Best Places to Bike and Hike with Best Vacations Ever

Best Vacations Ever family hiking in Tennessee.

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors….  Hiking, biking and exploring till your heart’s content while getting fit as a fiddle with the health and wellness benefits of vacationing? If you’re an ambitious biker, hiker or just intrigued walker ready to explore many different destinations, typography and geographical regions with numerous activities and attraction, we’ve got the top list of destinations for you. The list to follow will get your feet dancing for a Best Vacation Ever (BVE) low-cost, custom vacation provided by 30-plus year travel leader Preferred Guest Resorts (PGR) that can take you to some of the most spectacular hikeable and bikable places in the world. From casual or beginner to advanced or professional hikers/bikers,  extend your stroll, cycle or run outside your comfort zone or to many destinations you never thought possible with a Best Vacation Ever customized promotional vacation package for up to four people that typically includes complimentary accommodations, saving you hundreds of dollars off your travel budget and making the impossible trip extremely possible and most affordable. It’s travel – and travel savings – like you’ve never experienced before! We’ve even compiled a list of some of the best destinations and some of the best hiking, cycling and strolling activities in each place to help you find the right BVE destination for all traveling interests in your group. But make sure to also check out all the low-cost vacation packages available on thee home page of bestvacationsever.com under the “Destinations” tab, and download videos about the legitimacy, satisfaction, testimonials and excellence of BVE and PGR. Then call 800-656-2780 for more information, destination ideas for the whole family from travel professionals in our U.S.-based Reservation Center and to get booking that extraordinary, custom and incentive-based family or cohabitating couple’s vacation. Be sure also ask your agent about our preferred-partner Alamo® rental cars, especially if you want to drive from home and bring your own bikes. Otherwise almost all kinds of rentals are available in tourist destinations that made our list have bikes to rent; just be sure to pack those hiking boots and comfy walking shoes for the trek of a lifetime! Here are some of Best Vacations Ever’s best places to hike and bike  that will get your feet itching to hit the road:

Hiking or biking Pigeon Forge in the fall with Best Vacations Ever is phenomenal.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – Truly an outdoor adventurist’s paradise – rugged and exquisite all at the same time. There is more to explore and sink your teeth into while on your Best Vacations Ever adventure. Here are few bike and hike highlights when answering the call of the wild.

  • Explore by foot or pedal the 19th-century historic buildings, churches and pioneer log cabins still standing at Cades Cove in Smoky Mountains National Park, a 6,800-acre valley about 30 miles from Pigeon Forge that offers scenic routes with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and Abrams Falls—a picturesque waterfall with a 20-foot drop to a pool and stream below located on Abrams Creek. To experience it all, take Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way, paved loop road open sunrise to sunset year-round.
  • Go on the most exciting biking adventures through the Great Smoky Mountains.
  • Grab a bike or stroll “Parkway,” Pigeon Forge’s 5-mile strip, and it various attractions, restaurants, theaters and stores.
  • Enjoy more sedate outdoors activities such as leaf peeping, wildlife watching, miniature golfing, hiking, nature tours and horseback riding
  • Discover 500,000acres of Southern Appalachian wilderness on one of the oldest uplands on earth where you’ll find diverse wildlife, streams, beautiful waterfalls and a variety of flowering plants.
  • Ride along by foot, pedal or push metal of ATVs on guided trail rides through  6,000 acres of mountain trails exploring the wilderness of East Tennessee through dirt roads, over hills and creeks, and through down-and-dirty mud puddles.
  • Pedal around the sweeping vistas and rolling hills at the basin of the Smoky Mountains and through charming towns.
  • Hike through the Great Smokey National Park. Snap some of the most breathtaking photos during the fall when colors peak mid-October through early November. One of the most picturesque views of the foliage can be seen from Cades Cove in the park.
Bike or hike your way through Wine Country with Best Vacations Ever.

Napa Valley, California – A year-round glorious destination for travelers. But it’s absolutely stunning in spring, with blooming mustard seeds coating, rolling and sweeping mountain vistas. There are also  exquisite contemporary to Medieval and decades-old castle-looking architectural  designed wineries – more than 400 – an explosive culinary scene, numerous bike tours and scenic country roads, hiking trails through the mountains and Napa, and incredible trendy to quaint areas that have made this an absolute favorite destination for Best Vacations Ever bikers and hikers, as well as wine enthusiasts.

  • Enjoy a number of excursions with Getaway Adventures/Wine Country Bike Tours, recommended in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure magazine and ranked #1 on Trip Advisor, for its Sip’n’Cycle Bike through the Vineyards Tour, Hidden Winery Van Tour, kayaking trips and more.
  • Pedal for miles the off beaten paths for extensive area exploration and/or participate in many bicycling winery tours. Rent a bike or Segway and/or join a guided tour and cycle along country roads or ride off-road through the vineyards and away from traffic. Napa Valley Bike Tours offers guided tours that pedal 2-4 miles between stops at favorite off-the-beaten-path wineries.
  • Visit and hike around Del Dotto Vineyards, a winery not far from downtown Napa, at the base of Atlas Peak, that features one of the earliest surviving caves excavated by Chinese laborers in the late 19th century.
  • Hike or bike out to area geysers, including Old Faithful.
  • Stroll the charming town of Yountville. The one-mile long strip is filled with trendy boutiques and a big selection of restaurants, including the legendary French Laundry and the flavors of France, Italy, California and mom’s kitchen.
  • Make and appointment and pedal out to an olive mill for a tour followed by a sit down-tasting of olive oils, red wine vinegars and citrus syrups, as well as an alfresco lunch at Round Pond in Rutherford, which is an area that is fun to bike or hike around as well.
  • Rent a Segway to travel the charming Napa regions and tour the many wineries. A great way to explore Napa on a standing vehicle that helps get up those heard to reach hills.
  • Bike up mountain trails and have a picnic amid spectacular scenic mountain views.
  • Stroll the beautiful outdoor gardens or on a blanket strewn on the lawn at Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, an art, design and wine gallery set amidst a contemporary, landscaped sculpture garden. Originally built in 1904 as a private residence, the manor is one of three stone buildings in Yountville, and one of only two listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Bike through the historic charm of downtown and its historic and restored art deco district.
Exploring Cabo San Lucas with Best Vacations Ever is an ethereal experience with many areas and all types pf regions to explore.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Also known as Cabo, this destination is a popular, year-round destination for travelers and repeat visitors that is not only beautiful but full of riches bikes and hikers can really enjoy. Cabo is a glorious and popular Best Vacations Ever destination ideal for its beaches, history, many activities and hiking and biking explorations that will satisfy every traveler’s interests and alternative excitement cravings.

