When people talk about the best nature trips in the United States, they usually mention the Pacific Northwest’s forests and snow-capped mountains, the Southwest’s red-rock canyons and deserts, or the beaches and serene lakes framed by golden dune grasses and nearby foliage. From volcanic cliffs to glacier-studded coasts, the country’s wild places are truly diverse.
At Adventures Unbound, we invite you to experience that variety through our own collection of nature trips in the USA — and a portfolio replete with unforgettable experiences. and environments ranging from desert lakes and redwood forests to spring-fed rivers and mountain resorts.
Why Choose Adventures Unbound for Your Nature Trips?
Our collections span the country and bring together landscapes as varied as desert canyons, coastal forests, mountain peaks and crystal-clear springs.
Each property is designed to immerse you in nature while providing comforts like well-stocked marinas, cozy lodges and family-friendly amenities. Whether you crave the stillness of a spring-fed river, the adrenaline of mountain biking or the joy of paddling past historic monuments, there’s a nature trip for every traveler.
Overview of Our Collections
Collection |
What makes it iconic |
Example destinations |
Canyon Collection |
Dramatic desert landscapes, red-rock canyons and vast reservoirs that are perfect for boating. |
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Capital Collection |
Urban-meets-nature paddling on the Potomac River and Washington, D.C.’s tidal basin. |
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Cascadia Collection |
Evergreen forests and deep lakes in Washington state with abundant wildlife. |
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Commonwealth Collection |
Classic New England lake paddles and park escapes near Boston. |
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Empire Collection |
New York’s iconic gorges, waterfalls, and Hudson Valley trail views. |
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Pacifico Collection |
California’s iconic Highway 1 views, redwoods, and rugged beach days. |
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Summit Collection |
High-altitude escapes with alpine hikes, skiing and wildlife. |
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Sunshine Collection |
Florida’s spring-fed rivers, mermaid shows and manatee sanctuaries. |
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Travel Tip: Many Adventures Unbound locations sit inside – or within easy travel distance of—national and state parklands. If you choose to visit these specially-designated areas, remember to respect local regulations, follow Leave No Trace’s 7 principles, and support conservation efforts where you visit.
The Canyon Collection – Desert Lakes and Starry Skies
Callville Bay Marina, Nevada/Arizona
Set on Lake Mead in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Callville Bay Marina is made for desert-lake days and starlit nights. Depending on the season, marina partners may offer rentals (like houseboats or pontoons), and you can also book slips for your own watercraft.
Planning to head out on the water? Don’t forget to check current boating safety/education rules before you arrive. Beyond the waters of Lake Mead, you’ll also find a number of desert hikes, shoreline views, and wide-open skies to enjoy.
Echo Bay RV Village, Nevada/Arizona
For travelers who want to combine camping with lake adventures, Echo Bay RV Village provides full-hookup sites along Lake Mead. It’s the perfect place to maintain a base on land, but remain within an acceptable distance for launching kayaks or fishing boats on the lake. Elsewhere on dry land, picturesque hiking trails lead to amazing panoramic vistas, and at night the clear desert skies make stargazing spectacular.
Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina, Nevada/Arizona
Over on Lake Mohave, Cottonwood Cove Resort is great for swimming, shoreline time, and fishing. If you plan to fish, make sure you have the right state license for where you’re casting (both Lake Mead and Lake Mohave straddle the Nevada / Arizona border, so you may need different paperwork depending on which shore you’re on).
The Capital Collection – Nature & Landmarks Along the Potomac
Thompson Boat Center, Washington, D.C.
Paddle past history on the Potomac River. Thompson Boat Center rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards and offers classes for all skill levels. You’ll often see rowing crews on the water too—adding energy without taking away the calm.
Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse, Washington, D.C.
A short distance upriver lies Fletcher’s Cove Boathouse, an oasis of calm where kayakers and canoeists glide past tree-lined banks. Visitors often combine paddling with hiking and fishing on nearby trails, making it one of the best nature trips in the city.
Tidal Basin Boathouse, Washington, D.C.
For a quintessential D.C. experience, rent a pedal boat at the Tidal Basin and float amongst the cherry trees and memorials. The surrounding path allows for leisurely walks around the basin, and the presence of cherry blossoms in spring make this site an especially magical place to be.
The Cascadia Collection – Evergreen Forests and Alpine Lakes
Lake Roosevelt & Keller Ferry, Washington
Lake Roosevelt stretches for almost 130 miles along the Columbia River, with long shorelines, open water, and plenty of room to breathe. Over at Keller Ferry Marina, you can camp near the water and explore the lake by boat—or keep it simple with shoreline sunsets and slow mornings.
Mount Rainier
Our Cascadia Collection includes stays in the Mount Rainier area—perfect for wildflower meadows, waterfall hikes, and those postcard mountain views. Base yourself close to the park, then spend your days enjoying overlooks with amazing vistas, riverside trails, and crisp mountain air.
The Commonwealth Collection – East-Coast Parks
Natick Boathouse, Massachusetts
Situated at Cochituate State Park near Boston, Natick Boathouse offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, guided wildlife tours and family-friendly picnic spots. The calm waters make it accessible for beginners while still providing opportunities to spot birds and turtles.
Bear Mountain State Park, New York
About 45 miles north of New York City, Bear Mountain State Park features panoramic Hudson River views and access to the Appalachian Trail. Hike, picnic, or rent a boat on Hessian Lake, and enjoy the crisp air.
The Empire Collection – Waterfalls, Gorges, and Big Views
Watkins Glen State Park, New York
Watkins Glen’s famous Gorge Trail winds past 19 waterfalls, stone steps, and cliff walls that drip with moss after a good rain. It’s one of those places where you feel tiny—in the best way.
The Pacifico Collection – California’s Wild Coast
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park & Big Sur Lodge
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park wraps you in towering redwoods and fern-lined trails—an instant reset for your nervous system. The park spans about 1,346 acres, and Big Sur Lodge puts you close to the forest when you want to wake up and step straight into the trees.
Doheny State Beach
For a different kind of Pacifico reset, head to Doheny State Beach, a classic Southern California beach where surf culture and relaxed beach vibes come together. Start your morning by catching waves or swimming, then unwind with some tide pool exploration at low tide, a picnic, and a sunset stroll along the beach.
The Summit Collection – High-Altitude Adventures
The Lodge at Breckenridge, Colorado
Perched above the town of Breckenridge, this lodge blends rustic charm with modern comforts. Rooms feature mountain views and locally sourced dining. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, ski, practice yoga, or join fitness classes year-round.
Giants Ridge Recreation Area, Minnesota
Giants Ridge offers year-round fun with activities like two golf courses, mountain biking, disc golf, hiking trails and a climbing wall in the summer. In the winter, you can enjoy Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, tubing and fat-tire biking. On-site lodging and dining make it effortless to immerse yourself in the beauty of Minnesota’s Northwoods.
The Sunshine Collection – Florida’s Spring-Fed Paradises
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Founded in 1947, Weeki Wachee is famous for its live mermaid show, performed in a 400-seat submerged theater. River boat tours and kayaking adventures can also be had here, revealing manatees, native birds, and other wildlife along the clear spring run. Families can also enjoy Buccaneer Bay’s slides, swim areas, and lazy river – however, Buccaneer Bay operates seasonally, so check opening dates before visiting.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
A pristine escape in Central Florida, Wekiwa Springs offers exciting kayaking, hiking, and paddling adventures along the Wekiva River. The spring stays around 72°F year-round, and the Wekiva River is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The presence of trails, campsites, and picnic areas also makes it an easy, low-stress nature getaway.
How to Plan Your Nature Trip
Additional Tip: Use the National Park Service trip-planning guide to check alerts, closures, and seasonal conditions, or you can give us a call, and we’ll check those for you. |
Start Your Adventure Today!
Every destination in our portfolio invites you to reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re paddling through cherry blossoms in the Capital Collection, hiking beside waterfalls in the Empire Collection or watching mermaids swim in Florida springs, your next nature trip awaits with Adventure Unbound.
Ready to explore? Contact us and we’ll help you plan amazing nature trips in the USA that are tailored to your interests. Our team knows each property inside and out, and can guide you through activities, lodging and travel logistics effectively.