According to some recent studies, spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with better health and wellbeing. So shouldn’t we be doing all we can to get outside? If you and your family or friends are nature lovers, it’s time to make the most of your time off and plan some outdoor adventures.
Keep reading for our list of 4 vacation destinations for nature lovers to start planning today.
1. Badlands National Park
This national park in South Dakota has spectacular rocks, peaks, and cliffs of all different colors. On top of that, it also has flat plains, ancient fossil terrain, and a wide array of wildlife.
You can explore this park on foot, by bicycle, or by car. There are a number of different trails throughout the park of varying levels of difficulty, so whether you’re traveling alone or with a group, you’ll be able to find something for everyone. For the most complete experience, you should plan at least two full days in the park.
If your love of nature extends to the night sky, you can also make sure to check out the annual astronomy festival that they host here.
2. The Oregon Coast
This isn’t necessarily a single destination but rather a whole slew of vacation destinations for nature lovers. The entire Oregon coast offers coastal villages, beaches, mountains, and forests, making it an outdoor lover’s paradise.
The coast stretches along the Pacific Ocean, boasting multiple opportunities for adventure and beautiful sceneries. The best way to experience it is to drive along Highway 101 and make stops along the way. For the perfect trip, plan 5-7 days for this adventure.
You can always refer to an adventure guide to help you strategize your road trip and see all the coolest spots.
3. Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite National Park in California has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the 1980s. The landforms made from migrating glaciers over the centuries are mighty to behold and are sure to take your breath away. Similar to the Badlands National Park, Yosemite is best known for its cliffs.
Some of these, like Half Dome and El Capitan, are revered as some of the most challenging and exciting surfaces in the world for rock climbing. But Yosemite is home to some astounding nature as well like the ancient giant sequoia trees.
4. Zion National Park
This national park in Utah is one of the most visited destinations for outdoor adventures in the United States. Here you can find Angels Landing, a rock formation with a steep and narrow trail that’s considered one of the most challenging in the country.
Visitors are also excited to walk The Narrows, the narrowest section of Zion Canyon where the trail is actually the Virgin River itself.
To adequately explore the park by walking, climbing, bicycling, horseback riding, or boating, you’ll probably need at least 4 or 5 days.
Nature Lovers Paradise at Your Fingertips
With these destinations in your back pocket, you can’t go wrong planning a vacation for you and the nature lovers in your life. Whether you’re looking for some hair-raising adventures or some peaceful time in nature, there’s somewhere in the US for you to visit.
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to check out the rest of our travel blog for some more tips and tricks!