USA Archives -

Central Vermont Outdoor Adventure Guide

You’ll find the quintessence of American winters near the bottom of a coffee mug, as you sit next to a window gazing at the snowy Montpelier sidewalk. Central Vermont is packed with sleepy, straight-out-of-a-novel New England towns. It also has a ton of adventure that is waiting for you to warm up and head back outside.

Granted, winter isn’t the only time to visit. Most snow sport areas have hiking trails that are wonderful in other parts of the year. And of course there’s The Long Trail, which at 272 miles/438km was the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. So no matter when you visit, there will be adventure to be had, with an added dose of American quintessence.

When to Visit/Weather

Vermont is like your best friend’s house; there’s no bad time to visit. The off-seasons of spring, summer and fall offer hiking and other fun outdoor adventures. In particular, here the weather is mild in summer compared with other parts of the USA.

Average winter highs hover around the upper 20s F (-2C), and the lows are around 7 F (-14C). In peak summer highs are in the upper 70s F (25C), with lows in the 50s (12.5C).

Precipitation occurs year-round but is highest in summertime. Snowfall starts as early as October and ends in March or April.

The Places

None of the towns in Central Vermont are particularly big or busy (the largest, Barre, has a population under 9,000). Stowe attracts crowds of skiers and snowboarders in winter but is quiet the rest of the year.

Barre

Barre (7 miles/11.3 km SE of Montpelier) is small but walkable, with enough restaurants to provide an option if you’re in a pinch. But the biggest draw for us was the town’s proximity to Montpelier (a 15-minute drive without getting on the highway). Hope Cemetery is a creepily beautiful walk.

Montpelier

The smallest state capital in the United State (there are only 8,000 inhabitants!) is a cozy New England town. The main area takes up maybe six blocks, with an eclectic variety of colorful cafes and independent bookstores. It’s also where you can buy outdoor equipment, and within walking distance is the picturesque Vermont State House.

Where to Eat

Get some tasty breakfast sandwiches at Capitol Grounds cafe, or if it’s lunchtime on a weekday, Wiliawan’s Kitchen serves DELECTABLE (worth the all caps) Tom Yum Soup. I assume they sell other delectable Thai dishes, but that was indeed some outstandingly yummy Tom Yum. Julio’s Cantina serves quality Mexican-American food (and great margaritas).

I’d avoid the crepe chain Skinny Pancake. They seemed to offer everything, yet nothing we ordered was worth the long wait time.

Where to Get a Cuppa

coffee mug on snow on rail — coffee in the snow… the perfect wake up combo

Capitol Grounds makes a mean espresso, and Rabble-Rouser‘s drip coffee will placate the choosiest coffee snobs.

Stores: Outdoor Equipment

Rent or buy snow sport equipment at Slopestyle, which is a couple minutes’ drive from town center. Check out Onion River Outdoors on Main Street for buying equipment or clothes. Both stores are locally-owned.

Waterbury Center/Village

Waterbury (15 miles or 24km NW of Montpelier) is a pretty town in itself, but we honestly only went for the ice cream. So, unfortunately, we can’t report on the rest.

Where to Eat

BEN AND JERRY’S ICE CREAM. You can show up for a tour without signing up ahead of time. Don’t eat before the tour; the free samples are huge!

What to Do

Less than 13 miles/21 km west of Waterbury is Cochran’s Ski Area. Cochran’s is great for families or skiers/snowboarders who are shaking off the rust. Lift tickets are $19/adult and free for kids under 5 (not a typo). They do not offer rentals.

Stowe

Keep driving for about seven miles after Waterbury, and you’ll hit the area’s biggest outdoor draw. Beautiful and fun, Stowe manages to stay chill despite its fame.

Where to Eat

The Alchemist Brewery‘s food options are limited but hit the spot. Their beers are on point, and the artwork gets trippier as those beer glasses empty. You can spend a few hours here without noticing.

What to Do

Stowe Mountain Resort is the big-name ski area and covers two mountaintops. If you’re okay with the price (daily lift tickets are well over $100), your whole experience can be run at picturesque Stowe; tickets, rentals, and even lodging.

Alternatively, check out the Stowe Recreational Path for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Playing around with the GoPro on a snowy, breezy hike on Stowe Recreational Path

Is It Expensive to Visit Vermont?

