United States - Islands

Welcome to Arizona sign along the highway in the desert

By Reannon Muth 58 min ago

The Popular Wild West Experience Once Named 'Arizona's Most Boring Tourist Trap'

If you're a fan of cowboy culture, the Wild West, and western movies, you may like this historic town that was once called 'Arizona's most boring tourist trap.'

A beautiful summer day in Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park, California

By Kate Mothes 3 hours ago

12 Tips From Park Rangers For Enjoying Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Here's what park rangers really want guests to know before they visit.

Individual crock of beer cheese sauce with an herb sprig on top and soft pretzels and beer in the background

By Eugenia Lazaris 5 hours ago

The 'Beer Cheese Capital Of The World' Is A Charming City In Kentucky's Bluegrass Region Full Of Local Eats

This part of the Bluegrass Region has historical significance and charm, boasting dozens of eateries featuring its famous beer cheese, as well as Ale-8-One.

Interior of the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri with colorful biblical murals lining the walls and ceiling

By Annmarie Gajdos 6 hours ago

'America's Sistine Chapel' Is An Adorable Ozark Gem With A Gift Shop And Peaceful Gardens

Near Route 66 in the Western Ozarks, 'America's Sistine Chapel' surprises road-trip visitors with majestic murals, serene gardens, and a collector's gift shop.

Midtown, Atlanta, skyline seen from Piedmont Park lawn

By Rene Bennett 6 hours ago

Grand Rapids Boomers Are Moving To This Southern City Ranked One Of America's Best Places To Retire

Retirees from the Midwest are choosing this culture-packed Southern city to settle down in more than any other, and no, it's not a Florida beach town.

A wooden footbridge crosses a stream in the forest.

By Will Suphan 12 hours ago

Forget Sequoia National Park, Visit California's County Park With Towering Redwoods, Trails, And Fewer Crowds

California is famous for its towering redwoods, but if you want to avoid the crowds at the popular spots, you can head to this park and enjoy them in peace.

Collins Lake in Northern California with forested hills in the background

By Danno Wise 13 hours ago

Just Over An Hour From Sacramento In The Northern Sierra Nevadas Is A Scenic Lake To Camp, Fish, And Boat

This peaceful lake oasis in Northern California is situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills and offers visitors pristine wilderness to explore.

The huts of the Timucuan at Fort Caroline National Memorial in Jacksonville, Florida.

By Kareem Gantt 14 hours ago

Florida's Former Military Fort-Turned-Monument Proves There's More To Jacksonville Than Its Boring Reputation

Florida is home to a lot of surprising history, and you can learn all about a French settlement in the state at this monument in Jacksonville.

Harris Lake County Park in New Hill, North Carolina

By Karla Demery 16 hours ago

This Scenic Park Outside Raleigh Is An Artificial Lake Escape With Fishing, Boating, And Trails

Raleigh's landlocked setting doesn't mean giving up lake days, with a nearby park offering fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, and scenic views.

Limestone bluffs and the Verde River flowing through Rockin' River Ranch State Park, Arizona

By Anahid Akkam 17 hours ago

Arizona's Newest State Park Is Between Flagstaff And Phoenix With Idyllic River Trails And Water Recreation

Looking for some fun? Check out Arizona's newest state park, where you can hike along the water, paddle through it, fish, swim, and feel at one with nature.

Rocky beach and water at Saltwater State Park, Washington

By Megi Canco 20 hours ago

Between Seattle And Tacoma Is Washington's Lovely Coastal State Park With A Beach And Tide Pools

At Washington state park, you can explore tide pools and a driftwood-filled beach or walk through the coastal forest, under an hour from Seattle and Tacoma.

A paved section of the Lake to Lake Trail curves into forest on a sunny summer day in Bellevue, Washington

By Robert Isenberg 22 hours ago

Washington State's Trail System Just Outside Seattle Connects 2 Lakes And 9 Idyllic Suburban Parks

If you want to explore the Pacific Northwest on two wheels, you can hit this Washington trail that takes you through parks and by beautiful lakes.

A big lake sits under the mountains in Kern County, California

By Joseph Richard Francis 24 hours ago

One Of America's Best-Rated Counties To Retire Is A California Charmer With A Vibrant City And Endless Outdoor Adventures

This enormous county connects the Central Valley with the Sierra foothills, meaning it's easy to find both big-city convenience and rural mountain adventure.

