Right now is the sweet spot where we can enjoy the delights of spring in cooler weather without feeling like we’re going to melt into the pavement.
Come summer, though? That’s a whole different ballgame.
Across the U.S., weather alone will shift even the most iconic cultural cities and trendy escapes into unbearable hellscapes, where you’ll be asking yourself, “Why didn’t I just go to the beach?”
Not every beach getaway is perfect for spring, but there are many waterfront destinations and classic hideaways people love flocking to before thermometers max out to triple digits.
As such, Travel Off Path’s expert team compiled a list of the top 4 U.S. getaways perfect for spring but complete no-go zones for summer:
4) Palm Springs: Avoid Summer’s Packed Pools & 110-Degree Scorchers
“Tourists season” doesn’t always take place in summer. Palm Springs is one of those rarities.
Long held as a hideout for celebs escaping Hollywood’s bright lights and fellow Californians looking to enjoy both modern-day luxury and vintage vibes, Palm Springs may be sunny year-round, but its summer is Vitamin D overload.
Yes, it seems every hotel here, whether it’s the posh JW Marriott on the outskirts or retro digs recapturing the 60s, has a glistening pool.
But come summertime, when temps far exceed triple digits, the only thing glistening will be the sweaty crowd of vacationers all sharing the same idea: jump in the pool!
Spring is a far better time to experience this West Coast icon, especially knowing you’re in line for a smooth vacay as Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is unaffected by the TSA shutdown.
3) New Orleans: The French Quarter Becomes The Stench Quarter
New Orleans may be one of a kind, but summer has a way of bringing out its less charming side.
Between murky waterfronts no one’s itching to jump into and relentless humidity, you’re more likely to want to face-plant into a bed of ice with the city’s famous oysters than slurp them down the civilized way on a muggy patio.
Right now, especially post-Mardi Gras, New Orleans is a treat to visit — literally. I mean, have you tried Cafe du Monde’s beignets?
You can savor the French Quarter and people-watch through this festive city at all hours through May before summer swelters take over, but do know NOLA has been known to be on the sketchy side at times.
Our real-time data safety index suggests otherwise, scoring New Orleans with 83/100 — not too shabby for a city commonly lumped in with other “dangerous destinations”.
As you likely know, world-famous Bourbon Street is the biggest draw no matter what type of traveler you are — and come morning, you’ll definitely smell the night before, even more so in summer…
Don’t say we didn’t warn ya!
2) Laughlin: The Riverside Oasis Splitting 2 States
One of the most underrated Southwest escapes is Laughlin, Nevada, straddling the pretty Colorado River shared with neighboring Arizona.
While the river’s waters are clear and swimmable, that’s the only time you’ll want to be outdoors during summer.
Having no airport, it’s one of the riskier road trip destinations should your radiator give out or tires pop along a desolate desert road in summer’s 100+ degree days.
While this waterfront hideaway is a fun-filled playground for grown-ups with ample casinos and nightlife, unless you want to spend your entire trip indoors with the soundtrack of jingly slots and odorous ashtrays, Laughlin is better suited for spring with boat tours, cozy beaches, and riverside strolls.
On the bright side, the New York Post named Laughlin the most affordable vacation destination in America, so the good comes with the bad…
1) Scottsdale: Old Town Will Still Be There In Fall
I’ve made plenty of travel mistakes.
Possibly sitting #1 on my list of said mistakes is flying to Phoenix in July, thinking I could handle Scottsdale’s constantly pounding sun.
“How bad could it be?”, I asked.
Pretty $#&!@ bad!
When the highlight of your summer getaway is riding the free trolly around Old Town just for A/C, you know you picked the wrong time.
While there are numerous luxe hotels to kick back poolside and cool off, anything else just isn’t worth doing, especially the town’s popular hikes with sole-melting trails and common rattlesnake encounters.
Spring and fall are great times to visit, as the endless maze of Old Town is delightful to explore, and being one of America’s unsung foodie destinations, there are dozens of patios to choose from to take in the gorgeous scenery, as patio misters in summer can only do so much.
No matter when you visit, it’s one of America’s safest escapes. It currently holds an impressive 85/100 score on our safety index tool.
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