As the summer sun brutally turns up the thermostat across the vast majority of the United States, an increasing number of travelers are totally rethinking their annual vacation strategy. Instead of naturally flocking to the nearest crowded beach to sweat through their favorite shirts while battling massive crowds for a tiny patch of sand, a massive shift is happening. The modern American traveler is now actively seeking out what the travel industry affectionately calls a “cool-cation.”
The concept is incredibly simple, highly effective, and deeply refreshing: you intentionally book a trip to a destination where the elevation is high, the latitude is northern, or the hemisphere is flipped, simply to completely escape the sweltering heat. It is all about trading in the heavy humidity and the aggressive sunburns for crisp mountain air, cool lake breezes, and the absolute luxury of needing a light sweater after the sun finally goes down.
If you are totally exhausted by the relentless heatwaves and you are desperate for a refreshing escape that will not leave you drenched in sweat by noon, you need to look slightly off the beaten path. Here are seven of the absolute best, carefully curated destinations tailored for your next getaway, featuring six highly spectacular North American hidden gems and one totally unforgettable Argentine escape.
North American Hidden Gems 🌲
1. Ouray, Colorado
- The Vibe: Widely known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” this spectacular destination is hidden deep within a dramatic, incredibly steep box canyon that practically guarantees jaw-dropping alpine views in absolutely every direction.
- The Weather: You can expect beautifully sunny days accompanied by crisp, highly refreshing mountain air. The average summer daily high temperature sits perfectly at a highly comfortable 76°F to 78°F.
- The Highlights: You can spend your evenings soaking in the therapeutic mineral waters at the Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs, enjoying the majestic mountain backdrop entirely without the typical, overwhelming crowds you usually find in Aspen or Vail.
2. Kaslo, British Columbia
- The Vibe: Tucked quietly on the pristine shores of Kootenay Lake, Kaslo is a perfectly preserved, historic silver-mining village that effortlessly delivers a profoundly quiet, deeply relaxing atmosphere.
- The Weather: The climate here is perfectly balanced for outdoor enthusiasts, with highly refreshing summer temperatures sitting comfortably right around an average daily high of 77°F to 80°F.
- The Highlights: Book a deeply relaxing stay at the historic waterfront Kaslo Hotel, grab a paddle, and spend your entire afternoon peacefully kayaking on the calm, totally glassy lake water while surrounded by massive pine forests.
3. Copper Harbor, Michigan
- The Vibe: This is the ultimate remote, forested sanctuary located at the absolute northernmost tip of Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, offering a true escape from massive urban centers.
- The Weather: Thanks to the massive temperature-regulating effect of Lake Superior, you will enjoy breezy, lake-cooled days where the average summer high temperature rarely passes a wonderfully mild 72°F.
- The Highlights: You can spend hours walking the rugged shoreline to hunt for beautiful natural agates, and completely unplug by staying in authentic, rustic pine log cabins nestled deep in the quiet woods.
4. Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
- The Vibe: If you want to go big, head to the wild, expansive northern frontier of Canada, where the legendary “midnight sun” completely transforms the way you experience summer travel.
- The Weather: The days are incredibly bright and seemingly endless, featuring brisk, highly refreshing average daily high temperatures that peak right around 68°F to 69°F.
- The Highlights: Completely detach from modern stress by relaxing at the remote Southern Lakes Resort, and take advantage of the extended daylight to canoe under the incredibly bright, colorful evening skies. For a truly unforgettable day trip, take a highly scenic drive down the legendary Alaska Highway to explore the crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic mountain trails of Kathleen Lake in Kluane National Park.
5. Stowe, Vermont
- The Vibe: This classic, picture-perfect New England mountain town brilliantly trades its heavy winter ski crowds for lush, quiet summer hiking trails and a wonderfully slow, relaxed pace.
- The Weather: The climate is practically flawless, delivering highly comfortable, sun-dappled days with an average summer high temperature hovering right around a pleasant 76°F to 78°F.
- The Highlights: You can easily spend your days hiking the heavily forested Green Mountains, visiting the local, authentic cider mills, and resting your legs in beautiful, Austrian-style mountain lodges.
6. Lake Placid, New York
- The Vibe: This highly historic Olympic village is beautifully surrounded by the massive, incredibly imposing Adirondack High Peaks, offering a perfect blend of rich sports history and total natural isolation.
- The Weather: You will experience remarkably cool, deeply breezy mountain weather with average summer high temperatures holding incredibly steady right around 75°F.
- The Highlights: Spend a quiet morning boating across the perfectly mirror-like waters of the lake, and finish the day enjoying cozy, crackling lakeside fire pits as the mountain temperatures drop beautifully at night.
The South American Showstopper ❄️
7. San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- The Vibe: If you want to truly flip the script on summer, head south to this quiet, incredibly upscale alpine village sitting beautifully on the edge of the glacial Lake Lácar in Patagonia.
- The Weather: Because it is the Southern Hemisphere, you will be traveling right into a crisp, sunny winter wonderland where the daytime high temperatures average around a highly refreshing 39°F to 42°F.
- The Highlights: Rent a rugged 4×4 vehicle to slowly drive the famously empty, incredibly scenic “Route of the Seven Lakes,” and sleep soundly in a gorgeous stone-and-wood mountain cabin surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Summer Cool-cations
Book Your Refreshing Escape Today
Do not let the massive summer heatwaves completely dictate how you spend your hard-earned vacation days. By actively choosing a destination that inherently promises crisp air, lower temperatures, and massive natural beauty, you can entirely avoid the typical summer burnout. Whether you choose to hunt for agates on the cool shores of Lake Superior, paddle under the midnight sun in the Yukon, or completely embrace the Argentine winter, these seven highly unique locations prove that the absolute best summer memories are often made when you finally decide to leave the heavy sweat far behind.
Want to jump across the pond? Check out our top picks for cool-cations in Europe!