Best Summer Vacations Across the U.S.
Start planning your Summer Getaway Now!
Because summer is often the most convenient time for families to travel, it has always been my mission to find the best getaways—places the whole family will love. While we enjoy the summer weather, we’ve definitely learned that hiking in intense heat and humidity is not a family favorite. In this post, I’ve put together a list of our top places to travel during the summer months, along with some of our favorite activities in each destination. I hope this inspires you to start planning your 2026 getaway.
Favorite Summer Cities
Boston
Boston is without a doubt my favorite “big city” in the United States. Between the incredible history, world-class food, and vibrant neighborhoods, it truly feels like a city that has everything.
Time needed: 3-4 days
Out favorite things to do in Boston:
- Walk the Freedom Trail – a 2.5-mile red brick path that connects many of the city’s most important historic sites.
- Eat at Faneuil Hall Marketplace – Inside Quincy Market you’ll find everything from lobster rolls and clam chowder to sweet treats and local specialties, all surrounded by street performers and historic architecture
- Take a ghost tour
- Catch A game at Fenway Park
- Try the original Boston Cream Pie -Visit the Omni Parker Hotel for a treat that you will never forget (take a tour of the basement while there)
- Visit the Cheers Bar
- Experience the Boston Tea Party at the interactive Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum – Here you can relive one of the most famous moments in American history, even throwing tea into the harbor just like the colonists did in 1773.
Extended vacation – Add one additional day to visit Salem; add 3-4 additional days and rental car to visit Cape Cod
Planning a trip to Massachusetts? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Seattle
Seattle is an exciting city with so much to see and do, our family especially loves visiting in the summer because of all the incredible adventures waiting just beyond the city.
Time needed – 2-3 days (plus additional days, depending on your adventure)
Our favorite things to do in Seattle:
- Pike Place Market – you can watch the famous fish throwers, explore local shops, and enjoy some amazing food
- Space Needle – offers incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains
- Chihuly Garden and Glass – Combine with the Space Needle ticket
- Bainbridge Island –offers beautiful views of the skyline and a charming island to explore
Extended vacation: Add a rental car and an extra day to explore Mount Rainier (a must do); add 3–4 days to explore Olympic National Park; and, add 2–3 days to explore the Cascades.
Budgeting Tip: Stay in Tacoma to save money.
Planning a trip to Washington? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Chicago
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a perfect place for a summer adventure. Our family loves the city for its mix of stunning architecture, waterfront fun, and endless activities, from strolling along the Navy Pier and exploring Millennium Park to enjoying deep-dish pizza and vibrant summer festivals. There’s truly something for everyone here!
Time needed – 2-4 days
Our favorite things to do in Chicago:
Cheer on the Cubs at Wrigley Field and soak in the electric atmosphere of one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks.
Experience the magic of a Broadway-style musical in Chicago’s vibrant theater district, an unforgettable night out for the whole family.
Stroll and explore the lively Navy Pier, with rides, shops, restaurants, and stunning lakefront views.
Catch a free movie under the stars at Millennium Park, a perfect summer evening activity in the heart of the city.
Take a scenic river cruise and see Chicago’s famous architecture from a whole new perspective along the historic waterways.
Take a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan and enjoy the sandy beaches and sparkling waters right in the city’s backyard.
Pro Tip: Park your car and use public transportation while visiting
Planning a trip to Illinois? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Favorite National Parks
Glacier N.P.
Glacier National Park is easily the most beautiful place I’ve visited in the United States. With towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, it feels almost unreal in person. For nature lovers, it’s the kind of destination that belongs at the very top of any travel bucket list.
Time needed: 5-7 days
Our favorite things to do in Glacier N.P.
- Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Entry ticket must be purchased ahead of time)
- Relax with a drink outside Lucke’s Lounge overlooking Lake McDonald
- Hike Avalanche Lake and Trail of Cedars
- Visit Logan’s Pass and hike the Highline Trail (arrive early for parking)
- Go White Water Rafting on the Flathead River
- Ride horseback throughout Glacier NP
Extended Vacation: Add an additional 1-2 days for visiting Many Glacier
Our Recommendations
Our Friends House - Quiet, Comfortable Retreat on 5 acres
Just outside of Glacier National Park is this beautiful vacation rental, located in Kalispell, Montana. Our family’s group stayed here for a week and absolutely loved every minute of it. Great location! Great host, Amazing property! We highly recommend
Wild River Adventures
Our family highly recommends Wild River Adventures. It is one of the most popular whitewater rafting companies near Glacier National Park, offering guided rafting trips on the beautiful Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River.
Planning a trip to Montana? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Acadia N.P.
