dream west trip

12 Dream Vacation Destinations That Prove the West Coast Is the Best Coast

Jordan nishkian.

• March 11, 2022
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Grab Your Person and Pack Your Bags—Your Dream Vacay Is Calling!

After these past few years of ups and downs, we all deserve an incredible dream vacation (or two…or three). We know that adventure calls everyone differently, but if that call includes beautiful weather and hours of sunshine, set your GPS out west. Here, you’ll find everything from deserts and beaches to cityscapes and treelines. So, whether you’re looking for a sweet honeymoon or a girly getaway, these 12 hotels are the perfect destinations for your westside escape! Best West Coast Vacations

For the Treat-Yourself-ers

Stay at: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Why We Love It: Ocean-front property views

While The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is fantastic for families and incredible for weddings, we think this trip should be reserved for you and your BFF—especially for a spring break getaway. Experience the luxury of soaking up the sun and being tended to by a Beach Butler, a mani-pedi at the onsite spa or a refreshing cocktail by your personal firepit. Seeking a little adventure? Head outdoors for a beachside hike with stunning views, or join the resort’s Eco-Adventure Center for a whale-watching excursion!

Our advice is to opt for the Reconnect overnight offer to get the most out of your stay. This special offer includes a daily resort credit starting at $100, breakfast every morning and dreamy, coastal-chic accommodations.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Location: Dana Point, CA @ritzcarltonlagunaniguel  

Best West Coast Vacations

For the artsy urban explorers.

Stay at: Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Why We Love It: In the heart of Orange County

Whether you’re an Orange County local, out-of-town vacationer or traveler on business, this classy, urban hotel in the heart of Costa Mesa is a dream come true. Avenue of the Arts sets the stage for the signature SoCal lifestyle with its prime location, sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance and comfortable accommodations. “It’s basically boujee without airs,” says Sivilay Henry, corporate director of marketing for Avenue of the Arts . 

Beyond the glossy exterior of this AAA Four Diamond hotel, you’ll find a breathtaking arts-inspired interior filled with murals, hues of royal purple and soft creams, sleek black wood flooring, grand tiered chandeliers and lush landscaping. And while the glamourous design and slew of sumptuous amenities will draw you indoors, one of the best aspects of Avenue of the Arts is its surrounding area. Guests can easily visit OC’s best beaches (only fifteen minutes away), spend the day shopping at OC’s state-of-the-art retail center, South Coast Plaza, and experience world-class entertainment at the Segerstrom Center for Performing Arts (located across the street). And when hunger strikes, Avenue of the Arts ’ signature restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar , serves up an unmatched artisanal culinary experience, utilizing the freshest free-range and organic ingredients in California.

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Location: Costa Mesa, CA Book Now @avenueoftheartshotel

For the Nature Lovers

Stay at: Ventana Big Sur

Why We Love It: Dog-friendly campsites

Located between the Pacific Ocean and the San Lucia Mountains, Ventana Big Sur is a rustic luxury hotel that offers glamping tent cabins that give you the opportunity to connect with nature in comfort and style. The hotel offers a picnic menu so you don’t need to worry about packing meals, and it has recently granted glampers access to other parts of the property, such as the swimming pool, restaurants and fitness center.

Ventana Big Sur Location: Big Sur, CA Book Now @ventanabigsur

For the True Romantics

Stay at: La Quinta Resort & Club

Why We Love It: On-site restaurant Morgan’s in the Desert

Book the ultimate couple’s getaway with a casita from La Quinta Resort & Club. Each casita comes with its own fireplace and a private yard or patio, and some are even located poolside—it’s everything you need for rekindling your honeymoon phase! Whenever you do decide to leave your gorgeous casita, be sure to enjoy the on-site eateries or a massage at Spa La Quinta. 

La Quinta Resort & Club Location: La Quinta, CA Book now @laquintaresort

For the Class Acts 

Stay at: Pendry West Hollywood

Why We Love It: Proximity to WeHo’s famous nightlife

Transport yourself back to the Golden Age of Hollywood when you step into the Pendry! Everywhere you look, the hotel pays homage to classic California aesthetics, serving as inspiration for you and your honey to get dolled up and enjoy yourselves. Eat and drink your fill at the hotel’s inspiring restaurants and bars, then head out for a truly spectacular night on the town—you may even catch a show at the intimate music venue. 

Pendry West Hollywood Location: Los Angeles, CA Book Now @pendrywesthollywood

For the Wild at Heart

Stay at: Amangiri 

Why We Love It: A dramatic and secluded setting

Tucked within the lucent canyons of the American Southwest, Amangiri is a remote hideaway for those in search of some peace and quiet. This sanctuary of a resort sits on 600 acres of the broad and majestic Colorado Plateau. But don’t be fooled, as Amangiri features all the luxury amenities you crave when it comes to vacationing. Take a dip in the red-rock surrounded pool, visit the Navajo-influenced spa, and feast on an assortment of Mexico-meet-Native-American cuisine. This serene escape will no doubt leave you starry-eyed.

Amangiri Location: Canyon Point, UT @amangiri

For the Tropical Twosome

Stay at: Grand Wailea Maui

Why We Love It: Hello? It’s Maui!

