United States - Islands

Milky Way over Sage Creek Campground, Badlands, South Dakota

By Neha Maheshwari 48 min ago

Not California, Not Texas — This Surprising Midwest State Was Named America's Best Stargazing Destination

The best stargazing in the U.S. is found in this underrated Midwest state, where there is plenty of rugged, open space and little light pollution.

By Garrett Martin 6 hours ago

Austin Boomers Are Moving In-State To This Vibrant Texas City Ranked One Of The Best To Retire In

Baby boomers in Austin are leaving the city for another Texas metropolis, touted by multiple publications as one of the best places to retire.

Sunset over the neon lights and rides at Pixar Pier in Disneyland, Anaheim.

By Dami Kim 9 hours ago

2 Extremely Popular Amusement Parks Tied As America's Least Affordable In 2026

These two California amusement parks have tied as the least affordable theme parks in America for 2026, according to an analysis by HomeToGo.

An aerial shot of Normandy Park's neighborhood and Puget Sound views in Washington

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 10 hours ago

Just Outside Seattle Is A Beautiful Suburban Day Trip With Parks, Restaurants, And Easy Access To The Puget Sound

You don't have to travel far from Seattle to see the Evergreen State at its very best in this gorgeous, tree-covered suburban city in Washington.

A wooden pier at Sakatah Lake State Park in Minnesota, with views the lake and a lush shoreline in the distance.

By Melanie Johnson 11 hours ago

Under Two Hours From Minneapolis Is Minnesota's Underrated Lake State Park With Fishing, Boating, And Trails

This quiet park sits on its namesake lake and features old-growth forest trails with a popular rail-trail that leads to a charming town just a few miles away.

Aerial view of the historic district in downtown Tustin, California

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 11 hours ago

Near Irvine Is A Friendly California City With Historic Streets, Indie Shops, And Tasty Restaurants

Orange County isn't exactly short on interesting and entertaining places to visit. But this small city also brings a unique history to the mix.

Marlette Lake pictured from above, with surrounding trees and fog in the distance

By Sara Tewksbury 15 hours ago

Forget Lake Tahoe, This Nearby Serene Reservoir Is A Northern Sierra Gem For Fishing And Hiking

Just 10 miles from Lake Tahoe is a quieter lake escape offering fishing and camping, but there's a catch: You have to hike 5 miles to find it.

Tall trees grow around a pasture at Greenwell State Park in Maryland.

By Eva Johnstone 17 hours ago

Maryland's Pretty Peninsular State Park Offers Scenic Bayside Trails, Fishing, And Kayaking

The Old Line State shines bright at this gorgeous state park with some of the finest bayside trails and fishing adventures in Maryland.

A serene early-morning scene in the mountains near Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada, California

By Kate Mothes 20 hours ago

Unspoken Rules You Should Know Before Visiting The Sierra Nevada Region

Planning a trip to California's Sierra Nevada? These essential tips cover hiking, weather, wildlife, road closures, camping, and more before you go.

Aerial view of Lake Tahoe during late summer

By Joe Orovic 1 day ago

Lesser-Known Nature Destinations That Could Pass For Lake Tahoe

If Lake Tahoe's crowds or location on the West Coast doesn't suit you, try one of these dupes across the U.S. offering similar views and recreation.

Cobbled alleyway between fairytale cottages in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

By Rene Bennett 1 day ago

This Quaint Destination With Fairytale Beauty Was Crowned California's Prettiest Town

Despite stiff competition from many beautiful spots in the Golden State, this little town is a shoo-in with storybook charm and a delightful beach.

By Danno Wise 1 day ago

Between Austin And Waco Is Texas' Fishing And Boating Paradise Filled With Park Beauty And Lakefront Campsites

For a beautiful fishing and boating spot in Texas, head to this idyllic park with good bass fishing, lakeside campsites, and plenty of boat launches.

People walking on a sidewalk between Lake Michigan and a green park pace in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, WI

By Makayla Maxwell 1 day ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Great Lakes County With Parks, A Thriving City, And Affordable Living

Yes, the states near the Great Lakes get brutal winters. But if you can handle the cold, this Wisconsin county is a gem of beauty and convenient living.

The calm, dark-colored water of the Steinhatchee River in Florida, surrounded by eroded riverbanks and greenery.

By Melanie Johnson 1 day ago

Between Gainesville And Tallahassee Is Florida's Wildlife Area With Scenic Wetlands, Fishing, And Boating

In Florida's rural "Big Bend" section, you'll find a natural wildlife area fit for adventurous travelers, with unpaved trails, fishing, and a 28-mile river.

