25 Best Outdoor Attractions in the U.S., Ranked
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If the pandemic taught Americans anything, it’s to look in our own backyard and discover the homegrown attractions and natural magnificence within U.S. borders.
From Hawaii to South Carolina, the number of outdoor attractions will impress even the most seasoned international travelers. To help you plan your next fun-filled domestic road trip, we rounded up the absolute best outdoor attractions in the U.S., according to Tripadvisor reviewers.
25. Wisconsin Deer Park
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Location: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Price: $14 for general admission
Months open: April to October
Why It’s One of the Best
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The Wisconsin Deer Park is a truly unforgettable experience and a must visit for anyone passing through Wisconsin.
Here, you’ll be met with a large abundance of deer — that you’ll have the chance to feed, pet and snap selfies with — as well as piglets, cows and other charming farm animals.
24. McCarthy's Wildlife
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Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Price: $35 per adult
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Set on 8 acres of lush valleys and forests within a botanical garden, McCarthy's Wildlife in Palm Beach County, Florida is a gorgeous spot to stop and visit the abundance of wild cats, lemurs, alligators and other injured or abandoned exotic animals that need a home.
The non-profit wildlife rescue facility only takes small groups into the park — so make sure to book a tour in advance.
23. Coligny Beach
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Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Located in Hilton Head, Coligny Beach is one of the best public beaches in the U.S., largely thanks to its white sands, calm waves and extremely clean facilities.
The beach is also equipped with staff lifeguards, which can make a big difference for families with little ones in tow.
22. Kalalau Trail
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Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Woven into Kauai, Hawaii, the Kalalau Trail runs 11 miles down the island’s north shore.
While it’s said to be an unimaginably beautiful experience, the Kalalau Trail has been called one of the most dangerous trails in America due to its intense drops and cliffs — and should be approached with the caution it deserves.
21. La Jolla Cove
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Location: San Diego, California
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Considered to be the best spot in all of San Diego for diving, snorkeling and swimming, La Jolla Cove and its neighboring La Jolla ecological preserve offers a gorgeous way to spend the day in the sun.
Of course, most people come to observe the local seals, but you can also partake in the world-famous dive site or simply lay out in the sand.
20. Santa Monica State Beach
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Location: Santa Monica, California
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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The iconic Santa Monica State Beach is one of the most well-loved outdoor attractions in California.
Home to the famous Santa Monica Pier — and all of its amusement parks, restaurants and shops — this beachfront spot is the perfect place to unwind after a long day in Los Angeles.
19. Fort Worth Zoo
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Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Price: $16 for general admission
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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This city zoo is a fun option for families looking to spend some quality time in the city.
Considered to be one of the best zoos in all of Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo allows visitors to get (relatively) up close and personal with animals from across the globe — from stingrays to apes and chimpanzees.
18. Island Beach State Park
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Location: Berkeley Township, New Jersey
Price: $6 for New Jersey residents, $12 for non-residents
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Covering nearly 3,000 acres of underdeveloped barrier island, the Island Beach State Park in New Jersey’s Ocean County is one of the best kept secrets in the Northeast.
Bird lovers will be particularly keen to know that the Island Beach State Park is packed with osprey, peregrine falcons and migrating songbirds. But there’s also an abundance of swimming and sunbathing for those who are just looking to kick back and relax.
17. 17-Mile Drive
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Location: Monterey County, California
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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This scenic drive will completely change the way you view road-tripping. The 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach takes drivers along rocky cliffs to catch stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the cypress trees that are native to this part of the world. (The famous Lone Cypress is one of the most photographed trees in the U.S.)
And be sure to keep an eye out for the abundance of seals who love to spend their day basking in the sun on the coastline.
16. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
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Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Price: $24.95 for general admission
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is massive — we’re talking over 2,000 animals and over a thousand different species of plants.
The only zoo in northeastern Florida, this sprawling animal park is also one of just seven in the United States that employs a specialized animal wellness team to ensure all animals are properly taken care of and respected.
15. Panama City Beach
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Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Boasting 27 miles of uninterrupted coastline, Panama City Beach is a haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in watersports, swimming, and even the occasional sea turtle and dolphin.
You could easily mistake these beautiful, white sand beaches for somewhere much farther south — but it’s right in our backyard.
