United States - Islands

Water view of Estero Bay Preserve State Park

By Rachel-Jean Firchau 4 hours ago

Not Everglades National Park, Nor Big Cypress National Preserve — this Is Florida's First Aquatic Preserve

Dating back to the 1960s, this state park filled with hiking trails, diverse bird species, and other wildlife was Florida's first aquatic preserve.

By Jenna Kelley 4 hours ago

This Is The Busiest Highway To Navigate In Texas (And Why Drivers Dread It)

Connecting Houston to the nearby city of Katy is one of the world’s widest highways, but drivers aren't excited about their congested daily commute.

People walking along the boardwalk in Ocean City, New Jersey

By Joe Orovic 5 hours ago

4 Of America's 10 Best Boardwalks For 2026 So Far Have One Thing In Common

When searching for the best places to take a stroll along the ocean, you might notice that some of the country’s best boardwalks share this one factor.

A boardwalk and bench along the tree-lined water's edge at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in northern Illinois

By Rebecca High 5 hours ago

Between Peoria And Chicago Is Illinois' Lovely Lakeside State Park For Fishing, Boating, And Trails

Step outside the bigger cities in Illinois to discover a peaceful outdoor escape, with easy trails to hike and paddleboats to cruise around the water.

Overhead view of Inglewood and the Sofi Stadium and Kia Forum

By Jonathan Houston 6 hours ago

California's Historic City Near LA Has An Urban-Suburban Vibe With Shops, Restaurants, And Iconic Landmarks

Just outside Los Angeles, this evolving destination features major event venues, popular eateries, shopping areas, and access to nearby beaches.

Nobska Beach in Falmouth on Cape Cod, Massachusetts

By Sam Scott 6 hours ago

Forget Florida, Retire To This East Coast Beauty With Charming Towns, Beaches, And Healthy Living

This East Coast destination blends Atlantic beaches, historic seaside towns, forest hikes in rolling hills, healthcare access, and four-season scenery.

Exterior of the Casa Blanca Museum, located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

By Stephen Hanson 7 hours ago

Puerto Rico's Landmark Museum In San Juan Has Valuable Artifacts And Few Crowds

This Old San Juan museum set inside a historic home features Spanish colonial furnishings, Taíno artifacts, historic gardens, and sweeping views.

A scenic view at Van Riper State Park, Michigan

By Bridget Gleeson 7 hours ago

Michigan's Lake Escape Is A Gem For Camping And State Park Fun

Michigan has no shortage of lakes, with tons of waterfront options offering relaxation and outdoor fun, but make sure to put this one on your must-visit list.

Waters of Tenaya Lake appear blue below granite mountains of Yosemite

By Joseph Richard Francis 8 hours ago

California's 'Jewel Of The High Country' Is An Alpine Lake Tucked In Yosemite's Sierra Nevada Mountains

This Yosemite lake, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, is known as California's "Jewel of the High Country" thanks to the scenery, hiking, and more.

Huerfano County Courthouse in Walsenburg, Colorado

By Megi Canco 9 hours ago

Less Than Two Hours From Colorado Springs Is A Rural, Scenic City With A State Park, Antique Shops, And Museums

Colorado is full of outdoor activities, scenic roadways, and lesser-known destinations. Some small towns have plenty to offer outside of Denver, though.

Waterfall over a rock ledge, beside a rock wall with green leaves growing out of it and a small portion of a railroad bridge in the top of the frame

By Jess Simms 10 hours ago

Between Youngstown And Pittsburgh Is Pennsylvania's Under-The-Radar Nature Preserve With A Scenic Waterfall

Less than an hour north of Pittsburgh, a quick hike takes you to a photogenic waterfall that sits on the remains of an old sandstone quarry.

A shot of Apalachia Lake in western North Carolina

By Chris Tharp 10 hours ago

Hidden On North Carolina's Border Is A Scenic Mountain Lake With Trophy-Sized Catches And Forested Peace

A scenic mountain lake is a fisherman's paradise, with trophy-sized catches in a secluded area on North Carolina's border with Tennessee.

