June marks National Great Outdoors Month, a time to celebrate the natural beauty that spans across the United States. From towering mountains and lush forests to stunning coastlines and serene lakes, this is the perfect opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the vast array of outdoor experiences. Below, we’ve spotlighted a selection of breathtaking destinations broken up by the East Coast, West Coast, South, and Midwest; each offering unique adventures that are ideal for exploring this summer. These destinations promise unforgettable outdoor experiences for every adventurer.
Here is a list of destinations for National Great Outdoors Month:
West Coast Destinations:
Desolation Hotel Hope Valley (pictured)
Located just 30 minutes south of South Lake Tahoe is Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, the remote, nature-immersed adventure base-camp. Comprised of 27 lovingly restored unique cabins over the past century, complete with custom-made furniture by regional craftsmen utilizing natural oak, pine, and redwood. Modern and luxe touches elevate each cabin (e.g., state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, brass fixtures, freestanding bathtubs, and Belkin technology throughout). Multiple layouts, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom options are available. At this destination, guests can step out of their cabin (or off-grid yurt) right into the gorgeous scenery of the Sierra Nevada’s. The hotel provides easy access to outdoor excursions including dozens of alpine lakes, views of the West Fork Carson River (which runs through the Desolation Hotel Hope Valley campgrounds), Kirkwood Ski Resort, and abundant hiking trails (many of which begin right at guests’ front doors).Desolation Hotel Hope Valley offers amenities specifically designed to enhance one’s wilderness experience; these include a wood-fired sauna, telescopes for stargazing, outdoor firepits, summer lawn games, and complimentary seasonal gear for outdoor adventurers (e.g., snowshoes, sleds, cross-country skis, clear bottom kayaks, and paddle boards). The property additionally partners with Adidas, offering complimentary Terrex Free Hiker 2 Cold.rdy Shoes. Above all, Desolation Hotel’s on-site staff are local, nature experts and are the perfect resource for guests looking for the ideal hiking route, gear recommendation, or tips & tricks.
Greater Palm Springs, CA
Explore the best of the California desert in Greater Palm Springs! Thanks to its remote areas and widely protected spaces, there's no better place for stargazing. Here, travelers can explore two International Dark Sky Parks (Joshua Tree National Park and Borrego Springs), both located within an hour's drive from Palm Springs. Visitors to the destination can book a tour with Sky Watchers, which offers both public and private tours in Joshua Tree complete with an expert tour guide to tell stories of the constellations, snacks, comforts like pillows and blankets, and a telescope for optimal viewing. In addition to being one of the few Dark Sky Parks, Joshua Tree National Park offers an otherworldly beauty in Palm Springs’ backyard. Over 800,000 acres of protected desert and wildlife exist in this iconic desert known for its endemic trees, with endless trails that weave through impressive rock formations perfect for catching either the sunrise and sunset that stretches across the arid landscape. Outside the national park, start your morning on a Red Jeep Tour through the Indian Canyons, the ancestral homeland of Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and lush palm oasis that provides ample shade to hikers and explorers in these stunning canyons. With the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, visitors can ascend more than 8,500 feet in ten minutes, serving as gateway to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. Take in the stunning views as desert sand gives way to mountain pines. Hiking and camping is available in the National Monument, which stays considerably cooler than the desert during the summer months.
Alisal Ranch — Solvang, CA
Alisal Ranch, nestled in California’s Santa Barbara Wine Country, offers an unforgettable outdoor experience across 10,500 acres of stunning landscapes. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable horseback riding experience, exploring scenic trails through rolling hills, oak groves and past tranquil reservoirs. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the ranch also offers thrilling ATV activities, allowing guests to navigate rugged terrain and experience the beauty of the land from a different perspective. The ranch’s eco-conscious approach is evident in its energy-efficient accommodations, water conservation efforts and locally sourced ingredients. Guests stay in cottages and ranch houses designed for comfort without the distraction of TVs, encouraging a deeper connection with nature. Alisal Ranch promotes responsible tourism through sustainable practices and partnerships with local conservation efforts, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the great outdoors while supporting environmental stewardship.
