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Here at Travel Off Path we believe it’s never too early to start making plans for summer.
While most head south to Cancun or Cabo, or leave their passports at home for the same old Florida destinations repeated in every travel publication, our expert team has unearthed some lesser-known gems that offer not only a welcome surprise, but also cooler temperatures than your typical summer vacation.
Don’t worry: we won’t send you to a faraway ski resort. Instead, we keep the summer vibe alive with beautiful lakes and beach towns where you still need to bring sunscreen but don’t have to beg for air conditioning.
These are the 5 most underrated American getaways for a cooler summer vacation:
5)Jackson HoleWyoming
In the summer, hiking is out the window in many places unless you’re willing to wake up at the crack of dawn and possibly deal with critters along the way.
But Jackson Hole is a rare exception, with fairly mild temperatures throughout the summer, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
Grand Teton National Park’s busiest season runs from May through September, but given its size, it doesn’t feel as busy as, say, Zion.
The Jackson Hole Tourism Bureau handles summer activities such as rafting, hiking, nature tours, mountain biking, climbing, fishing and of course exploring western experiences in this rustic cowboy town.
Better yet, the entire state of Wyoming is known to be super safe. Jackson Hole has achieved a score of 90/100 on our safety index.
4) Del Mar, California
Just north of San Diego, past the famous seals of La Jolla Cove, lies the elegant coastal town of Del Mar, where it doesn’t matter whether you have 2 or 4 legs, vacation mode is activated.
Home of the San Diego County Scholarship (starting June 10), several beach parks and even more beautiful beaches with blue water, Del Mar is perhaps the dreamiest town in SoCal.
Whether you’re spending time at the fair, baking under the Californian sun, or grabbing a seat at a trendy wine bar, Del Mar is a far cry from more northern getaways like the LA region in terms of better weather.
Not that San Diego is considered entirely unsafe for tourists, but there’s no place that will make you blend in like a local more than Del Mar, where everyone is rocking flip-flops and casual clothes, whether you’re grabbing a coffee at McDonald’s or staying at one of the city’s many chic beachfront hotels.
3) Cannon Beach, Oregon
Oregon may often find itself on the wrong side of the headlines thanks to the madness (and strangeness) of Portland.
That said, since California takes up such a large portion of the West Coast, Oregon is left in the dust.
Dotted with ‘hidden gems’ along the coast, Cannon Beach is the standout for a bona fide holiday.
Along the largely crowd-free coastlines along the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find otherworldly sea stacks, common nature sightings, and cozy inns perfect for a relaxing getaway.
However, what makes Oregon’s wild coast truly unique are their gigantic waves known as King Tides. But don’t worry: they’re predictable and even have their own calendar so you don’t get swept up and become TikTok’s next laughing stock.
This city is perfect for a summer escape to beat the heat and spend endless days by the sea, with the weather never rising above 20 degrees at any time of the year.
2) Lake Jocassee, South Carolina
We’re not saying Charleston shouldn’t be your next trip, but we all know it won’t just be tourists invading South Carolina’s most famous city – you’ll have some ‘Stage 5 Clinger’ friends too. 🦟
Lake Jocassee is a beautiful alternative for those who prefer to immerse themselves in nature rather than a sea of crowds, and the perfect way to cool off from SC’s infamous humidity in clear, spring-fed waters
This virtually unheard of lake is usually accessed via Devil’s Fork State Park is reported to have the “clearest and most pristine water in the state.”
With uncrowded lakeside beaches and plenty of kayak rentals, whether you want to relax and work on your tan, go for a swim or glide across the lively waters, there’s something for everyone to enjoy the sun on not-too-hot 80-degree days.
1) Summersville, West Virginia
A simple Google search for “Appalachia” will send you down a rabbit hole of tinfoil theories and some of America’s best-kept secret hideouts.
Summersville is the latter, rather than the former. No crazy mysteries about wild people to solve here…
Called the “Little Bahamas of the East”This hidden lakeside oasis that only locals seem to hold dear is our top pick for the most underrated summer retreat, and here’s why:
- It is West Virginia’s largest lake, with approximately 60 miles of shoreline and crystal clear water, perfect for swimming, boating and lazy days at the lake
- The striking landscape – think huge sandstone cliffs, rock formations and lush forestry that makes it feel much more unique than your average Appalachian lake
- The tantalizing array of warm weather fun, from kayaking and paddle boarding to fishing, snorkeling and even to dive
- It feels like it should be called Springville, with mild temperatures with highs of 80 degrees in the summer
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