Summer is for giddy wanders. Maybe that means eclipse-chasing in one of two exciting destinations. Maybe it entails a day in memorable nature, up above a river or deep in a mixed-grass prairie alongside a distinguished new presidential library. This set of warm-weather destinations will have you sweating for all the right reasons.
Spain
Head to Basque Country (like Medina de Rioseco) for optimal totality views.
Photo by BearFotos/Shutterstock
You could station yourself in Madrid or Barcelona to get close to the solar eclipse on August 12. But experiencing full totality on the Iberian peninsula demands a less urban locale. For an active itinerary, head north to the coast and bike your way across the provinces of the Basque Country and its lesser-explored neighbor to the west, Cantabria, with Tenerife Bike Tours’ five-day Eclipse Tour. Not your vibe? Do precisely nothing other than relax and gawk at the eclipse on the island of Mallorca, which is situated smack in the path of totality. Book a sunset cruise for the day-of, and be out on the sea during the 90-second blackout.
Where to stay: St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort
Each of this sprawling property’s 125 rooms and suites has a private terrace with Mediterranean views. The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort celebrates water, showcasing activities like boating, kayaking, and exploring some of Mallorca’s hundreds of beaches and caves.
Iceland
Choose your adventure in Iceland, where you can see the total solar eclipse in either the city or the mountains.
Photo by SvedOliver/Shutterstock (L); photo by Guillermo Galan/Unsplash (R)
You have two potential routes to best experience August’s solar eclipse in Iceland: Anchor yourself in the capital, Reykjavík, or travel to the country’s western coast. If you stick to the city, spend part of a day swimming in an outdoor neighborhood pool like Vesturbæjarlaug or an indoor one like Sundhöllin. Rent a car to drive west, and catch the eclipse from the Westfjords region with its waterfalls and hot springs. Or book a tour with Icelandic Mountain Guides to view the eclipse from the peak of Snæfellsjökull, a glacier-topped volcano.
Where to stay: Reykjavik Edition
The harbor-fronted Reykjavik Edition opened in 2021, and its aesthetic is an inviting display of contrast. The lobby is slick with moody volcanic basalt rock, and the rooms soothe with a soft palette and loads of bright wool throws.
Insider tip
“Reykjavík’s heart is found in the small daily rituals locals cherish: a swim at a neighborhood pool followed by an easy walk along Ægisíða to catch the soft seaside light,” says Violeta Ageitos Jimenez, guest experience supervisor at the Reykjavík Edition. “To get to know one of Iceland’s most important modern artists, head to Ásmundarsafn, the sculptor Ásmundur Sveinsson’s former home and studio, which locals love for its quiet garden and unique pieces.”
Mexico City
Museo Jumex is showcasing a special exhibit on the art of fútbol.
Photo by paugarzagarcia/Shutterstock
If you’re in the Mexican capital for the World Cup, you’ll likely notice the impact of fútbol even when you’re not glued to your seats at Estadio Azteca or a TV screen at pretty much any locals’ bar. Around 1,000 outdoor murals will be painted across the city, and the indoor art scene is also getting in on the game. The Museo Textil de los Pueblos Indígenas y Afromexicanos, with an emphasis—as its name suggests—on textiles from the country’s Indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities, is slated to open in May. One of the granddaddies of the art scene in Cuidad de México (CDMX), Museo Jumex, is running Football & Art. A Shared Emotion (March 28–July 26), which includes an installation from the collective Tercerunquinto made out of recycled bleachers from, yes, Estadio Azteca.
Where to stay: Círculo Mexicano
With minimal design, Oaxacan textiles, and wooden furniture by Mexican design studio La Metropolitana, Círculo Mexicano is located in the pulsing heart of downtown. Take in the area’s architectural marvels from the rooftop bar.
Editor’s note: In February, the killing of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader, El Mencho, sparked retaliatory unrest in Puerto Vallarta and other areas of Mexico. On March 2, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued an advisory for spring break travel, stating that “the widespread violence that took place on February 22 following Mexican security operations has ended.” Mexico City has remained at a State Department Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) travel advisory since 2023.
Medellín
Although climate change makes Medellin warmer every year, there’s still a spring-like feeling most days.
Photo by Viviana Peretti
Medellin is called “La Ciudad de Eterna Primavera” (the city of eternal spring), which means the weather is pleasant year-round, typically maxing at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. But Medellín’s standing as a breeding ground for international music stars burns brighter every year. Take in live performances at venues like La Promesa de la 13 and Teatro Victoria. Each late July and early August, the city flourishes with La Fería de las Flores (July 31–August 9), a multi-day extravaganza that celebrates the longstanding importance of the region’s silleteros, who carry wooden racks loaded with flowers on their backs. Exact dates for the events are being finalized, but expect loads of concerts, a dog-focused parade and, on the final day, the big event: the breathtaking Desfile de los Silleteros.
