THE COMPASS

This week: Surprising views from ‘coffin roads’; a Beach Boy summer; the best car-free vacations; better museum photos; and magical midnight suns.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE

Touch the sky on these new U.S. climbing routes anyone can do

“Via ferratas” or “iron ways” are popping up in urban areas, bringing these popular European adventures to your doorstep.

Related: For riveting views, climb North America’s highest via ferrata

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATTHEW MICAH WRIGHT, GETTY IMAGES

10 top destinations where you don’t need a car

At these stress-free destinations, you can walk, hike, or bike—but leave the car at home.

Related: 
— This gorgeous Greek island said no thanks to cars
— These U.S. train trips make it easy to enjoy a car-free weekend
— Visit this beautiful Mexican island with no car in sight

PHOTOGRAPH BY PAUL1982DUTCH, SHUTTERSTOCK

‘Coffin roads’ offer some of Scotland’s most stunning vistas

Across wild valleys and windswept crags, footpaths once charted the country’s oldest death rites. Now, these treks form unique hiking trails filled with history.

MORE TRENDING STORIES
TO INSPIRE YOUR NEXT TRIP

PHOTOGRAPH BY GREG KAHN

Uncovering Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle

National Geographic Photographer Greg Kahn recently traveled to the all-American region in Virginia to capture this experience through the quiet, sensory details that shape a place: the clack of a horse's hoof, the flicker of firelight in a blacksmith’s shop, the lap of a wave as it hits a sandy shore. It's all here in Williamsburg.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC BARD, CORBIS VIA GETTY IMAGES

In search of lost summers in the Catskills

Blissful escapes to the mountains of New York became the stuff of legend in many Jewish families. Is a revival in the works?

Related: Bike through 200 million years of history in the shadow of New York City

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANITA DELIMONT, GETTY IMAGES

The best places to bask in the season’s magical midnight sun

From never-ending sunsets to late-night hikes, these destinations know how to make the most of endless summers.

Related: From pagan parties at Stonehenge to yoga in Times Square, top spots to celebrate the solstice

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