As another colorful summer vacation continues, many students may choose to take summer courses, participate in volunteering programs, or work. Traveling is also a popular summer pass time, and a great way to release stress, expand horizons and get in touch with brand new people and cultures. Here are six places—including those around LA, out-of-state and international—that are best suitable for traveling during the remaining weeks of summer.
Venice Beach
Summer and the beach are the most chill and relaxing partners. Venice Beach, located in the Westside region of Los Angeles near the Pacific Coast Highway, is famous for its artsy vibes and for being one of the filming locations for Barbie the movie. Venice Beach offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, beautiful scenery and diverse activities. You can enjoy the refreshing summer air while passing by various street performers, musicians, artists and vendors on the Boardwalk, sunbathing on the beach or immersing yourself in the lively, sporty atmosphere at the skate park. During the summer, Venice Beach hosts various festivals and events that celebrate art, music and culture. Good food around Venice Beach includes Sushi Palace, Tocaya, and Belles Beach House.
Huntington Library
Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino. This unique place offers a rich cultural experience with its extensive library, art collections and stunning gardens. You can explore rare books, manuscripts and historical documents, including a Gutenberg Bible and the original manuscript of Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” You can also traverse through the world of art, appreciating the various European and American masterpieces in the Huntington art galleries. Moreover, taking a summer evening stroll in the gardens at twilight, you can chat with your friends, enjoy a snack and a cocktail at 1919 Café, buy a little memento at the Huntington store and enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset.
Seattle, Washington
Known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural scene and unique urban charm, Seattle, which is only about a three hour flight away from LA, provides visitors with a plethora of activities and experiences to enjoy during the summer. Seattle’s summer weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures typically ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The city experiences long, sunny days with minimal rainfall, providing perfect conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. You can take a stroll through Discovery Park, the city’s largest green space, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. You can also find the boat charters that leave from downtown Seattle for half-day and full-day excursions that will take you to the area around the San Juan Islands — the best spot to see the killer whales. For more artistic and cultural experiences, the Seattle Art Museum, or SAM, features a vast collection of contemporary and classic art, while the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP, celebrates music, science fiction and pop culture. Seattle is also a food lover’s paradise, famous for seafood like fresh Pacific Northwest oysters, wild salmon and Dungeness crab. Finally, Seattle is home to the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market.
Yellowstone National Park
As the first national park in the world, Yellowstone offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore one of nature’s most magnificent wonders, especially during the summer. Summer brings warm and pleasant weather to Yellowstone, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the mid-60s to the high 80s. This makes it an ideal time for hiking, camping and exploring the park’s vast outdoor areas. Yellowstone’s diverse ecosystems and geological features are a feast for the senses. From the dramatic geothermal landscapes, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, to the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, the park’s scenery is both varied and breathtaking. The vibrant colors of the hot springs, like those at Grand Prismatic Spring, are particularly striking under the summer sun. If you are new to hiking, there are also an abundant number of educational opportunities at Yellowstone, such as ranger-led programs, guided tours and sessions at the visitor’s center.
Barcelona, Spain
If you are looking for some foreign experiences, Barcelona, the beating heart of Spain, is the perfect destination for enjoying your summer! Barcelona is renowned for its unique and breathtaking architecture, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí. Summer is the perfect time to visit Gaudí’s masterpieces, such as the iconic Sagrada Família, the whimsical Park Güell and the extraordinary Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The clear, sunny skies provide the perfect backdrop for appreciating these architectural wonders. The neighborhood of La Barceloneta is also characterized by its beaches with golden sands, clear waters, and a lively promenade with bars and restaurants. For a more tranquil experience, head to Bogatell Beach or Mar Bella Beach, which are slightly further from the city center but equally beautiful. In the summer, the city hosts numerous music festivals such as Primavera Sound and Sónar, attracting world-class performers and music enthusiasts from around the globe. The Festa Major de Gràcia in August is a week-long neighborhood festival featuring decorated streets, live music and traditional Catalan activities.
Yunnan, China
Yunnan’s summer climate is generally mild and comfortable, especially in the higher altitude regions, making it an ideal escape from the intense heat found in other parts of China. Kunming, the provincial capital, is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round mild weather, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Yunnan is rich in its cultural heritage as the home to 25 of China’s 56 ethnic minorities, each with its distinct customs, traditions and festivals. You can wander around the Old Town of Lijiang, which is known for its well-preserved architecture, charming waterways and vibrant Naxi culture. You can also take a view of where the sky meets the sea at the world-famous Cang Mountain and Dali Erhai Lake. Furthermore, in Shangri-La, you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and the famous Songzanlin Monastery, glimpsing into the traditional Tibetan way of life. Yunnan is also popular for its unique cuisines like the cross-bridge rice noodles and wild mushrooms.
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Featured Photo via Adobe Stock
