Best Summer Ever Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/best-summer-ever/ Live Bravely Tue, 17 May 2022 13:43:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cdn.outsideonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/favicon-194x194-1.png Best Summer Ever Archives - 国产吃瓜黑料 Online /tag/best-summer-ever/ 32 32 The Never-Ending Summer Camp Story /collection/never-ending-summer-camp/ Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000 /collection/never-ending-summer-camp/ The Never-Ending Summer Camp Story

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The Never-Ending Summer Camp Story

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The Best Grills of Summer 2018 /food/best-charcoal-gas-grills/ Thu, 09 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/best-charcoal-gas-grills/ The Best Grills of Summer 2018

Here are six new barbecues.

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The Best Grills of Summer 2018

Barbecues are getting smarter, faster, and more portable. Here are six tested favorites.聽

Char-Broil SmartChef Gas听($600)

(Courtesy Char-Broil)

The Internet of Things now includes your barbecue. pairs with an app that lets you adjust the temperature via Wi-Fi. The Tru-Infrared system鈥攁 steel plate between the cooking surface and the heat source that distributes power evenly鈥攇ot the grill hot in about eight minutes. Note: must be plugged in.


Big Green Egg MiniMax听($599)

(Courtesy Big Green Egg)

There鈥檚 a reason the charcoal-fired has a cult following: it can smoke, grill, roast, and bake. We love that it infuses whatever it鈥檚 cooking with a rich hit of smoke. Dialing in the vent system, which controls temperature, does take some effort. But once you master it, you鈥檒l be hooked on the Egg.


UCO Flatpack听($50)

(Courtesy UCO)

Folding up to just 1.5 inches thick, slips into even the most overstuffed packs. It deploys in a single motion (think camp chair) and cooks with charcoal or wood. The grilling surface fits a couple of steaks, and while they鈥檒l take longer to cook than with gas, the end result has smoky goodness that only flames can provide.


Coleman RoadTrip X-Cursion聽Propane听($219)

(Courtesy Coleman)

When you want to spend more time playing cornhole and less time baby-sitting your burner, is the way to go. It鈥檚 powerful and even-heated enough to cook five generous burgers or a mess of brats with minimal tending. The lid has low clearance, so if you鈥檙e grilling anything huge, you鈥檒l have to leave it up.


Primus Kuchoma听($180)

(Courtesy Primus)

Small but mighty, the nine-pound cranks out an impressive 8,500 BTUs when equipped with a propane canister. My test grill easily charred four turkey burgers in about ten minutes and still had plenty of fuel left for bacon the following morning. With its matte black finish and oak handle, the Kuchoma is also the best-looking cooker here.


PK Grills PKTX聽($399)

(Courtesy PK Grills)

Made of rustproof and virtually unbreakable cast aluminum, the will probably outlive you. While it鈥檚 not the most travel-friendly model we tested, the collapsible base means it鈥檚 as happy on uneven dirt as on your deck. It takes some fiddling to get the vents positioned just right, but once we did, the PKTX seared four big pork chops with ease.

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The Best Women’s Surfing Gear /outdoor-gear/water-sports-gear/best-women-surfing-gear/ Thu, 02 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/best-women-surfing-gear/ The Best Women's Surfing Gear

8 tried and true products that will help you catch waves this summer.

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The Best Women's Surfing Gear

Ashley Lloyd Surfboards Gordon鈥檚 Egg ($950)

As one of the few top-level female shapers in the world, Ashley Lloyd Thompson designed to perform in anything from waist-high to overhead waves.


Nomadix Mud Cloth Towel ($40)

(Courtesy Nomadix)

The superabsorbent, slip-resistant fabric comes from recycled plastic. doubles as a yoga mat and folds up to the size of a tablet.


Coola Mineral Sport SPF 50 Tinted Organic Sunscreen Stick ($26)

(Courtesy Coola)

This is . Made from natural ingredients (like coconut and avocado oils), it won鈥檛 leave you streaky white.


Picture Grace 2.2 Wetsuit听($160)

(Courtesy Picture Grace)

Crafted from recycled tires, limestone pellets, and polyester, is an amazingly soft and stretchy summerweight suit. It gets extra points for the flattering cut.


