5 Beautiful California Getaways to Beat the Heat This Summer

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We’ve all been somewhere where we felt like we were going to melt into the sidewalk.

Heck, we’ve probably all been to beaches that feel like we’re melting into the sand when we ever get out of the water.

Leave those sunny vacations behind on the East Coast, where you’ll soon discover why many Florida retirees could be models for a training company.

Although, the west coast?

Sometimes it’s a shame how cold the Pacific Ocean can be, but it’s never stopped me or seemingly anyone else from taking a dip on California’s endless string of paradise shores.

With beautiful temperatures and unparalleled scenery, the Travel Off Path team is excited to reveal 5 beautiful California getaways to beat the heat this summer.

5) Idyllwild: Cool Cabin Hideaway in California

Head east of my hometown of San Diego and you’ll be shocked at how quickly the thermometer rises.

Palm Springs is one of the Golden State’s most iconic destinations, but also one of the hottest destinations in the summer.

But there’s a hidden city that’s trendy between the LA, San Diego, and Palm Springs triangle where locals escape from these cities to enjoy a relaxing getaway in the fresh mountain air and evergreen forests.

No matter the season, s’mores taste just as good over an open fire outside your cozy cabin, instead of an overpriced, flashy resort setting that most vacationers seek out this time of year.

Idyllwild is the perfect place to recharge, immerse in nature and cool off in this rare destination with a mild climate, as it is more than an hour away from the coast.

4) Lake Siskiyou: An artsy hideaway that no one ever talks about

If you’re longing for a pristine lakeside destination without the crowds, you know Tahoe is off the table.

Lake Siskiyou is truly one of the West Coast’s best kept secrets. Of course, some ugly documentaries depicting the underbelly of this region’s countryside have probably put off visitors.

But the truth is, those who brave the back roads to reach the Shasta Cascade get nothing but rave reviews.

We’re talking glassy blue waters, forested coves, and a dazzling backdrop of Mount Shasta, along with a boho cityscape full of tie-dye shirt vendors and “healing” crystals.

Yeah, okay…

If there’s one thing you need to know, it’s that June is the best summer month to visitBut before the triple-digit temperatures take over, the lake itself peaks in the 70s, keeping the pool water cool.

Plus, this area events calendar is packed with fun festivals such as Trails End Music Festival And Shasta Mountain Art, Wine and Brewing Festival before the 4th of July, the tricks take over.

3) Torrance: LA’s unsung beach town

Have you ever tried to explore Los Angeles beyond the typical tourist traps?

It’s hard to tell where it begins and ends, it feels more like a cluster of suburbs that form one of America’s few true metropolises, rather than a megacity in its own right.

Outsiders tend to do what the locals do and flock to Santa Monica, Venice Beach and what’s left of Malibu – but that’s a whole different story.

What you rarely hear about is Torrance, a food-wise city better known as the “Ramen Capital” of SoCal.

You may think you’ve heard “slurp’s up” instead of “surf’s up,” but Torrance is actually home to one of the region’s most beautiful beaches—and sees far fewer visitors, even in summer.

Nearby Palos Verdes is a destination in itself with clifftop trails and lighthouse views, but all of Torrance is full of surprises, whether you’re a foodie like me or longing for the California sun with more room to move.

2) San Diego: Skip “June Gloom” for “Local Summer”

Would you like an insider tip?

Many vacationers who plan a trip to San Diego do it all wrong.

May and June are the 2 worst months to book what you think will be a sunny beach holiday.

But let me tell you what we, the locals, always look forward to as a tourist deterrent so we can enjoy our own beaches: May Gray and June Gloom.

Hey, I didn’t mention them, but they are official terms used in all local weather reports as these two months often see changeable weather.

Instead, use September for what we call “local summer” – something fellow San Diegans will probably hate me for revealing.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer Coronado, Carlsbad, or San Diego, May and June usually bring dull skies, July and August the biggest crowds, and September fades away and still boasts blissful weather, unlike the humid hellscape of Florida.

For what it’s worth, travelers rate safety in San Diego at an 87/100:

1) San Francisco: California’s coolest city in more ways than one

Guess who cleaned up their act?

That’s right: San Francisco has largely shaken off its sketchy reputation and turned back the clock to once again become the coolest city on the West Coast (in more ways than one).

Not only is summer cool and breezy from the inland heat, but San Fran also boasts so many vibrant cultural neighborhoods, like the maze of Chinatown and the Italian cafes of North Beach.

Despite the treacherous hills in the center, you can’t help but get out and explore the area on foot, although you can hail the city’s signature cable cars when an incline takes over – and they will.

Whether it’s the windswept beaches, urban islands, the Fisherman’s Wharf, or the lush Presidio Park, now’s the time to take the chance to experience one of America’s most iconic cities, where finding a bad meal is virtually impossible and the magic is easier to find than the headlines suggest—as long as you avoid the zombie apocalypse atmosphere of the Tenderloin District.

Travelers rate San Francisco at 77/100:

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Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.