destination Archives - Happier Place

Best-Kept Secret: Caladesi Island State Park (Florida)

Sandpipers on the Caladesi Beach just north of Clearwater Beach

Getting to Caladesi Island is as beautiful as the destination itself. One of Tampa Bay Area’s best-kept secrets is hidden in plain sight. It takes some knowledge and effort to get there, which makes the reward even sweeter – and the island less crowded.

Wonder of the World: Chichén Itzá (Yucatán, Mexico)

Pink umbrellas before the Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza pyramid El Castillo, Temple of Kukulkan, Yucatan, Mexico, Happier Place

The ruins of the vast Maya city of Chichén Itzá are astonishing in scale, history, and artistic detail. Not surprising, it’s considered one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Costa Rica’s Most Popular National Park: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio. Worth it?

beach cove surrounded by jungle, Manuel Antonio National Park, Punta Catedral seen from Playa Gemelas

Is Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s most popular national park worth a visit despite the crowds? Absolutely! Here’s why…

Unexpected Thrill: The Tallulah Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park (Georgia, USA)

Tallulah Falls in Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia, waterfall, Tallulah River

The Tallulah Falls and the Tallulah Gorge State Park are a thrill to discover and explore – from the top of the canyon rim, along trails, over a suspension bridge, and on the gorge floor and in the river!

Tampa Bay’s Natural Beach Alternative: Hillsborough River State Park (Florida)

Bridge over Hillsborough River, Florida, Tampa Bay

Escape the blazing beach sun and sweltering city: take a break in the shady forest of the Hillsborough River State Park. Enjoy the view from the river on a kayak. Yes, there are gators – and even Class II rapids (but upstream).

Road Trip Must-Stop: St. Vrain State Park (Colorado)

Rocky Mountain Sunset Reflection in Coot Pond in St. Vrain State Park, Colorado

St. Vrain State Park invites you off the highway for a refreshing break along the river, with fishing ponds, big birds, short trails, and views of the Rocky Mountains – and incredible sunsets if you time it right.

Natural Beach Paradise: Honeymoon Island State Park (Florida)

Natural Beach Paradise: beach morning glory, sea oats, birds, and wide white beach, Honeymoon Island State Park, Florida

Honeymoon Island State Park brings Florida nature dreams to life: miles of white beaches, clear blue water, shady wood trails, wildflowers, birds and other wildlife – and not a hotel in sight.

Crazy Horse Memorial: Epic Work-In-Progress Mountain Monument (South Dakota)

Crazy Horse Memorial, North American Indian and horse sculpture, world's largest mountain monument, Black Hills, South Dakota

World-record-breaking Crazy Horse Memorial is a magnificent creative undertaking that inspires to celebrate the heroes, culture, and living heritage of North American Indians.

Shark Valley: Close Encounters with Wildlife in Everglades National Park (Florida)

Alligator and snowy egret, Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida, Happier Place

Visit Shark Valley to discover the “True Everglades,” be awed by close encounters with wildlife, and take in the spaciousness of the vast River of Grass and the big subtropical sky.

America’s Mountain: Pikes Peak (Colorado)

America's Mountain: Pikes Peak rises above the woods surrounding Garden of the Gods and Colorado Springs in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Pikes Peak is the Colorado mountain that can’t be missed! That’s because of the views from its summit that inspired the song “America The Beautiful” and because it’s so big, you literally can’t miss it.

Iconic Seaside Esplanade: The Malecón of Havana (Cuba)

people on the Malecon, sidewalk, new and old sewall, fishing, building, Habana Libre

The Malecón is the famous Havana seawall, sidewalk, and road known for the fresh breeze from the sea, views of stars at night, and cruising in classic cars.

Whales, Birds, Otters, and Mountains Rising From the Sea: Kachemak Bay and Homer (Alaska)

islands, mountains, Happier Place, Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Combining the stunning landscape and abundant wildlife of Kachemak Bay with the outstanding food scene, culture, and people of Homer, makes this corner of the world an ideal Happier Place destination.

New Mexico: The Sights That Inspired Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams

Towering rock formations of Plaza Blanca.

Join us on a virtual road trip to the outstanding landscapes and culture of New Mexico that inspired painter Georgia O’Keeffe and photographer Ansel Adams.

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.