  • Witness the famous arch, El Arco, a magnificent natural rock formation at Land’s End. Great photo opportunities and awe-inspiring views of nature’s wonders.
  • Hike the charming colonial town of San José del Cabo, just 20 miles away, with Mexican heart and soul, narrow side streets, sleepy cantinas and folk-art boutiques. It’s the quieter, artsy side of Cabo and a peaceful colonial town that was once inhabited by Indian communities before Spanish colonization in 1730.
  • Rent scooters and travel the “Cabo Loop,” a 200-mile paved ride that starts in Cabo San Lucas and runs through San José del Cabo, Los Barriles, Todos Santos and returns to Cabo.
  • Hike and explore La Candelaria within the Santa Cantarina Mountain.
  • Put aside the bike and hop up on a camel for a unique beachside camel ride and hike-like exploration along the Pacific Coast with an outback and camel safari. Good times and great photo opps!
  • Stroll and explore numerous beaches, each with its own distinct personality and riches.
  • Bike through the area, and when appropriate, take a hike and explore Cabo’s majestic parks and botanical and foliage-enriched gardens.
Sunset biking on Myrtle Beach of the Grand Strand on a Best Vacations Ever adventure.

The Grand Strand, South Carolina –Florida is not the only spectacular beach destination. Myrtle Beach is the popular gem of the Grand Strand. Beyond its awesome beaches and captivating lifestyle, this surprisingly popular Best Vacations Ever beach destination is also a favorite area for bikers and hikers who enjoy exploring the distinctive beach towns of the entire Grand Strand and uncovering its many treasures.

  • Travel out to Waties Island, the primary barrier island along Long Bay, where you’ll find burial and shell mounds—the remains of the native Waccamaw Tribe that inhabited the area prior to European settlers that is exciting for hiking explorers.
  • Hike or bike the North Myrtle Beach area or Murrells Inlet while taking in the natural wonders of the area’s historic marshes.
  • Hike, explore and have a picnic on the beautifully landscaped grounds of the Hampton Plantation State Historic Site, a restored 18th-century low-country mansion in Georgetown that belonged to Archibald Rutledge, the poet laureate of South Carolina until his passing in 1973.
  • Bike or hike through the salt marshes and rice plantations of the low country.
  • Pedal around and watch the famous hammocks being made, or bike around the weathered houses and cottages dating back to the 1800s where the wealthy spent their summers in Pawley’s Island.
  • Cycle or hike out to come face to face with some of nature’s fiercest creatures and reptile habitats at Alligator Adventure®, one of the largest reptile facilities in the world to explore in North Myrtle Beach.
  • Head to Broadway at the Beach® and experience 350 acres of premier shopping, dining. Surrounding a 23-acre lake, it features specialty shops, a variety of themed restaurants and a New Orleans-inspired nightclub district.
  • Bike or hike out to the pier, a beachfront tiki bar or a lounge on the beach to watch majestic sunrises or brilliant panorama’s of color during the sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Explore lots of little islands, creeks, and marshes between the ocean and the Intracoastal in North Myrtle Beach.
  • Bike or hike out to  the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade Boardwalk, a stroll-worthy 1.2 mile-long, 3-section promenade through the sand from the 14th Avenue to 2nd Avenue Piers, and featuring an oceanfront view, numerous shops and restaurants along its path.
  • Bike or stroll Barefoot Landing, a large shopping complex reminiscent of an old fishing village that’s located in North Myrtle Beach and naturally combines beauty and nature with the fun and excitement of shopping, dining, entertainment and special events for the entire family.
  • Pedal out to the low country and try a local favorite, the Rice Paddy, a low-country restaurant in a revolutionary Victorian building located in the wondrously explorable Georgetown with a great shrimp and bacon quesadilla, creative salads and crab cakes.
Hilton Head is a Best Vacation Ever destination wonder for explorers on water and on land, and is especially popular with bicyclists.

Hilton Head, South Carolina – This southern iconic destination with an understated elegance is one of the most popular destinations for every type of traveler, especially in the summer for outdoor, golf and beach enthusiasts. Hilton Head draws nearly two million visitors a year, as Hilton Head has become the land of good ole American R&R.. Many travelers embrace the bicycleable, laid-back great outdoors and languish among the island’s tranquility, beautiful shores, unique shops, Spanish-moss-draped bicycle paths, more than 300 tennis courts, and ferry rides across the glittering Calibogue Sound. Best Vacations Ever can make a seemingly impossible vacation extremely possible, affordable and magical!