Well, yes and no. Food and lodging are not cheap. That’s because basic goods like utilities and groceries are more expensive here than in the vast majority of the USA. We found a fully furnished apartment for just $90/night, but prices at restaurants and bookstore were a bit higher than in our Mid-Atlantic hometown.

You can offset these costs, however. Vermont abounds in extraordinarily cheap outdoor adventures. These include hiking, autumnal leaf peeping, and skiing (if you find the right ski area).

A great hack is to rent snow sport equipment and use it at an inexpensive ski area or even a trail with no charge to enter!

Central Vermont Outdoor Adventure Guide: Conclusion

Central Vermont doesn’t just provide adventure opportunities year-round, but for each type of adventurer. There are options for snow sport experts and those just learning. Both families and solo travelers will feel safe here, too.

You can be in the middle of it all during winter in Stowe, or rent a house in a small town during the off-season. And you’ll always be a short ride from the next town, ski area, or trailhead, no matter when or where you visit.

Thanks for reading!!

-Brad

Vermont Family Road Trip!

February in the Northeastern USA provides the downright dreary trio of cold, gray, and wet. People seem to be hibernating in their choice of abode, and outdoor adventures are mostly on hold. The one obvious exception is skiing, since ski-able mountains are within driving distance for most people. Unfortunately this is one outdoor sport that has gotten cost-prohibitive for many families in recent years, and we had to do some research to find a reasonably-priced winter spot for us.

We landed with north-central Vermont, in my favorite state and home to lots of popular and overlooked spots for skiing and hiking. It’s also close to some famous breweries and covered bridges!

We’re going to start the 7-hour drive early in the morning, switching off driving duties as the child sleeps. Admittedly, it’s a long drive for a 5-day visit. We initially wanted to go to New Hampshire because it’s closer. But the NH ski area we chose was close to Boston and likely to be uber-crowded on a holiday weekend. That crowding issue would only be exacerbated by the frustratingly lack of snowfall during the first half of winter this year.

We’re also picky on the ski area; a beginner-oriented hill with family-friendly facilities is all we need, and there’s no need to pay for more. A place like Cochran’s Ski Area.

So we scored an AirBNB in quiet-looking Williamstown, whose biggest claim to fame appears to be a spider farm. AirBNB isn’t the inexpensive, easy option it used to be, but VRBO and hotel options were still pricier.

Williamstown is a good base for heading out on Vermont adventures. It’s near the state’s capital, Montpelier, the most quintessential New England town. Williamstown is also not far from Stowe and its hiking/beer/skiing scene, and it’s close enough to Burlington, too.

Vermont Family Road Trip: Preparation

Before this Vermont family road trip, we daytripped to a hill in Pennsylvania to show our 3-year-old what the ski experience is like. “Hill” because it was a mountain the same way a koala is a bear… in name only.

Regardless, our kid LOVED it. He showed a concerning combination of lack of both fear and control, but that’s a problem for another day. He understands the “French fry” vs “Pizza” concept, and he’ll take a lesson in Vermont to provide some skills to barely justify his healthy self-confidence.

So off we go! We’ll be packing clothes and food these next two days. Maybe we’ll be proactive and even pack a slow cooker meal. Slow cooker meals when the high in Williamstown will be 19F (-7C)? Yes, please!

Oh and I’ll pack my brand-new GoPro Hero10. Can’t wait to try out my new toy and show ya’ll what I came up with. Until then, chau, and stay warm!

-Brad

Travel Anecdote from San Francisco

The damp tunnel from Union Square would be gloomy if not for the red and yellow mural. It’s decorated with lively stencils announcing ones approach to Chinatown. Pedestrians make their way through the tunnel and ignore the occasional cars and also the unhoused couple at the exit.

I had followed someone’s directions to North Beach and didn’t realize I’d first pass through Chinatown. San Francisco’s Chinatown is the largest outside of Asia, home to 70,000 people in an area of thirty blocks. The sidewalks are crowded this Sunday, and several signs and lanterns portend the upcoming Lunar New Year. I pass by narrow stores stuffed to the brim with objects like $2.99 winter beanies and restaurants with roasted ducks hanging in the window, and the smell of mainbao stands out.

