14 top destinations in the USA for your summer getaway

With summer approaching in the USA, you’re probably already envisioning your vacation spot.

You won’t be alone in that thought. From June to August, the US experiences its peak travel season. The warm weather brings music and food festivals to life, national parks open their doors, and outdoor activities abound. With schools out for the summer, expect larger crowds and higher prices at popular destinations.

Whether you're looking to explore famous landmarks or venture off the beaten path, here’s our guide to the best summer vacation spots in the United States.

1. The Big Island, Hawaii

The island of Hawai’i, commonly known as the Big Island, is the largest in the state’s archipelago, boasting breathtaking landscapes, expansive volcanic rock formations, stunning peaks and valleys, waterfalls, trails, and rugged beaches, including the unique Papakōlea green-sand beach. With eight of the world’s 13 climate zones, Hawai’i showcases remarkable ecological diversity, home to thousands of unique plant and animal species.

A car is essential to explore all the sights, though the roads are generally not crowded (except during rush hour in Kona and Hilo). Dive with manta rays in Captain Cook, go horseback riding in Waimea, stargaze at the summit of Mauna Kea, enjoy a swim at Mahaiʻula Beach, and definitely take a hike in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park. For a memorable stay, consider lodging at the historic Volcano House within the park, where Mark Twain once stayed. Start your day with a hot cup of Kona coffee at 4000 feet, and finish with a sunset mai tai on a catamaran, followed by a delicious dinner at Moon and Turtle in Hilo.

Interested in exploring more of Hawaii? Check out these must-visit destinations

2. Mackinac Island, Michigan

From either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, you can take a ferry to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the island was historically a crucial port during the North American fur trade and a battleground for the British and Americans. The pivotal moment for this 3.8-square-mile island came in 1898 when cars were banned to promote tourism. Today, transportation is solely by horse or bicycle; even the police patrol on bikes. Eighty percent of Mackinac Island is designated as state parkland.

The influx of tourists—affectionately referred to as 'Fudgies' by the locals—can be overwhelming, especially during busy summer weekends. However, as the last ferry departs in the evening and clears out the day visitors, the true charm of Mackinac reveals itself, transporting you back to a more leisurely era.

Discover more of Michigan in these must-see destinations

3. Glacier National Park, Montana

Few places on Earth are as breathtaking and untouched as Glacier National Park. Established in 1910 during the early days of the American conservation movement, Glacier stands alongside Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon as one of the country’s most incredible natural wonders. Its glacially sculpted terrain features towering snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, and stunning turquoise lakes. Dense forests surround these mountains, harboring a nearly intact pre-Columbian ecosystem. Grizzly bears roam freely, and effective park management has preserved the area’s accessibility and wild authenticity.

Planning tips: While the park is open all year, most services are unavailable from October to mid-May, making summer the ideal time to experience everything the park has to offer. Going-to-the-Sun Rd, which traverses Glacier National Park, opens only after crews complete snow removal, which can be as late as July.

Continue your Montana adventure with these top activities across the state

4. Lewes, Delaware

This charming little spot on the coast is affectionately called the “First Town in the First State” and is a summer must-visit. The highlight of Lewes is its beautiful, wheelchair-friendly beach, which is part of the expansive 5000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park. This park also features a nature reserve with engaging programs (bird walks, anyone?). The town itself enchants visitors with its historic Victorian homes, some dating back to the 1700s, antique shops brimming with treasures, beachy boutiques, numerous eateries, and the unmissable King’s Homemade Ice Cream.

Discover artifacts from the War of 1812 and other historical treasures at Cannonball House, included in the 90-minute Lewes Legends Walking Tour, which brings local history to life every Wednesday evening. Don’t miss the Historic Lewes farmers market on Saturday mornings, then head over to Eggcelent for a delightful breakfast. Enjoy a meal at an outdoor table at The Station on Kings, a stunning cafe, restaurant, and home and garden shop perfect for photos, alongside the Marigold Creamery ice cream truck. Make a reservation at Heirloom or drop by Striper Bites for a delicious dinner and drinks. And be sure to venture out on the water: we highly recommend Cape Water Tours for their “Dolphin Watch” cruise.

