22 Best Places to Visit This Summer in the USA

Why Summer 2025 is Your Time to Explore the USA

I’ll never forget the first time I tilted my head back and gazed at the waterfall at Multnomah Falls outside Portland Oregon. The mist cooling the summer breeze and the gorgeous arching stone bridge that reminded me of Rivendell in Lord of the Rings. That’s the kind of moment that makes me itch to hit the road and travel every June through July. Summer in 2025 is shaping up to be an excellent time to explore the USA. This lineup of 22 spots has it all from cities to mountains. From coast to coast I’ve got you covered with the best places to visit this summer in the USA.

West Coast Wonders

1. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s perched up in the Pacific Northwest of the United States and during the summer days hover in the low 70s. The air smells like pine and saltwater and the city has that laid-back coolness with Puget Sound lapping at its edges and evergreen hills rolling out toward Mount Rainier. Seattle is a solid pick if you want to skip the sweaty heat waves.

Things to Do: For an uncommon way to see a city, paddle a kayak across Lake Union and watch the houseboats bob by or hop a ferry to Bainbridge Island. Hike the impressive trails of Mount Rainier if you’re up for a day trip and fall in love with the colorful wildflowers in July. Back in Seattle, be sure to swing by Pike Place Market for fresh salmon or a quick coffee. If you’re into baseball you can catch a Mariners game or the Museum of Pop Culture if you’re into cinema.

2. San Diego, California

Moving south down the west coast to California brings us to San Diego, another place with amazing weather. In San Diego the Pacific waves crash in just right and the city’s got this easygoing rhythm that makes summer feel endless…exactly what you need when the rest of the country’s roasting.

Things to Do: Bring a towel and spend a morning on La Jolla’s beaches and let the seals entertain you. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular in the area. Wander Balboa Park’s gardens and museums for hours or grab fish tacos in Old Town (they’re cheap and delicious every time). Tour the USS Midway if you’re curious about naval history and it’s docked downtown and pretty cool to explore.

3. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Straddling the state lines of both California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe drop dead gorgeous and lives up to the hype. It’s an alpine lake ringed by pine forests and snowy peaks that mellow out in summer. The water’s so clear you can see straight down and it’s a slice of heaven all year round.

Things to Do: Rent a paddleboard and glide across the lake. The views are worth the wobble and potentially falling in. Hike the Tahoe Rim Trail for a mix of forest and vistas and the trail has sections for all hiking abilities. Spend the afternoon at Emerald Bay, a the little island in the middle of Lake Tahoe or ride the Heavenly Gondola up for a panorama that’ll make you glad you brought a camera.

4. Portland (and the Hood River), Oregon

Portland sits in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and there is plenty to do if you’re thinking of visiting for summer vacation. Portland is a city of bridges and blooms while an hour east is Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge with cliffs and windy waters. Summer ties them together with warm days and vivid lush green everywhere. A duo that’s tough to beat for city-and-nature lovers.

Things to Do: Be sure to stop by Portland’s International Rose Test Garden during the summer when the flowers are in full swing and giving off a delicate fragrance. Hit the food trucks downtown where I promise you’ll find everything from tacos to dumplings. Drive out and hike Multnomah Falls near Hood River (my favorite spot) or spend the day at Powell’s Books if you’re a booklover. As for some other activities in the area, try kiteboarding in Hood River if you’re feeling bold or sip some pinot at a nearby winery like Willamette Valley’s.

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Midwest Gems

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a historic classic city that I honestly have not explored nearly enough of. The city hugs Lake Michigan’s shore and its skyline of steel reflects enchantingly in the water. Chicago is a great place to travel to in the summer because the Great Lake is finally warm enough to jump into and the city is alive with festivals and fun!

Things to Do: Wander the Riverwalk and grab a drink by the water or order deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s for a cheesy tomato heaven. Bike the Lakefront Trail for 18 miles around Lake Michigan or head over to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game. And if you’re planning a visit to Chicago during the end of July/early August you can catch a Lollapalooza. The music is loud and the crowd is electric and all round it’s a good time.

