This blog post was updated on December 23, 2019.
You love to travel. You love the outdoors. So, you likely love to travel to places just to enjoy the great outdoors! With spring break right around the corner, you’re probably itching to jet set on your next hiking/running/whitewater rafting (you get the idea) adventure, but like many, have no idea where to go to do it all; that’s why you’ve got us!
We’ve put together a list of cities that are not only full of exciting sights but also close to places where you can hike, bike, climb and camp. Check it out!
Austin, TX
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
If you’re not convinced that Austin is a treasure trove of entertainment with nightlife, food and a bustling music scene, you’ll rethink your stance one you’ve read about all the outdoor adventures you can have in and around the city. Besides the numerous inner-city greenbelts great for walking and running, just outside the city you’ll find the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Just $6 buys you entry to the park and access to roughly 200 slab and crack climbs. If you’re new to rock climbing or spelunking, check out Mountain Madness Climbing School which offers instructor-led, full-day climbs at Enchanted Rock. To cool off and feed your soul (and stomach) bike to Barton Springs, a naturally fed spring water swimming pool, then make your way down the greenbelt to Stubb’s to gorge on grits, fried catfish, BBQ brisket, and Bloody Marys!
Seattle, WA
Olympic National Park
According to the famous all-girls 90s band T.L.C, you’ve been advised not to go chasing waterfalls. But, in the case of Olympic National Park, we highly suggest that you DO. Just an easy drive from the super-city of Seattle or a few miles from the Washington state capital Olympia, the million-acre Olympic National Park is a place that will appease every outdoorsy soul. From hot springs to cascading waterfalls and from whale watching to backpacking through the park’s rain forest, there’s nothing you can’t do here when it comes to the recreational outdoors. In the springtime, you can enjoy the rare pink Pacific Rhododendron, along with the other springtime bloomers, as you walk or hike along the many nature trails. For whale watching, check out the whale trail website to see the best time and place to spot one!
Big Sur, CA
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
This one is for all you beach bums out there. Whether it’s surf’s up in the ocean, or shades down to lay out on the beach, Big Sur, California has got just the thing for you. Stretching 90 miles across the west coast of central California, Big Sur’s blissful nature and incomparable beauty have the power to force even the most technology-addicted, city-loving and indoors-only visitor to change gears. The mesmerizing views from this part of California’s coastline, where the Santa Lucia Mountains drop into the Pacific, have long inspired travelers, backpackers, campers, fishermen, beachcombers and artists alike…and there’s truly no end to basking in the sun in this remotely located paradise. And of course, every outdoor enthusiast should make their way to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park where you can hike to Pfeiffer Falls, or try the challenging trail to Sykes Hot Springs.
Minneapolis, MN
Minnehaha Regional Park
If there’s one very important thing all you outdoor activities junkies need to know about Minneapolis (if you don’t already, that is), it’s that it’s known as the city with best bicycle infrastructure in the nation! Not only that, but the city’s park system was voted number one in the nation for the last five years in a row, offering more hiking trails and walking paths than an outdoorsman could ever ask for. When you’re in the Twin City, be sure to marvel at the majestic 53-foot waterfall at the Minnehaha Regional Park, a family-friendly spot that draws in 850,000 visitors annually! If biking, hiking and breathtaking river overlooks aren’t enough, it’s time for you to head to the Mississippi or St. Croix River. If you’re someone that loves kayaking, fishing and rafting, Minneapolis is your place to be this spring break.
Where will you be going on your next outdoorsy spring break? Let us know in the comments below!
