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We’ve all been somewhere where we feel as if we’re going to melt into the pavement.

Heck, we’ve probably all been to beaches that feel like we’ll melt into the sand if we ever got out of the water.

Leave those sunny getaways to the East Coast, where you find out real quick why many of Florida’s retirees could model for a leather company.

The West Coast, though?

Sometimes it’s a bummer how chilly the Pacific can be, but it’s never stopped me or seemingly anyone else from taking a dip at California’s endless array of paradise shores.

With splendid temps and unmatched scenery, the Travel Off Path team is stoked to unveil 5 gorgeous California getaways to beat the heat this summer.

PLUS: We’ve created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match!

5) Idyllwild: California’s Cool Cabin Hideaway

Venture east of my hometown, San Diego, and you’re going to be shocked at how quickly the thermometer rises.

Palm Springs is one of the Golden State’s most iconic destinations, but also one of the hottest come summertime.

But there’s a hidden town that’s trendy amongst the triangle of LA, San Diego, and Palm Springs that locals escape to from these cities to enjoy a relaxing getaway in crisp mountain air and evergreen forests.

No matter the season, s’mores taste just as good over an open fire outside your cozy cabin, rather than an overpriced, flashy resort that most vacationers seek out this time of year.

Idyllwild is just the place to recharge, immerse in nature, and cool off in this rare mild-climate destination, considering it’s over an hour away from the coast.

4) Lake Siskiyou: An Artsy Hideout Nobody Ever Talks About

If you’re craving a pristine lake destination without the crowds, you know Tahoe is off the table.

Lake Siskiyou is truly one of the West Coast’s best-kept secrets. Of course, some unsightly documentaries portraying this region’s countryside underbelly have likely deterred visitors.

But the truth is, those who brave the backroads to reach the Shasta Cascade have nothing but rave reviews.

We’re talking glassy blue water, forested coves, and a staggering backdrop of Mt. Shasta, along with a boho-vibe townscape full of tie-dye shirt vendors and “healing’” crystals.

Yeah, okay…

If there’s one thing you should know, it’s that June is the best summer month to visit, before triple-digit temps take over, though, the lake itself peaks in the 70s, providing bathwater conditions to keep cool.

Plus, this area’s event calendar is jam-packed with fun festivals like Trails End Music Festival and Shasta Mountain Art, Wine, and Brew Festival before July 4th shenanigans take over.

3) Torrance: LA’s Unsung Beach Town

Ever tried to tackle Los Angeles beyond the typical tourist sites?

It’s hard to say where it begins and ends, feeling more like a cluster of suburbs making up one of America’s few actual metropolises instead of a megacity on its own.

Outsiders tend to do as locals do and flock to Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and what’s left of Malibu — but that’s a whole different story.

What you rarely hear about is Torrance, a city known more in the food sphere as SoCal’s “Ramen Capital”.

You might think you heard “slurp’s up” instead of “surf’s up,” but Torrance is actually home to one of the region’s prettiest beaches — and it sees far fewer visitors, even in summer.

Nearby Palos Verdes is a destination unto itself with cliffside trails and lighthouse views, but the entirety of Torrance is full of surprises, whether you’re a foodie like me or craving California sun with more elbow room.

2) San Diego: Skip “June Gloom” For “Local Summer”

Want an insider tip?

Many vacationers planning a trip to San Diego do it all wrong.

May and June are the 2 worst months to book what you think will be a sunny beach vacay.

But let me tell you what we locals always look forward to as a tourist deterrent, so we can enjoy our own beaches: May Gray and June Gloom.

Hey, I didn’t name them, but they’re official terms used on all local news weather reports as these 2 months tend to see moody weather.

Instead, scope out September for what we dub “local summer” — something fellow San Diegans are probably hating me for revealing.

No matter if you prefer Coronado, Carlsbad, or San Diego proper, May and June tend to bring drab skies, July and August the biggest crowds, and September dies off yet still boasts blissful weather, unlike the humid hellscape of Florida.

For what it’s worth, travelers are ranking safety in San Diego at an 87/100:

1) San Francisco: California’s Coolest City In More Ways Than One

Guess who has cleaned up their act?

That’s right — San Francisco has largely shaken off its sketchy reputation, turning back the clock to become yet again the West Coast’s coolest city (in more ways than one).

Not only is summer cool and breezy from the inland heat, but San Fran also boasts so many vibrant cultural neighborhoods, such as the maze of Chinatown and the Italian cafes of North Beach.

Despite its treacherous hills throughout downtown, you can’t help but want to be outside and explore on foot, although you can hail the city’s signature cable cars whenever an incline gets the best of you — and they will.