A little girl in a pink jacket is standing in front of a bucket of fresh crabs, and she is picking out an individual crustacean for her mother to purchase when I spot the red, green and white of the Italian flag painted on a lamppost catty-corner to me. I zip through the crowd and cross the street before the signal changes.

mural of Chinese God of Wealth and Prosperity

Discovering Coit Tower

In one block it’s a different city. Corner delis, espresso cafes, and large sidewalks with vegetation create a faux European vibe. I hear a lot more English (and see a lot more Italian) than just a few minutes ago. Upon reaching a large plaza, I spot a tower on a hill. The views have to be great from there, so I decide to walk in that direction. Following are several blocks of steep sidewalk.

In the middle of the climb the smell of coffee makes itself present. There is a cafe constructed out of somebody’s living room window, and it’s cleverly named “Hole in the Wall”. I’m intrigued and order a cup. The barista is about thirty years old, slightly stout, and has a sincere smile. Apparently his other job is archaeologist. He exclaims, “I’ll trade places!” a bit too enthusiastically when I tell him I left six inches of snow back home. Apparently “SF” has been grey and gloomy for weeks.

The barrista doesn’t drink coffee but recommends the house brew. Not shockingly, it’s a good Italian roast.

The climb takes about ten minutes, but it feels longer. The small park that contains Coit tower smells of eucalyptus and marijuana. The weather is cool and humid. One can spot Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, but unfortunately none of my photos come out well. Now I’m powered by the double dose of caffeine and exploration, and I head downhill towards the water.

View of tower (Coit tower) from distance — View of Coit tower from my hotel room

This is a mistake! Soon I’m in the Embarcadero neighborhood, surrounded by an infinite number of groups of babbling tourists, colorful dinging trolleys, and shouting hot dog vendors. Someone on the sidewalk adds house music to complete the chaos.

My internal clock is three hours ahead of the city’s, and I’ve been awake since 5am. It’s time to grab some dinner and recharge.

San Francisco: Outdoor Activity Tip

During my quick trip, I learned there are plenty of cool urban hikes in San Francisco. For a complete list, check out Alltrails. In addition to the Coit tower walk, I took a hike to the Twin Peaks via Mission District. Get to the top of the peaks to see the whole city below! Or if you have our luck, arrive with the fog and the sensation that this city of 800,000 instantly disappeared below you. Remember to bring hiking shoes and water.

The hike was steep, and I completed it with two friends in about an hour. Afterwards we celebrated with burritos and beer in Mission District. It was divine.

First State National Historic Park: Travel Anecdote

The shadows already stretched long over the orange leaves covering the ground on a most quintessential autumn afternoon. They alternated with bright sun beams, which illuminated giant, reaching oaks and their few remaining brown leaves. Our walk started with a deceptively difficult uphill trudge. The lack of other people was evidence that either this park is unknown by outdoor enthusiasts, or that the region was already hibernating for the winter.

Or both.

The “First State” is also the Last State. As in, the last state to be included in the National Parks Service. First State National Historic Park comprises of six sites in Delaware. These are mostly buildings that were important during the lead-up to and time of the American Revolution.

The Park also has four trails. These short hikes take you over rolling fields, farmland, creeks, and through forests in the Brandywine Valley. The trails are free to visit, but not always well-marked. In fact, we only made it back to our car before dark because of great location information from the AllTrails app!

I don’t have a story or article to write about First State National Historic Park. But it is a spectacular spot. We had a wonderful time walking around a horse farm, a vineyard, and then through some of the most untouched wooded areas in the region. I simply didn’t go with an angle or story in mind, and decided to mention it on the site because it was an enjoyable experience.

So if you’re in the Brandywine Valley and looking for a good outdoor activity, consider the trails at First State National Historic Park. Just bring a good GPS with you!

Cape Henlopen Camp Tips- The Best Outdoor Adventure Spot of the Delaware Beaches

It ain’t easy finding a comfortable campsite that brings you face-to-face with history and that also offers the best variety of outdoor sports in the area. But that’s the case at this state park in southern Delaware! Cape Henlopen is located in Lewes, at the very edge of the state’s popular beaches. It offers water and land-based activities, as it includes both beach and pine forest. Additionally, the campground is well-done and within walking distance to any activity, from disc golf to surfing. Read on for our best Cape Henlopen camp tips.

Our Visit to Cape Henlopen

As a child my family would visit Cape Henlopen, and I can attest that it makes for a great summer day trip. But I never spent the night there until I was an adult. I was pleasantly surprised at how well-done the camping area is, and soon realized there were plenty of activities to keep one entertained besides bumming on the beach. And with our kid now being 3, it seemed like the right time for a family camping trip there.

