The rugged countryside of the Scottish Highlands is the ideal setting for outdoor activities. There are dozens of worthwhile pursuits suitable for the entire family, including daytrips to Loch Ness or a trip to the Aquadrome with its wave pool and water slides. One of Inverness’ most unique opportunities is a cruise along Moray Firth and the chance to see the world’s northernmost group of dolphins.

Aquadrome
Best visited during the summer months when a break from the mid-day heat may be in order, the Aquadrome is a fun, family attraction. There is a large pool suitable for swimming laps as well as a recreational pool complete with water slides and artificially-generated waves.

Dolphin Cruises
An unlikely natural asset, the nearby Moray Firth is home to the world’s northernmost pod of dolphins. The pioneering tour provider on the waterway is Moray Firth Cruises, an internationally accredited organisation that follows guidelines laid out by the International Dolphin Watch. Beyond the dolphins, participants are likely to spot rare bird species (including osprey) and even seals. 
Phone: +44 1463 717900; www.inverness-dolphin-cruises.co.uk

Floral Hall
Inverness is well-known for its seasonal floral arrangements, with many cultivated in the gardens within Bught Park. The Floral Hall is a nice place to spend an hour perusing exotic plants, and the adjoining visitor centre employs knowledgeable staff who can provide information on the tropical flowers and cacti found inside. 
Phone: +44 1463 222755

Golfing
No vacation in Scotland would be complete without a round of golf in the birthplace of the sport. Golf is so widespread that you’ll come upon putting greens and nine-hole courses in unexpected places, such as at Cawdor Castle. The Loch Ness Golf Course (situated on the Fairways) is the region’s most prestigious course. Sweeping amenities and expansive facilities make this a favourite retreat for large groups and private parties alike. 
Phone: +44 1463 713335; www.golflochness.com

Loch Ness
Loch Ness is world-renowned, and whether you’re seeking fabled sea monsters or simply looking for a natural escape in beautiful environs, there is plenty to do here. The loch is far-removed from the city itself, so you’ll have to connect by bus before boarding a cruise along the Caledonian Canal between Beauly Priory and Loch Ness. Stop in to the Loch Ness Visitor Centre for an overview of Nessie and alleged sightings.

Skiing
During the winter visitors trade their golf clubs for ski poles and head to the mountains of the Highlands. There are two ski resorts in the area: one found in Cairngorm National Park and the other in the Nevis Range. Both are popular destinations with expansive facilities and ample amenities.

As the unofficial capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness has an impressive selection of cultural attractions. Some of the most fascinating sites are the millennia-old tombs found in the towns of Clava and Corrimony. The city boasts two churches: the historic Old High Church and the grander (and younger) Inverness Cathedral. For a historical survey of the city complete with ancient artefacts that predate the Scot immigration, visit the highly-acclaimed Inverness Museum.

Cairns
Some of Scotland’s most ancient sites, the tombs (Balnuaran) of Clava, are found in the northern reaches of Inverness. There are no fast dates attached to the cairns, but experts believe they have been here for 4,000 years. Another well-preserved cairn can be found in Corrimony. Some are arranged linearly, others in rings.

Cathedral
Inverness’ Cathedral Church of St Andrews dates to the 1860s, when it was designed by Alexander Ross, an architect who lived here. It is an imposing structure best identified by its flat-topped dual spires looming over the River Ness. Insufficient funds left these squarish towers without crowning domes. 
Phone: +44 1463 233535; www.invernesscathedral.co.uk

Cromarty Courthouse Museum
In the neighbouring town of Cromarty is the 18th-century courthouse. The onsite museum digs further into the annals of time with a collection of modern recreations including tours of prison blocks, recreations of old-world courtroom proceedings and a wealth of information regarding the local port which saw plenty of migrating Scots bound for North America in the 1700s. 
Phone: +44 1381 600418; www.cromarty-courthouse.org.uk

Inverness Museum
The highlight of this institution is its collection of exhibits related to the Picts, a group of local inhabitants that predated the Scots. The Picts thrived here more than 1,000 years ago, and the museum has a healthy collection of stone implements and other tools from this period on display. These permanent exhibits have received international acclaim, and recent renovations have rounded out the experience with artefacts on loan from the National Museum. The most prominent exhibits are enhanced by interactive displays. 
Phone: +44 1381 620961

Old High Church
The oldest church in Inverness, the Old High Church, is planted along the banks of the Inverness River on a plot of land associated with ancient Celtic rites. Tours are only offered once daily between June and August, when the tourist season peaks.

Ruins at Beauly Priory
This ancient religious site was built to house a community of monks in the early 13th century. It switched allegiances from Valliscaulian to Cistercian orders in the early 16th century. Mary Queen of Scots visited a few years later, and tourists can follow the plaques outlining the events of her visit. The missing roof was disassembled and recycled into a 17th century fort in Inverness.

Inverness’ dining scene is rapidly expanding as the city continues to grow and develop. Some of the finest restaurants have a knack for blending traditional Scottish cuisine with international elements. Award-winning establishments like the Muckrach Lodge Hotel & Restaurant infuse dishes with a kaleidoscope of fresh, local ingredients epitomising the Scottish Highlands’ culinary tradition.

There are several popular restaurants perched on the banks of the River Ness and near Inverness Castle. Beyond Scottish cuisine and fine malt whiskey, look for international fare ranging from regional European restaurants (French, Italian and Spanish) to Thai and Indian establishments. Restaurants with outdoor terraces and views of the river can book up during the peak tourist season, making reservations a must. By law, bars cannot admit new guests after midnight.

The majority of Inverness’ shopping outlets are concentrated at shopping centres in the city centre. Eastgate Shopping Centre is the largest retail outlet, with dozens of stores under one roof. Ample parking and convenient access to the tourism districts make this a popular stopover both for visitors and locals. Farther out of town on Aberdeen Road is an industrial park featuring mega-store Tesco Extra and several other mainstream shops.

Handicrafts and souvenirs can also be found in Inverness, though the infrastructure to support these enterprises is still developing. The region is a well-known producer of silver goods and ceramics, and both are available in area boutiques. A fine bottle of single-malt whisky from the Dallas Dhu Distillery is the quintessential take-home item, perfect as a gift or a personal treat.