Family trip ideas to explore the beauty of America’s landscapes
In America’s 50 states, you have everything you could want in terms of what nature has to offer. National parks abound in America, from the wild Arctic wastes of Alaska to the stunning volcanic beauty and warmth of Hawaii; through Maine in the northeast to California in the southwest, you have vast lands to explore.
Heading south
Family trips don’t come much more amazing than heading to Arizona’s Grand Canyon. You and your children won’t be anything other than awestruck at this vast gash in the earth, a mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277 miles long. Take a hiking trail; go to the bottom of the canyon; canoe on the Colorado River, which carves its way through; or take a helicopter trip to get an overview of this stunning landscape.
Take in California and its magnificent Pacific coastline, not forgetting to check out the giant redwood trees and enjoy at least one of the many parks where you can lose yourself in the wildness of natural surroundings.
Magnificent mountains
The Rocky Mountains stretch from Canada to New Mexico, and states such as Colorado, with its Rocky Mountain National Park, have peaks and landscapes where you can get to grips with an alpine tundra above the trees and get the chance to see some of the amazing wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. Huge amounts of trails for walking or biking will keep your family fit and having fun.
Alligators in the ’hood
Head to the Everglades in Florida for alligator sightings, especially in Shark Valley. You can walk or cycle or even take a tram tour to spot these amazing throwbacks to prehistory. Do be careful – gators can be dangerous!
Georgia on your mind?
If it is, then check out the state’s Cumberland Island, a wilderness area of 9,800 acres with marshes and maritime forests. Look out for alligators and feral horses, and take camping gear to experience the true wildness of the island.
New York
If you think New York is just about the incredible East Coast city, then think again. Yes, it’s a great place to visit, but check out the vast New York state, which offers untold natural riches and beauty.
If you love water, then you can take in the delights of Long Island, just off the main city; head up the coast to get the power of the Atlantic Ocean; or go north and find the Great Lakes of Ontario and Michigan. The Hudson Valley is ideal for exploration, and Mohonk Mountain House is a great base for setting off on your explorations. You can enjoy this family-friendly resort in the heart of the Hudson Valley and know you can be relaxed and refreshed after a long day in the natural world.
America the beautiful
Wherever you go, you’ll always find places to experience and treasure; the beautiful landscapes you find will be there for eons to come.