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Close-up of a sea lion resting in the Galapagos Islands

Inspiration Theme:
Animal Lovers

Ideas for those who love fins, feathers, paws, and claws!

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San Diego, California

Vibe: Coastal city meets animal paradise, educational + fun

Best Season: Year-round, best weather in Spring or Fall

3 Things to Do:

  • Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo and its sister safari park
  • Take a harbor cruise or kayak tour to spot sea lions
  • Volunteer or tour at the Project Wildlife rehabilitation center
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Vibe: Rustic wilderness, rugged beauty, wildlife heaven

Best Season: Summer to early Fall (June–September)

3 Things to Do:

  • Go on a wildlife safari tour in Grand Teton National Park
  • Spot bison, elk, and bears in nearby Yellowstone
  • Visit the National Elk Refuge or take a sleigh ride in winter

 

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Crystal River, Florida

Vibe: Warm, slow-paced, animal-friendly eco adventure

Best Season: Winter (November–March, for manatees!)

3 Things to Do:

  • Swim or snorkel with manatees in Kings Bay
  • Take a guided kayak tour through protected waterways
  • Visit the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

 

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Austin, Texas

Vibe: Urban-meets-outdoors, playful, pet-loving city

Best Season: Spring or Fall

3 Things to Do:

  • Watch the Congress Avenue bats emerge at sunset (March–October)
  • Paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake and spot turtles and birds
  • Visit Austin Pets Alive! for a feel-good shelter tour or dog date

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Monterey Bay, California

Vibe: Marine life haven, eco-educational, breezy + beautiful

Best Season: Spring to Fall (April–October)

3 Things to Do:

  • Visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium and its sea otter program
  • Take a whale watching boat trip (April–December)
  • Spot sea lions and harbor seals at Point Lobos

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Bozeman, Montana

Vibe: Wild West with a soft spot for wildlife, relaxed + real

Best Season: Summer to early Fall

3 Things to Do:

  • Visit the Montana Grizzly Encounter, a bear sanctuary
  • Spot wild animals on the way to Yellowstone National Park
  • Tour the Museum of the Rockies, which includes natural wildlife education

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Savannah, Georgia

Vibe: Historic charm, easy-going, pet-friendly city

Best Season: Spring or Fall

3 Things to Do:

  • Take a dolphin boat tour from nearby Tybee Island
  • Go on a carriage ride and learn about the horses’ care
  • Visit the Oatland Island Wildlife Center with rescued local animals

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Everglades National Park, Florida

Vibe: Wild wetlands, thrilling and raw nature

Best Season: Winter to early Spring (December–April)

3 Things to Do:

  • Take a ranger-led wildlife tour
  • Spot alligators, manatees, and rare birds from boardwalks
  • Kayak through the Ten Thousand Islands for dolphin sightings

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Kanab, Utah

Vibe: Animal rescue mecca in the desert, healing and heartwarming

Best Season: Spring or Fall

3 Things to Do:

  • Tour or volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
  • Walk a rescue dog on a nature trail
  • Meet rescued parrots, pigs, cats, and horses during their animal experiences

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Homer, Alaska

Vibe: Coastal and wild, peaceful, great for solitude + animals

Best Season: Summer (June–August)

3 Things to Do:

  • Go bear viewing in Katmai National Park or Lake Clark
  • Take a marine wildlife cruise to spot orcas and puffins
  • Visit the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center for conservation stories

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