Summer is prime vacation time, when cherished memories are made, sunlight lasts way past bedtime, and we all get a few precious days to relax and enjoy the wonders of this big, beautiful nation. There are SO MANY places to take a summer outdoor vacation, it can be kind of overwhelming to figure out where to go. Lucky for you, Sēkr has got your back! Without further ado, here are Sekr’s 8 best outdoor vacation spots for summer 2022.
WHERE TO GO
1. YOSEMITE VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CA
Where do we even begin? The Tuolumne Meadow (pronounced too-AH-luh-mee) alone is worthy of an entire guidebook. On top of that, the long-awaited trail repairs on Bridalveil Falls trail are finally done, and the reservoir at Hetch Hetchy is open to visitors again!
WHERE TO GO
2. VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, MN
Accessible only by watercraft, this is one of the least visited National Parks, but offers tranquility, great fishing, and unforgettable kayaking or canoeing. Paddle up to one of the waterside campsites, and get ready for some of the most spectacular sunsets of your life!
WHERE TO GO
3. PHARAOH LAKE WILDERNESS, NY
Full of hiking trails ranging from placid to truly grueling, Pharaoh Lake Wilderness has something for everyone. About as remote as New York state gets.
WHERE TO GO
4. CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, VA / ASS…
Beaches! Terrific oysters! At least two herds of semi-feral PONIES! Pro tip: Tightly secure your valuables and consumables if camping on the beach. The ponies know absolutely no fear.
WHERE TO GO
5. MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST, MO
“To one in sympathy with nature, each season, in its turn, seems the loveliest,” said Missouri’s most famous resident and namesake of this excellent outdoor vacation spot. Personally, we think summer is the loveliest for an outdoor vacation, especially if wearing a white suit.
WHERE TO GO
6. RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST, CO
Awesome mountain hikes reaching up to 10,000 feet, plus high desert plateaus, alpine forest valleys, and the continental divide! What more could you want in an outdoor vacation spot?
WHERE TO GO
7. THREE SISTERS SPRINGS, FL
Manatees are stupid and boring and I don’t want to swim with them, said no one ever. One of the few natural warm springs of Florida attracts manatees almost year round, and offers great snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. Not very far from the gulf coast beaches, either.
WHERE TO GO
8. COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST, AZ
This one is a little counterintuitive, seeing as the desert is hot, and it’s especially hot in summer. But Coconino is nearly 2 miles above sea level and stays relatively cool even as the rest of Arizona bakes in the heat. Mountains, forests, lakes and valleys will all be within reach of this epic outdoor vacation spot!
