75 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Your Next Weekend Getaway

Can you believe that summer is just 2 months away?! I’m already starting to daydream about the warm weather, summer vacation, and all the things I want to do. Which is what inspired me to create this travel-inspired summer bucket list!

Summer is the perfect season to explore new places, go on exciting adventures, and finally do all the things you’ve been saving for “someday.” If you need a little inspiration for fun things to add to your vacation (or staycation!) bucket list this summer – you’re in the right place! This list is perfect whether you are traveling as a couple, with friends, with family, or just solo!

This list is a little different than your regular summer bucket list. It’s more of a travel-themed summer bucket list. For instance if you’re planning a road trip and looking for fun things to do during your road trip. Or, if you’re planning an outdoor adventure and looking for activities to add to your itinerary.

Now, you don’t have to travel anywhere to enjoy this list. Many of these activities are great for staycations and for being a tourist in your own city!

I won’t cover specific destinations in this post, but if you’re looking for that – check out the post on my top 10 affordable summer destinations!

Ready to start planning out your summer bucket list? Let’s dive in!

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Download a Free Printable PDF of the Summer Bucket List!

Get a free PDF version of the Summer Travel Bucket List for easy printing and use on mobile devices!
The PDF contains both a color copy as well as a black & white copy that is printer-friendly!

This printable is also part of my travel freebie library which contains all of my FREE printables, packing lists, checklists, and itineraries in one convenient location! When you download this bucket list, you will get the access code to the library emailed to you! You can also just sign up for the freebie library directly to access this printable.

Bucket List for the Adventurous

Many of the activities on this list are definitely not for me, but I wanted to include them for all the adrenaline junkies out there! Summer is the perfect time for outdoor adventures and trying out new things. Depending on where you live, you may not need to travel far to enjoy some of these activities.

1. Go whitewater rafting
2. Try paragliding off a coastal cliff
3. Bungee jumping for a thrilling freefall
4. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride
5. Go zip-lining through a forest canopy
6. Try rock climbing
7. Take a scuba diving lesson
8. Rent an ATV and explore off-road trails (safely!)
9. Go hiking on a local trail
10. Go skydiving

Bucket List for Water Activities

Summer is the perfect time to spend time by the lake, river, pool, or beach and take advantage of all the water activities. There’s nothing more refreshing than taking a dip in the water or a nice boat ride on a warm summer day. Even if you can’t travel to an exotic island or beach villa, you can definitely take advantage of rivers or lakes nearby and see if you can do some of these activities locally!

11. Go kayaking
12. Rent a pontoon boat with friends
13. Take a sailing class
14. Visit a waterfall
15. Go tubing down a lazy river
16. Swim in a natural spring
17. Go snorkeling
18. Try stand-up paddle-boarding
19. Spend the night in a houseboat
20. Visit a waterpark

Bucket List for Foodies

For those who don’t really love adventurous activities all that much (like me!), this bucket list is for you! I’m a huge foodie and I love trying out new cuisines, restaurants, and cute cafes when I travel. These activities can be done on your summer travels, or even as a tourist in your own city!

21. Do a self-guided pizza crawl
22. Visit a winery or vineyard for a tasting tour
23. Attend a local food festival
24. Take a cooking class
25. Hunt down the best ice cream in town
26. Try the local street food
27. Tour a local brewery
28. Book a rooftop dinner or visit a rooftop bar
29. Visit the local farmers market
30. Try out a new cuisine

Bucket List for Road Trippers

Road trips are the ultimate summer bucket list activity. Nothing says summer like rolling down the windows and hitting the open road with the music blasting! I’m a huge fan of road trips so my goal is cross off each one this year! PS: If you’re planning a road trip this summer, don’t leave home without this road trip packing list!

31. Plan a spontaneous, last minute road trip
32. Plan a scenic coastal drive
33. Sleep in a quirky roadside motel
34. Collect postcards from every town you pass
35. Explore a new national park
36. Find the biggest roadside attraction in your state
37. Do a themed road trip (such as BBQ trail, Great River road trip, historical trail, etc.)
38. Listen to a road trip playlist with the windows down
39. Try a car camping experience for a night
40. Stop at every scenic overlook you find

Bucket List for Nature Enthusiasts

I love spending as much time outdoors as possible during the summer. Breathing in the fresh summer air and exploring new trails brings me so much peace! These activities are also great ways to get out of the house and try a new activity this summer.

41. Go on a scenic bike ride
42. Camp under the stars (even in your backyard!)
43. Go to a “you-pick” farm – blueberries, strawberries, sunflowers, etc.
44. Take a digital detox weekend in a cabin
45. Go birdwatching at a local wildlife refuge
46. Try geocaching in the woods
47. Volunteer for a national or state park clean-up
48. Take a sunrise hike to a scenic overlook
49. Visit a botanical garden
50. Visit the zoo or aviary

Bucket List for City Escapes & Culture Trips

If you’re planning to visit a new city this summer, try out some of these activities & experiences during your time there! Each city has its own unique vibe and culture that’s so much fun to explore.

51. Visit a local museum
52. Try to find all the street art murals
53. Take a self-guided walking tour
54. Buy a souvenir of the city
55. Catch an outdoor concert or play
56. Spend the day in a historic district
57. Explore a new city by bike or scooter
58. Visit a local flea market or vintage fair
59. Take a food tour
60. Stay at a boutique hotel in a downtown area

Bucket List for Summer Relaxation

Sometimes you just want a chill and relaxing summer! Whether you’re going on a trip or just a staycation, the activities on this list will help you unwind, relax, and savor the summer season. You can also use this bucket list to relax and unwind after a long trip!

61. Book a spa day at a resort
62. Try a yoga retreat
63. Do a “nothing but reading” weekend trip
64. Journal while watching the sunrise in a peaceful spot
65. Go off-grid for a digital detox
66. Create your own at-home wellness weekend
67. Try a guided meditation experience
68. Walk barefoot in the grass and just breathe
69. Spend a quiet morning at a scenic overlook
70. Take a slow travel day—no plans, just wander

Bucket List for Quick Weekend Getaways

If you don’t have a trip booked, but want to plan a last minute weekend getaway, check out these ideas! I wrote a post about how to score cheap flights for last-minute getaways for even more budget-saving tips!

71. Take a road trip to a nearby town
72. Book a train ticket just for the ride
73. Stay at a unique Airbnb within 2 hours of home
74. Visit a state park you’ve never been to
75. Go glamping with friends – or even in your own backyard!

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Download a Free Printable PDF of the Summer Bucket List!

Get a free PDF version of the Summer Travel Bucket List for easy printing and use on mobile devices!
The PDF contains both a color copy as well as a black & white copy that is printer-friendly!

This printable is also part of my travel freebie library which contains all of my FREE printables, packing lists, checklists, and itineraries in one convenient location! When you download this bucket list, you will get the access code to the library emailed to you! You can also just sign up for the freebie library directly to access this printable.

I hope you enjoyed this travel-inspired summer bucket list! Are you going to be adding any of these to your summer bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!