Summertime is the perfect time to embark on an exciting adventure and explore the stunning landscapes of the USA.
From the snow-capped mountains to the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of breathtaking destinations to visit during the summer season. Whether you are looking to hike through national parks, relax on sandy beaches, or indulge in some mouth-watering cuisine, the United States has something for everyone.
To help you plan your summer getaway with your family or as couples, we have put together a list of the 10 best places to visit in July in the USA.
Best Places to Visit in July in USA
1. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is a beautiful place to spend a summer vacation because it has over 700 lakes, almost 200 waterfalls, and two major mountain ranges. With average daytime temperatures in the low 80s, July and August are the best months to visit this national park.
Most of the time, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open during these months, giving visitors unforgettable drives through beautiful scenery.
You can also go kayaking or canoeing on a lake, hike one of the many beautiful trails, or just relax in one of the area’s best hotels.
Things To Do in Glacier National Park:
- Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting
- Winter Glacier National Park Scenic Driving
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
- East Glacier & Two Medicine Scenic Driving
- Full Day Whitewater Adventure
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Places to Visit in Glacier National Park
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Nature lovers should go to Yellowstone in the summer for sure. You can see the amazing eruptions of Old Faithful, hike through the huge Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, look at the mesmerising colours of the Grand Prismatic Spring, and see wild animals.
The summer is the busiest time for the park’s trails, lodges, and visitor centres, which are spread across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
But travellers who don’t mind the crowds are rewarded with average high temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Also, the summer calendars of nearby towns are full of fun things to do, like the Cody Stampede Rodeo and the Wild West Arts Fest.
Things to do in Yellowstone National Park:
- VIP Private Boutique Tour of Yellowstone’s Lower Loop
- Lower Loop Van Tour
- Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Places to Visit in Yellowstone National Park
3. San Diego, California
San Diego is an excellent summer vacation spot, with a plethora of shorelines, including Coronado, Mission, and Pacific beaches.
There are museums-filled Balboa Park and the world-renowned zoo, making 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 the near-perfect weather, visit in July or August after the cloudy weather of “June Gloom” has passed.
Things to do in San Diego:
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour
- San Diego Whale Watching Cruise
- San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum
- Cabrillo National Monument
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in San Diego
4. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, and summertime is the busiest time to visit. However, 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.
Alternatively, anyone looking to head into the canyon on a hike or mule trip should keep in mind that temperatures inside the canyon are significantly higher than at the rim, often climbing above 100 degrees.
Things to do in Grand Canyon National Park:
- Grand Canyon West Rim Bus Tour & Hoover Dam Photo Stop
- Grand Canyon Signature Hummer Tour
- Bright Angel Trail
- South Kaibab Trail
- Hopi Point
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in Grand Canyon National Park
5. Orange County, California
Besides the stunning beaches, Orange County offers a variety of attractions for tourists of all ages.
The historic Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach is an iconic landmark featuring an old-fashioned boardwalk and carnival games. Families with kids will enjoy visiting Disneyland, one of the most popular theme parks in the world, located in Anaheim, Orange County.
If shopping is your passion, then the world-famous South Coast Plaza, in Costa Mesa, should be on your itinerary.
It is the largest mall on the west coast, featuring more than 250 stores, art galleries, and restaurants.
In addition to the beaches and attractions, Orange County has many charming cities that are worth exploring. Laguna Beach is known for its scenic coves, unique art galleries, and fine dining. Meanwhile, the city of Orange has a charming old town feel, with historic buildings, antique shops, and delightful cafes.
Things to do in Orange County:
- Disney California Adventure Park
- Heisler Park
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Balboa Island Ferry
- High Speed Zodiac Whale Watching Safari
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in Orange County
6. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a popular summer destination located on the eastern coast of Massachusetts. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and fresh seafood.
In July, the weather is warm and sunny, making it the perfect time to hit the beach, go fishing, or take a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Popular spots to visit include the charming town of Chatham, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the picturesque village of Provincetown.
Things to do in Cape Cod:
- Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip
- Provincetown, Cape Cod – Audio Tour Guide
- Race Point Beach
- Pilgrim Monument & Provincetown Museum
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in Cape Cod
7. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is a unique vacation spot located in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Cars are not allowed on the island, so visitors can explore by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage.
