Hi Reader,

Have you ever reached the last few weeks of summer and realized you still haven’t taken that trip you kept talking about?

There’s still time.

You may not have enough vacation days for a long trip, but you can still fit in a mountain weekend, a coastal road trip, an island escape, or a national park drive.

Some of these places are especially worth visiting right now. The mountain roads are open, alpine lakes are warm enough for swimming, and the beaches are perfect for one last summer getaway.

Here are 10 trips to take before summer ends.

1. Lake Tahoe

Late summer is one of the best times to enjoy both sides of Lake Tahoe: the mountains and the beaches.

You can swim or paddleboard at Sand Harbor, stop at the viewpoints around Emerald Bay, take a boat tour, and watch the sunset from the shoreline.

This is the time to go while the days are still warm enough for the beach and the mountain trails are easy to reach. Once fall arrives, the water gets colder and the evenings cool down fast.

2. Mammoth Lakes and the June Lake Loop

Mammoth Lakes is a great choice when you want beautiful mountain scenery without spending your whole trip on difficult hikes.

You can drive between Lake Mary, Twin Lakes, Convict Lake, and the June Lake Loop. Along the way, stop for short walks, lakeside picnics, and amazing views of the Eastern Sierra.

Go before summer ends while the roads are open, the trails are mostly free of snow, and the lakes are easy to reach. The mountain travel season here is much shorter than it is along the California coast.

3. Yosemite’s High Country

Most people head straight to Yosemite Valley, but late summer is the perfect time to explore the park’s higher areas.

Drive along Tioga Road, relax beside Tenaya Lake, walk through Tuolumne Meadows, and enjoy the wide-open views from Glacier Point.

These parts of Yosemite can be covered in snow and closed for much of the year. Visiting now gives you a chance to see the park’s alpine lakes, meadows, and granite peaks while they are easy to access.

4. Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen has steaming geothermal areas, volcanic peaks, clear mountain lakes, and quiet forest trails.

You can walk around Manzanita Lake, see the bubbling pools and steam vents at Bumpass Hell, and drive the park’s scenic highway.

The summer season at Lassen is short because snow can stay late and return early. August gives you one of the best chances to explore the park’s main roads and trails during the same trip.

5. Redwood National and State Parks

Walking under California’s giant redwoods feels like stepping into another world.

You can explore fern-covered trails, drive through peaceful forests, and add stops along the rugged Northern California coast. The Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is a great option when you want incredible scenery without a long hike.

The redwood forests are also a refreshing break from the late-summer heat. The weather stays cool and shaded, and the longer days give you time to explore both the forest and the coast.

6. Monterey, Carmel, and Big Sur

This trip includes so many classic California experiences in one easy route.

You can explore Monterey’s waterfront, walk through downtown Carmel, hike beside the ocean at Point Lobos, and drive along the cliffs and beaches of Big Sur.

Late summer gives you plenty of daylight for the drive, so you can stop at viewpoints without feeling rushed. It's also a great way to escape the inland heat while still spending most of your trip outdoors.

7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

There is nothing quite like standing next to a giant sequoia and realizing how small you are.

Visit the General Sherman Tree, walk through Giant Forest, climb Moro Rock, and drive toward the dramatic viewpoints in Kings Canyon.

​Go now while the mountain roads, trails, and overlooks are still easy to reach. Since the lower foothills can be very hot in August, spend most of your time in the cooler sequoia groves and higher parts of the parks.

8. Santa Barbara and Channel Islands National Park

Santa Barbara is already a relaxing beach getaway, but adding the Channel Islands makes it even better.

Spend one day enjoying the waterfront, beaches, shops, and restaurants in Santa Barbara. Then take a boat to the islands for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or wildlife watching.

Late summer is a great time for water activities, and the longer days make it easier to enjoy both Santa Barbara and the islands during one trip.

9. Catalina Island

A ferry ride to Catalina Island can make a normal weekend feel like a much bigger vacation.

Stay near Avalon and enjoy harbor views, beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, scenic overlooks, and dinner by the water.

​Go before summer ends while the water is still inviting and the island’s summer activities are available. It gives you the feeling of an island vacation without needing to book a flight or take a full week off.

10. San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado

​San Diego is the place to go when you are not ready for summer to end.

Spend a few days visiting the beaches in La Jolla and Coronado, exploring San Diego’s waterfront neighborhoods, and watching the sunset at Sunset Cliffs.

The ocean is usually more comfortable later in summer, which makes this a great time for swimming, kayaking, or simply spending a long day at the beach.

Not sure which one to choose?

I can help you pick the right trip based on how much time you have, your budget, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Or I can plan the whole itinerary for you so you don’t have to think about it at all.

Summer may be winding down, but there is still time for one last trip before fall starts.

Until next time,
Shreeyeh

P.S. If you're planning a trip to Napa Valley, I've created an interactive Google map with 185 pins of the best things to do in Napa Valley & a 5-day sample visual itinerary.

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