Santa Barbara, CA
From the Santa Ynez mountains to the Pacific, Santa Barbara is full of outdoor experiences for travelers looking to explore California’s iconic coast. The beach town is in a prime location and even offers several encounters with the natural world. The Condor Express, one of the original promoters of whale watching in the Santa Barbara Channel, only the second Whale Heritage Area in the United States, offers excursions year-round in a 75-foot state-of-the-art vessel. The vessel has an extremely unique quad-jet setup with no sharp propellers underneath the vessel, making it completely safe to interact with dolphins and whales. For adventurous visitors to the coast, the Santa Barbara Adventure Company offers kayak tours along the coast, perfect for viewing the abundant marine life and scenic stretch of coast. Tours can be booked around Santa Barbara Harbor and the Gaviota Coast, or at Channel Islands National Park to explore its stunning sea caves and native wildlife, with snorkel gear available to rent. The national park is also home to Painted Cave, the deepest sea cave on the planet. Channel Islands Expeditions offers a five-day excursion through the park and its protected waters. Visitors can explore beyond the sea caves, including the relatively undisturbed islands via hiking, marine life like elephant seals and dolphins via kayak, and more on this California safari. On land, North Campus Open Space, officially the North Campus Open Space (NCOS) Restoration Project, is a wetland preserve on the University of California, Santa Barbara, campus which includes 2.25 miles of trails and boardwalks that wind through the restored wetland and upland habitats’ 136 acres. Hike further beyond the North Campus and through the 230-acre, dog-friendly Ellwood Mesa Trails in Goleta, offering ten miles on unpaved trails great for hiking and running. The largest publicly-owned space on Santa Barbara’s coastline, Ellwood Mesa’s at times rugged terrain and paths have left this natural stretch of coast nearly undisturbed. Ellwood Beach offers stunning views of the bluffs found along the preserve and is ideal for collecting beach glass, a nice stop during a rest break.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas - Encinitas, CA
Celebrate National Outdoors Month in true California style at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, where coastal adventure and wellness meet against a backdrop of stunning ocean views. Nestled atop a seaside bluff in North County San Diego and just steps from Ponto Beach, this tailored-to-adults retreat is the perfect basecamp for exploring the region’s vibrant natural beauty. Dive into the local surf scene with expert-led lessons and guided excursions, or discover the coast by E-bike and on foot with scenic rides and hikes curated by the resort’s Alila Journeys program. Reconnect with nature through outdoor yoga and open-air sound baths, or wind down at Spa Alila, where treatments inspired by the native Kumeyaay people incorporate locally sourced minerals and botanicals. After a day outdoors, enjoy panoramic ocean views over coastal cuisine at VAGA, or soak in the laid-back vibes of The Pocket’s “Après Sea” experience. With easy access to the region’s beaches, trails, and tidepools, Alila Marea is the ideal spot to unplug, recharge, and fully embrace the spirit of the outdoors.
Pacific Coast Roadtrip with Travellers Autobarn
Travelers can hit the Pacific Coast in style with a Travellers Autobarn campervan—the fully equipped home on wheels designed for life outdoors and complete with free unlimited miles. Whether winding along Highway 1 or camping beneath the redwoods, Travellers Autobarn offers a fleet suited to every kind of traveler. The Hi5 Campervan is ideal for families or groups of friends, with spacious sleeping arrangements for up to five and all the comforts needed on the road. For couples or solo adventurers, the Kuga Campervan provides a more compact setup without compromising on convenience or coziness. With convenient pickup locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, along with a weatherproof design and the freedom to stop wherever the views are best, road tripping the Pacific Coast has never felt so effortless.
Noble House Hotels & Resorts
From sunny beachside escapes, to the wild, secluded wilderness, the tranquility of a grassy fairway, or a picturesque view to pair with a local chardonnay, there’s no shortage of opportunities to appreciate the natural world with Noble House Hotels & Resorts this upcoming Great Outdoors Month. The family-owned brand of 29 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America provide incredibly immersive opportunities for discerning travelers to explore local communities in which they reside, get outdoors, and embark on memorable adventures with family and friends. Take in the ocean breeze and sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean at San Diego’s L'Auberge Del Mar or San Diego Mission Bay Resort, or a stunning Floridian beachside escape at Pelican Grand Beach Resort, or Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort. Hotel Terra Jackson Hole and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa provide easy access and breathtaking backdrops of Wyoming’s Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Catch an early round of golf with friends and family at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, or Jekyll Island Club Resort in Jekyll Island, Georgia. For those seeking a unique wine tasting experience, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a scenic journey through wine country, combining gourmet dining, curated wine experiences, and panoramic views of Napa’s iconic vineyards aboard a restored vintage train. Wherever your sense of adventure leads, Noble House Hotels & Resorts offers the perfect launching point to reconnect with nature and create unforgettable memories this Great Outdoors Month.