  • Cycle numerous Spanish-moss-draped bicycle paths as you travel through and explore the charming region of Hilton Head. Biking is big among the tranquility of Hilton Head.
  • Grab that bike because you haven’t been to Hilton Head Island unless you’ve been to the top of the Harbour Town lighthouse, sampled a bowl of crab soup and Frogmore Stew, golfed at Harbour Town or visited the Coastal Discovery Museum.
  • Bike and hike the many nature-based tours/nature preserves of Hilton Head.
  • Hike or bike exploring around the majestic Calibogue Sound area.
  • Pedal around and stroll through Hilton Head’s 12 miles (19 km) of beaches with public access and metered parking available at Coligny Beach, Alder Lane, Folly Field Road, Dreissen’s Beach Park, Islanders Beach Park and Collier Beach Park.
  • On land, hike and bike the  salt marshes, networks of lagoons and creeks, forests with moss-draped oaks, magnolias, pines, palmettos and 12 miles (19 km) of sandy beaches are interspersed with championship golf courses, tennis courts and fine restaurants.
  • Enjoy the historic and Gullah heritage tours.
  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of paradise as you hike, bike and play through caverns and around lush garden lagoons in Hilton Head.
  • Bike, hike and explore the many historical, contemporary and cultural riches of Harbour Town.
  • Bike out and stop by the laid-back South Beach Harbor, which is characterized as New England meets Caribbean cool, topped off with Southern charm.
  • Take a journey with Low Country Nature Tours, which specializes in personalized, eco-friendly trips and tours of Broad Creek and Calibogue Sound—and hopefully some dolphin spotting.
  • Cycle out and catch the local fish and shrimp boats unloading their nets along the piers at Skull Creek, where there’s also a trio of restaurants, all with waterside dining with seasonal catches, as well as many areas to explore around Skull Creek.
  • Pedal out to areas and hike close to areas rich with herons, egrets, cormorants and even dolphin spotting.
  • Grab your binoculars and take guided hikes at the mid-island Audubon Newhall Preserve for terrific bird watching—about 250 species have been sighted on Hilton Head. Check out ibis, tri-color herons and many more. In summer, you might also see nesting ospreys and their young.
  • Charter a daytrip to Daufuskie Island, a residential “sea island” about 2.75 miles (4.43 km) offshore of Hilton Head. Only 8 square miles, the island is an explorable and hikeable place of surpassing natural beauty, quiet beaches, whispering marshes and ancient, moss-draped forests and three of the best golf courses on earth.
  • Stroll around town discovering Hilton Head’s flourishing cultural community of fine art, music and theatrical venues.
Beyond the water-sports thrills and tourist areas, biking is big fun through forested trails in Cancun on a Best Vacations Ever trip.

Cancun, Mexico – Perhaps one of the most breathtaking and the most luxurious, popular, and family fun- and action-filled destinations in the Caribbean. Cancun is glorious, especially for beach, nature and outdoor lovers. But this popular Best Vacations Ever destination is also a great place for bikers and hikers with many treasures to be discovered, especially (cautiously) off the beaten path.

  • Get up close to nature with one of Cancun’s many eco-tours, most with snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, nature trails, river rafting, kayaking, beach relaxing, cultural expeditions and wildlife explorations.
  • Take the Hummer Jungle Tour for some family fun, which visits a petting zoo, explores ruins, swims in cenotes and hits the beach.  For the adventurists, there are zip lines, too.
  • Hike or bike to get your thrills and chills with zip lines, water landings, subterranean rivers, cenotes and self-drive amphibious vehicles at Xplor Adventure Park.
  • Hike or bike, even ATV, through a rip-rolling, fast-riding adventure-filled tour of the jungle.
  • Explore the Mayan Ruins—it’s an absolute must-do in Cancun for history and culture buffs. But, although it may be truly fascinating for adults, kids may get bored to tears on long bus rides to   look at piles of rubble. If going with young children, take a combo tour with some swimming or an activity at the end that the kids would like, too
  • Visit and hike through the wildlife sanctuaries like Sian Kaan or Isla Contoy.
  • Visit the wildlife sanctuaries like Sian Kaan or Isla Contoy.
  • Bike, hike, shop and dine at Plaza Isla, an upscale center with shops and restaurants and scenic architecture and a large central water fountain to sit around and relax.
  • Bike, stroll and enjoy the open-air cafés, restaurants and bars that make Playa Tortugas beach a perfect place to stroll, bike, and scope out the crowds and people watch.
  • Head out on foot or bicycle to Parque Urbano Kabah park and explore the long trail that goes through la selva (jungle), which was preserved in the middle of the city. You can see a lot of birds and iguanas along the path.
  • Visit Chichen-Itza, the most popular of all of the Mayan ruins and a MUST SEE that’s usually an all-day excursion. It’s about 3 hours from the zone because it’s deep in the Mayan jungle, but the tour is extremely entertaining, and you’ll see a real Mayan village with a small shopping trip on the way back to resort.
  • Stroll and get a real taste of Mexican history at Hacienda Andalucía, the first Mexican hacienda that was founded with the idea of showing visitors beautiful pieces of the authentic Mexican architecture. Restoring and converting “Hacienda Las Marias” and “Hacienda La Esperanza” are true historic buildings that show in its interior furnishings, antiques and works of art from around the world. Outside there’s beautifully adorned gardens in a natural environment, fountains, colonial carriages, exotic animals and stallions that perform daily in an exclusive equestrian show.
Mega mansions of the historic Garden District worthy of exploration in New Orleans.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Why New Orleans? Because this cultural and historic landmark is scenic cycling and hiking dream come true with numerous areas to dig into and explore that a car just can’t touch. This historic landmark and legendary city is a destination everyone and every avid traveler should visit at least once in there lifetime and Best Vacations Ever can make that dream vacation come true at some of the most affordable travel rates. Despite the blow of Hurricane Katrina, the spirit, pride character of New Orleans thrives in charming street cars, plantations, varying cultures, mystical charm, spectacular cuisine at many various restaurants (of course, Cajun and creole), museums for everyone from animal lovers to art lovers and history buffs, as well as attractions to spirited shopping that make New Orleans fun for all ages and all types of visitors. . It’s truly bewitching, with long-lasting memories, exceptional photographs and endearing good times whether hiking, biking or touring by car, trolley or tours.

