The Best US Destinations for Outdoor Sites and Attractions

Travelers are seeking destinations closer to home that provide more opportunities to socially distance outdoors in the time of COVID-19 and the good news is that the United States is chock-full of places ideal for outdoor entertainment. Here are some of the country's top destinations for things to see and do outside in 2021.

The Biggest Little City in the World and nearby Lake Tahoe combine to offer visitors exceptional outdoor fun, from whitewater rafting on the Truckee River that runs through downtown Reno to the world's tallest artificial climbing wall at the Whitney Peak Hotel just beside the famous Reno Arch. Meanwhile, visitors can access skiing, hiking and kayaking aplenty less than an hour south in Lake Tahoe.

Moab is an adrenaline junkie's paradise. Visitors to this red rock city in eastern Utah will have access to seemingly endless outdoor adventure, including mountain biking, hiking, rafting, climbing and even off-roading at the epic Hell's Revenge 4x4 Trail. Travelers to Moab will also be nearby to two of the country's most inspiring national parks in Arches and Canyonlands.

A favorable climate and access to awesome beaches make San Diego a favorite for travelers preferring to spend their vacation time in the sun. Family-friendly sites and attractions like the 1,200-acre Balboa Park and award-winning Coronado Beach will be high on travelers' lists, as will Old Town San Diego, which is home to a slew of historical sites and delicious restaurants where visitors can dine al fresco.

With mild winter temperatures and little rainfall, Scottsdale is the perfect destination for outdoorsy travelers in 2021. Hikers and golf enthusiasts will be right at home exploring attractions like Camelback Mountain and the Instagrammable Hole in the Rock in Papago Park as well as the region's more than 200 golf courses.

This Rocky Mountain destination offers visitors no shortage of epic spots to hike, mountain bike and kayak from the spectacular Flatirons to the serene Boulder and Gross Reservoirs. The pedestrian-only Pearl Street Mall is another can't-miss stop and was named among the 10 Best Foodies Streets in America by Food & Wine magazine.

North Carolina is one of the best states for adventure in 2021 and Asheville is a great example of what the state has to offer travelers seeking memorable outdoor experiences, from the historic Biltmore Estate to the scenic North Carolina Arboretum. Visitors can also cruise the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and look forward to hiking and camping opportunities in the nearby Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolinas' Appalachian Mountains.

Located directly between Nashville and Atlanta, Chattanooga provides visitors a slew of incredible outdoor sites and attractions ranging from natural gems like Lookout Mountain and the otherworldly Ruby Falls to fascinating Civil War sites and walkable places such as the Walnut Street Bridge and Tennessee Riverpark.

Tulsa boasts more than 130 parks and nearly 60 miles of walking trails. Visitors can also look forward to the family-friendly riverfront Gathering Place and the mysterious Center of the Universe downtown. For a unique Route 66 roadside attraction, travelers should head out east to see the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa.

Best known as the home of Silver Dollar City amusement park, Branson boasts thrills to suit every mood, from family-friendly go-karts and roller coasters to laid-back experiences on Table Rock Lake. Visitors can also make planes to explore caverns, go ziplining and so much more.

Located about 30 miles off of the coast of Long Beach, California's Santa Catalina Island features a plethora of beaches and hiking trails as well as notable sites that can be experienced safely outdoors, including the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden and the Green Pleasure Pier.

The Windy City may be restricted amid the COVID-19 crisis but it offers an array of outdoor sites and iconic attractions, including Cloud Gate (Millennium Park), Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain (Grant Park) along with plenty of walkable areas such as the Chicago Riverwalk and scenic Lakefront Trail.

The Sunshine State certainly isn't short on tourist-friendly places but Florida's Sanibel Island is not be overlooked. A marquee destination for shelling, Sanibel and nearby Captiva Island provide countless serene beaches and outdoor attractions like the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge as well as plenty of photogenic sites like the historic Sanibel Lighthouse.

Whether walking under Jackson Hole's iconic Elk Antler Arch, taking in a rodeo or soaking up the views from the Cowboy Coaster at Snow King Mountain, visitors to Jackson Hole won't be stuck indoors. The National Museum of Wildlife Art here even features an impressive sculpture trail that guests can appreciate as they enjoy the crisp Wyoming air.