Last-Minute Summer Vacation Ideas

Chasing that last bit of sun

While most of the country is gearing up for Pumpkin Spice season, there are still some holdouts, wearing bathing suits under hoodies and refusing to accept that sunset is getting earlier. And if you’re one of them, we got you! To help your beach days last even longer, here are a few last-minute summer vacation ideas for sunshine and warm weather.

Check out some of our favorite destinations for stretching out your summer.

• Folly Beach, SC

  Friendly locals and a stress-free vibe? Yes, please!

  Folly Beach has wide, sandy shores that are perfect for leisurely walks and plenty of relaxation. If you’re feeling more active, you can rent a paddleboard, surfboard, or kayak for some aquatic fun. Then end your day at one of the many beachfront restaurants, where you can enjoy local seafood and live music.

  And Folly Beach is just a short ride from the charms of Charleston, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in the state. Time travel with the help of the museums, well-preserved architecture, and historic sites dotting Charleston’s cobblestone streets.

  Best Last-Minute Summer Vacation for: dog parents! Folly Beach is a pet-friendly destination.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

  If your vibe is more on the boujee side, then Fort Lauderdale is the beach town for you!

  Just north of fabulous Miami, it has the same upscale, chic feel as its neighbor, but thankfully less traffic and crowds. The soft golden sands of the local beaches are warm and welcoming year-round, with plenty of sunshine to keep you filled up with vitamin D.

  Once the sun goes down, get dressed up and hit Las Olas Boulevard for delicious dining, elegant boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife.

  Best Last-Minute Summer Vacation for: an uber-trendy beach escape

• Galveston, TX

  As the saying goes: everything’s bigger in Texas. And that includes its beaches!

  With over 32 miles of beautiful gulf shores, Galveston is a beach-goers paradise. And with multiple public beaches, you can find a spot perfect for your mood. Our takes:

  – East Beach for full amenities and a party vibe
  – Stewart Beach for a family-friendly experience
  – Surfside Jetty County Park for catching waves and catching fish

  Aside from its stunning beaches, Galveston’s other waterfront feature is its historic Pleasure Pier. Located right on the seawall, this amusement park offers rides that’ll have you flying over the Gulf of Mexico, classic boardwalk eats (funnel cakes and hot dogs!), and the chance to win a prize at the midway games.

  Best Last-Minute Summer Vacation for: an end-of-summer family getaway

• Las Vegas, NV

  Does your brain hum the Jaws theme song every time you dip your toes into the ocean? Then maybe consider trading those beach days for pool days… and no place does pool parties like Sin City!

  The top pools in Vegas are waaaay more than “just” a pool. We’re talking lazy rivers, slides, international deejays… the works. So bring your glitziest, glammest swimsuit and soak up the desert sun. And while a cabana may feel like a splurge, the shade, unlimited bottled water, and top-notch service are definitely worth it.

  Unlike other cities, where you can take an after-hours dip, most hotel pools in Vegas close early because the casinos want to see you at their tables. Be prepared to dine, dance, and gamble the night away!

  Best Last-Minute Summer Vacation for: staying far away from ocean predators

• Santa Monica, CA

  SoCal has plenty of iconic beach towns, but as far as we’re concerned, Santa Monica is the one.

  Live that chill Cali life on the shores of the Pacific, where you can swim, nap, and go for long strolls along the promenade.

  Santa Monica has a thriving wellness community. There are plenty of yoga studios and fitness centers that offer day/week passes. Or rent a bike and cruise along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, a 22-mile paved path right on the coastline.

  Even the dining options in Santa Monica are healthy-ish, with local restaurants specializing in fresh, organic, farm-to-table cuisine. And bring your reusable shopping bags! A visit to the famed Santa Monica Farmers Market will have them brimming with gourmet treats, artisanal products, and delicious produce.

  Best Last-Minute Summer Vacation for: a beach vacay with a side of fitness

Don’t waste the last few days of summer! Head to one of these hotspots and enjoy the sun for just a bit longer.

And to make the most of the remaining warm weather, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. We’ll handle your favorite bathing suits and spare sunglasses, so you can hop off the plane and head straight into the sunshine! No luggage hassles, and definitely no waiting at baggage claim.