  • Bike through the breathtaking and historic Garden District.
  • Hike, bike and explore all of the historical architecture of New Orleans that has awestruck visitors for years. From graceful verandas to elegant parlors, New Orleans’ historic homes and buildings are architectural treasures. There are several books detailing the Creole cottages, shotgun homes, colonial townhouses, Greek Rival mansions and more to explore.
  • Pedal or hike through all the charming historic streets and the legendary French Quarter and Bourbon Street. Get your fill of passing by all the jazz clubs, eclectic shops and historic districts.
  • Pedal or explore the historic downtown area and Art Deco District.
  • Cycle or walk along the Mississippi River Curve and the Marketplace.
  • Explore by bike or hike the potpourri of cultures and races, the city remains tightly tied to its roots and foundation. Cycling and hiking around New Orleans can take you into places you never imagined and into otherworldly experiences.
  • Cautiously cycle off the beaten path for some serious off-the-beaten path culture and find some authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Cycling or hiking in Las Vegas on a Best Vacations Ever journey can be as breathtaking as the neon lights of the Strip.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Another surprise destination on Best Vacations Ever’s top list to hike and bike. But is it really a surprise? Everyone knows the legendary Las Vegas Strip alone is the most famously walkable boulevards that lights up like a Christmas tree on steroids every night. Plus, there are many outlying areas, scenic desert roads to pedal, push metal, hike and hike. Strap bikes on the back of the car and head out to the mountains, deserts, or Hoover Damn and Grand Canyon areas. The Nevada area is chock full of hike and bike experiences to fulfill the expectations of many interests. You can bet you’ll have a grand time with Lady Luck and Best Vacations Ever and 30-plus year travel leader Preferred Guest Resorts on your side!

  • Spend a day strolling Las Vegas Boulevard, visiting all the entertainment and shopping complexes and numerous attractions, including stops at many of the casinos and hotels, each with its own beauty, excitement, theme and artistic displays. By foot, it’s a nice long glorious experience that makes stopping and exploring a hotel or café shopping area easier, but some prefer the ease of a bike going from one to the other and back.
  • Pack a picnic, swim, play horseshoes and hike or bike the 320-acre site of Sunset Park.
  • Take an intriguing hike and interpretive tour of Frenchman Mountain.
  • Strap the bike on the car and get ready for some seriously exciting biking and hiking after driving less than an hour to Tule Springs, which features Floyd Lamb State Park, a 1940’s dude ranch that that was originally for those who wanted to get quick residency status to obtain an even quicker divorce. The eclectic mix of 23 well-kept, unmodified buildings that is the best example of a divorce ranch remaining in the U.S. today and exciting to stroll around.
  • Take a glorious stroll down the 10 blocks of Antique Row, featuring various boutiques of collectibles, clothing, furniture, jewelry, dishes and toys.
  • Take a hike  up the Great Unconformity Interpretive Trail, which reveals interesting rock exposures and explains some of the major topographic features and the geologic evolution of southern Nevada—plus a scenic view of Las Vegas at the top overlook.
  • Spend an afternoon strolling or pedaling  the tree-dotted streets and cobblestone sidewalks of the District of Green Valley Ranch, with 40-plus specialty retail stores and restaurants to meet every need or desire. Stop by Mel Fisher’s Treasures, which displays cargo salvaged from a Spanish galleon that sunk off the coast of Florida nearly 400 years ago.
  • Bike or hike the side roads just off the strip for some of the most surprising riches, including authentic cuisine, shops, galleries, restaurants, entertainment areas, boutiques, vintage architecture and much more that many travelers miss when they stick to The Strip..
  • Strap a bike onto the car and head out to explore by pedal or foot or the spectacular Hoover Dam, which took a total of 21,000 men and five years to complete the structure in 1935, or visit the majestic Grand Canyon area for a hike or bike experience around nature’s wonder, though it’s a few ours away by car.
  • Visit and explore the Fremont Street Experience, in downtown Vegas, for free nightly shows and 12.5 million lights and 550,000 watts of sound at VivaVision. Check out the Neon Museum, at the east end, which hosts some of the old hotel’s neon signs. You can also get your thrills zip lining while you’re there!
  • After zip lining at the Freemont Experience region, bike out to the Stratosphere Tower and find the courage to ride four extreme thrill rides just above the observation deck level of Tower:  The Big Shot, The High Roller, XScream and Insanity.
  • Stroll the strip and get your feet hoofing and hopping while club hopping the many, many trendy nightclubs for a fabulous night out. Just make sure you can pedal home safely.
  • Rent a bike or even a Harley for long trips and tour/explore the open roads, scenic rides and many desert territories of Vegas and its outlying areas, including many only reachable by bike or by foot.
  • Hike or bike out to the Stratosphere Tower and find the courage to ride four extreme thrill rides just above the observation deck level of The Big Shot, The High Roller, XScream and Insanity.
  • Hike or bike exploring Las Vegas’s many historical and cultural landmarks, galleries and museums, such as the international art gems and some local talent at The Las Vegas Art Museum, and explore pop culture at the Valentino’s Zoot Suit Collection, including clothing from the 1940s and ’50s, including Zoot Suits, men’s fedoras and women’s pumps. There are also Elvis and car museums, as well as old historic areas and old Vegas signs and haunts, worth digging into.
  • Bike or hike Las Vegas’s many architectural treasures and unique landmarks, such as the old Mormon Adobe Fort at the Old Mormon State Historic Park and the Las Vegas Academy of Performing Arts, an art-deco-style building that was once home to Las Vegas High School.
Williamsburg Batavia Hike Bike Trail.

