USA Archives - Happier Place

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.

What Is National Park Week? And How Can You Get In for Free?

National Park Week at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, red rock formations against snow-covered peaks and blue sky

National Park Week takes place in late April across all U.S. National Parks and other NPS sites. Entry is free on the first day. But this week is about much more than free admission.

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.

Hidden Botanical Wonder: Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg (Florida)

Beautiful Sunken Gardens, St. Petersburg, Florida, oldest roadside attraction sign

Get off the hot beach and cool down in the natural shade of the Sunken Gardens, one of America’s oldest roadside attractions and a tropical wonder in the middle of the historic city of St. Petersburg, Florida.

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.

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.

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.