Numerous health benefits can be obtained by simply spending your leisure time outside. Three-quarters of Americans don't get enough vitamin D, but spending even just ten minutes in the sun can replenish your body's stores. Sunlight is also scientifically proven to boost your mood, so why not have some fun in the great outdoors? Naturally, some of the best places for outdoor activities are parks and natural areas, and there are plenty of parks in Lafayette.

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting

All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting is a company providing all-inclusive, professionally guided rafting trips, with routes available for everyone from total beginners to advanced rafters. Reservations are required, and pricing depends on the route, duration of the trip, and day of the week. Depending on the route, you can bring children as young as five years old. The company has a "Frequent Floater Program" that provides discounts for return customers. Explore any of the ten different river routes offered by All-Outdoors California Whitewater Rafting.

Boundary Oak Golf Course

Boundary Oak is a top-rated public golf course in Northern California, with great reviews from golf magazines. The course is located in Walnut Creek on the foothills of Mt. Diablo, and is an excellent destination for golf, tournaments, and lessons. The beautiful scenery of Concord and San Ramon Valley makes Boundary Oak ideal for special events such as weddings, banquets, and rehearsal dinners. The 18-hole championship course has a driving range and practice area. Pricing for using this golf course depends on many factors, but you can golf here for as little as $7. Check out the men's club, women's club, and professional lessons.

Lafayette Reservoir

The Lafayette Recreation Area at Lafayette Reservoir features over 900 acres of open natural space to explore, plus over seven miles of hiking trails. The recreation area is open all-year round and is excellent for day-use activities including hiking, boating, picnicking, and fishing at the reservoir. Other amenities include a children's playground and plenty of picnic tables and barbecues. Dogs are allowed, and group sites are available for reservation. Lafayette Recreation Area is located off Highway 24. You can rent small boats at the visitor center, and parking at Lafayette Reservoir is $7 for the day.

Mount Diablo State Park

Mount Diablo State Park has a great range of activities to choose from. Mount Diablo is surrounded by beautiful hills and valleys, and if you choose to journey to the summit you will find that the view is remarkable; on the clearest days you can see up to 200 miles away. Mount Diablo State Park is an excellent destination for camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, geocaching, and guided tours. Don't miss out on the vista points and observation deck. The state park provides convenient amenities including restrooms and drinking water. Dogs are permitted only in the developed areas of the park. There is a $10 daily parking fee.

These are just a small sample of the variety of parks in Lafayette. In fact, there are over a dozen great options throughout the area. Find out more about the different public outdoor areas in the city to get a better taste for what Lafayette living is like.