Even the shortest, most introductory of hiking trails at Red Rocks Park in Colorado is absolutely majestic. On my very first jaunt, I stopped at least 10 times during the mile-long stretch to take pictures, in some sort of cosmic disbelief that terrain like this could exist 20 minutes outside of Denver's downtown. Its complex gradients of red on the rock formations — terra cotta at some points and orangey-tinged scarlet at others — made it feel like I was experiencing a designer drop of another planet. A Margiela Mars, if you will. I'm not usually able to access this much joy and wonder unless I venture far away from home. But getting here didn't require a long flight or a passport. This reality, that I could enjoy new and invigorating outdoor experiences, has recently become more important to me.
I've always loved using my passport to travel far and wide: to Mumbai to see my extended family, to Milan to marvel at the Duomo, and to Havana to smoke a cigar on the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. But for the first time in my life, I paused international travel at the beginning of 2026. As ICE agents began swarming the two airports I rely on most, I noticed an anxiety swelling in me that I'd never experienced before. It didn't matter that I am a U.S. citizen; these agents, many of whom were just as brown-skinned as me, made me very uncomfortable. The experience of being stopped and interrogated, even if you 'belong,' is traumatic in itself — especially if you're traveling alone. I sometimes travel with family members who are naturalized citizens or legal residents — and I became nervous for their safety and security as well. Am I being paranoid? Perhaps. Am I justified in feeling uncomfortable as Black and brown immigrants of all legal statuses are being unjustly targeted by ICE agents? Certainly. But I've wondered if my break from international travel signifies a cowering to our current administration's apparent quest to make immigrants and children of immigrants feel a lack of safety and belonging in our own home countries.
Ultimately I decided to honor my anxiety and keep it local at least until the fall, when I will reassess my feelings. As it turns out, I'm not the only one. There's been a notable rise in domestic travel (versus international) over the last year or so, according to multiple companies that accrue travel data, apparently due to many Americans feeling 'global uncertainty.' And so, there appears to be a collective shift in how we're allocating our 2026 travel budget to preserve adventure and relaxation while minding our concerns.
Traveling for pleasure and self exploration is a privilege I don't take lightly — so I'm intentionally gathering my list of domestic dream vacations that focus on the outdoors. And since some of these places have somehow captivated me in unexpected ways, I can't help but romanticize them a little — which brings me back to my Red Rocks flashback. As a lifelong beach vacation enthusiast, this phase in my life would be an opportunity to traverse landscapes I'm wholly unfamiliar with. The mountains came first. And then the rocky ledges of southern Maine. And I've got so much more planned, because it's possible to travel to some of these places easily and affordably. Here are a few worth mentioning, because a little political anxiety is not going to keep any of us from being outside outside this summer.
Denver, Colorado
Where to find nature: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is worth all the hype — time your vacation around a concert if you're able. As for daytime activities, there are trails of various lengths and difficulty levels, and they all yield incomparable views. Mind the altitude, stay hydrated, and you might just forget that you're still on earth, let alone the continental U.S.
Where to recharge: Hotel Indigo Denver Downtown, just a 20-minute drive from Red Rocks, is both centrally located and quiet enough to rest and recalibrate between hikes. The hotel itself boasts spacious rooms, is the perfect proximity to both city and outdoors activities, and houses Ambler, a cozy, chic restaurant with an outstanding bison burger. Just a short walk away is the River North Arts District, where you can find the best farm-to-table fare and atmospheric cocktail bars.
Freeport, Maine
Where to find nature: This aggressively charming town sits on Casco Bay's coastline, just a quick drive from Portland's (sea)foodie haven. Starting around Memorial Day, the entire region comes alive with oyster farms, glamping options and bonfires on rocky beaches. The vibe is perfect for people who favor a milder summer, and moderately priced and unbelievably fresh lobster everything.
Where to recharge: The Harraseeket Inn couldn't be more idyllic if she tried, with warm, inviting rooms appointed with artisanal furniture and daily afternoon tea service in the stately lounge. If the day's activities have worn you out, enjoy a swim in their vibey indoor pool, a cocktail by the fireplace or Maine culinary staples in their Porter Kitchen & Bar.
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Where to find nature: If you want to extract a little bit of Caribbean getaway charm out of Florida all while avoiding the touristy hubs with crowded bars and aspiring yacht girlies (of all genders), Port St. Lucie might be it. Especially great for families with young children, the riverside region — just 30 minutes away from the ocean — offers horseback riding, dolphin watch tours (where you can enjoy them without bothering them), kayak tours and a botanical garden.
Where to recharge: You can also dolphin watch from the infinity pool that overlooks the Port St. Lucie River at Voco Sandpiper, a new all-inclusive resort by IHG — and you can do it with a rum punch in hand, if that's a draw for you. The highly-rated, price-conscious resort has its own river beach with Adirondack chairs, fresh food options that fit everyone's dietary preferences, and spacious rooms with balconies. And once you get that wristband, just about everything is included.
Paso Robles, California
Where to find nature: In the vineyards, of course, because this central California utopia has over 200 of them. While you can opt for a canyon excursion or lake day as well, the real draw here is the unparalleled views available to you as you sip a cabernet sauvignon on a vineyard tour. Two wineries with particularly outstanding and warm guides are Daou and Justin. If you've got Italy on your mind this summer, Paso Robles is your best bet to match the energy.
Where to recharge: Honorable mention for gorgeous vineyards has to go to Allegretto — and their adjacent resort is ethereal, complete with a pristine hillside pool, and thoughtful food and wine options. The sprawling property surrounds a vine adorned Tuscan-inspired courtyard that's ideal for post-swim wine walks.
Rincon, Puerto Rico
Where to find nature: Rent a car and head west of San Juan to a surf sanctuary for those in the know. Speak more Spanish (perhaps as an act of defiance) while enjoying active waves and breathtaking sunsets. Nearby Aguadilla and Mayagüez boast uniquely delicious food scenes, and Cabo Rojo (an hour south of Rincon) offers salt flats, a wildlife refuge and unrivaled beaches.
Where to recharge: Rincon of the Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel is right on the beach, walkable to everywhere you'd want to be in town, and most importantly, it has a swim-up bar where piña coladas are made with the island's (arguably) best rum, Ron del Barrilito. In the case where you'll want to tumble further into relaxation mode with sauna and cold plunge, Rincon Recovery Room will get you right.
