Summer in the city can be a thrilling adventure. It can also be a hot, sweaty mess! When the dog days of summer hit, the only thing we can think about is taking a little getaway. Maybe you only have the weekend, and want to go somewhere close by. Luckily, there are so many beautiful summer escapes across the USA.
6 Summer Escapes Across the USA
1. The Catskills, NY
If you have lived through a NYC summer, give yourself a pat on the back. No summer in NYC is complete without a weekend getaway. Most people consider The Hamptons to be the spot of choice for weekends away. However, with the ridiculous traffic and ridiculous prices, it's not always the most relaxing. The Catskills offer a nice alternative. The Catskills are a mountain range about 2-3 hours north of NYC. A shady, cool respite from the oppressive heat, The Catskills are a breath of fresh air in July (quite literally).
Where To Stay:
- The Graham and Co for Hipster Haven
- Kate's Lazy Meadow for a kitschy 70's vibe
- The Kaaterskill Inn for the luxe life in breathtaking natural surroundings
What To Eat:
- Good ol' Brunch at Phoenicia Diner
- Locally sourced ingredients in a restored farmhouse at Peekamoose Restaurant
- Grab an ice cream cone at Mama's Boy
What To Do:
- Browse the shops in hippie-haven Woodstock
- Check out the World's Largest Kaleidoscope in Mount Tremper
- For the ultimate in relaxation, try a weekend yoga retreat!
2. Santa Margarita, CA
Located in San Luis Obispo Country, Santa Margarita is the perfect place to go on a digital detox from your fast-paced Bay Area life. A small-town feeling with wide open spaces, you'll get the best of Central Coast California in Santa Margarita. Opportunities for deep relaxation and high-octane adventure both exist here. Santa Margarita Lake gives life to this area of California, along with the various nature trails and hikes that are threaded throughout. Santa Margarita is about 3.5 hours south of San Francisco and 2 hours north of Santa Barbara.
Where To Stay:
- Apple Farm for cozy luxury in wine country
- The Lodge at Oak Creek Lodge for group retreats in an expansive setting
- Rinconada Dairy to sleep on a farm and see the dairy-making process
What To Eat:
- A juicy steak at The Range
- Banana Foster French Toast at The Southern Station
What To Do:
- Zipline over hills with Margarita Adventures
- Go kayaking on Santa Margarita Lake
- Go on a full digital detox and swim in a saltwater pool on a yoga retreat
3. Ocean City, Maryland
If you live in Washington D.C., you definitely need an escape from the summer city heat (and upcoming election talk). Ocean City is very much a classic boardwalk ocean getaway. With three different boardwalks to choose from, you can take your pick of shopping, food, and even an amusement park. Ocean City's beaches have perfectly soft sand to lay on all day long. Plenty of nightlife means that the party doesn't have to stop when darkness falls.
Where To Stay:
- Rent a condo for the weekend to take advantage of having your own kitchen
- Castle in the Sand for a private beach and Olympic sized pool
- Spinnaker Motel for the classic old-timey beach vacation
What To Eat:
- Delicious seafood at Cactus Cafe
- Classic diner food at Warren's Station
- Signature fries at Thrasher's Fries
- Caramel Corn at Fisher's Popcorn
What To Do:
- Take your beach towel and a magazine and plop down on the beach for the day
- Bike along the Boardwalk
- Kayak or Stand Up Paddle on Chesapeake Bay
4. The Berkshires, MA
About halfway between Boston and NYC, The Berkshires are a major summer arts hub in the Northeast. Nestled amidst a mountain range in Western Massachusetts, The Berkshires come alive every summer with arts festivals. Fun can be had on any budget here, from a free dance performance at Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival to a weekend stay at a plush spa. Great Barrington is the main town in the Berkshires, with a quaint small town feeling plus loads of culture. Don't forget that the Berkshires also allow for outdoor opportunities galore!
Where To Stay:
- Historic Valley Campground to get in touch with nature and swim in Lake Windsor
- 1862 Seasons on Main for the cozy bed and breakfast experience in a historic inn
- Canyon Ranch for the ultimate healthy retreat
What To Eat:
- Unexpected dishes in a quirky atmosphere at Gypsy Joynt
- Farm to table cuisine at Firefly Restaurant
- Pizza sporting high-quality ingredients at Baba Louie's Pizza
What To Do:
- See a concert at Tanglewood
- View the world’s largest collection of original Norman Rockwell art at the Norman Rockwell Museum
- Go hiking to Bash Bish Falls on the border of Massachusetts and New York
5. St. Simons Island, GA
When you spend a summer in the Southeast, you end up spending most of your time inside where the air conditioning is. Occasionally it's nice to escape somewhere where the breeze is blowing and you can spend a day sitting on the beach. St. Simons Island recently came in as number 1 on Travel and Leisure's list of favorite beach towns in America. For Southern charm, St. Simons cannot be beat. Golf courses, BBQ joints, and wildlife galore make this island in Georgia a perfect summer getaway.
Where To Stay:
- St. Simons Inn for unique rooms with a lighthouse view
- Sea Island Cloister Ocean Residencies for luxurious secluded suites on the ocean
- Village Inn and Pub for an environmentally friendly stay in a converted 1930's beach cottage
What To Eat:
- Fresh seafood at Crabdaddy's Seafood Grill
- Seasonal Georgian food at Halyards Restaurant
- Traditional Southern BBQ at Southern Soul BBQ
What To Do:
- Play a round of golf at King and Prince Golf Resort
- Go on a sunset eco-cruise with Southeast Adventure
- Learn about native sea turtles at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
6. The Sequoias & Kings Canyon, California
If you want to feel like you're walking through a fairy tale, The Sequoias and Kings Canyon in Northern California are a must-visit. The forest is dense and the color of the light seems like twilight even during broad day because it's filtered through the canopy of the trees. Just an hour and a half south of San Francisco, these California National Parks are the perfect place to restore yourself and reconnect to nature. Take a weekend to explore what the land of Californian redwoods has to offer.
Where To Stay:
- John Muir Lodge for the traditional stately lodge experience
- Bearpaw High Sierra Camp to sleep amidst unbelievable natural wonders
- Sequoia High Sierra Camp for the ultimate Glamping experience
What To Eat:
- Italian food and a glass of Central Cali's finest wine at Ristorante Casa Nostra
- Shrimp Benedict at Spanky's Cafe
- Delicious pastries at Ben Lomond Baking Company
What To Do:
- Visit 3 of California's National Parks in 3 days on the Majestic Mountain Loop
- Go on a Cave Tour at Crystal Cave
- Take the weekend to deepen your yoga practice on a Yoga Wellness Weekend in the Sequoias
If the summer hustle and bustle is getting to be too much, know that you always have the option of getting away for a while. These 6 summer escapes across the USA are sure to grant you some sweet, cool relief. If this list inspired you to go away this summer, check out these weekend yoga retreats on WeTravel:
