The heat is intense, y’all, which is why you may want to consider packing your bags in Raleigh and heading to higher elevation areas in North Carolina, which boast cooler temperatures and less humidity.
We love personally Raleigh’s summers, they are buzzing with activity and festivities, and we’re lucky to have some cool water spots nearby to respite to, but sometimes you just got to get out of the city and the humidity that comes with it for a few days on vacation.
If you’re feeling the heat and want to escape to somewhere cool, these destinations boast pleasant summer temperatures less than 80°F on average, so you can enjoy the summer sun without roasting like a pit-smoked NC BBQ.
Boone
- Distance from Raleigh: 3 hours
- Average temperature in June: 66°F
- Average temperature in July: 69°F
- Average temperature in August: 67°F
Boone is the ideal summer escape when you are fed up with the searing heat. Sitting at 3,300 ft above sea level in the Blue Ridge Mountains, its average July highs hover around a refreshing 68°F (20°C), earning it a reputation as “the coolest spot in the South.”
This elevation doesn’t just create desirable cool temperatures, but it’s also perfect conditions for lush forests to grow and offers plenty of great hiking experiences. The most famous of which is up nearby Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Boone is also a short drive from the other well-known mountain town in this region, Blowing Rock, and puts you close to the historic Tweetsie Railroad and other attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can also go tubing down the Watauga or New Rivers, or standup paddleboard on the glistening Julian Price Lake.
Boone isn’t just a place to escape the heat and immerse yourself in natural beauty; it has a vibrant culture animated by Appalachian State University students. It has lots of boutique shops and lively bars on King Street, as well as a thriving craft‑beer scene with breweries such as Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Lost Province at the helm. Read more: Unmissable Things To Do In Boone.
Where to stay
A popular place to stay in Boone is the La Quinta Suites Hotel in the heart of downtown near the restaurants and bars of King Street, but without being directly on it, so you don’t get all the noise. It has an indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, and a hot tub, as well as a buffet breakfast included with every guest’s stay. See prices and availability here.
Alternatively, since you’re visiting the mountains, why not try a mountain cabin in the woods? This vacation rental is the classic cabin vibe with big glass windows bringing nature inside the living space. It’s located in Blowing Rock, making it easily accessible to Boone and all the natural sites to visit there. See prices and availability here.
Banner Elk
- Distance from Raleigh: 3.5 hours
- Average temperature in June: 63°F
- Average temperature in July: 66°F
- Average temperature in August: 64°F
Towering at 3,895 ft above sea level, Banner Elk is a natural respite in the High Country where the summer scorch can’t get you! As well as being cool and crisp in the summer, the town’s a one‑stop hub for outdoor adventures, being in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and halfway between two iconic ski resorts (Sugar Mountain Resort to the south, and Beech Mountain Resort).
From Banner Elk, you can race down the Wilderness Run alpine coaster at up to 27 mph, go wine tasting at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery or Banner Elk Winery (be sure to try the blueberry wine!), or brave Class I–III whitewater rapids on The Watauga River with locally guided rafting trips provided by EDGE of the WORLD NC Whitewater Rafting.
You’re also close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Grandfather Mountain’s famed Mile‑High Swinging Bridge, and you’ll find plenty of hiking routes nearby, such as the Rough Ridge and Otter Falls trails. Banner Elk has a walkable downtown, with boutique shops, gallery spaces, and acclaimed breweries, wineries, and farm‑to‑table restaurants, which have earned Banner Elk the title of “culinary hot spot of the High Country.”
Where to stay
You’ll want accommodation that offers cozy ski lodge vibes. The Best Western Mountain Lodge offers just that – think plaid armchairs, roaring open fireplaces (turned off in the summer, of course), and stone walls. It’s also surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a remote and secluded vibe. In the summer, cool off in the outdoor swimming pool, or fire up one of the barbecues for guests to use. Each guest room has simple but comfortable furnishings and comes with a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave. See prices and availability here.
