Ways to Travel
Ketchikan, Alaska Is the Perfect Place for a Father-daughter Trip
Many a traveler has been to Ketchikan — a city of just over 8,000 people on the southern tip of Alaska’s Inside Passage — as the first stop on a cruise itinerary. In September 2019, I was one of them. Our ship seemed to dwarf the quaint little downtown as we pulled in, but although it was small, it was unforgettable: its historic houses on stilts overlooking the creek, a pine tree skyline behind them, looked exactly like the coastal Alaska I’d seen in movies.
Of course, about six months later, the COVID-19 pandemic would halt the cruise industry — and so many towns whose tourism revolved around it.
Although Ketchikan was very much impacted, it also found a silver lining. As more Americans started to explore travel options within U.S. borders, Alaska moved its way up must-visit lists. And as more people started to look for COVID-safe activities, fishing did the same. In the process, many who saw Ketchikan as a cruise passenger’s day trip took the time to get to know it for what it really is: an outdoor adventure destination in its own right.
Alaska’s Best Backcountry Lodges
When my dad and I chose it for our annual summer fishing trip in 2021 (admittedly very much inspired by the Alaskan wilderness shows he loves to watch on TV at home in New York), I expected to catch some salmon, have a few drinks, and probably take a nature walk through Tongass National Forest.
What I didn’t know was that the Ketchikan I had seen on my cruise was just the beginning, and there was so much more to explore. Here’s why it’s the perfect place for a father-daughter trip.
Accommodations are relaxed and friendly.
On a Thursday evening in July (also known as Burgers and Brews night) at Salmon Falls Fishing Resort, the outdoor patio was full of visitors winding down after a day of fishing and locals enjoying live music and fresh corn hole competition.
About 90% of the guests at Salmon Falls are there for the fishing, I’m told, and for that, it is the perfect home base: it comes with its own fleet of boats (captained and self-guided), seven captains, a dock with all the bells and whistles for fish processing, and a restaurant that will cook your catch for dinner — or teach you how to cook it at home. A simple buffet breakfast starts early so you can get out on the water, to-go lunches are prepared for the boat, and the bar is lively by late afternoon, with guests gathering to swap stories of the day.
The rooms are basic but comfortable, and the wooden decor is carved into Totem poles, salmon, and bears to create a real sense of place. But the jewel of the resort is its deck, where you can sit back in an Adirondack chair and watch bald eagles fly from tree to tree or, if you’re lucky, spot whales bubble feeding below.
A Salmon Falls van will take you to and from the island airport via car ferry, or you can arrange to come and go by boat to make the most of every minute.
The fish are biting and the food is fresh.
We spent a full day out fishing with Salmon Falls captain Mike Kanicianich, and we were hooking salmon from the moment our lines hit the water. An experienced guide familiar with the local waters, Mike knew exactly where to take us to find each type of fish. We hit our pink salmon limit in (what felt like) record time — and my dad, to his delight, even caught a hefty king salmon, while I reeled in our halibut. We also caught coho (silver) salmon and a handful of sea bass, and put out shrimp pots, returning a few days later to retrieve our Alaskan spot prawns.
You could sample most of this seafood from the Salmon Falls menu, and then some. We tried family-run Hump Island oysters at the neighboring farm’s own scenic oyster bar, but we also found them on the appetizer menu at the resort. Subtly sweet when eaten raw, we loved them even more when grilled with a sriracha-garlic sauce. The halibut was my fish of choice (I ordered it a few nights in a row), but the resort’s executive chef hosted a salmon cooking demonstration, and even my dad — a fisherman who doesn’t eat fish — seemed to enjoy it freshly filleted and smothered in beurre blanc.
After a call home to my mom to clear the freezer, we decided to have our fish packed for travel — a totally acceptable swap for checked luggage in Ketchikan, but perhaps less so at JFK, though no one called us out the way I imagined they would.
Outdoor adventures and animal sightings abound.
Just north of Salmon Falls is Settlers Cove, a stunning state recreation site with old-growth forest, a waterfall, streams full of salmon during spawning season, and a sandy beach on Clover Passage. Pathways make it easy to hike, but you can also camp, picnic, or kayak. To extend an active trip to the park, you can take an e-bike and hike tour up Tongass Highway to get there and back.
