Some of the most popular summer vacation spots are the Caribbean, Mexico, and Hawaii. While these places are beautiful and have a lot to offer travelers, they’re known for their bright blue skies, bright blue waters, and warm weather.
Many people look forward to summertime but not everyone loves the hot temperatures that comes with it. Does this sound like you? Would you rather give up the always-anticipated beach vacation to spend some time on a gorgeous and cool journey?
You are not alone!
If you find yourself in need of a cooldown on your summer vacation, plan your trip to one of these breathtaking destinations.
1. Redwood National and State Parks
Imagine yourself being surrounded by some of the tallest trees on the planet – the Redwoods. As high as the eye can see, the tops of the trees look as though they are next to the sun. Redwood National Park* is located along the coast of northern California. At nearly 132,000 acres, there is much beauty to take in at this park.
With year-round temperatures ranging between 40° and 60° Fahrenheit, the Redwood National Park is for anyone who loves the outdoors but prefers to stay cool. And you’ll have lots to do:
- Camping
- Hiking trails are abundant here and range from all levels of difficulty. This means that everyone should be able to enjoy this aspect of the park.
- Sightseeing – simply views of beautiful wildlife such as elk, seabirds, whales, and other marine life.
- Kayaking
- Bicycling
- Watching dance demonstrations by American Indians
- And, if you need a break from physical fun, take a scenic drive through the forest!
2. Patagonia
Have you ever considered going south for cooler weather? Patagonia*, can be found at the southern point of South America, and shares bits of both Argentina and Chile. This area has two coasts – the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean – in addition to its deserts, grasslands, and many wide-open spaces.
Patagonia has beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountains, huge glaciers, and all sorts of easy-to-spot marine life (including whale watching!). The best part? Its temperature rarely rises above 70°F!
The most gorgeous parts of this destination are:
- Perito Moreno Glacier Ice Trek – The most well-known tourist spot in the area – this glacier is gigantic and spectacular.
- Cape Horn – This beautiful, albeit, windy cape is a wonderful place to scope out the glaciers.
- Argentine Lake District – This lake area sits within the Andes Mountains. Summertime in this region is great for skiing.
- Bariloche – Located in the Lake District, Bariloche* is full of things to do – from scoping out the architecture and landscapes to all sorts of modern urban activities. This area is generally the most populated in this region.
- Torres del Paine National Park – Looking for some breathtaking views? These hiking trails are where you’ll find them!
3. The Alps
Taking a vacation to the Alps is one of the best spots that Europe has to offer. The Alpine region is comprised of Austria, France, Italy, Germany, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco, and Slovenia. This vast area, with its temperate climate, provides an array of things to do – in addition to taking in the gorgeous views.
Choose anything from mountain biking, skiing, hiking, or cycling. Or, if you want the view without the activity, there are Alpine villages nestled all throughout the Alps. These areas are rich in cultural history that include many hardworking, independent artisans – woodworkers, artists, writers, and farmers.
4. Denali, Alaska
Denali National Park* is made up of more the six million acres of land. The best part? Much of this park has been left untouched. There is a single road – Denali Park Road – that is available to travel through the park and most of this road is not paved.
Since you are looking to escape the summer heat, you will be overjoyed that Denali boasts temperatures anywhere from the low 40’s to the low 60’s during the summertime. In fact, it may even snow!
Denali has many things to do that revolves around its rustic wilderness. Take your time enjoying the outdoor weather and:
- Go hiking.
- Go mountain biking.
- Go camping.
- Spend time with Rangers and their sled dogs.
- Try and spot wildlife from a distance (including bears – grizzly and black, moose, bald eagles, caribou, wolves, foxes, and squirrels).
5. Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada* is a hot (cool) spot to visit in the summertime. This coastal area is like a summertime beach vacation without all the heat. The best part is that you can still participate in things like kayaking, surfing, and swimming. And, let’s not forget all the delicious seafood you can consume at the local restaurants.
The average temperatures in this area for the summer range between the upper 60s and lows 80s, making it one of the warmer gorgeous destinations on this list.
6. Seattle
Seattle*, Washington rounds out the list of the most gorgeous destinations to escape the summer heat. The greatest seaport city in this area, Seattle has a ton of things to do. While it can (on rare occasions) reach high temperatures nearing 90°F, most days Seattle has temps in the 70s. That makes it perfect for getting outdoors while not having to find a place to cool off!
Stay at Hotel Monaco and enjoy the vibrant heart of downtown near Pike Place Market! The city of Seattle has an eclectic mix of activities. For example, sightseeing, shopping, the arts, local events, and outdoor happenings. In a sense, this mix makes it one of the most versatile vacation spots.
- Seattle is known for its deep-rooted underground cultural experience, whether music, visual art, photography, or writing.
- The sights around Seattle include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market*, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Hiram M. Chittenden Locks*, Kerry Park, and the Sky View Observatory.
- Food and drink are big deals in Seattle, too – and we aren’t just referring to coffee! This includes tours at wineries, breweries, and distilleries, as well as bites to eat of crab, oysters, salmon, and other local seafood.
There is always a place to go for those who are looking for a break from the summer heat. Decide what it is you enjoy doing and then find the destination that is right for you.
* Link to third party site
Diamond Resorts International Marketing, Inc., its parents, sister companies, and subsidiaries, make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
