1

Ventura County, California

Image: Paul Hanaoka

A place that hosts the annual Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is a sure bet if you are looking for a place that combines mountains and beaches. Mountain hiking and the classic California coastline lie within 26.2 miles of each other. Located northwest of Los Angeles, Ojai sits in a valley, and the village is dotted with art galleries, farmers markets, and high-desert hikes in the nearby Los Padres National Forest.

When the season is right, many trails can be followed through scrubland, sometimes revealing cascading waterfalls along the Rose Valley Falls Trail. But for waves, visitors head downhill to Ventura, a classic coastal town.

2

Westmoreland State Park, Virginia

Image: Alex wolf mx

Westmoreland State Park in Virginia was established in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Covering 1,299 acres, the park offers sweeping vistas of the coastal plain and the Potomac River.

You can hike, boat, swim, camp, or fish in the majestic wilderness. And if you’re looking for an amazing view of the area, you can head to the natural attraction of Horsehead Cliffs, which rests high above the water.

3

Astoria, Oregon

Image: Nils Huenerfuerst

Oregon is likely one of the first states that come to mind when we think of a combination of beach and mountain. The coastal town of Astoria sits at the estuary of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It is perhaps most famous as the filming location of the 1980s film The Goonies .

The Pacific Northwest’s beaches have a picturesque quality that is hard to find elsewhere. Hiking trails are just outside the backdoor: the Cathedral Tree-Coxcomb Hill Trail, for example, starts at a 300-year-old Sitka spruce and climbs 164 stairs to offer views of the town, the Coastal Range, and the Pacific Ocean.

4

Herring Cove Beach, Massachusetts

Image: Quino Al

Herring Cove Beach is a national seashore located in Cape Cop and it’s recognized as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. It’s a popular spot among Provincetown locals featuring warm, calm waters flowing from the Atlantic Ocean.

Activities in the area include swimming, walking along the coastal dunes, or exploring the Beech Forest Trail via bike or on foot.

5

Lake Tahoe, California, and Nevada

Image: Tim Peterson

A familiar name and for good reason, Lake Tahoe offers a beautiful shoreline without being anywhere near the coasts. Destinations like Sand Harbor Beach feature wide expanses of sand, freshwater swimming areas, and beach coves dedicated to snorkelers and divers.

This is the largest alpine lake in the U.S., so the pine-studded hills of the Sierra Nevadas practically tumble into the waters. This makes hiking easily accessible. The Rubicon Trail traces the shores of Emerald Bay and features incredible panoramic views, cliffs, coves, waterfalls, and even a lighthouse along the 13-mile round-trip route.

6

Fort Wetherill State Park, Rhode Island

Image: Praswin Prakashan

Located in Rhode Island, Fort Wetherill State Park is known for its historical significance in controlling the East Passage of Narragansett Bay. During the colonial era, a strategic battery was established to control this passage.

Because of its coastal location, the fort was also used during World War II. Nowadays, visitors come to explore this park and its coastal fort, which perches high atop granite cliffs.

7

Chimney Bluffs State Park, New York

Image: Frank Eiffert

Chimney Bluffs State Park is the spot where colossal rocky spires meet calm, collected waters. This park in New York sits along Lake Ontario on the south shore. To get a good view of the stunning chimney peaks and formations, you should hike the Chimney Bluffs Trail. The park is pet friendly too, so you can bring along your furry friends for the ride.

8

Calvert Cliffs State Park, Maryland

Image: Gary Cole

Calvert Cliffs State Park is not only one of the few parks with both mountains and ocean but it also displays a prized collection of 600 prehistoric fossil species. Between 10 and 20 million years ago, the cliffs at the park were submerged under the sea. But as the water receded, erosion and exposure of the cliffs occurred, unveiling massive fossils.

Visitors can walk, lounge at the soft sandy beach, investigate these fascinating fossils, trek near forested treelines, or admire the unusual cliffs that extend along the Calvert Peninsula.

9

Echo Lake State Park, New Hampshire

Image: Aaron Burden

Echo Lake State Park boasts two stunning ledges: White Horse Ledge and Cathedral Ledge, as well as a lake called Echo Lake. Each of these spots features scenic views of the area and top-notch sites for a family picnic. You can swim, walk, or hike the White Horse Ledge Loop Trail, a 3.1-mile loop.

10

Acadia National Park, Maine

Image: Peregrine Photography

Alongside Oregon parks, Acadia National Park is a prime example of a place that combines mountainous and seaside ambiance. Situated along the Atlantic coastline in Maine, it’s no wonder this impressive scenery attracts visitors for all types of recreational experiences, especially during the fall.

