Top Domestic Adventures for National Wildlife Day

National Wildlife Day takes place Sept. 4. It’s a great opportunity for animal-loving family travelers to plan a wildlife adventure at one of these destinations.

St. Pete and Clearwater, Florida

Visit Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, which works toward the rescue, rehabilitation and potential release of injured wild birds. Alligator Attraction gives visitors an up-close experience with alligators. Perfect for the whole family, visitors learn about and interact with popular Florida wildlife. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization, dedicated to protecting manatees, whales and other wildlife through research, education, rescue and rehabilitation.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Located in Middletown, Rhode Island, the wildlife refuge boasts nearly three miles of trails for birdwatching. The refuge is home to the second-largest wintering population of harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast, visible between November and March. More than 200 bird species visit the refuge seasonally, including loons, eiders, gannets, owls and peregrine falcons.

Corpus Christi, Texas

Visit Padre Island National Seashore, an undeveloped barrier island with beaches, prairies and sand dunes. More than 380 species of birds call the seashore home. Deer, coyotes and sea turtles also live here. Oso Bay Wetland Preserve & Learning Center features a two-mile viewing trail for visitors to experience native birds and other wildlife. The learning center offers information about protecting coastal ecosystems.

Yellowstone National Park

Visitors to the popular national park should plan a stop at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. Located just outside the park’s northeast entrance, the sanctuary serves as home to rescued animals that previously inhabited the park, including bears, mountain lions and wolves.