Summer Destinations You Didn’t Know You Needed

The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and that familiar itch to plan a getaway is starting. While the usual suspects have their appeal, what if this summer you ventured somewhere a little different?

We’ve curated a list of incredible summer destinations that might not be on your radar yet, but absolutely should be. Get ready to discover your next favorite escape, complete with the perfect iTrip home waiting for you.

Park City, Utah: Mountain Highs in Summer

Known globally as a winter wonderland, Park City transforms into an outdoor adventurer’s paradise come summer. Swap skis for hiking boots or mountain bikes and enjoy cooler mountain air, stunning alpine scenery, and a vibrant town atmosphere without the peak ski season crowds.

What Makes It Unique:

• World-Class Trails: Hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, catering to all skill levels.
• Alpine Thrills: Ride the alpine slide or mountain coaster for an adrenaline rush with a view.
• Outdoor Concerts & Festivals: Summer brings a packed calendar of events under the mountain stars.
• Historic Main Street: Explore unique boutiques, art galleries, and top-tier restaurants along the charming, historic main drag.

Find Your Stay: Relax after a day of adventure in a luxurious mountain chalet or a convenient townhome close to the action. Check out iTrip’s Park City summer availability.

Hollywood Hills, California: Iconic Views & LA Immersion

Los Angeles is always buzzing, but experiencing it from a perch in the Hollywood Hills during summer offers a different kind of magic. Think warm, starry nights overlooking the sprawling city lights, easy access to iconic outdoor venues like the Hollywood Bowl for summer concerts, and starting your day with hikes before the California sun gets too high. It’s less about the beach crowds and more about soaking in the unique blend of nature, glamour, and panoramic cityscapes.

What Makes It Unique:

• Million-Dollar Views: The vistas are legendary for a reason. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas stretching across the LA basin, with landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory often feeling like part of your neighborhood.
• Hiking Amongst the Stars (or Views): Trails abound! Step out for a hike in Runyon Canyon (known for great views and potential celebrity sightings) or explore the vast network of paths in nearby Griffith Park.
• Secluded Glamour: Enjoy a sense of privacy and exclusivity nestled in the hills, while still being just minutes away from the vibrant energy of the Sunset Strip, Hollywood Boulevard, and world-class dining.
• Architectural Living: The Hills boast some of LA’s most stunning and unique homes. Renting here lets you experience incredible architecture and design firsthand, often complete with pools perfect for escaping the summer heat.

Ready to live the Hollywood dream? iTrip Los Angeles features spectacular properties in the Hollywood Hills, from sleek, modern villas with infinity pools overlooking the city to chic hideaways perfect for soaking up the LA lifestyle. Explore now.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas: Beat the Heat with Urban Flair

Texas in the summer? Hear us out! While the temperatures climb, the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex buzzes with energy and offers a surprising wealth of cool escapes. This isn’t just one city, but a dynamic duo: Dallas brings cosmopolitan polish, a world-class arts scene, and vibrant neighborhoods, while Fort Worth delivers rich Western heritage, incredible museums, and a more laid-back Cowtown charm. Summer here means leveraging amazing indoor attractions during the day and enjoying unique outdoor activities as things cool down in the evening.

What Makes It Unique:

• Two Cities, Endless Culture (Indoors!): Beat the midday heat exploring masterpieces. Dallas boasts the massive Dallas Arts District (home to the Dallas Museum of Art and Nasher Sculpture Center) and the interactive Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Fort Worth counters with its renowned Cultural District, featuring the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art.
• Cool Ways to Play: DFW offers unique ways to have fun and stay cool. Try a magical evening glow kayaking tour on Lake Grapevine. Numerous water parks, splash pads (like the one at Klyde Warren Park in Dallas), and even indoor ice skating rinks (like at the Galleria Dallas) provide refreshing escapes.
• Evening Energy: When the sun starts to dip, the Metroplex comes alive. Catch an outdoor movie screening, enjoy concerts under the stars at venues like the Dallas Arboretum, explore the lively music scene in Dallas’s Deep Ellum, or dine al fresco in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square.
• From Cowboys to Couture: Witness the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in the morning, and spend the afternoon Browse high-end boutiques in Dallas’s Highland Park Village. The contrast is pure Texas.

Find Your Stay: Whether you envision yourself in a chic Dallas, FTW, or a spacious suburban home perfect for accessing attractions across the Metroplex (ideally with its own pool!), iTrip has you covered. Search now find the perfect air-conditioned haven for your DFW summer adventure.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Beyond the Beach – The Venice of America

When you picture Florida summer, Fort Lauderdale might bring beaches to mind, but its real unique charm lies in its intricate waterways. Dubbed the “Venice of America,” this coastal city offers a sophisticated blend of beautiful beaches, upscale dining and shopping, and a lifestyle centered around its hundreds of miles of canals and the Intracoastal Waterway. Summer is prime time for enjoying life on the water, exploring by boat, and perhaps finding a slightly more relaxed vibe than other South Florida hotspots.

What Makes It Unique:

• Explore by Water Taxi: Forget driving – the best way to see Fort Lauderdale is from the water! Hop aboard the iconic yellow Water Taxi and cruise the canals. It’s not just transport; it’s a tour past stunning mansions and mega-yachts, with convenient stops at waterfront restaurants, shops along Las Olas Boulevard, and key attractions.
• Relaxed Beach Vibe: Fort Lauderdale boasts miles of beautiful, wide, golden-sand beaches perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming, or paddleboarding. While lively, the atmosphere is often considered a bit more laid-back compared to beaches further south. Don’t miss Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a beautiful natural oasis nestled between the Intracoastal and the Atlantic.
• Chic Las Olas Boulevard: The heart of Fort Lauderdale’s sophisticated side. Stroll this picturesque, palm-lined boulevard filled with art galleries, independent boutiques, buzzing cafes, and acclaimed restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences. It’s perfect for an evening out or a leisurely afternoon browse.
• Water Lifestyle & Nature: Embrace the boating culture with a sunset cruise, fishing charter, or kayak adventure through mangrove trails. Plus, Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic gateway for exploring the nearby Everglades via an exhilarating airboat tour to spot wildlife.
• Cool Indoor Escapes: Need a break from the sun? Explore impressive collections at the NSU Art Museum, step back in time at the historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, or indulge in retail therapy at the air-conditioned Sawgrass Mills outlet mall.

Find Your Stay: Imagine waking up in a waterfront condo and watching the yachts glide by, or having a private dock along a quiet canal. Find your Fort Lauderdale retreat now.

Ready for an Unexpected Adventure?

This summer, why not trade the familiar for the fantastic? These destinations offer unique beauty, exciting activities, and a chance to create memories off the beaten path.

No matter which hidden gem catches your eye, iTrip has the perfect rental to make it feel like home. Explore more properties now.