Just because you love the great outdoors doesn't mean that you relish 100 degree heat and sun so bright you can't leave the house without sunglasses. August is the hottest and most miserable month of the year for some of us, particularly if you hail from Texas, California, Florida or any of the other southern states.

So what's the solution? Pack up the family and head somewhere cold ... like Alaska!

One of the most beautiful states in the U.S., Alaska is also a major tourist magnet, drawing thousands of visitors throughout the year. The south central area of the state, in particular, is perfect for the month of August, with highs in the 60s and about 15 hours of daylight. Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna and Kenai are some of the most popular cities for travel at this time of year, and I can guarantee you'll never be bored.

Some of the most beautiful bald eagle sightings occur in Homer, Anchorage and Seward during August, and you can't miss a boat journey around Gull Island, where you'll see some of the most diverse populations of birds in the world.

Trails for both hiking and biking are plentiful in Alaska, and can be quite refreshing when you aren't dealing with summer heat. The Eagle River Nature Center is a great place to start if you're looking for guided tours or if you want to learn about the wildlife on Alaskan trails. Chugach State Park is also a lot of fun, encompassing more than 500,000 acres of trails and beautiful scenery.

Of course, if you'll be going to Alaska in the summer, you'll have to be prepared for the temperature change. Transitioning from 98 degree heat to mild weather can be a shock to the system. Bring a versatile coat, such as the Hurley Interpol Spy Coat for women, or the O'Neil Report Jacket for men. You might also want a windbreaker if you plan to go out on the water.

Summer vacations in Alaska are a lot of fun, and will provide you with immeasurable relief from the heat.