Are you looking for inspiration for your next family vacation? Here are five beautiful places to consider.
Niagara Falls, New York
Hear him roar. And feel the mist
But don’t worry, ponchos are provided when you board the legendary Maid of the Mist sightseeing boat to feel the power of the historic falls.
Formed about 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls, located on the US-Canada border, has long been a magnet for explorers and adventurers, as well as honeymoon travelers.
During the day, explore the area from different angles, traveling along lush nature trails, riding a jet ski or high-flying helicopter.
In Niagara Falls State Park, visit the Observation Tower for panoramic views of the three main falls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Every night, the park offers “nature-inspired” illumination of the falls, as well as a seasonal fireworks display.
For more information: www.Niagara FallsUSA.com.
Upper Peninsula of Michigan
A four-season playground for nature lovers, UP Michigan is adjacent to three Great Lakes—the Superior, Huron, and Michigan.
Water and beach activities abound, with kayaking, sailing and fishing as staples in warm weather. Inland, visitors travel the rivers that feed the Great Lakes, explore old-growth forests, and fish in small streams.
From the Porcupine Mountains, located just a few miles from the shores of Lake Superior and considered one of the wildest landscapes in Michigan, adventurers can hike from peak to shore in one day.
Snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing are popular during the winter months.
For more information: www.michigan.org
Tybee Island, Georgia.
Just 8 km long, this enchanting barrier island features scenic beauty and hidden gems with a small-town vibe.
Located 20 minutes from the center of Savannah, Tybee Island will appeal to families who love kayaking, looking for fossils, or exploring ecology on the beach.
Visit the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia and enjoy a bike ride through the Tybee Fort Skreven Historic District.
Get up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins on an adventure tour.
Don’t miss the new 5,000-square-foot Marine Science Center for touching aquariums, interacting with turtles, floating classrooms, and hands-on activities.
Stay in small hotels or rent accommodation by the sea.
For more information: www.Visit Tybee.com
Road to Hana, Hawaii
Surf crashing against Maui’s rocky coastline, bamboo forests and magnificent waterfalls make this road a destination in its own right.
Offering a stark contrast to the resort-filled beaches elsewhere on the island, Road to Hana offers a flawless, lush landscape oozing remnants of old Hawaiian culture.
Stops along the 52-mile trail for photos, hikes, beach picnics, and tastings of the famous banana or mango bread are well worth it. Consider spending the night in Hahn, known as “the heart of the Old…
.
