15 Bucket List Summer Vacation Ideas I’m Obsessed With

Already wondering where to go in the summer for a getaway? That means it’s time to start narrowing down some summer vacation ideas! Warm, sunny weather and unused PTO is your opportunity to get out and explore.

While summer is prime adventure time, it can also be overwhelming to plan. This article will help you decide on some of the best places to visit in summer—approved by me.

First, note that many places draw large crowds during the summer months thanks to school being out. If you want to know where to travel during summer to try and avoid tourist hotspots, check out my favorite places to visit in June, July, and August.

Second, know that this is just a starting point for your bucket list and isn’t exhaustive (because that would defeat the purpose of narrowing things down for you.)

And last, remember that it is not summer all over the world. This time of year is winter for destinations on the Southern Hemisphere, so don’t get caught in the cold on accident! (ie. Australia)

Got it? Great. Read on for a list of bucket list destinations to visit in the summer for some epic summer vacation adventures.

Are you looking for the best places to visit in the USA in the summer? You may want to escape the heat or find some new cities or towns to explore.

Road-tripping is an excellent option for summer in the US. Here are a few of my favorite destinations that you could consider for your summer travels (even if it’s just for the weekend!).

1. San Diego

San Diego is another great summer destination in the USA. Its stunning beaches and year-round sunshine make it the perfect place to spend your summer days. Average temperatures stay around 78 degrees, so pack a mix of clothes and stock up on sunscreen. 

There are endless activities and things to do in this sunny city. Spend your time on the beach and jump into some surfing, swimming, or suntanning. Or dive into one of Balboa Park’s many museums. For gorgeous harbor views, book a boat cruise and learn about local marine life. 

2. New York City

New York City is one of the best places in the world, and NYC in summer is even better. Yes, it can get hot and muggy, but all the more reason to get outside and enjoy the city. There are concerts galore, brunch, and rooftop parties, and the nights never have to end.

Icee carts and Piragua stands pop up, and you can sense renewed hope for adventure after what is usually a very gray winter.

Check out the flea markets in Brooklyn and Chelsea; experience a Yankees game in the Bronx, walk along the waterfront and enjoy diverse meals in Astoria, Queens; and enjoy New York’s amazing museums.

3. Seattle

Another fun option for your summer vacation ideas is Seattle, Washington. With its stunning views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound, Seattle offers plenty of things to do in the summer months. Typically known for its rainy weather, Seattle warms up in the summer – seeing highs of around 72 degrees. 

Want to make sure you see it all? Take a City Highlights tour and enjoy the city’s top sights. Or DIY your day and visit places like Pike Place Market or Olympic Sculpture Park. I also visited Alaska on a cruise, with Seattle as a departure point.

4. Kauai

Kauai, Hawaii is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and beachgoers alike. This beautiful city offers lush landscapes and stunning beaches, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the USA. Summer temperatures stay steadily in the mid-80s. So pack for your best beach life!  

Kauai is an adventurer’s dream with tons of opportunities to get out there and explore the island. Take a helicopter ride, zipline through the forest, or take surfing lessons with a world-class instructor. If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, attend a luau or sign up for a walking tour of some of the island’s most beautiful locations. 

5. Portland, OR

Looking for a chance to enjoy nature on your summer vacation? Portland has breathtaking views and amazing summer weather, with average highs around 81 degrees. From exploring the city’s vibrant art scene to hiking in its lush forests, there are plenty of things to do in Portland. 

While you’re in Portland, take a day tour to see Columbia Gorge Waterfalls or go to wine country in Mosier (use this 4 day Columbia Gorge itinerary for tips). Or stay closer to the city and enjoy a dinner cruise on the Willamette River. 

6. Wyoming

If you avoid the winter like the plague but want to visit a stunning outdoor destination that will take your breath away, visit Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park! There is a very short window of time to visit Yellowstone in all its sunshine glory, and now is the time to do it.

Fair warning, this is one of the more popular summer vacation ideas so be sure to plan ahead and book accommodations in advance. You can learn all my outdoor booking tips for National Parks here.

7. New Orleans

New Orleans is one of my favorite travel spots if you’re looking for a vibrant vacation spot full of culture and southern charm. Fair warning, New Orleans is steamy hot in the summer, but the live music scene, delicious eats, and fascinating historic sites make it well worth the trip.