Where to stay: El Cielo
With only 28 rooms, El Cielo is a respite from the nightlife pulse of its El Poblado neighborhood. Ascend for either a rooftop spa treatment or a lounge by the rooftop pool with its transparent bottom. It’s all in keeping with Medellín’s show-off vibe.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon and Washington
Oregon and Washington share the Columbia River Gorge.
Photo by Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock
Stretching 80 miles long and a mere 30-minute drive from Portland, this region framing the river that separates Oregon and Washington is a natural wonderland. Summer, free of the area’s commonplace rain and with temps in the 70s to 80s, is prime time to explore the trails. One standout is the newly opened Mitchell Point Tunnels, a 1.5-mile hiking and biking segment through the mountainside that features five arched windows with stunning river views. Enjoy a pulled pork sandwich or mushroom melt from the Grasslands Barbecue cart after, or spring for a sublime multi-course meal with wine pairings at Hiyu Wine Farm.
Where to stay: Lightwell Hotel and Spa
The Lightwell Hotel and Spa refurbished 1904 structure stays true to its name, with a spa that stars a hot tub, cold plunge, and an always-preheated sauna.
Insider tip
“Grab your running shoes and head to the west side of Hood River, up Country Club Road, to Post Canyon,” says Lightwell Hotel and Spa’s general manager, Nancy Runions. “The trail system offers a huge variety, from twisty cross-country routes to smoother, flowy sections. Afterward, unwind with Italian wine and charcuterie at Marchesi Vineyards, or grab a seat on the patio at Divots at Indian Creek for one of the best Mount Hood views in town—especially during happy hour.”
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Medora, North Dakota
North Dakota is abuzz with excitement this year over the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Courtesy of North Dakota Tourism
Teddy, the commander in chief at the turn of the 19th century, was in the White House a few decades before the 1939 Presidential Libraries Act ensured that subsequent American presidents had their own libraries. This July 4, that changes—for him, at least. Roosevelt was moved by the expansiveness of the Badlands, the story goes. His extremely posthumous library centers the area’s landscape: Wander the circular boardwalk, which connects to the 144-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail, before you land yourself at the library itself to learn more about its namesake.
Where to stay: Rough Riders Hotel
Dive deeper into your Roosevelt immersion at Rough Riders Hotel with its enormous private library about the man. The former boarding house has old-timey charms like a pressed-tin ceiling and a restaurant serving dishes like pappardelle with both elk and shrimp.
Amsterdam
Expect parade after parade in Amsterdam for World Pride.
Photo by D.Cz./Shutterstock
WorldPride lands in the Dutch capital from July 25 through August 8. The festivities start with a parade and end with an even grander one culminating in a blowout concert. In between are a floating parade on the canals on August 1 and street parties, like the Beursplein (kink party) and Stoperaplein (women’s party), on July 31 and August 1. You might need a break from the crowds, so head north, east, or west to explore the less-trafficked side of Amsterdam.
Where to stay: Rosewood Amsterdam
A decade-long renovation brought the Rosewood Amsterdam, a 17th-century landmark, to new life in 2025, with restored wood flooring, a blue-gray palette, and more than 1,000 Dutch artworks on display. (Don’t miss out on the art vending machine.)
Insider tip
“Take a bike or boat to Durgerdam, a former 17th-century fishing village just outside of the city center and only 20 minutes away,” recommends Thomas Harlander, managing director of Rosewood Amsterdam. “Here you will find a time-stood-still hamlet, with wood-clad houses in different hues, bobbing sail boats, and various jetties to jump off from into the Ijmeer lake for a refreshing swim. Amsterdam feels a world away, yet couldn’t be closer.”
Greece
Look for Methoni Castle in both your travels to Greece and in the new Odyssey movie.
Photo by Pit Stock/Shutterstock
With the upcoming release of Christopher Nolan’s take on The Odyssey, now is the moment for some set-jetting and a wander across some of Greece’s lesser-known islands. Head southwest of Athens to the Peloponnese region. Methoni Castle plays a prominent role in the movie and is open to the public every day but Tuesday during the summer. After about a 45-minute drive north and a steep climb, find Nestor’s Cave, the film’s home for the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus. After—or before—all that site-gawking, hop on a one-hour ferry from Athens’s Lavrio port to the island of Kéa. Villages are sometimes connected by olive groves, and the capital, Ioulida, begs to have its cobbled streets pounded as you explore the Archaeological Museum of Kéa. To taste true Kéa, book a class with cooking teacher Aglaia Kremezi.
Where to stay: Kéa One and Only Hotel
It’s all villas at Kéa One and Only Hotel, and each has its own private infinity pool. For a more communal dip, lounge at the hotel’s Kaiki pool, abutting a cliff and with expansive views of the sea to the west.
This article was originally published in 2024; it was most recently updated on March 9, 2026.
