Life is short, and sometimes it feels like the days slip through our fingers faster than we’d like. Over the years, I’ve realized that collecting experiences—not things—is what makes life truly rich. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 100 things to do before you die, based on both personal adventures and ideas that have inspired me. Think of it as a mix of adventure, personal growth, and simple pleasures that remind you what it feels like to be fully alive.
Whether you’re looking to shake up your routine, explore new places, or just find a little more joy in everyday life, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
1–20: Adventures to Jumpstart Your Life
- Watch the sunrise from a mountaintop – There’s something magical about starting your day above the clouds. I did this in Colorado, and the quiet, golden light made me feel like anything is possible.
- Take a spontaneous road trip – Some of my best memories happened when I just packed a bag and drove with no plan. You don’t need a destination, just a sense of curiosity.
- Learn a new language – It’s challenging, but speaking even a few phrases in another language opens doors to culture, friendship, and unforgettable moments abroad.
- Sleep under the stars – Camping in the desert or even your backyard can remind you how small and connected we are to the universe.
- Try a daring water sport – Kayaking, surfing, or even wakeboarding—it’s thrilling and forces you to be fully present.
- Go on a solo trip – Traveling alone taught me independence, self-confidence, and the beauty of embracing silence.
- Volunteer for a cause you care about – Giving time to help others leaves a lasting impact on both you and the community.
- Attend a massive festival – Whether it’s music, art, or cultural traditions, being surrounded by thousands of passionate people is exhilarating.
- Taste a cuisine you’ve never tried – Food is one of the fastest ways to experience a new culture. Don’t be afraid to try something weird—it might become your new favorite.
- Ride in a hot air balloon – Floating above the world is peaceful, surreal, and a little bit terrifying in the best way.
- Go on a nature hike that challenges you – Push your limits and enjoy the reward of breathtaking views at the top.
- Take a cooking class – Learning to cook something new is both practical and fun—and nothing beats sharing the meal afterward.
- Watch a meteor shower – I remember lying on a blanket in a dark field, pointing out streaks of light with friends—it felt like magic.
- Visit a historical landmark – Seeing places where history happened gives perspective and sparks curiosity about the past.
- Try meditation or yoga retreat – Slowing down and connecting with yourself can feel like hitting a reset button for your mind.
- Sleep in a unique place – A treehouse, an igloo, or even a capsule hotel—new experiences can be surprisingly transformative.
- Go on a boat trip at sunset – There’s a calming beauty in floating on water as the sky turns fiery orange.
- See wildlife in its natural habitat – Whether it’s elephants in Africa or whales off the coast of Alaska, observing animals in the wild is awe-inspiring.
- Take a scenic train ride – Slow travel is underrated. Train journeys let you absorb landscapes you’d miss by car or plane.
- Learn a creative skill – Painting, pottery, or photography—creating something with your hands is deeply satisfying.
21–40: Experiences That Broaden Your Perspective
- Take a photography walk – Sometimes slowing down and capturing ordinary life through a lens makes you notice the beauty around you. I did this in my city, and suddenly the street corners felt like art.
- Attend a live theater performance – Whether it’s Broadway or a small local production, seeing actors bring a story to life is unforgettable.
- Go stargazing in a dark-sky park – Cities hide the stars, but finding a remote place lets you marvel at the galaxy and feel small in a humbling way.
- Sleep on a beach – Listening to the waves while falling asleep is therapeutic. Bonus points if it’s somewhere tropical.
- Try a new sport – Rock climbing, paddleboarding, or even fencing can push your limits and give a sense of accomplishment.
- Write a letter to your future self – Years later, reading it is a reminder of how far you’ve come. I still keep mine tucked away, and it’s oddly comforting.
- Learn to play an instrument – Even if it’s just the basics, making music sparks joy and creativity.
- Take a cultural tour in a foreign city – Exploring museums, markets, and neighborhoods teaches you things no guidebook ever could.
- Go ziplining – The thrill of flying through trees or over a canyon is both scary and exhilarating.
- Spend a night in a haunted location – For thrill-seekers, it’s a story you’ll never forget—and maybe a test of courage.
