13 Best USA Places to Visit in June for a Summer Getaway
Craving a slice of American summer without the summer crowds? June might just be the answer.
Our handpicked list spans from rugged national parks to charming coastal towns, each offering its own unique flavor of early summer bliss. Your next favorite vacation spot is waiting just around the corner!
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1. Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier National Park in June offers a magical sweet spot: fewer crowds than peak season with increasingly accessible trails as the snow melts.
The annual snowmelt creates stunning waterfalls and surging rivers throughout the park—Virginia Falls, Lunch Creek Waterfall, and Running Eagle Falls are at their roaring best.
Early to mid-June provides a unique opportunity to hike or bike the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to cars.
Where to Stay: Bear Creek Guest Ranch is the perfect basecamp with a prime location between the East and West entrances that allows you to explore both sides of the park with ease.
2. Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor in June means coastal Maine charm without the crushing summer crowds.
The natural beauty peaks with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery throughout Acadia National Park.
June marks the start of lobster season, so hop aboard a lobster boat tour to learn firsthand from seasoned lobstermen and feast on the freshest catch right on the water.
The waters of Frenchman Bay come alive with humpback, finback, and minke whales, making it prime time for whale watching excursions.
Where to Stay: The Bar Harbor Inn overlooks Frenchman Bay from its harbor-side location, with easy walking access to downtown shops and galleries.
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3. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park in June delivers breathtaking mountain vistas without the peak summer crowds.
The weather turns pleasant, perfect for hitting the 355 trails that range from mellow meadow strolls to challenging 12,000-foot peak climbs.
Alpine wildflowers begin their spectacular show and wildlife sightings increase as animals become more active.
June’s longer daylight hours (sunrise around 5:30 am and sunset around 9:30 pm) give you extra time to explore everything.
Where to Stay: The Deer Crest Resort near Estes Park is a comfortable adults-only retreat just minutes from the park entrance.
4. Joshua Tree, CA
Joshua Tree in June means warm days for exploring and cool evenings perfect for stargazing.
While daytime temperatures climb into the 80s, the nights remain pleasant enough for camping and hanging out by the fire.
June brings special events like the Joshua Tree Night Market (second Saturdays) where you can mingle with locals under the desert stars.
For the ultimate desert experience, hike Ryan Mountain for 360-degree views of boulder formations and the bare desert floor stretching to distant peaks.
Where to Stay: The Castle House Estate offers unique glamping accommodations like yurts and cottages.
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5. Anchorage, AK
Anchorage in June delivers Alaska’s magic with endless daylight (we’re talking sunrise at 4:30am and sunset near 11:30pm).
Hike through the stunning Chugach Mountains, bike the 32-mile Moose Loop, or paddle the turquoise waters of Eklutna Lake.
Wildlife spotting hits prime time – keep your eyes peeled for moose along city trails and beluga whales in Cook Inlet.
Don’t miss the Downtown Summer Solstice Festival on June 22, where 4th Avenue buzzes with local vendors, live music, and community vibes.
Where to Stay: The Hotel Captain Cook offers luxury in the heart of downtown with stunning mountain views and the AAA four-diamond Crow’s Nest restaurant.
6. Napa Valley, CA
Napa Valley in June basks in sun-drenched perfection with temperatures hovering in the 80s.
The valley hums with summer energy as music festivals kick off and wineries extend their evening hours for sunset sipping.
Terrace Happy Hours at Baldacci Family Vineyards let you sample various vintages by the glass while soaking in sweeping views of the valley from their outdoor terrace.
June also brings special events like the Napa Valley Auction Weekend (June 6-7), where you can taste famed wines and delicious bites from local restaurants while bidding on pre-release bottles.
Where to Stay: Meadowood Napa Valley offers secluded luxury cottages featuring private terraces perfect for savoring that bottle you picked up during your day of wine tasting.
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7. Mackinac Island, MI
Since 1949, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has drawn flower enthusiasts for ten days of themed events, walking tours, and planting seminars.
The car-free paradise forces you to slow down – explore the 8-mile perimeter loop by bike or clip-clop around in horse-drawn carriages.
