Purchasing a vacation summer home allows you to plan a vacation that suits your needs and interests. For example, if you own your own vacation property, you can bring your pets with you without paying an extra security deposit. You may also want to consider popular local activities and entertainment options to ensure your family will enjoy the time spent at your summer home before you buy a property in one of these popular locations.
1. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a small city in Colorado. It offers easy access to hiking trails and boasts geothermal hot springs. Nature lovers will find plenty to keep them busy in the summer months.
Tip: Steamboat Springs is a popular winter tourist destination. You may be able to offset the cost of your summer vacation home by renting your property to people headed to Steamboat Springs in the colder months to go skiing.
2. Hilton Head
Head to South Carolina to enjoy the beautiful beaches and swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can plan trips to Fort Pulaski, the Harbour Town Lighthouse and the local museums. You can also see local wildlife by taking dolphin cruises or exploring the local parks.
3. Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor is close to several beaches and an award-winning golf course. It’s also home to natural mineral springs guests can visit. It is also close enough to St. Petersburg and Tampa for day trips to the city.
Tip: Air conditioning is essential to prevent heatstroke, particularly in the hot summer months in Florida. You can turn to the expert technicians who provide air conditioning repair in Tampa because of Palm Harbor’s proximity to the city.
4. Flagstaff
From your vacation home in Flagstaff you will be able to go hiking in the Grand Canyon. You can also opt to explore the area by bicycle or go white water rafting. Plan to visit the Museum of Northern Arizona and drive legendary Route 66 on your vacation.
5. Bar Harbor
This town in Maine is located on Mount Desert Island. It is on Frenchman’s Bay and close to Acadia National Park. Visitors and residents have easy access to hiking trails and can go boating on the ocean. It also features annual birding and music festivals for guests to enjoy.
Tip: Seafood is popular in Maine, but approximately 7 million people in the United States have shellfish allergies. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, nausea, and trouble breathing. Make sure you ask about the ingredients when ordering food.
6. San Juan Islands
The San Juan Islands are located off the coast of Washington State, but they are close enough to Seattle for day trips to the city. You can enjoy water sports such as kayaking and boating, indulge in seafood, and explore the local beaches while staying at your summer vacation home.
7. Sonoma
Wine-lovers can go on wine-tasting tours at local vineyards in Sonoma County, California. Visitors can take advantage of the local hiking trails or head to the Pacific Coast to spend a day at the beach. It’s also possible to head to San Francisco for a day trip.
Tip: Beat the heat by installing a pool at your vacation home. But be sure to install pool fences to protect children and animals from falling in. These pool safety features will reduce your insurance costs, increase the resale value of your vacation home, and can help save lives.
8. Poconos
The Pocono Mountains are in northeastern Pennsylvania. The elevation offers cooler summer temperatures. Visitors can go hiking or visit the local waterpark. The Pocono Mountains are also close to New York City, so you can plan a day trip to the city or to other destinations in New York State.
9. Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale features a popular promenade and offers easy access to superb beaches and shopping venues. You can walk the trails at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, take a sightseeing cruise, or visit Everglades National Park. Popular local water activities include fishing and snorkeling.
Tip: In Fort Lauderdale the average daily temperature in the summer is 90 degrees. The heat and humidity make air conditioning essential. Miami AC repair professionals can service your air conditioning system and keep it operating properly all summer long.
10. Seaside
Season, Oregon, is a town with a population of less than 7,000. This is an ideal coastal getaway. Visit the Seaside Aquarium and explore the town’s promenade, which dates back to 1920. You can also visit a lighthouse built in the 19th century and explore several nearby hiking trails.
