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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.

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.

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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On The Post-Industrial Waterfront: Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn, NY)

View of the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 - Happier Place

Big, refreshing and super fun Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the East River and features must-see NYC vistas, a fresh breeze from the open water, beautiful gardens and lots of opportunities to play and relax among diverse nature.

Continue reading On The Post-Industrial Waterfront: Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn, NY)

Park Above The Rest: The High Line (New York City)

The High Line NYC - Elevated, linear park above Manhattan - and a few of the Hudson Yard buildings.

The High Line is an extraordinary, linear New York City park elevated 30 feet above the streets of Manhattan! It’s the must-see NYC attraction that offers a unique nature getaway.

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If the Gods Had Built a Beer Garden: Garden of the Gods (Colorado)

Garden of the Gods must be the most naturally fantastical city park in America. Walking among the humongous, uniquely-shaped red rock formations is a rather otherworldly experience.

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Green Oasis in the City Center: Tiergarten Park in Berlin (Germany)

Stand By Me lyrics carved into a tree in the Berlin park Tiergarten

Berlin’s Tiergarten is a park so vast and lush that it’s easy to forget that you’re right in the center of a metropolis. The beer garden, rental boats and countless statues are reminders you’re not lost in the woods.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (Mexico) + VIDEO

Sun-bleached tree in the clear water at the beach in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum, Mexico, Happier Place

The incredible Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is what tropical dreams are made of. You’ll find white beaches, turquoise water, palm trees, birds, fish, iguanas, Maya ruins and you can float down a Maya trade canal!

Much More Than Just a National Park: Mesa Verde (Colorado)

Mesa Verde National Park - Cliff Palace - Cliff Dwelling - Happier Place

The Mesa Verde National Park in South-Western Colorado is not only a stunning nature park, but also the largest archeological preserve in the USA and a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Paradise Prison Island: Ilha Grande (Costa Verde, Brazil)

Fishing boats off Paradise island Ilha Grande in Brazil - Happier Place

The Brazilian island Ilha Grande is a tropical paradise with magnificent beaches, hiking trails criss-crossing through rainforest and no cars! Maybe its dark history had kept development at bay until fairly recently…

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Four Parks In One: Canyonlands National Park (Utah)

Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park, view of La Sal Mountains, Utah, Happier Place

Canyonlands National Park near Moab, Utah, features an incredible desert landscape of canyons, mesas, buttes, and rivers. It’s a must-see for explorers, photographers, hikers, cyclists, four-wheelers and even river folk.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (Colorado) + VIDEO

Royal Gorge Bridge spans the Royal Gorge in Colorado high above the Arkansas River

The Royal Gorge Bridge is a must-see Colorado attraction. Until 2001, it was the highest bridge in the world! But personally, we think it’s worth a visit because of the stunning nature views all around.