Goldenwest Goods Shibori Indigo Board Bag听($170)

(Courtesy Goldenwest Goods)

Handmade and dyed in California, protects your board where it鈥檚 most threatened: on the way to and from the beach.


Reef Escape Lux Print Sandals听($28)

(Courtesy Reef)

These ain鈥檛 your average flip-flops. The provide cushioning and arch support, while the oval-shaped toe posts offer comfort without chafing.


Dakine Cyclone 27L听罢ote Pack听($110)

This shoulder-carry has an exterior sealed compartment, should you need to separate soggy wetsuits from phone and wallet. And it converts to a pack if you prefer.


Patagonia Nanogrip Nireta听罢op and Bottom聽($70 and $75)

(Courtesy Patagonia)

Pairing cheeky bottoms with a racerback top, this suit鈥檚 durable recycled nylon-spandex jersey stays in place and feels great in and out of the water.

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10 Products That Will Turn You Into a Grill Master /food/best-grilling-products/ Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/best-grilling-products/ 10 Products That Will Turn You Into a Grill Master

You can get by with a kitchen spatula and seasoning salt. Or you can run a better barbecue.

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10 Products That Will Turn You Into a Grill Master

Wildwood Grill Master Collection Planks and Smoking Chips听($25)

(Courtesy Wildwood Grilling)

Different woods鈥攍ike the hickory, cherry, maple, cedar, and alder in 鈥攂ring out different flavors.


Field Company #10 Field Skillet ($135)

(Courtesy The Field Company)

A cast-iron skillet is a great way to diversify your grilling game, from cheesy corn bakes to pizzas. is a preseasoned 11.5-inch pan that鈥檒l last a lifetime and develop a nonstick patina the more you use it. Thanks to thinner construction, it鈥檚 smoother (so more delicate meals don鈥檛 break apart) and 25 percent lighter than comparable pieces.


Weber iGrill2聽Smart Thermometer听($110)

(Courtesy Weber)

The lets you monitor your meal with your phone while grabbing more beers and guac. You鈥檒l get a ping when you鈥檝e hit that perfect medium rare.


The UCO Flatpack聽Grill ($50)

(Courtesy UCO)

Folding up to just 1.5 inches thick, this slips into even the most overstuffed packs. It deploys in a single motion (think camp chair) and cooks with charcoal or wood. The grilling surface fits a couple of steaks, and while they鈥檒l take longer to cook than with gas, the end result has a聽smoky goodness that only flames can provide. 鈥擜.C. Shilton


Moore and Giles Capps Leather Work Apron听($375)

(Courtesy Moore and Giles)

Grilling is a messy job if you鈥檙e doing it right. has two front pockets big enough to fit at least four utensils. Plus, the full-grain aniline leather looks better with use.


Growlerwerks uKeg 64 Pressurized Growler听($159)

(Courtesy GrowlerWerks)

Think of the uKeg as . Instead of a screw cap that lets all the carbonation escape, there鈥檚 a tap handle for pulling frothy pints. The pressurized unit keeps half a gallon (four pints) of beer cold for up to two weeks.


'Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto'听($30)

(Courtesy Ten Speed Press)

Elevate your 鈥檆ue with lessons from a true master. , written by the founder of the titular Austin, Texas, BBQ joint, details recipes, smoker construction, and wood selection.


Grill Armor Gloves听($30)

(Courtesy Grill Armor Gloves)

Toss your clumsy old oven mitts. are made with a blend of extremely strong, fire-resistant fibers, so they won鈥檛 ignite or melt when exposed to an open flame鈥攖hey鈥檙e rated to withstand temperatures up to 932 degrees.


Cuisinart 14-Piece Deluxe Grill Set听($40)

(Courtesy Cuisinart)

Barbecue chefs are only as good as their tools. includes a spatula (with a built-in bottle opener), tongs, basting brush, grill–cleaning brush, and eight corn holders. All 14 pieces are made with stainless steel, so you know they鈥檒l last.


Treehouse Brewing Company Haze Double IPA聽($4.30)

(Courtesy Tree House Brewing Comp)

This Massachusetts brewery is a household name among beer geeks, and Haze is . Tropical and citrusy without too much bitterness, it pairs well with bold, savory flavors from the grill.

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The Best Sun Hats for Summer /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/sun-hats-best-summer/ Fri, 22 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/sun-hats-best-summer/ The Best Sun Hats for Summer

We've gathered some of the best-looking and highest-rated beach hats on the internet into a single list to help keep you protected from the sun this summer.

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The Best Sun Hats for Summer

A proper sun hat should protect your face, eyes, and neck without making you look like you鈥檙e an avid birder on a safari. We鈥檝e gathered some of the best-looking and highest-rated beach hats on the internet into a single list to help keep you protected from the sun this summer. Happy beachgoing!

Dakine Indo Surf Hat ($35)

(Courtesy Dakine)

I鈥檝e lost so many baseball caps to embarrassing wipeouts. fixes that problem with a poly fabric that floats and an optional chin strap that keeps the hat tight on your lid. There鈥檚 even a deployable neck cover if you want extra coverage.


Pistil Suzette ($42)

(Courtesy Pistil)

A wide brim obviously offers more coverage and is absolutely appropriate at the Kentucky Derby, but sometimes the occasion calls for a more stylish fedora. is a 100-percent straw hat that鈥檚 super low-key for when you want some sun protection without looking like a Southern debutante. We dig the soft interior headband that eliminates any straw scratchiness.


Patagonia Wavefarer Bucket Hat ($39)

(Courtesy Patagonia)

has that classic 鈥60s surf-film aesthetic but adds some handy elements like a UPF 50+ rating and a foam brim that provides a bit of structure while helping the hat float if something goes awry. You can also roll it up and pack it away without doing any structural damage, making it a must-have for any beach bag.


O鈥橬eill Sonoma ($20)

(Courtesy O'Neill)

Get full coverage and a fun 鈥渨here鈥檚 the party鈥 vibe with . It鈥檚 made from 100-percent sea straw and has a soft inner brim and headband, as well as a drawcord that locks down in case of heavy winds.


Prana Dora Hat ($42)

(Courtesy Prana)

gives you full coverage from the sun in a surprisingly chic package that folds up so you can pack it in a beach bag. The five-inch brim goes all the way around, is made from 100 percent straw, and has a UPF 50 rating.

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The Best Budget Tank Tops for Men /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/best-budget-tank-tops-men/ Tue, 19 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/best-budget-tank-tops-men/ The Best Budget Tank Tops for Men

We found five must-have tank tops that the internet absolutely loves, and they're all under $50.

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The Best Budget Tank Tops for Men

The tank top should be a staple of your summer wardrobe, whether you鈥檙e day drinking by the pool or knocking out an intense cardio session. We found five must-have tank tops that the internet absolutely loves, and they鈥檙e all under $50.

Vuori Strato Tank ($40)

(Courtesy Vuori)

Yoga, trail running, farmer鈥檚 market鈥 is a technical tank built to move, thanks to its poly/spandex blend that creates a moisture-wicking, odor-fighting workout staple. But it鈥檚 so damn soft that you鈥檒l want to wear it every day.


La Sportiva Dude ($30)

(Courtesy La Sportiva)

Coming from a brand like La Sportiva, which has technical chops to spare, you鈥檇 think this piece would be built for high-octane pursuits, but this is all about next-to-skin comfort. The Dude abides.


The North Face Flight Better Than Naked ($45)

(Courtesy The North Face)

Consider this your . The 100 percent poly knit incorporates TNF鈥檚 FlashDry tech to wick and dry fast and has an antimicrobial treatment to battle funk. When you鈥檙e training hard and want people to know you haven鈥檛 been skipping arm day, this is your choice.


Stoic Aloha ($18)

(Courtesy Stoic)

Island vibes. That鈥檚 what this brings to the party. You won鈥檛 want to run a marathon in it, but relaxing poolside is totally within its confines.


Under Armour Threadborne Swyft Singlet ($40)

(Courtesy Under Armour)

is as close as you can get to going shirtless while still adhering to social norms, thanks to the mesh side and back panels and super-light poly construction. The fit is tight enough to feel like a performance shirt without getting weird.

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The 6 Best Men’s Shorts for Summer /outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/6-pairs-shorts-help-you-win-summer/ Mon, 11 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/6-pairs-shorts-help-you-win-summer/ The 6 Best Men's Shorts for Summer

Over the years as an 国产吃瓜黑料 editor and now a contributor, I've tested many different shorts. Here are six of my favorite pairs.