The Grand Wailea Maui is the ideal destination for you and your favorite person to go have some fun in the sun. Breathe in the plumeria-scented air as you two relax near crystal blue waters, pick up a pina colada and splash around in the resort’s pool, or you can opt to take a hike close by and explore Hawaii’s natural beauty—there are no bad choices here! Want to make the most of your day? Take a look at amazing resort experiences like scuba diving, whale watching and more.

Grand Wailea Maui Location: Maui, HI Book Now @grandwailea

For the Cali-Bound Couple 

Stay at: Hotel Healdsburg

Why We Love It: The Wildflower Walks and stunning vineyards

Whether it’s wine o’clock or simply time for a romantic respite, Hotel Healdsburg is the perfect place for couples who want to take in the natural beauty of California’s wine country and savor the incredible food and drink the area is known for. If you want to relive your honeymoon, opt for the hotel’s Romantic Rendezvous offer, complete with sparkling wine, chocolates and fresh flowers.

Hotel Healdsburg Location: Healdsburg, CA Book Now @hotelhealdsburg

For the Sun-Seekers 

Stay at: Omni Tucson National Resort

Why We Love It: The Unlimited Golf Package

In the need of some vitamin D? Omni Tucson National Resort has tons of ways you and your fellow sun chaser can experience the great outdoors while never losing that luxurious getaway feeling. From the two refreshing pools to the Tucson National Golf Course, let the Arizona sun melt away all your troubles—and don’t forget to explore the Saguaro National Park!

Omni Tucson National Resort Location: Tucson, AZ Book Now @omnitucsonnational 

For the Free Spirits

Stay at: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Why We Love It: Outdoor massages

If you and your friend hate sitting still on vacation, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa should be on your must-stay list! This luxurious, 45-acre resort features a lush environment and offers plenty of outdoor fitness and wellness programs for you and your bestie to enjoy. The hotel’s restaurants also offer plenty of healthy dining options, so you’ll have the option of staying on top of your diet (but we won’t tell anyone if you cheat!).

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA Book Now @ranchovalencia

For the Luxury Seekers

Stay at: Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Why We Love It: Malibu’s most exclusive stay

At Nobu Ryokan, when they say seaside, they mean seaside . This intimate, 16-room hotel on the coast on the ‘Bu pays tribute to traditional Japanese Ryokans with its teak soaking tubs, timeless artwork and tranquil outdoor spaces. Take in views from the ipe wood deck, cozy up around one of the outdoor fireplaces and order room service (courtesy of Nobu). Trust us—you’ll never want to leave.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu Location: Malibu, CA @noburyokanmalibu

For the Party Animals

Stay at: The Cosmopolitan

Why We Love It: Location in the heart of The Strip

No matter who your travel buddy is for this Vegas trip, make sure it’s someone who can keep up! The Cosmopolitan is the place to be if you’re looking to start your day at the pool, enjoy craft cocktails and delicious bites at Ghost Donkey, catch a show at The Chelsea, dance the night away at Marquee and then repeat it all the next day. Don’t worry—you can sleep it all off on a Perfect Sleeper mattress! 

The Cosmopolitan Location: Las Vegas, NV Book Now @cosmopolitan_lv 

Born and raised near the Pacific Coast, Jordan Nishkian is a California girl through and through. She graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Creative Writing and a BA in Anthropology, and her favorite place to be is curled up in a comfy chair with a book in her hand and a pen in her hair.

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Thank you. I thought the price was high too, but it is a small group which I prefer over the huge motor coaches with 50+ people.

http://gate1travel.com

http://gocollette.com

That should get you started.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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• Hotels • Meals • Luggage • Arriving at the Tour • Flight Information • Tour Language • Bringing Medication • Identification • Packing Tips

Hotels: Our adventure tour groups stay at comfortable, safe hotels. They range from two to three star hotels and provide a relaxing place to stay the night- however, they are not luxury accommodations. Occasionally you will spend the night at rustic, unique and historical hotels. You can arrive at the hotel on the first day of the tour and we will usually have our first group meeting at the hotel that evening. Check-in at most hotels starts at 2:00pm. If you arrive before this time please realize that your room may not be ready, and if possible advise us of your early arrival so that we can do our best to arrange accommodation. On all of our tours we recommend that you get to the tour site a day or two in advance. This gives you a chance to relax after your flight and ensures that you arrive at the tour start on time. If you would like us to book you an extra night or two just mention this when making your tour reservation. In most cases we will arrange transportation for you from the airport to the hotel at the start of your guided travel tours.

Meals: Tours include some breakfast, usually continental breakfast at the hotel. If you have specific dietary restrictions we will do what we can to accommodate these, please mention any restrictions when you reserve your spot, but the breakfast is standard. Lunch and dinner is not included with the tour price (except as noted on your schedule). We will stop at mid-range restaurants and occasionally will provide a picnic or barbecue for you. Often you will have two or three restaurants to choose from.

Luggage: Due to limited space on our adventure tour bus you are restricted to one bag weighing no more than 50lbs and one small handbag or purse. You will be responsible for taking your bag into the hotel at night and bringing it back for your driver to load in time for the daily morning departure. Please remember to pack light. There are Laundromats at several of the hotels on each tour, and valet laundry service is often available.

