Looking for a good place to go on your next adventure? Use our destination guides and plan the perfect outdoors getaway. Whether you’re looking for an epic backpacking adventure or a fun kayaking trip, we share our top tips for making the most of your active weekend away from home.
Here at Active Weekender, we focus on destinations with a lot to offer the active traveler. Our guides are created based on real experiences from our contributors’ real holiday travel excursions. As our contributors travel more, we will update this page with more destination guides.
Do you have a compulsive desire for excitement? Thrive on adventure? Is your heart racing and your stomach dropping the best feeling in the world? Do you need a constant thrill to keep yourself feeling fulfilled? If you answered “yes” to these questions, then it’s quite possible that you’re a true adrenaline junkie! So, since you’re always looking
My personal favorite national park for a few years now, Badlands National Park gained in popularity after being featured in the Oscar-winning film, Nomadland. And it’s not just the scenery in Badlands that is super interesting. We’ve got some facts on this South Dakota National Park. Badlands National Park is situated in South Dakota. It
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Park which provides an interesting drive for people who want to vacation for a week, weekend, or just a day. The road was designed to make use of scenic mountaintop views in the southern Appalachia region of Virginia and North Carolina. There are local bed and breakfast facilities
Acadia National Park comprises several mountains and several islands in the middle of the Maine coast, southwest of Bar Harbor. This stunning region is a must for you to visit if you like a rich natural landscape with a variety of terrains. If you’d like to learn more about this national park before making the
Here in the United States, we are blessed with a wealth of staggeringly beautiful outdoor locations. Some of the most stunning of these are located within the boundaries of our National Park System. Here are a few interesting facts about Zion National park, one of the most unique and eye-popping National parks of them all.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is the perfect place for those looking for a cool place to relax and engage in outdoor and recreational activities. The park is located in the backyard of Cleveland and Akron, Northeast Ohio. Visitors can enjoy a combination of cultural, historical, and natural resources at the park. Here are some
The history of the smoky mountains dates back nearly 300 million years. Did you know that fact? There are many fascinating facts about the Smoky Mountains. But first, you need to know that the smoky mountains are located in the southeastern parts of the United States. It covers 522,419 acres of land, making it one
Have you visited the Rocky Mountains in Colorado? The Rocky Mountain National Park is truly one of the most amazing natural wonders- and it is a great vacation destination for visitors of all ages. The mountains are separated by the Continental Divide Trail, and the entire park expanses over 400 square miles with peaks reaching
The Grand Canyon national park is an American year-round vacation destination found in north-western Arizona. The park receives millions of tourists annually, all thanks to the Grand Canyon (mile-deep gorge), which is the main attraction. Scientific findings estimate parts of the canyon to be approximately 70 million years old, with the newest being about 6
Joshua Tree National Park is the second largest national park in the state of California, and sits in the southeastern portion of the state. The park lies where the Mohave and Colorado deserts meet, making Joshua Tree an incredibly special place. If you’ve been dreaming of seeing Joshua Tree in person, these interesting facts might help
Park enthusiasts around the world cannot argue with the undeniable beauty of Mouth Rainier National Park. From the stunning mountains to the breathtaking flowers, Mount Rainier is truly majestic. It is an amazing piece of Washington landscape and an iconic national treasure. Here are some neat facts amount Mount Rainier. 1). A Hiker’s Paradise Mount
All of our national parks are amazing, and each offers a way to shed the constraints of being indoors and in front of screens and get out into the fresh air. But Grand Teton National Park is unique in many ways, and definitely deserves a spot on your outdoors bucket list. You won’t be alone;
Olympic National Park is named after the Olympic Mountains it encompasses; the Park was established by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938 to preserve its unique landscapes and wildlife. Located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, Olympic National Park offers over 3 million annual guests a look at glacier-covered mountain peaks, old-growth forests, temperate rainforest, and
Arches National Park sits high above the Colorado River, covering an area of nearly 120 square miles. The park is named for the more than 2,000 natural stone arches within its boundaries, earning the designation of the highest concentration of natural arches in the world. Visitors are awestruck by the deep hues of orange, brown,
