When we first tackled the finest destinations on this continent for brilliant outdoor fun, we made stops all over from the rugged hill country of central Texas to the snowy slopes of North Michigan, but it probably wasn't enough. Truth is, we hardly made a dent.
From the decadent beaches of the Dominican Republic to the crisp wildlife reserves of Denver, Colorado, the bounty of exhilarating outdoor adventures that this side of the world has to offer is second to none, and any thrill-seeking traveler who loves nothing more than a lungful of fresh air owes it to his or herself to experience it all (if it's even possible).
Here we'll discuss more of the top outdoor adventure destinations in North America. Hotel recommendations are provided for each destination.
Denver, Colorado
The middle United States has never stood out in the adventure vacation pack due to a number of less-than-thrilling factors: it's flat, suffers extreme weather and provides a general lack a variety. As you move west, however, things begin to turn, and once you hit the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, they've pulled a full 180ş.
From the sprawling banks of the Rocky Mountain foothills emerges one of America's fittest and most active cities. Denver, Colorado is of course most famous for its proximity to world famous ski resorts like Vail, Beaver Creek and Aspen, and indeed skiing is the biggest draw during the frigid yet remarkably beautiful winter season. More surprising, though, is how vibrant the city and surrounding areas remain throughout the year. From late spring through summer and into early fall, outdoor enthusiasts flock to Denver to take advantage of the pristine climate and pro-health attitude and lifestyle.
One popular summertime haunt is Cherry Creek State Park. Biking, camping, hiking, swimming, even water-skiing are all commonplace activities for go-getter Denverites at the park. You can also expect at least one festival going on during your trip, so plan a visit if you're the festival-going type.
Hotels Recommendations:
For a Denver hotel with an airport shuttle, consider the Doubletree Denver Hotel – Southeast.
Or, for another convenient choice in Denver airport hotels, consider the Embassy Suites Denver Hotel – International Airport.
Palm Springs, California
The great majority of famous vacation spots in the Golden State of California lie along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, but there are some inland destinations that deserve more than just respect, they deserve your vacation dollars. One such place is sunny Palm Springs. Located about 115 miles east of Los Angeles in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs, California was once a resort getaway that more-or-less closed shop in the off-season but has since grown into a year-round escape for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country.
The most popular local activity, and what is still most closely associated with Palm Springs, is undoubtedly golf. Lush courses and upscale clubs dot the outskirts of the city where room is most plentiful. You'll easily find courses with multiple accreditations to their name including "Best of…" awards from
Golf Magazine and Condé Nast's
Golf Digest. Be prepared to spend, though. In golf, as in most things, with prestige comes price.
Even if you don't fancy yourself a golfer, outdoor options abound. Formal clubs sports like tennis, cricket, and badminton are played around the city, while more laidback amateur endeavors like frisbee, swimming, horseback riding and hiking in the nearby hills keep the locals and visitors active.
Palm Springs also has a reputation as a party city, so if you don't think fun-in-the-sun has anything to do with working up a sweat, you're in luck.
Hotel Recommendations:
For a proper Palm Springs vacation, choose the Wyndham Palm Springs luxury hotel.
Dana Point, California
Of course, just because California
has great inland destinations doesn't mean there's anything wrong with a trip to the coast, especially for eager outdoor enthusiasts looking for a diverse vacation. No, for them, there's Dana Point.
A charming coastal town near the affluent Laguna Beach, Dana Point offers Southern California vacationers an affordable taste of the highlife with plenty of emphasis on the local outdoor splendor. Surfing is a major mainstay of the region. The closest surf spot (and fortunately one of the best) is located at Doheny State Beach, technically within Dana Point city limits. Travel just a few miles out and you'll quickly find San Clemente, home of the infamous Trestles, San Onofre State Beach and Huntington Beach where you'll challenge the massive "South Swell".
For non-surfers, the adventurous exploits keep coming. Whale watching excursions have become another staple attraction of the winter season, so don't assume that the summer is the only time for Dana Point. Camping and picnicking are big business at Doheny State Beach, and for those who prefer to inject a little history into their outdoor fun, consider a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Founded in 1776, the mission is home to the oldest in-use chapel (and building) in California.
Hotel Recommendations:
Southern California vacations in Dana Point have a fine home at the top Laguna Beach hotel, the Doubletree Guest Suites Doheny Beach.
Oxnard, California
The difference between Oxnard and Dana Point, California is like the difference between chicken and beef ramen. It's the same dish, but a completely different flavor. In Oxnard, located over 100 miles from Dana Point on the other side of Los Angeles, you'll find a much stronger focus on community, perfect for travelers who prefer to spend their time outside but don't care for the solitary nature hiking, biking and similar activities.