Arriving at your guided travel tours: You are responsible for your own arrival at the tour start destination. Please give yourself plenty of time. If you are not there for the start of the tour it will regrettably begin without you, without a refund. It will then be up to you to find a way to join up with the group, though of course we will do our best to help you. As soon as you have booked your flight please send us your arrival details. This will allow us to send a shuttle to pick you up and bring you to the airport. This complementary service is available only upon reservation and may not be possible in all instances, in which case we will advise you to take a taxi.

Flight Information: You are responsible for reserving your own flight, but we are happy to help you in this process. We can assist you in finding good deals. If you are coming from Europe we have a travel agent there who can find you a good price and cancellation policy. Please contact us if you need any assistance with your flight. Remember to check your airlines specific luggage restrictions. Changes are constantly being enforced and it is important that you are aware of new developments. If you don’t know where to look for updated information contact us and we will be happy to help you.

Adventure Travel Tour Language: The majority of our small group tours are in English and / or German. In many instances our guides will be fluent in both and we will accept mixed groups which we believe will encourage cultural exchange and add to the uniqueness of the tour experience. If you do not speak one of these languages or would like a group guided in another language please contact us for possible options.

Bringing Medication: We recommend that you bring all necessary medications with you since it is unlikely that you can get these while on the tour. Make certain you have enough for the tour duration and a few extra days. You are responsible for your own health. Please tell us about any health related issues before the tour start date. We will make every effort to accommodate passengers with disabilities but due to the nature of our tours there are certain unavoidable limitations. Also, for prescription medications, make certain that you carry your prescription with you. Throughout our tours if an emergency should arise we will transport you to a hospital or organize transportation for you at your own cost. Make certain that your health insurance is up-to-date and covers you while you travel.

Identification: If you are from the USA please bring your drivers license or state issued I.D. If you are from outside of the USA please keep your passport with you. On some of our tours we may be required to pass through border checks. Remember- always carry extra copies of your important documents separately and leave a copy at home. This will greatly aid replacement incase of theft or loss.

Packing Tips: Pack light! You probably need less than you think. For each of our guided travel tours we will be sending you an information packet. This will include suggestions on seasonal clothing and important items. Remember you are limited to one suitcase or bag, not to exceed 50lbs in weight, and one purse or handbag.

• Bring comfortable shoes and casual clothes. A variety of hikes and activities are part of all our tours. Dress comfortably.
• Don’t forget your camera and film (make sure you pack your film in hand luggage when flying as checked luggage is x-rayed.)
• Bring your ID and keep copies of all your important documents separately. Leave a copy at home with family or friends.
• A travel alarm clock will be useful in helping you meet morning departures.
• Sunglasses, a hat, toiletries, aspirin, etc. are all good items to bring.
• You might appreciate a good book, a CD/cassette player or laptop. You will have free-time to relax on most of our tours and you might enjoy having these items for the drives between places.

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Please contact us with questions about any of our adventure tours. By e-mail we will usually get back to you within 24 hours. At Travel Dream West Tours you can be assured of fast, efficient service and our knowledgeable staff is always ready to answer your inquiries. Whether you are planning to customize a group tour of your own or joining one of our pre-set tours we will be here to help you from beginning to end, assuring that you have a wonderful tour experience.

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Experience famous National Parks and unique towns on these USA vacations. Comfortable adventure holidays, hotel based.

Explore the Western United States on one of our guided nature tours or let us assist you with a custom tour, from the Northwest and Southwest to the Grand Circle region. At Travel Dream West we provide personalized service, small group bus tours and -most importantly- unique, unforgettable experiences and insight into the American West.  Why travel with us? We are different: All our tours with more than 8 participants are lead by two professionals for optimal service and safety. Enjoy an active and diverse daily program full of interesting insights, travel with a maximum of 12 participants, explore and get to see unusual places off-the-beaten-track. Experience nature, culture and history of the West on these eco-friendly designed tours while exploring California, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and more.

At Travel Dream West we pride ourselves in providing personalized service and memorable travel experiences. We want your vacation to be unforgettable- so we have carefully planned and tested each of our tours. Nineteen years of travel, research and exploration have resulted in these adventure tours – each a remarkable presentation of the best the West has to offer.

We know the USA West, the back roads and the famous sights, and want to share it all with you. There are so many spectacular places, so many things to see. Our mission is to show you the beauty of this country by immersing you in the natural splendor and cultural intricacies of this region. Our guides are informed, knowledgeable individuals who will share with you their love of the country. And we always work with forest rangers and specialty organizations to provide you with the most accurate local information.

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Nyc beauty-pageant hopeful, 44, gets second chance at fulfilling childhood dream: ‘this is my year’.

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An Upper East Side songwriter is getting a second chance to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a beauty queen — even if it means competing at age 44 against women half her age.

Maura Matlak  is throwing her tiara in the ring and suiting up to compete in the Miss New York USA pageant, a preliminary for Miss USA, about two decades after she missed out on her chance for eligibility under the competition’s former age-limit ceiling. 

“I had to face the fact that that door was now closed to me forever and it was the end of my dream,” she recalled thinking – before this past September, when the Miss Universe Organization, which oversees local pageants, announced it was  scrapping the competition’s longstanding age limit  of 28.

Back in 2005, Matlak, then 26, was forced to bow out of the state pageant at the last minute, opting for a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to record an album instead.

By the time she was able to prep for a pageant again, the Manhattan resident had aged out.

“This is ‘my one that got away,’ ” she told The Post, describing how she viewed her disappointment afterward. “For these past two decades, I had this quiet, whispering but persistent voice, ‘What if?’ I felt like I let my childhood self down because I didn’t achieve that dream.”

