15 Best US Places to Visit in July
Sunshine, freedom, and vacation vibes – July brings out America’s absolute best. This month delivers perfect weather for exploring our nation’s most beautiful spots.
Our top destinations showcase the best of what makes USA travel so amazing – these spots deliver maximum fun with minimum fuss!
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1. Lake Chelan, WA
This stunning glacial lake in north-central Washington is the third-deepest in the United States, with clear blue waves that shimmer under the summer sun.
July brings perfect weather to this resort town, allowing you to jet ski, water ski, kayak, or parasail on the crystalline waters.
When you need a break from watersports, stroll through downtown Chelan’s boutiques and restaurants, or tour the area’s 40+ wineries and abundant fruit orchards.
Where to Stay: Campbell’s Resort On Lake Chelan offers family-friendly accommodations with lake views and a sandy beach perfect for summer visits.
2. Seward, AK
July is prime time to visit this Alaskan gem, with mild temperatures perfect for exploring the breathtaking Kenai Fjords National Park.
Take a boat tour to spot whales, sea otters, and puffins while marveling at massive glaciers. Hiking trails are fully accessible during this month.
Don’t miss the famous Mount Marathon Race on July 4th, which draws runners from around the world.
The salmon runs peak during May to September, making it an excellent time for fishing enthusiasts to try their luck in local waters.
Where to Stay: Harbor 360 Hotel provides excellent harbor views and is within walking distance of the train station, cruise terminal, and boat tours for Kenai Fjords excursions.
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3. New York City, NY
The Big Apple in July offers endless outdoor activities and a party atmosphere throughout the city.
Head to observation decks like Top of the Rock for breathtaking views of the skyline under clear summer skies.
The Fourth of July brings America’s largest fireworks display, visible from countless vantage points across the city.
Despite the heat, the city’s energy is contagious, with rooftop bars, outdoor concerts, and park activities in full swing.
Where to Stay: The Wall Street Hotel offers warm luxurious accommodations and a location that honors New York while feeling like a transportive respite.
4. New Orleans, LA
July in New Orleans brings hot weather and even hotter cultural events. The Essence Festival tops the list, drawing over 500,000 visitors for music performances, literary lectures, and celebrations of African American culture.
The city’s unique take on San Fermin replaces bulls with roller skaters, creating a quirky festival atmosphere.
Between events, explore the African American Museum in historic Tremé or marvel at the architectural beauty of the Old Ursuline Convent, completed in 1752.
As night falls, Bourbon Street comes alive with everything from drag shows to burlesque performances.
Where to Stay: The Bourbon Boylesque offers burlesque performances and sits right in the center of the French Quarter, making it perfect for experiencing New Orleans’ vibrant nightlife.
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5. Lake Tahoe, CA
With water temperatures finally warm enough for swimming, July is the ideal time to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s beautiful beaches.
Popular spots like Baldwin Beach and Lakeside Beach fill with sun-seekers enjoying the crystal-clear waters.
Spectacular fireworks light up the lake on Independence Day, while the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival offers world-class theater performances against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe provides unparalleled slopeside luxury with mountain concierge services, a stunning spa, and exceptional dining.
6. Yellowstone National Park, WY
July is the perfect month to explore Yellowstone National Park when the weather is gorgeous and wildlife roams freely throughout the vast landscape.
Hiking becomes a true joy with over 1,000 miles of trails fully accessible after the snow has melted away.
The famous geysers like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring draw crowds, but smart travelers can find less-packed viewing spots by taking short hikes to nearby overlooks.
You can spot bison and elk wandering near roadways, while lucky visitors might catch glimpses of black and grizzly bears even in populated areas.
Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn offers rustic, historic accommodations with stunning architecture and an unbeatable location right next to the park’s most famous geyser.
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7. Myrtle Beach, SC
With 60 miles of stunning coastline and wide, sandy beaches, Myrtle Beach delivers summer fun in spades.
Beyond the shore, families can make a splash at Myrtle Waves Water Park, home to South Carolina’s largest wave pool, thrilling water slides, and kid-friendly play areas.
Music fans will love the outdoor concerts happening all month long, including the Sounds of Summer series at North Myrtle Beach Park featuring different family-friendly bands each week.
Where to Stay: Paradise Resort lives up to its name with an alluring seaside escape in the southern end of Myrtle Beach.