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The 6 Best Men's Shorts for Summer

I call Albuquerque, New Mexico, home. This Southwestern city sits at 5,300 feet, meaning that while temps don鈥檛 get as hot as in, say, Phoenix, the sun beats down with extra intensity due to the higher elevation. I have to wear pants to work, but the minute I get home and during all my weekend adventures, I鈥檓 in shorts. Over the years as an 国产吃瓜黑料 editor and now as a contributor, I鈥檝e tested many different pairs. What follows are six of my favorites.

Proof Nomad ($68)

(Jakob Schiller)

If you want one pair of shorts for beer drinking, rock climbing, bike riding, taxi chasing, stargazing, campfire starting, hammock lounging, whatever鈥ere you go. Thanks to the four-way-stretch material, these shorts have an incredible range of motion, so they鈥檒l go anywhere and do almost anything. Bonus: The fabric is also stain-resistant.


Patagonia Stretch Wavefarer Walk ($69)

(Jakob Schiller)

These go great with a T-shirt and flip-flops. But when the party gets rowdy and you end up in the pool, they work equally well as swim trunks. They鈥檙e not quite as stretchy as the Nomad, but they dry significantly faster. Plus, each pair of Wavefarer shorts聽is Fair Trade certified and Bluesign approved, which means the workers are paid fairly and the production is as environmentally friendly as possible.


Myles Apparel Momentum 2.0 ($58)

(Jakob Schiller)

At first glance, you can鈥檛 tell whether these shorts are for trail running, swimming, lounging on your couch, or proving you鈥檙e not afraid to wear something that falls a couple inches above the knee. Turns out, they鈥檙e for all of the above. Because of the shorter cut and breathable material, these shorts are great for morning runs or workouts at the gym, but they also have just enough style for wearing to lunch. I live in them at home because they have a ton of built-in spandex, which makes them just as comfy as sweats or yoga pants.


Grayers Newport Garment-Dyed Canvas ($65)

(Jakob Schiller)

All the shorts listed so far have some kind of technical chops. The shorts, by contrast, are just plain-old nicely tailored cotton shorts that don鈥檛 make you look like you get your shopping advice from 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine. Built from a super-soft pin dot cotton, they go well with cold lemonade and a short-sleeve button-down shirt at the weekend barbecue. Bonus: A touch of spandex ensures just enough stretch to allow you to crush a game of kickball.


Faherty Brand All Day ($83)

(Jakob Schiller)

If the Patagonia Wavefarer shorts go well with a T-shirt, these shorts go well with a polo. They鈥檙e made mostly from recycled plastic bottles but look like high-end cotton, so you can wear them with a pair of loafers. But don鈥檛 count them out when it comes to adventure. Thanks to the synthetic fabric, these shorts do just fine in the water and dry in minutes. I also dig the built-in drawstring, which eliminates the need for a belt.


Roark Revival Chiller Tourister ($60)

(Jakob Schiller)

The 聽boardshorts are fast-drying and聽loud as hell, making them聽most at home in the water or on a surfboard. But match them with a pair of flip-flops and a tank top and you鈥檒l fit right in wherever you go. If you鈥檝e never heard of Roark Revival before, spend a minute browsing . The brand is rough around the edges and also a little mysterious, which only makes its gear more appealing.

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North America’s 16 Best, Most Overlooked Beaches /adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/coast-clear/ Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/coast-clear/ North America's 16 Best, Most Overlooked Beaches

16 of North America鈥檚 most stunning beaches for surfing, casting, lounging, and exploring.

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North America's 16 Best, Most Overlooked Beaches

Catch the Wind

Playa Norte, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico

It鈥檚 hard to imagine that anywhere close to Cabo could feel like a secret, let alone a sanctuary. But if you head north instead of south on Highway 1 from Los Cabo International Airport, you鈥檒l discover the wilder side of Baja. Unlike the rough waters of the Pacific coast, the East Cape borders the glassy, bathtub-warm Gulf of California, making it ideal for snorkeling, paddling, and wind sports. In winter the town of Los Barriles, with its wide, flat beaches, turns into a kiteboarding and windsurfing mecca, but in summer you鈥檒l likely have the sand to yourself. Just outside town you鈥檒l find the 30-acre, waterfront . With short- and long-term leases, it鈥檚 the kind of place that makes you consider quitting your job and living the simple life. 鈥擩en Murphy

