Summer is supposed to be all about sunshine, long days and time spent outside. But when temperatures start climbing into the 90s or higher, a traditional summer getaway can quickly become less relaxing and more about finding the nearest air-conditioned room.
That is where the coolcation comes in.
Instead of chasing the hottest beach or sunniest destination, coolcationers are planning summer trips around comfortable temperatures, fresh air and outdoor experiences. Think mountain towns, breezy coastlines, northern destinations and places where you can actually enjoy sightseeing without constantly checking the forecast.
Whether you want to hike through the mountains, explore a coastal city or take a scenic road trip, there are plenty of places where summer feels a little more refreshing.
Here are some of the best coolcation destinations to add to your summer travel list.
1. Alaska: Cool, Wild and Endless
If your ideal summer vacation includes incredible scenery without scorching temperatures, Alaska belongs near the top of your list.
Summer is an excellent time to explore the state, thanks to long daylight hours and generally milder conditions than many parts of the continental US. From Anchorage and Denali National Park to the Inside Passage, there are plenty of ways to experience Alaska's rugged landscapes.
Spend your days hiking, spotting wildlife, taking a glacier cruise or simply enjoying the views along a scenic drive. The extended summer daylight also gives you more time to make the most of your itinerary.
Pack for: Lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes and a jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. A suitcase with flexible packing space can also come in handy when your itinerary includes both city stops and outdoor adventures.
2. San Francisco, California: Breezy, Walkable and Vibrant
California may not seem like an obvious choice for a coolcation, but San Francisco has something the other cities don’t: famously cool summer weather.
While much of the country is dealing with high temperatures, San Francisco can bring cool mornings, breezy afternoons, and even chilly evenings. That makes it much easier to explore the city on foot without feeling like you need to escape indoors to find the nearest AC every few hours.
Walk along the waterfront, explore the city's distinctive neighborhoods or make your way across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also use San Francisco as a starting point for a longer Northern California trip, with coastal towns, redwood forests and other scenic destinations within driving distance.
Pack for: Layers. Temperatures can change throughout the day, so bring a light jacket or sweater that you can easily carry while sightseeing.
3. The Pacific Northwest: Green and Coastal With Something for Everyone
For a summer escape filled with forests, mountains and water, the Pacific Northwest is hard to beat.
Seattle and Portland offer plenty to explore in the city, while the surrounding region makes it easy to build an itinerary around the outdoors. Depending on where you go, you can spend the same trip hiking through forests, kayaking on a lake, exploring a coastline or taking a scenic drive through the mountains.
Washington's Olympic Peninsula is especially appealing for a coolcation, with beaches, forests and mountain landscapes all within one destination.
Pack for: Comfortable layers, raincoats, walking shoes and versatile travel essentials that can work for both city sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
4. Maine: Rocky Coastlines, Charming Towns and Great Seafood
Maine has long been a favorite summer destination, and its cooler coastal climate is part of the appeal.
The state's rocky coastline, charming towns and forested landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to get outside without dealing with the intense heat found in many other parts of the country.
Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are po
pular places to start. Spend the morning hiking, take in ocean views and then head into town for a relaxed afternoon. A Maine road trip can also give you the freedom to explore smaller coastal communities, scenic overlooks and local restaurants at your own pace.
Pack for: Comfortable walking shoes, casual layers and a sweater or lightweight jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
5. Colorado's Mountain Towns: High-Altitude Escapes With Majestic Views
When temperatures rise, sometimes the best solution is simply to go higher.
Colorado's mountain towns offer a refreshing summer alternative thanks to their higher elevations. Breckenridge, Vail and Estes Park are popular starting points for hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives and other outdoor activities.
Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park also offers countless opportunities to explore alpine landscapes and mountain trails.
Pack for: Lightweight layers, comfortable footwear and a jacket that can handle cooler temperatures or changing weather conditions.
6. Vancouver, Canada: City Life Meets Wildlife
For travelers willing to cross the border, Vancouver offers an ideal combination of city life and outdoor adventure.
You can start the morning with coffee downtown, spend the afternoon along the waterfront and still have time to explore a park, beach or nearby mountain. The city's location between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains gives it a naturally refreshing feel during the summer.
Pack for: Versatile clothing that works for sightseeing, waterfront walks and cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are a must if you plan to explore the city on foot.
7. Iceland: Dramatic, Remote and Otherworldly
If you want to take the idea of a coolcation seriously, Iceland delivers.
Summer brings long daylight hours without the intense heat experienced in many popular European destinations. The result is a season that is perfect for exploring the country's waterfalls, glaciers, geothermal areas, black-sand beaches and dramatic coastlines.
Pack for: Waterproof layers, sturdy walking shoes and versatile travel clothing. An organized suitcase can make unpacking and repacking much less of a chore.
8. Scotland: From Historic City Streets to Wild Highland Scenery
Scotland is another destination where cooler summer temperatures can be part of the appeal.
Start in Edinburgh for history, architecture and city culture, then head into the Highlands for a completely different experience. Think lochs, mountains, castles and winding roads with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.
Pack for: Layers, comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket to stay prepared for changing weather.
How to Plan Your Own Coolcation
The best coolcation is not necessarily the destination with the lowest temperature. It is the one that matches the kind of summer trip you actually want to take.
When researching destinations, look for places with higher elevations, northern locations, coastal climates or plenty of green space. Check typical summer temperatures before you book, and think about how you want to build your daily itinerary around hiking trails, scenic drives, waterfront walks, local cafés and national parks.
Your packing list matters, too. Lightweight clothing, breathable layers, a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes will help you stay prepared when temperatures shift throughout the day. And if your trip includes multiple stops, a well-designed suitcase with easy-access compartments will make it simple to grab essentials without unpacking your entire bag.
Ready to Cool Down?
Summer travel does not have to mean blazing temperatures, packed beaches and spending half your vacation looking for shade. From Alaska's wild landscapes and Colorado's mountain towns to Maine's coastline and Iceland's dramatic scenery, there are plenty of options that offer a cooler way to experience the season.
So when the forecast starts climbing, consider going in the other direction—because sometimes the best summer vacation is the one where you can actually enjoy being outside.