The summers in Maine are truly beautiful no matter where your adventure takes you. But Acadia National Park is certainly one that you can not miss along the way.
Time needed: 3-4 days in Acadia, but highly recommend 7-10 days and venturing out
Our favorite things to do in/near Acadia
- Hike Cadillac Mountain
- Visit Thunder Hole at High Tide
- Drive the scenic Park Loop Road
- Grab lunch and wander through the charming streets of Bar Harbor
- Visit Stephen King’s house in Bangor, Maine, where the legendary author found inspiration for many of his stories
- Treat yourself to a classic Maine lobster dinner
Extended Vacation: add an additional 2-3 days for visiting Portland (highly recommend); add an additional 3-5 days to explore the coast and islands
Pro Tip: Our family absolutely loved our stay in West Quoddy, the eastern most point in the contiguous US
Planning a trip to Maine? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Mammoth Cave N.P.
Our family loves visiting Mammoth Cave National Park in the summer because it’s the perfect way to escape the heat while exploring the world’s longest cave system. The cave stays a cool 54°F year-round, making the guided tours both fascinating and refreshing on a hot summer day.
Time needed: 3-4 days
Our favorite things to do in/near the Mammoth Caves
- Paddle the scenic Green River by kayak
- Explore the underground wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park on a guided cave tour
- Sip your way through Louisville’s famous Urban Bourbon Trail
- Zipline deep underground at the thrilling Louisville Mega Cavern
- Take younger kids to explore life-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur World
- Step into baseball history at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Tour one of Kentucky’s legendary bourbon distilleries
Extended Vacation: add an additional 1-2 days for exploring Louisville and surrounding areas
Planning a trip to Kentucky? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Grand Teton & Yellowstone N.P.
Our family loves visiting Grand Tetons and Yellowstone National Park during the summer months. With towering mountain ranges, wide-open valleys, and incredible wildlife, it feels like one of the last truly wild places in the country perfect for a summer getaway.
Time needed: 7-10 days
Our favorite things to do in/near the National Parks
- Explore Old Faithful and the geyser basins
- Walk the boardwalks around Grand Prismatic Spring to see the park’s most colorful hot spring up close
- Visit Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon and Lower Falls for one of the most dramatic landscapes in the park
- Go wildlife spotting throughout the National Parks
- Hike or stroll along the Jenny Lake Trails
- Take a scenic drive along Teton Park Road and pull over for iconic photo stops of the jagged peaks and wildlife
- Stop in the historic town of Jackson to ride the mountain coaster, explore shops, galleries, and grab a bite of local cuisine
Pro Tips: Save money on accommodations by staying outside of National Parks.
Extended vacation: add 3-4 days and explore more of Wyoming. Its scenery is truly breathtaking, from rugged mountain ranges and sweeping plains to sparkling lakes and wild rivers, making every turn feel like a postcard come to life.
Antler Motel - Greybull, Wyoming
Located about two hours east of Yellowstone is the charming small town of Greybull. The Antler Motel is a perfect budget-friendly place to stop and rest while traveling to or from the park.
Planning a trip to Wyoming? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Mountain & Lake Escapes
Vermont
Our family loves visiting Vermont in the summer because of its peaceful charm, beautiful mountain scenery, and endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. From scenic drives and hiking trails to swimming holes and quaint small towns, it’s the kind of place where you can slow down and truly enjoy the surroundings.
Time needed: 5-7 days
Our favorite things to do in/near the National Parks
Visit the picturesque Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the famous von Trapp family of The Sound of Music, and enjoy stunning mountain views and Austrian-inspired charm.
Take a tour at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory to see how their famous ice cream is made—and sample a few delicious flavors along the way.
Hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, for incredible panoramic views of the Green Mountains.
Cool off with a swim in the clear waters of Lake Champlain, one of the most beautiful lakes in New England.
Explore Vermont’s iconic covered bridges, some of the most charming and photogenic historic landmarks in the state.
Slow down and soak in the natural beauty of Vermont, from rolling green hills to peaceful countryside and scenic mountain vistas.
Pro Tips: Save money on accommodations and food by staying in a vacation home with a kitchen.
Planning a trip to Vermont? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Scenic Coastal Adventures
Redwoods to Cannon Beach
This ended up being one of our favorite summer adventures, even if it wasn’t the most budget-friendly. The Pacific Coast drive is absolutely stunning, with rugged cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and incredible ocean views the entire way.
Time needed: 7 -10 days
Our favorite things to do along the Pacific Coast
Drive through the towering redwoods along the scenic Avenue of the Giants, one of the most unforgettable stretches of road in Northern California.
Experience the forest from above on the Redwood Skywalk
Go tidepooling along the Pacific Coast, where you can discover colorful sea stars, crabs, anemones, and other fascinating marine life.
