona activities.

When we asked our online community for tips on what to do in Arizona, the Sedona Jeep tours came highly recommended.

You’ll see the pink wranglers zipping around town everywhere, wondering where they disappear too. They go deep within the fiery canyons of the Coconino National Forest surrounding you and over Sedona’s famous red rocks.

The Pink Jeep tour is now at the top of my list of best things to do in Sedona.

It was wildly adventurous and beautiful. I’d do it again, not just in Sedona but in the Grand Canyon. When you visit Sedona AZ, don’t miss it.

It wasn’t all screams and steep rock drives, there is a lot you learn on the tour from the narration of your guide.

Bob, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area.

For the entire two hour journey Bob shared with us stories, facts and jokes. It made me appreciate the area so much more and love the wild and free nature of the state of Arizona!

What a lawless and renegade state it once was. The cheeky Aussie in me loves it.

We made two stops on the tour where we were able to jump out for photos and insider information about various things.

The first stop was Chicken Point. When Bob reversed up to the parking spot we understood the meaning of the name Chicken Point.

“Okay Bob, you can break now, we screamed out as we saw that perilous edge appeared.

He did with a chuckle that let us know he was totally in control.

We jumped out to appreciate the spectacular picturesque views to the south and the east overlooking the Verde Valley and the red rocks.

This was where Bob taught us a lot about the Verde Valley and the richness of the flora and fauna in the region.

We jumped back in to continue on the most exciting part of the journey that took us past mushroom rock and a 6 degree climb down the rock and around to Devil’s Staircase.

Like an alien spacecraft emerging out of the forest, submarine rock appears as you wind around the bumpy track.

It’s some of the most notable rock formations in Sedona and is the second jump off stop on the Broken Arrow Tour.

Don’t just spend all your time feasting on the eye candy that stretches out 360 degrees around you. Look down as well to learn the stories embedded in the rock.

Bob showed us a white disjointed circle that looked painted on the rock. It was created by the master artist called 500 million year old earthquake.

It was cool to see the obvious geological shift and the fault line.

We were all enthralled by the perfectly round small white circles randomly scattered on submarine rock – the imprint left behind from a lightning strike!

Wow!! We walked around picking out as many lighting strikes as we could.

What a great science lesson for my girls.

This is why I don’t bother with teaching the girls science in my homeschooling lessons. There is nothing I could ever teach them form a book that could give them such first hand knowledge and absolute awe at the world we live in.

Yeah. I think they understood lighting is pretty powerful.

It was fun walking back to the car and hearing some high pitched screams in the distance. “There goes a jeep down The Devil’s Staircase!”

FAQs About Pink Jeep Tours Sedona

Here are what people usually ask us about the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona…

What are some Pink Jeep Tours you can do in Sedona?

There are several trails you can choose from for your jeep tour.

• Diamondback Gulch Jeep Tour from Sedona
• Back country trails of Coyote Canyon
• Ancient Ruins tour will take you to Onanki Heritage site, where the indigenous Sinagua people lived and worked between 600 AD until the 1400s. You’ll see ancient cliff dwellings and learn about indigenous history.
• Scenic Rim Tours (1.5 hours or 2.5 hours) take you to see Bear Wallow Canyon and see western movie locations.
• Coyote Canyons takes you through Sedona’s backcountry canyons and in the basin of the Mogollon Rim.
• Red Rock Range is an easy tour that takes you on a hike through the canyons with a guide, who can tell you more about the plants and fauna of the area. This is a moderate tour and best suited for families and those who want less of a thrill ride.
• Grand Canyon tours
• Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tours

Could you do the Broken Arrow Trail on your own?

It’s possible.

We saw quite a few jeeps out there and many people walking the trail out to Chicken Point.

To be honest, I wouldn’t feel comfortable at all driving that track on my own. You’d have to be confident and experienced with off-roading to take it on.

There was an off-roading jeep club on the track at the same time as us.

Although we would not do the Broken Arrow trail on our own, the the Pink Jeep Tour gave us faith and confidence to finally take The Beast, our 4×4 high clearance Ford 250 along the off-road track to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead.

It saved us an extra 2 miles of walking and it was good bumpy fun. The girls didn’t even flinch this time or worry that we’d get stuck or bust the Beast. They’re old pros at this road touring.

If you’ve done it once, you can do it again. No problem.

Pink Jeep Travel Video

Places to Stay in Sedona

Are you still undecided on where to stay in Sedona? Here are some places we stayed and really liked…

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock

We’ve stayed at the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock.

Situated in the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort is a lovely place to come back to after your Sedona activities, and it’s just a 15-minute drive into Uptown Sedona along the stunning Red Rock Scenic Byway 179!

You can get gorgeous red rock views from your balcony all the way to Bell Rock, and resort amenities include three pools, an athletic club and spa, and championship golf course.

Our girls loved the games of cornhole, table tennis, and jenga – which allows parents time out to actually sit and relax during a meal whilst they were entertained.

There’s also fire pits to sit around, and you can dine out on the resort porch area with distant mountain views.

Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas

Want to stay in the heart of Uptown without spending a fortune? Consider the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas.

My parents and sister have stayed here in one of the Creekside Villas and loved the space and location.

Book early though because of this hotels proximity to Uptown.

Luxury Sedona Resorts

Looking for luxury, consider the L’Auberge de Sedona situated on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of Uptown. This is an unmatched luxury resort and nature spa with award-winning dining.

Sedona Boutique Hotels

Another popular choice is Orchards Inn offering panoramas of red rock views and centrally located among Uptowns finest shops, galleries and restaurants.

There are plenty of other great places to stay in Sedona depending upon whether you are looking for Uptown Sedona hotels, Sedona family resorts, or other hotels near Sedona AZ.

Before You Go

The Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour company offers the perfect tours for those looking for an awesome adventure full of adrenaline.

However, before you go, you should make sure you are not expecting any babies, as this tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

It’s also not appropriate for anyone with back or neck problems, toddlers under the age of 2, and those with a fear of heights.

You should make sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as you travel to some of the most remote areas in the park, which can be very hot and also reflect the sunlight off the startling sandy desert rocks.

You should also check the weather forecast before going as they cannot operate during wet weather due to unsafe conditions.

Sedona Tours

Below are other recommended tours and Sedona attractions that are popular on Get Your Guide:

• Helicopter and Jeep Combination Tour
• Ancient Ruins Tour
• Grand Canyon Classic Tour
• Lower Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour

More Travel Posts on Arizona

Need more inspiration for Arizona? Then you may like these other resources…

• Amazing things to do in Sedona with kids
• Riding the Verde Canyon Railroad
• Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon
• 18 amazing things to do in Tucson
• 29 Best Things to do in Arizona

Free American Southwest Itinerary

You can also access our Southwest itinerary (10 day, 2 week, 3 week and 4 week ideas for you) and our Utah bucket list when you join our Free VIP email tribe!

