If you’re going to tour Italy’s Amalfi Coast, you may as well do it at its most fabulous. In the remote region of Northern Montana, you can find active glacial formations, lakes, and waterfalls nestled between majestic Rocky Mountain peaks. From the record-breaking moving mountains of Nazaré to the speeding barrels of Peniche, you’re never far from world-class waves. Views from the access road are stunning, and there are plenty of pull-offs to stop and enjoy. There are plenty of scenic drives to take including the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply taking in incredible views, you’re sure to have a memorable time. If you’re looking for an unforgettable summer road trip, then southwest Colorado is the perfect destination.
There are no chain stores or restaurants in the quaint harbor towns that line the shores, so you’re sure to find unique shopping and dining. It’s also fun to take a guided boat tour and learn the history of the area, and why there were so many shipwrecks. And if you still want to do a bit more swimming, then you can always visit amazing local beaches like Sand Harbor, Emerald Bay, and Zephyr Cove. For the latter, be sure to bring a bathing suit since there are plenty of places to swim along the way. Amazing hikes in the area include Cave Rock, the Eagle Falls hike, Marlette Lake, Mt. Rose, and the Emerald Bay hike. As a result, there are a ton of incredible things to do in this oasis of natural beauty all summer long. Easily one of the best USA summer vacation ideas, Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake that straddles the border between Nevada and California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Located within a couple hours of Estes Park, several other incredible mountain towns can be enjoyed as day trips or home bases for other legs of the trip.
Spend your days out chasing waterfalls, and evenings enjoying a delicious dinner by the lake on one of the outdoor restaurant patios. If this sounds too adventurous, you can still experience the views from a high peak by driving to the top of Whiteface Mountain. There are nearly endless outdoor activities and things to do in Lake Placid in summer, best experienced when the snow has finally melted from the high peaks. When choosing accommodation, aim to stay in the heart of Hocking Hills to really get the full experience. While Hocking Hills is known for the hiking trails, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the area to keep you busy. Some are even handicap accessible and pet friendly, so everyone can enjoy this beautiful area.
Where to Stay in Portland
While you’re in Portland, you can’t miss the chance to see the Portland Head Light, the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, and go on a whale-watching cruise or sunset cruise in Casco Bay. If you love rocky coastlines, fresh seafood, gorgeous lighthouses, and craft beer, you’ll be especially drawn to this gem in New England! After a few days in Chicago, summer travelers can escape the bustle by chasing waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park located 2 hours by car in Oglesby, Illinois. Escape the heat in the evening by enjoying a famous show like Blue Man Group or a musical. Be sure to also stroll along Michigan Avenue for world-famous shopping, and snap a photo at the iconic Chicago Theater sign. And, thanks to Boston’s many connections to adrians game the American Revolution, you’d be hard-pressed to find a city that celebrates the 4th of July with more flair! Summer is also the perfect time of year to enjoy a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park, one of the best baseball stadiums in America. We’ve been obsessed with Boston since we spent a summer living there, and will forever count it among our favorite cities.
A variety of summer vacation ideas within the US
Laze in the city’s many lovely parks or take a trip to Tivoli Gardens for rides and outdoor entertainment. While most opt to visit southern Europe in the summer, thanks to its stunning Mediterranean beaches, don’t sleep on Scandinavia! Beyond its natural and manmade amenities, it also has among the busiest summer event schedules you’ll find in the US. Take in the city’s extraordinary architecture at Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. Montréal has relatively new transport connections which makes it easier than ever to navigare the city. Quebec’s biggest city is as French as the proverbial croissant – a joyous bilingual mix of music, art, food, and festivals. Surrounded by battered seawalls to defend against invaders, 100 watchtowers keep a weather eye on the horizon, including the stunning Torre Tavira. Around 3,000 years old, it’s Europe’s most ancient city – a port that has survived weather, wars, and civilizations.
Custer State Park is a large and incredible area not to be missed during your trip. You can explore Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park, and enjoy the amazing scenery that South Dakota has to offer. Make sure to book ahead, though, as campsites and yurts are both popular in the summertime. You’ll find plenty of hotel options in the major towns along the Oregon Coast, but an even better option is to go camping! Highlights along an Oregon Coast road trip include Ecola State Park, Short Sand Beach, and Cape Perpetua. From Portland, you can drive to Astoria, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Florence before looping back to Portland via the inland I-5 freeway.
And when you’re feeling cultural, head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to see the impressive Urban Lights installation! It is an incredible city full of varied things to do and there are so many Instagrammable places in LA! So if you’re looking for a travel destination with endless activities, great weather, and stunning views, then San Diego is the ideal place for your US summer vacation. Alternatively, those interested in doing longer trails can hike to the famous “Potato Chip Rock”! Consider riding the famous Ferris wheel, or dining at a rooftop restaurant or viewpoint of your choice to catch Chicago’s city views from up above. From an infamous skyline to countless outdoor activities, Chicago, Illinois, is without a doubt an incredible summer vacation.