National Park Foundation Reveals Romantic National Park Getaways

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Valentine's Day upon us and President's Day long weekend fast approaching, February is the perfect time to plan a romantic activity or getaway in one of America's nearly 400 national parks. Whether you only have an evening or the entire holiday weekend, the national parks are an ideal destination for a romantic retreat this month.

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Today, just in time for Valentine's Day, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, launched the first-ever National Park Foundation online store where you can buy your loved ones "I heart parks" apparel and other national park gear. Go online today at www.YourParkStore.com and select the perfect gift for your favorite national park enthusiasts.  Proceeds from each purchase support the National Park Foundation's mission to help and protect America's nearly 400 national parks.

Once properly outfitted, you will be ready to enjoy one of the National Park Foundation's exceptional suggestions for romantic park experiences. Find out more about these adventures and many more at the National Park Service's events calendar.

1. Watch the sunset at Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (California)

Join a ranger for an easy hike to Rancho Sierra Vista and enjoy the romantic scenery as the sun sets and the evening wildlife comes alive. Bring binoculars and flashlight. Meet at main parking lot at 5pm. All ages welcome. Rain cancels. More information at http://prks.org/y0T925.

2. Paddle together in the Florida Bay at Everglades National Park (Florida)

Start the day off right with a Flamingo Morning Canoe Trip through freshwater marsh and mangrove swamp while enjoying a variety of wildlife including birds, dolphins and manatees. More information at http://prks.org/yu5hAf.

3. Enjoy a scenic wagon ride in Oxon Cove Park/Oxon Hill Farm (Maryland)

Relax and enjoy a scenic wagon ride through the park to discover some of the natural and cultural jewels of Oxon Cove Park. More information at http://prks.org/xZCukA.

4. Take your love bird on a birding adventure at Padre Island National Seashore (Texas)

Padre Island National Seashore is one of the top birding places in the nation. Join us as we take you on a birding tour to various parts of the island. More information at http://prks.org/zvoldE.

5. Walk along the beach at Virgin Islands National Park (Virgin Islands)

Take a stroll along Trunk Bay, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and then spend the afternoon exploring the 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. More information at http://prks.org/xcTd00.

Whether it is on Valentine's Day or any other day of the year, it is the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations that allow the National Park Foundation to continue its Congressionally-chartered mission to support and protect America's treasured national parks.  Find out more about the work of the National Park Foundation and how to help at www.nationalparks.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION
You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world's most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America's nearly 400 national parks.  Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks.  We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.  Join us in supporting your national parks -- this is your land. www.nationalparks.org.

Join us – This is Your Land. www.nationalparks.org
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Media Contact:
Marjorie Hall, 202.354.6480
[email protected]

SOURCE National Park Foundation