Crowd gathered at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee

By Rene Bennett 1 day ago

One Of America's Most Highly-Anticipated Music Festivals Is Not Returning In 2027. Here's Why

The popular music and arts festival draws tens of thousands, but has faced years of difficulties resulting in last-minute cancellations and safety concerns.

a hiking path weaving through dense forests of Paradise Valley Recreation Area, Washington

By Neha Maheshwari 1 day ago

Washington's Former Tree Farm Outside Seattle Is Now A Park With Scenic Wetlands, Wildlife, And Trails

This former tree farm near Seattle, Washington, has plenty of trails, wildlife (including birdwatching!), and wetlands to keep you occupied all weekend long.

Three canoeists paddle on fog-shrouded Ebenezer Creek near Rincon, GA.

By Gwen Pratesi 2 days ago

This Affordable City Near Savannah, Georgia Is An Underrated Getaway With Local Eats And Outdoor Fun

It offers a convenient spot to stay if you want to explore the Savannah area, with scenic kayaking and local heritage museums to explore — and plenty to eat.

Downtown Jackson, Missouri, at nightfall with streetlights shining on old brick buildings and the courthouse at the end of the street

By Mitchell Peterson 2 days ago

Between St. Louis And Memphis Is Missouri's Quaint City With Shops, A State Park, And Golf Courses

All the delights of small-town America can be found in this quaint Midwest city not too far from St. Louis, with history, golf, and good food.

Lush landscape with a pond, flowers, and trees in Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, Washington

By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

Washington's Former Landfill Is Now An Urban Seattle Park Full Of Nature Walks And Gardens On Lake Shoreline

This green space in Seattle, Washington, offers vibrant gardens full of beautiful flowers, peaceful nature walks, waterfront scenery, and abundant wildlife.

By Kristin Conard 2 days ago

This Top Ranked California Beach Paradise Shines In Fall With Festivals For Clams, Corgis, And Sand Art

California beach trips feel different in fall, and this Central Coast favorite stands out with mild weather, smaller crowds, and unexpectedly fun festivals.

Bald cypress trees covered with Spanish moss over swampy spots at Newnans Lake State Forest, Florida

By Anahid Akkam 2 days ago

On The Outskirts Of Gainesville Is Florida's Stunning State Forest With Scenic Wetlands, Trails, And Wildlife

This Florida state forest is a natural retreat with shadowy wetlands, towering pines, tranquil waters, wildlife encounters, and miles of inviting trails.

The Ohio River coursing past trees and houses along the riverbank in Newburgh, Warrick County.

By Ben M Stower 2 days ago

Indiana's Second-Best Destination To Retire Is A Midwest Darling With Charming Towns, Shops, And Outdoor Fun

For years, this part of Indiana has been considered one of the top places in the state for retirees thanks to its entertainment options and other perks.

An aerial view of the lagoon around Sinton, Texas, with greenery and blue waterways

By Audrey Simons 2 days ago

Texas' 'Gateway To The Gulf Coast' Is A Charming City With Shops, A Museum, And Family-Friendly Parks

It may be small, but this Texas city has a lot to offer — not to mention being a perfect jumping-off point to explore the Gulf Coast and barrier islands.

By Jenna Intersimone 2 days ago

The Oldest Wineries In America That Are Still Worth Visiting

While you may not think of the United States as being a place of generations-old wineries, it has quite a few -- and they aren't all in California, either.

A pedestrian bridge spans across Valley Water Mill Pond in Springfield Missouri, with reflections of the trees on the glassy water.

By Melanie Johnson 2 days ago

Tucked Next To Downtown Springfield Is A Lovely Ozark Park With Scenic Wetlands, Fishing, And Hiking

Located not too far from the Queen City of the Ozarks, this park boasts an abundance of wetlands with a trail that appeals to even beginner hikers.

Aerial view of Mission Viejo, California, built around Lake Mission Viejo with mountains in the background

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller 2 days ago

Between LA And San Diego Is A Safe Suburb With Scenic Parks And Local Eats

This suburban town is known as being one of the nation's largest planned communities, with numerous parks, low crime, and a welcoming atmosphere.

One of the Treasure Lakes framed by snow-capped mountains in California.

By Kareem Gantt 3 days ago

Forget Lake Tahoe, Visit California's Crystal-Clear Lakes Basin With Less-Crowded Sierra Nevada Hiking

Forgo the crowds at Lake Tahoe and embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to less-visited, crystal-clear alpine lakes in the Sierra Nevadas.

A line of trees across from Carlinville Lake

By Judith Barnes 3 days ago

Between St. Louis And Springfield Is Illinois' Sparkling Lake With Fishing And Swimming

This Illinois lake offers seasonal swimming at its beach, as well as fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, and more. Plus, it's just an hour from St. Louis.