19 Amazing Places To Visit In July In The USA

Summer is the perfect time to take a vacation, whether you’re looking for buzzing city breaks or relaxing adventures in unspoilt scenery. From my time traveling around this month, here are my favorite places I’d love to share with you…

1. Finger Lakes, New York State

I’m always charmed by this serene and picturesque spot! It’s located in central New York State, around a five-hour drive from New York City, between the cities of Rochester and Syracuse. It stretches across eleven long, narrow lakes – hence the name!

I adored its rustic charm, relaxed vibe, and artsy feel. It’s a popular vacation spot for families and couples as the scenery is really beautiful, with shimmering lakes, rolling vineyards, cascading waterfalls, lush green hills, and pretty small towns.

I took a break here during this month and found the weather was warm and sunny and perfect for all the outdoor activities on offer here. Vibrant greenery and blooming flowers were everywhere, and the region was buzzing with events – my favorites were the toe-tapping Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival, Roc the Lake Music Festival, and the popular Corn Hill Arts Festival.

On my summer break I stayed at the gorgeous Mirbeau Inn & Spa and took breathtaking waterfall hikes in Watkins Glen State Park, went boating and kayaking on Lake Cayuga, swam at Kershaw Park Beach, checked out the awesome farm-to-table dining scene, explored the historic brownstone buildings and leafy avenues of Ithaca, combined wine and stunning scenery on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and then relaxed in the spa at Lake House on Canandaigua! 

• Visitor’s Centre Address: 35 Lake Front Dr, Geneva, NY 14456
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 29°C

My favorite highlights…

• Going wine tasting at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard – I loved the stunning vineyard, the rustic decor, learning about its sustainable grape-growing process and tasting their divine Cabernet Franc and Semi-Dry Riesling!
• Dining on gourmet award-winning fable-to-table food at the F.L.X. Table – I adored the cozy rustic-chic decor, the open kitchen, their unique air purification system and the delicious creative dishes, especially the Farmer’s Board and the house made tahini! 

2. Bar Harbor, Maine

I thought this was such a quaint and picturesque tourist destination! The coastal town is located on Mount Desert Island along the rugged coast of Maine and it also serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. I was a big fan of its friendly small-town vibe as well as the cute cottages, stunning Victorian architecture, artisanal shops, farm-to-table dining scene, craft breweries, beautiful coastal scenery and pristine sandy beaches. 

I loved visiting here during this month as I found it was one of the sunniest times of year. The weather was also warm and just right for outdoor activities (with just a few cool spells), it was in the peak whale-watching season and I felt the town really came alive with lively festivals and events – I thought some of the best were the fun Bar Harbor Music Festival, and the lively Fourth of July celebration!

On my trip, I dined al fresco at the charming harborside restaurants, hiked the breathtaking trails in Acadia National Park, spotted incredible humpback whales on a boat tour, drove to Cadillac Mountain to see stunning sunset views, and browsed the unique boutiques and art galleries in the town center.

• Visitor’s Centre Address: 2 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 15°C to 27°C

My highlights…

• Staying at the wonderful upscale Bluenose Inn – I loved our cozy and romantic room which came with a fireplace and local artwork the stunning views of Frenchman Bay and the onsite spa which had attentive staff!
• Going on a boat cruise with Acadian Boat Tours – it was incredible to see the gorgeous puffins and the historic lighthouses of Petit Manan, Mark Island and Egg Rock. We also stopped by Schoodic Island and saw eagles flying above us which was a beautiful moment! 

3. Olympic National Park, Washington

I thought this was a beautiful and majestic gem of a place! Stretching over 900,000 acres, it’s located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, 15 miles from Port Angeles.

I couldn’t get enough of the extraordinary scenery here which consisted of moist temperate rainforests, glaciated mountains, and a wild Pacific coastline dotted with striking sea stacks and pristine beaches. I also loved how tranquil it was as well as the atmospheric misty weather! 

