Welcome to the best summer vacations in the USA!
If you’re feeling major wanderlust, but want to stay within the States this summer, this post is for you!
I’ve rounded up all the best summer destinations- from the beach, to the mountains, and everything in between.
Let’s dive in.
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1. Anchorage, Alaska
Winter in Alaska means northern lights, winter sports, and tons of fun in the snow.
But summer is the perfect time to visit Alaska if you want to experience its beauty along with warmer weather.
So if you need some adventure this summer, Alaska’s largest city is the perfect place to spend your summer vacation.
Anchorage is a great jumping off point for many nearby national parks, including Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Katmai National Park.
Not only that, you can find lots of good food, craft beer, cool museums, and nature parks right within Anchorage itself.
For a unique experience, consider traveling Alaska by train on the Alaska Railroad.
And if you need even more incentive to visit Alaska… it’s home to some incredible experiences that EVERYONE should have on their bucket list.
I highly recommend heading over to my USA Travel Bucket List to find out more!
Related: The Ultimate USA Bucket List (50 Must-Do Things)
2. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway traverses a big stretch of California’s beautiful coast.
It begins north of San Francisco, and ends near Los Angeles.
In between, the route serves up sweeping ocean views, as well as many of the Golden State’s highlights.
Some of the must-sees include the Golden Gate Bridge, Hearst Castle, and the quaint town of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
Although the whole drive is spectacular, the rugged coastline of Big Sur is my favorite part.
This area boasts the beautiful Pfeiffer Beach, along with lots of incredible camping and hiking.
One of the best glamping resorts in the country, Ventana Big Sur, is located here.
How amazing does it sound to sleep in a luxury tent, nestled into the redwoods?
If you’re thinking hell yes, I recommend reading my guide to the Best Glamping Destinations in the USA.
Overall, summer is the perfect time to take a week and drive the PCH.
For one, you’ll want plenty of time to enjoy the road trip and each stop fully.
Also, you’ll get to experience California’s beautiful summer beach weather.
For all those reasons, driving the PCH is totally one of the best summer vacations in the USA!
Related: 20 Amazing Glamping Destinations In The United States
3. Lake Tahoe, California
While Lake Tahoe transforms into a winter wonderland in the colder months, summer here is amazing in its own rite.
In the warmer months, the lake’s crystal clear water and surrounding woods offer tons of opportunity for hiking and boating.
Paddling Lake Tahoe in a clear kayak is definitely bucket list worthy.
Not only that, Emerald Bay State Park is a must-visit.
Here, you can hike to Eagle Falls and tour Vikingsholm, an incredible 38-room Scandinavian mansion.
4. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is a chill Hawaiian island that holds a great blend of adventure and relaxing getaway.
From golden beaches and luxury resorts, to waterfall hikes and little beach towns… there’s something for everyone in Maui.
While there’s really no bad time to visit Maui, summer is the driest season.
Here, one of the coolest things to do is snorkel in Molokini Crater.
Also, watching a sunrise or sunset on Haleakala is definitely a bucket list experience!
Then, make sure to visit the quaint town of Lahaina, as well as try some local poke.
The iconic Road To Hana is another must-do, which winds through some of the most stunning views and highlights on the island.
Read more: 20 Things You Can’t Miss In Maui, Hawaii
5. Stanley, Idaho
For a summer vacation a little off the beaten path, you’ll love Stanley, Idaho!
This adorable town is nestled into Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and it’s kind of a hidden gem.
Stanley is the perfect home base for exploring all the nearby hot springs, hiking trails, and Redfish Lake.
6. Bar Harbor, Maine
This charming little bayside town is perfect for a tranquil summer getaway.
Bar Harbor is located at the gateway to Acadia National Park, which features lush forests, rugged coastlines, and lots of wildlife.
On top of that, summer on the Gulf Of Maine means prime whale-watching season!
In town, Bar Harbor also offers a selection of cute shops and cafes.
