Must-Visit U.S. Summer Destinations: Discover Your Perfect Summer Retreat

One of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, Zion National Park is a gem of red rock structures and winding hiking trails. Summer is the park’s busiest season and a great time to admire the contrast of the brilliant green vegetation and the surrounding red-rock landscapes. Get an up-close look at the scenery with a hike, like the easy Riverside Walk, the moderately-challenging Watchman Trail or the strenuous Angels Landing. Looking for an even more daring adventure? Take on a canyoneering expedition (permit required) through the water-carved chasms of The Narrows or Left Fork North Creek. If you’re not quite ready to leave the red-rock-filled vistas behind just yet, the lesser-known – but just as incredible – Kolob Canyons are just an hour away, offering even more unique scenery and hiking trails. Spend the night at the onsite Zion National Park Lodge or check in to one of the many accommodations in nearby St. George, Kanab or Springdale, Utah.

Sometimes called the “Crown of the Continent” for its breathtaking natural landscapes that range from lush forests to dramatic glaciers and picturesque mountains, Montana’s Glacier National Park is a popular summer destination for outdoor lovers. Start by exploring the park’s many crystalline alpine lakes, including Two Medicine Lake, Rising Sun Lake and Lake McDonald, all of which offer guided boat tours. Alternatively, head out on your own in a small boat rental, available at Apgar Lake, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine Lake and the Many Glacier area. Stay on land and explore with scenic drives on the mountain-framed Going-to-the-Sun Road and the lakefront Two Medicine Road. If you like, let someone else take the wheel on one of the park’s history-focused driving tours instead. On the Red Bus Tour, hitch a ride with a veteran guide, and on the Sun Tours, learn more about the park from the perspective of the Indigenous Blackfeet Nation. At the end of a long day, you’ll have a slew of accommodation options to choose from, including several lodges and hotels within the park. Hotels and more are also available in the nearby towns of Whitefish and Bigfork, Montana.

Yellowstone is an icon for its geothermal features, but even more excitement awaits beyond the borders of the USA’s first national park. Spend your summer exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem across portions of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, visiting vast preserves and vibrant towns with jaw-dropping scenery. Enjoy alpine hiking and paddling in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming; visit breathtaking waterfalls and one of the world’s largest calderas in Idaho, and embark on thrilling biking and rafting tours through Montana’s high-country landscapes. Find cozy accommodations and unique local experiences in nearby towns: Cody or Jackson, Wyoming; West Yellowstone or Gardiner, Montana; and Island Park or Ashton, Idaho.

Get away to San Diego, where balmy Southern California weather meets beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions and vibrant neighborhoods. Spend your days soaking up the sun and riding the waves of the La Jolla, Coronado and Mission Bay neighborhood beaches, then intersperse your beach time with the city’s coolest attractions. Take a stroll through Balboa Park, say hello to hundreds of animals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, catch a Padres baseball game at Petco Park and learn about naval history at the USS Midway Museum. Plus, don’t miss beloved neighborhoods like the nightlife-filled Downtown and Gaslamp Quarter, historic Old Town and sea-centric Point Loma.

Trade the Pacific Ocean for the Atlantic with a trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. This charming coastal village has a lot going for it – picturesque lighthouses, scenic boat tours and mild summer weather, just to start. Even its waterfront downtown is filled with sights, sounds and flavors waiting to be experienced. Admire the lavish estate homes along Millionaire’s Row, pop into regionally focused museums, shop local in the charming boutiques, and dine on fresh lobster in every form imaginable – including lobster ice cream.

One of the biggest draws of Bar Harbor may be its proximity to the beautiful Acadia National Park. On your park visit, hike Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or bike along the historic Carriage Roads for a picture-perfect few hours in nature.