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More Southwest USA Tips

Planning to visit other parts of the Southwest USA? Then you may like these other resources…

• Thrilling ATV adventures in St George, Utah
• 14 Epic Adventures not to miss in Southwest USA
• The Ultimate Guide to Zion National Park

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One of the most thrilling experiences you can do in Utah, is an ATV experience in Sand Hollow State Park, bouncing over the sand dunes in St George.

Strap yourself in for a heart pounding experience, be amazed by the scenery, and create lasting memories with your loved ones and you ride around on this machine designed to give you an adrenaline rush!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in St George and not sure what to do, then be sure to add an ATV tour of Sand Hollow State Park to your list.

And here’s why…

About Sand Hollow State Park

You will not believe the colors of this State Park in Utah are real. If you’ve been to other state parks in Utah, such as Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, then maybe you will.

But if it’s your first stop on your Utah trip, then you’re in for a treat.

The clear blue of the man made lake surrounded by orange sand dunes, red rock formations and the snow peaked mountains in the background.

It is a feast for the eyes for sure and loads of good soul food for your chakras.

Sand Hollow State Park is just outside St George in Southern Utah on the Arizona border and is the perfect recreational area for ATV adventures as it offers some of the best Utah ATV trails around.

Inside the park, you will find Sand Hollow Reservoir which is known for having excellent fishing, and you might see a few people out doing watersports on the water.

Its Utah’s newest state park and already one of the most visited destinations in the Utah Division of State Parks system, with recreation opportunities for nearly every user from boaters to bikers, and OHV riders to equestrians.

What a place to cool down after a day of traversing the dunes on an ATV.

This 20,000 acre state park is well renowned for its ATV and OHV (off-highway vehicles) off-road trails that take you to 3,500ft in elevation.

You might even spot some sandboarding enthusiasts tackling the steep dunes.

It has 6,000 acres of off-road trails over sand dunes that are host to many rallies and competitions each year.

The trails cater to open riding as well as technical trails where you can test your skills off trail and you’ll see plenty of dune buggies zipping around.

The sand areas are divided by incredible rock formations in the upper areas and bounded by the blue man-made lake at the lower edges.

You could play in here all day and we enjoyed watching some motorbikes doing aerials off the dunes.

The ATV & Jeep Sunset Tour

Looking for adventure travel and fun things to do in Utah with kids? Well, this is one experience that every family member will enjoy!

ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours have been running tours through Sand Hollow State for 21 years and we had one of the most fun days yet on our one year USA road trip. 

We were hosted by the company on their 4 hour sunset tour which took us on a trail that had the perfect combination of red-rock formations, dunes and open desert.

The tour started by getting suited up in our helmets and protective gear and a safety run through by Bob our guide. We then had a practice drive around the dunes and over a small rock face.

Bob gave us the nod and we were off.

Our Experience On An ATV Tour of St George

“Show them what you’re made of Mum”

We were in St. George Utah and Kalyra screamed at me from the back of our ATV as I screamed.

I think an oh s*** even slipped out of my mouth as I pressed my foot down on the accelerator and roared up the sand dune.

Breathing was tight, possibly even held, as that old familiar fear from my youth arrived. It would take my breath and freeze me in the back seat of our car as my nervous mother attempted to drive up the vertical notorious Rampart.

As a child it felt so high and steep and I was convinced each time it wouldn’t be able to grip tight to the road and gravity would roll us back down.

Heading up that sand mountain to my friend’s birthday parties was literally the scariest thing of my childhood.

Now that feeling was overtaking me as I was the one attempting to get up the high and steep hill, except this one was made of sand and we were in a small ATV (all-terrain vehicle) with no sides.

Breathe and focus was my mantra as I wrestled control back from the demons to get up.

With two quad bikes behind me I had no other option.

I certainly couldn’t stop else we probably would roll back down. So it was foot down, squeals at the ready and push that thing up with will power – well maybe a little gasoline too.

Yes! Show em what you’re made of! I squealed rising up to the top “Nailed it!!”

There was no time to stop and revel in the glory.

I was showing those sand dunes and the world class off-roading trails what we were made of for the next four hours all the way to sunset.

We could see the petrified sand dunes and lava tubes of Snow Canyon State Park in the distance, which is just a 30-minute drive away from St George near Santa Clara.

We finished with one last drive up a hill – this time it was extra sandy –like full sand dunes without a whisper of dune grass to be seen and the wind shaping it as we approached.

It was short and steep with little run up for momentum.

These dunes had scared Kalyra for the past 30-minutes so she wasn’t screaming her confident motivational speech at me rather, “I don’t want to do this mum!’

Co-pilot Savannah, was comforting Kalyra and telling her it would all be okay, complete faith laid in her mum to get us up. Her other cries throughout the drive were to go faster.

“There’s no turning back now”.

I pressed my foot down, watching the ATV in front of me almost stall at the lip and slide out before just making it over the top.

This time I kept the Oh s*** to an inside scream and the panicked cry, I really don’t think I can do this one.

Breathe and focus.

Up we went following the ATV’s path of slip and slide and slow down. Oh no. We’re not going to make it.

Fear of stalling at the top and rolling back hit me just as the nose of the ATV pushed us up and over and we came to a grinding halt behind everyone.

This is our last stop. Let’s enjoy the sunset before heading back.

I handed the driving seat back to Craig and rolled out into the sand to watch the setting sun.

Like this area needed any more color or things that make you go, Wow! This adventure made our list of places to see in Utah that no one tells you about.

The Best ATV Trails in Sand Hollow State Park

If you think you’d like to do an ATV tour of Sand Hollow State Park in St George yourself, then we recommend the following trails.

Sand Trails with a View

The first part of the tour was spent whizzing around the easy sand trail area with the views of the lake and the snow peaked mountains the entire way.

It couldn’t help but enhance your joy.

We stopped to admire the views and learn more about the park’s flora and fauna.

The good thing with the ATV Jeep and Adventure tours is they give you time to get used to driving on the terrain and building your confidence before moving to the more difficult places.

There were a couple of easy rock crawls in this area and plenty of twists and turns through the hills and valleys.

Riding around the sand trails has its perks! There are lots of twist and turns, hills and valleys.

Box Canyon

The first steep hill that I mastered was the beginning of our little adventure into a box canyon.

As there is only one way in and out it was the perfect hiding spot for native American tribes to lie in wait for the new settlers coming through for surprise attacks.

On certain days a zip line is set up to fly across the canyon.

Jurassic Park

Jurassic Park is an amazing area where mother nature has crafted out the sandstone hills to look like various per-historic creatures, sculptures, faces and one hill even looks like a huge cruise ship.