Now the singer and writer, who also gives private music lessons to kids, said, ”How often do we get second chances in life?”

She acknowledged that momentary panic initially did set in as she asked herself, “Could I really do this, now, at this age?”

But Matlak, one of a few other older wannabe-beauty queens, is lining up in her 4-inch platform heels to give the whippersnappers a run for their sashes. 

“This is my year,” declared the beauty-queen hopeful — who is single but wants to get married and have children. 

“I’ve been training for this since the moment [the age cast-off] was announced,” said the Massachusetts native — while admitting that her downstairs neighbors probably don’t love her late-night struts around her apartment, squeezing her size 7 feet into heels again for the first time in years. 

Matlak is in full prep mode: ditching drinks and brunch with the girls, hiring a sought-after “pageant trainer” to whip her into swimsuit-portion shape and cutting out dating and dairy, two “indulgences” that will be on hold until after the June pageant.

“I made the commitment to myself that I would cut out any distractions,” she said.

There’s a lot more she brings to the table now, too, she said.

Armed with the local title of”Miss Radio City,” the quadragenarian looks at this opportunity through an entirely different lens than she did in her 20s.

“My intention is to start a conversation about women and what it means to get older as a woman in our society – because my mission is much different now than it was at age 26,” she said.

Matlak said she will stand on the stage now for all the “older women out there who look in the mirror and wonder, ‘Has my ship sailed? Is it too late for me?’ “

The singer, who believes in “breaking the rules,” is also all about shattering tired – and tedious – societal expectations.

As a vocalist who has performed on some the world’s most celebrated stages, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center — and who had a musical produced off the West End in London — Matlak said she wants to show all the 20-somethings who “dread getting older” and feel an artificial pressure to tick off every life milestone by 30 that the best is yet to come.

But not everyone thinks there’s life – or at least beauty – after 28.

The rule change has brought out ugly dissent by critics who blast the move as a “downright mockery” of beauty, Matlak said.

Ageists insist the change invites something as outrageous and unseemly as an “80-year-old walking across the stage in a swimsuit” a la Martha Stewart’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover, Matlak said.

“This only makes me even more excited to compete in June,” said the singer — who is wearing a custom-designed gown made with pieces of fabric from the dress she was supposed to compete in back in 2005 .

Reigning Miss New York USA Rachelle di Stasio has welcomed the scrapped age limit, telling The Post, “Age should never define or limit what you want to accomplish in life.”

The “inclusive” decision will help change the “ingrained perception of beauty,” said the 27-year-old from the Upper West Side.

“I would compete after 28,” she said.

Contestants still have to be at least 18 to participate.

“Research has shown a lack of self-confidence is the #1 obstacle for women to overcome in trying to reach their potential,” Miss Universe Organization  wrote on its website . “By developing self-confidence through MUO experiences, women have gone on to high-profile careers in government, business, finance, broadcasting, and entertainment.”

A pageant rep added to The Post, “We are thrilled with the elimination of the age limitation. Along with the other recent changes of allowing married, divorced, pregnant, and/or women with children to compete, now all adult women will have the opportunity to participate.

“This aim of inclusion is one that opens up the door for so many other women to be seen and heard, to share their stories, and to make an impact. This year we will be lucky enough to watch women accomplish goals that once seemed impossible.” 

While the representative noted that the application process has only just started, women north of 28 have expressed interest in competing, including former contestants who thought they “aged out” and some first-time competitors.

“Some perhaps didn’t have the confidence to compete when they were younger, but now are more comfortable and confident in who they are,” the rep said.

Matlak said of her 20-something self, “I wanted to win a pageant.

“And now I have a deep purpose – I now see it was meant to happen this way. That was not my time, this is. I’m competing because I believe women of every age deserve visibility for the contributions we are making. I’m competing to fight against ageism and promote the beauty and grace of getting older.” 

Whatever happens in June on that stage, one thing is clear.

“At the end of the day, this second chance I’ve been given – is about taking it and making the most of it,” Matlak said. “Dreams have no expiration date.”

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North West, 10, leaks unedited photo of mom Kim Kardashian during lavish getaway

Kim’s daughter is currently vacationing with cousins penelope, dream and true.

North West , the eldest daughter of Kim Kardashian , recently took to TikTok to share a series of candid selfies and family moments from their latest vacation. 

The 10-year-old's post, set to the tune of Frank Ocean's Thinkin' Bout You , offered a glimpse into the fun-filled getaway with friends and family, including her cousin Penelope, 11, and siblings Chicago and Psalm , along with cousins Dream Kardashian and True Thompson . 

Further into the photo compilation, viewers saw snapshots of Reign and Tatum , adding to the family-centric vibe of the slideshow.

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Shared on the joint TikTok account of Kim and North, the social media showcase featured a mix of solo shots of North, displaying her sass and style, group photos with her siblings and cousins, and images of Kim, the 43-year-old Skims founder and reality star. 

Amid the family and fun, one photo stood out, capturing Kim in a surprisingly natural light. In this snapshot, Kim was dressed in a brown snakeskin string bikini and black cowboy hat, basking in the sunlight. 

While Kim looked radiant, the makeup free photograph would never have passed the reality star's typical high glamor Instagram policy.

