With warm temperatures, long days, and endless sunshine, I personally think the summer months are the perfect time to create unforgettable memories in this country! From my adventures during this month, here are my favorite spots…
1. Half Moon Bay, Northern California
I’m slightly obsessed with this gorgeous coastal gem! Located on the northern part of California’s Pacific Coast (about 30 miles south of San Francisco), this spot captured my heart during a road trip stop. It’s home to quaint coastal architecture, dramatic cliffs, long sandy beaches, shimmering Pacific views, and a relaxed, village-like charm!
It doesn’t get exceptionally hot, but I love visiting this month for the mild temperatures and the absence of the heavy fog that often comes earlier in the summer. Also, it’s humpback whale migration season, flowers are blooming, and there’s a lively atmosphere with events like the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, the popular Coastside Farmer’s Market, the Summer’s End Music Festival, and free concerts at Mac Dutra Plaza.
On my trip, I relaxed on the beautiful Half Moon Bay State Beach, checked out the picturesque Pillar Point Harbor, discovered the tide pools at the scenic Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, watched the world-class surfers at Mavericks Beach, hiked the local coastal trails, and explored all the cute boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants!
- Visitor’s Center Address: Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 16°C to 20°C
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the farm-to-table Italian restaurant Pasta Moon – I adored the rustic-chic decor, the sustainability ethos and the hearty servings of handmade, fresh pasta! I particularly loved the delicious tempura and the creative elderflower and raspberry cocktail ‘Bubbles and Berries.’
- Hiking the Devil’s Slide Trail which was a 2.6 miles paved round trip and took me an hour and a half to complete. Seeing the stunning views of the crashing ocean waves below the cliffs, gorgeous pelicans and watching harbor seals resting on the rocks below made it very worthwhile!
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
This attractive traffic-free resort island never fails to charm me! Located in Lake Huron in the northern part of Michigan, it can be easily reached by ferry from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. The historic buildings are beautifully maintained here and when I visited, I felt like I had traveled back in time!
I thought the rest of the scenery was gorgeous too, with clear turquoise waters, lush green forests, dramatic limestone bluffs and I love the slow-paced, nostalgic vibe the whole place had!
I visited during this month and I found warm and sunny weather (but with a few cool breezes) perfect for outdoor activities and gazing at the blooming gardens. There were also fun events like the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival and sailing regattas.
On my vacation, I explored the biking and hiking trails in Mackinac Island State Park (which actually takes up the majority of the island), kayaking and paddle-boarding on beautiful Lake Huronor, visiting historic Fort Mackinac and taking a stroll down the historic downtown and admiring the wooden Victorian buildings, browsing the interesting museums, cute fudge stores and quirky independent stores!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Visiting the locally famous historic Grand Hotel which dates from 1887 – I adored sitting on the 660-foot-long white porch lined with pretty red geraniums and seeing the Straits of Mackinac. I thought another stand out feature was their sprawling grand dining adorned with chandeliers!
- Hiking the peaceful Bluff Trail to reach the stunning 146-foot Arch Rock was worth every step (it took about 45 minutes to get there). Standing on the viewing platform, with breathtaking views of Lake Huron’s turquoise waters and the rugged coastline, was a very memorable experience!
3. Priest Lake, Idaho
I’m a big fan of this peaceful, natural beauty spot! It’s located in the northernmost part of Idaho near the Canadian border (30 miles from the city of Sandpoint) and Priest Lake State Park is situated along the eastern shore of the lake! I love its peaceful, remote feel and the scenery which is crystal-clear blue lake waters and unspoiled sandy beaches which are enveloped by towering mountains and lush green forests.
I always time my visit for July or August, as I found its the perfect weather for swimming, boating and camping (it’s warm, dry and sunny!). It’s also prime time for huckleberry picking and wildlife watching – moose, black bears, beavers and elk all call this place home!
On my trip, I loved going boating, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle-boarding on the stunning lake, hiking the beautiful trails in Priest Lake State Park, picking wild huckleberries, picnicking on the sandy beaches and going on scenic drives around the lake.
- Visitor’s Center Address: ID-57, Priest River, ID 83856
- Map Location
- Average temperature – 24°C to 29°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the wonderfully rustic, historic Elkins Resort, dating back to 1932, was a treat. I loved my cozy log cabin with its stone fireplace and private deck overlooking the lake’s stunning views. Dining on a delicious veggie pasta, made with locally sourced ingredients, on their outdoor patio while watching the sunset was a truly memorable experience!
