June 11th, 2024 | By:Â Grace Kim
This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links, I may earn a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it helps me continue to run this website.
USA Summer Bucket List Places
The USA is full of some of the most breathtaking landscapes, cities, and beaches in the world. While most of the world doesn’t understand why more than half US the population doesn’t have passports, it would take someone decades to fully explore the US. Whether you’re looking to adventure more in the US or simply want to know the top things to do, this list is a compilation of my all time favorite and recommended places to see, in no particular order.
1. Visit New York City
There’s no surprise as to why New York City is the most visited and desired to see in the whole world. Offering something to every type of traveler, the concrete jungle never sleeps. Whether you’re planning on visiting New York City for your first or tenth time, spend time exploring SUMMIT One Vanderbilt or go to the Top of the Rock and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Or, if you’re up for an adventure, book a helicopter tour to get higher than the buildings in the city.
2. See the fireworks at Disneyworld
Visit the most magical place in the world at Disneyland. Witnessing the fireworks in theaters vs. in real life is an experience and will make you feel like you are living in a real life fairytale. Starting at 9:00pm on the dot, the fireworks are only performed on the weekends. Just make sure that you secure a seat at least an hour in advance since they put up ropes to control foot traffic, and will not let you in stand if you come too late.
3. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
Offering stunning coastal views of California, there’s something magical about the coast that will make you never want to leave. Driving through California’s Highway 1 is a top travel bucket list you can’t miss out on in the US. Swing by the beaches neighboring Santa Barbara and wander through Big Sur and Bixby Creek Bridge. Especially if you don’t want to contain your wanderlust, this is the perfect activity to do, especially during the warmer summer months.
4. Tour the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Home to some of the countries most iconic monuments and museums, visiting the National Mall will make you appreciate the upbringings of the US! Start from visiting the Lincoln Memorial to touring the Smithsonian museum, which are fun free things to do available to the public. My favorite part of visiting the National Mall was for sunset as you’ll get the most beautiful colors overlooking the Washington Monument.
If you want to learn more about Washington DC’s history, going on a guided tour will answer all your questions and educate you on everything there is to know about these artifacts and the upbringing of the United States.
5. Explore the Grand Canyon
Utah has incredible and breathtaking national parks. I did a two week road trip in the Southwest and I started off by catching sunrise at the Grand Canyon. It was an unforgettable experience and a national park that I would visit over and over again. You’ll visit one look out, drive two minutes down, and feel like you’re in another park. From helicopter rides to guided tours, complete your Southwest road trip by exploring all there is to see at the Grand Canyon National Park.
6. Visit the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple
Located in Robbinsville, New Jersey is where you’ll find the second largest Hindu temple in the world. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple is only an hour away from NYC, and is so easy to get to but there are private car transfers if needed. Just make sure to get there early because it will get packed, especially during sunset.Â
7. Go camping at Heart Lake, California
I’ve spent about 2 years exploring, hiking, and adventuring all of California. When people ask me what my favorite place is to visit, I immediately respond with Heart Lake. I’m not the biggest fan of camping but I would camp at Heart Lake over and over again. It’s peaceful, the views are spectacular, and the lake is just so clean to swim in. Don’t forget to bring the right supplies for a campfire and make sure to get there at least two hours before sunset to set up.
8. Explore the Rocky Mountains in Colorado
The Rocky Mountains offer a plethora of adventures ranging from hiking, mountain biking, and viewing exotic wildlife. It could take someone weeks to explore the entirety of the Rocky Mountains as you’ll get lost gazing at the alpine lakes and mountain tops. Summer is my recommended time to visit as there are plenty of trails and places to camp out at, all while enjoying the fresh, mountain air.
9. Wander through Zion National Park
Zion National Park is known for it’s slot canyons, scenic views and red cliffs. There are beautiful panoramic views, such as hiking Angels Landing and hiking up the Narrows. And if you’re up for it, enjoy wading through the slot canyons during the warmer season. Wandering through Zion National Park is a summer bucket list destination as you’ll be able to enjoy both nature adventures and stargazing at night.
