Beat the Heat

U.S. VACATION DESTINATIONS TO HELP YOU BEAT (OR EMBRACE) THE HEATWritten by: Lydia duPerier & Morgan Mosier

Summer is here, bringing longer days, warmer nights, and endless reasons to pack your bags. In the south, it’s time to make the most of those swimming pools—or escape to cooler places up north. For northerners, summer means trading winter gear for sunglasses and maybe heading south for a dose of sunshine. Whether you’re looking to beat the heat or embrace it, there’s a perfect destination waiting for you.

Beat the Heat

Southern summers can be intense, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and humidity to boot. If your idea of summer involves crisp mountain air or ocean breezes, these cooler getaways offer a refreshing change of pace.

For those looking to beat the heat in the Northeast, check out Bar Harbor, Maine. With daytime highs rarely exceeding the mid-70s, this charming coastal town offers a welcome reprieve from sweltering summer weather. Nestled on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor boasts breathtaking views of the Atlantic, rugged cliffs, and a laid-back New England charm. At the heart of its appeal is Acadia National Park, where visitors can hike granite peaks, bike along the historic carriage roads, or watch the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. The town itself is a delightful blend of quaint shops, art galleries, and waterfront eateries serving up fresh Maine lobster. Whether you’re kayaking along the shoreline, taking a boat tour to spot whales and puffins, or simply enjoying a picnic, Bar Harbor offers a refreshing summer retreat.

Newport, Rhode Island is the perfect place to escape the heat while soaking up all the coastal charm New England has to offer. Thanks to its oceanfront location, Newport enjoys refreshing sea breezes and pleasantly mild temperatures. You can stroll along the famous Cliff Walk with waves crashing below, browse shops while enjoying some ice cream, tour the stunning mansions, or spend the day sailing on Narragansett Bay under sunny skies. Newport offers an easy, breezy summer escape.

Out west, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, provides crisp mornings and access to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The parks provide opportunities to spot moose, elk, or even bears. Try fly fishing, rafting the Snake River, or riding the aerial tram for breathtaking views. Beyond the parks, the town of Jackson adds to the experience with its rustic charm, vibrant art scene, and Western-style wooden boardwalks lined with galleries, boutiques, and locally owned restaurants. You can explore local rodeos, catch live music, or visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art. And when the day is done, evenings are best spent around a campfire under the stars in the cool mountain air.

Further up the Pacific Northwest, Seattle shines in summer with highs in the 70s, low humidity, and expansive clear skies that show off the city’s natural beauty. After a rainy winter, the city bursts into life with outdoor festivals, concerts, and dining along the waterfront. It’s the perfect time to wander through Pike Place Market, where you can sample fresh seafood, browse artisan goods, and watch the famous fishmongers toss their catch. Ferries to the San Juan Islands offer a chance to spot whales and enjoy a slower island pace, while nearby parks and trails provide sweeping views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and lush evergreen forests. And of course, no trip to Seattle is complete without stopping into a local coffee shop!

If mountain charm is what you’re after, Asheville, North Carolina—nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains—offers a perfect summer escape with cool mountain breezes, cascading waterfalls, and scenic swimming holes. Its mild temps are due to its elevation, making outdoor adventures like hiking, picnicking, and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway especially enjoyable. The area’s natural beauty is matched by its relaxed pace and abundant opportunities to unwind in nature. Downtown Asheville offers a renowned craft beer scene, farm-to-table dining, art galleries, and live music. The city’s blend of Art Deco architecture and Appalachian charm creates a welcoming vibe. With its mix of culture, scenery, and cool weather, Asheville delivers a refreshing blend of relaxation and adventure.

Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, offers alpine beauty, with kayaking, hiking, gondola rides, and lakeside dining. This alpine lake is a summer dream with crystal-clear waters, forested trails, and highs in the 70s. And for a wilder escape, Glacier National Park in Montana serves up dramatic peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, miles of trails, and star-filled skies. Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road and keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats!

Embrace the Heat

For many, summer means sizzling to a crisp in some serious sunshine. If you’re ready to embrace the heat, head to places where the temperature and the fun rise with the sun.

For sun-soaked retro glamour, Palm Springs, California, delivers an iconic summer experience defined by desert beauty, vibrant style, and laid-back luxury. Long known as a playground for Hollywood stars, Palm Springs offers hot days balanced by an abundance of sparkling resort pools, swanky hotels, and shady palm-lined boulevards. The city’s signature mid-century modern architecture sets a stylish backdrop for poolside lounging, al fresco dining, and artful photo ops.

