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Some national forests are jaw-dropping and mistakenly overlooked.

Enjoy spa treatments, local dining, and ample time on Utah’s slopes when you stay at the ski-in/ski-out Pendry Park City.

Wheelchair user, disabled-travel advocate, and blogger Cory Lee shares his favorite accessible trails in national parks.

The Department of Interior has announced that it plans to restrict public access to the majority of the country’s national park sites if Congress doesn’t reach a deal by the September 30 deadline.

The new Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy includes boutique lodgings near national parks like Grand Canyon and Great Smoky Mountains. Marriott plans to expand it with more cabins, yurts, domes, and lodges in wilderness escapes.

If you’ve visited any of these parks, you may not have known you were also visiting one of the country’s UNESCO-designated spots.

Ten countries, 10 national parks: Now’s the time to disappear off the grid and lose yourself in the great outdoors.

“It’s the paradox and hypocrisy of colonization.”

This fall, Acadia National Park plans to test a new permit system to cut down on traffic and overcrowding.

Think of National Plan for Vacation Day as an antidote to stress and anxiety.

The NPS recently announced changes that will impact a total of 117 national parks—among them Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.

Overview

From the moment you step inside Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara, you feel like you’re on a retreat. A quiet soundtrack and the hotel’s signature jasmine scent permeate the airy lobby. And between the hotel and the ocean sits a garden that may lure you out before you even check in. Palm Court is a fantasia of palms, along with orange blossoms, jasmine, hibiscus, and parrot lilies. In keeping with the serene theme, the 329 guest rooms are comfortable and well-appointed, with views of the local foothills, the LPGA-frequented golf course, one of the two pools, or the nearby Batiquitos Lagoon. The hotel offers plenty of ways to fill your days, with an upscale spa (try the Carlsbad Sea Stone Massage) as well as tennis, volleyball, badminton, and bocce courts. For a peak California experience, sign up for a private surf lesson—which wraps with a gourmet meal on the beach—or sign up for yoga under the palm trees. Pro tip: The hotel is so pet friendly—with “care stations” scattered throughout, plus extra plush dog beds—you’ll feel guilty if you leave Fido home with a sitter.

Here’s a bold claim: the Olympic Sculpture Park might just have something for everyone. Located on the waterfront, not far from Pike Place Market, it features great views of Puget Sound (well, on clear days) and the ferries going back and forth. Stroll the paths and admire the sculptures large and small scattered throughout the park, or sit on the many chairs and benches and admire the view. There’s a nearby bike trail, and the Neukom Vivarium (a giant 60-foot rainforest log ecosystem in a greenhouse) is just steps away. Best of all, it’s free! Get a dose of culture and then head down to the waterfront for some fish ‘n’ chips.

In the heart of old town Kapaa, the Olympic overlooks Main Street with laid-back Hawaiian style. Upstairs in an old building that’s been converted into a collection of ragtag shops, the cafe has a commanding presence. Park and wander along the street to make your way to the stairs leading up to the bar and cafe. No pretense upon arrival. The tables lining the open windows in front are choice for people watching and catching the breeze from the prevailing trades. Late afternoon sun streams in and heats things up but is a welcomed delight. There’s always something cold close by to help with the temperature regulation. The bar is a mix of locals and tourists. Happy hour is a draw from four to six with discounts on drinks and select appetizers. I’m a big fish fan when near the source and the fish tacos at the Olympic take the gold. Dressed with a mango salsa and sides of beans and rice, they use two kinds of fish to keep your tastebuds guessing. There is a good selection of island beers and all the fruity umbrella drinks you can imagine. It’s right on the Kapaa multi-use path, so you can cruise in on your beach bomber for a refreshing break. Staff are friendly and service is casually good. Worth a stop when trolling around Kauai for someplace to take a break from vacation.