America’s great outdoors is a treasure trove of stunning vistas and diverse landscapes, offering everything from majestic mountains and serene lakes to lush forests and expansive deserts. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or are just looking for a peaceful escape, the natural beauty across the United States beckons exploration. The best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to dive into these outdoor wonders.
There are countless ways to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor without reaching for your wallet. In this blog post, we’ll unveil three ways to experience America’s magnificent outdoors, inviting you to enjoy the adventure, tranquility, and inspiration that await in the wild expanses of this incredible country. So lace up your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and let’s embark on a journey to discover the budget-friendly joys of the great outdoors.
Sign up to a free City Tour
When thinking of the great outdoors, your mind may instantly be drawn to the rural spots that afford visitors the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives. However, if you’re heading on an outdoorsy adventure, you shouldn’t forget about the country’s striking cityscapes, which inherently offer an abundance of opportunities for exploration.
One of the best ways to soak up the sights and sounds of metropolitan America is to head out on a free walking tour. With a quick search online, you’re sure to find lots of companies offering these types of guided tours, led by (often local) experts who delight in sharing their knowledge of the area. Whether you land in New York City, Los Angeles, or any city in between, sign up to a local tour to broaden your horizons without breaking your travel budget.
Go on a Hike
As insightful as guided tours are, sometimes you just want to find your own way. Fortunately, America’s vast landscape is decorated with some of the world’s most spectacular hiking routes, and dusting off your walking boots is a wonderful way to admire the country’s natural charm up close.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are some long-distance tracks that have garnered global fame – think the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and John Muir trails. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the scenery, though; there are plenty of less demanding routes that are no less arresting in their beauty. For a slightly more relaxed ramble, head to one of the country’s national parks and take your time exploring these areas of natural beauty. Some of the parks best-known for their hiking trails are Glacier, Yosemite and Grand Canyon.
Camp out under the Stars
There are few ways to better appreciate the beauty of our world and the planets that lie beyond than spending a night in the great outdoors beneath the Milky Way. For the best experience, head to a designated Dark-Sky Park, where the lack of light pollution allows the scattering of stars to shine more brightly.
In California, Death Valley National Park is a prime destination for backcountry camping and stargazing. If you can forgive us the park’s small entrance fee, you can gain a permit to camp in the park’s boundaries completely free of charge, leaving you to savor the celestial wonders floating overhead come nightfall.
Joshua Tree National Park is another certified Dark-Sky Park, meaning you can almost be guaranteed one of the best stargazing experiences in the country here. You can see the constellations from anywhere in the park, but it’s recommended to visit one of the four designated stargazing areas – the parking lots of Quail Springs, Hidden Valley, Cap Rock, and Ryan Mountain. If you’re looking to savor the majesty of the Milky Way, head to the park in May or June, when it bows over the eastern horizon just after dark.