Sightseeing
There are a great many ways to explore Second Life: sharing landmarks, reading blogs, checking the SL destination guide, and so on. The “Grid Hopping” section provides quite a few locations as well.
However, it is arguably a lot more enjoyable to simply set out and see what you can find on your own, rather than simply hopping around. Taking the time to wander alone or with friends can fun fun, relaxing, and enjoyable.
There are many ways to explore, from pod tours which follow a predetermined itinerary, to getting a vehicle and just going where you like. This section explore these methods.
Click the bars below to expand the section.
Pod Tours
Pod tours were set up many years ago by SL resident Yavanna Llanfair, and they cover all the Linden continents, except Bellisseria thus far. You may see a pod by chance on roads, or you can go to any pod station and hop into one. If you don't want to wait for a pod to arrive, you can click on the pod's sign in a station to rez a temporary one, which you can ride immediately. On sitting, you will be offered a menu; this can give you a notecard with info on how to use pods, and the complete list of pod stations.
Pods will give a commentary as they travel, directing you to interesting things to see. They travel on road, on the water, and in some place, in the air. They will often change shape accordingly.
Pod stations may be found at the following locations:
Bay City
No signs here; wait for one to arrive.
Corsica
Gaeta I
Gaeta V
Heterocera
- Ar bwys y Rheilfordd - Pods are outside
Jeogeot
Nautilus
- !Explorers Info Center - Pods are outside
Sansara
- Y Lanfa - ferry; pods on upper level
- Laconelli Sail Club - very small sign on post
Satori
Sharp
Zindra
Sailing
Sailing is incredibly popular in Second Life, be it for the simple pleasure of getting out on the water, or to race.
Most seas and waterways in SL are open to sailing, one of the most popular being the Blake Sea, which is also where many races are held.
Finding a Boat
Many places offer boats in a wide range of types: motor boats, sail boats, pirate ships, submarines, you name it. You could start with a free boat, to get the hang of it all before spending money:
- The Bazaar - In-world location with a ton of freebies, including a few boats.
Before buying a craft, it is strongly recommended that you try demos, to get a feel for how they handle and what functions they have. If you know anyone who sails, you can also ask for recommendations.
Where to Sail
In order to go sailing, you will first need to set your boat down somewhere on water - that is, rez out out. So the first thing to do is locate a “rez zone”. There are many of thsse, particularly in and around the Blake Sea. The list below, therefore, offers just a few, leaving you to find more as you explore.
Note that the Blake Sea connects Nautilus and northern Satori, along with several large private estates, all of which have publicly accessible waterways. From Nautilus you can sail north up to Corcisa. It is also possible to sail from Heterocera, down through Sansara, Belliseria to Jeogeot.
Bellisseria
Blake Sea
Corsica
Gaeta I
Gaeta V
Haterocera
Jeogeot
Nautilus
Sansara
Satori
Zindra
Groups
Given the popularity of sailing in SL, there are many in-world group dedicated to it. Perhaps the best one to begin with is
Flying
Flying is another popular activity in Second Life, and is supported by airports (generally privately owned but open to the public) on most continents. Flying takes a bit more skill than other types of vehicle in that you have to get used to navigating in 3D: not just on a surface, but also up/down. And landing without crashing is a challenge.
Finding an Aircraft
Many places offer aircraft in a wide range of types: small prop planes or airliners, fighter jets and biplanes, to give but a few examples. You could start with a free one, to get the hang of it all before spending money:
Where to Fly
You will need to find a place where you can rez your aircraft, and where there is room to take off and land - in other words, an airstrip or airport. Most of these are privately owned, but allowed aircraft to be rezzed for long enough to allow you to fly. Be sure to read any rules and respect them.
Only a few airports are listed here, leaving you to find more on your own. If you are new to flying, it is recommended that you start at a smaller, low traffic airport, so as not to intefere with others in case you obstruct the runway as you learn.
Bellisseria
Corsica
Jeogeot
Heterocera
Nautilus
- SLHA - Hollywood Airport - Reportedly the busiest airport in SL; avoid while learning the basics
Sansara
Satori
Groups
There are many in-world group dedicated to flying. A good one to begin with is:
More Information
Driving
All continents have public roadways on which you can drive and explore, except for Gaeta I, it seems, which has no roads as such. It must be said, however, that road driving doesn't seem to be all that popular. However, racing is. There are many racetracks in SL; use search to find some.
Finding a Vehicle
You can find all kinds of vehicles to drive, from cars of all kinds, trucks, motorbikes and bicycles. As usual, try demos before buying.
Where to Drive
There are just a few places where you can rez a vehicle and set out to explore.
Bellisseria
Corsica
Gaeta V
Heterocera
Jeogeot
Nautilus
Premium
This location requires Premium membership to access.
- Racers Gulch - Four region desert race track
Sansara
- Georgean Test Track - Race track
Satori
Sharp
Zindra
Rail
Heterocera has an extensive rail network, as shown in the map.1) You can grab a free train and explore by rail. Note that only a handful of the many train stations are listed here. A few other places also have railway lines, but not all allow public rez.
Finding a Vehicle
You can find free trains at:
Where to Drive
Bellisseria
Heterocera
- Bhaga - Lines 1, 3, 4, 6
- Lappet - Line 5 (reconstruction?)
- Neumoegen - Lines 1, W
- Plusia - Line 4
- Spangle - Line 3
- Tuliptree - Line 1: Virtual Railway Consortium HQ
- Vicina - Line 2
- Yucca - Line 7
Premium
This location requires Premium membership to access.
- Railway in the Snow - Four region railway line
Sansara
ONSR - Snowlands railway. There is a regular automated service but you can rez your own train in certain spots.
The Great Second Life Railway is privately owned but publically accessible.