Fasten your seat belt and get ready for the ultimate summer thrill ride across the USA. As the days heat up and the sun beckons, it’s time to explore America’s beach vacation destinations. Go for a drive, a hike or a swim. The USA offers endless options for exploration, leisure and unforgettable experiences.
Embark on an adventure to discover the top 20 places to visit in the USA during summer.
Boston, Massachusetts
Known as America’s Walking City, Boston is a beautiful historic city to visit in the summer. The Boston Tea Party ships, Plymouth, Lexington, Concord and the Freedom Trail are just a few of the many historical and educational sites you can take your kids to. You can visit Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Fenway Park and more.
Must-do activities
Relax at the Boston Public Garden, walk the Freedom Trail, or enjoy ocean views on a whale watching cruise.
An underrated tourist spot
Haymarket (Farmers Market)
Portland, Oregon
This New England treasure is perfect for lovers of rugged coastlines, seafood, stunning lighthouses and handcrafted beer. The International Rose Test Garden, with more than 10,000 rose bushes of various colors, typically blooms from late spring to early fall. Wander the cobblestone alleyways of Portland’s charming Old Port and stop at a restaurant to enjoy steamed lobster.
Must-do activities
Visit the International Rose Test Garden and a local brewery.
An underrated tourist spot
Forest Park, Lan Su Chinese Garden, Mount Tabor Park
Chicago, Illinois
Located on Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the best places for June holidays in the USA. It’s a great destination for summer vacations. The city has many green spaces, such as Millennium Park, and the lake shore has miles of sandy beaches.
Must-do activities
Take a boat tour or stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk
An underrated tourist spot
Milwaukee Summerfest
Anaheim
Anaheim is one of the best American cities to visit in the summer with families. This California city is primarily known for Disneyland Park, but summer events like Pixar Fest and Disneyland After Dark keep people coming back. Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood host Fourth of July fireworks displays set to patriotic music. Tourists can visit beautiful beaches and attend sporting events.
Must-do activities
Take a 1-hour drive to Santa Monica Pier or Venice Beach to dine at the Anaheim Packing District (a bustling food hall) or visit Knott’s Berry Farm.
An underrated tourist spot
Oak Canyon Nature Center, Huntington Beach
Seattle, Washington
Summer is a great time to vacation in Seattle and the best place to vacation in the United States in July. During this season, you can relax on the beach, hike mountain trails, and enjoy a picnic in the park.
Must-do activities
Visit Pike Place Market, take in panoramic city views from the Space Needle, spot killer whales near the San Juan Islands, or hike the trails of Mount Rainier National Park.
An underrated tourist spot
Alki Beach
Napa Valley, California
Unleash the romantic deep within you in California’s Napa Valley, one of the most romantic getaways in the USA. A week-long festival celebrating the craft of area musicians, artists and chefs is called Festival Napa Valley. Another music event worth planning is a trip through the Broadway and Vine series. While the region is known for its Bordeaux-based red wines, the warm weather is a great opportunity to try Chardonnay.
Must-do activities
Attend Festival Napa Valley and taste exquisite wines at Rombauer Vineyards.
An underrated tourist spot
Spa Day at the Four Seasons The Meritage Resort
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful place with vast alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and ice-capped mountain peaks. If you love outdoor activities, Glacier National Park is the best place to visit in the USA in summer. It has over 700 miles of hiking trails. Now that summer is here, you can explore all of these places without stepping on ice or snow.
Must-do activities
You can hike to Grinnell Glacier, walk the Cedars Trail, or view the colorful rocks of Lake McDonald.
An underrated tourist spot
Lake Kintla, Lake St. Mary
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers discounted nighttime gondola rides, a stargazing observation deck at the top of Snow King Mountain at 8,000 feet, and the Jenny Lake Trail offers breathtaking views of the alpine lake below.
Must-do activities
Hike in Grand Teton National Park and take a boat ride at Hidden Falls.
