Ski Aspen Highlands in Colorado
This mountain is your ticket — lift ticket, actually — to arguably the most thrilling ski runs in the Rockies (looking at you, Steeplechase and Olympic Bowl). Plus, the summit offers solid views of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak.
Stroll and the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
Start off with drinks on the deck at the Hotel Erwin (which overlooks Venice Beach), then walk the boardwalk, pick out your favorite street performers, tour the canals, and do any of these fun things. From there, make the walk to Santa Monica and ride the Ferris wheel at sunset — the views are killer.
Drive into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater
No, you can’t see an actual concert there, but still. The natural rock formation is one of world’s most amazing sights. And if you don’t feel like driving Highway 63 in, you can ride a horse instead.
Hang out on Cannon Beach
Sadly, the home of the Goonies has been shut down by the home’s actual owner, but you can still eat razor clams and Dungeness at Buoy’s, then head south to the Pelican Pub in Seaside yelling, “Heeeyyy you guysssss!” Although before you skip out, Cannon is one of the best small beach towns on the entire Pacific coast and well worth a little time. Don’t miss the distillery.
Take a wine tour in Santa Barbara
Nab a bike on a guided tour and cruise through the canyons; put your kickstand down to taste wine and olive oil. Or, take a guided picnic tour and get bussed around to four different wineries. Either way… heaven is real, guys.
Hike through Glacier National Park in Montana
And take a ton of #nofilter Instagrams. This is by far one of America’s most spectacular national parks, so drive up through the 6,646ft Logan Pass at the top of Going-to-the-Sun Rd to hike the Highline Trail. When you’re done appreciating the glaciers, either pass out in your own damn caboose in the middle of the wilderness at the train-themed Izaak Walton Inn in Essex or head over to Whitefish, one of the coolest little towns in Big Sky country.
Take a surf lesson in San Diego
Sign up for surf school in Mission Beach, or if you’re feeling fancy, nab a private one-on-one in Del Mar. Either way, celebrate that two seconds of standing by downing cheap drinks at the Beachcomber. Or maybe with dinner at Draft.
Stand in Arch Rock in Joshua Tree
But before you take the money shot, walk the half-mile loop on the Arch Rock Nature Trail and appreciate all the other rock formations.
Watch the fish fly at Pike Place Market
Sure, this market where dudes literally throw fish around is a tourist attraction, but it’s one you can’t leave Seattle without visiting. Although on the way out, you should leave your “mark” on the gum wall in Post Alley.
Get lost in Redwood National Park
Warning: if you don’t post a picture on social media of you hugging a giant sequoia tree, it didn’t happen.