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When you think of travel experts, you might not immediately think of Al Roker or your favorite crazy weather lady on the 5 o’clock news.
However, this is a rare exception. I mean, who has better insight into the sunny days ahead than The Weather Channel?
Summer and sun are synonymous with each other, and that’s why it’s the most popular time of year to burn through your well-deserved PTO.
But as you’ll see, you don’t have to follow the crowd to the beach of your choice, as we reveal 4 surprising destinations named the best sunny American getaways this summer – and none of them are in Florida.
4) Sedona, Ariz
If you’ve heard Houndmouth’s hit ‘Sedona’, it’s not only one of the catchiest songs to ever hit my eardrums, but it painstakingly paints the picture of a ‘Saturday night kind of pink’, an ode to cotton candy skies above the wondrous landscapes it is known for.
At least, that’s what I assume, but who knows what the text really means…
Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, do you know that?
Sedona is known as a quirky citywhere vortex seekers and crystal shops meet scenic trails and breathtaking red rock views, but it’s unashamedly original and feels far removed from the glitz and glamor of Scottsdale, perhaps Arizona’s most popular getaway.
Arizona and summer aren’t often associated with each other when it comes to vacations due to the triple-digit heat, unless resort pools are involved – and Sedona has that too.
The Weather Channel claims to “expect hot and dry desert conditions” with average highs of 97°F.
3) Mammoth Lakes, CAlifornia
What’s largely known as a ski destination turns into an alpine playground in the summer, so if you fly into Mammoth you’ll arrive in sapphire lakes and open trailheads instead of ski crowds.
The region’s staggering mountains are unparalleled, giving Colorado a run for its money. Better yet, the ski season doesn’t end with a sun-drenched summer; it usually lasts until July.
The fresh mountain air becomes, well, fresher and you can enjoy all aspects of the city, whether you explore the village or book a terrace in a cozy café.
But if it was me, you’d find me hanging out somewhere Mammoth Brewery. It seems like the kind of place where Sam Elliott would hang out, and that’s fine with me.
The Weather Channel claims to “expect high and dry conditions” with average highs of 78°F.
2) Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Hotel meeting points, healing waters and special quirks: Eureka Springs impresses with its small townscape.
The historical Crescent Hotel & Spa it’s said to be one of the most haunted hotels in America, and that’s no Halloween gimmick.
A ghost tour of the city is also a must in the summer, but so is simply wandering the distinctive surroundings packed with eclectic shops and Victorian homes stacked along the steep Ozark streets.
As you may have guessed from the name, The rise of Eureka Springs all started with supposedly healing waterswhere you promote healing powers that you can still find around town and decide for yourself if they really work, or if they are as useful as Spencer Pratt’s crystals.
Your call. We are just the messenger.
The Weather Channel claims to “expect warm and green conditions” with average highs of 88°F.
1) Lake Placid, New York
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that there’s no better place to crash in an Adirondack chair than the Adirondack Mountains.
Lake Placid is a small village right in the heart of it, and apparently also the best sunny getaway, much to our surprise.
Typically seen as a beautiful autumn wonderland perfect for PSL runs and photo ops, summer brings boat trips on Mirror Lake, mountain hikes and sunny patio weather without the hustle and bustle of autumn leaves taking over the roads.
And if you come in the summer, you can get an idea of whether you’ll want to come back in high season to one of the Northeast’s most beautiful small towns.
‘Until then, it’s a peaceful place to enjoy a charming retreat between the Winter Olympics and the craze of autumn every year.
The Weather Channel claims to “expect cool mountain air” with average highs of 74°F.
