The United States is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes and island chains in the world, offering nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers a wealth of opportunities to connect with the raw beauty of the natural world. From the sun-drenched shores of California to the icy wilderness of Alaska, each destination boasts unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and a wide range of outdoor activities that cater to every type of traveler. In this article, we will explore five of the most remarkable coastal and island destinations in the US, each a jewel in the crown of the country’s Nature & Outdoors tourism scene: California’s Highway 1, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Florida Keys, Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, and Washington’s Olympic National Park.
California’s Highway 1: A Scenic Drive Along the Pacific’s Edge
Stretching over 650 miles along the rugged California coastline, Highway 1 is more than just a road—it is an iconic journey that showcases some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world. Connecting the vibrant cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles, this legendary highway winds its way past towering cliffs, crashing surf, pristine beaches, and charming coastal towns, making it a bucket-list destination for road trippers and nature lovers alike.
One of the most famous sections of Highway 1 is the Big Sur region, a 90-mile stretch of coastline that is celebrated for its untamed beauty. Here, the Santa Lucia Mountains rise sharply from the Pacific Ocean, creating a landscape of unparalleled grandeur. A highlight of this area is the Bixby Creek Bridge, an architectural marvel that spans a deep canyon and offers sweeping views of the ocean below. Completed in 1932, the bridge is not only a functional structure but also a symbol of Highway 1’s legacy, attracting photographers and sightseers from around the globe who come to capture its beauty at sunrise or sunset, when the golden light bathes the concrete arches and the ocean shimmers in the distance.
Another must-visit spot along Highway 1 is Pfeiffer Beach, a hidden gem nestled in a cove near Big Sur. What sets this beach apart is its unique purple sand, a rare natural phenomenon caused by the presence of manganese garnet deposits that have eroded from the surrounding cliffs and mixed with the sand. The purple hue is most vivid after a storm, when fresh deposits of garnet are washed onto the shore, creating a striking contrast with the turquoise waters of the Pacific. Beyond its colorful sand, Pfeiffer Beach is also known for its dramatic rock formations, including Keyhole Rock, a large sea stack with a natural arch that frames the sunset perfectly, drawing crowds of visitors who gather each evening to witness this spectacular sight.
Highway 1 offers a plethora of outdoor activities for travelers to enjoy, making it ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the California coast. Scenic driving is, of course, the main attraction, but there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore on foot. Hiking trails abound in the area, ranging from short, easy walks to more challenging treks. For example, the McWay Falls Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a popular 0.6-mile round-trip hike that leads to a stunning 80-foot waterfall that cascades onto a pristine beach, creating a postcard-perfect scene. The trail is accessible year-round and offers views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs along the way.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Highway 1 is a prime spot for whale watching and seal viewing. From December to April, gray whales migrate along the California coast, passing close to shore as they travel from their breeding grounds in Baja California to their feeding grounds in Alaska. Many lookouts along Highway 1, such as the Point Sur Lighthouse, offer excellent vantage points to spot these majestic creatures as they breach, spout, and tail-slap in the ocean below. Additionally, seals and sea lions can often be seen lounging on the rocks at places like Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, where hundreds of these large marine mammals gather throughout the year, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Witnessing the Power of Creation and Destruction
Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a place of unparalleled geological significance, where visitors can witness the raw power of nature as volcanoes shape and reshape the landscape. The park is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea, which has been erupting continuously since 1983 (with occasional pauses), and Mauna Loa, the largest active volcano on Earth. Together, these volcanoes offer a rare glimpse into the process of plate tectonics and the creation of new land, making the park a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a mecca for geologists, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Kilauea is the star attraction of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, known for its frequent lava flows that have added hundreds of acres of new land to the Big Island over the past few decades. One of the best places to experience Kilauea’s power is the Kilauea Caldera, a large volcanic crater that measures approximately 2 miles wide and 400 feet deep. The caldera is home to Halema’uma’u Crater, a smaller crater that has been the site of frequent eruptions in recent years, including lava lakes that glow brightly at night, creating a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors.
In addition to its volcanic features, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is also home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from lush rainforests to barren lava fields. The park’s hiking trails offer visitors the chance to explore these different environments and witness the process of ecological succession, as plants and animals colonize the new land created by lava flows. One of the most popular trails is the Kilauea Iki Trail, a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes visitors across the floor of a former lava lake, where they can see steam vents, ferns, and other plants growing in the cracks of the solidified lava.
