Are you looking to be a tourist in your own hometown or the city closest to you, or are you simply seeking some inspiration for the summer months? Well, we’re here to provide some helpful encouragement. Regardless of how long you’ve lived in your neighborhood, we’ll explore a variety of enjoyable sunny-day activities across every corner of the U.S.
Summer Activities
Coachella may have come and gone, but there are many more festivals and activities you can attend during the summer, regardless of where you are in the country. If you’re in the mood to travel short distances or grab a short domestic flight, we’ve got the lowdown on many exciting events over the next few months.
Music Festivals
- Underwater Music Festival – Looe Key Reef, FL
- Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
- Live Oak Music Festival – San Luis Obispo, CA
- Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI
- Seafair – Seattle, WA
Cultural Festivals
- Aabaha Art and Theatre Festival – Sugar Hill, GA
- Silver Sage Renaissance Festival – Joplin, MO
- Arizona Highland Celtic Festival – Flagstaff, AZ
- Idlewild – Juneteenth Festival – Idlewild, MI
- King Kamehameha Day – Statewide, HI
Foodie Festivals
- Taste of Chicago – Chicago, IL
- 8750’ Music and BBQ Festival Red River, NM
- Denver Greek Festival – Denver, CO
- Maine Lobster Festival – Rockland, ME
- BBQ Cook Off – Absarokee, MT
Unique Experiences
- Oregon County Fair – Venata, OR
- Stonewall Peach Jamboree & Rodeo – Fredericksburg, TX
- Newport Kite Festival – Newport, RI
- Balia – New York City, NY
- Midnight Sun Festival, Fairbanks, AK
Unique Locations to Visit on Summer Vacation
Having explored various festivals, let’s highlight some distinctive destinations across the states that offer unique summer getaways.
Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts: Discover charming college towns, farm-to-table dining, and beautiful hiking trails in this cultural hub.
Pennsylvania Wilds. Pennsylvania: A vast region offering some of the best outdoor recreation in the Northeast, including stargazing and elk viewing.
Shelter Cove, California: Located on the remote Lost Coast, this hidden gem is perfect for those seeking peace, black sand beaches, and rugged nature.
Beavers Bend Resort Park, Oklahoma: A mountain escape featuring Broken Bow Lake, towering pines, and excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
Custer State Park, South Dakota: Famous for its bison herds, granite peaks, and the stunning Needles Highway.
Best City Locations for A Summer Vacay
If you’re an adventurous explorer looking to go even further, we’ve curated a selection that includes one premier U.S. city alongside exciting options in Canada, Mexico, and Central or South America.
Indianapolis, Indiana: An emerging cultural capital with world-class museums and a thriving culinary scene, perfect for a summer city break.
Banff, Canada: Experience the majestic beauty of the Rockies, where turquoise lakes and stunning alpine vistas await the outdoor enthusiast.
Isla Holbox, Mexico: Retreat to this car-free island paradise for a tranquil escape featuring white sand beaches and incredible wildlife encounters.
Curaçao, Caribbean Islands: A vibrant destination known for its colorful Dutch colonial architecture and pristine coral reefs where you can witness or partake in world-class diving.
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina: Home to one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, offering a lush rainforest setting for an unforgettable adventure.
Outdoor Experiences
When it comes to recreational time on holidays or on days off, there’s no shortage of things you can do. However, if you want to venture outside of your comfort zone, this list of things to do is for you. The East Coast features a wealth of activities along its shores and within its forests; we’ve highlighted a few specific experiences. Since many booking platforms exist, we will list these activities so you can explore the details independently.
- Ziplining in Charlotte, NC
- Airboat Backwater Excursion on the Crystal River, FL
- Jet Car Hire on South Beach, MI
- Clear Kayak Tour with Night LEDs in Anna Maria Island, FL
- ATV and Quade Bike Rental in NJ
[🛒Summer Besties Personalized Cotton T-shirt]
[🛒Personalized Flower & Name Lip Balm Keychain]
Best Apps to Plan Your Summer
Now that we’ve listed nearly every vacation spot in the country, let’s discuss the apps that will help you get there. Apple and Android user friendly, here are the go-to’s for all your travelling needs:
For the ‘Type A’ friends who plan everything to a tee, this app is for you. Your friends will envy your organizational skills with the itinerary and planning tools this app has.
Quite similar to another popular app for scanning the skies, this gives great advice on when best to book flights and accommodation.
Find maps that suit your destination rather than getting lost in a random location.
For the wandering traveler, keep your family notified of your location at all times.
Of course, we have to self-plug. You’ll need customized travel accessories, personalized t-shirts with dates and locations, as well as beach towels and backpacks.
Budget Travel Tips
Planning summer vacations always takes a toll on your wallet, so we thought of listing things that’ll help you keep prices down.
- Mid-Week Travel: Flying or starting a road trip on a Tuesday or Wednesday is almost always cheaper than a Friday or Sunday.
- The ‘Hub-and0Spoke’ Road Trip: Instead of driving to a different hotel every night, pick a central “base camp” in a smaller town and take day trips to nearby attractions. You’ll save on gas and can often negotiate a better weekly rate on lodging
- The 15% Buffer Rule: Always add a 10–15% ‘buffer’ to your total budget for unexpected costs like parking fees, tips, or that “must-have” local souvenir.
- Kitchen Amenities are King: Prioritize rentals or hotels with a kitchenette. Even a simple fridge and microwave allow you to store groceries and avoid the $12+per-person cost per meal.
- Loyalty Pays Off: Always join the free loyalty program of whichever hotel chain you choose. You’ll often get ‘member-only’ rates and perks like free Wi-Fi or late checkout.
[🛒In My Era Personalized Jute Tote Bag]
[🛒Personalized Birth Flower Insulated Travel Tumbler]
[🛒Personalized Embroidery Flower Birth Month]
Now, that we’ve covered enough ground when it comes to tourist attractions or things to do near you, all you need now is your baseball hat, a jute tote bag (or overnight bag) filled with a travel mug, clothes, some snacks; then jump in the car or plane (a passport may be needed for the latter, of course) and see what’s in store.