Scenic views over rolling green fields leading out to the Potomac River at Chapman State Park in Maryland

By Jen Theriault 1 day ago

An Hour From Washington, DC Is Maryland's Historic State Park With Scenic Wetlands, River Views, And Trails

This Maryland historic state park contains a 17th-century manor house with ties to the founding fathers and trails that explore scenic river and wetland views.

The wooded shores of Lake Moomaw reflected off the surface of the water

By Elliot Schorr 2 days ago

Forget Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's Crystal-Clear Appalachian Mountain Lake Is A Fishing And Boating Paradise

For the perfect lake getaway in Virginia, head to this Appalachian Mountain paradise with clear blue-green water that is great for boating, fishing, and hiking.

Fire and Water Fountain outside Choctaw Casino in Durant, Oklahoma

By Atoosa Ryanne Arfa 2 days ago

Between Tulsa And Dallas Is Oklahoma's Charming City With A Quaint Downtown, Shops, And A Vibrant Culture

For a charming spot with a vibrant Native American culture, head to this Oklahoma city with museums, art, cafes, quaint shops, and a popular resort casino.

Gravel path and dock overlooking the wooded shores of Lake Shelbyville

By Stacey Coles 2 days ago

Over An Hour From Springfield Is Illinois' Secluded Lake Escape With Camping, Fishing, And Modern Comforts

This quiet recreation area offers fishing and campsites with modern amenities and waterfront views on scenic Lake Shelbyville in central Illinois.

Crowd at Mather Point at the Grand Canyon

By Joe Orovic 2 days ago

Skip The Grand Canyon — Visit These 10 Underrated Midwest Alternatives Instead

While the Grand Canyon is a one-of-a-kind destination, these spots in the Midwest offer similar thrills as the national park without all the crowds.

A pine-covered island surrounded by water and seaweed at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park in Maine on a sunny day

By Arianna Helene Winslow 2 days ago

Between Portland And Augusta Is Maine's East Coast Escape With Wetland Beauty, Wildlife, And Trails

This 200-acre preserve highlights some of Maine's most beautiful geography, including salt marshes, rock coastline, and pine-covered islands.

Views of Kalispell and the Flathead Valley from Lone Pine State Park, Montana

By Anahid Akkam 2 days ago

Montana's Unsung State Park With Hiking Trails And Fishing Offers Scenic Flathead Valley Vistas

Explore this lesser-known Montana state park where forested trails, mountain views, plenty of fishing, and peaceful outdoor recreation come together.

Green vegetation surrounding a blue lake in Brendan T. Byrne State Forest.

By C. M. Ramsburg 2 days ago

Between Philly And The Shore Is New Jersey's Second-Largest State Forest With Fishing, Camping, And Wetlands

For a beautiful outdoor adventure in New Jersey, head to this state forest in the Pine Barrens filled with blueberry bogs, wetland trails, and great fishing.

A dramatic sandstone cliff towering over a narrow road at Clear Creek Metro Park near Columbus, Ohio.

By Melanie Johnson 2 days ago

About An Hour From Columbus Is A Scenic Ohio Park With Dramatic Cliffs, Trails, And Fishing

Escape Ohio city life and enjoy a serene getaway in a nearby Metropark filled with gorgeous cliff views, fish to catch, and trails winding through nature.

Coastal meadows clump along the clifftops at the Mendocino Headlands State Park

By Joseph Richard Francis 2 days ago

Northern California's Salt-Washed State Park Is A Stunning Coastal Paradise With Secluded Beaches And Hikes

Just a few minutes from town, visitors can walk to bluff-top trails and secluded sandy coves that are blissfully quiet, depending on the season.

Traditional housing in Charleston, South Carolina overlooking the water

By Patrick Culhane 2 days ago

10 Walkable East Coast Cities Where You Can Retire Without A Car

Whether you're looking for a cozy small town or a coastal city, the East Coast has plenty to offer retirees. These spots are easy to get around without a car.

A dark blue shore and a rocky coastline with green carries upon it the white Cape Neddick Nubble Lighthouse and red-roofed dwelling in York County, Maine

By Arianna Helene Winslow 3 days ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Escape Between Boston And Portland With Beaches And Charming Towns

Enjoy beaches and cute local shops? Instead of settling for Florida, consider this New England spot that has all the amenities retirees are looking for.

An aerial photo above the Keweenaw Peninsula with thick green forests meeting the vast Lake Superior with a thin beach on the shore and a two-lane road snaking along the shoreline

By Mitchell Peterson 3 days ago

This Breathtaking Scenic Drive Is A Midwestern Escape With Abandoned Mines, Great Lakes Views, And Outdoor Fun

The Midwest is home to some of the country's absolute best drives. This route takes you through history as you cruise through forests and skirt idyllic beaches.