As temperatures seem to rise higher than ever before and heat waves are becoming more common across the country, more and more people are looking to “coolcations,” to escape the summer heat. Instead of your usual summer East Coast city trip, southwest national park journey, or Florida beach getaway, plan a getaway to a cooler clime for some relief this summer. Look to mountains, lakes, and other northern retreats, from Maine to northern California to Michigan. We have recommendations on where to go—and what to do while you’re there.
Vinalhaven, Maine
Refreshing ocean breezes are abundant in Vinalhaven—since you’re never far from shore. At less than 24 square miles and with roughly 1,000 residents, the island is more than an hour by ferry from the town of Rockland, midway up the coast in Maine, where temps are generally cooler, even in summer.
Because the ocean is so cold out here, you may prefer a dip in one of several quarries on the island, which have warmer, calmer waters. Try Lawson or Booth quarries. After you work up on appetite enjoying the water, check out some of the island’s great food options. Right off the ferry is Greet’s Eats, a food truck serving the Best Lobster Roll in Maine (so says Down East magazine). Hit Sea’s Bakery for good, strong coffee and delicious baked pastries, or Dot & Millie’s for something a little more upscale.
And make sure you pack a jacket—nights and evenings can get chilly, even in the summer.
NEA member travel benefits: The closest airport to Vinalhaven is Knox County Regional Airport (RKD) in Rockland, or you can fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) or Bangor International Airport (BGR), which both involve drives of five or six hours (make it part of a New England road trip!); get your plane tickets by searching through NEA Travel: Flights. To stay on Vinalhaven itself, look at the Tidewater or the Libby House. Or, check NEA Travel: Hotels for great rates at Rockport and Camden hotels like Glen Clove Inn & Suites, which has a pool, fitness center and free breakfast for an average of $192 a night, or the High Tide Inn on the Ocean Motel and Cottages, which has a private beach and averages $158 a night.
Plan your itinerary: Vinalhaven & North Haven | Visit Maine
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
When the heat and humidity have you wiping your brow, it’s time to head north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or “U.P.,” as Michiganders call it The U.P. is large—so you probably won’t see it all in one trip. But this makes for a great excuse to come back!
First things first: Hit the water. The rivers and lakes up here are ideal for kayaking and canoeing. Or for a different type of water experience, visit idyllic, tree-shaded Tahquemenon Falls State Park. With a drop of 50 feet and a 200-foot-wide span, the upper falls are among the largest west of the Mississippi. There are also dozens of hiking trails, great camping sites and spots for enjoying a picnic by the rushing water.
Adrenaline junkies should head to Drummond Island. Here, you get your thrills on an ATV, the go-anywhere buggies you’ll need to careen across a mostly unspoiled expanse of land popularly known as “Michigan’s Ultimate Playground.”
Hungry? Check out St. Ignace’s Clyde’s Drive-In, home of many Michiganders’ favorite burgers.
Take the ferry to Mackinac Island for a step back in time. Cars aren’t allowed here and horse and buggies roam the roads. Walk down Main Street to sample some of the many famous fudge shops like Original Mudrick’s Fudge and Joann’s Fudge, before heading to one of America’s oldest hotels, the Grand Hotel Mackinac Island. There, you can sit on the world’s longest front porch, play some mini golf or indulge in some ice-cream from Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor.
NEA member travel benefits: Visit NEA Travel: Flights to book a ticket to Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, the gateway to the U.P. Over on NEA Travel: Hotels you’ll see deals like an average of $220/night at the centrally located Best Western Plus Traverse City, which has a pool and gym and spacious rooms. In St. Ignace, you can book Breakers Resort & Beach Bar for an average of $255/night and you can enjoy its waterfront Lake Huron location with a private beach. The Drummond Island Resort averages $155/night for log cabin-inspired rooms with breakfast included.
Plan your itinerary: UP Travel | Pure Michigan
Santa Cruz, California
Of the coolcation getaways highlighted here, Santa Cruz in breezy Northern California may offer the most activities. Start with a visit to the town’s Beach Boardwalk on Main Beach, one of the oldest operating seaside amusement parks. Salty breezes combine with tall rides that offer unforgettable panoramic views.
Want to hit the beach but avoid the crowds? Skip Main Beach and head to Sunset or Seacliff instead. If you enjoy water activities, rentals for surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers abound. But bring (or plan to rent) a wetsuit—the Northern California waters are notoriously chilly.
If you’re looking for a break from the salt and spray, head inland. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in nearby Felton is home to giant redwoods, plus miles of excellent hiking trails. Or take a more urbane view of the countryside with a visit to a winery for a delightful afternoon outing.
Be sure to make time to sample some local cuisine—there are countless options. Locals swear by Seabreeze Cafe and Santa Cruz Diner for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner, keep things California casual at the Crow’s Nest, which offers lovely ocean views.
NEA member travel benefits: Visit NEA Travel: Flights to book a ticket to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Next, click on the NEA Travel: Hotels page to search for lodging. You’ll see bargains like an average of $138 per night at the Islander Motel, which is basic but rooms are clean and staff is friendly, and there’s a small outdoor pool, and $136 per night at Hotel Solares, which has a nice outdoor pool and is near the boardwalk. At an average of $176 per night, Mission Inn offers a pool, hot tub, spacious rooms and free breakfast, also at a great location.
Plan your itinerary: Visit Santa Cruz County | Visit California
The Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region consists of 11 lakes between Syracuse, Rochester and Elmire-Corning in Upstate New York. While some lakes are larger than others, they’re all surrounded by charming towns and plenty of wineries. Temps stay in the 70s and 80s during summer and you can always cool off with a dip in a lake.
Stroll through the town of Skaneateles (pronounced SKINNY-atlas), stopping at Skaneateles Bakery for some of their freshly made doughnuts and blueberry muffins to munch on as you stroll down the pier and along the lake. Go for a boat ride with Mid-Lakes Navigation Company—you can even help the Barbara S. Wiles mail boat deliver mail to lakeside homes. In the evening, catch a movie at New York State’s oldest drive-in, Finger Lakes Drive-In.
Seneca Falls is home to the historic Women’s Rights National Historic Park, where the first women’s rights convention was held in 1848. Seneca Lake is great for kitesurfing and windsurfing, and the town of Geneva at the top of the lake is home to lovely restaurants and shops like FLX Table and Kindred Fare. Explore the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and sip wine at vineyards like Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, Red Tail Ridge Winery and Fox Run Vineyards.
Be sure to stop in the village of Naples to sample their famous grape pie before heading to Watkins Glen State Park for incredible waterfalls, canyons and hiking. The Gorge Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, and for good reason. In just 2.4 miles, you’ll see 19 waterfalls, traverse stone bridges and walk behind dripping falls. Note that while there is a wide stone path that makes the trail relatively easy, there are also around 800 steps to climb.
NEA member travel benefits: Visit NEA Travel: Flights to book a ticket to Frederick Douglas Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) or Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Next, click on the NEA Travel: Hotels page to search for accommodations. You’ll find options like the Hampton Inn by Hilton Penn Yan for an average of $190 a night, which includes an indoor pool and gym, and free breakfast. In Geneva you can stay by the lake at 41 Lakefront Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham, for an average of $141 a night. For something with more character, check out the Sutherland House Victorian Bed & Breakfast in Canandaigua, where for an average of $229 a night you can stay in a unique room in an 1885 mansion.
Plan your itinerary: Visit Finger Lakes | I Love NY