Tour Wild Shores

Hobuck Beach, Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Point your compass northwest and eventually you鈥檒l hit Hobuck Beach, on the tip of Washington鈥檚 rugged Olympic Peninsula. Surrounded by mountains and rainforest, Hobuck鈥檚 isolated shore is protected from storms by a pair of rocky points and offers consistent surf for anglers and boarders nearly year-round. The water is cold鈥攏eoprene is a must鈥攂ut between bald eagle sightings and rambles amid the evergreens that line this forgotten coastline, your frozen fingers will forgive you. Summer is your best bet for sunshine; winter is prime for empty lineups and solitude. For hiking, check out Cape Flattery or trek down to Shi Shi Beach. Both trailheads are located just minutes from , which offers camping (from $25) and cabins (from $115) all year. 鈥擪ade Krichko

Kick Back in Time

Boca Grande,聽Gasparilla Island, Florida

Everything about this barrier island is old-school, from the legend of its 18th-century namesake, Spanish pirate Jos茅 Gaspar, to its Victorian lighthouse. The three-square-mile isle, located an hour鈥檚 drive from Sarasota and over a causeway, is as laid-back as Florida gets. No buildings rise higher than three stories, and no retail chains are allowed. In-stead the focus is on the beach and the languid turquoise waters beyond. Bird-watch at Gasparilla Island State Park, paddleboard the Gulf of Mexico, fish for trophy tarpon, or day-trip to nearby Cayo Costa for nine miles of pristine sand. , an elegant hotel straight out of a Tennessee Williams play, has a private beach on the Gulf side where guests swim, lounge, or take wind- or kitesurfing lessons (from $265). 鈥擲tephanie Pearson

Find Fresh Water

(simplycmb/iStock)

Twelvemile Beach, Pictured Rocks National, Lakeshore, Michigan

While the water is clean and cold鈥攁veraging just 59 degrees in the summer鈥攖his pebble-strewn sugar-sand beach lining Lake Superior鈥檚 southern shore looks like the azure Caribbean, due to the sun鈥檚 reflection off the surrounding 500-million-year-old sandstone. Arrive early in the day (9 A.M.) or early in the season (mid-June) to nab one of 36 rustic sites in the first-come, first-served , some of which are right on the water. From there, zip into a wetsuit, launch a sea kayak, and paddle stunning shoreline of cliffs and geologic formations like Chapel Rock, a 4,000-year-old freestanding sandstone column. Rent your boat at Grand Marais Outfitters, or get in on a guided tour with Munising-based Pictured Rocks Kayaking. 鈥擲.P.

Learn to Surf

Playa Guiones,聽Nosara, Costa Rica

A consistent swell and downward dog鈥攖hat鈥檚 why most people come to this village on Costa Rica鈥檚 Nicoya Peninsula. Waves break all year off Playa Guiones, a surprisingly empty four-mile belt of jungle-rimmed beach, and range from beginner-friendly to double-overhead. The sandy bottom and excellent local instruction鈥攖ry a day lesson with Coconut Harry鈥檚 or the weeklong Surf Simply camp鈥攎ake it one of the world鈥檚 best places to learn. You鈥檒l notice a plethora of gorgeous yogis walking around sipping kale juice, thanks to the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and the Blue Spirit yoga retreat, both of which host accomplished visiting instructors. Grab dinner at La Luna, where everyone goes to watch the sunset over Playa Pelada. Stay at the centrally located (from $370). 鈥擬ary Turner

Land the Big One

Grand Isle State Park,聽Grand Isle, Louisiana

The Creole State is better known for bayous than beaches, but head south and you鈥檒l find Grand Isle, where golf carts are the preferred transportation and mom-and-pop restaurants, like the Starfish Diner, serve seriously good seafood. Campers flock to 150-acre Grand Isle State Park and fall asleep to the sound of the surf. But the real draw here: the 280 species of fish found offshore. In summer, Captain Danny Wray of Calmwater Charters will guide you to speckled trout aboard a 22-foot catamaran, and in the fall he leads kayak trips into the marshes to stalk redfish. Come July, fishermen from around the globe descend for the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo. It鈥檚 touted as the country鈥檚 oldest fishing tournament, so expect big catches, crab races, and a shrimp boil. 鈥擩.M.

