The season of summer is finally here after months of cold, harsh winter and we can't be more excited about it. Finally we can stop staying cooped up in our homes and go outside to enjoy outdoor activities. Summer is the perfect time to take a few days off the regular busy schedule and go on a relaxing vacation. And the USA is full of exotic locations which can be your next summer vacation destination in 2022. Be it a vast beach full of sand dunes, scenic mountains with intricate hiking trails, national parks full of wilderness, or little islands with quaint villages - there's all kinds of places to satisfy all kinds of preferences. Here we have compiled a short list of lucrative summer vacation places in the USA and their main attractions for your consideration.
Note: Some of these places may be closed or under strict restrictions because of covid protocols. So enquire in advance before making travel plans.
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The Grand Canyon, Arizona: It is not only America's but also the world's one of the most famous and beautiful natural attractions. It has been a popular tourist destination for a long time, especially in summer. Naturally the canyon remains crowded around this time of the year. But it also can't be denied that it's the best time to visit this place. Take a long walk on the Rim Trail to experience the most scenic views you can stumble into. If you are interested in the Canyon's formation and history, you may find the Geological Museum a great place to visit. Or just hop on the shuttle buses and go for a long drive along the Hermit Road with various breathtaking viewpoints. If you are into hiking, then this place is the perfect place for you to explore different hiking trails. Though be mindful of the high temperature inside the canyon which might be uncomfortable for some people. And if you want to appreciate the true beauty of the grand canyon in all its glory, then nothing can beat the experience of a helicopter ride across the abyss.
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Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: This park is the oldest national park of the United States and one of the most popular vacation spots. This park is sprawled in the center of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana and one of Wyoming's top tourist destinations. This park is extremely famous for its exotic scenery and fascinating landscapes. There's rivers, lakes, valleys, waterfalls everywhere. The awe-inspiring wilderness is something you won't be able to see anywhere else. The best way to experience this park's main features is to take a drive along the Grand Loop. One of main attractions here is the geyser known as Old Faithful which erupts water in regular intervals. There are lots of other geyser basins and hot springs spread throughout the park and offers marvelous views. Though the summertime is a busy time for the park, this season also offers a lot of local cultural festivals to look forward to. So you won't really regret planning a trip there with your family in July or August this year.
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Cape Cod & the Islands, Massachusetts: Summer is essentially incomplete without beach visits. So there's nothing more perfect for a summer vacation than to visit a place with vast sandy beaches and extraordinary landscape. That's why Cape Cod is one of the most popular summer vacation spots. Pretty close to Boston, this place attracts a lot of tourists in the months of July and August. But you can still find some moments of quietness and serenity in the numerous islands spread throughout the peninsula. Aside from enjoying the sunbath on the beach and photography, you can also try hiking, canoeing and snorkeling. There's a dune tour from Provincetown to go around and visit all the prominent sand dunes strewn throughout the vast beach. If you would like to stay in a quieter part of the peninsula, then you might want to consider the town of Nantucket or the artistic little island of Martha's Vineyard.
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Outer Banks, North Carolina: The Outer Banks are the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina and a popular holiday destination for summer. This is a perfect place to have fun with friends and family with activities like horse riding and kayaking. The vast sea beach stretches for miles and miles and gives you an opportunity to stroll in the sand for hours. The picturesque view of rolling waves provides lots of photography materials. The sporadic lighthouses provide a bird's eye view over the scenic landscape. If you have a penchant for adventure, then don't forget to visit Jockey's Ridge Skate Park and take a fun lesson on hang gliding. Here you can also see the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast. Another must-visit place on the outer bank is Roanoke Island Festival Park where you can enjoy playing around in an ancient ship-wreckage.
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Glacier National Park, Montana: This place is famously known as the Crown of the Continent because of the awe-inspiring natural view of snowy mountains, deep valleys and lakes with icebergs. Summer attracts millions of tourists every year. But don't let that hinder you. Drive through the Going-to-the-Sun road to appreciate the park's beauty properly. There are lots of campgrounds and picnic spots located along the road so you can have a great time with your travel companions. National park is full of numerous hiking trails which you can explore while enjoying spotting wildlife here and there. The beautiful lakes are perfect for boating and fishing. While you are at the park, don't forget to visit the Many Glacier Region and Two Medicine.
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San Francisco, California: One of the best summer vacation destinations in the USA is this city of California set along the ocean. It's a beautiful city with rich cultural heritage and extraordinary scenery. Explore the city with a nostalgic cable ride. Watching the sunset from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is an ethereal experience. Also Alcatraz Island is a must-visit place here because of the infamous Alcatraz penitentiary, a place with extensive historical significance. And if you want to experience the taste of the city life in a short amount of time, then your go-to place will definitely be Fisherman's Wharf. It's a famous tourist attraction with various shops and restaurants along the shore. And the place you absolutely cannot miss out on while visiting San Francisco is Chinatown. It is one of the biggest and oldest one of its kind. The temples, shops, and teahouses bring the authentic taste of china.
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Virginia Beach, Virginia: Another lucrative beach destination for your summer trip in the USA would be this coastal city of Virginia. The vast beaches and the broad Boardwalk of this place attracts a lot of tourists here every year. The oceanfront is extremely beautiful and gives you a lot of photo opportunities. And then there's the Virginia Aquarium which lets you see a wide variety of marine life. There are sharks, otters, seals, sea turtles and many many more. Also a boat trip will lead you to the place where you can see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. The famous Fast Landing State Park is also a place you shouldn't miss. There are a lot of activities here you can indulge in. Relaxing on the beach, hiking, exploring nature, camping- do whatever you desire and experience the best amalgamation of history with nature.
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Chicago, Illinois: If you are a fan of art and architecture, then you might consider visiting Chicago for your next summer vacation. This Windy City is situated beside Lake Michigan and full of gigantic skyscrapers and cultural attractions. The 20th century art scene here is pretty popular and attracts art lovers from all around the world. The Art Institute of Chicago is a haven for such people because of the vast collection of paintings and sculptures of renowned artists. There's also the Museum of Science and Industry which offers hundreds of interactive exhibits. Don't forget to visit the SkyDeck of Willis Tower which gives you the incredible bird's eye view of all the exotic architecture of Chicago. There's all kinds of parks, zoos, fountains, exhibits, stores and restaurants for you to get the real feel of the city.
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Portland, Maine: Portland is a coastal city of Maine and a highly recommended place to visit in July or August. It's a major fishing and trading spot of the USA which makes it a popular city. The Old Port District offers a nostalgic touch of an old seaport town. You can ride Ferris and cruises to take a good look at the whole city and all its significant places. You can also go a bit further to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lovely Calendar Islands. The famous Wharf is full of antique stores, restaurants and old buildings which carry the history of Portland. The Portland Museum has various art pieces which are centuries old. And the peaceful and serene Crescent Beach full of sand dunes gives you enough opportunity to enjoy the sunbath and have a fun, fulfilling time.
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Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado: This park encompassing mountains, forests and lakes, is one of the best spots you can travel in summer. This park is famous for its scenic hiking trails, so you are in for an adventurous ride. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes and embark on this unforgettable journey. First, visit the Beaver Meadows to collect maps and important information about the place. And then start your hike along one of the popular trails such as Emerald Lake Trail and Bear Lake. And if you want to go on a drive to enjoy the park's natural scenery in its entirety, then Trail Ridge Road or Old Fall River Road are your friends. At the end of the day, you can visit Estes Park for some time of relaxation and healing.
All the above mentioned places are popular in summer, so don't forget to book accommodations well in advance. There are many different kinds of tour packages available, so choose wisely what suits you best. And above all, have fun and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.