The Most Exciting Wildlife Experiences in the United States
Swim alongside sea turtles in Hawaii
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Get up close and personal with creatures ranging from whales and dolphins to crocodiles
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If you wish to stay closer to Orlando, you can explore portions of the Kissimmee River Basin — the headwaters of the Everglades. Places like The Disney Wilderness Preserve offer walking trails (open to the public for free) where you can learn about Florida’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
From dense forests filled with many species of birds and reptiles to oceans teeming with fish and marine mammals, the United States is home to an incredible array of wildlife. If you’re looking to get reacquainted with the natural world on your next getaway with Hilton Grand Vacations, here are some animal encounters to consider.
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Whales in California
In January 2021, Dana Point — located 32 miles from Carlsbad, California — was named the first Whale Heritage Site in the United States by the World Cetacean Alliance and World Animal Protection. What this means is that local tour operators have a responsibility toward marine conservation through education and research initiatives. For some whale-watching action, book a tour with one of the boat operators at Dana Point Harbor. Depending on the time of the year, you’ll get to see different species: Gray whale season starts in November up until April, while blue whale season lasts from May through November. Before or after your excursion, enjoy the nearly two dozen restaurants and shops at the adjacent Dana Point Harbor.
Whale watching is a popular activity at Dana Point in California
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Spot creatures like alligators and crocodiles in the Everglades
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Crocodiles, panthers and more in the Everglades
Spread over 1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands, Everglades National Park in Florida consists of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods that are home to a bio-diverse array of wildlife unlike anywhere else on the planet. The park is best known for its fearsome alligators and crocodiles (it is the only place in the world where both creatures coexist), but visitors should also keep an eye out for other animal species, including white-tailed deer, Florida panthers, black bears, banded water snakes and roseate spoonbills. While driving is probably the easiest way to get around the Everglades, you can also explore the swamps on a kayak or airboat.
Hawaii is home to a diverse array of marine life, including green sea turtles
Image by Willyam Bradbury/Shutterstock
Manta rays and green sea turtles in Hawaii
Swim alongside underwater superstars, such as manta rays and green sea turtles, along the Kona Coast, which is located off The Big Island in Hawaii. Sustainability-minded travelers will be glad to know that Kona Diving Company is an active member of Hawaii Ocean Watch, which actively protects and preserves the state’s marine life. The company also has a Green Fins policy, which encourages divers to follow responsible practices like keeping fins off the reef and using a reef stick.
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Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is a haven for birds, including the great-tailed grackle
Image by Jerzy Szwoch/Shutterstock
Birds in Chicago
Even in a bustling city like Chicago, you’ll still be able to find pockets of tranquillity like Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, a 15.6-acre natural preserve within Lincoln Park. Every spring and fall, budding ornithologists flock here to admire the tens of thousands of migratory birds that stop by for rest, food and shelter. From large predators like snowy eagles and ospreys to smaller birds like orioles and warblers, Montrose is a veritable haven for feathered creatures.
Bees are integral to The High Line’s ecosystem
Image by Andrew F. Kazmierski/Shutterstock
Bees in New York City
Manhattan may be more often associated with concrete jungles than actual forests, but the Big Apple’s most densely populated borough does offer some respite from the urban sprawl. The High Line is a 1.45-mile elevated park and greenway on the west of Manhattan that is packed with verdant gardens. From early spring to late fall, these gardens are abuzz with wild and native bees — from bumblebees to masked bees — collecting pollen and nectar from the thousands of blooms that dot the park.
View dolphins in their natural habitat at Myrtle Beach
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Dolphins in Myrtle Beach
A visit to Myrtle Beach isn’t complete without getting out on the water and admiring wild dolphins. Before booking a tour, ensure that your tour operator adheres to responsible cruise practices. For instance, the boat should maintain a safe distance from the dolphins at all times to avoid stressing them out. For a more high-octane experience, Myrtle Beach Watersports offers jet ski tours, during which you can get up close with the majestic sea creatures, while respecting their natural habitat and behaviors.