Gulf State Park, Alabama

Across 6,500 acres adjacent to the city of Gulf Shores, Alabama,Gulf State Parkoffers 2.5 miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond the beach, the park offers ecologically important marshland, pine forests, streams, and a series of spring-fed lakes. The largest lake, Lake Shelby, encompasses 750 acres.

Fishermen won’t want to missone of the longest piers on the Gulf— it’s more than 1,500 feet long, and kids will love the massive swimming pool and splash park. There’s also a great golf course, and visitors can enjoy geocaching, kayaking, paddleboarding, freshwater fishing, biking, or riding on one of the park’s Segway tours.

Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska

If you’re looking for much-needed peace and quiet, this is the state park for you.Kachemak Bay State Park and Wilderness Areacovers 400,000…