Of course there are the things you'd expect from beaches to sport fishing to invigorating nature trails, but California's Strawberry Coast offers more. Oxnard is especially well-regarded for its festivals, which can be attended throughout the year but really reach their peak during the late-spring/early-summer season. The Strawberry Festival, named for the region's signature crop, has even been titled the "Perfect Summer Kickoff" by
Westways Magazine.
At this sensational two-day event, family-friendly activities such as pie throwing and eating contests, live music, and dancing combine with outrageous strawberry-flavored concessions including strawberry nachos, strawberry pizza and strawberry kabobs to create an unforgettable festival experience. The Oxnard Salsa Festivals keeps the fun going in late July with fun contests and a massive salsa-tasting tent. Heat-seekers wanted!
Hotel Recommendations:
For a delightful choice in Oxnard, California hotels, stay at the Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor Hotel.
Singer Island, Florida
You wouldn't expect a famous sewing machine magnate to also lend his name to one of the country's top vacation resorts, but sure enough Florida's Singer Island is named for the son of Isaac Singer of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The crown jewel of the more widely-known West Palm Beach area, Singer Island offers a flawless stretch of white-sand beach and countless additional outdoor attractions, making it in many ways the sleeper hit of Florida luxury.
Sand and surf are principal attractions. The crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Coast are especially well-suited to snorkeling and scuba diving with a diverse and colorful wildlife population within swimming distance of the beach. If you don't like it under the water, cruise above it by renting a jet ski or catamaran, chartering a fishing boat or enjoying one of the many parasailing excursions.
Landlubbers have just as much to enjoy. Florida's acclaimed golf has a presence on Singer Island, as does its reputation for unusual zoological attractions. Animal-lovers should be sure to visit Lion County Safari, the country's very first safari park where fearsome creatures from the African savannah roam freely for guests to see at their leisure.
You can even shop outside! Visit CityPlace, a fabulous open air mall featuring an eclectic blend of modern chains and one-of-a-kind boutiques in an ornate plaza defined by massive water fixtures and extraordinary European-influenced architecture. Shopping is rarely this exquisite.
Hotel Recommendations:
Enjoy a refreshing West Palm Beach luxury hotel in Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront Resort.
Mayan Riviera, Mexico
In our last piece we discussed Mexico's Baja Peninsula and the Los Cabos corridor, it seemed only fitting to make our second Mexican recommendation as far away as possible. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in the toes of Mexico's boot, the Mayan Riviera is among the most stunning locales on the planet, and especially athletic outdoorsmen and women are in for a spectacular treat.
While the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Mexico are certainly a draw in and of themselves (and whichever resort you stay at is sure to offer plenty of water sport rentals), the Mayan Riviera is set apart from other beach getaway destinations for the immersive history in the surrounding wild. Tropical rainforests challenge even the most skilled hikers and the abundant and wholly exotic wildlife is sure to thrill nature-lovers of any preference.
The most visited attraction of the Mayan Riviera, and one that outdoor enthusiasts should never miss, is the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. This mighty city, now a sprawl of tirelessly preserved ruins, is one of the greatest surviving examples of pre-Columbian architecture in Mexico, with buildings and formations that helped us generate much of the modern thought on the daily lives of the Maya. The central pyramid, "El Castillo", is among the most recognized of all pre-Columbian ruins.
Hotel Recommendations:
Enjoy an all-inclusive Mexico vacation to the Mayan Riviera from Barceló.
Bávaro, Dominican Republic
Located near the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, Bávaro began as a town for the employees of local resort hotels in neighboring Punta Cana before the town itself became the newest hotspot for all-inclusive resort travel in the Dominican Republic. In Bávaro, the fun is all about historic sightseeing and water-bound adventure.
Give your sea legs a work in the vibrant aquamarine waters of the Atlantic Ocean, always warm and inviting off the pearly sands of Punta Cana. Swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all popular diversions. For an unrivaled treat, enjoy a horseback ride up the coastline at sunset.
Endless pleasures can be discovered inland as well. The Dominican Republic leads the Caribbean in ecological parks, perfect for explorers-in-training. Examine the unusual flora and fauna of Bávaro and a real rainforest at your own pace. Later on, visit the impressive city of Higuey where you'll find countless examples of colonial architecture and significant landmarks including the breathtaking La Basilica de Nuestra Seńora de la Altagracia. This cathedral is visited by hundreds of thousands every year.
Hotel Recommendations:
For a smart choice in Dominican Republic resorts, consider the many options of Barceló.
Whether you're a professional wild man (or woman) or an amateur just starting to connect with your wild side, any of these destinations belong on your bucket list of must visit outdoor adventure travel locations. From the crisp heights of Denver, Colorado to the luxurious waters of Bávaro Beach, there's a whole world of adventure out there. Until next time, travel big, and travel safe.