It was fun driving between them.

We stopped for a break here and to climb over a few of the rock formations and experience stunning views over St George and Warner Valley 1,000ft below and far in the distance beyond the rugged cliffs, the Grand Canyon West.

Major Sand Dunes

The end of the trail took us to the area that had nothing else but a valley of rolling red sand dunes.

Nothing beats the rush of driving up and down the big sweeping dunes and feeling the ATV glide underneath you.

Phew. You’ll be relieved when it glides over the top and not slide back down!

We ended at the top of one of the dunes – the hardest to get up – to watch the sunset and to enjoy the views back over the lake.

The sunset itself wasn’t so spectacular as it’s still a little high in the sky and washed out as it slips behind the sand dunes. The colors you get looking back out over the lake however are.

It was a lovely way to end an epic adventure. We all decided we wanted to buy an ATV after it.

Definitely put this on your list of fun things to do in St. George Utah.

Things to Know About ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours

• You must wear long pants and closed toe shoes
• Cameras are okay as long as your arms don’t go outside the vehicle using them!
• Water and snacks are provided
• We recommend you go later in the day as there is minimal shade on the ATV trails.
• There are no restrooms or showers in the park, only at the campground.
• The best time of year to do the ATV tour is from October – April when the weather is cool. In June – September, you will experience hot days and potentially monsoon rain storms.
• Note there are park entrance fees. It costs $10 for day-use OHV access.

They have three vehicles available for their ATV tours:

1. ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) or 4-wheelers.
2. ATV 2-UP (All-Terrain Vehicle built for 2 people). This is an ATV that is specially built for 2 people. Passengers must be 10 yrs old.
3. We rode in a Jeep-UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) also known as Side-X-Side. They hold 4 people, one driver and three passengers. The girls loved that they were able to sit in the front.

There are three general adventure tour lengths: 3, 4, or 5 hours offered by ATV Jeep and Adventures.

Tours operate year round.

FAQs About ATV Tours in Sand Hollow State Park

Where to Stay in St George

You can camp at the Sand Hollow State Park, which is what we wanted to do but it was booked out. I recommend you book your camping spot at Westside campground in advance if you choose to camp.

You can choose between powered sites and non-powered sites.

We stayed at KOA Hurricane St George, which we weren’t too impressed with, although it was close to Sand Hollow.

Some other great St. George hotels that come recommended are:

• The Best Western Abbey Inn is located in the middle of St George giving you easy access to restaurants and stories. Free breakfast, pool and hot tub.
• Wingate by Wyndham is also located near restaurants and shops. It also has free shuttle, complimentary bike rental, free breakfast, pool and is pet friendly.
• Inn on the Cliff is another resort option that often makes the Best of Lists! Gorgeous views, especially from the pool.

How to Get to St. George

St. George is just under two hours from Las Vegas. If driving from Las Vegas, you will want to drive for 119.3 miles (191km) via I-15 N. If you are driving from Salt Lake City it’s a 4.5 hour drive south (303.1 miles or 487 km) via I-15 S.

The park entrance is at 3351 South Sand Hollow Road, Hurricane, UT 84737.

You could visit Sand Hollow State Park on a day trip from Las Vegas, however we recommend spending longer in the St. George region as there are so many awesome things to do there.

Video: ATV adventure in St George Utah

More Utah Travel Tips

During our month long stay on this one year road trip we are seeking out all the fun things to do in Utah, including lots of outdoor activities in Southern Utah.

Don’t miss these adventures in Southern Utah. Pop your name in the box below to get access our free printable bucket list will help you plan the ultimate trip. As well as insider travel tips and stories as we continue to explore the world

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For more incredible places to visit near St George and Utah, check out the following resources…

• 14 best things to do in Zion National Park
• The Red Reef Trail, St George
• 5 Snow Canyon Hikes
• Adventurous things to do in Moab
• 11 amazing things to do in Arches NP
• 12 incredible things to do in Canyonlands NP
• 43 Fun Things to Do in Utah for your Utah Travel Bucket List
• 20 Incredible Places to Visit in Utah For Your Utah Road Trip
• 12 Don’t-Miss Things to Do in Capitol Reef National Park Utah
• Magical & Unique – Goblin Valley State Park, Utah Is Remote But Worth It

It’s considered one of the best road trips in the USA because it is beautifully scenic from start to finish, stopping off at beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and swimming holes.

There is nothing distracting you from the essence of life on the Road to Hana Town, except perhaps some soothing melodies blaring from your speakers.

The mountain streams provide a refreshing reward for the many twists and turns.

Hold your stomach tight, up ahead you have 617 hairpin curves and 56 one-lane bridges. You’re going to need a bit of stamina, especially on that long winding road home. You’re going to be wishing you could click your heels three times.

In this Road to Hana guide, I have shared with you the best Road to Hana stops with a few tips for driving it, so you can have the best experience possible…

How long is the road to Hana?

The road to Hana start point is from the town of Kahului and finishes in the town of Hana is 64.4 miles (103.6 km) from end to end.

The whole drive is embedded on the side of the high jungle cliffs plunging into the sea revealing panoramic Pacific Ocean views, bamboo forest and Norfolk pines, sacred waterfalls and swimming holes, lava tubes, tropical flowers and roadside food stands.

The Hana Highway is a long stretch of a two-lane road and it takes about 2.5 hours to drive without stops!

The Road to Hana stops are marked out by Road to Hana mile markers, but these aren’t always clearly marked!

The Hana highway continues to Kīpahulu as Hawaii Route 31 (the Piilani Highway) and has other worthy things to see (some say the best of the Road to Hana stops), but as mentioned it’s poorly marked.

We attempted to keep going past Hana but it felt like we were just turning and turning and had no idea where we were or how far we were from the waterfalls and swimming holes, so through exhaustion gave up to return back to Ka’anapali.

I can’t stress enough the importance of a good map and Road to Hana guide for this road trip.

How long does it take to complete the Road to Hana?

Although it takes 2.5 hours to drive from end to end, I recommend you plan for a full 10 hour day to drive the road to Hana, which should allow you plenty of time to stop at each stop.

I’ve also marked the restrooms on the road to Hana (you can thank me later!)

Road to Hana Map with Mile Markers

Before I show you the best stops on the road to Hana road trip, here is a map which shows you the route to take and the best stops with mile markers.

This should give you an idea of the length of your trip and how long to take…

Best Road to Hana Stops

What are the best road to Hana highlights? Below is the best road to Hana stops we recommend you take on a self-guided tour to Hana.

I’ve also included some stops we wished we had more time to experience on this famous road trip in Hawaii.

