When summer vibes are in full swing, it’s time to get out and explore. Whether you’re planning an epic family vacation with the kids, a bucket list trip with friends or finally treating yourself to a much needed solo trip, there’s no shortage of unforgettable destinations to match your travel style. From out of this world beaches to small town serenity, we reveal 15 of the best places to visit in July—and what to do when you get there!
Trending Destinations
On the top of the list of popular July vacation spots are sun-soaked beaches, vibrant urban centers, and creative cultural hubs that invite visitors to unleash their sense of wonder. Whether you’re looking to relax in nature or explore new city centers, these destinations will offer something extra memorable for even the savviest summer traveler.
Space Coast, Florida
Florida’s Space Coast is one of the top places to visit in July. When space rockets carrying NASA astronauts rev their engines, you’ll find visitors and locals alike making their way to the beaches to see the legendary launches. And with the launchpad close by, there’s no better way to explore the history of space exploration than with a visit to Kennedy Space Center. For those outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy taking to the waters, the Indian River Lagoon is a calming waterway where you can hop on a kayak or paddleboard to catch glimpses of dolphins and a variety of birdlife. Nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge features protected habitats combined with hiking trails and scenic drives. Kids of all ages will delight in a visit to the Wizard of Oz Museum. Original props and costumes from the 1939 film like Dorothy’s dress and Galinda’s iconic wand bring the magical world of Oz to life. To end the day, a visit to Cocoa Beach Pier will help you capture the spirit of Space Coast. Visitors can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas to stake their claim on the sand or find a seat at the local tiki bar for a fish fry and refreshing cocktail.
Indianapolis, Indiana
A booming food scene and world-class museums are turning this Midwestern city into an exciting destination, also making it one of the best places to visit in July. Indy is the “Racing Capital of the World” thanks to the Indy 500. If you can’t catch a race, you can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the track and see famous cars from races past. The best way to experience downtown Indy is to rent a bike and explore via the Cultural Trail, an 8-mile bike route that runs through downtown. Along your ride, you can connect with the White River-Wapahani Trail, which takes you through White River State Park. From there, take the Momon Trail up to the eclectic Broad Ripple neighborhood. Don’t forget to stop along the way to shop and eat your way through town. Speaking of food, you can’t visit Indianapolis without experiencing one of the best breweries in the city. Guggman Haus Brewing Co. is a local favorite that is located at the former site of the Boyle Racing Headquarters in downtown Indianapolis. In addition to their brewpub, they also have an outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy a delicious range of traditional and experimental craft beers.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city that sparkles once the famous summer fog lifts off the Golden Gate Bridge. At the foot of the picturesque bridge is Presidio National Park, a former U.S. Army post that offers a mix of beauty, history, and wonder. For a unique experience, rent a bike at nearby Crissy Field to ride across the water to Sausalito, an artistic hub with views of the San Francisco skyline. When you make your way back to the city, spend the afternoon at Pier 39 watching the sea lions play or take a leisurely climb up Coit Tower to take in a breathtaking panorama of the bridge, water, and city below. Hop on the ferry to Alcatraz where you can take a self-guided tour and experience first-hand where high-risk criminals like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone were imprisoned. Located along the Embarcadero at Market Street is the Ferry Building Marketplace, where foodies can tantalize their tastebuds with fresh-caught oysters, artisanal chocolate, and specialty coffee roasted to order. Afterwards, you can wander the alleys of Chinatown and North Beach, where European inspired cafés and Chinese tea house bakeries sit side by side.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Home to breweries like Founders, Brewery Vivant, and more than 80 others, beer tastings alone could keep you totally busy on your trip to Grand Rapids. You can even combine your beer-tasting adventures with other activities—check out one of the city’s beer tours by kayak or party bike. When (or if) you need a break from the beer, visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, one of the top 100 most-visited museums on the planet. The gardens merge horticulture and sculpture beautifully throughout the 158-acre property. In the summer, take advantage of their outdoor concert series, which features world famous artists like Lyle Lovett and Chaka Kahn.
Finger Lakes, New York
Discover an idyllic getaway filled with nature and peaceful spots for relaxation in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. Featuring eleven glacial lakes surrounded by sycamores and cypress trees, you’ll find limitless opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Some of the state’s most idyllic hiking trails are located here with gorges and cascading waterfalls awaiting you at Watkins Glen State Park, Letchworth, and Taughannock Falls State Parks. The region’s most renowned wine trails, including Seneca and Keuka Lake, are all a short drive away. There’s also a Finger Lakes Cheese Trail featuring Gold Medal Goat Cheese at Side Hill Acres Goat Farm, which can be paired with your favorite wine purchases. From forest bathing to lakeside picnics, sunny days on the Finger Lakes make it one of the best places to visit in July.