For a more rural retreat, consider a mountain cabin that’s surrounded by waterfall-laced woodland and has big glass windows to see the woodland setting through. This one-bedroom cabin with a hot tub is about halfway between Banner Elk and Boone, so you could visit both Banner Elk and the aforementioned Boone in one trip. See prices and availability here.
Highlands
- Distance from Raleigh: 5 hours
- Average temperature in June: 77°F
- Average temperature in July: 79°F
- Average temperature in August: 78°F
The aptly named town of Highlands is perched at a lofty 4,118 ft above sea level on the Cashiers Plateau, and is a true mountain haven in the summer. With average highs resting pleasantly in the mid‑70s °F in the summer, it stays refreshingly cooler than the muggy Triangle and Piedmont regions we know too well.
Highlands has a lush, scenic beauty about it, similar to the Scottish Highlands, with rolling fields and Rhododendron wildflower meadows in full bloom in the summer.
You can head out on a hike to Whiteside Mountain, or jump in the car and explore a landscape brimming with waterfalls. Within a short drive away are the famous Dry Falls, Glen Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, as well as Secret Falls – many of which featured on our list of favorite waterfalls in NC that look like Bali. Be sure to pick a waterfall with a refreshing swimming hole to dip into.
Where to stay
There are not a lot of accommodation options in Highlands, it’s mostly vacation rentals and secluded cabin resorts – but that sounds perfect, right? For something a bit unique, here’s a treehouse in Highlands, which won an award for “The Most Spectacular Hidden Treehouse in the USA.” The treehouse has a private spa with sauna, hot tub, and outdoor shower, and is just 5 minutes drive from Highland’s main street. See prices and availability here.
The Outpost Inn is a lovely 4-star bed and breakfast hotel that has traditional mountain lodge vibes, but with modern touches. Each room has been individually styled with vintage memorabilia and antiques, and comes with a private bathroom and a terrace. Outside the room, the resort has an onsite bar, free WiFi, and fire pits where you can roast s’mores. See prices and availability here.
Asheville
- Distance / Drive time from Raleigh: 4 hours
- Average temperature in June: 70°F
- Average temperature in July: 73°F
- Average temperature in August: 72°F
Asheville doesn’t have the highest elevation on this list at 2,133 feet, but it’s enough to turn the sizzling heat into a tranquil and cool respite.
There are many reasons we love Asheville – the artsy vibes of the River Arts District, the close proximity to natural adventures – from the Smoky Mountains to the Pisgah Forest to even Lake Lure – and of course, its cool and refreshing temperatures with average summer highs in the lower 70s.
River Arts District / Biltmore Estate
Drive along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, cool off in mountain swimming holes like Sliding Rock, or go tubing down the French Broad River. When night falls, explore Asheville’s thriving nightlife scene or enjoy live bluegrass music from some of its 30+ craft breweries. Don’t miss out on a chance to explore the grounds of the grand Biltmore Estate.
Where to stay
When we visit Asheville, we like to stay at the Hotel Indigo in Downtown. The reason we love Hotel Indigo is that it’s close to the beat of downtown, but also near the Interstate, so we can explore the Smokies and surrounding nature sites easily. It also comes with parking, which is a huge bonus.
The rooms are really spacious and trendy, with modern decor and plush furnishings. I particularly like how there’s a lot of natural light and views of the mountains, which you wouldn’t expect when staying in the middle of a city.
There’s an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast through to dinner. There’s also an on-site market with “Grab N’ Go” baked goods, sandwiches, and beverages, so you can quickly pick up picnic items before a day of exploring. See prices and availability here.
If you’re looking for a combination of lively town and peaceful mountain getaway, this cabin just outside Asheville offers the best of both worlds. It’s a three-bedroom cottage that is completely furnished with all the amenities to enjoy a comfortable getaway and has incredible mountain vistas, but it is only a 10-minute drive from downtown. See prices and availability here.
