United States - Islands

The road to Jordan Lake in North Carolina

By Karla Demery 2 hours ago

Outside Raleigh Is North Carolina's Renowned Retirement Escape With Lake Fun, Colorful Parks, And Scenic Trails

North Carolina is a bit of a hotspot for retirees, and if you want to spend your golden years in beautiful nature, head to this county near Raleigh.

A bundle of wine grapes with green stems and leaves.

By Ben M Stower 7 hours ago

Goodbye Napa Valley, So Long Sonoma County: This Sierra Nevada Region Is An Underrated Hotspot For Wine

To experience California’s delicious wines on a more local level, check out an underrated county in the Sierra Nevada foothills that is rising in the ranks.

Aerial shot of Huntington Beach with its stretch of wide whit sand, deep blue water, low-rise buildings, and long pier.

By David McElhinney 9 hours ago

America's Best West Coast Beach Of 2026 Is A California Paradise For Surfing, Scenic Ocean Views, And Coastal Vibes

The best West Coast beach in the U.S. in 2026 is a surfing mecca with sweeping ocean views and cool spots to saunter or sit, or sip cocktails and watch sunsets.

A view of Letterkenny Reservoir, with the Appalachian Mountains in the background, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania

By Nally Preseault 10 hours ago

Between Pittsburgh And Philly Is An Artificial Mountain Lake For Scenic Fishing And Paddling

Looking for a secluded place to catch some rainbow trout or explore in a canoe? This Pennsylvania reservoir is the perfect spot to take it all in and relax.

A hiker perched atop High Rock, a graffiti-covered scenic overlook in Maryland, featuring a vast valley and a golden sunset..

By Melanie Johnson 11 hours ago

Maryland's Graffiti-Covered Scenic Overlook Near Gettysburg Has Idyllic Nature And Appalachian Views

A graffiti-covered cliff above the Cumberland Valley offers Appalachian views, hiking trails, and Civil War history near Gettysburg and the Pennsylvania border.

Water pours down the stone terraces of Oglebay Falls, West Virginia

By Robert Isenberg 12 hours ago

The Vibrant, Giant Resort Park Proving There's More To Wheeling, West Virginia Than Its Boring Reputation

You may not think of Wheeling, West Virginia, as an exciting place, but the city is working on fixing that. Visit this huge resort park and see for yourself.

expansive Fort Gibson Lake views at Sequoyah State Park, Oklahoma

By Neha Maheshwari 12 hours ago

Between Tulsa And The Arkansas Border Is Oklahoma's Lake State Park With Fishing, Boating, And Swimming

The robust woodlands of this peninsular park provide a home for numerous species, while its thrilling water activities keep outdoorsy visitors coming back.

Traffic moving through downtown Philadelphia

By Rene Bennett 13 hours ago

America's Worst City To Drive In Is A Popular East Coast Destination (And It's Not New York City)

WalletHub has ranked the United States' 100 largest cities from most drivable to least, and this city came in as the worst for driving in the country.

Palm trees sway in the wind while turquoise water crashes onto the white sand and black volcanic rock at Makalawena Beach

By Annmarie Gajdos 16 hours ago

Waikiki And Lanikai Beach Are Way Too Crowded, Visit This Secluded Hawaiian Paradise For A Quieter Getaway

If having the beach to yourself is your idea of Hawaiian paradise, then forget Waikiki and Lanikai and hike out to this secluded stretch of soft white sands.

An elevated boardwalk running through South Lake Howard Nature Park in Florida on a sunny day

By Audrey Simons 17 hours ago

Between Orlando And Tampa Is A Scenic Nature Park With Wildlife, Wetlands, And A Trail With Boardwalks

This sprawling park highlights wetlands and marshes in Winter Haven, Florida's Chain of Lakes region, with excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Boardwalk trail at through wetland forest in Heckrodt Nature Reserve, Wisconsin

By Rene Bennett 18 hours ago

Between Green Bay And Oshkosh Is Wisconsin's Idyllic Nature Escape With Wetland Trails And Unique Wildlife

If you're in Wisconsin looking for a scenic hike, visit this Menasha reserve. Walk through wetlands, see animal exhibits, and spot over 160 bird species.

Tijuana River flowing into the Pacific Ocean

By Audrey Simons 19 hours ago

Between San Diego And The Mexico Border Is A Scenic Refuge With Wetland Trails, Ocean Views, And Wildlife

The border between San Diego and Tijuana is one of the busiest corners of the continent, but there's a stunning wildlife refuge there that you can't miss.

An aerial view of Moore Reservoir, along the Connecticut River, in between New Hampshire and Vermont

By Nally Preseault 20 hours ago

New Hampshire's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Fishing Paradise With Mountain Views And Boating

This reservoir on the Connecticut River is New Hampshire's largest man-made lake and offers over 3,000 acres for boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation.