Stop 1: Paia Town

Paia originated in the 50’s as a Hawaiian plantation village. It has since developed a reputation as a laid-back town popular with world-class windsurfing.

I think the surfers may like the waves here too.

Some of Maui’s best beaches are known to be here and are still surrounded by sugar cane.

It might be worth spending a bit of time here to absorb the bohemian (others might term hippy) vibe, eclectic storefronts, restaurants, boutique shopping and yoga studios – all on one road!

Mana Foods is said to be the best natural food store on Maui. Not sure how we missed that one!

I thought Paia looked more interesting on the drive home – it seemed more vibrant. It was quite sleepy when we passed through in the morning. We stopped for a quick coffee at Paia Bay Coffee, and I feel Paia might deserve a little longer than that.

It could be an option to stay the night here either before or after the road trip to Hana. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (where we stayed) is another 50-minute drive from here.

Stop 2: Twin Falls – Mile Marker 2

No one on the Road to Hana received the message that a little scramble down the muddy rocky ravine with the assistance of tree roots – we were all wearing flip flops – hiking Hawaiian style.

Twin Falls is the first of the accessible road to Hana waterfalls and is a one-mile round trip walk from the parking lot. The trail in is beautiful.

Walk up to the top of the Upper Falls to see another smaller cascading one, Lower Falls. We didn’t swim in the pools but saw others doing it, so bring your swimmers.

There is a snack stand upon arrival as well. But be careful of visiting after a flash flood.

For more local tips about trails and hidden waterfalls and swimming holes in the Twin Falls area check out this insider guide!

Stop 3: Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees – Mile Marker 7

This is just a short pullover stop, or maybe you would prefer to just drive by, but at the 7 mile point you will find some really beautiful rainbow Eucalyptus trees that have rainbow-coloured bark and vibrant green leaves.

You might think they are a little unusual compared to other Hawaiian plant life, and that’s because they originate from the Philippines.

The trees grow on private land so please only pull over and see them from the road.

Stop 4: Ho’okipa Beach Park – Mile Marker 9

This is the first beach on the route to Hana and it’s considered one of the best windsurfing beaches in the world.

While it’s not the most beautiful beach in Hawaii, it’s still a good place to stop and watch the windsurfers and look out for Hawaiian Green Sun Sea Turtles who like to swim in these shores.

Stop 5: Garden of Eden Arboretum and Botanical Garden – Mile Marker 10.5

26 lush acres and more than 700 species of plant life, Garden of Eden has the most varied collection of plants across the state, a coastal view of the opening scene to “Jurassic Park,” and a newly built overlook onto a waterfall.

At $15 per adult, $5 per child, I find the entrance fee a little pricey but I actually really enjoyed it and it was one of my favorite spots on the Road to Hana.

We didn’t know the price until we drove up to the entrance and although we hesitated, we decided to as we were already there. Would I pay that price again though?

Would I pay that price again though? Not sure. I would if I was on my own or it was per vehicle. For a family of four like us factor in $40.

When we first drove into the bird feeding area and saw a crowd of people feeding peacocks, ducks and geese I began to fret over the money we spent that this was not going to offer much. How much bird feeding can you do in a lifetime of travel?

However, once we dove into the diversity of the gardens I began to open up to how special the expense was.

The gardens are divided into sections, each with clearly marked and easy walking trails past plants native and indigenous to Hawaii, and exotic ones from around the South Pacific region and the world’s rain forests.

You can hike through the bamboo alley to a 100-year-old mango tree. Make sure you stop in front of the bamboo clusters so your kids can listen to the ghostly groaning sounds they make as they sway against each other.

Head to the overlooks on the edges of the arboretum to see the Upper and Lower Puohokamoa Falls, the latter of which cascades over a 200-foot cliff below the Road to Hana.

One reason for visiting the Garden of Eden is that these falls are relatively hidden and inaccessible to the public, which makes this the best view you’ll get of them.

There is also an open-air platform to see Keopuka Rock, also known as Jurassic Rock because of its appearance in the 1993 movie’s opening sequence. It is way off in the distance and, although I don’t remember it, I can clearly see the resemblance to Jurassic park scenes in the surrounding scenery.

I also loved the view we got within the gardens of the winding Hana Highway below. Photographers and Videographers will love it. The gardens are a pretty oasis.

You will need at least 30 minutes to an hour here to fully experience it.

Stop 6: Kaumahina State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 12

If you’re in need of a bathroom, picnic table, or a place to stretch your legs, this area is where you want to stop.

There are adventurous hiking trails nearby. Note; they aren’t maintained or easily accessible.

Most people pull over for the coastal view from the lookout point. We stopped briefly as we had a good stretch of our legs at the Garden of Eden.

Stop 7: Ke’anae Arboretum – Mile Marker 16.7

We missed the Ke’anae Arboretum but upon my research, I’ve noticed that it might be a little gem worth pulling over for.

The botanical garden sits along the Pi’inau’au Stream and within a rainforest and is free to enter.

There is a half a mile paved walkway through 150 varieties of tropical plants.

Stop 8: Wailua Valley State Wayside – Mile Marker 18.8

We took the stairs on the right of Wailua Valley State Wayside to the top and were treated to a view of  Ke‘anae Valley and Wailua on the ocean and Ko‘olau Gap in the mountains and the village of Wailua. It will be a quick stop, but worth the scene.

Stop 9: Upper Waikani Falls – Mile Marker 19.5 (ish)

The Upper Waikani Falls is also known as Three Bear Falls thanks to the three separate but parallel falls of differing lengths – with the third and smallest being the “baby bear” falls on the right.

It is one of the most popular waterfalls of all the Road to Hana stops. It’s a quick stop, right on the side of the road.

There are limited parking spots here so we grabbed a quick photo and moved on. If you can manage it walk underneath the bridge on the ocean side of the Hana Highway.

The foliage is lush and green which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

If you can manage it walk underneath the bridge on the ocean side of the Hana Highway. The foliage is lush and green which makes it a picturesque and tranquil place for swimming.

Stop 10: Pua’a Kaa State Wayside Park – Mile Marker 22.5

I only noticed this spot on the way back. By that stage, we were over it and focused on getting home.

The car park was closed which is why we may have not noticed it but it looked like a great spot for swimming. It’s a five-acre area lush with tropical plants and waterfalls.

Apparently, caution is advised when walking to the waterfalls, especially those deeper into the jungle! There are also bathrooms and picnic tables here.

Stop 11: Nahiku Marketplace – Mile Marker 29

We stopped off here on the way back for a leg stretch, and a snack for the girls who were now starting to lose it after a long day already. We still had a long journey back. Nahiku

Nahiku Marketplace is a collection of roadside stalls with a variety of food options, coffee, and local wares.

I have heard that the locals here are very unhappy about tourists detouring off the Hana Highway to explore more of the scenic drives around the area.

