Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In July Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
Summertime in the US is vacation season! And a July vacation to unique locations is something we all look forward to. Whether your idea of the best vacation is a quaint East Coast town, or you are up for incredible outdoor adventures, there is a destination calling your name in this list. So let’s get right to it. Here are the best places to visit in the U.S. in July.
This article is part our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:
| SPRING IN USA | SUMMER IN USA | FALL IN USA | WINTER IN USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | June | September | December |
| April | July | October | January |
| May | August | November | February |
Best Places to Visit in The USA In July
We have a few delightful options for you to kick off your summertime vacation in the US. Whether you enjoy the ultimate summer beach vacation, a trip to an iconic east coast city, or a scenic stay in one of the most beautiful cities in Wyoming, each of these suggestions will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Kiawah Island, SC, USA
- Location: Kiawah Island, SC
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Kiawah Island, South Carolina in July is pretty much perfect since the weather is warm enough for spending the entire day at the beach. Expect highs in the 80s to low 90s with a cool ocean breeze soothing sun-backed skin in the evenings.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This oceanfront Kiawah Island vacation rental overlooks the beach with wide open windows and lots of light from your spacious living room. Three bedrooms and room for up to six guests make this a lovely spot for a family vacation to one of the best beach towns in the US.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina is the ultimate beach destination in July. July brings your typical hot summer weather perfect for swimming in the ocean and soaking up the sun on the white sand beaches. Kiawah Island is well known for its resort communities, award-winning golf courses, and active sea life. Don't be surprised if you see dolphins and sea turtles lazily playing in the cool blue water.
Boston, MA, USA
- Location: Boston, MA
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Boston, Massachusetts in July is an exciting time with fireworks displays over the harbor, boat cruises, the iconic Boston Pops concert, and some of the best seafood in the nation.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in the heart of downtown right in Boston Harbor in this unique Boston getaway for up to six people - the M/V Patriot is a 45 ft. steel trawler that has been updated with modern amenities. It's the best way to really experience that epic Boston vibe.
Boston is such a fun city with that charming east coast vibe. It's known as America's Walking City because there is so much you can see and do by simply walking where you need to go. The Harborwalk is an absolutely delightful 43-mile linear park with scenic views of Boston Harbor. It essentially connects all of the neighborhoods on the waterfront so it is incredibly easy to find charming shops, delicious restaurants, and entertainment everywhere you go.
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Cheyenne, WY, USA
- Location: Cheyenne, WY
- Why Visit In July: July is one of the most popular months to visit Wyoming because the weather stays consistently warm. The back half of July is also when Cheyenne Frontier Days kick off.
- Where To Stay Nearby: While you are in town soaking up everything that Cheyenne has to offer you'd better stay at this wonderfully decorated home that epitomizes everything we love about Cheyenne. Just wait till you get a load of this amazing four-bedroom home.
Visiting Cheyenne, Wyoming in July is pretty exciting because this Wild West town comes alive for Cheyenne Frontier Days. This epic outdoor rodeo and celebration of all things Western has been kicking up dust since 1897! If you are looking for one of the best cities to visit in July in the USA, rustle up your cowboy and cowgirl duds and get ready to fall in love with the rough and tumble big heart energy that permeates the very air you breathe in Cheyenne.
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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In July To Avoid Crowds
A busy touristy vacation can be great, but oftentimes you then need a vacation from your vacation. These next few places allow you to enjoy unique destinations that truly feel like a getaway.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts, USA
- Location: Western Massachusetts
- Why Visit In July: Visiting The Berkshires in July will offer you incredible outdoor adventures, entertaining museum tours, and a bounty of farm fresh food to enrich your soul. Don't miss the Williamstown Theater Festival all throughout July as well.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Williamstown is a delightful Berkshire village with lush mountain landscapes, hiking trails, and bountiful farmland. Create the quiet getaway you are dreaming about by staying at this peaceful family home with a large backyard.
The Berkshires in western Massachusetts is an often overlooked destination unless you are in the know. Consider yourself in the know. With gorgeous views, incredible hiking through dense forests, and charming small towns with a quiet rural atmosphere, a vacation to The Berkshires should be on your bucket list. Since it is a rural area you will be treated to many delightful farm-to-table restaurants that truly get why fresh is best. And if you love towns with rich history the 17 towns that make up Berkshire County will delight you with their authentic stories and welcoming residents.
Anchorage, AK, USA
- Location: Anchorage, AK
- Why Visit In July: Summer in Alaska is quite pleasant, and visiting Anchorage in July will treat you to some perfect weather for hiking those gorgeous mountain trails. July in Anchorage is also festival season with epic Fourth of July celebrations and the Bear Paw Festival - will you try your hand at the Slippery Salmon Olympics?
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in a cozy yurt on the edge of Chugach State Park with views of the mountains and wildlife out your front door. This cool one-bedroom dwelling has six beds, so you can bring the whole family or enjoy a romantic getaway in Alaska.
