United States - Islands

Pond reflects tall evergreen trees and drifting clouds at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve in California

By Audrey Simons 6 min ago

California's Nature Preserve Near San Jose Is A Scenic Escape With Redwoods, Unique Wildlife, And Trails

This California woodland retreat offers towering trees and shaded creeks, hillside hikes, a gentle pond loop, and wildlife watching opportunities.

lush shoreline around the lake at Lacey-Keosauqua State Park

By Neha Maheshwari 51 min ago

Iowa's Scenic Midwestern State Park Near The Missouri Border Is A Gem For Lake Fun, Trails, And Camping

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park in Iowa offers scenic trails, a swimming beach, boating, camping, cabins, and colorful fall foliage along the Des Moines River.

By Angelique Brenes 56 min ago

Get Immersed In The Halloween Spirit At This Unique Family-Friendly Pumpkin Event Out West

This magical annual Halloween event celebrates the spookiest holiday season with massive jack-o'-lantern displays in two different U.S. cities.

A motorcycle parked at an overlook with views of the lush rolling hills inside Franklin State Forest in Tennessee

By Melanie Johnson 1 hour ago

Between Chattanooga And Lynchburg Is Tennessee's Serene State Forest With Trails, Wildlife, And Scenic Views

Franklin State Forest in Tennessee offers waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and quiet backcountry camping across more than 8,800 acres.

Views of the Mississippi River and fall foliage from Nelson Dewey State Park

By Eva Johnstone 2 hours ago

Between Cedar Rapids And Wisconsin Dells Is A State Park For An Idyllic Nature Escape With Camping And Trails

Nelson Dewey State Park offers blufftop campsites, Mississippi River views, short hiking trails, and Native American burial mounds in Wisconsin.

A vista point over the Tehachapi Mountains at Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park

By Eva Johnstone 2 hours ago

Forget Red Rock Canyon, Visit California's Less-Crowded Historic Park With A Uniquely Vibrant Culture

Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park preserves Kawaiisu history in California’s Tehachapi Mountains, with guided tours, rock art, and ancient village sites.

The Menominee River bordered by green trees under a blue sky at the Menominee River State Recreation Area, Wisconsin-Michigan border

By Anahid Akkam 3 hours ago

This State Recreation Area On The Wisconsin-Michigan Border Boasts Camping, River Fun, And Waterfall Hikes

To escape into nature in Northern Wisconsin, head up to the Michigan border where a wild river leads to waterfall hikes, river fun, and primitive camping.

The pavilion at Riverfront Park in Rising Sun, Indiana

By Garrett Martin 4 hours ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This Midwest Gem With Casino Fun, River Views, And Outdoor Escapes

Spend your retirement years soaking up four seasons while hitting the casino, taking strolls along the river, and visiting animal sanctuaries in this county.

Small waterfall flowing into a pool in a dark autumnal forest

By Amy McMahon 4 hours ago

14 Best Places To Have An Authentic, Fun Midwest Fall Getaway

The Midwest is an underrated, autumnal gem that deserves just as much fall foliage hype as New England. Here are some of the best places for leaf peeping.

A view of Hawthorne, with residential houses and palm trees stretching into the distance

By Karla Demery 7 hours ago

Los Angeles' Quirky Suburb Is A Friendly California City With Parks, Local Shops, And Tasty Eats

Experience Los Angeles County away from the tourist spots in this suburban city, filled with family-friendly parks, diverse food spots, and a brewery.

Aerial view of turquoise waters and verdant green golf course along the Big Island's Kohala Coast

By Natasha Bourlin 8 hours ago

My 5 Favorite Spots On Hawaii's Big Island To Show Out-Of-Towners

If you're visiting Hawaii's Big Island and aren't sure where to start, consider these local-approved spots, from a beach for snorkeling to a historical park.

Lush green woods with mountains in the background and sunset with purple sky Glade Top Trail

By Olivia Typaldos 15 hours ago

An Hour From Branson Is Missouri's Only National Forest Scenic Byway With Access To The Ozarks And Idyllic Nature

With several overlooks and quick access to both camping and hiking, this scenic byway in Missouri is a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful Ozarks.

Walkway along the canal at Holyoke Heritage State Park, Massachusetts during sunset

By Rene Bennett 17 hours ago

New England's Once-Thriving Industrial Center Is Now A State Park With Canal Walks And A Nostalgic Carousel

This unassuming pocket near the Connecticut River once produced more paper than anywhere else in the world — today, it is a scenic piece of history.

Waves crash on the rock faces of Cape Disappointment in Washington State

By Robert Isenberg 18 hours ago

What A Long Beach Peninsula Getaway Is Like Outside Of Summer

Long Beach, Washington, is a cool, lovely destination in the summer, but if you want to head there in the off-season, there is plenty of check out as well.

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

By Kirtana Menon 19 hours 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 20 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 21 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 22 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 23 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 1 day 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 1 day 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 1 day 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 1 day 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 1 day 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.