Summer Vacation Destination

Beat the heat of the summer. Plan your travel, go, and pack your bag. Stay out of your home and embrace the vibrant weather and the enticing panorama of the best summer vacation destinations of your choice. Explore various places in the world to have more fun at this time of the year.  Find the best summer vacation spots.

You can visit Italy, France, England, and other parts of the world as dream-come-true perfect getaways for summer.

There are various summer destinations as the top summer vacation destinations globally. Below are suggestions as places to go in the summer.

Places to visit in the U.S. during summer

Yellowstone

Are you looking for an outdoor paradise for enthusiasts during summer or simply looking for the best summer destinations? Consider the Yellowstone National Park with its dramatic peaks and pristine lakes. The park’s unspoiled natural beauty might sound like an exaggeration. Still, you get what you see, multicolored pools curving around hot springs, verdant forests expanding lush fields, and volatile geysers and awe-inspiring waterfalls streaming fresh water from the sky. No wonder this park is one of the best summer vacation spots during summer.

The park, home to buffalo, elk, and grizzlies, consists of more than 3,000 square miles combining mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls.

Enjoy the view of Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs. This scenery is one of the ideal summer vacation spots.

If you stay your entire trip at Old Faithful, you will see much Yellowstone.

The park offers plenty of untouched territory to explore. Spend some time for the trails through lesser-known regions, including hot springs of the West Thumb Geyser Basin and the untamed wildlife dotting the Lewis River Channel and Dogshead Loop. The area to explore may sound intimidating, but you can always arrange a visit anytime.

Grand Teton National Park

From Jackson Hole Valley, the magnificent view of the Teton Mountains at 500-square-mile Grand Teton National Park is ideal for photo-ops, making it one of the best summer vacation spots. The park, however, is not just for photographers and mountaineers because during summer, the trails are open for all hikers to discover hidden waterfalls and the captivating views of the Tetons.

Do kayaking and rafting at the Snake River.

Discover more about history at the Historic districts of Menors Ferry and Mormon Row.

Enjoy as you witness the diversity of wildlife, including black bears, grizzlies, moose, antelope, and bison.

During autumn, golden aspens light the park.

Come and visit Yellowstone and enjoy its breathtaking views.

Chicago

Experience Chicago as an excellent getaway or one of the places to visit in summer. Visitors visit Chicago for its skyscrapers, view, arts, shopping, and food.

Admire Chicago’s skyscrapers and public art. Spend some time for Chicago Architecture River Cruise or a few hours at Millennium Park. For a bird’s eye view perspective, proceed to Willis Tower’s Skydeck Chicago or the John Hancock Center’s 360 Chicago Observation Deck.  

Maximize your visit by including the exceptional museums, sports culture, and eating deep-dish pizza in your itinerary.

Do not forget Chicago on your list for summer.

San Diego

With its consistently sunny weather along 70 miles of magnificent coastline, soak up the sun at San Diego while indulging yourself in mouthwatering Mexican cuisine. Catch a wave at Mission Beach, expose your skin to the sun at La Jolla, and decide for a leisurely seaside stroll at Coronado.

By the way, do not forget San Diego has one of the country’s favorite zoos. A family with kids will make it a memorable getaway. 

And because San Diego has a thriving nightlife, get ready to find yourself engaged in an energetic night during summer in San Diego.   

Include San Diego on your list of the best places to travel in the summer.

Glacier National Park

Visit the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park in June to witness its dizzying array of natural beauty. Find this park on the border of Canada and Montana as it showcases the remnants of glaciers from the ice age. 

This park is a favorite pick among hikers for its variety of trails for all skill levels beginning from the Trail of the Cedars to the challenging Grinnell Glacier.

Not only that. The park boasts more than 700 lakes, many waterfalls, and two mountain ranges lying across more than one million acres home to various wildlife. 

Visit the National Historic Landmark, an engineering marvel with spectacular views at Going-to-the-Sun Road.

One last thing. Do not worry about where to stay at the park because Great Northern Railway provides lodges, chalets, and hotels of your choice.

Summer has a perfect celebration at Glacier National Park. Do not miss it on your list as indeed, it is one of the best places to go in summer.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is a natural wonder, with its river having 277 miles in length, 18 miles in width, and a mile deep – truly a massive chasm in Northern Arizona. This park is a good suggestion for a summer vacation destination.

Be part of the 6 million enthralled visitors per year of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will witness how the mighty Colorado River expanded it for years as it showcases red and orange grandeur.

