15 USA Destinations That Are Even Better in July
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1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
Visiting the Grand Canyon in July means soaking up sunshine and epic views. Early morning or as the sun sets are great times to catch the cooler parts of the day. If you love sky-high views, the Desert View Watchtower offers a vista that’ll take your breath away.
This landmark sits on the South Rim, so it’s easy to add to your adventure list. So slap on some sunscreen, grab your hat, and prepare for a day full of majestic landscapes and natural wonders.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park sparkles as a top spot on your travel list for July! Revel in the warm sun as you explore the park’s bubbling geysers and witness the grandeur of Old Faithful.
With over 150 geothermal features packed into just one square mile at Upper Geyser Basin, you’re in for a spectacle of nature’s power. Feel the gentle breeze and bask in temperatures averaging a comfortable 72 degrees.
July’s clear skies and vibrant wildflowers create the perfect backdrop for your daylight adventures. The Grand Loop Road is must-do for any visitor. Here you’ll find a scenic drive that connects all the marvels of Yellowstone.
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3. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
If you’re planning a summer adventure, look no further than Mount Rushmore in South Dakota! This monumental sculpture is a sight to see with the faces of four US presidents carved into granite. In July, the weather is warm and perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
Get your camera ready for the majestic figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Pack a picnic and bask in the sunshine at this historic site.
Plus, nearby you’ll find pristine trails and the chance to spot wildlife at Custer State Park. Enjoy your visit to this iconic American landmark!
4. Miami Beach, Florida
In July, Miami Beach shines with sun-soaked days and lively nights. The soft sand of South Beach welcomes you to relax and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. If you love the water, clear blue waves beckon for a refreshing swim.
Family fun is found at South Pointe Park, where you can explore walking trails, enjoy a picnic, or try fishing off the pier. If you’re eager to celebrate the 4th of July in style, the Miami Marlins host an extraordinary game complete with dazzling fireworks.
As you wander through the city, Miami Beach’s unique pulse makes every moment exciting. Whether it’s the art deco glamour or the taste of Cuban cuisine, your visit will be filled with sunshine and smiles.
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5. Yosemite National Park, California
In July, Yosemite National Park becomes a wonderland of adventure. Imagine walking through valleys dotted with wildflowers as you gaze up at towering granite cliffs. Yosemite’s famous icons like Half Dome and El Capitan stand proudly under the summer sky.
The park’s numerous waterfalls, including the majestic Yosemite Falls, often flow powerfully from winter’s snowmelt. Pack a picnic and relax beside the serene Merced River, or if you’re up for it, explore the trails that offer breathtaking views with every turn.
6. New York City, New York
New York City sparkles in July with vibrant activities that match the sunny skies. You can kick off the month with a bang by watching the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, a spectacular show of colors and lights over the East River.
Got a soft spot for movies? Grab a blanket and catch classic flicks under the stars at various outdoor venues. Longing for some nature? Take a short trip to Lavender By the Bay, a serene lavender farm that’s perfect for a calm weekend outside the city buzz.
Cultural delights await too, like the Thunderbird Annual Powwow, where you can revel in traditional dances and songs. Pack your July days with these sundry activities in the city that never sleeps!
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7. Chicago, Illinois
Summer in Chicago is vibrant, with plenty for you to do and see. The warm winds off Lake Michigan beckon beachgoers to relax on sandy shorelines. If you’re a fan of sports, July is the perfect time to catch a baseball game and munch on a classic Chicago hot dog under the sun.
Interested in arts and music? The city hosts lively concerts where you can sway to the melodies of your favorite tunes. After sunset, the city doesn’t sleep – it lights up with enchanting candlelight concerts you won’t want to miss.
And don’t forget the iconic skyline views from Skydeck Chicago, where the city stretches out like a dazzling urban carpet below. So pack your bags and experience the summer splendor of Chicago.
8. Nashville, Tennessee
July in Nashville is like stepping onto the set of a sunlit musical where the tunes carry you from one adventure to the next. If music is your love language, Nashville speaks it fluently, from country to rock and everything in between.