With the same company, Ketchikan Kayak Company, we paddled through Clover Pass and around a number of small islands, checking out starfish and bald eagle nests along the way — until we spotted the main event: a pod of humpback whales. We moved toward them (but not too close) and were in awe as the massive creatures swam by, lifting their powerful tails out of the water. It was one of two animal sightings on the trip that would completely take our breath away.
The next came from a Sea Wind Aviation (formerly Carlin Air) floatplane over Misty Fjords National Monument, the largest wilderness area in the national forests of Alaska, and possibly the most beautiful. As if the scenery — green forests, remote lakes, dramatic sea cliffs, and snow-capped mountains — wasn’t enough, a bear decided to put on a show for us, scaling an icy peak to stalk a mountain goat before our very eyes.
It was almost like the bear was aware of the TV programs that tempted us to travel there, and it wanted to let us know that to appreciate just how wild and thrilling Alaska really is, you have to go and see it for yourself. In many moments, but especially that one, we were so glad we did.
Where to go for an adventure experience in Dhaka Prothom Alo English
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Southwest Florida is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its scenic coastal cities and barrier islands are some of Southerners’ favorite places to get away for a beach vacation, whether they’re interested in deep sea fishing, shell hunting, or spending a long day relaxing in the sand. From sunny Fort Myers and Naples to remote Sanibel and Captiva, visitors have plenty to choose from when deciding on a destination.
For nature lovers, Bonita Springs, located almost perfectly between Fort Myers and Naples, is a dream. Home to several state parks and natural preserves, not only does Bonita Springs offer beautiful beaches to explore, but it also features mystical marshlands, forests, and rivers. May through September has the best weather for boating, but temperatures are mild year-round. Visit in spring or fall for a less crowded experience. Here are our favorite ways to explore Bonita Springs.
The Great Outdoors
Plan A Beach Day
With its prime location on Florida’s southwest coast, every trip to Bonita Springs should start with a day at Bonita Beach. The 2.5-mile beach is lined with natural vegetation, giving it the appeal of a remote escape, while still offering all the modern-day conveniences of more tourist-heavy shores. At Bonita Beach Park, located on the southern tip of Bonita Beach, you’ll find restrooms, covered picnic tables and grills, and a sand volleyball court. Spend a long day birding, beachcombing, or just relaxing on Bonita Beach. For those who want to bring their furry friends along, head to Bonita Beach Dog Park, a dog-friendly, off-leash tidal flat where pups can roam freely and frolic in the shallow waters. When it’s time to pack it up for the day, you can even give your four-legged companion a quick rinse at provided doggie showers.
Explore Nearby Barrier Islands
A big part of what makes Bonita Springs such an unforgettable beach destination are its mystical mangrove forests, unusual shell mounds, and remote landscapes, all of which can be found at Mound Key Archaeological State Park and Lovers Key State Park. Start your adventure at Lovers Key, a collection of barrier islands with 2 miles of sandy beach. A popular spot for romantic getaways and even weddings, the park also includes 5 miles of multi-use trails that offer the chance to see butterflies flitting between flowers, egrets and herons wade and fish along backwaters, and even gopher tortoises munching on vegetation.
floridastateparks.org, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Paddle To Mound Key Archaelogical Park
From Lovers Key, rent a kayak and make the short 2.5-mile paddle to Mound Key Archaeological Park, which is only accessible via waterways. On the way, don’t be surprised if you spot manatees, stingrays, jumping mullet, and a symphony of coastal birds. Once you make it to Mound Key, hike the one mile trail that takes you over two massive mounds and includes interpretive kiosks detailing the park’s thousands of years old history and original inhabitants, the Calusa Native Americans.
Walk On The Wild Side At Wonder Gardens
Longtime Floridians know Wonder Gardens as one of the last holdouts of Old Florida. The animal and botanical attraction opened in 1936, featuring the natural flora and fauna of Florida with help from a few international tropical species. Today, the park continues its original mission and is home to more than 300 rescued and non-releasable animals, ranging from turtles and parakeets to golden pheasants and alligators, all set in a gorgeous botanical garden.
wondergardens.org, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL
Hit The Links At A Scenic Golf Course
Unleash your competitive spirit or tag along for the golf cart ride and scenic views at one of around 20 golf courses in the area. Bonita Fairways is an 18-hole executive course is set on a beautiful nature preserve dotted with lakes that offer a challenge to seasoned golfers. The recently overhauled Saltleaf Golf Preserve is set on an 144-acre Florida uplands preserve adjacent to Estero Bay. It has an 18-hole championship course and nine-hole short course surrounded by natural wonders.
