Chickery's Travels

Chickery's Travels logo. A blue-green Earth globe with continents surrounded by dots with an arrow denoting movement or travel and "Chickery's Travels" as part of the dotted circle. Next to this is a photo of their blue and white Arctic Fox 5th Wheel with the awning out.
  • Home
  • Campground Reviews
    • The Best U.S. National Park Campgrounds
    • 28 Must-See State Park Campgrounds You Can’t Miss
    • Alternatives To National Park Campgrounds: Discover Hidden Gems Just Outside the Park Boundaries
    • Best Luxury RV Resorts For All RV Types
    • Best Waterfront Campgrounds For Every Budget
    • Alabama
      • Gunter Hill Campground (Montgomery, Alabama)
    • Arizona
      • Best Campgrounds in Arizona
      • Aspen Campground (Payson, Arizona)
      • LazyDays KOA (Tucson, Arizona)
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, AZ)
    • Arkansas
      • Catherine’s Landing (Hot Springs, Arkansas)
      • Downtown Riverside RV Park (Little Rock, Arkansas)
    • California
      • Best Campgrounds in California
      • Crescent City Redwoods KOA (Crescent City, California)
      • Sea Breeze RV Park (Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station)
    • Delaware
      • Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware)
    • Florida
      • Best Campgrounds in Florida
      • Blue Angel Naval Recreation Area (Pensacola, FL)
      • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Southeast FL)
      • LazyDays RV Resort (Tampa, FL)
      • MacDill AFB FamCamp (Tampa, FL)
      • Military Camping in Key West
      • Patrick AFB FamCamp (Cocoa Beach, FL)
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Ocala, FL)
      • Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness (Orlando, FL)
        • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
        • Chickery’s Travels Podcast Episode 5: Fort Wilderness Campground Review
    • Maryland
      • Cherry Hill Park (College Park, Maryland)
    • Michigan
      • Port Huron KOA (Kimball, Michigan)
    • Nevada
      • Best Campgrounds in Nevada
      • Las Vegas RV Campgrounds: Nellis Air Force Base and Lake Mead RV Village
      • Boondocking Near Las Vegas
    • New Hampshire
      • Lincoln / Woodstock KOA (New Hampshire)
    • New York
      • Round Pond Recreation Area (West Point, NY)
    • North Carolina
      • Outer Banks West / Currituck Sound KOA (Coinjock, North Carolina)
    • Oklahoma
      • Oklahoma City East KOA (Choctaw, Oklahoma)
    • Texas
      • Best Campgrounds in Texas
      • Alsatian RV Resort (Castroville, Texas)
      • Maverick Ranch (Lajitas, Texas)
      • Texas Wine Country Jellystone (Fredericksburg, Texas)
    • Tennessee
      • Camp Margaritaville (Pigeon Forge, TN)
      • Crossville I-40 KOA (Crossville, TN)
      • Midway RV Park (Memphis, TN)
    • Virginia
      • Complete Guide to Camping at Shenandoah National Park
      • Cape Charles / Chesapeake Bay KOA (Cape Charles, Virginia)
      • Fort Belvoir Travel Camp (Alexandria, VA)
      • Harrisonburg / Shenandoah Valley KOA (Broadway, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah Views Campground (Luray, Virginia)
      • Lynchburg / Blue Ridge Parkway KOA (Monroe, Virginia)
      • Shenandoah River State Park (Bentonville, Virginia)
    • Washington
      • Crescent Bar RV Resort (Quincy, Washington)
    • West Virginia
      • Harper’s Ferry KOA (Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia)
  • USA
    • Alaska
      • 5 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Trip To Alaska
    • Arizona
      • Apache Trail: A Crazy, Scary, Beautiful Drive
      • Best of Tucson – 10 Unforgettable Activities
      • Complete Guide to Saguaro National Park
      • Lost Dutchman State Park (Phoenix, Arizona)
      • Phoenix Faves: Best Activities to Enjoy on Your Arizona Vacation
    • California
