A Weekend in Busan
It all begins with an idea.
Trip Snapshot:
Departure: Morning flight from Seoul Gimpo to Busan Gimhae Airport
Stops: Gamcheon Culture Village; Gwangalli Beach; Haeundae Bay
Stay: Park Hyatt Busan (Room with Gwangan Bridge View)
Stand Outs: Cozy cafes + Coastal Walks
Why We Loved This Trip
Ocean + Skyline Magic: Busan’s coastline perfectly marries nature and modern design — with the Gwangan Bridge gliding across serene waters and high-rises gleaming in the sun.
Culture + Color: From the pastel maze of Gamcheon Culture Village to the glowing nightlife along Gwangalli, Busan surprises you at every corner.
Luxury Stay: Park Hyatt Busan is more than a hotel — it’s a panoramic experience. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls capture the shifting moods of the city.
Café Culture: Whether it’s sipping coffee above the bridge or trying local brews by the beach, Busan’s coffee scene is worth the detour.
I started my morning at the Park Hyatt’s Living Room Café, which feels more like a floating observatory than a hotel lounge. A coffee from a local favorite brand, complete with my Whoau Bear cap and a front-row view of the Gwangan Bridge, set the tone for the day.
The view was calm, yet alive. From this height, you could feel the grandeur of the bridge, see the boats tracing rapid lines across the water and look in awe at the early light painting Busan’s skyline gold.
By evening, the same view transformed. The sunset framed the bridge in soft amber tones, the city glowed in reflection, and the atmosphere was peaceful yet exciting. Watching the sun dip behind the mountains from my bed felt like a moment of cinematic stillness, just me, the city, and the sound of the sea below.
🏨 Park Hyatt Busan Review: Park Hyatt Busan sits perfectly between Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach, offering both tranquility and access. Its architectural curves echo the sailboats moored nearby, and its minimalist interiors look extra pleasant in natural light.
Room: Spacious, serene, and equipped with a soaking tub facing the ocean.
Service: Impeccably warm — staff remembered my name and my morning coffee order.
Dining: The Dining Room on the 32nd floor serves fresh local seafood with unmatched views.
Bonus: The infinity pool and spa feel private, with panoramic city scenes through glass walls.
If you love architecture, comfort, and sea views, Park Hyatt Busan delivers all three in quiet luxury.
Later that night, I took a walk down to Gwangalli Beach. The bridge came alive in colors — blues, purples, and golds reflecting on the calm water. The skyline shimmered, the air smelled faintly of the ocean, and people sat along the seawall with drinks, watching the lights ripple across the bay.
Busan at night feels both vibrant and peaceful, an energy that hums softly but never overwhelms.
🎨 Morning at Gamcheon Culture Village
The next morning, I wandered through Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan’s hillside neighborhood of art and history. Colorful homes stack neatly like a pastel puzzle, each alley filled with murals, cafés, and playful sculptures.
I followed the narrow lanes uphill until I reached a lookout shaped like a heart, overlooking the entire village. From there, the patchwork of blues, greens, and yellows looked almost unreal — a blend of lived-in authenticity and whimsical creativity.
📸 Tip for Travelers
Book a sea-view room at Park Hyatt Busan — the sunrise alone is worth it.
Visit Gamcheon early to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos.
Pack comfortable shoes — the village’s slopes are steep but scenic.
Explore by time of day: Mornings for calm cafés, nights for the city lights along the bay.
A Perfect Coastal Trip from DC
It all begins with an idea.
Trip Snapshot:
Departure: 8:00 AM from Washington, DC
Stops: Kent Island (breakfast), Assateague Island (wild horses + picnic)
Stay: Fenwick Shores – Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Next Day: Explore Bethany Beach + foodie stops on return
Why We Loved This Trip
Nature + Wildlife: Assateague Island’s wild horses & kayaking spots
Comfortable Stay: Heated pool + beach proximity at Fenwick Shores
Coastal Town Charm: Bethany Beach’s calm vibes
Foodie Highlights: The Jetty, The Station, Captain Mac’s Bait & Tackle, and Kiwanis Chicken
🚗 On the Road from DC
We left DC at 8:00 AM. Our first break was Kent Island, where we enjoyed a light breakfast right on the shoreline. Just steps away, The Jetty offered a quick bite with a wraparound waterfront view, which was a perfect start to our trip.
