Best us cities for summer vacation
Summer vacation is coming soon, so of course planning the best US cities to visit is a top priority. It’s tough decisions though … I was speaking to my friend Jackie who was looking at visiting New York, Chicago and Orlando this summer. Obviously they’re all amazing cities, but each one has different things going for it and could suit different interests. Well I’m here to take the stress out of it by presenting a breakdown of the best US cities for summer vacations. I’ve summarised them into three buckets: those you should definitely avoid, the obvious contenders and then those that perhaps you didn’t know about.
As the days become warmer, more families begin hitting the road for their annual summer vacation. With hundreds of thousands of road trips to take each year, choosing a destination can be stressful. We’ve taken the guesswork out and picked the top US cities for your summer vacation this year.
The summer is the season of vacations. It’s the time people look forward to in a way that could be considered obsessive compulsive bordering on anal-retentive, or just planning ahead. Either way, you have decent weather and less people to deal with on the roads. So naturally it’s one of the top seasons for traffic accidents.
The summer vacation season is upon us, and that means it’s time to plan your next getaway!
If you’re looking for a city that has an amazing climate, plenty of things to do, and makes you feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re not there yet, then these are the best US cities for summer vacation:
New York City
Nashville
Atlanta
Washington D.C.
Summer is the best time of the year, and with it comes an opportunity to get out of your hometown and explore the world.
If you’re looking for someplace new to visit this summer, we’ve got you covered: We’ve rounded up five of our favorite US cities for vacationing in the summertime.
You’ll find something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for a city that’s full of entertainment options or one that’s focused on shopping, there’s something on this list for everyone!
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most iconic, family-friendly American summer vacation spots because of its views, notoriety, and things to do while you are here. Summer is a crowded time, as it is peak season, especially with kids out of school, so you will want to lock in lodging many months in advance. Plan ahead for activities that might require a reservation, like rafting on the Colorado River.
There are lookouts and hiking trails throughout the Grand Canyon, and you can even take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams, Arizona to the South Rim, which is a popular vantage point. The South Rim is where you can find the Grand Canyon Village and the winding Bright Angel Trail, which is a popular hike for those who want a more aggressive excursion.
The North Rim is the least crowded spot with fewer tourists and it is only completely open from May to October. From October to December 1 it is only open for day use.
Accommodation: Best Hotels at the Grand Canyon
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
A summer vacation on Mackinac Island in Michigan is a throwback to the simplicity of the summer vacation of the 1800s. A ferry to the island is required, and once you arrive, there are no cars and no chain hotels.
Transportation is by horse and carriage, bicycles, or on foot. There are several resorts on the island, like the famed Grand Hotel and Mission Point resort, where Adirondack chairs adorn the lawn along the Lake Huron shoreline. The island represents a wholesome kind of vacation that is ideal for families or romantic getaways.
Throughout Mackinac Island, you can explore the outdoors with a carriage ride and tour, kayaking trips on the water, horseback riding through Mackinac Island State Park, relaxing at the spa, or taking a leisurely bike ride through yesteryear in a place that seems to have stopped in time.
Grab high tea in the afternoon at the historic Grand Hotel on the hill or enjoy a mega-scoop of ice-cream at Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor. Everything on the impeccably manicured island is the epitome of the perfect summer vacation.
- Read More: Exploring Mackinac Island: Top Things to Do
3. Door County, Wisconsin
One of the best summer vacation spots in the United States is the serene peninsula of Door County, Wisconsin. The 19 small villages that stretch along the peninsula each have charming uniqueness, from cherry orchards and beaches to cliffs and historic bed and breakfasts. With 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other there are so many ways to make summer memories.
Take a guided kayak trip in Peninsula State Park or over the shipwrecks of North Bay. You can also choose to hop on board the ferry to Washington Island, where you can see Schoolhouse Beach, which has pebbles instead of sand, and soak in the relaxing aroma at the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm.
In the evening, gather around for a traditional Door County fish boil as you listen to stories around the fire at one of the historic inns. It is easy to add a day or two in Green Bay to your Door County vacation, where you can tour Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, and visit several other Green Bay attractions.
Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in Door County, WI
4. Yellowstone National Park
A summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park enables you to experience some of the most stunning natural beauty in the United States. The park crosses the boundaries of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, with more than two million acres of natural landscape and wildlife viewing to enjoy.
Plan some time for this vacation because there is so much to see and do, from hiking the many trails to photographing the Old Faithful geyser, one of the most popular stops in the park.
It is estimated that Yellowstone attracts two million visitors in the summer months, which means the park will be crowded. It is also the best time to go, not just for the warm temperatures and wildlife activity but also for the events happening in the towns around the park that have many summer festivals.
Some other must-see Yellowstone points of interests are Mammoth Hot Springs and Yellowstone Lake.
Accommodation: Where to Stay near Yellowstone NP: Best Areas & Hotels
5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Summer in Cape Cod defines the idea of a cottage escape. With pristine beaches and quaint villages with old-fashioned ice-cream parlors, Cape Cod is one of the best vacation getaways in New England.
The ocean and public beaches almost never leave your eyesight, unless you opt for a bike ride along one of the many paths that weave through the area. Kayaking and fishing are top things to do in Cape Cod but so is beachcombing; listening to live music; and visiting art galleries, where you can find lots of unique creations from local glass blowers and painters.
Cape Cod beaches stretch for 40 miles and are home to many celebrities during the summer months. Some of the notable beaches to visit are Herring Cove in Provincetown and Nauset Beach in Eastham. July and August are the best beach months to visit, but be prepared to spend quite a bit for this iconic summer vacation. Hotel, resort, and bed and breakfast rates will be at a premium, and availability will be limited if you do not book several months, or even up to a year in advance.