(MONEY Magazine) – The impresario P.T. Barnum knew what he wanted from a vacation. Demanding relief from the daily grind of noisy hucksterism, he needed a place to recharge and renew. "For mental rest and physical comfort," Barnum wrote in the 1880s, "I know of none which equals Block Island." An inspired choice then and now (see page 144). The world remains a noisy place, and the long days of summer offer the perfect escape. In that spirit, MONEY chose five fun summer activities and then culled the best advice from seasoned travelers to settle on two destinations for each pastime. Whether you want to explore the outdoors, play a perfect round of golf, mine the cultural riches of a world-class city, or lounge like a celebrity on a secluded beach or at a spa, this is the guide for you. So tune out the noise, slap on some sunscreen and go have fun. The world will be waiting when you get back. (All hotel rates are for double occupancy per night unless otherwise noted.)

>> GOLF

TORREY PINES, LA JOLLA, CALIF. It is a tenacious tree, the scrappy Torrey Pine. Only two groves exist in the world, and one clings to life on dry, craggy cliffs overlooking the seacoast of La Jolla (the other is about 100 miles north on Santa Rosa Island). But the Torrey Pines area often attracts travelers in search of another kind of wood: Its two municipal 18-hole courses are among the most beautiful golf destinations in the world. Plus, greens fees range from a relatively reasonable $150 to $195 per person a day.

Recent changes make Torrey Pines worth a visit this summer. Noted golf architect Rees Jones renovated the South Course last year, and there are luxe new accommodations. The Craftsman-style Lodge at Torrey Pines ($350 to $625; 800-656-0087) overlooks the 18th hole, and a stay there comes with guaranteed tee times. Golf packages start at $549 per person a night. Less expensive lodging can be found at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines ($200 to $270; call for specials; 858-558-1500), a family-friendly facility that offers all the usual resort amenities. Both locations are close to such local attractions as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. And golf novices rejoice: Torrey Pines offers first-class instruction at its golf school (800-985-4653). But with whales breaching off Torrey Pines' South Course and warm weather almost every day, anyone can feel like a champion golfer. Sort of makes you want to hug a tree.

KOHLER, WIS. It's a rather strange name for a vacation spot: Destination Kohler. But that's what has come from the transformation of Kohler Co.'s (yes, the faucet maker) turn-of-the-century headquarters into a grand resort. Two public venues designed by Pete Dye, Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits (home to the 2004 PGA Championship), offer two 18-hole championship links apiece. (Greens fees range from $150 to $270 a day.) Check out the American Club, a Tudor mansion that was a dormitory for Kohler workers in the early 1900s and now is the Midwest's only AAA Five-Diamond hotel ($350; 800-344-2838). Or try the Inn on Woodlake (about $200; 800-919-3600).

>> SPA

MIRAVAL RESORT SPA, CATALINA, ARIZ. Wake up at 6 a.m. with a stretch; by 7 you're ready for meditation. At 8 you hike through the still cool, sparkling Sonoran Desert on a nature and photo safari, and follow that up with a luxurious ayurvedic massage at 10. It's barely noon, and your day at Miraval is just getting started.

This is what a spa vacation is all about, and Miraval, on 135 acres at the base of the Catalina Mountains, has perfected the art of pampering--and living. On top of spa services, there are classes on topics like healthy cooking and stress reduction. The midday sun is hot, but so are the summer deals: $365 per person a night (26% off winter rates) covers all activities (even horseback riding and tennis, but the nearby golf course is extra), plus one daily spa service and three full meals. No starvation diets here. Call 520-825-4000.

GREEN VALLEY SPA, ST. GEORGE, UTAH. Summer afternoons in the Utah desert can get darn hot. That's why Green Valley Spa (800-237-1068) schedules its local hikes and rock-climbing trips for the early morning. The rest of the day is for swimming, working out, enjoying skin and body treatments, or playing tennis and taking golf lessons inside air-conditioned facilities. This year, guests who book a week's stay can bring along a first-time visitor to the spa at half-price. Seven days for two people runs $8,320 in April and May, then drops to $7,940 in June and $7,560 in July and August (not including the half-off deal).

>> SIGHTSEEING

CHICAGO. "Hot time, summer in the city," goes the song. Yes, there are many who prefer the city to the country, even in summer, and for them, Chicago tops the list. Start with the Chicago Architecture Foundation's boat tours, which feature spectacular riverfront and lakefront views of one of America's most beautiful skylines. For kids, there are the rides and corn-dog stands at Navy Pier (rent a surrey-style bike for four and pedal along Lake Michigan). Then go to the Field Museum of Natural History, where Sue, the world's largest T-Rex, resides, and to the nearby Shedd Aquarium--its new shark tank opens this spring.

Considering the harsh winters, it's no wonder the Chicago area is host to so many summer festivals, from open-air Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts at Ravinia, a turn-of-the-century park and performing arts center 30 miles north of downtown, to the Viva Chicago Latin Music Festival (Aug. 24-25). Or hit the legendary Steppenwolf and Second City theaters, or one of the city's noted blues clubs.

