America’s 12 Best Cities for Outdoor Adventures
Exploring the great outdoors is a great way to recharge, reconnect, and discover the beauty of diverse landscapes. And luckily, you don’t have to travel very far to do it. After all, America’s landscapes are rich with breathtaking scenery. In this article, we’ll discuss the best destinations across the country for nature lovers.
Seattle, Washington

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Seattle’s unique geography puts it between two major natural wonders: the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. The city’s green spaces, like Discovery Park, have forested trails with views of the Olympic Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can kayak in Lake Union while admiring the cityscape or venture to Mount Rainier, where glacier-fed rivers and alpine meadows make every hike memorable.
Portland, Maine

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This New England gem is a dream for anyone who loves the ocean’s rugged beauty. Portland’s Casco Bay has plenty of kayaking and sailing opportunities, where you might encounter seals or eiders. Then there’s the Eastern Promenade, a waterfront park that is ideal for casual strolls or cycling with ocean views. Inland, you’ll find the Fore River Sanctuary, home to salt marshes and trails that attract bird watchers and nature photographers alike.
Cody, Wyoming

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Adventure runs deep in Cody, considering that it’s a town steeped in the spirit of the Wild West. The city is often called the gateway to Yellowstone but offers more than just proximity to the iconic park. Its Shoshone River is a hub for fly fishing, while the nearby canyons and plateaus make for exhilarating hiking or horseback riding.
Asheville, North Carolina

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Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a hub for people who love both arts and the outdoors. Its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway means endless opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to cascading waterfalls and panoramic mountain views. And don’t miss the French Broad River for a laid-back day of paddling.
Portland, Oregon

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Oregon’s Portland is at the convergence of rivers, forests, and mountains. Within a short drive from the city, the Columbia River Gorge has towering waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and trails that lead to jaw-dropping viewpoints. Forest Park, one of the largest urban forests in the country, also provides a gorgeous escape for joggers and birdwatchers. On weekends, you can visit Mount Hood for year-round skiing and hiking.
Hilton Head, South Carolina

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Hilton Head is more than a beach destination. Its extensive network of flat, shaded bike paths makes it accessible for all ages, and the island’s salt marshes are perfect for kayaking. Bird watchers can explore the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to herons and egrets. Hilton Head’s calm waters are also great for paddleboarding or spotting dolphins during a guided boat tour.
Aspen, Colorado

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This mountain town is synonymous with outdoor adventure, no matter the season. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders to its world-famous slopes, while summer turns Aspen into a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The Maroon Bells, a pair of towering peaks, provide a stunning backdrop for outdoor exploration.
Boise, Idaho

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Outdoor recreation in Boise is as varied as its landscape. The Boise River Greenbelt is a peaceful path that runs through the city and offers opportunities for cycling, jogging, or simply enjoying the river views. Aside from the greenbelt, the Boise Foothills offer trails for hikers and bikers looking for panoramic views. During winter, Bogus Basin provides skiing and snowboarding just a short drive from downtown.
Telluride, Colorado

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With its dramatic mountain backdrop, Telluride has outdoor activities that feel immersive and rewarding. Trails leading to alpine lakes and waterfalls make it a haven for hikers, and its ski slopes remain a top draw during winter. In the warmer months, the town’s festivals often celebrate the connection between community and nature.
Bellingham, Washington

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As a city that sits between the Salish Sea and Mount Baker, you can imagine the number of outdoor adventures in this city. Kayaking in the bay is a popular activity with calm waters and occasional glimpses of orcas. For hiking, the nearby Chuckanut Mountains provide trails with views of both the sea and surrounding landscapes.
Santa Barbara, California

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Santa Barbara is all about balance—the surf meets sand, and mountains meet the sea. You can spend the morning hiking in the Santa Ynez Mountains or even kayaking along the Channel Islands offers encounters with sea lions and dolphins. The mild weather means outdoor fun is always in season.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

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Chattanooga has the best Southern hospitality and some serious outdoor thrills. The Tennessee River winds through the city with opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just soaking in the views. Rock climbers flock to the sandstone cliffs of Lookout Mountain, where trails also lead to hidden waterfalls and Civil War-era landmarks. Even the city itself has embraced outdoor living, with parks and greenways that encourage exploration.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Few places compare to the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole. With Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks at its doorstep, this town is a magnet for adventurers. Hike through alpine meadows, fish in crystal-clear streams, or keep an eye out for elk and bison. When winter arrives, the slopes turn into a snow-filled playground.
Moab, Utah

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Moab is an outdoor adventurer’s playground with its red rock canyons and otherworldly landscapes. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are just the beginning—there are countless trails for mountain biking, off-roading, and rock climbing. The Colorado River also carves its way through the region, providing thrilling rafting opportunities.
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Considering how urbanized Minneapolis is, you’d be surprised at the outdoor fun it has to offer. Its Chain of Lakes, scattered throughout the city, is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun. Bikers and walkers have miles of trails to explore, including paths that hug the Mississippi River.