What are your favourite nearby outdoor activities?

[Stephanie]

Hiya everyone,

Airbnb is launching a new series of outdoor guides based on one-, two-, and three-hour drives from urban centers. We know that while travel restrictions are starting to ease up, guests aren’t quite ready to take far-flung trips and are staying closer to home. These guides are meant to inspire people to safely explore outdoor destinations with an emphasis on lesser-known spots that aren’t impacted by large crowds.

We’re hoping to create these guides based on recommendations from local hosts in the area, which is where you lovely hosts come in!

We’ve really been enjoying your local stories of adventure and discovery from Canada to Greece, Seville to Polynesia! All of your wonderful experiences and expertise can really help us shape these guides, which will hopefully encourage people to start taking nearby trips and will help to drive bookings.

We are starting with top-booked cities in the US but we may expand this series globally in the near future.

What are some of your favourite lesser-known outdoor destinations or activities within three hours of the following US cities:

We’re excited to see a whole breadth of activities like hiking trails, swimming spots, or secret landmarks that you can appreciate from your car. We’re so excited to share your stories in these guides!

Looking forward to your hidden gems,

Stephanie

[Stephanie]

Not familiar with one of the listed locations?

As mentioned, we want to roll this out globally so please do share any of your great outdoor recommendations from near and far! We always love hearing about them (with an envious read, mind you!)

Thanks,

Stephanie

[Helen427]

@Stephanie 

What are your favourite places to travel to in the same distances in England?

You will have hidden treasures to look forward to with "Peter" as he develops over his lifetime...

[Katie]

Hey @Helen427,

Stephanie is now off on mat leave, but I'll step in for her on that question: being based in London, we have lots of lovely destinations just a short journey away. 

Brighton has long been a favoured destination for day trips and weekends, with the iconic pier and beach, the pavilions, and the quirky feel (I grew up very close to Brighton, so I'm biased on this recommendation!). 

I've also heard good things about the Cotswolds, which are just a few hours from us, and the Surrey Hills for a bit of the great outdoors 😊

Where is good to visit near Auckland? 

[Zana233]

@Stephanie @Airbnb For Orange County and Los Angeles travelers who love the outdoors or looking for a nice safe family spot they may consider checking out Yorba Linda Regional Park. The park itself has many great activities, but there is a secret trail that runs through the county all the way to the beaches. You can rent bikes and adventure. While your in the area, you can also visit the Richard Nixon Presidential Library (a landmark).

Also kept us posted when this topic goes global. Many recommendations to follow. Thanks and enjoy!

[Christine615]

Sent a private message but here are things close to Kansas City:

Favorite outdoor activities within 3 hours of Kansas City. There's probably a lot more, but this is a good start for outdoor stuff.

"Voyage" Walking Tour (Scale model of solar system laid out downtown KC: http://voyagesolarsystem.org/community-network/kansas-city-kansas-voyage-mark-i/

Kansas City Zoo: https://www.kansascityzoo.org/

Shatto Milk Farm Tours: http://shattomilk.com/events-tours/

Deanna Rose Farm: https://artsandrec-op.org/farmstead/

Kauffman Gardens (Free) https://www.kauffman.org/our-campus/memorial-garden/

Powell Gardens: https://powellgardens.org/

Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical gardens: https://www.opkansas.org/recreation-fun/arboretum-botanical-gardens/

Henry Wiggins Trolley Track trail (good for biking or walking): https://ridekc.org/rider-guide/trolley-track-trail

Historic Katy Trail (Can ride a bike from KC to St. Louis now): https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

Jacob Loose Park: https://kcparks.org/places/loose-park/

Cave Tours: https://mostateparks.com/activity/cave-tours

Worlds of Fun (Amusement Park), Oceans of Fun (Water Park): https://www.worldsoffun.com/play/oceans-of-fun

[Katie]

I love the look of the two farms @Christine615 - such a great activity! 

I also love a botanical garden - have you been to Overland Park ones? I went to the one in Oxford here in the UK last summer (pics below!) and it was beautiful 🌺