Sometimes you want a vacation to be more than long lazy days of shopping, dining in fine restaurants, and basking in the sun. A little outdoor adventure on your next vacation can not only be a great stress reliever, it can also help you get in shape while having the time of your life. If you want to add a little outdoor action to your next trip, which destinations should you choose? Here's a guide to some of the best outdoor cities:
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder has a reputation of being an outdoor lover's paradise. If you enjoy hiking or climbing, you'll never run out of new outdoor spots to explore in this scenic city. One spot you don't want to miss is Boulder Canyon. Here, not only will you find a myriad of scenic hiking trails, you can also run or jog along the seven mile Boulder Creek Path. After all that activity, you're going to be hungry. Boulder Canyon is an ideal spot to stop for a relaxing family picnic. If you want to venture a little further away from the city for a day, take the forty mile jaunt to Rock Mountain National Park where you'll find 355 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. For a little less vigorous outdoor activity, the park offers horseback riding along 260 miles of scenic trails. Plus, you still have access to the fine food and culture that the city of Boulder offers when you tire of your outdoor ventures.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is home to no less than five mountain ranges with hundreds of miles of trails for hiking. For a memorable hiking experience, head to Saguaro National Park West where you can hike the Cactus Garden Trail or the Discovery Nature Trail. Choose a shorter day hike or a longer trek through the wilderness if you're feeling more adventurous. Weary from your hiking, head back to the city of Tucson where you can enjoy one of the many find restaurants along with a day of shopping at the El Presidio Historic District. This unique historic area is home of Old Town Artisans, where you can browse and shop among the stores selling the work of local artisans. Tucson offers not only the best of the outdoors but culture as well.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is another city that combines culture with easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. This city is known for being bike friendly so don't forget to bring yours along or rent one when you arrive. You can bike along some of the many bike paths the city offers or take the short drive to Forest Park where you'll find over seventy miles of hiking and biking trails. Portland is loaded with good shopping and fine restaurants to be enjoyed after you've tired of hiking. Stop and enjoy a good book and coffee in one of many independent coffee and bookstores in the area. It's a city where you can enjoy the great outdoors while never being far from the amenities of a city rich with diversity.
If you long to enjoy the great outdoors but still want the convenience of a city, you can't beat these outdoor cities for a memorable outdoor vacation.
