1. Fireworks Shows – Colorado
Summer in Colorado used to mean backyard barbecues followed by epic fireworks lighting up the Rockies. But in recent years, due to extreme wildfire risk, many towns and counties have banned them entirely. Places like Breckenridge, Telluride, and even Denver suburbs have canceled traditional 4th of July displays. With fire seasons starting earlier and lasting longer, officials aren’t taking any chances.
Instead, cities are opting for drone light shows or laser displays—cool, but not quite the same nostalgia. It’s part of a larger shift in how Coloradans celebrate summer. Some residents still try to sneak in a few sparklers, but law enforcement is cracking down. The dry climate has made even small fireworks feel like playing with matches in a hayfield.
2. Jet Skiing on Lake Mead – Nevada & Arizona
If you’ve ever dreamed of zipping across Lake Mead on a jet ski under the desert sun, you might be out of luck. The water level has dropped so drastically—over 180 feet since 2000—that some launch ramps are permanently closed. Many popular coves are now dry land, and boating access is severely restricted in key areas. What used to be a bustling hotspot for summer recreation is now a striking reminder of the West’s water crisis.
It’s not just inconvenient—it’s dangerous to try and navigate the exposed rocks and sandbars. Even commercial marinas have had to move or shut down completely due to the shrinking shoreline. This change has had a ripple effect on local tourism, too. So while the lake still technically exists, its jet ski glory days are on pause—indefinitely.
3. Clamming on the Coast – Oregon
Clamming was once a beloved summer ritual along Oregon’s coast, especially around places like Tillamook Bay and Newport. But toxic algal blooms—spurred by rising ocean temperatures—have led to repeated closures of clamming seasons. The state has had to issue emergency bans when domoic acid levels spike, making clams unsafe to eat. These closures often stretch through peak summer months, disappointing locals and tourists alike.
Even when open, the windows for safe clamming are shorter than ever. Families planning trips sometimes arrive only to find the beaches closed to shellfish harvesting. The situation has become unpredictable, and that’s taken a toll on small coastal economies. What used to be a sure sign of summer fun now requires checking health advisories first.
4. Floating the River – New Mexico
River tubing is a staple of a good summer day, but it’s becoming harder to enjoy in New Mexico. The Rio Grande has experienced such severe drought that in recent years, portions of the river have gone dry entirely. In 2022, for example, stretches near Albuquerque were reduced to cracked mud instead of flowing water. This isn’t just rare—it’s becoming normal.
When the water does flow, it’s often too shallow for safe tubing or rafting. Outfitters have had to shorten routes or shut down operations altogether. Locals accustomed to cooling off in the river now look elsewhere—or stay indoors. For a state with so many sunny days, losing access to its iconic river hits hard.
5. Campfires at National Parks – California
Gathering around a campfire is practically a requirement for summer camping, but in California, it’s often no longer allowed. Due to persistent wildfire threats, many national and state parks enforce strict fire bans every summer. Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lassen are just a few that have issued total fire restrictions during peak months. Rangers cite record-dry vegetation and high winds as the tipping point.
That means no marshmallows, no ghost stories, and no cozy flames under the stars. Portable propane stoves are allowed in some cases, but it’s not the same ambiance. Even campgrounds with built-in fire rings often go unused. It’s a small sacrifice for safety—but it definitely changes the summer vibe.
6. Swimming in Lakes – Florida
It sounds counterintuitive, but summer swimming in some Florida lakes has become a serious health risk. Warmer temperatures and nutrient runoff have caused toxic blue-green algae to bloom with increasing frequency. The state often issues “do not swim” advisories at popular inland lakes due to potential skin rashes, respiratory issues, and even liver damage. In places like Lake Okeechobee and Lake Griffin, it’s now more common than not.
These blooms are unpleasant to look at and even worse to smell. For families used to cooling off with a lakeside splash, it’s been a disappointing shift. And the issue doesn’t just go away with rainfall—in fact, storms can sometimes make the blooms worse. It’s a growing problem that’s making natural swimming holes less inviting each year.
7. Picking Peaches – Georgia
You’d think “The Peach State” would be the last place to lose its peach-picking charm, but climate shifts have put this summer tradition in jeopardy. A lack of cold winter chill hours followed by a spring freeze in 2023 wiped out nearly 90% of Georgia’s peach crop. Orchards in places like Fort Valley, which usually welcome summer visitors for U-pick events, had to cancel or drastically scale back. The damage wasn’t just economic—it was emotional for many Georgians.
