Nature Lover’s Road Trip: 10 Places To See & Where To Stay

For those who find inspiration in towering mountains, lush forests, and breathtaking coastlines, a road trip through nature’s most stunning landscapes is the ultimate escape. From national parks to hidden wilderness gems, exploring the great outdoors offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to 10 must-see destinations perfect for nature lovers, along with handpicked stays from the Curator Hotels & Resorts collection that blend comfort with scenic surroundings. Whether you’re seeking epic hiking trails, wildlife encounters, or simply a peaceful retreat in nature, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences on the open road.

1. Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA

Begin your adventure in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge at Skamania Lodge, surrounded by lush forests and breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. With over four miles of trails, zip-line adventures, and wellness activities like forest bathing, this eco-conscious retreat offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor exploration and photography.

Beacon Rock State Park is a standout destination, offering hiking trails that lead to incredible views of the gorge and one of the largest monoliths in North America. For history enthusiasts, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum delves into the area’s cultural and natural heritage with exhibits on Native American artifacts, pioneer history, and geology. Adventure seekers flock to the trails of Dog Mountain, renowned for its challenging routes and spectacular wildflower displays in spring, culminating in breathtaking panoramic views at the summit.

From Stevenson, WA, to Gleneden Beach, OR, we’ll journey 140 miles through the lush Columbia River Gorge, wind past rolling hills and forests, and eventually reach the serene Oregon coastline.

2. Salishan Coastal Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR

Travel down the Pacific Northwest coast and we arrive at Salishan Coastal Lodge, a tranquil haven along Oregon’s pristine beaches. This eco-conscious lodge invites guests to reconnect with nature through forest bathing, wildlife observation, and conservation-focused initiatives.

Gleneden Beach, Oregon, is a tranquil coastal town perfect for nature lovers. Start at the Gleneden Beach State Recreation Site, where a paved trail leads through lush shore pine forests to a quiet beach, ideal for picnicking, wildlife spotting, and beachcombing. For hikers, the AllTrails guide to Gleneden Beach provides scenic trails that wind through coastal landscapes, offering immersive experiences in Oregon’s natural beauty.

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Salishan Golf Links, a course designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. For a creative touch, visit the nearby Alderhouse Glass Blowers, where you can watch local artisans craft stunning glassworks.

Heading south from Gleneden Beach, OR, to Carmel Valley, CA, we’re taking the overnight Amtrak Coast Starlight train 600 miles along the breathtaking Pacific Coast, passing rugged cliffs, charming towns, and towering redwoods before arriving in wine country.

3. Bernardus Lodge & Spa, Carmel Valley, CA

Our road trip brings us to the stunning landscapes of Carmel Valley, CA. Located near Big Sur and Monterey, Bernardus Lodge & Spa combines luxury with natural beauty. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, relax at the world-class spa, and explore the rolling vineyards and scenic hills.

Start your adventure at Garland Ranch Regional Park, where hiking trails meander through woodlands, canyons, and along the Carmel River, offering opportunities for birdwatching and immersing in natural beauty. For a peaceful retreat, visit the Rana Creek Preserve, spanning oak-filled valleys and rolling hills, ideal for quiet walks and wildlife observation.

No visit to Carmel Valley is complete without exploring its connection to nature through its wineries. At Folktale Winery & Vineyards, enjoy wine tastings amidst breathtaking scenery, or stop by the historic Holman Ranch to learn about sustainable farming and olive groves. To connect with organic living, visit the Earthbound Farms Farm Stand, where you can wander organic gardens and savor fresh produce.

From Carmel Valley, CA, to Santa Cruz, CA, we’ll travel through scenic rolling hills and vineyards, then follow the picturesque coastline to the vibrant beaches and redwood forests of Santa Cruz.

4. Chaminade Resort & Spa, Santa Cruz, CA

Nestled in the hills above Santa Cruz, Chaminade Resort & Spa provides a serene retreat surrounded by redwood forests. Guests can hike nearby trails, visit coastal beaches, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of this property, blending natural beauty with luxurious amenities.

Begin at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and wander the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, surrounded by ancient redwoods and serene natural beauty. For coastal exploration, head to Natural Bridges State Beach, famed for its unique rock formations and seasonal monarch butterfly migrations, as well as tide pooling opportunities.