Kim, a mother of four, has been increasingly open about letting her natural skin texture show. Last month, she shared an intimate moment from a facial treatment session, lying on a treatment bed while undergoing a procedure by The Beauty Sandwich, a popular facial sculpt and lift service known for its celebrity clientele, including Salma Hayek. 

The post revealed Kim's unfiltered skin, a departure from her polished public appearance. 

Dressed simply in a black tank top, with her dark hair pulled back and her eyes wide open, Kim embraced her natural beauty, captioning the post, "Snatched! Thank you The Beauty Sandwich."

This openness extended to North's TikTok video, where Kim appeared in a more casual light, dressed in a brown dressing robe with her hair in a ponytail, and in another shot, making playful faces at the camera alongside her daughter. 

These moments, shared on social media, reveal a side of Kim that fans rarely see, highlighting the reality star's willingness to share her unvarnished self with the world, underlining the message of beauty in authenticity and the comfort in one's skin.

Get the lowdown on the biggest, hottest celebrity news, features and profiles coming out of the U.S.  Sign up to our HELLO! Hollywood newsletter and get them delivered straight to your inbox. 

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Cubs’ offense rolling entering West Coast road trip, leadership garnering praise

Entering play monday, the cubs had scored 58 runs, good for no. 6 in mlb..

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 08: Dansby Swanson #7 of the Chicago Cubs connects for a two-run triple during the fourth inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on April 08, 2024 in San Diego, California.

Sean M. Haffey/Getty

SAN DIEGO — Cubs manager Craig Counsell’s new team impressed him on a Sunday morning in the middle of spring training when he had the players run the bases.

‘‘The effort level was more than I expected,’’ Counsell said in a conversation with the Sun-Times, ‘‘and that was really cool for me.’’

As subtle an observation as it was, for Counsell — who has been in pro baseball for more than 30 years as a player, executive and manager — the drill was a reflection of the team leaders he had inherited.

‘‘There’s a lot of attention to detail, baseball rats in the group,’’ Counsell said. ‘‘And they’re thinkers. And they’ve thought about this stuff a lot already. That’s when you can tell about this group: They enjoy thinking about it.’’

Counsell has managed plenty of teams with different leadership styles. What works for one group might not work for another. What works one year might have to shift the next. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, but this Cubs team has seemed cohesive so far.

The same core of players were together last season, when the Cubs had to scratch and claw out of a hole to prove they were contenders before the trade deadline.

The Cubs have yet to be tested in the same way this season, but they were dealt a tough blow when ace Justin Steele suffered a strained hamstring in his Opening Day start. So far, they’ve coped well.

In a 5-1 homestand against the Rockies and Dodgers, the Cubs scored eight or more runs four times, despite cold, wet and windy weather. Entering play Monday, the Cubs’ 58 runs ranked sixth in the majors.

‘‘The consistency of the at-bat was just so good and from so many different places in the lineup,’’ second baseman Nico Hoerner said Monday. ‘‘I thought that was just really admirable.’’

Even during spring-training games, Counsell noticed the group packed together on one side of the dugout, talking a lot. That’s a theme president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer seized upon, as well.

‘‘The leaders of the team are constantly thinking about how to get better, what can we do differently,’’ Hoyer said. ‘‘They’re always talking about their at-bats, talking about what they’re seeing.

‘‘I don’t worry about that with this group. It’s a very serious group. They get their work in, they’re focused, they want to prepare. You worry about a lot of things. That’s thankfully not one of the things I worry about with this particular group of players.’’

Constant baseball conversations were also a mark of spring training in 2023, when Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger were introducing themselves and Ian Happ and Hoerner, bridges to the old regime, were just beginning to come into their leadership roles.

Now they’ve all helped steer a team through a full season together. And thanks to Happ’s extension last year and Bellinger re-signing this spring, they’re all back.

Leadership on the pitching side is just as important, and the Cubs have a mix of veterans (starter Kyle Hendricks and reliever Hector Neris) and homegrown connectors (Adbert Alzolay) helping guide the group. But while starters take the mound every five or six days and relievers’ schedules are determined by role and the state of the game, the offensive core is on the field every game.

‘‘We have distinctive leaders here,’’ said Hendricks, the only player on the roster from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship team. ‘‘And you can kind of point to who they are. And maybe the past couple of years — two, three, four years ago — we might have lost that a little bit. But I know back in the years we were winning, we had distinctive leaders that you knew who to follow.’’

Things to do in Moscow for First-Timers

Updated December 14, 2017

// By Margherita

Last August, a dream came true for both myself and Nick – we visited Russia for the first time. We joined the 13-day Waterways of the Tsars cruise with Viking River Cruises, travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg (with some cool stops in between). Here’s our first post, with lots of interesting things to do in Moscow for first timers!

My Moscow Dreams

I’ve always liked to think that Moscow was my first trip ever. My father visited the (then) Soviet capital in 1986, and returned with a mini-bearskin hat and stories about that mysterious country – ‘a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma’ , as Churchill famously defined it.

My dad told me stories, and I dreamt. I dreamt the multicoloured domes of St Basil’s, the crenellated walls of the Kremlin, the metro stations – my dad described them as ‘real underground palaces, with marble and chandeliers’ – I even dreamt of visiting GUM, the legendary department store on Red Square, with luxurious stuccos and dusty, empty shelves.

