During the pandemic, many of us took on new outdoor hobbies — like hiking, biking and golf — that let us stretch our legs, enjoy the scenic outdoors, or take in a breath of fresh air. According to the 2022 Hilton Trends Report, the desire to get outside is poised to continue for business travelers in 2022, with many hoping to combine future business trips with outdoor fun.
Three big cities known for drawing business travel — Atlanta, Miami and San Francisco — also happen to rank as three of the top cities for outdoor wellness offerings, according to the 2021 MindBody Wellness Index.
Be sure to pack your athletic shoes (or even hiking boots) if you’re heading to these business destinations in 2022.
Take a Hike in Atlanta
Whether you’re trying to get your daily steps in by strolling through Atlanta, or wish to embark on a true hiking challenge, there are plenty of options in Atlanta. The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is the self-proclaimed “emerald jewel in the crown of Atlanta,” and offers 30 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens to enjoy. Options here include exploring the Storza Woods, the Skyline Garden and its Canopy Walk, or the award-winning Children’s Garden. Adding an extra day onto your trip? Head 30 minutes northeast to hike Stone Mountain, which offers 15 miles of trails of varying difficulty, including a five-mile base trail and a one-mile summit trail that offers an incredible view of the North Georgia Mountains.
Get your day started at Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, which has an indoor saline lap pool and a 24-hour fitness center. Guests staying here can also challenge themselves with Fitness on Demand, a high-quality virtual fitness experience, or relax and unwind with award-winning spa treatments at the resort’s spa, which features vitality pools, steam rooms, and a range of massages. Guests with a competitive spirit can get into the game by staying at Hilton Atlanta, which has a basketball court and tennis court, in addition to a running track and fitness room.
Explore Sea Life & Seaside Fun in Miami
Miami is known for white sand beaches, brimming with opportunities to get out on the water for swimming, diving, or fishing or sailing charters — with options available all over town. For a deeper exploration into nature, head to Biscayne National Park, less than an hour away. The largest marine sanctuary in the U.S. National Parks system is home to 600 native fish species, plus manatee, hawksbill sea turtles and American crocodiles. The park’s Biscayne Birding Trail also boasts more than 110 species of birds, including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork and the ultra-rare mangrove cuckoo. Snorkeling, scuba diving — and even camping — are permitted.
Want to stay beachfront? Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach is perfectly positioned in the “SoFi” enclave of South Beach, making white sand and ocean fun, plus a number of dining options a quick walk from your hotel room door.
Explore Redwood Forests Around San Francisco
In San Francisco for business? Take a break and head to one of the many forests around the San Francisco Bay Area that are home to 2,000-year-old redwoods. Head 40 minutes north to Muir Woods National Monument to spy redwoods that tower up to 258 feet tall, plus Steller's jay songbirds, banana slugs and spotted owls. Adding on an extra day to your stay? Take a one-day tour to Yosemite National Park to peep giant sequoias, Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and more.
After a day of exploration, relax at the outdoor pool or whirlpool at Hilton San Francisco Union Square, which is perfectly situated for city exploration, with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the famous cable cars nearby to hop on for a trip to Fisherman’s Wharf.