Nestled along an emerald coastline framed by lush jungle mountains, Yelapa is a charming fishing village in Puerto Vallartas southernmost cove. Reachable primarily by boat, it draws day-trippers by day but reveals its serene soul after the last water taxi departs. An overnight stay lets you savor the relaxed pace, free from crowds—a welcome contrast to bustling Puerto Vallarta. Sleeping Yelapa offers diverse accommodations, from budget apartments and family-run hotels to luxury guesthouses and

Discover the ultimate vantage point for Manhattans skyline across the Hudson in New Jersey: Liberty State Park. This expansive 1,122-acre waterfront haven in Jersey City offers free public access to unparalleled views of New Yorks Financial District. Spend a full day immersed in its offerings: miles of scenic trails, a two-mile Hudson River promenade showcasing the NYC skyline, the innovative Liberty Science Center, ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, an interpretive Nature Center

Nestled on 45 acres just nine miles south of Burlington, Vermont, the renowned Shelburne Museum houses over 100,000 priceless artifacts from America and abroad. These treasures were meticulously collected by Electra Havemeyer Webb (1888-1960) and her prominent parents, renowned art connoisseurs. Celebrated for its unparalleled diversity, the museum features exhibitions across 39 buildings—many relocated from throughout New England for preservation. Iconic highlights include the 220-foot Ticonder

Dominating the skyline, Lassen Peak—the worlds largest plug-dome volcano—rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding terrain to an elevation of 10,457 feet. As an active volcano, it famously erupted in 1915, ejecting massive plumes of smoke, steam, and ash. The U.S. government established Lassen Volcanic National Park in 1916 to safeguard this dynamic new landscape. Spanning 106,000 acres, the parks arid, steaming, barren expanses contrast sharply with the lush conifer forests encircling it. Summer b

Escape Puerto Vallartas beaches and immerse yourself in the lush Sierra Madre highlands at Jardín Botánico de Vallarta. This renowned botanical garden features one of Mexicos largest orchid collections, alongside diverse native plants and vibrant birdlife. Meander through shaded grounds bursting with bromeliads, succulents, and shimmering hummingbirds, then follow a jungle trail to the serene Río Horcones for a refreshing swim amid boulders. Things to Do Nature enthusiasts travel far to admire t

Just a 10-mile drive south from the vibrant Seaside Heights boardwalk—iconic from MTVs Jersey Shore—discovers a serene Jersey Shore gem. Island Beach State Park spans 10 miles across 3,000 acres, ranking among New Jerseys largest preserved barrier beach islands. Much of the park remains untouched reserves safeguarding native flora and fauna, including the New Jersey Governors private vacation home. Yet, its designed for public enjoyment, offering diverse beach, nature, and wildlife experiences.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota exemplifies extraordinary engineering and artistry. The massive 60-foot granite faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, sculpted into a Black Hills outcrop, rank among Americas most iconic landmarks. Welcoming nearly three million visitors yearly, it is South Dakotas premier attraction. The Avenue of Flags, with 56 pillars representing the 50 states, one district, three territories, and two

Located on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Tennessee Aquarium houses over 10,000 animals. As Chattanoogas most popular attraction, it consistently earns top rankings for visitor satisfaction nationwide. Journey through freshwater exhibits in the River Journey building and dive into ocean depths in the Ocean Journey building, encountering bonnethead sharks, a giant Pacific octopus, alligator snapping turtles, macaroni penguins, and the hellbender—the largest salamander

Nestled at the end of a sandy road, the serene hamlet of Tankah Tres (also known as Tankah Bay) offers a tranquil seaside escape in Mexicos Riviera Maya. This community of vacation homes and boutique hotels overlooks a stunning cove. Behind it lies a lush mangrove forest hiding the areas crown jewel: Cenote Manatí (also called Casa Cenote). Named for the manatees that once graced its waters, this unique open-air cenote stands apart from typical sinkholes. Unlike standard swimming holes, its crys

Driving along Sedonas Red Rock Scenic Byway, glance east to spot a slender structure seamlessly integrated into the ancient sandstone cliffs. Rising 250 feet, the Chapel of the Holy Cross nestles between towering red rock walls. This minimalist design—neither quite rectangular nor rhombus-shaped—is anchored by a prominent 90-foot concrete cross visible from the highway. Completed in 1956 and framed by Twin Buttes and the distinctive Two Nuns formations, this unique chapel captivates regardless