Stop 12: Hana Lava Tube – Mile Marker 31

The Hana Lava Tube is a little detour off the main road down Ula’ino Road, but it’s only a 5-minute detour or so.

Here you will find a building that makes the site of a huge lava tube which was formed about 960 years ago by lava flowing from underground into the ocean.

You can take a tour of the grounds or you can pay an entrance fee to view it. We had seen some amazing lava tubes on Hawaii’s Big Island, so we decided to skip it.

Stop 13: Wai’napanapa  State Park – Mile Marker 32

Depending on how you are for time and how hungry you are (if you’re not bringing your own lunch) you can visit Wai’napanapa State Park either before or after Hana on the return home.

It’s close enough to Hana to fit in it in either way. We stopped in on the way back and I wish we had more time to stay longer and explore.

It’s strikingly beautiful with the black sand beach named Pai’iloa Beach, the bright green plant life, and turquoise waters.

There are loop hiking trails to take you to sea arches, blowholes, caves, lava tubes and stunning view to the East Maui coastline.

You may even want to stay awhile for swimming. The waves looked pretty rough and sucky when we were here though so be cautious.

It’s best to check with the local’s swimming conditions of beaches. I know we lose a lot of tourists each year on our Australian beaches because they enter not understanding the local conditions.

The translation for Wai’anapanapa is “glistening water” or “water flashing rainbow hues”, both of which are accurate in describing the powerful contrast between the black, pebble lava field and the deep blue-greens of the ocean.

You can find more in-depth information and make a reservation for Wai’napanapa State Park here.

Stop 14: Hana Town

It’s when you arrive in Hana that you realize the Road to Hana is less about the destination and more about the journey.

There’s really not a lot to see here. There’s the Kaihalulu Beach which is a unique red sand beach, and a few boutique stores around the habour.

It’s still in a very pristine, underdeveloped state which is fantastic to see and adds a unique charm, although I found the beach grey and non-descript.

You might wish to stay a little longer to explore the history and vibe a little more deeply.

It is said that The hill beside Koki Beach is said to be the site where the fire goddess Pele fought her older sister, Namakaokaha’i, goddess of the ocean.

Here is where Pele’s bones rest after her defeat, though her spirit went to Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii.

For lunch, the line for the Thai food truck near the baseball field was long and signaled to us that this was where we would roll in for lunch.

We had a couple of readers recommend it to us as well. They were right as usual it was a Hana highlight – authentic Thai amidst the rainforests of Hana. Who’d have thought?

You can continue on from Hana to explore more scenery, but as mentioned the signage was even worse and we got more tired.

It’s where the mile markers get confusing. It seems as though they are measured with the beginning point from the end of the Hana Highway rather than continuing on from Hana.

Stop 15: Hamoa Beach – Mile Marker 50 (2.5 miles south of Hana)

Consistently named as one of Maui’s best beaches, Hamoa Beach is lined with sea cliffs, hala trees and lush vegetation.

The crescent shaped beach has silky peppery sand, unlike many of the black grainy and pebbly beaches, and makes it is a great place to relax for awhile before starting your drive back.

Depending on the wave conditions, it can be very family friendly. When the waves break, it’s much loved by surfers. Know what you are doing though as there were quite intense shore breakers when we visited.

Stop 16: Wailua Falls – Mile Marker 45

It was only as we were on our way back down the Hana Highway that we passed this again and I realized it must have been the Wailua Falls.

There wasn’t a lot of water running and no one around so it looked like just another waterfall and not worth pulling over for. You can just take a snap from your car, it’s that close to the road and a pull over for you to do so.

I’m still not 100% sure that it was the place I saw as I”ve seen descriptions about crowds of visitors, and local vendors but no one was around for us.

There is a quick walk down to the plunge pool for a refreshing swim and views. The water cascades 80 feet down the side of the lush jungle wall. If the water was gushing it would be pretty spectacular!

Stop 17: Ohe’o Gulch “Seven Sacred Pools’ – Mile Marker 42

‘Ohe’o means “Something Special”, which is why we were on a mission to keep going on the Road to Hana to experience it.

Many people recommended this as the highlight. The Ohe’o Gulch is located within the Haleakala National Park.

When open a proper map and guide on this part of the trip would be essential as there was no signage whatsoever saying how close you were to the pools.

Our maps were useless. We had no idea where we were on the road and how far we had to go.

We could have easily been two minutes away when we turned back but we had to make a choice.

I was surprised that there was no signage indicating the location of something so well known!

I know we should have been better prepared which is why I’m stressing to you the importance of a good map and guide for the Road to Hana.

There are more than 7 pools here when the water levels are up, many of which are open for swimming if the water levels make it safe. Make sure you follow all signs as people have died here fro rock slides and debris flowing over the falls.

If you have a good map, follow the route to see the Waimoku Falls along the Pipiwai Trail.

You can also camp here and from pictures I’ve seen, it looks stunning and would be a Road to Hana highlight for sure.

Tips for Driving the Road to Hana

Before you go, here are some of my top tips for driving the road to Hana…

• Start Earlier. We always have good intentions but with kids, stuff happens. We left Ka’anapali Beach Hotel at 8am, I think 6am is a better idea!
• We found the markers terrible on the Road to Hana. Plan before hand or wing it and follow the car in front of you!
• Get the app.
• If you are only relying on car radio, station 95.1 had great music.
• The food options aren’t fantastic. There are a couple of roadside stalls and fruit stands. Take snacks just in case.
• Take a decent map and Road to Hana Guide.
• Hire a jeep wrangler if you can because they looked so cool with the Road to Hana scenery. Make it red. Best for your photos.
• Possibly stay along the road – there are some accommodation options. Especially if you have kids, you may want to break the trip up. It was an intensely big day for us, which wiped us out for the rest of our time in Maui. We canceled some other planned excursions so we could recover on Kaanapali Beach.
• Swim at more waterfalls, easier for you to do if you spend more than one day on the Road to Hana, otherwise your time will be limited.
• Pack more water than you think you’ll need. Nothing like tired, hot kids and you’ve run out of water.
• Watch for the locals. They hate all the tourists blocking up the road. With good reason, they’re not driving on it to see the sights, they’ve got work to attend to. You’ll know who they are as they’ll drive fast and tailgate you. Pull over for them and let them past. A couple were driving on the little aggressive and dangerous side.
• Pack spare camera batteries and SD cards for the cameras.
• Portable charger for your phones.
• Do your due diligence beforehand, decide on a few locations that look the most intriguing, and take your time at each location.

The Road to Hana App and Guide

We departed with a couple of tourist brochures, which included a map. Time constraints now leave me little research time, so I thought that would be more than adequate. WRONG!

