Ahead of us lay a sugar-white beach and waves of sparkling water in a brilliant ombré from teal to sapphire, which met sky blue at the horizon.

My husband, Brian, and I like supplementing our kids’ classroom time with learning vacations. We discovered a new favorite destination for “studying” after visiting Sevierville, TN.

From wildlife to water life, there are many outdoor adventures to be had on the Louisiana Coast. Enjoy biking, hiking, birding, and boating.

When I mention I’ve got business in Charlotte, Robby’s quick to suggest a cycling detour to York County, about 20 minutes south.

Goofing off and getting active outdoors in North Carolina's Crystal Coast. Bonding over kayaking, kiteboarding, beer, and fried dill pickles.

It is not often that you have the opportunity to really escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enter into a natural wonderland.

The Blackwater River was a tiny ribbon of sparkling water far below us and the mountains hunched like shoulders bending down to meet it. “What a payoff!” I said.

Whether indoors or out, you're sure to reconnect and unwind with fun to be had for the entire family in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

A couple eats their way from Oahu to Kauai

When he offered to show me endless eastern forests, some of the country's best ATV courses, skydiving, soaring, and more, I had to reconcile the South Carolina in my mind with the one Austin was trying to place in my heart.

My children would have so much fun learning in L.A. they wouldn’t know they were doing it—which is the very best way to learn.

My sister and I were still high on holiday spirit, so when we saw that this theme park had an entire section devoted just to Christmas, and that Santa was there year-round, we figured it would be perfect because we could have a fun trip to a theme park and thank Santa all in one go.

Un-messed-with Alaska is stunning from every angle. If you agree it’s worth seeing and worth preserving, here are a handful of green travel ideas to consider for your trip.

Prepare to congratulate me. I just became Heroic Hubby, Dynamite Dad, Fantastic Father-in-Law, and the Coolest Grandpa on Earth.

For a family who lives in the moment but is always looking ahead, the call of the wild coming from the “Crown of the Continent" could not be any louder.

Full of history and beautiful views, Manchester, Vermont, has become a popular place to visit for travelers of all ages.

Chicago is one of my top cities, and Jen—a friend of mine who lives there—is always down to host. Even better, she lives in the center of a killer cityscape, surrounded by award-winning museums, creative restaurants, and idyllic beaches.

Here, summer camps allow mom and dad a free morning while kids learn about the environment, learn a new skill and just have plain ol’ fun.

If you're looking for unique lodging across the United States, we've rounded up just a few of our favorite cool cabins and campgrounds.

I’d booked a trip to Beaufort, SC for the family after reading that Southern Living had awarded it “The South’s Best Small Town.”

I hadn’t come to eastern Wyoming’s Platte County for Hartville, or any of its other four towns, but it’s because of those towns that I stay longer than planned.

Floating on my back, I watched a pelican fly overhead, and sent up a little word of thank you for this time with the ones I love most.

The Golden Isles is an area known for its natural and picturesque beauty. This includes the area's maritime forests, sandy beaches, and untouched marshlands, as well as its array of native wildlife.

We were mostly excited to experience the lush landscape of Ridgeland, Mississippi

When people ask me what they should see while visiting the OBX, I make sure they don’t miss these.

There is fun to be had for everyone in Table Rock Lake—from young kids to the young at heart.

This was just the beginning of our bike-centric vacation to Pasco County, a destination my wife and I chose because of its reputation for having some of the most diverse biking trails in Florida.

"Be sure to pack athletic clothes and something you don’t mind getting camel slobber on.”

We knew we would see even more wildlife, not to mention the iconic sulphur springs and geysers, when we road-tripped 50 miles the next day to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Each year, I line up to see if I can achieve my personal best time; therefore, my training schedule is intense and then the ride itself is nearly a blur of my best effort.

Wedding dreams come true in a small, romantic Tennessee town called Gatlinburg, nestled on the grand slopes of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

An equestrian getaway to Aiken County, SC.

In Rock Hill, SC, we found a great variety of activities within a short driving distance; Kings Mountain State Park was our first stop.

Celebrating Beaufort, South Carolina, and water—the thing that defines this charming town—at the Beaufort Water Festival.

There are two big ways to get on two wheels in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Perched on the outskirts of Idaho’s vast national forest lands, Coeur d’Alene and the lake it’s named for make up one of the most perfect getaway destinations a traveler could wish for.