      • Complete Guide to Joshua Tree National Park
      • Complete Guide to Redwood National and State Parks
    • District of Columbia
      • Budget Friendly Fun in Washington D.C.
      • Favorite Hikes near Washington DC
      • Indoor Skydiving and TopGolf: Just Another Day of Family Fun!
    • Florida
      • Florida National Parks Road Trip Guide
      • Best Beaches in Florida’s Panhandle
      • Best Walt Disney World Festivals For Adults
      • Blowing Rocks Preserve – Jupiter Island, Florida
      • Bok Tower Gardens
      • Daytona Beach – The World’s Most Famous Beach
      • Enjoy the Best of Sunny Sarasota
      • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
      • Gasparilla – Tampa’s Pirate Invasion
      • 3 Days on the Nature Coast 
      • Get Back to Nature in Tampa Bay
      • Florida Freshwater Springs on the Nature Coast
      • Halloween at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
      • Kennedy Space Center – Cape Canaveral
      • Island Hopping at Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State Parks
      • Must See Sights in St. Augustine, FL – America’s Oldest City
      • Rainbow Springs State Park & Campground (Dunnellon, Florida)
      • Take Me Out to the Ball Game – Spring Training in Tampa, FL
      • Tarpon Springs – The Gulf Coast Town with Greek Flavor
      • The 5 Best Beaches in the Tampa Bay Area
      • Top 5 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast
      • What Not to Do When Kayaking on the Weeki Wachee River
      • Why We Love Tampa
      • Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure
    • Georgia
      • Visiting Atlanta? Don’t Miss These Civil Rights Museums
    • Hawaii
      • Everything You Need to Know About Camping in a Jeep Wrangler in Hawaii
    • Illinois
      • One Day In The Windy City – Chicago Itinerary
    • Maine
      • Coastal Maine Road Trip
      • Discover the Beauty of Monhegan Island, Maine
      • Acadia National Park: Highlights You Can’t Miss
    • Nevada
      • Explore Las Vegas – It’s More Than Just Gambling
    • New Hampshire
      • Experience the Magic of New Hampshire’s White Mountains
    • North Carolina
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Uncover the Coastal Charm of North Carolina’s Outer Banks | A Guide for Visitors
    • Oregon
      • Navigating Oregon’s Natural Gems
    • Pennsylvania
      • The Best Things To Do In Lancaster Pennsylvania
    • Tennessee
      • Complete Guide to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      • Burgess Falls: 3 For 1 Waterfall Special
      • National Civil Rights Museum – Memphis, TN
      • Window Cliffs, TN – I’m Not Afraid of Heights, But I am Afraid of Falling!
      • WWII History in Tennessee
    • Texas
      • Best Restaurants in Fredericksburg
      • Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Texas Hill Country
      • Explore Nature’s Untamed Beauty at Big Bend National Park
      • Top 10 Activities in the Dallas – Fort Worth
    • Utah
      • Discover the Best of Zion National Park
    • Virginia
      • Explore Great Falls Park, Virginia
  • RV Resources
    • 3 Simple Steps to Find the Best RV Campgrounds
    • 5 Years Full-Time RV: Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret
    • Boondocking – What We Learned From Our First Dry Camping Experience
    • Tips for Boondocking Success
    • Essential RV Gear
      • Essential RV Gear Guide
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • RV Must Have: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
      • RV SnapPads Product Review
      • RVLOCK Keyless Entry Door Handle Installation and Review
      • Shop “RV Local” With TechnoRV
      • Top RV Gadgets & Accessories
      • WeBoost Cellular Booster Review
    • Maintenance
      • DIY RV Power & Solar Upgrade
      • DIY Power Upgrade – “Solar Ready” Arctic Fox Fifth Wheel
      • An Easy Way to Protect Your RV Water Heater
