Nighttime Adventures

The party starts once the sun goes down

Don't let the daytime hold a monopoly on good times. There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had after the sun goes down, from snorkeling with manta rays to chasing the Northern Lights. Put away those sunglasses, grab a flashlight, and get ready for an unforgettable night.  

1. Skiing at Keystone Resort, Colorado
Want to spice up your next ski trip? Nothing beats watching the sunset from the top of a slope, then skiing down the mountain under the night sky. Places like Keystone Resort in Colorado offer night skiing experiences, with extended hours during January, February, and winter holiday weekends. As the resort puts it, “Counting turns is way more fun than counting sheep.”
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2. Manta ray snorkeling in Kona, Hawaii
Swimming with manta rays in Hawaii already sounds exciting — but what about swimming with manta rays at night? Several tour operators offer this treat along the coast of Kona. To lure the rays, guides first attract plankton with bright flashlights, which then attracts the rays. Come see this natural show for yourself any night of the year.
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3. Northern Lights chasing in Fairbanks, Alaska
Seeing the Northern Lights is an activity most travelers dream of experiencing. Winter is the ideal time for spotting the aurora borealis, especially if you can travel as far north as Fairbanks, Alaska. Check out one of many local excursions available in town that will take you into the wilderness to see the awe-inspiring natural event for yourself.
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4. Bioluminescent kayaking in Cocoa Beach, Florida
If you can’t spot the stars above, try searching for them in the water. Bioluminescence—the emission of light from a living organism— is a phenomenon that turns water into a glittering display of blues and greens. To experience it for yourself, head to the Indian River Lagoon on the Atlantic Coast of Florida, where you can take a kayak tour right through the glowing waters. Every stroke of your paddle will cause the waters to glow, and you might even get to spot a manatee swimming by your boat while you’re at it.
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5. Full moon hiking in Yosemite National Park, California
There’s no wrong way to see Yosemite National Park, but there’s something extra special about visiting the park under the glow of a full moon. The Sentinel Dome is one of the most popular places in the park to view the celestial event. Head out to the dome in the late afternoon hours, then watch the sunset over the Yosemite Valley until the full moon takes its place.
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