15 of the Top US Destinations for Adrenaline Junkies

Are you someone who is always looking to get out of your comfort zone and try something new? Do you seek adventure and enjoy the rush of pushing the boundaries? If so, these are some cities you need to check out on your next crusade. Whether it’s hitting the slopes or climbing up a mountain, these places have it all for adrenaline junkies looking for a story to tell their friends. 

1. Maui, Hawaii

When you think of Maui, the first thing that may come to your mind is the pristine beaches and crystal clear ocean. But there is so much more to the island than sipping a fruity beverage on the sand. Maui is an adrenaline junkie-paradise. Take your pick from activities like paragliding, snorkeling, surfing, or mountain biking through Haleakala National Park. If you feel like exploring the island, you can rent a Jeep and drive to Hana, one of the prettiest drives on the island. 

2. Springdale, Utah

Located in Southwest Utah, Springdale is the home of Zion National Park. The famous Angel’s Landing hike provides amazing canyon views and 800-1000-foot sheer cliffs with nothing but a bolted chain to grasp onto. The park also features The Narrows, which lets avid hikers climb through the narrow canyon while hiking in sometimes chest-high water.   

3. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Sitting just outside The Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole is a great vacation for those looking for an adventure. There is a long list of hikes and bike tours, but many test their skills on the Snake River white water rafting. The 8-mile trek will get your blood pumping as you battle class 3 rapids with sharp drop-offs along the way. 

4. Yosemite, California

Some of the best rock climbers in the world come to Yosemite National Park to try and climb the famous valley walls. If you are in the park’s valley, you can look up and see these fearless climbers make their way up the face of El Capitan and Half Dome. If you are more of a hiker than a climber, you can submit for your permit to hike Half Dome, which finishes with a steep ascent using mounted cables to pull you up. 

5. Lake Tahoe, California

Depending on what time of year you visit beautiful Lake Tahoe, you will find a way to fulfill your inner adrenaline junkie. Winters provide some of the best experiences for snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. In the summer, Tahoe becomes a dream destination for downhill mountain bikers. Mr. Toad Wild Ride is a single-track trail that descends over 2,000 feet and includes quick drop-offs, sharp turns, and many rocks to get in your way. Shuttles run bikes to the top, and this is your only way down. Hope you brought a good helmet. 

6. San Diego, California

San Diego is a great spot for extreme sports due to its location and climate. There are endless options for jet ski and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The cliffs of La Jolla offer an excellent spot for kite-surfing and an opportunity to snorkel with leopard sharks. The city is also home to numerous skate parks and bike paths along the beach. 

7. Joshua Tree, California

Just about a 3-hour drive inland from San Diego sits Joshua Tree National Park. This park holds some of the best spots for rock climbing and free climbing, also known as bouldering. Climbers come from all over the world to tackle some of the most challenging climbs in the United States. Try to avoid the summer months because of the extreme heat, but anyone who loves climbing should have Joshua Tree on their bucket list. 

8. Moab, Utah

With Arches and Bryce Canyon National Park sitting right outside its vicinity, Moab is a fun place to get some adrenaline out. Moab is home to some of the best mountain biking in the world, and bike rentals are available for riders of all skill levels. You can also hike The Delicate Arch trail to lead you to one of Utha’s most iconic landmarks. If you want to rest your legs, there are also plenty of off-road vehicle tours to guide you through the backcountry.

9. Morehead City, North Carolina

Situated up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Morehead City has been attracting scuba divers to its coastlines. Divers can take a bout out and dive among deepwater shipwrecks. It is also home to many species of sharks that give the dive an extra thrill. The Sand Tiger Sharks are generally harmless, but the rarity of swimming with this beast will be a memory you’ll never forget. 

10. Taos, New Mexico

This northern New Mexico town is a perfect place for thrill seekers to come together. Not only does the town offer some first-class ski resorts, but it is a mecca for bungee jump and base jumping enthusiasts. The Rio Grande Bridge sits 600 feet above the gorge and is the highest bungee jumping bridge in the country. If the feeling of free-falling to your death sounds exciting, Taos may be your next vacation spot. 

11. Las Vegas, Nevada

In a town known as Sin City, the adrenaline rush options are plentiful. Grab your buddies and rent some off-road vehicles for a tour of the desert, or take a tour of the Grand Canyon, getting up close and personal with some breathtaking helicopter views. The next day, head over to The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where you can rent exotic cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens and race on an actual race track. Options are endless in Vegas, if you are really feeling nuts there are places you can drive an actual military tank!

12. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage offers plenty of activities to keep your blood pressure pumping, like snowmobiling, ice climbing, and hiking among wildlife. The most intense activity might be heli-skiing. That’s right, a helicopter will fly you to the top of the mountain, leaving you and your crew to descend miles of open terrain. This is for experienced skiers only. Can you imagine the feeling of being alone on that mountain with only your skis to help you down? What a rush!

13. Telluride, Colorado

Once an old gold and silver mining town, Telluride is now known for its epic ski resorts. During the winter, the mountain is packed with skiers and snowboarders. When spring comes, it is a haven for kayakers, rock climbing, and paragliding. The town has many hotels and campsites to accommodate all the thrill seekers looking for an amazing experience. 

14. Jupiter, Florida

For those of you unafraid of jumping in the water with some man-eaters, this is the spot for you. Jupiter has been called an underwater highway for sharks, making it a great spot for shark diving. Those brave enough can get up close and personal with lemon, bull, sandbar, great hammerhead, and tiger sharks. I’ll stick to the beaches where I am less likely to lose a limb.

15. Sandusky, Ohio

You might be wondering, “What on Earth is so exciting about Sandusky, Ohio?” Well, let me tell you. This town made it on the list because it is home to Cedar Point Amusement Park, with 18 world-class roller coasters. Your whole family will enjoy the adrenaline rush. The park is getting set to open Top Thrill 2, a 420-foot climb with speeds up to 120 miles per hour. If that doesn’t get your heart rate up, I don’t know what will. 

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