      • Easy DIY Project to Protect Your RV Water System
      • How to Reduce the Likelihood of Tire Blowouts on your RV
      • Odor Free RV Black Tank Tips
      • RV Condensation: What It Is, What It Does, and How To Stop It
      • RV Roofs – What You Need to Know
    • Living in an RV
      • 9 Lessons From 2 1/2 Years on the Road
      • Dealing with my Biggest Full-Time Travel Struggle, Missing Family While Traveling
      • Downsizing: 3 Areas That Make The Biggest Impact
      • Full-Time RV: 2019 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV: 2018 Year in Review
      • Full-Time RV Travel – 2017 Year In Review
      • How Full-Time RVers Celebrate the Holidays
      • Get Ready for Full-Time RV Travel
      • Internet Solutions for RV Travelers
      • The Ultimate Guide to Embracing the Full-Time RV Lifestyle
      • Living in a Tiny, Traveling Home
      • Making Friends (and reconnecting with old friends) While Traveling Full-Time
      • Pros & Cons of Full-Time RV Travel
      • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
      • Short-Term RV Storage: Leaving The RV Behind
      • Top 3 Lessons Learned & Biggest Regret: 3 Years Full-Time RV Living
      • What We Wish We Knew Before Full-Time RVing – Stories from the Road
      • What You Need To Know Before Selling Everything And Moving To An RV
      • Why We Are Traveling Full-Time In Our RV
    • Must Read Books Before Becoming A Full-time RVer
    • RV Organization & Storage Ideas
    • RV Remodel
      • Planning an RV Remodel
      • RV Kitchen Cooking Videos
      • Painting Your RV Interior
      • Update the RV Kitchen – Backsplashes & More
      • Updating Your RV Window Treatments
      • RV Bedroom Makeover
      • RV Remodel Costs with Before & After Photos
      • Vintage Camper Renovation
    • RV Holiday Tour – Decorating Our Small Space
    • RV Hurricane Evacuation
    • RV Misery Can Be Overcome By The Generosity Of Others
    • How Book Readers Can Space and Weight in the RV
    • Slow Travel
    • Small Kitchen Cooking
      • Eating Healthy on Travel Days
    • Staying Healthy
      • Traveling with Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, and Other Chronic Pain Conditions
    • Trip Planning
    • Traveling with Pets
      • RVing with Your Cat
      • Traveling with Restricted Breed Dogs
    • Why I Prefer RV Travel Over Flying
    • Your Guide To Planning The Best Family Vacation This Summer
  • Travel Finance
    • 5 Tips to Save on RV Travel
    • 5 Ways to Fund Full-Time Travel
    • Creative Ways To Save Money On Your Next Vacation
    • Full-Time RV Expenses
      • Annual Full-Time RV Expenses – The Big Three
    • Five Credit Card Strategies To Improve Travel
    • How Much Do Campgrounds Cost?
    • How Much Does it Cost to RV Full-Time?
    • How to Camp for Free
    • How to Earn Passive Income from Your RV (Without Doing Any Work)
    • How to Save Money on RV Fuel Costs
    • How to Save on Food While Camping
    • How to Start a Profitable Blog
    • How We Earn A Living While Traveling Full-Time (And How You Can Too)
    • How We Paid $139,000 of Debt in 2 Years While Full-Time RVing
    • Learn How to Finance Your Dreams
    • The Top 7 Ways to Save Money While Traveling Full-Time
    • RV Purchasing
      • RV Purchasing: Understanding RV Types
      • Benefits of Renting an RV: Try Before You Buy
      • Should I Buy A New or Used RV?
      • The Costs of RV Ownership
      • The True Cost of Financing an RV
      • Attend An RV Show – Even If You Already Own An RV | Exciting Reasons Why
    • Save Money Using the Public Library (On More Than Just Books)
  • Military Travel
    • Guide To Using Military Campgrounds
    • Health Care for Retired Military Full-Time RVers
    • Why Military Retirees Should Fly Space-A
  • About Us
    • RV Shows We’re Attending
    • Contact Us
    • Follow Us