Rocky beaches, towering granite peaks such as the famous Cadillac Mountain, and miles and miles of natural treasure troves perfect for hikers are among the many features this park has to offer.

1

New York

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

New York was one of the 13 original colonies and is one of the most populated states today. Its flag, with a vibrant blue in the background, features a sun symbol, one supporter on each side, and the state’s inspiring motto "Excelsior," meaning "ever upward."

The scene in the coat of arms paints a picture of the Hudson River flanked by Liberty on the left, and Justice on the right. Topping it all off is a bald eagle, always majestic, perched atop the world. Powerful, isn’t it?

2

California

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

California was the 31st state to be admitted to the Union (1850) and the history behind its flag has elements present in previous models of banners used by what we know today as Mexico.

This flag was first hoisted in 1846 after American settlers in the territory fought for its independence. Finally, it was recognized as official in 1911.

The flag depicts a grizzly bear —also the official state animal— and a lone red star symbolizing previous attempts to gain independence.

3

Indiana

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Indiana’s flag was designed by Paul Hadley and approved as the state flag in 1917 after the Daughters of the American Revolution held a flag design contest.

Over the dark blue flag stands a golden torch surrounded by 19 stars . The 13 stars on the outer circle represent the 13 original colonies, while the five stars in the inner circle were added to symbolize the next five states that joined the union, Indiana being the 19th.

The torch? You guessed it right, it represents liberty and enlightenment.

4

Louisiana

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Blue background abounds among the official state flags and it’s no surprise since it’s one of the national colors. Louisiana’s flag is not the exception.

This flag is the only one to depict a pelican nurturing its offspring in a nest. What is curious about it is that the pelican, an animal that symbolizes devotion to progeny, is crying tears of blood, which represents sacrifice. Underneath, belted in a white ribbon, the state’s motto: "Union, Justice, and Confidence".

5

New Jersey

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

New Jersey’s flag is the only state flag to have a buff background , although it is wrongly depicted as yellow most times. This background color represents the uniform worn by soldiers from New Jersey’s regiments in the Revolutionary War.

In the center of the flag, there is a coat of arms supported by Liberty and the goddess Ceres, representing agriculture. Above the coat of arms, a horse’s head that stands for strength, and, below it, a helmet that symbolizes sovereignty.

6

Arkansas

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Arkansas’s flag depicts a complex symbolism using well-known elements: a diamond shape, with 25 stars on the outer part, the state’s name in the middle, one star above, and three stars below.

Arkansas was the 25th state to join the union, hence the stars around the diamond. The star over the word "Arkansas" represents the Confederacy to which it was admitted in 1861. The three stars below represent different things: the nations Arkansas belonged to, the Louisiana Purchase, and the fact that it was the third state formed after such purchase. A simple design, yet a complex meaning, don’t you think?

7

Colorado

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Colorado’s flag is quite simple in its design, although it represents many state elements . For example, the name, a Spanish word that means "red", is symbolized by the red C in the middle. But that’s not all, the letter C also means "columbine" the state flower, represented by the colors blue, yellow, and white. These two last colors also stand for the gold and silver present in the area.

Last, but not least, the letter C stands for "Centennial State" as Colorado became a state in 1876, when the nation was celebrating a century of its independence.

8

Washington

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Washington is the only state to have a flag with a green background. At the same time, it is the only one to depict a real person . George Washington’s picture is surrounded by a golden ring that reads "The Seal of the State of Washington 1889," the year in which the territory became a state.

The background color refers to the "Evergreen State" while the golden ring represents the wheat areas of the Eastern part of the state.

9

Wyoming

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

This flag was also chosen during a flag design competition held in 1916. It consists of a dark blue background bordered by white and red and, in the center, the silhouette of a bison with the state seal that reads "Great Seal of the State of Wyoming."

Within the seal, the state motto "Equal rights," since Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote. Below the ribbon, a farmer and a cowboy, the main occupations in the state, and two pillars that read "Livestock, mines, grain, oil." And that’s not all, at the bottom, a bald eagle and a star with the number 44, the order of admission to the union.

10

New Mexico

Image: Clker-Free-Vector-Images

Let’s finish this list with what may be the simplest flag of all the 50 states: New Mexico’s. With colors that symbolize the Spanish ruling over the territory, this state flag was adopted in 1925 and it consists of a yellow background with the Zia sun in the center.