Moscow fascinated me so much that I imagined I could see it from my bedroom window. Looking east, beyond the station of Milano Lambrate, I could see a dozen red, blocky apartment buildings, and imagined it was Moscow. Deep within myself I knew they weren’t Socialist high-rises, it was Milano Due, the utopic ‘city of the future’ built by Berlusconi at the dawn of the 1980s.

That is probably why when we first visited Moscow last August, the city looked familiar. Many people describe their first visit to New York as a kind of deja-vu, after having seen the city in so many movies. Moscow gave me exactly the same feeling. Because, in a way, I had already been there.

Not just through my dad’s tales and my own childhood daydreaming – but also through books. I walked alongside Dr Zhivago in the streets of post-revolutionary Moscow. I sat next to Anna Karenina as she travelled to the city. Most of all, I walked down the Arbat and flew over the roofs of the city with my namesake heroine, Margarita .

Yet, Moscow eluded us for years , until we finally landed at Sheremetyevo airport one hazy morning, after two aborted landings because of thick fog. From the very first minute, it felt familiar – yet surprised us in ways I couldn’t imagine. No book or photograph prepared us for the magnificence of the Kremlin cathedrals, for the dazzling beauty of the city at night, for the extravagance of the Metro stations.

If you follow our blog regularly, you’ll know that we rarely write about ‘must-sees’ – instead, we try to delve deeper and find unusual things to see and do in the towns we visited. However, as this was our first time in Moscow, we decided to focus on the essentials, and compiled this guide of things to do in Moscow with first timers in mind. (I’m sure we’ll be back to explore the city further)

6 Things to do in Moscow for first timers

1)red square.

Red Square is Moscow’s main landmark , and the place where – I guess – 99% of people begin their exploration of the city. Imagine my joy when we were about to cross the gates into the huge square that I had so often pictured in my mind.

I could glimpse the multicoloured domes of St Basil’s on the far side , but it wasn’t the sprawling expanse I knew – something was blocking my sight. Two huge grandstands for a forthcoming festival of military bands had been erected right in the middle of Red Square, taking up most of available space.

The rest of the square was packed with tourists, it was a very hot day, and I’m sure you can imagine my disappointment.

So, just a little piece of advice for you. If you want to see Red Square in all its sprawling magnificence , make sure there’s no event going on in the square – apparently, events happen very often. We got a couple of messages on social media from people that also found Red Square all blocked up because of concerts or other festivals.

Facing St Basil’s (or the grandstands, in our case), the right hand side of the square borders the Kremlin walls, and near there you’ll find Lenin’s Mausoleum . After having seen the embalmed corpse of Mao in Beijing and Uncle Ho in Hanoi, we were looking forward to visiting Vladimir Ilich – but sadly, we missed the opening times.

On the left hand side of the square there’s  GUM , the same department store that my dad had visited 30 years previously, finding it dusty and empty. During our visit, the afternoon light shone through the glass domed ceilings, over white marble floors and whitewashed walls.

Diners clinked glasses in cafés and the store windows were packed with luxury clothes and accessories. And of course, on the far side of the square, St Basil’s was as dazzling as ever, the five domes five different jewels over the sapphire sky.

A little curiosity for you – the ‘Red’ in Red Square has nothing to do with Communism. The word Krasnaya used to mean ‘beautiful’ in Old Russian, and got the meaning ‘red’ only in more recent times. So, Red Square is also Beautiful Square.

Red Square was a bit of a disappointment, but the Kremlin exceeded all our expectations. The word Kremlin means ‘citadel’ – myself and many others were convinced that the Kremlin would be a simple city palace, but it’s in fact a walled city within a city , with palaces, churches, gardens and two helipads so Mr Putin can get to work without needing to brave the horrid Moscow traffic.

The Kremlin feels like a place that belongs to a parallel world. Everything looks tidy and perfect. Guards in huge hats and manicured uniforms patrol the streets, whistling if you dare cross away from the zebra crossing – yet, strangely, it’s absolutely fine to climb over the Tsar Bell, the largest bell ever cast at a weight of 480 tons.

The Tsar Bell never tolled, and the Tsar Cannon standing right next to it, the largest cannon ever made, never fired a single shot. Go figure.

The most beautiful location in the Kremlin is stunning Cathedral Square , surrounded by several churches with glistening golden domes. We only had time to visit two – Cathedral of the Assumption , where the Tsars were crowned, and Cathedral of the Archangel , final place of rest of several tsars and their families.

3) Moscow Metro

The Kremlin has been the home of Russia’s rulers for centuries. During Communist times, the power was in the hands of the people (or at least, that’s what they were told). In the late 1920s, Stalin ordered the construction of a monumental underground system – a ‘Palace for the People’ , that would fulfil the need for propaganda and intra-city transportation at the same time, as Moscow grew non stop.

Nowadays, the Moscow metro is developed over 12 lines – one circular and 11 radial . An apocryphal tale states that when Stalin was shown the Metro plan, no circular line was contemplated. Stalin placed his teacup on the paper, leaving a round brown mark – naturally, the leader was praised for his brilliance, and that’s how the circular line was born. All lines are colour coded, and the circular line is brown.

The Moscow Metro is not only stunning to look at – it also works amazingly well, and it’s super cheap. It runs from 5 to 2 am, every 20 seconds in peak hour, and a single ride only costs 50 roubles and has no time limit. That means you can spend the whole day touring this stunning system of underground palaces, spending less than a euro.