7:45 pm by J Chickery Leave a Comment

2024 Year in Review

2024 was another banner year. We had a few great trips, but didn’t travel quite as much as usual due to one momentous event…the arrival of our granddaughter, Lily! Born on June 13th, she’s been a joy ever since, and Jax has been such a wonderful big brother.

Collage of 2024 travel snapshots

I haven’t had time to add photos for each of the trips below, but you can find them on our Instagram page.

January

We always have a weekend getaway for my birthday. This year, we went to Virginia Beach. We’re working on the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest challenge. The goal is to go on one hike in each of Virginia’s 40 state parks. On this trip we went to First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park. We enjoyed them both, but my favorite was False Cape. Located on the southeastern tip of Virginia, this park is a hidden gem that should not be missed by any nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. You can only access it foot, bicycle, boat, or a seasonal tram. We walked about three miles on the beach to reach the state park.

February

All three of our sons’ birthdays are in February, so we always try to have a fun celebration. This year we went to TopGolf and had a blast! We also had some fun adventures with Jax, from hiking to taking the train to Washington, D.C., to visit some museums.

March

We had two great warm-weather trips in March: Florida and Arizona. First, we went to Miami Beach and took day trips to Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park. We’ve spent plenty of time in Florida and even lived there twice, but never made it to Miami. We really enjoyed our beachfront stay and can’t wait to go back.

Next, we went to Tucson, where Sean was podcasting at the FMCA Rally. Julie went out exploring at Saguaro National Park most days while he worked. We also had time to spend with our friends Kenny & Sabrina and Mark & Heidi.

April

Julie went on a girls hiking trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway in April. We put in a lot of miles and found the best spot to watch the solar eclipse. Julie & Jax also had a lot of fun outside exploring the local parks and nature trails.

May

Our big trip of the year was to Utah. Our first stop was a week in Park City. We took a tour of the Utah Olympic Park, went on a day trip to Antelope Island State Park, strolled along the Provo River to Bridal Veil Falls, and hiked in the Uintas National Forest near Sundance.

After Julie had an unplanned two-night stay at the lovely Salt Lake City VA hospital over Mother’s Day and Sean’s birthday, we headed to Moab. We spent time at Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park (both the Needles and Island in the Sky districts). We also took day trips to Bears Ears National Monument and Natural Bridges National Monument.

June

This was the best month of the year because we were blessed with another grandchild. This one was so different from Jax’s birth. He was born during the pandemic in 2020, and both of his parents had COVID. They weren’t allowed any visitors at the hospital then we had a major snow storm the day they were released. We finally met him one week after his birth. With Lily we could greet her at the hospital just hours after she was born.

July

Julie had her gallbladder removed in July so this month was spent recovering. Luckily, she was able to visit Jax and Lily. He was forewarned that Grandma wouldn’t be able to run around and play quite as much, but they played plenty of board games and put together puzzles.

August

We finished out the summer with our 2nd annual camping trip to the beach. Once again, the Chesapeake Bay KOA was fantastic! This year Agata’s finally rented a cabin as well. We also rented a kayay for the first time and had fun on the water too. We went up a day early so I could add Kiptopeke State Park to my Virginia Trail Quest list.

September

At the beginning of September, our daughter-in-law returned to work, and Julie started daycare duties. She splits the week with Agata’s mom. They did the same for Jax’s first year, too. These two are the reason we moved back to Virginia. Julie always knew she wanted to be a hands-on grandma and Sean made sure her dream was realized.

October

We took a quick weekend trip to New York City on the train. We’ve been to the city a few times, but this was the first time taking Amtrak and it was the way to go! We toured the Tenement Museum (highly recommend!), saw Harry Potter and the Forbidden Child, and walked 6 miles around Central Park.

And, of course, at the end of the month, we went to see Lily & Jax’s Halloween costumes.

