Best Places to Visit in Summer in USA Map

About Best Places to Visit in Summer in USA Map

The above US map highlights some of the best summer vacation destinations in the United States. These destinations are marked with orange points, while the map background is shown in blue. All 50 states are included, displayed with their abbreviations and state boundaries, and Alaska and Hawaii are presented as insets. The US capital, Washington, D.C., is also indicated on the map. Below this, each destination is explained with details on why it is worth visiting.

Best Summer Destinations in the United States

Seattle (Washington)

One of the best places to visit in the US during the summer is Seattle! Known for its sunny days (ish) Seattle is home of the coastline, festivals and activities to please everyone. Come visit the iconic Space Needle, historic Pike Place Market and enjoy the breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss out on a kayak ride or hike through the forest and at the summit enjoy breathtaking views of 14,411ft tall Mount Rainier. Did we mention you can relax on a beach, hike to a summit and enjoy city lights and ocean views all in one visit? Yes, you read that right, there is something for everyone to do in Seattle!

Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

Wildflowers fill much of Mount Rainier National Park creating a wonderful landscape for the nature photographer and hiker to explore. The alpine terrain, subalpine meadows, and even glaciers are here to view. In addition to a beautiful scenic drive, you can expect to see quite a bit of wildlife and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country.

Glacier National Park (Montana)

You may view Glacier National Park from the perspective of its rugged mountains and crystal blue lakes. One of the premier scenic drives in the world, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, calls to the motorist. But for those who enjoy hiking, fishing, boating and other outdoor pursuits and can appreciate the boundless wildlife of Glacier National Park's vast, pristine wildness, summer is the time to visit "The Crown of the Continent".

Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)

Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination during summer vacation. Known as America’s first national park, Yellowstone offers a unique vacation experience with its geysers, hot springs, and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. There is no better place to see an eruption of a geyser, witness a variety of thermal lakes and pools, or get up close with bison, grizzly bears, and wolves. Enjoy hiking, camping, scenic driving, or simply sightseeing among Yellowstone’s natural wonders. The amazing geothermal features of Yellowstone make it one of the most unique vacation spots in the USA.

Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

Grand Teton National Park features snow-covered mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, camping, kayaking and breathtaking scenery in one of the world's most beautiful places. Majestic Teton peaks ring the landscape at sunrise and sunset - the photographer's dream destination.

Aspen (Colorado)

What's hot in Aspen is not just the summer weather. While many know Aspen as a world class winter recreation destination, in the summer months the town is bustling with hikers and mountain bikers taking on the many trails surrounding Aspen. Also happening are concerts, festivals, an impressive collection of art exhibits on display in galleries throughout town, and more. Come experience the cool mountain air and the relaxed mountain town atmosphere. Aspen is fun in the summer!

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)

In summer, there's no better time to visit Bryce Canyon National Park to experience its views and trails. Millions of years of erosion have sculpted millions of tall, thin “hoodoos” for viewing from many scenic vistas. In summer, clear skies make for wonderful evening stargazing. Within Bryce Canyon's boundaries, visitors can view stunning canyons with brilliant colors.

Zion National Park (Utah)

With its rugged canyons and steep cliff faces, Zion National Park is a super popular destination during the summer months – especially for hikers, as destinations like Angels Landing and The Narrows offer a unique glimpse into awe-inspiring terrain. Within the park, you’ll find rugged peaks and bright red rock face that give way to canyons and create the perfect scene for unforgettable adventures.

Grand Canyon (Arizona)

Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Grand Canyon, hot as it is, for most people consider summer the best time to go to the Grand Canyon because of the warm weather and the wonderful viewing conditions for the scenery. This landscape can be viewed up close or from a distance. You can hike down in the bottom of the canyon, or stay up on the rim and drive down to the bottom of the canyon to raft the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon is one of the worlds most famous landscapes and one of the must sees for serious travelers.

