{"id":58997,"date":"2017-05-29T07:15:52","date_gmt":"2017-05-29T11:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=58997"},"modified":"2021-05-13T11:13:54","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T15:13:54","slug":"summer-fitness-adventures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/summer-fitness-adventures\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Adventures You Should Definitely Take this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"15
Photos (clockwise from top left): Visit Catalina Island, Bourbon Country Burn, Coastal Expeditions, The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a long, dreary winter, it’s no wonder getting outside becomes the hot new thing to do. The vitamin D<\/a>-packed sunshine does wonders for your mood. Then, mix in a sweat session \u2014 heavy on the endorphins<\/a> \u2014 and you\u2019ll basically feel like you\u2019re walkin\u2019 on that sunshine.<\/p>\n

But just like indoor workouts, it’s easy to get stuck in the same monotonous routine \u2014 run<\/a> around your neighborhood, do some tricep dips<\/a> on a bench, sprint the bleachers. To break up those feelings of boredom, we suggest heading somewhere different this season. After all, it’ll infuse a fresh batch of fun into your workout.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re staying in your hometown or a new city \u2014 active vacations<\/a> are the best kind of getaway. And these activities are definitely worthy of exploring in the warmer temps.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>7 Active Travel Getaways You\u2019ll Want to Book ASAP<\/a><\/p>\n

15 Summer Adventures to Add to Your Fitness Bucket List<\/h2>\n
\"Summer
Photo courtesy of South Dakota Department of Tourism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Saddle Up in South Dakota<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Black Hills, SD<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re in search of open prairies or rugged trails, South Dakota<\/a> has the horseback riding terrain you\u2019re after. Plus, it\u2019s an exciting, alternate way of seeing some of the state\u2019s most iconic parks, including nearby Custer State Park<\/a>, Badlands National Park<\/a> and Bear Butte State Park<\/a>. Lessons and trained horses are available for total beginners. Meanwhile, dedicated riders also have horse accommodations (barns, feed, water, trailer parking, etc.) available at more than a dozen bed and breakfasts, horse camps and lodges. (Ghost Canyon Ranch<\/a> is a solid option for those interested in bringing their horses, and it\u2019s right next to Custer State Park.)<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Visit Catalina Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Scuba Dive in Southern California<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Catalina Island, CA<\/p>\n

Voted the world\u2019s healthiest marine environment by Scuba Diving Magazine, you\u2019ll want to plunge feet first into the clear, clean water<\/a> and take advantage of the high visibility. (Which, BTW, lasts for 40 to 100 feet.) With the island located just an hour off the coast of Southern California, you can easily veer off onto hiking trails<\/a> \u2014 with jaw-dropping ocean views \u2014 or kayak<\/a> to one of the many secluded coves and caves accessible only by watercraft. You may even spot a pelican or sneak up on seals sunning themselves.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 12 Best Hotels to Help You Stay Fit on the Road<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Coastal Expeditions<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Kayak Saltwater Estuaries<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Charleston, SC<\/p>\n

For diehard water babies, dipping a paddle into Charleston\u2019s waterways is an opportunity you don\u2019t want to miss. With full moon, sunset and sunrise options for tours, there are plenty of opportunities to soak up the city\u2019s Southern charm. And no matter the time, you\u2019ll see lots of barrier islands, plantations and lighthouses. Of course the sights probably won\u2019t be the only thing that takes your breath away: Kayaking offers a solid core workout<\/a> with every stroke.<\/p>\n

Sign up with Coastal Expeditions<\/a> for a half-day (2-3 hours) or full-day kayaking tour (6 hours). Or if you\u2019re into the multi-sport option, combine kayaking with guided hiking in the Cape Romain National Wildlife refuge.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Kent Mountain Adventure Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Cliff Camp in Colorado<\/strong><\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Estes Park, CO<\/p>\n

Thrill seekers, this one\u2019s for you. First step: Book a cliff camping experience with Kent Mountain Adventure Center<\/a>, anytime from May to September. Next, learn the basics of climbing from the pros. Last, choose just <\/em>how adventurous you are. You\u2019ll have the option of eating lunch or spending the entire night (or both) on the face of sheer rock located hundreds of feet off the ground. Set in Roosevelt National Forest<\/a>, you\u2019ll be overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>, complete with Wi-Fi for those who want to share their views throughout the night.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>7 Camping Tips that Could Save Your Life<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of New York\/New Jersey Trail Conference<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Hike Breakneck Ridge<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Fishkill, NY<\/p>\n

