42 Perfect Summer Trips

Treat yourself to one of these great drives, islands, beach towns, lakes, or wilderness escapes .

Kremmling, CO
Kremmling, CO

Splashy adventures in Kremmling, CO
This a real-deal ranching town at the confluence of the Colorado, Blue, and Muddy Rivers serves up splashy outdoor adventures for summer, from rafting to dips in hot springs.
> More: Splash around in Kremmling, CO

Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs, CA

Poolside R&R in Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs in summer? Yep, we said it. Zero crowds, killer deals, and a pool around every corner make this the place to be.
> More: Unwind by the pool in Palm Springs, CA

Lander, WY
Lander, WY

Climb to your heart's content in Lander, WY
Dip into Lander, Wyoming, a cool town of climbers, killer coffee, and cowboys. Epic hiking trails also await you there.
> More: Get sporty in Lander, WY

Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, AZ

Sizzling deals in Scottsdale, AZ
In Scottsdale, expect summer temps of triple digits with a chance of more triple digits. But hotels and resorts-even the ultraposh ones-drop their room rates by as much as two-thirds in summer.
> More: Score summer deals in Scottsdale, AZ

Cody, WY
Cody, WY

Cowboy cool in Cody, WY
Grab your cowboy hat and hit the rodeo in this wild west town. Mountain trail horseback rides and whitewater rafting are just a few of the adventures that await you.
> More: Spend the day in Cody, WY

Geyserville, CA
Geyserville, CA

Vineyard hop in Geyserville, CA
Sip some poolside vino in low-key Northern California.
> More: Explore Geyserville, CA

San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA

Hang ten on San Diego's Solana Beach
Visit artsy, cool shops, munch on good eats, or catch some waves at picturesque Solana Beach.
> More: Get to know San Diego's Solana Beach

Jerome, AZ
Jerome, AZ

History lesson in Jerome, AZ
Explore this old mining town and you'll find an up-and-coming art scene, handmade pottery, and a refreshing cooler temperature than nearby Phoenix.
> More: Discover Jerome, Arizona

Cascade, ID
Cascade, ID

Splash around in Cascade, ID
Explore nature's very own water world in Cascade, Idaho. Sparkling lakes, flowing rivers, and natural hot springs boast fun activities for the whole family.
> More: Visit Cascade, Idaho

Ashland, OR
Ashland, OR

On a budget in Ashland, OR
See a world-class play, hear live music, wander galleries, and beat the heat in woodsy 93-acre Lithia Park. Here's what to do, where to eat, and where to stay on a bargain weekend in Southern Oregon's famous culture town.
> More: Bargain Ashland getaway

Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, CA

Sun and surf in Huntington Beach, CA
Whether you're carving up the waves or watching the pros from the sand, this classic beach-town will work its charms on you. Here's where to stay, get lobster tacos, watch the surfers, and learn to catch a wave.
> More: Huntington Beach weekend escape

Edmonds, WA
Edmonds, WA

Escape to Edmonds, WA
Summer brings out the all-American spirit in this small waterfront ferry port town. Grab some gourmet picnic grub and head to the beach, or hop a ferry for a scenic tour of the nearby Kitsap Peninsula.
> More: Escape to Edmonds, WA

Sierra City, CA
Sierra City, CA

Cool off in Sierra City, CA
In summertime, a cool pine forest laced with bracing-cold streams sounds just right. Take a dip in ice-cold swimming holes, hike through fields of wildflowers, then jump back into the crisp alpine waters to cool off again.
> More: Cool off in Sierra City

Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Sawtooth Mountains, ID

Surrounded by nature in Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Imagine a national park-level wilderness without national park-level crowds. No bus tours. No traffic. No entrance fees. Just drop-to-your-knees gorgeous land full of hiking trails, hot springs, trout-filled streams, and some of the best lemonade we've ever tasted.
> More: Escape to the Sawtooth Mountains

Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor, WA

Raise your sail in Gig Harbor, WA
Set sail-or just watch the boats glide by-in this mile-long harbor town. Rent a boat, watch one being made, or count them up in the harbor, then feast on the catch of the day at a local tavern.
> More: A day in Gig Harbor

Maui, HI
Maui, HI

Take in the beauty of Maui, HI
Maui's got all the essentials for the ultimate tropical vacation. Snorkel, shop, head out on a horseback ride, and enjoy the island's immense beauty.
> More: Insider's guide to Maui

Yosemite
Yosemite

One perfect day in Yosemite
See the sun rise over glistening meadows, trek to three waterfalls, eat lunch beneath El Capitan­-and still have time for an ice cream break. Here's our hour-by-hour breakdown of the perfect day in Yosemite.
> More: A scenic day in Yosemite

San Juan Islands, WA
San Juan Islands, WA

Explore nature in San Juan Islands, WA
A long summer weekend in Washington's San Juan Islands is just enough time to savor the area's patented pleasures: orcas and eagles, kayaking and hiking, and a food scene that shows the influence of a burgeoning slow-food movement.
> More: An explorer's long weekend on the San Juan Islands

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe

Sparkling scenery at Lake Tahoe
Clear, blue, and still a classic: Summer in Tahoe is the same as it ever was. Go for a sunset sail, take a shot at paddleboarding, or find a slice of beach and take in the to-die-for beauty.
> More: Lake Tahoe summer

Okanagan Valley
Okanagan Valley

Go wine tasting in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley
This achingly beautiful wine country is in full-throttle discovery mode, with new wineries and different kinds of grapes going in all the time ― nearly 60 varietals, planted all over the benchlands, hillsides, and valley floor.

Add to this the Okanagan's pristine lakes, orchards, and wide range of non-wine-related things for the whole family to do (from riding the century-old Kettle Valley steam train to biking and hiking), and you have a wine-country experience like no other.
> More: Your guide to the Okanagan Valley

Denver, CO
Denver, CO

Kayak through Denver, CO
Rock the South Platte River's rapids or simply relax on the banks of Confluence Park and sip a beer at notorious Beat Generation hangout My Brother's Bar.
> More: Denver by kayak

SEE ALL 42 SUMMER TRIPS

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