Once home to the Potwisha people. Look for ancient pictographs and grinding stones, and feel the deep history carved into this riverside site.
Once home to the Potwisha people. Look for ancient pictographs and grinding stones, and feel the deep history carved into this riverside site.
Get the lowdown on sequoias here. Interactive exhibits explain fire, growth, and conservation, all inside a charming historic building.
Uptown Sedona hums with galleries, gift shops, and cafes, all backed by towering red rocks. It’s the spot to grab art, a meal, or just soak up Sedona’s vibe.
Uptown Sedona hums with galleries, gift shops, and cafes, all backed by towering red rocks. It’s the spot to grab art, a meal, or just soak up Sedona’s vibe.
Red Rock Loop Road winds past some of Sedona’s most iconic views. Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and open desert unfold turn after turn. Fewer crowds, endless photo ops.
Cross of the Martyrs overlooks the city and honors lives lost in the 1680 Pueblo Revolt. It’s a peaceful, powerful place with sweeping views and deeper meaning.
Santa Fe Plaza pulses with 400 years of stories. Expect jewelry stands, music, and the echoes of old trade routes like the Santa Fe Trail. This is the city’s soul.
Loretto Chapel is home to the mysterious “Miracle Staircase,” built with no visible support. Add in stained glass, legends, and stillness, it’s quietly magical.
Javelina Rocks stacks boulders, saguaros, and desert drama into one photogenic stop. Look out for the wild javelinas who live nearby.
Old Tucson blends movie magic and Wild West charm. Expect stunt shows, dusty saloons, and streets once walked by Hollywood cowboys.
Big names, even bigger views. These overlooks serve up wide-open vistas of tundra, glacial valleys, and distant peaks. Bring your camera and your wow face.
“Nature’s oddballs, giant rocks that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Formed by wind and water over millennia, they’re weird, wonderful, and totally photogenic.
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“Old cabins, wide-open meadows, and a glimpse into early 1900s ranch life. Once a dude ranch, now a walk through time, right along the Colorado River.
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“Laid-back vibes and lakeside views. Paddle, fish, or just chill by Colorado’s deepest natural lake. Its historic boardwalk makes the perfect afternoon stroll.
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“This cozy gateway town mixes mountain charm with modern comforts. Think riverside walks, scenic trams, and a downtown full of shops, art, and good eats.”
“Climb from misty valleys into open skies on Bald Hills Road. As the redwoods thin, grassy prairies stretch out before you with sweeping views and roaming Roosevelt elk. It’s a reminder that the park protects more than trees, it preserves entire ecosystems.
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“Easily accessible but deeply immersive, Simpson-Reed Grove invites you into a calm, green world. The short loop trail takes you past colossal trunks and through mossy glades that feel worlds away. It’s a perfect introduction or a peaceful encore to your redwoods visit.
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“Where forest meets ocean, Crescent Beach offers windswept sands, moody skies, and endless Pacific views. The drama of the waves and driftwood-strewn shore make it perfect for beachcombing or a soul-cleansing stroll. Just a few minutes from the redwoods, it’s a striking coastal contrast that grounds the whole experience.
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“Drive through a living cathedral on Howland Hill Road, where narrow dirt lanes wind between ancient redwoods. With trees so close you could touch them from your window, it’s one of the park’s most intimate redwood experiences. Few other roads offer this kind of up-close, slow-motion journey through grandeur. You’ll want to stop often and you should.
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“Clinging to the continent’s edge, this historic lighthouse is all drama- fog, wind, cliffs, and crashing waves. Take the 300 steps down and meet the Pacific head-on.
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“Massive and noisy in the best way, these blubbery giants haul out on the beach below. Watch them spar, snooze, or bellow from a safe (and spectacular) viewpoint.
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“White cliffs, wide sands, and waves that whisper rather than roar. Drakes Beach is a calm corner of the coast, ideal for wandering or a relaxed beach picnic.
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“This weathered fishing boat in Tomales Bay is a local legend. With its cracked hull and quiet grace, it’s a dreamy photo op, especially at golden hour.
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“Crystal Forest is a kaleidoscope of fossilized trees. Sparkling with quartz, the petrified logs here shimmer with every step in the Arizona sun.
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“Blue Mesa Trail winds through striped badlands colored in purples and grays. Walk among bentonite hills and petrified logs on this surreal desert loop.”
“Newspaper Rock is nature’s bulletin board, covered in hundreds of petroglyphs. View it through scopes to see symbols and stories carved more than 2,000 years ago.
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“Puerco Pueblo brings the ancient world into view. Walk through the ruins of a 1300s village and spot petroglyphs etched into stone by early Puebloan people.”
“Painted Desert Inn pairs sweeping desert views with Southwest history. Step inside to see murals, vintage charm, and stories from Route 66 days.
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“Tiponi Point opens the Painted Desert with a dramatic splash of reds, purples, and oranges. Especially at sunrise or sunset, this overlook sets the tone for the surreal beauty ahead.
