How about if we dive into the non-beach vacations and see if we can have a great time without sand? Can we? Sure!
Summer is a popular season for both the young and old, with the majority planning to travel to their favorite destination.
Spending time on the beach while soaking in the sun is the most common way of having fun during summer, but there are other alternatives.
The alternatives still give you a chance to enjoy the outdoors, cool off and have an amazing vacation. If your goal is to spend your summer away from the beach, we got you! Here is a list of non-beach vacations that you must visit, alone or with family.
Cabo, Mexico
Although Cabo is known for its exquisite coastline, the beaches are not the best for relaxation.
Most people that visit the Mexican location enjoy the view offered by the rocky terrain and deep water provided by the shoreline. It is an ideal summer location for families and individuals because of the various activities available to tourists.
Boating is one of the best ways to enjoy your summer vacation and give you a chance to sail along the coastline. Visitors get a glimpse of the iconic rock formation known as El Arco. Besides, sailing, you can choose to scuba dive, snorkel or fish on the expansive waters.
Cabo has plenty of resorts that are all-inclusive with different types of pools that are perfect for swimming during the day or night. The resorts are affordable and may require booking in advance to get the best accommodation during the summer.
London, United Kingdom
Europe is a great destination for summer with cities like London having blissful weather during the season.
The city has several iconic landmarks that are worth checking out during your trip. Some of the most famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Tower of London, The London Eye and Tower Bridge.
Spending your summer in London also gives you a chance to attend fun festivals that take place every year. The festivals are one of the main reasons tourists visit during summer with many branding them unforgettable and a “must attend”.
The nightlife in London is also the highlight of the summer season, with most of the pubs and bars in the city open late into the night. Remember to carry a jacket or sweater as the weather can be a bit chilly at night.
San Juan Islands, United States
The San Juan Islands are a perfect destination for those searching for non-beach vacations in the United States.
If you are looking for adventure during your summer vacation, then the islands are the perfect location. The islands are easily accessible by plane or ferry, but the trip will be worth it in the long run.
Adventure lovers can engage in several activities that can be done alone or with a group, which include kayaking and hiking up the breathtaking mountains.
Whale watching is quite popular during the summer with plenty of tours that tourists can sign up for upon arrival or in advance. The tours include feeding whales while socializing with other tourists.
Visitors are allowed to watch the whales from the shoreline known as Lime Kiln Point State Park and enjoy meals at nearby picnic tables. A visit to the whale museum to view skeletons of different species of whales is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is a beautiful destination with distinctive rock formations dotting its scenery.
The region is known for its rich culture and ancient religious inscriptions make it a wonderful sight to behold. It is an ideal location to visit during the summer for a solo or family trip for anyone looking for adventure.
Trip to Cappadocia at sunset Goreme cave hotels Goreme national park, Goreme open air museum in Turkey Turkey Goreme Open Air Museum
Besides the interesting caves that are open to exploration by visitors, the place is also known for its incredible hot air balloon tours. The balloon rides give you a panoramic view of the city’s landscape filled with valleys and different types of rock formations. Ballooning is popular during summer but is available throughout the year from tourists from all over the world.
Also, summer in Cappadocia can be very hot requiring that visitors find ways to remain hydrated. It is advisable to carry water when exploring the city on foot or using a tour bus during this season.
Cape Town, South Africa
If you are planning to visit Africa during your summer vacation, then Cape Town is the perfect destination.
The city is located in the southern part of the country and has a coastline of about 8.5 kilometers. It is a pleasant city for summer visitors that want a different experience from the usual break back home.
Visitors can engage in several activities such as riding cable cars up the Table Mountain and enjoy various delicacies at different eateries. Water sports are also available with a majority of tourists engaging in scuba diving, swimming, and sailing among others.
Exploring the famous sites in Cape Town such as the Robben Island Museum, Signal, and Cape Point Nature Reserve are an excellent way to spend the afternoon while on vacation in the city.
Marseille, France
Marseille is a leading summer vacation spot in France that receives thousands of visitors during the year.
The city located in the Provence region is rich in cultural heritage and has a trading port as one of its main sites. Weather in Marseille is often pleasant especially during summer making it one of the most sought after destinations worldwide.
Notre Dame De La Garde cathedral church in Marseille – France Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseille
If you prefer a non-beach holiday when in the city, you can engage in kayaking, hiking and caving to enjoy time outdoors.
Visiting famous sites like Marseille Cathedral, Notre-Dame de la Garde and Palais Longchamp as part of a tour will also result in an insightful vacation in Marseille.
To ensure your trip to Marseille goes as planned, it is important to plan early as summer is one of the busiest seasons in the city.
Overall, traveling during the summer is the best way to unwind and relax even for those that prefer non-beach vacations. Whether your trip is for a short or extended period, the listed locations will make your summer vacation unforgettable.