Visit California
Home to 9 national parks, over 800 miles of coastline, and 5 of the world’s major biomes, California offers endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors. In the “Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park, discover five carefully preserved islands and their surrounding ocean environment, on a one-of-a-kind visit. While exploring this pristine natural environment, visitors can observe unique plants and animals that evolved over thousands of years of isolation as they hike, scuba dive, or kayak. For those looking to brave the heat, head to the California deserts and take on Death Valley, a land of extremes, home to both the highest temperature ever recorded as well as the lowest point in the United States. Admire a landscape sculpted by volcanoes at Pinnacles National Park, wander through towering trees at Redwoods, or enjoy breathtaking views and perfect summer hiking at Yosemite National Park. Whether in the mountains, valleys, deserts, or seasides, there are plenty of unique landscapes and outdoor experiences to explore across the Golden State.
SLO CAL
Located on California’s Central Coast, SLO CAL’s (San Luis Obispo County) temperate climate and diverse landscapes make it the perfect outdoor escape for any adventure. In the newly designated Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, tourists can learn about the nation’s first Tribally nominated national marine sanctuary and second largest protected area. For those interested in hitting the waves this summer, head to the county’s 80 miles of coastline and visit the charming seaside towns of Pismo Beach and Cayucos. With world-class waves for surfers of every level, find spots to master your skills or try a hand at something new. Thrill-seekers can venture to the Oceano Dunes Vehicular Recreation Area to zoom across the mountains of sand on ATVs or join a zipline tour from Margarita Adventures to soar over the beautiful vineyards. Winding through nearly 1,400 acres on Santa Margarita Ranch, spot abundant wildlife, colorful local plant species, and more on horseback with a tour from Central Coast Trail Rides in Paso Robles. SLO CAL is also home to various hiking and mountain biking trails to discover, including an easy two-mile Wildflower Trail in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, known for its iconic array of colorful superblooms, and the moderately challenging Serenity Swing, which rewards hikers with enchanting views along this 3.5-mile trek.
East Coast Destinations:
New York State
Celebrate National Great Outdoors Month by exploring New York State's rich and diverse landscapes and incredible State and National Parks, making it the perfect destination for visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Adirondack Park, home to six million acres of wilderness, is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States. Here, visitors can hike to New York’s highest point on Mount Marcy, explore the spectacular waterfalls at High Point Gorge, and raft along Ausable Chasm (one of the oldest attractions in America). In the Greater Niagara region, Letchworth State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” has 66 hiking trails across the 14,350-acre scenic park with year-round recreation and scenic beauty including three large waterfalls between cliffs, as high as 600 feet in some places, each carved by the Genesee River and surrounded by lush forests. Once a railway, the Catskills Scenic Trail offers 26 miles of hiking trails, and the region is home to one of the most iconic sites, Kaaterskill Falls. In the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen State Park has a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. Surrounded by 12 miles of coastline, Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island is regarded as one of the most diverse habitats in the Northeast. Located just 90 miles from NYC, the preserve spans a third of the island, covering 2,039 acres of winding tidal creeks, mature oak forests, open fields and freshwater marshes. It is often called the "Jewel of the Peconic."
Jamestown Rediscovery, Williamsburg, Virginia
Historic Jamestowne, America's first permanent English settlement, offers an unparalleled opportunity for travelers to delve into the nation's early colonial history while embracing the spirit of outdoor exploration and a profound connection with nature. Through the ongoing Jamestown Rediscovery project, initiated in 1994, visitors can witness archaeologists meticulously unearthing artifacts and structures that illuminate 17th-century colonial life. This summer, excavations south of the Archaearium have revealed a burial ground dating back to the 1610s, adding depth to the site's rich historical tapestry. Exploring areas like Smithfield, where foundations linked to Confederate artillery barracks or shelters used by escaped enslaved individuals are being uncovered, provides new narratives to Jamestown's complex past. Engaging with experts such as Director Sean Romo and Senior Archaeologists Mary Anna Hartley and Anna Shackelford enhances the experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind each discovery. By exploring Historic Jamestowne, visitors not only immerse themselves in a dynamic historical investigation but also support ongoing conservation initiatives. Each visit contributes to safeguarding the site's future, allowing guests to witness history in the making and participate in responsible tourism practices. This harmonious blend of historical exploration, environmental stewardship, and outdoor adventure makes Historic Jamestowne a compelling destination for those seeking a deeper connection with America's past and a commitment to its future.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport was made famous as "America's Summer Playground," inviting travelers to get outside with 400 miles of coastline and beaches, farmland with pristine gardens and vineyards, as well as preserved nature for biking, birdwatching and walking. People travel from all over the world to stroll Newport's 3.5-mile Cliff Walk. You can’t find panoramic views like these anywhere else; one side of the trail is the glistening Atlantic Ocean, and the other is the incredible Newport Mansions. The East Bay Bike Path is the first multi-town bike path built in Rhode Island. It travels 14.5 miles from India Point Park in Providence to Independence Park in Bristol, weaving through coves, marshes, parks and bridges that offer a scenic and colorful journey from Providence to Bristol along the shore of Narragansett Bay. For a traditional hiking spot, visitors can walk the seven miles of picturesque New England forest at Weetamoo Woods or visit the largest contiguous open space on Aquidneck Island at Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, a wildlife sanctuary boasting 300 acres of diverse habitat and seven miles of hiking trails. The organization, which celebrated 75 years in 2024, promotes education and inspiration surrounding the preservation of the region’s wildlife.