Chris and I love everything about Ludington State Park. It’s considered one of Michigan’s best state parks for good reason. Spanning 5,300 acres, it offers incredible natural beauty along with a boatload of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, bicycling, and tranquil inner-tube floats down the Big Sable River. It’s seriously a vacation all by itself!

Martin County, an enticing collection of small towns located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers visitors sidewalk art shows, colorful murals, artist cottages, and classes.

As long as you’re ready to fill your life with as many enriching experiences as possible, at Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re in the right place.

For lovers of the great outdoors, there is no better place to be than West Virginia.

The sky’s the limit in and around Greater Phoenix. Aerial adventures across Arizona include ballooning experiences with Hot Air Expeditions, zip lining at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, and the exhilarating Skywalk at Grand Canyon West.

“Guess what, guys?” I announced, surprising even myself.  “We’re taking a little impromptu trip and spending some time outside this weekend.”

“How about Pasco County?” My friend wrote. “It’s part of Florida’s ‘Nature Coast,’ just 30 miles north of Tampa. My own family had a blast there recently, and there’s no shortage of water fun!”

If you’re thinking about exposing yourself to new things for your next vacation, look to Pasco County, Florida.

In North Myrtle Beach, budget-conscious travelers will find a large variety of affordable and free activities, especially in the fall.

“C’mon, Grandma!” she urged. “YOLO!” “What’s YOLO?” “You Only Live Once!” she said with a grin.

Whether you’re the rugged type, or simply looking for a place to get your family outside, Hospitality Highway has a fresh-air destination to inspire.

Revel in perfect winter weather in Greater Phoenix with spring training in Glendale and Goodyear, exploring working studios at Celebration of Fine Art, and Old West fun in Wickenburg.

Breathtaking adventure in southwest Utah’s pristine Zion National Park. There, modern community meets ancient wilderness.

Decide what’s most important for you to see and do while you’re in Montana—Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, charming small-towns, scenic byways, backroads adventures, backcountry exploration, luxury lodging, wildlife watching, history, arts and culture, or all of the above.

There are few things better than spending a sunny summer day in small town USA, and there are few places that embody that Norman Rockwell ideal better than Buckhannon, West Virginia.

Whether you’re just passing through or making the city your ultimate destination, here are five of our favorite family fun Atlanta attractions.

The Island Belle sternwheeler pulled up. The 20-minute ride was a fantastic way to begin our day in beautiful Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Whether by foot, boat, plane, bike, or horse-drawn carriage; whether for restaurant samples, wildlife sightings, outdoor atmosphere, or history and culture, learn about the many tours available in this regal city to guide your next Victoria B.C. vacation.

Precious and fun pieces of history of soccer's slow growth in the United States are now on full display with some of the most modern technology, and toys, conceivable to enhance them.

I was feeling the need for some fresh air and rejuvenation, and I knew Dan was, too. So, I surprised him with an Adventure Pass, to one of our favorite spots—Dogwood Canyon, a 10,000-acre wild paradise near Table Rock Lake, Missouri.

Martin County is a sparkling jewel along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

This mountain getaway hosts scores of road-tripping families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round, with snow sports in the winter and renowned hiking, biking, and water sports throughout the summer.

Snow-covered mountains, miles of deep untouched powder, six downhill ski areas and acres of backcountry terrain, plus winter festivals and warm, cozy lodging in charming small towns all make for the perfect winter getaway.

Outdoor enthusiasts-turned-workaholics, turn to a place offering fresh air, trails, and eco-culture: Sebring, Florida, and the surrounding cities of Avon Park and Lake Placid.

Maine's coastal city is home to world-class art, a storied heritage, and bountiful natural beauty. Thanks to the city’s compact size, it's easy for families to spend a few days dipping their toes into all three.

Delve into the details of Greater Phoenix by joining local outfitters that offer unique tours, such as Adventures Out West’s Segway off-roading experiences.

My husband and I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so we planned a vacation to the Smoky Mountains in Sevierville, Tennessee, with the kids.

We went camping in the newest recreation area in Wytheville, Virginia and stumbled upon their annual Chautauqua Festival!

Dozens of picture-perfect waterfalls, four pristine lakes, miles and miles of exciting river action, and seven state and county parks—yeah, I’m definitely game.

A couple's getaway in the natural beauty of Boulder, Colorado

All four of us left the Black Hills with a much stronger sense of American history—and of South Dakota—than we’d had when we moseyed into town.

