The first time I went zip lining, I had a full-on panic attack at the top of the platform. Then the guide clipped me in, pushed me off, and within two seconds the panic turned into pure euphoria. Now I'm addicted, and I've been planning vacations around zip line courses ever since. If you know, you know.
The great thing about zip lining is that it's available near tons of popular vacation destinations, so you can combine an incredible course with resort deals that keep the total trip affordable. Check our latest vacation deals near these adrenaline-pumping destinations.
1. Smoky Mountains, Tennessee — Zip Line Heaven
The Smoky Mountains have more zip line operations per mile than anywhere in the US. CLIMB Works has a course that sends you over the treetops with views of the Smokies that'll make your heart stop (in a good way). Anakeesta in Gatlinburg combines zip lining with a mountaintop village. Prices range from $59-119 per person depending on the course length.
Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort offers vacation deals from $79/night, putting you within 15 minutes of multiple world-class zip line courses. The area also has canopy tours that combine zip lines with sky bridges and rappelling for the full adventure experience. Browse our destination page for Pigeon Forge deals.
2. Maui, Hawaii — Tropical Canopy Tours
Zip lining over the lush tropical valleys of Maui is a bucket-list experience. Ka'anapali Zipline and Maui Zipline Company offer courses that fly you over gulches, past waterfalls, and through canopy that looks like something out of Jurassic Park (which was literally filmed nearby). Courses run $150-200 per person.
Marriott and Hilton Grand Vacations properties on Maui offer vacation deals from $189/night. The combination of beach mornings and zip line afternoons is basically the perfect vacation formula if you like your relaxation mixed with adrenaline.
3. Colorado Mountains — High-Altitude Zipping
Colorado zip lines are built for elevation junkies. Breckenridge, Vail, and other mountain towns have courses that launch from actual mountain peaks, giving you staggering views of the Rocky Mountains while you scream through thin air. Captain Zipline in Salida has the tallest zip tower in the world at 65 feet.
Resort deals in Colorado mountain towns start around $129/night during summer. The combination of hiking, zip lining, and mountain scenery makes Colorado a top-tier adventure vacation destination.
4. Puerto Rico — The Monster Zip
Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis, Puerto Rico has "The Monster" — one of the longest zip lines in the world at over 2.5 kilometers. You fly for nearly two minutes at up to 95 mph over a stunning mountain valley. It costs about $65 for the single zip or $165 for the full course. It is absolutely terrfying and absolutely incredible.
San Juan resort deals through Marriott and Wyndham start at $119/night. Toro Verde is about 90 minutes from San Juan. Puerto Rico requires no passport for US citizens, making it an easy international-feeling adventure.
5. Branson, Missouri — Affordable Adventure
Branson Zipline has courses built on the ridgelines of the Ozark Mountains with several different experience levels. The prices are notably lower than other destinations — starting at $49 for a basic course and $89 for the premium experience. Shepherd of the Hills has a canopy tour with zip lines and sky bridges.
Wyndham Branson resort deals start at $69/night, making Branson possibly the most affordable zip line vacation in America. Total cost for a couple: 2 nights at $138 + 2 zip tickets at $178 = about $316. That's hard to beat.
6. Costa Rica — The Original Canopy Tour
Costa Rica basically invented recreational zip lining. The Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy tour sends you flying through one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. You'll zip past howler monkeys, toucans, and tree frogs in a landscape that looks like a nature documentary. Tours start at $55-85 per person.
Costa Rica resort deals start at $99/night for mid-range properties near the adventure zones. The Arenal Volcano area has multiple zip line operators with volcano views that are surreal. International flight plus affordable ground costs make Costa Rica surprisingly budget-friendly.
| Zip Line Destination | Resort Price | Zip Cost | Top Course | Max Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky Mountains, TN | From $79/night | $59-119 | CLIMB Works | 50 mph |
| Maui, HI | From $189/night | $150-200 | Ka'anapali Zipline | 45 mph |
| Colorado Mtns | From $129/night | $89-150 | Captain Zipline | 60 mph |
| Puerto Rico | From $119/night | $65-165 | The Monster | 95 mph |
| Branson, MO | From $69/night | $49-89 | Branson Zipline | 40 mph |
| Costa Rica | From $99/night | $55-85 | Monteverde Canopy | 40 mph |
Zip lining transforms any vacation from "nice" to "THAT WAS AMAZING." And with resort deals starting at just $69/night near quality courses, there's no reason not to add this to your next trip. Visit our brand resort pages for the best adventure-adjacent resort deals. Clip in and let go.