Abby ShepardExplorer

Located on the small, rugged island of Comino, Blue Lagoon is definitely worth a day trip during your visit to Malta. The attraction may seem like a tourist trap, and once you get off the ferry, be prepared for masses of tourists and food trucks. However, walk past the food trucks, climb a bit of rocky ground, and you will be rewarded with the stunning Blue Lagoon.  The lagoon itself is an expa...

Brandywine Creek State Park, a 933-acre park located in Northern Delaware, offers 14 miles of hiking trails, expanses of open fields, and the beautiful Brandywine Creek. The Hidden Pond trail is an excellent hike through the hardwood forests and down to the banks of the creek.  The trail begins by the nature center. Park in the large lot in front of the building, and follow the signs to the tr...

The Rocky Run Trail is a 3.2-mile loop through Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, Delaware. The trail has some nice views of the Brandywine River and the surrounding forest. There are some rocky areas of mild elevation, so be prepared.  The trail is not well marked, and there are many offshoots of the main trail. I recommend downloading an offline map of the area.  Park at the Thompso...

Ċirkewwa is a harbor on the northernmost point of Malta, and serves as a popular, and beautiful dive site for beginners and advanced divers alike. Beneath the crystal clear Mediterranean water, you'll find reefs, rock arches, submerged artifacts, and even Rozi Wreck, a sunken tugboat. Many dive centers on the island lead trips to Ċirkewwa, and trips can be adjusted to skill and comfort level. R...

Ohiopyle State Park, located in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, is full of adventure along the Youghiogheny River. During your visit, make sure you stop by the Meadow Run natural waterslide for some serious fun.  You can park for free at the Meadow Run parking lot, and then take a short walk down a flight of wooden stairs to access the water. The parking lot fills fast, so plan to get there at of...

The Blue Grotto is a must when visiting Malta. This giant sea arch is impressive, and the water below is strikingly blue. The Blue Grotto is located in the southeast coast of the main island of Malta, a short distance off the fishing town of Wied iż-Żurrieq. To see the Grotto, you have two options. There is a little lookout on the side of the road where you can either get off the bus or pull ov...

A cenote is a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. Las Mojarras is a big, open, above-ground cenote. The water is clear, deep, and surrounded by ju...

Camp within the enchanting forest of Trap Pond State Park and explore the northernmost natural grove of baldcypress trees on the east coast. Be sure to take out a kayak or canoe and paddle among the ancient baldcypress swamp to discover native birds, turtles, wildflowers, and other incredible species.  The Trap Pond Campground contains 142 campsites on the pond's northern shore. Yurts, cabins, ...

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, located on the west side of the Delaware Bay, contains over 10,000 acres of protected habitat including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, ponds, wooded swamps, upland grasslands and forests. The refuge serves as an important stopover site as well as a breeding ground for many species of migratory birds. The area is also home to a diverse array of native plan...

Dubrovnik is stunning seaport city located right on the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by impressive fortifications known as the City Walls. Walking the City Walls is a popular tourist activity, but seeing the famous walls from the water offers an entirely new perspective.  Sea Kayaking around the city allows you to discover amazing views of the city walls, explore nearby Lokrum Island, snorkel or...

Due to the incredibly dense vegetation, Mt. Pelée can only be climbed on one of three established trails. The Aileron Route is a popular choice, and is a wonderful hike to the crater rim. Aileron refers to the fin-like pinnacle projecting out from the main body of Pelée. The volcano is almost always engulfed in clouds. To avoid the clouds and to get the best views, many blogs recommend taking t...

The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park is unique because the sandy peninsula separates the Delaware Bay from the Atlantic ocean, and curves in a way that the sun sets directly over the water on the Bay side even though you’re on the east coast.  On the Delaware Bay side, you'll get an excellent view of the East End Breakwater Lighthouse with the sunset. During low tide, the bay turns into a ser...

The Assawoman Canal is a beautiful waterway in Ocean View, Delaware and a perfect spot for an easy, yet scenic paddle. The canal is narrow and calm, which makes for some spectacular reflections of the surrounding trees.  You can start and park at the Assawoman Canal Trailhead parking lot off of New Road. There is a small parking lot and restrooms. However, there are no kayak rentals, so make su...

With a high fish populations, calm shallow water, and white sand, Hanauma Bay is the perfect snorkeling destination on Oahu. Large reefs teeming with marine life are located a short swim from shore. The water is calm, and the bay is protected from waves, making it a great spot for beginners and advanced snorkelers alike. Snorkel gear is available for rent on the beach.  The parking lot fills qu...

A cenote is a a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. 7 Bocas means 7 Mouths, and this cenote is unique because there are 7 different entrances to a...

A cenote is a a natural sinkhole that appears when bedrock collapses and exposes groundwater beneath. The exposed water can be above ground, or in a series of underground caves and rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula is somewhat known for cenotes, and a trip to the area isn't complete without a swim in one. There are a ton of different cenotes on the peninsula, so the key is choosing which ones you w...

White Clay Creek State Park is a large expanse of beautiful woods and streams with over 37 miles of trails. The PennDel Trail follows White Clay Creek and winds through the hardwood forests.  The PennDel Trail actually begins at the Pennsylvania state line, but the easiest way to access the trail is from the White Clay Creek Nature Center. If you park at the Nature center, you can take the trai...

Holts Landing State Park is a small, yet beautiful park in Dagsboro, Delaware. The park features a variety of landscapes including salt marshes, hardwood forests, and access to the Indian River Bay.  The Sea Hawk Trail is a 1.4-mile loop that takes you through the marshes and forests of the park. You'll also see beautiful views of the freshwater borrow pits throughout the forested sections. The...

Delaware Seashore State Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Rehoboth and Indian River Bays to the west. the campground is located beside the iconic Indian River Inlet Bridge, only a short walk from the beach. Be sure to visit the Indian River Life-Saving Station, a historic station built in 1876 for use by the United States Lifesaving Service to respond to the alar...

The 5.8 mile Junction and Breakwater Trail connects the resort towns of Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. The trail follows a section of the old Penn Central Rail Line, which transported passengers between Lewes and Rehoboth in the mid-1800s. Today, the trail offers a beautiful tour of the marshes, farmland, and forests that lie beyond the usual tourist stops. Suitable for biking, hiking, running, and...

This trail is a hidden gem within Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes, Delaware. This roughly 2.5 mile loop takes you through wooded maritime forests, salt marsh wetlands, and open sand dunes that will leave you feeling as though you've been transported to the desert. You'll be amazed when you encounter The Great Dune, Delaware's highest sand dune rising 80-feet above the ocean below. Be sure to ...

Lums Pond State Park offers endless adventures while you camp in the newly renovated campground. Explore the pond via kayak, hike through more than 12 miles of trails, fish from the water’s edge, take your dog to enjoy the off-leash dog park, or try the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course.   The campground now features electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Amenities include:  WaterRestroomsFire pitsS...

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest expanses of tidal salt marsh in the mid-Atlantic, and is nestled on the Eastern shores of Kent County, Delaware. Upon arriving at the refuge, there is a small visitor center with maps, a video presentation, restrooms, and educational exhibits. There is a small admission fee, and the visitor center is the easiest place to pay. A 12 mile ...

Located in the heart of Kent County, Delaware, Killens Pond State Park features a 66 acre millpond, established in the late 1700s. Today, the park is a favorite destination for fishing, camping, hiking, and more. The Pondside Trail follows the circumference of the pond, and meanders through hardwood forests, over creeks, and past the park's campsite, where the smell of campfire often fills the...