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Whether you’re hitting the road with the family or embarking on a solo adventure, summer is the peak season for travel in the United States. There are so many endlessly compelling sights to see and things to do throughout this country’s millions of square miles, from picturesque national parks to sleepy mountain towns to breathtakingly beautiful beaches.
An expert panel nominated their must-see places for a summer vacation, then readers voted to determine the winners. Here are the 10 best summer travel destinations for 2026.
Perched across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue delivers big-city polish without the hustle and bustle. Summer brings warm, dry weather, perfect to enjoy waterfront beaches, boating, and scenic parks. Time your visit to attend the Bellevue Arts Festival (one of the country’s top fine art festivals) followed by high-end shopping and al fresco dining at The Shops at the Bravern. Expect easy access to the Cascades for hiking and kayaking and exploring the area’s 2,000-plus acres of parks. This is a Pacific Northwest summer done right.
The Ozarks’ entertainment capital goes well beyond its country music roots, though those are pretty spectacular, too. In summer, there are outdoor concerts and a signature, long-running outdoor drama at the legendary Shepherd of the Hills outdoor theater. Kids go for water park thrills at White Water and the whole family enjoys fishing and boating on Table Rock Lake. With everything from budget-friendly motels to lakefront resorts, Branson is a summer vacay crowd-pleaser.
Tybee Island, Georgia, is a charming coastal destination offering a blend of summertime relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore historic sites like Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin tours. The island also hosts several events throughout the summer, including the Beach Bum Parade and a 4th of July celebration.
Spokane shines brightest in summer, when Riverfront Park, the legacy of the 1974 World’s Fair, hosts outdoor concerts and festivals in addition to the 40-mile, paved Spokane River Centennial Trail and the SkyRide over the falls. The city’s First Friday art walk, thriving farm-to-table dining scene, and proximity to both Coeur d’Alene Lake and the Channeled Scablands give travelers plenty of reasons to linger. Affordable compared to its western Washington neighbors, Spokane is a hidden gem.
Offering a rich blend of cultural events, outdoor activities, and historic charm, Saratoga Springs, New York, is a vibrant summer destination. Visitors can experience the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing at the renowned Saratoga Race Course, which hosts numerous high-stakes races throughout the season. In addition, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) presents a diverse lineup of performances, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, white water rafting, and kayaking on Saratoga Lake and the Sacandaga River. 
Nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park (the most-visited national park in the country), Gatlinburg is where mountain scenery meets mountain-sized fun. The area draws hikers, white-water rafters, and wildlife watchers to the Smokies, while the strip comes alive with taffy pulling, moonshine tastings, and the quirky charms of Ripley’s Aquarium. Cabin rentals with hot tubs and porches are plentiful, making it easy to unplug without actually roughing it.
Flanked by lakes Mendota and Monona, Madison is a Big Ten college town that turns up the volume in summer with the incredible Dane County Farmers’ Market, one of the largest producer-only markets in the country. There are outdoor concerts at the Memorial Union Terrace, and a craft beer and cheese scene that is outstanding in a state known for suds and dairy. Water sports, bike trails, and a spirited local food culture make Madison an underrated destination.
This family-friendly vacation spot on the Jersey Shore is known for its exciting boardwalk, with shops and eateries galore, views of the Atlantic, plus vintage amusement parks. Playland’s Castaway Cove is one such park, with go-karts, thrill rides including roller coasters, a fun house, and mini golf. And if parks aren’t your thing, there are miles and miles of relaxing beaches for some sun and a refreshing dip.
Indianapolis gets a serious case of summer fever, hosting world-class racing events and the uber-cool IndyFringe Festival. Beyond the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the city’s revitalized Mass Ave and Fountain Square neighborhoods serve up a rotating cast of food festivals, live music, and artisan markets worth lingering over. With a compact, walkable downtown and a hotel scene ranging from boutique to grand, Indy consistently overdelivers for a city its size.
Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you’ll find Mackinac Island, where you’ll ride in horse-drawn carriages along car-free roads, observe fudge being made (and then sample it), and tour the historic Fort Mackinac. This Lake Huron-based continental island is also home to Mackinac Island State Park, where you can hike, bike, kayak, and take photos of the local natural beauty, including the stunning limestone Arch Rock.
Brandon Withrow is a travel journalist based in Northwest Ohio, covering ecotourism, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and eco-friendly stays, as well as the secrets of underrated cities. He appears in The Daily Beast, BBC Travel, Canadian Geographic, Business Insider, The Hill, and Sierra Magazine. You can find him at www.brandonwithrow.com, @bwithrow on Twitter, and @bgwithrow on Instagram.
Brian enjoys exploring cities along public transit lines and writing about it at his blog, imayroam.com. He also writes about food tours, layovers, and exploring movie and musical landmarks.
Brian has traveled to 57 countries as well as every state. On weekends, he leads music and film-focused tours of New York City. His five-star rated Goodfellas Tour has been featured in Airbnb Magazine. Always happy to offer tips to aspiring travel writers and tour guides, Brian has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show as part of their Meet the Experts panel.
A Massachusetts native, Jared Ranahan’s yearning to see the world has led him to live in eight cities across four continents, and he is always seeking out a new city to visit or call home.
Jared is especially interested in zoology, history, and natural science, and works to incorporate these disciplines into his stories whenever possible.
Jared enjoys hoppy IPAs, peaty scotches, and all forms of sugarcane distillates.
Kyle McCarthy is co-founder of Family Travel Forum’s award-winning publications:  The FamilyVacationist, MyFamilyTravels.com, and “America’s Most Popular Family Vacations.” Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, MSN, CNN and other publications. Find her on Instagram and Facebook @familytravelforum.
NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, and the founder of ThemeParkHipster.com and FloridaHipster.com. As a self-proclaimed foodie and wine lover, she brings her curiosity and zest for life to every adventure. Based in Orlando, Florida, NikkyJ spends her days discovering hidden gems and world-class attractions throughout America. You can join her journey on YouTube, where she shares insider tips, stories, and inspiration for theme park travelers everywhere.
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