Shopping And Culture
Visit The Artists At Riverside Park
At the center of town lies Riverside Park, a sprawling green space that’s popular for picnics, gatherings, and special events year-round. It’s also a hub for arts and culture. The Bandshell hosts regular live music performances. Six Artist Cottages serve as studios for members of Bonita Springs’s art community. They create everything from seashell art to ceramics and paintings. There’s also a butterfly garden, fountain, and veteran’s memorial to check out.
bonitaspringspark.org, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Search For Treasure At The Flea Market
You could spend an entire day perusing the 600-plus booths at Flamingo Island Flea Market and still not have time to see it all. The massive indoor flea market hosts vendors from all over the world who sell everything from vintage décor and apparel to houseplants and handmade pottery. In between hours of treasure hunting, you can stop for a bite to eat at one of two onsite restaurants: Freddie’s Pizza & Subs or Corona Cantina. From November to April, there’s live music, and special events happen throughout the year.
flamingoisland.com, 11902 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Take A Stroll On The Promenade
The Promenade isn’t just any open-air shopping center. Ornate ironwork, bridges, waterfalls, a snaking river, and lush landscaping make this an enjoyable spot to stroll and relax. You’ll find high-end boutiques, a gourmet market, and bars and restaurants, as well as frequent live entertainment.
promenadeshops.com, 26811 South Bay Dr., Bonita Springs, Fl 34134
Food And Drink
Order A Big Breakfast
Down-home breakfast and lunch are best at Old 41. Try the giant Belgian waffles or a Philly cheesesteak omelet, which pays homage to the owner’s hometown.
old41.com, 25091 Bernwood Dr. #1, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135
Enjoy Fresh Seafood On The Waterfront
Fish House Restaurant has been Bonita Springs’s go-to spot for fresh seafood since 1994. Beginning at 11 a.m., the waterfront restaurant’s outdoor patio and boat dock are humming with activity as boaters pull up for a bite to eat and beachgoers find some shade and a meal between hours of catching rays and waves. The massive menu offers just about anything you can dream up, but for a true taste of the area, order fresh Gulf grouper—deep-fried in a basket, broiled and stuffed with crab meat, or tucked into a taco.
thefishhouserestaurants.com, 4685 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Say Yes To Pie
For more nostalgic eats, head to Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery, where you should definitely order whatever’s on the daily special board and always finish with a slice of the restaurant’s legendary pie. The fillings are seemingly endless and every flavor’s better than the last.
facebook.com, 9930 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Plan A Date Night At Angelina’s
Reserve a table at Angelina’s Ristorante for fine Italian dining. Housemade pastas, a huge wine list, live piano music, and a specialty Sea Salt Baked Snapper for Two are all ready to make your night.
angelinasofbonitasprings.com, 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Go Global At Local Restaurants
Chef Jarrod Davis synthesized his experiences cooking at fine restaurants in Asia and America at A Table Apart Global Cuisine. The menu’s regional American and Pan Asian dishes use locally sourced produce, fresh-caught seafood, and free-range meat.
atableapart.com, 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
The similarly chef-driven kitchen at The Bohemian produces sharable selections with global influences. Their Florida hardwood oak grill also uses locally sourced ingredients, while herbs come right from their organic rooftop garden.
thebohemianbonita.com, 27975 Old 41 Road Suite 104, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Places To Stay
Splurge On A Full-Service Resort
Kick back and relax at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, an award-winning tropical resort that’s ideal for both family trips and romantic getaways. Water is a main attraction at most Florida destinations, and with five waterslides, four pools, a lazy river, and access to a secluded private island, Coconut Point more than has that covered. Contemporary coastal-inspired rooms feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the famous Florida sunshine and provide sweeping views of Estero Bay and the Gulf coastline.