Adventure seekers can explore nearby Joshua Tree National Park, just a short drive away, where towering boulders, otherworldly desert landscapes, and dramatic sunsets create unforgettable experiences. Palm Springs also hosts a busy summer calendar filled with events, spa retreats, boutique shopping, and lively nightlife. With its dry heat, vibrant energy, and unique mix of natural beauty and sophisticated charm, Palm Springs is the perfect place to soak up the summer season in classic California style.

San Antonio, Texas, is a riverside city that thrives in the summer with boat rides, shaded walkways, and cool drinks along the iconic River Walk. Just outside the city, summer adventures continue in the Texas Hill Country, where spots like Guadalupe River State Park and Canyon Lake offer swimming, tubing, and kayaking in spring-fed waters. San Antonio also hosts summer festivals, open-air markets, and Tex-Mex cuisine that’s best enjoyed on breezy patios. Some of San Antonio’s hidden gems include Brackenridge Park, King William Historic District, and the Esquire Tavern. With a blend of urban charm, historic depth, and natural beauty, San Antonio delivers a summer vacation full of warmth, flavor, and fun.

Scottsdale, Arizona, may be hot in the summer, but the dry desert heat makes early morning hikes on Camelback Mountain or Pinnacle Peak not only manageable, but also breathtakingly beautiful, with golden sunrises and panoramic views of the Sonoran Desert. By midday, the city shifts into relaxation mode—afternoons are best spent lounging in luxurious resort pools, many with swim-up bars, shaded cabanas, and desert landscaping that turns every swim into a retreat. Scottsdale is also renowned for its world-class spas, where you can unwind with desert-inspired treatments and soak in the stillness of the landscape. Some of the best resorts and spas include Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary, Joya Spa at Omni, and Sisley-Paris Well & Being Spa. In the evenings, as the sun sets and temperatures dip, the city comes alive with rooftop bars, fine dining, and a buzzing nightlife scene.

In New Orleans, Louisiana, the heat is part of the experience. New Orleans doesn’t just endure the heat—it celebrates it! Spend the day wandering through the French Quarter, where historic architecture, colorful balconies, and the sound of street musicians fill the air. Summer means fewer crowds, offering a more intimate experience at local attractions and restaurants. Some lesser-known spots to explore include the Bywater District, Broad Street Food Corridor, and Willie Mae’s Scotch House. Shaded courtyards offer a cool respite, perfect for sipping a cocktail or enjoying a leisurely Creole lunch, while swamp tours through the nearby bayou provide a breezy escape into Louisiana’s wild side. The city’s rich history, music, and food scene make it worth the humidity.

Summer in Austin, Texas is all about embracing the city’s energetic vibe, where live music, cold drinks, and outdoor adventures create an unforgettable experience. Some of the best-kept local secrets include Recycled Reads, The Wine Belly, and Red Bud Isle. By day, locals and visitors flock to Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed oasis with refreshingly cool water. For those looking for a more active way to cool off, paddle boarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake provides scenic views of the downtown skyline. When hunger strikes, Austin’s legendary food truck scene delivers everything from tacos and barbecue to vegan fare and global street food. Evenings are made for outdoor concerts, movies in the park, and watching the city’s quirky charm come to life. Don’t miss the nightly bat show at Congress Avenue Bridge—it’s weird, wild, and very Austin.

Meanwhile, Savannah, Georgia, weaves its sultry summer heat into the city’s irresistible Southern charm. Strolling beneath moss-draped live oaks in the city’s iconic squares, visitors can slow down and savor the pace of summer in a setting that is as romantic as it is historic. The historic district, with its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, invites exploration—whether by foot, carriage ride, or guided walking tour. When the sun is high, cool off with a sweet tea or signature cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars or riverside cafes lining River Street, where you can watch boats drift by on the Savannah River. As evening sets in, the city comes alive with energy and intrigue—perfect for ghost tours through centuries-old cemeteries and shadowy alleyways. With its blend of rich history, coastal breeze, and laid-back elegance, Savannah turns summer’s heat into part of the magic, creating a vacation experience that’s both relaxing and unforgettable.

Whether your perfect summer includes chilly lakes and mountain hikes or spicy food and poolside cocktails, the U.S. has a destination to match your seasonal mood. Decide if you’re team “cool and quiet” or “hot and lively,” and make this summer one to remember.