Nothing helps motivate me more to get moving than a gorgeous day outside -- not too hot, or too cold, or too windy...you get the idea. If you're either looking to liven up a boring neighborhood route, or maybe start a completely new routine this summer season, finding a great place to do your walking or running can have a big impact on how much you enjoy it and long you stay motivated. Depending on where you live in the country, and how big or small your town is, you probably have a variety of options -- many of which you may not have thought of before.

Par courses are available in many areas, and they're basically walking paths with "stations" along the way to do additional exercises and stretches.
Local, county, or national parks can also be an excellent, and all-too-often undiscovered, perfect outdoor workout experience. Not only do you get outside and burn calories, but you get to appreciate some of your area's local beauty at the same time.

Rail trails are something I would never have thought to even look for until I read this article. Many of them have distances marked, rest stops, and even historical information about the railway!

The beach can be good for your workout too. If you're lucky enough to live near one, then consider using it for something besides sunbathing -- walking or jogging in the sand burns more calories than other surfaces.

College campuses are usually open to the public so you can take advantage of the miles of trails, the track, and plentiful stairs for bursts of circuit training.

Walk for a greater purpose, like volunteering at a senior center to walk with people outside or at a pet shelter to walk the dogs.

There are several more ideas listed in the article, plus a bunch I'm sure that are unique to your area. Get creative and start searching with the intention that you're going to try something new, and opportunities you never thought of are bound to spring up. Just make sure that, above all else, you always use your head and stay safe (no hiking alone in a dark alley!).