1. District: Explore Your City
Go at your own pace and hit virtual checkpoints with District: Explore Your City. Create a profile, give it permission to track your location, and get going, and the app will track your distance, pace, and time. The unique feature of District: Explore Your City is its points system. Visit specific checkpoints or travel a set distance, and you’ll earn points for a higher score. Point locations appear as green dots on the map.
Standard locations are worth 100 points, while special pink Power Ups are worth double. Because not all point locations are worth the same amount, it’s worth your while to explore and keep an eye out for these bonuses. Participate on your own or connect with other explorers on the app for a sense of community. Their feeds will provide updates on their walks and runs. Meanwhile, the Leaderboard shows results by country, as well as a global ranking of the top competitors. You can view monthly results in addition to all-time scores.
Lastly, look for specific Missions nearby, because these take place all over the world. For instance, The Hunt Finals in Singapore invited competitors to score as many points as possible in just 90 minutes. If you like working out from anywhere, this could be a good source of virtual fitness challenges to add to your routine, as well. Although the app is billed as a way to explore your city, it also works if you live in a small town or a more rural region. The points are out there for just about anybody to collect with District: Explore Your City.
Download: District: Explore Your City for iOS | Android (Free)
2. AllTrails
With one of the largest collections of trails in an app, AllTrails is the perfect companion for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. With its collection of over 200,000 trails in your pocket, you’re bound to find new routes to enjoy. On the app’s main screen, you’ll see a list of top nearby trails, sorted into several useful categories, including family-friendly trails, the best views, and dog-friendly areas.
You can further refine the lists to show trails that are wheelchair-friendly, paved, or partially paved. Or you can limit results by a certain length, elevation gain, and trail traffic. In addition, the app lists the general difficulty of a trail as easy, moderate, or hard so you don’t accidentally pick a trail that’s out of your comfort zone.
Attractions are also part of the app’s database, so you can search for waterfalls, caves, hot springs, historic sites, and more. The navigation map offers an overview of the selected trail and its estimated completion time, distance, and elevation gain. You can pull up additional information, such as coordinates and bearing, on the Navigation Info screen. You can also select your specific mode of travel, such as hiking, trail running, or mountain biking, on the Activity screen.
Unlocking the paid version of the app gives you access to downloadable, printable maps and off-route notifications that help prevent you from wandering too far away from the path. Whether you use the free version or go pro, the sheer number of walking and hiking trails available on AllTrails is impressive. Chances are, you’ll find plenty of new places to explore, even in familiar areas.
Download: AllTrails for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
3. Geocaching
Find new areas in your city (or any place you travel) while treasure hunting with the Geocaching app. Typically, geocaches are weatherproof containers filled with a logbook and occasionally some trinkets that are hidden somewhere outdoors for people to find. You can use the Geocaching app to locate hidden cache sites all around the world and navigate to them. It’s a great incentive to get out and about and explore any location, and you might even find a fun prize or trinket at the end.
To start with the app, simply enter your location information. A map screen will populate with nearby geocache locations. Tap a geocache to view its description and details. Then, hit the Navigate button and let your adventure begin. Don’t forget to log it once you’ve found it (or mark it as Did Not Find if the cache eludes you).
Real-life loot isn’t the only goal. You can also earn digital souvenirs, such as virtual art displayed on your profile or commemorations of particular dates and events. Upgrading to the premium version of Geocaching gives you enhanced search features, access to a Trails map, and downloadable maps.
Download: Geocaching for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
4. RunGo
Find new routes to run or walk almost anywhere on the globe with RunGo. There’s no shortage of apps that make running more fun, but RunGo has some unique features that make it perfect for exploring new roads and paths. You can cover every distance—from a few blocks to a full marathon—with the app’s rich library of routes. Even if you think you know your area, check out the paths near your home, because you might find a brand-new part of town to explore.
As a bonus, the app’s voice-guided navigation makes staying on the route easy. Instead of fiddling with your phone to look up every turn, just listen to your headphones and start moving. You’ll know exactly where to go, even if it’s your first time exploring that particular route. In addition, you can use Siri to start and navigate your runs. RunGo also offers an easy way to find walking or running routes any time you’re in a new city. There’s even a list devoted to the best hotels for running, in case you’re planning a vacation centered on health and wellness.
Lastly, there’s a fantastic creative element to the app, because runners and walkers can trace out pictures with their routes. By following planned routes, you can outline a dog, a bird, or just about any other figure. Or, get inspired and make your own route to share with the app. What designs can you create with just your feet?
Download: RunGo for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)
Get Outside and Be Active With These Exploration Apps
Shake up your daily stroll or run as soon as you hit the download button. Whether you head out on a brand-new trail or get super into geocaching, welcome some new outdoor adventures with these exploration apps.
