Best of Scottish Destinations

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is spirited and fun-loving with its strong maritime history still preserved in its cityscape.

Housed in a gem of modern architecture, this center is rich with scientific displays, interactive exhibits, and other attractions.

Admire the numerous landmarks in this historic center, interspersed with Victorian, Modernist, and many other architectural styles.

Held in a building designed partly for its stained glass, this eclectic collection also includes Chinese, Islamic, and Gothic art.

Centered around the Kibble Palace, these botanic gardens feature an arboretum, lush parkland, and beautiful glasshouses.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

Tracing the history of transport in Scotland, this museum exhibits historic vehicles, ship models, locomotives, engines, and more.

Housed in an exquisite Spanish Baroque palace, this museum hosts over 9,000 items spanning arts, natural history, and weaponry.

Designed by Mackintosh, this building houses the Center for Architecture and Design, displaying rotating exhibits on the subject.

Not only a school, this Mackintosh-designed institution houses one of the largest collections of Mackintosh works in the world.

Set in the heart of the Trossachs region, the large loch is strikingly beautiful and offers seasonal excursions on a steamboat.

Lined with pastoral hamlets full of old-world charm, this 23km-long lock is blessed with striking scenery and is great for fishing.

One of the largest towns in Scotland's Highlands, this busy town boasts museums, warm locals, and access to stunning nature.

Wander through this bustling town, enjoying the beautiful views and unique culture of the Highlands.

A hydraulic staircase-lock dating to the 19C, spanning 55m of the Caledonian Canal in a series of eight locks.

A museum tracing the history of the West Highland Scots, including exhibits of archaeology, natural history, ethnography, and more.

The pristine beach of Sanna Bay boasts stunning natural scenery and white sands, perfect for a stroll or a contemplative afternoon.

Home to a wide range of sea creatures ranging from sharks down to star fish, this aquarium promises fun for the whole family.

Housed in an imitation cave, this renowned exhibit features Europe's finest private collection of crystals, gemstones, and fossils.

Traverse the wild desolate peninsula, exploring its large beaches, quaint villages, and lush natural beauty.

One of the Inner Hebrides Islands, Skye boasts unsurpassed beauty in its stark landscapes and coastal scenery.

Stroll around this captivating town, getting to know the warm local and gathering ideas for your next nature excursion.

Exploring this peninsula will take you through tiny villages, dramatic coastlines, turbulent seascapes, and peaceful beaches.

Nestled amidst breathtaking beauty, this 33km long lake boasts over 60 forested islets, some with their own small lakes.

Established in 1862, these sprawling lands are covered with over 250 plant species, offer an especial variety of rhododendrons.

A mountain range on the Isle of Skye, including the formidable Black Cuillin, with its glacial lake, and the pink granite Red Cuillin.

A 30km-long landslide runs almost the full length of this peninsula, which boasts several remarkable natural landmarks.

Housed in an imitation cave, this renowned exhibit features Europe's finest private collection of crystals, gemstones, and fossils.

Once coveted for its strategic locale, Scotland's northernmost city is a booming economic and cultural hub, full of Highland charm.

Explore the streets of this ancient city, known as the Highland capital, admiring architecture and enjoying some people-watching.

This museum offers a complete history of the Highlands, from geology and archaeology, to Jacobean artifacts and Scottish artwork.

This 19C cathedral shows off exceptional stained glass, stone and wooden carvings, and a lovely patterned wood ceiling.

A star-shaped 18C military fort located on a headland, now home to the Highlanders' Museum that exhibits various regimental curios.

Dating to the Bronze Age, this relic is a circular burial cairn designating three tombs, and blessed with peaceful nature around.

Come to visit Nessie, the famed Loch Ness Monster, take a boat along the loch, or head out to explore the surrounding woods and towns.

One of Scotland's many gorgeous sea lakes, Loch Broom is a blend of beauty, serenity, and mountanous landscape.

Whether you fish or not, the scenery along the shores of this lake is dramatic with its mountains sloping down to the banks.

Take a ride on the funicular railway from this popular ski resort, reaching the highest station for spectacular views of the area.

With over 8,000 years of history, the "Granite City" has tons to offer including a port, beach activities, and many nearby castles.

