Seeing marine life can be a life-changing experience. Getty
The Complete Guide to Adventure Travel
From the best hiking trails to how to get scuba certified.
Water activities
- Adventure
Why I Keep Returning to Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula
The destination is a vital backdrop for my family’s story. - Adventure
How to Get Scuba Certified for Your Next Vacation
Expert tips on trying out the sport, differing certifications, and where to get yours. - Adventure
A Look Back at Waikiki's Surf History—and Why It's Still the Best Place to Learn the Sport
With the sport debuting at this year’s Olympics, a visit to the birthplace of modern surfing has never felt more timely. - Adventure
How to Responsibly Interact with Marine Life
What to keep in mind when you’re booking tours or planning other activities that involve marine life. - Adventure
The Best Kayaking Gear to Bring on Summer Outings, from Dry Bags to Water Shoes
Get out on the water this summer—and keep your gear safe. - Adventure
5 Trips to Plan Around America’s Great Lakes
Picturesque—and action-packed—weekend getaways on each of the Big Five. - Adventure
The Best Scuba Diving Sites, From Mexican Cenotes to Egyptian Reefs
For first-timers, experts, and everyone in between. - Adventure
8 Stunning U.S. Swimming Holes to Cool off in This Summer
Natural oases from New York to California that are just begging you to dive in. - Adventure
8 Waterfalls in the U.S. Worth Traveling For
From New York to Alaska, these cascades deserve a detour. - Adventure
Exploring Another Side of the Mississippi Along the Great River Road
There is much more to the mighty river than what they teach in school.
Camping
Shopping
How to Plan a Seamless Family Camping Trip
Step-by-step guidance on finding a campsite during high season, easy and delicious meal ideas, and games that'll turn your kids into lifelong campers.
Places to Stay
8 Glamping Sites to Upgrade Your Next National Park Visit
Sleep under the stars, without having to actually sleep on the ground.
Ski and snow
- Adventure
The Best Ski Resorts in the U.S. and Canada: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
The experiences that stayed with you in a year when travel may have been out of reach. - Adventure
The Most Beautiful Places in Iceland, from Ice Caves to Steaming Geysers
Plus volcanoes, countryside vistas, and waterfalls for days. - Adventure
How to Safely Try Backcountry Skiing
A growing number of skiers are skipping the resorts, and heading for the backcountry. Here's everything you should know before giving it a try. - Adventure
Instead of Hot Tubs, Skiers Are Turning to Cryotherapy for Après-Ski Fun
Serious skiers say fighting the cold with more cold actually works. - Adventure
The Best Ski Resorts in Europe: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards
The places inspiring your return to travel, from remote mountain towns to aprés hotspots. - Adventure
Chasing Winter in Lapland, Finland
Back before climate change, all a snow-lover had to do was stay home and eagerly await cold weather. Now she has to venture out and seek it.
Hiking and climbing
Adventure
When the Navajo Nation Reopens, Visitors Must Return Slowly—And Respectfully
Writer Pauly Denetclaw hopes visitors will arrive at the Navajo Nation with a new perspective.
Essential gear
- Adventure
The Best Kayaking Gear to Bring on Summer Outings, from Dry Bags to Water Shoes
Get out on the water this summer—and keep your gear safe. - Adventure
Car Camping Essentials: Where to Stay, What to Pack, and How to Organize Your Gear
Transform your car into the ultimate off-grid camping companion. - Shopping
The Best Hiking Backpacks for Women, According to Avid Adventurers
A comfortable pack means a more enjoyable day on the trails. - Shopping
All the Outdoor Gear I Bought This Spring
Our West Coast editor shares her favorite purchases, from hiking boots to a surfboard. - Shopping
8 Hiking Essentials for a Day on the Trails
From a straw that filters water to cozy socks that keep your feet dry. - Adventure
The Best Outdoor Gear for Winter Hikes and Bike Rides
Long days outdoors mean it's time to layer up. - Shopping
12 Outdoor Brands Every Traveler Should Know About
We asked outdoor enthusiasts for the under-the-radar brands they swear by.
Islands & Beaches
The 24 Best Beaches in the U.S.
All the surf and soft sand you could ask for—no passport required.
National Parks
10 National Parks to Visit During Wildflower Season
These parks are home to the country's most vivid blooms from late March through August.
Adventure
The Best Women's Hiking Boots for Every Type of Trail and Climate
Boots for day hikers and mountain trekkers alike.
Inspiration
5 Canadian Adventures to Plan Right Now
With border reopened, these are the trips to suit every type of traveler.
News & Advice
What It’s Like to Climb a Rocky Mountain Via Ferrata
Via ferratas have helped amateur hikers tackle the Alps for decades. Now, they are catching on stateside.
Shopping
6 Expert-Recommended Bug Sprays That Actually Work
Whether you're camping, hiking, or just hanging out at a nearby park.
News & Advice
How an Indigenous-Owned Adventure Company Is Bringing Bike Tourism to the Navajo Nation
Dzil Ta’ah Adventures' cycling tours pair desert landscapes with Navajo creation stories—and all tour revenue is reinvested into Navajo communities.
Inspiration
Where to See Mammoth and Dinosaur Fossils in the U.S., Including Active Dig Sites
From South Dakota to Maryland, these places are sure to please any amateur paleontologist.
Islands & Beaches
The 15 Best New Jersey Beaches, from Cape May to Asbury Park
The spots worth planning a day, a weekend, or a whole week around, all summer long.