Small Town Serenity
Looking for cozy getaway vibes? Charismatic nooks? Off-the-beaten-path villages? We’ve found two of the best places to visit in July that make a big impression for maximizing their small town charm. These peaceful escapes are filled with scenic views and laid-back atmospheres that are ideal for taking in the simple joys of summer.
Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Known as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort,” Geneva-on-the-Lake is a historic waterfront town that transforms into a vibrant summer retreat each July. A local attraction called “The Strip” brings the nostalgia of a classic boardwalk featuring arcades, diners, and antique shops. Outdoor recreation at Geneva State Park is at its best with swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and sunbathing on sandy beaches.
Wine aficionados can plan a leisurely afternoon of tastings along the “Lake Erie Wines & Vines” Wine Trial. The scenic route offers 50 miles of the area’s most popular wineries and distilleries, including Old Firehouse Winery, which features live music and “Big Eli”, a refurbished historic Ferris wheel first built in 1956.
Newport, Oregon
Newport is a relaxing summer getaway providing visitors with gorgeous coastlines and an inviting, yet laidback atmosphere. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area features dramatic cliffs and ocean views with many tidal pools for discovering sea creatures of all shapes and sizes. Nothing says local more than the working fishing docks, bustling marketplaces, and seafood shacks that line the bay, like Local Ocean or South Beach Fish Market, giving you an idyllic spot for enjoying lunch with delicious fish brought in fresh off the boat.
Nye Beach is a historic coastal town where you can spend the day visiting gift shops, locally owned coffee houses, art galleries, and charming restaurants. Running right through Nye Beach is the Oregon Coast Trail, which connects you to more beautiful coastal towns and natural attractions, such as Otter Rock, Newport, and Schooner Point.
Bustling Big(ish) Cities
Wanting it all when you’re figuring out where to travel in July is completely acceptable, especially if you’re drawn to lively attractions paired with serene settings. This dynamic balance of culture and adventure with relaxation and beauty can be found in places that are often overlooked when planning vacations. So get ready to discover these distinct destinations that have a little something for every traveler.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“Steel City” makes our list of the best places to visit in July because it truly comes alive in the summertime. If you’re visiting Pittsburgh with the family, check out Kennywood, a classic amusement park that’s been around for over 125 years. Classic attractions like the wave swinger are fan favorites, but Kennywood has lots of modern roller coasters, too. Discover how steel is made and learn about the rise and fall of Pittsburgh’s steel heritage with a tour of the Carrie Furnaces, where there’s also a variety of art installations and events every summer. Pittsburgh is also the home of the annual summer event, Picklesburgh. This celebration of all things pickled draws thousands of people to downtown Pittsburgh to sample artisan cocktails with pickled ingredients, pickle-themed snacks like popcorn and ice cream, and ethnic foods that use pickled ingredients. You can even learn how to can pickles and enter a pickle-juice drinking contest.
Madison, Wisconsin
Kick off your vacation in Madison with a visit to the Essen Haus for a beer boot filled with your brew of choice, hearty German fare, and live polka music. Another Wisconsin classic vacation ritual is to make your way to the patio of The Old Fashioned for a refreshing glass of the tavern’s namesake cocktail. They serve the classic recipe in three styles: sweet, sour and press, so choose what strikes you—and don’t forget to order the cheese curds. Need another reason that Madison is one of the best places to visit in July? You can immerse yourself in the largest producer-only farmers market in the country, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, located in the heart of Downtown Square. This is the spot to shop for freshly picked produce, delectable baked goods, and of course, more cheese curds.
Denver, Colorado
The Mile-High City is another one of the best places to visit in July. Whether you see a show or spend the afternoon sitting on the steps, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must do. Their summer concert series will be in full swing, so check out their calendar to see who is touring. If you can’t make it for a concert, Red Rocks is not just a famous music venue, but also a geological wonder where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. Did you also know that Denver happens to be a major beer destination? Create your own pub crawl with a tour of popular local craft breweries like Bruz Beers, Zuni Street Brewing Company, and Crooked Stave. In nearby Golden, CO, Coors offers tours of its brewery, which is the largest in the world. Another way to enjoy the fabulous July weather in Denver is at 16th Street Mall. Designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, this promenade is lined with over 40 outdoor cafes, 20 shops, parks, brew pubs and more. If your feet need a break, hop on one of the free shuttles that run daily and choose your stops to make the most of more bites, boutiques, and breweries.
