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Letting you in on a little secret: Just a short drive from San Francisco is an isolated beach backed by steep cliffs that rise up from beautiful blue waters.
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Known for its antique brick roads, preserved architecture, and clear lake surrounded by prairies, this Texas city is the perfect afternoon escape from Austin.
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You don't have to be in the middle of nowhere to enjoy California's desert beauty, as evidenced in this family-friendly refuge with vibrant, colorful hills.
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Visit this sprawling oasis right in urban Tennessee to have some fun in the sun, whether you're in the mood to hike, bike, or head out on the water.
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This state park allows visitors to hike among stunning rock formations, camp under the stars, and take in outstanding mountain and desert views.
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Salt marshes and seabirds abound in this South Carolina wildlife preserve that invites you to grab your hiking boots and bikes to explore the natural beauty.
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This Texas city has over 160 miles of urban trails, an impressive 62% of which are wheelchair-friendly, offering accessible amenities and stunning views.
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Return to where wool once reigned supreme and find a once-abandoned ghost town kept alive by minimal shops, a hotel, and those who remained behind.
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At 300,000 acres, this is not only the largest state park in Texas, but also among the least-visited, despite being right next door to the famous Big Bend.
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This majestic waterfall in the Florida Panhandle tumbles into a sinkhole with no known end point, and is one of many gorgeous sights in the state park.
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This 212,000-acre state forest isn't nearly as sinister as its name suggests, with show-stopping landscapes and off-roading trails through the wilderness.
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While visiting Florida’s preserved marsh and walking alongside alligators and tropical birds, you might not realize that this area was once a cattle ranch.
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Located in southern New Mexico, this state park is brimming with rocks, geodes, and colorful minerals that visitors can dig for to their heart's content.
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Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park in Tennessee a wildlife and nature lover's delight, a top birdwatching area, and scenic locale for a camping getaway.
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Nestled on the southern end of the stunning Oregon coast, this state park is easy to miss, but it rewards visitors who take the time to find it.
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This tiny town is an Old West time capsule on the New Mexico and Arizona border, with vast mountainous landscapes and a thriving arts scene to discover.
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Sandstone cliffs encompass this shimmering lake, which encourages water adventures and plenty of outdoor experiences amidst Utah's breathtaking landscapes.
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A visit to this quiet state park in Tennessee will take you down gorgeous hiking trails with swinging bridges that lead to secret waterfalls.
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This South Carolina park offers lakeside camping, wildlife viewing, boating, and kayaking on a beautiful, large reservoir that straddles the Georgia state line.
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This reservoir has more than 1,250 miles of shoreline and spans over 180,000 acres, making it one of the biggest man-made lakes in the entire country.
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Over 400 species of birds visit this renowned wildlife refuge throughout the year, including the last wild migratory flock of whooping cranes on Earth.
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Escape to San Francisco's coastline and you may find this hidden paradise of shops, flourishing parks, and inviting beaches for a comfortable visit.
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This meandering boardwalk is ideal for visitors of all ages and abilities, with front row views of extraordinary biodiversity and the pristine coastline.
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This little-known island on Florida's Gulf Coast has clear water, beaches, and a boardwalk, plus it's less crowded than other well-known Panhandle destinations.
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Enjoy a scenic hike with canyon views then cool off in a nearby swim hole at this iconic California state park that sits on the outskirts of Sacramento.
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Walk through cherry trees while enjoying Montana’s beautiful lakes and forest landscapes at an under-the-radar state park with recreation opportunities.
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Only seasoned hikers should attempt to tackle the scenic challenging trails of this Ohio valley state park, which sits an hour outside of Columbus.
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