This weekend catch some rays and watch the world’s best surfers battle it out in California, join up with America’s hiking enthusiasts at a gathering in Vermont, or if you just feel like taking it easy, quaff some beers at Portland’s International Beer Festival.

By Nate Storey, Karin Krisher, and Steven Kurtz

US Open of Surfing, July 18-26
Huntington Beach, California

A swarm of beach bums and surf rats will pack the sand at “Surf City USA” this weekend to gawk at the world’s best surfers at the US Open of Surfing. The largest surfing event on the planet, the Open attracts around 500,000 fans annually with a host of complimentary events and competitions. In addition to watching stars like Kelly Slater and Dane Reynolds drop bombs near the Huntington Pier, check out the tribe of BMXers facing off in the Nike 6.0 HB BMX Pro and the epic skateboarding lineup, led by Tony Hawk, in the Converse Coastal Carnage. Along with the big rippers, a crew of old-school “tipsters” will go toes-to-the-nose and hang ten on longboards in the Corona Noseriding Invitational. If the mass of humanity is giving you a headache, hop on the Catalina Flyer ($68) in neighboring Newport Beach for a day trip to Catalina Island. Rent a golf cart ($30 an hour) and cruise the streets winding through restaurants, shops and bars to get a sense of the small island. Cool your summer sweat by kayaking along Catalina’s craggy coast in the afternoon ($35 for a half-day rental), before the Flyer returns to the mainland at 4:30.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly into Los Angeles and make a short drive down the coast to Huntington Beach. Stay at the Shorebreak Hotel next to the beach and, assuming you plan to become well acquainted with Huntington’s many bars, book the “Take the Elevator” package that comes with bottles of water, hangover pills (we assume they mean ibuprofen), and a late, 2:00 pm check-out (rates start at $269 per night).

Appalachian Trail Festival, July 18-25
Castleton State College, Vermont

This weekend, the week-long Appalachian Trail Festival gets underway in central Vermont, giving you the opportunity to hike, bike, and learn the ins and outs of the Green Mountain State’s 150 mile portion of the scenic, and often rigorous, trail. Head up to Castleton State on Friday to register for a next-day hike, like a strenuous 12 mile trek that passes Killington Peak, or a demanding tour up Stratton Mountain and around picturesque Stratton pond. On Sunday, spend your time learning about the Trail’s history with the more laid back Appalachian Trails and Tales hike. If you’d like to put your feet on the pedals instead of the ground as you make your way through the mountains, bring along your bike and plan your route—the quiet of a solo ride will allow you to find your own favorite places along the trail. All that fresh air might make you thirsty, so pick up a bottle of Vermont’s number one selling craft brew, the aptly named Long Trail, on your trip—the brewery is just 35 miles from home base Castleton, and is open daily until 7 p.m.

Travel and Accommodation
Your best bet is to drive up US-4 through southern Vermont, taking exit 5 to get to Castleton for the registration on Friday. The area offers plenty of room for campers, including three campgrounds within ten miles of the college. We recommend Bomoseen State Park, where several hiking trails and a lakefront area for fishing and swimming will entertain you when you’re not off conquering the Appalachian.

Portland International Beer Festival, July 17-19
Portland, Oregon

Check out the Portland International Beer Festival for an excellent weekend of drunken debauchery, or um, classy and restrained beer tasting. With more breweries per capita than any other city in the union, Portland is the perfect destination for beer connoisseurs and casual fans alike. Highlighting Oregon’s Craft Beer Month, the Portland International Beerfest offers over 150 different drafts and bottles for tasters’ palettes, including several rare brews and collaborations. Walk around the festival with your official PIB glass, a freebie with ticket purchase, to try a few different beers, or hang out in the Grande Beer Garden to enjoy full pints of select beers for only 3 dollars. If drinking becomes too much, there are plenty of art galleries and shops in downtown Portland’s arts district, the Pearl.

Travel and Accommodation
Fly to Portland International Airport and take public transportation or rent a car for the 25-minute drive to the Pearl District of the city. There are a few hotels in the area, but mention the event to the Park Lane Suites in the West Hills for a discounted rate. It’s a 10-minute walk, but may be worth the lower price.