20 Walks to Take Before Summer Ends
This post is part of our Summer of Simple Walking series. Check out the intro post
for more information and links to other helpful posts.
It seems like not that long ago that we were looking ahead to the crazy days of summer—to sunny days and summer vacations and chaotic summer schedules. And now, somehow, it’s August. We’re stocking up on pencils and folders and checking out schedules for the new school year. It’s still hot and sunny during the day, but those sunset walks get a little earlier every night.
Now is the time of year when I panic and start scrambling to get the most out of the rest of my summer—when I try to fill the days with fun activities that we just didn’t get around to doing in June and July.
So, with school schedules and new routines looming, now’s the time to take a few memorable summer walks—to enjoy the summer before it’s gone.
Here are 20 ideas to help you take advantage of those last summer days.
1) Take in the Sunrise
Before the day gets crazy, enjoy the cooler temperatures and the morning glow of a sunrise walk.
2) Enjoy a Sunset Stroll
I love going for an after-dinner walk. I love watching the sun set as I walk to unwind from the day.
3) Visit a Sunflower Field
A few years ago, my daughter and I visited a sunflower field with friends. It was such a beautiful way to get some steps, spend some time together, and enjoy nature. We got to bring some flowers home with us, too!
4) Wander through a Farmers Market
Summer is the perfect time to visit the farmers market. You can wander in and out of the stalls, sample some of the goods, and bring home some fruits and veggies and baked goods, too—all while getting your steps!
5) Explore a New Park
My daughter and I love visiting new parks. While we haven’t had quite as much time to explore this summer, we always make a point of looking up new parks and exploring the trails when we can.
6) Walk to Your Favorite Coffee Shop
If your favorite coffee shop isn’t in a walkable location, pick up your order and find a place to walk nearby.
7) Visit a Botanical Garden
Get your steps while enjoying those late-summer blooms.
8) Take a Butterfly Walk
I love seeing wildlife on my walks—from grazing deer to my favorite white squirrel. But there’s always something special about seeing butterflies on a walk. You’ve got a better chance of seeing them in areas with wildflowers or special pollinator gardens.
9) Notice Your Own Neighborhood
It’s easy to take our surroundings for granted—but your neighborhood might hold some special secrets! Take the time to walk around your neighborhood and notice things you’ve never seen before.
10) Go on a Photo Walk
For me, nearly every walk is a photo walk—because I love to capture and share those moments. Whether it’s a beautiful patch of wildflowers, some fun lawn decorations, or the view along the trail, find something to photograph while you walk.
11) Walk by Water
Maybe you don’t live by the ocean—but you can still find places to enjoy a waterfront stroll. It could be a river or lake or even a creek. There’s just something about walking near water that makes it feel therapeutic.
12) Walk for a Treat
I talk a lot about walking to (or around) your favorite coffee shop. But this is summer! Give it an extra summery twist by walking for ice cream—or go for a walk and treat yourself to ice cream after you finish.
13) Explore a Shady Trail
Summer walks can be hot. But walking on a shaded forest trail can make even a summer afternoon feel breezy and refreshing.
14) Make It a Musical
Create a summer playlist to enjoy on your walk. Feel free to sing along—and maybe add a few dance moves to your steps.
15) Walk and Picnic
Whether you walk to a picnic spot or just pack a lunch to enjoy after your walk, enjoying a picnic lunch is an essential summer experience.
16) Bring a Buddy
Go on a walk with a friend, a family member, your kid, or a neighbor—and create some fun summer memories together!
17) Take a Nature Walk
You don’t have to walk on a secluded trail to appreciate nature. Whether you’re walking in a park or through your neighborhood, make a point of noticing the nature around you: the birds and insects and flowers.
18) City Stroll
A walk downtown might not be as brisk as a walk in the park, but you can enjoy the sights and shops as you explore the city streets.
19) Let Go of the Goals
If you’re like me, you might set goals for every walk. You track your mileage and pay attention to your pace. But for one walk, just let it go. Don’t worry about how far you walk—or how fast. Just let yourself enjoy the movement.
20) Summer Celebration Walk
On Labor Day weekend, take the time for one last official summer walk. Include your favorite things—whether that means walking with a large iced coffee, walking with a friend, enjoying the sunset, or anything else. Take the time to look back on all of your walks this summer—the purposeful ones and the simple ones—and celebrate every step you’ve taken.
As summer winds down, I always feel like I need to do big things before the season ends. But I’ve found that sometimes it’s the little things that make the best memories. Before Labor Day, take the time to lace up your shoes, get some fresh air, and enjoy the little moments.
Which of these walks are on your end-of-summer to-do list?