The island is home to historic sites like Fort Mackinac, the Mackinac Island State Park, and the famous Grand Hotel.
In July, the weather is mild and sunny, making it a great time to stroll along the island’s quaint streets and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Huron.
Things to do in Mackinac Island:
- Mackinac Island State Park
- Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
- Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in Mackinac Island
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, located in the western part of North Carolina, is a vibrant city surrounded by the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a great destination for foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and art lovers.
In July, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, and ziplining, as well as explore Asheville’s many breweries and art galleries.
Popular spots to visit include the Biltmore Estate, the Asheville Art Museum, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Places to visit in Asheville:
- Biltmore
- The Great Outdoors
- Welcome to Foodtopia!
- Mountain Culture
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Top Attractions in Asheville
9. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park, located in the heart of Alaska, is a must-visit destination for any nature lover.
During the summer months, particularly in July, visitors can experience the best weather conditions of the year. The snow-covered trails of the park become accessible as the white stuff melts away, revealing the stunning scenery that lies beneath.
One of the main attractions of Denali National Park is Denali, the highest peak in North America. Although the mountain is crowded with tourists during the summer months, the stunning views of the park from above make it all worthwhile.
Scenic flights over the park are one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountain and the surrounding wilderness.
It is important to note that Denali National Park is a remote and rugged destination, and visitors should come prepared with the appropriate gear and supplies.
The park is vast, and many areas are only accessible by foot or by specialized transportation, such as buses or planes.
Things to do in Denali National Park:
- Cycle to end of Denali Park Road
- Take a flightseeing tour
- Hiking
- Visit Dog Gone It
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Places to visit in Denali National Park and Preserve
10. Sequoia National Park, California
Sequoia National Park, located in California, is a breathtaking natural wonder that is named after its famous towering sequoia trees.
These giants are so immense that looking up to see their tops is often impossible, leaving visitors to gaze in awe at their majesty. The most renowned of these trees is the General Sherman, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
Visitors to Sequoia National Park have a unique opportunity to witness these ancient organisms up close by taking a stroll through the Congress Trail of Giants.
This trail leads through some of the park’s most significant groves of sequoias, including the General Sherman Tree.
Walking among these trees can leave visitors with a profound sense of awe and wonder at the sheer magnitude of the natural world.For the more adventurous traveler, a hike up to Moro Rock is also a must-do experience.
Things to do in Sequoia National Park:
- Visit Giant Forest
- Visit The General Sherman Tree
- Visit Kings Canyon by car
For a full list of adventures check this post by Tripadvisor: Places to visit in Sequioa National Park
Which is The Best Place To Visit In July In USA?
Out of the top 10 places to visit in July in the USA, each has its own unique charm and appeal.
It ultimately depends on the type of vacation you are looking for, whether it be a beach getaway, a nature escape, or an urban adventure.
For those seeking a natural escape with a bit of history, Sequoia National Park in California is an excellent option. While it may not be as popular as nearby Yosemite, the park’s stunning sequoia trees, including the 2,000-year-old General Sherman, are truly awe-inspiring.
Additionally, with fewer visitors in July, you can take advantage of the park’s peaceful and serene surroundings. The Congress Trail of Giants and Moro Rock are must-see attractions for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
FAQ: Best Places to Visit in July in USA
There are several great cities to visit in July in the USA, depending on your interests. Some popular options include New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. New York City offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as concerts and festivals, as well as indoor attractions like museums and galleries.
The best place to visit in July depends on your preferences and interests. Some popular options include national parks like Yosemite and Yellowstone, beach destinations such as Hawaii, Florida, and California, and cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Many regions in the USA experience hot temperatures in July, especially in the southern and western parts of the country. Some of the hottest destinations in July include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Miami, New Orleans, and Austin.
Are You Ready To Plan Your Next Vacation This July in USA?
There you have it, the 10 best places to visit in July in the USA.
Each destination offers its own unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities that make it a perfect vacation spot. Whether you prefer exploring national parks or relaxing on the beach, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure!
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