Get Out and Explore Your Town or City! – Sometimes, you may not want to go on a full vacation due to money or schedules. If you’re creative, exploring your backyard could easily be the best option.
Staycations are some of my most memorable and unforgettable adventures.
There is always something to do in terms of food, cultural events, activities, and excursions nearly anywhere. Many people just don’t take the time to explore their own neighborhood because it’s too familiar.
This article has many great ideas for fun things to do in your area. I also wrote a huge article with tons more information (and how-to’s) here.
How to Explore Your Backyard
What do you typically do when you visit a new destination city on vacation?
Use your favorite apps or the internet to search for your county and city with the words “visitors center” or “attractions”. And then, explore the results.
Are you familiar with all the locations and events on the websites that popped up?
Do you know of any museums in the area that you haven’t visited?
Is there any waterpark in the nearby city with a new ride?
Are there any historic sites that you haven’t visited before?
Sometimes, we become so busy with our daily lives that we forget to take the time to see the sights around us.
Take a stroll around downtown
Consider walking through your city’s old historic districts or downtown while you are exploring. You might be surprised at the number of novelty shops and cool places that tourists can visit.
Try a new place for lunch. You might be surprised at the new places you find. You might be surprised at the hidden gems that are right in your backyard.
Ask the locals for advice on things to see!
Talk to locals who have lived here for years and pretend to be new in town. They are familiar with the best places to see and the best restaurants.
You may know someone who has an antique shop they love that is still in business.
Stop by your local ranger station, library, or gas station to get more information.
Here are some more ideas to inspire you
Do you find the architecture of local buildings fascinating?
Ask the local wildlife and fishing office for ideas on hiking.
Do you love historic homes that were once home to famous people? Look for some near you.
What are you looking for when you travel?
Ask your local library if they have any home tours near you.
Call your local cathedral or temple to get a behind-the-scenes view of the bell tower. Are you a fan of hiking and waterfalls?
Discover your backyard in less obvious ways
Picnics can be fun
Picnicking in a park is a great way to enjoy outdoor dining. Enjoy a meal outdoors with your family or friends in beautiful and open spaces. You can also check for outdoor entertainment events, such as a concert or outdoor play, and bring a picnic!
Participate in a race
Local races are my favorite way to see my hometown. Signing up for a race is a great way for you to experience the area in a different way.
It’s a great challenge for your body and a great way of setting a goal. You also have the unique opportunity to run down streets and in areas, you wouldn’t normally be able due to traffic.
Enjoy a hike or a walk on new trails
You can find new trails by downloading an app or searching Google. Even if you don’t live in a large city, there are many beautiful hiking trails and scenic nature tours that can be found within a short driving distance.
Find a festival near you
There are many festivals that celebrate different seasons and ethnic holidays. It all depends on the size of your town or city, but festivals can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and learn more about things you already love. There are likely to be festivals in your area.
Online resources can help you find local activities
Check your local tourism board
A board of tourism is usually available in even the smallest towns and cities. Visit their website for the latest information about what’s happening in your area. You might be able to find discounted tickets for events and learn about free events.
Social media is a great way to communicate
Many cities have a tourism board or similar organization that uses social media to promote local events and happenings. They share upcoming events and other things in the city throughout the year.
Visit the farmer’s market
There is nothing better than strolling through a farmer’s market looking for new products, produce, or handmade goods. You can learn a lot about your city by looking at what’s on offer at the local farmer’s markets. Make it a point of visiting one while you still have them open!
It’s a great way for farmers to meet you at local markets. You will be the first to receive the best in-season products!
Walking tours offer a wonderful way to get to know the area.
Walking around your city can be a great way for you to discover hidden gems and explore your favorite areas. Many cities offer many walking tours that can be customized to suit everyone’s needs. Many of these tours are also available via apps. These are a great way for you to explore your city and discover new things about it.
Get free fitness programs
You can often ask for one class or a full day at a boutique gym or yoga studio.
You can find a wide range of classes in your local park. It’s a great way for you to keep fit and active, and to get out and about in the city!
There are also many opportunities to get free classes at your local parks and rec centers. You can try different free fitness classes….everything from Zumba and HIIT to boot camp and yoga!
Get started! Get Out and Explore Your Town or City!
You’re sure to find spots in your city or town that you haven’t yet explored.
These are some ways to make sure you get your local tourist experience going as soon as possible:
List the most famous places in your area.
You don’t know where they are all? Google “things to Do Near (Name of your Town or nearest City). There will be many things to do. You may be familiar with some of these things, but you might not have known about others. Start making a list of things you haven’t seen and begin to check them off.
You can make a list of the places you would like to visit.
Sometimes, you may need to look to Instagram or the internet for inspiration. Follow hashtags and people on Instagram to see what’s happening around you.
You can put it on your calendar if you’re not a spontaneous person.
If you’re a planner, you plan when and what you will do. You can mark a day or weekend on your calendar if you know it. This will make it a plan.
The list of possible places is enough to make you visit them. You might just need to decide on a weekend, then you can make the details up as you go along.
Invite your family and friends to come along!
Ask friends and family to join you if it’s on their calendar. It’s much easier to stick with a group plan once you have one.
Those are just a few things you can do, but… Here is another article with lots more unique ideas and tools to use to find things to do you never knew existed within a couple of miles of your house here.
I hope you found some new helpful ideas in this article today!