An underrated tourist spot
Granite Hot Springs Pool
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Visit Minneapolis’ lakes, such as De Maca Ska, Lake Harriet, and Lake of the Isles, or bike the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway, which connects more than 50 miles of bike routes in the city. Attend the annual Stone Arch Bridge Festival in June and enjoy classic car displays, food trucks, and a juried art show.
Must-do activities
Visit the Mall of America and the Minnesota State Fair
An underrated tourist spot
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains are home to over 1,500 black bears and over 200 bird species. Enjoy water activities such as whitewater rafting.
Must-do activities
Hike the Appalachian Trail and cool off at Wye and Sinks Swimming Pool.
An underrated tourist spot
Laurel Falls
San Diego, California
Visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, bike around Coronado Island, enjoy a pale ale at the International Beer Festival in June or watch the state’s biggest fireworks display from the flight deck of the USS Midway on the Fourth of July.
Must-do activities
Snorkel with leopard sharks in La Jolla Cove, see nocturnal animals at the San Diego Zoo, or build with blocks at Legoland.
An underrated tourist spot
Old Town San Diego
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park captivates visitors with its dense forests, towering mountains and 64 miles of coastline, with plenty of trails for hiking during the summer months.
Must-do activities
Hike up Cadillac Mountain or walk the Jordan Cliffs Trail.
An underrated tourist spot
Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach
Vail, Colorado
In summer, hike up to Vail Mountain and head to Epic Discovery, an high-altitude playground with a mini golf course, tubing slopes and a mountain coaster.
Must-do activities
Catch a show at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater and visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
An underrated tourist spot
Piney Lake
Panama City Beach, Florida
Image credit – airbnb.co.in
Panama City Beach is the perfect place for a fantastic summer vacation, and its main attraction, St. Andrews State Park, is a great place to enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and snorkeling.
Must-do activities
Go fishing in Panama City Beach or see marine life at Gulf World Marine Park.
An underrated tourist spot
Bayou Bill’s Crab House
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Summer is the perfect time to explore Yellowstone National Park, where activities include ziplining, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Visit the boutiques, restaurants and ice cream shops in downtown West Yellowstone.
Must-do activities
Hike the Upper Yellowstone Falls
An underrated tourist spot
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a popular summer beach holiday destination. Mini golf, thrilling water sports, and riding the SkyWheel are popular activities in Myrtle Beach.
Must-do activities
Have fun at WonderWorks, an educational amusement park.
An underrated tourist spot
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach is a great place for families to enjoy surfing, sunbathing, playing volleyball in the sand and browsing the antique shops and art galleries of Atlantic Avenue.
Must-do activities
Learn Gardening Tips at Morikami Museum and Japanese Garden
An underrated tourist spot
Silver Ball Museum
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Gatlinburg is the ideal vacation spot for those who want to enjoy clean mountain air, stunning scenery and hiking trails. Check out the water parks, museums and aquariums in this mountain town.
Must-do activities
Marvel at Ripley’s Believe It or Not or splash around at Wild Bear Falls Water Park.
An underrated tourist spot
Dollywood Amusement Park
Friday Harbor, Washington
Take a stroll and admire the vibrant waterfront architecture before stopping off at the shops and cafés along Spring Street and attending the Lavender Festival in July at Pelindaba Lavender Farm.
Must-do activities
Visit Lime Kiln Point State Park and take a whale watching boat tour to experience the Mayan heritage.
An underrated tourist spot
Lucy the Elephant, San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
Orlando, Florida
Famous for its theme parks, such as the Magic Kingdom and the gigantic Disney Castle, Orlando is one of the best summer vacation spots in the USA.
Must-do activities
Visit the Kennedy Space Center and learn about NASA’s space exploration.
An underrated tourist spot
Blue Springs State Park
Pick one of the best train trips in the USA and embark on an exciting journey to discover these amazing places. You can also add the best places in Grand Teton National Park to your itinerary for even more adventure. US passport holders should know what not to do with a US tourist visa.