A perfect retreat from the crowded Grand Canyon is a good idea. A secluded escape to mother nature at Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail is an excellent idea for sightseers and hikers. Have your backwoods camping and hardcore hiking at the North Rim.

For an aerial view of the Grand Canyon, consider signing up for a helicopter tour.

San Francisco

San Francisco flaunts art, cuisine, and adventure to beckon visitors and travelers alike every year. Experience the city’s magnificent sights, world-class cuisine, cozy cafes, and stunning nightlife venues.

There are many things to do in San Francisco. Budget an hour or two to sun yourself at sea lions on the bay, admire the views of the city from Twin Peaks, stroll along the Marina, enjoy a ride on a cable car, hop on a boat for a cruise beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Finally, join one of San Francisco’s best wine tours for a relaxing day trip. No wonder why Tony Bennett left his heart in San Francisco.

Are you ready to leave your heart in San Francisco during the summer?

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a scenic breather combining all the qualities of the state. What to expect from Bar Harbor? Soothing views of the water from left to right and rocky coastlines inspiring landscape painting are the first to greet travelers in this destination.

Bar Harbor is also the jumping-off point for Maine’s best whale watching tours.

Discover more about the place as you take a pleasant long stroll, watch the water sway as the day passes by, and enjoy tasty local foods, such as finger-licking local lobster.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a popular getaway during summer as hotels fill up quickly, especially July and August as the season’s peak.

Experience beaches with tide pools, towering rock formations, and waves ideal for surfing.

At Cannon Beach, remarkably in June, get the chance to spot migrating gray whales. Wait until July to see tufted puffins nesting on Haystack Rock.

Boston

A hub for baseball, brownstones, and bookish collegiate types, is an understatement as a description for Boston. The city is home to America’s first extensive free municipal public library, the first subway system, the first public school, and the first public park.

Experience Boston and cherish the following sites: Paul Revere House, Faneuil Hall, Museum of Fine Arts, and Beacon Hill.

Go for antique shopping at SoWa Open Market. Attend a free yoga class at Greenway, chow down on oyster shooters or sip your coffee as you stroll along the trendy Newbury Street.

Boston’s calm, cosmopolitan personality is depicted from its trendy restaurants, urban parks, and modern museums.

Live through a piece of Boston during your summer vacation.

Zion National Park

Once so quiet before, the Zion National Park welcomes more than four million visitors every year. The park displays apricot-colored Zion Canyon wading through its Virgin River or ascending Angels Landing. Stars blanket and illuminate the sky at night, a calming welcome from a very long day.

Consider this scenic park for a relaxing summer getaway.   

Outer Banks

Outer Banks is the best family beach vacation in the U.S. The place is ideal for travelers who want to get away from too crowded and overly developed touristy towns. Expect to see old lighthouses, rugged dunes, secluded beaches with vacation rentals, water sports, kitschy beach shops, and all-natural beauty in the absence of ample nightlife.

With the reputation as “The graveyard of the Atlantic,” Outer Banks’ 3,000 shipwrecks are visible by snorkeling or scuba diving.   

Families can explore more the beaches, the mini-golf courses, and the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island.

Bring with you during summer your family to Outer Banks.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

With more than 10 million visitors each year, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park spans Tennessee and North Carolina. Travelers enjoy scenic drives to Cades Cove or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, and fishing, ideal for distressing you from tough city life.

Hike and have your picnic at Abrams or Rainbow Falls. Bike the Cades Cove Loop when the road is closed to traffic.

To learn more about the park’s history, visit the Cades Cove Visitor Center and learn more about the historic gristmill and Cable Mill. Stop by Sugarlands Visitor Center to see wildlife exhibits.

The park also has film viewing and unique items for souvenirs at the gift shop.

Cape Cod

The Cape is a top summer retreat for New England mainlanders due to its colorful clam shacks, shingle-style cottages, and serene beaches. Part of the charm of The Cape is its slow-paced-life provision. That made it a sought-after spot for celebrities and athletes ready to be served with quaint bed-and-breakfast accommodations over rugged dunes, scenic bike trails, and endless seashore punctuated by vibrant kayaks and fishing boats for whale watchers.

