5 Summer Getaways on Your Radar & How To Find Unique Places to Stay
Looking for your next U.S. getaway? In this episode, Lisa sits down with Kim Lalande, founder and CEO of Key.co, to share five underrated destinations that are perfect for family vacations, group trips, and relaxing escapes. From the beaches of 30A and Cape Cod to the mountains of Big Sky and North Lake Tahoe, you'll discover inspiring places to visit along with tips for creating a seamless, luxury vacation experience.
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If you're planning your next getaway, here are five destinations worth checking out.
What is Key.co?
Before diving into the destinations, here's what makes Key.co different.
Rather than searching through thousands of vacation rentals, Key.co carefully curates professionally managed homes that meet high design and quality standards. Every property is selected for its location, comfort, amenities, and overall experience.
After booking, guests can also arrange services like:
Grocery delivery before arrival
Private chefs
In-home massages
Babysitters
Drivers
Ski instructors
Beach equipment rentals
The goal is simple: spend less time planning and more time making memories.
1. 30A, Florida
If you've been seeing "30A" pop up on social media, there's a good reason.
30A is a stretch of charming beach communities along Florida's Emerald Coast, including Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach. It combines white sand beaches, beautiful homes, boutique shopping, and fantastic restaurants into one relaxing destination.
Why you'll love it
Crystal clear beaches
Walkable beach towns
Great restaurants and local shops
Perfect for couples, families, or friend trips
Warm weather most of the year
What to expect from the homes
Whether you're looking for a cozy beach cottage or a seven-bedroom luxury home with a private pool, there's something for every group size.
Many larger homes include:
Private pools
Beach access
Spacious outdoor living areas
Game rooms
Ensuite bathrooms
Bunk rooms for kids (and adults who still love them)
One of the biggest perks? Everyone can vacation together while still having their own space.
2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
For a classic New England summer, Cape Cod is hard to beat.
Think charming seaside towns, fresh seafood, sailboats, bike rides, and coastal scenery that feels straight out of a movie.
Highlights
Fresh seafood
Historic coastal towns
Scenic bike trails
Beaches and sailing
Family-friendly atmosphere
Unlike Florida, Cape Cod has a shorter peak season. If you're hoping to visit during summer, it's worth booking well in advance because homes fill quickly.
Thanksgiving is also becoming an increasingly popular time to visit if you're looking for a quieter coastal escape.
3. Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Want beach days with easy access to one of the South's most charming cities?
Isle of Palms sits about 30 minutes from Charleston, giving visitors the best of both worlds.
Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, then head into Charleston for incredible restaurants, shopping, and historic streets.
Why visitors love it
Beautiful beaches
Southern hospitality
Easy day trips to Charleston
Golf carts and bikes at many properties
Great homes for large groups
Many vacation rentals include golf carts, making it easy and fun to explore the area.
4. Big Sky, Montana
If mountains are more your style, Big Sky offers outdoor adventure in every season.
Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, golf, and cooler temperatures. Winter transforms the area into a ski destination with cozy cabins and snow-covered scenery.
Perfect for
Hiking
Mountain biking
Golf
Skiing
Wildlife viewing
Many homes feature:
Hot tubs
Large gathering spaces
Outdoor patios
Ski-in/ski-out access
Incredible mountain views
One fun story Kim shared? While relaxing inside one of their vacation homes, a bear casually wandered through the backyard. It made for amazing wildlife viewing from the safety of the living room.
If you're flying in, Bozeman is the closest major airport.
5. North Lake Tahoe, California
North Lake Tahoe combines mountain adventures with one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Unlike many mountain towns, Tahoe gives visitors endless opportunities to get out on the water while still enjoying hiking, biking, and alpine scenery.
Things to do
Boating
Paddleboarding
Wake surfing
Parasailing
Hiking
Relaxing by the lake
Many Key.co homes sit right on the lake, offering incredible views and easy water access.
Whether you're sipping coffee on the deck or ending the day around an outdoor fire pit, it's easy to settle into vacation mode here.
Why Vacation Rentals Make Group Travel Easier
Throughout the episode, Lisa and Kim talked about why they both love vacation rentals, especially for larger groups.
Instead of squeezing everyone into hotel rooms, a vacation home gives everyone room to spread out while still spending time together.
Some people can head to the golf course while others relax by the pool, read a book, book an in-home massage, or simply enjoy a quiet morning with coffee.
It's the flexibility that makes these trips feel so relaxing.