6. Traverse City, Michigan

Up next is Traverse City in northern Michigan. When summertime hits, this city is all about Grand Traverse Bay’s sparkling waters and orchards bursting with ripe cherries. Traverse City has this quiet beauty with its rolling dunes and small-town ease that makes it a sweet spot to unwind.

Things to Do: There’s plenty to fill your summer days in Traverse City. Kayak the shoreline or swim the bay for a cold but refreshing start to your day. Climb the Sleeping Bear Dunes which have an adorable name by the way or grab some warm fresh cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Co. It’s a must. And of course don’t miss touring a winery like Chateau Chantal.

7. Mackinac Island, Michigan

I’ve heard very good things about this place from friends who grew up visiting every year. Mackinac Island is a little island in Lake Huron wedged between Michigan’s peninsulas. It’s an enchanting island where cars don’t exist and horse carriages clop around Victorian houses. Summer keeps it bustling with tourists but at the same time it’s a soothing place with lilacs blooming and fudge wafting through the air.

Things to Do: Let’s be real: start with the fudge. You can shop for some downtown at places like Ryba’s and stop for some tea at the Grand Hotel while you’re at it.  If you’re looking for more outdoor activities, take a bike the 8-mile loop around the island or kayak out to Arch Rock to enjoy the clear water and the cool rock frame. You can spend days hiking through Mackinac Island State Park. The park is full of short trails and peaceful woods.

8. Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is so much fun to explore during the summer, not just in the fall! I spent a week camping on the shores of Lake Michigan one summer and fell in love with this little pocket of Wisconsin. Jutting into the Great Lake, Door County is on Wisconsin’s peninsula. The area is dotted with cherry trees and lighthouses and summer warms it up with blue skies and a coastal feel that’s pure Midwest coziness. The bluffs and bays make Door Country beautiful and it’s entertaining to shop their boutique stores.

Things to Do: Kayak Cave Point’s cliffs, go camping, or swim in Lake Michigan. Find some ice cream on a hot day (my personal favorite) or dig in and eat some fish boil. It’s a local tradition with whitefish and potatoes. If you visit Door County anytime from July to August, bring a basket and pick some of their famous tart cherries. You can also tour Cana Island Lighthouse or take a ferry to Washington Island to swim at Schoolhouse Beach; a white stone pebble beach.

East Coast Classics

9. Acadia National Park (and Bar Harbor), Maine

Acadia’s sprawled along Maine’s coast and it has been high on my bucket list for a very long time. Think rocky cliffs and pounding Atlantic waves while Bar Harbor sits close with its fishing boats and shingled charming village feel. The summer provides a cool breeze that cuts through the heat making Acadia a nature-packed retreat.

Things to Do: If you’re an early riser even on summer vacation consider hiking Cadillac Mountain to catch the first U.S. sunrise on the east coast. Sail out of Bar Harbor or even just spend a day watching the lobster boats bob up and down in the water. For my more active travelers, hike the carriage roads for miles of gravel through serene woods or paddle a canoe on Jordan Pond. Aside from the scenery, there’s the food:  Eat lobster rolls at Stewman’s for a messy but delicious dinner you’ll be craving long after you return home. 

10. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod stretches into the Atlantic off Massachusetts as a sandy arm of beaches and salty towns. Summer warms the dunes and fills the air with fried clam smells and it is classic New England at its sunniest.

Things to Do: Bike the 25 miles of the Cape Cod Rail Trail or book a whale-watching trip from Provincetown to see humpback whales. If you think the water is warm enough for you, swim at Nauset Light Beach. Chow down on clam chowder (it’s a must for Cape Cod) at the Lobster Pot or check out the Sandwich Glass Museum or a oddly specific or but really cool history museum.

11. New York City, New York

NYC’s a beast of a city, and let’s be real, the city doesn’t really need an introduction. With glass and steel towers scraping the sky and Central Park sprawling green spaces, summer in New York City dials everything up to eleven with long days and streets that never sleep. It’s chaos, calm, and iconic all at once.