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park serves as the vibrant, untamed core of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Its star attractions are the geysers and hot springs—nature’s spectacular wonders—but this land of fire and steam constantly breathes, exhales, and bubbles like a giant cauldron. The park’s roads wind through these geysers, across meadows and forests, past herds of bison and campsites filled with the scent of pine and campfires. Nestled in this expanse is the largest elk population in the country, the oldest and most extensive wild bison herds on the continent, and a pristine wilderness inhabited by wolves, grizzly bears, moose, and antelope.

Planning tips: The peak season for visiting Yellowstone is from June to August, attracting over half of the park's visitors. This is when the full array of visitor services, accommodations, and park entrances are available. Hotel prices soar in nearby towns, park campgrounds fill up by midday, so making reservations is crucial.

Seeking more thrilling adventures? Check out our top recommendations in Yellowstone National Park

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are delicate strands of sand stretching over 100 miles along the Atlantic coast, divided from the mainland by sounds and waterways. This stretch includes the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, famous for its impressive lighthouses. A scenic drive along Hwy 12, which links much of the Outer Banks and is part of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, offers one of America’s great road trip experiences through 21 charming coastal villages.

The charming waterfront town of Manteo serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Outer Banks. Close to the harbor lies Roanoke Island Festival Park, where visitors can discover the history of the first English colonies in North America. In the summer, don't miss the captivating performances of the Lost Colony Outdoor Drama in the amphitheater, depicting the story of the settlers who arrived in Manteo in the 1580s and mysteriously vanished before Plymouth Rock.

Searching for more road trip ideas? Check out our guide to the best scenic drives in the US

7. Boston, Massachusetts

The history of Boston is a tale of revolution and evolution, making it one of the most innovative and progressive cities in the nation today. Often considered the oldest city in the US, Boston's cobblestone streets are teeming with historic sites at every turn. Yet, this city doesn’t dwell solely in the past; its tradition of cultural support ensures that the art and music scenes remain vibrant and relevant. Ongoing urban development projects are revitalizing neighborhoods, while esteemed universities continue to attract thinkers and creators who contribute to the city's dynamic culture.

Planning tips: While Boston summers can be sweltering and humid, the atmosphere noticeably calms when students leave and locals retreat to their summer homes. When the heat gets intense, escape to the nearby enchanting North Shore beaches.

Prepare for your visit with our guide to Boston's top experiencesIt’s hard not to fall for the easygoing charm of San Diego © f11photo / Shutterstock

8. San Diego, California

San Diego proudly claims the title of “America’s Finest City,” reflecting the easygoing confidence and sunny disposition that greet you on the streets. While it may feel like a collection of unique neighborhoods, San Diego stands as the eighth-largest city in the US, and despite its size, it’s one of the most relaxed places you could ever visit.

What’s not to adore? San Diego is packed with iconic attractions for everyone, including the renowned zoo and the museums at Balboa Park. Add in the fantastic seafood, a vibrant downtown, stunning hikes, and over 60 beaches, plus what might be the best weather in the USA, and you have a recipe for perfection.

Planning a family trip to the USA? Check out our family travel guide

Aspen, Colorado is more than just a winter hotspot © SeanXu / Getty Images

9. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is renowned as one of the world’s premier mountain getaways, but its appeal goes far beyond winter skiing. With each season, Aspen reveals new colors and character. In the fall, the hills are aglow with millions of golden aspen leaves. Winter brings bustling slopes and lively parties. As spring arrives, flowers bloom around shimmering alpine lakes. And in summer—oh, summer in Aspen!—the scene is vibrant, filled with music festivals, arts, and countless trails to explore under the stunning blue Colorado sky.

Historic downtown is filled with fantastic restaurants at nearly every turn. Combine this with an effortlessly stylish atmosphere that enhances every experience—what you eat, see, and do—and you may just find the perfect mountain getaway.