Anchorage is a vibrant city in Alaska with a backdrop of some of the most spectacular mountains in the nation. It is the gateway to the Chugach, Kenai, and Talkeetna Wildernesses and features some of the most beautiful state parks in the US. It might surprise you to learn that Anchorage is also a lively cultural and musical city. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, discovering charming local music festivals, and connecting with nature on a whole new level, a peaceful vacation to Anchorage is definitely in order.
Burlington, VT, USA
- Location: Burlington, VT
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Burlington, Vermont in July is absolutely wonderful when the Burlington Waterfront Park comes alive with happy summer chatter. A picnic in the park, boating on Lake Champlain, or spending time at one of its many beaches makes Burlington one of the best places to go in July in the USA.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This beautiful Downtown Burlington two-bedroom home is in the perfect spot for enjoying the area. Within a block from the waterfront and a few blocks from Church Street, everything you need is a few steps away.
You've probably heard all about how beautiful Vermont is in the fall, but don't rule out a summertime visit either. Enjoy long days and warm weather as you take a local brewery tour, and explore fabulous hiking trails and bountiful farmer's markets. Burlington is Vermont's biggest city, but at under 45,000 residents, it has a delightful small-town vibe. With a charming walkable downtown set against the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, you will feel the magic as the street lights come up and the stars pop into life above. Church Street in particular is simply delightful. This old cobblestone paved street is full of quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and perhaps the creative sounds of a local busker proving evening entertainment.
Best Places To Visit In The US In July For Outdoor Adventure
If you are looking for the best places to travel in July in the USA for outdoor adventures we have some pretty incredible destinations for you. Unless of course, you don’t care for epic waterfalls or white water rafting.
Porcupine Mountains, Carp Lake Township, MI 49953, USA
- Location: Upper Peninsula, MI
- Why Visit In July: July is a great time to visit the Porcupine Mountains because there is no better way to cool off on a hot summer day than by jumping into Lake Superior to cool off. Well, maybe dipping your head under a waterfall might come pretty close. And boy oh boy does the Porcupine Mountains have some stellar waterfalls.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in a delightful three-bedroom log cabin on Lake Superior with 1,000 feet of private lakeshore for the best summertime family vacation you can take in Michigan. Only a handful of miles from the Porcupine Mountains.
One of the most gorgeous areas of the US can be found near Lake of the Clouds in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is simply enchanting and is your ticket to some of the most epic outdoor adventures. Whether you visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Manabezho Falls, the Crisp Point Lighthouse, Bond Falls, or Lake of the Clouds... we could keep going for quite a while, (there are over 90 waterfalls after all) but you get the point. There is so much to do when visiting the Porcupine Mountains in July.
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New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia, USA
- Location: Southern West Virginia
- Why Visit In July: Visiting the New River Gorge National Park in July is your gateway to epic summer adventures. Rock climbing, hiking, rafting, camping - if you live and breathe epic experiences, the New River Gorge will deliver.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This nicely remodeled cabin inside the New River Gorge National Park is about as close as you can get to the action. Step off the back porch, and you are on the New River.
Whitewater rafting. Enough said. Okay, fine, we'll keep going. But if you are up for some exciting summer fun a trip to the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia is waiting with open waters to give you a thrill. This absolutely stunning part of the country is an adventurists playground with zip lines through the forest, helicopter rides over the gorge, the Appalachian Mountains to explore, death-defying bridges to cross, ATV tours through the mud, hiking trails that will make your heart sing, and of course those rapids we mentioned desperately yearning for you to defeat them. Phew, we've ready for a summertime adventure, are you?
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Best Places To Visit In July For Events
Picking your vacation destination based on a particular event is a great way to enjoy new experiences. Here are a couple of wonderful choices.
Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA
- Location: Gettysburg, PA
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in July is the perfect time to celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, which marked the turning point of the Civil War.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are in town honoring the Battle of Gettysburg, the quintessential place to stay is the Thaddeus Stevens' Log Home. Built in 1790 this delightful peak at Pennsylvania's history is as interesting as it is cozy.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a charming town full of history. It is most known for its role in the Civil War as General Robert E. Lee’s Headquarters and the location where Lincoln gave his iconic Gettysburg Address. For that reason, a trip to Gettysburg is one of the best July vacations in the US for history enthusiasts. Much of the entertainment you'll find is related to its military history, but there is plenty to do for non-history buffs. The region has some delightful wineries and cider houses to visit. Or, you could go on a paranormal investigation tour. Gettysburg is also a scenic area for a relaxing bike ride or horseback riding trip.
Chincoteague, VA, USA
- Location: Chincoteague Island, VA
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Chincoteague, Virginia in July allows you to take part in the annual Fireman’s Carnival which runs the entire month. This epic celebration is one of the biggest and longest carnivals you'll experience.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Sea Oats is a lovely waterfront home with views of Oyster Bay and your own fishing dock. Hop in your kayak and catch dinner, then, grill it up on your large deck as the sun sets on another relaxing day.
