Summer vacation brings to mind different locations. For some, it’s the thought of lounging on a beach with a cold drink in hand, while others picture themselves hiking a mountain and exploring waterfalls, and even more consider a ride down a roller coaster an ideal summer trip.
While many people have their preferred destinations, sometimes changing things up is also a great choice. From a road trip across the United States to exploring some of its most historic cities, these summer vacation ideas from Travel + Leisure will inspire a season of adventure.
1. The Drive from Charleston to Savannah
The South has hot, humid summers, but an air-conditioned vehicle is a great way to explore it. This trip starts in Charleston, SC, which has great food and charming row houses along Rainbow Row.
After getting filled up with sweet tea and she-crab soup in Charleston, travelers can head to Savannah, about two hours away. The moss-draped oak trees and beautiful historic houses provide beautiful views in this coastal city, and the drive between the two is quite picturesque.
2. Napa Valley Wine Tasting
For those who want to explore the western half of the country, Napa Valley near San Francisco is a great choice with its acres and acres of vineyards, most of which offer wine-tasting opportunities. In July, this area hosts Festival Napa Valley, which provides an excellent chance to explore the blends of the vineyards of the region.
3. New York City Tour
Summer is a good time to visit the Big Apple without the risk of snow or ice, but travelers should prepare for quite a bit of heat. With world-class attractions, the beauty of Central Park and plenty of luxury hotels, this city never disappoints.
The one downside to an NYC trip is the traffic. Travelers should learn the local transportation system to avoid bottlenecks.
4. Coastal Exploration in Florida
From the Florida Keys, the southernmost point in the continental U.S., to the Everglades and the beaches of Tampa, Florida has miles of coastline for beach lovers to explore. It also has some of the country’s most famous amusement parks.
To truly experience Florida, travelers may want to plan an extended vacation to see both sides of the state, or they can choose one spot, set up a beach chair and stay put.
5. National Park Hiking Trips
From Yosemite in California to Acadia National Park in Maine, the US is filled with national parks. Summer can be a good time to hike through one, as long as adventurers stay away from the desert parks, which may be too hot this time of year.
6. Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
State Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, takes drivers along rugged cliffs and past the coastline of the Pacific Ocean, and it’s considered the country’s most scenic drive. In the summer, sunshine is common and warm temperatures make occasional stops to see the water quite pleasant.
7. Wild West Exploration
A cowboy hat and a car are all travelers need to explore the Wild West. The wide open spaces, rugged peaks and herds of buffalo and wild horses are worth seeing once in a lifetime.
For destination, travelers can visit Wyoming or Colorado if they want to see the mountains. Nevada’s Electric Highway is a unique spot dotted with EV charging stations, so eco-conscious travelers can experience the great American road trip without fear of losing charge.
8. Virgin Islands Exploration
Traveling to an exotic beach doesn’t require travel to a new country. The U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas, provide Americans a Caribbean vacation with no passport needed.
The summer travel season is perfect for exploring this country and seeing new sights. With the options on this list, travelers can plan the perfect summer trip without heading overseas.