Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Beautiful Lake in Ohio That Most People Have Never Heard Of

Tucked away and often overlooked, this stunning lake in Ohio offers incredible views and peaceful surroundings. Here’s why it’s worth the trip. .

Everyone Always Goes to Ogunquit’s Main Beach in Maine: Go Here Instead

If you're looking to escape the bustle of Ogunquit's busiest beach, this hidden coastal gem delivers natural beauty, calmer shores, and a more laid-back vibe.

The Most Beautiful Lake in Michigan That Most People Have Never Heard Of 

Tucked away and often overlooked, this stunning lake in Michigan offers incredible views and peaceful surroundings. Here’s why it’s worth the trip.

Everyone Always Goes to Ruby Beach in Washington: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Ruby Beach, but this hidden beach in Washington offers fewer crowds and stunning views.

This Just Might Be a Better Alternative to Santa Monica Beach in California

With its wide open shoreline, steady Pacific surf, and relaxed Malibu setting, Zuma Beach offers a more spacious and natural alternative to Santa Monica's crowded pier-front atmosphere.

One of the Most Beautiful Lakes in Arizona Is Surprisingly Overlooked

Miles away from the major cities, this secluded Arizona lake boasts calm waters, a swim beach, and peaceful surroundings. Here’s why it’s worth a trip.

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.

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.

The Most Beautiful Lake in North Carolina That Most People Have Never Heard Of

Surrounded by stunning mountains and protected forest, this hidden-away lake is a warm-weather must.

Everyone Always Goes to Waikiki Beach in Hawai’i: Go Here Instead

With its powder-soft white sand, turquoise water, and peaceful shoreline backed by the Koʻolau Mountains, Bellows Field Beach Park offers a quieter, more natural side of Oahu that's a world away from Waikiki's crowds.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Alabama Is This Stunning Fishing Lake

The best fishing lake in Alabama is hiding in Oak Mountain State Park, and its summer season is a little slice of heaven.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in New Jersey Is This Glacial Lake in High Point State Park

Hidden in High Point State Park, Lake Marcia might be the best lake in New Jersey for cooling off this summer.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Virginia Is This Sprawling Rural Lake

Located in a peaceful area in Central Virginia, Lake Anna might be the best lake in Virginia for some summer relaxation.

15 Beaches in the U.S. That Are Dupes for a Global Getaway

No passport is needed for these U.S. beaches reminiscent of Caribbean, Mediterranean, and other exotic global beach destinations.

10 Drive-Up Beaches Nobody Talks About (But Locals Love)

Discover unique drive-up beaches across the U.S. where you can park on the sand and enjoy coastal views like a local.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in New York Is This Stunning Glacial Lake

Considered by insiders to be the best fishing lake in New York, Middle Saranac Lake is a true hidden gem that will help you beat the summer crowds.

This Secret Swimming Hole in Missouri Is Perfect for an Unforgettable Adventure

This hidden summer spot in Missouri is perfect for cooling off, with scenic views and a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Pennsylvania Is This Peaceful Fishing Lake

Looking for an amazing secret lake in Pennsylvania where you can beat the heat and the crowds? You'll find one at Hidden Lake near the NJ border.

The Remote Driftwood Graveyard at Cape Blanco Might Be Oregon’s Most Haunting Beach Walk

Below the windswept bluffs of Cape Blanco State Park, a remote Oregon beach is piled with massive driftwood logs — a haunting, beautiful shoreline shaped by rivers, storms, and the wild Pacific.

This Hidden California Beach Has Semi-Precious Gems You Can Take Home

At Sue-meg State Park near Trinidad, Agate Beach hides below forested bluffs — a wild stretch of Northern California shoreline where colorful, ocean-polished agates wash up at low tide.

The Best Kept Summer Secret in Michigan Is This Glacier-Carved Lake

This hidden summer spot in Michigan is perfect for cooling off, with scenic views and a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.

This Hidden Cave at Point Reyes Feels Like a Secret World Along California’s Coast

Reached by a rugged beach hike at minus tide, Skylight Cave on Secret Beach in Point Reyes is one of Northern California’s most unforgettable coastal adventures.

A Hidden Stretch of California’s Sonoma Coast Is Finally Open to the Public

A once-private stretch of Sonoma coastline is now open to the public, revealing windswept trails, a rare estuary ecosystem, and one of the last truly wild landscapes along California’s coast.

3 Places in South Carolina That Are Like a Caribbean Paradise in the Summer

These Caribbean-like places in South Carolina offer the chance to soak up the sun without the large crowds.

3 Places in North Carolina That Are Like a Caribbean Paradise in the Summer

Add these Caribbean-like places in North Carolina to your summer bucket list immediately.

Why Locals Love Glendo Lake in Wyoming for Summer Swimming

Locals can't get enough of the sandy shores and clear waters at Glendo Lake in Wyoming. It's ideal for a summer trip with the family.

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

Discover the best beaches in Wisconsin to close out the summer. Pack your cooler and get ready for a day of fun by the water.

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.