10. Walk on a glacier in Alaska
Alaska’s landscapes are like no other. One day it’ll be bright and sunny and the next, you’ll be hit with a snowstorm. Although you won’t have to worry about the colder weather as much during the summer, experience a thrill of a lifetime by walking in a glacier. The blue ice and rugged landscapes took my breath away as it was a top experience I will never forget. Get to the glaciers on a helicopter and have the pilot navigate you to the best and safest glaciers during your visit.
11. Hike the mountains in New England
New England consists of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, filled with some of the most breathtaking trails on the East Coast. Go on adventurous hikes, dine in at iconic restaurants, and photograph the best of the Northeast.
If you don’t have time to visit New England during the Summer, wait till the next season and experience it during the Fall. Fall in New England is my favorite as the trees and mountains turn into rainbow colored skittles.
12. Explore White Sands National Park in New Mexico
Filled with gypsum sand, you’ll find vast dune views that stretch 176,000 acres long. White Sands National Park is a unique park that attracts hundreds of people each year just to sled on the dunes. The best time to visit is either during sunrise or sunset as the weather is a bit more bearable to explore.
13. Spend a weekend at the strip in Las Vegas
There’s no doubt that the best parties in the US can be found in Las Vegas. From hopping around pool parties to going on sightseeing night tours, there’s so much to do in Las Vegas. Whether you’re there to party or you want to see what the strip is all about, get ready for the time of your life. Las Vegas also has the best food in the country as the top chefs in the world continue to open up restaurants throughout the strip.
14. Discover the fun in Chicago
From vibrant and hippy neighborhoods to beautiful architecture, spending a weekend in Chicago should be on your summer travel bucket list. Not only will you avoid Chicago being “the windy city” during that time, but the city offers everything from beaches to rooftop parties, and so much more. Experience the fullness of the city by visiting the top 5 attractions or by simply going on a river cruise during sunset.
From the handful of times that I’ve visited Chicago, I always admired how the city involves the community, and how there are unique events throughout the year, like when thousands of rubber ducks are poured into the Chicago River for Chicago Ducky Derby.Â
15. Catch sunset at Malibu Beach, California
Malibu Beach offers breathtaking, movie-like views in SoCal. As my favorite beach in Los Angeles, you’ll get get the best of both worlds from it’s misty beachside to hilltop views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Point Dume is a must-visit as there are endless photo opportunities, trails and walkways to explore.
16. Road trip through Texas' big four cities
Texas is the second biggest state in the US, offering so many cities to visit. But if you’re limited on time, rent a car and road trip through the big four cities. Fly into Houston, drive to San Antonio, Austin, then Dallas. While these are the biggest and most popular cities in Texas, you can easily do this trip in a long weekend. This is what I did the first time I ever visited Texas and felt that it was the best way to explore the state.
17. Discover Arches National Park in Utah
Home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, Arches National Park is a park with unique rock formations that don’t seem to be replicable. There are beautiful, scenic drives, easy to navigate trails, and clear desert landscapes that encapsulates the beauty of the Arches. This was one of my favorite parks to visit in Utah, especially during sunset as the colors covered the entire sky with pink and orange hues.
18. Explore Mars
The US is full of incredible, breathtaking landscapes, but this one place got my jaws dropping. Located in Utah is where you’ll find what I like to call, Mars on Earth. The Mars Desert Research Station is near Hanksville as the area is covered in blue and red swirls designed on rock formations. Mars is truly an adult playground that offers, in my opinion, some of the weirdest yet intricate rock designs in the world.
19. Adventure through Crater Lake National Park
The deepest lake in the United States can be found at Crater Lake National Park. Located in Oregon, this park offers the bluest of waters, breathtaking views, hiking trails, and private tours. Highlighting the history of the volcanoes and the culture of the wild west, this park is pure magic as you’re surrounded by the most natural parts of Mother Nature’s beauty.
20. Hike through the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas
Arkansas has got to be the most underrated state to visit in the US for it’s lush greenery and natural beauty. There’s a reason why it’s called “The Natural State” for a reason as there are hidden gems, corners to float on through the Buffalo River, and fun UTV tours along the Ozarks.
21. Party it up in Miami
Miami is known for it’s vibrant, non-stop nightlife and rich cultural scene. There are endless bars, rooftops, and clubs that can be found all around the city. Miami is diverse and is heavily influenced by Spanish culture, as you’ll hear music playing all throughout the city. Visit Miami if you want to party till the sun rises. Just make sure you’re staying hydrated and consuming extra electrolytes throughout the day!