- Take part in a local festival abroad – Experiencing another culture’s celebrations firsthand is far more immersive than watching videos online.
- Plant a tree or start a garden – There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing life and watching it grow over time.
- Take a scenic flight – Seeing landscapes from above—mountains, oceans, deserts—gives perspective you just can’t get from the ground.
- Join a workshop or retreat – Art, wellness, or personal growth workshops create memories and connect you with like-minded people.
- Try an extreme sport – Skydiving, bungee jumping, or paragliding offers an adrenaline rush and a story to tell for life.
- Go whale watching – Being close to such massive creatures is humbling and awe-inspiring.
- Visit a national park you’ve never been to – The U.S. alone has dozens of parks with incredible scenery. Each one feels like stepping into another world.
- Take a cooking trip abroad – Learning to cook local dishes in another country is both fun and a way to connect with locals.
- Go horseback riding in a scenic area – Galloping through forests or along a beach is freeing and unforgettable.
- Experience a sunrise and sunset on the same day – Watch the day begin and end in awe. It’s a reminder to appreciate life’s simple cycles.
41–60: Personal Growth and Memorable Adventures
- Take a digital detox – Spend a weekend without your phone or computer. I tried this once in a cabin in the woods, and it was surprisingly liberating.
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling – Exploring underwater life feels like entering a completely different world. The colors, the movement, it’s mesmerizing.
- Attend a sunrise yoga session outdoors – Starting your day with movement and fresh air sets a positive tone that lasts all day.
- Try a new hairstyle or color – Changing your look can feel like shedding old energy and embracing a new version of yourself.
- Write a short story or a journal entry every day for a month – Reflecting on your thoughts improves clarity and helps you appreciate life’s little moments.
- Learn to dance – Salsa, hip-hop, or ballroom—moving with rhythm is not only fun, it’s also great exercise and confidence-building.
- Go on a train journey through another country – Slow travel lets you enjoy the scenery, meet locals, and experience life in a new rhythm.
- Volunteer abroad – Helping communities in different countries offers perspective, gratitude, and unforgettable experiences.
- Sleep in a historic hotel or castle – The history, the architecture, and the ambiance make for an extraordinary night.
- Take a long hike without a strict itinerary – Wander freely, notice details, and embrace the unpredictability of nature.
- Try meditation in a new environment – On a mountaintop, by a waterfall, or in a quiet forest—nature enhances mindfulness.
- Attend a cooking or wine-tasting class – It’s fun, social, and you learn skills that you can enjoy forever.
- See a live concert of your favorite artist – There’s nothing like the energy of a crowd singing together—it sticks with you forever.
- Go to a jazz club or a local music venue – Smaller venues often provide the most intimate and memorable experiences.
- Try a new form of art – Sculpture, digital design, or creative writing—it stretches your imagination and leaves you proud of what you’ve created.
- Take part in a charity run or event – Combining fitness with a good cause makes the effort feel meaningful.
- Go on a food tour in a city you’ve never visited – Tasting local specialties and learning their stories is an adventure for your taste buds.
- Learn to sail or paddle a canoe – Being on the water teaches patience, focus, and respect for nature.
- Attend a spiritual or wellness retreat – Even a weekend can help you reset, recharge, and reflect on life.
- Take a photography class to document your adventures – Capturing memories in creative ways lets you relive experiences for years.
61–80: Thrills, Travel, and Life-Changing Experiences
- Go on a road trip along a famous scenic route – The Pacific Coast Highway or Route 66 are unforgettable for the landscapes and freedom they offer.
- Take a helicopter ride over natural wonders – Seeing the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls from above is a perspective you can’t get any other way.
- Try paragliding or hang gliding – Feeling the wind and soaring over landscapes is pure exhilaration.
- Visit a remote village and immerse yourself in local life – Experiencing traditions and daily routines far from your comfort zone broadens your worldview.
- Sleep in a floating cabin or houseboat – The gentle movement of water and the quiet nights make this a unique and relaxing experience.
- Go on a wildlife safari – Watching lions, elephants, or giraffes in their natural habitat is humbling and thrilling.
- Experience zero gravity or a flight simulation – Floating weightlessly is an experience most people only dream about.
