Go on an adventure through the desert at Big Bend National Park

Serving just deserts.

Though not quite in the heart of Texas, Big Bend National Park is still a state icon. The site includes over 800,000 acres of mountains, canyons, and deserts. Nature enthusiasts can marvel at the park’s fascinating ecosystem, where leopard frogs, rattlesnakes, black bears, and hawks roam free. Even the local flora will intrigue visitors who hike along trails lined with agave plants, wildflowers, and cacti.

If you’re planning a trip to this beloved national park, make a plan that prioritizes sights and activities you enjoy. For pre-made itineraries and trip ideas, visit the Big Bend National Park website for detailed information. You can also explore the gallery below for a sneak peek of the region’s most scenic landmarks.

These are the 9 best national parks to visit in winter

Cold weather won’t stop these parks from shining.

Some of us are lucky enough to have memories of summertime family trips to national parks. In those warm summer months, the most popular parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite can feel as crowded as Disneyland. But now that kids are back in school, you might be able to have some parks to yourself. A few of these destinations even offer pleasant weather during winter. Of course, other parks may leave you shivering, but the solitude, bare trees, and dramatic snowy beauty are a fair tradeoff. If you want to explore some of the country’s charming cold-weather scenery, check out this list of the best United States national parks to visit during winter.

Go on a sight-seeing adventure at the 5 Navajo Tribal Parks

Have you ever visited these parks?

Every year, magnificent rock formations and gorgeous gorges draw millions of tourists to the western United States. Some travelers seek spectacular photo ops at these landmarks, while others simply wish to experience the breathtaking views in person. Grand Canyon National Park may be the country’s most well-known destination for rock-spotting, but it’s not the only beautiful park that welcomes adventurers. If you explore outside the National Park System, you’ll find incredible sightseeing locations like those at the Navajo Nation Tribal Parks.

Overseen by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, the five Navajo Tribal Parks include Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Tseyi Dine’ Heritage Area – Canyon de Chelly, Four Corners Monument, and Little Colorado River Gorge. Peruse the gallery below to see what each site offers, and learn more about these dazzling locations on the Navajo Nation Parks website.

Get out of the city to these natural landmarks around Las Vegas

Bet on green at these Las Vegas nature spots.

There’s more to Las Vegas than casinos and gambling. While enjoying the city’s flashy pastimes can be fun, there are some incredible outdoor excursions to explore, too. At night, you can watch a show downtown, then wake up in the morning and hike at Red Rock Canyon. Prefer less strenuous activities? Go for a peaceful stroll through Clark County Wetlands Park. Whether you want to connect with nature or walk off a hangover, there are plenty of gorgeous sights to visit near Las Vegas. If you’re planning a trip to the area and want to get outside for a day, look no further than these six natural landmarks.

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Frolic through the flowers at this lively, colorful park in Japan

Go wild for flowers.

When life weighs you down with responsibilities and worries, nothing sounds quite as appealing as escaping it all and strolling through a lush field of flowers. At the base of Japan’s Kuju Mountains, Kuju Flower Park opens its gardens to guests looking for a truly transcendent nature experience.

Acres of flowers naturally perfume the air and invite visitors to enjoy the colorful blooms lining the park’s winding paths. Against a serene mountain backdrop, this floral wonderland serves as the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy nature, and make memories. Still, flowers alone don’t make Kuju Flower Park the enticing destination it is. Check out these stunning details that will make you want to add Kuju Flower Park to your bucket list.

A field of flowers.
© Raita Futo.

Whether you want to explore a greenhouse or picnic among the flowers, Kuju Flower Park makes the perfect setting. Enjoy your lunch while watching lavender plants and poppies sway in the breeze, or stop into one of the park’s restaurants for a meal packed with delicious, locally-grown vegetables. Seasonal plantings ensure the fields bloom nearly year-round, but make sure to plan your visit before the winter frost sends the flowers packing until spring.

A field of orange, yellow, white, and pink flowers.
© Raita Futo.

Speaking of seasons, the park offers several seasonal attractions. While spring blooms are an obvious draw, the blueberry season also beckons guests in the summer. For a fee, visitors can pick fresh blueberries to take home and enjoy. If you’re near the park on August 7 this year, you can also drop by for the park’s 29th anniversary. Later in the year, fall offers a flower festival and blooming cosmos.

A field of pink flowers in front of a mountain.
© Raita Futo.

For families, the park even provides a playground area for children and various stalls and shops to interest people of all ages. With its gorgeous flowers and engaging activities, Kuju Flower Park is an unmissable natural wonder.