Need a break from the cold? National Park of American Samoa is the place for you. The quintessential tropical paradise, National Park of American Samoa welcomes you into the heart of the South Pacific where you will discover rare plants and animals, coral sand beaches, and vistas of land and sea. When you aren’t snorkeling, enjoy a walk in the sand or relax in the shade along this quiet and remote beach. Doesn’t it sound like a dream getaway? Photo by National Park Service.

At the National Park of American Samoa, you can see amazing tropical animals, learn about the culture of Pacific Islanders and enjoy snorkeling in gorgeous blue water. Or you can just find the perfect place to lay on the beach and do nothing. No judgment. Photo by National Park Service.

Loggerhead Key – located almost 70 miles west of Key West, Florida – is the largest island of Dry Tortugas National Park. Covering about 49 acres, it is home to a 160-year-old lighthouse and some truly excellent sites for snorkeling and diving. Along with amazing coral formations, divers can find a variety of colorful reef fish, including parrotfish, angel fish, triggerfish and damselfish. Just remember, look but don’t touch. Not only will an accidental brush up against the coral probably kill it, you may be bumping into any number of potentially dangerous animals, include fire coral, jellyfish, sea urchins or the exotic venomous lionfish. Photo by Bryan Goff (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Located in the heart of the South Pacific, National Park of American Samoa offers an escape from the everyday and is one of our most remote parks. With a bit of explorer’s spirit, you can discover secluded villages, snorkel coral reefs, observe tropical forest plants and wildlife, and explore the magnificent island and sea vistas. Check out more public lands that are the perfect escape from the cold: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

Virgin Islands National Park’s hills, valleys and beaches are breathtaking. Beyond its tropical beauty, 7,000 acres on the island of St. John help tell the complex history of civilizations - both free and enslaved - who utilized the land and the sea for more than a thousand years. Photo of Trunk Bay by Kaitlin Kovacs, U.S. Geological Survey.

Virgin Islands National Park is an American paradise with breathtaking hills, valleys and beaches. With 7,000-plus acres on the island of St. John, Virgin Islands National Park offers snow-white sand dotted by palm trees, coral reefs, pre-historic sites and Bay Rum Tree forests. Its Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and features a 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. For more great warm-weather getaways, check out: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22. 

Photo by Kerry Childers (www.sharetheexperience.org).

Need a break from the snow and cold weather hitting much of the U.S.? Take the chill off of winter and escape to six of America’s beautiful (and warm) public lands: http://on.doi.gov/1QFtX22

You won’t even have to leave the country to visit to these amazing tropical getaways. 🌴🌊🏄

About halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa lies Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge – a remote, tropical getaway. Palmyra Atoll consists of a circular string of about 50 islets nestled among several lagoons and encircled by 15,000 acres of shallow turquoise reefs and deep blue submerged reefs. The refuge’s lush vegetation supports over a million birds of 29 species – including the second largest red-footed booby colony in the world – and is the only nesting habitat for migratory seabirds and shorebirds within 450,000 square miles of ocean. Recreational diving and snorkeling programs offer visitors a chance to view the area’s colorful coral reef ecosystem, while hiking and kayaking tours give visitors the opportunity to see some of the refuge’s wildlife.

Top photo: Palmyra Atoll refuge wetlands by USFWS.

Middle photos (left to right): Strawn Island Lagoon by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS. A Red-footed Booby at the refuge by Laura M. Beauregard, USFWS.

Bottom photo: Colorful coral reef ecosystem at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Jim Maragos, USFWS.