Do you wish for chilly summers to avoid the sweltering heat? There are numerous great spots in the United States that provide breezy and refreshing escapes. From the West Coast to the East Coast, here are the top cool weather Summer vacations in the United States and best places to Visit in summer in usa.
This page contains a wide range of vacation options, from trekking trips and Northern Lights sightings to bustling city breaks. We’ve also included a slew of insider suggestions for visiting each of these locations so you can better plan your vacation.
Best Places to visit in Summer in USA: AN OVERVIEW
Here are some highlights of the best places to visit in summer in usa. These are just a few of the places in this guide, but they stand out for various reasons.
- The best cool summer vacation in the US for Northern Lights: Fairbanks, Alaska
- The best cool summer vacation in the US for festivals: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- The best cool summer vacation in the US for wildlife: Great Smoky Mountains, NC
- The best cool summer vacation in the US for foodies: Portland, Maine
- The best cool summer vacation in the US for history: Plymouth, Massachusetts
best places to visit in summer in usa
33 Best Places to visit in Summer in USA
COOL PLACES TO VISIT IN SUMMER — WESTERN US
1. FAIRBANKS, ALASKA
Average summer temperature: 50°-71°F | 10°-22°C
Average rainy days in summer: 8
Why vacation here: Far up in Alaska, the city of Fairbanks is surrounded by natural splendor; a Fairbanks summer offers vistas of the Northern Lights and unending sunlight. Its spectacular terrain and outdoor experiences make it one among the greatest chilly spots to visit in the United States during the summer.
Gaze at the Northern Lights: Fairbanks is a great site to see the Northern Lights dance across the night sky. The peak viewing season is from August 21 until April 21. Most nights, you can observe the Aurora Borealis by yourself, or you can guide tour
Bask in endless daylight: Fairbanks is known for its ‘Midnight Sun Season,’ which goes from May 17–July 27. During that time, the sun stays out 24 hours a day. This natural phenomenon keeps Fairbanks energized all hours of the night for hiking, biking, golfing, and socializing.
Insider Tip: The Northern Lights will not be visible due to the 24 hour daylight from mid-May through July. Visit no earlier than August to catch the Aurora. The beginning of September is an ideal time to see both the Northern Lights and plenty of sunshine.
best places to visit in summer in usa
2. NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON
Average summer temperature: 28°-50°F | -2°-10°C
Average rainy days in summer: 8
Why vacation here: The enormous North Cascades National Park in Washington is less than three hours from Seattle. The environment of this underdeveloped park is stunning, with mountain ranges and glaciers. Its cool, dry summer climate for snow-free hikes and picturesque driving. It’s one of the best places to visit in summer in usa.
Go on a scenic hike: The North Cascades and its protected wilderness are a hiker’s dream, and most high-elevation trails are snow-free in the summer. Set out on the 3.7-mile Cascade Pass Trail, which winds through woodlands and floral meadows before concluding with spectacular mountain views.
Take a winding road trip: This park’s gorgeous landscape is mostly undeveloped. While its rugged mountains may be explored on foot, why not drive across them? Drive the 127-mile North Cascades Highway, which features switchbacks that overlook flowing waterfalls and alpine woods.
Insider Tip: Looking for a basecamp to explore the backcountry? Take a plane, boat, or hike from Lake Chelan in the park to the little village of Stehekin. You can get housing, food, and supplies here.
best places to visit in summer in usa
3. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
Average summer temperature: 53°-70°F | 12°-21°C
Average rainy days in summer: 4
Why vacation here: The Pacific Northwest seaside city of Seattle has warm but mild summers that are ideal for enjoying breezy ocean activities, magnificent public parks, and historic open-air markets. You won’t find such PNW sunshine in any other season!
Paddleboard in the ocean: Enjoy the sunlight and warmth of a Seattle summer while it lasts by going to the beach. Paddleboarding on Puget Sound is a popular local activity because it takes little equipment and the waves are relatively calm.
Shop at a famous market: Pike Place Market is a historic market located in downtown Seattle. This gigantic farmers market has been around for nearly a century and is still one of the largest in the United States. There are hundreds of businesses, vendors, and eateries to discover here.
Insider Tip: Seattle really has the largest ferry fleet in the United States. This opens up a plethora of adjacent island experiences. One of the most popular ferry excursions, Bainbridge Island is brimming with waterfront attractions, vineyards, and family-friendly parks.
best places to visit in summer in usa
4. PACIFIC CITY, OREGON
Average summer temperature: 50°-68°F | 10°-20°C
Average rainy days in summer: 5
Why vacation here: Pacific City is a seaside community located on Oregon’s northern coast. This off-the-beaten-path location is ideal for a relaxing, breezy summer escape. Pacific City, with its sandy cape and seaside activities like surfing, is one of the top cool and best places to visit in summer in usa.
Explore a sandy cape: Cape Kiwanda is a magnificent sandstone headland just north of Pacific City. There are plenty of outdoor activities here, thanks to the large sandy beach and views of Haystack Rock. Hike up the Kiwanda ‘Great Dune’ and then slide down on your buttocks.
Surf some waves: Pacific City’s beaches provide excellent surfing conditions due to the natural barrier. So, whether you rent or bring your own surfboard, hit the waves at Cape Kiwanda or Pacific City Beach. When you’ve had your fill, stop into Pelican Brewing for a beer.
Insider Tip: Even in the summer, the Pacific City waters are rather frigid. Wear a wetsuit, boots, gloves, and perhaps a hood for your own protection. If you want to catch the best waves, go shortly after a storm.
best places to visit in summer in usa
5. CANNON BEACH, OREGON
Average summer temperature: 52°-66°F | 11°-19°C
Average rainy days in summer: 5
Why vacation here: Cannon Beach is a small town on Oregon’s coast. This quaint seaside town features four miles of picturesque beaches as well as a charming downtown with a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. Its beautiful maritime elements are best experienced during the mild summer months in Oregon. best places to visit in summer in usa.
Visit a famous sea stack: Haystack Rock is a well-known landmark in Oregon. This 235-foot-tall sea stack off the coast of Cannon Beach is teeming with marine life. You can stroll out to it at low tide to investigate its tidepools. You may even see some puffins relaxing here!
Explore a park with ocean views: Ecola State Park, with its capes and granite formations, overlooks the Oregon coastline. Follow the Oregon Coast Trail through the park, pausing at Indian Beach and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse for breathtaking views.
Insider Tip: During the summer, beach parking near downtown fills up quickly. Parking can be found in larger lots around Spruce Street, 2nd Street, or Hemlock and Gower. To avoid a rushed visit, plan to remain at Cannon Beach for more than a day.
best places to visit in summer in usa
6. COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE, OREGON & WASHINGTON
Average summer temperature: 50°-77°F | 10°-25°C
Average rainy days in summer: 2
best places to visit in summer in usa
7. LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Average summer temperature: 48°-77°F | 9°-25°C
Average rainy days in summer: 1
best places to visit in summer in usa
8. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Average summer temperature: 55°-71°F | 13°-22°C
Average rainy days in summer: 0
Why vacation here: San Francisco, famous for its not-so-gold bridge and peaceful attitudes, provides an abundance of cultural experiences, wonderful food, and breathtaking views. SF is one of the best cool weather holiday places in the summer, with something for everyone. The best places to visit in summer in usa.
best places to visit in summer in usa
