San Luis Obispo County, California

San Luis Obispo County (fondly known as “SLO CAL”) lies mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California’s Central Coast. Boasting 315 days of sunshine and 80 miles of exquisite coastline, it’s no surprise the area is widely considered among the happiest places on the planet. It’s also home to a treasure trove of adrenaline-fueled adventures, like paragliding along the coast and darting across wind-swept natural sand dunes in a dune buggy at Oceano Dunes, the only California State Park that allows off-roading on the beach.

Navigating arches, grottoes, sea kelp and rock gardens – trusty paddle in hand – in a colorful kayak en route to Dinosaur Caves at Shell Beach is another favorite among teens. Stay at the new Kinney SLO, which offers loads of fun family games, like Skee-ball and shuffleboard, as well as life-sized Scrabble and Lite Brite.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Known for its rich Native American culture and Southwest-themed arts scene, Santa Fe is also a first-rate destination for thrill-seeking teens. Santa Fe Mountain Adventures offers active adventures across Northern New Mexico, like mountain biking along rugged dirt trails and high elevation mountain hikes. Experience an exhilarating off-road “Pinzie” tour to craggy Diablo Canyon in a 4×4 all-terrain military vehicle. This three-hour ride wins over teens with a striking gorge just right for hiking and rock scrambling.

Stay at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado. Its dedicated Adventure Center organizes guided hiking and biking tours in the scrubby high desert, as well as vibrant art tours along Canyon Road in historic Santa Fe.

Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach – indeed, much of coastal Florida – may conjure images of sun-soaked afternoons spent lounging while teens catch waves on boogie boards, but there’s so much more. PCB’s 27 miles of white sand beaches and emerald-green waters were made for seaside adventures. Feel the rush as you parasail high above the Gulf of Mexico with Adventures at Sea. Experience the breathtaking views of the coast from up to 1,200 feet above the water.

For more sky-high views, take a seat in a helicopter with Panhandle Helicopter for a 28-mile open-air flight over Grand Lagoon and St. Andrews State Park en route to stunning Shell Island. Rent a jet ski from Bay Point Water Sports and venture around Shell Island and St. Andrews Bay while keeping an eye out for dolphins in the crystal-clear waters. The new SpringHill Suites by Marriott features convenient beach access and a lazy river pool.

Family Cycling Vacation

Cycling is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors and explore new destinations as a family. Plan out an itinerary on your own, or better yet, tap an outfitter that offers carefully curated cycling vacations tailor-made for families. Trek Travel provides a six-day guided bike tour of Vermont, from the Champlain Valley to the Green Mountains, which includes cycling up to 32 miles per day, along with swimming and ice cream sampling at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury.

Some tour operators, like VBT Bicycling Vacations, make electric pedal-assist bikes (e-bikes) available to riders, making climbing elevations more comfortable. Popular six-day guided trips take teens and families across Maine, Mississippi, Florida, and Massachusetts. All trips include vehicle support for riders and overnight stays in historic inns and boutique properties.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

For an action-packed winter adventure that your teens won’t soon forget, look to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Here, you’ll face exhilarating choices such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, or riding a fat bike across snow-covered trails. In Marquette County, over 60 miles of snow-packed trails await eager fat bikers, while the state boasts more than 6,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Kids as young as 10 can drive their own snowmobiles through the powdery paths.

Visit in mid-February for the UP200, a 230-mile sled dog race that captivates spectators. Teens can even drive their own team of dogs across 10 or 20 miles of snow-laden trails at Nature’s Kennel in McMillan, enhancing the fun with an overnight adventure that includes a stay in a yurt, a snowshoe hike, and two dog sled treks.

Southern Utah

Southern Utah is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its magnificent state and national parks, like Kodachrome Basin State Park and Zion National Park. Visit during the shoulder season to enjoy the parks without the summer crowds, allowing your family ample space to explore. Check out underrated state parks, such as Snow Canyon State Park. Set in the high desert of Ivins, this stunning park dazzles with its towering sandstone cliffs and remarkable red rocks.

Kayak in sparkling turquoise waters of the reservoir at Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane or ride ATVs across 6,000 acres of vibrant red sand dunes. Rent four-wheelers, including ATVs and UTVs, at The Beach at Sand Hollow. In Kanab, slow down and enjoy caring for homeless animals at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. You’ll earn serious cool points with your teens when you roll up to your stay at an Airstream trailer at Shooting Star RV Resort in Escalante.

Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s so much more to Las Vegas than casinos and shows. Here, you’ll find varied extreme adventures, including ziplines, rugged hikes, and indoor skydiving. In Downtown Las Vegas (Old Vegas), fly Superman-style at speeds up to 40 miles per hour across five blocks of Fremont Street with SlotZilla. It’s an exhilarating way to take in the sights below while racing through the air.

On The Strip, one of the most thrilling attractions you’ll find – possibly anywhere – is the SkyJump, an open-air leap from 85 stories above Las Vegas Blvd. For a refreshing escape, consider visiting nearby Red Rock Canyon. The 4.6-mile Turtlehead Peak Trail may be strenuous, but the breathtaking summit views make it worthwhile. Enjoy cooling off in the private lagoon or take a stand-up paddleboard out on the lake at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.

Active Multi-Sport Adventure

For active adventures encompassing a mix of activities such as hiking, biking, paddling, and cruising, explore well-rated outdoor outfitters, like Backroads or REI Adventures. Both offer thoughtful multi-sport adventure itineraries. REI Adventures, for instance, provides family-centric adventures like an action-packed three-day hiking and camping weekend at Zion National Park. Your teens will marvel at the grandeur of this national park, featuring its ’gram-worthy red sandstone canyons, soaring peaks, and thrilling hiking trails, including Angels Landing and The Narrows.

For an extra dose of excitement – and s’mores-making after dark – consider a five-day family adventure on Washington’s San Juan Islands. This spectacular trip offers scenic hikes and bike rides across gently rolling hills. On the water, enjoy whale watching and an overnight kayak trip to Jones Island State Park. An educational element can be added to your teen’s adventure with a visit to a marine biology research lab.