- Hiking the challenging Fault Lake Trail which took me on a 5.8 mile round trip and completed it in five hours. The incredible views of the serene and remote Fault Lake (which is nestled in the Selkirk Mountains) and the feeling of isolation when I got there made it a very special experience!
4. Cambria, California 
I personally think this charming coastal village is a real gem! Located in San Luis Obispo County along the Central Coast of California (around halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles), it’s a picturesque blend of stunning sandy beaches, sparkling blue waves, rugged coastal cliffs, charming cottages, historic Victorian homes, and rustic artist studios. I thought it had a relaxed, artistic, and quaint small-town vibe with a touch of bohemian charm!
I stopped here when I was on a road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway in August and I have to say it was a great choice! The weather was mild with sunny days (with some cool ocean breezes) and there was less fog than the earlier summer months. It also falls within whale-watching season and there was fun summer events such as the popular Cambria Farmer’s Market and outdoor lawn games.
While here, I hiked the scenic coastal trails, cycled on Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, went wine tasting in Paso Robles, discovered moonstones, tide pools and playful dolphins at Moonstone Beach, and spent time in the historic downtown which is filled with unique boutiques, cozy restaurants and local art galleries.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 2251 Center St, Cambria, CA 93428
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlights…
- Dining at the Mexican, Thai & Indian Robins Restaurant was an incredible experience – I adored the trendy but rustic decor, the plant-based focus, the romantic outdoor patio garden with came with pretty lights and lush greenery and my divine dish of Khow Suey Burmese Curry which came with tofu and mild coconut turmeric curry.
- Watching the funny elephant seals at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. The bull seals finish their moulting this month which means they were sluggish and I loved just watching them lounging around on the beach. They were still very noisy at times though!
5. San Juan Islands, Washington
I love this place for a unique summer vacation! This stunning archipelago (which has a collective population of 17,000 residents) is located in the Salish Sea in the northwestern part of Washington State (between the U.S. mainland and Vancouver Island, Canada). I headed north from Seattle to Anacortes, caught the Washington State Ferry and explored the four main islands worth exploring, San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island!
I found rugged shorelines, forested hills, beautiful lakes, rolling farmlands, and tranquil beaches, with dramatic coastal views from rocky cliffs and mountain peaks. I loved how they felt remote and tranquil with friendly locals and a focus on eco-friendly tourism.
This month, I found the weather to be warm, sunny, and mostly dry, with long days perfect for outdoor exploration. It’s also a great time to catch summer events like the Lopez Island Farmers Market and to go whale-watching, where orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales can be spotted as they pass through.
When here, I went kayaking and spotted seals, porpoises, and seabirds, explored the quaint and historic Roche Harbor, visited the interesting Whale Museum, biked on the flat quiet roads in Lopez Island, went wine tasting at Orcas Island Winery, discovered the interesting Orcas Island Artists Studio Tour and explored beautiful hiking trails.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 165 First Street South Friday Harbor, WA 98250
- Map Location
- Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the unique Lopez Farm Cottages & Tent Camping! I absolutely loved the quirky ‘Glamping’ experience of staying in a comfy double bed in a large luxury tent surrounded by nature! Meeting the owner’s gorgeous kittens and cats was a cute experience too!
- Sampling mouth-watering award-winning locally produced gin at the awesome San Juan Islands Gin Distillery (who use local botanicals to produce their drinks). Tasting the delicious Lavender and Wild Rose liqueur was a fine experience!
6. Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe never fails to wow me! Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on the border between California and Nevada (with the lake spanning two states), it’s a breathtaking beauty spot with crystal-clear blue waters, towering pine forests, and dramatic snow-capped mountains, and I love the vibrant yet casual vibe it has!
It’s a great family-friendly resort all year round but I personally prefer to visit during this month as I find the weather to be dry, warm and sunny and perfect for messing around on the water! There’s also some awesome summer events such as the extraordinary Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, the fun Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest and the lively Free Summer Concert Series on the Beach.