Escaping the summer heat is often a top priority for NYC dwellers, but the beach doesn\u2019t have to be your go-to. Head less than two hours upstate by car or train, and you\u2019ll find this popular \u2014 but super challenging \u2014 hiking trail<\/a>. What it lacks in distance (you\u2019ll only cover about 3.7 miles) it makes up for in elevation, as you ascend about 1,442 feet. It also has multiple cliff overlooks as you climb (and even rock scramble). You can\u2019t beat the ever-expanding views of the Hudson River.<\/p>\n

If you want to escape the city for a less challenging hike, try Bull Hill<\/a>. The trailhead is just down the road from Breakneck Ridge and the views are just as stunning. But you\u2019ll only ascend about 1,350 feet in elevation on the 3.6-mile loop trail.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Samantha Lefave<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Hike the Grand Canyon<\/h3>\n

Where:<\/strong> Grand Canyon National Park, AZ<\/p>\n

Head to the South Rim of the Canyon for epic day hikes that include both awe-inspiring views and a steep descent into the mouth of the canyon. If you\u2019ve only got a day to spare, go for the South Kaibab Trail<\/a>. There are free shuttles that drop you off right at the trailhead (private vehicles must park at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center). Plus, the six-mile round-trip trail offers two turnaround points (Ooh Aah and Cedar Ridge) for those who don\u2019t want to trek all the way to Skeleton Point. (Day hikers are not allowed to go past this point.) Just be sure to allot plenty of time for the climb back out \u2014 and pack plenty of water, especially in summer! \u2014 as it can take nearly twice as long to hike up 7,260-feet, compared to going down.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 10 Most Incredible Hiking Trails in the World<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Surf in Hawaii<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Honolulu, HI<\/p>\n

Not only is Hawaii the top destination that Americans want to visit<\/a>, but it\u2019s also home to one of the best beaches for learning how to surf<\/a>. When you stay at Hilton Hawaiian Village<\/a>, you\u2019ll be right on the beach (seriously, you\u2019re only a few steps from the waves). Local vendor Waikiki Beach Activities<\/a> is also nearby, so you can easily rent boards and sign up for lessons. Warm and sunny temps aside, the consistent, long-lapping waves are available year-round. That means there\u2019s basically no chance of you leaving the island without riding at least one wave into the shore (though they\u2019re arguably best in summer). And while its a tourist-heavy spot, you\u2019ll gain strength in numbers<\/a>. If you see the girl two-waves-over popping up, you\u2019ll get the confidence boost<\/a> you need to stand on your own two feet, too.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of North Tahoe Adventures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

8. Conquer Obstacles in Lake Tahoe  <\/strong><\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Lake Tahoe, CA<\/p>\n

Taking on a ropes course is a popular team-building activity for a reason. It\u2019s fun, and it requires teamwork to reach the finish. It\u2019s also why you should grab your bestie and head to North Tahoe Adventures<\/a>. Their newly remodeled ropes course includes beginner and intermediate aerial treks, along with nine bridges, seven short ziplines, and traditional climbing challenges that help you face your height-induced fears \u2014 or simply climb to new heights. But the best part: the sweet views. Built into the hillside facing Shirley Canyon and the world-famous peaks of Squaw Valley<\/a>, you\u2019ll wow your Insta followers as you #humblebrag about how badass you are.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 12 Most Epic Mud Runs in the World<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of the Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

9. Rock Climb Red Rock Canyon<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Las Vegas, NV<\/p>\n

Casinos and clubs aren\u2019t the only ways to spend your time in Vegas. There\u2019s also a boisterous fitness scene, featuring hiking and rock climbing<\/a>. Red Rock Canyon is a top choice for either, but it\u2019s ranked as the fifth most popular climbing destination in the country, so getting vertical is a must. If you\u2019re new to climbing, don\u2019t freak. Whether you\u2019re a beginner at bouldering or trying your novice hand at multi-pitch climbs, a guide can take you through each step when you book through the Red Rock Adventure<\/a> programs at The Spa at Red Rock by Well & Being<\/a>. Trips are available year-round.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Bourbon Country Burn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

