Whether you need a vacation or just looking to escape the city, there are plenty of peaceful places to go for summer. From California’s Glass Beach to Balinese islands, here are some ideas for places to visit this year.
Balinese islands
Whether you’re a family or an explorer, there are plenty of peaceful places to go for summer in the Balinese islands. From beachfront resorts to off-the-beaten-path villages, Bali has something for everyone.
South Bali is home to traditional villages and stunning natural backdrops. If you want to get off the beaten path, head to Pemuteran for a glimpse of Bali’s ancient lifestyle. It is also a great place to see majestic mountaintops.
North Bali is the sexiest destination on the island. From Uluwatu Surf Villas to the iconic surfers’ beach, it’s the perfect destination for surfers and anyone seeking a peaceful escape.
Compared to many other places, you don’t need to rush through temples or shopping. Instead, the most memorable Bali holiday lets you take your time. This includes exploring the island’s cultural side, sampling local cuisine, and meeting locals.
If you’re in the mood to cook, sign up for a cooking class. You can learn how to create a delicious Balinese feast using local ingredients. There are also opportunities to go fishing in a junking canoe.
Banff
Visiting Banff in the summer is a great way to experience the Canadian Rockies. The town is known for its outdoor activities. There are plenty of hiking, fishing, and biking trails. You can also find great shopping and dining options. You may also be able to spot wildlife.
You can go camping if you want to get away from it all. There are campgrounds close to the amenities in the town of Banff. You can even find backcountry camping and wild camping away from roads.
Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Banff in the summer. There is 1600km of trails to choose from. You can explore the Plain of Six Glaciers or head to emerald Grassi Lakes.
Another popular activity is canoeing. Lake Minnewanka is home to large trout and whitefish. You can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the area. Several hikes take you through the marshy areas of the park. You can enjoy picnics here too.
Cypress Tree Tunnel in Minnesota
Located in the sleepy town of Halnaker in Minnesota, the Cypress Tree Tunnel is a must-see. The two-row cypress trees create the ethereal effect of a tunnel.
There is a good reason why this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It is a must-stop to or from the beaches and other nearby attractions. You will find several hiking trails and five hike-in campgrounds. You will be treated to a lush green setting during the summer months.
The tunnel is also a great place to photograph the twilight skies. You will have to brave the elements to capture the best shots. The Cypress Tree Tunnel is on the National Park Service’s top ten list of nature trails. You can view the awful above from afar or below.
The Cypress Tree Tunnel is also home to the Point Reyes KPH radio station, a must-see on the way to the beaches. It was built between 1929 and 1931, and it is the only building in the world to receive both land and sea communications.
Wailua Falls in Kauai
Located at the south end of the Wailua River, Wailua Falls is one of the more popular waterfalls in Kauai. It’s a stunning natural feature in a pristine setting and provides visitors with refreshing mist. The falls are known to create gorgeous rainbows.
An old legend says the Hawaiian chiefs would jump off the falls to show their bravery. The best viewing point is the bridge. There’s another cascading waterfall that can be seen from here as well.
There are plenty of things to do in the area. The most popular places to visit include Waipouli, Kapaa, and Hanalei. There are also several dining and shopping options. The Coconut Marketplace is a great place to find Hawaiian items.
If you’re not up to hiking, kayaks are available to rent. The Lower Wailua River is a popular destination for paddlers. There are also larger resorts outside of the city.
Paso Robles wineries and art installation
Located on the Central Coast of California, Paso Robles has a distinct sense of style and charm. This small town is perfect for a family-friendly vacation and offers world-class wine and cuisine. This vibrant region has everything from wine tastings to breweries, outdoor activities, and more.
One of the most unique and fun things to do in Paso is the Sensorio art installation. Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro designs this 15-acre outdoor art exhibit. The building consists of more than 50,000 solar-powered fiber optic bulbs spread across gently rolling hills. This is a breathtaking experience that friends and families will surely enjoy.
For a truly unique and romantic evening, consider spending your evening at Sensorio. The installation is a kinetic and immersive art experience that celebrates the landscape’s natural topography. It also incorporates local art, food vendors, and live music.
Another great way to enjoy the night is to visit the Estrella Warbird Museum, which features an extensive collection of military aviation artifacts. There is also a large selection of classic cars on display.
Hida-Takayama in Japan
Whether you’re a traveler who loves to explore new cultures or a seasoned expert looking for a peaceful place to spend your summer in Japan, Hida-Takayama has something for everyone. It’s only two and a half hours from Nagoya, but it offers a unique blend of historical architecture, modern townscapes, and nature.
The city of Takayama has been a popular place for merchants for many years. It is famous for its well-preserved Edo-style streets. It is also the jumping-off point for exploring the Northern Japanese Alps.
The city is home to World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, a 17th-century thatch-roof village. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a hot spring, thanks to its abundance of hills and lush greenery.
The Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Center is an excellent place to find traditional local crafts. Some workshops run from 15 to 60 minutes. You can also visit the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum of traditional Japanese houses and storehouses.
Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota
Located in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park offers visitors various activities. The waterways and forests provide a backdrop for an array of wildlife. These include black bears, gray wolves, otters, and deer. Fishing and paddling are also popular activities.
There are many campgrounds in the park. Some are in the front country, while others are in the back country. There are also a few private campgrounds on inland shores. These can be accessed using personal boats or water taxis.
Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of cabins, from basic camping cabins to cottages with indoor plumbing and heating systems. Some of the houses overlook the lake. These are great for those looking for a relaxing vacation.
There are also several boat tours available in the park. These include day trip cruises and more extensive tours. Visiting the park by boat is the best way to explore the area.
Six Senses resort in the Douro Valley, Portugal.
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Douro Valley in Portugal, Six Senses Douro Valley offers guests a chance to experience nature in an idyllic setting.
Vineyards surround this luxury hotel, and its architecture is designed to blend European comforts with Asian philosophy. The property has a variety of activities and amenities that guests can take advantage of.
The Six Senses Douro Valley Restaurant is open to the public during the summer months and features an outdoor BBQ. The food is prepared with local ingredients, and great food and wine pairings are served. The bartending staff creates tasty cocktails made with house-brewed vermouth.
For dinner, the restaurant serves a four-course meal that includes wine with each course. The restaurant’s interactive wine library is a great place to explore the different varieties of wines.
The Douro Valley is home to some of the world’s oldest wineries. Day cruises are available to visit these vineyards on wooden Rabelo boats. They are excellent for exploring the landscape and experiencing Porto.
Glass Beach in California
Located in Fort Bragg, Glass Beach is a unique sight to see. Its name derives from the smoothed sea glass that forms the shoreline. A paved trail runs along the cliffs above the glass coves. The course is for something other than collecting glass pebbles.
There are two sites to check out: the main one and a smaller one. A slew of hiking trails provides exciting views of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a Sea Glass Museum in the glass beach area.
This is a must-see attraction if you are in the area. There is a sea anemone, a couple of crabs, and many aquatic plants.
The glass beach has been called the best in California, if not the whole country. It is an excellent place for an outing, especially with the kids. The town is small, but there are a few restaurants, a brewery, and an ice cream shop.
The Glass Beach trail is a short walk from the parking lot. The Glass Beach sign is located near the end of the course. The Glass Beach itself is a short climb down the cliffs.
