Studies show that spending time outdoors, time spent in nature, is linked to improved health outcomes, less stress, better sleep and mood, essentially healthier and happier lives.
One San Diego Mom, a military spouse, made that challenge her personal mission. She set out to give her family a fun way to be active, create memories and spend time together. She says it changed their lives. Now she’s hoping to inspire others to do the same, to step outside and discover new adventures.
The GO Deck contains unique curated adventures that encourage discovery, exploration and movement. “I created The GO Deck to showcase the natural beauty that exists right outside our door in the city and county in San Diego,” said creator Deanna Ratnikova.
“I love showcasing places outdoors because nature is medicine. When you get outdoors, it’s movement that’s great for your body. And also when we’re outdoors with our friends and family, we just tend to be naturally present and we create those amazing memories.”
Ratnikova hand-picked 52 close-to-home excursions for each deck so you can create lasting memories and have a new adventure every week of the year. It makes planning an outing a breeze. “As a Mom, I really think about how can you take the burden of planning off your shoulders. You can hand the cards to your kids, out-of-town guests, your husband, anyone and say pick a card, any card, flip through it and then all the information you need to know about that outing is on that card,” said Ratnikova.
Each card in The GO Deck contains a full-size color photo to help you select an adventure. It also contains helpful details about terrain, trail distance, accessibility for strollers or wheelchairs, dog friendliness, as well as fun historical and ecological tidbits that make the adventures exciting.
The GO Deck was a product of the pandemic. Ratnikova says when she and her daughter were stuck indoors, she knew they needed to get outside, move their bodies and explore for their physical and mental health. As a result, they discovered so many hidden gems and places she had never seen. Ratnikova says those outdoor escapes helped her get through that isolated and lonely time and changed her life. Now Ratnikova wants to share that resource in The Go Deck, a screen-free ticket to adventure. It is your ticket to less scrolling and more strolling.
Because The San Diego Go Deck was so well-received, Ratnikova was encouraged to create and launch The North County Go Deck, which showcases breathtaking ocean views, lakefront vistas inland, beautiful places from Del Mar to Oceanside, Poway, Vista and Fallbrook. It can help facilitate creating memorable family outings, meetups with friends, dates, entertaining out-of-town guests. And it can also bridge generational gaps because the outdoor adventures are inclusive and accessible to all.
“I wanted The Go Deck to be something that’s for everyone, whether you have a limited budget or you have mobility concerns. Every site featured is free to visit,” said Ratnikova. “The Go Deck is for everyone. Everyone belongs outdoors.”
As the holidays approach, The Go Deck is an excellent stocking stuffer, the perfect gift for locals, tourists and those who are new to the area because it gives the gift of an unforgettable experience, better health and a great way for your family to spend quality time together.
With The GO Deck, fun and adventure are always in the cards.
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Fitting in outdoor time once school's back in session