For more adventurous visitors, the park offers the opportunity to hike through lava tubes, natural tunnels formed when the outer layer of a lava flow cools and hardens, while the molten lava inside continues to flow, leaving behind a hollow tube. The Thurston Lava Tube, also known as Nahuku, is one of the most accessible lava tubes in the park, with a paved path that leads visitors through a 500-foot-long tube, illuminated by lights that highlight the unique rock formations on the walls and ceiling. For more experienced hikers, the Kazumura Lava Tube, one of the longest lava tubes in the world at over 40 miles long, offers a more challenging adventure, with narrow passages and uneven terrain that require proper gear and a guide.
One of the most unforgettable experiences at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the chance to witness lava entering the ocean, a rare and awe-inspiring sight that occurs when lava flows from Kilauea reach the Pacific Ocean. When the molten lava (which can reach temperatures of over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) comes into contact with the cold ocean water, it creates a violent reaction, with steam billowing into the air and chunks of solidified lava breaking off and falling into the sea. This process not only creates new land but also releases toxic gases, so visitors are advised to follow park guidelines and stay at designated viewing areas. The availability of lava ocean entries varies depending on the activity of Kilauea, so it is important to check the park’s website for the latest updates before planning a visit.
The Florida Keys: A Tropical Paradise of Coral Islands and Clear Waters
The Florida Keys are a chain of over 1,700 coral islands and sandbars that stretch approximately 120 miles from the southern tip of Florida into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island vibe, the Keys are a tropical paradise that offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. From world-class snorkeling and diving to relaxing beach days and exciting fishing trips, the Florida Keys are the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
One of the most famous destinations in the Florida Keys is Dry Tortugas National Park, a remote cluster of seven small islands located approximately 70 miles west of Key West. The park is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. The park’s coral reefs are home to a diverse array of fish species, including angelfish, parrotfish, and barracudas, as well as sea turtles, dolphins, and even the occasional manatee. The clear waters of the park (which have visibility of up to 100 feet) allow visitors to see these marine creatures in their natural habitat, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the United States.
In addition to its marine life, Dry Tortugas National Park is also home to Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th-century fortress that was built to protect the Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes. The fort is one of the largest masonry structures in the Western Hemisphere, with over 16 million bricks used in its construction. Visitors can explore the fort’s corridors, gun emplacements, and courtyards, learning about its history as a military outpost and a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. The fort is only accessible by boat or seaplane, adding to its remote and secluded charm.
Beyond Dry Tortugas National Park, the Florida Keys offer a wealth of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Snorkeling and diving are popular throughout the Keys, with many dive shops offering guided tours to some of the best reefs in the area, such as the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the first underwater park in the United States. The park is home to a variety of coral formations, including brain coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral, as well as a diverse range of marine life. Snorkelers can explore the park’s shallow reefs, while divers can venture deeper to see shipwrecks and more exotic marine species.
Fishing is another popular activity in the Florida Keys, with the area known for its excellent saltwater fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, and tuna or inshore fishing for tarpon, bonefish, and snook, the Keys have something to offer every angler. Many charter companies offer guided fishing trips, providing visitors with the equipment and expertise needed to catch the big one. For those who prefer a more relaxed fishing experience, there are plenty of piers and bridges throughout the Keys where you can cast a line and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Kayaking is also a great way to explore the Florida Keys, with calm waters and mangrove forests that provide a peaceful and scenic setting for paddling. The Keys’ mangrove forests are home to a variety of bird species, including herons, egrets, and ospreys, as well as manatees and dolphins that can often be seen swimming alongside kayaks. Kayaking tours are available in many parts of the Keys, ranging from short, easy trips to multi-day expeditions that take visitors to remote islands and hidden coves.
Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park: A Wilderness of Glaciers, Fjords, and Wildlife
Located in southeastern Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park is a vast wilderness area that covers over 3.3 million acres, encompassing glaciers, fjords, mountains, and coastal forests. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its unique geological features and diverse ecosystems. Glacier Bay is home to over 1,000 glaciers, including 17 tidewater glaciers that flow directly into the ocean, creating a dramatic landscape of ice and water that is unlike anywhere else in the world.
One of the most iconic features of Glacier Bay National Park is the Margerie Glacier, a 21-mile-long tidewater glacier that is one of the most active in the park. The glacier is known for its striking blue color, which is caused by the compression of ice crystals that scatters light, giving the ice a vibrant blue hue. Visitors to the park can witness the glacier calving, a process where large chunks of ice break off from the glacier’s face and fall into the ocean, creating a thunderous roar and massive waves. Calving is most frequent in the summer months, when the warmer temperatures cause the ice to weaken, making it an exciting time to visit the park.
