The place should be an actual town, not just a spot or destination. Go straight to the water if you’re a pro, or link up with any of the many surfing instructors in the area in order to take full advantage of Hood River’s reputation. In winter months, head back to Mount Washington for skiing and ice climbing. Summertime is the perfect time to explore Superior National Forest by mountain biking or hiking. Hood River, Oregon has become the unofficial surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing capital of the continental United States. Choosing where to live is one of the most personal, stressful, and meaningful choices you can make. Housing and rent prices throughout California are some the highest in the nation. These trees can only be found in the Mojave – Colorado desert region, in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. If you like your vacations more relaxing, there’s always some spa to help you relax! best places to live in california for nature lovers As a result, homes in this college town are packed with mountain bikes, climbing gear, and hiking boots. From windswept coastal communities to mountain towns in the shadows of giants, places like Arcata and Ojai deserve to be kept a secret-but their charm is too much of a magnet for those who enjoy a slower pace. ... California the best city in the U.S. for surfers, ... the state has long been one of the best for nature-lovers and outdoorsy types. Head to Pisgah National Forest for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. Needless to say, winter activities in tiny Roseau are hard to beat (the town is also one of the most actively involved hockey towns in the country). Your email address will not be published. Carbondale is a skier’s mecca in the winter and a hiker’s paradise in the summer months, but there is certainly more to Carbondale than those two activities. For the really adventurous, the Colorado Trail is a blast to hike and bike, and stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. Click on a job title to see more details about that opportunity.) Here are 16 of the best places to live for nature and adventure and an example of a flexible job hiring now: (Click on a state below to view more jobs in that area. Those with diving certificates can even dive underwater for a unique glimpse of those famous Maine lobsters! Billings, Montana. More than 5,000 lakes, rivers, and streams make Ely a great choice for rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Hiking, snowshoeing, fishing, and camping in Bangor often means doing so with moose, deer, eagles, and other amazing wildlife. The Joshua Tree National Park brings together two deserts: Mojave and Colorado. While some are known for their beaches, others are known for their forests, prairies, or mountain ranges. The 10 Best Places to Retire in California The Golden State has something for everyone, including retirees. San Francisco, California – Bay area green spaces and unexpected outdoor places From Golden Gate Park to the redwoods of Muir Woods—it's easy to be one with nature in the City by the Bay. The palm trees, the beaches, the long desert roads and the feeling like your whole life has been waiting for that moment. Most of the visitors come to ride motorcycles or ATV’s. From helpful and relevant gear shops to fine dining to casual pubs, Truckee is one of the best mountain towns this side of the Rockies. See also: The best places to live the simple life. It’s best to visit the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve during the blooming season, which varies, but generally it starts in February and lasts until May. For more than a hundred years, nature lovers having been heading up to Alaska in search of once-in-a-lifetime adventures and truly untouched nature. How about hiking in Arizona? In Pocatello itself, Caribou National Forest is a top spot for deer and elk hunting, while a myriad of reservoirs — including American Falls, Devils Creek, Soda Springs, Glendale, and Chesterfield — are popular choices for hikers, boaters, and fishermen in the warmer months, and ice fishermen in the winter. The wine produced there is considered as one of the best in the world. Mount Lassen is an active volcano, which last erupted in 1915. Choose any of Tahoe’s camp grounds, then enjoy the many nearby beaches, including Meeks Bay, Sand Harbor, and King’s Beach. Every city has a different balance: some lean overwhelmingly urban, while nature creeps right into downtown in others. Though the Pacific tends to be a bit chilly near Eureka, surfing and boating are both popular water sports. It is one of the few places in the U.S. where elk, antelope, and mule deer roam together. Though one of the larger towns on this list, Bend, Oregon has retained its small town feel through its rapid population growth of recent years, and continues to be a mecca for nature lovers and outdoorsy types. For canoeing and rafting, you can’t go wrong choosing between Nolichucky River and French Broad River. Avoiding the hustle and