20 best coolcation spots to check out this summer

A popular summer spot for New Englanders, Maine is a little more niche for travelers from further afield. The northeastern corner of the country can have highs hovering in the 60s Fahrenheit even in August. It’s perfect if you love hiking, with Acadia and Bar Harbor easily accessible. For ocean lovers, Portland’s fun vibe and amazing dining scene couple idyllically with its waterside location.

This sovereign, glacier-covered island has been in the headlines recently for numerous reasons. It’s been listed by many as a top destination for 2025 travel. Unless you’re a fan of well-below freezing temps, summer is one of the best times to check it out!

Hiking enthusiasts rejoice! You don’t have to sweat it out with the crowds at the US national parks or the European Alps. Instead, head north to the outdoors-centric town of Bergen! If you’re looking to save a bit of money, Norway practices “allemannsretten” (literally, “freedom to roam”) all summer, which means you’re allowed to trek or camp anywhere, sans permits.

The “Paris of the South” makes an epic destination no matter the season. However, the warmer months can be a bit hot and humid. Those conditions don’t always make the best vacation, so instead, visit during the northern hemisphere summer, which is winter in the southern cone!

Similar to Argentina, New Zealand’s southern hemisphere location is great for avoiding large numbers of other tourists and nice temperatures. That’s especially true if you want to hit the trails. As a bonus, it’s also ski season for Kiwis and visitors!

Canada can be hot in the summer months, but nowhere near other parts of the continent. Quebec City’s location along the Saint Lawrence River keeps it comfortable for most of the year. It also has a unique vibe and culture, an interesting blend of European and North American history.

The Nordics really are winners for summer European travel for travelers looking to beat the heat. Sweden’s capital city is ideal for those in need of a cool city break, where apero and coffee on a terrace doesn’t come with uncomfortable weather.

Synonymous with summer fun, parts of the West Coast, like southern California, can have oppressive temperatures. However, if you head a bit further north, to the beautiful Oregon Coast, nicer weather awaits you, and the beaches are no less stunning!

The Baltic states are great alternatives to southern European countries and are usually less crowded. Tallinn is a great city, with lots to offer visitors, including unique food, history, and breezy weather along the sea.

A more off-beat destination, Yukon is perfect for travelers wanting to get away from it all. Summer is the best time to visit and hike in this still mostly wild part of North America.

You won’t escape crowds by visiting Iceland during summer, but it’s the most popular time to visit for a reason (or two or three)! The weather is the best for road-tripping, hiking, kayaking, horse riding, and all the other activities. Additionally, the midnight sun ensures you’ll get the most out of a visit!

In general, the Midwest, especially around the Great Lakes, provides one of the most tranquil summer backdrops in the US. In recent years, the northern area of Michigan has been receiving more attention, thanks to epic beaches straight off a postcard, sans tropical prices or heat and humidity.

Ecuador’s location on the equator means it never gets too hot or too cold. And during the northern hemisphere summer, its famed cloud forest offers visitors a peaceful spot to relax without oppressive sun.

These islands between Iceland and Norway make the perfect summer road-and-ferry trip for outdoors enthusiasts. Hike the green hills, admire adorable colorful towns, and go puffin-searching!

This previously closed-off country is now open to travelers willing to pay $100 per day to visit. The fee is intended to go towards citizens’ well-being and keep visitor numbers away from over-tourism heights. Summer in the mountainous area is a great time to visit, and it's never too hot!

Summer in the north means winter down in Australia, but it never gets too cold down under. Sydney is an amazing city, no matter the time of year! However, winter in Oz means fewer mosquitoes, lower temperatures, and an even more laid-back vibe!

The “Last Frontier” is an adventure-lover’s paradise. Summer is short up there, as the state can have its first frosts as early as mid-August. So if you want to hike, go grizzly spotting, or fish in the ocean, plan visits between mid-June and early August.

The Emerald Isle is always lush and verdant in large part because the weather is never too sizzling. Even in summer, temperatures are rarely above 60s or 70s Fahrenheit, and clouds and rain are more the norm. However, visitors will have lots of daylight to get out and explore the lovely country.

Winter in Patagonia provides an amazing landscape for certain types of travelers. Don’t come without proper cold-weather hiking and camping gear, and be prepared to go with guides, as independent treks for popular routes such as the W-Trek aren’t allowed in the cold season. Additionally, it’s a great place to ski!

The Atlantic Provinces benefit from an oceanside location, keeping the heat at bay most of the time. Nova Scotia is a great road trip destination that will delight visitors of all interests and offers mouthwatering seafood!