If the thought of a crowded, 95-degree beach day makes you want to retreat to the nearest air-conditioned room, you’re not alone. For 2026, the most sought-after summer destination isn’t a tropical island—it’s anywhere with a high of 75 and a low of “bring a sweater.”

Welcome to the era of the Coolcation.

At REALM, we’re trading the swelter for the breeze. We’re drawn to destinations that offer architectural beauty, thoughtful food, and the kind of restorative quiet you only find when you’re not fighting the heat. If you’re ready to stop sweating and start exploring, here are four breezy escapes to add to your summer calendar.

1. The Coastal Sanctuary: Camden & Rockport, Maine

While much of the East Coast is sweltering, Midcoast Maine is just hitting its stride.

The Vibe:
Refined and quietly coastal. Think historic shingle-style homes, rocky shorelines, and air that smells faintly of pine and salt.

The Food Scene:
Yes, the lobster rolls are essential—but the real story is the growing farm-to-table movement tucked into the nearby hills.

The REALM Tip:
Book a stay at a historic inn with a harbor view. Watching schooners drift in at sunset is the kind of effortless luxury that defines this place.

2. The High-Desert Escape: Bend, Oregon

Bend offers a dry, cooling climate that feels like a reset. It’s a place where nature and design quietly coexist.

The Vibe:
Sophisticated outdoors. Clean lines, modern cabins, and pine forests that feel expansive but grounding.

The Sip:
Bend is known for its craft breweries, but the local cider scene is worth seeking out—crisp, refreshing, and perfectly suited to the climate. For staying in, try some of these culinary delights for your cabin retreat.

The Activity:
Start with a sunrise hike through the Badlands, then shift into a slow afternoon at a riverside café.

3. The Mountain Retreat: Highlands, North Carolina

For those who want a cooler escape without crossing the country, Highlands delivers.

The Vibe:
An alpine village with a Southern sensibility. The gardens are lush, layered, and thriving in the cooler mountain air.

The Setup:
This is an ideal destination for a group trip. Rent a house with a stone fireplace—because even in July, you’ll likely want a fire once the sun dips behind the Blue Ridge Mountains.

4. The International Classic: The Cotswolds, England

If you’re ready to go a bit farther, the English countryside remains the gold standard for a Coolcation.

The Vibe:
Timeless and deeply comforting. Honey-colored stone cottages, winding lanes, and gardens that feel both curated and lived-in.

The Market Scene:
Mornings are best spent at local markets. The “supermarket tourism” trend is especially charming here—discovering regional cheeses, fresh bread, and small-batch goods to bring back to your cottage.

Pack Your Bags (Effortlessly)

The key to a successful Coolcation is what we like to call a layered lifestyle.

Pack breathable linens for the day, but always have a wrap or lightweight jacket within reach for the evenings. The shift in temperature is part of the experience—and part of the charm.

And if you’re coordinating a group trip, don’t overcomplicate the planning. Even while traveling, hosting still has a place.

Head to our Party Wizard and try something like “Mountain Lodge Weekend” or “Coastal Summer Escape.” It will generate a simple, group-friendly menu and a supply list that fits the setting—so you can spend less time organizing and more time enjoying where you are.