Ski trips in Texas? Who knew? Kayak trips in Georgia? Wonder why!<\/p>\n
We dove into 15 states with some of the more surprising and interesting searches. We then dug around to find out how you, too, can experience the activities in these states. The following 35 cities are displayed in alphabetical order.<\/p>\n
Note: States with no data did not generate high enough volumes to produce comparisons.<\/p>\n
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1. Arizona<\/h2>\n
Top search: kayak trip \u2013 35%<\/p>\n
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<\/a>Via Vitalii Nesterchuk\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n During an Arizona summer, the average temperature in Phoenix is 104 to107 degrees F. When the mercury rises, it\u2019s no wonder people want to be in the water!<\/p>\n As everyone\u2019s flocking to the nearest body of water, kayaking in Arizona becomes the highest search term of the above activities. Give the Colorado River a whirl. Or Float along Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon, Labyrinth Canyon, and Lone Rock Canyon. If you have Class-4 whitewater experience, head to the Colorado River and float through the magnificent Grand Canyon.<\/p>\n Check out other things to do at the Grand Canyon<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: backpacking trip \u2013 27%, kayak trip \u2013 26%<\/p>\n Via <https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/image-photo\/redwood-forest-californiausa-december-3-2017-1184213380 ” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Ryan Kelehar\/Shutterstock and SunflowerMomma\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n California is the land of, well, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, and even skiing! Though the state has all of the above and more, people are most interested in backpacking and kayaking in California. These two search terms were almost tied in the Golden State.<\/p>\n With all the scenic hiking trails, from the desert to the sea, you\u2019ll find your fair share of backpacking trips. The ancient giants in the Redwood National Park are a must see, while the beach paths on the Lost Coast Trail are magical. You\u2019ll find many senior-friendly and accessible trails throughout the state. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayak around caves off the coast of La Jolla or float along June Lake for epic mountain views.<\/p>\n Find out more about kayaking in La Jolla<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: ski trip \u2013 31%<\/p>\n Via majicphotos\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Skiing was the most searched activity, but for this state, the intention may be two-fold. Snow skiing and water skiing. Though the state doesn\u2019t have any slopes, that doesn\u2019t stop people from snow skiing trips. According to a 2017 SnowSports Industries America and the Physical Activity Council study, a good portion of the nation\u2019s downhill skiers hail from Florida. Alternatively, Florida is the land of water <\/em>skiers, too.<\/p>\n Winter Haven Chain of Lakes is a major water ski destination and home to several popular water ski schools. Lake George is another prime place for water skiing in Florida. Prefer to ski powder? The closest ski resorts to Florida (by car) are both in North Carolina. Find your own winter wonderland at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort and Appalachian Ski Mountain.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: kayak trip \u2013 28%<\/p>\n Via Stacy Funderburk\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n With so many lakes and rivers to choose from, it\u2019s no surprise kayaking in Georgia received the most Google searches. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or expert, there are plenty of water trails for seniors to explore.<\/p>\n For a wildlife adventure, paddle along the Altamaha River. As the second-largest watershed in the eastern U.S., it\u2019s home to many endangered species. Don\u2019t forget your binoculars! Or launch into Okefenokee Swamp, the largest blackwater swamp in North America. But if you\u2019re looking for a challenge, consider the Chattahoochee River, which tends to be Classes II to IV.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: backpacking trip \u2013 29%<\/p>\n Via haveseen\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in the country, but people in the state are more interested in the hiking. And with so many scenic trails, who could blame them?<\/p>\n Maroon Bells belongs among the best backpacking trips in Colorado. For a grand adventure, hike the 4 Pass Loop, which is just over 26 miles. The majestic views of Maroon Lake are well worth the multi-day hike. For a shorter adventure, venture to the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. The East Portal Trailhead in the James Peak Wilderness is another prime beginner\u2019s hike.<\/p>\n Learn more about vacations to Rocky Mountain National Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: kayak trip \u2013 23% and ski trip \u2013 23%<\/p>\n Via Eco-Justice Collaborative\/Flickr<\/a> and Dave Herholz\/Flickr<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n When it comes to adventure vacations in Illinois, kayak and ski trips tied for the top place. Thanks to warm summers and chilly winters, locals and travelers can experience the best of both worlds.<\/p>\n Cool off this summer with a paddle down Kishwaukee River, also known as The Kish. Look out for herons and river otters! For more kayaking in Illinois, head toward the Middle Fork of Vermilion River. It\u2019s a designated National Wild and Scenic River. Prefer to count down the days until the first snow? The skiing in Illinois brings endless opportunities, as the state has several resorts. Chestnut Mountain Resort features 19 trails, while Snowstar has 14 of its own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: golf trip \u2013 35%<\/p>\n Via Kyle Tannler\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Did you know Connecticut hosted the nation\u2019s first women-only golf tournament in 1917? This state has a long history with the sport, and it\u2019s still on the forefront of everyone\u2019s minds. In Connecticut, people are searching for golf trip vacations above all others. Fortunately, they don\u2019t have to venture far; there are tons of amazing golf resorts in Connecticut.