There is a lot to see in California, and in fact, the state holds the title for being the state with the most National Parks: nine! One of these Californian National Parks is the Pinnacles National Park, which is in central California, with a total acreage of around 26,600 acres and altitudes of over 3,300
The year is 1849 when gold seekers stray into a 120-mile basin on their way to the famous California gold mines. After a two-month deadly ordeal in the basin, one of the survivors, while standing on a mountain, looks at the basin and utters the words, “Goodbye, Death Valley.” That’s how the name, Death Valley,
Located in southwestern Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is one of 5 Utah national parks. Featuring a rugged landscape sculpted by years of erosion and weathering, Bryce Canyon has awe-inspiring geological formations. The towering hoodoos in red, orange, and yellow shades captivated over 2 million visitors in 2018! From hikers, skiers, campers, photographers, and sight-seers,
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the Sierra Mountains of California. It is mostly a roadless wilderness, but there are some scenic spots where you can access it by road. Here are some interesting facts about the two parks. Save money on your national park visits with the America the Beautiful Pass.
If you’ve caught yourself wondering, “Does San Antonio have mountains?” you’re not alone. While the area is known for its rolling hills, it can be hard to know for sure whether any of those gorgeous land formations are considered mountains. Since this is such a commonly asked question, we wanted to break down the barriers
Malibu is a gem in Southern California. The hot weather, rolling oceans, and sparkling beaches make it a no-brainer destination for any lover of fun in the sun. The beaches of Malibu are spectacular, but there’s plenty of fun to be had inland as well. Malibu has hills filled with dreamy vistas and seafront lookouts
The Lone Star state is well-known for its stunning scenery and sprawling cities, and San Antonio is no exception. The city is massive, offering residents an incredible selection of food, entertainment, job opportunities. However, if you’re like me, you need to get out of the city every now and then. If you’re interested in exploring
If you enjoy climbing and mountaineering, then you’ve likely already heard about Denali. But though you may know of its size and grandeur, you may not be familiar with the costs and dangers associated with Denali. Let’s take a closer look at this stunning Alaskan mountain and discover everything you need to know about climbing
When people think of climbing a mountain, thoughts of the cost aren’t the first that comes to mind. Most people consider the time, physical fitness, and equipment requirements before questioning the necessary fees. Unfortunately, the cost to climb climbs itself each year. If you have ever wondered, “how much does it cost to climb Mount
Each year, thousands of people crowd to the world’s tallest peaks to take on the challenge of scaling the summits. Whether you’re an expert mountaineer or a beginner adventurer, a successful climb takes skill, endurance, and a good deal of budgeting. Before you set out on your journey to conquer the next peak, learn about
If you’re visiting Las Vegas and looking for cool things to do that get you outdoors and away from the bustle of The Strip, then look no further than Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area. Hands down of my favorite things about Las Vegas, Red Rock is a must-visit, even if you have to rent
If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, then consider heading to Israel and taking in the sights surrounding Khan Be’erot. You’ll be spending the night in the heart of a crater with unpolluted views of the night sky. Sure, it’s not your traditional camping trip, but the photos below will likely inspire enough wanderlust
Australia is a huge country with an overwhelming amount of opportunities for an outdoor enthusiast. Amazing beaches, incredible hikes through ancient rainforest and some of the most unique animals in the world. Get your vehicle ready and follow this road trip up the east coast from Sydney to Airlie Beach that will get you a
Of the big four islands in Hawaii – the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai – Kauai gets the fewest number of visitors each year. Averaging just over 100,000 tourists per month, it’s graced by only a quarter the number of visitors of Oahu and less than half the visitors of Maui. That limited tourism
The best spot for snorkeling in Hawaii isn’t on one of its islands. It’s in a caldera off the southwestern coast of Maui. Molokini is a crescent or moon-shaped formation often referred to as a small island. But, technically, it isn’t. What you see jutting out of the ocean from Maui’s shores is the ridge
Maui, Hawaii has some of the most rugged, most alluring ocean scenery in the world. And some of the most active ocean wildlife. The last time we were in Maui, we saw whales, dolphins and schools of fish swimming just off shore, crabs crawling over the lava rocks, and turtles out sunning on the beach.