Sapphire
- Distance from Raleigh: 5 hours
- Average temperature in June: 74°F
- Average temperature in July: 76°F
- Average temperature in August: 75°F
Not far away from Highlands near the North Carolina/South Carolina border is Sapphire, which sits at a comfortable 3,176 ft, making it noticeably fresher than the sweltering Piedmont. Sapphire is a stunning natural playground: you can spend your days chasing down majestic waterfalls like Whitewater Falls (the tallest east of the Rockies), splash beneath cascading pools in Gorges State Park, or trek through Panthertown Valley, also known as the “Yosemite of the East.”
Sapphire Valley has ski resorts, which open up to hiking trails in the summer. After spending a day out on the trails, plunging into waterfalls, or playing a round of golf at one of the golf courses nearby, retreat to the Sapphire Mountain Brewing for a craft brew overlooking the greens, or watch the sun set over nearby Lake Toxaway.
Where to stay
When staying in Sapphire, we recommend staying in the rural forest areas in the Sapphire Valley, as the shade helps to keep the accommodation cool. This cute cabin sits next to a river filled with trout and waterfalls, and is surrounded by 9 acres of woodland. See prices and availability here.
Alternatively, the Fairway Forest Resort is surrounded by hiking trails and has a refreshing outdoor swimming pool. Each room is basic but clean and comfortable, and some of them have seating areas, balconies, and kitchens. There’s also an on-site games room and playground for kids to use, and a mini golf course. See prices and availability here.
Brevard
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.5 hours
- Average temperature in June: 70°F
- Average temperature in July: 73°F
- Average temperature in August: 72°F
Near the DuPont State Recreational Forest is the underestimated NC destination of Brevard, which sits at 2,149 ft and is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Brevard is delightfully cool in the summer, offering the perfect antidote to the blistering heat of the lowlands. With over 250 waterfalls to explore, Brevard has plenty of places to cool down in. Don’t miss the iconic Looking Glass Falls or go sliding down a natural 60-foot waterslide called Sliding Rock.
Hikers can tackle everything from gentle woodland loops to epic climbs up Looking Glass Rock, while mountain bikers will find a vast trail network. Although a gateway to adventures outdoors, the town itself is well worth exploring. The lively Main Street of Brevard is full of independent boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries like Ecusta and Brevard Brewing Company.
Where to stay
Brevard is another town whose accommodation offerings are dominated by vacation rentals. The most common accommodation type on offer is small one or two-bedroom bungalows in downtown, which are usually colorfully decorated (as is the theme of Brevard), or mountain cabins on the outskirts.
This gorgeous cabin is the epitome of cabin rentals. It has an epic wraparound porch offering 180-degree mountain vistas and is surrounded on all sides by woodland. See prices and availability here.
If you’re just looking for a few days away and want something a bit more “wow” than just a bungalow and don’t want to fork out for a cabin rental, then just outside the town is the rural hideaway Pilot Cove, a small resort with a handful of forest cabins surrounded by the Pisgah Forest.
It’s the closest resort to the protected forest without being in the forest, and is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and bike rental shops. If you’re looking for a secluded resort in North Carolina, this would be the perfect cool place to stay. See prices and availability here.
Cherokee
- Distance from Raleigh: 4.45 hours
- Average temperature in June: 69°F
- Average temperature in July: 72°F
- Average temperature in August: 71°F
When it comes to choosing a getaway destination, the truth is, Cherokee isn’t our first pick of places. It’s similar to Gatlinburg in Tennessee, the other gateway town to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, in that it’s a bit tacky and its attractions largely centre around a big casino.
However, it boasts a delightful temperature in the summer, and if you’re not bothered about staying in the town (and we highly recommend you don’t), you can use it as a base to explore the Smokies, which always have a temperate climate. The Smokies are right in the High Country, and the dense population of hemlock, birch, and beech trees creates ample shade to keep you cool.
There are two downsides to visiting the Smokies in the summer: the first is the crowds; it’s a well-known cool place to visit, and so everyone flocks here, and the other is that bear activity is at its highest throughout May-August. However, there is one major bonus, and that’s guaranteed cool temperatures.