bustle of California's larger cities, the best small towns in California deliver on the gleaming attributes of California without the crowds. America's Top 10 Green Cities for Nature Lovers | realtor.com® The nearby Rockies make for a world-class setting for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ice climbing. In the winter, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are one of the most popular destinations for skiers and snowshoers. “ This is such an amazing nature drive right outside of San Francisco and gives you the best views for picture taking or just enjoying the amazing overview of the city. If your answer is yes, then visiting the Yosemite National Park should be on the top of your list. Eureka is a small, centralized town located on the Pacific Ocean in Northern California. Wildlife includes moose, lynx, bear, fox, eagles and porcupines. Whether spring, summer, winter, or fall, there are plenty of activities for the nature lover in Traverse City, Michigan. Eureka, California. You can spend a day lounging on the white beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, or head inland for canoeing and kayaking down the Blackwater River, one of the purest sand bottom rivers in … Probably one of the best-known towns in Montana, Bozeman is the home of Montana State University, and all of those students didn’t choose to attend Montana for the skyscrapers and concrete! Pierre is home to Big Sioux Recreation Area, where nature lovers have access to extensive trails, kayaking and canoeing on the Big Sioux River, and camping and snowmobiling areas. Santa Cruz represents the quintessential California beach town, complete with a relaxed, laid back vibe, friendly residents, a host of outdoor recreations, and, of course, the beach. Don’t miss the Sunnyvale Bay Trail for some gorgeous views and great California weather. Bend sits at an elevation of 3,635 feet, making it just as attractive a winter destination; choose Mount Bachelor or Tumalo Mountain for skiing or snowshoeing. There are many water sports that you can do, mountaineering, bird watching and camping, among others. The Park is most known for the waterfalls, but you are going to love the meadows and valleys. Some of these towns are best-known for plentiful hunting opportunities, while others attract mountain bikers, or surfers, or serious hikers. Residents of Moab, Utah take their city’s role as a nature lover’s paradise so seriously that one of the most popular town activities is trail maintenance. Fishermen will also have a hard time choosing between James River, Big Sioux River, or the Missouri River. Kayaking, canoeing, and river running are also popular outdoor activities. Top 20 places to live for wildlife lovers. This beach here is the Huntington beach in Orange County, but most of the beaches in California will leave you breathless – especially during sunrise or sunset. With access to state and national parks, diverse landscapes, adventure activities, and a general appreciation for all things outdoors, these 50 places, broken up by region, are must-sees for anyone craving a slice of the peaceful life. While hunting is a big industry in South Dakota, and especially in Pierre, it is not the only outdoor activity for which the small town is known. ... Iceland is filled with spectacular natural attractions that make it one of the best places in the world for reconnecting with nature. Does it remind you a bit of the Tuscany fields in Italy? Bozeman is a premiere destination for nature lovers, with the additional bonus of art and culture. Walla Walla is a fun little town located on the Pacific coast of Washington state. The lake is located on the border between California and Nevada. In the stunning alpine environment of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Lake Tahoe , the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Mammoth Lakes are well-groomed trails and endless opportunities for outdoor sports. Golfing, ziplining, snorkeling, and scuba diving are other popular activities. For those who need something a little more active, Bozeman has ample opportunities for everything from hiking and camping, to mountain biking and fishing. With such a wide variety of natural landscapes in the United States, nature lovers may have a hard time deciding which area is worthy of their time. Enjoy their hard work by grabbing your mountain bike or best hiking shoes and hitting the trails. It is one of the most spectacular places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride, though those who prefer to stay closer to ground-level are sure to love kayaking down the Verde River or swimming in Oak Creek. Lake Tahoe is the typical mountain place from your dreams: it has the lake, the forest, the wildlife. This breathtaking seashore is located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County. Golfing in North Carolina? Runners and walkers often choose to run right there on the water, while kayakers and boaters enjoy the variety of inlets and bays. For a little more