In May, we’re focusing on the great outdoors and adventure. Back in 2020, many people started venturing outside, eager for fresh air after a tough spring, and took up new hobbies along with exploring new paths. As we step into 2021, dive into our features to discover 15 essential outdoor skills, the top state parks across the nation, how hotels are popping up near once-remote national parks, and one person’s mission to make outdoor adventures accessible to everyone.
When the pandemic struck, Jeff Hong, an animation storyboard artist from Brooklyn, found himself stuck inside his apartment. Even under normal circumstances, his job already involved high screen time. To break away from this and engage in safe, socially-distanced exercise, he began exploring Prospect Park. “I explored more of Prospect Park last summer than during the entire 13 years I’ve lived in Park Slope,” he shared with TripSavvy.
As New York’s winter loomed and the pandemic persisted, Hong, at 42, felt his outdoor habit was threatened. Thus, in November 2020, he moved to Hawaii, where he could make the most of the favorable weather and time difference by working early and surfing in the afternoons—a hobby he usually indulged in only during short trips to the island.
A report from the Outdoor Industry Association and its research partner NAXION highlights that outdoor activities have surged since the pandemic began. They surveyed 613 adults who either started a new outdoor hobby or rekindled an old one since March 2020.
Easy-to-start activities like walking, jogging, and biking saw the highest participation. Niche interests such as birdwatching, surfing, fishing, and kayaking also gained traction. Notably, with domestic travel on the rise, camping became a beloved pastime.
Embracing the spirit of road trips and camping, Erik Trinidad, a freelance motion graphics designer, video editor, and travel and food writer from Brooklyn, dived into a new activity during the pandemic lockdowns. He bought an SUV, equipped it with removable camper-like modifications, and embarked on car glamping trips. “Car glamping is all about using your everyday vehicle and adapting it for outdoor journeys,” he explained.
For Trinidad, an enthusiastic cyclist, car glamping scratched his travel itch, offered a change of scenery, and opened up beautiful, accessible outdoor spots near the city, often leading to local hikes or bike rides.
While understanding why so many folks turned to the outdoors during the pandemic may seem obvious, the OIA/NAXION survey reveals that over half of respondents engaged in outdoor activities to escape home confinement, exercise, stay healthy, reconnect with nature, or simply have fun.
Glen Taylor, captain of Sea Farmer Charters in St. Petersburg, Florida, considers fishing to be an ideal way to socially distance outdoors. It turns out others agree: “During the pandemic’s start, I had new clients, mostly families, seeking something fun and unique,” he told TripSavvy. “Homeschooling demanded breaks, prompting outdoor fun for the kids.”
During the pandemic’s early months, Jeremy Lublin of Jeremy & the Harlequins in New York City spent time in local park spaces to social safely. “Our parks transformed into our dining spots, bars, and music venues.”
As border restrictions waned, the 37-year-old started traveling once more, craving outdoor experiences such as snorkeling and horseback riding. “Snorkeling helps maintain social distance as you’re in the water with marine life, not people,” he said. “Horseback riding also works; horses prefer keeping distance from each other.”
Report findings align with Lublin’s desire for outdoor pursuits while traveling, showing people favor outdoor activities that are easily accessible from hotels—though it’s unclear if this is due to preference or restrictions. Instead of visiting museums or dining out, COVID-era travelers are exploring destinations through walking, hiking, biking, and kayaking.
John Flaherty, owner of Central Coast Outdoors, which runs hiking, biking, and kayak tours in California’s central coast, noted that many of his kayaking customers are first-timers. Almost all of their business comes from local or Californian travelers. “I think folks who sought grander adventures ventured on nearby yet fresh experiences,” he said.
Like Taylor, he sees outdoor adventures as appealing to those seeking safe activities or a taste of pre-pandemic normalcy. He assures, “All COVID protocols are followed, but being out in nature—on the bay, bike, or trail—can be enjoyed by anyone, no mask required.”
The survey also found those new to outdoor activities tend to be women, younger individuals, more racially diverse, from urban areas, and from lower income brackets—possibly fueling interest in traditionally niche activities due to broad participant diversity. Birdwatching, once seen as a retiree pastime, became a top five pandemic activity, despite only 30% of new entrants being 50+ years old.
“Birdwatching found me,” Hannah Cassidy, 34, shared with TripSavvy. Unlike those moving away or venturing out to explore, Cassidy simply stepped into her garden in Los Angeles, drawn into her newfound outdoor interest.
Last April, she discovered a nest in her driveway’s banana tree, leading to bird identification—a house finch. Later, a hawk frequented her porch’s tree as a dining site. “Gross,” she noted, “but I learned it’s a red-tailed hawk.” Now, she owns binoculars and a bird book.
Cassidy also joined the roller skating wave during lockdown—a surprising popular choice. “After roller skating went viral on IG and TikTok, I hunted down skates amid shortages and took to the smoothest pavements,” she commented.
In Manhattan, pilates instructor Jeanie Michaels noticed an influx of rollerbladers during walks and revisited the hobby herself. “I skated lots in 1997-1999—even braved city traffic then,” she reminisced. “With gyms shut, I found a new exercise fix.”
“One perk was it demanded focus not to fall, providing a break from news, music, or podcasts—a 40-minute daily escape.”
Screen fatigue is real, possibly spurred by increased streaming, video calls, and scrolling during the pandemic. A survey shows 46% spent more time online, while 52% watched more TV. Screen fatigue motivated many to seek outdoor activities, but will this drive stay?
With lockdowns easing, vaccination rollout, and the country reopening, the question remains: will pandemic outdoor activities continue? According to the survey, over 60% who began walking, hiking, biking, fishing, or jogging intend to keep at it post-restrictions. However, 25% don’t plan to keep their new hobbies as routine life resumes.
Cassidy doubts she’ll keep roller skating due to limited smooth surfaces, but she plans to stick with casual birdwatching. “It’s now part of my identity,” she said. “A delightful way to connect with nature, I’ve learned many young people share this interest—and follow lots of birdwatching TikTok accounts.”
Hong, who ended up leasing in Hawaii after delaying his NYC return, hopes to maintain his new active lifestyle. “The pandemic cracked open possibilities,” he said. “I aim to keep remote work and spend part of the year in Hawaii with easy beach and surf access—a fantastic way to stay fit mentally and physically.”