St. Pete-Clearwater, FL
With 35 miles of uninterrupted coastline and 360 days of sunshine year-round, Sunny St. Pete-Clearwater is a dream destination for outdoor lovers. Nestled on Florida's Gulf Coast, this sun-soaked haven boasts award-winning beaches with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters–ideal for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. Experience Get Up & Go Kayaking in Shell Key Preserve, where travelers can paddle through Florida’s ecologically important mangroves in a clear kayak, hop out along the sandy shoreline or sandbar based on the tide, and keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and a myriad of marine life. For more wildlife fun, hop aboard the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure boat tour to see Florida’s most playful dolphins. Designed with open netting for optimal views, this boat offers the perfect setting to spot dolphins up close. Nature lovers can also explore the region's lush parks and preserves, such as Fort de Soto Park. Spanning five islands and 1,136 acres on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Fort de Soto Park offers canoe or kayak rentals, top fishing spots and even campsites along the mangrove-lined islands– complete with water, electricity, charcoal grills, and picnic tables for a picturesque night under the stars.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island is a slice of paradise where the bustle of everyday life doesn't seem to exist. Visitors will say goodbye to cityscapes and welcome nature with open arms, since over 70% of the island is protected for conservation and no buildings are allowed to be taller than a palm tree. While vacationing on the island, nature lovers can get to know the area’s most extraordinary natural attractions by exploring Sanibel’s Wild Mile, which includes four attractions that tell the island's legendary conservation story. Among the most popular attractions is J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary solely reserved for wildlife that is home to all kinds of animals, including manatees, over 250 species of birds, dolphins, alligators, sea turtles and more. Additionally, through the “Wild Mile,” visitors can explore the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the only U.S. museum dedicated to shells and mollusks, which is fitting since Sanibel is referred to as the “Seashell Capital of the World.” Stop by the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), which treats over 5,000 animals each year and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, where educators guide guests through a hands-on walk with Sanibel Beach Walks: The Sea School Experience to experience the island’s many beaches and gather seashells.
Midwest Destinations:
Traverse City, MI
For sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Northern Michigan coast, Traverse City is the perfect summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just outside the picturesque small town, offers plenty of natural spaces such as freshwater beaches, the forested wilderness of the Manitou Islands, and sweeping vistas accessible via the towering sand dunes that make up the iconic lakeshore. Visitors can choose from almost 100 miles of trails through the verdant Michigan forests or trek along the shore, scaling dunes hundreds of feet tall. Hikers can also trek through the beech forests of Miller Creek Nature Reserve and walk along the Sand Lakes Quiet Area, complete with pristine lakes and wonderfully forested areas. For those who want to stay close to town , the Traverse Area Recreation Trail, or TART, is a 10.5-mile urban trail popular with locals. The trail wraps around the lakefront of Traverse City and the surrounding woods, connecting it to the many shops, restaurants, and other trails in the area. On the lake and rivers surrounding Traverse City, SUP and kayaking are available, including Kayak Bike and Brew, a four-hour bike and kayak tour featuring three Traverse City breweries along the Boardman Lake & River. Schooner sailing is also available for private charter and summers on the lake, with Wind Dancer Sailing offering sunset sails, along with special sails for the National Cherry Festival at the end of June.
