Explore - Travel Made Easy, Vacations, Planning Advice

Vermont's Deepest Inland Lake Boasts Sandy Beaches And Pristine Water For Swimming

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0000

This gorgeous inland lake, offering swimming and paddling in clear glacial water and sunbathing on sandy beaches, is the deepest lake in the state of Vermont.

These Pristine Caribbean Beaches Offer Spectacular Reef Snorkeling Without A Boat

staff@explore.com (Amy McMahon) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:30:00 +0000

You don't need a boat to snorkel near these Caribbean beaches -- and you can still experience geothermal bubbles, a shipwreck, whale sharks, and turtles.

America's Best West Coast Beach For 2026 Is A California Surfing Hotspot With Upscale Dining

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000

A global ranking named this stretch of Southern California beach the best on the Pacific Coast and one of the best in the world. Here's what to do there.

Michigan's Largest Artificial Lake Is An Outdoor Paradise For Swimming, Boating, & Fishing

staff@explore.com (Priscilla Blossom) — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000

While the Great Lakes are certainly worth a trip, this smaller, inland lake in Michigan is perfect for a more relaxed getaway full of swimming and watersports.

Sandwiched Between Austin And Waco Is An Overlooked Texas City With A Scenic Lake

staff@explore.com (Amanda Chatel) — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Feast on Venezuelan, Greek, or German cuisine in this underrated city in Texas - then head to the lake on its doorstep to swim, fish, cycle, and camp.

Banff's 'Lesser-Known Sister' Is An Alberta Park With Alpine Lakes And Scenic Hiking Trails

staff@explore.com (Carolyn Hall) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 10:30:00 +0000

You may have heard of Banff, but this Alberta park could well have passed you by. However, its lakes and hiking make this lesser-known park worth the visit.

The U.S. State With The Most Lakes By Far Is A Scenic Paradise For Kayakers

staff@explore.com (Amy McMahon) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Calling all kayakers: Explore this extraordinary U.S. state with 3 million lakes and marvel at waterfalls and wildlife including black bears.

Indiana's Largest Artificial Lake Is An Outdoor Gem For Fishing And Coastal Recreation

staff@explore.com (Jen Ottolino) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Indiana's largest artificial lake is a beautiful outdoor gem featuring swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, camping, and so much more.

One Of The Best National Parks For Kayaking That Isn't Glacier Or The Grand Canyon

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Don't miss this underrated destination for kayaking and canoeing in the United States, with endless mangroves and freshwater marsh to explore.

Between LA And San Diego Is A Coastal Resort With A Huge Floating, Inflatable Water Park

staff@explore.com (Jen Ottolino) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

As if Southern California didn't have enough to offer, you can jump, slide, and bounce in this fun floating inflatable water park between LA and San Diego.

Northern California's Lake Has A Floating Water Park For Outdoor Family Fun And Recreation

staff@explore.com (Carolyn Hall) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

This lovely water reservoir-turned-lake in Northern California features lots of outdoor family fun, including swimming, hiking, and an inflatable water park.

How The Great Lakes Create Powerful Waves You Can Surf Like The Ocean

staff@explore.com (Anna Robinson) — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

You might think you need to go to an ocean coast to find the best surfing waves, but the Great Lakes create powerful waves too. Here's how, and where to go.

One Of North America's Largest Floating Water Parks Offers Outdoor Fun In The Midwest

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000

This Midwest location is known as the Water Park Capital of the World, so no wonder it's home to one of North America's largest floating outdoor water parks.

One Of The Midwest's Largest Amusement Parks Has A Water Park For Family-Friendly Fun

staff@explore.com (Jen Ottolino) — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Visit this family favorite amusement park for a budget-friendly summer escape with access to iconic rollercoasters and an extensive water park.

California's Massive Floating, Inflatable Water Park Is The Largest In North America

staff@explore.com (Jen Ottolino) — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Northern California is home to the largest inflatable water park in North America, and it makes for a perfect family-friendly summer escape.

Texas' New State Park Is Expected To Open By 2030 But Offers Scenic Paddling Trails Now

staff@explore.com (Carolyn Hall) — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 10:30:00 +0000

While this stunning Gulf Coast wetland area in Texas won't officially open until 2030, you can still explore its scenic paddling trails by kayak right now.

Florida's Coastal Park Has Stunning Islands That Rival The Caribbean

staff@explore.com (Felix Gott) — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

You don't need a passport to enjoy a Caribbean-style vacation. This Florida park has clear water, family-friendly amenities, and miles of pristine beaches.

One Of America's Largest Water Parks Offers Family-Friendly Fun Just Outside Of Denver

staff@explore.com (Amanda Morgan) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Beyond the epic mountains of Colorado, the state is also home to one of the largest water parks in the country, and it's less than half an hour from Denver.

This Bay Area Water Park Was Popular In The '80s – Now It's Closing Indefinitely

staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Families around San Jose have relied on this summer water park to escape the heat for decades, but that tradition is taking an unexpected pause.

Oregon's Pristine Glacial Lake Offers A Mountain Getaway For Camping And Boating

staff@explore.com (Shelby Wilkerson) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000

This lake in Oregon's Deschutes National Forest is the perfect summer destination for boating, fishing, and camping, and it's just an hour from Bend.