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Summer vacation—what does it make you think of? Warm weather, pool games, BBQs and campfires? However fun hot summer days can be, I think we can all agree on one thing: we need to beat the heat somehow! Whether that’s planning a coastal or lakeside getaway, or seeking out locations where temperatures are known to be already on the cooler side, we all have our preferences.
National Parks are popular destinations in the summer for those wanting to do some hiking, camping, and overall exploring in the great outdoors. The beauty of the National Park System is that its vast collection of parks across the country highlight the many different landscapes and historical significances of each area. Chances are, there is a location close enough to you to make a day trip out of it. If not, here are some ideas of National Parks to visit in the summer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Let’s start off with the classic summer National Park destination: the Great Smoky Mountains. These beautiful, ancient mountains cover 522,427 acres along the Tennessee and North Carolina border, and remains the number one most visited National Park in the entire United States. This park is popular for its scenic drives, hiking and biking trails, as well as the chances to view wildlife and see historic homes and churches along the way.
For not only a memorable vacation, but an affordable one as well, the RCI Exchange has a large number of week-long stays offered in the area. Use the helpful map as a guide to find the perfect location for your trip. Gatlinburg is known as the gateway to the Smokies. Read more about Gatlinburg and how to plan your trip on the Palmera Vacation Club’s Destination Highlights!
Glacier National Park
We’re heading westward to our next location, Glacier National Park in Montana. Summertime is the best time to see the sights in this specific park, specifically from late June to mid-September. This is when the park is fully open and the weather is ideal—the highs in the warmest part of the year average at 70 degrees!
Hiking, rafting, and fishing are popular activities for visitors, but taking a drive on Going-to-the-Sun-Road is a main attraction. The road crosses the Continental Divide and allows you to see the beautiful landscape filled with mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and glaciers. Visitors are actually able to see glaciers year-round, and because most of the snow has melted away by August and September, they’re easier to spot.
Finding accommodations for a visit to Glacier National Park is as easy as checking to see what’s available through the RCI Exchange. There are fewer options than what was offered in Gatlinburg, but the variety in West Glacier, Columbia Falls, and even Whitefish are a thirty-minute drive away at the latest.
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Haleakala National Park
Our next location is on the second-largest Hawaiian island. The Haleakala National Park on Maui is a unique paradise that includes both sub-tropical rainforests and volcanic landscapes. The volcano itself rises 10,000 ft and can be seen anywhere on the island. Although both portions of this park are beautiful and should be experienced, the summertime heat and humidity might make hiking through the coastal trails in search of waterfalls tiring. For cooler weather and unbeatable views, choose to hike through the summit district. This is exactly where you’ll want to be to see the gorgeous sunrise or sunset on Maui.
The RCI Exchange does offer a few accommodations on the island, but a car will be a must to visit the park unless you have booked a tour for the day. For more options of resorts and hotels, you can take a look at what’s available through Quest Travel Club. Rental cars on the islands can be a bit pricey, but Quest always offers great deals that can save you money. You’ll be able to save on flights and activities as well!
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Summer is also a time when there’s more time to spend with loved ones and reconnect with family. Other than the holiday season, summer is a popular time for family reunions. Countless families and groups meet on Hilton Head Island to spend a week or two making new memories and to keep up with the yearly tradition.
Hilton Head’s peaceful atmosphere, unique natural beauty, and welcoming community make it the perfect place for families to create lasting memories together each year. Returning families will find many familiar favorites in addition to some new spots that will definitely earn a place in their vacation highlight reels.
Coming this spring, The Bank, a new beer garden, restaurant, and live music venue will open. Located just off of Pope Avenue, this new spot will definitely be a hit this summer!
An old favorite, Ruby Lee’s has reopened on the north end of the island. Exciting news for fans of this island favorite, Ruby Lee’s will host local bands and serve delicious plates once again!
Coffee lovers will be delighted to know that the Lowcountry favorite, Corner Perk, has opened their Hilton Head location on the north end.
Check out the Palmera GO page for more vacation inspiration and island updates.
