Ah, summer—the season of SPF overload, ice cream emergencies, and the eternal quest to find the perfect vacation spot without melting into a puddle of regret. If you’re wondering where to visit this summer in the U.S., you’re in for a treat (and not the kind that melts too fast in the sun).
Whether you’re dreaming of sandy toes, mountain hikes, or small-town charm, we’ve got you covered with this list of epic summer destinations across the USA. These are the places where sunshine meets adventure, and boredom gets left at the rest stop.
Why You Need a Summer Getaway (As If You Needed a Reason)
Let’s be real: between the stress of adulting and the fact that your last “vacation” involved binge-watching reality TV in sweats, it’s time to shake things up. A summer trip is the ultimate mood booster, vitamin D source, and Instagram content generator all in one.
Now, let’s dive into where to visit this summer—these are the best U.S. places to soak up the sun, explore, relax, and maybe even get a little tan (or sunburn, depending on your SPF game).
1. Door County, Wisconsin – Coastal Charm in the Midwest
Never thought Wisconsin would be your summer vacay vibe? Think again. Door County is like the Cape Cod of the Midwest—with lighthouses, sailboats, cherry orchards, and coastal views that give the East Coast some serious competition.
Nestled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, this peninsula is made for lazy summer days. Think kayaking on crystal-clear waters, fish boils (yes, it’s a thing), outdoor theater under the stars, and berry-picking at its finest.
Why it’s a summer must:
It’s cozy, scenic, budget-friendly, and totally uncrowded compared to mainstream coastal towns.
Top things to do:
- Try fresh cherry pie (or cherry everything, honestly)
- Explore Peninsula State Park by bike or hike
- Kayak the sea caves near Cave Point County Park
- Visit the Cana Island Lighthouse
- Catch a show at the Peninsula Players Theatre
2. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada – Your Hot Weather Cool-Down
Lake Tahoe is the perfect spot if your idea of summer fun includes hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pretending you’re in a kayak commercial.
This alpine lake straddling California and Nevada is all about those crystal-clear waters, pine-scented hikes, and lakefront vibes. It’s ideal for couples, families, solo travelers—or literally anyone who enjoys not sweating through their shirt.
Why Visit in Summer: Perfect weather, epic sunsets, and so many lake activities your arms will need a vacation too.
3. Charleston, South Carolina – Where Summer Gets a Southern Drawl
If you love charming cobblestone streets, rainbow-colored houses, and food that’ll make you question your current diet, Charleston is your summer soulmate.
You can tour historic plantations, take a romantic carriage ride, or just eat your way through the city (highly recommended). Don’t forget to visit nearby Folly Beach or Sullivan’s Island for a seaside escape.
Why Visit in Summer: The architecture is Instagram gold, the food is next-level, and the beaches are just a short drive away.
4. Glacier National Park, Montana – For When You Want to Escape Literally Everyone
Need a break from city crowds, loud tourists, and your inbox? Glacier National Park is calling. With over 700 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and majestic mountain views, it’s a peaceful escape into the wild.
Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (seriously, it’s as epic as it sounds), spot mountain goats, and bask in the silence of nature. Also, there’s basically no humidity. Can we get a hallelujah?
Why Visit in Summer: This place literally only opens fully in summer. It’s your one chance to experience its full glory.
5. Maui, Hawaii – Because You Deserve a Postcard Life
Maui is that friend who shows up to brunch perfectly tanned, effortlessly stylish, and holding a piña colada. And somehow, you love them for it.
From the Road to Hana to snorkeling at Molokini Crater, Maui is equal parts relaxing and adventurous. Whether you’re into lounging on Wailea Beach or hiking through the Iao Valley, you’ll leave with more photos and memories than you’ll know what to do with.
Why Visit in Summer: The weather is consistently gorgeous, and summer is great for snorkeling, swimming, and living your best beach life.
Related Story: Where to Go This Summer – 15 Hot Spots You’ll Want to Pack For (Like, Now)
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho – Wild, Wonderful, and Occasionally Smelly (Thanks, Geysers)
Yellowstone is like Mother Nature’s greatest hits album—with a few dramatic extras like boiling mud pots and erupting geysers. It’s the first national park in the U.S., and it’s still a total showoff.
Summer is prime time to visit thanks to accessible roads, abundant wildlife (hello, bison!), and bear sightings that are equal parts exciting and terrifying.
Why Visit in Summer: Everything’s open, the views are incredible, and you’ll finally understand why people keep saying “the great outdoors.”
7. San Diego, California – Endless Summer in Real Life
If sunshine were a city, it would be San Diego. With near-perfect weather year-round, San Diego takes summer to the next level.
Surf at Pacific Beach, visit the San Diego Zoo (aka Animal Kingdom IRL), or just relax with fish tacos by the water. And yes, you will start browsing Zillow listings after your third margarita by the beach.
Why Visit in Summer: Because “chill beach town meets urban playground” is the summer vibe you didn’t know you needed.
Related Story: November Getaways – The Best Weekend Trips and Vacations
8. Portland, Maine – Lobsters, Lighthouses, and Laid-Back Vibes
Looking for a coastal escape that’s not sweltering? Portland, Maine is your answer. It’s quaint, cool, and bursting with maritime charm.
Feast on fresh lobster rolls (don’t even bother resisting), take a ferry to the islands, or explore art galleries and boutiques in the Old Port. It’s like New England in summer was made for Pinterest boards.
Why Visit in Summer: Long, sunny days, perfect temps, and the kind of seafood that’ll ruin you for all other seafood.
9. Sedona, Arizona – Hot? Yes. Worth It? Also Yes.
Sedona in the summer? Bold choice—and honestly, not for the faint of heart (or weak of sunscreen). But hear me out: if you can handle the heat, the red rock views and spiritual vibes are off the charts.
Early morning hikes through Cathedral Rock, sunset views at Airport Mesa, and a relaxing spa day to recover from both—Sedona delivers an unforgettable (and very Instagrammable) experience.
Why Visit in Summer: Cheaper accommodations, fewer tourists, and otherworldly scenery that makes you forget it’s 95°F.
10. Chicago, Illinois – When Cities Do Summer Right
Chicago in summer is like that person who throws the best backyard party, complete with grilled food, great music, and lake views.
You’ve got Lake Michigan beaches, rooftop bars, food festivals, and boat cruises through the city’s gorgeous architecture. Oh, and let’s not forget deep dish pizza—because carbs don’t count when you’re on vacation.
Why Visit in Summer: Warm days, cool nights, and a whole calendar full of free events, concerts, and lakefront fun.
Final Thoughts: So, Where Should You Go This Summer?
If you’re still asking where to visit this summer, here’s the short answer: anywhere that makes your soul light up (and maybe gives your camera roll a glow-up too). Whether you’re craving beach days, mountain hikes, or small-town charm, the U.S. is full of incredible summer destinations just waiting to be explored.
So pack your sunscreen, bring your stretchy pants (foodies, you know why), and start planning your dream summer escape.
Pro tip? Book early. Summer waits for no one—and neither do sold-out hotels.
Now tell me—where are YOU visiting this summer? Drop your travel dreams in the comments or bookmark this list for later (or, you know, both).
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Rosie, this is not only a great list of places to visit, but written with such charm! I want to visit the Wisconsin coastal town for sure and you’ve got me thinking about many other locations I’ve never been! Charleston is very pretty and we did a trip to Folly Beach a few years ago. It was an eclectic and fun beach town! Thank you for this lovely post!
I’ve been trying to come up something different this summer and some great ideas. Because of your post, I’ll be looking into the places you recommend in Wisconsin and Maine!