RELATED:<\/strong> 6 incredible places to swim with animals in nature<\/a><\/p>\n This magical setting is too close not<\/em> to visit. Take a break from bustling San Francisco<\/a> and meander amidst the all-knowing silence of ancient redwoods in this sanctuary named in honor of conservationist and nature philosopher John Muir. A federally protected landscape since 1908, Muir Woods National Monument<\/a> is a place to come for wide-eyed walks through the woods with quiet reverence to your surroundings and where, as Muir himself wrote, \u201cNature\u2019s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.\u201d<\/p>\n Yes, there\u2019s a gigantic nature reserve in the middle of Manhattan<\/a> called Central Park that is certainly worth a visit. But for those who wish to completely free themselves from the skyscraper skyline and 24\/7 hum of traffic, there\u2019s Bear Mountain State Park<\/a>. Located in the Hudson Valley, this is the most popular state park in New York state, offering hiking and biking trails through dense woodlands that will hush the hustle-bustle instigated\u00a0by the Big Apple.<\/p>\n Less than 100 miles from Chicago<\/a> is a spectacular natural setting that attracts bald eagles each winter, the largest wintering population outside of Alaska. (Fun fact: Illinois is second only to Alaska for eagle watching.) Starved Rock State Park<\/a> boasts quiet hiking trails that weave through canyons and waterfalls, formed millions of years ago by glacier melt and steam erosion, It\u2019s especially epic in spring, when ice melts and waterfalls flow, and fall, when foliage bursts in vibrant hues of red, orange and gold. It\u2019s an unexpected setting in a state as flat as Illinois, and one that inspires wows and wonder.<\/p>\n Escape the political cacophony of our nation\u2019s capital<\/a> for the peaceful setting that is Shenandoah National Park<\/a>, if only for a day. It\u2019s home to more than 500 miles of trails that wind through waterfalls, caverns, old farmsteads and forests. Find your perch in this landscape spanning 200,000 acres, and listen to the quiet melody of songbirds, insects and wind\u2014a nice respite from the noise you\u2019ll find in D.C.<\/p>\n Huntsville State Park Huntsville State Park<\/a> is just north of Housto<\/a>n, in the Sam Houston National Forest. With 21 miles of hiking trails, plus plenty of kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities on Lake Raven, it\u2019s a serene, wooded setting for playful R&R.<\/p>\n With more than 500 miles of trails, the Santa Monica Mountains<\/a> are a natural wonderland hidden in plain sight, even for many car-loving Los Angelenos. It’s hard to imagine that not far from the sprawl of Los Angeles<\/a>, lies this beautiful area that hugs the sparkling Pacific Ocean with views that can keep you mesmerized for hours. For the adventurous, its Backbone Trail crosses the best-protected coastal Mediterranean habitat in the world, weaving through canyons, woods and epic ocean vistas.<\/p>\n Trade the man-made opulence of Sin City<\/a> for the natural spectacle that is Red Rock Canyon<\/a>. Its 19 trails wind through forests, desert and canyons (some still featuring ancient pictographs). The gorgeous red landscape against the Mojave Desert, bathed in natural silence, will seem far, far away from the ringing slot machines of Vegas.<\/p>\n ALSO:<\/strong> It’s only natural that you should rack up rewards for your travel\u2014don’t miss out!<\/a><\/p>\n Fairmount Park<\/a>, much like New York\u2019s Central Park, is a fabulous greenspace for urban dwellers, with its 9,000 acres of trails, woodlands and wetlands residing within Philadelphia<\/a>. But when you want to escape the City of Brotherly Love for a waterfall wonderland, head to Ricketts Glen State Park<\/a>. The enchanting forest boasts 22 free-flowing waterfalls, which are visual and audible delicacies along its hiking trails. Ice climbing on the frozen falls is popular in winter months.<\/p>\n Ignore the name. This setting is neither a mountain, nor does it inspire misery. Its 60 miles of wooded trails just outside of Boston<\/a> that used to be Henry David Thoreau\u2019s old stomping grounds, so you\u2019ll be walking in the footsteps of a literary legend with a visit here. If the quiet setting could inspire this poetic Transcendentalist, who knows what it might inspire in you.<\/p>\n The Mile High City<\/a> is hugged by nature, with its mountain landscapes practically taunting those who reside in the city center on a daily basis: \u201cCome out and play.\u201d That makes it especially hard to pick just one setting to highlight. But Alderfer Three Sisters Park<\/a> has it all: short strolls for the family; strenuous climbs for the intrepid; and a long loop hike for those who wish to meander. It boasts stunning vistas and rock formations amidst a never-ending stretch of ponderosa pines, making it seem far removed from civilization.<\/p>\n Away from Austin<\/a>‘s famed traffic snarls, deep in Texas Hill Country, this 5,000-acre park is a mecca for hiking, biking and tubing\u2014the latter being a Texas summertime tradition. Pedernales Falls State Park<\/a> is also home to a zip line company<\/a> that will whisk you above the canopies for a bird\u2019s eye view of the natural paradise; it also facilitates treehouse stays for those seeking an overnight respite from city noise.<\/p>\n To prevent amusement park burnout, escape to Weiwa Springs State Park<\/a>\u00a0for a day where your family can enjoy bonding time without waiting in antsy queues or paying\u00a0$10 for ice cream in the shape of mouse\u00a0ears. Your Orlando<\/a> escape includes canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding and picnic opportunities in this sanctuary shaded by graceful trees draped in Spanish moss. A special mention also goes to Blue Spring State Park<\/a>, a designated manatee refuge\u00a0from mid-November through March, which is 35 miles (45 minutes) from Orlando.<\/p>\nSAN FRANCISCO<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Muir-Woods-National-Monument.jpg\")
Muir Woods National Monument
\nDistance<\/strong>: 17 miles\/40 minutes<\/p>\nNEW YORK CITY<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Bear-Mountain-State-Park.jpg\")
Bear Mountain State Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 50 miles\/1 hour<\/p>\nCHICAGO<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Starved-Rock-State-Park.jpg\")
Starved Rock State Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 94 miles\/1 hour 40 minutes<\/p>\nWASHINGTON, D.C.<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Shenandoah-National-Park.jpg\")
Shenandoah National Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 75 miles\/1 hour 30 minutes<\/p>\nHOUSTON<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/houston.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nDistance<\/strong>: 68 miles\/1 hour 15 minutes<\/p>\nLOS ANGELES<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Santa-Monica-mountains.jpg\")
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
\nDistance<\/strong>: 35 miles\/45 minutes<\/p>\nLAS VEGAS<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Red-Rock-Canyon.jpg\")
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
\nDistance<\/strong>: 15 miles\/30 minutes<\/p>\nPHILADELPHIA<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Rickets-Glen-State-Park.jpg\")
Rickets Glen State Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 138 miles\/2 hours 20 minutes<\/p>\nBOSTON
\n<\/strong><\/h1>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/boston.jpg\")
<\/strong>Mt. Misery
\nDistance<\/strong>: 27 miles\/40 minutes<\/p>\nDENVER<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Alderfer-Three-Sisters-Park.jpg\")
Alderfer Three Sisters Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 30 miles\/45 minutes<\/p>\nAUSTIN<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Pedernales-Falls-State-Park.jpg\")
Pedernales Falls State Park
\nDistance: 45 miles\/1 hour<\/p>\nORLANDO<\/strong><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/Wekiwa-Springs-State-Park.jpg\")
<\/strong>Wekiwa Springs State Park
\nDistance<\/strong>: 17 miles\/30 minutes<\/p>\n
![\"Orbitz,](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/OrbitzApp.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"