Point Lobos is a fabulous destination for those who love nature walks and wildlife. Walk a poppy-trimmed path to the tip of the park’s dramatic, limestone point to look down into turquoise-blue water, long bands of bull kelp swaying in the waves. Bring binoculars to scan the water for sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions, or, further out to sea, look for spouting whales. There are rare plant communities, archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves.

credit: Sharon Mollerus

Cedar Point is a 364-acre amusement park that is home to the most exhilarating collection of thrill rides and roller coasters on Earth. With 75 rides, including 17 roller coasters. It is located on a peninsula along scenic Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio. Cedar Point also known as \”America\’s Roller Coast\” for being the roller coaster capital of the world is an amusement park and resort. Cedar Point\’s normal operating season runs from early May until Labor Day, when the park is open daily. The park is then open only on weekends until the beginning of November for HalloWeekends, a Halloween event.

credit: Roller Coaster Philosophy

Beautiful Brasstown Bald, rising 4,784 feet above sea level, is Georgia’s highest mountain. Hike a steep half mile from the parking lot to the top of the mountain, where there’s an observation deck and visitors center. 360-degree view from atop the mountain allows you to see four states, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Brasstown Bald was so named because of confusion between the Cherokee words itse-yi, meaning “new green place,” and untsaiyi, meaning “brass”. It is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, and it is a great place to visit and bring family.

credit: ben_g