6 Destinations to Escape the Heat

This has been the summer of the heat dome in the U.S. With it sweltering in many places, a chance to beat the heat is going to sound like a cool idea for many travelers. Here are some top choices to have a great trip without breaking a sweat.

San Francisco

Coastal breezes and the famous fog will rejuvenate your senses. Summer is also a season of festivals, cultural events, and open-air markets. You’ll find many such events in Union Square.

Cool activity: Hike the scenic trails of the Marin Headlands or walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Glacier National Park

The famous Road to the Sun in Montana doesn’t open until June or July most years due to snow, which can start falling again by September. In between is a blissful window to escape from daily distractions (the internet is sparse, particularly on the east side of the park) and enjoy some scenic hikes in mostly hospitable temperatures.

Cool activity: Of course you will hike at Glacier, but rafting and kayaking on lakes and rivers are other fun ways to stay cool. Renting a boat at Lake McDonald is easy even in July, when the crowds picks up.

Alaskan Black Bear. Credit: Visit Anchorage

Anchorage

Take a cruise or fly into Alaska to enjoy glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. Just be prepared for a LOT of sun, especially around the summer solstice. Staying in Anchorage offers a nice balance from the outdoors without really roughing it.

Cool activity: Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see reindeer, moose, bears, beluga whales and more, oh my.

Helsinki, Finland

The average temperature in summer is 70 degrees in the Finnish capital, which won’t be quite as crowded as some other European hot spots. Cathedrals, sea fortresses, and more historic sites await you. Plus, the public transit is tough to beat.

Cool activity: Enjoy a Finnish sauna or span followed by a cold plunge.

Ha’penny Bridge. Credit: Tourism Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

The grass is definitely greener in Ireland. Dublin stays in the mid-60s in the summer, making for pleasant strolls through historic sites, parks, streets, and seaside villages.

Cool activity: Explore Dún Laoghaire Pier and get some ice cream.

Hilton Bogata. Credit: Hilton

Bogata, Colombia

No matter when you visit this Colombian destination, it’s almost surely going to feel like spring. There are top-flight dining and shopping to be had in Bogata. Hilton is among the U.S.-based hotel chains there if you don’t want to feel too far from home.

Cool activity: Grab a cup of coffee, of course! It won’t be hard to find a cafe to grab a cup.

Main Photo Credit: Visit Anchorage