On my trip, I saw panoramic views from the Heavenly Gondola ride, hiked scenic trails in Emerald Bay State Park and saw Eagle Falls, went boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding, discovered the charming Tahoe City Farmers Market, checked out the casinos and the nightclubs and relaxed on my favorite sandy beaches – Pope Beach, Kiva Beach and Baldwin Beach.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 4114 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 21°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Staying at the funky midrange boutique Basecamp Tahoe South – I was totally charmed by the rooftop hot tub which had incredible lake views and a cool outdoor fire pit. I also really adored my cozy themed guest room which had a tent over the bed, a faux campfire, and a picnic table!
- Dining at the waterside New American restaurant the Boathouse on the Pier. I was really won over by the nautical-theme, the stunning panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, and the sense of floating above the crystal-clear waters! I dined on their tasty buffalo cauliflower and frozen Coconut Sorbetto which came topped with toasted pistachios.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
I love this dreamy coastal gem! Located on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, northern Oregon Coast (around 80 miles west of Portland), it’s a relaxed, artistic, and serene retreat with a heady mix of wide sandy beaches, dramatic coastal rock formations, towering trees, charming beach cottages, unique boutique shops, and cute art galleries.
I stopped here on a summer road trip and although the temperatures weren’t hot, they were mild and there was less fog compared to when I’ve visited before during earlier summer months. They were perfect for exploring the outdoors and seeing the gorgeous sunsets! It was also within the incredible whale-watching season and I found buzzy summer events such as the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, Rockwood community market and Yoga in the Park.
When here, I explored the quaint downtown, explored the beautiful sandy beach and its tide pools and its the iconic (and very Instagram-worthy!) 72-meter Haystack Rock, which juts out of the ocean, spotted tufted puffins and hiked the scenic trails in Ecola State Park.
- Visitor’s Center Address: Cannon Beach, OR 97110
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 21°C
My highlights…
- Dining at the Latin cuisine restaurant Mi Corazón – I loved the rustic-chic decor, the intimate but upbeat vibe, the exceptional handmade tortillas and the fact they only used organic ingredients – I had the veggie bichitas which came with tasty house-made guacamole.
- Staying at the funky mid-range Surfsand Resort. I especially liked the huge soaking bath tub in my one-bedroom suite, the incredible views of Haystack Rock, the direct beach access, the beach yoga classes and the peronalized concierge services who helped us set up an awesome private beach bonfire!
8. Stonington, Maine
I choose this New England gem when I want a low-key and relaxed summer break! Located in Deer Isle, off the coast of Downeast Maine, in Hancock County I can’t get enough of this gorgeous waterside city filled with serene harbors, historic New England buildings, rocky shorelines and super-cute weather-beaten cottages! I also always adore the timeless and authentic, small-town charm it has!
I always visit here during this month as the temperatures and fine, sunny weather are just perfect for boating and hiking and I’m a big fan of the beautifully presented summer The Stonington Farmers’ Market.
I had a blast kayaking, discovered the local art galleries, going to a music concert at the historic opera house, taking a boat tour to the nearby unspoilt Isle au Haut, hiking the trails in the mossy old-growth forest in Crockett Cove Woods Preserve, browsing the fabulous collection of unique gift shops (my favorite was the eclectic Marlinespike Chandlery) and checking out the gorgeous Farm-to-table restaurants.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 114 Little Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Eating at the harborside Stonecutter’s Kitchen – I really liked the casual, family-friendly vibe, the quaint harbor views, and their incredible waffle fries with came with house-made salsa and jalapeños.
- Staying at The Eggemoggin Reach Inn – I was totally won over by the cozy rustic wooden decor, my guest room balcony where I sat and gazed at the sea views, their gorgeous gardens, and the unique old century-old farmhouse building it was housed in – it had a lot of character!
9. Portland, Oregon
Portland is honestly one of my favorite cities in the whole country! Located in the northwestern part of Oregon (around 70 miles from the Pacific Ocean) it’s a stunning mix of green parks, riverside views, and a skyline dotted with modern high-rises and historic brick warehouses all set against the backdrop of the spectacular Mount Hood! I also love its quirky outlook on life!
I truly believe Portland is at its best in the summer. Yes, it’s also peak tourist season, but it’s warm and sunny and I think the city has an incredible energy during this time, with loads of events on such as the awesome Bridge Pedal, the fun Piano Push Play, Portland’s Hip Hop Week and my personal favorite, the very fun Portland Adult Soapbox Derby! I also get to see the beautiful roses that the city is so famous for.
