In the modern world, many are getting fed up with city bustle and more inclined to relocate to smaller towns, especially the ones with great options for open-air activities. You can find some of the best outdoor towns with excellent children facilities, bike lanes, good food and drinks, national parks, lakes, and a warm and welcoming local community. So, take a look at some of the finest nature-friendly places, choose your future home and hit the road.
Best Outdoor Towns and Activities
There are so many great little towns with so much potential that it’s hard to decide which are the best ones. There are plenty of options for those who love to hike, those who enjoy summer, as well as those looking for an adventure. It’s tough even to decide where to start. But to narrow the choice, we took into account the number and variety of open-air activities, off-season entertainment, working and living options, cultural scene and other factors.
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Salida, Colorado
Salida is known for its mountain bike trails just 30 minutes away from the town center. And in winter, if you’re up for an adventure, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, and make a day of it. You just need your gear or a closeby gear shop if you happen to miss some piece of equipment.
Besides, there are a lot of music venues and a rich choice of wood-fired-pizza restaurants. The configuration of the terrain is such that the town in the valley gets just a little snow while the ski area gets a lot. But the most prominent tourist attraction is the Arkansas River which runs through Salida. The Arkansas Valley located to the north of Salida is home to stunning wildlife.
When you get thirsty and want a beverage, here you can find excellent beers: Benson’s, Wood’s High Mountain Distillery, and Elevation Brewing. If you don’t want to drink alcohol, here’s a spot that serve exquisite coffee: Cafe Dawn.
Gear Up to Explore the Best Mountain Town
Mountain biking is available almost all year round and very close to downtown. Monarch Crest, a 14-mile trail is very popular among cycling lovers.
Then, there’s the Arkansas River for paddling, trout fishing, and other water-related activities, as well as several beautiful lakes. So if you are a fishing enthusiast, pack your fishing rod and head to Salida.
Missoula, Montana
Montana is generally known for its mountain beauties, miles of trails to hike and rivers full of trout. And if you watched the movie „A River Runs Through it,“ you’ve certainly fallen in love with this place. It is located near the confluence of three rivers and the convergence of five valleys and nearby mountains.
Spend A Perfect Day in the Best Big Sky City
Missoula is part of the Big Sky County which includes Montana, Wyoming and three magnificent parks – Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Teton National Park. Such an environment with dense forests and mountains and Native American reservations is highly appreciated by adventure and nature-lovers who adore the thrill of seeing a deer in their front yard or a moose on the road. Locals use their time to head to their favorite trail and have a walk in the park and the great outdoors.
In addition to national parks, Missoula is known for its cultural scene, as well. Missoula Art Museum hosts contemporary Native American artwork, while the University of Montana cherishes its creative writing program. There is also a vivid live music scene.
Charleston, South Carolina
The southern city of Charleston offers bike riding through swamps and oaks covered with moss and watching magnificent sunsets. Furthermore, many of its attractions are free, so you can enjoy even on a low budget, just as the picky ones can enjoy luxurious offers, too. The place has a rich appearance with its historic downtown district and beautiful beaches. Even if you don’t choose to move there, it is a good travel destination. Here are some facts about it:
- Median household income: $56,000
Population: 133,000
The Finest Low-Country Hangout
Charleston offers the beauties of creeks, swamps and barrier islands rich in wildlife perfect for your next adventure. It’s famous for its white-sand beaches and if you are a fan of photography, you’ll find magical lights and captivating natural beauties for your artistic eye. You can take a breathtaking photo of every corner. You can also choose from a variety of marine activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, sailing, but also golfing and tennis.
Bend, Oregon
With its position on the eastern edge of the Cascades mountain range, Bend is among the fastest-growing towns in the area. It is located beneath volcanic tops and surrounded by snow-covered mountain peaks which make it particularly appealing for traditional climbing and hiking. When you get tired, you can opt for one of the many excellent craft breweries.
Enjoy the Trip to the Best Multi-Sport Town
Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are most popular at Mount Bachelor. If you like summer more, among the summer activities in Oregon, running is very popular due to miles of trails perfect for ultra-marathon runners. You can also enjoy rock climbing, hiking, horse riding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing.