Take a leisurely walk along West Cliff Drive for breathtaking ocean views, and stop at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum to learn about the area’s rich surfing heritage. Keep an eye out for surfers at Steamer Lane or embark on a whale watching cruise to observe marine life up close. Santa Cruz offers a perfect blend of lush forests, vibrant coastlines, and rich wildlife, making it an unforgettable stop for any nature enthusiast.

From Santa Cruz, CA, to Napa Valley, CA, we’ll leave the coastal beauty behind, travel just 55 miles through the lush farmland of the Central Valley, and arrive amidst the rolling vineyards and charming wineries of Napa Valley.

5. Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa Valley, CA

In the heart of Napa Valley, Silverado Resort offers stunning vineyard views and outdoor activities like cycling tours and wine tasting. This luxurious resort provides a unique mix of relaxation and adventure, perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments amidst Napa’s rolling hills.

Begin your exploration at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, where over 10 miles of trails wind through redwood groves, offering serene hiking experiences amidst towering trees. For a blend of natural beauty and viticulture, visit Jarvis Estate, a family-owned winery nestled on 1,320 acres, featuring a 45,000-square-foot underground cave system that provides optimal aging conditions for their acclaimed wines.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Napa River, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding, offering a unique perspective of the valley’s landscapes.

From Napa Valley, CA, to Jackson, WY, we’ll journey 870 miles through the golden hills of California, traverse the rugged Nevada desert, and cross into the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Wyoming, arriving at the gateway to the Tetons.

6. Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa, Jackson, WY

Our road trip takes us to Jackson, WY, a stunning gateway to outdoor adventure and natural beauty. Explore the breathtaking Grand Teton National Park, where rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and scenic trails offer endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. For a closer look at local fauna, visit the National Elk Refuge, home to one of North America’s largest elk herds, with guided sleigh rides available during winter months.

At the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa offers access to Grand Teton National Park. With activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting, guests can immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Tetons while enjoying the lodge’s luxurious amenities.

7. Hotel Terra Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole, WY

Adjacent to Teton Mountain Lodge, Hotel Terra combines modern design with eco-conscious practices. Perfect for exploring the Tetons, it offers access to natural wonders and wellness opportunities in a sustainable, stylish setting.

For panoramic views, take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, ascending over 4,000 feet to Rendezvous Mountain’s summit, where you can hike in summer or ski in winter. For a cultural touch, the National Museum of Wildlife Art showcases wildlife-inspired masterpieces, blending art with the surrounding natural beauty. Jackson offers a seamless mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

From Jackson Hole, WY, to Jekyll Island, GA, we’ll journey 1,900 miles through the vast plains of the Midwest, weave through the rolling hills of Tennessee, and pass the moss-draped oaks of Georgia’s coastal lowlands, arriving at the serene shores of Jekyll Island.

8. Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island, GA

On Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll Island Club Resort blends historic charm with natural beauty. Guests can explore pristine beaches, coastal ecosystems, and sea turtle habitats through eco-tours and conservation programs, making it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers.

Start exploring at Driftwood Beach, renowned for its picturesque, weathered trees and serene atmosphere, perfect for photography and quiet reflection. For wildlife adventures, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where you can learn about sea turtles. Explore the island’s diverse ecosystems by biking along the Jekyll Island Trail System, offering over 20 miles of paved paths through maritime forests, marshes, and beaches. Don’t miss the Clam Creek Picnic Area, providing scenic views of the salt marsh and opportunities for crabbing and fishing.

From Jekyll Island, GA, to the Florida Keys, FL, we’ll drive nine hours along the scenic southeastern coastline, pass through vibrant cities like Miami, and arrive by ferry in the tropical paradise of the Keys, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and swaying palms. *Note the last leg of our trip is only accessible by sea plane or boat.

9. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys, FL

Conclude your journey in tropical paradise at Little Palm Island Resort, an adults-only private island retreat in the Florida Keys. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, this luxurious resort offers snorkeling, diving, and wellness experiences in a serene and secluded setting.

Kick off your journey at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, the nation’s first undersea park, offering snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours to vibrant coral reefs. If you’re starting from Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, take a private ferry or boat to Little Torch Key, then drive north on U.S. Highway 1 for about 75 miles to reach Key Largo. Heading south, pass through Marathon and visit Crane Point Hammock, a 63-acre tropical oasis featuring nature trails, a museum, and the historic Adderley House, immersing visitors in the region’s ecology and history. Continue your adventure by making your way to Key West, just 29 miles from Little Palm Island via the scenic Overseas Highway. Conclude your journey at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, where you can walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic birds in a lush, tropical environment.