- Try a new extreme sport – Kite surfing, ice climbing, or mountain biking: push your limits and feel alive.
- Travel by train across a continent – Long-distance train travel, like the Trans-Siberian or Amtrak routes, lets you see landscapes change slowly and meaningfully.
- Attend an international festival – Think Rio Carnival, Oktoberfest, or Holi. These celebrations are colorful, chaotic, and unforgettable.
- Go cave exploring – Underground landscapes are mysterious and awe-inspiring. Don’t forget a good flashlight!
- Learn to surf in a tropical location – Riding your first wave is a mix of challenge and pure joy.
- Take a night photography trip – Capture stars, city lights, or long-exposure shots; it’s creative and magical.
- Try a meditation or wellness retreat in nature – Disconnecting completely can reset your mind and body.
- Volunteer in environmental conservation – Planting trees, cleaning beaches, or protecting wildlife leaves a meaningful impact.
- Attend a sporting event in a new country – The energy, traditions, and fan culture will make you feel part of something bigger.
- Ride a camel or an elephant – Experiencing travel from a different perspective is both fun and educational.
- Take a hot spring or thermal bath trip – Natural hot springs or thermal baths are relaxing and rejuvenating.
- Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The history, architecture, and culture of these sites are awe-inspiring.
- Take a spontaneous weekend getaway – Some of the best adventures come without planning—just pack a bag and go.
Reflection, Connection, and Life-Enriching Experiences
- Write a gratitude journal for a month – Noticing the small things daily transforms your outlook and reminds you how much is good in life.
- Reconnect with an old friend – Sometimes reaching out can spark joy and nostalgia you didn’t realize you missed.
- Host a themed dinner party – Cooking for friends and sharing stories creates memories you’ll treasure forever.
- Learn to make something from scratch – Bread, cheese, or even furniture—it’s satisfying to create something tangible with your own hands.
- Go on a silent retreat – Spending a few days without talking deepens self-awareness and inner peace.
- Take a family history or genealogy trip – Discovering your roots connects you to your past in meaningful ways.
- Do a random act of kindness every day for a week – Small gestures like paying for someone’s coffee or leaving a note of encouragement ripple outward in ways you can’t imagine.
- Experience a sunrise from a hot air balloon – It’s peaceful, surreal, and a perfect way to start a day full of possibilities.
- Learn calligraphy or another fine art – The patience and focus required leave you proud and relaxed.
- Take a long bike ride through nature – Cycling lets you see more, move more, and connect with the world around you.
- Visit a place that scares you a little – Facing fears builds confidence, whether it’s a haunted house or a high viewpoint.
- Spend a day without a schedule – Let spontaneity guide you; some of the best adventures happen when you do nothing at all.
- Take a cooking challenge with friends or family – Friendly competition and laughter make this unforgettable.
- Go on a spiritual or cultural pilgrimage – Even a short journey to a meaningful place can bring perspective and peace.
- Learn a craft from another culture – Pottery in Japan, weaving in Peru, or cooking in Italy—connecting with traditions enriches your life.
- Write and send letters to people who inspired you – Expressing gratitude strengthens relationships and leaves a lasting impression.
- Experience a night in total darkness – Whether in a dark cave or a sensory deprivation chamber, it heightens your other senses and creates introspection.
- Start a personal project you’ve always dreamed of – A book, a garden, a business—taking the first step is life-changing.
- Travel somewhere with no Wi-Fi or phone signal – Complete disconnection encourages mindfulness, adventure, and connection with nature or companions.
- Reflect on your life and create a legacy list – What do you want to remember, share, or leave behind? This final step ties together all your adventures, lessons, and memories.
Final Thoughts
Completing this 100 things to do before you die list isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about embracing curiosity, adventure, connection, and personal growth. Some experiences will thrill you, some will calm you, and some will stay with you forever.
Life is a collection of moments, and by seeking new adventures, pushing your limits, and nurturing relationships, you create memories that last a lifetime. So go ahead—take that leap, try that new skill, watch the sunrise, or simply pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Every item on this list is a chance to live fully, intentionally, and joyfully.