The weather didn’t cooperate on the first day, so we didn’t arrive until nighttime. We set up the tent and went straight to bed, then woke to a foggy but rain-free morning.

We started the second day cheerfully climbing gravel paths and an elevated platform through the dunes, brush and pine forest on our bikes. The Atlantic was to our left, and white herons squawked as they flew over us. It smelled of damp forest floor and salt air. The beach was punctuated with several 40-70 foot towers that looked like unsharpened beige crayons from our distance. Later we walked up one of these towers, which had served as sentinels looking for German U-boats during World War Two.

Surprisingly warm showers and an epic bonfire finished the day. A Super Moon rose over the pines and accompanied countless crickets and the eternal crashing of the waves as we went to sleep.

The next morning we packed up (too soon!) and ventured to Lewes, whose historic center dates from the 1600s. The town is full of great cafes and food options, and everyone seemed to be taking it slow despite Lewes’ being a tourist spot. The date was October 1, and one gets the feeling that Lewes really comes into its own as tourist numbers drop and Halloween approaches. Despite the initial poor weather, it really felt like the perfect trip.

What to Do in Cape Henlopen

Being a park at the beach, one can guess some of the activities available at Cape Henlopen. But I’ve filtered them down to my personal favorites and best tips:

Beach: This area of the park fills up with day-trippers in summertime. There’s not a lot of shade, and during tourist season most watersports are prohibited here since it’s so crowded. That makes bodysurfing and sunbathing the top activities. But if you want to get your beach fix, it is a pretty spot and there’s a bathhouse where you can wash up and change afterwards.

Bike & Hike: The stunning Gordon’s Pond trail (6.4 miles out and back) and relaxing bike loop (3.3 miles) stand out among the options here. You can rent a bike at the nature center, then zip over dunes and past WWII buildings as the smell of fresh pine takes over your senses! Both trails are rated easy and are paved or gravel, with an elevated platform on one particularly beautiful section of Gordon’s Pond.

Camping: Cape Henlopen is an amazing place for car camping! Spots are large enough to not feel cramped despite their insane popularity. Every spot has trees and plenty of shade, and the sounds of the forest and ocean waves will make you sleep like a teenager. The bathhouse is surprisingly nice with showers that will recharge and refresh. The cons are that you will likely hear other people, as it’s not too spread out, and there are a LOT of RVs. It also fills up fast, so try to make a reservation months in advance!

Watersports: Have your choice- paddleboard, kayak, surf, even skimboarding! You can rent paddleboards or kayaks at the actual park. For anything else, try East of Maui Surf Shop or Quest Kayaks; both are mere minutes from the park. Just check conditions before you go- the East Coast can be unpredictable. Go to the Herring Point section of the park if you’re surfing.

When to Go

The weather and what you’ll do vary alot depending on the season in this part of the USA. For camping and biking, spring and fall are ideal because the temperature will be warm during the day and cool at night. Cape Henlopen is also nice in the summer, but prepare for humidity and crowds. The cold winters drive away humans, making the area appear desolate (but still beautiful).

You generally will only be able to rent bikes, boards, and other equipment during the summer and a few weeks before and after the season.

How to Get There

Bus

There are just 2 bus options to the Delaware beaches, and unfortunately neither of them drops you off in Lewes or Cape Henlopen. But if you’re in a pinch, BestBus leaves Washington, DC (DuPont Circle) and New York (Penn Station) for Rehoboth and Dewey Beach throughout the summer.

Car

You’ll likely have to drive to get here. Delaware Route 1 takes you from the north, and from the west (Washington, DC area) you’ll take Route 50.

From Baltimore International Airport the distance is 113 miles, and from Philadelphia’s airport it’s 115 miles. Both drives take 2-3 hours. A drive from Washington, DC takes about 3 hours and is 120 miles. And if you drive from New York, the 210-mile drive will take 4-5 hours.

Ferry? Yes!

If you are in the very specific situation of being in/near New Jersey and want to visit Cape Henlopen, consider the Cape May Lewes Ferry. The ferry’s dock is adjacent to the park.

Cape Henlopen Camp Tips- Conclusion

Delaware doesn’t really come up in discussions about outdoor or adventure travel. But we realized Cape Henlopen deserves to be the one great exception to that. There is a variety of activities at this park, such as biking, camping and even surfing. Another thing that makes this park special, is that it isn’t on most itineraries. But at just over 2 hours from multiple cities such as Philadelphia and Washington, DC, you can easily add it to your East Coast trip!

