United States

The house that served as the focal point of the 1985 movie “The Goonies” is perhaps Astoria’s best-known landmark. While this cinematic gem is a must-see, it's essential to remember that it's also a private residence. Respect the neighborhood by parking responsibly, avoiding trespassing, and refrain...

Visiting Hat and Boots Park in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood is a journey through kitschy Americana. This giant roadside attraction, once a gas station, boasts the title of the largest cowboy hat and boots in the country. The hat itself even served as the station's office in the 1950s! After a p...

Seattle's Pike Place Market holds a quirky treasure – the Gum Wall. Located in an alleyway near the Market Theater, this unexpected art installation is a colorful wall completely covered in used chewing gum. Begun in the 1990s by theater patrons, the gum wall has become a symbol of Seattle's unique ...

The Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego, California, is home to the world's largest outdoor organ, played weekly by one of only two civic organists in the U.S. Visitors can enjoy free one-hour Sunday concerts at 2 p.m., rain or shine, performed by San Diego’s civic organist. For evening or special...

Urban Light, located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), is an iconic sculpture installation by artist Chris Burden. Composed of 202 restored cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s, it stands as a symbol of the city's vibrancy and history. This is a popular spot for visitors an...

Smith River Confluence located in Jedediah Redwoods State Park is a great swimming area especially from June to October. From the parking area for the boat launch, follow the trail back toward Nels Christensen Memorial Bridge (aka "Second Bridge"). A rope swing is usually attached to the bridge for ...

Nestled at the southwestern edge of Silverwood Lake lies Cleghorn Beach and Day Use Area, a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. This family-friendly beach boasts lifeguards on duty during the summer months and offers reservable picnic shelters for your convenience. Unlike other parts of the lake...

Kailua Beach Park, located in the town of Kailua, is a great spot for the whole family. There is a large parking lot with a bathroom and a place to rinse the sand off.

Whitemarsh is a nature preserve located on Whitemarsh Island near Savannah, Georgia. There are several winding and snaking trails throughout as well as a larger loop. There are various locations of swamps, marshes, and upland areas. This is a great place for walking, biking, and exploring. This pres...

Cabrillo Beach located in San Pedro, California is a great spot to bring the whole family. There are tide pools at the beach as well as the Cabrillo Marin Aquarium where the kiddos can get tours and more information about the sea life they're seeing. There is a parking lot at the Cabrillo Beach Park...

Mono Lake Vista Point is a quick pull off on the right side of Highway 395 as you’re headed south toward Mono City. The pull off is fairly big and is a great spot to pull over quickly to take in a view of Mono Lake and the greater area.

Chain of Lakes Trail in Blackwater River State Park is a relatively easy 1.4-mile loop trail that takes less than a half hour to hike around. The trail starts just southeast of the Deaton Bridge at the trailhead in the parking lot. There may be birders or people fishing along the trail, but if you c...

Head out to Myrtle Falls in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. This trail will take you to a beautiful 72-foot waterfall. This .97-mile hike leads to 72-foot Myrtle Falls with snowy Mt. Rainier in the background. Follow the Skyline or Golden Gate trail and then cross the footbridge ov...

Silver Lake Basin is a secluded, quiet lake located in Champion Township, Michigan. The lake is on the Dead River about 30 miles north of Marquette. There is a dam, which created the Silver Lake Basin. Unfortunately, the dam failed in 2003 but was rebuilt in 2008. Silver Lake Basin provides multiple...

Sunset Beach River Park is located off River Road in Forestville, California. The beach offers up picturesque views of the Russian River and is a great spot to end your float if starting at Steelhead Beach . The Beach: The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area. Keep this in m...