Hawaii, in general, is one of those postcard places that’s almost too beautiful to be real. But perhaps none more so than Waiʻānapanapa State Park, a protected paradise off the famous Road to Hana in Maui. Here visitors will find Pailoa, a black sand beach and matching lava coastline set against a dense green jungle and azure sea. This rare color palette can only be found in areas with high volcanic activity, as the lava and basalt rock are pummeled into pebbles and fine sand by the ocean over millennia, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In other words, it's some of Mother Nature's finest work.

Deep in the heart of Northern California, five hours north of San Francisco, there's an enchanting drive that feels worlds away from the city. Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt County is a 31-mile stretch that earned its name from the old-growth redwood trees that frame each side, many of which tower over 300 feet tall. The average redwood trunk is so thick, in fact, that you'd need eight people to create a circle around it. Put simply, these are not your everyday trees. While the scenic drive is beautiful all year round, it's especially charming in the fall with the changing foliage and wind-swept leaves lining the road. Oh, and do keep your eyes peeled for Bigfoot, as this is said to be his territory. With otherwordly terrain like this, it’s not hard to see why.

Few manmade landmarks are more recognizable than San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. The art deco architecture with the iconic vermillion hue—known as International Orange—attracts more than 10 million visitors a year, making it one of the most visited destinations in America. While the bridge is visible from many parts of the city, the mile-long stretch of Baker Beach offers a particularly striking view of the steel and sea, particularly around sunset. Not only is it the birthplace of the Burning Man festival, but parking is available right next to the shore, giving visitors access to sweeping views with relative ease. If you can snag a parking spot before the crowds arrive (the earlier, the better), the trek from your car to an Instagrammable frame will take about five minutes. 

You've probably heard of San Diego, Santa Monica, and Santa Cruz, all well-known spots for sun-chasers in search of pristine surf. But if you haven't heard of Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo, this charming destination is one to add to your (sandy) bucket list. Nestled halfway between LA and San Francisco, Morro Bay is best experienced through movement, be it kayaking, golfing, hiking, biking, or surfing—this is California, after all. The scenic town off Highway 1 is named for the epic Morro Rock that sits just offshore, a 600-foot tall "plug" that formed 23 million years ago when magma cooled inside the vent of a volcano. This landmark is impossible to miss, no matter where you stand in town. As such, the rock has long-served as a natural lighthouse, guiding seafarers safely into the harbor for centuries.

If you've ever wanted to feel like the proud owner of a private island, but don't quite have the budget, Cayo Costa State Park might just be the answer. Sitting 90 minutes southwest of Tampa, Florida, this barrier island is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, warm teal waters, and wide-open spaces away from the crowds. It boasts nine miles of untapped coastline and 2,420 acres of protected wilderness, making it the perfect place to step back in time and experience a taste of "Old Florida." If you can tear yourself away from your hammock, the region is buzzing with wildlife, from the “Manatee Hole” on the east side, to the pods of curious dolphins just offshore, to the sneaky alligators hiding in the mangroves.

There's something inescapably romantic about a getaway to a small town on the East Coast—or a small town anywhere, for that matter. Whether it's the charmed downtown area dotted with shops, the blink-and-you'll-miss-it wine bars tucked off the street, or the cozy inns decorated with small touches from the host, a romantic getaway in one of these gems is never quite long enough. The village of Kennebunkport in Maine is no exception. No matter when you decide to visit, this spot has all the fix-ins required for a memorable vacation for two: idyllic scenery, refreshing day spas, craft beers, and food and wine tastings. Plus, there’s more delicious New England seafood than you know what to do with.

You've likely come across the snapshot from 1932 called "Lunch Atop A Skyscraper." For these 11 workers, it's just an ordinary day on a makeshift bench of steel, as they enjoy their lunch high above the streets of New York City. Though their faces look serene, construction was no easy feat for the 40,000 workers who built NYC's skyline, many of whom faced discrimination and poverty during the Great Depression. Perhaps that's why this famed group of Irish lads has captivated viewers for decades; times were tough and these men were brave—in more ways than one. Now, if you dare, you can recreate this photo for yourself at "Top of the Rock: The Beam," a new attraction at Rockefeller Center. This time, though, there are seat belts.

When you think of taking a dip in azure waters, you probably picture a relaxing vacation in Mexico or the Hawaiian islands. But thanks to pure water runoff from melted snow, there's a popular destination in Michigan with a similar color palette. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore comprises 71,000 acres of forests, rivers, 450-foot tall sand dunes, 100 miles of marked trails, and 35 miles of soft golden beaches on crystalline water. Protected by Congress since 1970, the park holds the most extensive cluster of freshwater sand dunes on Earth. No wonder CNN Travel called it one of the top places to visit this year.