As summer temperatures reach their peak across the country, you might just be looking for an escape from the heat. If you’re sick of sweating in the summer, we’ve got a few suggestions to cool off and better enjoy the dog days of summer. And, as a bonus, one of these cool-down activities is pup-friendly!

Visit The Last Frontier

If you’re looking to escape the heat, head north. About as far north as you can go without needing a passport is to Alaska. In Alaska, you’ll find Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which is a 3.3 million-acre national park near Juneau, Alaska.

With daytime highs in the 60s and nighttime lows in the 40s all summer long, Glacier Bay is the perfect escape from summer. During your visit to the park, be sure to keep watch for the abundant wildlife and enjoy the pristine coastline.

Kayaking at Glacier Bay

One of the best ways to see Glacier Bay is by kayak. You can rent a kayak or book a guided tour with Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks. On a guided tour, you’ll be with a group of nature enthusiasts led by a naturalist guide.

A favorite spot to paddle is along Bartlett Cove, which is a protected rainforest environment, making the waters calm and easy to paddle. Along the way, you might see seals, porpoises, sea otters, black bears, bald eagles, and whales.

Whether you choose a guided tour or to set off on your own. Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks can set you up with all of the gear you’ll need during your adventure.

Where to Stay: Glacier Bay Lodge

Glacier Bay is located in a remote location with just one hotel operating within the park. It’s best to book a few days to stay and experience this beautiful park. Located in Bartlett Cove you’ll find Glacier Bay Lodge, which is open May 27 to September 5.

Glacier Bay Lodge has standard and deluxe rooms, as well as onsite dining at the Fairweather Dining Room.

Hit the Beach with Your Pup

While the summer temperatures in Lake Powell can get hot, the water stays refreshing and cool year round. Planning your summer vacation around water activities can keep you out of the heat. With nearly 2000 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is the perfect water wonderland where you can have adventures while beating the heat.

Pet-Friendly Activities in Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a favorite stop for those traveling with four-legged friends, making this a very dog-friendly location. You can take your furry friend on adventures such as swimming in the lake, boating, and hanging out on the beach.

If you’re planning a summer vacation where the whole family can stay cool at the lake, be sure to bring all the equipment you need. Even if your dog is a seasoned adventurer, you might want to bring a dog life jacket in case they start to get tired. You’ll also want toys, blankets, and a water bowl. All that playing will make fido thirsty!

Lake Powell is a very dog-friendly location. Your pooch can enjoy lake swimming, boating, and hanging out on the miles of beaches with you. You have several options for lodging when staying at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas – you can stay at Lake Powell Resort or Defiance House Lodge in a hotel room, at Wahweap Campground in your own tent or RV or you can rent a houseboat and enjoy your own floating home on the water.

Pet-Pointer: even if your dog is a competent swimmer, it’s always recommended to have your pooch wear a dog life jacket when on the water. Good swimmers can still tire easily and struggle (especially when they haven’t been swimming in a while) and some breeds aren’t as naturally suited to stay afloat.

Where to Stay: Lake Powell Resort

There are a number of options for pet-friendly places to stay in Lake Powell. You can choose from Wahweap Campground, Defiance House Lodge, and Lake Powell Resort.

Lake Powell Resort is located in Page, Arizona at the Wahweap Marina. At the resort, you’ll find onsite dining, two swimming pools, a hot tub, a sauna, access to the lake, boat rental options, and fire pits.

Splish-Splash Whitewater Rafting

Jackson Hole, Wyoming might be known for its skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, but it’s also a great escape from the heat in the summer. Located near both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, there’s plenty to do nearby so you can stay cool and enjoy nature this summer.

Rafting Trip with Sands Whitewater & Scenic River Trips

Hop aboard a river raft with Sands Whitewater and Scenic River Trips and get ready to get wet. Whitewater rafting trips down Snake River allow you to take in spectacular scenery, spot wildlife, and get splashed by the cool river water.

Never fear, your whitewater rafting trip will be led by a professional guide and along the way, you’ll get the excitement of class II and III rapids. Before you board your boat, you’ll get a thorough safety briefing.

If you’re not quite up for the adventure of a whitewater rafting tour, you can book a scenic river trip, where you’ll stay dry the entire time.

Where to Stay: Togwotee Mountain Lodge

You can enjoy all that Jackson Hole has to offer and stay cool when you book a room at the Togwotee Mountain Lodge. The lodge is open for the summer season from May 26 to September 30. You can choose to stay in a lodge room or a private cabin.

After your day of adventuring on the Snake River, be sure to head to the Red Fox Saloon and regale your friends with stories of your day on the rapids. The Red Fox offers a pub-style menu and lots of local beers.

With hot temperatures sweeping the country this summer, it’s no surprise many people are looking for a way to stay cool. Beat the heat this summer with a trip to one of these cool locations where you can get in the water, enjoy cooler temperatures, have an adventure, and commune with mother nature.