With fewer peaches on the trees, farms turned to selling imported fruit or hosting alternative events. But for longtime fans of picking a sun-warmed peach straight from the branch, it just wasn’t the same. Many worry this may become the new normal if climate patterns continue. Summer just isn’t as sweet without those juicy, fuzzy fruits.
8. Hiking in Extreme Heat – Arizona
Arizona has always been hot in summer, but the kind of heat hikers face now is off the charts. In places like Phoenix, summer 2023 saw daily highs over 110°F for more than 30 consecutive days. This led to multiple hiker rescues and even deaths on popular trails like Camelback and Piestewa Peak. Officials had to close trails during certain hours to prevent tragedies.
It’s not just unpleasant—it’s life-threatening. The heat risk now routinely exceeds what’s safe for prolonged physical activity, even early in the morning. Park rangers and emergency responders have ramped up patrols and warning signs. But for locals and visitors alike, the dream of a sunrise summer hike in the desert has turned into a calculated risk.
9. Sailing in the Great Salt Lake – Utah
Sailing on the Great Salt Lake used to be a quirky but beloved pastime in Utah. But years of drought have shrunk the lake to its lowest levels in recorded history, grounding sailboats and closing marinas. The lake’s receding shoreline has left docks high and dry, stranding watercrafts far from navigable water. Even the state’s largest sailing club has suspended regattas and relocated events.
The environmental impact is even more dire, with exposed lakebed causing hazardous dust storms. But for sailors, the most immediate blow is the end of breezy summer afternoons on the salt water. Restoration efforts are underway, but recovery could take years. Until then, sails stay furled and boats remain moored on cracked earth.
10. Crab Feasts – Maryland
A summer crab feast with Old Bay seasoning is practically a rite of passage in Maryland. But rising water temperatures and pollution have impacted blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay. In 2022, the number of spawning-age female crabs dropped to a 33-year low, prompting catch restrictions. Fewer crabs mean higher prices and smaller hauls for watermen.
Some restaurants have begun importing crabs from out of state, but locals know the difference. Traditional “crab-picking” gatherings are shrinking as the iconic crustacean becomes harder to find. Conservation efforts are in play, but it’s unclear how quickly the population can rebound. For many Marylanders, summer just doesn’t feel complete without a table full of steaming shells.
11. Stargazing at Night – Hawaii
Hawaii’s wide-open skies and minimal light pollution used to make it a dream destination for summer stargazing. But recent wildfires—especially the devastating ones on Maui—have led to prolonged air quality issues and restricted nighttime access in many areas. The aftermath has left skies hazy, and observatories like those on Mauna Kea are dealing with increased closure days. Tourism to stargazing spots has also been heavily impacted.
Even amateur stargazers are finding it harder to plan nights out. Ongoing environmental recovery efforts mean some trails and viewing sites are temporarily off-limits. Locals are hopeful the skies will clear again, but for now, it’s less of a sure thing. Clear Hawaiian nights filled with stars are a little more elusive these days.
12. Catching Lightning Bugs – Illinois
Catching fireflies on a muggy Midwest evening was once a childhood highlight in Illinois. But light pollution and habitat loss have caused firefly numbers to plummet in many urban and suburban areas. Climate changes that alter rainfall patterns also mess with their mating signals, which are light-based. Now, entire neighborhoods that used to glow with flickers are nearly dark by comparison.
Some conservation groups are working to restore native grasses and limit pesticide use. But the experience of running barefoot through the backyard with a jar in hand is fading. Many kids today have never seen a single firefly, let alone a yard full of them. It’s a quiet but heartbreaking loss of summer magic.
13. Horseback Riding on Public Trails – Washington
Washington’s lush public lands once offered incredible horseback riding in the summer months. But with increased wildfires, many popular trail systems are now closed for large parts of the season. The Methow Valley, for instance, has seen back-to-back fire seasons that forced extended closures of equestrian trails. Downed trees and fire-damaged terrain make many routes unsafe or impassable.
Riders who once made summer pilgrimages are finding fewer options and more red tape. Some stable owners have had to cancel trail rides or relocate their horses entirely. Even when the trails are open, smoky air quality often makes it too risky to ride. For those who grew up with reins in hand each summer, it’s a tough new reality.
This post 13 Summer Pastimes You Can’t Enjoy in These States Anymore was first published on American Charm.