I always head to the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park to view the stunning fragrant blooms and also exploring the nearby Portland Japanese Garden, get lost in the Powell’s City of Books, check out the lively Saturday Market, take a stroll along Washington Park, catch live music at the cool McMenamins Crystal Ballroom and drink creative cocktails at the trendy Departure Lounge.
- Visitor’s Centre Address: 1132 SW Harvey Milk St #104, Portland, OR 97205
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 27°C to 29°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the awesomely quirky McMenamins Kennedy School – I was seriously in awe of the attention to detail here! It was actually once a school and my guest room was actually once a classroom! It even had an original chalkboard (where I left a goodbye note!), repurposed school desks and the Principal’s Office which was actually the front desk!
- Visiting the iconic Voodoo Doughnuts – I adored their funky pink decor and their menu of seriously creative and unique flavors. My favorite was the seriously tasty Memphis Mafia donut which came oozing with banana chunks, cinnamon and peanut butter drizzle!
10. Glacier National Park, Montana
I love this truly breathtaking place! Located in the northwestern corner of Montana, bordering Canada’s Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, I think the scenery here is just lush ranging from thick forests and deep blue lake waters to golden fields and towering mountains. To me, it blends tranquility with a natural grandeur!
This month is peak season, so it’s always busy, but the fine, sunny weather—perfect for outdoor activities—more than makes up for it! I also love spotting the active wildlife and seeing the beautiful yellow, purple, and blue wildflowers in bloom.
When I was here, I really enjoyed take a drive along the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road and stopping at the highest point, Logan Pass (which had beautiful views), exploring the breathtaking Many Glacier Valley, seeing the unique glacial Iceberg Lake, going on a scenic boat tour of Lake McDonald, and hiking the thrilling Highline Trail which had sheer drop-offs!
- Visitor’s Center Address: West Glacier, MT 59936
- Map Location
- Average temperatures – 17°C to 27°C (depending on elevation)
My highlights…
- Staying at the historic Many Glacier Hotel which dates from 1915! I totally fell for its unique Swiss Chalet Design, European old-world vibe, the large fireplaces, huge timber beams in the lobby and its incredible setting on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. Waking up to those lake views every morning was just idyllic!
- Hiking the challenging but manageable Scenic Point Trail in the quieter Two Medicine Valley which was a 7.6 mile round-trip and took me 5 hours. I loved the incredible switchbacks, rocky terrain, the panoramic views of Two Medicine Lake, Rising Wolf Mountain and seeing a couple of cute mountain goats!
11. Berkshires, Massachusetts
This leafy affluent spot eternally wins my affections! Located in western Massachusetts (spanning Berkshire County), I adore its tree-lined rolling hills and tranquil and artsy vibe which comes complete with charming historic buildings and grand Victorian inns.
I always like to take a break here in during this month as the weather is warm and dry (with the occasional cloudy day) and perfect for exploring the gorgeous surrounding countryside. There’s also pretty blooming flowers everywhere and a buzz about the area with festivals, farmers markets and events galore!
I always go to the spectacular Tanglewood Music Festival (held at the home of the famous summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra!), Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and the fabulous Berkshire Theatre Festival which are all hosted here during this month.
During my summer vacations, I’ve explored the fascinating Norman Rockwell Museum, hiked to Massachusetts’ highest point, Mount Greylock, boated on the scenic Lake Garfield, and discovered charming art galleries, unique boutiques, and farm-to-table restaurants in the quaint New England towns of Lenox, Great Barrington, and Stockbridge.
- Visitors Center Address: 66 Allen Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperature – 24°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Dining at the awesome hipster-friendly restaurant farm-t0-table restaurant Prairie Whale – I loved the historic farmhouse building, the cool rustic-chic decor which came with mismatched table settings, the laid back vibe, the tasty house-made pickles and the divine plum tart!
- Staying at the truly gorgeous boutique Life House – I was actually in awe of the vintage-chic decor and unique botanical theme details like their wonderful herbal teas, Le Labo toiletries and citrus water served in the lobby!
12. Blue Lakes, Colorado
I think this is a heavenly hidden gem! Colorado is home to many beautiful alpine lakes, but I personally think two of the most stunning are the Blue Lakes which are nestled in San Juan Mountains within the Mount Sneffels Wilderness (near the town of Ridgway).
I’m always captivated by the remote, isolated feeling here, as well as the extraordinary alpine scene, photogenic turquoise waters, dramatic rugged peak and cascading waterfalls.
