United States - Islands

The sagebrush-filled crater and pine-filled surroundings of Dotsero, the only active volcano in Colorado.

By Kirtana Menon 1 hour ago

Colorado's Only Active Volcano Is A 'Mysterious Anomaly In The Rockies' To Explore Under An Hour From Vail

Although most of Colorado’s mountain landscape was formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, one active volcano remains near Vail.

By Christine Dulion 2 hours ago

Between Dayton And Columbus Is A Charming Midwest City With Antique Shops, River Views, And Tasty Restaurants

For a mid-sized Midwest city break, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of antiquing, riverside trails, and delicious eateries at this Ohio destination.

A wooden boardwalk cuts through the marsh at New Tampa Nature Park

By Eva Johnstone 3 hours ago

This Nature Park In Tampa Is A Family-Friendly Getaway For Scenic Walks, Wildlife, And Zipline Fun

For a family-friendly spot to enjoy nature and burn off some energy, head to this park with plenty of trails and a great outdoor playground with a zipline.

Aerial shot of a tub of margarine on a gray countertop

By Robert Isenberg 4 hours ago

This Midwestern US State Made It Illegal To Serve Faux Butter At Restaurants

There are plenty of unique laws across the United States, including a ban on margarine in restaurants that is still on the books in one state.

Water sprays off the Whale-Tail Fountain in downtown New London, Connecticut, on a sunny summer day

By Robert Isenberg 5 hours ago

Forget Cape Cod, Visit This Less-Crowded Connecticut Gem With New England Charm, State Parks, And Beaches

If you're looking for the beach fun of Cape Cod but want to avoid the crowds, you can head to this Connecticut county with quieter-but-still-lively towns.

A red truck drives on a single-lane paved road through vibrant golden fall foliage at Brown County State Park, Indiana

By Tori Jane 7 hours ago

Indiana's Highly Underrated County To Retire Is A Scenic Nature Escape With Parks And A Charming Town

You may not think of Indiana when pondering retirement, but this scenic gem with parks and a charming town sits at the top of counties to retire in for 2026.

Aerial view of Dare County's coastline looking south down the Atlantic Ocean

By Rebecca High 8 hours ago

This East Coast Escape In North Carolina Is Packed With Beaches, Seafood, And Scenic Parks

This county on a barrier island off the coast of North Carolina highlights historic sites, soundside sunsets, and delicious waterfront restaurants.

Aerial view above Lake Whitney near Waco, Texas on clear summer day.

By Danno Wise 13 hours ago

Between Waco And Fort Worth Is Texas' Lakeside Park With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

Perched at the edge of a 23,500-acre lake, this underrated park offers unlimited access to the water, as well as free day-use areas and overnight campsites.

Big Cedar Lake and surrounding trees and homes in Washington County, WI.

By Stacey Coles 14 hours ago

Wisconsin's Scenic Lake Under An Hour From Milwaukee Is A Boating Paradise With Fishing, Wildlife, And Trails

This Wisconsin lake invites visitors to fish for pike and panfish, kayak and waterski across its calm waters, and enjoy its scenic 10 miles of shoreline.

Historic storefronts line a sunny street in downtown Ottawa, Kansas

By Audrey Simons 14 hours ago

Between Kansas City And Wichita Is An Underrated City With Scenic Trails And Historic Charm

This Kansas river town offers antique shops, vintage architecture, and a railway museum, with long-distance paths stretching into the surrounding countryside.

A log cabin and picnic benches in Pillsbury Point State Park

By Eugenia Lazaris 21 hours ago

Iowa's Smallest State Park Is An Urban Gem With Scenic Lake Views And A Dark History

Small in size but big in charm, Iowa's smallest state park is a fascinating juxtaposition of gorgeous waters and brutal history.

Beer garden at Forest City Brewing in Cleveland, Ohio.

By Tara Dupuis 22 hours ago

Ohio's Oldest Beer Garden Is A Cleveland Gem Filled With Craft Brews And A Nostalgic Vibe

The oldest beer garden in Ohio is found at an iconic Cleveland brewery, boasting historic decor, delicious craft brews, and a sense of community.

Sweeping views of the Sierra Nevada from the top of the rugged Snowflower Mountain in Reno

By Melanie Johnson 23 hours ago

Between Lake Tahoe And Reno Is A Hidden Gem Mountain Trail With Breathtaking Panoramic Views

Dust off your hiking boots and head out into the wilderness on this gorgeous mountain trail in Nevada, with some stunning views on the way.

