With the price of the dollar declining, “staycations”—vacations spent close to home—are all the rage this summertime. Always planned on visiting New England but opted for a trip abroad instead? Is the cool breeze of the Pacific Northwest precisely what the doctor ordered to get you through another suffocating August in the South? Here are our picks on the hottest (and coolest) spots to spend your glory days of summer—no matter in which corner of the country you may live. After all, when the going gets tough, the tough stay local.--Kristin Luna

1. Portland, Oregon
Emitting a casual, laid-back Pacific vibe, the neat, old city of Portland is laid out well and feels more like a small town than the state’s biggest metropolis (but not its capital; Salem wears that hat). As the country’s most environmentally-friendly city, expect pristine conditions and lots of parks and greenery. Nearby majestic Mt. Hood, too, is worthy of a day trip. Portland also has a high concentration of microbreweries for the true beer connoisseur.

2. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
One of Hawaii’s most underrated entities and perhaps its prettiest town, Kailua-Kona, situated on the Big Island, is a hotbed (literally) of activity. Boasting one of the state’s most visited active volcanoes, Mt. Kilauea, not to mention some spectacular snorkeling (complete with sea turtles), and a coastline to die for, you can easily fill your days with fun under the sun. Another bonus: Summer is actually Hawaii’s low season, meaning better deals for you.

3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco usually experiences the polar opposite in seasons than most U.S. states: It’s warm and sunny in the fall and winter, cool and foggy in the spring and summer. Oh, and may we mention a few additional enticing facets: Golden Gate Bridge and Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Sausalito, Ocean Beach, Japantown, to name a few. So if you’re searching for a spot to escape the summer heat, look no further (though the City by the Bay is also known for its finicky weather, so don’t hold it against us if the mercury hits 90 in August and drops to 50 the following day).

4. Portland, Maine
Located on the complete opposite side of the country from the more well-know Portland (Oregon), Maine’s city of the same name exudes a charming coastal feel for which the Eastern seaboard is known. Also home to the lobster roll, a cutesy, cobblestone-lined downtown, and some impressive lighthouses and beachside manors (no really, manors), Portland should be your “Maine” attraction when planning your next trip.

5. Asheville, North Carolina
Housing the prized Biltmore Estate, this chill city located high in the Appalachian Mountains has much to offer, including the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and an artistic attitude. Consistently named one of the best places to live by a variety of travel publications, Asheville’s historic downtown is packed with a plethora of cutesy boutiques, impressive art studios, and lush botanical gardens, while the nearby mountains are full of hiking trails, rock formations and waterfalls galore.

6. Bozeman, Montana
An easy jump off point to Yellowstone, Bozeman, a mountainside college town, attracts the active types who are perfectly content packing their days with hiking, biking, fly fishing, horseback riding and all sorts of other athletic endeavors. Natural hot springs are also a big draw for visitors to the area, which is flanked by the Gallatin National Forest.

7. Seattle, Washington
The Northwestern coast is where it’s at in the summer months, keeping things cool with an average temperature in the mid-70’s. Washington state’s most popular city, graced with a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier in the distance, houses attractions aplenty—from a bustling waterfront to the colorful Pike Place Market to that towering monument, the Space Needle. One thing’s for sure: You won’t die of boredom here.

8. Savannah, Georgia
Fans of the heat and slow, muggy Southern days will revel in the idea of sipping sweet tea from a rocking chair on a wraparound porch among Savannah’s Old World Charm. If walking the streets in 100 degree temperatures is simply too much to bear, hit the beach or take a horse-and-buggy and see the sights with your own chauffeur serving as commentator. Savannah may not be the coolest of summer spots weather-wise, but it’s definitely one of the most hospitable.

9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
With the Rockies just a hop, skip, and jump away, and the Garden of the Gods—a perfect place for hiking, rafting, climbing—within its confines, this charming Western spot is an outdoors enthusiast’s dream. The state’s second largest city, Colorado Springs also houses the U.S. Olympic Training Center and the Air Force Academy, two prime tourist attractions, as well as the dominating Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America, the Beautiful” and is deserving of a trip to the top.

10. Newport, Rhode Island
Schooner-lovers and those whose wardrobe consists solely of Polo shirts and madras will love this little gem hidden on the coast of the country’s smallest state. Take a driving tour of the palatial mansions, and spend an afternoon along the ritzy harbor, where you’ll likely spend wads of money shopping the adorable, upscale boutiques and sampling fine seafood fare. Just don’t blink, or you’ll surely miss this pinprick of a town.

Printer friendly page

Tags: Categories: