North America is best known for its dynamic cities and scenic road trips. However, the national parks here are among the world’s best for their iconic hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and stunning natural beauty. Thus, you are guaranteed to enjoy a whole bunch of adventures in this part of the world. You can hike remote trails, spot iconic wildlife, encounter indigenous cultures, or camp out at some of the world’s most breathtaking landforms. If these are the adventures you want to experience, here’s where to go in North America for adventure seekers.
- California
Home to various national parks, several miles of coastlines, towering mountains, and expansive deserts, California is a haven for adventure seekers. Here, you’ll have many options for amazing outdoor places to stay in California, close to amazing outdoor adventures, from paragliding at Torrey Pines to snorkelling at Catalina Island and mountain biking in Big Bear.
For a true adrenaline rush, go on a thrilling paragliding adventure at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. The area’s gorgeous topography of cliffs dominating the vast Pacific Ocean offers stunning vistas that you can marvel at as you float on the wind. Meanwhile, Southern California’s coast boasts many adventurous water-based activities, such as snorkelling. Head to Catalina Island and discover the unique flora and fauna in its warm, crystal-clear waters. Explore Lover’s Cove near Avalon, where you’ll come across California’s official marine fish, the Garibaldi, which has a distinct bright orange colour.
Big Bear Lake, less than a hundred miles from downtown Los Angeles, is the best place to enjoy mountain biking in California. During summer, the San Bernardino Mountains are full of mountain bikers who want to conquer its extensive cycling trails, such as the Skyline Trail, a 15-mile single-track taking bikers through ponderosa pines and granite boulders.
- Mexico
When going to Mexico for a holiday, you probably imagine yourself relaxing at the beach, sipping margaritas as you enjoy the stunning ocean views. But for those more interested in heart-pumping activities, Mexico has plenty to offer.
Cave diving is one of those activities more suited for thrill-seekers. It’s a more exciting way of discovering Mexico’s underwater world. If you’re brave enough to experience this activity, head to the Yucatan Peninsula, where there are plenty of natural deep-water wells known locally as cenotes and where you can try this thrilling activity. You will be able to book a large villa for you’re friends near the beach for easy access and stunning views. If you’re not too confident about diving in a cave, why don’t you try stand-up paddle boarding through a cave? You’ll be standing on a surfboard and propel yourself with a paddle as you venture into the caves of Sayulita in the state of Jalisco.
If you’re into hiking, venture into the state of Oaxaca, home to incredible hiking trails, including one that takes you to fascinating mineral formations that look like a waterfall made of stone called Hierve El Agua. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the mineral-laden water and continue your hike around the falls to enjoy even more stunning views.
- Hawaii
Hawaii is a true paradise, offering a perfect playground for adventurers and outdoor lovers. Home to many beautiful islands, and each offering a unique charm, you’ll have no shortage of adventures to enjoy in Hawaii. From hiking the Napali Coast to swimming with manta rays, Hawaii offers unique experiences for adventure seekers.
Kauai is the perfect island for outdoor adventures, especially for those who are fond of hiking. Venture into the Kalalau Trail hike, which offers spectacular views of the rugged Napali Coast, lush rainforest, and the vast Pacific Ocean. For surfing enthusiasts, head to Oahu’s North Shore. Some of the world’s best surfers would come to the North Shore to ride in its world-renowned waves. If you’re looking for more nerve-wracking adventures, try shark cage diving, which you can enjoy on the North Shore. You will get inside a cage and dive deep into the waters for a close encounter with Hammerhead or Tiger sharks.
For road trippers, drive through Maui’s Hana Road, a scenic driving route passing through rugged cliffs blanketed in green and lush valleys. But this route is not for the faint of heart. You’ll be making more than 600 turns during the journey and passing over 50 one-lane bridges, which makes this driving adventure truly exhilarating.
- Washington
Home to forested hills, river valleys, and picturesque beaches, the diverse landscapes of Washington make it a haven for adventure-seekers. As the beating heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers visitors endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from mountaineering to surfing and rock climbing.
Those looking to ascend Washington’s majestic peaks should try Mount Adams or Mount Rainier. But if you’re here in the winter, climb Mount St. Helens, an active volcano that looks spectacular when blanketed with snow. Given Washington’s abundance of stunning beaches, the state is also ideal for surfing. You can catch waves at Westport Light State Park, The Finger Jetties, and Half Moon Bay.
Washington is also a mecca for rock climbers, as it’s home to the 400-foot-tall Frenchman Coulee, featuring fascinating columns that look like feathers. The Index is another well-known spot for rock climbing in Washington, offering climbers with single-pitch routes and a 700 ft wall to conquer.
- Alaska
Alaska offers epic outdoor activities geared towards adventure seekers. It’s crammed with marvellous glaciers, majestic mountains, dazzling fjords, and lush forest, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore the great outdoors.
Alaska has thousands of glaciers you can explore on a hike, kayak, or road trip. Head to Kenai Fjords National Park, about 20 km away from the city of Seward, if you want to kayak on a glacier. During your kayaking adventure, keep your eyes peeled for sea otters crowding the shores.
For a true Alaskan adventure, hike into the woods. The state boasts numerous scenic hiking trails, taking you to glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes while passing through suspension bridges. Different hiking trails are available for varying skill levels, and there are also options for multi-day hikes, such as the Kesugi Ridge, Resurrection Pass and the Chilkoot Trail.