There are so many great options for things to do in New Orleans. You could easily spend a week here and still have things left to see and experience. For a spooky night (or day) on the town, take a Ghosts, Vampires & Voodoo French Quarter tour and learn about the area’s haunted history. 

8. Boston

Boston, Massachusetts, is a great option for summer travel. This city is full of historical sights, museums, and outdoor activities that you can enjoy without feeling extreme heat like you would in the south.

Learn about the city’s rich history and Freedom Trail on a historic walking tour, or explore Boston’s haunting sights on a ghost tour. If you’re traveling on a budget, Boston has many free things to do in and around the city!

Sometimes traveling internationally during the summer can be expensive and crowded because of the peak-season schedule. Nevertheless, there are multiple amazing places you could explore and enjoy regardless of crowds. Here are some of the best countries to visit during summer.

9. Croatia

Croatia is a small country on the Adriatic Sea. Summers here are scorching, so Croatia would be a perfect option if you’re looking for summer vacation ideas that involve beach days. With its sparkling blue waters, beautiful old towns, and interesting history, this is one country you don’t want to miss.

I recommend visiting Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik while there. You can enjoy delicious Croatian food, boating, swimming in the Adriatic, and more.

10. Italy

If you dream of delicious pasta, wine, and Aperol spritz, take your summer vacation in Italy! Keep in mind that Italy is a more expensive destination, and tourism is at an all-time high during the summer months, so accommodation rates will be high.

But if you’re looking to splurge, there are many amazing Italian cities to consider for your trip, such as Rome, Positano, or Florence. If visiting during August, be sure to plan ahead, as some tour companies reduce hours for holidays.

11. Mexico

Mexico is a fantastic vacation spot to soak up the sun, experience new cultures, and devour delicious Mexican food without traveling far from the US.

The weather here is usually sunny and warm, reaching 95 degrees during the day. Hurricane season and sargassum pick up in places like Quintana Roo, but there are plenty of Mexico summer vacation ideas to embrace. I recommend Mexico City for it’s amazing food and diversity, San Miguel de Allende for a quaint feel, Valle de Guadalupe for wine, and Cabo for a Baja getaway.

12. France

I adore Paris because it reminds me of New York City, but there’s nothing better than the South of France during the summertime! For a sunny and beautiful getaway along the French Riveria, consider booking a vacation to Nice, Saint Tropez, or Cannes.

Here you can spend your days relaxing at the beach and embracing the gorgeous turquoise coastlines. Tourist season is in full swing during the summer months, so be sure to book in advance to help avoid costly accommodation. 

13. Portugal

In recent years, Portugal has gained popularity with its beautiful, affordable, and full of vibrant culture. There are countless things to do here; whether you’re a beach lover, history buff, or city explorer, Portugal has something for everyone.

Expect extremely hot weather during the summer, as temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees from June to August.

As you see, summer travel can get expensive, but there are options that won’t break the bank! Here are two of my favorite suggestions:

14. Vietnam

If you’re looking for cheap places to travel in the summer, Vietnam is a fantastic option. Vietnam is known for its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and affordability. July and August are the busiest months, so you can expect to see price increases at this time, but it is still affordable by US standards. 

The weather during the summer is typically hot and dry, so just be sure to pack your shorts and sunscreen. Exploring ancient temples and national parks, and relaxing on the beach are just a few options for your time in Vietnam. And with so many cheap places to visit in Vietnam, it’s easy to find a budget-friendly way of exploring this amazing country. 

15. Costa Rica

For a dreamy getaway full of adventure and natural beauty, Costa Rica is the perfect choice for your summer destination. It’s an affordable destination during the summer months because this is considered its shoulder season.

During this time, you can expect lots of rainy days, but also gorgeous foliage, as this is its “green season.” Nevertheless, the temperatures usually range anywhere from 60 to 90 degrees, making it perfect for exploring during the day and enjoying a cool breeze in the evenings. 

Which of these Summer Vacation Ideas will you book first?

Trying to figure out your summer vacation destination can be overwhelming. There are so many great options and so many worthwhile experiences to choose from.

Just remember, whether you explore the lush forests near Portland, sip southern cocktails in New Orleans, or fly overseas to a French paradise, you’re bound to have a summer adventure you’ll never forget. 

Enjoy your summer travels!

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