Use code “GRACEFKIM” to get 20% off Liquid IV.
22. Go hiking at Acadia National Park
Adventure through Acadia National Park and hike through endless trails and viewpoints. There are so many breathtaking areas great for both outdoor lovers and families alike. Since it gets extremely cold during the winter months, visiting Acadia during the summer is an optimal time to visit. Many love to go on bike trails, but mine has got to be hiking sunrise at Cadillac Mountain.
23. Drive through Redwoods in California
Located in the Northern part of California, view some of the world’s tallest trees in Redwoods. Drive or walk amongst these giants and experience it’s total beauty. Whether you spend a day or a long weekend, there are a handful of memorable activities to do, such as camping, hiking, and photographing these trees during your visit.
24. Catch sunset at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is my favorite and most recommended spot to catch sunset in New York. Not only will you experience beautiful sunset views overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, but you also get to enjoy evenings in the park. And by the time it’s dinner time, grab quick bites at the Time Out Market and indulge in some of the most diverse foods in Brooklyn.
25. Spend a long weekend in Charleston, South Carolina
Known for its vibrant streets and historic architecture, spend a long weekend exploring Charleston. There are endless amounts of things to do that will have your days packed from morning to evening. Summers in Charleston are fun as there are vibrant festivals, outdoor markets, and riverwalks to enjoy. Prior to my visit, I also had no idea that Charleston was also known for their food scene as many of their restaurants had me impressed by the end of my visit.
26. Go on a boat tour in Savannah, Georgia
If you’re planning an east coast road trip, high chances that you’ll be driving through Savannah, Georgia. After spending a weekend in Charleston, drive down to Savannah, and spend the day exploring the quaint city. While the city isn’t too big, the one activity I highly recommend is going on a sunset boat tour. There’s good reason why it’s one of the most popular activities to do in Savannah, as you’ll get to dance the night away all while enjoying live music performances and a beautiful sunset to end the day.
27. Wander through the Valley of Fire in Nevada
Vegas is fun if you want to have fun, but did you know that you’ll find beautiful rock formations only 30 minutes away? That’s right. The Valley of Fire is surrounded by stunning red rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. Explore the trails throughout the park and photograph the scenery and views. I recommend visiting during sunrise as it gets pretty hot during the day, and it will be more packed with visitors.
28. Wine tour at Napa Valley
Known for it’s world-class wineries and lush vineyards, Napa Valley has some of the best quality wines in the country. With over 400 wineries open for tastings and 90 urban tasting rooms, explore the beautiful landscapes of California on a day trip while enjoying delicious wines with perfect weather all year round.
29. Run down the Forrest Gump Road
If you’ve ever watched Forrest Gump, remember the scene where Forrest runs through a straight stretch of road with a beautiful backdrop of red rock formations? This road is a scenic drive through Monument Valley, offering picturesque and breathtaking views of Utah. Capture photos and videos of you running through this road, and feel like Forrest during your visit.
30. Visit the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas
Playing a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, the Alamo is symbolic as you’ll learn all about it’s significance at the museum, dating back to 1836. Tickets are $14 as you’ll learn about artifacts on the Donald and Lousie Yena Spanish Colonial Collection, and the Battle of the Alamo Diorama. Then, afterwards you can enjoy a nice leisurely stroll along the San Antonio’s River Walk and explore the shops, restaurants, boat tours, and more.
31. Relax at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles
Popular for it’s iconic pier, amusement park, aquarium, and restaurants, Santa Monica is a beach you can’t miss out on when visiting Los Angeles. You’ll find people visiting from all around the world, as you can spend half the day exploring the beach. Plus, if you drive drive 7 minutes along Main Street, you’ll arrive at Urth Caffe, a popular European-style cafe and a staple to LA.
32. Visit Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Offering stunning views of the Colorado River is where you’ll find Horseshoe Bend. Walk up a short hike as you’ll witness one of Arizona’s most popular viewpoints. My favorite was visiting during sunset as the calmness of the area makes you never want to leave.
33. Go hiking in the Adirondacks, New York
Enjoy hiking and camping across six million acres of vast land in the Adirondacks. With mountains, lakes, and forests within the region, summers in the Adirondacks are ones for the books. There are also fun events, such as attending concerts along Saranac Lake, or the Lake Placid Ironman to check out during your visit.