Experience more about the pristine Cape beaches, striking views, and world-class seafood. Feel its low-key vibes for your perfect retreat from the fast-paced city life.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Known for its horseshoe-shaped canyons, Bryce Canyon National Park catches the attention of visitors who love to explore the slot canyons, windows, fins, and the tall skinny spires called hoodoos. Because of its elevations that reach up to 9,115 feet, Bryce’s visibility on a clear day spans 150 miles.

Exposed to little pollution, Bryce is ideal for stargazing activity.

The next time you book for a summer getaway, do not forget to include Bryce Canyon National Park on your list.

Aspen

Aspen is a cut-above any other winter wonderlands. The main draw in this popular travel destination is skiing for winter sports. But the place is not only for skiing. High-end shopping, remarkable museums, excellent galleries, and fun festivals add to the vacation flavor of the site. 

Aspen provides high-end resorts that draw the rich and the famous who look for luxurious privacy. High-end resorts like The Little Nell and Viceroy Snowmass are excellent suggestions.

Costly as it may sound, but never get the idea of it to get into your mind. Just admire the place, and some sites like Maroon Bells are free.

It is prestigious to visit Aspen. Grab that prestige during the summer.

Mount Rainier National Park

The dominating feature of Mount Rainier National Park is the contrast between the steaming 14,410-foot-tall active volcano and its glaciated peak and icy rivers along its sides. Thousands of visitors come to Mount Rainier every year.

Visitors who are not experienced mountaineers may still enjoy the park by driving up to Sunrise, 6,400 feet, and the highest point accessible by car.  

Travelers can head to subalpine meadows to witness the beautiful blanket of wildflowers for photo-ops and memories to cherish during the summer.

Golden Isles

Luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and highly rated golf courses are among the attractions of the Golden Isles composed of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons Island, and Brunswick.

Active travelers pick between tennis, biking, boating, fishing, and hiking as popular activities.

For romantic moments, travelers can do horseback riding on the beach.

Barbecue and succulent seafood are top choices for dining.

Steamboat Springs

For a nature lover and adventurer, the famous hot springs of Steamboat is an excellent suggestion for travel.

During summer, fishing and camping are what entice visitors.

Start exploring the place with a ride on the Steamboat Gondola for panoramic views. Never miss Fish Creek Falls, Steamboat Ski Resort, Yampa River Core Trail, and a zip line. Unwind in Strawberry Park Hot Springs’ mineral pools.

For those who want a more urban taste of the vacation, the place has more than 100 bars and restaurants, art galleries, and Tread of Pioneers Museum. 

Stretch your muscles and go to The Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs and the Howelsen Ice Arena for tennis, ice skating, and more.

Portland, ME

Portland charm naturally features as typical Maine topography. Museums, secluded beaches on island shorelines, local boutiques, centuries-old lighthouses, and delicious lobster rolls are what draw visitors to Portland. This destination is also an ideal jumping-off point for the best whale watching in Maine.

Other places to visit during summer

Paris, France

The summer in Paris lasts between June and August, when the city lets the world enjoy its many offerings by hosting summer music festivals, national holiday parades, and food festivals.

Paris, the City of Light, together with its unforgettable ambiance, is a treasured experience for all visitors and travelers alike. Millions of visitors place Paris as one of their top travel destinations every year. Who would forget the iconic Paris and its gentle river Seine that rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo, Neoclassic-design architecture with cascading trees and glowing streetlamps?

Paris is known for its divine cuisine, vast art collections, and fashions. Indeed, the city’s brand images for many decades, and Paris is truly a city of many splendors.

Visit Musée d’Orsay, Champs Ėlysées, Le Marais, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles Palace. These are some of the most iconic places in Paris.

But some best things in life are simple pleasures. Find it at the marvelous arrondissements (districts) and have your snacks with street crepes, simply among the best things to do during summer.

Vancouver, Canada

A perfect blend of urban and a natural playground draws visitors to Vancouver. The place creates its scenery, as mountains and beaches surround it.

Vancouver’s breathtaking backdrops often appear in popular television shows and major motion pictures.

Ideal activities for visitors in Vancouver include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and skiing.

For relaxation, Vancouver has 11 miles of beaches and numerous parks.

Family-friendly attractions include Granville Island and Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Vancouver offers excellent shopping, dining, and nightlife scenes to the mix for a multifaceted traveler.

Florence, Italy

Summer in Florence begins in May and ends in August. Colorful festivals and splendid attractions await the visitors planning to spend their summer in Florence.

Do not forget to visit the Duomo, one of the best places to visit in Florence during summer.