The Zia sun is an ancient interpretation of the sun and its design consists of four rays, a sacred number of the Zia. Beautiful, isn’t it?

1

Friends

Image: David Vives

We’ll start with what many consider to be the quintessential sitcom. Debuting in 1994, Friends followed the varied and whimsical lives of six New Yorkers —Chandler, Joey, Ross, Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe—and the everyday adventures they found themselves in. Throughout its 10-year run, Friends received acclaim from both critics and viewers alike and is now considered one of the most successful and highest-grossing television shows of all time.

2

Seinfeld

Image: photo by Alan Light, CC BY 2.0

You might think that a sitcom describing itself as " a show about nothing " wouldn’t be particularly successful—let alone one of the most iconic shows of all time. And yet, Seinfeld remains one of the most influential shows in history, praised for its sharp writing and incredibly talented cast. The series follows comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his three eccentric friends—Elaine, George, and Kramer—as they navigate the often absurd minutiae of daily life.

3

Mad About You

Image: Mandy von Stahl

While sitcom settings may vary greatly, most tend to revolve around subjects that resonate with audiences—love, the workplace, or family life, for example. In that sense, the 1992 sitcom Mad About You seemed to embrace the phrase "if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it" as its mantra. The show centered on a young married couple (played by Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt) living in New York City. As simple as the premise might sound, the series’ stellar performances and insightful writing earned it numerous awards, including 12 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes.

4

The Big Bang Theory

Image: Ben Griffiths

The Big Bang Theory faced the difficult task of making the world of science fun and accessible . Luckily, it had an extremely lovable and talented cast that rose to the occasion. The first episode introduces us to Leonard and Sheldon, two physicists whose lives take an unexpected turn when they meet their new next-door neighbor, Penny.

5

Modern Family

Image: Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0

As we mentioned earlier, family life is a recurring theme in many sitcoms. However, the 2009 show Modern Family put a fresh spin on this concept by focusing on three separate yet interconnected families. The series not only featured an exceptionally talented cast but also placed its many characters in both hilarious and heartfelt situations.

6

The Honeymooners

Image: Lauren Richmond

First aired in 1955, The Honeymooners revolves around New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden and his wife, Alice (wonderfully portrayed by Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows). Gleason’s quick wit, combined with the show’s many catchphrases ("Bang, zoom, straight to the Moon!" and "Homina, homina!", to name a few), quickly cemented the series in American pop culture. Not only that, many timeless shows, such as The Flintstones , were inspired by The Honeymooners .

7

Cheers

Image: Yutacar

Like many Americans, you might frequent a local "watering hole"—a small bar or tavern where you can unwind and enjoy a drink or two with friends. In that sense, the 1982 sitcom Cheers perfectly captured that feeling from the very start, with its iconic theme song praising a magical place " where everybody knows your name ." The sitcom was so successful that it inspired Frasier , a spin-off centered around one of Cheers’ most popular characters.

8

Community

Image: Unseen Studio

In case you didn’t know, the term "sitcom" is short for "situational comedy." As you might expect, the setting in which these situations unfold is an essential component. With that in mind, showrunner Dan Harmon devised a unique premise for his 2009 show Community . Inspired by the community college he attended in his youth, he created a series centered around a group of quirky misfits studying Spanish at the fictional Greendale Community College.

9

Full House

Image: Ross Joyner

For such a lighthearted sitcom , Full House had a surprisingly somber premise : a recently widowed father (played by Bob Saget) enlists the help of his best friend and brother-in-law to raise his three daughters. Nevertheless, the show quickly became a beloved classic, running for eight seasons and earning several awards along the way.

10

All in the Family

Image: Simon Berger

Few names command as much respect and admiration in comedy writing circles as Norman Lear . This legendary screenwriter and producer was responsible for some of the most iconic shows in television history, including The Jeffersons , Sanford and Son , and One Day at a Time . With that in mind, choosing his best show is no easy task, but we believe All in the Family is the strongest contender. Not only was this 1971 sitcom hilarious and sharp-witted , but it also tackled major issues such as religion and the Vietnam War.

11

I Love Lucy

Image: Mayur Gala

We’ll end this article with what many consider to be the sitcom that started it all . Starring Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, the 1951 show I Love Lucy follows Lucy Ricardo, a New York City housewife determined to break into show business. Soon after its premiere, it became the most-watched show in the United States and went on to win five Emmy Awards. To this day, it remains one of the most influential television shows in history.