Our Top Picks for an Outdoor Vacation

If you’re looking for outdoor vacation spots this summer, and travel to a place that is a little less visited, these are our top six picks.

Summer is the most popular time of the year for family vacations- kids are out of school, many parents have time off, and the weather is nice in most areas of the country. But a relaxing vacation can quickly turn into stress and frustration when you run into packed beaches, crowded restaurants, and overly touristy shops. Sometimes, visiting spots that are off the beaten path is better than heading to the most popular spots.

1.) Champlain Islands, Vermont

The Champlain Islands are found within Lake Champlain, a beautiful body of water nestled between mountains on the Vermont-New York border. It is a paradise for nature lovers and those wishing to get outdoors. If you’re looking to visit a state park, this wish can be granted in Alburgh Dunes or Knight Island, or any of the other state parks located around the lake. There are also opportunities for swimming, lounging on the beach, camping, hiking, and fishing. Surrounded by small towns, mountains, and the water, you’re sure to have a relaxing vacation.

2.) Santa Fe, New Mexico

You’ve probably heard of Santa Fe, New Mexico- after all, it is one of the state’s largest cities. But that doesn’t mean very much in New Mexico, which ranks 37th in the United States for the total population, and 45th for population density. Santa Fe is known for its unique architectural style and its stunning surrounding landscape. Skiing and hiking are two of the most popular outdoor vacation activities immediately surrounding the city, but nearby, there are volcanic domes, streams, hot springs, and so much more to explore.

3.) Eldred Rock Lighthouse, Alaska

Eldred Rock Lighthouse sits on an island, approximately fifty miles northwest of Juneau, and is the oldest lighthouse in the state. It is surrounded by huge, snowy mountains that add to the incredible landscape. The lighthouse itself, and the tower that emerges from the top of the lighthouse, are an octagonal shape and are fifty-six feet tall. It is a perfect place for sightseeing and photography and is a beautiful place to spend some time outdoors on the water.

4.) Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

Located in northern Pennsylvania, Cherry Springs State Park is renowned as one of the best places in the United States for stargazing. Its skies are dark and clear, far away from cities, which makes for a perfect stargazing experience. If you come at the right time of year and are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or a meteor shower during your outdoor vacation. Cherry Springs State Park also has many hiking trails, and opportunities for camping, and visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna.

5.) Port Aransas, Texas

Port Aransas, Texas is located on Mustang Island, east of Corpus Christi, and it is a beautiful place for a beach vacation that is off the beaten path. Besides swimming and enjoying the beach, Port Aransas also has a namesake nature preserve, where visitors can spend time in nature, birdwatch, or climb one of the lookout towers. There is also Mustang Island State Park, a bit further south than the town of Port Aransas. Other outdoor activities include fishing,
parasailing, kayaking, surfing, and going on a dolphin-watching cruise! Port Aransas is so unique, and there are so many incredibly fun outdoor activities to experience and take part in.

6.) City of Rocks National Reserve, Idaho

A lot of people give credit to Idaho for only one thing: potatoes. But the truth is, this Western state is vastly underrated for its incredible mountains and beautiful natural landscapes. City of Rocks National Reserve is located in southern Idaho, close to the Idaho-Utah border. City of Rocks National Reserve is most well-known for its excellent rock-climbing, but visitors can also hike, mountain climb, horseback ride, and camp. Throughout the reserve, there are beautiful views of the rocks, trails, and fields, and the City of Rocks makes for an excellent outdoors
destination.

This summer, enjoy an outdoor vacation, and take the road less traveled by!