So let us know. Have you been to Cape Henlopen? Are you going to be on the East Coast and think you’ll check it out? Let us know in the comments below!

What to do in Wilmington, Delaware- An Outdoor Guide to this Brandywine Valley Hidden Gem!

It’s nudged into an overlooked corner of the Northeastern USA, an unexpectedly unique and fun area for outdoor sports. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-visit spot, Wilmington, Delaware could be it. Despite being a short ride from famous metropolises, the city is often missing from people’s itinerary. So let’s check out the top outdoor activities in Wilmington and make sure you aren’t missing out!

Biking & Hiking

Just a quick search on AllTrails shows dozens of hikes in the Wilmington area. But many of these are too short to be noteworthy. Of the rest, these are my favorite options:

Brandywine Creek State Park:

You wouldn’t be the first to feel that you’ve been transported a couple hundred years back, given the pristine views. This is a pretty park with a small nature center, a disc golf course, and rolling hills that make summer sunsets and autumn afternoons magical.

You’ve got two options here. One, is park near the nature center, where there are about 7-8 miles total of looped trails through forest and fields. That includes a 3.1 mile cross-country course with a killer hill. On the other side of the park, take the Brandywine Trail or Creekside Trail. These are out-and-back trails of 5.8 and 5.2 miles, respectively. As their names suggest, they are mostly adjacent to the water. Just make sure you check conditions first, as the Brandywine and Creekside Trails get muddy .

Brandywine Park-Alapocas Loop:

Brandywine Park is a small city park in Wilmington (not to be confused with Brandywine Creek State Park). For a nice long walk or a pleasant 1-hourish bike ride, you can take the trails and roads that connect Rockford Park with Alapocas Run State Park on to Brandywine Park, then head back. Check out the medieval Italian-inspired tower at Rockford Park and the Delaware Art Museum while you’re at it! You’ll pass through a beautiful neighborhood of huge yards and manors as you approach the museum.

If you drive, park in any of the parks or on the streets near the art museum.

First State National Historic Park

Leaves and forest with field in background

Ironically, the First State was last to be included in the National Parks System. Delaware finally joined the other 49 in 2013. This Park includes monuments and buildings from the time of the country’s founding.

There are also three trails which are lesser known and visited than those at Brandywine Creek State Park (but undeservedly so!). These wind through woods, over creeks, farmland and a vineyard (a regional rarity). The trails are not well marked in all locations, so use All Trails to stay on the right path. My personal favorite is the Beaver Valley Area Loop.

Museums & Gardens

gardens with fountain — Not a Parisian palace, but the view at Nemours Estate!

Just wanna take it easy but still want to be outside? Check out the world-class gardens and museums. You’ll unwittingly spend a couple of hours strolling gardens and mansions, seeing how the other half lived hundreds of years ago.

Our favorites are the native-plant-obsessed Mt. Cuba Botanical Garden and Nemours Estate with its Versailles-like fountains. There is also Winterthur, where the staff go all-out at Christmastime, and the more history-centered Hagley Museum and Library.

Just up the road in Pennsylvania is Longwood Gardens; probably the most famous of the bunch!

Rock Climbing

mountain climber — Scaling the famously treacherous mountains of Delaware ;)

One doesn’t expect rock climbing to be prominent in a state whose tallest point is only 448 feet (137 meters) above sea level. And one would be correct.

But there IS an exception at the refreshingly wooded and hilly Alapocas State Park in the middle of Wilmington. The 90-foot-tall wall faces the Brandywine Creek, is hugged by temperate forest, and is suitable for both bouldering and climbing with a harness.

Delaware State Parks offers an introductory rock climbing course during the spring, summer, and fall. It’s a great option for first-timers and climbers who want to shake some rust off.

All the information you need to get a permit (a requirement!) or to sign up for a course is on the state park website.

Tubing

Several local operators rent tubing equipment. This experience is known for being relaxingly slow, and most people bring booze and snackies to enjoy while doing some wildlife watching. Just remember sunblock and water.

Nearby

woman walking on canopy bridge — Gettin’ our walk on.

