Trying to think of a great 50th anniversary gift idea for my parents - an experience as opposed to more material things. They are both very active (tennis for my mom and walking/hiking for my dad) but not big foodies. They will be in Steamboat Springs and Beaver Creek for a couple weeks this summer. They live in the OC so also considering something there as well. Any great ideas?

Cabin in Idyllwild or up at Big Bear Lake would be nice maybe late September or October?

The best "experience" would be for you to join them somewhere for something, I'm sure.

Both my sister and I and our families are joining them in Steamboat but I was thinking of something for the two of them to do together.

I'm not sure where, exactly, but what about a hot air balloon ride? There must be somewhere around Steamboat Springs where one could do that. Or maybe a helicopter?

White water rafting out of Steamboat.

How about tickets to opera, theatre, sports event etc - that you know they will like? Or a weekend in San Diego? It's not too far of a drive for them - a stay in La Jolla, maybe or at the Hotel Del Coronado?

Ojai is a nice getaway, have they been? Emerald Iguana Inn is special, or maybe you could find a place with tennis courts. There is nice hiking around and an Olive farm with a tour of the olive-oil process.

We just celebrated a significant milestone by being together with our children and their families for a week in a beach rental. It was about as wonderful event as we could imagine. We can go away by ourselves any time.

Just a thought.

Do they want a party? Many do. We had a 50th anniversary party for my parents and just attended a 64th wedding celebration for another family member. Before you book a getaway for them, you may want to see what their expectation or preference would be.

But for a 50th experience - Enchantment resort in Sedona
http://www.enchantmentresort.com/

Tickets to something at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek?
A couples massage?
In Steamboat, there are guided hikes, helicopter or ATV tours.

I would look at the websites for both steamboat & Beaver Creek for their summer activities . Or get them a gift certificate to the hot springs pool in Glenwood, a day trip from Glenwood plus perhaps a night at Hot Springs Lodge & dinner. Can come up with restaurant ideas of you go that way.

Do they live by the beach in Orange County or do they live inland? What about a few nights at a the Montage? What a beautiful place! Or Surf N sand in Laguna? ....

back in california...if they haven't been out to catalina island and like boat rides, you could get them a nice room at the avalon hotel for a night or two and get their boat passes. it would be helpful if you told us how much you want to spend.