By Chris Tharp 10 hours ago

Between Spokane And Coeur d'Alene Is Washington's Tucked-Away Park For Hiking And Fishing

This reserve in Eastern Washington, between Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, is a tucked-away park in forest full of great hiking and fishing opportunities.

Shops in American Dream mall located in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

By C. M. Ramsburg 11 hours ago

New Jersey's Largest Mall Is An Upscale Destination With Chic Shops And Indoor Attractions

This mega-sized New Jersey mall impresses with a huge indoor theme park, a year-round indoor ski resort, hundreds of shops, and a variety of food options.

Exterior of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum in Los Angeles, CA.

By Sarah Salisbury 11 hours ago

The Museum At California's Iconic Los Angeles Landmark Is Closing Down In 2026 For Renovations

This well-known science museum is getting a facelift for LA's 2028 Olympic games and will be closed to visitors for the next two years while it's expanded.

Trail along the beach at the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Chicago

By Rene Bennett 11 hours ago

Chicago's 'Magic Hedge' Is Found At A Lake Michigan Bird Sanctuary With Beach Trails And Rare Sightings

Along Lake Michigan in Chicago, this quiet natural area draws the most avid birdwatchers with rare species, migration activity, and beachside paths.

View of the lush landscape at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Indiana

By Kira Reinke 13 hours ago

Sandwiched Between Chicago And Toledo Is Indiana's Lovely Botanical Garden With Paradise-Like Vibes

This Midwest botanical garden offers more than 20 themed spaces with blooming flowers, unique plants, walking paths, bridges, and water features.

A view of Nimrod Lake stretching into the distance with hills and trees on either side and a cloudy sky with sunrays beaming down.

By Sarah Bloomfield 13 hours ago

Arkansas' Oldest Artificial Lake Is A Mountain Escape Perfect For Fishing, Boating, And Camping

Along with several nearby campsites, the oldest artificial lake in Arkansas is a great spot for boating and fishing, thanks to numerous boat ramps and piers.

View of the exterior of The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa

By Kira Reinke 14 hours ago

Vermont's Oldest Still-Operating Hotel Is A Restored 18th Century Resort With A Golf Course And Spa

Vermont is ripe with history, and you can add the state's oldest hotel into that history. Featuring restaurants and a golf course, it's a spa getaway.

Birds in flight over wetlands at sunrise in Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin

By Maja Proescholdt 14 hours ago

Wisconsin's 'Everglades Of The North' Is A Gem For Birdwatching, Fishing, And Hiking

Lovers of hiking, fishing, and bird watching rejoice — this state and nationally-run marshland in Wisconsin offers nearly 300 different bird species to spot.

A cowgirl riding a horse around a steel barrel at the rodeo

By Pam Stepansky 15 hours ago

Nestled Between Memphis And St. Louis Is A Missouri City With Tasty Eats, A Historic Downtown, And Rodeo Fun

This Missouri city has an iconic restaurant known for its "throwed rolls," a historic downtown that hosts festivals, and a rodeo with bullfighters and cowboys.

street with neon signs, tall buildings, light streaks from passing cars

By Anna Robinson 15 hours ago

This Tennessee Road Trip Between Nashville And Memphis Is A Music-Lover's Dream Drive

Drive Tennessee’s music corridor from Nashville to Memphis, with stops for country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll history, museums, and iconic landmarks.

Cloudy night above white homes in town of Odenton, Maryland

By Ishaan Arora 15 hours ago

Between Baltimore And Washington DC Is A Quaint Maryland Suburb With Family-Friendly Parks And Hiking Trails

This quaint Maryland suburb located in between Baltimore and Washington DC is a family-friendly spot, growing in part thanks to its many parks and hiking.

The bottom half of a person carrying shopping bags in a mall

By Anna Robinson 16 hours ago

Nevada's Oldest Mall Is A Hub Of Shops And Tasty Eats Minutes From Downtown Las Vegas

If you're looking for an affordable and tasty shopping experience off the Las Vegas Strip, this mall, which happens to be the oldest in the area, is for you.