10 Cool Places to Escape the Heat - U.S. Destinations
#travel #amazing #guide
01:34 Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
02:18 Hamilton Pool, Texas
02:51 Thor’s Well, Oregon
03:22 Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
03:53 Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida
04:22 Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
05:07 Mackinac Island, Michigan
05:40 Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
06:33 Hoh Rain Forest, Washington
07:04 Watkins Glen State Park, New York
#1 Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Known as Aak’wtaaksit (“Glacier Behind the Little Lake”) and Sitantaago (“the Glacier Behind the Town”) to the Indigenous Tlingit people, the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves immerse travelers in a dazzling world of sapphire and ice.
One of the most accessible glaciers in North America, it’s just minutes from the airport; the caves sit 12 miles outside of Juneau. They are accessible via hike or kayak. The best time to visit is May through October when temperatures are most mild.
Tip: While solo adventures into the caves are permitted, it is strongly recommended to join a group tour or hire a guide to ensure a safe arrival.
#2 Hamilton Pool, Texas
After wilting in Texas’ scorching heat, plunge into the depths of the Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, Texas. A few miles outside Austin, the refreshing waters can dip as low as 50°F. While floating, watch as Hamilton Creek spills over a limestone edge, creating a 50-foot waterfall.
Tip: Book ahead. Reservations are required to enter Hamilton Pool Preserve during May-October and space fills up fast.
#3 Thor’s Well, Oregon
Sitting on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well first appears like one of the gates to hell. However, while the drainpipe seems like a bottomless whirlpool, the hole is actually about 20 feet deep. There are plenty of viewpoints to see the natural phenomenon, but for curious travelers wanting a closer look, tread carefully during high tide.
Tip: Arrive one hour before the high tide to watch the empty crater fill with gushing water.
#4 Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Skip the coast for Great Sand Dunes National Park to marvel at some of the tallest sand dunes in North America. Walk around, hike up, or sled down the dunes all year long. If you are still craving a beach vacation, head over to the park’s “beach” at Medano Creek to build a sandcastle.
Tip: Late-May to late-July is the best time to enjoy a splash in the shallow waters of Medano Creek.
fish swimming beneath the surface of the Ichetucknee River in Florida
A school of striped mullet swims beneath the surface in the Ichetucknee River.
#5 Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Florida
Chilling at a year-round temperature of 72°F, the Blue Hole Spring at the Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a welcome respite from Florida’s humidity. Dive into bright, turquoise waters to explore the winding cave system some 40 feet below the surface, where snorkelers and swimmers can see the river’s aquatic life.
Tip: Divers are permitted in the Blue Hole between October and March.
(This wildlife refuge in Florida comes with rockets.)
#6 Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Idaho
In 2017, Idaho became the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the United States. As night falls, the sky lights up, giving stargazers a glimpse of infinity and beyond. Nestled in the remote and rugged lands of the Sawtooth Mountains, the cities of Sun Valley, Ketchum, and Stanley offer visitors places to stay and dine while viewing the night spectacular.
Tip: The Friedman Memorial Airport is under 30 minutes away from the reserve and provides easy access to the Ketchum and Sun Valley area, or the Boise Airport is just a 2.5-hour drive outside of the reserve.
(Dark sky tourism is on the rise across the U.S.)
#7 Mackinac Island, Michigan
Nearly 80 percent parkland, Mackinac Island is a car-free, laid-back oasis ideal for a quick summer getaway. Enjoy a light breeze as you explore the island’s scenic routes, preserved Victorian houses, and lounge on one of the world’s longest front porches at the Grand Hotel.
Tip: Head to Sunset Rock, located on the West End of the island near The Inn at Stonecliffe, for gorgeous sunset views over Lake Huron and the Upper Peninsula.
#8 Tallulah Gorge State Park, Georgia
Georgia may not be known for its brisk summers, but Tallulah Gorge’s—a two miles long and nearly a thousand-feet-deep swimming hole—offers cooling relief. Not for the fainthearted, Hurricane Falls Trail has hikers scrambling over rocks, scaling dizzying heights, and gasping in awe over stunning views of the waterfall from a suspension bridge.
From the trail, take the 550 metal steps down to the gorge floor. Hiking the base gets you an up-close view of Bridal Veil Falls and the chance to slide down the aptly-named Sliding Rock into the refreshing waters of the gorge.
Tip: A free permit is required before accessing the gorge floor. Forgot the permit? Tallulah Falls Lake is open to the public, and the water is just as refreshing. things to see