Where to stay
Being the gateway to the Smokies, you can expect most of the accommodation offerings in Cherokee to be resort-like mountain lodges and cabin rentals. This semi-rustic cabin is furnished with all the modern amenities of home but still has a rural setting. It’s not completely rural; it’s near the Lazy Turtle Campground and Soco Creek, but rural enough for it to be quiet, which is what you want in the Smokies. See prices and availability here.
The Cherokee Stonebrook Lodge is located opposite Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and is known for being clean and well-maintained. It has well-appointed rooms and offers free parking, so you can use it as your base to explore the national park – the entrance is just 3.4 miles away. It offers a continental breakfast to guests each day, though be warned it’s basic and doesn’t include hot food. See prices and availability here.
Read more: How to Enjoy a Weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains from Raleigh
Sylva
- Distance / Drive time from Raleigh: 291 miles / 4 hours 30 minutes drive
- Average temperature in June: 69°F
- Average temperature in July: 72°F=
- Average temperature in August: 71°F
Tucked between Cherokee and Sapphire in the western flanks of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains is Sylva, which sits at around 2,080 ft above sea level. Sylva is known for the widely‑photographed 1914 neoclassical courthouse, which dominates its Main Street, but it has way more to explore – it boasts indie bookstores, artisan shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, as well as four breweries.
Like most of the destinations on this list, Sylva has tons of nature to explore nearby. You can hike the rugged Pinnacle Park trail, go tubing down the rivers of Scott Creek, or paddle or raft the nearby Tuckasegee River. Plus, it’s close enough to explore the Great Smoky Mountains without having to deal with the crowds of Cherokee.
Where to stay
Silva is a small town, and accommodation is limited, but there is a handful of cute vacation rentals available, such as this cabin. It has one bedroom and magnificent scenic views of the valley and Balsams in the distance, and it has a hot tub to soak in after hiking. See prices and availability here.
There’s also the quaint Hotel Sylva is a great option for a short break. It has air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, and rooms come with tea and coffee-making facilities and free toiletries. It has free on-site private parking and is located off the main street, so you are within walking distance of restaurants and shops. See prices and availability here.
Maggie Valley
- Distance / Drive time from Raleigh: 279 miles / 4 hours drive
- Average temperature in June: 65°F
- Average temperature in July: 68°F
- Average temperature in August: 67°F
We’re fans of Maggie Valley; we stopped here on a road trip from Raleigh to the Great Smoky Mountains. Perched at around 2,792 ft below the Smoky Mountains, Maggie Valley has mild temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s in the summer. There are loads of things to do here, such as hiking nearby trails in the Smoky Mountains National Park, checking out the twin cascades of Soco Falls, or going fly-fishing in “Heritage Trout Waters” at Jonathan Creek.
Within the town itself, Maggie Valley has some unique attractions, such as the Wheels Through Time Museum, a world-class motorcycle museum showcasing over 300 rare bikes, and Maggie Valley Rock Shop. Like most towns in NC, there is a small craft drink scene – enjoy craft beer at BearWaters Brewing or sip moonshine at Elevated Mountain Distilling.
Where to stay
Cabin rentals dominate the market in Maggie Valley, and it’s easy to see why. This cabin rental, for example, shows the scenic mountain vistas from all sides, and has these huge floor-to-ceiling windows to admire them from. See prices and availability here.
Right in the heart of Maggie Valley is the Four Seasons Inn, a cozy and inviting motel with spacious rooms with kitchenettes and balconies overlooking the forest.
The motel also has a garden next to a mountain creek and has barbecue facilities that guests can use. There’s also free parking and an outdoor swimming pool. What more do you need? See prices and availability here.
Related posts:
- The Cutest Small Towns in North Carolina to Fall in Love With
- Towns in North Carolina that look just like Europe!
- Places To Swim Near Raleigh (Lakes, Pools, Parks & Beaches)
- Secluded retreats in North Carolina for a quiet escape from Raleigh
- Waterfront Resorts & Hotels in North Carolina (to escape to from Raleigh)
- The Most Beautiful Places in North Carolina According to Locals
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where is the best golf
Pinehurst and Southern Pines area is known for their top golf. But NC in general is a golfing state with many excellent courses.