July 2025

4 EPIC OUTDOORS Best Summer Destinations for July July is often the month when heat waves roll in with full force, pushing many people indoors under blasting air conditioners. But for those craving adventure and natu- ral beauty, July offers outdoor experiences that reward early risers, careful planners, and anyone willing to brave the summer sun for unforgettable moments. From glass- bottom kayaking through crystalline springs to exploring underground caverns by paddle, July is the time to tap into nature’s hidden gems. One destination growing in popularity is glass-bottom kayaking, a perfect blend of outdoor recreation and natural observation. In the Florida Springs, for ex- ample, kayakers can glide over turquoise waters so clear they appear almost unreal. Beneath the trans- parent hull, fish dart among submerged tree trunks, aquatic plants wave in the gentle current, and patches of bright white sand glisten like underwater islands. This type of kayaking is also growing in Texas Hill Country, where spring-fed rivers like the San Marcos reveal limestone rock for- mations and schools of na- tive fish. Tours often run early in the morning before heat and crowds arrive, of- fering a peaceful, medita- tive start to the day. For those seeking a cooler environment while still adventuring, cave kayak- ing offers an unexpected thrill. Kentucky’s Red River Gorge region and Texas’ Natural Bridge Caverns have introduced guided cave paddle tours that combine geology, his- tory, and physical activity. Paddling under cathedral- like ceilings, with cool air brushing your skin and the quiet drip of mineral-rich water echoing around you, is an immersive sensory experience. These guided tours provide both safety and knowledge, as expert naturalists explain cave formation, ecosystem ad- aptations, and human his- tory connected to the cav- ern systems. If staying closer to urban centers, botanic gardens become living art galleries in July. Across the country, from Charlotte to Denver and San Antonio, gardens reach their peak bloom during mid-summer. Visi- tors can walk shaded trails lined with flowering dog - woods, crape myrtles, roses, and tropical lilies. Many gardens offer sunrise yoga classes, evening jazz concerts, or butterfly re - leases that engage all sens- es. They provide a simple but powerful way to reset mentally without venturing far from home. For hiking enthusiasts, July’s early mornings can open windows of explora- tion before heat advisories kick in. In the Carolinas, trails like Crowders Moun- tain State Park’s Pinnacle Trail offer panoramic sunrise views with manageable pre-dawn climbs. In the Southwest, desert parks such as Arizona’s Sabino Canyon open gates as early as 4 a.m. to allow safe morning treks through saguaro for- ests before the temperature spikes. Hydration, layered clothing, and sun protection are essential for these ex- cursions, but the payoff—a pink and gold sunrise from a quiet peak—of - ten justifies the effort. Finally, July is a prime month for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), par- Photo by | addhu maldives