We knew we had arrived at the right place when we spotted the rainbow of paddleboards atop the Paddle Up mobile!

The beaches are what attract most visitors to the Outer Banks, and with good reason.

“You can say ‘I told you so,’ Becky,” I said, looking out across the endless ocean in front of me. The getaway was her idea.

For birthdays or just any days, you'll find attractions the whole family will enjoy in Alpharetta, Georgia.

Disney has put Anaheim on the map for many families, but there is so much more to the city than the theme park, and, as we were to discover, plenty to keep a young family engaged.

We packed our flip-flops and made the four-hour drive from Charlotte to the stretch of sand, sun, and natural beauty known as the Hammock Coast

Knoxville is one of only four cities across the country that's debuting this game-changing, dockless bike-sharing program.

Voted “The South’s Best Small Town” by Southern Living, I knew we’d find much more than charm, history, and beautiful waterways in this Lowcountry gem.

I remembered the great times we had sitting by the campfire, discovering new hiking trails and fishing in the nearby creek, and decided a four-day cabin trip to Gatlinburg would be perfect for our family adventure.

Grab a slice of post-game pizza and enjoy family-friendly, outdoor fun in Ridgeland, Mississippi

Take the following quiz to unveil Sun Link Streetcar-inspired itineraries full of good food, amazing art, unique accommodations, and places to create your very own, one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Martin County has more than 22 miles of beaches, where you can enjoy everything from surfing and fishing to historic diving sites.

My boyfriend and I took our pampered pup on vacation to Alpharetta, Georgia, to visit with our friends and take in the sights of the city they’ve been raving about since they’d moved there.

We're kayaking through a grassy salt-marsh briny with the rich scent of the Lowcountry, the clusters of barrier islands between Charleston and Savannah that shelter the historic little town locals know as BYOO-fort.

Exhilarating, invigorating, liberating—Sebring is fun at any speed.

When I journeyed to Martin County to explore its great outdoors, my day was anything but routine. I found rivers, lagoons, wildlife centers, sanctuaries, and much more.

Shocked to discover the kids didn’t know who Elvis Presley was, the trip suddenly became a necessity. We were off to Tupelo.

It was early October, so kids were back in school and most others were saving their vacation days for the holidays. This meant we could enjoy the famous theme parks of Orlando without the crazy lines. And, without the stress of crowds, I was able to reach a new level of adventure.

The Star in Frisco, Texas, is more than just a place for the Dallas Cowboys to practice.

A playful competition to decide the best season for family fun.

The aptly named Fort Golf Course sits on what was an old US Army post, Fort Benjamin Harrison.

Humphreys County is a breathtaking pastoral region tucked away just an hour west of Nashville, flanked by the banks of the Duck and Tennessee rivers.

Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s hidden gems that offers fun activities in sun or snow. Choose the itinerary that matches your vacation inclination, or mix and match the elements that inspire you to book a weekend getaway.

From land to sky, there's plenty of outdoor adventure to be had in the Great Smoky Mountains just outside of Sevierville, Tennessee.

A three-in-one family vacation is our new favorite way to travel. Here’s how it went for us in Martin County, Florida.

Here are seven landmarks crossing the compass that are less than a two-hour drive from the heart of Portland. Let’s go!

A fishing trip to Louisiana, which touts itself as “The Sportsman’s Paradise.”

Spring is the perfect time to visit thanks to gorgeous weather for outdoor adventure and great local events

My husband and I decided before we even chose a destination that it was important for our family to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life to really connect as a family; hence, the no cell phone rule.

When we heard about Sumter, South Carolina’s Track Your Adventure program, my husband and I began making plans for a fun-filled trip with our three kids.

Spending a few nights away from the hustle and bustle of our routine seemed like the perfect chance to pursue our respective passions, and share these activities with our kids.

I couldn't possibly list all the available activities, but suffice it to say, rivers, lakes, trails, wildlife, and outdoor-loving outfitters make Southern West Virginia an incredible natural playground.

Flying over a hill on an ATV, I had an epiphany: this family vacation might just be our best ever.

We were looking for down-to-earth fun! I knew if we chose the right destination, the rest of the details would fall into place. Enter: Lake Charles.

The best of both worlds: It's not far from the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, while bearing the distinction of being a bustling, mid-sized city with plenty to offer.

As we drove past emerald hills and quaint towns on our way to Martinsburg, West Virginia, I felt giddy to experience a new place with my family.