4. Pelindaba Lavender Farm, Washington
Washington state may be known for its incessant rainy weather but it gets a break during the summer, which is the perfect moment to visit as lavender is in full bloom then. On the San Juan Islands, which is just off the coast of Washington, there are numerous lavender farms that are perfect for a day trip.
One of the most famous ones is the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, which is also the biggest one in the area. There you can take one of the free tours, enjoy a picnic or visit the grounds, where you can get lost on a relaxing walk through the groves. You can wander for hours and appreciate the time to recharge and enjoy the beauty of nature.
They also have an online store where they use the lavender from the farm to make natural products and they ship all over the US.
5. Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas
Not many people know about this one, but the locals definitely enjoyed it for years. The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a destination you should aim to go to if you want to relax and enjoy the Texan summer heat somewhere less crowded. The freezing water spills over the edge of the limestone rocks and forms a 50-foot tall waterfall that falls into an open canyon. It was created naturally when the dome of the river collapsed due to erosion eons ago.
The sights are amazing and you can definitely enjoy the reserve too, not just the pool itself. It gets even more spectacular when you get to see the more daring youngsters jump into the deep water from the top of the waterfall. If you plan to go and admire the view make sure you make a reservation in advance. Who knows, maybe you will be able to see the endangered golden-cheeked warbler when you’re around there too!
6. Tennessee Valley, California
This one is a local secret that you need to know if you want to spend a quiet hike and have a marvelous view of the sunset. If you are around San Francisco, you can go find the Tennessee Valley Hiking Trail. A lot of tourists miss this destination because they are heading to the Martin headlands, which automatically makes it less crowded and perfect for an evening walk and an amazing place to view the sunset.
You can even go earlier, enjoy hours on the secluded beach, and take all the time you need to complete the trail, all you would ever need to relax and recharge after a hectic vacation. Or maybe you recently moved to the area and you have never heard of this place, it is definitely worth a visit. There is a high chance it will become your new favorite retreat!