Related: 15 Best Things To Do In Maine
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Portland, Maine
7. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard is a quaint island that sits just south of Cape Cod, and is only accessible by boat or air.
Picturesque harbor towns, lighthouses, and sandy beaches make this a quintessential New England summer destination.
Renting a bike or moped and exploring the island is a must-do!
If you’re visiting from elsewhere, I recommend starting in Boston and spending a couple days there to sight-see.
While you’re there, definitely check out my Best Things To Do In Boston guide for amazing food and the cutest Boston neighborhoods.
From there, you’re just a short drive and a ferry away from Martha’s Vineyard!
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Boston
8. Glacier National Park, Montana
Impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, and towering mountains all await you at Glacier National Park.
On top of that, summer also brings colorful wildflowers, wildlife, and cascading waterfalls.
But the biggest reason you should visit in the summer is to drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road!
Spanning 50 miles in total, the Going-To-The-Sun Road is the crown jewel of Glacier.
This drive highlights many of the park’s best hikes and scenery.
However, the road must be cleared of snow every season, which is a monumental task.
This means the road is only open for a short period of time every year, which is typically July and August.
Find out more about Going-To-The-Sun Road conditions here: nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm
9. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Located on the Oregon Coast, this beach is just a short drive from Portland or even Seattle.
It may look familiar as it was a filming location in Twilight, The Goonies, and Point Break.
Not only that, National Geographic named it one of the “World’s 100 Most Beautiful Places” in 2013.
Of course, Haystack Rock is Cannon Beach’s most iconic feature.
After that, nearby Hug Point and Ecola State Park both offer hiking as well as waterfalls and tide pools to explore.
Close by, you’ll find the adorable town of Seaside, complete with a lively shopping, dining, and resort scene.
10. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier National Park is just a short drive from Seattle, and home to the majestic Mount Rainier.
I recommend flying into Seattle, spending a couple days there to sight-see, then driving over to Mount Rainier.
In Seattle, you MUST stop at Pike Place Market, which is one of the places I cover in my Best Things To Do In Seattle guide.
Anyhow, summer at Mount Rainier is the perfect time for a family or couple trip. It’s also the height of wildflower season.
There are also so many incredible hikes and diverse ecosystems in this park.
Here, you’ll find everything from rainforests and old-growth trees, to waterfalls and beautiful alpine lakes.
Or, you can just rent a cozy cabin and relax off-the-grid!
if you still need to be persuaded on why you should visit, I definitely recommend reading my Mount Rainier Travel Guide!
Read more: The Ultimate Mount Rainer National Park Travel Guide
11. Jackson, Wyoming
Wyoming is undeniably an outdoor lover’s paradise.
Here, summer brings activities like hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and more.
That said, I think Jackson perfectly blends that outdoor paradise with elevated culture.
Art galleries, boutiques, and cute restaurants line the sidewalks of this charming town.
Not only that, Jackson sits right at the entrance of Grand Teton National Park, and is just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park.
Does it get any better than that?!
12. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Ah, Yellowstone. You have a special place in my heart.
Yellowstone was the world’s first national park.
It’s now one of America’s most famous, thanks to attractions like the Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.
Not only that, it’s an amazing place to spot bears, bison, wolves, giant waterfalls, and the largest concentration of active geysers on Earth.
Yellowstone easily makes for one of the best summer vacations in the USA.
This is because summer brings mild temperatures and great camping weather.
However, that also means July and August are the park’s busiest months.
If you want to experience a Yellowstone summer while avoiding some of the crowds, try planning a trip in late May or early September.
How To Get Around On Your Summer Vacation
Of course, summer is the season of road trips!
Most of these destinations are nature-focused, so you’ll want to have your own car to get out and explore.
I highly recommend booking a rental car through RentalCars.com.
Personally, I use them every time I plan a trip.
I LOVE that they compare prices across every company at once, which saves a ton of time hunting down the best deals.
Less time researching, more time exploring right??
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