Things to Do: Sip drinks at a rooftop bar like Top of the Strand’s or spend an entire day wandering Central Park. Ride the Cyclone at Coney Island or catch a Broadway show for a good time!  For the classic touristy places, take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty or stand in Times Square.

12. Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is a lot slower and calmer than New York, but that doesn’t make it any less intriguing for a summer trip. Parked by Lake Champlain with the Green Mountains rising behind, Burlington is a small city that feels big in summer with warm days lighting up the water and trails. It’s got a college-town feel that’s easy to love.

Things to Do: Join a tour or rent a boat and set sail on Lake Champlain. Bike the Island Line Trail for 14 miles of lakefront and causeway or hike Mount Philo for a short climb with a big payoff. In town you can sip beer at Switchback Brewery or browse Church Street Marketplace.

13. Nantucket, Massachusetts

30 miles off Cape Cod is Nantucket: an island of weathered cottages and wild beaches. Summer turns it into a quiet haven with waves rolling in and bike paths winding through scrubby dunes.

Things to Do: Bike to Brant Point Lighthouse which looks like a literal postcard or sail the harbor for a day on the water. Dig clams at Madaket Beach, explore all of the little stores that sell nautical gear and sweets, and have a picnic at Sconset Bluff for a mix of roses and ocean.

Southern Stops for Sun and Soul

14. Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks are alluring during the summer. These narrow islands off North Carolina are wild beaches with a mix of tales of 16th-century explorers and the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Summer’s balmy sun makes the sand and history pop.

Things to Do: Swim at Nags Head (I promise the water is warm by July) or fish off Jennette’s Pier. For more activities, climb the huge Jockey’s Ridge dunes then have fun sliding down in the sand or kayak the Soundside Marshes to see all of the birds. End your trip with a visit to the Wright Brothers Memorial if you are interested in learning about American innovation.

15. St. Augustine, Florida

Heading down in northeast Florida brings us to St. Augustine. Founded in 1565 with Spanish stone forts and Atlantic waves, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S.. It’s got this old-world feel with a beachy twist and is a captivating place to visit this summer.

Things to Do: Spend a day on a historic tour of Castillo de San Marcos and see the ancient cannons. Swim at Anastasia State Park or rent a boat for the Matanzas River through the mangroves. Wander the cobblestone streets in St. George Street meander through their stores before ending the day sipping sangria at Columbia Restaurant.

16. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston’s pressed against South Carolina’s coast and for years I had no idea it even existed. The city is lovely. Think pastel houses and oaks dripping with moss. The summer heat brings out the hospitality of the city and lights up the waterfront with golden hues.

Things to Do: Kayak the Ashley River and look out for dolphins who sometimes pop up. Snap pics at Rainbow Row with its bright lively colors that scream summer. If you love food and are looking for some summer comfort, eat shrimp and grits at Husk. Charleston also offers a peak into history with a tour of Boone Hall Plantation. And of course, there’s the beach. Hit Folly Beach for waves and a pier perfect for lazy afternoons.

Mountain and Desert Adventures

17. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is famous for a reason. It sprawls across Wyoming’s northwest and parts of Montana and Idaho. The park is full of natural geographic wonders like geysers and steaming hot springs. Don’t forget all of the animals like wolves and bison! Yellowstone is very busy during the summer but that’s because it’s when it all opens up for roaming and marveling.

Things to Do: Watch Old Faithful blow. It’s supposed to go off every 90 minutes or so but when I went we stayed for hours and it never happened. Hopefully you’ll have better luck!  Hike around Grand Prismatic Spring with its wild colors and try to spot bison in Lamar Valley (I suggest you bring binoculars). Yellowstone is another great location for fishing on this list if peaceful days by the water are what you need to take your summers up to a whole new level.

18. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas sits in the Mojave Desert and it is not just a place for weekend shows and casinos. Las Vegas is a great choice for both travelers who love nature as well as anyone who likes bright lights, shopping, and cities. With it’s neon glow against red rock cliffs and blazing hot summers, Las Vegas and the surrounding nearby area has something to offer everyone.

Things to Do: Lounge by a resort pool (Bellagio has a solid one) or catch a Cirque du Soleil show. That’s been on my bucket list for a while. If you prefer passing the summer outside in nature then try hiking Red Rock Canyon or travel out to Zion National Park. You can also take a day trip to the massive Hoover Dam. It’s only about 45 minutes away.

19. Moab, Utah

I don’t hear many people talk about Moab but they should. Moab is in Utah’s desert core and its red rock towers and arches baking under the dry summer sun are made for exploring. It’s raw and wide open, definitely a playground for anyone who loves dirt and sky.

Things to Do: Hike to Delicate Arch for three miles of wow or raft the Colorado River with its intense rapids. Explore Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky, go mountain biking at Slickrock Trail or stargaze after dark in the clear desert skies.

Looking for even more do to in the southwest? Here’s 13 Day Trips in Northern Arizona Near Flagstaff (2 hours away or less!)

20. Glacier National Park, Montana

Up near Canada in Montana in another brilliant national park. Glacier National Park is a sprawl of jagged peaks and glassy lakes and summer is the perfect season to visit because that’s when the snow melts and the land turns it into a hiker’s dream with wildflowers everywhere.

Things to Do: Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50 miles scenic drive full of cliffs and curves. You can kayak Lake McDonald, hike Bearhat Mountain, or fish Hidden Lake. Another great option in the park is to picnic at Logan Pass in the meadows and amongst the nearby mountain goats.

21. Telluride, Colorado

As a native Colorado girl, I’m biased when it comes to all places Colorado…or really anywhere with mountains. That being said, Telluride is one place you’ve got to see! Tucked away and hidden in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Telluride is a mining town turned exclusive high-end mountain retreat with meadows full of wildflowers. The summers here are lovely and the cool refreshing air makes it an alpine go-to that’s tough to top!

Things to Do: For panoramas of the mountains take a ride in the gondolas and for hiking and waterfalls try Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest waterfall in Colorado. If you like to fish there are plenty of trout in the San Miguel River or if you are more into shopping, spend a day browsing main street with Telluride’s cozy brick shops. You can also catch a bluegrass festival if you’re traveling in June. If you have more time, take a road trip on the Million Dollar Highway for intense turns and gorgeous mountain views!

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22. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Above the splendor of Colorado lies Wyoming, another western state with just as much adventure and grandeur. Jackson Hole is a valley under the Grand Tetons, rugged peaks that tower over ranches and rivers. The numerous long days of summer make Jackson Hole a spot for outdoor outings with a cowboy twist.

Things to Do: Raft the Snake River and it’s class III rapids or hike Grand Teton National Park on trails like Cascade Canyon. If you’re looking for something to do in town, watch a rodeo or sip whiskey at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar made of saddle seats and all! Also don’t forget to ride the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram. It only takes 12 minutes to see beautiful mountain backdrops.

Summer Travel Tips

Packing’s half the battle when it comes to summer travel because every place is different when it comes to weather. Bring layers if you plan on visiting any mountainous regions because Tahoe nights and Glacier mornings can get a little chilly, even in August. Despite the potential cool weather, sunscreen’s a must wherever you go this summer. Don’t forget a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated on trails or city exploration. 

Timing matters so hit parks early to dodge the midday rush whereas some cities like NYC or Chicago are better in the late afternoon when crowds thin out. Gear-wise, comfy shoes are a non-negotiable no matter where you go (no need for blisters!)

If you’re looking to make a day trip out of any of these summer spots, here’s how to efficiently pack for a weekend trip.

Where’s Your Summer Adventure?

These 22 places are the real deal and are a surefire way to make your summer this year a good one! So pick one that calls to you and get ready for a road trip! Which spot’s got your name on it? Drop it in the comments, I’m dying to hear where you’re headed!

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