Ideas for Vacations to Explore the Great Outdoors
Travelocity's friends at National Geographic recommend breathtaking vacation ideas that will take you through the nation's most beautiful parks, beaches and mountains – with a few fun pit stops along the way.
Southwest Colorado
Board an 1881 steam-locomotive to view the canyons of San Juan National Forest then soak in the hot springs at Box Canyon Lodge while admiring the surrounding mountains. Learn More
California Coast
Take your time traveling down Pacific Coast Highway, stopping to hike up to Point Pinos Lighthouse and tour Carmel's historic sites before heading inland toward Yosemite. Learn More
Florida Swamps
Begin your trip in Atlanta as you prepare to drive through Okefenokee Swamp, St. John's River and the Everglades before reaching your final destination — Miami. Learn More
Rocky Mountain National Park
Explore Colorado's famed ski towns then wind your way through the Rocky Mountain National Forest for a glimpse of nature at its best. Learn More
The Grand Canyon
Leave the car in the parking lot for now, and start your family vacation exploring Phoenix before traversing the Grand Canyon to Lake Powell. Learn More
The Big Island
Journey across the Big Island by car, viewing the cascades of Akaka Falls State Park and Wailuku River State Park before indulging in authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Learn More
The Great Smoky Mountains
Sprawling across parts of two states, Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides adventure for travelers as they make their way to Blue Ridge Parkway and more. Learn More
The Pacific Northwest
Perfectly positioned along Washington's coast, Olympic National Park provides a scenic start to your onward journey. Learn More
Northern New England
Expect to wind through some of the most amazing scenery the Northeast has to offer as you make your way through parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Learn More
Alaska Adventure
With an outdoor playground worth bragging about, Alaska boasts endless adventure pursuits. Tackle the rapids of the Denali River, or explore the Kenai Fjords. Learn More
New Orleans & Beyond
More than just Bourbon and Blues, New Orleans features plantation homes and gardens, plus a world class zoo housing rare white tigers, swamp critters and Komodo dragons. Learn More
Texas Hill Country
Discover a different side of the Lone Star State as you make the scenic drive through Texas Hill Country, stopping for a dip in Barton Springs before heading to San Antonio. Learn More
Minnesota & Wisconsin
Wind along Gunflint Trail through northeastern Minnesota's boreal forest; spend the day at Sea Gull Lake, then head to the Wisconsin Dells. Learn More
New Mexico's Route 66
Experience America's most nostalgic road trip down Route 66, making stops at the UFO Museum in Roswell and Carlsbad Caverns. Learn More
Montana
Travel along what Charles Kurault called "America's Most Beautiful Highway" as you relish spectacular scenic vistas of Montana's National Forests. Learn More
