Whether you live in an area with triple-digit summers (like where I grew up) or somewhere with slightly milder temperatures, there comes a time every year when we are in need of a little escape. Sure, you could just hunker down at home with the air conditioner blasting, but we have a better idea - well, actually 12 of them! Next time you are trying to figure out what to do on a hot day (or weekend!), we're sure one of these incredible places will inspire you. From the mountains to the water to indoor attractions, there are bucket list-worthy places across the states where you are sure to keep your cool.

Mountain Destinations

One way to beat the heat - and still enjoy great outdoor adventures - is to head to higher altitudes and there is something undeniably appealing about these little mountain towns.

The darling town of Stowe has been rated among the best small towns in the U.S. While it is well-known for its world-class ski resort, this is a spectacular destination to visit during summer - and not simply because the weather is wonderfully mild. The quintessential New England small-town vibes are complemented by gorgeous mountain views and hiking trails through tranquil woods, meadows, a river, a stunning waterfall, and more. Take a gondola sky ride, play a round of golf, and explore the shops and restaurants in the quaint downtown area. For a luxurious stay to take your summer escape to a whole new level, book a stay at Stowe’s wonderful Green Mountain Inn.

The high elevations and towering pine trees that characterize Colorado’s Rocky Mountain towns make them ideal for an escape from summer heat. One of our favorites is Keystone, just a 90-minute drive from Denver and less crowded than more popular destinations like Aspen or Vail. But make no mistake about it, this town offers abundant opportunities for adventure, many centering on the incredible blue Keystone Lake. The lake itself is perfect for kayaking, fishing, stand up paddleboarding, etc., and the lakeside Village offers wonderful shopping and dining options. Away from the water, get your heart pumping at Keystone Bike Park, hike to the top of Keystone Mountain for incredible views, hit the water on a white water rafting adventure, or go horseback riding at Keystone Stables. There are plenty of options for accommodations from condos to hotels, including Keystone Resort which puts you right in the center of it all.

Intense heat and high humidity may threaten to dampen our adventurous spirit, especially in southern states, but it just so happens that this region is also an amazing place to get a cool break. Tucked in North Carolina’s scenic Nantahala National Forest is Highlands, also known by many as “the Aspen of the East.” This little community is big on culture and is home to the Bascom Arts Center. Explore the wonderful downtown art galleries, jewelry stores, boutiques, and high-end antique dealers, not to mention many award-winning restaurants ranging from upscale but casual to true fine dining. But wait, there’s more. Within just a few miles of town, you can hike to stunning waterfalls, even one that you can walk behind! The areas surrounding Highlands also offer incredible outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, fishing, and mountain climbing and biking. For the perfect home base on the mountain, take advantage of the luxurious country charm at Half-Mile Farm.

Utah’s picturesque town of Brian Head is a haven of summer activities and, thanks to its elevation of some 10,000 feet and cool temps, you won’t have to break a sweat to enjoy them. Take the Giant Steps Express lift at Brian Head Resort to enjoy stunning views of the area and to reach awesome mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Other family-friendly adventures include hiking, ATV riding, ziplining, summer tubing, archery, disc golf, and more. And then there is the crown jewel of Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument. Similar to the famous Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks is less crowded and some say even more spectacular with its giant red and orange hoodoos around a natural amphitheater. The surrounding area is a paradise of conifer forests, summer wildflowers, and lovely trails to explore it all.

Water Activities

For me, one of the best ways of cooling off when temperatures rise is taking to the water, and we have rounded up some of the most spectacular places to do just that.

One of the best snorkeling spots on the West Coast is in Southern California’s San Diego County. There are so many surprises to be discovered in the clear waters of La Jolla Cove and the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and Underwater Park. First, between June and December, you can swim among the harmless leopard sharks that gather in the cove each year. La Jolla is also home to bright orange California Garibaldi, octopus, sea turtles, seals and sea lions, and lots of colorful fish. The cove has seven unique sea caves visible from the water and when the tide is low, you can snorkel through one of them. For a one-of-a-kind experience, take a kayak tour of seven caves. The waters in the cove are generally calm so everyone can safely enjoy a summer adventure.

We know what you’re thinking… Florida is not the obvious choice for cooling off in the summer, right? Well, the gorgeous gem at Rainbow Springs State Park says otherwise. Not only is this one of the country’s largest natural springs, it is also among the clearest and prettiest. Even better, the water averages a perfect 72 degrees all year long. Take a refreshing swim and be sure to bring goggles or snorkeling equipment to look for the fish, turtles, and other wildlife that inhabit the underwater forests. Explore even more of the area by kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or tubing down the scenic river. Equipment rentals are available at the launch site. You’ll also want to explore the pretty gardens and man-made waterfalls, then grab a sandwich and some ice cream at the concession stand to enjoy a waterside picnic. Want to turn a perfect summer day into an entire weekend? Reserve a spot at the Rainbow Springs State Park campground!

