5 Bucket-List Destinations for Nature Lovers This Year

As adventure travel continues to surge and U.S. National Parks reported record visitation in 2024, nature-driven trips are set to dominate travel trends in 2025. For discerning travelers eager to reconnect with the outdoors, choosing where to experience the most captivating natural settings—be it mountains, volcanoes, rivers, or vast lakeshores—remains a thrilling challenge. Here are five bucket-list destinations for nature lovers this year, each offering distinct landscapes, memorable experiences, and plenty of opportunities to claim the serenity of the wild as your own.

1. Big Island, Hawaii: Volcanic Wonders and Secluded Adventure

The Big Island stands apart from the Hawaiian tourism mainstream, welcoming just 15 percent of the state’s visitors in contrast to 52 percent who flock to Oahu, according to Hawaii Tourism Authority data. Yet, for adventure seekers, Hawaii’s largest island—encompassing eight of the world’s 13 recognized ecosystems—delivers a dynamic tapestry of landscapes, from lush rainforests to stark lava fields.

Kilauea’s Dramatic Eruptions

In 2025, Kilauea Volcano has been particularly active, with lava fountains surging more than 500 feet above the crater rim in mid-June, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers safe observation areas to witness these fiery displays, creating an unmatched natural spectacle.

“The Big Island is big enough that, even in the summer, you can often find hiking trails and beaches with very few crowds,” said a Hawaii Volcanoes Park ranger interviewed in June. In addition to volcano treks and black sand beaches, travelers can enjoy snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the relaxed small town of Kailua-Kona. With just about 200,000 residents and abundant open spaces, the island is an upscale yet uncrowded playground for active travelers.

2. Banff, Canada: Iconic Rockies with a Currency Edge

Situated in the dramatic northern Rockies, the town of Banff is a premier destination for those chasing mountain vistas and adventure at a favorable exchange rate. The Canadian dollar’s weakness against the U.S. dollar in 2025 translates to roughly a 25 percent discount for American travelers, making luxury lodges and gourmet dining surprisingly accessible.

Easy Access, Endless Wilderness

With the alpine town nestled right inside Banff National Park, “it only takes a few minutes to get out of town and into your own world on the trail,” noted a Banff tourism representative in May. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and skiing are all on offer, complemented by a bustling village of restaurants and hotels that cater to both families and solo travelers. For upscale visitors, Banff’s well-appointed properties and stylish wilderness resorts provide a refined take on the classic mountain escape.

3. Missoula, Montana: Rivers, Forests and Cultural Finds Off the Beaten Path

While places like Big Sky and Bozeman may claim Montana’s spotlight, Missoula quietly caters to those in the know. Home to about 80,000 residents, this university town sits at the convergence of four rivers—the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork and Rock Creek—creating one of the region’s best bases for fly fishing, kayaking and river floating.

Arts, Music and Outdoor Ambiance

Surrounded by the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and other pristine wilderness, Missoula blends easy access to backcountry hiking, camping and mountain biking with a surprisingly sophisticated cultural scene. “The range of music venues and the strong ceramics community give Missoula a unique, creative energy you don’t often find in towns this size,” said a local gallery owner in July. Upscale travelers can enjoy luxury boutique hotels, riverside amphitheaters, and galleries showcasing local artistry, all within a short drive of raw, unspoiled land.

4. Jackson, Wyoming: Gateway to Grand Teton’s Alpine Majesty

Jackson, the crown jewel of western Wyoming, sits at the doorstep of Grand Teton National Park and within striking distance of Yellowstone. Compared to Banff, Jackson offers a similarly dramatic blend of rugged nature and small-town luxury—without having to cross the border.

Mountain Chic and Natural Beauty

“Jackson puts you right outside Grand Teton National Park—literally just 10 miles away,” noted a local tourism official in June. The area’s legendary wildlife viewing, day hikes, and easily accessible scenic drives make it a magnet for adventure. Although Jackson’s popularity has made it one of the pricier destinations in the region, its alpine views, high-caliber restaurants, stylish bars, and luxury accommodations deliver on both comfort and character. The après-adventure nightlife is distinctly mountain-chic while daytime activities remain rooted in the outdoors.

5. Traverse City, Michigan: Lakeshores and Dunes for Summer Escape

Tucked into northern Michigan, Traverse City is renowned for summer getaways far from the bustle of major metros. With only about 15,000 residents, this lakeside town delivers a peaceful pace and unspoiled surroundings, including forests, craggy beaches, and expansive sand dunes.

Sleeping Bear and Secluded Nature

The nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore features dramatic hiking and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. “Traverse City is a launchpad for exploring rare dune landscapes, plus pristine parks and islands that are ideal for hiking and camping,” said a Sleeping Bear Dunes ranger in July. In addition to its natural attractions, upscale travelers can enjoy relaxed brewery tours, local cuisine, and quiet waterfront experiences like sailing and kayaking. Day trips to places like Manistee National Forest and the Sand Lakes Quiet Area further enhance the region’s appeal for those seeking solitude.

Whether your dream adventure is watching molten lava under a starry sky, hiking among the Rockies’ timeless peaks, or quietly kayaking along a forested Northern lake, these bucket-list destinations for nature lovers this year provide something special. As summer arrives and interest in outdoor travel grows, consider pinpointing a spot that matches your sense of adventure, timeline, and preferred comforts. There’s no need to overthink it—sometimes, the perfect experience is closer than you realize or waiting farther afield where the crowds have yet to reach.

For those seeking the most rewarding outdoor journeys in 2025, these five picks deliver a remarkable array of immersive, luxurious and transformative natural settings, all waiting to be discovered.