hyatt.com , 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Stay At A Boutique Hotel
Historic Shangri-La Springs has been around in various iterations since 1921. The organic gardens and restaurant and full-service spa make it a destination for relaxation and healing. Depending on the day, yoga classes, art workshops, and garden tours are available. There are two guest suites in the main building and six flanking the lush tropical courtyard.
shangrilasprings.com, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
If a typical beach town is laid-back, Grayton Beach is fully reclining—in a hammock with an ice-cold margarita. Settled into the wild, unkempt land that makes up the surrounding state park, this small town doesn’t worry too much about whether you like it. As town squares and pastel cottages sprouted in areas down the road, Grayton Beach kept its shell-speckled, sandy roads, sea-weathered homes, and groovy attitude. There may be a new strip of stores and restaurants, but this tiny coastal village remains old-school. Here’s everything you need to do, see, and eat on your next trip to Grayton Beach, Florida.
Where To Eat
Order Breakfast At Black Bear Bread Co.
After a morning bike ride, trade dusty pedals for the whitewashed floors of Black Bear Bread Co. Once inside the cozy cottage, you’ll be smacked with the pleasant aroma of toasty sourdough and Benton’s bacon, mingling in perfect harmony with poached eggs. Warm, flaky croissants and cinnamon rolls tempt you as you wait to order at the counter. Enjoy a steaming plate of weekend-only biscuits and gravy.
blackbearbreadco.com, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
End The Day At Bar Room
Named Bar Room, located next to Black Bear Bread Co., is a perfect place to end your evening in the area where your day began. You can close out your day with oysters, charcuterie, seasonal appetizers, and a selection of natural wines and local craft beer.
blackbearbreadco.com/location/bar-room, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Take In The Vibes At The Red Bar
The Red Bar is a scarlet-lit, bohemian abnormality on the impeccably polished and planned Highway 30A. The Grayton Beach mainstay blends a ’70s Parisian beatnik bistro with a beach vagabond vibe, and Southerners come for the perfectly blackened grouper and stick around for the house margaritas and live music by The Red Bar Jazz Band.
theredbar.com, 70 Hotz Ave., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Dine Outdoors At Chanticleer Eatery
This laid-back restaurant is just Grayton Beach’s style. Stop in for lunch or dinner at Chanticleer Eatery, and split a sandwich after a long morning in the sun. Check out their outdoor dining and enjoy all your favorite oceanside foods like crab cakes, jambalaya, and a seafood platter.
chanticleereatery.com, 55 Clayton Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Soak Up Spanish Flavors At Chiringo
Head to Chiringo for gorgeous ocean views and a fresh Spanish-style menu, including fish sandwiches and tacos. Enjoy freshly made dips and a specialty ‘Rita. Cocktails, made from freshly squeezed juices, are a great way to unwind while overlooking the pristine waters and clean, sandy beach.
chiringograyton.com, 63 Hotz Ave., Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Fill Up At Borago
For an evening out, drop by Borago for traditional Italian dishes and seafood dishes inspired by the Gulf, such as Creamy Seafood Fricassee loaded with shrimp, scallops, and lump crab. Add an Aperol spritz or one of their other hand-crafted cocktails featuring freshly squeezed juices. Reserve a table in advance since this restaurant is primarily reservation based.
boragorestaurant.com, 80 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Feast On Oceanside Specialties At Grayton Seafood Co.
Get your fill of seafood at Grayton Seafood Co., which has Southern staples like gumbo, fried green tomatoes, and New Orleans Praline Bread Pudding for dessert. Seafood dinners include fried, blackened, or broiled catch of the day, oysters, shrimp, or catfish along with two sides.
graytonseafood.com, 50 Uptown Grayton Circle, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Head To Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill
Eat like a local at Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill. Grab oysters in any preparation: grilled, steamed, baked, and raw off the shell with specific international flavorings. Try the World Tour to sample one of each. Or choose from grilled and baked oysters with lump crab, sherry bacon, cajun, or jalapeno-bacon.
hurricaneoyster.com, 37 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Hit The Taproom At Grayton Beer Company
Crack open a taste of local flair from Grayton Beach. The Grayton Beer Company started with two classic brews, an IPA and a Pale Ale, and vacationers and locals alike instantly fell head over hops. Visit the Taproom (with a tasty bar menu), hang out to play life-size Jenga or cornhole, or taste one of the more than 20 unique beers. It’ll make your experience that much more authentic.
