Yellowstone National Park
For adventure enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors, there's no better place than Yellowstone National Park. Mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, camping and boating are all popular activities in this forested mountain paradise. Cross-country skiing is popular in the winter months.
An assortment of wildlife call the park home, including elk, grizzly bears and wolves. Guided tours are available, and there's a junior ranger program available for kids. Hike through breathtaking scenery before watching the geyser Old Faithful erupt, or sign up for a tour and learn all about the history of the park.
http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm
Boulder, Colorado
When it comes to hiking and climbing, there are few places better than Boulder, Colorado. Boulder Canyon is full of scenic hiking trails, making it great for backpacking or mountain biking. Boulder is also located only 40 miles from Rocky Mountain National Forrest, home to more than 350 hiking and biking trails, as well as many places to rock climb. Boulder also offers a diverse cultural environment, and is full of a variety of shops and restaurants offering goods and cuisine from such places as India, China and Ethiopia.
http://www.bouldercoloradousa.com
Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon is one of the natural wonders of the world, offering some of the best hiking and backpacking opportunities in the country. ABC News named it the "No. 1 Best Outdoor Vacation Destination." Guided tours are available, enabling visitors to learn about the formation of the canyon and the wildlife that call it home. Many of the available hikes are recommended for experienced hikers only, as they are very strenuous. Camping is also available around the canyon.
http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and provides visitors with endless opportunities to swim, waterski, surf and scuba dive. With over 112 miles of shoreline, the island of Oahu is an outdoor paradise, great for snorkeling and parasailing.
http://www.visit-oahu.com/sec/niche/outdoor/water.aspx
The Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are great for family adventures, offering whitewater rafting, camping and hiking. There are over 800 miles of trails throughout the mountains and ranger-guided educational programs are also available.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
Keystone, South Dakota
Keystone provides visitors with easy access to most major South Dakota attractions, including Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. It is also near many underground caves that provide guided tours. Spelunking, hiking, biking and climbing can all be done in and around Keystone.
http://www.keystonechamber.com/oadventure.html
San Diego
San Diego provides many opportunities for outdoor excitement as well as family fun. Whether you want to spend a day at the famous San Diego Zoo or go to the beach and surf, San Diego has everything for the outdoor enthusiast.
http://www.sandiego.org/
Phoenix
Phoenix offers visitors a hot desert climate and endless chances to hike, bike, and camp. It is home to Camelback Mountain, which is one of the best places for desert hiking in the country. There are also several gold courses and a large waterpark for visitors to relax and have fun at.
http://www.phoenix.gov/visitors/index.html
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau is full of exciting outdoor adventures and activities. Famous for its large glaciers, Juneau is great for hiking, climbing and whale watching. Humpback and Orca whales are often be seen off the shoreline. Guided tours can be booked through the forests, providing guests with great sightseeing and historical information.
http://www.traveljuneau.com
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of the best destinations for a family vacation, due to its many exciting kid-friendly activities and attractions. Swimming, wakeboarding, boating and waterskiing are popular as well as parasailing and golfing.
http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com
