1. Big Sur, California
Big Sur, a stretch of coastline in central California, is known for its rugged cliffs and turquoise-blue coves that can be seen from Highway 1. Visit for gorgeous views and epic mountain biking.
2. Yosemite National Park, California
Visit Yosemite National Park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains for magnificent waterfalls and giant Sequoias. Yosemite is the perfect destination for bouldering or just exploring the wilderness.
3. Sanibel Island, Florida
If your idea of nature involves the beaches or birdwatching, Sanibel Island is for you. Head to Sanibel to visit the many wildlife reserves or to collect the seashells that make the island famous.
4. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park in Utah is filled with narrow canyons, high plateaus, and monolithic cliffs. These make it the perfect destination for canyoneering — or traveling through the canyons — which involves rappelling, swimming, hiking, and other skills.
5. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
Visiting the U.S.'s largest national park, Wrangell-St. Elias, is like stepping into the Ice Age. It's the perfect spot for glacier hiking and ice climbing, and if extreme sports aren't your thing, see the sights in a small plane.
6. Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Located on the California coast, Point Reyes is a protected shoreline and nature preserve. Home to many outdoor activities, it's also a popular kayaking spot.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is Maine at its best — filled with wild blueberries, tiny islands, and evergreen forests. Hike (or just drive) up to the North Atlantic seaboard's highest peak, Cadillac Mountain.
8. Muir Woods, California
Just north of San Francisco you'll find Muir Woods, home to gigantic redwood trees that can reach heights up to 379 feet. A walk through the woods will make even the tallest person feel small.
9. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
One of the most beautiful things to see in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the awe-inspiring Lake of the Clouds. The park is one of the best places in the Midwest to explore waterfalls.
10. Catskills, New York
Not far from New York City, the Catskills has something for every nature lover. The area is famous for its fly-fishing but also has plenty of spots for good old-fashioned fishing as well.
11. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone is home to wildlife like bison — and geothermal activity like hot springs, mudpots, and geysers. One of the highlights of the park is Old Faithful, one of the most famous geysers in the world.
12. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Idaho
Craters of the Moon encompasses three major lava fields — which makes it feel like another planet — plus miles of grasslands. Hike or explore the caves to really explore the volcanic terrain.
13. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains, named for the color of the distant ridges, are just a small part of the Appalachian Mountains. Hike the Blue Ridge's section of the Appalachian Trail, great for beginners, and cross it off your bucket list.
14. North Cascades National Park, Washington
North Cascades is one of the most diverse national parks in the U.S., so the options for exploring are endless. Try camping at one of the park's many sites.