Whether its windswept beaches, urban islands, the Fisherman’s Wharf, or lush Presidio Park, now is the time to jump at the chance to experience one of America’s most iconic cities, where finding a bad meal is all but impossible and the magic is easier to find than headlines suggest — as long as you avoid the zombie apocalypse atmosphere of the Tenderloin District.

Travelers are ranking San Francisco at a 77/100:

Now take this quiz to find your perfect match!

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 44 countries and written over 1500 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Today’s mission: Don’t mention The White Lotus.

Whoops. Too late.

Instead, we’ll talk about something more current, as HBO’s hit show is allegedly filming in France, giving Thailand’s island tourism rush a well-deserved breather.

Well, that would be true except we’re honing in on the “high season”. This time of year sees floods of crowds pour into numerous islands across Thailand, some more popular than others.

Phuket, of course, has long been a staple on tourists’ itineraries, with Koh Samui most recently taking a seat at the table, but there’s far more to discover beyond the household names.

Local experts Thaiger recently revealed their pick for the ultimate hideaway from the high-season blitz.

Best of all, you won’t sacrifice quality of beaches, culture, or laid-back vibes in the unsung dreamscape of Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta: Welcome To Your New Paradisal Playground

Thaiger hypes up Koh Lanta as one of Thailand’s best destinations to hit the open road by scooter.

You might envision kicking back seaside by day and perusing night markets after dark, but wondrous rainforests and winding roads are practically begging to be explored.

With virtually no crowds for such a sprawling island, you won’t find gridlocked traffic jams like you may in Bali, for example.

This off-path paradise isn’t solely a beach hideaway — it’s brimming with history, natural wonders, and cultural delights just as you’d expect in one of Asia’s most popular countries.

Koh Lanta Bike Rentals is the top-rated company to rent two wheels, even offering free delivery to your hotel.

Here are Travel Off Path’s top 5 must-see sites in Koh Lanta:

1. Mu Ko Lanta National Park ($6 entry): the island’s crown jewel for nature, hidden beaches, & wildlife
2. Kantiang Bay: your own slice of paradise with crowd-free beaches and open barstools at Why Not Bar
3. Old Town: Koh Lanta’s storied time capsule boasting family-run eateries and rows of craft shops
4. Khao Mai Kaew Cave: discover lush jungle treks and narrow limestone underground caverns
5. Lanta Animal Welfare: a heart-warming stop where you can walk rescued dogs, visit cats, and learn about local animal care efforts

No Shortage Of Crowd-Free Beaches

There are a pair of offshore islands from Koh Lanata within the aforementioned Mu Ko National Park that are pristine, untouched blips on the map, perfect for snorkeling and swimming in warm, crystal-clear waters — Koh Rok and Koh Haa.

Thaiger also hypes Long Beach for a great swimming spot and Kantiang Bay for epic sunsets. We at Travel Off Path like to form our own opinions, too, so we dug a little deeper and struck gold for you.

We recommend the following 3 beaches that we fell in love with even more:

1. Klong Nin: a stone’s throw from posh resorts yet far enough to feel secluded
2. Khlong Chak: footprint-free shores with jungle hikes leading to a hidden waterfall and a small bat cave
3. Bakantiang: quaint stretch of rainforest coastline with seaside bars, eateries, and dive schools

If you were going to run into any hint of a crowd, it’s likely previously mentioned Kantiang Bay, as it’s #1 on TripAdvisor.

Everywhere else flies under the radar as the island of Koh Lanta has long been one of Thailand’s tight-lipped secrets in the shadow of such places as Phuket.

Ironically, departing Phuket by boat is one of the most popular ways to get here, besides the much closer Krabi as a gateway.

One Of Thailand’s Most Underrated Resort Destinations

This 18-mile-long island is wrapped with unsuspecting resorts on all sides.

While you may not recognize those names and be able to cash in Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Best of all, Koh Lanta’s resorts largely won’t break the bank.

According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 resorts in Koh Lanta (sorted by traveler ranking):

1. Lanta Palace Beach Resort & Spa
2. Pimalai Resort and Spa
3. Layana Resort & Spa

Not to one-up one of the most reliable sources in travel, but we have another amazing resort in mind for you.

Verona Resort is located steps away from Old Town, one of the most unique areas of the whole island, as it’s steeped in history and walkable to endless waterfront restaurants and one of the main ports.

The cozy resort is as low as $31 throughout winter and comes equipped with free wifi, satellite tv, a spacious pool and stunning mountain views.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.