The Monarch Spa Aqua Lounge, a half-sphere jacuzzi with waterfall that overlooks a wall of windows with the mountains beyond

By Kelley Dukat 24 hours ago

Under An Hour From Denver Is America's #1-Rated Hotel Spa With Mountain Views And Tasty Eats

Surrounded by Colorado's Rocky Mountains, the No. 1 hotel spa in the U.S. sits atop a resort casino with stunning views and award-winning restaurants.

Outdoor fountain and statues at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood, California.

By Kristin Conard 1 day ago

Sandwiched Between LA And Long Beach Is A Vibrant Destination With Mexican Flair, Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

Shop local artisans, enjoy festive events, and taste authentic food while immersing in Mexican culture about a half-hour drive from downtown LA.

Woman in mountains overlooking view of city and ocean in Hawaii

By Reannon Muth 1 day ago

Hawaii's 5 Rules Tourists Break Within The First 10 Minutes

A little local awareness goes a long way in Hawaii. Make sure to learn these easy-to-miss habits so you can avoid looking like you just stepped off the plane.

The fishing docks in Hatteras Village in the Outer Banks town of Hatteras, North Carolina

By Hillary Louise Johnson 1 day ago

7 Fresh Seafood Restaurants In The Outer Banks That Only Locals Know About

From a food truck in a grocery store parking lot to a dockside shrimp shack, these are seven restaurants that locals love in North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Carved face in tree in the forest at Knute Olson, Jr. Forest Preserve

By Olivia Typaldos 1 day ago

Between Chicago And Rockford Is A Former Quarry That's Now An Idyllic Nature Escape With Trails And River Fun

Looking for a short escape not too far from the city? This riverside park features an easy hike, places to enjoy the water, and lots of nature to explore.

Towering redwood trees on a misty day on Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park, California

By Neha Maheshwari 1 day ago

Hidden Inside Redwood National Park Is The Coastal Tree Grove That Looks Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

One of Northern California's most memorable outdoor escapes rewards curious travelers with an atmospheric setting that feels like it's out of a storybook.

Palm trees on sunny day in Downtown Westminster

By Sara Caskey 1 day ago

America's Most Expensive Place To Live Is This California Suburb With A Vibrant Culture And Scenic Parks

Beyond its steep cost of living, this Southern California community draws visitors with Vietnamese cuisine, cultural festivals, parks, and coastal access.

View of shoreline with cliffs and wildflowers at Bean Hollow State Beach

By Danno Wise 1 day ago

This Scenic West Coast Beach In California Is A Lesser-Known Gem For Fishing, Wildlife, And Ocean Views

Nestled on the San Mateo County coast, this wildly underrated beach is known for its colorful tide pools and wide-open shores with minimal crowds.

Lake bordered by trees at Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum in South Dakota

By Rene Bennett 1 day ago

Under Two Hours From Sioux Falls Is A Lakeside Archaeological Site With Native American Artifacts And A Museum

This fascinating ancient village dates back to the year 1,000 AD, complete with original artifacts and an authentic earthen lodge where villagers lived.

A scenic Missouri Ozarks vista capturing a river, forest, roads, and cloudy sky

By Ben M Stower 1 day ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Midwestern Ozark Gem With State Park Fun, Affordable Living, And Laid-Back Vibes

The rural county may be a ways from a major hub, but that's part of its charm: It's blessed with wide-open outdoor spaces and charming small communities.

Luau entertainers in traditional dress on Maui carrying a pig to a roasting pit during the umu ceremony

By Rebekah Winters Barton 1 day ago

9 Hawaiian Luau Rules Mainland Tourists Break Within The First 10 Minutes

A Hawaiian luau is a quintessential part of a trip to the islands, but there are some mistakes that mainland tourists often break. Don't be one of them!

Footpaths amid hills covered in greenery at Corriganville Park in Southern California

By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

California's Former Western Movie Set And Tourist Attraction Is Now A Lesser-Known Park Outside LA

Surrounded by the Santa Susana Mountains, this historic property served as the backdrop of over 3,000 productions, including some Hollywood classics.

Sunlight streams over the water at Baker Creek State Park in McCormick County, South Carolina

By Christy Nicholson 2 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Lakeside South Carolina Escape With Affordable Living, Outdoor Fun, And Natural Beauty

This spot will impress with its low housing prices and cost of living, reasonable access to big city services, and fantastic outdoors opportunities.

Downtown Hearne, Texas, at sunset, with historic storefronts, parked vehicles, a water tower, and a lit Christmas tree in the center of the street

By Anahid Akkam 2 days ago

Between Waco And Houston Is 'The Crossroads Of Texas' With Historic Appeal, Golf, And Tasty Eats

This Texas town brings its past to life through a restored depot and wartime museum, while affordable golf and home-style meals offer a welcome change of pace.