Your tube of sunblock’s almost at its end and your sandals have become a permanent fixture of your foot (thank you, tan lines). As summer winds down, can anyone suppress the urge for that last adventure, that final run, the big hurrah? Here are 6 of the best end-of-summer destinations to help you celebrate the end of summer.
Relax On One Of These End Of Summer Vacations
1. Soak up the last rays of summer in Big Sur, California
Big Sur is a region along the Central Coast of California, where the mountains of Santa Lucia meet the Pacific Ocean. The possibilities of sun-soaked adventures are endless, from hikes through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to picnics at the beach. The sights alone will wow you, with an 80-foot waterfall within the state park to the expansive coastline of the west. If you get a chance to visit Big Sur’s neighbor Monterey during those late summer months, you might spot a humpback whale, especially if you take a Monterey Bay Whale Watch boat tour to up the odds.
2. Jet out of the country to Europe
A European getaway sounds at nice any point in the year, but if you want to avoid astronomical costs and crowded museums, why not visit Europe at the end of summer? Airfare becomes cheaper after mid-September, and you might find that flying out and returning on a Tuesday, Wednesday or even Saturday might cut costs. And instead of visiting classic tourist destinations like Paris or London, why not open up your options? Prague, located in the Czech Republic, is aptly nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires” for its architecture, which may in-“spire” you to make a return trip. Frankfurt is a financial hub of Germany that is just a stone’s throw from some of the country’s most charming places. Verona, Italy, which you may know as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, will give you ample opportunity to explore an ancient Italian city without worrying about crowds.
3. Cool off from the heat in Rangeley, Maine
Rangeley, Maine is such a popular vacation destination that its population more than quadruples during peak summer months. As the summer winds down, the crowds become more manageable and vacationers can truly enjoy Maine’s western mountains and the six Rangeley Lakes. This area consists of almost 99% forest and water, with plenty of shade and places to cool off. You won’t miss out on any of the water sports or outdoor activities, but you’ll find respite from the summer heat.
4. Catch a summer festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach’s summer attractions last far into the summer, so it’s the perfect destination to catch a last festival or event. Virginia beach is a beach city in southeastern Virginia with beaches, resorts and attractions galore. This coastal city sits right at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay and has three whole miles of boardwalk fun in addition to the numerous historic sites, such as the bayside First Landing State Park that marks the arrival of the Jamestown colonists, as well as over 18,000 acres of state parks and wildlife refuges. But if events are your top priority, there’s the American Music Festival, Festa Italiana and Rock and Roll Half Marathon and Fitness Expo in September, as well as the Funkfest Beach Party, Ice Festival and Surfers Healing 5K in August. There are also smaller local events held around town, so be sure to check out the city’s calendar of events for updates.
5. Hang out with loved ones at the Grand Canyon in Arizona
If you haven’t yet seen the Grand Canyon, this natural wonder might be the perfect destination for your next family trip. The Grand Canyon is a massive chasm in northern Arizona that spans over 277 miles in length and runs a mile deep. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that gets over 4.5 million visitors per year. Making a trip to the Grand Canyon towards the end of summer may help you avoid the peak crowds and heat. You’ll still get to enjoy the Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail of the South Rim, as well as the Havasu Falls and Colorado River rafting.
6. Plan a solo getaway to Quebec City, Canada
Why not zip off into Canada for a little “you time”? Quebec City is like a little piece of Europe, without the hassle of crossing the Atlantic. You’ll get the history and charm of a European city, as well as a French touch in the local cuisine. Say hello to cobblestone streets and romantic cafes, all without having to step a foot off the continent. This destination is perfect for solo travelers because the local people are known for being friendly and exceedingly helpful.
This article was written by Hanna Choi.