Eight Must-See Adventure Summer Vacations Across the US

Jul 5, 2024

Looking to spend your vacation days doing something unforgettable? Tired of hitting the same old beach towns and hiking trails? Well, you’re in luck! Today’s blog is dedicated to some of the most unique, fascinating, and exhilarating adventure vacations you’ll ever experience. From pristine swimming holes to glistening sandstone cliffs to underwater forests and caves made of ice, you’ll find a wide array of memory making opportunities at these 8 destinations. So get out your climbing gear, sign up for some scuba lessons, and brush up on your equestrian skills, and let’s hit the road. We’ve got eight must-see adventurous Summer Vacations to experience all across the US!

Traverse the Continental Divide Trail with a multi day camping and horseback riding trip in Montana in the Rocky Mountains.

This geological boundary separates the watersheds of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans, and runs 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada, and through 5 US States including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Book a private tour from one of the many experienced equestrian guides and ranches in the area, and explore Montana’s backcountry, enjoy some rustic camping, outdoor cooking, and unmatched views of mountain peaks, lush green meadows, and pristine forests.

Take a Dip in the Sparkling swimming holes and streamside natural pools of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

This incredible gorge and geological formation were created over billions of years by rushing water from the East Fork Black River in Missouri. With more than 8,700 acres of land, this public recreational area is a prime spot for truly unique swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing. The Shut-Ins are a local favorite for swimming and floating in the pristine waters to relax. Best of all, there’s no fishing allowed in the areas occupied by swimmers, making it a very peaceful spot. Please note that the area does restrict what is allowed to be brought into the area, with food and alcoholic beverages being prohibited; pets are also not allowed to join you. Campgrounds can be reserved up to 12 months in advance through the Missouri State Parks site. There are also 6 different trails to explore, with some allowing limited access for horseback riding and cycling; check trail maps for detailed information.

Enjoy a blissful day of swimming and hiking amidst the natural wonders at Amnicon Falls State Park.

A stunning state park that’s prime real estate for the outdoorsy! The park is open year round, with plenty of options to enjoy such as camping, hiking, seasonal hunting/trapping and fishing, picnicking, and winter snowshoeing. In the summer, locals love to take advantage of the swimming holes and waterfall pools, but they do urge you to be cautious as river conditions may change from day to day, and the rock surfaces might be slippery. There are also two different local trails to explore, both offering unique perspectives of the river and waterways.

Bike the cliffside Hermit Road path and get your blood pumping with White Water Rafting at the Grand Canyon.

Hermit road is a 7 mile ride starting in the Village Historic District all the way out to Hermits Rest, with 9 different vista points along the way; highlights include Maricopa Point, Powell Point, Hopi Point, and the Abyss. Thrillseekers will also enjoy an intense experience with one of the many White Water Rafting tours through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River! This experience is unlike any other, and you can select a ½ day, 1 day, or multi-day experience depending on your tour company and guides.

Get your heart racing as you explore the Catalina Islands via a Zip-Line Eco Tour and Catalina Aerial adventure trip.

This two hour trip is an exhilarating experience taking you 600 feet above the beach as you soar through the treetops! You’ll travel along with a knowledgeable local guide who will point out the unique plant and animal species native only to Catalina Island, and you’ll end your tour at the exclusive beachside restaurant and bar. Follow up your zip-lining with a second thrilling excursion over 5 different aerial courses including rope ladders, log bridges, balance beams, more zip lines, and more; courses are rated from beginner to intermediate and advanced, so you can choose the option that’s right for your skill level.

Keep Cool by exploring the impressive Glacier Ice Caves on Root and Kennicott Glaciers in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

Root Glacier makes its home inside the 13.2 million acres of terrain inside our country’s largest National Park of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. After a 1.5 mile hike from nearby historic Kennecott, you’ll reach the Glacier! The main attraction in the area is the Jumbo Creek Ice Cave, featuring glistening and jaw-droppingly blue ice formations. You’ll be able to book a guided tour with an experienced guide who can take you through the caves, help you find the best views of Donoho Peak, and provide you with proper equipment to traverse the ice safely. Exploring further into the park, your guide will help you reach the Kennicott Glacier Caves, and also beautiful views of Mount Blackburn.

Take a Deep Dive along the California Coast in the thriving kelp forests in the waters of San Diego.

After hiking through the forests and glades on land, we figured we would shake things up a bit with an underwater forest! This unique algae formation is home to some of the planet’s most beautiful wildlife, featuring barracuda, yellowtail tuna, various sharks, baitfish, sea lions, bat rays, and more. La Jolla Cove is a popular starting point for visitors, and you can view the Kelp forest from above as a snorkeler or snag your scuba cert and go deeper into the water. There’s also plenty of opportunities for spearfishing, diving, and lobster hunting, as well! Or book a tour and enjoy a nearly week-long excursion to Guadalupe Island, the Coronado Islands, or the Southern Channel Islands and try your hand at something even more thrilling like cage-diving with sharks.

Move your climbing days from the rock-gym to the rock faces of Chattanooga.

Stone Fort, also known as Little Rock City, has become a national destination for bouldering enthusiasts. With an impressive boulder field along Mowbray Mountain, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to warm up, test your skills, and adventure further if you’re brave. Lookout Mountain offers beautiful sandstone cliffs and the hotspot known as Sunset Rock, located inside the grounds of Chickamauga National Battlefield Park; visitors will enjoy rock climbing options across all difficulties and skill levels. Want to see even more unique climbing spots? Book a guided climbing and fitness tour from companies like Chattanooga Guided Adventures.