The countdown to summer is on, and that means a long-awaited and well-deserved vacation is on the schedule. Where should you go when the whole wide world is waiting to be explored?

In the United States alone, there are thousands of must-see places. If your plan is to stay in your own backyard (or country) this summer, it makes it a smidge easier to plan your trip.

Still, it can be difficult to narrow down your options if you don’t already have a set destination in mind. Do you hit the beach? Tourist hot spots? Off-the-beaten-path historical sites?

Whether you’re hoping for a family-friendly adventure or a relaxing stay in a scenic small town, this list has something for everyone’s summer vacation excitement.

1. Camping

Camping (or glamping) is back on the list of the top favorite trends for vacationers. It’s ideal for families, singles, couples, and groups. Grab your tents, rent an RV, or book a cabin at one of these favorite camping grounds:

• Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Montana, home of Old Faithful and wildlife you won’t see anywhere else. Book your trip in advance now that Netflix’s show of the same name has made this park more popular than ever.
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, where moose roam freely, and you can camp near the rim or deep in the heart of the canyon. Permits are first-come, first-serve, so reserve yours early if you want to set up tents in the canyon itself.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the Tennessee-North Carolina border includes waterfalls, fishing, hiking, and much more. Closer to the east coast, this park is over 520,000 acres of gorgeous views, history, and trails for your camping delight.

Before making camping plans at any park or campground, check the website or call to verify updated rules and regulations. Tent, RV, and cabin rental opportunities vary, as does access to electricity and running water. 

Things like COVID-19 and marijuana policies are always changing due to new legislation. Know the rules before you go to avoid unpleasant surprises in the middle of the park later.

2. Historic Walking Towns

Sometimes the best type of vacation is staying in a quiet little town where you can walk anywhere you need to go. If history is your thing, here are our favorite small towns with walking tours or trolleys:

• Savannah, Georgia, full of squares, shopping, and an atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped back in time
• St. Augustine, Florida, situated on the Atlantic Ocean and well-known for being the first established city in the United States
• Salem, Massachusetts, famous for its witch trials and scenic harbor

Book your hotel and pack your walking shoes, then check Groupon or other discount sites for the best tours in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

3. Theme Parks

Does your family love the thrills of roller coaster rides and other theme park excitement? You already know about Disney World in Florida and Disney Land in California. 

Check out these other popular theme parks that you might not have heard of, and add them to your summer vacation list:

• Cedar Point in Cleveland, Ohio
• Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California
• Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California
• Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida
• Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida
• King’s Island in Mason, Ohio
• Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania
• Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge, New York

Add them all to your list and start crossing them off as a summer vacation tradition!

4. Big City Thrills

History, shopping, culture, art, and the pulse of the concrete jungle in a big city attract millions of people each year. If this is your thing, make sure to visit these major metropolises for dining, shopping, culture, and history (although you can’t see everything in one trip):

• New York City, New York
• Chicago, Illinois
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Austin, Texas
• Washington, D.C.
• Boston, Massachusetts
• New Orleans, LA
• San Francisco, CA

One city can take your whole summer to truly explore, so research ahead and pick your must-sees. Then, come back on another trip to do the rest or head to the next place on your bucket list!

Conclusion

Planning for your summer vacation destination is something you should enjoy almost as much as the trip itself. Start by deciding what type of getaway you want, then use this guide to pick the place you’ll stay.

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