It’s best to visit the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve during the blooming season, which varies, but generally it starts in February and lasts until May. Here are 16 of the best places to live for nature and adventure and an example of a flexible job hiring now: (Click on a state below to view more jobs in that area. In the stunning alpine environment of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at Lake Tahoe , the Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and Mammoth Lakes are well-groomed trails and endless opportunities for outdoor sports. Located in Mojave Desert Grassland habitat, this colorful park full of poppies and other wildflowers is the perfect way to enjoy far from the city crowds. The beaches, the flowers, the calmness of the whole place. Mount Lassen is an active volcano, which last erupted in 1915. ... California the best city in the U.S. for surfers, ... the state has long been one of the best for nature-lovers and outdoorsy types. The park brings together both California and Nevada and before visiting it, know that because of the extremely hot weather many activities are not recommended. Housing and rent prices throughout California are some the highest in the nation. In the winter, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are one of the most popular destinations for skiers and snowshoers. We’ve looked all over the country to find the best places to access nature’s gifts in every state, from majestic mountains to noble forests to serene lakes. For something a little dryer, head to any of the nearby forest areas for a hike or bike amongst California’s famous redwood trees. From helpful and relevant gear shops to fine dining to casual pubs, Truckee is one of the best mountain towns this side of the Rockies. Needless to say, winter activities in tiny Roseau are hard to beat (the town is also one of the most actively involved hockey towns in the country). Finally, one can’t leave Eureka without a walk to see some of the beautiful Victorian architecture for which the town is known. Charlottesville, Virginia One of 2015’s 10 Best Places to Retire, Charlottesville is home to a plethora of historical sites, including the homes of Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. This breathtaking seashore is located on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County. For those not so interested in hunting, Rawlins is appealingly close to a slew of reservoirs, as well as the fishing and rafting in the North Platte River. ... Iceland is filled with spectacular natural attractions that make it one of the best places in the world for reconnecting with nature. Thanks to an elevation of 6,500 feet, most people head to Durango for the mountain sports, which are many and include canoeing, rafting, and kayaking through canyons; climbing the sandstone at East Animas; or biking in the tire tracks of the Mountain Bike World Championships. Lassen Volcanic National Park. Billings, Montana. Nearby the beach is a popular course where golfers are sure to enjoy a few morning swings. Like what you see? Let’s not forget that one of the things California is famous for are exactly the beaches! Mount Shasta : More and more visitors flock to Mount Shasta each year to summit it’s peak, fish in the McCloud and Sacramento Rivers, and soak in the mountain scenery, yet this community still manages to hold onto it’s small town, NorCal character. Santa Cruz. Nestled among the mountains, you’ll find plenty of ski runs (the town hosted three venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics) and hiking and mountain bike trails, plus nearby lakes and rivers for water sports and nearly 40 parks in the area. Those looking for a relaxing hike will love the 6,000-acre Weeks Bay Nature Preserve, where beautiful nature is complemented by ecosystem educational programs and a variety of wildlife that includes snakes, birds, turtles, and amphibians. Despite being home to Idaho State University, Pocatello is a small town that caters to nature lovers. Does it remind you a bit of the Tuscany fields in Italy? The 10 Best Places to Retire in California The Golden State has something for everyone, including retirees. Enjoy their hard work by grabbing your mountain bike or best hiking shoes and hitting the trails. Years ago they were used by the Indians for different purposes, such as using the trees’ leaves for making baskets or sandals. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway! The iconic and beautiful California is home to thriving cities, perfect for active adults who aren’t looking to slow down during retirement, and want to make the most out of their newfound freedom. When we think of this state, we instantly think of Los Angeles or San Francisco, but the truth is this country has so much more to offer. Millions of acres of public lands surround Moab, including Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Summertime is the perfect time to explore Superior National Forest by mountain biking or hiking. Finally, Traverse City is the perfect place to relax with a day of wine tasting in the up-and-coming wine region. The lake is located on the border between California and Nevada. In the winter, make the short drive to Banner Elk or Blowing Rock for some of the best skiing available in the South. Most of the visitors come to ride motorcycles or ATV’s. Cheapest cities for nature lovers in the USA? For those who need something a little more active, Bozeman has ample opportunities for everything from hiking and camping, to mountain biking and fishing. Nestled into the pine barrens of North Carolina, the aptly named Pinehurst is a beautiful planned resort community that is sure to appeal to those who like sophisticated, resort-like outdoor activities, particularly golf. For a truly unique experience, choose a trail that will take you to one of the area’s many hidden waterfalls. Area type classifications are based on populations and proximity to major city centers. Based on cost of living factors for an area including housing costs, tax rates, and cost of essentials like food and fuel. But many people make the trek to Alaska for the more unique activities. Make the most of the incredible landscapes with adventures like skydiving, rock climbing on the pink granite cliffs of Acadia, or surfing at sandy beaches. Oh, and did you know there are ghost towns? In the winter, a myriad of local slopes are great for skiing, and conveniently vary in difficulty to accommodate skiers of all skill levels. Sedona is surrounded by its characteristic red rocks, making it an obvious choice for prime hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and mountain climbing. Most notably, Bangor offers easy access to Acadia National Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the nation. In other words, you can live/work there year round, and even in the “off-season” it’s still cool. Mount Shasta has it all – if you are dreaming about a winter getaway, don’t hesitate to choose it as your destination. This beach here is the Huntington beach in Orange County, but most of the beaches in California will leave you breathless – especially during sunrise or sunset. Click on a job title to see more details about that opportunity.) It