About 20 miles south of Wilmington are two fantastically fun zipline and rope courses. The ziplines fly you through the air like a hawk, 50 feet above the water at Lums Pond State Park. Lums Pond also offers kayaks and paddleboards for rent between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And If you want to get your hike (or bike) on, I recommend the 6.4-mile Swamp Forest Trail.

When to Visit Wilmington, Delaware

This is a temperate zone, which means Wilmington experiences all 4 seasons. You can certainly hike and bike all year round, but some of the outdoor gardens and museums are not open in winter. And it goes without saying, but you don’t want to put your butt in a tube down the Brandywine when the temperature is near freezing.

The best time to visit is spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). The mild temperatures are ideal for outdoor sports. Summer is fine too, but you’ll enjoy it more if you start your adventure early and beat the heat and humidity.

The exception: Christmastime in the Brandywine Valley takes on an old-world magic. Places like Winterthur, Hagley, and Longwood are excellent choices for getting in the spirit of the season (see “Museums and Gardens” above). If you come in the winter, book a ticket at one of these and enjoy a hot (spiked!) cocoa after your outdoor fun.

Where to Eat

Check out the Wilmington Riverfront for a good variety of places to eat. The best spot for a cuppa joe is the local chain BrewHaha. My quick-eats fav is El Diablo Burrito. And for your nightcap, the fancy Hotel DuPont downtown has an equally elegant bar with tasty drinks.

What to Pack

This really depends on when you go- it can get below freezing in winter, and can be stupidly humid and hot in summer. Obviously wear clothes that go with the weather forecast.

Always bring a basic first aid kit. Have snackies so nobody gets hangry, and a thermos of coffee or cocoa is most excellent for the cold. If it’s not winter, bug spray and sunblock are key. And of course, bring water (although most parks have water fountains).

How to get to There

Because of its location, you can visit Wilmington pretty easily once on the East Coast. Amtrak trains arrive from Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC regularly. The city is on the I-95 corridor, making it easily accessible by car, too. Finally, the budget airline Avelo connects Delaware’s largest city with several national destinations.

What to Do in Wilmington, Delaware- Conclusion

Wilmington is a short 32-mile drive from Philadelphia, and it boasts the colonial charm and history of the Brandywine Valley. Outdoor sports aren’t the number one game in town, but bucolic settings and some surprising experiences like rock climbing make it a fun spot for lovers of outdoor adventures anyway.

It’s relatively inexpensive compared to other spots in the Northeastern US, making Wilmington a nice budget option for visitors. You can easily make a day trip from Philly (or even Baltimore), too. So if you’re looking for an under-the-radar spot for outdoor fun, maybe it’s time you Wilmington is on your list!

Outdoor Adventures in the USA

I really don’t know where to start with the USA, which is embarrassing because it’s my home country. I have no idea how to organize a guide to this place. Do I break the country down by region? Or time zone? Or do I write an individual travel guide for each state?

The truth is that the USA is MUCH more diverse- culturally, historically, and geographically- than it gets credit for. It’s simply HUGE. As of July 2022, the population was 331.9 million people, and the country is pretty much the same size area as the entire continent of Europe (96.6% to be exact).

So I can’t write a section about the USA like I do for, say, Portugal. It would be too difficult to organize for me and too crazy to navigate for the reader. Not to mention my travels have not taken me to even half of the fifty states.

But sometimes the easiest way is also the best. And that’s going to be the case here. Our outdoor travel tips and guides for the USA will be linked from this post, as well as from the menu on your right named “Outdoors USA”. We’ll start with our most recently-visited spot, Mission Bay, CA, and then dive into our favorite places in the Mid-Atlantic. Stay tuned :)

Outdoor Activities to Try in Mission Bay, San Diego

Sunny San Diego was the last stop of our California road trip, and I couldn’t have been happier than a dung beetle coming across a herd of elephant’s poo. Days earlier, a Californian had opined to me that there are two types of Fun: Type 1, which is long and intense (think days of hiking in Glacier National Park), and Type II, which are short activities (such as an afternoon of surfing followed by a couple of beers). This man also told me that Southern California is the regional capital for Type II Fun. Which inspired me to find out what outdoor activities to try in San Diego.

Now, I’m not here to bash Type I Fun. In fact, we at Gringo Inca LOVE a good multiday hike or a stay at an ecolodge. But sometimes you just want a few solid days of playful fun, unconcerned about altitude sickness or how much time you have until the solar-powered water heater runs out so you can take a shower. Sometimes, you just want to splash in the water and have a beer afterwards. Especially after cramming you and your family into a car for the exquisite, exhausting 500+ mile journey from San Francisco.