34. See the Northern Lights in Alaska
Between August 21 to April 21, the northern lights can be seen on average of 4 out of 5 days with clear, evening skies. You can start seeing them towards the end of summer as witnessing the auroras is truly a bucket list activity. The more north you go, the more visible the lights are, even with the naked eye. Witnessing the auroras is truly a sight as it’s one of the main reasons why people fly all the way to Alaska to see them.
35. Explore the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
The Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of the city of angels and of the iconic Hollywood sign. If you’re an outdoors lover, go on the trails to explore the area, or learn about astronomy and space in the exhibits. The observatory is extremely popular for both locals and tourists during sunset as you’ll get the most beautiful bursts of color in the sky.
36. Spend a weekend at Yosemite National Park
Ever wondered where your Apple MacBook wallpaper was taken from? Yosemite National Park is the country’s most visited national park with amazing views, famous landscapes, and challenging but rewarding hikes. There are infinite amount of viewpoints and trails, all offering breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley. Plan your weekend around visiting this stunning and iconic park and enjoy the beauty of Yosemite.
37. Visit the iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is one of the most historical cities on the east coast, offering a ton of museums and activities to check out. Offering outdoor walkways and seeing where the Declaration of Independence was signed, visiting the Liberty Bell in a must in Philly. Spend a few hours touring the area, learning all about the Revolutionary, and historical figures like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
38. See wildflowers at Montara Beach, California
The Summer is the only time where you’ll be able to see beautiful, vibrant wildflowers at Montara Beach. Located about an hour away from San Jose is where you can enjoy a picnic while enjoying beautiful coastal views with the Montara Mountain. Visit during sunset and you’ll experience the best of California’s coastal views.
39. Go on a boat ride at the Everglades in Florida
Home to alligators, manatees, and wild birds is where you’ll find the Everglades. It’s located a little under an hour drive from Downtown Miami as there are airboat tours that takes you through the wetlands. Especially if you’re visiting during the Summer months, you’ll find a lot of opportunities for wildlife viewing along the lush greenery, and hikes along the parks trails.
40. Hike in Sedona, Arizona
Popularly known for it’s scenic trails along Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, visiting Sedona is a favorite for many adventure lovers. From endless photo opportunities to finding pockets of breathtaking views, Sedona is full of unique activities that will want you coming back for more. My time in Sedona was short, but one of the most memorable trips I’ve taken as the views at the trails and hikes were breathtaking.
41. Visit the historic town of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is known for its rich history, vibrant art scene, and unique Pueblo-style architecture. The city is the perfect size as it’s not too small and not too big, with excellent food choices all around. Wandering through Santa Fe will make you believe that you’re traveling in Central America, as there is a lot of Spanish and indigenous influence all around.
42. Explore Austin, Texas
From indulging in the best barbecue in the country to visiting the hundreds of murals spread throughout the city, visiting Austin, Texas has grown in popularity in the recent years. Austin is extremely lively for it’s outdoor activities, young culture, and its music scene as you’ll find a ton of events happening throughout the year. Enjoy the rooftop scene, outdoor activities at Lady Bird Lake, or bats migrating along the Congress Bridge. Austin offers so much as there are countless unique attraction spots that makes it an excellent summer destination.
43. Relax at Lake Tahoe
Have you ever been in an area that offers views of both crystal-clear waters and beautiful mountains? Lake Tahoe is the perfect place for that as it’s popular for both travelers and families to stay at during the summer. There are also activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and mountain biking that makes Lake Tahoe that much more special. I’m not much of a swimmer but it was hard to not swim in the lakes. There are also so many trails that offer great photo opportunities with quiet and peaceful places to end the day over sunset.
44. Visit the Airplane Home in Oregon
Do you ever wonder what happens to older, unusable airplanes? While many of them get demolished, you’ll find The Airplane Home in the middle of the woods in Hillsboro, Oregon. Bruce Campbell, former engineer and pilot, migrated his airplane home from Oregon to Greece. Bruce’s home has become such a popular destination spot for both locals and tourists, as hundreds of people from all around the world come to photograph Bruce’s home to check off their travel bucket list.