Watch the dramatic waves crash into Thor’s Well, a powerful natural feature often called the “drainpipe of the Pacific.”
Take a fun “Goonies” tour through Astoria and visit the iconic filming locations from the beloved movie The Goonies.
Visit the beautiful coastal town of Cannon Beach and see the famous Haystack Rock rising from the shoreline.
Extended Vacation: Consider adding 3–4 days to your trip to visit the stunning Multnomah Falls and the breathtaking blue waters of Crater Lake National Park.
Cape Cod & Martha's Vineyard
Cape Cod is one of my all-time favorite summer trips, one that we return to almost every year. With its charming seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and classic New England atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to slow down and enjoy summer.
Time needed: 5-7 days
Our favorite things to do in Cape Cod/Martha’s Vineyard
- Relax on the beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore
- Explore the charming town of Provincetown, known for its colorful streets, vibrant art scene, and incredible seafood
- Visit iconic lighthouses like Nauset Light, one of the most photographed landmarks on Cape Cod.
- Go whale watching from Provincetown, one of the best places in the U.S. to spot humpback, finback, and minke whales.
- Climb the tower at Pilgrim Monument for breathtaking panoramic views of the Cape.
- Take a sunset stroll along the dunes at Race Point Beach, a perfect way to end the day.
- Indulge in classic New England seafood, from fresh lobster rolls and creamy clam chowder to crispy fried clams at local shacks.
- Visit filming locations from Jaws and jump off the famous American Legion Memorial Bridge—better known as the “Jaws Bridge.”
- Rent bikes and explore the scenic cycling paths on Martha’s Vineyard, some of the best and most picturesque bike routes in New England.
Extended Vacation: Consider adding 3–4 days to your trip to visit Boston and Salem
Planning a trip to Massachusetts? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Beach Destinations
Great Lakes of Michigan
Michigan is the state I proudly call home, and in the summer it’s an incredible place to explore. Surrounded by the beaches of the Great Lakes, you’ll find miles of sandy shoreline, beautiful weather, and countless opportunities for adventure.
Time needed: 5-7 days
Our favorite places to visit in Michigan:
- Mackinac Island – Rent bikes and ride the scenic loop around the island, then explore the historic charm of Fort Mackinac.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Climb the towering sand dunes for breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and drive the stunning Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Take a boat cruise to see the colorful cliffs from the water and hike to the famous Chapel Rock.
- Grand Haven & South Haven – Relax on their beautiful sandy beaches and watch the sunset near the iconic lighthouses along Lake Michigan.
- Petoskey – Search the shoreline for unique Petoskey stones and stroll through the charming downtown filled with shops and cafés.
Traverse City – Spend the day at the turquoise waters of Torch Lake and explore the wineries and scenic views along the Old Mission Peninsula.
Planning a trip to Michigan? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Rehoboth to Ocean City Beaches
From Rehoboth Beach to Ocean City, this stretch of coastline is the perfect place for any beach lover. The wide, sandy beaches are ideal for long summer days by the water, while the classic boardwalks add that timeless seaside charm with rides, treats, and ocean views.
Time needed: 5-7 days
Our favorite beaches along the coastline of Delaware/Maryland:
- Rehoboth Beach (1 mile boardwalk)
- Dewey Beach
- Delaware Seashore State Park (fewer crowds)
- Bethany Beach
- Fenwick Island (Visit Fenwick Lighthouse)
- Gordon’s Pond Beach (Cape Henlopen)
- Coin Beach (Best for shell collecting/fewer crowds)
- Ocean City (3 mile boardwalk)
Planning a trip to Maryland? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Delaware? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
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Planning a trip to Massachusetts? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Washington? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Illinois? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Our Recommendations
Our Friends House - Quiet, Comfortable Retreat on 5 acres
Just outside of Glacier National Park is this beautiful vacation rental, located in Kalispell, Montana. Our family’s group stayed here for a week and absolutely loved every minute of it. Great location! Great host, Amazing property! We highly recommend
Wild River Adventures
Our family highly recommends Wild River Adventures. It is one of the most popular whitewater rafting companies near Glacier National Park, offering guided rafting trips on the beautiful Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River.
Planning a trip to Illinois? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Maine? 👉 Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Kentucky? 
Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Our Recommendations
Antler Motel - Greybull, Wyoming
Located about two hours east of Yellowstone is the charming small town of Greybull. The Antler Motel is a perfect budget-friendly place to stop and rest while traveling to or from the park.
Planning a trip to Wyoming? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Vermont? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to California? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Oregon? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Massachusetts? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Michigan? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Delaware? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.
Planning a trip to Maryland? Click the link below to read our full guide and see exactly what to expect when visiting.