Our trip’s exact final destination was San Diego’s Mission Bay neighborhood. This sunny touristy spot is hugged by the rolling Pacific shore on one side and the deep, calm Bay on the other. It attracts families and partying single folk year-round.

And indeed, it proved to be perfect for “Type II” Fun.

Water Sports

The Mission Bay Area is great for water sport experts and newbies alike. This is especially true for activities on the Bay, where the water is calm. But be careful if you aren’t a strong swimmer. Most parts of Mission Bay get up to 12 feet deep.

Kayak: Glide over the saltwater for a couple of hours at sunrise to start the day! You can rent kayaks on an hourly or daily basis, and you’ll run into multiple rental shops just by strolling around. Prices vary; for the best deal find a rental shop that’s not in the Belmont Park section.

Paddleboards: Paddleboarding isn’t new. But it’s definitely the trendy pick right now. There were easily 2-3 paddleboards for every kayak on the water when we visited. Just like with kayaks, you can rent a paddle board and spend hours exploring the Bay’s shores, sailing club, and estuaries.

paddle boards. Outdoor activities to try in San Diego

Sailing: Feeling too fancy for those boards and boats that actually need you to do your own paddling? Harness the power of the wind, my friend! Rent or take lessons at Mission Bay’s Aquatic Center.

Snorkel: I’ve always thought snorkeling was an underrated water sport. For a relatively small price, you can own equipment that helps you explore oceans, bays, and lakes for a lifetime! The place to snorkel in Mission Bay is Mission Point Park, which is in the southwest corner of the neighborhood. Most beach stores sell snorkeling equipment if you don’t bring your own.

Surfing: The long, relatively low waves of the area are famously fantastic for surfing. This is definitely a true San Diego activity. In fact, surfers riding with the sunset behind them is a daily sight. It’s easy to find a board to rent. You can book a lesson at most rental places too.

Land

Mission Bay is a man-made area specifically designed for water recreation. Because of that, most land-based activities are your typical, Type II Fun beach activities. Think running alongside the water or renting skates for the boardwalk (skating is big here!). The one team sport that dominates is volleyball. Nets are everywhere, and you can find a pick-up opportunity anytime.

Balboa Park: OK, this is not in the Mission Bay Area but is a short 10-15 minute drive away. The park is 1,200 acres (486 hectares) large and includes miles of trails, cafes, museums, fountains, and even the world-famous Zoo. Definitely worth a half-day visit.

El Cabrillo National Monument!! An exclamation point because we only went on a friend’s tip and ended up returning to explore more on our final day. El Cabrillo is actually pretty small at only 144 acres (58 hectares). Make sure to walk down to the tidal pools for great wildlife watching. From there you can hike the mountainside for a couple of hours. We spotted several huge naval ships and walked beneath noisy flocks of pelicans during our visit

The vegetation at El Cabrillo is very shrubby, so don’t expect much shade. Bring sunblock, a hat and plenty of water!

The 10 minute drive to the Point Loma neighborhood takes you to this national monument. The charge is $20 per car, and the pass is good for 7 days.

birds in sky over water — Hiking and birdwatching at Cabrillo National Monument

EAT

So how are you going to fuel all of this boarding, surfing, and hiking? Well in case you didn’t know (I didn’t), Mexico is only 17 short miles away from San Diego. So, the Mexican food here is AMAZING! The typical San Diego burrito, the carne asada, is good enough to be a daily meal. Burrito fan or not, try all the Mexican food you can.

What about drinks? Do you like good beer? San Diego is also the birthplace of the American craft beer movement, making for an impressive variety of delicious local brews.

Conclusion

San Diego is the 8th largest city in the United States, and there is plenty to see besides Mission Bay. You can certainly spend weeks exploring the food, beer and culture scenes. For example, the Little Italy neighborhood is walkable and packed with cafes and trattorias, and it’s not far from the USS Midway museum.

But, for outdoor activities to try in San Diego, I’d go back to the Mission Bay neighborhood. It’s close to everything, and you can pick from a menu of activities ranging from relaxing (a la paddleboarding) to full body workouts (surfing). And you don’t have to spend much to rent a kayak or board, or to buy snorkeling equipment.

Plus, who can beat that sunset?