Best Beaches Near Honolulu

The warm, sandy beaches of Honolulu provide the perfect setting for a day in the sun. From swimming, surfing, to sun bathing, there are so many ways to enjoy the warm water and tropical weather. Here are our picks for the best beaches near Honolulu!  Waikiki Beach (Closest) There are few beaches near Honolulu as iconic as Waikiki Beach. This beach is world famous due to its location near the heart of Honolulu. Most Oahu resorts and hotels are near this beach, making it popular with many tourists. It is also an extremely popular surfing and SUP spot among locals and tourists alike. This beach can get busy, especially on the weekends, but that is a small price to pay for its sheer accessibility!    Ewa Beach Park (Close) Located about a 30 minute drive from Honolulu, Ewa Beach Park is a popular local beach known for swimming,...

Three Ways to Explore Lake Tahoe

Looking to see what Tahoe has to offer? There are so many ways to explore Lake Tahoe, both on land and water. Here are three ways to get out and about around Big Blue.    Explore by Bike Bikes are big in Tahoe. There are a ton of great mountain biking trails for those seeking a more adrenaline-filled adventure. The mountain trails are a great way to check out the amazing natural scenery. The Flume Trail has amazing views of Lake Tahoe from above for mountain bikers. For those looking for a more relaxing cruise, the South Lake Tahoe Bike Path is ten miles of paved trail. The path goes along the lake as well as through some great downtown locations.    Explore by Foot There are a multitude of amazing hikes around the Lake Tahoe area. Check out the Skyline Trail at Heavenly Resort for great views of Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley....

Camping in Colorado State Parks

There is nothing quite like sleeping under the stars. Colorado is one of the best spots in the country for camping, and many of these camping spots are near Denver. No matter if you are looking for an intense backcountry getaway or a relaxing weekend at the campground, there is a place for every type of camper. Although there are a couple Colorado camping restrictions, we are here to help you find the perfect destination for camping in Colorado State Parks.   Boyd Lake State Park Less than an hour and a half north of Denver, Boyd Lake State Park is the perfect location for a weekend camping trip. The lake itself has over 1,700 square miles of water to explore via all types of watercrafts. Their 148 campsites at Cottonwood Campground are first class. With completely paved pull-through spots that can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet...

Best Hiking Near San Diego

San Diego has so much to offer from beach cliffs to scenic canyons, all within a short distance of downtown. Hiking the trails around San Diego is a great way to explore the natural wonders that the terrain has to offer. Below are our picks for the best hiking near San Diego.    Mission Trails Regional Park  This park, located a mere 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Within its staggering 8,000 acres of protected land, there are over 60 miles of hiking trails to explore. For the more ambitious hiker, the park is offering a Five Peak Challenge. Those who summit Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, South Fortuna, and North Fortuna with photographic proof, will receive a special edition pin.    Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve Around 20 minutes North of Downtown in the city...

How to Get Outside This Fourth of July

The 4th of July is a good excuse to break out the grill and fireworks, but it’s an even better excuse to get outside and try a new adventure. As outdoor enthusiasts, we have a few ideas. Below are a few of our suggestions on how to get outside this Fourth of July along with specific suggestions by region.    Bike Ride and Ice Cream  There’s something about the wind through your helmet on a summer ride, especially when the temps start to rise. Wildflowers and blue skies abound as the two wheels fly by. Whether it’s a long road grinder or single track adrenaline kick, a cool serving of ice cream is the best post ride fuel. So hop on your bike and support your local ice cream shop. Rent bikes HERE. Pacific: Northstar Bike Park and Little Truckee Ice Creamery (Truckee, CA) West: Slickrock Trail and Moab Garage Co. (Moab,...

Best Mountain Biking Trails Near Denver

One of the best things about Denver is its easy access to a variety of outdoor activities. The city is perfectly located near great mountain biking trails. You don’t have to drive hours and hours to find a great place to explore on the bike. The trails listed below are close enough to the city for an afternoon rip or an extended lunch break.  William F. Hayden Park--Green Mountain Trail  Only 20 minutes west of Denver, this trail has some great variety. It is around 6.5 miles with one challenging ascent along with some mellow sections. The park has 6 other trails that are shorter in distance for those looking for a quick ride.  View the Route Find a Rental!   North Table Mountain Park  This 15.4 mile trail system is perfect for beginners looking to practice their skills. North Table Mountain Park is located 30 minutes...

Kid-Friendly Paddle Boarding Spots in Colorado

Want to introduce your kids to the sport of paddle boarding in Colorado? Here are our suggestions for kid-friendly paddle boarding spots in Colorado!    South Platte River (Littleton)  Right across the highway from Chatfield State Park, this section of the South Platte River is super calm and shallow which makes it great for kids. The sandy bottom and many entry points make it super convenient as well. Its gentle flow is perfect for paddle boarding or even just floating on a tube. Littleton is a super cute town to grab some ice cream in afterwards as well!   Barr Lake State Park Located just over 30 minutes away from downtown Denver, this beautiful front range lake is perfect for paddle boarding. Motorized boats are limited to trolling so the waters are calm for all paddling enthusiasts. The park also has many...

Paddle Boarding Tips

How hard could it be? Standing on a big board with one paddle out in the water seems simple enough, but in reality, it is a lot harder than it looks. If you are looking to try your hand at paddle boarding or want to sharpen your skills, we have a few paddle boarding tips to get you up and paddling in no time!   Tip #1: Size Your Paddle Correctly The length of the paddle is a vital part of a successful SUP session. Each paddle is adjustable in order to fit various heights of people. There is a simple procedure to determine the correct paddle length for your height on your own. All you need to do is make the ‘hang loose’ or ‘shaka’ sign with one hand. Place the thumb of said hand upon your head so that your pinky is sticking straight up from your head. Adjust your paddle to the height that your pinky reaches above your head and...

Best Kayak Destinations in Colorado

Looking for a weekend kayaking getaway from the Denver heat? There are so many great ways to make your next kayaking adventure into a mini-vacation. Here are our picks for the best kayak destinations in Colorado that are well worth the extra drive!   Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: Salida, CO  This recreation area boasts being known nationally as one of the most popular locations for whitewater kayaking. The Arkansas River itself is the most commercially rafted river in the U.S. Located around two and a half hours away from Denver in the spunky and unique town of Salida. There is a river feature along the portion of the river that goes straight through downtown which allows whitewater kayakers and surfers to practice their moves. Along with whitewater kayaking, adventurers can also find world class mountain biking, hiking, and...

Mountain Biking Near San Diego

Everyone knows San Diego for its beautiful beaches and coastal vistas. Many overlook how varied and rugged the terrain of Southern California is and how perfect it is for activities like mountain biking. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush out of the water, we have a guide to our favorite spots for  mountain biking near San Diego below!   Rose Canyon (Entry Level) This trail is located within the Rose Canyon Open Space Park in La Jolla (15 minutes from downtown). Although not very technical, this double track trail spans around 9 miles long and a great place for beginners and families. The trail runs along the railroad tracks and has very gentle grades.   Big Laguna Trails (Intermediate) These trails are located near Mount Laguna which is one hour from San Diego. There are many trails in this area but the Big Laguna...