November

We met our friends Kenny & Sabrina at Walt Disney World. This has become a biennial trip for us and we always have a great time catching up. We’re all Disney fans and especially enjoy staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground.

This year rather than taking our fifth wheel, we decided to rent a small Class C. The reason was that we are thinking of downsizing to one and thought this would give us a good chance to try one out and see how we like the space. By the end of the week, we were convinced and have created a “new RV fund” in our budget. Right now we’re leaning towards the purchase of a Winnebago Vita at the end of 2026.

December

Jax turned four this month! He had a wild animal-themed birthday party, the first one where he had a couple of friends his age there. We also closed out our year of travel adventures with a quick (and very cold) trip to Philadelphia to tour Independence National Historical Park. It was our first time, and we found it fascinating, especially Ben Franklin’s Printing Press. Finally, we wrapped up the year with a wonderful Christmas celebration with all our kids and grandkids.

Filed Under: Arizona, Family, Florida, Utah

2:48 pm by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

Florida National Parks Road Trip Guide

Exploring the wilderness and untamed beauty of national parks is a time-honored tradition for many travelers. Florida, despite its bustling urban centers, harbors some of the most unique ecological reserves in the world. For those seeking an adventure that’s part road trip, part wildlife expedition, and all about soaking up sun and solitude, a journey through Florida’s chain of National Parks is a must.

In this guide, we’ll start in Miami and provide suggestions for a 1-week journey through Florida’s National Parks: Biscayne, the Everglades, and Dry Tortugas. You can adjust the timeline to spend more or less time at each stop based on your interests.

Table of Contents
  • DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MIAMI
  • DAY 2: BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
    • Boat Tours at Biscayne
  • DAY 3: EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
  • DAY 4: EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – EVERGLADES CITY
  • DAY 5: TRAVEL TO KEY WEST
  • DAY 6: DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK
    • Explore Fort Jefferson
  • DAY 7: RETURN TO MIAMI

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MIAMI

Image of South Beach miami with palm trees and sand beaches.

The gateway to your exploration is Miami, a vibrant metropolis where the siren call of the coast is never far away. Palm-fringed beaches, pulsating nightlife, and a melting pot of cultures set the tone for what lies ahead. If you stay in Miami as your base for your visits to Biscayne National Park and the eastern side of Everglades, National Park, you’ll have time to explore this exciting city.

We stayed in a one-bedroom suite at Hilton’s McAlpin Ocean Plaza in South Beach. It allowed us to enjoy the Art Deco district and dine on Cuban delicacies before heading out for our day’s adventures. Each evening, we had time to stroll on the beach before enjoying another fabulous meal.

DAY 2: BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Boardwalk in Biscayne Bay

The first leg of your national park circuit is Biscayne, an underwater wonderland lying just a stone’s throw from Miami’s glittering skyline.

Established as part of the conservation efforts of the mid-20th century, its origin story harks back to 1968 when Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed the area a national monument. Four years later, in ’72, it was christened as the protected parkland it is today, encompassing 173,000 acres of predominantly underwater territory.

Home to evidence of more than 10,000 years of human history, the parks’ archaeological sites and shipwrecks continue to intrigue historians and divers, giving the park a cultural depth as vast as its marine landscapes.

Boat Tours at Biscayne

Lighthouse on Boca Chica Key surrounded by turquoise blue water

The unparalleled beauty of Biscayne is locked behind an aquatic gateway, and the best way to explore its wonders is by boat. With 95% of the park consisting of water, there’s a mosaic of coral reefs, crustacean-rich sea beds, and a kaleidoscope of marine life stretching as far as the eye can see. To view the park in its entirety, a boat tour—a mainstay of the Biscayne experience—is a must. These guided excursions provide commentary on the park’s history and ecology, wrapping it within the context of a pristine stage for nature’s intricate dance.