I love hiking here during this month when the weather is warm and dry, with relatively low humidity (though there are occasional afternoon thunderstorms). The trails are clear of snow, and the meadows are in full bloom with wildflowers. It’s also perfect for camping and stargazing under clear mountain skies.
I camped at a primitive campsite located around Lower Blue Lake, hiked the scenic trails, and eventually backpacked to Upper Blue Lake, the most remote and least visited of the three lakes (it took me 5 hours to get there)!
- Nearest Visitor’s Center Address: Ouray Visitor Center Address, 1230 Main St, Ouray, CO 81427
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking the Blue Lakes Trail which took me on 5 hour round-trip to Lower and Middle Blue Lakes. As well as the incredibly striking blue lakes I saw colorful flowers such as Indian Paintbrushes, stunning aspen groves and the incredible sight of mountain goats grazing on the cliffs (which was my favorite moment)!
- The scenic drive to the Blue Lakes Trailhead via Dallas Creek Road. I was in awe of the seriously incredible views which included beautiful forests, lush valleys and Mount Sneffels!
13. Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma
This is a stunning family (and dog-friendly!) natural beauty spot! Located at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma (near the town of Broken Bow), I’m a huge fan of its a laid-back, nature-focused vibe as well as its large clear lake, winding river, hardwood forests and rugged mountain scenery.
I usually camp here during this month for a 3-day break. Even though it’s peak visitor season, I love boating and swimming in the hot, sunny weather! It can get a bit warm for longer hikes, but with an early start, plenty of water, and some preparation, it’s still a great time to hit the trails.
On my trips, I’ve camped at the secluded Buckeye Campground (there are also cabin rentals), hiked the picturesque trails, went kayaking on Broken Bow Lake, went tubing on Mountain Fork River, rode a mini-train through the woods at Beavers Bend Depot, went zip-lining on Hochatown, saw intricate woodcarvings at Forest Heritage Center Museum and attended arts and crafts classes, bingo and nature documentaries at the Nature Center!
- Address: 4350 OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 31°C to 33°C
My highlights…
- I hiked the 1.5-mile Friends Trail Loop, which took me about an hour to complete. It was a bit challenging with some rocky sections, but the stunning views of the Mountain Fork River, mini lookout points over the water, and a small waterfall made it absolutely worthwhile!
14. Hot Springs, Arkansas
I’m always charmed by this Arkansas gem! It’s nestled within the Ouachita Mountains, in Garland County in central Arkansas (the nearest city is Little Rock) and I love its quirky charm and nostalgic feel! It also has a unique blend of lush mountain landscapes and historic bathhouses, art deco buildings, and quaint Victorian architecture.
It also boasts an impressive 47 springs that pump out over 700,000 gallons of water every day, bubbling up at steamy temperatures and flowing right down to the heart of town! The springs are mineral-rich and are renowned for being restorative.
Although it’s one of the peak tourist months, I love to take a weekend break here in August. The weather is warm and sunny and perfect for exploring the scenic trails and then soaking my limbs in the mineral-rich springs afterwards!
I went on the fun National Park Duck Tour, visited the two historic spas located in Bathhouse Row – the Quapaw Bathhouse which has open thermal pools and the quaint Buckstaff Bathhouse – discovered the modern spas and wellness centers and browsed the cute independent shops, art galleries and museums in downtown.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 32°C to 34°C
My favorite highlights…
- Staying at the very unique historic boutique bed and breakfast The Gables Inn. The Victorian architecture, with its ornate woodwork, wrap-around porch and stained-glass windows made me feel like I was stepping back in time! I also loved my romantic guest room which came with a unique canopy bed and a clawfoot bathtub!
15. Seabrook, Washington
I think this picturesque coastal town is a wonderful hidden gem! It’s located on the central Washington coast in Grays Harbor County, overlooking the Pacific Ocean (around 2.5 hours southwest of Seattle).
Here I found stunning ocean views, long sandy beaches, coastal forests, charming New England-style cottages, quaint shops, cozy cafes, and a welcoming, seaside village vibe!
I usually come here for a week during this month for a low key, summer vacation because the weather is pleasant and perfect for lazy beach days and beautiful Pacific sunsets! I also attend all the town’s outdoor events and markets such as the lively Seabrook Saturday Markets, the incredible Seabrook Sunset Concerts and the very quirky Gnome and Fairy Festival!