Las Vegas is known more as a place to let go and relax than to get active. Unless, we’re talking about one of their notorious pool parties. But the Las Vegas valley is surrounded by amazing outdoor destinations. If you can get away from the city for a day or two during your Vegas vacation
The Greater Philadelphia Area offers a network of recreational trails with something to please everyone — serious road cyclists, weekend mountain bikers and tourists alike have access to an unprecedented network of trails. Many of the these trails can be found in Philadelphia’s diverse park system. But because they touch on urban and suburban neighborhoods,
Las Vegas might be a bustling metropolis, but its big city vibe (and its naughty reputation) overshadows the fact that it’s also an oasis in the middle of a desert. Its nearest major cities are a half day’s drive away, and the second biggest city in the state – Reno – is a whopping seven
Las Vegas is a city that has become almost synonymous with its vices. For good reason. It did actively court the reputation. Since the launch of its “What Happens Here, Stays Here” ad campaign in 2003, Las Vegas is largely regarded as a place to go and let your lusts run rampant. But you can’t
As outdoor enthusiasts, wintertime in New York City can feel endless. But you don’t have to let the plummeting temperatures and snow squalls put a damper on getting your outdoor adventure fix. There are tons of things to do within a short drive or train trip to get your blood pumping in the crisp winter
You’ve seen the photos of the Milky Way on social media, right? You know the ones, where someone has spent the night camping in Joshua Tree or some other location with minimal light pollution – and the stars look simply amazing. Heck, it might even have inspired you to look up information on the best
In the cold months, northern states are a winter wonderland. For snow-enthusiasts, it’s time for ski season. Technically, you can ski anywhere with an incline and powder. Yet not all slopes are created equal. Discover the best places to ski in Vermont and what you can do at each. 1. Okemo Mountain Resort Okemo Mountain
A couple of years ago, Shawna and I went on a three-week road trip through some of the most popular national parks in the country. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, just to name a few. Of the parks we visited, Badlands National Park was the most surreal. Dramatic landscapes that changed with each passing
We’re enjoying the first week of fall in most of the country, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your winter hikes. Winter is the best time to hike if you enjoy cold weather and having the trails to yourself. If you’re not sure where to start looking, here is a list of the
While there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor destinations in the American Southwest, one that should not be overlooked is Sedona, Arizona. It took me a while to actually make it out to Sedona, despite living reasonably close in Las Vegas, because I thought it was gonna be all hype and super touristy. But it was
Are you looking for a backpack that is strong and comfortable enough for all of your adventures? If so, the following article may be of particular interest to you. Here we will review two very durable and versatile backpacks—the Osprey Farpoint 40 Backpack and the Osprey Porter 46 Backpack—and highlight the pros and cons of
If you’re taking a trip to Hawaii for some island hopping, you might be going for the incredible weather and pristine beaches – or you may be going for the hike of your lifetime. Because of Hawaii’s volcanic activity, the terrain is extremely varied, mountainous, and beautiful. If you can go hiking anywhere in the
If you’re contemplating an Australian holiday to take advantage of our hiking trails, you’re certainly going to be spoiled for choice. One of the biggest perks to a country as large and as open as Australia is that there are so many fantastic hiking spots, regardless of the capital city or state you’re staying or
Is there any other destination that’s as polarizing as a trip to France? Talk to anyone who has visited the City of Light, and you’ll either get a glowing review or a scowling condemnation. But those in the latter camp may have left with a rosier view if they knew a few things beforehand. So,
It’s no secret that our kids spend far less time outdoors than we do. Glued to their digital devices, most kids are more than happy to spend their entire winter vacation in front of a screen. Although the last thing you want to do is fight with your kids over their excessive screen time, research
There’s something about Canada’s diverse landscape that calls to the outdoor adventurer in us all. Maybe it’s the rushing rivers, rugged coastlines or picturesque lakes. Sometimes, you can find all these things in one small town. Canada is a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who can choose from a wide range of activities, including whitewater
