Best Places to Visit during the Summer

Yellowstone National Park

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, Yellowstone Park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. It’s also home to one of the best known geysers in the world ‘Old Faithful’, and other hot springs and natural pools. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it’s popular with mountain bikers and hikers, as well as nature photographers. Here you can find bison, wolves and grizzly bears as well as elk, and plenty more wildlife beside.

San Diego

San Diego is well known for its beaches, and has plenty to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for. Mission Beach is probably the most iconic beach, with a busy boardwalk area, the iconic Giant Dipper rollercoaster and plenty of holidaymakers. For those with families, Moonlight beach has everything you could possibly need with toilets, showers and a snack shop, ideal if travelling with younger children. For something a little off the beaten track the beaches at Del Mar are quieter, whilst Imperial Beach and Pacific Beach are more popular with locals.

Seattle

If you’re looking for a laidback vacation, one where you can mix and match exciting urban adventures with outstanding natural beauty, Seattle is the place. Within the city you’ll find plenty of wining and dining options, as well as various food markets and other sightseeing opportunities such as the Space Needle and Seattle Aquarium. It’s also very popular as a sailing destination, with plenty of people taking to the water in everything from kayaks to yachts, and everything in between. There are also hiking trails around the Mount Rainier area if you’d rather be active on land.

Louisville

Louisville is probably best known as the home of the Kentucky Derby, and if you do happen to be here during the event itself, you’re in for a treat. If not, you can still visit the Kentucky Derby Museum to find out all about this iconic event. There’s also a thriving arts and music scene, which is easily tapped into, though if sports are more your thing, Louisville is huge on college sports, and are home to the Louisville Cardinals, Louisville Bats and Derby City Rovers all located here.

Myrtle Beach

If it’s beaches you’re looking for then the city of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has got to be high on your wish list. A long, hot summer season sees the area bathed in sunshine, whilst the extensive beaches are the major lure, there is also Myrtle Waves, one of the largest water parks on the East Coast as well as a great boardwalk area. Equally it’s got a great range of shopping malls and is one of the largest shopping areas in the southeast.

Denver

Craft Beer Capital of the West, Denver is a beer aficionados’ paradise, with a plethora of breweries scattered throughout the city. Chill out in one of the many brew pubs, take a tour through some of the best breweries in the city, and simply enjoy all the delights they have to offer. Away from the beer, there’s also plenty of outstanding hiking, walking and the views are simply stunning. You can also visit the Red Rocks Amphitheater for a musical experience.

Anchorage

For something outdoorsy, Anchorage, Alaska, has a great range of outdoor adventures available. Whether it’s taking a bike tour, fishing, or even dog-sledding, there’s something for everyone. With the motto ‘Big Wild Life’ the area is also ideal for wildlife tours, and is also blessed with both flightseeing and railroad tours for those of you hoping to do your sightseeing in comfort. Equally why not head up to a glacier, or try your hand at gold-panning if you find yourself with some free time.

Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard

Both Cape Cod and the island of Martha’s Vineyard offer up a great range of beaches as well as great seafood and a pleasant climate. Martha’s Vineyard’s population swells in the summer, with all the holiday homes being utilized and as such, the island becomes a bustling hive of activity. It’s an expensive spot, but the beauty, and the levels of service make it worth it. Cape Cod itself is ideal for foodies as well as those looking to spot whales, relax on the beach, hike or fish.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls needs no introduction, but it’s often overlooked as a summer vacation destination. In the city of Niagara Falls you’ll find the Niagara Falls State Park, home to the falls themselves as well as the Cave of Winds, an aquarium and an observation tower. You can also take one of the Hornblower tours to get closer to the falls themselves, or head out of town to one of over 50 wineries in the area. It’s a must-do with plenty to see and do for kids and adults alike.