I planned my trip for this month and found the weather was warm, mild, and dry, so it perfect conditions for camping and hiking! The lush greenery and pretty wildflowers made it even more photogenic.

I really enjoyed wildlife spotting in Hoh Rain Forest where elk and black bears live amongst the moss-draped trees, hiking the scenic trails, exploring the tide pools on Ruby Beach, kayaking on Lake Crescent, stargazing on Hurricane Ridge and relaxing in mineral rich waters at Sol Duc Hot Springs. 

• Visitor’s Centre Address: 3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 21°C to 29°C

My personal highlights…

• Hiking the challenging 13 miles one way Enchanted Valley Trail which took me three days to complete! Known as the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls” it was a truly stunning trek with gorgeous cascading waterfalls. I followed the serene Quinault River and camped out along its banks each night.
• Staying at the characterful Lake Quinault Lodge which was built in the 1920s – I really liked its cozy vibe, the rustic-chic decor, the huge stone fireplace and its scenic position on nestled along the shores of Lake Quinaul near Quinault Rainforest. It was great to hear from the staff that President Franklin D. Roosevelt stayed here once in 1937!

4. Yachats, Oregon

The minute I set foot in this small, charming hidden gem, I loved it! It’s beautifully situated, perched alongside Cape Perpetua on a central, unspoiled stretch of the rugged Oregon coastline (about 25 miles south of Newport). I was totally captivated by its laid-back, artistic vibe, quaint coastal cottages, and breathtaking scenery, with black basalt cliffs and stunning Pacific Ocean views.

I stopped here in July during a coastal road trip, and it was a fine choice. The weather was mild, the days were long (with 15 hours of daylight), and it’s the driest month of the year. I also loved the wildflowers and the busy calendar of events, like the three-day Yachats Music Festival and the amazing 4th of July celebrations, including the La De Da Parade and the incredible fireworks display over the Yachats River.

During my trip, I loved browsing the local art galleries and artisan shops, discovering the tide pools and crashing waves at Yachats State Park Beach, and marveling at Thor’s Well, the famous, seemingly bottomless ocean sinkhole.

I also enjoyed exploring the town center with its farm-to-table restaurants and chatting with the friendly independent shop owners, who were eager to share details about all the fantastic community events—from ClamBakes on the beach to the weekly summer farmers market!

• Visitor’s Centre Address: 241 Oregon Coast Hwy Box 728, Yachats, OR 97498
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 11.7°C to 19°C

My highlights…

• Tasting locally crafted award-winning beer at Yachats Brewing + Farm Store – I loved their farm-to-table ethos, the outdoor patio area with beautiful views and their tasty Saison de Yachats brew! 
• Staying at Overleaf Lodge & Spa – I adored the chic and modern decor, seeing the ocean from the balcony, having a hot stone massage at the onsite spa and the cute onsite library! 

5. Geneva-on-the-lake, Ohio

This is a charming family-friendly destination! It’s a historic resort village (having been established in 1869) located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, in northeastern Ohio. I loved its quaint and nostalgic atmosphere and charming old-fashioned architecture as well as its picturesque shoreline along Lake Erie and green parks.

I enjoyed visiting during this month as from from June to August, I found the days were long, the weather was warm and dry and perfect for swimming, boating, and hiking. There were also a buzzy vibe with festivals and events galore such as the fun Fourth of July celebration and the popular Wine & Walleye Festival. 

On my vacation, I sunbathed, swam, and picnicked on the Geneva State Park Beach, went boating and kayaking on the lake, discovered the charming Geneva-on-the-Lake Wine Trail, dined at the lakefront restaurants, hiked and biked the trails in the 698-acre Geneva State Park, enjoyed lake views and local wine at the Old Firehouse Winery and saw live music on the buzzing downtown area ‘The Strip.’