Memorable side trips, when on the road, are a special treat. So we are always on the lookout for that unique opportunity to jump off the main roads. Truly in the middle of nowhere, a vacation in Glacier National Park is usually a day long road trip through some of the most beautiful land in
When it comes time to make plans for adventure travel, it seems like the same destinations get recommended over and over. And those of us who have hiked the Grand Canyon, mountain biked in Moab, and went diving while visiting Australia, it can be a challenge to find a cool new place to visit for
When I planned my trip to Jordan, visiting Petra was #1 on my priority list. I couldn’t wait to go hiking in the Rose City and see Al Siq and all the other famous sites that I’d seen in travel magazines. Having never been there before, I had no idea where to stay. I just knew
Most closely related to thoughts of traveling to Paris are romance, history, architecture, art, or love. Perhaps wine, fine dining, or delectable pastry and sweets cross your mind. Paris is also well known for high fashion and shopping sprees for the ages. While these are all easy to find in Paris, the city also offers
Some might say zip lining is for people who want to feel a thrill, but are too afraid to skydive or try a more ‘extreme’ sport right off the bat. I suppose maybe zip lining could be the ‘gateway drug’ of adventure sports, but it certainly doesn’t lessen the experience. Zip lines have their own
Most people don’t often attribute the word ‘adventure’ to Germany, even though the country sports a huge variety of rough terrain and relatively untapped wilderness locations, and as a result some of the more spectacular outdoor activities and trekking in Europe get overlooked (especially in favor of surrounding countries like Spain with the Pyrenees and
Although lacking the infrastructure of more prosperous nations, countries like Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina boast some of the biggest – and relatively untouched – wilderness areas in the world, with National Parks ranging in landscape from high desert-like altiplano cordillera to humid cloud forests with some of the densest ecological diversity on the
When it comes to adventure, Canada is one of the premiere destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be whitewater kayaking, epic canoe trips, alpine skiing, or extensive trekking into untapped wilderness. But while Canada is huge, most of these activities are centralized either in the west or east, and the most popular cities that cater
When people think of South America, surfing isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind, and yet all up and down both the east and west coast are excellent hubs, for both world professionals and beginners alike. So, if the only beach that you can think of in South America is Rio’s Copacabana Beach, then
If you’re looking for some fun ways to spend an active weekend in the state of California, there is no shortage of national parks where you can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, camping and hiking (just to name a few). And while I think everyone thinks about places like Joshua Tree for such weekends, there
When you’re spending quality time on the basketball court, the last thing you wanna be doing is standing around checking out the scenery. And since most courts are wedged between city buildings, you’re really not missing out on much. But there are a few basketball courts scattered across the world that boast some amazing views. These
When it comes to national parks in the United States, you are probably familiar with places like Yosemite, Glacier National Park, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Denali (just to name a few). But there are a lot of national parks where you can go hiking, camping and exploring. So, why go to the most popular ones
If you find yourself visiting Hawaii and staying on the island of Maui, then there is a great coastal trail in Lahaina that you can spend an hour or two doing while you’re there. Before you start making plans though, remember that the sun is brutal in Hawaii and no one wants to end up
When you spend a lot of time outside in the sun doing things like riding your road bike, paddling on your iSUP, hitting the slopes with your snowboard or hiking, then you run a risk of getting sunburned. This is true even if you’re using sunscreen since it has to be re-applied regularly. For me, one of
For a lot of people, Petra is best known as ‘that location in that Indiana Jones movie.’ In fact, while I was at Petra, I saw more than one person watching that scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade while walking through Petra – not looking at the scenery they were in the middle