Entertain the Kids

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

Poipu has dreamy swaying palms, soft yellow sand, and curling surf breaks, but this three-quarer-mile expanse of three golden crescents on Kauai鈥檚 south side is perfect for another reason. Unlike the fierce Pacific swells that batter the island鈥檚 north shore, the water here is gentle enough to swim, snorkel, SUP, and catch waves year-round. There are public showers, a brand-new playground, and a protected natural keiki pool for the grommets. Experienced surfers paddle to the outer reef, while rookies take lessons at Poipu Beach Surf School on beginner waves like Lemon Drops. It鈥檚 worth soaking up Old Koloa Town鈥檚 classic aloha vibe or tackling the Kukui Trail, a five-mile out-and-back that drops 2,000 feet into Waimea Canyon, the iconic Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Splurge on a room at Koa Kea Hotel and Resort (from $429). Just steps from the shore, its spa offers seaside treatments like sunburn-rescue wraps. 鈥擲.P. 聽

Snag Your Own Private Island

Hotel 滨蝉濒补苍诲,听Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

With 40,000 acres of famously clear water, endless bays, and nearly 200 islands鈥攁ll of which are open to camping鈥擜rkansas鈥檚 Lake Ouachita has plenty of beaches. One of the best, Hotel, is really a mini archipelago comprised of three islands dotted by sandy coves. Pick up a free map of the man-made lake when you rent a SUP, kayak, fishing skiff, or ski-boat from the Lake Ouachita State Park marina, on the east side of the lake. After claiming your isle, fish for trophy bass, water-ski, scuba-dive in search of rare freshwater jellyfish, or paddle the 16-mile Ouachita Geo Float Trail, which traces the intricate sedimentary rocks along the shoreline. Meanwhile, from the Brady Mountain Recreational Area, you can run or ride the 40-mile Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, designated Epic by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. 鈥擲.P.

Explore Reefs and Wrecks

Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This collection of seven small islands, accessible only by boat, is one of the most remote national parks. Loggerhead Key, a 49-acre isle filled with coconut groves and a lighthouse surrounded by a ring of empty white-sand beach and some of the best snorkeling in the U.S., is the gem of the lot. Little Africa, a coral reef just off its western shore, is teeming with so many tropical fish, you鈥檒l think you鈥檙e inside an aquarium. For something more adventurous, venture a mile south to the Windjammer wreck, a 19th-century ship submerged in just 20 feet of water. Rent kayaks and book a passage on the Yankee Freedom III in Key West. The ferry will drop you at Garden Key, home of imposing Fort Jefferson. From there it鈥檚 a three-mile paddle to Loggerhead with the lighthouse to guide your way. 鈥擥raham Averill

Escape the City

Beacon鈥檚 Beach, Encinitas, California

The steep and winding dirt path that leads down the 80-foot-high bluff from surf-centric Encinitas to Beacon鈥檚 Beach is a blessing and a curse. It can feel precarious if you鈥檙e hauling a surfboard or a toddler, but the short trek鈥攁nd limited parking on Neptune Avenue鈥攌eeps the crowds away from this secluded city-run beach, named after a flashing clifftop beacon used during World War II. Most come for a swim or a sunrise surf, but there鈥檚 enough golden sand for barefoot walks at low tide, too. Don鈥檛 know how to surf? Veteran instructor Kahuna Bob will teach you. Need a rental board? Stop by Progression Surf, just blocks away on Highway 101, then grab an Americano and an egg and avocado breakfast sandwich from nearby Coffee Coffee. Finish the day with a pitcher of sangria at . 鈥擬.M.

Camp on the Sand

Portsmouth Island, Cape Lookout National Seashore, North Carolina 聽

It鈥檚 easy to overlook Portsmouth Island. The 250-acre Outer Banks isle sits in the popular Cape Lookout National Seashore, but it has no permanent residents, no paved roads, no shops or Putt-Putt courses. In other words, it鈥檚 perfect. Catch the ferry from the town of Atlantic on the mainland and explore the miles of shore along its eastern coast with a 4×4. As part of Cape Lookout, the only region in the Outer Banks where you can camp on the beach, this might be the best excuse ever to use a rooftop tent. Explore the 18th-century ghost town of Portsmouth Village, and bring a shortboard聽for the beach break, a rake for hunting quahogs, and plenty of fishing gear for the drum and snapper lurking in the deep blue water. 鈥擥.A.

