This article is sponsored and made possible by Toyota Trucks.
There’s no better way to start the new year than stepping outside. The cool air and fresh views have a way of giving you renewed energy for the year ahead. For Detourists, the travelers who take the long way and look for moments of calm between the holidays, the new year is a chance to start things off with a little more curiosity and sense of adventure. With the comfort, space, and capability of Toyota Trucks, every trip becomes a launchpad into new adventures.
These national parks offer the perfect backdrop for welcoming 2026 with exploration.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Winter is the best time to visit the Everglades thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and dependable wildlife sightings. Kayak through mangrove tunnels, bike along Shark Valley, or watch for alligators and wading birds from boardwalks that stay open year-round. It’s a peaceful way to end one year and start another, especially if you need a break from cold weather.
The Toyota Sequoia makes travel through the park simple and comfortable. Its available 4×4 system handles sandy access roads or loose gravel areas, and the spacious interior keeps daypacks and camera gear organized. With plenty of room for extra clothing and picnic supplies, the Sequoia makes it easy to chase more than one activity in a single day.
Tip: Because it’s the best time to visit, it’s also the busiest. Expect parking areas and boardwalks to fill early. Arrive in the morning for cooler temperatures, better wildlife activity, and easier access to popular spots like Shark Valley and Anhinga Trail.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Seventy miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is one of the most unique national parks in the country. The 100-square-mile park is mostly open water, with seven small islands that hold historic Fort Jefferson, coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and a surprising amount of bird activity in winter. It feels remote because it is — and that’s what makes a New Year trip here so memorable.
Camping is only permitted on Garden Key, and all supplies must be packed in and out. The ferry is the only transportation option for campers, since the seaplane does not carry camping gear. Spots on the ferry book up well in advance during winter, so plan ahead and secure your seats early.
Before boarding, the Toyota Tundra gives you the storage and organization space you need to prep for a pack-in trip. The truck bed and tie-down points make it easy to load coolers, dry bags, and the camping gear you’ll carry onto the ferry. With reliable space for everything from extra layers to snorkeling equipment, the Tundra helps streamline a trip that requires more preparation than a typical campsite.
Tip: Visiting such an isolated place means you need to be prepared for both rough seas and primitive conditions. Bring everything you may need, including at least one gallon of water per person per day, food for your entire stay, and sturdy containers or dry bags to carry gear from the ferry to the campground.
Pinnacles National Park, California
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles, creating the rugged spires, ridgelines, and talus caves that define the park today. In winter, cooler temperatures make those rocky formations and caves easier to explore without the heat of summer.
The park’s east-side campground stays open year-round and provides a convenient base for winter visits. It’s close to several trailheads and remains quiet in the cooler months, making it easy to settle in before sunrise hikes or stargazing evenings. The available 4×4 capability and higher clearance of the Toyota 4Runner help manage rolling roads and uneven pullouts near trailheads. With room for hiking gear, layers, and supplies, the 4Runner makes packing for a multi-day stay simple.
Tip: Bring a headlamp if you plan to explore talus caves or hike before sunrise or late in the afternoon, since the sun sets early in winter. Keep binoculars handy if you’re into birdwatching and hoping to catch a glimpse of the park’s rare California Condor, and try the High Peaks or Condor Gulch overlooks early or late in the day when condors are most active.
Ideas for Solstice and New Year Trips
If you don’t have time to plan a big getaway, there are still plenty of ways to welcome the new year outside. Try one of these simple ideas to bring a little adventure to the season:
- Catch a sunrise or sunset: Either on the solstice or New Year’s Day. Find a local overlook, beach, or quiet trail and start the year with something beautiful.
- Plan a first hike of the year: Pick a favorite nearby trail or a local park you’ve been meaning to visit. Even a short loop counts and can feel like a reset.
- Bundle up for stargazing: Winter skies are some of the clearest of the year, and you don’t need to be far from home to spot constellations or planets.
- Cook a simple outdoor meal: Use your tailgate, a picnic table, or even a backyard fire ring to enjoy hot drinks or a camp-style dinner.
- Try something new: Explore a bike path, a local wildlife refuge, or a trail system you’ve never visited.
- Visit a local overlook for a New Year’s picnic: If you only have an hour to spare, pack a picnic or thermos, bundle up, and find a scenic view or cozy spot to enjoy.
Toyota Trucks and SUVs make these close-to-home adventures easy, giving you space for layers, food, and whatever you need to get outside and enjoy the season.
Be a Detourist
Start the year with the kind of moments that stay with you. Celebrate outside, whether that means a big trip or a simple local adventure, and take your time getting where you’re going. With Toyota Trucks, you’ll have the comfort, capability, and space to make the most of every new year mile.
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