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Texas' Best Birding Spot Is An Unsung Pristine Destination With Pretty Beaches - Explore

Stretching out like an elongated finger across the mouth of Galveston Bay, the Bolivar Peninsula is a popular weekend retreat for those seeking sun, sand, and other joys of the sea. Situated just an hour and a half from Houston — one of the best cities for food lovers in the U.S. — this narrow stretch of land is also home to wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and large numbers of migratory birds. At the northern end of the Bolivar Peninsula sits High Island, a quiet, unincorporated communit...

The Underground Lake With Some Of The Most Mesmerizing Blue Water In All Of South America - Explore

When it comes to jaw-dropping natural wonders, South America claims some of the world's best. Whether it's Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the Galápagos Islands, the glaciers of Patagonia, or the highest waterfall in the world, this gargantuan landmass is blessed with a staggering amount of outdoor splendors. These treasures aren't just beautiful, but also extremely varied and spread all throughout the continent. You could spend a lifetime exploring what South America has to offer and never quite see it all.

Washington's TV-Famous Mountain Town Boasts A Vibrant Art Walk, Farmer's Market, And Endless Beauty - Islands

Roslyn was founded in 1886 when coal was discovered by prospectors for the Northern Pacific Railroad. It quickly ballooned into a boomtown, with thousands of laborers of at least 24 nationalities coming to mine its rich veins, resulting in a remarkably multicultural enclave. The last working mine closed in 1963, and since then, Roslyn has become a magnet for artists, musicians, and others seeking out more bohemian pursuits. When in town, it makes sense to start off at the Roslyn Café. After all,...

The Overlooked New Mexico Town Brimming With Art, Festivals, Authentic Food, And A Vibrant Downtown - Islands

New Mexico calls itself "The Land of Enchantment," and for good reason. This Southwestern state boasts some of the country's most striking landscapes, from open desert to deep canyons, pine-covered hills, towering mountains, and more. There's a magic in the air in New Mexico, and it's not only confined to its outdoor wonders; the state is also dotted with cool and quirky towns that are just dripping with history and character. One such place is Silver City. Like this artsy hillside town in neigh...

One Of The Prettiest Places To Escape Tucson's Heat Is An Arizona Canyon With Exceptional Trails - Islands

There is something magical about the American Southwest. The wide-open landscapes, cool rock formations, unique plant life, and vivid colors all combine to create an energy that is both seductive and otherworldly. From Utah's impressive red rock national park to the remote canyon known as "Nevada's Yosemite," this vast, arid region of the U.S. boasts iconic sites and vistas.

The Birthplace Of Coffee Is An Overlooked Country With Breathtaking Landscapes And Adventure - Islands

For any traveler serious about seeing the world, Africa is likely high on their list. There's just one problem: where to begin? The world's second-largest continent is home to 54 independent countries, which makes choosing a destination a dizzying endeavor. Africa offers up everything from the incomprehensible vastness of the Sahara to São Tomé and Príncipe, rarely-visited islands that have been called the "African Galapagos." This is in addition to buzzing cities, wide savannas, mountains, jungles, and even Cape Winelands, a world-class wine region without the crowds.

The Striking And Underrated State Park Best Known As Texas' Less Crowded Grand Canyon - Islands

The vivid hues of the mesas, pinnacles, rock towers, and canyon walls reflect 240 million years of geological layers, and, best of all, 30,000 acres of the canyon is contained within the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This gorgeous reserve features campsites, hiking and biking trails, equestrian paths, picnic areas, geocaches, and more. This makes Palo Duro Canyon — along with one of the country's least-visited national parks — a must-see destination for anyone keen to explore Texas' wide-open west.

One Of The World's Most Spectacular Natural Wonders Is An Awe-Inspiring Indonesian Crater Lake - Islands

Formed around 75,000 years ago when the catastrophic eruption of a super volcano created a massive caldera, Lake Toba is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and is among the world's deepest, with a depth of over 1,730 feet. This natural marvel in Sumatra's highlands is rimmed with mountains and is known for its relatively cool climate. It's also home to the Batak people, known for their traditional houses, wooden carvings, textiles, and festive culture. If you prefer to stay close to home, you can visit the deepest lake in the U.S. at the stunning Crater Lake National Park.