When I visit a new place, I like to stay in a central location so that I can fully explore the area on foot. And sometimes, I ended up in a new place because of its conveniences. That’s how I ended up in Madaba, Jordan in November. My flight into Amman was scheduled to land
When you want to get around Jordan, you don’t really have a lot of options. You can take a taxi, but there is supposedly little regulation and you could end up in a car with an uninsured driver and an unreliable vehicle. Not to mention that message boards led me to believe that you could
When you think of great places to go have a fun, active adventure on a long weekend, the country of Jordan is probably not the first place to come to mind. And if it does, then the ancient city of Petra is likely the go-to choice. But, the southern city of Aqaba is another good
Once you start planning a trip to Cappadocia, it is hard to avoid the countless blog posts and travel recommendations on seeing the region from the air. In fact, it seems that this is one of the most (if not THE most) popular things to do on a visit to this area of Turkey. And
From where I stayed in Göreme, getting to Çavuşin was very easy. I’d guess that it was less than 3 kilometers total and I walked it. The most direct route between the two is to just walk along the main road that heads toward Avanos (the opposite direction from Uçhisar). The village of Çavuşin is
While I was staying in Göreme, I knew that I definitely wanted to make my way over to Paşabağı Valley. This area is also known as Monks Valley and it is probably the most well-known and visited place the area for seeing fairy chimneys. There seem to be more of these rock formations concentrated in
When talking with the owners of the hotel where I was staying in Göreme, they suggested a hike up to Uçhisar castle. You can see the castle from pretty much any point in Göreme and it doesn’t look all that far away. I was told that visiting the castle is a definite must-do while visiting Cappadocia. So, I set
Since I stayed in Göreme while visiting Cappadocia, the trail through Pigeon Valley was one of the closest ones to my hotel. In all honesty the day that I did this hike my intention was to hike up to Uçhisar to see the castle (you can see it in the far distance in the center of the
If you are planning a trip to the Cappadocia region of Turkey for a bit of hiking, then it helps to choose a place to stay that gives you the most access to trails without the need for a taxi or other transport. When I planned my trip, the first thing that I did was
I’ve been spending some time in Bodrum, Turkey just relaxing before making my way to to Cappadocia to do a bit of hiking. If you have never been to Bodrum, then it is definitely something worth checking out. Mostly because it is right on the Aegean and it is just beautiful here. However, it is
Last month, I happened to be visiting Scotland when the World Highland Games Heavy Events Championships were scheduled to take place in the small town of Dunfermline, which is located about a half hour train ride from Edinburgh. Until then, I’d never heard of the Highland Games but since it took place on a weekend
If you’re interested in taking in some of the amazing scenery in Norway, then it is something that I definitely suggest that you jump on. But do know that everything that they say about the food prices in Norway is 100% accurate. To give you an example, this weekend while in Bergen, a meal of
North Wales isn’t just about stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, tumbling rivers and magnificent mountains. Throw in a region full of majestic castles, railways, music, history and festivals and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday destined for fun, adventure and memories. With the adventurous and adrenalin junky in mind, we have shortlisted 5 must do activities
Though Oslo, Norway doesn’t have any of those fjords that you’ve no doubt seen countless photos of online, they do have some great options for cycling and hiking. If you’re going to be in the area for a while, then you should definitely check out the list of hiking and biking trails on the visit
If you are traveling in France and want to save a few euros, then camping is a great option just like in the United States. Your camping options are quite varied – from unique lodging like gypsy caravans to cabins to your own tent. Of course, the cheapest options for camping in France is with
One of the best things about living in Southern California, or even just visiting the area, is the excellent year round weather. If you enjoy spending time outside, then there is no better place to be. Granted, the air quality is not that great, so some days it is not in your best interest to
