Visit USA 2024 Travel Planner Intro

WILD AND WONDERFUL

FORCES OF NATURE From Washington State to Maine, creatures large and small put on a show for visitors

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Florida’s everglades, protected mountain parks, marine life-rich seas and wilderness preserves – nature calls across the u.S. EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK Located on Florida's southernmost tip, Everglades National Park is the largest mangrove ecosystem in North America. This vast subtropical wilderness – a World Heritage Site – is home to 35 wildlife species such as the eastern cottontail bobcat, Florida panther and manatees. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. Many visitors explore the park on an airboat that glides over the sawgrass.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE Biodiversity is key to Acadia National Park’s abundant flora and fauna, thanks to landscapes that range from rocky coastline to granite mountains sculpted by glaciers, coniferous and deciduous forests, lakes, streams, heaths and marshes. Set on the Atlantic Flyway, this is a top bird-watching area, with sightings of more than 300 species. Resident mammals include moose and black bears. Explore the park's 33 miles of scenic roads and 150 miles of hiking trails. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, COLORADO Spectacular mountain peaks and lakes, rivers, forests, alpine tundra and meadows in the park’s 415 square miles are the

perfect environment for a host of animals, birds and plants. The best way to see them is to hit some of the 355 miles of hiking trails. Elk, moose and bighorn are frequently seen, while ptarmigan, blue grouse, three toed woodpecker and mountain chickadee are among the 370-plus species of birds found in the park. California’s coast-hugging Highway 1 offers great hiking and amazing wildlife viewing. Morro Bay’s sheltered waters are an ideal nursery and refuge for sea otters. From the shore and on kayak trips, see them resting on their backs and sometimes anchored by seaweed fronds. The area is also a haven PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, CALIFORNIA

The Salish Sea surrounding the San Juan Islands in Washington State is one of the best places in the world to see killer whales

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