The Biscayne National Park Institute offers an array of boat trips around the various islands of Biscayne. From snorkeling, scuba diving, and paddling adventures, to Heritage tours focused on the area’s rich history, there is something for everyone. We enjoyed the Heritage of Biscayne Cruise that leaves from the visitor center. We were taken across Biscayne Bay and along the northernmost islands of the Florida Keys with a 1-hour stop at Boca Chita Key. The boat tour (including our stop at Boca Chita) was about 3 1/2 hours long.

Some boat tours also leave from Coconut Grove, just north of South Beach, but the advantage of leaving from the Dante Fascell Visitor Center is that you will have time to explore their displays that teach you more about the park. We always enjoy the films at national park visitor centers and this one, Connections, was exceptional. In addition, you can walk around Convoy Point and stroll the Jetty Trail. Just under one mile long, this trail is a short and easy walk along a mangrove-lined shore that leads to the Colonial Bird Protection Area at the end of a jetty. Informational panels can be found along the trail that discuss the environment and wildlife in the area.

DAY 3: EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

Images of sawgrass, a boardwalk and an alligator on the Anhinga Trail at Everglades National Park

Your next destination is the iconic River of Grass, the Everglades, where a unique blend of wetlands and swamps present a wilderness teeming with life. The park houses a myriad of flora and fauna starring the American alligator and crocodile, the West Indian manatee, the rare Florida panther, and an array of bird species like the Roseate Spoonbill and Great Blue Heron. The significance of the Everglades is often attributed to its role in water purification, flood control, and preservation of a balanced ecosystem.

The Everglades is a very large park with three different sections:

Main Entrance – Located off State Road 9336 in Homestead, southwest of Miami. This is home to the Earnest Coe Visitor Center, as well as the Anhinga Trail, which is a fabulous boardwalk loop where you’ll have one of the greatest chances of seeing an Alligator and many of the birds who make the Everglades home. After a stop at the Visitor Center and Anhinga Trail, we took a ranger-led tour of the Nike Missile Site in the park. As military veterans, we really enjoyed learning about this relic of the Cold War. The Everglades National Park Institute offers a variety of naturalist-led ecoadventures like paddling through the park’s sawgrass prairie or wading among the cypress domes.

Shark Valley Entrance – Located off U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail just west of Miami. This is also a great place to spot alligators and has the added benefit of a narrated tram tour along a 15-mile loop. The tour stops at a 65-foot observation tower that you can climb for a panoramic vista that captures the essence of the Everglades. If you’d rather, the visitor center also rents bikes for this loop as well.

65-foot tall Shark Valley observation tower at Everglades National Park

Gulf Coast Entrance – Located on Oyster Bar Lane in Everglades City. We’ll cover this more for Day 4 below.

If you only have one day to spend in the Everglades, we recommend choosing between the Main Entrance or Shark Valley as they are closest to Miami and provide that iconic Everglades experience.

DAY 4: EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK – EVERGLADES CITY

sunset over the bay in Everglades National Park

If you have the time, travel to the southwest edge of the park. It’s the perfect starting point for activities like backcountry boating and paddle sports. Embark on the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour through a labyrinthine maze of brackish water that is home to an array of coastal critters, from manatees to bottlenose dolphins.

DAY 5: TRAVEL TO KEY WEST

Leave the mainland behind and set your sights on Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. The 113-mile drive along the Overseas Highway is an attraction in itself. Known for its expansive ocean views, the Overseas Highway is a wonder of infrastructure, having repurposed the Overseas Railroad into a highway that spans the ocean, offering an otherworldly drive.

Be sure to get an early start on your way to Key West so that you have time to explore this cute town before embarking on your Dry Tortugas trip. Spend the evening strolling along the bougainvillea-lined streets, sampling fresh seafood, and catching the sunset at Mallory Square—a daily ritual accompanied by street performers.

If you are authorized to use military facilities, there are three military recreation lodging and camping options in Key West. We especially enjoyed our stay at Sigsbee Campground.