action, grab a canoe or kayak and head to the tranquil waters of Casco Bay, Beaver Pond, Haskell Pond, Highland Lake, or Presumpscot River Reservoir. For bigger hotels, casinos, and the more commercial ski resorts, head to South Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway! Lassen is in northern California, east of … Mountain biking, hiking, and climbing can all be achieved on Bradbury Mountain, while hiking from lighthouse to lighthouse around Cape Elizabeth makes for a truly unique experience. Boone is one of the few east coast towns with both a small population and a high elevation. Fairhope is a mere hop, skip, and jump away from Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, so boaters and water lovers have easy access to a variety of beautiful beaches. There are many animals that can be seen here and it mostly depends on the season. Nature lovers who like to hunt, fish, and hike will be hard-pressed to find a small town better than Sheridan, Wyoming. When we think of this state, we instantly think of Los Angeles or San Francisco, but the truth is this country has so much more to offer. Maine is easily one of the best states for nature lovers, and the town of Bangor has an endless list of outdoor adventure opportunities. Paia is located right on the beach, which makes it a mecca for water sports. Hikers in the Zirkel Wilderness, near Steamboat Springs, CO. With very few rainy days per year, Sedona, Arizona is a nature lover’s paradise. It is located in the northern part of the country and if you go, don’t miss taking a wine tour! Santa Cruz. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway! Snowshoe along the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes! You may have already heard of Yosemite National Park, or the Sequoia National Park, but they are just two among so many beautiful nature wonders. Ranking based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, CDC, and other data sources. Love the snow, but not a skier? The lake is located on the border between California and Nevada. 7. Interestingly, much of the beautiful community was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same designer responsible for Central Park, and therefore retains much of the historic charm one can find in the big New York City park. There are many activities to do here, such as camping, hiking, trailing and so on. If that’s not your thing, there are other activities to do such as hiking, bird or wildlife watching, rock hounding and rock scrambling. Unlike many adventure destinations in the far north, Ely’s outdoor experiences are available year round. For nature lovers, California is a place to explore the great outdoors. Nearby the beach is a popular course where golfers are sure to enjoy a few morning swings. Windsurfing off the coast of Oregon? Finally, Sedona is centrally located and an easy jaunt to Phoenix and the Grand Canyon. The Best Places to Spend the Winter Lake Tahoe is the typical mountain place from your dreams: it has the lake, the forest, the wildlife. It’s a good option to see another side of the Californian life. Sheridan is especially well-known for its hunting and wide variety of game, which includes everything from prairie grouse and antelope, to elk and mule deer, to bears and turkeys. If you like the sports, lake Tahoe can give you all the excitement – skiing, snowboarding, skating and … Like much of the northern part of the state, Eureka is a hop, skimp, and jump away from both the ocean and mountains, making it a great location for nature lovers of all persuasions. Share it with your friends, Your email address will not be published. The Saco River can’t be beat for kayaking. In fact, these species are so prevalent, natives of Rawlins can often hunt right from their back porch. World's Top 10 Travel Destinations For Nature Lovers ... with a resident population of sperm whales that live just off the coast and are often visible from shore. Another popular spot for hikers and swimmers is Echo Lake State Park. Relaxing at the beach with our favorite drink and friends can do the trick for us. Best Places to Live if You Love the Outdoors. Pinehurst is home to a world-renowned golf course, and gets plenty of attention throughout the year from the golf community. Fishing, camping, golfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and river rafting are also popular outdoor options. Sunny California, one of the most desired travel destination of so many. The small town of Woodstock, Vermont, is the favorite place of readers to live in the summer. But these thirty small towns do have one very important thing in common: they are all known for the stunning natural landscapes that make for great outdoor experiences and adventures. With its small town feel and largely unspoiled natural landscape, it’s no wonder nature lovers flock to Ely, Minnesota. Best places to live in Bangalore for nature lovers Mar 2019 Bangalore enjoys moderate climate through the whole year with distinct dry and wet seasons, thanks to … Not