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Thinking of a fun getaway during the height of the summer? Check out my list of best places to visit in July below! July is a great month for summer travel across the US and internationally.
In the US, July means hot, sunny days across much of the country. Tourist attractions are in full swing for summer, and nearly every place is picture-perfect. Abroad you can enjoy beach days and tons of different festivals. Or you can get out of the heat and head to a cooler climate south of the equator.
Because July is the high season for many places, you should be prepared for lots of travel companions. Attractions are crowded and lines are long. But if you can look past that (or plan around it), you’ll be rewarded with a great time this summer!
If you’re excited to travel this July, keep scrolling for my top picks for places to visit. Also check out these amazing places to visit throughout the summer.
Places to Vacation in July in the US
Here are some of the best places to visit in July in the United States
1. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
On the northern end of Wisconsin outside of Bayfield are the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. Made up of 21 islands, there are lots of things to do. Go on a kayaking tour, book a fishing charter, or go sailing around the islands.
I kayaked on Lake Superior, taking a tour of the Mainland Sea Caves. They’re stunning in the summer, between the red sandstone, the vibrant, mossy forest above, and the clear blue water below!
You can camp on most of the islands for a small fee, but be prepared to kayak in. There are also all kinds of drive-up and RV campsites in Bayfield, which is where we ended up camping. If camping isn’t on your summer itinerary, Wild Rice Retreat offers beautiful accommodations surrounded by nature (and a sauna!).
Plus, July is berry season in Wisconsin! There are a handful of great farms in the Bayfield area that you can check out while you’re there. Try raspberry picking at Blue Vista Farm.
2. Alaska
I also mentioned Alaska in my Best Places to Visit in June article. Summer is the perfect time to visit because the weather is mild, and you’re right in the middle of whale season. If you’re not a fan of the heat but love the outdoors, this might be a great July trip for you — that’s when I went on my Alaskan cruise.
That far north, the days are still more than 18 hours long in July. That means longer days for you to enjoy the great outdoors!
There are 7 national parks in Alaska with marshes, glaciers, sand dunes, and forests ready for exploring. Take in the fjords on a cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park or discover the wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. You can also plan to visit Alaska on a cruise — there are plenty of routes!
3. Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
On the banks of Lake Michigan is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of the best places to visit in July, the weather is perfect. The days are warm with clear skies all the way to the horizon.
There are miles of sandy beaches, dunes, forests, and lakes. You can go kayaking or canoeing. I was blown away by the crystal-clear turquoise color of the lake. It reminded me of the Caribbean, but the water is freezing!
There are campsites, hiking trails, and historic lighthouses to explore. If you hike the sand dunes like we did, be prepared for a challenge! Bring water and dress appropriately. We had to jump in the lake to cool down afterward!
4. Lake Tahoe, California
You’ll find Lake Tahoe on the California/Nevada border. It’s less than an hour from Reno and only 2-hours from Sacramento. The lake holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I got engaged!
Lake Tahoe makes my list for one of the best places to visit in July because it’s the perfect summer getaway. There are all kinds of water activities, pristine blue waters, and hundreds of miles of cycling and hiking trails.
My favorite spot on the lake is the hidden beach at Skunk Harbor. It’s a decent hike to the beach from the trailhead, but then you have a quiet beach to take a dip in. Here are instructions on how to access this hidden beach at Skunk Harbor.
5. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is one of the best places to visit in July because it’s not gloomy and rainy like the rest of the year. More sunny days mean you can see how amazing this city is! I love the vibe here. It’s a little bit grunge so that it reminds me of parts of NYC, but with West Coast nature and a laid-back attitude.
Called “The Emerald City,” you’ll love all the evergreen parks throughout Seattle. Discovery Park has walking trails along the water and an old lighthouse. You can rent kayaks and paddle out onto Elliot Bay. I also suggest using it as a jump-off port for a cruise to Alaska.
6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
July gives Wyoming a break from summer rains. That means you can enjoy clear, cool nights and warm, sunny days. The expansive Grand Tetons National Park is a wilderness wonderland with grassy green meadows, emerald piney forests, and stunning mountain lakes and rivers.
Camp at Jenny Lake with stunning views of the jagged Grand Teton Mountain Range shooting up beyond the deep blue lake. Consider booking an all-day guided tour of the park with a knowledgeable guide. They’ll take you to see grazing bison and help you find the best place to see migrating bald eagles!
7. Santa Fe, New Mexico
If the dry heat of the desert is more your summer scene, check out Santa Fe. In July you can enjoy mild nights and warm, sunny days! The city has a rich and expansive cultural history from the indigenous communities and incoming Spanish and Mexican settlers.
Go on a walking tour of downtown Santa Fe. The 300-year-old city is full of historical sites, stunning Adobe architecture, and all kinds of art museums and galleries. You can also take advantage of being in the southernmost Rocky Mountains with trailheads on the east side of the city.
8. Montana
The state of Montana is absolutely beautiful in July with a break from the extreme weather that it gets the rest of the year. Plus, the diverse terrain of the state makes for endless adventure opportunities!