When here, I loved relaxing on Seabrook Beach and in nearby Pacific Beach State Park, hiking the surrounding forest trails, taking a day trip to Olympic National Park (it took 2 hours by car) and strolled through the New England-Inspired town center and stopped by Red Velvet Bakery for home-made cupcakes, dined on freshly caught food at the Rising Tide Tavern and browsed the boutique shops for handmade souvenirs.
- Visitor’s Center Address: WA-109, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My personal highlights…
- Discovering the local produce and unique products at Seabrook Saturday Market. I loved the fun family-friendly yard games, the live music. I bought gorgeous lavender honey skincare products from Little Miss Bee’s Candle Co. and artisan-made treats from Nutty’s Granola!
- Staying at the wonderful “Otterly Relaxed” self-catering holiday home. With its chic, modern but cozy decor, well-equipped kitchenette and the large deck area which came with a private hot tub and cool firepit, it was a gem of a find!
16. Long Beach Island, New Jersey
This is a great summer destination for both families and couples! It’s a narrow, 18-mile-long barrier island located along the Jersey Shore in Ocean County in the eastern coast of New Jersey. The long sandy beaches, turquoise waves, and quaint seaside neighborhoods with cute beach cottages, historic lighthouses and classic beach town charm always steals my heart!
I love to visit on a summer weekend break during this month, as both the air and ocean temperatures are warm so it’s perfect for lazing around on the beach and swimming. The island is also always alive with water-based fun, outdoor dining and seasonal events such as the National Night Out.
When here, I try surfing, enjoy beach volleyball, kayaking, paddle-boarding and boating, take scenic walks in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, discover farmer’s markets, enjoy classic beach fun at Fantasy Island Amusement Park and explore the beautiful Victorian homes, boutique shops, and local eateries in the Beach Haven Historic District.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 265 West 9th Street Ship Bottom NJ 08008
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 27°C to 29°C
My personal highlights…
17. Seneca, South Carolina
I’m a big fan of this lake resort town for relaxed, budget-friendly summer break! Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Oconee County, in the northwestern part of South Carolina, I love its small-town charm. It also has serene lake views, striking mountain landscapes and tree-lined streets featuring a mix of early 20th-century storefronts and Victorian-style homes.
I’ve spent a five day vacation here during this month and I found lush summer temperatures, not so many crowds (as it’s a relatively hidden gem) and long sunny days which made it perfect for messing around on the lake.
When here, I really enjoyed boating, swimming, and kayaking on the sprawling Lake Keowee, exploring the lively Ram Cat Alley located in heart of historic Seneca, which had colorful storefronts, art galleries, antique shops, and cozy eateries, dining on hearty Southern cuisine, hiking scenic trails in South Cove County Park and seeing cool art at Blue Ridge Arts Center!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 221 E North 1st St. Seneca, SC 29678
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperature – 29°C to 32°C
My favorite highlights…
- Dining on hearty US dishes at the Copper River Grill – I was totally won over by the cozy rustic-chic decor, their super friendly staff, the Southern-inspired cocktail menu and my dishes of ‘Baked Potato Soup’ and divine white chocolate banana pudding!
18. Block Island, Rhode Island
This serene resort island makes beautiful setting for an idyllic summer getaway! It’s nestled around 12 miles off the southern coast of Rhode Island in Washington County. When I visit, I’m completely drawn into its laid-back, nostalgic vibe and dreamy blend of Victorian-style inns, quaint cottages, and iconic lighthouses, picturesque trails, and sandy beaches.
I’ve vacationed here during this month and as the weather is warm enough to swim and laze around on the beaches (with the occasional rain shower) and there’s vibrant summer events such as the Saturday Farmer’s Market.
On my trip, I relaxed on the beaches, took a tour of the Southeast Lighthouse, went boating on The Great Salt Pond, explored the Old Harbor Historic District (which is the main hub of activity) with Victorian-style inns, shops, and restaurants along the waterfront, gazed at gorgeous photography at the Spring Street Art Gallery and strolled the interesting trails in Block Island National Wildlife Refuge.
- Visitor’s Center Address:4 Center Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
- Map Location
- Average daytime temperatures – 24°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- I stayed at the super-lush boutique Block Island Beach House and loved its striking, coastal-themed styling and local art. The immediate access to Crescent Beach was a highlight, along with the cool ‘Beach Bar,’ live music on the outdoor patio, and the trendy fire pits where I could sit around and get to know other guests!
