If you’re trying to find hidden gems in Curaçao, I went into it thinking I’d just hit the main beaches and call it a day, but that didn’t happen. I did a lot of research before the trip, found some local recommendations, and then kept asking people while I was there where they actually go. That’s how I ended up at smaller spots, random food stops, and places I didn’t plan that honestly made the trip better. These aren’t the big-name places, and that’s exactly why they stood out.
I booked my flight here and already knew I wanted flexibility once I landed, so I rented a car from the airport here. That ended up being the reason I even found most of these.
If you’re planning your trip, check out my Curaçao Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors so you have a full idea of how to map everything out.
I pulled into Director’s Bay, parked up top, and walked over to the edge before heading down. The view from above caught me off guard (and the iguana) right away, so I stood there for a second before even grabbing my stuff.
I took the stairs down, stepped onto the rocky beach, and was very glad I already had my water shoes on. Getting in was a little weird at first, but once I got past the rocks, the water cleared up fast and I started snorkeling immediately.
There were barely any people there, which made the whole thing feel completely different from Tugboat, and I kept thinking this was the better choice if you want space.
I drove toward Playa Lagun and almost missed the turn, then followed the road down into the cove. Once I parked, I could already see how calm the water was just from standing there.
I walked straight in with my snorkel gear and didn’t have to swim far to see anything, which made it feel very low effort in the best way. I looked up at the restaurants sitting above the beach and already knew I was getting food after (no debate there).
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I pulled up to Playa Jeremi, grabbed my stuff, and walked down without seeing much around. No rentals, no setup, nothing extra—just the beach.
I put my towel down, got in the water, and didn’t do much else besides swim and sit by the beach. It felt more like I stumbled into it instead of planning it, which made it feel more personal than the bigger beaches.
I parked near Playa Kalki, walked over with my water shoes already on, and headed straight into the water. Getting in was rocky again, but once I stepped past that part, it opened up quickly.
I started snorkeling right away, and I saw plenty just staying close to shore. I noticed the dive shop and restaurant nearby, which made it easy to stay longer without needing to move anywhere. There were people at the beach here but it was minimal compared to some of the other beaches I've been to earlier that day.
I showed up to Hofi Cas Cora in the morning, grabbed a table, and immediately noticed it wasn’t the usual restaurant setup we’d been going to. It’s set on a farm, and it actually felt like it—quiet, open, and not filled with tourists. I ordered breakfast, and everything that came out was really fresh and so good. It felt like a reset from beach hopping and resort meals.
If you want more spots like this, check out my Best Breakfast in Curaçao.
I drove up to Fort Nassau later in the evening and timed it right as the sun started dropping. I grabbed a table overlooking Willemstad. Once the city lights came on, the whole view shifted again, and I stayed through dinner and enjoyed the city lights. Between the view, the food, and the setting, it turned into a full night.
If you want to stay nearby, I’d look at hotels in Willemstad here so you’re close to this area.
I had no idea that Punda on a Thursday night turned into all of that, so I just followed the music. Streets were blocked off, people were dancing, and everything stayed open later than usual.
I moved through different areas, grabbed food from a vendor, and kept walking to see what was next. It gets crowded, so going earlier helped, and having cash made things easier for smaller vendors.
I wore comfortable shoes, which I was very glad about after walking around all night.
I stopped at Playa Forti during a beach day on that side of the island and immediately saw people jumping off the cliff.
I grabbed a table at the restaurant, ordered lunch, and watched it all happen while I ate (dinner and a show… just with more adrenaline). It’s not hidden, but it’s fun to add in if you’re already nearby.
If you want to plan this day better, see my West Side Beach Hopping in Curaçao guide.
I kept finding smaller spots in Curaçao just by driving around and stopping when something looked interesting. Most of them weren’t even places I had planned ahead of time.
I didn’t go out of my way for any of it—I just followed what looked good and went. That’s what made the trip feel like I actually saw the island.
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
Went in for Italian. Left thinking about pasta for three days straight.🍝
Osteria Stella in Knoxville is THE date night spot, pink door, moody lighting, and a radiatori con broccoli pesto that I would genuinely go back for alone. The lasagna comes out as its own perfect slice with crispy edges all around. The focaccia with garlic confit disappeared before anyone admitted to eating it.
Make a reservation. Order the pasta. Thank me later.
Full review linked in bio. 🔗
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