5 Gorgeous California Getaways To Beat The Heat This Summer
We've all been somewhere where we feel as if we're going to melt into the pavement.
Heck, we've probably all been to beaches that feel like we'll melt into the sand if we ever got out of the water.
Leave those sunny getaways to the East Coast, where you find out real quick why many of Florida's retirees could model for a leather company.
The West Coast, though?
Sometimes it's a bummer how chilly the Pacific can be, but it's never stopped me or seemingly anyone else from taking a dip at California's endless array of paradise shores.
With splendid temps and unmatched scenery, the Travel Off Path team is stoked to unveil 5 gorgeous California getaways to beat the heat this summer.
PLUS: We've created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!
5) Idyllwild: California's Cool Cabin Hideaway
Venture east of my hometown, San Diego, and you're going to be shocked at how quickly the thermometer rises.
Palm Springs is one of the Golden State's most iconic destinations, but also one of the hottest come summertime.
But there's a hidden town that's trendy amongst the triangle of LA, San Diego, and Palm Springs that locals escape to from these cities to enjoy a relaxing getaway in crisp mountain air and evergreen forests.
No matter the season, s'mores taste just as good over an open fire outside your cozy cabin, rather than an overpriced, flashy resort that most vacationers seek out this time of year.
Idyllwild is just the place to recharge, immerse in nature, and cool off in this rare mild-climate destination, considering it's over an hour away from the coast.
4) Lake Siskiyou: An Artsy Hideout Nobody Ever Talks About
If you're craving a pristine lake destination without the crowds, you know Tahoe is off the table.
Lake Siskiyou is truly one of the West Coast's best-kept secrets. Of course, some unsightly documentaries portraying this region's countryside underbelly have likely deterred visitors.
But the truth is, those who brave the backroads to reach the Shasta Cascade have nothing but rave reviews.
We're talking glassy blue water, forested coves, and a staggering backdrop of Mt. Shasta, along with a boho-vibe townscape full of tie-dye shirt vendors and “healing'” crystals.
Yeah, okay…
If there's one thing you should know, it's that June is the best summer month to visit, before triple-digit temps take over, though, the lake itself peaks in the 70s, providing bathwater conditions to keep cool.
Plus, this area's event calendar is jam-packed with fun festivals like Trails End Music Festival and Shasta Mountain Art, Wine, and Brew Festival before July 4th shenanigans take over.
3) Torrance: LA's Unsung Beach Town
Ever tried to tackle Los Angeles beyond the typical tourist sites?
It's hard to say where it begins and ends, feeling more like a cluster of suburbs making up one of America's few actual metropolises instead of a megacity on its own.
Outsiders tend to do as locals do and flock to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and what's left of Malibu — but that's a whole different story.
What you rarely hear about is Torrance, a city known more in the food sphere as SoCal's “Ramen Capital”.
You might think you heard “slurp’s up” instead of “surf’s up,” but Torrance is actually home to one of the region’s prettiest beaches — and it sees far fewer visitors, even in summer.
Nearby Palos Verdes is a destination unto itself with cliffside trails and lighthouse views, but the entirety of Torrance is full of surprises, whether you're a foodie like me or craving California sun with more elbow room.
2) San Diego: Skip “June Gloom” For “Local Summer”
Want an insider tip?
Many vacationers planning a trip to San Diego do it all wrong.
May and June are the 2 worst months to book what you think will be a sunny beach vacay.
But let me tell you what we locals always look forward to as a tourist deterrent, so we can enjoy our own beaches: May Gray and June Gloom.
Hey, I didn't name them, but they're official terms used on all local news weather reports as these 2 months tend to see moody weather.
Instead, scope out September for what we dub “local summer” — something fellow San Diegans are probably hating me for revealing.
No matter if you prefer Coronado, Carlsbad, or San Diego proper, May and June tend to bring drab skies, July and August the biggest crowds, and September dies off yet still boasts blissful weather, unlike the humid hellscape of Florida.
