Summer’s scorching dry heat has settled in and will stay for a few more months. So, here’s some cool activities to escape the triple-digit temperatures in town or a short road trip away.
If you really want to ditch the heat for a day, take a 30-minute drive up to Mt. Charleston where the temperatures are typically 22 degrees lower than in the Las Vegas Valley. Mt. Charleston and the surrounding Spring Mountains National Recreation Area offer breathtaking views, numerous hiking and bike trails, relaxing picnic and camping grounds, and wildlife viewing.
With an average summer temperature of 78 degrees, Big Bear Lake is Southern California’s mountain lake escape. An easy drive from Las Vegas, Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and wakeboarding. The pine forests surrounding Big Bear Lake offer miles of trails through changing landscapes.
Less than a three-hour drive from Vegas, Zion National Park in Utah offers hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, and beautiful vistas, making it the perfect getaway for families and adventurers. Zion’s expansive canyon averages 2,000 feet deep, allowing hiking opportunities along its floor. Other popular hikes include Angels Landing, Observation Point, and Emerald Pools, and annual national park passes start at $20.
Learn to ice skate, sharpen your skills or just spend a few hours cooling off at City National Arena – practice home of the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights, or Lifeguard Arena – home to the American Hockey League’s Henderson Silver Knights. Each arena offers open skate times as well as programs for beginner skaters and ice hockey leagues.
Keep it cool while having fun and learning something new at the Discovery Children’s Museum where kids can splash around in a water exhibit while learning about the power and movement of water or partake in an art exhibit that teaches about color, line, shape, and more. Or head to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum home to more than 10 galleries filled with fun, educational exhibits and programs.
Cool off with an icy glass of beer at the Arts District’s Brewery Row in Downtown Las Vegas. Quickly gaining a reputation as a craft beer mecca in the southwestern United States, you’ll love the upbeat and fun atmosphere at the various breweries and taprooms while also appreciating the air conditioning!
During the mid-afternoon when the sun is at its peak, stay indoors in a cool place, if possible. If you are outdoors, drink plenty of water and apply, then reapply sunscreen. Be sure to wear a hat and light clothing.
These and other living in Las Vegas lifestyle tips are brought to you by Juhl, the modern loft-style high-rise condominium community on Bonneville Ave. in Downtown Las Vegas. For more information visit the Juhl website or call 702.816.5466.
