The summer is drawing to a close and you suddenly realize you’re running out of time for that much-needed vacation. There’s no need to stray far from home to find the perfect getaway. From a coastal village in Massachusetts to a string of wild islands, these locations are perfect for your last-minute summer trip.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Outer Banks are often overlooked as a summer vacation destination. This isn’t Florida with glitzy high-rise hotels or California with its fabulous people watching. The Outer Banks offer a more rustic experience. Explore this windswept chain of barrier islands, also known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and uncover fascinating history, wild horses, mouthwatering seafood, and scenic lighthouses. One of the best ways to experience the Outer Banks is by taking a road trip from their start in Currituck to the grand finale on Ocracoke Island. Extra bonus points if you make it to Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
San Juan Islands, Washington
A smattering of islands located along Washington’s northern border, the San Juan Islands are a mecca for those who admire the Pacific Northwest. Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan are the largest islands in the bunch and the best places to base yourself. You’ll need to take a ferry from the mainland town of Anacortes to reach them. Once you arrive, discover the ancestral lands of the Salish peoples who resided among the San Juans 172 islands for centuries. Then, break out the paddles for some sea kayaking. The rich waters of the Pacific converge here to create a diverse sanctuary for all sorts of creatures. Visitors can expect to potentially see orca pods, sea otters, seals, and even humpback whales.
Chicago, Illinois
A city break is one of the best ways to sneak in a quick vacation this summer and Chicago is just the ticket. The Windy City is, first and foremost, dedicated to foodies. Uncover Chicago’s rich cultural mosaic through taste by digging into its famous deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, or pierogies from the city’s huge Polish diaspora. If the temperatures start to heat up, head for one of the many beaches, strewn along shimmering Lake Michigan. Or, If it’s a classic American pastime you’re after, join the crowds at Wrigley Field, for a Chicago Cubs baseball game.
Ouray, Colorado
Colorado is well known for its charming, tiny mountain towns and Ouray is no exception. Known as the “Switzerland of America” for its location surrounded by sweeping mountain vistas, Ouray is a true alpine paradise. Many come for the town's ski season and death-defying ice climbing but it has just as much, if not more, to offer come summer. Take a dip in the Ouray Hot Springs complex on a chilly evening, road trip the scenic Million Dollar Highway, or hitch a ride on a guided UTV tour. If you’re up for a challenge, try your hand at nabbing the 14er, Wetterhorn, like a true local, and celebrate with a San Juan IPA at Ouray Brewery.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
As the ferry to Nantucket pulls up to the dock, you’ll almost feel as though you’ve been cast adrift on a rugged island in the Atlantic Ocean. Often shrouded in mist, Nantucket is a nostalgic little enclave and the perfect romantic escape this summer. With a population of only 10,000 and located almost 30 miles off coast, visitors will love its unpretentious, laidback vibes. Traipse around the idyllic village on the Sconset Bluff Walk, find out why Nantucket was the “Whaling Capital of the World” at the Shipwreck Museum, or partake in a quintessential lobster boil. Nantucket’s remoteness only adds to its charm.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Looking to escape into a wonderland of colorful art, indigenous heritage, and piquant cuisine? Look no further than Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nicknamed the “City Different,” Santa Fe is just that. A unique enclave of artisans, secretive celebrities, and Puebloan roots have collided to create a city that is truly one of a kind. This summer, dive into the tantalizing art scene at one of over 250 studios on Canyon Road or take a stroll around the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. History buffs will want to head to the oldest church in the U.S. while nature fanatics can take a hike in the nearby Sangre de Cristo foothills. Santa Fe is also a great place for day trips to nearby towns like Taos or Albuquerque but you can’t leave without tasting spicy specialties, like enchiladas with Christmas sauce, first.
Cincinnati, Ohio
We couldn’t complete this list without throwing in a good old fashioned Midwest destination into the mix. At the convergence of Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, Cincinnati is a vibrant, city with heaps of history, craft breweries, and green space to explore. Here you can pop into one of over 80 breweries, although you can’t miss Rhinegeist, its name a playful homage to the city’s German roots. Explore some of Cincinnati’s fascinating neighborhoods on foot like Over-the-Rhine, otherwise known as OTR, or Mt. Adams, the site of one of America’s original vineyards. Visitors will also want to make a stop to the Roebling Suspension Bridge, spanning the Ohio River to downtown; it was the model for the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sonoma County, California
Everyone knows about glamorous Napa Valley, but neighboring Sonoma boasts an even greater number of family-owned vineyards and an overall quieter setting. Sample the same incredible wine, without all the fuss. Visit small-scale wineries like Scribe or Medlock Ames to taste the popular local Chardonnay. This region of California is wholly dedicated to not just fine wine, but also delicious cuisine. Comb through the myriad farmers markets, dine on farm-to-table meals, and lose yourself in locally owned bodegas. Sonoma also happens to be only a day’s drive from exhilarating Yosemite National Park or San Francisco if you want to turn your quick getaway into a full blown, week-long trip.
New York City, New York
There’s something magical about New York City in the heat of summer. The excitement of a new season, classic scenes of melting ice cream and sizzling black top, this is what summer in the United States is all about. Take to the town for a quintessential movie in the park, swim in a glamorous rooftop pool, or spend the day at the original Coney Island. There's never a shortage of things to do in the city, and when you've had your fill, numerous day trips across the river to New Jersey and beyond await.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
You’ll have to take a ferry to reach this island that seems almost trapped in time. With no bridge to Mackinac Island, this little droplet of land is entirely sequestered from the mainland by Lake Huron. Bicycles and horse drawn carriages are the main mode of transportation once you step off the ferry. Mackinac Island’s no car policy harkens back to a bygone era and leaves visitors feeling more relaxed and at peace. There’s a litany of things to do like seeking out Fort Mackinac, tasting local fudge, or hiking to Arch Rock, but the true allure of Mackinac Island are the almost-Caribbean colored lake views. Take a dip and relish in your hard earned time off.
