As travelers, we might often imagine the United States as postcard scenes – towering redwoods, waterfall-carved canyons, clear springs teeming with wildlife, and snow-capped mountains. However, at Adventures Unbound, we’ve curated a network of properties across the country that bring those iconic scenes to life.

 

Our collections span America’s diverse landscapes, from the deserts and lakes of the Southwest to the evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest, and the crystalline springs of Florida. Each destination offers its own blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure – as well as its fair share of iconic travel destinations.

Whether your definition of an iconic holiday destination involves a houseboat stay, walking beneath ancient redwoods, or watching manatees drift through spring-fed water, this guide highlights unforgettable places within (and, where noted, just beyond) our portfolio where you can make your holiday dreams come true.

Table of Contents

• Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway – Pacifico Collection
• Lake Mead and the Canyon Collection – Nevada
• Lake Roosevelt and the Cascadia Collection – Washington
• Bear Mountain State Park – Empire Collection
• Watkins Glen State Park – Empire Collection 
• The Lodge at Breckenridge – Summit Collection 
• Giants Ridge Recreation Area – Summit Collection
• Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Sunshine Collection
• Wekiwa Springs State Park – Sunshine Collection
• Blue Spring State Park – Sunshine Collection

Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway

Few drives capture America’s spirit of discovery like California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Along this route, the Pacifico Collection introduces Big Sur – a rugged coastline where cliffs tumble into turquoise water and redwoods reach for the sky.

Within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, you’ll hike shaded trails beneath towering redwoods across 1,346 acres of river-cut canyon and forest. Big Sur Lodge makes a tranquil base for recharging after a day outside.

Highlights Hike redwood trails in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, then recharge at Big Sur Lodge tucked among the redwoods. Take an easy Big Sur River stroll nearby for a calm, end-of-day reset. Set your own pace: morning hikes, afternoon downtime, and cozy evenings on-site.

Big Sur blends wild coastline with forest calm – making it one of California’s most iconic holiday destinations.

Lake Mead and the Canyon Collection

The vast desert landscape of the Canyon Collection centers on Lake Mead, America’s first National Recreation Area. This 1.5-million-acre region stretches across the Nevada / Arizona border, encompassing mountains, canyons, valleys, and two vast reservoirs where you can camp, hike, cycle, and fish.

Our Lake Mead-area properties deliver both adventure and tranquility – especially for travelers who want big-sky days and starlit nights.

Callville Bay Marina

Set on Lake Mead, Callville Bay Marina is a gateway to quiet bays and beaches, cliff-lined shorelines, and wide-open water. Depending on the season, marina partners may offer on-the-water options (including houseboat stays), and you can also book slips for your own craft.

The marina’s RV sites add a comfortable land base, so you can pair sunrise paddles and easy lake days with a simple ‘return-to-camp’ routine. However, remember that regulations vary by state and craft type, so check local requirements (including boater education) before launching.

Echo Bay RV Village

On the northern shore of Lake Mead lies Echo Bay RV Village. The village features full hookups, modern amenities, and direct access to the lake. From your campsite, you can fish, swim (season and conditions permitting), and hike nearby trails with sweeping desert views.

Echo Bay is also within driving distance of landmark day trips. While not in the Adventures Unbound portfolio, Hoover Dam and Valley of Fire State Park are excellent nearby options if you want to add a scenic drive to your itinerary.

Highlights Build a desert-lake getaway around RV comfort, shoreline hikes, and wide-open water views. Plan lake days that fit your pace – picnic coves, easy swims, and unhurried sunsets. Add nearby landmark drives (Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park) as optional day-trip extras.

Lake Mead’s mix of open water and desert drama makes it one of the Southwest’s most memorable iconic travel destinations.

 

Lake Roosevelt and the Cascadia Collection

Heading north to Washington’s evergreen landscapes, the Cascadia Collection invites travelers to explore Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. This roughly 130-mile-long reservoir along the Columbia River is known for boating, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. However be aware that seasonal rentals and services vary – so it pays to check what’s available before you arrive.

Keller Ferry Marina

Located near the town of Davenport, Washington, Keller Ferry Marina provides a convenient gateway to Lake Roosevelt. The marina runs a ferry service that connects the lake’s shores and operates from 6 a.m. to midnight.

Visitors will find marina essentials (like supplies and services) plus camping sites that can be used for tents and RV’s, as well as picnic areas and restrooms. Beyond the marina, you can hike, fish, and explore scenic stretches of the Columbia River region.

Highlights Enjoy a slower ‘lake time’ rhythm: long views, quiet coves, and plenty of room to roam. Stay close to the water with camping options and marina conveniences. Use the ferry to connect your route and explore more shorelines in a single trip.

Lake Roosevelt’s calm water and forested hills make it a peaceful pick for iconic holiday destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

 

Bear Mountain State Park

Within the Empire Collection you’ll find Bear Mountain State Park, a scenic getaway about an hour north of New York City. Located along the west bank of the Hudson River, the park offers panoramic views and miles of hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail.

Visitors can rent pedal boats on Hessian Lake and enjoy lakeside picnics. The park is especially beautiful in autumn when the forested hills blaze with color.