Summer deals can be hard to find in Chicago (it's a year-round convention center), but we found two four-star hotels with great specials: the Swissotel ($169 to $209; 312-565-0565) and Le Meridien ($149 to $229; 312-645-1500).

SANTA FE. A 90-minute drive from Albuquerque, Santa Fe is a center of Native American arts and culture as well as an area of stunning natural beauty. (When you see the sky burst with starlight at night, you'll know what we're talking about.) Art fans can browse the 200-plus galleries in the historic Canyon Road area or visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, near the centrally located Plaza, where Native Americans sell their crafts. (The Native American Art Fair takes up residence there in August.) Hard-core shoppers might consider a day trip to one of the nearby Pueblo reservations, where goods sell for less than in town.

There are numerous resorts and hotels, but your best bet is a bed and breakfast. Our favorite: Casa Del Toro Bed and Breakfast ($98 to $168, depending on the night and the room; 888-340-2883), a mere three blocks from the Plaza.

>> BEACH

BLOCK ISLAND, R.I. Fans of Block Island tend to describe this jewel 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island in terms of what it isn't: The Hamptons without the attitude. A historic seaport minus the theme restaurants and chain stores. An understated Nantucket.

So what is it? A windswept New England hideaway. This tiny island (just 10 square miles) is big enough for hiking, biking, fishing, sailing, sunbathing and swimming, and yet it's also possible to get lost in sand dunes, walk alone atop clay cliffs or scramble down a hill to a secluded beach.

B&Bs and hotels abound, but your best option is to rent a house. For privacy, look for a place on the west or southwest part of the island; for a spot close to swimming beaches, ask for Corn Neck Road. Expect to pay at least $1,500 a week for a three-bedroom house (most require a two-week stay). And hurry: Homes are typically booked by April. For help, call the Block Island Chamber of Commerce (800-383-2474).

The only trick is getting there. Ferries leave from several New England ports, including Point Judith, R.I. and New London, Conn. Call Block Island Ferry (401-783-4613) for times and locations. You can bring your car but book early. Or leave it behind and rent bikes instead--many visitors do.

ST. JOHN, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. We know what you're thinking: The Caribbean? In this heat?

But St. John is not as hot as you think: Temperatures hover in the low 80s year round, and the humidity is the same in summer as in winter. Even better, May to August is low season, which means fewer people and cheaper rates. The best part, however, is that two-thirds of St. John is a national park, so it's quieter than the rest of the Caribbean. Of course, you've still got white-sand beaches and translucent water for snorkeling and diving.

At the Caneel Bay Resort (340-776-6111), guest rooms fall to $300 in summer, down from $450 in winter. Plus, families get 50% off the second room (as long as it's for the kids) starting in May. Or try the Westin St. John Resort & Villas (340-693-8000). Studio villas with a kitchen start at $389. Call for more summer deals.

>> ADVENTURE

SALMON RIVER, IDAHO. When Lewis and Clark traversed the western rivers, it was part survival, part discovery. "We camped in...one of the most beautiful places I ever saw in my life," wrote one bedraggled expedition member in 1804. Today not much has changed about that wild beauty, but getting there is far easier. Enter Outdoor Adventure River Specialists (OARS). For 34 years, this family-owned company has safely guided more than 300,000 modern explorers throughout the West. It is upscale adventuring at its best: After a white-knuckle day on the white water, you rest while your guides pitch tents and cook dinner. There's hiking for landlubbers, as well as specialty tours that include fishing, wine tastings, photo safaris and lodge-to-lodge river trips for noncampers.

For the ultimate Lewis and Clark vibe, try the Middle Fork of Idaho's Salmon River--long considered the best white-water trip in North America. Over a 100-mile journey, you'll hit 100 rapids, some rated Class III (moderate) and Class IV (high volume). Six days starts at $1,731 per person.

For families, the Rogue River in Oregon offers moderate white water--perfect for kids. And it's a deal: Four days costs $742 for adults, $672 for children seven and older. Nearby attractions like Crater Lake National Park and Ashland (of Shakespeare Festival fame) round out the trip. For OARS reservations, call 800-346-6277.

SPRING CREEK RANCH, JACKSON HOLE, WYO. Jackson Hole has been a popular summer destination since at least the 1820s, when mountain men met to trade pelts, purchase supplies or just thaw out. Today the rugged silhouette of the Grand Tetons draws 3 million visitors a year, who settle into accommodations that range from rustic to luxurious.

Spring Creek Ranch (starts at $250; 800-443-6139) offers hardy adventure activities. There are scenic horseback rides, white-water rafting trips down the Snake River, and short hiking and camping trips preplanned for guests. Anglers won't be disappointed either--there's world-class fly-fishing here. The bonus: At the ranch's new Wilderness Adventure Spa, you can wind down at day's end with a massage, yoga or a mud body-wrap.