The Road to Hana is one you don’t want to go unprepared for, especially with a good map and guide. This would be the number one thing I’d do differently.

As mentioned, things are poorly marked, so that waterfall you heard that was so amazing, you will never know where it is! A couple of things are marked but not all of the Road to Hana highlights.

Of course, I went into frantic online search and found a road to Hana app that looked really useful, but lost my internet connection before I could get it!!

I’ve read many reviews since to say it’s one of the best Road to Hana apps to help you have the most amazing experience. It costs $15.99 per car, but I reckon it’s money well spent so you can have the best experience for your Hana Road trip.

Stories auto-play based on your location so you don’t have to do anything once you’ve started. It works without a cell signal or Wi-Fi once downloaded. It will help you find-missed spots and enrich your experience with little-known history.

The Action Tour Guide app functions as a guide, an audio tour, and a map all in one. This tour has been developed by local guides, curated by creative writers, and narrated by professional voice artists. Most stops along the tour have animated videos allowing you to visualize what you cannot see.

Road to Hana Tours

Another option, if you did not want to do drive the Road to Hana yourself, is to join a Road to Hana tour.

There are a few companies that offer this tour, but the Road to Hana tour through Get Your Guide comes highly rated.

You can then sit back and relax and ensure someone else takes you to the best spots. The only downside to this is that you can’t go at your own pace, but it’s a great option for those who are short on time.

Is The Road to Hana Worth It?

Driving the Road to Hana in Maui is high on the bucket list of many who want to visit Maui, the second largest island in the Hawaiian Islands.

For us, this top USA scenic drive fell a little short of our expectations given the exhausting length of those windy roads.

We found notable sights were poorly marked, and because we have done so many great drives like the Daintree Rainforest and Great Ocean Road in Australia, and the Chapman’s Peak Drive and Garden Route in South Africa, we were a little under-awed.

However, if a scenic jungle drive is something you have not done before, you’ll probably love it.

It is beautiful if you haven’t done a lot of coastal or jungle road trips and I think if you go fully prepared with the right information and time, you’ll have a memorable experience.

I hope this Road to Hana Guide can help you have an amazing time.

Road to Hana Video

Click play to see more of the Road to Hana drive in the video…

More Hawaii Travel Tips

Are you planning to visit other parts of Hawaii? Then these other resources may be useful to you…

• Places to visit in Hawaii
• Ka’anapali Beach, Maui
• Things to do in Waikiki
• Best things to do on Maui
• Tips for planning a Family vacation in Hawaii

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It’s not just about the dance performances though, you can also take part in dance lessons, build crafts with craft vendors, and finish off with the Lake Lift Competition which reenacts the iconic scene where Patrick Swayze lifts Jennifer Grey in the lake.

This was a party where people knew themselves. There was no searching or seeking, playing with their hair, or pursing their lips, it was just a place where everyone could have a feel-good time and celebrate this iconic movie.

If you’re thinking you’d like to visit the Dirty Dancing Festival, then keep reading to find out more about it and how you can attend…

About The Dirty Dancing Festival Lake Lure, North Carolina

Lake Lure’s Dirty Dancing Festival is held every year in August in Lake Lure. Dates for 2023 are yet to be announced. It takes place in the Hickory Nut Gorge, on the spot where the actual movie was filmed.

The basketball courts make way for a huge stage where dance lessons take place, and the grassy lawn becomes an outdoor cinema.

Activites you can expect on the day are watermelon-carrying races, amateur shag competitions, Kellerman’s Festival Talent Show, a lakeside film screening (of course) and finally, the annual Lake Lift competition.

Each year, only 2,500-3,000 tickets are sold so you need to book ahead if you want to secure your spot.

Check out the official website for more details.

Our Experience At The Dirty Dancing Festival

4,000 people coming together to relive the memories and the one liners.

I carried a watermelon. “Nobody puts baby in the corner.”

Tell me you haven’t said a Dirty Dancing line a hundred times with your best friends.

The only movie to rival it in my personal movie rerun history was Girls Just Want to Have Fun.

I’ve seen Dirty Dancing at least 20 times, and the last dance scene when Johnny takes baby from the corner to do the lift at least 100.

On our Dirty Dancing tour of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock State park in Western North Carolina, we were told it was a low budget film.

Many scenes of the movie were shot on location at Lake Lure, even though the movie was set in the Catskills.

They filmed all the staff quarters such as the boys’ camp and Johnny’s cabin, just behind where the festival is held and there is contention as to whether the lake lift scene was filmed in this beautiful North Carolina lake or somewhere in Virginia.

We do know Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze practiced in the waters of Firefly Cove on Lake Lure anyway. And they stayed in the Lake Lure Inn – their rooms heavy in demand for this festival.

They never expected the movie to do so well. But it became an icon. As was evident by the 4,000 people celebrating 30 years later!

It grabbed me. I longed for that life in that movie. When I think back to define what it was it gave me, I think it was less a longing for love or romance, but more a longing for discovery, for adventure, for the experience.

That’s what the Kellerman’s Resort and the Dirty Dancing gave me.

The hope that life could be different. That you could express yourself and as a result of that take yourself out of the corner and leap high into the air. That the good guy would win, that class didn’t matter, and you fought for what you believed in.

And of course, it gave us a brilliant soundtrack and sweaty, sexy dancing with gorgeous men. Who did not fall in love with Patrick Swayze in this movie?

We travel in the USA to explore more deeply and uncover the hidden secrets. This festival was one of them. Like the movie, it was just good fun.

It wasn’t anything dramatic or special, but it gave us all an opportunity to relive the show.

Check out our video of Caz participating in the watermelon races below:

The highlight of the festival was to watch the lift competition in the lake, just around the corner from where Baby and Johnny practiced in real life.

The participants were focused and determined to stay up in the air the longest and win that coveted crown. We even had a marriage proposal and everyone cheered and were so happy he did not lose the ring to the sucking mud underneath.

The pretend Johnny informed us of one myth from the show – the lift is actually harder to do in the water.

But aren’t we so glad they pretended it was. That chemistry between Baby and Johnny was amazing, even though apparently they didn’t like each other in real life.

That chemistry between Baby and Johnny was amazing, even though apparently they didn’t like each other in real life.

We didn’t arrive on time, but they also have dancing lessons at the festival as well. In this part of America, they call it shagging!

Not the horizontal folk dancing kind that we know it as in Australia.

It was a scorching hot day at the festival, so to cool us down, we paired the heat with delicious cookie dough ice cream and local ginger cider from Noble Cider based in nearby Asheville.

I love anything ginger and it’s rare to find a ginger cider. I want to order crates of it.

After the lake lift, the festival ended, and everyone moved to one of the many after parties that happens at the resorts and in the Lake Lure area.

