United States

This little campground is nestled in Rock Island State Park. There are two campgrounds, this one is specifically tents only. Each campsite is pull in and provides you with enough room to set up two tents. In addition each campsite has a four sided picnic bench, fire pit, trash can, charcoal grill...

In the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by ...

Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parkin...

Mt. San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern California at 10,834’. Although this route requires a fair amount of work, the effort is more than rewarded by the expansive views, forest, meadows, and dramatic topography. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5/day) to park at Humber Park, as...

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a free, fantastic get-away for a quick dose of the outdoors in the middle of the busy city. Safe and family-friendly, this preserve has a wide variety of visitors doing every type of activity, from jogging to mountain biking to drone flying. The playground sits nex...

The Pescadero Creek Park Complex is a great place to escape for a day or overnight hike in the heart of the Bay Area. You will need to get a permit to stay overnight - these can be attained on a first-come, first-serve basis from the ranger station. Most of the campsites here are also available f...

I'm always surprised at how few people know of this beautiful garden. I'm often alone when I visit, which allows for perfect serenity. Visit in early spring for maximum blooms. Park on Euclid Ave, which is where you'll find the entrance to the amphitheater (you can't miss the giant sign). Spend ...

The Swinging Bridge is one of the main attractions in Columbus Junction, Iowa. The highway runs straight through town. As you drive into town you will see multiple signs about the bridge. About half-way through town you will take a left, and the bridge is only a few yards away. It is free to wal...

From Lake Arrowhead, take the 173 to Hook Creek Road until you dead end onto Squint Ranch Road. Take a right at the first fork in the road, and park in the lot for Splinters Cabin. The dirt road can be a bit rocky and might not be the best for small cars. Once you're there, be sure to display you...

This tucked away neighborhood gem is less than a square block in size, but offers some of the best views of San Francisco. After a quick, but steep, 5 minute walk, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of: the city skyline, Coit Tower, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge. There are a few benches avai...

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway is breathtaking. There is lots to take in via longer trips, but with numerous viewpoints, lakes, and the Provo River just off the main highway, the drive through alone is well worth it.There is SO much to do in the Uintas, with activities ranging from lakeside picnics to ...

If you're looking to get moving and get your heart rate up or want a place to snap great photos, start with hiking to Makapu’u Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1909 on a 600-ft cliff, which overlooks Makapu’u beach. The hike is more of an uphill walk and can be done in sandals unless you’...

Cascade Falls is a must-stop if you are passing through Osceola, Wisconsin. The falls can be accessed on Cascade Street (Highway 35) near 1st Avenue in downtown Osceola. You will see a sign for the Falls at the deck by Chief Osceola. Continue down the 135 steps that lead from this platform down t...

This popular hike in Bryce Canyon National Park offers up breathtaking views from just about every step. While it can be as long as 11 miles out and back from Fairyland Point to Bryce Point, multiple pull outs allow driving between the different points providing as long or short as a hike as you ...

There are two places to park for this specific loop- the main parking area on Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and a smaller parking lot on the western end of the park. I would recommend parking at whichever is closest. Find directions to both on Openspace.org. From the main parking lot, the trail ...

Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within...