Wild Horse @Assateague Island
We drove the island loop, spotting wild horses and checking out kayaking and biking spots to bookmark for next time. The wild horses were majestic.
Curious how the wild horses got to the Island? The National Park Service’s website states that the most plausible explanation of the horses origin is that they are the descendants of horses that were brought to barrier islands like Assateague in the late 17th century by mainland owners to avoid fencing laws and taxation of livestock.
Picnic at the Beach
At lunch, we had a little picnic with fresh fruit and salad. The wholesome picnic spread turned out to be the highlight of the trip.
🏨 Checking Into Fenwick Shores
By 3:00 PM, we arrived at Fenwick Shores – Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This boutique-style hotel impressed us with its heated pool and prime location just a 5-minute walk to Fenwick Island Beach. Evening strolls on the sand were peaceful and gave us some of the best sunsets we’ve seen on the East Coast.
For dinner we tried The Station, a newly renovated restaurant that feels like dining in someone’s home. The fresh seafood and chicken dishes were standouts—definitely worth the visit.
🌊 Morning at Bethany Beach
The next morning we drove to nearby Bethany Beach, a clean, walkable stretch of sand that’s perfect for a slow start to the day. We wandered along the boardwalk, stopping at cute coffee shops and eyeing restaurants to try on a longer stay.
🍤 Foodie Trail Back to DC
Any coastal road trip is incomplete without fresh seafood. On the way back we stopped at Captain Mac’s Bait & Tackle, where the catch of the day is cooked to your preference—grilled, broiled, or fried. We ordered Salmon fish dip, boiled Shrimps, grilled Sea Bass, and Crab Cake; everything tasted freshly caught and perfectly cooked. The view was amazing with marshes spread across in the background.
On our way back to DC, we stumbled upon a BBQ chicken spot called Georgetown Kiwanis Club, arguably the chicken we’ve ever had. It’s a must-stop for anyone heading back to DC.
We rolled into DC around 5:00 PM, happy and full after a perfect overnight escape.
📸 Tip for Travelers
Bring your camera and plan to stop frequently. The drive, the picnic, the horses, and the food all make for incredible photo opportunities.
Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL)
It all begins with an idea.
The Power of Niagara Falls
This was my first time seeing Niagara Falls, and what a WONDER!!
Close up view of the Falls from the boat
But to be honest, initially, I didn’t have the WOW effect from a distance. It just appeared as a large waterfall. It wasn’t until I was standing at the edge and then went on the Niagara Boat, I felt the strong pressure of water and currents, which made it a very humbling experience for me. Sheets of water cascade over the cliffs with unstoppable force, a reminder of NIAGARA FALLS’ raw energy and beauty.
Pro Tip: Get on the boat. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Step Back in Time
Just a short drive from the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake feels like you’ve stepped into a different century. The charming town, with its 19th-century architecture and flower-draped verandas, slows you down. We stayed at the Prince of Wales Hotel, an icon here. The hotel radiated old-world elegance and was a perfect stop for old school luxury. Walking through the streets, you’ll find boutique shops, cozy cafés, and theaters tied to the world-famous Shaw Festival.
For Cozy Views: Lakeside
Beyond the bustle of the main street, the shoreline of NOTL offers the serenity that you need to switch off and wander in your thoughts. Parks shaded by trees and fun slides open up to lake views where the water stretches endlessly, kissed by gentle breezes. It’s the kind of place where you can sit on a bench, sip a coffee, and simply watch the sun go down.
Fun Fact: The other side of the lake is the USA (Youngstown in the State of New York) where you can see the beautiful Old Fort Niagara Lighthouse.