45. End off the day at Cannon Beach, Oregon
Oregon has incredible beaches and viewpoints all around the coast. But one beach that I can visit over and over again is Cannon Beach. Iconic for it’s Haystack Rock in the middle of the ocean, you’ll find locals starting campfires on the beach while ending their day over a beautiful sunset and watching the birds soar through the sky.
46. Wander the gardens of Balboa Park in San Diego
With a handful of outdoor gardens, museums, and walkways of historical architecture, Balboa Park is must-visit in San Diego. Popular for couples and families to enjoy a leisurely stroll, there’s a variety of summer attractions that make it a great summer destination. You can spend part or the entire day in Balboa Park, especially if you block off time to explore the San Diego Zoo.
47. See the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is iconic and symbolic to San Francisco with so many viewpoints that offers stunning views of the city skyline and of the bay. While it’s the bridge is located by popular places like Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Park, it’s impossible to visit San Francisco and not see the bridge, even from afar.
Note that if you are driving to see the bridge, to NOT leave anything in your car. Unfortunately, many tourists have gotten their cars broken into, and their bags and luggages stolen, even only spending 10 minutes at these viewpoints.
48. Visit Death Valley National Park
The lowest point in North America can be found at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park. The park offers unique landscapes views that stretches millions of acres long. From colorful rock formations to extreme temperatures, Death Valley is a fascinating summer travel destination as there are so many areas of the park that makes it special.
49. See a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater
There is no other stadium like the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado. It’s a world-renowned concert venue that’s had some of the biggest star perform, such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Louis Armstrong. The venue sits on natural rock formations, as there are a handful of hiking trails and a visitor center on the exhibit to learn more about it’s history.
50. Explore Bryce Canyon National Park
Utah is known as the Mighty Five, which refers to being home to 5 National Parks. Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Might Five, which is famous for it’s unique hoodoo shaped rock formations. The hoodoos make this national park unique as the park is not too small and not too big to walk through the entire park. Explore the canyons and take all the photos of these natural landscapes to check off your Might Five bucket list.
51. Visit the French Quarter in New Orleans
Iconic for it’s vibrant nightlife, stunning architecture, and jazz scene, consider visiting the French Quarter in New Orleans this summer. Dine in at Cafe De Monde and order beignets and coffee. Explore Bourbon Street and enjoy the beautifully played outdoors jazz music. The French Quarter is a beautiful blend of French, Spanish, and Creole that will make you feel like you’re traveling in Europe.
52. Visit Joshua Tree National Park
Located about two hours east of Los Angeles is where you’ll find peaceful deserts and funny looking trees called Joshua Trees. Joshua Tree National Park is popular for it’s cabins, hiking, rock climbing, and clear skies for stargazing at night. The scenery makes it a popular destination for outdoor lovers who want a break from the hustling and bustling city of Los Angeles.
During your visit, don’t forget to grab coffee and coffee beans at Joshua Tree Coffee Company. Your drink will have you off the walls!
53. Hike Toketee Falls in Oregon
Visiting Toketee Falls is an Oregon gem located in the Umpque National Forest. The views in the forest are absolutely spectacular as you’ll have to hike down to the falls to see the scenic views of the waterfall and forest. I’ll admit that that the hike down wasn’t the easiest. You’ll definitely need sneakers or hiking boots to get down and by the end, you’ll be relived that you got to the bottom safely.
54. Catch low fog at Mount Tam
San Francisco is known for it’s fogs and mistiness due to warm weather colliding with the cool California winds near the coast. Since the fog is seen so frequently, the locals named it “Karl”. Most of the time, pedestrians are “in” the fog but if you drive an hour north to Mount Tam, you’ll be above it. Photographers chase the perfect conditions of Karl, as they’re able to witness the most beautiful colors during sunset. Not only do the clouds change to faint colors, but it’s truly a sight as you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on cloud9.
Final Thoughts
From landscapes to rock formations and cities, the USA is filled with endless, breathtaking sights. It could take someone years to fully explore the US as there are so many pockets and interesting personalities within the country. From east to west, I’ve spent years traveling the USA and still feel like I only scratched the surface.
While there will never be enough time or days in a year to fully explore all that the US has to offer, I hope this list helped you solidify your summer travel bucket list. So start researching destinations, book your flights, and get ready for the most epic summer yet.
Save this post when planning for Summer travels!