Williamsburg, Virginia – Everyone knows about Williamsburg but it’s a whole other thing to visit and vacation in this unique and popular destination.  Literally step back in time for the most unforgettable historical and culturally enriched experience you can have on a Best Vacation Ever adventure.

  • Step back in time to stroll through the 18th century and find yourself enthralled by the costumed residents and historical buildings of Colonial Williamsburg. Points of interest include the Great Hopes Plantation, an interactive, living history site that represents an 18th-century plantation; the courthouse where the Treaty of Paris was signed to end the Revolutionary War; and The Governor’s Palace, one of the largest buildings in Colonial Williamsburg and home to Virginia’s post colonial governors and Royal Governors.
  • Hike or bike on a journey through the Chesapeake Bay area, Hampton Roads Harbor, naval base in Norfolk, VA, and many other unforgettable sights and legendary landmarks  of the Williamsburg area.
  • Hike or bike scenic roads effortlessly while taking in the beautiful views of the Williamsburg area and its many riches, either with a group or on private tours.
  • Escape the hustle and bustle of day to day life and hike the trail of nature’s perfect paradise, Waller Mill Park.
  • Experience the joy of Bruton Parish Church, which has served, since 1715, the spiritual needs of the Williamsburg community, including the most famous American sons of colonial Virginia: Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.
  • Explore Historic Jamestown, the original site of the first permanent English settlement in America, where ongoing archaeology at the site of James Fort has changed our understanding of the struggles and triumphs of early 1600s life in Virginia. There is an archaeology museum and a living history exhibits that help tell the story of this dramatic rediscovery—plenty for hikers and bikers to explore.
  • Stroll the Williamsburg Botanical Gardens or the Muscarelle Museum of Art.
  • Strap the bikes on your rental car and visit Smith’s Fort Plantation about 7 miles away in Surry County. The house and parcel of land was later given by Chief Powhatan to John Rolfe as a dowry for the hand of Pocahontas when Rolfe and Pocahontas married. Originally built in the mid-1700s, Preservation Virginia acquired Smith’s Fort Plantation in 1933 and fully restored it.
  • While in Surry County, don’t miss Bacon’s Castle, the oldest brick house in Virginia and an architectural gem with distinctive triple-stacked chimneys, curved Flemish gables and restored 17th-century gardens.
Among many ancient trails, bike paths and theme parks, you can also stroll around the iconic social centerpiece of downtown Orlando on your Best Vacations Ever adventure adventure in Orlando.

Orlando, Florida – Think there’s too much theme park hustle and bustle to hike and bike in Orlando? Think again. It may be flat but, you will be doing more hiking than imaginable, with so many opportunities for all kinds of explorations. Orlando may be jam packed with numerous attractions and theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando, which are probably three of the most hikeable activities – just ask your feet afterward!  But beyond the theme parks are numerous historical trails, bike paths galore, botanical gardens, national parks and springs, and glorious areas to hike and bike. You’ll have the most magical Best Vacations Ever experience in Orlando.