Enjoying scenic hikes? Check out Colorado's top picks

Immerse yourself in art and architecture during a summer visit to Chicago © Getty Images

10. Chicago, Illinois

With its towering skyscrapers, acclaimed chefs, and lively festivals, the Windy City offers a captivating blend of laid-back culture and excitement. In Chicago, you'll be amazed by the stunning architecture, from the soaring, glass-floored Willis Tower to Frank Gehry’s shimmering Pritzker Pavilion and the stained-glass beauty of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. Public art adds a whimsical touch to the streets; one moment you’re walking along, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with a climbable Picasso statue. For art lovers, the choices abound: admire Impressionist works at the grand Art Institute of Chicago, explore vibrant pieces at the National Museum of Mexican Art, or discover unique drawings at the intimate Intuit gallery.

Planning tips: Chicago experiences its busiest tourist season from June to August. During summer, festivals fill Chicago’s neighborhoods nearly every weekend, while Millennium Park hosts a variety of concerts downtown. Fireflies light up the evenings, and although it can get hot and humid, it’s all part of the charm!

No matter your vacation style, here's what to experience on your Chicago trip

Enjoy the vibrant flowers of summer in Portland, Oregon © Jakub Zajic / Shutterstock

11. Portland, Oregon

Renowned for its exceptional coffee, vast array of food carts, and outstanding craft breweries, Portland is a hub of indie-inspired superlatives and charming quirks. The city boasts an incredible wealth of natural beauty, featuring stunning parks, lush trees, and vibrant flowering shrubs that adorn picturesque residential streets. The Willamette River gracefully winds through the city, framed by the majestic sight of Mt. Hood in the distance. Summer in Portland is a festival lover's dream, highlighted by events like the Portland Rose Festival, as wildflowers burst into full bloom in early summer.

Explore beyond Portland with the best places to visit in Oregon

You’ll be awed by the immense scale of the legendary Grand Canyon © canadastock / Shutterstock

12. Grand Canyon, Arizona

No amount of reading or viewing photographs can truly prepare you for the Grand Canyon. Its iconic beauty and breathtaking scale are utterly captivating, leaving you spellbound. The canyon's vastness, coupled with the dramatic interplay of light and shadow at dawn or dusk, demands superlatives. The Grand Canyon epitomizes the grandeur and majesty of the American West, showcasing its stunning landscapes, rugged trails, and rich tales of exploration, conservation, and conflict.

Planning tips: While most visitors flock to the canyon's South Rim, summer is the ideal season to experience the North Rim, which is accessible only from mid-May to mid-October. The North Rim offers an elevated experience: higher elevations, cooler temperatures, steeper trails, and even more breathtaking views. Due to its increased rainfall and snowfall, erosion has carved deeper canyons here, creating intricate side canyons and leaving towering rock formations above the Colorado River.

Uncover the most stunning areas of Grand Canyon National Park on these scenic hikes

Experience the unique charm of the various small communities that comprise South Walton, Florida © Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock

13. South Walton, Florida

Nestled between Destin and Panama City along Scenic Highway 30A in the Florida Panhandle, you’ll find 16 unincorporated communities collectively known as South Walton. Each town boasts its own distinct personality, often featuring master-planned resort-style architecture. If you can only visit two, we highly recommend the enchanting Grayton Beach, reminiscent of a haven for artistic souls who found success (definitely consider spending the night), and the impeccably designed village of Seaside, famous for being the filming location of The Truman Show. Additional highlights include the whimsically named WaterColor, the Moroccan-inspired Alys Beach, and the Dutch-style Rosemary Beach.

Dive deeper into Highway 30A with our first-timer's guide

Nature reigns supreme in the Ozarks, the hilly region of Missouri that stretches into Arkansas and Oklahoma © larrybraunphotography.com / Getty Images

14. The Ozarks, Missouri

While flashy Branson attracts the majority of tourists—offering a wealth of family-friendly entertainment and over-the-top musicals—hiking and river floating are truly the highlights of visiting the Ozarks. Beyond Branson, this mountain range spanning Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma showcases the beauty of nature.

The real allure of the Ozarks lies in its rolling hills and deep ravines, where crystal-clear spring-fed rivers transport legions of joyful floaters downstream. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways—home to the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers—offers 134 miles of magnificent canoeing and tubing opportunities. On land, you might just stumble upon a quaint village that looks straight out of a movie set.

Enhance your Ozarks adventure with the top things to do