Island Hop

Cape Bay Beach,聽LaHave Islands, Nova Scotia

Canada might seem more suited to thick beards and chunky sweaters than board shorts and sunscreen, but this eastern province has pris-tine beaches in spades. Case in point: the LaHave Islands, a group of 20 small isles punctuated by white sand lining thick pine forests. A road bridges the more populated islands, but it鈥檚 worth paddling to the out-lying landmasses. The kayaking is mellow if you stick to the protected channels, but experienced paddlers should search for seals hunting in False LaHave Bay. Pitch a tent on Cape LaHave Island, which is pub-lic land, and head for Cape Bay Beach, with a half-mile鈥檚 worth of dunes and bodysurfing. offers a food-centric multi-day excursion, with boiled lobster, clams, and oysters on the beach every night. 鈥擥.A.

Act Like a Local

Cinnamon Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Trunk Bay in Virgin Islands National Park may be St. John鈥檚 most famous beach, but locals know to head one odometer click north. Cinnamon Bay has ample sandy real estate, sky blue water, shady nooks under sea grape trees, and the best bodysurfing and people-watching on the island鈥攚hich, though still recovering from the 2017 hurricane season, is open for business. Hail an open-air taxi in Cruz Bay, St. John鈥檚 main settlement, then work up a sweat on the Cinnamon Bay Trail, a two-mile round-trip that starts near old plantation ruins. Cinnamon Bay Water Sports rents paddleboards, kayaks, and Hobie Cats, and offers sailing lessons, too. If you don鈥檛 want to deal with coming and going, book an eco-tent at , just off the beach (from $104). 鈥擠evon O鈥橬eil

Surf Empty Sets

(Scott Dickerson)

Cannon Beach,聽Yakutat, Alaska

Southeast Alaska鈥檚 Lost Coast, a remote tract jokingly called the Far North Shore, has long lured devoted surfers with the promise of crowd-free waves and a dramatic wilderness backdrop. After the 55-minute flight from Juneau to the community of Yakutat, head over to Icy Waves Surf Shop, where owner Jack Endicott can outfit you and direct you to the best breaks. Cannon Beach has consistently good surf in summer, and after storms the 14-mile stretch of sand is a beachcomber鈥檚 dream, with finds like Japanese fishing floats鈥 spheres of blue glass once used to keep nets afloat. In winter, water temps drop below 40 degrees, but the swell rises to tow-in-worthy heights. After an icy session in a five- or six-millimeter wetsuit, warm up over buttered rum and fresh halibut at . 鈥擩.M. 聽

Discover Your Inner Artist

The Outer Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This 40-mile band of untouched Atlantic coastline, which curves gently from Chatham to Provincetown, offers something rare in the densely populated Northeast: solitude. Protected from development as part of the Cape Cod National Seashore, the region has long attracted and inspired luminaries including Henry David Thoreau, Jackson Pollock, and playwright Eugene O鈥橬eill, who once called it 鈥渁 grand place to be alone and undisturbed.鈥 Biking and walking trails wind through the dunes, marshes, and ponds. Entrance fees, collected at the park鈥檚 visitor centers and six beaches, are required in summer for access. Afterward, stop by to book a guided trip of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District, full of artist shacks from the 1920s, some of which are still in use today. 鈥擨an Aldrich

Earn Your Sand

Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore, California 聽

Alamere Falls, on the southern end of remote Wildcat Beach, sucks people in like a siren call. It鈥檚 an Insta-worthy sight, to be sure, with water tumbling 30 feet down sheer sandstone thick with moss before forming a small creek that meanders into the Pacific. But a visit to Wildcat Beach isn鈥檛 about social-media glory. It鈥檚 about the two and a half miles of remote shoreline caught between the cliffs and the Pacific and the mandatory 5.5-mile hike through Point Reyes National Seashore to get there. From the Palomarin Trailhead you鈥檒l weave through eucalyptus groves, skirt inland ponds, and crest seaside crags before ever setting foot on sand. When you do, continue a mile south to see the waterfall, or head north for solitude among the sea stacks. The trek is best done as a two-day out-and-back, with a stay at , located in a meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Or go all-in and link several beaches together for a full hike of the 17-mile Coast Trail. 鈥擥.A.聽

