Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Burlington Bay in Minnesota Has Clear Waters That Rival the Caribbean

Explore the clear waters in Burlington Bay, Two Harbors, Minnesota, that rival the colors of the Caribbean. This underrated beach is perfect for kayaking and agate hunting.

Discover New Hampshire’s Hidden Islands That Feel Tropical

Islands in New Hampshire with Caribbean-like waters? Believe it or not, it feels like it every summer—and the weather is getting ready to welcome you.

Treasure Island Beach in Southern California Has Clear Waters That Rival the Caribbean

The clear waters at Southern California's Treasure Island Beach offer a stunning stretch of coastline with calm coves, dramatic rock formations, and postcard-worthy views.

Why Locals Love Waialea Bay in Hawai’i for Summer Swimming

Tucked along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Waialea Bay Beach is known for its crystal-clear water, calm summer surf, and peaceful shoreline near Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, making it one of the Big Island’s most underrated spots for swimming and snorkeling.

North Beach in Maryland Is a Hidden Gem With Calm Bay Waters

Dreaming of a coastal-style vacation for summer? The calm bay waters in North Beach, Maryland is calling your name.

I Dug My Own Dinner on the Northern California Coast—Here’s What Happened

What started as a simple beach day turned into one of the most unforgettable meals I’ve ever had. Here’s what it’s really like to dig your own dinner along the rugged Northern California coast.

Low Tide Lessons: Seaweed Foraging Adventure on California’s Sonoma Coast

Join a small group of curious foragers on Sonoma’s rugged shoreline, where seaweed expert Heidi Herrmann teaches how to harvest the ocean’s bounty—and gratitude—with care and respect.

Best State Park Beaches in Mississippi to Visit to Close Out Summer

Say goodbye to summer with a beach day at these Mississippi state parks, and enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping, too.

5 Best State Park Beaches in Maryland to Visit to Close Out Summer

Luckily, we still have some time to enjoy at the beach, and what better place than at one (or more) of the best state park beaches in Maryland?

Best State Park Beaches in Rhode Island to Visit to Close Out Summer

We still have plenty of summer days to spend at the beach, soaking up the last of the summer sun on the sand, so let's spend an afternoon at one of Rhode Island's best state park beaches.

5 State Park Beaches in New York to Visit to Close Out Summer

Fall in love with The Empire State’s abundance of elite oceanside and lakefront sandy shores.

Best State Park Beaches in Massachusetts to Visit to Close Out Summer

As summer comes to a close, we still have time to soak up the last of the season's sunshine and splendor with an afternoon at one of the best state park beaches in Massachusetts.

Best State Park Beaches in Connecticut To Visit To Close Out Summer

Make the most of the season! Explore Connecticut’s state park beaches for swimming, picnics, and family fun before summer winds down.

Best State Park Beaches in Northern California To Visit To Close Out Summer

Spend your last few days of summer splashing in the waves and running on the sand.

Get to Know America’s National Rivers

Explore the beauty of our National Rivers, where safeguarded waters wind through breathtaking scenery and serve as essential habitats for countless plants and wildlife.

Best State Park Beaches in Ohio to Visit to Close Out Summer

Say goodbye to summer in the best way with a beach day at these dreamy destinations in Ohio.

10 State Park Beaches in Alaska To Visit Before Summer Is Over

With 34,000 miles of coastline, Alaska has more than its fair share of incredible beaches, from unique black sand surf spots to icy shorelines that boast glacier views.

The 5 Best State Park Beaches in Wisconsin to Visit to Close Out Summer

These Wisconsin beaches are ideal for those last few beach days of summer.

Best State Park Beaches in North Carolina to Visit to Close Out Summer

These state park beaches in North Carolina are just perfect for an end-of-summer day trip.

4 Beautiful Alabama State Park Beaches to Visit Before Summer Ends

Visit the best Alabama state park beaches for an end-of-summer adventure—these oceanside and lakeside spots are perfect for swimming and relaxing.

10 State Park Beaches in Southern California to Visit to Close Out Summer

With 840 miles of coastline, California has more than its fair share of great beaches, but SoCal tops the charts when it comes to dreamy coastal beauty.

Best State Park Beaches in Indiana to Visit to Close Out Summer

When you think of beaches, Indiana doesn't come to mind? Think again. These Indiana state park beaches will surprise you.

The 10 Best State Park Beaches in Washington To Visit To Close Out Summer

Summer is drawing to a close, but if you didn’t take full advantage of everything that Washington's waterfront hotspots have to offer, never fear! These crowd-free state parks have beaches for days.

Best State Park Beaches in Hawai’i to Visit to Close Out Summer

From remote golden stretches to lush reef-protected bays, these state park beaches in Hawai’i offer a slower, more serene side of island life.

Best State Park Beaches in Virginia to Visit to Close Out Summer

Make a splash at one of these Virginia state park beaches before the season ends!

This Rhode Island Beach Is Perfect for Finding Sea Glass

Hunt for glittering green and blue pieces along this sandy stretch on the Upper Narragansett Bay.

The 7 Best State Park Beaches in Pennsylvania to Close Out Summer

Check out seven beautiful state park beaches in Pennsylvania with sandy spots, hiking trails, fishing, and plenty of family fun.

5 Best State Park Beaches in Minnesota to Visit to Close Out Summer

These are the five best state park beaches in Minnesota. There's still time to visit them before summer ends.

Best State Park Beaches in New Hampshire to Visit to Close Out Summer

Think summer is over? Not yet! There is still plenty of time to enjoy these wonderful New Hampshire state park beaches.

Best State Park Beaches in Oregon to Visit to Close out Summer

Spend your last few days of summer at one of my favorite beaches along the Oregon Coast.

4 Best State Park Beaches in Illinois To Visit To Close Out Summer

Between boating, swimming, and fishing, these Illinois state park beaches are the perfect way to say goodbye to summer.

Best State Park Beaches in South Carolina to Visit to Close Out Summer

Before summer ends, be sure to visit one of these 6 best state park beaches in South Carolina.

Adventure’s Calling: The Beaches in Lincoln City Are Ideal for Beachcombing in Oregon

This charming Oregon city has multiple treasures to find along its beaches!

Floating Down Lake Ivanhoe on This Glow-in-the-Dark Paddle Tour Is the Dreamiest Way to Spend a Night This Summer in Florida

Spend a magical night soaking up the views of Orlando’s waterways on this epic glow-in-the-dark adventure.

Adventure’s Calling: This Trail Is Ideal for Beachcombing And Shell Hunting In Louisiana

Do you like walking along a quiet beach and seeing what you can find? Do you think shells are the greatest treasure from the sea? If so, you'll love the Grand Isle Beach Walk on the Louisiana shore.

Beyond the Beaches: Discover the Little Known Kettle Ponds of Cape Cod

Kettle ponds are relatively unknown to tourists as well as many locals, but for decades, they have been my family's go-to bodies of water for swimming and relaxing.

This Boat Tour Is the Best Way to Experience a Full Moon in South Carolina

The beauty of Lake Jocassee is on full display during this ethereal Full Moon Tour.

Adventure’s Calling: This Small Beach Is Ideal for Watching Sea Lions in Southern California

Enjoy scenic views and extraordinary wildlife at this small yet popular beach in San Diego.

Adventure’s Calling: This Beach Trail Is Ideal for Beachcombing in Mississippi

Soak up the sun in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a quaint Gulf Coast town brimming with shells and seaside charm.

Can’t Make It to Haystack Rock? Try This Oregon Alternative

Can't make it to the famous Haystack Rock? This Oregon Coast town is full of beaches filled with remarkable sea stacks and rock formations.