Other Dirty Dancing Film Locations in Lake Lure

As well as attending the festival, there are some other filming locations in Lake Lure that you can visit if you’re a fan of the movie. Though it was really only the ‘boys’ camp’ scene that took place in the area…

1. Esmeralda Inn and Restaurant

Our of group of journalists attending the festival had one stop to make before we hit the party – The Esmeralda Inn and Restaurant for dinner.

It’s a 125-year-old inn and the lobby has the original floorboards from the gymnasium where Baby and Johnny had their dance.

I didn’t notice that too much as I was too busy having a photo with the both of them.

Me and cardboard cut-outs are becoming a thing on this America Unplugged road trip!

The food was delicious, the company wonderful, and the views out over the mountains of North Carolina gorgeous.

2. Rumbling Bald Mountain Golf Course

We stayed at the Rumbling Bald Resort, which was the famous gold course where Baby interrupts her dad’s swings to ask for money.

During the festival, it had an after party on the beach with beautiful views of the lake.

The girls raced to meet me at the after party and told me they had watched the movie and the dancing in the restaurant of Rambling Bald while they waited for me to return. The color drained from my face, “Was the volume down?”

“Yes”

Oh thank goodness. They were some questions I was not ready to answer yet. Dirty Dancing was brave enough to tackle some serious issues back then.

Instead of questions, they leaped into practicing the legendary lift scene themselves.

30 years later, Dirty Dancing still gets under people’s skin.

3. Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Although none of the movie was actually filmed at Lake Lure Inn and Spa, it has dirty dancing themed rooms, so if you’re looking for somewhere to stay during the festival, check this hotel out.

You can stay in Johnny’s cabin or Baby’s bungalow. It was also where Patrick and Jennifer stayed during filming.

It also overlooks the landscape of Chimney Rock Village camp, where you can see the original lodging, dining hall and gym in the film. It’s also overlooking the staff cabins and actors stayed.

Our favorite place to stay in Lake Lure

The Lodge on Lake Lure is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Lake Lure. It was built in the 30’s as a retreat for North Carolina highway patrolmen and opened to the public in 1990.

 It’s the only lakefront lodging in Lake Lure and offers a unique experience with spectacular views. The Tree Tops Dining Room has stunning views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge mountains. It’s the best way to start your day with a buffet breakfast and dinner is served Wednesday through Saturday evenings. See prices and availability here.

Final Thoughts on the Dirty Dancing Festival

I was 12 when Dirty Dancing was released. Yes, That was 30 years ago. And yes, here I was celebrating that movie at an annual festival dedicated to it.

There was energy throughout the whole day, even at the Dirty Dancing after party, and I was stoked to be in the middle of it.

I remember following Savannah onto the dance floor after watching the Asheville Ballet dance to Be My Baby, Yes and Stay.

She was mesmerized. When the floor opened up to all of us she started tapping her foot and swinging her hips and showing off her best dance moves.

“Come dance with me Mummy.”

Not long after Craig drifted out with us, which finally convinced Kalyra to let go of her inhibitions and dance around with us.

We were making memories. Everyone was having the time of their lives dancing to live music, and so were we.

Don’t miss our post on more things to do in Lake Lure NC and Chimney Rock State Park.

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It’s almost as if, from the blood, agony, and sacrifice, the spirit has risen and said; “Enough. Only peace and only beauty can live here now.”

As soon as we drove into Gettysburg and saw the first of hundreds of monuments rising up over the fields with magnetic power and grandeur, I felt an overwhelming presence of peace and wonder.

We had to make sure that on this visit to Gettysburg, we visit the battlefields and learn about the events that took place there, and hear stories of those who fought there.

In this guide, I have shared my experience, reflections, and inspiration on a thought-provoking Gettysburg Battlefields Tour and how you can see it too…

Is A Gettysburg Tour Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether a tour is worth it, then it really depends on you as the traveler.

You can find self-guided tours and audio tours, but for me, there is something more inspiring and moving about hearing the stories come from the mouth of someone who cares about this part of American history.

What makes a Gettysburg tour unique is the people who run them. Their passion for the job is a testament to what occurred here and a reminder that love is the only way forward. We absolutely loved our driving tour with a licensed Gettysburg guide, who drove our vehicle and told many fascinating stories.

Whether you choose to do a self-guided tour or a bus tour, it is definitely worth doing a tour and hearing about the history. Just looking at plaques and monuments is not enough to really get a sense of what happened here.

About Gettysburg Battlefield

On the battlefield of Gettysburg, 7,000 soldiers died and 51,000 were wounded or captured.

The Gettysburg Battlefield is 5 miles long and 5 miles wide and holds over 1,300 monuments and memorials dedicated to the historic three-day battle.

You can also see close to 400 cannons, as well as historic homes and buildings that play an important role in this historic time.

The Story of Gettysburg and the American Civil War

The complicated story of the American Civil War and Gettysburg’s instrumental role in the ultimate victory by the North is told so well through Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum, The Shriver House Museum, and the National Cemetery.

The complex story of both sides is shared.

Contrary to what we thought, the Civil War began more over the North’s desire to stop the expansion of slavery rather than end it.

They feared an expansion of slavery into the West would shift power to the South.

Tension over this issue brewed for decades between the North and South, until the South threatened to leave if Lincoln was voted in.

They succeeded from the Union as the Confederate States of America when he was.

Even though the ending of slavery wasn’t the original intention of the Civil War, I’m glad it was the end result.

The Battle of Gettysburg was an Accident

Gettysburg was the meeting point of 10 major roads.

It was never intended to be a battle site. It just happened that Confederate and Union soldiers met at this meeting point, which became the most infamous battle of the Civil War.

For three days, fierce fighting happened, immortalizing places like Cemetery Hill, Peach Orchard, Little Round Top, and Culp’s Hill.

Gettysburg did not end the Civil War, which continued for a couple more years, but it was a turning point for the war and the Union armies.

A loss of life that is so difficult to comprehend. The ripple effect of damage this does to communities for generations to come is incredible.

How much of that is still felt now, centuries later?

The Town Heroes

Gettysburg was a massive blow to both sides, even the victorious North. But it was also disastrous to the town.

This small town of 2,400 residents was left to tend to the 21,000 wounded left behind, clean up the town, bury the dead (including thousands of dead animals), and help those coming into town for years later searching for loved ones.

When you are moving around the site and seeing how the town was in the middle of the fighting you can’t imagine the horror the local people must have gone through.

Miraculously only one civilian was killed by a stray bullet through her window.

Their homes were riddled with bullet holes or had been smashed up by the Confederate attackers who overtook their homes.

Their water was contaminated and the fields stank of death and human and animal feces. It was a stench that wafted 25 miles north of Harrisburg.

