Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning all the fun outdoor activities you want to experience while the weather permits. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or prefer more relaxed activities, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the warm weather. Here are a few activities you should add to your summer bucket list this year:
1. Go primitive camping: Primitive camping is by far the opposite of glamping. If you like to live off the land or try out your survival skills, this is the type of camping for you. Primitive camping is typically done in areas that are not heavily populated and are in remote or undeveloped areas, meaning typically no running water, toilets, or showers. Primitive camping can let you escape to places that have been untarnished by people. This camping experience is challenging, adventurous, and rewarding.
2. Attend the Underwater Music Festival: Every summer, divers, musicians, and ocean lovers flock to the Florida Keys for a unique subaquatic sound experience called the “Underwater Music Festival.” The festival is located at Looe Key Reef, part of the only living coral barrier reef in North America. Local artist August Powers has created whimsical instruments for musician-divers and mermaids who play them, while a preselected radio playlist is streamed live from underwater speakers. This eccentric experience is one you won’t forget. The event is open to everyone, and more information can be found at lowerkeyschamber.com or fla-keys.com.
3. Go on a Route 66 road trip: Historic Route 66 spans over 2,400 miles and crosses 8 states, starting in Illinois and ending in California. Route 66 is one of the most famous roads in the world and a popular road trip route for adventurers. Some of the most popular stops along Route 66 include the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, Illinois, The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, Meramec Caverns in The Ozarks, Missouri, The Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma, Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, The Painted Desert in Arizona, and Calico Ghost Town in Southern California.
4. Fly in the sky: Whether it’s parasailing, a helicopter ride, a hot air balloon adventure, or for the more adventurous ones, skydiving, get your adrenaline going! We know heights are a fear of most, but get out of your comfort zone and fly fearlessly. Getting a unique and breathtaking view from the sky can help you see the world from a new perspective (literally) and appreciate its beauty in a new way. And hey, you’ll get bragging rights!
5. Visit the U.S. National Parks: The National Parks hold some of the most beautiful and breathtaking natural landscapes in the United States. There are 424 national park sites throughout every state and U.S. territory. Visiting them all is an undertaking, but visiting at least one national park should be on everyone’s bucket list. Some of the best national parks to check off your bucket list during the summertime are Glacier National Park in Montana, Badlands National Park in South Dakota, and Crater Lake National Park in Oregon.
6. Go on a chartered fishing trip: Fishing charters are perfect for anglers of any skill level, as the charters will bring you to locations where your desired fish typically bite. But charters are especially great if you’re a beginner – you could end up fishing like the pros! Most coastal towns and cities have multiple charters to choose from. Do your research to find one that fits your desired experience and location.
7. Go wine tasting in California: From the famous Napa Valley to Temecula Valley, discovering the rolling green hills and some of the world’s best wineries is something you will talk about forever. California is the wine capital of the United States with more than 4,200 wineries ranging from home-grown and small boutiques to large corporations. The best time of year to plan your wine tours and tastings in California is late August through mid-September.
8. Go to Pike Place Market: Pike Place is unlike any farmer’s market you have seen before. Located in Seattle, Washington this public market is packed with locally sourced foods and goods, as well as entertainers. Pike Place is one of the oldest and largest markets in the United States, providing a home to businesses and residents in addition to the market vendors. Pike Place may be best known for the legendary fishmongers, whom are a sight to see; famous for throwing their catch of the day around as a performance and sales tactic.
9. Try a new water sport: From kayaking to paddleboarding, there are plenty of fun water sports to try out during the summer months. But have you ever participated in some of the more unique water sports? Perhaps horse surfing? Horse surfing is a water sport that involves surfing or riding a surfboard, skimboard, wakeboard, or kiteboard behind a horse. Other unique water sports you may want to add to your bucket list this summer include underwater hockey, flyboarding, freediving, cliff diving, surf skiing, or canyoning.
10. Go geocaching: Geocaching is a unique outdoor adventure that you may have never even heard of! Geocaching involves using GPS-enabled devices to search for hidden containers called “geocaches." These geocaches are usually small containers that may contain a logbook for visitors to sign and a small trinket or toy. It’s basically a fun scavenger hunt for any age!
No matter what activities you decide to add to your bucket list, the most important thing is to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Make the most of your summer bucket list by checking off as many items as possible. Happy exploring!