Swing by Nissan Stadium to catch a show, or maybe a local festival is more your beat. With the summer sun smiling down, enjoy a film under the stars at an outdoor movie night. Foodies, your palates are in luck, with mouthwatering Southern cuisine calling your name.
And if you’re craving a bit of competition, cheer on the home team at a Nashville Sounds baseball game. Nashville in July offers a perfect harmony of festivities, food, and fun!
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9. San Francisco, California
Visiting San Francisco in July means your days are filled with sunshine and a lineup of amazing outdoor events. Fancy some jazz? Swing by the Fillmore Jazz Festival to catch live music that gets your toes tapping.
Art and culture more your style? The Stanford Live Arts Festival brings performances under the stars at Stanford University’s gorgeous amphitheater. San Francisco is also a paradise for museum lovers; you can’t miss the Walt Disney Family Museum for a peek into the life of the animation legend.
For a uniquely local twist, take a chance on the city’s monthly street party with music and art at every corner, or just soak in the best city views with a hike to Twin Peaks. Your camera will thank you later!
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas sparkles in the July heat, with so many activities you’ll barely notice the temperature. The city offers more than just casinos; it’s a hub for shows, shopping, and dining. During the day, explore the famous Strip, where each hotel competes with its own set of thrilling attractions.
As evening falls, the city lights up, and the desert cools down to comfortable, perfect for a night of entertainment or a gourmet meal under the stars. And remember, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun comes up.
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11. Washington, D.C.
Summer in Washington, D.C., is a blast! Imagine cool museums where you can beat the heat and learn neat stuff. July’s got plenty of sunshine for exploring the city’s famous monuments. And did we mention the Fourth of July fireworks?
They’re a big deal here, lighting up the sky above the National Mall. Bring your camera; you’ll want to snap a few photos! Plus, with outdoor concerts and festivals all month, your calendar will fill up fast.
12. Orlando, Florida
If you’re seeking sunshine and excitement in July, Orlando is your go-to spot! This city is a magnet for fun lovers, with Seaside offering beautiful New Urbanist design and a lovely mid-eighties water temperature perfect for cooling off.
For thrill-seekers, Orlando’s very own SeaWorld is home to Mako, the tallest and fastest coaster around. Maybe hitting a few golf balls is more your style? Check out Topgolf Orlando for some swings and laughs. Wrap up your day with some creative fun at the larger-than-life Crayola Experience.
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13. Honolulu, Hawaii
July is the perfect month for a sunny escape to Honolulu, Hawaii. With warm temperatures and clear skies, you’ll love soaking up the sun on the famous Waikiki Beach.
The ocean invites you for a cooling swim or perhaps a surfing lesson. If you appreciate history, the Pearl Harbor National Memorial offers a poignant glimpse into America’s past. Soak in the local culture with a traditional luau where the rhythms of Hawaiian music will have your toes tapping.
And as the sun sets, treat your senses to an array of delicious flavors at a seaside restaurant. Honolulu in July sparkles with excitement, so pack your bags for sunshine and smiles.
14. Santa Fe, New Mexico
A getaway to Santa Fe means embracing the warm sun on your skin and the stunning panorama of blue skies. As you explore Santa Fe’s remarkable history, you’ll find yourself whisked away by tales from the oldest capital city in the United States.
Local shops burst with handcrafted art, while the aroma of traditional dishes fills the air. Let your curiosity lead you to the Meow Wolf Museum, an immersive experience that will stretch the very fabric of your imagination. Outdoor enthusiasts can trek along trails, breathing in the earthy scent of the surrounding nature.
Warm evenings are perfect for open-air markets under the twinkling stars. Santa Fe in July wraps you in its enchanting embrace, making every moment spent a vivid splash in your summer palette.
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15. Asheville, North Carolina
In July, Asheville sparkles with fun under the summer sun! Feel the thrill of cool water at a local swimming hole or slide down nature’s own waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest. Love the buzz of a pinball machine? The Asheville Pinball Museum is brimming with flips and fun for all ages.
Asheville’s got creativity on every corner too, with the Folk Art Center showcasing stunning crafts that will make your heart skip. And if fresh peaches sound mouth-watering, just wait until you wander the WNC Farmers Market in July – the peak of peach season!
