Embracing the beautiful Canadian winters in the Rockies, with the chilled air, snow-covered trees, and powder-filled mountains, is a rite of passage for those of us who have lived here our entire lives. The long, frosty months teach you to embrace winter with all the adventurous activities the snow has to offer, such as skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing, etc. – it truly is an adventure paradise! However, there comes a time when it is essential to replenish the vitamin D, and the allure of an adventurous escape to warmer weather becomes irresistible. Planning a sun-filled getaway to a sandy beach or a vibrant green destination becomes the beacon of hope during a long winter. It is the perfect juxtaposition – a love affair with the snowy landscape of the Canadian Rockies complemented by the desire and anticipation for a sunny place to escape the cold and thaw the soul. Let us share some of our favorite adventurous locations to escape winter!
Where is the best place for the adventurer to escape winter?
Craving a break from the ski action and yearning for the warmth of the sun on your body? It might be the perfect time to jet-set to a place where the leaves are green, the water is warm, and the days stretch longer! But, if lounging poolside or at the beach isn’t your style, and you seek a bit more activity to fill your cup, consider planning your winter escape around some adventure travel. Adventure travel spans a spectrum of thrilling experiences, from exploring untouched landscapes to engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities like surfing, mountain biking, trail running, and hiking. Whether it involves trekking through a coastal ridge, navigating a gnarly trail on a mountain bike, or catching a green wave while surfing, adventure travel is all about pushing personal boundaries and embracing the unexpected. These adventurous locations to escape winter provide the chance to swap your ski boots for a pair of hiking boots, ensuring a journey that will undoubtedly put a pep in your step!
Best adventurous locations to escape winter
Sayulita, Mexico
Sayulita is a vibrant coastal town located an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, known for its bohemian atmosphere and surf culture. The town is filled with charming local restaurants, shops, and boutique hotels. It serves as the perfect surf destination, as Sayulita’s beaches offer ideal conditions for both advanced and beginner surfers to catch waves. Sayulita stands out as the perfect adventurous location to escape winter because it provides the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities, including yoga, hiking, surfing, and much more! For stunning coastal views, be sure to include the Circuito Sayulita in your itinerary.
Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai is a stunning destination in Hawaii that offers lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and incredible coastal views. It is known for its amazing natural beauty and a diverse range of activities, from hiking the iconic Na Pali Coast and surfing perfectly formed waves to exploring the breathtaking views of Waimea Canyon. Kauai is a wonderful place to escape the colder winter months to hike, surf, and adventure – allowing you to feel the sun on your face and the sand in your toes! Be sure to grab an acai bowl at Kalalea Juice Hale!
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is a unique desert destination located in Southern Arizona, just an easy 1.5-hour drive from Phoenix. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, it offers the perfect combination of desert and mountains to satisfy your adventure spirit and provides a wide range of activities, including mountain biking, road biking, yoga, and hiking. Home to the iconic Canyon Ranch wellness resort, Tucson stands out as one of the most adventurous locations to escape winter.
Ericeira, Portugal
Ericeira, located on the western coast of Portugal, is a picturesque fishing village turned surfing mecca known for its world-class waves and laid-back atmosphere, featuring cobblestone streets and charming white-washed buildings with blue accents. This town offers amazing food, including fresh seafood, and is filled with quaint shops and lively restaurants. Nazare, renowned for its colossal waves and Big Wave surf competitions, is only a 1.5-hour drive from Ericeira and is worth the visit. Ericeira combines surf culture and stunning landscapes, making it a great destination for surfers, hikers, yogis, and all adventurers!
Big Sur, California
Big Sur, located along the rugged and picturesque coastline of western California, is known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur offers amazing coastal views, redwood forests, and incredible beaches. To access Big Sur, you’ll drive along the iconic Highway 1 that winds its way along the coastline, offering incredible views and the opportunity to soak up the beautiful scenery at the numerous pull-offs. Make it a priority to include Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and beautiful hikes like Creamery Ridge in your itinerary!
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a surf town located on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its amazing beaches, charming town, and, of course, incredible surfing. In recent years, the number of people who have come to Santa Teresa from all over the world to set up unique shops and restaurants has significantly increased. For this reason, you can find an eclectic mix of cultures but an overall laid-back vibe in Santa Teresa. This funky atmosphere, combined with the stunning natural beauty, makes it a haven for surfers, yoga enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers alike. For a beautiful accommodation that offers a magnificent view of the sunset every evening, check out Hotel Buenos Aires!
Palomino, Columbia
Clear blue waters, beautiful soft beaches, and amazing fresh fruit and veggies – what more could you want in a place like Palomino? Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, Palomino offers a great blend of relaxation and adventure. It is also the perfect starting and ending point for The Lost City Trek. Upon finishing the 5-day and 4-night trek in the jungle, be sure to cap it off with some surfing, great food, and relaxation!
Sedona, Arizona
Red rocks, incredible sunsets, and an adventurer’s paradise – Sedona, Arizona! Known for its beauty and unique desert landscape, the city attracts a range of visitors seeking outdoor adventure, spiritual exploration, and artistic inspiration. Sedona offers a variety of amazing outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, off-roading adventures, and yoga. Don’t miss out on the iconic Devil’s Bridge Trail!
Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino is a charming coastal town on Vancouver Island known for its rugged natural beauty and incredible surfing. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to adventure around lush landscapes and beautiful beaches. To offset outdoor activities, the town itself invites a leisurely pace of life with its remarkable restaurants and shops. Embark on an adventure along Radar Beach Trail, and be sure to savor a cup of Tofino Roasting Company coffee!
Adios, Chicos!
Hopefully you are able to check out some of these adventurous locations to escape winter! Let us know which destination you are most excited to visit. As always, don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures!