Padre Island National Seashore protects the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, with 112 km of protected coastline including a coastal prairie, a dynamic dune system and wind tidal flats teeming with life. It’s a sanctuary and nesting grounds for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle and a haven for 380 species of birds which, impressively, represent roughly half of all the documented bird species in North America. From the beach to the bay, Padre Island National Seashore offers countless opportunities to discover and enjoy the amazing recreation and resources of the park. Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico or build a sandcastle. Swim in the recreation area at Bird Island Basin or in the Gulf of Mexico. When it comes to standing in awe of nature’s magnificence, it’s hard to beat the Grand Circle Tour – especially the northern arc that carves across southern Utah and encompasses Zion National Park at the western edge and Arches National Park to the east. Of them all, it is Zion that offers outdoor enthusiasts the most varied, seemingly otherworldly terrain. Zion is relatively small by national park standards; the park’s most memorable features are found in easily accessible Zion Canyon. Zion was carved out of the Markagunt Plateau by the Virgin River, which carved down a half-mile into the sandstone as it rushed to meet the Colorado River, exposing rock layers from the middle periods of the earth’s geological history. The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by shuttle bus only fromMarch 15 to October 25 and on weekends in November. Take time to drive the beautiful ZionMount Carmel Highway. This 16-km length of scenic highway sports a series of switchbacks and the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel en route to Checkerboard Mesa and the park’s eastern entrance. San Antonio River Walk San Antonio, Texas The San Antonio River Walk, or Paseo del Rio is a public park, open 365 days a year. It is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River one storey beneath approximately 24 km of downtown San Antonio. Explore by foot along the river’s walking path or jump aboard a river barge for a ride and a guided tour. Lined by bars, shops and restaurants, the River Walk is an important part of the city’s urban fabric and a tourist attraction in its own right. The River Walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks, lined with restaurants, shops, hotels and more. It connects the major tourist draws from the Alamo to Rivercenter Mall, Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery. Or shop local favourites along the river’s MuseumReach at the historic Pearl. While at Pearl, dine and drink al fresco at The Food Hall at Bottling Department. Further south, immerse yourself in history at the UNESCO World Heritage Site San Antonio Missions National Historical Park along the Mission Reach. Padre Island National Seashore, Texas Zion National Park, Utah RV Lifestyle Fully furnished studio, 1- or 2- bedroom kitchen suites from $35/night! Utilities/cable included SNOWBIRDS! Winter by the beach in Penticton, B.C. HOS P I TAL I T Y Mention this ad & save $200! 250-488-0907 www.roadsidehospitality.com/snowbirds www.bowmontmotel.com www.spanishvillamotel.com Special long stay rates through April 2023. 34 | www.snowbirds.org
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