When you think of an adult getaway, chances are nature isn’t one of the first things that come to mind. But while most adults might not be able to hike like a child, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the great outdoors with your grown-up friends. From camping trips and wine-tasting excursions to road trips and hikes.
Plan your trip ahead of time
If possible, pair a summer adventure with fall foliage or winter sports to make your trip extra special, as autumn and winter are some of the most beautiful times of year to go outdoors. If you’re looking for a low-key getaway, consider visiting during spring break or the summer, when many parks and beaches are less crowded than during the rest of the year. Visit during a holiday, such as Easter or Thanksgiving, to soak up the culture while also enjoying the outdoors.
Dive into a book
If you’ve always dreamed of taking a vacation to a faraway land, why not make that dream a reality by reading a book set in your desired destination? In fact, why not dive into a series set in your desired destination, so you stay immersed in the culture and won’t want to return to reality once you’ve finished?
If you want to learn more about a certain cuisine or explore a culture or religion that isn’t your own, reading about it in the context of your desired destination will be enlightening and enriching.
Spend the day at the beach
The ocean is the perfect place to dip your toes into the world of outdoor adventures for grown-ups. Spend the day at a nearby beach, or pack up the car and head to a secluded stretch of coastline, such as the Pacific Coast or the southwest coast of the US. If you don’t have a car or the ability to drive far, consider renting a kayak, canoe, sailboat, or other water-related activity to make your day at the beach more enjoyable.
Find your own adventure
If you want to start exploring new and exciting outdoor activities, consider getting off the beaten path. Find a local group that offers outdoor activities that aren’t offered by the big outdoor chains, such as hiking clubs and kayaking clubs.
You may also want to consider joining a local outdoor recreation league, which offers organized sports and activities that can be done with friends and family. If you want to get more active, consider joining a walking club, hiking group, or running club to get you moving.
Play with your pooch in the park
Another low-key way to get your grow-up on is to take your dog to a park. There’s nothing quite like the sweet companionship that comes when you take your dog for a walk in the park with you. The park is also a great place to explore new trails and find hidden gems that are off the beaten path, such as secluded beaches or wildlife preserves. If your dog doesn’t mind the outdoors, consider hiking to nearby waterfalls or other scenic spots.
Host a bonfire and cookout
While a cookout means spending time with your friends and family, a bonfire means spending time with like-minded outdoor adventurists. If you want to take your grown-up adventures to the next level, consider hosting a bonfire party or cookout. These events can be an excellent way to meet like-minded outdoor adventurists or to introduce your friends and family to new outdoor activities.
Take on an active challenge
If you want to mix up your outdoor adventures, consider taking on an active challenge. For example, surfing challenges have participants surfing as long as possible in one day as a team, while obstacle course challenges test your strength, agility, and flexibility as you navigate multiple challenges in one day.
If you want to mix up your challenges, consider hosting a themed challenge that incorporates your desired destination, such as a challenge to incorporate a tropical theme or a challenge to incorporate a marine theme.
Dine under the stars
What’s better than getting together with your friends and family under the stars? Getting together under the stars, you can eat your favorite food while gazing at the stars. Hosting a backyard barbecue or picnic during the day, when the temperature is lower, can be a great way to unwind with your friends and family.
If you want to add a special element to your outdoor feast, consider hosting a star-gazing party or dessert-making party to make your outdoor feast even more memorable.
Wrap up with a soak in a hot tub
Not only is soaking in a hot tub relaxing, but it also warms your muscles, helping you relax even further as you wind down from your day. Hosting a dessert-making party or party with friends and family that includes a bonfire in conjunction with s’mores can be a great way to end your day on a sweet note while soaking in a hot tub provides you with a soothing and relaxing end to your evening.
Which adventures are right for you?
While you can’t go wrong with a road trip through the mountains or a relaxing boat ride on a serene lake, which adventures are right for you will depend on your interests and what you like to do when you’re outdoors.
If you like to explore new trails and find hidden gems that aren’t on the beaten path, consider hiking, rock climbing, birding, fishing, caving, or exploring marine habitats to spice up your outdoor adventures.
If you like to socialize and find new ways to explore your surroundings, consider kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, exploring marine habitats, hiking, or horseback riding to mix up your outdoor adventures.
