While choosing a great summer vacation destination can be a subjective process, most travelers would likely agree that sun, sand and superb attractions add up to a great warm-weather getaway. Here are some can't-miss locales for an unforgettable summertime escape.
It's hard to imagine a summer locale that brings more to the table than Los Angeles, California. A bounty of beautiful beaches, an endless array of dining and lodging choices and world-class attractions such as Disneyland combine for a vacation that will offer something for everyone.
Just an hour north of San Francisco on Highway One lies Stinson Beach, a perfect little beach town with a lively atmosphere, quality restaurants and lodgings that range from rental homes right on the sand to funky inns. Make sure to dine at the Sand Dollar restaurant in the heart of downtown, with patio seating and tasty eats ranging from fish tacos to country fried chicken.
When it comes to island escapes in the states, it's tough to beat Martha's Vineyard, just a short ferry ride off the south shores of Cape Cod. Whether strolling the streets of the charming towns (Edgartown is truly a great stop), riding a moped along the country roads or swimming at the many beaches, it's a challenge to not have a nice time on the Vineyard.
The Jersey Shore is a sure thing in summer, a loooong stretch of inviting shoreline running southward from Sandy Hook to Cape May. While the beaches of the shore might blend together, the various towns show surprising diversity-from the austere Victorian homes of Cape May to the rollicking boardwalk (and casinos) of Atlantic City. Springsteen fans will want to stop by the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, the famed rocker's hometown.
Of course, not all great summer escapes are on the East and West Coasts. Mackinac Island, Michigan is a Midwestern Mecca of tourism, boasting not only excellent resorts and fun in the sun, but an intriguing history as well. Located in Lake Huron, between the state's two peninsulas, the little island has extensive Native American heritage, and also hosts Fort Mackinac-built by the British in Revolutionary War times.
In the Northwest, Oregon's Cannon Beach is a staggering sweep of ocean waves, endless driftwood and dramatic mounds of earth towering right out of the Pacific-such as iconic Haystack Rock. The community is also known for its famous Sand Castle Contest every summer, and birdwatchers will enjoy a chance to see the rare sight of tufted puffins at play.
Heading to Texas in the summer heat might not be the first thing leaping to mind for vacation planners, but Galveston is a fun and affordable choice for a summer sojourn. Allures include 32 miles of beaches, impressive Victorian homes and diversions ranging from numerous museums (a great way to beat the heat) to an 1877 tall ship. Make sure to stop by Moody Gardens, with a 1.5-million "pyramid aquarium," tropical rainforest and 3-D Imax theatre.
Divided by the Delaware River, the neighboring towns of New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey are delightful any time of year. But the summer is particularly pleasant, with a host of swimming holes, fun nightlife (check out John and Peter's in New Hope and the Boathouse in Lambertville) and a July Fourth Fest that showcases a pyrotechnics display directly over the Delaware.