Aerial view of large houses with backyard pools

By Sara Caskey 20 hours ago

These Are America's Wealthiest Suburbs, According To Research

The United States is a nation of incredible wealth, and the country's richest suburbs are among the most affluent neighborhoods on the planet.

Street view of historic buildings and storefronts at sunset in Monett, Missouri.

By Sam Scott 1 day ago

Between Branson And The Kansas Border Is Missouri's Charming Ozark City With Local Eats And Parks

Explore the Ozarks at a slow and steady pace in this underrated city, known for its wealth of green spaces, rustic downtown, and cozy eateries.

By Megi Canco 1 day ago

Nestled In Missouri's Ozarks Is A Small Town With Scenic Lake Views, Camping, And Quaint Restaurants

This quiet Missouri Ozarks escape offers lakefront scenery, nearby campgrounds, outdoor recreation, and small-town restaurants with plenty of local charm.

The lake in Westwood Hills Nature Center in St. Louis Park with blue skies reflecting off the water and trees on the distant shore

By Mitchell Peterson 1 day ago

Near Minneapolis Is A Charming Midwestern Day Trip With Scenic Parks, Local Shops, And Tasty Eats

Stroll around a lake with with boardwalks and wetlands before refueling with some of this Minnesota suburb's diverse dining options, then do a little shopping.

By Jean Chen Smith 1 day ago

Forget Lake Tahoe, Visit California's Secluded Artificial Lake With Camping, Fishing, And Boating

California's outdoor heavy hitters are famous for a reason, but that doesn't always make the crowds less annoying. Head to this reservoir instead.

Fall foliage on forested hills and mountains surrounding Lake Junaluska in North Carolina's Haywood County

By Grae Gleason 1 day ago

Just Outside Asheville Is North Carolina's Blue Ridge Escape To Retire To With Scenic Parks And Mountain Trails

Near Asheville, North Carolina lies a quiet county packed with scenic parks, mountain trails, and small towns perfect for a laid-back retirement.

Haleakalā silversword blooming on the volcanic slope in Haleakalā National Park

By Rene Bennett 2 days ago

Not Everglades, Not Yellowstone: This Popular National Park Is Home To The Most Endangered Species

It may surprise you to learn that 103 endangered species call this national park home. Its dramatic landscapes hide an incredible concentration of rare life.

A lake surrounded by fall foliage in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania

By Jean Chen Smith 2 days ago

An Hour From Allentown Is Pennsylvania's Poconos Camp Resort With Cabins, Lake Fun, And Nearby State Parks

Lakefront luxury and outdoor adventure are yours to experience at this resort in the Poconos Mountains, surrounded by forests and natural beauty.

View of Del City with Oklahoma City in the distance

By Sara Caskey 2 days ago

This Outdoor-Friendly Oklahoma City Suburb Offers A Lake To Fish, Scenic Parks, And Easy Access To The City

Aside from its close proximity to Oklahoma's capital city, this populous suburb attracts countless visitors with fishing poles or picnic baskets in tow.

A saddled horse looks toward the mountains at Crazy Horse Ranch

By Judith Barnes 2 days ago

About An Hour From San Bernardino Is California's Dude Ranch With Cowboy Fun, Lodgings, And Mountain Views

Spend time in the California desert alongside horses, getting to know the animals and channeling the cowboy lifestyle, at this traditional ranch.

Historic brick shopfronts and leafy trees in Downtown Provo on Center Street.

By Ben M Stower 2 days ago

America's Best-Run City For 2026 Is A Western Gem With Mountain Views, A State Park, And Lake Fun

With top-rated infrastructure, access to nature, and a safe environment, this U.S. destination was named the country's most efficiently operated city.

By Kareem Gantt 2 days ago

This Florida Gulf Coast Beach Was Named One Of Tripadvisor's Best In 2026

This Florida beach has been named the second-best in the country by Tripadvisor, which praised its wide shoreline, stunning waters, and plethora of activities.

People walking along Ocean City Boardwalk

By Jenna Intersimone 2 days ago

The Longest And Best Boardwalks In The World

There's nothing like walking along a boardwalk on a warm day, browsing vendors, enjoying rides, and taking in views of the water. These offer the best strolls.

Afternoon view of Consultation Lake along the Mt. Whitney Trail, snow on the hillsides and granite peaks surrounding the water

By Natasha Bourlin 2 days ago

Goodbye Lake Tahoe, So Long Big Bear: This High Elevation Sierra Nevada Lake Is A Secluded Fishing Paradise

California's remote alpine escape rewards determined hikers with crystalline waters, rugged granite scenery, peaceful campsites, and exceptional trout fishing.