  • Bike or hike the legendary Orlando tourist strip, International Drive, which is filled with numerous activities, attractions, restaurants, entertainment complexes and so much more.
  • Of course, hike away at the many theme parks of America’s number one playground. Be sure to stroll around all their entertainment complexes such as CityWalk at Universal, Downtown Disney and the West End, as well as the Lake Buena Vista entertainment and shopping district at Walt Disney World Resort. Inhale fresh air as you pedal down the Atlantic boardwalk at Disney’s Boardwalk.
  • If biking is your big thing, look into the Orlando bike path that makes a complete circle around Orlando and takes many hours to finish – many more than you can imagine.
  • Bike or hike trough downtown Orlando, strolling around Orlando’s iconic epicenter, Lake Eola. Grab a cocktail and outside café seating in Thornton Park, overlooking Lake Eola, which has beautifully sculpted grounds perfect for scenic strolls or a spin across the lake in one of its signature swan boats. There’s also a playground the kids.
  • Strap the bikes to the car and head out to bike and hike the charming and most unique and distinct nearby action-packed suburbs, such as the trendy Baldwin Park, Bay Hill, Windermere, Park Avenue in Winter Park and College Park near downtown. Bike through the Winter Park neighborhoods with mega mansions, brick roads canopied with decades old trees draped with Spanish moss.
  • Hike and bike the richly forested trails of Wekiva Springs and Blue Springs nature parks and springs. Maybe spot some pooling manatees, and escape the heat with a swim in the natural aqua springs that are open all year-round!
  • Explore the spectacular grounds and gardens of Albin Polasek Museum and/or Leu Gardens.
  • Consider one of many Florida eco safaris by foot, bike, kayak or horseback though historically original Native American trails.
  • On a nice evening, take a horse-and-carriage or bicycle rickshaw ride through downtown Orlando.
  • Visit and hike through the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
  • Hike through the orange groves of Orlando and taste the rich, sweet tang of oranges you personally pick from the tree.
  • Hike and explore many of Central Florida’s many Spanish-moss draped national parks with unique and native fauna, catching glimpses of possible wildlife, bird watching and scenic views of lakes and foliage. Named by the Spanish founders, Florida does mean “land of flowers.”
  • Strap the bike on the car and head out to explore the history of the Seminole Indian War history at Fort Christmas. Yes, Virginia, there is a Christmas!
  • Hike, bike or take a hair-raising airboat ride exploring the Florida Everglades, gators, wildlife and all.
  • Stroll or pedal through the unique and charming city towns of Celebration and Baldwin Park, which are there own boastful but smaller cities outside downtown Orlando.
  • Pu the bikes on the car and head west on I-4 for the two famous beaches within an hour’s drive of Orlando, New Smyrna and Daytona Beach, or go east to hit Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center. Areas that offer plenty of hike-and-bike activities as well as explorable, strollable and splashable beaches and distinct areas worth a daytrip.
  • Put on some comfy shoes and stroll and taste your way around the world at Epcot, and/or hike or bike the explosive culinary scene all over Orlando, including stops at the smaller cultural eateries off the beaten path for authentic native cuisine from a wide variety of influences in the cultural meting pot of Orlando.
  • Set out to bike the vast and varied cultural arts scene in Orlando, from Antique Row to “So-Ho” (also dubbed  Little Vietnam) with truly authentic ethnic shops and eateries  to trendy downtown, International Drive and outlying areas with numerous galleries, vintage and contemporary shops, boutiques and museums worth exploring.  Orlando proudly supports all forms of arts, including performing arts, and boasts its local artisans with work displayed throughout many city establishments.
South Florida has many bike and hike beachfronts, like this trail in Hollywood Florida.

Greater Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida – Though this entire region is a water-lover’s playground and is drenched in a boating and water-based lifestyle, there is so much more to these H2O playgrounds than meets the eye. Much of Miami life is actually gravitating away from the beaches, even though they are a large part of a Miami vacation. The pull toward off-water, inland attractions, shopping, entertainment complexes, activities, trendy clubs, restaurants and elite atmosphere in this lay of the land have left visitors spellbound. Visiting travelers can have the time of their lives in areas like the Everglades, the “Venice of America” Fort Lauderdale waterways, cultural arts galleries, national parks and gardens, couture shopping, the famed Art Deco district, entertainment and districts, downtown Lauderdale and Miami, several populated beachfronts and areas like Las Olas Blvd and South Beach that are ripe for bikers and hikers.  The Greater Fort Lauderdale area and Miami of South Florida is a treasure chest full of riches to discover, and you can enjoy it all with a low-cost vacation with Best Vacations Ever that saves you hundreds of dollars with complimentary accommodations in the heart of the action.

Beyond the the active and explorable beachfronts, the breathtaking Greater Fort Lauderdale region is full of richly forested and adventurous trails and parks for cyclers, hikers and outdoor/nature enthusiasts.

Fort Lauderdale:

  • Pedal or hike around “Venice of America,” dubbed so due to Fort Lauderdale’s numerous waterways and Intracoastal stretch south to Miami. Bike around winding ways and spy the banks peppered with million-dollar mega mansions covered with seagulls soaring and singing overhead. Of course you can also take a boat tour as well, which is a must-do that offers a spectacular and much different point of view – the real way to explore this exquisite waterway system.
  • Cycle or hike and palatial estates of Fort Lauderdale, citrus groves, parks, and the unique and exotic Everglades – even take a thrilling airboat ride through the Everglades.
  • Stroll Las Olas Blvd., Greater Fort Lauderdale’s “Style Mile,” which is peppered with independently owned boutiques, shops with off-the-runway- fashions, restaurants with acclaimed chefs, and lively lounges and cafés with sidewalk seating for great lunch breaks and people-watching.
  • Join in and bike or hike the spectacular waterfront ideally made for such activities.
  • Hike, camp, kayak or canoe the Everglades National Park, with 1.5 million acres of swamps, saw-grass prairies and sub-tropical jungles—one of the most unusual public parks in the United States. Located on the southern tip of Florida, the park is home to 14 rare and endangered species, including the American Crocodile, the Florida Panther and the West Indian Manatee. A large portion of the park is primitive, explored only by adventurists and researchers, but visitors have ample opportunities and methods to explore on their own.
  • Take a colorful journey to Flamingo Gardens, a 60-acre sanctuary that showcases the natural beauty of the Florida Everglades.  It features native, rare and exotic plants and animals, and you can tour a working citrus grove, visit the free-flight aviary or tour the 1930s Wray Home.
  • Explore the grounds and home of a young transplant from Ohio, Frank Stranahan, built in 1893 that served as the first trading post, post office, bank and town hall of the area. Built near the site of the New River Fort, the original house still stands today as a museum called the Stranahan House—a must see for history buffs!
  • Jump in your PGR preferred-partner Alamo® rental car (ask about Alamo cars via one of our travel representatives at 800-656-2780) and head to West Palm Beach, another landmark beauty about 40 minutes away, and take the Lion Country Safari, with hundreds of animals on over 300 wild acres plus a 4-mile drive-through safari. Enjoy a Wild Safari Adventure in the preserve, then stroll through a 55-acre amusement park and cool off at Safari Splash Water Sprayground.
  • Flap your wings and get ready to join the fun at Butterfly World, a fun and educational opportunity to get an up-close look at this hikeable 10-acre butterfly farm and research facility. It’s also the birthplace of over a million butterflies and the largest free-flight hummingbird aviary in the United States.
  • Find one of South Florida’s secret gems, The Secret Woods Nature Center, a Broward County Parks system preserve located in Dania Beach, just a half mile west of I-95 exit 25.  It features a 3,800-square-foot walk-through butterfly preserve, two nature trails and an interpretive center. It’s perfect for everyone in the family or of any age to reconnect with nature and the natural beauty that makes up South Florida.
  • Hop aboard Fort Lauderdale’s water taxi system to get a variety of hike and bike regions ripe for exploration.
  • Bike just about anywhere you want in Fort Lauderdale, from the Broward Center for the Arts to Las Olas or at the beach on A1A for many treasures along the way – The Sun Trolley also follows the same route for just 50 cents per person should you and the family opt to take a ride back after such long pedaling or walking.
  • Explore the grandiose, multi-million-dollar yachts and boats at the Fort Lauderdale –Miami Boat Show or gander the arts at one of the most popular arts festivals in the nation, Coconut Grove Arts Festival, both running simultaneously in February.
  • Take a bike, hike or take a two-hour kayak expedition through the Fort Lauderdale waterways.
  • Hike, bike or horseback ride through South Florida trails with a guided tour with legendary tales.
  • Stroll the famous, action-packed Riverwalk area hot spot.
  • Discover Florida of colonial villas and bougainvillea of Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, which maintains the Hoch Heritage Center, a historic research facility and the century-old New River Inn, Philemon Bryan House and King-Cromartie House are open for tours; and the 1899 Replica Schoolhouse. The museum mounts exhibits on Fort Lauderdale and Broward County history and Seminole folk art and also offers guided walking tours of historic downtown.
  • Invigorate your senses at the Hugh Taylor Birch State Recreational Area, where this fragrant, lusciously tropical park contains one of the last significant maritime hammocks in Broward County. There are mangroves, and a freshwater lagoon system, as well as great birding, several endangered plants and animals (including the gopher tortoise and golden leather fern). You can fish, picnic, and stroll the short Coastal Hammock Trail or bike the 1.9-mile park drive.
Club hopping and exploring legendary South Beach nightlife, and enjoying its entertainment complexes, cafes and people watching along the beachfront strip and off-road boutiques during the day is absolutely awe-inspiring on a Best Vacations Ever adventure, along with the regions many waterways, eco safarsi, Everglades, adventurous hike and bike trails, parks and gardens, cultural districts and much more.