Wander along W Bluff Road to gawk at jaw-dropping Victorian mansions with perfect curb appeal, then treat yourself to freshly made fudge downtown where you can watch confectioners work their magic on marble slabs.
Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel, hosting guests since 1887, offers the quintessential Mackinac experience with its iconic 660-foot front porch (the world’s longest) and rocking chairs perfect for soaking in Straits of Mackinac views.
8. Steamboat Springs, CO
Steamboat Springs in June hits the sweet spot with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit – ideal weather for exploring the great outdoors.
Adrenaline junkies can tackle the 9-mile Gilpin Lake Trail that winds through aspen groves and conifer trees following Gilpin Creek to a pristine alpine lake.
June brings the annual Steamboat Marathon to town, while outdoor enthusiasts can cool off with a refreshing float trip down the Yampa River or try fly fishing at Stagecoach Tail Waters.
Where to Stay: The Steamboat Grand offers spacious accommodations at the base of the ski resort with stunning mountain views and a heated outdoor pool.
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9. Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee in June pulses with summer energy as the city emerges from hibernation ready to party.
The calendar explodes with events – Downtown Dining Week (June 1-8) lets you score three-course meals at 40 restaurants for bargain prices, while the Lakefront Festival of Art (June 14-16) brings 170+ national artists to the grounds of the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Beer gardens and outdoor patios overflow with locals soaking up the sunshine, and free outdoor concerts pop up across the city.
Architecture buffs should hit the Milwaukee Art Museum to see Santiago Calatrava’s stunning winglike addition that opens and closes daily at 10am.
Where to Stay: The Iron Horse Hotel occupies a converted 100-year-old warehouse with motorcycle-friendly amenities and a killer rooftop patio.
10. Laguna Beach, CA
The town’s 30+ beaches beckon with their distinct personalities – some ideal for surfing, others for tide pool exploration or basketball on beachside courts.
Art lovers can time their visit with the start of the Sawdust Art Festival, where 200+ local artists showcase their creations amid live music and tasty eats.
For wildlife enthusiasts, June marks prime whale-watching season, with humpback, finback, and minke whales cruising through Laguna’s waters.
Don’t miss the Pageant of the Masters, where real people pose to recreate famous artworks in a mind-bending outdoor spectacle.
Where to Stay: The Montage Laguna Beach offers oceanfront luxury with stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.
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11. Portland, ME
Portland in June hits the sweet spot – all the summer magic without peak-season crowds.
Scoring reservations at nationally renowned eateries becomes less of a contact sport in early June, giving you a fighting chance to sample cuisine from James Beard-nominated chefs.
The month brings Portland Wine Week (June 10-16), transforming this foodie paradise into an oenophile’s dream with wine lunches, brunches, dinners, and wine sails.
For outdoor enthusiasts, cruise options abound – from lighthouse tours to sunset sails through Casco Bay’s picturesque waters.
Where to Stay: The Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront sits in the heart of the action with updated rooms.
12. Boise, ID
Boise in June is pure summer magic with perfect temperatures for exploring Idaho’s vibrant capital.
The Boise River Greenbelt provides a scenic pathway for biking, walking, or jogging alongside the river.
June marks the start of river floating season – a beloved local tradition where you can rent inner tubes and leisurely drift from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park.
Julia Davis Park downtown offers rose gardens and duck ponds, while Ann Morrison and Kathryn Albertson Parks provide ideal settings for picnics and recreation in the pleasant 70-degree weather.
Where to Stay: The Grove Hotel combines luxury with convenience in its prime downtown location.
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13. Mendocino, CA
Mendocino in June offers Northern California coastal perfection with mild, mostly dry weather ideal for outdoor adventures.
The natural beauty reaches peak bloom, and longer days provide extra time for hiking the Fern Canyon and Falls Loop Trail or exploring the stunning headlands.
Wine enthusiasts can venture to nearby Anderson Valley, known for organic grapes that produce excellent chardonnay and pinot noir.
Don’t miss the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, where canyons, wetlands, and coastal bluffs create a nature lover’s paradise.
Where to Stay: The Elk Cove Inn offers a romantic oceanfront retreat with unpretentious comfort, beautiful gardens, and breakfast in bed.