These are the heroes of Gettysburg we must also remember.

The greater good will always win

The Union victory only happened as a result of little mistakes, small victories, and random luck, which leaves me to ponder.

What side was fate on?

Is it Evolution begging for humanity to be better that ultimately decides the eventual victor?

The more I reflected the more I saw that from all these wars of our past, the greater good eventually won and evolution happened.

At a time when the world, particularly in America, seems chaotic and teetering on the edge of something bad, this gave me great hope to realize, good and evolutionary progress will always win.

The madness will soon pass and we’ll settle back into peace again as better people.

If you don’t use these historical experiences to be curious and reflective there is no point to them. Even though they happened centuries ago, we can use them to shape our future and become better humans.

As we wandered the battlefield with our guide hearing the stories as we stood in the spot where they all happened, Kalyra asked me,

“Who were the bad guys?”

“Well, that depends on what side you’re on.

Each thought they were fighting for the greater good of their particular cause and so saw the other side as bad.

What’s important for you is to decide which side do you stand on? What do you believe in? How can you contribute to the greater good of all and operate from a place of compassion and tolerance?

Can you take away your selfish interests enough to do this? Can you bring love, peace, and compassion into your everyday life so battles like these are never necessary.”

If you stand in the Gettysburg Battlefields and listen to the ghost’s echoes and feel the tranquil beauty of Mother Nature we can follow her calling –  the only side we must all stand on is that of love, compassion, and peace.

Leave the past behind and the labels of good and bad and just invite in peace, love, quality, and freedom.

Understand there is abundance for all so we don’t need to fight over the power for it.

Recognize everyone as equal and work together to overcome challenges rather than gun it out.

Then we can truly say those who willingly walked into death on the battlefields, did not die in vain.

How to Experience a Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

The monuments tell the stories of the different regiments that were represented in the battle from both sides.

A Licensed Battlefield Guide will drive your car to points of interest around the battlefield sharing facts and interesting stories.

We never would have had such an immersive and reflective experience doing it on our own.

Our guide had over 30 years of experience and had a wealth of knowledge.

He really brought it to life for us and helped us to understand what Union forces and Confederate soldiers, and the local people went through.

Be sure to spend time at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and see the Cyclorama and Film. It’s riveting and insightful.

Other Gettysburg Battlefield Tours

The air-conditioned bus was lovely, but it’s not the only way you can see the battlefields. Here are some other tours you can take…

Gettysburg Battlefield Bus Tours

If you have reduced mobility or you can’t stand the blazing heat, then a bus tour is a great option. You can be taken around on an air-conditioned bus or an open-top double decker bus, while you listen to the commentary as you pass the main sights.

The bus tour is usually packed with other tourists, which can dampen the spirit of things.

But when you choose a bus tour, you also have access to three museums of your choice included with the ticket, which makes it a little more worth it.

You can view bus tours and bus timetables via the Gettysburg Bus Tours website.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

If you would prefer to explore the battlefields in a more unique way, then you may want to consider a horse-drawn carriage tour.

This style of tour takes you back in time using a mode of transport that would have been similar to what they used during the time of the battle.

As you sit back and relax, your expert licensed guide will reveal the history of the Civil War and answer any questions you have about the famous battle.

This is a 2-hour tour and on the carriage, you are exposed to the elements, rain or shine, so do check the weather before booking.

Self-Guided Driving Tour

I mentioned earlier about doing a self-guided tour, and if you would prefer exploration of the grounds without a guide and go at your own pace, this is a good option.

The self-guided tours come with an app, where you can play information like an audio guide.

The app has all the landmarks listed, such as McPherson Ridge, Cemetery Ridge and the High Water Mark, Pennsylvania State Memorial, and the Valley of Death, and you can hit play to hear information once you arrive at each stop.

Although it allows you to go at your own pace, it does still follow a route. It begins at the Gettysburg Heritage Center and is designed for you to drive to each stop – so you will need to have access to a vehicle for this.

Gettysburg Horseback Tours

Another unique way to see the battlefields is on horseback, which is the most authentic mode of transport as it would have been how the soldiers moved about. This is the best way to follow in the footsteps of Civil War soldiers.

The tour takes you through Gettysburg National Military Park, and to visit the main monuments, such as the Virginia Monument and Spangler Farm.

This tour is guided by a Civil War expert who will reveal stories of the people who fought here. Learn about how General Robert E. Lee awaited the return of the troops, about the events of the Pickett’s Charge, as well as hear about stories from the Union side of the battle.

Reflections from My Gettysburg Battlefield Tour

The blood that seeped into the earth from both sides of the battle fertilizes the ground and makes way for new flowers to bloom.

Its eerie beauty goosed up my skin.

I remembered all I had learned from other battlefields, places like Gallipoli in Turkey, where horror intertwined with monumental bravery in defense of ideals and beliefs.

All that remains after the direst of circumstances is love and peace and the strength to forgive, and move forward.

How must it feel walking towards cannonballs, musket fires, and bayonet charges knowing that today you have an almost certain chance of dying?

How passionate must you believe in something to keep moving forward despite this?

Did they even know what they were fighting for?

Was it freedom or power?

Can one exist without the other?

Why is that humanity thinks this destruction is the only way to solve problems?

These soldiers were not fearless. They feared death and mutilation but still charged forth for duty and honor.

Would I be willing to fight for something with such loyalty and sacrifice?

The only reason I can think of would be for my daughters, which is actually a fight for love and protection. Perhaps in the mind of all these men, that’s what they thought they were doing.

Gettysburg Battlefield Video

You can watch our video of our experience on the Gettysburg Battlefield Tours here…

Where to stay in Gettysburg

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Gettysburg, you cannot go wrong with these two options…

Lodges of Gettysburg

We stayed in a lovely cottage about 15 minutes from Downtown Gettysburg, as guests at the Lodges of Gettysburg.

The cottages overlook the countryside with views of the Gettysburg Battlefield in the distance. They’re comfortable and quiet and the property has a walking trail and a lovely pond on site.

The Lodges are a great option if you have a big traveling party and also want access to your own kitchen.

My parents loved it and my Dad was particularly entranced by the giant battlefield oil paintings hanging up in the cottage, especially the one with General Custer who is his all-time favorite soldier and leader.

Custer was the first war hero I ever heard of!

Gettysburg Hotel

If you want to be closer to the restaurants and attractions in Downtown Gettysburg, then we recommend the Gettysburg Hotel.

It’s located on Lincoln Square and is within walking distance to most of downtown and a three-minute drive to the Gettysburg Battlefields.

It was established in 1979, so is a very historic hotel. President Eisenhower and his wife once stayed there. And some residents from different times and places are said to frequently visit!!

Put some thrills and chills into your Gettysburg trip.

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