Enjoy the Maggio Musicale, Italy’s most famous opera and one of the best Florence summer festivals.

You can’t miss Florence, the wellspring of the Renaissance. It is a special place providing you the perks to take a glimpse of Renaissance art and history. Food tours and cooking classes are also remarkable highlights in Florence. Explore the treasure of Tuscany and its excellent Italian cuisine.

But visitors visit Florence for its art, history, and cuisine. The city is also famous for its gorgeous sunsets and romantic charm, things you will surely love during summer.

Rome, Italy

Welcome to Rome, the city of seven hills. Summer in Rome arrives in June and lasts until the end of September.

It is good to spend your summer visiting the iconic attractions of Rome. 

Rome is a haven of some of Europe’s top attractions, such as The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, which showcase the momentous past of Rome as the primary focus among vacationers.

Rome tops the city that provides world-class food, shops, cafes, and funky neighborhoods. The splendid Italian fare, like gelato, will indeed win your heart once you taste it.

A stay of just five days in Rome will bring you the feeling of discontentment. Although this city may look classic because of the preserved ambiance history of its past, it is modern with vibrant designer storefronts, sleek hotels, and cutting-edge restaurants you can truly enjoy the rest of your summer.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

As a Marvelous City, Rio de Janeiro is a glimmering metropolis as it rests at the mouth of a bay harbor and is lined with white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and green mountains.  

The iconic 125-foot tall Christ the Redeemer overlooks Rio’s pristine beaches. Admire the picture-perfect backdrop of Rio at Copacabana and Ipanema.

Rio has much more than its scenic galore, tropical rainforests, and cerulean seas.

Culture, tradition, fashion,  and sports also dominate in the city.

But be sure to consult your embassy for guidance on your safe visit to Rio.

Bali, Indonesia

Visitors visit Bali because of its attractions, such as the towering volcanoes wrapped in a deep green canopy, sandy shores that vanish into turquoise waters, and coastlines with staggered pagodas.

Bali attracts ordinary travelers, historians, and adventurers. The regular travelers enjoy luxurious spa treatments, decadent cuisine, and lazy sunbathing, historians will delight at the island’s many temples, and adventurers will discover new paths to active volcanoes.

London, England

From June to September, London has loads of fantastic events and opportunities to keep up with places having a beach and sunny climates.

During summer in London, the following are to consider: Notting Hill Carnival, relaxing in Hyde Park, open-air movie theater screenings, Chelsea Flower Show, Swimming in the Serpentine, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, BBC Proms, and watch tennis at Wimbledon.

Indeed, there is in London all that life can afford. Take it from the words of the famous English writer Samuel Johnson. Life in London is refreshing, and visitors agree that one visit to this world-class city is not enough to experience everything it offers.

The most iconic Tower of London is truly an ideal itinerary on the travelers’ list. The Avant-grande Tate Modern, modern plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, tea, Starbucks, and Costa Coffees are things and simple pleasures of life that you can truly appreciate for life.

London offers world-class sights and museums. But that should not prevent you from getting away from the most popular attractions to explore and see the local London where great untouristy markets, shops, neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants abound.

Simply loads of amazing things prevail in London, especially during summer.

Dublin, Ireland

Summer in Dublin arrives in June and ends in August.

During summer, enjoy a healthy walk at the Georgina landmarks, where the Irish Constitution was drafted in 1922.

Refresh yourself with the chilly waters of the beaches along Dun Laoghaire and Sandymount in the shadow of the sturdy Martello Tower or at the bracing Forty Footh bathing point. 

In Dublin during summer, other things you can do are having picnics and doing strolls, spending tee time, getting literary, shopping, and active sightseeing.

Dublin is famous for its traditional Irish culture, even though it remains open to a host of glorious international influences.

Dublin is the largest in Ireland with a fast-growing immigrant population bringing people from all over the world.

Experience Dublin’s culture and tradition from its diverse and vibrant culinary engagements, fine literature, folklore, traditional music, dance, and fresh pints of Guinness.

Experience both the traditional and contemporary in Dublin.

Because Dublin is a walkable city, begin from the north at Phoenix Park. Proceed south to the River Liffey, cross the famous Ha’Penny Bridge and end at the medieval streets of Temple Bar. Shop along Grafton Street before retreating to the peaceful St. Stephen’s Green. After that, you can drop by the Writers Museum or the James Joyce Center or choose to enjoy a drop of the good stuff at the Guinness Storehouse or the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

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