14. Hilton Head Island Bike Trails
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Location: Hilton Head, South Carolina
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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The Hilton Head Island Bike Trails are an excellent family activity that is well-suited for both beginner and more advanced cyclists.
Travelers and locals alike use the immense network of trails to commute, sightsee and simply get a decent dose of cardio while basking in the natural splendor.
13. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
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Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Price: $14.50 for general admission
Months open: March to October
Why It’s One of the Best
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The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in the country — and is considered by many to be one of the absolute best.
While zoos have recently earned a bad reputation for mistreating the resident animals, the Cincinnati Zoo is actually best known for its endangered species and birthing programs that aim to slow the extinction of animals like the white tiger and the gorilla.
12. Big Cat Rescue
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Location: Tampa, Florida
Price: N/A
Months open: Officially closed to the public
Why It’s One of the Best
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Big Cat Rescue had a serious moment early last year when its founder, Carole Baskin, was prominently featured on Netflix’s “Tiger King.”
Although Baskin and her pack of rescue tigers were well-loved by viewers, she made the tough decision to close the rescue park to the public after the unexpected wave of publicity. However, she plans to offer tours again some time after the pandemic is over.
11. Henderson Beach State Park
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Location: Destin, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Did you think you had to fly to the Caribbean for white-sand beaches and bath-temperature waters? Think again!
The Henderson Beach State Park offers everything you’d expect from a beachfront resort down south — but it’s around the corner in Florida.
10. Playalinda Beach
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Location: Brevard County, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Space enthusiasts will particularly love the Playalinda Beach in Brevard County, Florida. Minutes from NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building, beach-goers often spot rocket launches from the nearby administration.
The tranquil beach is also quite beautiful in its own right, well-loved by both locals and visitors alike.
9. Ka’anapali Beach
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Location: Ka’anapali, Hawaii
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Ka’anapali Beach is considered to be one of the absolute best beaches in Hawaii.
Not only does it have an abundance of relaxation and water sport opportunities, but it also beckons visitors with its unmatched white-sand beaches, beautiful flora and surprisingly refreshing summer breezes.
8. Route 66
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Location: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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The legendary Route 66 runs deep in American history. The first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles, the highway was mainly used by commuters going West.
But, these days, travelers particularly love visiting the roadside architecture and storied ghost towns sprinkled throughout the country.
7. Hanalei Beach Park
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Location: Hanalei, Hawaii
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Hawaii might be packed with natural splendor to choose from, but Hanalei Beach should not be missed.
Boasting almost 2 miles of beach on Kauai’s north shore, the spectacular waters are ideal for surfing and swimming.
6. Clearwater Beach
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Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Named the “Best Beach Town in Florida” by USA Today, Clearwater Beach pretty much guarantees sunshine and relaxation.
The picture-perfect waterfront town is packed with spots to loaf but also offers tons of great activities for adults and kids alike.
5. Pacific Coast Highway
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Location: Highway in California
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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If you binge-watched both seasons of “Big Little Lies”as quickly as we did, chances are you’re already familiar with the Pacific Coast Highway — and its iconic Bixby Creek Bridge.
If you’re already driving through California, it’s well worth the detour, especially if you want to see the coastline up close and personal.
4. Fort Lauderdale Beach
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Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the most well-loved outdoor attractions in the U.S. — and for good reason. It’s much more humble than neighboring Miami but offers just as spectacular sand and sun.
The coastline is still packed with bars and restaurants, but there’s also plenty of space to lay out and enjoy a lazy day with friends.
3. Hana Highway
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Location: Maui County, Hawaii
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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Considered to be one of the top attractions in Maui, the Hana Highway is a must-visit for drivers (and passengers!) who appreciate sparkling crystal clear waters, incredible waterfalls and unobstructed views of all the natural splendor that Hawaii has to offer.
Yes, please!
2. South Beach
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Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Price: Free
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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A trip to Miami is simply not complete without a couple of days laying in the sun on South Beach.
The Florida hotspot is ripe with high-profile events, luxury hotels and other premium experiences — but the beachfront is open to the public for free.
1. Diamond Head State Monument
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Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Price: $1 per walk-in visitor and $5 per vehicle
Months open: Year-round
Why It’s One of the Best
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This dormant volcano crater on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is considered to be the most popular outdoor attraction — not just in Hawaii but in the United States.
The Diamond Head peak offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, but nothing beats standing at the edge of the 300,000-year-old crater.