Month: December 2024

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As much as hikers enjoy exploring the trails of foreign lands, let’s not forget our own backyards. (Let’s be honest about another fact of life. International travel can be expensive too.) Keeping all that in mind, we researched the best day hikes right here in the US. Without further adieu, here is our list of 15 of the best day hikes in the USA.

1. Half Dome, California

Distance: 16 miles
Best Time To Hike: April till October
Hiking through Yosemite National Park in California is also an international favorite. This specific hike will take you to the very top of the park’s famous granite half dome. From there you can see the Nevada Falls the Vernal Falls and pretty much all of the valley.
Perhaps the most memorable section of the hike is the last 400 feet up to the summit. Here you’ll climb with the aid of cables. A permit is required.

15 Best Day Hikes In The USA For Your Bucket List Read More

The crisp air and cool temperatures are coming to most of the US. Indeed, to many people in the world, winter is on the way. If you’re less of a ski bum and more of a sun worshipper, then, by all means, read on. From the green hills of Hawaii to the turquoise crystal waters of the Caribbean, here are 17 of the best winter beach destinations for sun worshippers.

Lahaina, Hawaii

You can enjoy temperatures in the 80s all year in Lahaina. It’s a Maui (ahem) hotspot that’s a favored destination for winter sun-seekers. There are eight beaches in Lahaina that you can get to without even leaving the city. The most popular one is Ka’anapali Beach.

It’s known for its clean shores. Still, if you like privacy, you might want to hit the coastline at beautiful Ukumehame Beach Park. One “must do” activity is snorkeling. You have a good chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish.

17 Best Winter Beach Destinations For Sun Seekers Read More

What does the phrase “best family beach vacations” mean to you? Some think of a peaceful place free of any crowds. Others think of a place where everyone is entertained. No matter what you picture in your mind, we have combed the internet to come up with this list of 25 best family beach vacations sure to please everyone.

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is a rugged, peaceful place for a family beach vacation and it isn’t generally a crowded spot either. There are shallow swimming spots for the little ones and great sand for building sandcastles too. An official part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, it’s also great for relaxation or a stroll along the beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

Looking for an ideal spot for a Maryland beach vacation? Check out Ocean City. Ocean City includes a three-mile-long boardwalk, world-famous saltwater taffy and almost endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. It’s a large, local beach and once you’ve had your share of the water you can hit the jumpin’ Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

25 Best Family Beach Vacations In The USA Read More

What does the phrase “best family beach vacations” mean to you? Some think of a peaceful place free of any crowds. Others think of a place where everyone is entertained. No matter what you picture in your mind, we have combed the internet to come up with this list of 25 best family beach vacations sure to please everyone.

Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Marconi Beach in Wellfleet is a rugged, peaceful place for a family beach vacation and it isn’t generally a crowded spot either. There are shallow swimming spots for the little ones and great sand for building sandcastles too. An official part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, it’s also great for relaxation or a stroll along the beach.

Ocean City, Maryland

Looking for an ideal spot for a Maryland beach vacation? Check out Ocean City. Ocean City includes a three-mile-long boardwalk, world-famous saltwater taffy and almost endless opportunities for family-friendly fun. It’s a large, local beach and once you’ve had your share of the water you can hit the jumpin’ Jolly Roger Amusement Park.

25 Best Family Beach Vacations In The USA Read More

What are the most beautiful places in the US? We’ve gathered data from several websites (including our own) to determine the top destinations in the US. Here they are:

San Francisco, California

San Francisco was ranked in the top 50 “most beautiful cities in the world” by Flight network. Highlights include Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the sea lions.

Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

Oneonta Gorge in Oregon was deemed by more than one travel website to be the home of one of the country’s 11 top “spectacular waterfalls” that travelers should see before they die.

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the USA Read More

27

There are numerous man-made wonders that are more than impressive. Ah, but they’re even more natural wonders. Here are 27 you should see before you die.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe/Zambia

Victoria Falls is twice as deep and twice as wide as Niagara Falls. It’s also the world’s largest waterfall. The roar of the falls’ rushing water is heard 24 miles away.

27 Natural Wonders You Should See Before You Die Read More

Are you heading to California on your next vacation? Be sure to visit Yosemite National Park. While you’re there be sure to take along our list of these 15 breathtaking things to do there!

1. Take in the views at Glacier Point

Glacier Point is a well-known rustic geological formation in high above the famous Yosemite Valley on the south side of the valley in California’s Yosemite National Park. It towers 7214 feet high and is 3200 feet higher than Half Dome Village. The point is popular for the superb sunsets that can be seen from the top. It also offers exceptional views of a number of the park’s famous landmarks including Clouds Rest, Half Dome, Nevada Fall, Vernal Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the Yosemite Valley.
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12. Hike to the Sentinel Dome and Taft Point

If you can handle a bit of hike then you certainly must go hiking to Taft Point and Sentinel Dome. The hike can be done in a single loop but if you choose to do both hikes at once it’s a bit longer and more work. The two hikes can be done separately and are both reported to be roughly 2.2 miles round trip. These hikes offer the opportunity to take in not only beautiful views but also to see wildlife. The best time to go is between April and November.

15 Breathtaking Things to do in Yosemite National Park Read More

There are a lot of great places to visit in the USA so deciding on where to go isn’t an easy task. There are charming small towns, exciting cities, numerous festivals in 50 states and more than 400 national parks. To help you with your itinerary for next year, we’ve put together a list of destinations that you simply don’t want to miss.

1. Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth presently offers visitors a little taste of Bavaria. So put on your optional lederhosen and enjoy beer, bratwurst, and pretzels. It’s reportedly one of the state’s most popular tourist stops. Here you will discover Bavarian-style architecture, bars, breweries, cideries, and local shops. It’s also a great place for outdoor activities too.

2. Gruene, Texas

The three-street town of Gruene was once a thriving cotton industry town, the center of town is the restored dance hall. There’ve been live music events there since 1878. Other highlights include Enchanted Rock, the Grapevine Winery, antique stores, and a general store with an honest to goodness soda and ice cream bar.

17 Cool Places to Visit in the US in 2020 Read More

There are many reasons people come to the USA. The US is all about diversity. From its teeming cities and world-famous national parks to its glaciers and sand dunes, there is plenty to see. Here are 60 places you won’t believe are in the US.

1. Alvord Desert, Oregon

This stunning mountain-fringed landscape reminiscent of the Atacama Desert in Chile is in the Pacific Northwest. It covers an area of five by 10 miles and includes multiple natural springs.

2. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho

This lesser-known preserve is more than 1,500 years old. It is a volcanic landscape highlighted by caves, cinder cones, craters, and lava fields.

3. Supai, Arizona

This secluded village is in the Grand Canyon. The local Havasupai Tribe has resided here since approximately AD 1300. The eight-mile hike required to reach it helps keep it from becoming touristy.

You Won’t Believe These Places are in the US Read More

11. The Sedona Heritage Museum

The city of Sedona is located at the lower end of Oak Creek Canyon. More specifically, it is near the city of Flagstaff in the US state of Arizona. Here are the 15 best things to do when you visit the area.

1. The Sedona Heritage Museum

This museum centers on the mid-1870s when the first settlers arrived here. Supported by the local Historical Society, it’s found in the Jordan family home which harkens back to that era. The museum covers the early days when people farmed mainly for their own families and a single creek irrigated the entire area. It also focuses on the development and disappearance of the local fruit trade. Finally, visitors also get to learn about how Hollywood shot so many western movies there back in the old days.

15 Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona Read More