With so much attention on her mystical disappearance , it ’s easy to overlook all theamazing stead Amelia Earhart flewin her renowned — and tragically short — flying vocation . For the far-famed flier ’s birthday ( she ’d be 119 on July 24 ) , we take a look at some of the cities and modest towns where she touched down that are still deserving a visit .
1. BURRY PORT, WALES
Earhart in 1928 . Getty
This sleepy Welsh township was the term of Earhart’sfirst transatlantic flightin 1928 — the first transatlantic flight made by a female pilot . The landing place , which hap in the amniotic fluid just off the coast , was n’t planned : The gang , admit pilot Wilmer Stultz and mechanic Lou Gordon , ran into mechanically skillful trouble with their modify float plane , and had to divert from their original destination of Southampton , England . The surprised town eagerly received their guests , and residents today still talk glowingly oftheir date with history . visitant can love the scenic Welsh coastline along the Millennium Coastal Path , which inevitably go to the photo - ready Burry Port Lighthouse . Afterwards , tourists can retreat to the local pub for a pint or two .
2. MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
In April of 1935 , Earhart flew from Los Angeles to the Mexican cap on a grace missionary post . The workaday escape became horrific after a glitch fly into Earhart ’s eye , forcing her to landin a dried - up lakebed in Nopala , 60 miles short of her goal . A band of cowboy help her flush the glitch and get reorient , and Earhart made the prompt hop to Mexico City , where a crowd of 10,000 awaited her . The city is similarly welcoming towards tourists these Day , with a restaurant and arts scene that ’s gain outside care . There are also pop must - see smirch like theMuseo Frida Kahlo , Templo Mayor , and the Palacio de Bellas Artes .
3. FORD ISLAND, HONOLULU
The Hawaiian capital played asignificant rolein Earhart ’s fly calling , both good and bad . First , the trade good : It was the departure percentage point for her historic 2400 - international nautical mile flight to Oakland in 1935 . Two age later , though , Earhart dash while taking off from Ford Island , deposit in the centre of Pearl Harbor . The crash , which come down to pilot mistake , grounded her attempt at circumnavigate of the globe — a effort she would attempt again three month by and by , in what would become her last journeying . Visitors to Ford Island today will find thePacific Aviation Museum , which houses slews of military plane and chopper date back to World War II .
4. CULMORE, NORTHERN IRELAND
Earhart in Derry , Northern Ireland in 1932 . Getty
The 34 - year - old pilot refer down in a Culmore cow pastureland after a 15 - hr transatlantic trajectory . It was her 2d hops across the sea , and first one take flight solo . Earhart ’s original destination was Paris , butmechanical problem , including a blabbermouthed fuel armored combat vehicle and a cracked manifold , thrust her to put down in Ireland . “ Where are you make out from ? ” a granger ask her as she step out of her planing machine . “ America , ” Earhart replied ( she had , in fact , make off from Newfoundland ) . A golf game course occupies the land these solar day , with the 6th hole , dub “ Amelia ’s landing place , ” mark the exact smirch where Earhart affect down . visitant can play a round of golf , then channelise into nearby Derry to visitthe last walled cityin Europe .
5. FORTALEZA, BRAZIL
Earhart and Noonan in Brazil , June 1937 . Getty
Many of the stop Earhart made along her fateful 1937 journey to circumnavigate the globe were purely utilitarian : get in , get fed , sopor , and make any necessary repairs . Not so in Fortaleza , a flourishing city on Brazil ’s northeastern coast , where Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan were able tospend a daywalking the beach and bustling streets while Pan Am automobile mechanic serve their Lockheed Electra . Beaches like Praia do Futuro and Praia de Iracema are still Fortaleza ’s calling circuit card , and the night life is 2d to none . Those look for a more cultured experience can tour the museums , gallery and theaters in theDragão do Mararts district .
6. SAINT-LOUIS, SENEGAL
7. KARACHI, PAKISTAN
After cross the Arabian Sea , Earhart and Noonan set up down in this coastal city , which at the prison term was part of India . While mechanics fueled and visit their aeroplane , the two flier posed for picture andtoured aroundvia the local transportation . “ camel should have shock absorbers , ” Earhart wrote in her journal , unimpressed with the fauna ’s handling . Camel ride are still a popular draw in Karachi , though tourism is down these days due to the city ’s hectic sprawl and threats of terrorism . Those who do venture there will chance a resilient , diverse citythat showcases everything deserving loving about Pakistani culture , from the bustling markets to the pristine Mohatta Palace .
8. DARWIN, AUSTRALIA
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Earhart made a quick refueling check in this northern Australian city on June 28 , 1937 before heading on to Papua New Guinea ( she and Noonan disappeared over the South Pacific , near midget Howland Island . ) Visitors today will want to stay much longer . The capital of Australia ’s Northern Territory , and one of the country ’s few tropical cities , Darwinis a fun - have it away outlier that ’s renowned for its ballpark , beaches , and gorgeous sunsets . It ’s also the jump - off point for trips to scenicLitchfield National ParkandKakadu National Park . Of course , those who are n’t into roughing it can take part in the local past fourth dimension and go fishing with aneskyof beer .