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“A place to soak it all in, literally. Sol Duc offers forest hikes and waterfall views, plus hot springs perfect for a post-adventure soak. It’s a deep breath in the middle of your Olympic journey.
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In the Valley of the Giants, trees grow tall and time moves slow. Wander beside Lake Quinault, paddle its calm waters, or relax under the canopy of record-breaking spruces. This is nature’s spa day- quiet, lush, and endlessly refreshing.
“Everything in the Hoh Rainforest drips with green. Moss blankets trees, ferns unfurl at your feet, and towering spruce create a hushed, enchanted world. Follow soft trails into the quiet and let the rainforest wrap you in its timeless calm.
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Nature takes a victory lap in Elwha Valley. This is where dams came down and the river came back to life- bringing salmon, birds, and wild green back with it. Hike through fresh forests and rediscovered riverbeds where nature’s resilience is on full display.
A narrow finger of land stretching into the sea, Dungeness Spit is both peaceful and dramatic. Walk along the ever-changing shoreline, where seabirds swoop and the historic lighthouse stands guard at the tip. The views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and distant Canadian peaks feel endless.
“Grand Geyser is the tallest predictable geyser on the planet. Eruptions burst skyward in several pulses, each one bigger than the last. It’s drama, power, and wonder all packed into one steamy spectacle.”
Heart Spring is all about quiet beauty. Its heart-shaped pool glows with soft blues and greens, framed by colorful bacterial mats. A peaceful thermal stop that feels like Yellowstone’s hidden heartbeat.
Beehive Geyser launches with spectacular force- when it goes, it really goes. Eruptions can reach 200 feet, rivaling Old Faithful but with more surprise. If you’re lucky enough to catch it, the show is unforgettable.
The Hawaii State Capitol stands out with its modern design, inspired by volcanoes, palm trees, and the surrounding sea. Walk through its open-air courtyard and learn how state government works in this symbolic, mid-century structure. The surrounding grounds feature artwork and plants that reflect Hawaiian culture and identity.
End your walk at the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, where you’ll find restored 1800s homes and artifacts from the missionary era. Step inside to learn how early missionaries influenced Hawaiian education, language, and society. It’s a quiet, reflective place that adds depth to Honolulu’s layered history.
Honolulu City Hall, also known as Honolulu Hale, blends Hawaiian style with Beaux-Arts architecture. With its columns, courtyards, and tiled roof, this civic building reflects the city’s growth while preserving its unique character. It’s a peaceful spot to admire historic design in the heart of downtown.
Just across from the palace stands the King Kamehameha Statue, honoring the leader who united the Hawaiian Islands. Draped in golden robes and often adorned with fresh lei, this iconic bronze statue is a popular photo spot and a proud symbol of Hawaiian heritage.
Begin your walk at Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the United States. This beautifully restored landmark was home to Hawaii’s last monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. Step inside to see grand rooms, royal artifacts, and learn the powerful story of Hawaii’s monarchy and its overthrow. It’s one of Honolulu’s most important historic sites.
Big Sky Resort is the main attraction in town and not just in winter. While it’s known for world-class skiing, it’s also a year-round spot for outdoor fun. In summer, ride the scenic chairlift, hike through wildflowers, or grab a bite with mountain views. Even if you’re not skiing, it’s worth a visit for the views and mountain atmosphere.
Lone Mountain rises over Big Sky at 11,166 feet and is hard to miss. You can see its dramatic peak from just about anywhere on the drive. If you’re up for it, take the tram to the top for views of three states and two national parks. Or enjoy it from below with a picnic or coffee at a scenic overlook.
Just off Highway 191, the Lava Lake Trail is one of Big Sky’s best hikes. The 6-mile round-trip trail takes you through forested hills and past small waterfalls before reaching a clear alpine lake. Even if you don’t do the full hike, this is a quiet stop to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenery.
Start your drive along the Gallatin River, one of the most scenic rivers in Montana. This fast-flowing river is popular for fly fishing, kayaking, and even appeared in the movie A River Runs Through It. As you drive beside the rapids, you’ll find scenic pull-offs to snap photos, watch wildlife, or just enjoy the views.
Even if you don’t hike the full trail, the Watchman Peak Trailhead offers one of the best views in the park. From here, you’ll see Wizard Island, Phantom Ship, and the deep blue lake below. It’s a great photo spot and a peaceful place to take in the landscape.
Rim Village is the heart of Crater Lake National Park. Walk along the edge of the caldera, visit the historic lodge, or stop by the visitor center to learn about the lake’s history and geology. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring and enjoying the lake from above.
Phantom Ship Overlook gives you a close look at one of the lake’s most mysterious features. This rock formation looks like a ghostly ship rising from the water. It’s a favorite for photos and adds a touch of legend to the lake’s beauty.
Vidae Falls is a lovely roadside waterfall just off Rim Drive. Water flows down a mossy rock face, creating a quiet, refreshing scene. It’s an easy stop and a great way to enjoy the park’s smaller, hidden gems.
