As record-breaking temperatures scorch much of the United States this summer, a growing number of travelers are booking trips to cooler climates, a trend the travel industry has dubbed the “coolcation.”
Rather than heading to sun-drenched beaches or desert resorts, vacationers are seeking relief in destinations known for mild temperatures, fresh air and outdoor recreation. Travel booking platforms have reported rising interest in northern cities and high-altitude locales, many of them reachable by nonstop flights from major U.S. airports.
Searches for cooler-weather destinations have climbed sharply, with Trip.com reporting a 237% jump in searches for cooler destinations and escapes in early 2026, as heat waves become more frequent and more intense across southern and central states.
The appeal is straightforward. While local temps regularly top 100 degrees in July and August, several northern destinations offer daytime highs in the 60s, 80s and 80s, making outdoor activities comfortable throughout the day.
Five domestic destinations have emerged as popular choices, each accessible by nonstop flights from BWI, Reagan National, and Dulles airports.
Burlington, Vermont
Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers summer highs that typically hover in the 70s. The city serves as a gateway to the Green Mountains, with hiking along the Long Trail, cycling the Island Line Rail Trail and kayaking on the lake all within easy reach. Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with local shops and restaurants, gives the city a lively, walkable core. The compact New England city is an easy weekend option for East Coast travelers.
Pro Tip: Amtrak’s Vermonter route offers a relaxed, scenic way to reach Burlington without the hassle of driving or airport check-ins. The train easily connects Washington, D.C. to the region, making it a convenient and budget-friendly alternative for travelers looking to skip the traffic and enjoy the ride.
Portland, Maine
Portland combines coastal charm with cooler temperatures, averaging summer highs in the mid-70s. Its working waterfront, seafood scene and proximity to Casco Bay draw visitors looking to escape inland heat. Travelers can explore the Old Port district’s cobblestone streets, lined with galleries, boutiques and some of the best lobster shacks in New England. Day trips to nearby Cape Elizabeth offer sweeping views from Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the East Coast.
Pro Tip: Consider extending your stay with a visit to Acadia National Park, roughly two hours up the coast. The park’s carriage roads, summit hikes and dramatic ocean views make it a natural complement to a Portland trip — and one of the most scenic national parks in the Northeast.
Denver, Colorado
At more than 5,000 feet of elevation, Denver offers dry air and cooler evenings, with nights often dropping into the 50s even during warm stretches. The city functions as a launching point for the Rocky Mountains, where higher elevations remain cool throughout the summer. Visitors can explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a natural sandstone formation just outside the city, or take a scenic drive up Mount Evans Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America. The city’s RiNo Art District and Union Station neighborhood offer a lively urban complement to the surrounding wilderness.
Pro Tip: Frontier Airlines, which is headquartered in Denver, frequently offers budget-friendly fares to Denver International Airport from DCA and BWI. Booking in advance and traveling light can make this coolcation destination one of the most affordable on the list.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s summer highs typically settle in the mid-70s, paired with long daylight hours and low humidity. The Pacific Northwest city offers access to mountains, water and forest, with day trips to Mount Rainier and the Olympic Peninsula. Visitors can explore Pike Place Market, one of the country’s oldest farmers markets, or take a ferry across Puget Sound for views of the Olympic Mountains. The city’s Capitol Hill and Fremont neighborhoods offer a walkable mix of independent restaurants, coffee roasters and local culture that gives Seattle a distinct character beyond its natural surroundings.
Pro Tip: Purchasing a Seattle CityPASS can help visitors save significantly on admission to top attractions, including the Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium and Chihuly Garden and Glass, making it a smart option for travelers looking to see more while spending less.
Anchorage, Alaska
For travelers seeking the coolest option, Anchorage delivers summer highs in the 60s alongside extended daylight that can stretch close to 19 hours in June. The city provides access to glaciers, national parks and wildlife viewing. Flightseeing tours over Denali and the Alaska Range offer a perspective few other destinations can match, while Chugach State Park — one of the largest state parks in the country — sits directly on the city’s eastern edge, offering hiking, wildlife spotting and sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
Pro Tip: To get the most out of an Anchorage visit, consider booking a guided tour. Intrepid Travel’s Alaska Hike, Bike & Kayak trip is a strong option, taking travelers through some of the state’s most striking terrain — from Denali National Park and the sprawling Matanuska Glacier to the scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail along the Anchorage waterfront. It’s a well-rounded way to experience Alaska’s landscape without having to piece together the logistics on your own.
International Options
Travelers willing to cross a border have additional choices. Banff, in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, delivers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America — think turquoise glacial lakes, towering peaks and trails that wind through Banff National Park. Summer temperatures are comfortably cool, often topping out in the low 70s. The area is reached through Calgary International Airport.
On Canada’s Atlantic coast, Halifax, Nova Scotia, offers a cooler maritime climate with summer highs generally in the 70s. The city’s waterfront district is lined with restaurants, historic properties and working wharves, while the Cabot Trail and Peggy’s Cove are within driving distance for travelers looking to explore the broader region. It’s a relaxed, coastal escape with plenty to keep visitors busy for a long weekend or more.
Iceland has become a signature coolcation destination, with summer temperatures often in the 50s and 60s. The country offers a striking mix of geothermal hot springs, geysers, glaciers, and waterfalls set against dramatic volcanic landscapes. Visitors can explore the remote farm town of Modrudalur, dive into rich Viking history, and experience natural wonders that feel unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s all within reach of D.C. area travelers via direct flights of roughly five to six hours. For those who prefer a structured itinerary, Intrepid Travel’s 8-day Iceland Discovery is a strong option, covering many of the country’s most iconic highlights in one well-organized trip.
Pro Tip: United Airlines has made all three international destinations easier than ever to reach with new nonstop service from Washington Dulles (IAD). Travelers can fly nonstop to Halifax and Calgary on seasonal service, and daily nonstop to Reykjavik. For those looking to travel in style on the Iceland route, United is the only airline offering lie-flat business class seats between the D.C. region and Reykjavik.
Industry observers say the coolcation trend reflects broader changes in how people plan summer travel. As heat waves grow more common, some travelers are rethinking traditional summer destinations and prioritizing comfort. The pattern has also extended the appeal of northern destinations that once saw shorter tourist seasons.
For many travelers, the calculation is simple. With nonstop flights connecting major cities to cooler locales, escaping the heat no longer requires a lengthy or complicated journey.
Whether the destination is a lakeside town in Vermont, a mountain city in Colorado, or a glacier-lined region in Alaska, the coolcation offers a practical response to rising summer temperatures, and a growing number of travelers appear ready to book one.