Each station is decorated differently – no station signs are visible from inside the trains, so Muscovites can tell where to get off by looking at the station’s decoration. Some of the most stunning include Mayakovskaya on the Green Line, Ploshchad Revolyutsii on the Blue Line and  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya and Kiyevskaya along the Circular (Koltsevaya) line.

I had read about the Arbat so many times in books , that I couldn’t wait to visit it for myself. It is one of the oldest surviving streets of Moscow , connecting the city centre with the boulevard ring. It was once one of the main thoroughfares into town from the West, before becoming home to the nobility first, then to artists and Soviet officials.

These days, the Arbat is not Moscow’s ‘Boulevard St Germain’ anymore – most of the mansions lining it were destroyed to stop Napoleon’s advance in 1812. There are actually two Arbats in Moscow now – the Old Arbat is pedestrian , so it’s still a wonderful place for a walk and some people-watching. There are several souvenir shops but being the heart of the tourist city centre, I’d give shopping around here a miss.

Towards the end of the street there’s an Alice in Wonderland themed cafe (a slice of Tokyo in the center of Moscow?) which could be an interesting spot for a coffee. Or you could check out New Arbat , just parallel, the home of administration and bureaucracy during Soviet times.

5) Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Even if you’re not one for churches, you’ll agree with me that the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a spellbinding sight , with its golden domes and white marble frame set against the sky, and the Moskva river flowing right on its side.

To make matters even better, the Cathedral has a really interesting history. It was erected in the 19th century, after the victory against the Napoleonic Army. A convent was evacuated to make room for the church, and one of the sisters – enraged after having been evicted – claimed that no building erected on that site will ever stand for more than 50 years.

The Cathedral was eventually consecrated in 1883 – and in 1931, 48 years later, it was demolished by Stalin to make room for the ‘Palace of the Soviets’, a monumental building that was going to be topped by a huge statue of Lenin. WW2 halted construction, and after Stalin’s death the construction site stood unfinished for decades – the gaping hole for the foundations was turned into the world’s largest open-air swimming pool.

The ‘current’ Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was built between 1995 and 2000. 50 kilos of gold were used for the domes. Will it last for more than 50 years? Only time will tell.

6) Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

If like me you’re a fan of Communist architecture and iconography , you’ll be spoilt in Moscow. In the past, we visited Communist sights in Warsaw , Vilnius and Bratislava – but really, they’re nothing compared to Moscow.

From kommunalka apartment blocks to Stalin’s Seven Sisters (huge 1930s skyscrapers housing hotels, apartments, offices and universities), from the Metro to statues and plaques everywhere, Moscow has plenty of relics from the Communist period – after all, it was the capital of the Communist world.

I could spend weeks touring all sights of Communist Moscow – to be honest, we are already planning a trip back for this very reason. If you only had time to visit one Communist sight, make sure it’s the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics . The entrance to the museum is in the base of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space , which is by far THE MOST AMAZING monument we’ve ever seen. I mean, check it out.

The museum itself makes for a very interesting visit for everyone interested in the space race. It houses the first satellite ever to be launched, the embalmed bodies of two space dogs, a full-scale reproduction of space station Mir, space suits and lots more interesting exhibits. We visited on a guided tour with Viking Cruises, which was a great idea as it was really hard to understand the function of some objects otherwise.

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics celebrates a time when people dared to look at the stars and dream that one day, we might actually uncover this great mystery. Sure, political implications (on either side of the wall) were behind it all, not some romantic dream – but 55 years from Gagarin’s first flight, space news are often relegated to the bottom of newspaper pages.

Perhaps we have way too many problems on this planet to worry about exploring others. Exploring the Museum, I wished that one day we’ll be able to set out and uncover the biggest mystery of all once again.

Moscow with Viking Cruises

We visited several of the sights mentioned in this list on tours run by Viking River Cruises as part of our Waterways of the Tsars cruise. The Kremlin tour, Moscow city tour (by public transport or bus – naturally we opted for the latter) and a traditional music concert were included in the tour price, but we also took additional tours to the Museum of Cosmonautics and around Moscow by night , both of which we enjoyed a lot.

Our accommodation was on the Viking Truvor , moored in Moscow’s North River terminal near   Rechnoy Vozkal station on the green line, making it possible to reach the centre in half an hour to explore the city independently. All meals are served on the boat, and transport to/from the boat is always provided during tours. Trust me, on a Viking cruise you won’t go hungry!

A great benefit of exploring Moscow with Viking were the excellent local guides , who shared their knowledge with us and gave us ideas on how to make the most of our free time in such a big, sprawling city. We spent three days in Moscow, but we are sure we will be back!

We would like to thank Viking Cruises for having welcomed us aboard the Waterways of the Tsars cruise.

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Jeff Bezos, Fiancée Lauren Sánchez and Her 3 Kids Are ‘Living a Dream’ on Japan Spring Break Trip: PHOTOS

“Thank you, Japan, for the memories, the most beautiful sunrises, and those inside jokes,” the engaged helicopter pilot wrote on Instagram

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Paul Morigi/Getty Images; Lauren Sanchez/Instagram

Lauren Sánchez is sharing a glimpse inside her blended family trip to Japan with fiancé Jeff Bezos .