Another popular glacier in Glacier Bay is the Johns Hopkins Glacier, a 12-mile-long tidewater glacier that is known for its massive size and dramatic calving events. The glacier is surrounded by steep mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for visitors who come to see it. In addition to its glaciers, Glacier Bay National Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, seals, and a variety of bird species. The park’s waters are rich in krill and fish, making it an important feeding ground for humpback whales, which migrate to the area each summer to feed on the abundant prey.
One of the best ways to explore Glacier Bay National Park is by boat, with many cruise ships and tour boats offering trips through the park’s fjords and past its glaciers. Boat tours provide visitors with the opportunity to get up close to the glaciers, witness calving events, and spot wildlife. Many tours also include commentary from naturalists who provide information about the park’s geology, ecology, and wildlife, enhancing the visitor experience. For those who prefer a more active adventure, the park offers kayaking tours that allow visitors to paddle through the calm waters of the fjords, getting a closer look at the glaciers and the surrounding landscape.
Glacier hiking is another popular activity in Glacier Bay National Park, offering visitors the chance to explore the ice up close and experience the unique beauty of the glaciers. Guided glacier hikes are available for visitors of all skill levels, with experienced guides leading groups across the ice, pointing out features such as crevasses, ice caves, and meltwater streams. Hikers are provided with the necessary gear, including crampons, ice axes, and helmets, to ensure their safety on the ice. Glacier hiking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows visitors to feel the power and beauty of the glaciers firsthand.
In addition to its glaciers and wildlife, Glacier Bay National Park is also home to a variety of plant species, including coastal forests of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red alder. The park’s forests are home to black bears, brown bears, moose, and other land animals, providing visitors with the chance to spot these creatures in their natural habitat. Hiking trails in the park range from short, easy walks through the forest to more challenging treks up mountain slopes, offering visitors the chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Washington’s Olympic National Park: A Tapestry of Diverse Ecosystems
Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, Olympic National Park is a unique and diverse wilderness area that encompasses three distinct ecosystems: temperate rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and rugged Pacific coastline. This remarkable combination of landscapes makes the park one of the most ecologically diverse in the United States, offering visitors a chance to experience a wide range of natural environments in a single destination. Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.
One of the most famous features of Olympic National Park is the Hoh Rainforest, a temperate rainforest that receives an average of 12 to 14 feet of rain each year, making it one of the wettest places in the contiguous United States. The Hoh Rainforest is characterized by its tall trees, including Sitka spruce and western hemlock, which can grow to heights of over 200 feet, as well as its lush undergrowth of ferns, mosses, and lichens that cover the trees, rocks, and forest floor. The rainforest has a magical, otherworldly feel, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy and mist hanging in the air, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
The Hoh Rainforest offers a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore its beauty, from short, easy walks to longer, more challenging treks. The Hall of Mosses Trail is a popular 0.8-mile loop trail that takes visitors through a section of the rainforest covered in thick mosses, creating a carpet of green on the trees and ground. The trail is accessible year-round and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. For more experienced hikers, the Hoh River Trail is a 17.4-mile one-way trail that leads from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center to Glacier Meadows, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
Another highlight of Olympic National Park is its Pacific coastline, a 73-mile stretch of rugged shoreline that is known for its dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and sandy beaches. Ruby Beach is one of the most popular coastal destinations in the park, named for the ruby-like crystals that can be found in the sand. The beach is surrounded by tall sea stacks, including the famous “Ruby Beach Sea Stacks,” which rise from the ocean and provide a stunning backdrop for photography. At low tide, the beach’s tide pools come alive with a variety of marine life, including starfish, sea anemones, and hermit crabs, making it a great spot for exploring and learning about the intertidal ecosystem.
The Olympic Mountains, which rise to heights of over 7,000 feet, are another major feature of the park, offering visitors the chance to experience alpine landscapes and snow-capped peaks. Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the range at 7,962 feet, is a popular destination for mountaineers, but there are also plenty of hiking trails for non-climbers that offer stunning views of the mountains. The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a 1.6-mile loop trail that leads to a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, including Mount Olympus. The trail is accessible in the summer months, when the snow has melted, and offers visitors the chance to experience the alpine environment, with wildflowers blooming in the meadows and marmots scurrying across the rocks.