If you want to go on a national park tour, this might be a great choice with 8 parks in the state. There are the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains. Montana is also home to several tribal territories that host Powwows open to the public in July (please note, while visitors are welcome, we should respect the dance area, which is sacred).
Each city offers its own charms. History buffs will love Billings with pictograph caves and historical landmarks. Helena has golf courses and Mount Helena, which is charming in July when it’s covered in wildflowers! The mountain city of Missoula is full of pioneer history, waterways, and recreational areas.
9. Colorado
I keep returning to Colorado because there’s so much to see and do there. It’s also truly one of the best places to visit in July. There is an abundance of local fruits and vegetables, mountain valleys covered in wildflowers, and endless outdoor adventures to be had!
Check out the picturesque Maroon Bells by accessible walking trails just 30 minutes outside of Aspen. The Rocky Mountain National Park is also stunning in July. Head to Glacier Creek Stables or Moraine Park Stables to go horseback riding!
Glenwood Springs is another great place to check out in Colorado in July. Besides being known for its wellness resorts and hot springs, this city is set up for tourists. Enjoy rivers, pools, and walking paths, or head into the Glenwood Underground Caverns.
10. Adirondacks, NY
New Yorkers have known for generations that one of the best places to visit in July is the upstate Adirondack Mountains. The weather is warm but not too hot, and you can take an Amtrak train there if you don’t have a car!
The 6-million-acre natural area and mountain range is the largest land preserve in the United States. Many of the 3,000 lakes and ponds have amazing sunbathing and swimming beaches, like Black Point Beach.
Hikers of all levels can enjoy walking trails and bridges along 4 different waterfalls at High Falls Gorge outside of Lake Placid. Or head to Saranac Lake where you can kayak to several different island campsites!
Best Countries To Visit In July
Here Are Top Places To Visit Around The World In The Month Of July
11. Curacao
Much like its sister island, Aruba, Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean Island outside of the hurricane belt. So, you don’t have to worry about the summer hurricane season!
Enjoy the mix of Caribbean and European culture and history. Walk the streets of Willemstad with its pastel-colored colonial-era buildings. The whole island has a very laid back vibe, so bring a book to read and relax on the beach.
The water sports here are plentiful, like jet skiing and snorkeling, or even kayaking. You can also go scuba diving or snorkel off Santa Martha Bay. Or check out Christoffel National Park for hiking trails, historic ruins, and a variety of unique local vegetation and wildlife to discover.
12. Germany (Bavaria)
Bavaria in southeastern Germany is a wonderful area with picture-perfect scenery in the summer. There you can visit Munich, with its classic German architecture and deep-rooted history.
The Bavarian Alps along the southern German border are great in the summer for hiking and mountain biking. Germany also has a strong wellness culture. You can go on a meditation hike in the Ammergau Alps to refresh your spirit and body.
Visit Bad Kissingen in northern Bavaria, a world-famous spa town known for its mineral baths and outdoor pools. Enjoy mud baths, thermal baths, and dozens of spa resorts.
13. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting Amsterdam was an eye-opening experience for me. It’s stunning any time of year with its scenic canals and gabled architecture dating back to the 17th century. But it’s truly one of the best places to visit in July if you are looking for an urban setting to explore!
There are tons of culturally important museums and historical sites, like the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh Museum. Hang out in one of the city’s many expansive grassy parks with shade trees, ponds, and art installations, or do a fun tour like the Heineken Experience. You can also take guided day trips in the nearby countryside.
- Read more: Where to stay in Amsterdam
14. Alberta, Canada (Banff)
Consider a July visit to the province of Alberta if you love the outdoors. The weather is mild and perfect for outdoor exploring. You have 3 different national parks, the Canadian Rocky Mountains, and over 600 lakes, just to start with!
Inside Banff National Park is the town of Banff. This resort town is full of breathtaking scenery! You can stay at several boutique resorts and hotels along Banff Avenue. It’s super easy to get to, just off the Trans-Canada Highway that runs through the park.
Go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing at Vermillion Lakes just outside town. The National Park also has hiking trails for all skill levels. And don’t miss out on the Banff thermal hot springs at the foot of Sulphur Mountain. This is a preserved bathhouse from the 1930s with mountain views!
15. Quilotoa, Ecuador
If you are looking to get out of the heat of July, consider Quilotoa – one of the best places to visit in Ecuador! It’s a great time of year to go because it’s cool and dry.
Despite the challenging altitude, I found the excursion to be worth the (extreme) effort. The stunning emerald-colored lagoon is in the middle of an ancient volcanic crater. There’s a beach you can hike to along the water, as well as campsites. In the village of Quilotoa, there are also a variety of places to eat and hostels if you want to stay overnight.
More Summer Travel Ideas
Where will you go this July?
Traveling in July comes with the expectation of lots of travelers keeping you company! There’s a festive feeling in the air that comes along with the summer freedom to get out and enjoy the lush, green outdoors. What’s on your travel calendar this summer?
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