• Visitor’s Center Address: 5540 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH 44041
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 20°C to 27°C

My highlights…

• Eating delicious homemade donuts made from scratch at the locally famous Madsen Donuts – I loved the smiley servers, the cute cafe setting and the creative seasonal flavors! My favorites were the incredible ‘Peanut’ which was a delicious donut topped with a marshmallow based cream and chopped nuts.
• Dining at the upscale waterfront American dining spot the Horizons Restaurant & Lounge – I really liked the gorgeous lake views, their cozy fireplace and my dinner which was the Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl followed by the Black Bean Burger Wrap.

6. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

I’m always in awe of this pristine and breathtaking natural spot! It’s located in northern Minnesota, near the border with Canada, (around 30 miles from the city of International Falls) and is home to series of interconnected waterways and islands, thick forests, and rocky shorelines. I loved the tranquil, zen-like vibe it had as well.

I timed my visit for this month and I found it was perfect for explore the water in the hot and sunny weather (there was the occasional rain shower though). There were also lush greenery everywhere and longer daylight hours. 

During my stay, I camped at the rustic Kabetogama Lake Campground, hiked the scenic trails (Kabetogama Lake Trail and Black Bay Trail were my favorites), went kayaking, took a guided boat tour, and explored the remains of the Little American Gold Mine on Little American Island. I also had the incredible experience of spotting wildlife like moose and beavers!

• Visitor’s Center Address: Voyageurs National Park- Rainy Lake Visitor Center, 1797 Township Rd 342, International Falls, MN 56649
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 17°C to 28°C

My highlights…

• Staying at the remote historic Kettle Falls Hotel which was built in 1913 – I loved how it was an adventure to get to (it can only be accessed by boat or floatplane!), the authentically rustic decor, the quirky titled bar floor and how I could see literally see Canada across the water! It felt very frontier-like! 
• Hiking the leisurely Oberholtzer Trail which was a 1.7-mile round trip and took me a hour. It took me past Rainy Lake and through scenic wetlands and thick forests and shorelines, it was great to spot deer and otters along the way as well!

7. Boston, Massachusetts

I’ve always been a huge fan of this vibrant and forward-thinking city! It sits on the East coast, in the eastern part of Massachusetts and is home to a stunning waterfront, harbor and green spaces like the Boston Public Garden.

I loved the mix of old and new and how cobblestone streets, brick row houses and colonial landmarks sit side-by-side with cutting-edge universities and a thriving tech scene. I was also won over by the lively, dynamic and welcoming vibe.

I took a summer city break here and found the weather was warm and dry, and the city really came alive during the summer with outdoor concerts and the breathtaking Fourth of July fireworks over the River Charles and the Boston Harborfest a week-long celebration of the city’s maritime history! 

When here, I walked the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail and explore the main historic sites (such as Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church) watched Shakespeare’s on the open-air stage Boston Common, went on an incredible whale watching boat cruise departing from Boston Harbor (the season runs from May to October), and went for rooftop cocktails at Apex Rooftop Bar and Lounge.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 28°C degrees

My highlights…

• Staying in the cool funky Verb Hotel – I loved the colorful retro decor, unique artwork, the random pop-up music performances and outdoor pool where I relaxed on pinks and turquoise lounge chairs.
• Dining al-fresco on the patio of the ultra-trendy Scorpion Bar – I was a big fan of the edgy Mexican influenced decor, their outdoor patio, their famous “Scorpion” margarita which came served in a large fishbowl and their divine cinnamon churros!

8. Half Moon Bay, California

I was slightly obsessed with this gorgeous small coastal city! I found it located on the coast of California (around 30 miles from San Francisco) and I stopped here on a Highway One road trip and fell for its dreamy scenery of rugged coastal cliffs, wide sandy beaches and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. 

I was also enchanted by its relaxed and friendly small-town vibe and compact downtown area filled with quaint eateries, quirky boutique stores and cute art galleries. 

I stopped here during this month and it was a great decision! The weather was pleasant and mild (but the mornings were cooler), there was an awesome buzz about the city with a packed calendar of events with the Ol’ Fashioned 4th of July Parade and Festival, the Halfmoon Bay Fair and Summer’s End Music Festival. 

On my stop, I relaxed on the gorgeous Half Moon Bay State Beach, watched surfers at Mavericks Beach, hiked the incredibly scenic Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail, discovered the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 235 Main Street Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 13°C to 21°C

My personal highlights…

• Dining the upscale Peruvian restaurant La Costanera – I was totally won over by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous ocean views, the charming outdoor seating and the flavorful vegetarian paella and the chocolate lava cake!
• Staying at the gorgeous boutique Seal Cove Inn which was a real gem! I adored the chic decor, its scenic position on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and the cute details like the homemade pastries and gourmet available at a ‘beverage station!’

9. St Michaels, Maryland

When I wanted to take a less commercialized summer break opted for this family-friendly hidden gem! I found the historic waterfront town located in Talbot County, Maryland on the Eastern Shore of the scenic Chesapeake Bay. 

I thought the quaint and picturesque scenery here was just gorgeous in a laid-back yet elegant way! It was filled with stunning waterfront views, photogenic marinas dotted with sailboats, independent stores, and tree-lined streets lined with picture-perfect waterfront cottages and beautifully preserved 19th-century homes.

During this month I found the weather to be hot and sunny. I also loved the beautiful sunsets over the harbor and the buzzing summer events including the Fourth of July celebrations – Big Band Night, the Fireworks in St. Michaels Harbor and Old-Fashioned 4th at St. Michaels Museum and Children’s Parade. 

On my summer vacation, I went on a sailing cruise, discovered the unique Hooper Strait Lighthouse, explored Talbot Street which was filled with art galleries, boutiques and eateries, dined at the pretty waterfront restaurants and visited the interesting Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.  

• Visitor’s Center Address: PO Box 1206, St. Michaels, MD 21663
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 21°C° to 30°C

My favorite highlights…

• Dining at upscale Plates at 208 – I love the charming 19th century building it was housed in, the creative dishes with Mediterranean and American influence, the cozy and romantic vibe (perfect for couples) and the luscious Dolmas Herodotus and Espinacas con Garbanzos (garbanzo beans and wilted spinach). 
• Staying at beautiful The Inn at Perry Cabin – I adored the elegant historic building, the chic and stunning decor which came with local art, its truly breathtaking waterfront location and my guest room’s large soaking tub and patio terrace!

10. Buffalo River, Arkansas

This made an excellent summer break option complete with outdoor adventures! The 153 miles long river flows through the Ozark National Forest in north-central Arkansas and I thought it was a seriously stunning spot with towering limestone bluffs, green forests, and crystal-clear waters.

I visited for the tranquil vibe and the huge range of outdoor activities it offered including canoeing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, rock climbing, swimming, and mountain biking (rentals were all handily available in the area). I timed my trip for July as the days were long and hot and perfect for messing around on the river. The scenery was also green and lush and dotted with pretty wildflowers.

I stayed at tranquil Tyler Bend Campground and also hiked the challenging Buffalo River Trail, discovered the scenic Hemmed-in-Hollow Waterfall, explored the ancient Blanchard Springs Caverns, soared through the sky on a zipline on the Buffalo River Canopy Tour and took a dip Steel Creek swimming hole! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 170 Ranger Rd, St Joe, AR 72675
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 32°C

My highlights…

• Visiting the eerie Rush Ghost Town and the even creepier Peppersauce Ghost Town at Calico Rock. I loved learning about the lives of former residents when they were former mining towns and seeing the haunting and now crumbling long abandoned buildings!

11. Traverse City, Lake Michigan

I thought this was a very pretty lakeside gem! It’s located on Lake Michigan on the northeastern shore of Grand Traverse Bay in  northern Michigan.

It’s a popular summer destination and I was also a big fan of its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, friendly, small-town charm, waterfront views of Grand Traverse Bay, an easy-on-the-eye downtown lined with historic brick buildings, boutique shops, and a backdrop of vineyards, nature reserves and rolling hills.

I loved vacationing here during this month as the days were long and it was hot and dry with clear sunny days. It also came alive with festivals and events and I really enjoyed the fabulous 8-day National Cherry Festival and the fireworks display, colorful parade and family-friendly activities which celebrated Independence Day.

I also explored the historic downtown, hiked the scenic trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, swam at the pretty West End Beach, kayaked on Boardman River and explored rustic wineries at Old Mission Peninsula. 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 101 W Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City, MI 49684
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C – 29°C

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at upscale resort The Inn at Bay Harbor. I really enjoyed sitting in the poolside cabana and gazing at the gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, the cute afternoon tea service which featured Little Traverse Bay Bellini, having a hot stone massage in the onsite spa and I was a big fan of the glamorous chandelier in the lobby!
• Having an al-fresco breakfast on the outdoor patio of the modern S2S Sugar to Salt eatery – I adored the friendly servers, the locally sourced ingredients and the delicious blue cornmeal and quinoa pancakes which came served with juicy blueberries!

12. Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma

I thought this wonderful unspoilt wilderness was perfect for nature lovers! Spanning around 1,300 acres its located in the within the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma, near the town of Broken Bow in McCurtain County. It’s a resort park so it I found it has some awesome opportunities for family-friendly outdoor adventures (including golf, a Steam Train and wooden cabin rentals) but it still had tranquil rustic vibe with dense pine forests, rolling hills, the sparking clear Broken Bow Lake, and stunning mountain views. 

I took a short break here during this month and found the weather was hot and dry (but with some cooler evenings and the occasional thunderstorm), the forests were in full bloom with pretty wildflowers and green leaves and the days were long and perfect for exploring. 

I also enjoyed boating, swimming in the roped-off areas, and kayaking on the lake, hiking the scenic trails, picnicking on the secluded Cedar Creek Beach, and then staying overnight at the creekside Cedar Campground. I also made sure I stopped by the visitors center at the start of my trip so I could get involved in the activities they arranged such as the campfire storytelling, nature hikes, and even arts and crafts classes! 

• Visitor’s Center Address: Broken Bow, OK 74728
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 29°C to 35°C

My highlights…

• Hiking the 2.2 mile Friends Trail Loop which took me two hours to complete. I followed Mountain Fork River and went past diverse plant life and saw squirrels, finches and white-tailed deer. 
• Trying out a Yakanoe, which was a combination of a canoe and kayak, and a fun and unique experience! The wider hull also made it seem much more stable on the water. 

13. Block Island, Rhode Island

I personally think this New England gem is hugely underrated! It’s located around 13 miles off the coast of Rhode Island in Washington County and its accessible by ferry, private boat, or small aircraft. I loved how serene and charming it as, as well as its beautiful scenery of long sandy beaches, towering cliffs, rolling hills, picturesque coastal landscapes and Victorian-style homes and cute cottages. 

I caught a ferry there during this month and found it was warm and dry with gorgeous sunsets and buzzy local events and festivals. My favourite was the 4th of July celebrations, which had a colorful parade and fireworks set off from a barge, the Block Island Quartet Festival and Blues on the Block. 

I hung out at buzzy Ballard’s Beach, hiked the scenic trails, cycled up to the natural clay cliffs of the Mohegan Buffs and Block Island Southeast Lighthouse, kayaked Great Salt Pond and explored charming streets and historic buildings of New Shoreham (the main town).

• Visitor’s Center Address:4 Center Rd, New Shoreham, RI 02807
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures– 24°C to 29°C

My favorite highlights…

• Staying at the very lovely 1661 Inn. It was an awesome experience with a complimentary daily champagne breakfast buffet and sociable afternoon wine and snack hour where I got chatting to other guests. I also loved the ocean views and the cozy, romantic decor. 
• Enjoying an al-fresco breakfast at the locally famous Ballard’s resort restaurant – I adored the casual beach vibe, the superb ocean views and the divine Belgium Waffles which came dripping with orange honey!

14. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming 

This wonderful area of pure, unspoiled wilderness always wows me! Covering over 310,000 acres, it lies within the Teton Range, part of the larger Rocky Mountains (near Jackson Hole) in northwestern Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone National Park. I was in awe of its breathtaking blend of jagged mountain peaks, serene alpine lakes and emerald green valleys. To me it was a peaceful natural escape with a zen-like vibe that felt almost hypnotic! 

On my trip, I kayaked on Jenny Lake or the Massive Jackson Lake, went rafting on Snake River, hiked the scenic trails, watched the brave rock climbers at Teton Range and watched a truly stunning sunset at Schwabacher Landing.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1 Teton Park Rd, Moose, WY 83012
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 21°C to 27°C

My personal highlights…

• Driving up to Signal Mountain and admiring the Instagrammable panoramic views of the surrounding landscape was a breathtaking experience! The gorgeous views of Jackson Hole and the distant mountain ranges were picture-perfect!
• Hiking the leisurely Taggart Lake Loop Trail which took me on a 3.8 miles round trip and took me two hours to complete. Seeing the pretty Indian paintbrush and lupines wildflowers and views of Grand Teton reflected in the calm waters of Taggart Lake made it very worthwhile! 

15. Lake Chelan, Washington

This is a beautiful 50 miles long recreational lake surrounded by a breathtaking mountain range! Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range in north-central Washington state (between Seattle and Spokane), this family-friendly spot completely won me over with its glacier-fed, crystal-clear blue waters, sandy beaches, lush vineyards, orchards, and towering mountain peaks. It also had a tranquil vibe, although being the peak months there were also quite a few other tourists. 

Although it was a busy month, I still loved visiting during July, as the weather was warm and sunny, and perfect for all the water activities, exploring the hiking trails and seeing the surrounding orchards in full bloom. There was also awesome summer events such as the 4th of July Fireworks, Lake Chelan Bach Fest (a popular music festival), and the fun Lake Chelan Poker Run! 

I tried out boating, jet skiing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking (there are rentals located here), hiked and biked the surrounding trails, explored the pretty vineyards in Lake Chelan Wine Valley, flew through the air on a zip-line at High Trek Chelan, discovered Chelan Farmers Market and camped at the Loop 2 site in Lake Chelan State Park.

• Visitor’s Center Address:216 E Woodin Ave, Chelan, WA 98816
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 24°C to 32°C

My highlights…

• Explored Stehekin Valley which is a remote community I reached by seaplane! When here, I was in awe of its unspoiled, off-the-grid charm, stunning waterfalls and homemade coffee cakes at the wonderful Stehekin Pastry Company! 
• Stopping by the wonderful Tsillan Cellars & Sorrento’s Ristorante – I stayed for a sunset dinner on the outdoor terrace and I loved how romantic the scenery was (the lush landscapes were breathtaking) and the fine Mediterranean-inspired menu which used locally sourced ingredients. I especially loved the truffle popcorn and award-winning sauvignon blanc!

16. Glacier National Park, Montana

I’m a huge fan of this breathtaking and pristine spot! The huge destination covers around 1.012 million acres located in the northwestern corner of Montana, along the U.S.-Canada border and I found the scenery was a stunning tapestry of rugged, snow-capped peaks, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear glacial lakes, thick green forests, and pretty alpine meadows. I was mesmerized by how it combined raw natural beauty and tranquility with outdoor adventures! 

This month I saw blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, and warm, sunny weather that was perfect for hiking. I also found the stunning Going-to-the-Sun Road and all the hiking trails were fully open, and the Middle Fork Whitewater was at its best, with water levels just right for exhilarating rafting adventures!

I enjoyed hiking the trails (the iconic and breathtaking Highline Trail and Grinnell Glacier were my favorites!), going wildlife-watching and spotting mountain goats and moose (grizzly bears, black bears and wolves also live here!), taking a boat tour to Lake McDonald and seeing Instagram-worthy views at Grinnell Glacier.

