With many people heading to the beach for summer vacation, going to the mountains instead can provide a more relaxing getaway. Mountain getaways give you a chance to explore nature up close on hiking trails or through other outdoor activities. These kinds of vacations also offer an opportunity to camp under the stars or stay in a cozy cabin. The following are some of the top destinations to consider for a mountain getaway this summer.
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky in southern Montana is known for being a prime skiing location in winter, but it also makes a great summer getaway. This community offers a lot for you to do on vacation during summer. Explore nature trails on horseback, go mountain biking, brave the rapids with whitewater rafting, or get a bird’s-eye view on zip line tours. Big Sky also offers fly fishing, golf, camping, and summer concerts. Amenities in the area include cabins, ranches, hotels, and more in canyon, meadow, or mountain settings.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the ideal mountain getaway spot for families or couples. The area is filled with gorgeous mountain views and offers plenty of shade under the trees. Hiking, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife watching, and many other outdoor activities are available in the park and surrounding area. The family-friendly gateway town of Gatlinburg offers tons of attractions and amenities to enjoy, including live music, shows, shopping and plenty of eateries. Hundreds of luxury rental Gatlinburg cabins packed with entertainments and amenities such as hot tubs, are available throughout the foothills.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos in northern New Mexico provides a chance to experience desert and mountain environments for your summer getaway. The town’s location offers views of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains, which you can explore via hiking, biking, or hot air balloon rides. Fishing, rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities are also available in Taos. The town offers several landmarks and attractions as well, including Gorge Bridge, Taos Pueblo, Taos Plaza, and museums. Haciendas, hotels, and other options are available for lodging in and around Taos.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe is a top destination for skiers, but summer travelers can also enjoy this northern Vermont town. Explore the waters on a stand-up paddleboard, take a guided fly fishing tour, go zip lining through the forest, or cool off with a dip in the West Branch River. Stowe also has other activities and amenities, including spas, disc golf, art galleries, and live concerts. You’ll find diverse lodging to choose from in Stowe, including cabins, condos, luxury hotels, boutique hotels and resorts.
Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley transforms from a ski resort town in winter to a vacation spot filled with wildflowers in summer. Explore mountain trails on foot or on horseback during your getaway. Wander through meadows where wildflowers are in full bloom, go swimming, or do some whitewater rafting. Other summer activities in Sun Valley include fly fishing, golfing, biking, and much more. This mountain town also hosts a summer film festival and other local events. Lodging in Sun Valley ranges from resorts and hotels to rustic campgrounds.
Bend, Oregon
Bend in central Oregon offers waterfalls, caves, and other exciting areas to explore while escaping the summer heat. Deschutes National Forest, Deschutes River, Todd Lake, Mount Bachelor, and other natural areas provide scenic views and outdoor adventures. Spend your summer getaway biking on mountain trails, rock climbing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and watching for river otters and other local wildlife. Downtown Bend offers numerous dining options, live entertainment and other amenities. Accommodation options include treehouses, hotels, RV parks, vacation rental homes, ranch stays, and more.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs in northwestern Arkansas is a charming summer getaway in the Ozark Mountains. The city offers a mix of outdoor recreation and downtown excitement, along with historic buildings and cultural attractions. Take in scenic sights at Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge, fish for bass in Black Bass Lake, or go zip lining through treetops. Golf, kayaking, canoeing, hiking and other kinds of outdoor recreation are also available. Accommodations in Eureka Springs include cabins, hotels, cottages, and bed and breakfasts.
Park City, Utah
Park City in northern Utah offers a chance to explore the Wasatch Mountain Range from a hot air balloon, on foot, or on horseback. This mountain town also offers fly fishing, rafting, zip lines, golf, and many other outdoor activities. Go kayaking or sailing, use a stand-up paddleboard, ride the Alpine Coaster, or take a mountain biking tour. Other activities and attractions to enjoy include historic mining tours, art galleries, and much more. Lodging in Park City ranges from hotels and lodges to camping and RV resorts.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid in upstate New York provides a picturesque place to go for a getaway in the Adirondack Mountains. Visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, go rock climbing, or glide across the waters of Lake Placid in a kayak. Other summer activities that are available include waterskiing, tubing, wake-boarding, mountain biking, fishing, golf, hiking, and swimming. Lake Placid offers a wide range of accommodations for summer getaways, including lodges, cottages, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and campgrounds.