San Luis Obispo, California
Often described as having the charm of San Francisco but without the city bustle, this place is situated 190 miles north of Los Angeles, but just a few minutes from the Pacific Ocean. San Luis Obispo is famous for its slow living pace and is a perfect place for retirees thanks to a favorable climate with almost 300 sunny days per year. If the road takes you there, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful summer weather and everything it brings.
Honor Roll of the City: Sunshine, Food, and Beaches
What else is there to do with such a beautiful climate but have fun around bonfires and watch golden sunsets of the state of California? Those sunsets are a perfect setting to make a fabulous photo, too. If you’re up for a bit of adventure, there’s mountain biking along the coast even during the night and beach activities, such as surfing and kayaking through caves.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Unpopular some time ago, this place is now experiencing an economic boom which earned it its local nickname “little big city.”The place has over 70 parks and is surrounded by pine forests with miles of sandy biking trails just 45 minutes away from downtown. What better way to spend your day than by walking in nature?
Top River Town to Enjoy Water Sports
Situated on the Grand River, Grand Rapids is bound to have a lot of water-related entertainment options, starting from the Grand River Edges trail walking to fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. In addition to this 5-mile trail, for those who love lakes, the vicinity of Lake Michigan is a reason to go there. It attracts adventurers looking to enjoy dune rides, climbing, volleyball, swimming, flying kites, golf and mountain biking.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Having 300 sunny days per year, clean air and a vast wilderness area nearby makes Santa Fe an ideal recreation hub. It is the highest-elevation state capital in North America, situated at the center of northern New Mexico’s Rocky Mountains. Santa Fe one of the best hiking towns but is also known for its historical heritage comprising Mexican, Spanish, Native American and cowboy cultures.
Great Combination of Mountains and Margaritas
A couple of hours away from Santa Fe, you will find five ski areas, and many opportunities for hiking, biking, riding horses, climbing rocks, but also sailing and rafting in the rivers. Even if rock climbing doesn’t sound appealing, taking a photo of the rock surely will. If it does, don’t forget your climbing gear: climbing shoes, harness, rope, and so on.
If you don’t have any, be sure you find a good gear shop before you pack your bags or at least gear rentals. Winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoe trekking are very popular due to the “dry” snow and the proximity to the downtown area. But, these mountains come with geothermal springs and all the benefits of spa treatments. You can also enjoy great eats, such as enchiladas accompanied by margaritas.
Kansas City, Missouri
With low living costs, a population of nearly 500,000, and the annual median household income of $45,376, Kansas City is becoming more and more popular. It is situated in the bordering area between Kansas and Missouri and has a lot of public parks, good federal job opportunities, and an emerging art scene. A variety of entertainment options such as Legoland, Sea Life aquarium and the Kansas City Zoo make it a perfect place to raise a family, one of the best in the state. If you can’t picture yourself living there, it’s still worth considering as your next travel destination.
Taste the Signature Dishes of the Population: Barbecue and Biking
The signature cuisine of Kansas is barbeque food, featuring seasonal ingredients for every taste. Visitors from all around have a chance to enjoy the flavors or participate in strangest barbeque competitions – preparing the smokiest sauce or the most mouthwatering ribs.
Big Sur, California
Even though Big Sur is not a town, it is the most beautiful scenic coastline in the state and the entire country with a section of mountains. From camping and lodging to art galleries and restaurants, this coast has something for everybody who decides to travel or move there. Since it’s known across the world for its natural beauties, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to live if you love the outdoors.
If you’re looking for a change in scenery and can’t wait to become a local in your chosen outdoor town, then consider hiring a reputable moving company with efficient packing services and the right supplies and move to one of these outdoor-friendly areas as soon as possible. Get ready to embark on an adventure of your life and not just travel to these stunning areas, but call yourself a local in the near future. Enjoy the lakes, hike a mile, take a unique photo, fully immerse yourself in nature and explore the town. Hit the road!
