United States - Islands

Two people sitting on a bench at Overlook Park in Dadeville, Alabama watching the sunset over Lake Martin

By Brandy Jo Hastings 48 min ago

Alabama's Lovely Town Between Birmingham And Atlanta Has One Of America's Best Glamping Spots And Lake Views

This Alabama city adjacent to Atlanta has the perfect glamping location as well as both hiking trails and restaurants with great lake views.

Lake at Friendship Park in Ohio, with trees in the background

By Eugenia Lazaris 3 hours ago

Between Pittsburgh And Columbus, Ohio's Former Mining Site Turned Scenic Park Has Camping, Hiking, And Lake Fun

There are plenty of abandoned places across the United States, and sometimes, these places can be transformed into something new, like this Ohio park.

An arial view of Downtown Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and bridges at dusk.

By Eva Johnstone 3 hours ago

The 9 Best Free Things To Do In And Around Cincinnati

If you're looking to have a fabulous time in Cincinnati without spending a single dollar, these are the bucket list adventures to seek out.

By Danno Wise 4 hours ago

5 Georgia Beach Escapes With Warm Weather And Refreshing Waters Perfect For A Retiree

With over 100 miles of shoreline and more than a dozen barrier islands along the Atlantic Ocean, Georgia has more beaches than many people realize.

Grassy park with trees and remnants of an oil drill site

By Will Suphan 4 hours ago

Between Buffalo And Pittsburgh Is Pennsylvania's 'Valley That Changed The World' With State Park Fun And Restaurants

This rural valley area along a quiet creek saw boom times in the 1860s, but progress moves on and now it's is a relaxing spot with a welcoming city.

Deer on the trail in the Delta Heritage Trail State Park in Arkansas

By Jenna Busch 5 hours ago

Arkansas' Scenic Trail State Park Along The Mississippi Border Has Outdoor Amenities And Quiet Towns

This state park located in Arkansas is perfect for both a nice stroll and an epic bike ride, as it centers around a long and scenic trail.

A lighthouse next to a beach at sunset in Ohio.

By Jess Simms 5 hours ago

Sandwiched Between Cleveland And Toledo Is A Top Ohio Retirement County With Beaches, Parks, And Lakeside Views

Retirement and adventure are found in equal measure in this charming Ohio county, a spot packed with natural beauty and fascinating communities.

View of glass-bottom boat tour at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environement, formerly Aquarena Springs amusement park in Texas

By Rebekah Winters Barton 5 hours ago

These Once-Thriving Texas Amusement Parks Are Now Luring Nostalgic Adventurers

Explore defunct Texas amusement parks, from Astroworld and Aquarena Springs to Joyland and FunPlex, that still lure nostalgic visitors today.

A dusky purple-blue sunset at Cooper State Park in Texas with tree silhouettes in the foreground.

By Neha Maheshwari 6 hours ago

Under Two Hours From Dallas Is Texas' Lakeside State Park With Campsites, Fishing, And Peaceful Paddling

You needn't venture far from Dallas, Texas, to experience a serene state park with several campsites and a large lake that offers great fishing and paddling.

Snow-dusted mountains seen from Tooele, Utah.

By Will Suphan 6 hours ago

Utah's Gateway City Under An Hour From Salt Lake Has Mountain Trails, Golf, And A Historic Main Street

Hike in the Oquirrh Mountains, hit the links, and stroll past historic buildings with a visit to this Utah city less than an hour from Salt Lake City.

Sun rays piercing through the clouds and onto Cheney Reservoir at Cheney State Park, Kansas

By Anahid Akkam 7 hours ago

Just Outside Wichita Is A State Park With Camping And Water Recreation On The Windiest Lake In Mainland America

Kansas' windiest lake has become a favorite for outdoor recreation, where steady conditions and diverse activities keep visitors coming back year after year.

Rock Creek flows into Little Lakes Basin near Bishop, California

By Reannon Muth 8 hours ago

Sandwiched Between Las Vegas And Fresno Is California's County With Mountain Trails, Scenic Parks, And Camping

A delightful camping destination offering scenic parks and mountain trails, adventurous vacationers are sure to enjoy the so-called "other side of California."

A shot of the Rock Island Bridge Complex in Kansas City, Kansas

By Chris Tharp 8 hours ago

Kansas' Once-Thriving Railroad Bridge Is Now A Vibrant Entertainment District With River Views And Local Eats

Kansas City took an abandoned relic of its meatpacking and railway days and turned it into a buzzy riverfront spot for locals and tourists alike.

Aerial view of the town of North East on the North East River with calm water, lush trees, and waterfront buildings.