DAY 6: DRY TORTUGAS NATIONAL PARK

Sea plane on the shores of Dry Tortugas National Park

The climax of your Florida national park escapade isn’t just about the destination, but the journey. A ferry or seaplane from Key West carries you over the turquoise expanse of the Gulf of Mexico to Dry Tortugas—arguably one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the U.S. The seaplane is more expensive, but it was the highlight of our trip and worth the added cost.

Explore Fort Jefferson

Red brick walkway and fort at Dry Tortugas National Park

History and nature converge at the colossal Fort Jefferson, a Civil War-era coastal fortress that lends a surreal presence to this isolated patch of land. Embark on a self-guided tour through the fort’s shadowed halls to gain insight into the strategic importance and the imprisoned lives that echo within its walls.

We absolutely loved snorkeling at Dry Tortugas! Visitors can siscover the treasure trove that lies beneath the clear moat waters—remains of old structures cradle vibrant coral gardens and a mosaic of marine life.

DAY 7: RETURN TO MIAMI

The trip back to Miami serves as a decompression chamber, allowing you to mull over the countless memories amassed on your whirlwind national park road trip. Take your time along the Overseas Highway, savoring those vistas one last time. Stop at Bahia Honda State Park, aptly named for the splendid bay once harboring Spanish treasure ships, and take a moment to watch the pelicans and ospreys that foster the park’s paradise-like ambiance.

If you have more than a week for this trip, we highly recommend staying in Key West for at least a few days to explore all it has to offer.

Sharing is caring! Feel free to share the image below to social media and save it to Pinterest.

Collage of Florida National Parks with turquoise waters, an old red brick fort, and lighthouse.

Filed Under: Florida

5:09 pm by Julie Chickery Leave a Comment

Navigating Oregon’s Natural Gems

Oregon, a realm of rugged coasts, towering forests, and crystalline lakes, beckons with the allure of unspoiled natural beauty. For the intrepid traveler, the Beaver State is an expanse of discovery, where the outdoors takes center stage and each mile traversed brings a vista more breathtaking than the last.

Ready to hit the open road? Welcome to your comprehensive guide for an unforgettable Oregon road trip. From hidden waterfalls to colorful deserts, this itinerary encapsulates the essence of Oregon’s wonders. Whether you’re plotting your course or simply dreaming of your next adventure, this guide ensures there’s nothing between you and Oregon’s splendor but clear blue skies.

Table of Contents
  • Crater Lake National Park
  • Umpqua National Forest’s Toketee Falls
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
  • Cannon Beach
  • Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
  • Mount Hood National Forest
  • National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
  • Klamath Falls and the High Desert
  • Crafting Your Oregon Road Trip

Crater Lake National Park

View of Crater Lake Caldera in Spring

Just over 100 miles from the California border, the main jewel in Oregon’s scenic crown awaits. Crater Lake, the caldera of an extinct volcano, is a sapphire mirror fringed by sheer cliffs that plummet to its serene depths. Step onto the Rim and feel the ancient heartbeat of the Cascade Range. Witness Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone that rises from the water, and Phantom Ship, a haunting formation that etches the skyline.

When to Go: Summer offers the clearest skies, and fall delights with the changing foliage. Winter reveals a snowy landscape, but roads can be treacherous.

Umpqua National Forest’s Toketee Falls

Waterfall plunging  from a cliff into a blue lake

Meander up the Umpqua River, and a short, enchanting walk through the forest brings you to Toketee Falls. The name “Toketee” is derived from a Chinook Jargon word meaning ‘pretty’ or ‘graceful.’ And the falls live up to their name, with crystalline waters that cascade into a stunning basalt amphitheater.

Pro Tip: Bring your camera and tripod for an early morning visit to capture the falls with the most beautiful light.

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Sand dunes and sea grasses at sunrise

The largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, this is an Oregon oasis like no other. Watch for the shifting patterns of sand, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at sandboarding or take a thrilling dune buggy tour.

For Eco-Adventurers: Find time for the dune-based hiking trails, a quieter way to appreciate these dynamic natural landscapes.