Panama's Historic Walled City-Within-A-City Is A Colorful Hidden Jewel With Unmatched Food - Islands

Central America draws visitors from around the globe who want to experience its many natural wonders. There is plenty to explore, including idyllic, lesser-known islands in the Caribbean, deep rainforests, active volcanoes, and Central America's underrated "Little Amazon." Along with the natural wonders, the region also contains a number of city gems, such as Panama's lively, colorful capital, Panama City. With its striking skyline of glimmering high-rises, Panama City has a very chic and dramat...

One Of The World's 'Longest Defined Coastal Routes' Is An Unforgettable Attraction In Ireland - Islands

When it comes to getting deep into a destination, it's hard to beat a good road trip. After all, jumping behind the wheel is one of the best ways to explore the stunning and storied routes available in the U.S., though we sometimes forget that there are other countries that also offer up their splendors via the open road. Europe has no shortage of places that can be spelunked by automobile, especially the mountains, historic towns, and wine regions of Spain. However, Ireland is also well worth a...

One Of The World's Least-Visited Countries Is A Tropical Island Paradise That's Like A Mini Fiji - Islands

When we think of the South Pacific, vivid images of white sand beaches, azure waters, and palm trees blowing in the breeze may spring to mind. This vast stretch of ocean is home to some of the most idyllic spots on the planet, including top-rated island destinations in Fiji and beautiful Polynesian islands that are the perfect addition to your bucket list. The famous islands within this part of the world attract sun and sea lovers from around the globe for a very good reason: they are all slices...

Some Of Wyoming's 'Best Outdoor Recreation' Hides In An Underrated Area For Hikes, Gorges, And Canyons - Islands

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is one such spot. Occupying the Flaming Gorge Reservoir and its surroundings, this massive 207,363-acre reserve boasts 360 miles of shoreline, colorful canyons, mesas, and a desert landscape flush with sagebrush. Many visitors flock to Flaming Gorge to beat the scorching summer temperatures by swimming and pursuing a host of watersports. That said, you don't have to get onto the water to enjoy the area's splendors. Flaming Gorge is also perfect for countless other activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, along with winter pastimes such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

You Can Star Gaze From A Secluded Desert Hot Springs On The Loneliest Road In America - Islands

All of the history, wonder, and strangeness that makes Nevada such a great driving state can be found on Highway 50. Dubbed the "America's Loneliest Road," this iconic drive heads through the state's heart, from the border with California to the Utah state line. Following the old route of the Pony Express, Highway 50 passes through rugged mountains, dusty old mining towns, and plenty of open country that — once the sun sets — sits under a shimmering night sky entirely unmarred by light pollution. This is especially true at Spencer Hot Springs, a natural spring far out in the desert where the heavens come alive at night.

Washington's World-Class Wine Destination Combines Adventure, Serenity, And Lakeside Beauty - Islands

Chelan is a premier nature destination, sitting on the shores of a 50.5-mile-long, fjord-like lake that's a haven for water sports, hiking, and soaking in the idyllic mountain scenery surrounding its shores. Chelan County also happens to be one of the state's main wine-producing regions, making it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the art of turning grapes into one of mankind's most storied beverages.

America's Largest Basque Community Is In A Wildly Underrated Art And Food-Filled Idaho Neighborhood - Islands

Originating from the mountains of northern Spain and southern France, Basque people arrived in Idaho in the late 1800s and early 1900s, though a second wave — fleeing Spain's Franco regime — came later. Today, Boise is home to one of the largest Basque populations in the U.S. The Basque community's presence has infused Boise with a unique cultural heritage expressed through art, celebrations, and cuisine, much of which is concentrated on a single city block downtown.

California's Largest Natural Lake Is In An Up-And-Coming Wine Region Full Of Outdoor Recreation - Islands

Clear Lake is also located in Lake County, a region with a burgeoning wine scene. While California's iconic Napa Valley offers Tuscan vibes, Lake County is home to an array of wineries and tasting rooms that have taken off in recent years. This underrated area, combined with the area's many natural blessings, makes it a worthy destination for anyone wishing to sample all California has to offer.
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