<\/p>\n Tee off at Connecticut Golf Course. And swing at Lake of Isles, which is often rated as one of the best courses in New England. The resort has two courses that overlook a 90-acre lake. Or bring your clubs to The Golf Club at Oxford Greens, near the Naugatuck State Forest. If your grandkids are in tow, consider putting a round at the Swiss-themed Matterhorn Mini Golf course in Canton.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: ski trip \u2013 36%<\/p>\n Via Marcelo Rodriguez\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Texas may not have slopes of its own, but that doesn\u2019t stop Texans from searching for fresh powder. Like Florida, Texas has one of the highest numbers of downhill skiers, when compared to the rest of the nation. This according to a 2017 SnowSports Industries America and the Physical Activity Council study.<\/p>\n By car, the closest ski resorts are in neighboring New Mexico. Just west of Texas, this state is home to nine ski resorts, such as Red River, Sipapu, and Angel Fire Resort. If you don\u2019t mind hopping on an early flight, you could be on the slopes in Utah by midday. Fly into Salt Lake City, and you\u2019ll find ten ski resorts within an hour\u2019s drive of the airport. Pick your poison, from Snowbird and Alta to Park City Mountain and Deer Valley.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: backpacking trip \u2013 41%<\/p>\n Via Dee Browning\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Ski slopes, kayaking waterways, fishing holes, and backpacking trails? Yes, Oregon has it all. But when we compare their search volumes, backpacking trips take the cake in this state. And with amazing trails through the Cascade Range and the Oregon Coast, we can\u2019t say we\u2019re surprised.<\/p>\n For your next backpacking trip, set your sights on Green Lakes. Set in Central Oregon, this 11-mile trail has rushing creeks, wildflowers, and the three Green Lakes. Prefer a seaside setting? Take on a portion of the Oregon Coast. It runs from Fort Stevens State Park to Crissey Field State Recreation Site. Better yet, head to Klamath Falls trails, an area known for fantastic birdwatching<\/a>. If you plan on visiting several parks, consider purchasing an annual parks pass. Seniors receive discounted rates!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: golf trip \u2013 26%<\/p>\n Via iofoto\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Move over, South Carolina! The neighboring state often gets all the golf attention, but it\u2019s North Carolinians who are searching for golf trips above all. With more than 400 public and semi-private golf courses, this state knows a thing or two about the greens.<\/p>\n Even Arnold Palmer practiced on courses in NC, so you\u2019re in good hands. Take a swing on Pinehurst No.2, which calls itself Home of American Golf. Or book a tee time at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines. Many of the golf courses offer special senior discounts, too. Between Tobacco Road Golf Course and Linville Golf Club, you\u2019ll lower your golf score in no time!<\/p>\n Take a look at North Carolina hotels near golf courses<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: backpacking trip \u2013 23% and golf trip \u2013 22%<\/p>\n Via Jeff Hackett\/Shutterstock<\/a> and YKi7\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n When it comes to activity trips in Ohio, the searches around backpacking and golfing vacations are neck and neck! Because the search interest was so similar, why not combine your adventures trips? Backpacking with a side of golfing sounds like the ultimate getaway.<\/p>\n Explore the trails at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is the state\u2019s only national park. Trot along the trail to Brandywine Falls, and then hit the greens in time for tee time. Sleepy Hollow Golf Course is right next door. Another option: hike through Shawnee State Forest (the state\u2019s largest forest!) and then play a round at the Shawnee State Park Golf Course.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: fishing trip \u2013 57%<\/p>\n Via digitalreflections\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Did you know muskellunge are the largest fish in the Iowa Great Lakes? These muskies can swim up to 30 miles per hour! Cast a line and find out for yourself why so many are in search of the best fishing in Iowa.<\/p>\n The best part of Iowa? You can fish any time of the year, as ice fishing is extremely popular in this region. Summer or winter, head to the Iowa Great Lakes, which include several interconnected lakes and waterways. Or invite your grandkids along for a fishing excursion at Prairie Rose Lake in Harlan. This family-friendly lake is great for catching bass, catfish, and bluegill.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: kayak trip \u2013 36%<\/p>\n Via f11photo\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Kayaking in Indiana earned a place at the top of the searches in this state. When the temperatures heat up here, the kayak opportunities are endless. Slip into a kayak and get ready to explore nature in the best way possible.<\/p>\n Launch your kayak in Tippecanoe Lake, nicknamed Lake Tippy. Created by glaciers, it\u2019s the deepest lake in the state. Meanwhile, a peaceful float down Flatrock River meanders past sycamore and willow trees. For a more urban adventure, paddle along the Downtown Canal. This loop goes through downtown Indianapolis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Top search: fishing trip \u2013 60%<\/p>\n Via Bonita R. Cheshier\/Shutterstock<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n2. California<\/h2>\n
<\/a>3. Florida<\/h2>\n
<\/a>4. Georgia<\/h2>\n
<\/a>5. Colorado<\/h2>\n
<\/a>6. Illinois<\/h2>\n
<\/a>7. Connecticut<\/h2>\n
<\/a>8. Texas<\/h2>\n
<\/a>9. Oregon<\/h2>\n
<\/a>10. North Carolina<\/h2>\n
<\/a>11. Ohio<\/h2>\n
<\/a>12. Iowa<\/h2>\n
<\/a>13. Indiana<\/h2>\n
<\/a>14. Nebraska<\/h2>\n
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