The month of June is Great Outdoors Month, and to celebrate we’ve collected a few travel destinations throughout the country where getting out and exploring nature is kind of the whole point. Whether you’re due for a good old fashioned beach day, or wanting to head to the mountains for cooler mornings and time on the trails, this list has a number of great ideas for your next trip—and then some!
Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga has become a favorite destination among outdoor enthusiasts due to just how close it is to a seemingly endless amount of outdoor activities. And with a nickname like, the “Scenic City,” you know Chattanooga is going to bring some seriously stunning views. Located in the southeastern region of Tennessee, the city sits in a valley with Lookout Mountain to the south and Signal Mountain to the north—both popular with visitors because of their world-class hiking trails and other attractions. The Tennessee River slices through downtown, making it a great spot to paddle through or walk and cycle along. Once considered the dirtiest city in America (a far cry from it’s current nickname), Chattanooga has since completely reinvented itself into a hub for outdoor recreation and has been named as the first National Park City in North America by the National Park City Foundation.
Read Palmera Vacation Club’s Destination Highlight on Chattanooga, TN.
Maui, HI
If you’re needing some R and R, a Hawaiian vacation might be on your radar. But if you’re also the type of person who can only handle a few hours on the beach before you get restless, boy do we have a destination for you! Maui, or The Valley Isle, is one of those places where you’ll have the chance to easily explore multiple microclimates in one trip, with each region offering opportunities for different outdoor adventures. Roam the trails of Haleakalā National Park where you can see a dormant volcano or the waterfalls within a bamboo forest. Snorkel through the calm waters at Honolua Bay to see reefs, sea turtles, and other marine life. Drive the scenic Road to Hana to see waterfalls and black sand beaches among the stunning landscapes throughout the 64.4-mile journey. Surfing, diving, paddle boarding—all this and more combined with the chance to enjoy relaxing resort stays await you on Maui.
Read Palmera Vacation Club’s Destination Highlight on Maui, HI.
Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but is an ecosystem so unique, that it can’t be found anywhere else in the world. This national park offers a chance to spot over 360 bird species, see both American alligators and American crocodiles coexist, the protected manatee and the ever-so-rare Florida panther. Visitors wanting to view wildlife and explore the wetland region by foot, tram, or boat (including the iconic airboat that might automatically come to mind when the Everglades are even mentioned) have multiple options of where they’d like to have their home base. There are three primary park entrances situated in either the Gulf Coast, Greater Miami area, and the town of Homestead, Florida. Depending on what direction your traveling from and what else you’d like to do during your vacation (if you have time of other activities and sightseeing,) you’ll have an easy time finding the perfect accommodations for your group in any of these areas.
Explore accommodations with your Palmera Vacation Club membership using Quest Travel Club.
Russian River Valley, CA
Sitting on the other side of the Mayacamas Mountains from Napa Valley, the Russian River Valley is a region of Sonoma County known for its beautiful redwood forests, winding Russian River, and even more vineyards and wineries. The actual Russian River Valley itself is made up of different towns in three different sections: the North, Redwoods, and Coast sections, giving visitors plenty of options of where to stay—day trips from the renowned Napa Valley included! While you’ll have easy access to tasting rooms and Michelin-starred restaurants, those looking to get outside will enjoy exploring the river itself, hiking among the redwoods in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, cycling through the scenic landscape, or even walking the cliffs and beaches along the coast. The Russian River Valley is perfect if you’re looking for a slow-paced getaway, or if you’re an outdoor enthusiast with great taste in wine!
Lincoln, NH
The White Mountain National Forest is known for its gorgeous scenery—especially during fall’s leaf peeping season. One of the main visitor centers on the western side of the forest sits on the Kancamagus Highway in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Serving as a main gateway to the 800,000-acre forest, the small town is known for being a family-friendly hub for hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months and skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and more in the winter. Lincoln is a rustic mountain town that’s not only welcoming and has different types of accommodations to choose from, but offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore the surrounding area.
Read Palmera Vacation Club’s Destination Highlight on Lincoln, NH.
