The Best State Parks to Travel to in the U.S.

This Beach Was Named the Cleanest on the U.S. East Coast

Author

Nicholas Shelton
September 04, 2024

Here’s a fun travel fact: Did you know Antarctica is technically a desert? It receives very little precipitation, making it the largest and driest desert in the world.

Today’s Itinerary:

  • Travel Question

  • This Beach Was Named the Cleanest on the U.S. East Coast

  • The Best State Parks to Travel to in the U.S.

  • All the Travel News You Need

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Travel Question

This Beach Was Named the Cleanest on the U.S. East Coast

PHOTO: Getty Images

A beach vacation always sounds delightful. The soothing rhythm of the waves, the refreshing sea breeze, and the warm sand underfoot create an irresistible escape. If you're contemplating your next seaside destination, consider Delray Beach in Florida—one of the cleanest beaches globally.

In 2023, Delray Beach was honored with the prestigious Blue Flag designation, an accolade given to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet rigorous standards for environmental management, safety, education, and accessibility. Delray Beach received this honor again in 2024, making it one of only two beaches in the U.S. to earn the flag, and the sole recipient on the East Coast.

Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia expressed pride in 2023, stating, “With the Atlantic Ocean right at our doorstep, we are thrilled to have a world-class beach to call our own. I am particularly thankful for the committed individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure our beach remains safe, accessible, and that visitors are informed about our conservation efforts.”

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The Best State Parks to Travel to in the U.S.

While America's 63 national parks often steal the spotlight, it's the country's more than 10,000 state parks that draw nearly three times as many visitors each year. Spanning over 18 million acres across the U.S.—an area larger than Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New Hampshire combined—state parks offer incredible natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Here are some standout state parks worth exploring:

  1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

    • Location: Big Sur, California

    • Highlights: Home to 300-foot redwoods, a stunning remote beach cove, and McWay Falls—a breathtaking 80-foot waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean.

  2. Makoshika State Park

    • Location: Glendive, Montana

    • Highlights: Known for its unique badlands landscape, featuring mudstone and sandstone formations, fossils, and the K-T boundary marking the extinction of dinosaurs. Explore the Diane Gabriel Trail for panoramic views at Sunset Overlook.

  3. Baxter State Park

    • Location: Millinocket, Maine

    • Highlights: Encompassing 200,000 acres, this park includes Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. It's a haven for wildlife and offers a rugged, off-grid experience with no paved roads or electricity.

  4. Iao Valley State Park

    • Location: Wailuku, Hawaii

    • Highlights: Famous for its lush rainforest and the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot lava remnant taller than the Eiffel Tower. The park’s trails offer a tranquil exploration through its verdant landscape.

  5. Valley of Fire State Park

    • Location: Overton, Nevada

    • Highlights: Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, known for its striking red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. The park's vivid landscape looks as if it was painted with melting candy canes. Don’t miss Rainbow Vista for some of the best views.

Each of these parks offers its own unique appeal, whether you're seeking dramatic landscapes, historical insights, or serene natural beauty.

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