For a little more of a remote and truly magical escape, head to the sapphire waters of Idaho’s Blue Heart Springs. This hidden cove off of the mighty Snake River is only accessible by water, with most visitors coming in by boat, paddleboard, and kayak. Located near the Box Canyon outlet via a forested passageway along the river, this natural oasis is a secret little paradise with cool refreshing water and breathtaking views. Take a dip in the 58-degree water for an instant cool off, then laze the afternoon away floating, paddling, or kayaking in the cove. With no running engines allowed and high canyon walls, this is one of the quietest and most peaceful spots in the state. You can even see and hear the bubbling of the springs through the sandy bottom. Blue Heart Springs may be Idaho’s best-kept secret and one water adventure you will not regret.

It’s not always easy to find a beautiful place that is not full of visitors, but the jaw-dropping Diablo Lake is just remote enough to keep the crowds at bay. You should know that it will take a bit of a trek to get to the lake - Diablo Lake Trail is about 3.5 miles out and back - but it is beyond worth the effort. Being nestled in the mountains of North Cascades National Park, you’ll enjoy cool summer temperatures that make for an idyllic hiking experience. We recommend packing in inflatable tubes, paddleboards, or kayaks if you have them (and if you don’t, we love this highly-rated kayak from REI!) Once you reach this pristine oasis, you will marvel at the surreal blue-green color and picture-perfect backdrop. Enjoy a relaxing picnic on the shore, take a dip in the water (you may want a wet suit to do any real swimming as the water is quite cold), and enjoy kayaking, paddling, or floating on the lake while soaking in the views.

Indoor Activities

Of course, another excellent way to keep cool on a super-hot day is to head indoors and take advantage of good ol’ air conditioning. These awesome attractions are not only a great place to slip away if you live locally but may just inspire a trip themselves.

Illinois has its share of cool space-themed attractions, but this one is massive and makes for a truly fascinating day trip. Located inside the last remaining building from the 1893 World’s Fair, this is not only the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere but one of the most interactive. You’ll experience tons of hands-on exhibits and experiences like running in a human-sized hamster wheel, boarding a suspended 727 plane and a WWII submarine, seeing your own pulse beat in a 13-foot human heart, standing in front of a huge tornado, exploring a mirror maze, and so much more. There are virtually endless things to see and do for kids and adults alike.

There are some incredible *city-within-a-city* destinations in Las Vegas that will keep you busy and out of the scorching Nevada heat. One of them is the mind-bending, out-of-this-world collection of attractions known as Area15 (not to be confused with the famous Area 51!) Enter this immersive art and entertainment complex and your reality will - at least temporarily - be altered. Start with the bizarre adventure through Omega Mart, a supermarket-themed art attraction where you’ll find yourself browsing some very *left of center* items and slipping through secret passages into surreal inner worlds. Next, journey through infinity rooms, be transported to otherworldly locations at the Illuminarium Las Vegas, join a zipline race, and become part of the art in Museum Fiasco. Oh, and discover not-so-ordinary dining and drinking. And we’ve just scratched the surface. Come curious, and leave entertained.

It’s blazing outside and you need a cool place the entire family will enjoy. Should you go to the mall for some food and shopping, or maybe to an awesome arcade or escape room? You could find a cool immersive art installation or museum, or perhaps an indoor amusement park. Finding it hard to choose? We say, don’t! Head to American Dream retail and entertainment center in New Jersey where you will find literally all of that, plus an epic indoor waterpark (in fact the largest in North America) and surf pool, mini golf courses, the world’s tallest ropes course, a marine aquarium, and some big surprises. Do you ever find yourself imagining a snow day in a little attempt at *mind over matter*? At American Dream, you can open your eyes and enjoy an actual snow adventure. Big SNOW is the first and only indoor, year-round ski and snow resort with real snow. All ages and skill levels will enjoy hitting the slopes. You could spend an entire week avoiding the summer heat at this incredible place.

Step into another dimension at this science fiction-themed museum. Actually, “museum” doesn’t really do this place justice. Meow Wolf is an immersive, multi-sensory, story-telling experience. This surreal exhibition is part maze, part escape rooms, and part art installation. You’ll find yourself being transported through dark passageways, portals, and secret doorways through over 70 incredible rooms. All the while, a strange and mysterious story unfolds in the House of Eternal Return as you interact with your surroundings and discover secrets hiding throughout. Designed to be fantastical and entertaining rather than scary, everyone will have a blast at Meow Wolf. Make sure you stop in at Float Cafe & Bar for coffee, tea, snacks, and fun cocktails like Aquarium Candy and the signature Meowgarita!

And there you have it - no need to wonder what to do on a hot day here in the States! Head for the mountains, get out on (or in!) the water or explore one of our spectacular indoor attractions to beat the heat and have a summer adventure like no other. What are your favorite destinations to cool off during the season? We'd love to hear from you!