Miami:

Get ready to hike and bike to your heart’s content. From its breathtaking beaches in the east to the Everglades in the west, this “American Riviera” has a dazzling array and busting variety of sites and well-known attractions like Calle Ocho, Little Havana, Vizcaya and the famed Arts District, the largest collection of Art Deco architecture with design nationally historic structures built between 1923 and 1943.

Pedal or stroll South Beach, enjoying the incredible and eclectic people-watching along the way, entertainment complexes, shop, gorgeous bike and hike beachfronts and outdoor cafés. Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone in the eclectic beach town of South Beach!

While in South Beach, stroll Collins Avenue filled with eclectic people, shops, boutiques, some of the best and most thriving nightlife options, entertainment centers, outdoor cafés, ocean views across the street and the oceanfront mansion that once belonged to the late exquisite high-end designer, Gianni Versace, who was one of the most famous high-end designers who outfitted numerous celebrities during his career.

Hike the strip, major boulevards, downtown and glamour streets and gallerias for high-end, couture fashion straight from the runways. South Beach is one such specialty area you can’t miss for retail therapy while hiking the spectacular strip.

There are numerous trails and tours for hikers and bikers to explore Atlantic City on a Best Vacations Ever adventure.

Atlantic Beach, North Carolina – A travelers’ favorite beach and outdoor enthusiasts destination, given it’s riddled with numerous beach towns and plenty of explorable areas and adventures that entices hikers and bikers ready to explore the vast lands, waterways, history, outdoor adventures, treasures and culture, charming beach towns and many treasures of the area, especially with a Best Vacations Ever extremely affordable promotional vacation package with complimentary accommodations.

  • Explore Fort Macon, a Civil War fortress located at the entrance of Beaufort Inlet, and Fort Macon State Park for fantastic days of family fun with swimming, picnicking and fort explorations.
  • Stroll or bike Beaufort’s thriving waterfront with its variety of shops and some of the area’s best restaurants.
  • Hike or bike the enticing and intriguing Crystal Coast area, as well as the many distinctive beach towns of the Atlantic Beach area.
  • Go trolling and shelling on the Atlantic Beach and Crystal Coast shores, or take a bike ride along the shoreline.
  • Hike or bike around the many local waterways and trails, including Beaufort, Carrot Island, Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout and countless expansive creeks.
  • Cycle out to visit the operational Cape Lookout Lighthouse at The Cape Lookout National Seashore.
  • Hike or bike, or even take a guided tour, checking out the wildlife and learning the history of Beaufort. Also explore the Beaufort Historic Site, which offers a variety of tours of the historical homes, churches and buildings, such as the 1829 Carteret County Jailhouse, the Apothecary Shop, the Doctors Office and the 1796 Carteret County Courthouse. A fun ride through a historical, culturally rich city with plenty of places to stop and explore.
Enjoy pedaling around paradise on roadway bike tours and biking or hiking a number of trails through rich forestry in Freeport on your Best Vacations Ever trip to the islands of the Bahamas.