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How to Have the Best Summer Ever /collection/perfect-summer/ Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /collection/perfect-summer/ How to Have the Best Summer Ever

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How to Have the Best Summer Ever

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The 5 Best Travel Credit Cards /adventure-travel/advice/our-5-favorite-travel-credit-cards/ Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 +0000 /uncategorized/our-5-favorite-travel-credit-cards/ The 5 Best Travel Credit Cards

Comparing cost, signing bonuses, and other perks, as well as the airlines themselves, here are the top picks.

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The 5 Best Travel Credit Cards

At a recent happy hour, a friend boldly claimed that the Chase Sapphire Preferred card was the only travel credit card worth having. I argued that, living in the Northwest, Alaska Airline鈥檚 card was best. Another friend,聽an ardent Southwest Airlines disciple, began listing all the reasons that carrier鈥檚 credit card was second to none. This lively discussion clearly warranted a bit of research. Comparing cost, signing bonuses, and other perks, as well as the airlines themselves, here are the top picks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

If you鈥檙e not loyal to a particular airline, . Use your points toward flights on any airline, with discounts if you book flights, cars, and hotels through the company鈥檚 travel portal.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months, plus 30,000 bonus points if you spend $30,000 in the first year.

Extra Perks

  • 25 percent off airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when you book through Chase鈥檚 rewards portal.
  • One-to-one transfer of points to most leading frequent-travel programs.
  • Double points per dollar spent on travel and at restaurants worldwide.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • No blackout dates.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature

Alaska Airlines is a stellar carrier鈥攐n-time flights, great service, decent food, free beer and wine鈥攁nd it just merged with Virgin America, so there are now 1,200 flights a day to more than 115 destinations across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. The card has , such as an annual companion fare and mileage bonuses that are easy to redeem.

Annual Cost: $75

Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 or more in purchases within the first three months, plus buy one ticket, get one free.

Extra Perks

  • One companion fare every year that allows a friend to fly with you for only $99 plus tax.
  • Free checked bag for you and up to six other passengers.
  • Triple miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • No blackout dates.
  • Rack up miles on travel partners including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Quantas, and more.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card

Like Alaska鈥檚 plastic, for the frequent domestic traveler, and if you鈥檝e ever been at the tail end of the Southwest boarding process/cattle call, you understand the benefit of an early check-in. And, of course, there鈥檚 the biggest perk of flying Southwest: no change fees, a huge bonus when most airlines charge more than $150.

Annual Cost: $99

Sign-Up Bonus: 40,000 points when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Extra Perks

  • Two points per dollar spent on Southwest flights.
  • Two points per dollar on hotels and car rental partner purchases.
  • 6,000-point anniversary bonus.
  • Southwest Companion Pass: Earn 110,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points within a single calendar year and you get to designate one person who can fly with you free of charge.

Gold Delta SkyMiles American Express

is accepted at fewer places, but this card comes with some exclusive perks, including roadside assistance, car rental and travel accident insurance, and the Global Assist hotline, which provides 24/7 medical, legal, and financial services, plus select emergency coordination and assistance.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months, plus a $50 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the first three months.

Extra Perks

  • Earn two miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
  • Check your first bag free on Delta flights.
  • Priority boarding.
  • Discounted Delta Sky Club access.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Honorable Mention: United MileagePlus Explorer Card

Though with benefits comparable to the others on the list, United Airlines as a carrier brings the value down a notch, being ranked consistently lower than the other airlines featured here in customer satisfaction and quality. Consider this option if you live in or often travel through its hub cities of Houston, Denver, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Tokyo, London, Frankfurt, or Guam.

Annual Cost: $0 for the first year, then $95

Sign-Up Bonus: 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Extra Perks

  • Two miles per dollar spent on tickets purchased from United.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Priority boarding.
  • Two one-time United Club passes each year for your anniversary.
  • Free first checked bag for yourself and a companion.

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