Southern Destinations:
Arkansas
Arkansas, known as "The Natural State," is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature this Great Outdoors Month. Visitors can explore Mount Nebo State Park, home to 15 rustic cabins including the first cabin rental in state park history, where 32.6 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through picturesque ridges, bridges and parks. Stunningly scenic, Mount Nebo is also a profoundly significant historical site, having witnessed the removal of the five tribes forcibly relocated along the water route of the Trail of Tears. Crowley’s Ridge, a rare geological formation shaped by ancient rivers, is often what brings visitors to Crowley's Ridge State Park, where they can find a lush forest with unique hardwood trees and serene fishing lakes. For a blend of history and natural beauty, Hot Springs National Park, the oldest national park in the U.S., boasts 47 thermal springs, scenic drives and more than 30 miles of trails through the stunning Ouachita Mountains. Meanwhile, hikers can chase waterfalls at Petit Jean State Park, where the Cedar Falls Trail leads to a breathtaking 95-foot cascade, or take in panoramic views from Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a summit trek that showcases the best of Arkansas’ rugged beauty. Whether adventuring through its pristine landscapes, discovering its rich cultural history or simply soaking in its awe-inspiring vistas, Arkansas provides an unforgettable escape in the great outdoors.
North Carolina’s Crystal Coast
Home to 85 miles of uninterrupted beaches and a wide array of open-air adventures that invite travelers to connect with nature, North Carolina's Crystal Coast offers the perfect destination for a getaway this June in honor of Great Outdoors Month. Whether it’s starting the day with beachfront or paddleboard yoga, offered by local studios like NC Coastal Life Yoga and Emerald Isle Paddle Tours, or hiking scenic trails through Rachel Carson Reserve and Fort Macon State Park, this stretch of the Southern Outer Banks is ideal for outdoor exploration. Travelers can kayak or paddleboard through peaceful waterways with Beaufort Paddle or Barrier Island Kayaks, take in the natural beauty on two wheels along the beaches of Bogue Banks, or explore Cape Lookout National Seashore by UTV. With its mix of tranquility and adventure, including stargazing in the East Coast’s only dark sky park, the Crystal Coast is an ideal destination with outdoor adventure for every type of traveler.
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
America’s favorite island, Hilton Head Island, is the epicenter with sun, surf, and sand on some of the best beaches in the country making it a natural pick for National Outdoors Month. Hilton Head Island's ecology is characterized by a rich biodiversity, including salt marshes, tidal creeks, and diverse wildlife, with efforts to protect these natural habitats through conservation initiatives and eco-tourism. The Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa offers an eco-adventure with approachable luxury for a true Lowcountry escape with private access to pristine beaches spanning 12 miles. Guests can enjoy exploring the island’s bike trails and hard-packed sand beaches with Bike Rentals for both half-day and full-day rentals available. From May until October, sea turtle season is at its peak on Hilton Island and the resort is bringing back their Turtle Talks initiative where guests can learn about the Islands' loggerhead sea turtles. An island known for its world-class golf, there is certainly no shortage of courses nearby. Oyster Reef Golf Club, Port Royal Golf & Racquet Club, and Shipyard Golf Club are all located just a short drive from the hotel. The Westin’s exclusive partnership with Board and Basket HHI offers guests the opportunity to purchase personalized experiences on the beach at special discounted pricing with enticing options such as picnic baskets, luxury picnics, grazing tables, and luxurious beach cabanas. Other outdoor-programming include Hilton Head kayak tours, kayak fishing, boat-based dolphin tours, charter fishing, tours of historic Bluffton and Daufuskie, paddle boarding programs, boat rentals, surf lessons, and much more.
New Scientist Discover Tours
Celebrate National Outdoors Month with an exploration of Colorado's magnificent geology within the U.S. National Parks with New Scientist Discover Tours. The tour, Colorado geology exploration through Moab, Arches and Canyonlands National Parks: US, journeys through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Moab, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park and Colorado National Monument. Uncovering both iconic landmarks and secluded gems, the adventure offers an unparalleled look at the region's natural splendour, allowing travelers to experience the timeless beauty of the high desert where each curve of the river unveils new wonders. Timed to avoid the typical crowds, travelers will encounter the dramatic formations in a more peaceful context, truly seeing, feeling and learning about the life-sustaining Colorado River that carved much of this complex sandstone plateau and nourishes the vibrant desert ecosystem. Finally, witness the desert sky ablaze with colour at sunrise and sunset, casting deep shadows and golden hues over the rock formations, and as night falls, experience some of the darkest skies in the country, perfect for stargazing and connecting with the vast cosmos.