8. Asheville, NC
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville wows visitors with its stunning natural beauty and that famous blue mountain haze.
Foodies will fall head over heels for this city’s amazing restaurant scene – they’ve even trademarked the nickname “Foodtopia” because the food is that good!
Silver Run Falls is a must-visit spot where you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the swimming hole beneath the cascading water.
Where to Stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown puts you steps from everything worth doing in the city.
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9. Cape Cod, MA
July brings perfect beach weather to Cape Cod, where you’ll find New England’s most beautiful shorelines.
The Nantucket Sound beaches on the south side offer warmer swimming waters, while the outer Cape’s Atlantic beaches feature dramatic sand dunes that’ll take your breath away.
Whale watching reaches its peak during July when these magnificent creatures migrate to Cape Cod waters for breeding season.
Keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks, finbacks, and right whales, plus bonus sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, and playful seals.
Where to Stay: Pelham House Resort offers private beach access, a beachfront pool overlooking Nantucket Sound, and a spectacular rooftop restaurant for sunset dining.
10. Washington, DC
July in the nation’s capital brings patriotic celebrations and summer fun to every corner of the city.
The month kicks off with America’s largest fireworks display on the 4th, visible from countless spots across DC.
Music fills the air at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, where free jazz concerts happen throughout the month (though reservations go super fast!).
History buffs can visit the National Archives to see the actual Declaration of Independence and Constitution up close – documents that started it all.
Where to Stay: The Watergate Hotel is a five-star hotel that puts you close to the city’s most popular attractions.
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11. Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe averages over 280 days of sunshine yearly, making it a perfect summer destination.
Wander through the walkable historic district where adobe buildings house more than 200 galleries and 10 museums.
The Native American Artisans Portal Program lets you meet and buy directly from artisans representing 23 federally recognized tribes.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the 300+ miles of hiking trails just minutes from the historic Plaza, where you can explore the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains and soak in those famous New Mexico sunsets.
Where to Stay: The Drury Plaza Hotel offers gorgeous rooms with an amazing rooftop pool and hot tub; perfect for taking in those Santa Fe views.
12. Bar Harbor, ME
July is absolutely the best time to visit this gorgeous coastal gem! With temperatures ranging from 60-75°F, you’ll enjoy perfect weather for exploring the natural wonders of Mount Desert Island.
Hiking trails burst with summer glory, and salmon runs peak during this month – perfect for fishing fans.
Where to Stay: Atlantic Oceanside Hotel sits on 12 acres of coastal property, just one mile from Acadia National Park and the charming shops of downtown.
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13. Key West, FL
This quirky tropical island sits closer to Cuba than mainland Florida and feels a million miles from the rest of the USA.
For a truly Key West moment, join the daily Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where jugglers, fire-eaters, and fellow fun-seekers gather to cheer as the sun dips below the horizon.
Don’t leave without trying the famous Key Lime Pie – Blue Heaven tops theirs with mountains of meringue instead of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.
Where to Stay: Southernmost Beach Resort offers the perfect Key West escape with multiple pools, a private beach, and a tanning pier.
14. San Diego, CA
In July, the ocean temperatures warm up nicely, making it perfect for boogie boarding, swimming, and classic California beach days.
Don’t miss the spectacular Big Bay Boom fireworks show on July 4th, where colorful explosions light up the sky over San Diego Bay, synchronized to music played on local radio stations.
Comic-Con International also takes over the city in late July, bringing celebrities and comic fans from around the world.
Where to Stay: Pacific Terrace Hotel offers a beachfront paradise with spacious, elegant rooms and stunning ocean views.
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15. Savannah, GA
Draped in Spanish moss and oozing Southern charm, Savannah casts a magical spell on summer visitors.
July brings long, sunny days perfect for strolling through the historic district or relaxing in beautiful Forsyth Park.
The Fourth of July lights up the night sky with dazzling fireworks over the Savannah River – a truly jaw-dropping display!
With more than 300 miles of hiking trails and a super walkable downtown, you’ll never run out of places to explore.
History buffs will love the city’s 1733 original planned grid, now the Historic District, packed with landmarks like the First African Baptist Church and Telfair Museums.
Where to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Historic District puts you in the heart of the action with an excellent location near the Riverwalk and City Market.