By Ben M Stower 9 hours ago

Between Philly And Baltimore Is A Charming Town With River Views, Local Shops, And Americana Vibes

With nature in abundance, this small town benefits from its picturesque location at the head of a river and is only 55 miles from the big cities.

A child walks toward a slide at a giant playground in Natural Springs Park -- Anna, Texas

By Christy Nicholson 10 hours ago

One Of North Texas' Fastest-Growing Cities Offers Scenic Parks, Local Restaurants, And Friendly Charm

This Texas city north of Dallas is attracting new residents with its outdoor spaces, local bites and breweries, and events that bring the community together.

White mansion building behind shadows of trees and hedges at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site

By Rachel Means 10 hours ago

Between Charlotte And Athens Is South Carolina's Once-Thriving Plantation That's Now A Historic State Park

South Carolina is full of history, including this plantation that offers tours of its historic buildings and grounds, along with educational exhibits.

View of the Columbia River from a covered wooden deck with two Adirondack chairs; across the river are homes and short mountain in the distance

By Lexi Kassler 11 hours ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This West Coast County Gem With River Access, Wildlife, And Historic Sites

Florida may be a popular spot for senior citizens, but there are plenty of other places where you can enjoy retirement, including this Pacific Northwest county.

The Spot restaurant in Herington, Kansas with a pick-up truck parked in front.

By Kareem Gantt 11 hours ago

Kansas' Underrated City 'Where The Rails Meet The Trails' Has Endless Outdoor Fun And Lake Access

Apart from listening to the trains, this quaint Kansas railway town offers endless outdoor fun in the form of a massive and increasingly popular hiking trail.

Sunset over Proud Lake in Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township, Michigan

By Nally Preseault 12 hours ago

Outside Detroit Is Michigan's State Park Beauty For Camping, Swimming, And Scenic Trails

This pristine recreation area near Detroit offers camping, hiking trails, and water sports, covering 3,000 acres of Michigan wilderness you can explore.

Downtown street scene in the Arts and Design District in Carmel, Indiana

By Ben M Stower 12 hours ago

Indianapolis' Artsy Suburb With A High Quality Of Life Was Crowned The Best Place To Live In America For 2026-2027

This Indiana city was named the best place to live in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, offering a high quality of life and active arts scene.

Aerial view of Golden Gate Bridge and hills

By Leslie Veliz 13 hours ago

6 Free Things To Do In San Francisco Aside From The Golden Gate Bridge

These six activities and places are great free things to do and visit in San Francisco aside from visiting and walking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Kayakers paddling on crystal-clear water in the Cuyuna Mine Lakes in Minnesota

By Maja Proescholdt 13 hours ago

Minnesota's Once-Thriving Mines Transformed Into The State's Deepest Inland Lake With Crystal-Clear Water

These thriving Minnesota mines transformed into the state's deepest inland lake chain and are now a hub for kayaking, diving, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Boaters on the water at Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area at Wayne National Forest in Ohio

By Stephen Hanson 14 hours ago

Forget Lake Erie, These Are Ohio's 10 Underrated Destinations For Camping, Swimming, And Lake Fun

Ohio's overlooked lakes offer escapes beyond Lake Erie, with scenic shorelines, campgrounds, swimming beaches, boating, fishing, and outdoor adventures.

View of a walkway in the nature reserve in Clarence, New York

By Kira Reinke 14 hours ago

Just Outside Buffalo Is New York's Charming Town With Shops, Tasty Local Eats, And Cozy Stays

A historic New York town near Buffalo blends beautifully preserved architecture, inviting local businesses, and experiences that keep visitors lingering.

Waterfall cascading over rock ledges at Spring Park in Tuscumbia, Alabama

By Rene Bennett 15 hours ago

Alabama's City Park With The 'World's Largest Man-Made Natural Stone Waterfall' Has Old-Fashioned Charm

This charming park in Northwest Alabama has a 40-foot-tall man-made waterfall, along with other unique attractions, from a carousel to Native American statues.

The Grayson County Courthouse in Sherman, Texas

By Jonathan Houston 15 hours ago

Situated North Of Dallas Is A Growing City With A Vibrant Downtown, Fun Shops, And Local Art

You don’t need to stick to the big cities when in Texas. Travel further north than Dallas to a town that delivers boutique shops, museums, and good food.

Prairie grass leading into a wooded tree line at Burlington Prairie Forest Preserve in Illinois.

By Will Suphan 15 hours ago

Forget Yellowstone, Bison Roam Wild In Illinois' Hugely Underrated Prairie Preserve Just Over An Hour From Chicago

The small preserve has half a dozen bison roaming around, making it a great spot to catch a glimpse what hiking or just relaxing outside the city.