

The islet is encircled by gorgeous white sand, and just offshore is a stunning coral formation called Little Africa, because it looks like a map of the continent from above. The best, however, is on the northwest side of Loggerhead Key, accessible only via private boat or by undertaking a three-mile paddle from Garden Key. But those islands are blessed with great beaches, including South Beach on Garden Key, home to the park’s main tourist facilities. Depending on the tide, only 143 acres of sand, coral rubble, and rock make up the archipelago’s seven islands. Mary Turner, deputy editor and travel directorīeach Winner: Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Floridaĭry Tortugas is one of the most remote parks in the national park system, located approximately 70 miles beyond Key West. Our overriding goal? To inspire readers to get outside and explore the world, and provide them with great ideas for years to come.

The final decisions were based on many factors, including new travel options, improved-upon classics, accessibility, and sustainability, and we always strive to offer a variety of geographic locales, activities, and price points. This is when the heated debates arose, as we pored over research and advocated for favorites. Then the really hard part began: whittling down an overwhelming number of choices into one winner and one runner-up in each category. What they came back with was impressive-the research memo for this package was 117 pages long. Our writers are constantly out there chasing adventure and collecting information on exciting lodging, trails, rivers, beaches, road trips, and other things to do. Next we tapped our vast network of expert travel writers, many of whom have been working with Outside for 20-plus years.

This time out, our travel editors unanimously decided to celebrate trips in the United States, because the pandemic reinforced what we’ve long known: there is a bounty of spectacular American destinations to share. Creating our annual Travel Awards package takes months of work by a large team.
