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Clinton Castle

Dress in layers. The weather can change quickly, and it can be sunny one minute and chilly the next. Plus, you’ll enjoy the park trails more without being too hot or cold.

Bring snacks and water, since there aren’t many dining options nearby. I learned the hard way and had to drive around looking for food.

Plan to spend a full day. Between exploring the castle and wandering the nearby park trails, you'll want ample time. I rushed through the park and wished I could go back.

Check out the little museum inside the castle! It’s easy to miss but has some cool displays. I almost skipped it, and I’m glad I didn’t!
Hurst Castle
Bring a rechargeable portable charger. Taking photos and exploring drains your phone battery fast, and finding an outlet is tough. I wish I had one to keep my phone alive!

I suggest visiting on weekdays if you can. The crowds were way smaller, and it made exploring the castle much more pleasant, trust me!

Check the ferry schedule in advance! I messed up my timing and had to wait a while for the return trip. Knowing the times helped me maximize my day.

I recommend downloading the site map before you go. It saved me a ton of time figuring out where everything was, especially since cell service can be spotty on-site.
Montezuma Castle State Reserve

Check out the tiny visitor center; they have cool artifacts and helpful staff. I wish I’d spent more time there before heading out to the main site.

Don’t forget your camera; the views are stunning. I took over a hundred photos, so even if you're not a pro, you'll want to capture these moments

I suggest wearing comfortable shoes! The path isn’t too long, but you'll appreciate a good pair for exploring the area without sore feet.

Plan to spend at least 1.5 to 2 hours here. I thought I’d just zip through, but there’s so much to learn and see, which was a pleasant surprise!
Boldt Castle & Boldt Yot House

I recommend taking the ferry in the morning to avoid the crowds; we went around 9 AM, and it was blissfully quiet. Plus, you get to enjoy the beautiful views on the way.
Bishop Castle

I think you should bring a picnic and snacks. There aren't many places nearby to buy food, and it's nice to take a break outside with a view of the castle after exploring. Saves you money too!

I suggest checking out any local events that may be happening nearby! I missed a cool craft fair during my visit, and it would have added a lot to the trip. Always worth looking ahead!

I recommend getting there around 9 am to beat the crowds. It makes for a quieter experience, especially when you want to take photos without tons of tourists in the background. Plus, the morning light is perfect for pictures!

My advice is to wear sturdy shoes! You’ll be climbing quite a bit, and flip-flops just won’t cut it. I learned the hard way when my sandals broke halfway up the steps!
Iolani Castle

One thing I wish I’d known is to bring a water bottle. The castle grounds are lovely to walk around, but it can get hot and you’ll want to stay hydrated!

My advice is to book your tickets online. I saved a few bucks that way and skipped the long line at the entrance. Super handy!

I suggest taking the audio tour instead of a guided one. It gives you more flexibility, and I learned so much on my own pace without feeling rushed!
Belvedere Castle

My advice is to grab a coffee at the nearby café before you head in. I found the prices were a bit steeper inside, and a good thermos is always better for exploring anyway!
I recommend going on a weekday, especially in the morning around 10 AM, to avoid the weekend crowds. The views are amazing when it’s not too packed and you can really enjoy the castle’s charm.
Castle St. Croix

I think checking the castle's event calendar ahead of time can be a game changer. I missed a cool medieval festival because I didn’t look. Plan around events for a richer experience next time!

I recommend visiting on a weekday, ideally around 10 AM to avoid the big crowds. I went on a Saturday, and it was packed! You'll get way better pics when there's less people around.
Coral Castle

My advice is to bring water and some snacks. There isn't much around to grab a bite, and you want to stay fueled up while exploring the fascinating structures.

I suggest getting there right when it opens at 9 AM to beat the crowd and get the best photos without people photobombing your shots. It's so much more peaceful in the morning!

If you can, visit on a weekday instead of the weekend. The fewer people made my experience much more enjoyable, and I could take my time to soak everything in.
Smithsonian Institution

I recommend visiting during the weekdays especially around 10 AM. It was much quieter then and I got to enjoy the exhibits without the madness of weekend crowds