Affordable End of Summer Adventures

The warm and sunny days of summer are quickly passing us by, but there’s still time to squeeze in an adventure or two before the cooler temperatures arrive! Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank:

Go River Tubing
Once you’ve found the right “put in” and “take out” spots, all you’ll need to enjoy this relaxing summer activity is a few inner tubes, two cars, and two drivers (one to park at the starting point, the other to park at the end and bring you back). Find a great river near you for floating!

Break out your Bike
Search for a mountain biking trail near you for a challenging bike trail ride or check to see if your town has a bicycle sharing system, like Nashville’s BCycle, for a more leisurely experience.

Take a Dip in the Fountain of Youth
While it hasn’t been verified that the natural springs at Ponce de Leon Springs State Park in Florida hold the mythical key to everlasting youth, it’s worth testing the waters. What could be more refreshing than a spring water swim in the shade of the pines?

Take a Hike
Some of the most beautiful sights around us are only a hike away, like the breathtaking waterfalls at McKinney Falls State Park in Texas and Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. Virginia’s Grayson Highlands State Park is home to a herd of wild ponies, a beautiful sight of a different kind that you can hike to see. There are hiking trails all over the country for every level of hiking expertise. Check out the National Park Service’s Places to Go tool for more park adventure destinations!

Drive Somewhere Beautiful
You can even enjoy a good view from the comfort of your car. Try taking a scenic drive or visiting somewhere on this list that includes the Blue Ridge Parkway.

TIP: Before you embark on your end of summer adventures, read our post “The 10 Best Road Trip Apps to Help You Enjoy Your Next Getaway.” You might be able to save even more money on these already affordable trips.