Highlights Hike to Hudson River overlooks with sweeping valley views. Pedal-boat on Hessian Lake and settle in for an easy picnic day. Step onto a section of the Appalachian Trail for a classic East Coast walk.

Bear Mountain combines nature and convenience – an easy iconic travel destination for city dwellers craving outdoor time.

 

Watkins Glen State Park

Also in the Empire Collection, Watkins Glen State Park sits in New York’s Finger Lakes region. The gorge trail winds past 19 waterfalls and delivers some of the most photographed scenery in the state.

Walking through the gorge surrounded by cascading water feels like stepping into another world – misty, dramatic, and endlessly camera-ready.

Highlights Hike the Gorge Trail past 19 waterfalls and sculpted rock formations. Snap photos at stone bridges and cascades that feel straight out of a storybook. Pair your park day with the Finger Lakes’ small towns and scenic overlooks.

With all this to offer and more, Watkins Glen State Park simply is a must-see for travelers chasing nature’s artistry.

The Lodge at Breckenridge

In Colorado’s high country, the Summit Collection invites you to experience a mountain getaway at The Lodge at Breckenridge. Perched above town, it blends rustic charm with modern comfort and wide Rocky Mountain views.

It’s a strong base for year-round adventures: summer hikes and scenic drives, or winter snow days featuring bright white land set against a (hopefully) bright, blue sky.

Highlights Wake up to mountain views and crisp alpine air. Stay close to Breckenridge’s trails, slopes, and historic streets. Make it a full reset: slow mornings, big views, and cozy evenings.

For travelers seeking a classic Rocky Mountain escape, this belongs on any shortlist of iconic holiday destinations.

 

Giants Ridge Recreation Area

For year-round adventure in Minnesota’s Northwoods, the Adventures Unbound Summit Collection includes Giants Ridge Recreation Area.

 

In summer, you’ll find golf, mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chair rides. When snow blankets the landscape, Giants Ridge transforms into a winter playground with downhill skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.

Highlights Pack in a full day: golf, trails, and family-friendly outdoor fun. Return in winter for skiing, tubing, and snow-packed adventures. Choose your pace – easygoing ‘Northwoods time’ or adrenaline-forward days

With everything that it has to offer across both winter and summer activities, Giants Ridge is an iconic travel destination for multi-season fun.

 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Florida’s Sunshine Collection hosts one of the most unique attractions in the country: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Established in 1947, the park takes its name from a Seminole phrase often translated as “little spring” or “winding river.” It’s famous for live underwater mermaid shows, staged in a 400-seat underwater theater.

Seasonal opening applies, but when it’s open, the park’s ‘Buccaneer Bay’ attraction adds even more classic Florida fun. Weeki Wachee is also a haven for nature lovers: river boat tours and paddling routes glide through spring-fed water where you may spot manatees, otters, turtles, and birds. 

Highlights Watch mermaid shows in a one-of-a-kind underwater theater. Add Buccaneer Bay for seasonal slides and family fun. Paddle or tour the river for spring-fed scenery and wildlife spotting.

This mix of nature and nostalgic entertainment makes Weeki Wachee one of Florida’s most distinctive iconic holiday destinations.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

For a quieter escape in Central Florida, why not visit Wekiwa Springs State Park, another gem in our Sunshine Collection.

The park’s spring-fed waters remain a refreshing 72°F year-round and are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Paddlers can venture onto the Wekiva River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, for calm routes lined with lush foliage and abundant wildlife.

Highlights Swim and snorkel in clear spring water that remains around a steady 72°F year-round. Paddle the Wekiva River and watch for otters, turtles, and herons. Hike and bike shaded trails, then camp under star-filled skies.

Wekiwa Springs’ mix of outdoor recreation and calm nature makes it a refreshing and iconic travel destination in Florida.

 

Blue Spring State Park

Last but not least, Blue Spring State Park is renowned for its crystal-clear spring and its role as a recognized manatee refuge.

Manatees gather here to rest in warmer water, so it’s important to take note that during peak manatee season, the spring run may be closed to water activities to protect wildlife Check current conditions before you plan a swim or paddle.

Outside of seasonal restrictions, visitors can enjoy shaded trails, river scenery, and some of that classic Florida tranquility. On land, the park offers hiking routes (including the Pine Island Trail), fishing from accessible areas, camping, and tours of the historic Thursby House.

Highlights Spot manatees during the winter season and enjoy peaceful wildlife viewing. Explore trails and picnic areas for an easy, restorative day outside. Add history with a Thursby House visit and a slower pace.

Blue Spring’s blend of wildlife encounters and outdoor recreation cements its status among Florida’s iconic travel destinations.

 

Plan Your Iconic Adventure Today!

These destinations represent just a glimpse of what Adventures Unbound has to offer. From desert lakes and towering redwoods to mountain lodges and crystal springs, our properties showcase iconic travel destinations that make America unforgettable.

Ready to turn inspiration into reality? Contact Adventures Unbound today. Our team will help you plan the details – from choosing the right property and season to booking lodging and on-site experiences offered by local partners. We’re here to help you build an itinerary worthy of your next iconic holiday destination trip.

Start planning, and let your next great adventure begin!