In a series of photos posted to Instagram on April 7, The Fly Who Flew to Space author, 54, shared an inside look at the activities she enjoyed with her kids and the Amazon founder, 60, during their vacation. 

Sánchez shares son Nikko, 23, with her ex, former NFL player Tony Gonzalez ; and son Evan, 17, and daughter Ella, 16, with her ex-husband, businessman Patrick Whitesell . 

From marveling at the cherry blossom trees in bloom to soaking in the dazzling lights of Tokyo Tower, the family made sure to see as many sights as they could. 

One snap of the group shows Sánchez sitting down cross legged beside her kids as they face a large window in an open room. The award-winning journalist captured another scene of her hitting the gym with her kids in a different image. 

Lauren Sanchez/Instagram

She also included a shot of the group walking through the streets arm in arm as the cherry blossom trees surround them.

While she does celebrate special moments and milestones with her younger children, she tends to keep them out of the spotlight and rarely shows their faces on social media. However, her older son Nikko has made multiple cameos on her Instagram account and even made his runway debut in Milan back in January.

In addition to Sánchez’s children, there appears to be other kids on the trip. It’s unclear whether those are some of Bezos’ four children who he shares with his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott . The pair were married for 25 years before they announced news of their divorce in Jan. 2019.

The CEO has worked hard to keep his kids’ identities protected, as only his oldest son Preston’s name is known to the public. While his age is not confirmed, he’s believed to be around 22 years old.

Sánchez and Bezos, who got engaged in May 2023, also enjoyed quality time as a couple while in Japan. Included in the mix is a photo of Bezos looking out towards the sparkling skyline as he has his arm wrapped around his fiancée. Sánchez has both hands placed on Bezos’ shoulders as she reaches up to give him a kiss on the cheek. 

They also enjoyed some activities on their own. Sánchez is pictured drawing at a table in one snap and Bezos jumps over slabs of rock across a river in another. 

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

The helicopter pilot captioned her post: “Japan, you’ve stolen our hearts 🌸. Those early morning walks under cherry blossoms, exploring ancient temples, and yes, the best sushi on a conveyor belt ever. It felt like living a dream we never wanted to wake up from”

“Thank you, Japan, for the memories, the most beautiful sunrises, and those inside jokes 🌀🤍 〰️that’ll stick with us forever. We’re already dreaming of coming back,” she continued.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

Just want to say that our guide in St Petersburg was really outstanding. You really felt like someone was looking after you. Very observant - knowledgeable. We really enjoyed time spent with her.

Exploring Vibrant Moscow, June 2017

The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

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Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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Why earthquakes are felt farther on the East Coast than the West. It's all about the rocks.

• East Coasters flooded social media with reactions to Friday's earthquake. 
• There's a reason East Coast earthquakes travel further than their West Coast counterparts.
• The rocks are harder, which causes the seismic waves to travel greater distances.

New Yorkers had a lot of feelings about the 4.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked the East Coast Friday morning, with a litany of jokes and memes flooding social media.

Millions felt the quake, United States Geological Survey (USGS) seismologist Paul Earle said in a press briefing Friday, and it also brought air travel to a temporary halt .

But even if earthquakes are de rigeur for West Coasters — some of whom shrugged off the event — the USGS said Friday that there's actually a scientific reason so many East Coasters may have been freaking out.

Earthquakes on the East Coast are experienced much further from their epicenters, according to experts — and it all boils down to differing types of rocks on either side of the country.

Why East Coast quakes are felt farther

Seismic waves can travel much farther through the Eastern type of rock — which is old, cold, and dense — before they decay and dissipate.

"Earthquakes on the East Coast are felt much further — four or five times further than a similar-sized earthquake on the West Coast," Earle said at a press briefing. "The rock is harder, and the seismic waves travel further before they attenuate. And so you're gonna have a lot more people feeling this earthquake than you would a similar-sized earthquake in California."

Veronica Cedillos, the president of GeoHazards International, previously discussed this distinction with Business Insider.

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"The earthquake waves — seismic waves — can actually travel much further" on the East Coast, she said. "As opposed to the West Coast, where those seismic waves, actually that energy is absorbed much quicker."

Basically, on the East Coast, seismic waves "can travel a long distance without fading away," Lingsen Meng, associate professor of geophysics at UCLA, told Business Insider.

West Coast quakes are often much deeper

The types of earthquakes that occur on the East and West coasts are also different.

They originate at different depths, which affects how far the waves travel, Ben Fernando, a post-doctoral fellow studying seismology at Johns Hopkins, told BI.

The strongest quakes on the West Coast are usually related to subduction in the tectonic plates — where the Pacific plate is being sucked under the North American plate. That means the earthquakes occur very deep underground, Fernando said.

On the East Coast, however, there's no active subduction.

"It's a very different geological setting," Fernando said.

East Coast quakes tend to be much more shallow. This one was only 3 miles deep, USGS said Friday.

Deeper, West Coast-style quakes usually aren't felt as widely, because the waves have to travel further to the surface.

Still, earthquakes are a rarity in the Tri-state area. Friday's quake had an epicenter 30 miles west of Newark, per the USGS, with people reporting effects from Philadelphia to Boston.

It was the largest recorded earthquake in New Jersey in nearly 250 years. In 2011, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit Virginia — marking the last major rattler to hit the East Coast.

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