10. Bike the Kentucky Bourbon Trail<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Lexington, KY<\/p>\n

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of the bike<\/a> and <\/em>head to the birthplace of bourbon for a day of mixing fitness and fun. With three routes to choose from<\/a>, you\u2019ll get to explore the rich tradition of \u201cAmerica\u2019s Official Native Spirit\u201d within Lexington\u2019s Bluegrass Region. You can make pit-stops at famous distilleries like Maker\u2019s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve along the way. When you\u2019re not doing tastings at distilleries dating back to the mid-1800s, pedal across miles of idyllic Southern backcountry. Just make sure to remember your helmet \u2014 and your limits.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 12 Best Bikes for Every Type of Rider<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Tia Troy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

11. Bike the Beartooth Highway<\/h3>\n

Where:<\/strong> Montana\/Wyoming<\/p>\n

On the highest paved highway in the northern Rocky Mountains, you\u2019ll discover miles upon miles on two wheels. The late CBS news correspondent Charles Kuralt called it \u201cthe most beautiful drive in America,\u201d but it\u2019s available to cyclists as well<\/a>. In fact, many have deemed it one of the most scenic climbs in the world. That\u2019s thanks to a start in Cooke City, Montana, an end in Red Lodge, Montana, and a 68-mile middle stretch that takes you across Wyoming. Bonus: At no point is it OMG-steep. The 4,000-foot elevation gain you\u2019ll conquer is a gradual adjustment. It\u2019s not for the faint of heart<\/a>, but talk about a serious adventure-seeking goal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Conrad New York<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

12. Sail by the Statue of Liberty<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> New York, NY<\/p>\n

Hang out with Lady Liberty as you learn to sail the waters. Conrad New York<\/a>, one of lower Manhattan\u2019s top luxury hotels, offers a popular sailing package to all of its guests. Regardless of your experience level, you\u2019ll learn all the tips and tricks to sailing under the tutelage of certified instructors from North Cove Marina<\/a>. Soon enough you\u2019ll be able to give the lady in the harbor a wave as you skim past like a pro.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 15 Most Incredible Bike Trails in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Adrift Adventures<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

13. Raft the Rapids Near Salt Lake City  <\/strong><\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Snowbird, UT<\/p>\n

Waiting for you just 29 miles away from the Salt Lake City airport is Snowbird, Utah. That\u2019s where you\u2019ll want to book a one-day, four-day or five-day rafting expedition with Adrift Adventures<\/a>. The experts there will take you through the waters of Dinosaur National Monument, and you\u2019ll float the Green River or Yampa River while paddling through splashy whitewater rapids and breathtaking canyon scenery. Just be prepared to feel a bit sore once you\u2019re done \u2014 you\u2019ll surely earn your rest day.<\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Von Trapp Family Lodge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

14. Mountain Bike by the Von Trapp Family Lodge<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Stowe, VT<\/p>\n

Get off the paved roads and onto the dirt with prime mountain biking<\/a> at the famous Von Trapp Family Lodge<\/a>. (Yes, that <\/em>Von Trapp family from The Sound of Music<\/em>.) It\u2019s the central hub for mountain biking<\/a> in the Green Mountain State, with a one-mile intermediate single-track trail, five miles of expert single tracks, and 20 miles of beginner to advanced double-track trails that spread all over the breathtaking property. Not a skilled mountain biker? The Lodge offers lessons, guided trips on and off property, and you can even rent from their fleet of Giant bicycles if you don\u2019t want to pack your own. It doesn\u2019t get more convenient than that.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Hit the Trails: 7 Best Mountain Biking Camps<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Summer
Photo courtesy of Tallahassee Museum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

15. Zipline Under a Full Moon<\/h3>\n

City:<\/strong> Tallahassee, FL<\/p>\n

Ziplining is on nearly everyone\u2019s adventures bucket list, and there are plenty of places that offer up the opportunity to cross it off. But flying under the stars? Now that\u2019s an entirely new <\/em>way to zip around \u2014 and the Tallahassee Museum is where you can do it. Located just a few hours from Jacksonville, the Tree to Tree Adventures Night Flight<\/a> is a thrilling way to experience the Soaring Cypress zipline. You\u2019ll wear headlamps as you race through tree-tops and over the cypress swamp, then conquer aerial obstacles<\/a> in between flights. Don\u2019t forget to look up. The adventure happens on the full moon of each month for extra-awesome star-gazing views.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Get out of your comfort zone \u2014 and out into the wild. These fitness adventures, worthy of any bucket list, will make you break a sweat and a serious smile. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":59033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[288,289,56,275,341,343,174,100],"class_list":["post-58997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-cardio","tag-exercise","tag-group-fitness","tag-hotel-gyms","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2exercise","tag-travel","tag-workout"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58997"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58997\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}