Looking for a park or beach the next time you travel? Some of the most beautiful parks and beaches in the world used to be dumps, but good news: They’ve been converted to great, green outdoor destinations. Each one is open to the public, and each has, shall we say, an interesting and strange history.

We're talking about places like the Albany Bulb in California, the Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo, New York, San Pedro Creek In San Antonio, Glass Beach in Fort Bragg, California, and Erlanger Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee. And we're just getting started.

Here are my below-the-radar park and beach candidates you might want to consider on one of your next domestic trips: