Ano Nuevo State Park in Pescadero, California is a 4000 acre reserve and major gathering of northern elephant seals year round. Ano Nuevo State Park protects the scenic, biological, ecological, and cultural values of the central California coastline, and elephant seal guided walks are available from December 15 through March 31. Here there are significant wildlife habitats, sensitive native dunes, coastal terrace prairie habitats and diverse inland plant communities and more, all protected by the Ano Nuevo State Park, including old growth forest, freshwater marsh, red alder riparian forest and knobcone pine forest. Visitors here can enjoy a picnic but no food and beverages are sold on the premises.READ MORE

McNee Ranch State Park is located on the southern flank of Montara mountain in California and is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, magnificent pacific ocean views. Come enjoy exploring historic WWII bunkers and trace all the human crossings of Montara Mountain, it's fascinating. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, clear and the whole bay area is spread before your feet, and there are marvelous native plants to behold, seen nowhere else on earth. McNee Ranch State Park also offers an abundance of wildlife and birds, and there are three main trails to explore.READ MORE

Belle Isle is a Virginia State Park in Irvington with seven miles of shoreline, access to Mulberry and Deep creek from the Northern Neck's Rappahannock River, and is a wonderful place for exploration of the tidal wetlands. Enjoy a campground here, also overnight lodging at the Bel Air Guest House, picnic shelters, hiking, biking and bridle trails. Belle Isle also offers canoe, kayak and motorboat rentals, and fishing off the pier and boardwalk is an excellent activity. Belle Isle is also ideal for weddings and makes and excellent outdoor laboratory for educationers, come visit.READ MORE

Visit Janes Island State Park in Crisfield for beaches, boat ramp, marina, saltmarsh, wildlifeREAD MORE

Parkers Marsh Natural Area Preserve lies at the creek's meeting with the Chesapeake and is the jewel of Onancock Creek, where 750 acres of marsh and beach are protected in a stunning eco tourism area. Providing a habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, the wetland communities include migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. The federally threatened Northeastern beach tiger beetle or Cicindela dorsalis dorsalis has a home here too, and is protected by Parkers Marsh Natural Area Preserve. There is only boat access here, and no docking or other public facilities are available.READ MORE

Kiptopeke State Park in Cape Charles, on Virginia's Eastern Shore offers recreational access to the Chesapeake Bay, and is a haven of paradise for bird lovers who can explore unique migratory bird habitats including raptors and other birds of prey, there's even a hawk observatory. Stay overnight at the great facilities that include camping, 6-bedroom fully equipped family lodges, yurts with spectacular Chesapeake Bay views, a camping lodge which is a three-room trailer with seven bunk beds, and there are 5 RV trailers for rent. Come enjoy fishing, a boat launch, wildlife, hiking and biking trails and beach swimming, it's all here and more.READ MORE

Visit Eagle River Nature Center in Eagle River for summer camps, yurts, birthday programs, group activitiesREAD MORE

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is located on Key Biscayne, and is home to a historic lighthouse built in 1825. The one mile sandy Atlantic beachfront is rated one of the top 10 beaches in America and visitors come kayaking, swimming, sunbathing and to have a picnic on a glorious day. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park also offers excellent shoreline fishing opportunities and there are guided tours of the lighthouse and lighthouse keeper's cottage. Visitors can enjoy wonderful meals at one of the two restaurants, even authentic Cuban cuisine, and bicycles, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, plus overnight camping is allowed.READ MORE

Maudslay State Park near Newburyport, Massachusetts offers stunning mountain bike trails, 19th century gardens, hiking opportunities, even horseback riding trails and more. Come and enjoy a wonderful outing surrounded by rolling meadows, towering pines, ornamental trees and gorgeous mountain laurel, the Maudslay State Park is simply exquisite whether you are looking for somewhere to picnic, or walk or even some cross country skiing and more. This historic site is a breathtaking journey, and perfect for wedding ceremonies, and cultural events are a regular feature in summer.READ MORE

Carpinteria State Beach Park offers wonderful camping facilities for trailers, campers and tents and has a mile of beach perfect for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and more. Enjoy great hiking trails and exceptional views plus seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May. Tidepools offer an explosion of fascinating sea life including starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.READ MORE