is one of the few places in the U.S. where elk, antelope, and mule deer roam together. For those who aren’t quite ready to hit the books, Lander is a popular destination for summer time mountain sports. Fishermen will also have a hard time choosing between James River, Big Sioux River, or the Missouri River. If you like your vacations more relaxing, there’s always some spa to help you relax! Carbondale is a skier’s mecca in the winter and a hiker’s paradise in the summer months, but there is certainly more to Carbondale than those two activities. Best Places to Live in Utah Salt Lake City, Ogden, St. … Wildlife includes moose, lynx, bear, fox, eagles and porcupines. Go straight to the water if you’re a pro, or link up with any of the many surfing instructors in the area in order to take full advantage of Hood River’s reputation. For more than a hundred years, nature lovers having been heading up to Alaska in search of once-in-a-lifetime adventures and truly untouched nature. Runners and walkers often choose to run right there on the water, while kayakers and boaters enjoy the variety of inlets and bays. Relaxing at the beach with our favorite drink and friends can do the trick for us. Those with diving certificates can even dive underwater for a unique glimpse of those famous Maine lobsters! If you like the sports, lake Tahoe can give you all the excitement – skiing, snowboarding, skating and … For canoeing and rafting, you can’t go wrong choosing between Nolichucky River and French Broad River. The area offers a cool summer climate, seemingly endless network of trails, the famous Green Mountain Horse Association facilities, and a wonderful equestrian community. Lake Tahoe is the typical mountain place from your dreams: it has the lake, the forest, the wildlife. When a town’s main industry is its outdoor tourism, as is the case with Carbondale, Colorado, you know it’s a great place for nature lovers. Durango, Colorado offers just about anything a nature lover can ask for. America's Top 10 Green Cities for Nature Lovers | realtor.com® Though the Pacific tends to be a bit chilly near Eureka, surfing and boating are both popular water sports. Sunny California, one of the most desired travel destination of so many. It offers you beautiful nature, such as lavender fields, plants, wildlife, and it’s also good for family vacations. Some of these towns are best-known for plentiful hunting opportunities, while others attract mountain bikers, or surfers, or serious hikers. In Pocatello itself, Caribou National Forest is a top spot for deer and elk hunting, while a myriad of reservoirs — including American Falls, Devils Creek, Soda Springs, Glendale, and Chesterfield — are popular choices for hikers, boaters, and fishermen in the warmer months, and ice fishermen in the winter. Most of the town and the county is open access State parkland, and hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, ATV riding, horseback riding, snowmobiling, berry picking, hiking, and cross-country skiing are all popular outdoor activities for which Roseau is especially well known. Fishing, camping, golfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and river rafting are also popular outdoor options. Snowshoe along the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes! Head to Pisgah National Forest for mountain biking, rock climbing, and hiking. Another popular spot for hikers and swimmers is Echo Lake State Park. Looking for the best of both worlds? Outdoor lovers in the Columbus metro who don’t want to live in downtown can head just north to suburban Delaware County, where two-story homes range from $199,000 to above $400,000. For bigger hotels, casinos, and the more commercial ski resorts, head to South Lake Tahoe, on the Nevada side. This hike begins on the Mist Trail, a popular route that takes you through the spray of Vernal and Nevada Falls. Every city has a different balance: some lean overwhelmingly urban, while nature creeps right into downtown in others. Nature lovers who like to hunt, fish, and hike will be hard-pressed to find a small town better than Sheridan, Wyoming. Mountain biking, hiking, and climbing can all be achieved on Bradbury Mountain, while hiking from lighthouse to lighthouse around Cape Elizabeth makes for a truly unique experience. Finally, Walla Walla has one of the most pedestrian-friendly downtowns in the nation, making it a great place to explore on foot. The wine produced there is considered as one of the best in the world. The nearby Rockies make for a world-class setting for hiking, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and ice climbing. If you have a chance to visit Napa Valley, don’t hesitate to do so. In the fall, any visitor to Pierre, South Dakota will have a hard time walking into any hotel, restaurant, or shop that doesn’t have a “Welcome Hunters” sign fixed to its window. 50 Best Small Town Main Streets in America, 20 Most Charming Small Towns in the Rockies, 30 Amazing Underrated Historic Towns in Canada. The only thing you have to pay for is the parking and a tour. Open any time of the day, it’s especially nice during sunrise or sunset. World's Top 10 Travel Destinations For Nature Lovers ... with a resident population of sperm whales that live just off the coast and are often visible from shore. Eureka, California. With Mount Hood, Mirror Lake, and the Columbia River Gorge all nearby, Hood River offers plenty of other activities for nature lovers, including hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, and just about anything else that tickles your nature loving fancy. Not surprisingly, Fairbanks has a plenty of opportunity for viewing wildlife, fishing, hunting, camping, and rafting. In warmer weather, enjoy the plentiful opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, playing on the Dunes, and swimming in the lake. For a little more action, grab a canoe or kayak and head to the tranquil waters of Casco Bay, Beaver Pond, Haskell Pond, Highland Lake, or Presumpscot River Reservoir. In fact, this town of just under 3,000 people was the birthplace of snowmobiling and Polaris Industries. I know this has probably been asked a million times, but I'm desperate to move as soon as possible from my hometown of 27 years - good ol' Austin, TX. It’s not the typical nature you are used to see, but it has a very unique beauty that you might be fascinated by. If your answer is yes, then visiting the Yosemite National Park should be on the top of your list. Despite its popularity, Carbondale retains a small-town, intimate feel, making it the perfect location for a nature lover to spend some relaxing time outdoors. Don’t miss the Sunnyvale Bay Trail for some gorgeous views and great California weather. Shenandoah National Park is also nearby, where you can take in some great scenery and some great hiking. The outdoor objectives that make the place so rad must be part of the immediate surroundings. 7. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway! This lush wilderness has something to offer nature lovers in any season. The town is also surrounded by mountains, rivers, and hiking and biking trails, so an exciting trip outdoors is always beckoning in Walla Walla. 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