When the summer months roll in, it’s the perfect time to plan an unforgettable escape, whether you’re chasing warm weather, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, or family-friendly activities.
From charming coastal towns to mountain retreats and vibrant cities, this guide highlights the best summer vacation spots for every type of traveler.
Whether you're an outdoorsy family looking for scenic trails, a couple searching for a romantic getaway, or want to relax by an outdoor pool with sunshine overhead, these 20 destinations offer something for everyone.
Get inspired and start packing for your next summer vacation.
Zion is a national treasure for families who love outdoor adventures. With epic hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Kids can splash through canyons, explore hidden grottoes, and spot wildlife while parents soak up the desert views.
Summer in Utah brings warm, dry weather and long days, perfect for exploring the park’s sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and scenic drives.
This charming coastal town along North Carolina’s southern shoreline is a hidden gem for summer travelers. From kayaking through marshes to visiting the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the Crystal Coast blends laid-back beach days and educational fun.
Families will love the small-town charm of Beaufort and the wild horses on Shackleford Banks, not to mention the soft sands and warm surf of the Southern Outer Banks.
If your dream summer trip includes scenic trails, sea cliffs, and marine life, head to Big Sur. This dramatic stretch of California coast is perfect for outdoorsy families and couples looking for romance.
Explore Pfeiffer Beach, hike through redwood forests, or visit tide pools with the kids. Nearby Monterey adds extra magic with its world-famous aquarium and family-friendly waterfront.
Heading to Big Sur? Check out our handy guides: When is the best time to visit Big Sur and packing tips for a spectacular trip to Big Sur.
The nation’s oldest city turns summer into a sun-soaked history lesson. Walk along centuries-old Florida streets, visit Castillo de San Marcos, or take a spooky nighttime ghost tour.
St. Augustine offers family-friendly activities, sunny beaches, and lots of ways to explore local culture, including pirate museums, historic trolleys, and delicious seafood with ocean views.
Tucked along the southern Oregon Coast, Bandon is a peaceful alternative to more crowded beach destinations. Spend summer mornings beachcombing among sea stacks, afternoons biking along blufftop trails, and evenings watching crashing waves with a warm cup of coffee.
It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, or couples who want a relaxing retreat with a wild, coastal edge.
If you want to read more about beautiful Bandon, see our blogs on pet-friendly Bandon beaches and the top nightlife spots in Bandon.
Just a short drive from NYC, the Hudson Valley feels a world away with its rolling hills, wineries, and scenic views. Explore riverside towns like Rhinebeck and Hudson, go hiking in Minnewaska State Park, or hop on a boat tour along the Hudson River.
Summer brings arts festivals, live music, and farmers markets, making this one of the best vacation spots in New York for families and couples alike.
Looking for vacation destinations with classic summer vibes? The Jersey Shore in New Jersey delivers. Head to Ocean City for boardwalk rides and funnel cake, or opt for a more relaxed scene in Cape May with its Victorian homes and quiet beaches. With warm weather and easy access from the Northeast, this stretch of coast is a seasonal staple.
If you love being active outdoors, Colorado Springs is a high-altitude haven. Take the whole family hiking at Garden of the Gods, explore ancient cliff dwellings at Manitou Springs, or hop on a scenic train up Pikes Peak.
From mountain biking to ziplining, there’s something for all ages. Plus, the summer weather is sunny and mild, perfect for adventuring.
If your ideal summer vacation involves sipping wine under the sun, Sonoma is your go-to. This laid-back region is less flashy than Napa but just as scenic, with vineyard views, biking trails, and charming towns like Healdsburg and Guerneville.
Spend your days wine tasting, hiking along the Sonoma Coast, or relaxing in a boutique inn with a glass of local Pinot. It's a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, small-town charm, and world-class food and wine.
San Antonio brings the heat, in the best way. With its rich blend of Mexican and Texan cultures, this city offers local flavor at every turn. Cool off along the shady River Walk, explore Spanish missions by bike, or dive into the food scene, from street tacos to elevated Tex-Mex.
Art lovers will appreciate the Pearl District’s galleries and cafes, while history buffs can explore centuries-old architecture. It’s a Texas summer vacation spot that balances cultural depth with serious charm.
