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Overnight adventures

Around the Country

Nature

15 Places in the U.S. That Feel Like an Alien Planet

From lava fields to white sand dunes and colorful badlands, these incredible places across the U.S. look like they belong on another planet.

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jul 24
rock formations at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in new mexico
Nature

16 Unforgettable U.S. Waterfall Trails Every Hiker Needs to Experience

by Jasmine Vieau
on Jul 27
Havasu Falls cascades into a turquoise pool between towering red canyon walls in the Havasupai Reservation, Arizona.
Food

13 of the Best Meals in the U.S. That You Can’t Find in a Restaurant

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 27
Whole bright red Maine lobsters cooking on a large outdoor charcoal grill rack.
Nature

12 Hidden Swimming Holes Across the U.S. Still Worth Finding

by Rebecca Norris
on Jul 24
The red-rock cliffs and sparkling turquoise swimming hole at Havasu Falls in Arizona—one of the most famous hidden swimming holes across the U.S.
Nature

13 National Parks in the U.S. With Sunsets So Beautiful, They Don’t Look Real

by Courtnie Erickson
on Jul 23
A vibrant sunset over the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

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Instead of These Spots, Go Here Instead
Ditch the spots with the most people and find these underrated gems instead.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Wrightsville Beach, but this hidden beach in North Carolina is a boat ride away and worlds apart. Here's why it's worth the trip.

by Marisa Roman
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Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Ocean City in Maryland: Go Here Instead

Everyone crowds onto Ocean City's boardwalk, but this hidden beach in Maryland makes you earn it with a hike, and rewards you with cliff views most of the state doesn't have.

by Marisa Roman
The Beach at Calvert Cliffs. Maryland, USA, Maryland
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to St. Simons Island in Georgia: Go Here Instead

Everyone heads to St. Simons Island, but this hidden beach in Georgia comes with wild horses, no cars, and a ferry ride to get there.

by Marisa Roman
White sandy beaches of Cumberland Island National Seashore

Hand-Picked

Discover a curated selection of our favorite travel gear and goods, hand-picked just for our readers.

Travel Goods
Travel Gear

19 Prime Day Deals on Products Our Editors Actually Use

by Marisa Roman
Amazon prime deal examples
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Travel Expert’s Top 26 Must-Haves for 2026

by Only In Your State Staff
Collage of travel gear items
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Hand-Picked: The Best Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Checked Bags

by Meg Archer
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Trips & Routes

Essential Gear You Actually Need to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Trip

by Joe Erbentraut
Outdoor gear spread out on blanket

Gem of the Week

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Fayetteville, Arkansas Is One of the South’s Most Surprising Small Towns

A complete guide to exploring Fayetteville, Arkansas; from UCI Bike City trails and vintage markets to local eats and 50 years of LGBTQ+ Pride history.

by Marisa Roman
Jul 23
Downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas, with cars lined up and shops in the back.

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All Stories

Nature

Minnesota Is Bracing for an Intense Wildfire Season This Summer

Planning a trip up north? Summer weather in Minnesota might include extreme wildfire smoke. Here is how to prepare for poor air quality and stay safe.

by Trent Jonas
on Jul 27
Dark wildfire smoke plumes looming over a road in Minnesota's boreal forest.
Nature

The Most Beautiful Lake in Alaska That Most People Have Never Heard Of 

Lake Clark National Park is home to a hidden lake in Alaska that’s so remote you have to take a float plane to get there.

by Katie Lawrence
on Jul 27
A quiet shoreline curves along a glacial lake beneath dramatic, cloud-covered mountains in the Alaskan wilderness.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

13 Hidden Gem Small Towns Next to State Parks Across the U.S.

Every state has a park that gets all the attention, but the small town next door is often just as worth the trip. Here are 13 hidden gem towns paired with the state parks that put them on the map.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 27
An aerial view of Morro Bay, California, with numerous boats in the water.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Beautiful Lake in Iowa That Most People Have Never Heard Of

Tucked away and often overlooked, this stunning lake in Iowa offers incredible views and peaceful surroundings. Here’s why it’s worth the trip

by Jacki Mick
on Jul 27
Golden hour sunset view from a kayak on the water at Lake Darling State Park in Iowa.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Oceanfront Beach in Virginia: Go Here Instead

How far are you willing to go for the chance to experience the best hidden beach in Virginia?

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Jul 27
A silhouette walks along a beach in Virginia at sunrise.