The Apps You Need for an Epic Summer

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May 8, 2019

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Summer is a time for adventure. Or, at least, getting out of the house. Whether you’re planning an epic road trip, embarking on a full daylong hike along a new trail or simply inviting people over for a backyard barbecue, there’s one thing that will never be out of reach: your phone. Make sure it’s equipped with the latest and greatest apps to give you all the intel you need to make the summer memorable. Herewith, our current lineup of favorites.

The Best Apps
for Summer

Chimani National

Park Guides

By far, this is the most comprehensive guide to all 418 national parks in the United States. Researched and written by local traveler experts, quickly learn about each park's history and highlights. What's more, the app offers offline maps and guide access, which comes in handy in the middle of a national park with spotty service. There is also a savings club built into the app, with more the 250 partners offering discounts on lodging, dining and activities.

Free for iOS and Android

Sworkit Fitness

Get fit for shirtless season with more the 50 workouts that range from just two minutes to an hour, all created and curated by certified personal trainers. You can also pick and choose exercises to create a custom routine to meet your individual fitness goals. Select the areas on your body that you want to focus on, and the app will provide you with guided video workouts to sculpt those areas. It all adds up to provide you with an easy, free workout that doesn't require any equipment or fancy gym membership. (Bonus: It also pairs perfectly with your Apple Watch.)

Free for iOS and Android

Weber Grills

The first name in grills has had an app for some time now, but the brand just relaunched it and has dubbed this "your most valuable grilling tool." It's your answer to everything barbecue. It has hundreds of pitmaster-approved recipes, along with step-by-step grilling instructions, technique videos, how-tos, tips and a handy timer. If you need a new grill, this offers deals, assembly instructions and even lets you register your barbecue to kickstart your warranty.

Free for iOS

Swim Guide

If you like swimming, especially going to the beach, then this app, created by Water Alliance, is for you. According to the nonprofit dedicated to clean waters, millions of people get sick each year from coming into contact with polluted water at their local beaches. Swim Guide informs you if a location has passed their latest water quality test and what types of amenities you'll find nearby.

Free for iOS and Android

AllTrails

This is your connected guide to the outdoors. Discover new paths and bike trails around the world. Explore more than 60,000 hand-curated trail maps (complete with reviews and photos crowdsourced from actual hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners). Search by criteria that's important to you (i.e. dog-friendly trails or kid-friendly options). You can also track your hikes to help keep you on track and view your stats later.

Free for iOS and Android

Bandsintown

Never miss another concert when artists and bands come around. This app helps you track your favorite musical artists and discover the best shows near you. It also helps you find more concerts and new bands based on the music you're already obsessed with, along with the ability to invite friends to keep them up to date with upcoming events and concerts.

Free for iOS and Android

GasBuddy

This app is particularly handy on road trips. It shows you all the best up-to-the-minute prices in your area and gives directions to the station. There's also handy tools like a trip cost calculator, reviews of the cleanest restrooms, car wash availability and more. According to the company behind the app, following their recommendations for a year nets the average driver more than $300 in savings.

Free for iOS and Android

Roadtrippers

This handy app offers well-researched suggestions for everything from restaurants and hotels to parks, camp sites and swimming holes. It even alerts you when quirky detours and must-stop hidden gems are along your route, such as an underwater mermaid show or the world's tallest thermometer. Your friends can also add suggestions to your itinerary, making it easy for buds to plan an upcoming road trip together or share past experiences.

Free for iOS and Android

FYI

According to TechCrunch, most people use on average just nine apps on their phone per day.

The Apps You Need for an Epic Summer

The Apps You Needfor an Epic Summer

Words by

Lead Photography by

Published

Note

The Best Apps for Summer

FYI

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The Apps You Need
for an Epic Summer

Lead
Photography by

The Best Apps
for Summer

More on
Gear You Need

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Classic Bronco

The Top Chargers
for Any Situation

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When You Can Subscribe?

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Fire Pit in Your Life