Paradise Valley, Arizona

Set against the Sonoran Desert just outside Scottsdale, Paradise Valley offers easy access to some of Arizona’s best outdoor scenery, from Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak to cactus-lined desert trails and wide-open mountain views. Because of the summer heat, most people get outside early here —think sunrise hikes and iced coffee on a shaded patio before temperatures climb too high. Later in the day, travelers can wander Old Town Scottsdale, visit the Desert Botanical Garden, or explore Papago Park before heading out for dinner once things cool off a bit. Mountain Shadows Resort serves as a sleek home base with a modern desert aesthetic, two sparkling swimming pools, gorgeous golf course views, and easy access to many of the area’s top hiking trails and restaurants.

Vail, Colorado

Though many travelers associate Vail with ski season, summer may actually be one of the mountain town’s most underrated times to visit. Once the snow melts, the surrounding Rockies open up for hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, and scenic gondola rides overlooking wildflower-covered slopes. Vail Village also comes alive with overflowing outdoor patios, breweries, coffee shops, farmers' markets, and concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Scenic hikes like Booth Falls draw active travelers, while the Eagle River is a go-to spot for kayaking, fishing, and rafting. Tivoli Lodge places visitors just steps from the aforementioned Vail Village while still maintaining a quieter mountain feel, with alpine-style interiors, outdoor hot tubs, fire pits, and balconies overlooking Gore Creek or the surrounding peaks.

Lake Arrowhead, California

Tucked into the San Bernardino Mountains about two hours from Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead has long been a go-to summer escape for travelers in search of cooler temps, shaded forests, and, of course, plenty of fun in and by the water. That said, be sure to also carve out enough time to peruse Lake Arrowhead Village—bonus points if that includes ice cream from Village Ice Cream. The surrounding mountains also offer plenty of hiking opportunities, especially along nearby trails like Heart Rock Trail and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Similarly, scenic drives around Rim of the World Scenic Byway make it easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring the area. Right on the lake, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa blends the outdoorsy setting with more resort-style comforts, including a private beach, waterfront dining, lakeview rooms, and a spa overlooking the water.

Roanoke, West Virginia

Tucked in the Appalachian Mountains, Roanoke offers the kind of summer getaway that feels completely removed from the rest of the world in the best way possible, with winding mountain roads, dense forests, quiet lake views, and little else to do besides slow down and spend time outside. Much of the activity centers around Stonewall Jackson Lake and the surrounding Stonewall Resort State Park, where visitors spend their days kayaking through quiet coves, bass fishing, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun along more than 80 miles of scenic shoreline. Stonewall Resort is the area’s main draw, with lakeview rooms, boat rentals, pools, fire pits, hiking trails, and championship golf right on property.

Explore more resorts and hotels across the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.