Walk along the dune system that stretches along the beach, which features vegetation and supports an array of local wildlife.

Lined with cafes and arcades, the beautiful beach invites you to stroll along and enjoy some of Aberdeen's nicest natural scenery.

Stroll through the lively streets of this university town's center, and enjoy its buzzing atmosphere.

Send yourself back in time with a stroll through this picturesque old fishing village, whose houses and shacks remain intact.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this massive roofless ruin dates to the 16C and was once a grand fortified castle.

With over 1,400 seats, this beautiful old theater was opened in 1906, and it is one of the largest in Scotland.

The site of the castle gates until its destruction in the 14C, this open-arched structure features elaborate statues and carvings.

Iconic of Aberdeen's granite industry, this enormous 19C granite building is a remarkable architectural gem.

A 15C chapel topped with an imperial crown symbolizing Scottish royalty, housing the best preserved medieval woodwork in Scotland.

Originally established in the 17C, this formal garden is spectacular in its variety, formality, and near perfection.

This valley along the Dee River can be hiked in sections, as well as traversed by car enjoying fine views with castles along the way.

Generally indicative of the marketplace in Scottish town, this 17C Mercat Cross is topped by Scotland's national symbol - a unicorn.

Once a separate town, this ancient quarter is steeped with history and culture, preserving landmarks and monuments dating to the 13C.

Housing Impressionist and Victorian art, this gallery is best known for its 19C collection of works by British artists.

Located in two 16C houses, this museum extensively covers the city's naval history through exhibits of photographs, models, and more.

Spread out below a 15C tower, these colorful gardens feature 18C yew hedges, topiary, and other inspiring designs and flora.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is known for its rich history, idyllic setting, and spirited cultural life.

Primarily a research center, this botanic garden delights visitors with its diverse plant species, glasshouses, and meandering paths.

Edinburgh's beaches often boast lovely promenades, with pubs and arcades dotted along the way.

Known for its colonies of penguins, this zoo also boasts other special animals such as pandas, koalas, and chimpanzees.

Spend time in this medieval historic center and marvel at the richness of history, cultural variety, and modern activities.

Designed in 1604, this formal walled garden at Edzell Castle reflects the beauty of Renaissance landscaping.

Visited by Queen Victoria in 1866, this vista has amazing views of Loch Tummel, Schiehallion, and even the Glen Coe hills.

Dating to the 12C, this fortress complex is one of Scotland's highlights, housing the national regalia and several military exhibits.

Prepare for shopping, dining, and people-watching on this charming and lively street in the Historic Center.

Allow for plenty of time to walk this old town street that passes by unique landmarks, splendid architecture, shops, and cafes.

Located on the Blackford Hill since 1896, this observatory boasts one working telescope, beautiful copper domes, and excellent views.

Many volcanic eruptions conspired to create this rugged landscape abutting the sea, with sea birds seemingly having taken charge.

Set in the heart of the Trossachs region, the large loch is strikingly beautiful and offers seasonal excursions on a steamboat.

Launched in 1953, this royal yacht is now decommissioned after sailing over 1,000,000km, and offers a tour of its luxurious interior.

A vast museum exhibiting diverse collections, from history and culture, to technology and science, to natural history, and beyond.

Featuring a lovely garden in the center, this 18C square is hemmed with fabulous facades in a variety of architectural styles.

An impressive 16C courthouse, now home to a quaint museum of oral history, containing galleries, wax figures, and historic relics.

Said to be a favorite of Sir Walter Scott, this viewpoint offers a superb panorama over the River Tweed and the Scottish borders.

Lined with pastoral hamlets full of old-world charm, this 23km-long lock is blessed with striking scenery and is great for fishing.

Dating to the 14C, the ruins of this medieval castle feature well-preserved sections, courtyards, and lovely surrounding garden.

While focused on 20C Scottish modern art, this museum also provides a comprehensive look at modernism throughout the world.

Housed in a Neoclassical palace, this large gallery features a wealth of Scottish fine art from the Renaissance and to this day.

Set in a beautiful park, this Gothic mansion houses exquisite furnishings and art, including Napoleonic memorabilia.

Surrounding the Loch Lomond and countless other lakes, this national park boasts majestic wild mountains and beautiful forests.