Happier Places

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Key West, Florida)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park beach and shady trees, Key West, Florida, Happier Place

Relax and re-energize in Key West’s best kept secret! Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is just a short bike ride from party-central Duval Street – but a world apart. A natural world! And of course, there’s history, too!

Florida Keys Highlight: Bahia Honda State Park (Florida)

Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys, Calusa Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Bahia Honda Bridge and marina

Bahia Honda State Park is more than your average Florida Keys Nature Getaway. Besides the beaches, flowers, snorkeling and fishing, the undeniable attraction is a 100-year-old abandoned railway bridge and the unique vantage point it offers.

See It To Believe It: Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado, tall sand dunes and snow-peaked mountains

Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of those places you really have to see to believe. The scale! The contrast! It looks like part of the Sahara Desert was dropped into the Rocky Mountains.

Custer State Park and the Amazing Needles Highway (South Dakota)

Mountain Goat, Needles Highway, Custer State Park

This hidden gem of the Black Hills is the reason you should visit South Dakota: Custer State Park and Needles Highway. Of course, you could also check out Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse while you’re there.

The Green Heart of Brooklyn: Prospect Park (Brooklyn, NY)

Prospect Park, Brooklyn, Endale Arch, bridge, tunnel to Long Meadow from Grand Army Plaza, Happier Place

The vast and diverse Prospect Park in Brooklyn is arguably the best park in New York City – maybe in the world. But we’re probably as biased as the thousands of others who have called this park their backyard.

America’s Favorite Drive + Longest Linear Park: Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway, street sign, north, south, arrow, mountain, HappierPlace

The Blue Ridge Parkway is an All-American Road famous for its colorful views of mountain ridges, lush valleys, and the curvy road ahead, from Virginia to North Carolina. Did you know it’s also America’s longest linear park?

Berlin’s Oldest Park: Volkspark Friedrichshain (Berlin, Germany)

Statue of boy holding fish at Maerchenbrunnen Fairy Tale Fountain in Volkspark Friedrichshain Berlin

Volkspark Friedrichshain, on the border of the hip Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg neighborhoods, is where the locals play among history and fairy tales.

Most Popular: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina + Tennessee)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park road over the peaks Happier Place

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is (by far) the most-visited National Park in the USA. Maybe because it’s conveniently located? Maybe because it’s awesome? Probably both. Also: it’s free!

Meet Mermaids and Paddle A Crystal Clear River: Weeki Wachee Springs and River (Florida)

Weeki Wachee Springs and River in Florida - Meet Mermaids, swim in a natural spring and paddle the crystal clear river.

Legendary Weeki Wachee Springs is pure Florida magic. It’s a 1940s roadside attraction featuring live mermaids, a modern water park at a natural spring and a gateway to exploring miles of lush nature by kayak or SUP.

Where Mountains Meet the Sea: The Quieter Side of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain)

Mallorca sunset Tramuntana Formentor sunset Happier Place

The Mediterranean island Mallorca is one of those magical places where the mountains meet the sea, where wildlife mingles with historic buildings, and the weather is as lovely as the food.

(Literally) Awesome: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)

Painted Wall in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado - Happier Place

The moment you come upon the deep, dark canyon, you’ll be amazed. But it’s when you see the magnificent Painted Wall that you know the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is truly awesome.

Huge Collection of International and NYC Street Art in Bushwick (Brooklyn, NY)

For a colorful outdoor experience in New York City, walk among the biggest, most diverse collection of street art in Bushwick, a Brooklyn neighborhood. A must-see if you’re in NYC and like urban art!

Charming Caribbean Seaside Village: La Boca (Cuba)

Hostal Rancho Florida - Colorful casa particular in La Boca Cuba

La Boca, Cuba, offers the perfect escape from the winter up north and the crowds of Havana, nearby Trinidad and the popular resort beach Playa Ancon.

This Rocks, Naturally: Arches National Park (Utah)

Double Arch in Arches National Park Utah - Happier Place

Arches National Park might be the most rewarding U.S. park because of the easy access to incredible views. Some of the best sights can be seen right from the car. And you’ll love the photos you’ll take!

Wild West Icon: Saguaro National Park (Arizona)

Saguaro cactus at sunset in Saguaro National Park Arizona - Happier Place

The unusual Saguaro National Park is a stunning nature getaway that’s especially enjoyable during the cooler months. Named after the iconic Saguaro cactus, it’s a must-visit for all who have dreamed of seeing the Wild West.

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First and Sacred: Devils Tower aka Bear Lodge (Wyoming)

Devils Tower was declared the first US National Monument in 1906. At that point, it had already been a sacred site to Native American tribes for centuries. They just called it by more inviting names.

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