For what it's worth, travelers are ranking safety in San Diego at an 87/100:
1) San Francisco: California's Coolest City In More Ways Than One
Guess who has cleaned up their act?
That's right — San Francisco has largely shaken off its sketchy reputation, turning back the clock to become yet again the West Coast's coolest city (in more ways than one).
Not only is summer cool and breezy from the inland heat, but San Fran also boasts so many vibrant cultural neighborhoods, such as the maze of Chinatown and the Italian cafes of North Beach.
Despite its treacherous hills throughout downtown, you can't help but want to be outside and explore on foot, although you can hail the city's signature cable cars whenever an incline gets the best of you — and they will.
Whether its windswept beaches, urban islands, the Fisherman's Wharf, or lush Presidio Park, now is the time to jump at the chance to experience one of America's most iconic cities, where finding a bad meal is all but impossible and the magic is easier to find than headlines suggest — as long as you avoid the zombie apocalypse atmosphere of the Tenderloin District.
Travelers are ranking San Francisco at a 77/100:
Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!
☀️Beat The Heat Matcher
Find Your California Escape Question 1 of 4What is your ideal summer escape environment?
🌲 A cozy mountain town with crisp air and evergreen trees 🏙️ A breezy, food-filled city with vibrant neighborhoods 🏖️ A classic sunny beach without the overwhelming crowds Question 2 of 4What off-water activity sounds best to you?
🔮 Browsing boho shops, healing crystals, and local art festivals 🍜 Eating your way through the “Ramen Capital” or authentic Italian cafes 😎 Timing your trip perfectly to enjoy a true “local summer” vibe Question 3 of 4Choose your ideal scenery:
🏔️ Towering views of Mt. Shasta or dense pine forests 🌉 Windswept urban shores and steep hills with cable cars 🌅 Cliffside lighthouse trails and expansive Pacific views Final QuestionHow do you want to handle the summer heat?
🏕️ Retreat to a cool cabin and make s'mores by the fire 🛶 Take a dip into 70-degree glassy lake water 🌊 Stay right on the coast where the ocean breeze keeps it mild 🏕️Idyllwild
The Cool Cabin Hideaway
Why: You want to recharge in nature, far away from the scorching pavement. Enjoy crisp mountain air, evergreen forests, and cozy cabins.Pro Tip: Skip the flashy Palm Springs resorts in the summer heat and head here to enjoy s'mores over an open fire instead. Restart Quiz 🛶
Lake Siskiyou
The Artsy Lake Hideout
Why: You want a pristine body of water without the Lake Tahoe crowds. Enjoy glassy blue water, tie-dye vibes, and stunning backdrops of Mt. Shasta.Pro Tip: June is the absolute best month to visit to catch the Trails End Music Festival and enjoy 70-degree bath-water conditions. Restart Quiz 🍜
Torrance
LA's Unsung Beach Town
Why: You are a foodie who loves the beach but hates the massive LA crowds. Torrance offers far fewer visitors than Santa Monica or Venice.Pro Tip: Known as SoCal's “Ramen Capital”, it also serves as a perfect springboard to the cliffside trails and lighthouses of Palos Verdes. Restart Quiz 😎
San Diego
The “Local Summer” Secret
Why: You want perfect, uncrowded beaches and blissful weather. You are smart enough to avoid the “May Gray” and “June Gloom” that tricks most tourists.Pro Tip: Book your trip in September! Locals call this “local summer” because the peak tourist mobs are gone, but the weather is absolutely flawless. Restart Quiz 🌉
San Francisco
The Cultural Hub
Why: You love breezy, cool urban environments packed with culture. San Fran has shaken off its sketchy reputation and offers a vibrant, walkable cityscape.Pro Tip: Skip the heat and explore the Italian cafes of North Beach, the maze of Chinatown, or hop on a cable car to beat the steep hills. Restart Quiz CHECK ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Traveler Dashboard
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