Summer is officially here, and when you want to get away from the routine, indulge your inner travel bug, and have fun, we’ve got the spots you need to see. Right now, you’ll find the best locations for getting tanned, swimming, and hanging out with your family. Let’s make the most of the summer and start exploring.
Big Sur And Monterey
Located in California on the northern coast, it’s one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll see in the state. The distance is about thirty miles, so you can slow down, enjoy everything that’s on the way, and soak up the sun. Carmel is another great place to check out. Its beauty will make you feel like you’ve stepped into your own fairytale.
Asheville
North Carolina is beautiful with natural sights that deserve attention. The city of Asheville is regarded as having a creative spirit, true beauty, and mountain culture all in one. The city also has innovative and unique things for you to do, including the Biltmore Estate, national parks, state parks, and a wonderful sense of community. Many people fall in love and want to stay longer.
Chattanooga
Chattanooga gives you a chance to find outdoor adventures, good food, and great cultural spots, and it’s friendly. If you’re feeling brave, there are climbing adventures you can take, or if you want something less daring, try the Choo Choo complex. My personal recommendation is not to skip the Aquarium. It’s absolutely amazing and a must-see.
Coastal Maine
If you want a summer vacation with good weather, great seafood, and true beauty, take the journey here. There is so much history that you can see, and there are lovely hiking trails. In addition, you’ll be able to explore some of the most amazing beaches around. Try the lobster rolls and be sure to swim.
San Antonio
One of the most visited places in the entire country, people come here from all over for the landmarks, the river, and the sense of community. There are dozens of things to see and do here, including checking out the natural wonders. Enjoy the River Walk as well as visiting the Mission Ranch for a good start.
Newport
Rhode Island is a lovely place to vacation in the summer. You can experience old-fashioned clambakes and admire some incredible architecture, and if you want an experience that is unlike any other, you can sleep in a lighthouse. Are you feeling fancy? Try going to an afternoon tea and enjoying some finger sandwiches.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is a place to surf and swim. The pier is a great place to watch the sunset or hang out with your friends. People have bonfires, and there are over 500 fire rings. The fun never stops here, and it’s a great place to check out if you love to swim and enjoy the sand.
Brunswick Islands
Known as the seafood capital, you’ll enjoy eating to your heart’s content here. The seafood is phenomenal with clams, oysters, and batter-fried shrimp. You can also climb the lighthouse on Caswell Beach, go kayaking, swimming, or just relax and connect with the world around you. If you go to Holden Beach, you can watch dolphins or try your hand at crabbing!
Branson
Well known for Silver Dollar City and delightful evening shows, you’ll find that this is a place to have fun. They have ancient burial caves, gorgeous waterfalls, and a nature park. Not to mention, you can fish, hike, bike, or take a cruise. There’s even a five-and-dime shop here, one of the last in the country. If you’re clamoring for a sweet treat, try the Farmhouse Restaurant—the cobbler is legendary.
Orlando
If you’re a person who likes history and theme parks, you’re in luck. Orlando is ripe with both. You can see Universal and Legoland, or you can visit historical sites. In fact, Orlando is home to over fifty historical buildings that you can explore, including Mary Queen of the Universe. It sees over thirty million visitors each year.
Key West
Bring your camera because you’ll definitely want pictures of the sunsets, the performers, and the hidden gems. Like Orlando, there are plenty of historical sites to keep you busy, including Hemingway’s House or the Truman Little White House. You can also relax at the beach or explore the butterfly conservatory.
Cleveland
From national parks and seven floors of exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to the Superman exhibit at the public library, Cleveland has got it going on. There is a rich culture here, and you can see everything from musicians to fitness influencers. If you love food, this is a place to get some of the best. The grilled cheese is a must because this city does it right at the Melt Bar & Grilled. You can also stay at some of the best hotels.
New Orleans
While this may not seem like a typical summer hot spot, it is. There are historical museums, and at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World, you get to explore the floats up close and even get a free slice of King Cake. If you go in August, there’ll be the Coolinary New Orleans celebration, and you can find mouthwatering Po-Boys. You can also get an entire three-course dinner for $35.
Colorado Springs
If you love the outdoors, you’ve come to the right spot. This is a great place for outdoor fun with whitewater rafting and fantastic accommodations, including the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, plus hiking. Like others on this list, this is also a great place for food. If you like railways, you can take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to the summit and try some famous donuts!
Wildwood
This is a must-see in summer—a lovely town with a classic boardwalk. The boardwalk is over two miles long, and there are three piers to stop at and play games, enjoy bumper cars, or ride a roller coaster. The sun shines on some of the best beaches, with tons of hidden gems and iconic landmarks to see.
Take A Vacation
Now that you know about some of the best summer hot spots, book some time off, get in your car or take a flight, and relax. Soak up the sun, eat till you can’t anymore, and take in the sights at these fabulous towns where you can see and explore all day.
