If you are looking to get outdoors this season – head to one of these must-do outdoor destinations - from beaches to deserts - in the USA!
Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas is unique and has a quirky charm and culture – it’s a mix of educated flair and a touch of Texas bravado. It offers an abundance of outdoor activities - from cycling to stand-up paddle boarding, water-biking to leisurely canoe-paddling. And with 300 days of sunshine and an average temperature of 68 degrees, being active in Austin comes naturally.
A trip to Austin wouldn't be complete without walking or running along Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Located in the heart of the city, this 10-mile off-road trail is Austin's crown jewel. It's hard not to fall in love with the lush scenery and gorgeous skyline views. While at the lake, you can also kayak, canoe or try your luck at stand-up paddle boarding. Stand up paddle boarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and has become a must-do for active Austinites. To cool off, head to Barton Springs Pool - a natural spring-fed watering hole that's 3 acres in size and a constant 68-degrees.
You could also consider hopping on to a segway for a guided tour of the city from the Sixth Street to the State Capitol with several stops along the way. It’s a great outdoor family friendly activity unique to Austin and worth exploring.
After all the workout, for a true Austinite experience, you must visit at least one of the nearly 2000 mobile food sellers. This inexpensive movement lets you sample Mexi-Korean tacos, gourmet doughnuts (covered with fried chicken and honey butter), grilled romaine and rabbit salads and more—all from a fancy food truck!
Whether it's a boat cruise on Lake Austin, a stroll along Lady Bird Lake, or a SegCity Tour, make sure "fun outdoors" makes it on your Austin itinerary!
U.S. Virgin Islands
If your idea of a perfect holiday is doing all or one of these - lying on the beach, exploring a vibrant city center or taking a sailboat ride around a crescent bay - head over to the three Islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands. This tropical paradise in the Caribbean is made up of three islands: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, and all three islands offer a host of endless opportunities with activities on land and water. Infact, the beauty and diversity of the U.S. Virgin Islands extends far beyond the white sands of the shore. Whether you are newly certified or an advanced diver, diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands is easy, accessible and offers an array of experiences for everyone.
You can enjoy shopping and al fresco dining on St. Thomas; explore the beautiful crescent beaches and Virgin Islands National Park of St. John, and visit the stunning Buck Island Reef Island National Monument and unique Dutch architecture of St. Croix. And you’ll find stunning beaches ringing all three. The temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius this time of year, and the islands are only a 2½- to 3-hour flight from Miami, Florida.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale spoils you with choices that run from a gamut of world-class museums and a renowned botanical garden to the nation’s largest wilderness preserve. You can take your pick from amusement parks, an award-winning zoo and a railroad museum! And if you’re hankering for a taste of the Old West, the state’s largest remake of an 1880s Western town is just minutes away.
Scottsdale offers you unique experiences by way of guided tours – you can explore the city and discover all the best-kept local secrets. Foodies will love a guided dine-around to some of the city’s hottest eateries. Looking for a taste of the Old West? Hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a unique perspective on downtown’s colorful past. Or head for some of Arizona’s most favored sites, like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, on a luxury van tour.
Sandwiched between Phoenix and Tonto National Forest, Scottsdale in Arizona, experiences comfortable weather in the winter (temperatures average 20 degrees Celsius) as opposed to the extreme desert heat it experiences in the summer. The winter climate is perfect for golfers, who flock to the many courses found in central Arizona. For views of the desert, hike the 2-kilometer trail leading to the summit of Camelback Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 824 meters.
Molokai, Hawaii
Home to Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and also known as the “Friendly Island,” Molokai is located about 40 kilometers off the southeast coast of the island of O’ahu and accessible by boat or plane. The rugged terrain of Molokai features beautiful natural wonders untouched by development and large crowds. Molokai’s warm weather, warm aloha spirit and lush landscape make for an ideal winter escape.
Kalaupapa National Historical Park is surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean and cut off from the rest of Molokai by sea cliffs.
On the mountainous East End of Molokai is the Halawa Valley, a historic valley that can only be accessed by guided tour. This classic cathedral valley features two beautiful waterfalls, Mooula Falls (250-feet tall) and Hipuapua Falls (500-feet). A Nature Conservancy protected site, the Kamakou Preserve lies near the top of Molokai’s highest peak. It showcases more than 250 species of Hawaiian plants.
