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Around the Country

Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

12 Best Places to Snorkel in the U.S., From Sunken Volcanoes to Manatee Springs

From a sunken volcano off Maui to a Florida spring where manatees drift past, these are the real standouts, the kind of clear water that actually looks like the photos.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 9
Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, one of the best places to snorkel in the U.S.
State Pride

Instead of Banff, This Montana Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 5
Whitefish Mountain Resort viewed from the shores of Whitefish Lake in Whitefish, Montana.
Nature

Devil’s Hall Trail Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Texas

by Katie Lawrence
on Jul 4
Towering limestone walls rise above the rocky canyon floor at Devil's Hall on the Devil's Hall Trail in Texas.
Experiences

The Hidden Attraction in Virginia That People Still Seek Out to This Day

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 3
A giant bust of George Washington surrounded by other former presidents in a park in Virginia.
Trips & Routes

Locals Love This Hidden Gem Swimming Hole in New York

by Lynnette Nicholas
on Jul 2
Waterfall at Fawn's Leap in the Catskill Mountains, and there's a beautiful waterfall flowing over rocks and pouring into a swimming hole.

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Instead of This, Do That
Ditch the more well-known travel spots for this spectacular gems.
State Pride

Instead of Harpers Ferry, This Wisconsin Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

Skip the crowds at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and discover this Wisconsin town offering similar charm, scenery, and experiences.

by Trent Jonas
Historic brick storefronts with green awnings along a sunny street corner in Mazomanie, Wisconsin.
State Pride

Instead of the Golden Gate Bridge, This Iowa Bridge Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

An Iowa bridge like the Golden Gate Bridge? For cyclists, the High Trestle Bridge near Madrid, Iowa is a perfect vacation spot close to home.

by Raymond Goldfield
A view of the stone pillars leading to the High Trestle Bridge in Madrid, Iowa.
State Pride

Instead of Boulder, This Ohio Town Is Where You Should Take Your Next Trip

Skip the crowds in Boulder and discover this Ohio town offering similar charm, scenery, and experiences.

by Jacki Mick
Scenic twilight view of Lancaster Ohio with low morning fog covering the valley town.

Hand-Picked

Discover a curated selection of our favorite travel gear and goods, hand-picked just for our readers.

Travel Goods
Travel Gear

19 Prime Day Deals on Products Our Editors Actually Use

by Marisa Roman
Amazon prime deal examples
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Travel Expert’s Top 26 Must-Haves for 2026

by Only In Your State Staff
Collage of travel gear items
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Hand-Picked: The Best Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Checked Bags

by Meg Archer
alt
Trips & Routes

Essential Gear You Actually Need to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Trip

by Joe Erbentraut
Outdoor gear spread out on blanket

Gem of the Week

Nature
Weather & Natural Phenomena

10 Best Places To See Bioluminescence In The U.S. (2026 Guide)

Tracking down these incredible natural wonders takes a little bit of patience and a clear, moonless night. But whether you’re paddling through glowing Florida waters or walking under a flashing canopy in the Smokies, standing in the middle of nature's own light show is a reward you'll never forget.

by Marisa Roman
Jul 6
Bioluminescence glowing blue along shallow shoreline water created by natural marine microorganisms at night.

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All Stories

Nature
Weather & Natural Phenomena

Travelers Beware: Hawaii’s Ocean Temperatures Will Be Warmer Than Average This Summer

Sea surface temperatures around Hawai'i are expected to remain above average this summer, creating warmer ocean conditions that travelers should understand before planning a beach vacation.

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 9
Sea turtle swims under water on the background of coral reefs.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Lake McDonald in Montana: Go Here Instead

Everyone heads to Lake McDonald, but Kintla Lake offers a quieter side of Glacier National Park. Discover why this stunning Montana lake is worth the extra drive.

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jul 9
Mountains are reflected in the calm water of Kintla Lake at sunrise.
Stays

This Harry Potter Airbnb in Tennessee Feels Unreal

You'll feel as though you've stepped into another world.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jul 9
A tiny home in the woods with ivy covered walls and a round, red door at themed Airbnb in Tennessee
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Everyone Always Goes to Cannon Beach in Oregon: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Cannon Beach, but this hidden beach in Oregon offers fewer crowds and stunning views. Here’s why it’s worth the switch.

by Charlie Boyle
on Jul 9
It's a sunny day at Short Sand Beach in Oregon. A long stretch of sand is seen with waves slowly rushing up towards it, and a mountain with trees sits in the background.
State Pride

The 10 Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S. for Young Families

From coast to coast, here are some of the best places for young families to put down roots.

by Beth Copenhaver
on Jul 9
Downtown view of historic Franklin, Tennessee, a picturesque small town with shops and pedestrians.