With idyllic beaches and verdant parks, Maui offers ample opportunities to relax. Here, you can admire the stunning scenery as you cruise along the Road to Hana, fly above the Hawaiian island on a helicopter tour or lounge across the black sands of Wai'anapanapa State Park. If you'd rather cool off than sunbathe, sign up for a snorkeling tour. And for an unforgettable experience, make a reservation to see the sunrise at Haleakala National Park, home to Maui's highest peak. Sampling Maui's seafood is also a must, but don't overlook other island delicacies like haupia, a creamy coconut custard.
Glaciers are the main draw of this Montana national park, but its more than 700 lakes, two mountain ranges and multiple waterfalls are equally impressive. Hiking is the most popular pastime for visitors thanks to the park's mix of easy trails like Rocky Point and challenging routes, such as Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail. But you should also allot time for driving the spectacular Going-to-the-Sun Road, which typically opens late June through October. Additionally, the area is a prime spot for kayaking, canoeing and fishing in summer, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Plus, wild animals like moose, bears and elk are frequently spotted here
Oahu features a nice balance of urban and beach environments. And with pleasant weather year-round, there really is no wrong time to visit this Hawaiian paradise. Must-visit Waikiki Beach promises to please, but be forewarned: There's a good chance a barrage of tourists will greet you. For extra elbow room, head to more secluded options like Waimanalo Bay Beach Park and Kalama Park. Before leaving, carve out some time for visiting Honolulu naval sights like the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
To experience some of the most inspiring views America has to offer, plan a trip to Grand Canyon National Park. A bucket-list item for many travelers, this Arizona park is a superb spot to hike, offering scenic paths like the Bright Angel and North Kaibab trails. The Colorado River weaves its way through the 277-mile-long canyon, which also makes it a top destination for whitewater rafting. But for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, travelers can view this impressive natural wonder on a helicopter tour. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in the Grand Canyon, you're sure to feel small against its towering rock formations and expansive vistas
America's first national park provides more than 900 miles of hiking trails, as well as plenty of attractions to excite nature lovers, from steaming geysers to bubbling hot springs. Plus, animal fans will appreciate a visit to the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center to learn about local wildlife. If you'd rather look for wild critters inside the park – which occupies parts of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho – spend a few hours driving through the Hayden and Lamar valleys. Both areas are considered popular havens for Yellowstone National Park's resident bison, wolves and grizzly bears
Awe-inspiring panoramas are available everywhere you turn in Utah's Zion National Park. For some of the best views, trek the Angels Landing trail, which is full of challenging switchbacks and thrilling heights. (Note: Permits are required to hike Angels Landing and are awarded through an online lottery system. If you’re planning to hike during peak season, you'll need to apply several months in advance.) Other popular options include the easy Pa'rus Trail and the more challenging Narrows, which takes hikers through the slimmest section of Zion Canyon and requires wading through waters that, depending on the time of year, can rise as high as your chest.
A vacation at Yosemite National Park in California is all about reconnecting with nature. Spend your visit checking out world-famous landmarks like Half Dome and Glacier Point or hiking Cathedral Lakes, the Mist Trail and other popular paths. You'll also want to spend time admiring Yosemite's numerous waterfalls, including towering Yosemite Falls, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, and Horsetail Fall, which has a golden "firefall" effect at certain points in the winter. Definitely make time to see Mariposa Grove, which is home to more than 500 giant sequoia trees.
In Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming's snow-capped Teton Mountains rub elbows with the Snake River, Jackson and Jenny lakes, wildflower fields, swamps and more. Trekking to scenic vistas like Inspiration Point and Phelps Lake Overlook are common ways to take in the park's natural beauty, but if you're looking to exert less energy, explore the region by car or boat. Don't focus too much on the horizon, though, as moose, elk, bears and bison all call the park home and occasionally wander near visitors. Another plus for this park is its proximity to the rustic mountain town of Jackson Hole
Olympic National Park is spread across nearly 1 million acres of land and it's full of adventure opportunities and natural beauty. Travelers can spend time hiking the various trails in the lush Hoh Rain Forest, the scenic Hurricane Ridge or around picturesque Lake Crescent, where boating and camping are also popular. Plus, thanks to little light pollution, Olympic National Park is one of the best spots in the U.S. for stargazing; time your visit for summer to take advantage of the park's free astronomy programs. This time of year also sees low precipitation and average daily temperatures in the mid-70s.
Nicknamed the Garden Island, Kauai relies on its immense natural beauty to stand out from other Hawaiian Islands. To drive this point home, Kaua'i limits the size of all of its buildings to no taller than a coconut palm so locals and travelers can enjoy excellent views from the island's pristine beaches. Visitors will also discover lush areas like Koke'e State Park and Wailua River State Park when they venture inland. Kauai's distance from the mainland and abundance of high-end hotels make it a pricey destination to visit, so book your flights and accommodations well in advance.