Chincoteague Island is a unique vacation destination in Virginia. The Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, on Assateague Island, is well known for the population of wild Chincoteague ponies that roam the beach. This beautiful island getaway is very popular in the summertime when you can enjoy the beach atmosphere to its fullest. If you visit in July, be sure to spend some time at the Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival with rides, carnival games, live music, fireworks, and the signature oyster fritters.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in July
If you are wondering where to visit in July in the USA that might be more unique than your standard trip to Disney World, these hidden gems offer beautiful scenery and fun things to do for your family or as a getaway with someone special (not that your family isn’t also special, of course).
Rehoboth Beach, DE, USA
- Location: Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Why Visit In July: Visiting Rehoboth Beach in July gives you ideal warm weather in the 80s, which is a must for any beach town.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy stunning views of Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Bay in this lovely four-bedroom beachfront home with plenty of room for the entire family or a group of up to eight friends.
This delightful beach town on the Delaware Shores has an award-winning boardwalk that sings with energy in the summertime. Imagine strolling along the boardwalk as the sun sets hand-in-hand with your baby cakes without a care in the world. Enjoy some of the best beaches on the East Coast, cute shops (along with tax-free shopping!), and delicious beach restaurants to stop in for a bite as you absorb the salty sea air on the patio. Cape Henlopen State Park lies to the north and Delaware Seashore State Park is in the south off of Rehoboth Bay for outdoor adventures.
Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USA
- Location: Newton, Searcy, and Marion County Arkansas
- Why Visit In July: Floating the middle section of the Buffalo River is ideal when visiting the Buffalo National River in July since the water levels remain consistent.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The Bridge House is a cool A-Frame cabin, or chalet if you want to sound fancy. It is part of the Nature's Loft resort along the Buffalo River. Take the cool 45-foot suspension bridge to your chalet surrounded by incredible forest views.
The Buffalo National River became the nation's very first national river in 1972. Since there are no dams on the river (one of the very few free-flowing rivers in the US) it is a wonderful river for kayaking, tubing, or canoeing. And the views you'll get of Arkansas' Ozarks are truly amazing. High limestone cliffs, natural caves cut into the stone walls, waterfalls, and lush forests all huddle around the river like a warm hug. If you enjoy beautiful natural areas, the Buffalo National River is waiting with open arms.
Durango, CO, USA
- Location: Durango, CO
- Why Visit In July: With a pretty amazing farmer's market every Saturday in the summer, visiting Durango, Colorado in July gives you the opportunity to attend one of the best markets in the country. July is also when Music in the Mountains treats Durangoans to its annual classical music festival.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy downtown Durango to its fullest by staying at The Carriage House. Beautifully furnished and steps from all of Durango's activities, bike paths, and restaurants.
Another adventurous destination is Durango, Colorado. With opportunities for hiking, zip lining, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity you'd like to enjoy in a beautiful scenic area, your trip to Durango is bound to be exciting. Of course, the historic downtown is a fun place to explore as well with interesting shops and art galleries. With more restaurants per capita than even San Francisco Durango's dining options will delight you as well.
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San Juan Island, Washington 98250, USA
- Location: San Juan Island, WA
- Why Visit In July: Visiting the San Juan Islands in July gives you the best opportunity to spot whales. Orcas, humpback, grey, and minke whales can often be seen from land or via helicopter tours.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This waterfront home on Westcott Bay is a delightful getaway on the north side of San Juan Island near Oyster Beach. Enjoy beautiful views of Westcott Bay as you sit out on your patio and let yourself unwind after a day of exploring the island.
The San Juan Islands are a true treasure with incredible kayaking and whale watching. Head to Lime Kiln Point State Park for the best locations to spot pods of orcas as they troll for salmon in the harbor. The Lime Kiln Lighthouse can also be toured. It is a currently functioning lighthouse overlooking Dead Man's Bay that was built in 1914. Swing down to Friday Harbor for the incredible Pelindaba Lavender Farm as July is also peak season for these delightfully fragrant flowers.
West Okoboji Lake, Iowa, USA
- Location: Okoboji, IA
- Why Visit In July: Visiting West Okoboji Lake in July is pretty much the most Midwestern vacation you can take - but who doesn't love chilling by the lake with dinner on the grill as the kids swim off the dock or dangle a line in the water catching pan fish?
- Where To Stay Nearby: Enjoy beautiful West Lake Okoboji with your very own lakehouse getaway. Smiths Bay is a quiet entry point to the lake with gorgeous sunset views and easy access to your favorite lake activities. You are also steps away from the famous Arnolds Park Amusement Park.
One of the best family vacations you can take is a retreat on the lake. And West Okoboji Lake in Iowa is a very special place. This delightful chain of lakes is often referred to as Iowa's Great Lakes. With clean clear water (it is one of only three "blue water lakes" in the world) it is one of the best lakes to enjoy swimming and all your other favorite water activities. So pack your swimsuit, fishing gear, and sunscreen and head to the lake for one of the best July vacations in the US.
Now that you are looking forward to multiple vacation destinations in July, where do you start first? If you had to choose, what would be the best places to visit in the U.S. in July? Share your favorite picks with us in the comments.
Then, check out this list to find some of the best beachfront rentals in the US. You’ll also discover even more places in the US to add to your vacation bucket list.
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