Fort Townsend State Park, Washington

Make like the pioneers and head to Fort Townsend State Park, whose 367 acres provide plenty of shady forest and breathtaking views of Port Townsend Bay. Wander away your day hiking, biking, boating, and crabbing. Or, bring your glove and ball and play some catch next to the salty sea on the park’s ball field. But whatever you do, make sure you take a moment to step back in time along Fort Townsend’s historical interpretive trail, which shares the story of hearty settlers who populated the seaside area way back in the 1850s. You think camping is roughing it? Try being an early Pacific Coast pioneer—they didn’t have electricity, much less iPhone flashlight apps to light the way to the campground bathroom! Once you pay your respects to ye olde pioneers, cool off in the bay’s waters; scuba diving, fishing, and sailing are popular activities. And before you retire to your tent for the night, take a little time to star gaze, just like the Fort Townsend folk undoubtedly did hundreds of years ago.