surprisingly, Fairbanks has a plenty of opportunity for viewing wildlife, fishing, hunting, camping, and rafting. Kincaid Park, a 1,517-acre forested park in Anchorage, features a public-use chalet along with trails for Nordic skiing, jogging, cycling and hiking, and large fields for all manner of outdoor play. Durango, Colorado offers just about anything a nature lover can ask for. One may not usually associate New Hampshire with mountain sports, but it turns out that North Conway, New Hampshire is one of the best places on the entire east coast for climbing. The path then leads you along the John Muir Trail—complete with fabulous views of Half Dome—before arriving at Glacier Point, the highest peak on the route. On this list are thirty great small towns for nature lovers. Fishermen can enjoy the same kind of variety in the Tongue River Reservoir and the multiple nearby Alpine lakes. The iconic and beautiful California is home to thriving cities, perfect for active adults who aren’t looking to slow down during retirement, and want to make the most out of their newfound freedom. The whole nature experience here will surely leave you impressed. Waimea is best known for its rodeos and horseback riding, making it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely ride through the Hawaiian landscape. Grab your bike and head to Johnny Behind the Rocks, where you can mountain bike from waterfall to waterfall and cool off in lakes. In the recovering landscape, you'll find steaming fumaroles, waterfalls, boiling mud pots and developing forests. Open any time of the day, it’s especially nice during sunrise or sunset. That’s why Curbed cast a wide net to put together our first-ever list of where you should live in the U.S in 2020. Situated at 3,332 feet above sea level, Boone is home to parks, rivers, and mountains that are sure to please any nature lover. Hike as far as the Secret-Black Stone Overlook, and the views of the small lakes and glacier-carved ridges are sure to take your breath away. Thanks to an elevation of 6,500 feet, most people head to Durango for the mountain sports, which are many and include canoeing, rafting, and kayaking through canyons; climbing the sandstone at East Animas; or biking in the tire tracks of the Mountain Bike World Championships. So, what’s so special about the Joshua tree, you may ask? Those looking to just enjoy the warm weather of the Sunshine State aren’t likely to be disappointed by Vero Beach’s many pristine, white-sand beaches. Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers. In winter, Traverse City sees its share of snow, making it a great destination for skiers of any skill level. Most of the town and the county is open access State parkland, and hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, ATV riding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, berry picking, hiking, and cross-country skiing are all popular outdoor activities for which Roseau is especially well known. Despite being home to Idaho State University, Pocatello is a small town that caters to nature lovers. One of the least touristy towns on the Hawaiian island of Maui, tiny Paia is truly a hidden gem. Me and my boyfriend (both in our early twenties) were born and raised in Texas and are ready to get out and see what else the world has to offer! We’ve looked all over the country to find the best places to access nature’s gifts in every state, from majestic mountains to noble forests to serene lakes. For a truly unique experience, choose a trail that will take you to one of the area’s many hidden waterfalls. The wild nature here will make happy any traveler who likes this type of exploring. Surfing and paddle boarding are popular, as they are all over the Hawaiian islands, but it is windsurfing that has become Paia’s signature sport. In the winter, make the short drive to Banner Elk or Blowing Rock for some of the best skiing available in the South. There are many historic dates connected to it – the oldest one is believed to be 8,400 B.C! In fact, this town of just under 3,000 people was the birthplace of snowmobiling and Polaris Industries. 50 Best Small Town Main Streets in America, 20 Most Charming Small Towns in the Rockies, 30 Amazing Underrated Historic Towns in Canada. For those not so interested in hunting, Rawlins is appealingly close to a slew of reservoirs, as well as the fishing and rafting in the North Platte River. Lassen Volcanic National Park. World class athletes, including countless Olympians, enjoy Moab regularly. Shenandoah National Park is also nearby, where you can take in some great scenery and some great hiking. In summer and other warm months, hikers can enjoy any of the numerous and diverse trails, many of which lead to stunning views of Santa Fe and the surrounding valley. Las Palmas Park is one of the best loved parks in the city. Paso Robles is north SLO county and is very famous for its wide variety of wineries, and during the summer the California Mid State Fair.” 15. 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