Just a short drive north of San Francisco in Marin County, Muir Woods National Monument offers a tranquil retreat amid towering ancient redwoods. This beloved destination draws locals and tourists for its peaceful ambiance and gentle hiking trails, all while remaining conveniently close to the city. Managed by the National Park Service as part of the vast Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Muir Woods was the first old-growth coastal redwood forest preserved near a major urban center. History

One of Americas oldest and largest year-round markets, Eastern Market beckons Detroiters from all walks of life to its sprawling six-block expanse of unique vendors. Discover vegan rum-raisin donuts, grow-your-own mushroom kits, duck sausage, and fragrant lilac bushes amid brick halls overflowing with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, spices, and flowers. Saturdays bustle with up to 40,000 visitors browsing the stalls. Summer Tuesdays feature a smaller market enhanced by yoga and Zumba classes, whi

The Henry Ford stands as a world-class destination celebrating American innovation, culture, and history. This expansive complex features two primary attractions: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, home to legendary artifacts including the chair Abraham Lincoln occupied at the time of his assassination, the presidential limousine associated with John F. Kennedy, and the bus where Rosa Parks made her historic stand; and the open-air Greenfield Village, a collection of meticulous

What began as a modest berry farm has transformed into a 160-acre theme park packed with exhilarating rides, live shows, and beloved Peanuts characters. As California’s oldest operating theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm is celebrated for its attractions and iconic fried chicken dinners—a sensation since the 1930s. Indulge in creative boysenberry dishes park-wide. Come for the coasters, stay for the flavors. History of Knott’s Berry Farm Walter and Cordelia Knott relocated to Buena Park, California

Arizonas vast trail network delivers endless adventures, from red-rock canyons and ponderosa pine forests to desert cacti exploding in purple and yellow during spring blooms. These paths captivate the senses, but Sedonas vortex sites add a profound spiritual layer to outdoor exploration. While some claim up to eight energy vortexes exist in Sedona, the four most potent—Boynton Canyon, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa (just two miles from downtown)—stand out for their intensity. Histo

Drive along a narrow sand road with turquoise Caribbean waters on one side and the shimmering Laguna Chacmuchuch on the other, and youll feel worlds away from Cancún. Yet Isla Blanca lies just 20km north—a slender, virtually untouched peninsula offering a serene escape in this vibrant beach destination. Expect no traffic, high-rises, or nightlife. Instead, discover a ribbon of powdery white sand on the ocean side, dotted with rustic beach clubs and occasional visitors, plus a wind-swept lagoon i

Nestled across rolling hills overlooking the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, Arlington National Cemetery stands as the final resting place for Americas most honored military veterans, including war correspondents, nurses, chaplains, and others who served with distinction. Over 400,000 pristine white gravestones stand in precise rows, marking the graves of service members from every major U.S. conflict, from the Revolutionary War to Afghanistan. Iconic sites include the eternal flame at Joh

Sedona boasts over 200 trails delivering stunning vistas, adventure, and serenity—whether chasing the hidden Subway Cave on Boynton Canyon Trail, descending into the Devils Sinkhole via Soldier Pass Trail, or exploring ancient cave dwellings on Palatki Ruins Trail. Yet Red Rock Crossing stands out with its unbeatable trio: a shaded swimming hole in Oak Creek, direct views of the towering 5,000-foot Cathedral Rock, and the uplifting energy of one of Sedonas four sacred vortex sites. Named for the

New Jersey boasts roughly two million acres of forests, offering endless wooded trails. Yet few rival the unexpected charm of Institute Woods in Mercer County, adjacent to Princeton University. Spanning 589 acres managed by the Institute for Advanced Study—with free public access year-round—this preserve features 13 miles of trails perfect for walking, running, biking, and cross-country skiing. Trails vary in width and use, but the generally flat terrain lets you savor the surroundings: 45 tree

Inspired by Ashevilles stunning natural surroundings, George Washington Vanderbilt II, heir to a shipping and railroad fortune, envisioned a summer retreat modeled after renowned châteaux in Frances Loire Valley—Château Royal de Blois, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Chambord. Completed just before Christmas in 1895, his little mountain retreat became Americas largest privately owned home. The History of the Biltmore Estate Over 1,000 workers labored for six years to build the Biltmore Es