Outdoor Trends Gen Z Loves—and Boomers Too

In recent years, birdwatching has become not just an outdoor activity that appeals to the Baby Boomers. Of course, once you get the “screen generation” involved, a whole host of apps become available like eBird and Birdata, which opens a whole new world for the sport. So, what else is trending with the younger generation that adults enjoy once they reach “a certain age?” Check these out: 

Tidepooling 

The actual activity, now popularly known as tidepooling, has been around for as long as water and humans have co-existed. Tidepooling involves exploring marine habitats on rocky shores that can be found only during low tide. It’s a great way to see starfish, mussels, crabs and sea anemones. The only equipment required is waterproof footwear and possibly a backpack. You can go tidepooling when glamping with us at a few different locations! 

California: In Monterey, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (book a glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort) and in San Diego, head to Cabrillo National Monument (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico). 

Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Maine: Two spots in this great New England glamping destination (choose your favorite glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows CampgroundNarrows Too Campground, or Patten Pond Campground) for tidepooling include the Bar Island Land Bridge and several spots within Acadia National Park.

Narrows Too Campground

Oregon: Cannon Beach (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside) or Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Whalers Rest).

Forest Bathing 

The term forest bathing or “shinrin-yoku” as the Japanese call it, was coined in 1982, but the act itself, which involves spending mindful time in nature connecting with the earth, has been around for ages. Another trending outdoor activity that requires no equipment except an open mind, forest bathing when glamping with us is a must-do for mind, body and soul!  

New Hampshire: A tiny house glamping accommodation at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village puts in prime forest bathing space with a trip to nearby Odiorne Point State Park where you can get in touch among the maple trees. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village 

Tennessee: You don’t have to find a full-fledged forest to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing – consider a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and head to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens which has more than 2100 trees among this 55-acre estate. We’re sure you can find the perfect “bath time” along the 1.5-mile wooded trail.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Wisconsin: If you’re glamping at Tranquil Timbers Campground in Wisconsin’s Door County, forest bathing should probably be listed as an amenity as it’s a beautiful place to do so. If you want to venture further off-site to experience heavy duty forest bathing, head to Peninsula State Park and relax among the cedar forests here. 

Read More:

5 Things to Do in… San Diego

The climate alone is reason enough to plan a getaway to San Diego. There’s plenty of sunshine and 80-degree days to be found here. There’s also the draw of the ocean and the miles of beaches as well as the history, the theme parks, a world-class zoo, and much more. We came up with five ways to experience this sunny southern California favorite:

Sunset on La Jolla Beach, CA.
  1. Act Like a Local: Some say the best way to get to know a city is to do what the locals do. So, we checked in with a San Diegan and here’s what they suggest: Start the day with a walk/hike along Sunset Cliffs. Next, head over to Wonderland for mimosas and brunch and some great ocean views. After that, check out the pier at Ocean Beach, which is one of the longest piers on the West coast and has great sea lion sightings. Spend the afternoon strolling Newport Avenue with its cool shops – including surf shops and antiques. Enjoy an afternoon nosh at South Beach for local beers and great fish tacos. End the day with dinner at the OB Noodle House for great Asian fare.
Ocean Beach Pier in San Diego.
  1. Act Like a Kid: What’s more fun than a bunch of Legos (unless, of course, they’re on the floor and you’re barefoot)? Head to Carlsbad and visit LEGOLAND California which is a theme park, a water park, and an aquarium all rolled into one guaranteed fun time. The aquarium portion of LEGOLAND has 350 different species featuring over 6000 sea creatures. The water park has all kinds of wet fun from wave pools to waterslides. And, of course, the theme park has thrill rides, shows, and a Lego retail store. As for Legos, all attractions include a Lego miniland made from millions of genuine Legos. Watch where you step!
  1. Act Like an Athlete: With 70 miles of coastline, water sports are the thing to do in San Diego. Wakeboarding, kitesurfing, kayaking, surfing, and bodysurfing are just a few of the water challenges to be attempted when visiting San Diego. The San Diego Surf School (sandiegosurfingschool.com) offers private, semi-private, and group lessons as well as surf camps and surf retreats for adults. If you’re gonna attempt hanging ten, consider that San Diego has some of the warmest waters and several of the best surfing breaks on the California coast.
  1. Act Like a Foodie: A few years back, Thrillist.com said San Diego was a hotspot for fresh-sourced ingredients and world-class street food and a few years later, San Diego remains a foodie favorite. A good place to start to explore the food scene here is through one of the several food tours offered. Bite San Diego (bitesandiego.com) offers six different neighborhood tours that serve up a side of each neighborhood’s history, as well! Or try the Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones Tour offered through viator.com that takes you through a food and walking tour of the city’s historic Old Town.
Getaway cabin at Pio Pico in Jamul, CA.
  1. Act Like a Glamper: We’ve got two great locations where you can get your glamping fix in while exploring all that San Diego has to offer. Pio Pico in nearby Jamul has great cottage and cabin options for your consideration. The resort has bike trails, pickleball courts, nature and hiking trails, a pool, hot tub, and a game room. Each rental cottage sleeps six, has heat and A/C, full-sized refrigerators, electric coffeemakers and microwaves and full-sized bathrooms/showers. Cabins at Pio Pico sleep 4-6, have full-sized bathrooms/showers and kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators. Oakzanita Springs is another option for glamping during a San Diego getaway. Each of the two cottage rentals sleeps 6 while the two cabin rentals sleep 4. All have full-size bathrooms/showers and a variety of kitchen amenities. The resort has bike trails, nature and hiking trails, a swimming pool, hot tub, and bocci and horseshoes.
Cozy cabin at Oakzanita Springs in Descanso, CA.

Read More: