The 12 best summer vacations in the USA

The best summer vacation memories last a lifetime. There are several spots in the United States that are iconic when it comes to the idea summer vacation for families, couples, or even solo travelers. 
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Find inspiration for your next warm-weather getaway with our list of the best summer vacation spots in the U.S.A.
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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.

​Favorite Resort: The Grand Hotel at the Grand Canyon
4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $1,173.50
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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

​Favorite Resort: Bicycle Street Inn & Suites
4-Night Summer Pricing:  $2,370.75
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3. 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.

​Favorite Resort: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
4-Night Summer Pricing: standard room $2,019.69
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4. 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.

​Favorite Resort: Green Harbor Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,218.41
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5. Outer Banks, North Carolina

A summer visit to North Carolina's barrier islands, known as the Outer Banks, is one of the best vacations in the United States. You can make a base in one of the small towns along the 130-mile stretch and make day trips along Highway 12 to places like Cape Hatteras National Seashore or to some of the historic lighthouses along the Outer Banks.

It is common for many summer vacationers to rent beach houses in Duck, Nags Head, Hatteras, or Kill Devil Hills and make the Outer Banks an annual tradition. The area has long stretches of beautiful beaches, perfect for family vacations. Due to the popularity of the area, it is best to lock in lodging six months to a year in advance.

While the main attractions in the Outer Banks are the picturesque Atlantic Ocean and dramatic sand dunes, there's much more to explore. On the northern tip of the Outer Banks in Corolla, you can see wild Spanish mustang horses roaming the beaches.

Several historic sites, like the Wright Brothers National Memorial, Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station, and the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum are worth visits. For a truly unforgettable experience, walk the 100-foot-high sand dunes at Jockey's Ridge State Park or take a hang-gliding lesson at the largest hang-gliding school in the world located at the park.

Favorite Resort: Sanderling Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,302.88
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6. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Located on the northern edge of the Ozark Mountains in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks was created by an impoundment of the Osage River in 1931. In its near 90-year history, this long and winding lake has grown into Missouri's premiere vacation destination. With more than 1,100 miles of shoreline outlining this massive man-made reservoir, the water is always a defining feature of any visit.

Whether it's golfing within view of the water, camping next to the shore, or renting a boat for the day, the Lake of the Ozarks offers all types of vacations and things to do. Other reasons people flock to the lake include historic lodges, swinging bridges, and raging water parks. All this, and more, adds up to the perfect destination for long weekends and extended family vacations.
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One of the best base camps for activity is the city of Lake Ozark, just south of the Osage River impoundment, the Bagnell Dam. Osage Beach, six miles south of Lake Ozark, is another popular place to visit and is the largest city at Lake of the Ozarks. Farther south, Camdenton also provides plenty of adventure, including subterranean exploration of Bridal Cave.

Favorite Resort: Big Cedar Lodge
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,494.98
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7. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

Few summer vacation memories can top sliding down the colossal sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore in Michigan. The nice thing about this vacation is that most of the things to do are outdoors, and most of them are free.

You can hang beachside at one of the best beaches in Michigan and relax by the waters of Lake Michigan. For more adventure, tackle one of the many hiking trails through Leelanau State Park and North Manitou Island to get up close to nature and local wildflowers.
There are several local outfitters that have kayaks available for rent and offer tours of the area. Or you can head out on your own and capture photos of your family taking on the adventure of the 400-foot-tall sand dunes.
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There is an abundance of wildlife along the 65 miles of shoreline. The area is especially popular for birdwatching. One of the most peaceful parts of a Sleeping Bear Dunes vacation will be the dramatic sunsets along Lake Michigan, which you can catch from the balcony of one of the resorts in the area.

Favorite Resort: Crystal Mountain Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $888.62
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8. Portland, Maine

Summertime is the peak tourist season in Portland, Maine but it is also one of the best times to visit for the full flavor of the city. Temperatures, even during the summer, are comfortable and barely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you love outdoor activities, Portland fits your vacation style with preserved natural beauty and a simplistic vibe.

Much of your time will be spent on the rocky coastline listening to the sounds of the sea crashing upon arrival. One of the things Portland is most known for is its lighthouses. There are six within close proximity, including its most prominent, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth. You can take a tour of one or all of them to get a sense of the town's importance to maritime history.
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Outdoor recreation in Portland spans from kayaking and fishing to golf and sailing. Since Portland is located on the coast, you will find small restaurants serving up seafood and culinary creations using in-season fruits and vegetables.

Favorite Resort: Inn By The Sea
4-Night Summer Pricing: $3,407.63
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9. San Francisco, California

The city of San Francisco has the benefit of being a nearly perfect place to visit anytime of the year, but a summer vacation to this California destination is memorable. The summer months are the most popular in the San Francisco Bay area, so the beaches will be crowded, and lodging will be at a premium. You will also want to book hotels and transportation far in advance.

The top must-dos in San Francisco include a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, a boat tour on the bay, and a cable car ride around the hilly streets. A trip to Alcatraz is also recommended but since you must buy a ticket and time slot, you may want to book these online before you go.
San Francisco comes alive in the summer with street artists and musicians, festivals, and an eclectic atmosphere. Be sure to visit Pier 39, where you can see dozens of local sea lions resting on the docks at the marina. 
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​Favorite Resort: The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,841.90
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10. Panama City Beach, Florida

One of the best summer beach getaways happens in Panama City Beach, Florida. There's never a bad spot as you choose your beach spot for the day on some of the 27 miles of beaches. The beach is perfect for long walks and people watching from the pier.

Besides relaxing at the beach, you can hike or bike in one of the two state parks in the area or take a sunset kayaking trip. The eco-friendly destination also makes it easy to explore the nearby and untouched Shell Island or take an airboat ride to get up close to local wildlife.
Pier Park is one way to break up your beach time with some food and activities. The SkyWheel is an exciting way to get a bird's-eye view of the beach scene. Pier Park has more than 124 stores, from boutique and souvenir shops to ice-cream parlors and sundry stores in case you forgot the sunglasses. This is a fun time in Panama City Beach to enjoy the local flavor at the many festivals that happen during the summer months.

For those who enjoy fishing, you can spend a day on a deep-sea charter catching a variety of species then have them filleted at the marina and prepped for you to take to a local restaurant for dinner. If you prefer to enjoy eating fresh seafood more than catching it, Panama City Beach has a wide array of casual to fine-dining seafood restaurants.
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Favorite Resort: Ocean Villa Resort
4-Night Summer Pricing: $2,017.32
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11. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A summer vacation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee checks all the boxes if you are looking for a combination of activities and some downtime during your getaway. Make no mistake, the heart of Gatlinburg is touristy and busy in the summer months with families, but the buzzing activity is part of its ambience.

The center of Gatlinburg requires no itinerary. It is full of options, from museums to pancake restaurants and miniature golf. Take advantage of the main attractions in the area, like the Gatlinburg Space Needle; Ripley's Aquarium; rides; shops; live entertainment; and the SkyLift, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

One of the most popular attractions is the Aerial Tramway, which leaves from downtown Gatlinburg and takes visitors in a cable car up the mountainside to an amusement park and dining at the top. There are plenty of hotels along the main parkway, or you can opt for a more secluded cabin in the woods just outside the main part of town.

Gatlinburg sits in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains, so every sunrise and sunset is spectacular.

Take a day or two hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some natural inspiration. It is the most visited national park in the United States and has more than 50,000-acres of trails, as well as wilderness and wildlife to experience. New visitors should stop by the visitor center near the main entrance for ranger guidance on where to go based on your time and skill level, but some of the must-see spots are Cade's Cove and Clingman's Dome.

Favorite Resort: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg
4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,513.99
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12. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage, Alaska is one of the best places to visit in the summer, when the weather is ideal, and since the days are longer, you can pack more into the daily itinerary. During the summer solstice in June, daylight lasts close to 22 hours, so you have more time to hike, canoe, golf, or do a whale watching tour.

There are also many heritage centers like the Anchorage Museum to visit, so you can plan a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. The temperatures in the summer are comfortable (averaging in the 60s Fahrenheit), so it is a great time to try river rafting, take a wildlife viewing tour, and see the landscape by railroad.

Favorite Resort: Hotel Captain Cook
4-Night Summer Pricing: $1,875.09
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Mickey's Dream Vacations is a full-service travel agency, specializing in Family & Romance Travel. We take the stress out of travel planning. ​