Freeport, Bahamas – An incredibly popular cruise and traveler’s destination with so much culture and areas to explore, as well as majestic beaches and water sports galore. Larger than New Providence Island (the home of Nassau), there are more stretches of secluded white sand beaches for relaxing and playing around, and a wider range of areas to explore. Freeport and neighboring city Port Lucaya create a bold island paradise mixed with modern attitude and a dash of colonial charm, as well as endless opportunities for adventures that keep travelers, busy and incredibly content. It entices outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and bikers ready to explore the vast lands, waterways, history, outdoor adventures, treasures and culture, authentic cuisine, and many treasures of the Bahamian islands and its islanders.  Make your dream vacation to the Bahamas come true with the amazingly affordable packages of Best Vacations Ever.

  • Stroll or hike along the most ethereal beaches of Freeport and Port Lucaya.
  • Explore one of the oldest underwater cave systems on Earth.
  • Cycle a combination sightseeing and shopping tour, trek  ancient trails,  hike through the Lucayan National Park, or indulge in your own island explorable oasis at Petersons Cay.
  • Cycle out to and hike through some of the 700 islands and cays that make up the Bahamas islands.
  • Pedal out and retreat to one of the quiet, secluded and idyllic beaches or tropical hideaways on the east and west coasts of the island, far from the noise and hustle and bustle of the cities.
  • Hike out to and cast a reel for bonefish in the famous Grand Bahama cays.
  • Join a cycling tour that allows you to access some of the most secluded areas of this spectacular tropical paradise and explores greater areas so you encounter the full flavor of the Bahamas.
  • Trek into the primeval forest of the spectacular 42-acre Lucayan National Park and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Arawak Indians, also known as the Lucayans who called the area home before Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1492. Descend into the mysterious caves, where archaeologists have discovered Lucayan artifacts, including the remnants of archaic burial rituals.
  • Take a bicycle sightseeing tour of Grand Bahama Island along the seascape as guides engage you with history and stories of local lore.
  • After kayaking the turquoise Caribbean waters, hike around and relax on your own little remote island oasis.
  • Cycle or hike out and experience the magic and fun of the Bonfire at the Beach in Freeport, complete with fire dancers, music, fun activities and a marvelous buffet with free drinks.
  • Take a day trip over to the island of New Providence to hike, bike and explore Nassau.
  • Stroll the many straw markets and squares for local arts and crafts and immerse yourself in the local flavor of the Bahamas.
  • Hike, bike and explore Freeport’s national parks: The Rand Nature Centre, named after its founder James Rand; Petersons Cay, a small isle about 300 yards off the shore of Grand Bahama; and the Lucayan National Park, which features five ecological zones and a cave system accessible by stairs and another only by scuba divers.
  • Cover all your bases in one day by joining the Biking, Shopping & Beach Tour of Grand Bahama Island.
Everyone and every personality can do it all in Costa Rica: Bike, hike, horseback ride, stroll, zip line, explore volcanoes and mountain ranges, and so much more on a Best Vacations Ever adventure.

Costa Rica – Costa Rica just had to top off our “Best Places to Bike and Hike with Best Vacations Ever” (BVE) list with a BVE traveler’s favorite destinations, given it’s one of the greatest places to bike and hike. Costa Rica truly offers bike and hike outdoor enthusiasts every type pf geographical region to explore, unusual multiple ecosystems and an over-stuffing of everything of every interest that every type of traveler could want when footing or pedaling away.  Breathtaking beaches, mountains, volcanoes, jungles, wildlife enriched forests, national parks, sweeping vistas, charming beach towns, some of the most glorious geological formations in the world and so much more. Here are some of the best bike and hike activities while on your amazingly affordable Best Vacations Ever adventure with complimentary accommodations in the heart of Costa Rica.

  • Catch a glimpse of the abundant wildlife hiking through trails at Parque Nacional Corcovado, labeled by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth.”
  • Explore Arenal Volcano National Park Tours in Costa Rica, which is positioned in the fertile lowlands and on the foothills of the most active volcano in Costa Rica.
  • Grab a car, bike, scooter or motorcycle and explore the charming districts and spectacular wonders of Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
  • Use high-powered flashlights to catch glimpses of various animals during a specialized night tour. Some of the better spots for night tours are Monteverde, Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula.
  • Trek the trails or climb the lofty heights of Costa Rica’s highest peak, Cerro Chirripó at Parque Nacional Chirripó.
  • Hike, bike or even horseback-ride the circuit around the bubbling volcanic mud pots, waterfalls and thermal pools at Volcán Rincón de la Vieja.
  • Explore the dual nature of the Palo Verde National Park where its simultaneously a spectacular wetlands and one of the best examples of tropical dry forests remaining anywhere in the world.
  • Explore the dual nature of the Palo Verde National Park where its simultaneously a spectacular wetlands and one of the best examples of tropical dry forests remaining anywhere in the world.
Isn’t it time to get your feet kickin’ on a family or cohabitating couple’s vacation in paradise, like Costa Rica, with Best Vacations Ever? Call 800-656-2780 now!

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Ready to hit the road yet? Make the impossible vacation, possible and most affordable  by calling Best Vacations Ever at 800-656-2780 for more information and places that would be  the perfect bike and hike destination for your crew  or to go ahead and book your low-cost Best Vacations Ever promotional vacation package brought to you by Preferred Guest Resorts, which includes  complimentary accommodations, possible Alamo rental-car specials and discounts,  and other possible incentives for the most extraordinary and the most affordable travel. Whether you like to hike, bike or stroll, there’s no better or more affordable way to explore the world than with one of many surprising and intriguing Best Vacations Ever journeys.

Where is your favorite place to bike and/or hike?

 

 

 

 

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