Fun Stuff - Popular Vacation Destinations and Unusual Attractions

This page is dedicated to illustrating the unique possibilities offered by lesser-known attractions. Many places around the world remain "under the radar" despite having fascinating and exhilarating attributes. Even in the world's most popular destinations, the most interesting activities are sometimes eclipsed by the most advertised. Our goal here is to widen your vacationing horizons with some fresh ideas of activities and locations to enjoy.

Gray Whale Migration - Monterey, California - The Gray Whale is one of the largest mammals on the planet. It can grow to be up to 50 feet long and weigh as much as 36 tons. Its migration is the longest of any mammal on earth. The American Gray Whale begins its annual journey in the Bering Sea in October. In pods of 5-10 whales they swim all the way down to breeding grounds off the coast of Mexico's Baja Peninsula. In mid-December to January the whales can be seen traveling past Monterey, California. On their return trip to the Bering Sea's plentiful feeding grounds the pods can be seen again in mid-March to April. Monterey has several boat companies that take viewers out to see the passing giants. In all, the migration consists of more than 25,000 Gray Whales. The celebrated occasion is certainly not to be missed!

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - Denver, Colorado - Red Rocks is a geologically formed open-air amphitheatre. The natural rock formation consists of two 300-foot monoliths that embrace a platform, which serves as a stage, and an ascending shelf that seats over 9,000 people. Located only 15 miles outside of Denver, Red Rocks is an entertainment oasis as well as one Mother Nature's time capsules. The walls of the amphitheatre and the surrounding area contain glimpses into the past with rock layers and prehistoric fossils. Every concert season is full of famous names and incredible performances such as dance and film festivals and music shows. The amphitheatre provides a unique blend of contemporary entertainment and historic magnificence.

Giant's Causeway - Antrim, Ireland - Somewhere between 62 to 65 million years ago volcanic eruptions created Giant's Causeway. An estimated 40,000 basalt columns form the causeway located below the flourishing green cliffs of the Antrim shore. The hexagonal (although some have seven or eight sides) columns are the result of rock crystallization under conditions of accelerated cooling. Some of the columns are as tall as 36 feet. The sight of these organic structures is truly spectacular and a testament to the raw beauty of Earth's natural design. The vicinity includes several different formations such as the Giant's Boot, Giant's Gate, Shepherd's Steps, Chimney Stack, Honeycomb and Giant's Harp. During the 1700s this area was commonly referred to as the "8th Wonder of the World." Now it is an enchanting place unlike any other, where visitors can actually go right on the causeway. Nearby Belfast is a convenient place to go for lodging and provisions.

Ripley's ...Believe It or Not - Branson, Missouri - Appealing to the same group of travelers that seek obscure roadside attractions, Ripley's museum in Branson houses 400 very strange exhibits. Inside you can find the world's largest ball of twine, vampire killing kits, the world's tallest man and a two-headed calf among other oddities. The Ripley's Branson building is just as weird as its contents. The structure still suffers damages sustained in a gargantuan 1812 earthquake, but rest assured it is perfectly safe! Subsequently, it is one of the most photographed buildings on the planet.

La Tomatina - Buñol, Spain - Every year at the end August the town of Buñol, Spain's population increases by over 300%. What for? A little festival called La Tomatina. This is actually a week long festival that culminates in a famed tomato fight. For an entire week the town engages in lively dancing and eating with jovial music and traditional Spanish cuisine. The night before the tomato fight there is a Paella cook-off. The next day Buñol is flooded with over 100 metric tons of over-ripe tomatoes. Unruliness ensues. La Tomatina has a rich history and has been observed since the mid-1940s. Buñol is located in the province of Valencia where there are many comfortable accommodations available to vacationers.

Pirate's Dinner Adventure - Orlando, Florida - The acclaimed, "world's most unique interactive dinner show" is located between famed International Drive and Universal Boulevard. An authentically replicated 18th century Spanish Galleon sets the stage for "an astonishing display of special effects wizardry, aerial artistry, swashbuckling swordplay, [and] dynamic duels." The experience includes action, romance, comedy and, of course, dinner. Upon entering the Pirate's Dinner Adventure you are transported into an entirely different world, and more than 150 guests have the option of actually participating in the action. Even children can dress up and join in the show. Among the cannon blasts and above a 300,000-gallon lagoon you can battle the fierce Sebastian the Black and rescue the princess! Oh, and the food isn't bad either!

EagleRider Motorcycle Tour - Las Vegas, Nevada - Adventure traveling is one of the newest innovations in vacation destination attractions. EagleRider is the world's largest motorcycle rental and tour company. The multinational company offers a wide variety of perfectly maintained Harley-Davidson motorcycles for you to ride along selected routes. There are guided tours, as well as self-drive tours, which hit great sites such as the Hoover Dam, Mt. Charleston, Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire. Some routes go as far as the California coast. For motorcycle enthusiasts that are looking for a great adventure vacation, this is certainly not to be overlooked.

Destination: Everywhere - These are just a few ideas of unique adventures to look into when preparing for your next vacation. Remember, one of the most exciting things about vacationing is creating your own journey and discovering the treasures to be found off the beaten path.