Top 10 Destinations Americans Choose for Summer Vacations

When it comes to deciding where to go for that well-earned and much-anticipated summer vacation, Americans are spoiled for choice. From endless beaches to sprawling national parks bursting with the potential for adventure, and from family-friendly theme parks to world-class urban attractions, the United States has everything needed for a memorable summer holiday.

Whether you’re looking to unwind and relax or want a wilderness adrenalin rush, these top 10 destinations that Americans choose for summer vacations are guaranteed to inspire.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Tell almost anyone from the northern states that you’re headed to “The Beach” for your summer vacation, and they’ll know exactly where you’re going: Myrtle Beach. Stretching for 60 miles along South Carolina’s Atlantic Coast, Myrtle Beach has everything needed for the perfect all-American summer. Wide stretches of sandy beach and rolling surf? Check. An exciting mile-long boardwalk lined with amusement parks, arcades, eateries, and shopping? Yup. And endless opportunities for on-water fun, whether its fishing, jet-skiing, sailing, surfing, or paragliding? You bet!

Add to this list a reputation as a golfer’s paradise with more than 80 championship courses, as well as major attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, and Broadway at the Beach, a massive shopping and entertainment complex, and it’s little wonder nearly 20 million American’s visit each and every year, most of them during the warmer months of the year.

Orlando, Florida

While many of Orlando’s 75 million annual visitors are from places beyond America’s borders, the majority are domestic travelers wanting to explore the world’s theme park capital. And while many of them turn up during the cooler (but still warm and sunny) winter months, summer vacationing in Orlando is extremely popular.

The star attractions are of course the theme parks, including four at Walt Disney World, three at Universal Studios, and of course places like Sea World and countless other smaller attractions. Need to cool off? Disney itself has two excellent water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (a third is planned), while Volcano Bay and Aquatica are equally as good. Also worth noting many of the larger Orlando resorts like Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Grove Resort & Water Park have fun lazy rivers to relax in.

San Diego, California

Those looking for a summer vacation spot on America’s Pacific Coast will often consider San Diego. A perfect blend of sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of cultural attractions all add up to make this Californian city a family favorite. Highlights include Balbao Park, a 1,200-acre must-do that dates back to 1835, making it one of the oldest public parks in the country. In addition to museums (the city’s Automotive, Air & Space, and Natural History Museums are located here), it’s also home to the San Diego Zoo, a great spot for kids for its diverse creature collection and fun feeding experiences and tours.

Mission Beach is another big draw. This mile-long stretch of Pacific shoreline is one of the most popular beaches in California, so it can get busy with sunbathers, swimmers, and surfers. Be sure to explore the laid-back Mission Beach neighborhood, a popular hang-out that’s home to Belmont Park with its 100-year-old wooden roller coaster and SeaWorld San Diego.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Four million people can’t be wrong. That’s the number of tourists, many of them American, who visit Yellowstone National Park every year, all here to explore this natural wonderland’s spectacular geysers and hot springs. Summer is an ideal time to explore the park’s nearly 3,500 square miles of scenery, with opportunities for hiking and camping, and of course a chance to see Old Faithful in action, the most famous of the park’s nearly 500 geysers.

The park’s wildlife is also a big draw with the bison, elk, and even grizzly bears being spotted here in their natural habitats. Book ahead and enjoy a ranger-led educational program, including “young ranger” opportunities designed to keep the kids busy.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The Outer Banks of North Carolina, a series of barrier islands that stretch for 175 miles along the state’s Atlantic Coast, attract around seven million tourists, most here for a summer getaway. In addition to the endless beaches, visitors come to explore historic lighthouses like Cape Hatteras, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, as well as the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, one of several sites dedicated to the pioneers of flight in the USA.

In addition to exploring this beautiful region's many quaint small towns like Kitty Hawk and Duck, Highway 12 is one of the East Coast’s most popular scenic drives. The Outer Banks is also known for its wild horses, which can be seen roaming the beaches of Corolla.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Straddling the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is a year-round destination with a special allure in the summer. North America’s biggest alpine lake attracts around 15 million visitors a year (mostly Americans), all here to experience those crystal-clear waters the lake is so famous for. In addition to swimming, boating, and paddleboarding, the surrounding mountains offer excellent hiking and biking trails.

Exploring the scenic Tahoe Rim Trail, a 170-mile-long hiking trail that circles the lake, is a must-do. Other fun things to do in Lake Tahoe include taking the gondola to the Heavenly Mountain Resort for its stunning views, and visiting historic Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style mansion, on the shores of Emerald Bay.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

One of the USA’s best-known seaside resort regions, Cape Cod is a beloved summer escape that’s known for its charming New England villages. Fun things American visitors are known to do here include spending time on the beach, whale watching, and sailing. The Cape Cod National Seashore in fact covers an area of some 45,000 acres and is an especially big draw for the five million or so Americans who visit each year.

Among the most picturesque destinations for a Cape Cod summer vacation are Chatham and Provincetown, both boasting unique shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, as well as a good mix of accommodation options. Those who enjoy walking, jogging, or cycling will tackle the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22-mile route, with an additional seven miles if you add the Old Colony Rail Trail to it. Another must-do is to take a ferry to Martha's Vineyard, a delightful spot to spend a day or two.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon needs little introduction. One of the wonders of the natural world, this bucket-list destination is especially popular in summer with upwards of six million Americans visiting to explore this stunning area of Arizona. The South Rim is the best place to visit and boasts numerous excellent viewpoints of this mile-deep canyon and the Colorado River far below. Dining options and a visitor center are also located here, along with accommodations including El Tovar Hotel and Kachina Lodge, as well as camping.

There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to excitement and adventure, too. In addition to helicopter tours offering bird’s eye views of some of the more remote areas of the canyon, visitors will explore the Bright Angel Trail, a nine mile hike that can take up to four or five hours. If you do visit, sign-up in advance for the first-rate educational programs and ranger-led tours that offer insights into the canyon's history and ecology.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Hawaii has long been a must-visit destination for Americans on vacation, with this cohort making up the bulk of the 10 million tourists who flock here each year. Summer visitors will typically spend at least a part of their stay exploring places like Waikiki Beach, Honolulu’s go-to resort area. From here it’s easy to get to must-see sites like Pearl Harbor, a poignant historical experience that commemorates those who died here in WW2; and Diamond Head, one of the best hiking areas near the city.

Other fun things to do in Honolulu include visiting the vast collection of artworks on display at the Museum of Art (HoMA), shopping at the high-end Ala Moana Center, and enjoying outdoor activities such as snorkeling in Hanauma Bay or hiking to the Manoa Falls, a stunning 150 tall waterfall.

Aspen, Colorado

While Aspen is famous as a winter sports destination, American vacationers also visit this beautiful region of Colorado in the summer, too. At this time of year, Aspen’s resorts offer world-class hiking and mountain biking experiences, as well as more adventurous pursuits like whitewater rafting on the Roaring Fork River and paragliding over the Rocky Mountains.

It's also known for its cultural events, with the Aspen Music Festival being an especially popular time to visit. Established in 1949, more than 400 individual opportunities exist to enjoy classical music here over a two month period, ensuring even die-hard music lovers can never get bored.

The Final Word

While there are limitless opportunities for memorable holidays in the United States, these top 10 summer vacation destinations showcase the very best that the country has to offer. From endless sun-soaked beaches and thrilling theme parks to spectacular national parks and charming coastal towns and cities, there's a perfect spot for every traveler. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, these top 10 destinations that Americans choose for their summer vacations are worth getting to know.