5 Best Cities for a Cool Summer Getaway

Chill weather, chill vibes

Heat domes. Heat waves. And that heat index. No doubt about it, summer is hot-hot-hot! But if you’re not into that? You’re in luck! Believe it or not, there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy your vacation without sweltering. If you’re looking for a cool summer getaway, these destinations offer it—literally and figuratively.

Ready to chill this summer? Leave the tank tops at home and head to one of these cool spots.

• Burlington, VT

  Where crisp mountain air meets lakeside charm!

  Burlington is an easy choice in fall and winter, with gorgeous fall colors that eventually turn into a cozy ski town. But in summer? Burlington delivers that classic New England vibe, without the heat.

  Located right along the shores of Lake Champlain, the city rarely breaks 80°F. Walk, bike, or kayak along the lake for gorgeous views and a lake breeze that keeps you cool all day. Farmers’ markets and sunset views add to the summery appeal.

  For the quintessential New England vibe, visit pedestrian-friendly Church Street Marketplace: art galleries, artisanal goods, and cozy cafes. Then end your day with a local craft beer, brewed with mountain water—cheers!

  Perfectly Cool Summer Getaway for: mountain, lakes, and New England appeal

• Ketchikan, AK

  Feeling a little wild?

  Tucked into Alaska’s coastline, Ketchikan immerses you in nature. The air is cool, the forests are thick, and bald eagles soar overhead. Plus, the surrounding Tongass National Forest offers plenty of adventures, from zip-lining to floatplane tours over glaciers.

  Downtown Ketchikan is filled with quirky shops and art galleries, many featuring works by indigenous artists. Pick up hand-crafted pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more. While you walk around, look for the hand-carved totem poles sharing local legends and the city’s history.

  Foodies, you’ll love the fresh catches here! In fact, Ketchikan is the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Expect fresh-caught salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab on menus everywhere, accompanied by native ingredients like wild berries and greens.

  Perfectly Cool Summer Getaway for: unplugging and connecting with nature

• Leavenworth, WA

  The coolest Alpine getaway in the U.S.!

  Bavarian-inspired Leavenworth is a fall hotspot, thanks to its legendary Oktoberfest celebrations. And in the summer? It’s delightfully cool and dry, ideal for outdoor adventures.

  Explore the city’s charming streets, lined with alpine everything: architecture, shops, and (especially!) food. Dig into hearty Bavarian fare like bratwurst and schnitzel, with a yummy strudel for dessert. And the beer gardens? They’re uncrowded but still lively, serving up authentic German brews and live music.

  Leavenworth is nestled in the Cascade Mountains, perfect for outdoors-y fun. Just minutes from town, you can float down the Wenatchee River and explore stunning waterfalls. And you’ll love the nearby trails for hiking, disconnecting, and chasing mountain views.

  Perfectly Cool Summer Getaway for: alpine adventures

• Mystic, CT

  Looking for coastal cool?

  Mystic looks like it’s straight out of a movie, with white clapboard houses and sailboats gliding through the harbor. Wander around cobblestone streets with a hand-dipped ice cream, checking out indie boutiques and inviting bookshops.

  This historic seaport has a seriously nautical vibe. Start at the Mystic Seaport Museum, the ideal spot to learn about ships, sailboats, and sea history. You can also watch the drawbridge rising, take a sunset sail, or just sit by the water and enjoy the salty breeze.

  Mystic’s seaside location is also evident in its food scene. From seafood shacks to waterfront fine dining, menus include fresh lobster rolls, creamy clam chowder, and juicy oysters.

  Perfectly Cool Summer Getaway for: chilling out by the coast

• San Francisco, CA

  Summertime fun in the City by the Bay!

  While the rest of the country is sweating through summer, San Francisco stays cool and breezy. So you can stroll, explore, and enjoy the highlights without overheating.

  The city has something for every vacationer. You’ll find iconic neighborhoods, indie shops, and outdoor artwork around almost every corner. And then there are the classic tourist hot spots. While Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and Fisherman’s Wharf may seem overdone, they’re still worth a visit.

  And food-wise, San Fran is an absolute dream. Head to Chinatown for dim sum, grab a burrito in the Mission, and dig into delish Italian Food in North Beach. You’ll find it all, and with Napa Valley wines to wash it all down.

  Perfectly Cool Summer Getaway for: big-city fun

Ready to head off on a heat-free summer vacation? These destinations offer historic charm, outdoor adventures, and seriously “cool” vibes.

And to keep that easy-breezy energy going for your whole trip, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. No hassles at baggage claim, no hauling bags through the airport. So your travels can be as light and cool as the weather!