With the summer travel season kicking off, and the global travel opening back, you may be like me in trying to figure out the best summer vacations in the US. We’ve traveled extensively throughout the summer, especially to areas where it’s generally cold. Personally, we’ve found summer to be one of the best times to visit New England and the pacific northwest.
In addition to New England and the pacific northwest, our best summer vacations in the US have also included beach trips. Growing up, we spent many summers vacationing in southeast Alabama and northwest Florida. These are some of the best beaches you’ll find in the US and ones to check out to get your beach fix. With that said, let’s
get the juices flowing on for summer vacation ideas in the USA.
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Credits Cards to Use to Travel this Summer
If you’re like us, chances are grocery stores and restaurants where you’ll spend money at these best summer vacations in the US. So, American Express, Capital One, Chase, and Citi each offer travel credit cards that help you. to earn points during your travels.
The Amex Gold Card, Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Citi Premier Card are cards to use this summer. Amex Gold cardmembers earn 4x points at restaurants and US grocery stores. The Capital One Venture earns 2x miles (points) on every purchase. You earn 3x points at restaurants and travel with the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Citi Premier cardmembers earn 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
Best 5 Summer Vacations in the US
Boston, Massachusetts
Kick-off your trip to Boston with a walk along the Freedom Trail. Next, head to the Back Bay neighborhood to check out Newbury Street. When you finish, check out the Boston Public Garden by walking up Commonwealth Avenue. If you have time, Cambridge and Harvard are worth a visit. End your day with a sailboat cruise in the Boston Harbor.
Gracenote and Tatte Bakery are coffee/breakfast spots to hit up before all of the walking mentioned above. For lunch, Saltie Girl is solid. You can’t go wrong with grabbing dinner at Carmelina’s, Picco, and Loco. If you need dessert, Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry is where it’s at.
Chicago, Illinois
The Bean (Cloud Gate), Willis Tower Skydeck, Navy Pier, Wendella Boat Tours, Magnificent Mile, and Oak Street Beach are places/things to check out in the Windy City. You can also go to the museums, take in a pro sports game, or shop along Magnificient Mile.
Start your morning off at Intelligentsia Coffee (multiple locations) or Beatrix (multiple locations). Follow that up with a meal from Lou Malnati’s, Doc B’s, The Purple Pig, Big Star, or Eataly. Grab a drink at City Winery. Other restaurants on our list for future trips include Alinea, Acadia, Smyth, and Oriole. The Aviary and Three Dots and a Dash are cocktail bars we plan to visit.
Portland, Maine
Portland Maine is one of the best places to visit in the USA in my opinion. The city is incredible! A boat ride on the Portland Schooner Company, a day trip to Camden Hills State Park, a visit to the flagship L.L. Bean store, and a walk around the Portland Head Lighthouse will keep you busy.
Head to Hilltop Coffee Shop to grab a coffee before enjoying breakfast at Katie Made Bakery, The Cookie Jar, or Standard Baking Co. Flatbread Company, East Ender, Camden Deli, Pai Men Miyake, Bite Into Maine, and OTTO are places to enjoy a meal. Relax with a drink at Oxbow or Novare Res Bier Cafe before ending the day at Gelato Fiasco.
Portland, Oregon
Another city on my places to visit in the USA list is Portland Oregon. The largest independent bookstore Powell’s Books is a fun place to see. You can’t miss out on the wine in Willamette Valley and a hike along the Wildwood Trail. Portland Oregon has no shortage of parks, bike paths, craft breweries, and coffee shops.
Snag coffee at Heart Coffee or Stumptown Coffee (multiple locations). Find the best donuts you’ve ever tasted at Blue Star Donuts. Local beer can be found at Breakside Brewery and Great Notion. Shalom Y’all, Ken’s Artisan Pizza, Pok Pok, and Tusk are where to eat. Salt & Straw has the dessert you want. All in all, Portland is one of the best summer vacations for couples.
Seattle, Washington
The Space Needle, Pier 57, Gas Works Park, Kerry Park, and Pike Place Market are sites to see for first-time visitors. Seattle Washington is laced with coffee shops and farm-to-table dining to give you your fix of delicious food.
Have a coffee at Bakery Nouveau with a croissant. Bar Cotto, Barrio, and The Pink Door are restaurants to kick back and relax at. For drinks, Tavern Law, Fremont Brewing, Reuben’s Brews, Stoup Brewing, and Lucky Envelope Brewing are solid.
Additional Vacation Spots in the US
For those of you looking for more travel inspiration, Five Beautiful Summer Travel Destinations is a post you want to read. With our current travel restrictions, The joy of booking new, realistic summer getaways may be more realistic. Families should check out 5 American road trips to take with the family this summer and 5 Family Vacation Planning Tips I Learned on the Fly.
When you decide where you want to travel, try to see if there are points hotels at your destination. The Best Marriott resorts for domestic US summer travel, Best Hyatt resorts for domestic US summer travel, and Best Hilton resorts for domestic US summer travel show all of your hotel options.
Conclusion on the Best Summer Vacations in the US
These best summer vacations in the US are based on trips we’ve taken. Portland Maine ranks high among the best summer vacations for couples in the USA due to the city’s charm. Separately, all of the cities are ones that to include on the best summer vacations in the U.S. for families list. Other destinations we plan on adding to our best places to visit in summer in the USA list include Yosemite National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Carmel, and Big Sur.
Which cities make your best summer vacations in the US list? What do you think are the best places to visit in the USA? What are your best summer vacation spots in the world? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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