San Francisco (California)

Whether you’re visiting San Francisco in the summer or another time of year, you will find something to interest every kind of traveler. From iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge to historic cable cars and bustling neighborhoods, SF has something for almost every interest. Enjoy famous waterfront spots and visit places such as Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf and much more in San Francisco’s cool summer weather, perfect for traveling around and outdoor activities.

San Diego (California)

Summer in San Diego means summer fun for watersport enthusiasts and sun lovers alike. Hit the waves or spend your days touring San Diego’s famous beaches and iconic attractions like the world-famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. When there’s no such thing as bad weather, there’s always time to soak up the year-round sunshine and take in the laid-back beach town charm of America’s Finest City.

Newport (Oregon)

Newport is a charming small coastal town known for its beaches, Lighthouses and an abundance of marine life. Whale watching is a popular activity as well as simply soaking up the sun on the town's many beaches. A quiet and serene summer setting with plenty of fresh seafood, Newport is a natural vacation destination.

Cannon Beach (Oregon)

Cannon Beach with its famous Haystack Rock and stunning coastal scenery is a hard place to beat. Perfect for Summer Tide Walking, Tide Pooling and Photography. Cannon Beach is a quaint little town nestled between sea cliffs and the ocean. A laid back atmosphere and stunning ocean views greet you as you explore this sweet destination.

Chicago (Illinois)

With hundreds of festivals, outdoor concerts and food events across the city, summer in Chicago is festival season. Take in the city’s famous skyline and stunning lakefront while visiting popular destinations such as Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s top attractions. Enjoy shopping, dining and sightseeing along the Lake Michigan shoreline while experiencing world-class museums, historic neighborhoods and famous landmarks like the Willis Tower and Millennium Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Summer is a super time to experience the misty mountains and the wonderful variety of wild life and plant life. Nature walks and treks, wildlife viewing and waterfalls. Experience the serenity of the national park.

Outer Banks (North Carolina)

The Outer Banks are a premier vacation destination for families with young children as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway. From swimming, kayaking and surfing to fishing of all kinds, and visiting fascinating historical lighthouses, the Outer Banks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. But for many visitors, the Outer Banks are simply the perfect place to soak up the sun on a sandy beach.

Hilton Head Island (South Carolina)

Summer, the peak travel season, is in full swing, with millions of travelers flocking to beaches and resorts throughout the country. And none is hotter than Hilton Head Island, off the coast of South Carolina, with its pristine beaches, championship golf courses and resorts so luxurious they practically come with a private address. But there are lots of fun things to do on Hilton Head, from little kids to full-grown lovers. Like kayaking, fishing, bicycling and just lying on the beach. Recreational activities abound on Hilton Head Island.

Golden Isles (Georgia)

Headed to the southern tip of Georgia? Then you’re bound for the celebrated Golden Isles, a vacation paradise with beaches, historic structures and a scenic coast. This is the kind of place where you can spread out a towel on St. Simons or Jekyll Island and idle away a summer in bliss.

Cape Cod (Massachusetts)

Cape Cod is famous for its white sandy beaches and quaint villages. A must do experience for tourists and locals alike is riding a bicycle along the scenic byways of Cape Cod traveling to either the ocean shore or bay side. While here tourists can stop at one of the many restaurants serving fresh seafood. As the quintessential New England vacation destination, Cape Cod is very busy during the summer months with both tourists and local residents.

Boston (Massachusetts)

Summer in Boston is for summer people, or so you may have heard. But why leave the City on a Hill this time of year? Take a walk down the Freedom Trail to visit the sites where history was made, catch an exhibit at the ICA or Museum of Fine Arts, or simply stop to appreciate the views along Boston’s vast waterfront. And with such a rich heritage here, there’s no time better than now to experience all that Boston has to offer.

Bar Harbor (Maine)

Consider visiting Bar Harbor, Maine the Gateway to Acadia National Park. With some of Maine's most scenic coastlines and trails for hiking, biking and kayaking, who wouldn't want to explore this beauty? And don't forget to enjoy the quaint Maine vacation town of Bar Harbor itself, one of the premier destinations in Maine during the Summer months.