• Visitor’s Center Address: West Glacier, MT 59936
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 21°C to 27°C

My highlights…

• Staying in the rustic historic Backcountry Lodge, Granite Park Chalet which was built in 1914. I loved the sociable vibe and the communal kitchen (there was no running water or electricity so it felt like camping!). After hiking, we shared meals and trail stories! 

17. Ely, Minnesota

This is an easy-on-the-eye historic city surrounded by seriously stunning landscapes! Located in the northeastern part of Minnesota (near the edge of the Superior National Forest). I was charmed by its pristine lakes, towering pine forests, and unspoilt rugged wilderness. 

The town itself had a cozy, welcoming community feel with a focus on outdoor adventures and a mix of historic buildings, unique independent shops, and rustic lodges. 

I went kayaking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, explored the family-friendly Kawishiwi Falls Trail, which took me to the 70-foot Kawishiwi Falls and Fall Lake Dam, went mountain biking on Trezona Trail, paddle-boarded on Bear Head and camped at Fall Lake Campground. 

• Visitor’s Center Address: 1600 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 27°C

My highlights…

• Dining at the cool New American eatery Insula – I loved the casual vibe, the hearty portions they served up, the lavender and hibiscus lemonade and the truly incredible bourbon maple sweet potato smash which came with walnuts! 

18. Monterey, California

Like many others, I totally fell for Monterey cool and quaint charms! Located on the central coast of California, around 120 miles south of San Francisco, I was a big fan of its captivating blend of rugged coastal cliffs, the Pacific Ocean views, laid-back vibe and intriguing historic buildings.

I found out that summer doesn’t get exceptionally hot here, but I still loved visiting this month because of it was mild and generally sunny (with the occasional fog). There was also a lively atmosphere with the 4th of July Parade and Celebrations, which included live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities on Colton Hall Lawn, as well as the vibrant Portuguese festival, Festa do Divino Espírito Santo.

I stopped here during a Pacific Coast Highway road trip and really enjoyed exploring the famous Cannery Row. I loved how the historic waterfront district was now filled with quaint restaurants, independent shops, and interesting galleries. I also spotted humpback whales on an incredible whale-watching tour and hiked the scenic trails in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, discovered stunning historic buildings in Monterey State Historic Park and went snorkeling and saw large kelp forests in the sprawling Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 419 Webster St Suite 100, Monterey, CA 93940
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 16°C to 21°C

My favorite highlights…

• Dining al fresco on the outdoor terrace at the oceanfront Schooners Coastal Kitchen & Bar – the ocean views were truly incredible, and so was the nautical-themed decor, truffled french fries, artichoke aioli and the delicious Brown Cypress woodinville bourbon cocktail! 

19. Marquette, Michigan

I personally thought this made a low-key, peaceful summer vacation far away from the crowds! I found this quaint hidden gem was located along the shores of Lake Superior in northern part of Michigan.

It was a beautiful, relaxed, outdoor adventure-focused small city, and I loved how it was surrounded by miles of breathtaking hiking and biking trails, stunning inland lakes, towering cliffs, picturesque waterfalls, and forested rolling hills.

During this month I found the temperatures were warm and pleasant (with the occasional cool breeze) with lots of sun and mostly very dry days which were perfect for all the outdoor activities on offer. The city also came alive with outdoor events such as the lively 4th of July Celebrations, the much-loved Hiawatha Music Festival and the unique Blueberry Festival! 

During my summer vacation, I spent my time exploring the historic downtown with its quirky shops, cool breweries, art galleries, and quaint cafés. I also enjoyed kayaking and paddle-boarding on the lake, hiking the trails in scenic Presque Isle Park, and discovering the fascinating Marquette Maritime Museum and Lighthouse.

• Visitor’s Center Address: 2201 US 41 South, Marquette, MI 49855
• Location Map
• Average daytime temperatures – 18°C to 24°C

My highlights…

• Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain was a short but steep hike that took me about an hour to complete. Once I reached the summit, the 360-degree views of Lake Superior, the Huron Mountains, and the surrounding forests made it all worthwhile! I also appreciated the several scenic stops and benches along the way! 

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