graytonbeer.com, 217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Where To Shop
Shop Clothing At Tribe Kelley Surf Post
On Hotz Avenue, Tribe Kelley Surf Post, owned by the wife-husband duo Brittney and Brian Kelley (who makes up one-half of the country duo Florida-Georgia Line), offers clothing, jewelry, and trendy knickknacks. Shop and go home with something you can’t find anywhere else. The team designs and produces its off-duty chic collections ethically in the US.
tribekelleysurfpost.com, 99 Hotz Ave., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Find Something Unique At The Zoo Gallery
The carefully curated artistic retreat The Zoo Gallery fills every inch of the space with eclectic, original artworks. Open since 1979, visitors will find everything from furniture and home decor to pottery, cards, and prints. Bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir to commemorate your trip to 30A.
thezoogallery.com, 89 Hotz Ave., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Browse The Shops Of Grayton
Roam the quaint village of the Shops of Grayton for unique jewelry, art, gifts, and food. Browse several art galleries that call the shopping area home. La Duna Gallery features oil paintings and glass mosaics by owners John and Dana Maher. Pieces focus on life at Grayton Beach.
shopsofgrayton.com, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
What To Do
Credit:
Courtesy Visit South Walton
Explore At Grayton Beach State Park
Highway 30A is home to some of the most stunning dune lakes, which you can fully experience at Grayton Beach State Park. Fish, paddle, or explore the four miles of trails along Western Lake. The coastal forest consists of scrub oaks and magnolias. Or nestle into a sandy spot for a relaxing day on the beach.
floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach, 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
See The Sunset By Paddle
Head out at sunrise or sunset with paddle boards from BOTE Grayton Beach or kayaks from Adventure 30A, and catch a coastal scene like no other. We’re talking pastel skies and sparkling blue waters, folks. Once you’re comfortable on the calm waters at Grayton Beach State Park, try the ocean on for size.
boteboard.com/pages/grayton-beach-fl, 32 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Cast A Line With Captain Phil’s Charters
Take the whole family fishing on a Captain Phil’s Charters excursion. After a pickup at Grayton Beach, you and your family will catch fish in no time. Popular fish varieties include red snapper, grouper, and trigger fish.
Dive Into Underwater Museum Of Art
In the waters near Grayton Beach, the first U.S. permanent underwater sculpture museum sits about a mile offshore. It’s a perfect exhibit for art lovers and environmentalists, and the “underwater garden” provides an artificial reef habitat for local marine life. The Underwater Museum of Art’s mission is to help expand fishing populations and conserve the environment. New sculptures from artists around the world are installed each year. Dive 30A provides regular visits to the dive site from Grayton Beach.
umafl.org, 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Create At The Shard Shop
Take a break from the sun, and let the coastal colors inspire an afternoon at The Shard Shop. There, guests can create their own works of art. Sign up for a class, or create your own one-of-a-kind art mosaic masterpiece using glass and resin.
shardshop.com, 26 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Robbie Caponetto
Where To Stay
Courtesy of WaterColor Inn & Resort
Sleep In At Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Grab a coffee at the counter at Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, a little bed-and-breakfast hidden beneath Spanish moss, and head out to a shaded area behind the inn. Nailed to a tree outside is a rustic wooden sign that reads “Backyard of Love.” Below it, another sign says, “Hug in…hug out.” Choose from cozy bedrooms to small apartments, all awash with 1950s old Florida style.
Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B’s history. Like most things in Grayton Beach, the Backyard of Love is nothing fancy and a little funky—the kind of place where you could imagine a Woodstock revival coming together. That suits a town with the unofficial slogan “Nice dogs, strange people.”
hibiscusflorida.com, 85 Defuniak St., Grayton Beach, FL 32459
Take Advantage Of Amenities At WaterColor Inn & Resort
Choose the WaterColor Inn & Resort for resort-style amenities, with 500 acres of pristine, private beaches and rooms overlooking the Gulf. You don’t need to pack any bikes or water sports equipment for this trip because the resort offers complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and canoes, and you can even request beach bonfires.
watercolorresort.com, 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
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