Cool Summer Getaways

Columbia Glacier, Alaska

Not everyone thrives in warm summer weather. If the cool temperatures of spring and fall are more your speed, check out these top destinations for summer locales that really beat the heat.

You can't get much colder than ice, and there's plenty to be had—in the form of glaciers, no less—off the coasts of Valdez, Alaska. Average summer temperatures range from the mid-40s to low 60s. The hottest temperature on record? A temperate 86 degrees, recorded in 1997. The Columbia Glacier, pictured here, is a main attraction; the Valdez Convention and Visitors Bureau has a wide range of visitor resources to help you plan a trip.

Portland, Oregon

A gem among U.S. cities, Portland in summer offers comfortable temperatures (averages range from the low 50s to high 70s), 37,000 acres of parks to explore, and a booming arts and culture scene. New to the city, the Portland Aerial Tram gives visitors a cool birds-eye view of the skyline and mountains. For a visit with extra value, consider the Portland Big Deal promotion, which includes lodging, parking, daily breakfast, and dining and shopping discounts.

San Francisco

Many travelers head to San Francisco in summer decked out in shorts and T-shirts, not expecting the chilly summer temperatures ranging from the 50s to low 70s, nor the excessive fog. Thankfully, most of the mist is gone by the afternoons, enabling summer visitors to explore with relatively clear skies and pleasant weather. If you're heading to the city this summer, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains an extensive events calendar; check out what's happening during the dates you plan to visit.

Nova Scotia

Craggy cliffs, refreshing sea breezes, and downright-cold ocean temperatures: Nova Scotia provides a setting that's sure to cool you down. Summer days will be warm (around the mid-70s), but rarely hot. The Cabot Trail, shown above, offers spectacular coastal scenery, mountain vistas, and the opportunity to see whales and bald eagles. A host of transportation options are available: Drive up the Maine coast or take a car ferry to a variety of entry points, or fly into Halifax.

Vancouver

Vancouver offers a great mix of beaches; outdoorsy activities including biking, fishing, and golf; and a thriving cultural scene—all without the sweltering heat. July is typically the hottest of the year, but even then temperatures rarely climb above the low 70s. Summer also features a host of fun festivals such as Canada Day celebrations, Bard on the Beach, and Pride Week. Tourism Vancouver has compiled a listing of area hotels and getaway packages for easy trip planning.

Stowe, Vermont

Scenic green vistas, enjoyable hikes, canoeing, and golf can fill a summer vacation in Stowe. And with temperatures from the high 40s to the high 70s, you may even need an extra layer or two (especially atop a mountain). On a clear day, hike Mt. Mansfield for views stretching across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks, as well as to Mt. Washington. The Stowe Area Association has many resources for planning a summer getaway.

Aspen, Colorado

Think of Aspen and you'll probably envision snowy slopes and cozy ski lodges. But in summer, those same snow-capped mountains turn into a hiker's dream, with stretches of trails to explore. And you won't swelter in the great outdoors, either: Expect weather from the low 40s to the high 70s. For those less athletic, possibilities include gondola rides up the mountain for free classical music concerts, gourmet food festivals, and events celebrating the arts. The Aspen Chamber of Commerce has everything you need to plan a summer visit.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Granite peaks, diverse wildlife, and lighthouses can be found throughout Maine's Acadia National Park. Summer is an ideal time to visit, with weather ranging from 50 to 80 degrees. It's also when most ranger-led programs are available, with options including guided hikes, storytelling and children's activities, and boat tours. The best indicator you'll be cool and comfortable? The description of the Frenchman Bay Cruise, offered every day in the summer, advises travelers to "wear warm clothing." Get acquainted with Acadia on the National Park Service website.

The San Juan Islands, Washington

With more than 240 days of sunshine a year and summer temperatures averaging between the high 40s and low 70s, Washington's San Juan Islands offer one of the most pleasant summer vacation possibilities around. Famed for its wildlife, the islands have plenty of outdoor activities, including birding tours, whale watches, horseback riding, and scuba diving. The San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau is an ideal place to start putting together your trip.

Lake Kreuzboden, Switzerland

If you're up for splurging on an international getaway, what better place to cool down your summer than by an alpine lake such as Kreuzboden, in the Swiss canton of Valais? An aerial tram transports visitors from the train station below, up to almost 8,000 feet where the lake lies. It's an ideal spot from which to explore the many hiking trails, and children will find plenty to occupy their time at Hohsi-Land, which has a playground, petting zoo, water park, and themed trail.