Cannon Beach

Oregon coastline with a large rock

You know it from the iconic Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that juts out of the ocean. Cannon Beach is the Pacific Northwest’s seaside playground. Stroll the sandy shores, watch the sunset reflect on the tide pools around Haystack Rock, and look for gray whales on their winter and spring migrations.

Local Flavor: Treat yourself to a meal of fresh, locally-sourced seafood from one of Cannon Beach’s renowned restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Blue waters of the Columbia River Gorge as seen from a cliffside vantage point

A haven for hikers and nature lovers, the Columbia River Gorge is a lush chasm that offers numerous points of interest. Multnomah Falls, the ‘crown jewel of the Gorge,’ offers a 620-foot drop and an iconic bridge perfectly positioned for splendid photographs.

Roadside Attraction: The Gorge is home to countless waterfalls; an ‘Adventure Pass’ gives access to exclusive trails and unforgettable views.

Mount Hood National Forest

Reflection of Mount Hood's snowy peak in a blue lake

Ascend the slopes of Mount Hood, the state’s highest peak, to experience alpine splendor. The forest surrounding this majestic volcano is a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of trails for every skill level.

Winter Sports Paradise: In the colder months, the Summit Ski Area is an ideal stop for skiing, snowboarding, and even snowshoeing or tubing.

If you’re looking for some amazing waterfalls, head over to Silverton just about an hour to the west of Mount Hood National Forest. The Silver Falls State Park Campground, one of the best is the country, has 48 RV sites with electricity and water, 43 tent sites, 5 horse sites, and 14 cabins

National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

a covered wagon representative of the Oregon trail

Immerse yourself in the pioneer spirit. This center gives a glimpse into the hardships and triumphs of the Oregon Trail settlers, with detailed exhibits, guided walks, and costumed interpreters.

Enhance Your Visit: Engage with hands-on activities and workshops that recreate the experiences of the frontier.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Orange painted rocks at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

Step back in time at one of the most renowned sites for plant and animal fossils, with some dating back millions of years. The painted hills, striped with vibrant bands of red, pink, and yellow, prove that nature is the most inspired artist of all.

Don’t Miss: The Thomas Condon Paleontology Center where you can see specimens, watch scientists at work, and even participate in the process.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

rushing river along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

A 66-mile route that winds through the peaks of the Cascades, each turn reveals a new lake, splash of wildflowers, or a snow-covered mountain backdrop. Fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are just some of the activities that lure you to the serene waters that dot the landscape.

Only an hour away is Bend, an oasis of ecological wonders, including everything from soaring peaks that host swanky ski resorts to serene lakes perfect for a day of fishing in the heart of Oregon. While there be sure to partake in the best restaurants in Bend, Oregon which celebrate local produce and a wholesome approach to dining.

Klamath Falls and the High Desert

lake with a view of Mount Hood

The lesser-visited but no less spectacular region of Klamath Falls is where you can explore two national wildlife refuges, appreciate the uniqueness of marshlands and high desert, and even encounter bald eagles during the winter months.

Points of Interest: The landscape transforms dramatically from the volcanic peaks near Crater Lake to the arid plateaus of the high desert.

Crafting Your Oregon Road Trip

This Oregon road trip guide encapsulates but a fraction of the splendors that the state offers to the wandering soul. When planning your adventure, consider the timing of your trip to coincide with seasonal highlights and pack essentials to ensure you’re ready for every aspect of Oregon’s diverse climate and terrain.

Prepare for a visual feast – Oregon’s highways are as much a part of the experience as the destinations themselves. Take your time, savor every moment, and be ready to pull over at any time for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity or a hidden gem of Oregonian splendor.

Bon voyage, fellow travelers – may this guide lead you to discover the untamed grandeur of the Pacific Northwest and to create memories that will last a lifetime. Safe travels as you traverse the byways and backroads of the great state of Oregon.

Filed Under: Oregon

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