Summer is meant for using vacation days, whether your ideal trip involves a big city, an all-American national park, a relaxing beach or a small-town getaway. To decide the best summer vacations in the USA, U.S. News considered several factors, including affordability, weather and variety of things to do, plus traveler and expert sentiment. Like what you see? Vote below for your favorite trips to help influence next year’s ranking.
Glacier National Park
#1 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
Montana’s Glacier National Park is known for its stunning geological features, including 700-plus lakes, nearly 200 waterfalls and two major mountain ranges across more than 1 million acres. July and August are the best – and busiest – times to visit this bucket-list park, with average daytime temperatures in the low 80s (though you can still expect lower temps and snow on the ground at higher elevations). The ever-popular Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open during these months, too. You’ll want to spend time driving the park’s roads, kayaking or canoeing on a lake and hiking some of the hundreds of scenic trails.
Yellowstone National Park
#2 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
Nature lovers flock to Yellowstone each summer to watch Old Faithful’s awe-inspiring eruptions, hike through the expansive Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, gaze at the Grand Prismatic Spring’s mesmerizing hues and spot wildlife like grizzly bears and bison. The national park’s trails, lodges and visitor centers, which span Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, are busiest in summer. However, travelers willing to brave the crowds are rewarded with ideal temps (average highs sit in the 70s and 80s). What’s more, nearby towns feature summer calendars packed with fun events, like the Cody Stampede Rodeo and the Wild West Arts Fest.
San Diego
#3 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
San Diego’s plethora of shorelines (including Coronado, Mission and Pacific beaches), museum-filled Balboa Park and world-renowned zoo make it an appealing summer vacation spot for families and relaxation seekers. Plus, San Diego is home to a highly regarded dining and drinking scene that includes authentic Mexican cuisine and more than 150 craft breweries. To get a true taste of the city, enjoy a meal in Little Italy or La Jolla, or sign up for a beer or food tour. For near-perfect weather, visit in July or August after the clouds of the “June Gloom” have passed.
Grand Canyon National Park
#4 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
Summer is the busiest time to visit Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but don’t let that dissuade you from booking a trip. The North Rim is often less crowded, and you can enjoy miles of scenic drives and hiking trails. If you want to stick to the South Rim, consider parking your car and exploring by bike. Keep in mind that temperatures inside the canyon are significantly higher than at the rim, often climbing above 100 degrees, so the park advises against hiking between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in summer
Grand Teton National Park
#5 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA for 2024
Spellbinding beauty, challenging rock climbing routes, relaxing floating excursions and more than 250 miles of trails attract travelers to this Wyoming national park come summer. The roughly 310,000-acre Grand Teton National Park is also an affordable getaway: Campsites abound, and visitors can avoid pricey park dining by stocking up on food at a grocery store in Jackson Hole before entering the park. Or, splurge a little at some of Jackson Hole’s best restaurants (a morning pastry at Persephone Bakery is a must) before or after hitting the trails. What’s more, budding naturalists can participate in summer ranger programs that include geological and cultural presentations.