Looking to take your summer vacation beyond U.S. borders? These global destinations offer everything from charming coastal towns to family-friendly adventures, vibrant local culture, and warm weather escapes.
Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just want a beautiful beach to unwind on, these international summer vacation spots deliver unforgettable experiences.
The City of Light shines especially bright in the summer months. Paris offers that perfect mix of iconic sights (hello, Eiffel Tower!), world-class cuisine, and slow afternoons with a chilled glass of rosé along the Seine.
Families can enjoy paddle boating in the Luxembourg Gardens, while art lovers can explore the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay before cooling off in an outdoor pool. Don’t miss a late-evening stroll through Montmartre, it's magic at golden hour.
Italy's Amalfi Coast is where lemon trees grow wild, cliffs drop into turquoise water, and every coastal town, from Positano to Ravello, feels like a movie set.
Spend your days eating fresh seafood, boating from beach to beach, or sipping aperitivos with crashing waves in the background. It’s perfect for couples and older kids looking for sun-soaked adventure and luxury rolled into one.
This vibrant city offers the perfect summer vacation for families and culture seekers alike. Wander through ancient ruins, enjoy family-friendly activities in Chapultepec Park, and indulge in some of the best street food on the planet.
Thanks to its high altitude, it’s also a surprisingly great location for warm days with cool evenings. History, food, art, and fun, all in one dynamic destination in Mexico.
Tokyo in summer is a sensory adventure. Visit in July or August to catch colorful festivals, night markets, and fireworks displays that light up the skyline. Cool off with a bowl of kakigōri (shaved ice) after exploring tranquil gardens and towering temples.
For families, the city is packed with interactive museums, robot restaurants, and some of the world's cleanest, safest urban experiences.
Cape Town offers a cooler, adventurous alternative if you're looking to escape the northern hemisphere heat. With Table Mountain, incredible wildlife, and nearby wineries in Stellenbosch, it’s ideal for outdoorsy families and nature lovers.
The local culture is vibrant, and there's easy access to beaches and mountain biking trails.
Bonus: June to August is prime whale-watching season.
York might be one of the most charming towns in all of England. Think afternoon tea, cobblestone streets, and history around every corner. Families can enjoy a walk along the medieval walls, visit the JORVIK Viking Centre, or explore nearby castles.
It’s a quieter alternative to London, with a mix of fairytale vibes and engaging history for kids and adults alike.
Bali isn’t just for honeymooners anymore; it’s fast becoming one of the best family vacation destinations in Asia. Think kid-friendly resorts with outdoor activities like paddle boarding, tide pool exploring, and even temple hopping.
The island’s warm weather, lush jungles, and stunning beaches make it a dream vacation spot for summer travelers.
If you’re dreaming of cooler temps, scenic trails, and a mix of ocean and forest, Vancouver Island is calling. Visit Victoria for its quaint harbor, Butchart Gardens, and British charm. Then head to Tofino for surfing, hiking trails, and crashing waves along the Pacific Rim.
This nature-forward destination is perfect for the whole family, especially outdoorsy types.
Few places say “summer” quite like Santorini. Those iconic white buildings, cliffside sunsets, and crystal-clear waters are just the beginning.
Rent a boat tour around the caldera, sample world-class wines, or explore ancient ruins with the kids. It’s a great location for those looking for a mix of adventure and laid-back island time.
Yes, Iceland in summer is actually a thing, and a magical one at that. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, you can pack in glacier hikes, whale watching, geothermal pool soaks, and road trips along the Golden Circle.
Reykjavík is small but full of surprises: from live music to family-friendly museums to some of the best hot dogs you'll ever eat.
Whether you’re craving outdoor adventures, coastal charm, or a cultural deep-dive, these summer vacation ideas offer something for every kind of traveler. And when it comes to where you stay, Wander has you covered.
With luxury vacation rentals across the U.S. and Mexico, Wander properties are the perfect home base, offering hotel-quality amenities, stunning views, and seamless access to the best summer vacation spots. So you can explore all day, then come back to relax in style.
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