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You don't need to cross an ocean for a jaw-dropping adventure. These ten are all in the United States, all bookable with a guide, and all the kind of thing you'll still be talking about in ten years.
1. Raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon (Arizona)
Options range from a gentle half-day float below Glen Canyon Dam to multi-day whitewater expeditions. Book months ahead for summer. See Grand Canyon rafting trips
2. Land on a glacier by helicopter (Juneau, Alaska)
Some tours add dog sledding on the icefield. Perfect as a cruise shore excursion. See Juneau glacier tours
3. Canyoneer a slot canyon (Moab, Utah)
Guided rappelling trips need no experience, just a tolerance for heights. See Moab canyoneering
4. Snorkel with manta rays at night (Kona, Hawaiʻi)
Lights attract plankton; plankton attract giant, gentle mantas. Surreal and family-friendly. See manta night snorkels
5. Walk Antelope Canyon (Page, Arizona)
Access is by guided tour only, and midday light beams sell out first. See Antelope Canyon tours
6. Whitewater raft the New River Gorge (West Virginia)
Some of the best big-water rafting in the East, inside a national park. See New River Gorge trips
7. Kayak with orcas (San Juan Islands, Washington)
Summer sea-kayak tours from Friday Harbor paddle waters where whales pass regularly. See San Juan kayak tours
8. Zipline through the redwoods (California)
Canopy tours near Monterey and Santa Cruz put you up among ancient trees. See redwood ziplines
9. Jeep tour the red rocks (Sedona, Arizona)
Guided off-road tours reach viewpoints rental cars can't. See Sedona jeep tours
10. Hike to a lava flow viewpoint (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park)
Guided tours explain what you're seeing and time it for the evening glow when activity allows. See volcano tours
Before you book
- Choose tours with free cancellation (usually up to 24 hours before) so weather doesn't cost you.
- Check age and weight minimums if you're bringing kids.
- Book a nearby basecamp hotel to avoid pre-dawn drives.
- Grab the essentials from our packing list.