Starting to plan your vacation in the US this summer? This list includes some of the best destinations for your trip! From beautiful national parks for nature lovers to ocean-side towns and cities, there’s something for everyone!
1. Yellowstone National Park
Filled with beautiful views, scenic drives, and iconic landmarks, Yellowstone National Park is the perfect summer vacation destination. Take a scenic drive around the park, or take a short hike around the famous Grand Prismatic Spring, watch Old Faithful erupt, and view tons of bison. Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times! Visit the park at sunrise for a beautiful view, a better chance to see wildlife, and low crowds.
Yellowstone National Park is full of breathtaking views and incredible hiking trails, perfect for any nature lovers!
2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
With so much to see and do, Gatlinburg is a great destination for your summer vacation. This city has something for the whole family. Located in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, enjoy beautiful views and hikes and visit the many attractions in Gatlinburg. Head up a mountain on a ski lift with Anakeesta or Gatlinburg SkyPark (and walk across the frightening 680-foot suspension bridge!), and try some moonshine at Ole Smokey Mountain Distillery. Visit The Village to be transported to a quaint European village in Gatlinburg for some great shopping at their 27 unique shops! Visit Dollywood, not far from Gatlinburg for excitement for the whole family!
3. Joshua Tree, California
Enjoy scenic views through the Mojave desert at Joshua Tree National Park. The hottest desert in North America, take plenty of water with you! See the unique Joshua Trees only found in this desert in southeast California! Take a scenic drive through the park, hike to beautiful views, see some giant rocks, and watch the sunset! Check out the eclectic world-famous crochet museum and take advantage of the short half-mile trail to the Arch Rock!
4. Grand Teton National Park
Visit the pristine lakes, mountain meadows, and abundant wildlife of Grand Teton National Park. It is located just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. Visit the beautiful Jenny Lake overlook, drive down the 42-mile Grand Teton scenic drive, and spot plenty of wildlife along the way! Grand Teton is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, bison, elk and so many more! Be sure to visit the 100-foot waterfall at Hidden Falls!
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Bringing things back up north, visit Mackinac Island in Michigan for an escape, and enjoy car-free roads, a peaceful atmosphere, and horse-drawn carriages. Be sure to try their famous fudge, visit the Arch Rock, and the unique shops downtown.
6. San Diego, California
Home to one of the world’s best zoos, San Diego is filled with beautiful beaches and amazing weather. Be sure to visit the San Diego Zoo, located in the beautiful architecture-filled Balboa Park (definitely be sure to walk around the park, there’s tons to see!), and visit the stunning La Jolla Cove on the coast, you might even see some seals or sea lions!
7. Savannah, Georgia
The charming coastal city of Savannah Georgia has tons of relaxing beaches and stunning architecture. Start your trip off by visiting the gorgeous Forsyth Park, you can spend so much time walking through here and admiring the beautiful greenery and amazing architecture.
Walk along the cobblestone river street, visit the charming shops, and even take a sunset cruise down the Savannah River. Anyone interested in true crime must check out the Graveface Museum, located just off the riverwalk. They have tons of fascinating exhibits with relics from some of the most infamous crimes, including one of the world’s largest collections of paintings from John Wayne Gacy, and Charlie Manson’s sweatpants.
8. Bryce Canyon National Park
There are tons of amazing national parks in Utah, but I recommend making it a point to spend time in Bryce Canyon National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through the park, stopping at the remarkable overlooks, go on some breathtaking hikes such as the Navajo Loop the shorter sunset point to sunrise point trail, or the 1.4 km Mossy Cave trail.
9. Key West, Florida
Located just 90 miles from Cuba, and the southernmost point in the continental us, Key West Florida is the perfect destination for anyone wanting tropical vibes without going too far from home. Drive over the iconic overseas highway to get here and admire the colourful atmosphere throughout Key West.
Enjoy watching the roosters that roam free here and don’t miss the lively sunset celebration in Mallory Square every night, complete with tons of performers, vendors, and great energy! Visit the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, go on a dolphin-watching cruise with Honest Eco, and spend a night bar hopping and shopping on Duval street.
10. Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida panhandle, known for its white sand beaches and warm crystal clear water. Take a dolphin cruise, relax on the beach and enjoy strolling through this peaceful beach town! Get some delicious seafood at Shaggy’s and a delicious acai bowl or a refreshing cold brew at Bear Fruit Bowls.
11. Put in Bay, Ohio
Visit the Key West of the North right in Ohio! Enjoy a ferry ride from Catawamba Island to Put in Bay, Ohio, rent a golf cart, and drive around the island! Visit the South Bass Island Lighthouse on the south end of the island, the crystal cave and winery, and visit some unique bars like this one with swing seats. There’s a nice short hike, the Jane Coats Wildflower Trail that I recommended stopping at to see some nature!
12. Redwood National Park
Home of the world’s largest trees, Redwood National Park, located on the coast of northern California is full of scenic views and wildlife. This park has three different trees that are big enough to drive through, The Chandelier Tree, Shrine Drive-Thru Tree, and the Klamath Tour-Thru Tree.
13. Myrtle Beach, North Carolina
Escape to Myrtle Beach, North Carolina, stroll along the pier and stop at the various shops and restaurants along the way, spend a day relaxing on the beach, get amazing views from above on a helicopter, and take a ride on the SkyWheel.
I hope this list helps you in planning your next vacation! The US offers tons of diverse landscapes, whether you’re looking for life-changing views at a national park, a lively city trip, or a relaxing beach vacation there’s something for everyone!