Fireworks & Festivals
From the vibrant rhythm of classic songs to historic streets bedazzled in decor, these lively destinations are meant to make the most of a good old celebration. Plan an unforgettable summer trip to these iconic cities where you can enjoy July fireworks, parades, food, and entertainment.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Home to the first permanent English settlement of Jamestown, the Williamsburg area might be one of the best places to visit in July simply because of their Independence Day celebrations. Don't miss the reading of the Declaration of Independence on the courthouse steps in Colonial Williamsburg, watch military exercises at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, and end the day with an spectacular fireworks show in Historic Yorktown or Busch Gardens. When you need a celebratory drink, head out on the Williamsburg Tasting Trail and sample from favorite local breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Even if you’re visiting after July 4, making your way to Colonial Williamsburg is a must. Where else can you “meet” Thomas Jefferson, shoot a musket, and learn from some of the best craftsmen in America?
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville, a hub for some of the best music and food in America, is another favorite on our list of the best places to visit in July. Every July 4, the city comes alive during “Let Freedom Sing!” This local event is free, featuring a live symphony performance during one of the largest fireworks shows in the country. After the festivities, you’ll find top-notch music on nearly every corner with the Grand Ole Opry and dozens of quality music venues located throughout the city. Head to the Ryman Auditorium, also known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”, for a tour of the historic venue and the chance to watch some of your favorite country music artists. The Ryman was home to the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and has seen music greats like Hank Williams and Kacey Musgraves grace the stage. There are so many places to eat in Nashville’s ever-evolving culinary scene, but if you like spicy food, don’t miss trying some of the city’s famous “hot chicken.”
Houston, Texas
Southern charm abounds in Houston where you’ll find a fun mix of indoor and outdoor activities to beat the summer heat. Independence Day festivities are taken very seriously in Houston with Freedom Over Texas, an all-day festival featuring “Texas-sized” fireworks. Afterwards, you can start off your day with a refreshing morning stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park, where 160 acres of trails, waterways, and skyline views offer a way to explore one of the city’s most popular green spaces. The Museum District is a collective of renowned institutions, like the Contemporary Art Museum Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. These coveted establishments exist to broaden your sense of curiosity with immersive exhibits, docent curated tours, and dynamic art collections. Take in the diversity of flavors that only Houston can offer, including award-winning Tex-Mex at The Original Ninfa’s, Viet-Cajun crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles, and smoky brisket at Truth Barbeque.
Boston, Massachusetts
To experience a quintessential New England summer, plan your July trip to Boston. In celebration of the country’s journey to freedom, the city takes on the monumental task of reenacting its most historical moments, especially around July 4. Many of these immersive experiences you’ll find along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile walking path that takes you past landmarks like Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, and the Bunker Hill Monument. At the start of Freedom Trail is Boston Common, the country’s oldest city park with tree-lined paths, water fountains, and historic reverie. Feeling romantic? Book a ride on the famous Swan Boats gliding across the park’s lagoon. To continue a more historic view of the city, plan a visit to the North End where the neighborhood’s ties to Italy can be enjoyed with a fresh cannoli and espresso. Or visit the waterfront’s redeveloped Seaport District for sleek restaurants, intriguing art museums, and name brand shopping.
New York, New York
The Big Apple is known for delivering adventure, and as one of the best places to visit in July, this major metropolis turns into a summertime urban playground. The High Line, located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood, is where you’ll discover landscaped pathways built into a historic freight rail line. Central Park is popular for its rowboats that you can rent from the Central Park Boathouse, picnics spread out along Sheep Meadow, and wooded trails of The Ramble. Ascend to the Top of the Rock located at Rockefeller Plaza with terraces facing in all directions or prop yourself up at the Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. If you want to feel like you’re leaving the city without going too far, catch the ferry ride to Governors Island. When the timing is right, you can partake in one of their many summer festivals, like the Jazz Age Lawn Party or the Rite of Summer Music Festival. Depending on which river that New York City decides to host its annual fireworks, July 4th should be planned close to either the East or Hudson Rivers, where colorful plumes of light can be seen over these iconic waterways.