Finding the best summer getaway in the U.S. can be daunting. The U.S. is a big place and there are many different places that you can go to enjoy what the states have to offer.
This post is the first part of the best summer getaways in the U.S. In this post, you will find 10 different places to enjoy. I haven’t just given you 10 places to see but I also give you great places to stay, things to do while you are there and excellent places to dine.
I don’t just put down places to fill space but I search for the best places so that you don’t have to look for them on your own.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you use them, I may get a small commission at no cost to you.
Best Places to Visit in the US
1. Bar Harbor, ME
Bar Harbor is located on the coast of Maine. The town comes alive in summer time offering people opportunities to hike, bike, whale watch, sail and take in the beautiful scenery of the area including Acadia National Park.
The main street of the town is bustling in the summertime and has pubs and restaurants serving fresh seafood, art galleries, ice cream parlors, and local shops.
You can be as busy as you like in Bar Harbor with all of the different things that you can do. At the same time, you can just kick back and relax while you are in the area.
Places to Stay
Balance Rock Inn– The inn is located close to Frenchman’s Bay in Bar Harbor. The inn is secluded from the hustle and bustle but is a short walk to the downtown area.
Atlantic Eyrie Lodge– This lodge Is located up on a hill which gives you great views of Frenchman’s Bay. The lodge is located less than 2 miles from downtown Bar Harbor.
The Inn on Mount Dessert– The inn is located near all of the action of downtown Bar Harbor. It is also a mile from the entrance of Acadia National Park.
Bar Harbor Inn– If you would like a more upscale feel then the Bar Harbor Inn would meet your needs. The inn is located right on the coast and has great views of Frenchman Bay and Porcupine Islands.
Hampton Inn Bar Harbor– Hampton Inn Bar Harbor is located a mile from the downtown area. You have water and mountain views from the hotel.
Acadia Hotel Downtown– This boutique hotel is located in the square of Bar Harbor. So, you are in the heart of the action. You have easy access to shops, restaurants and galleries.
Bar Harbor Grand Hotel– The hotel is located in downtown Bar Harbor. It is one of the newer hotels in the area. You are only minutes from Acadia and you are in the heart of the action in Bar Harbor.
Things to Do
Acadia National Park– The park is known as the Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast and is in the top 10 of most visited national parks.
There is plenty to see and do in the park. You can hike the many trails that are in the park as well as mountain bike or rent an ebike. You can also take a horse drawn carriage ride with Carriages of Acadia.
Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company– They offer a number of different types of cruises that you can take. We took a whale watching tour a few years back and we really enjoyed it. They also offer a puffin and lighthouse cruise as well as a bay cruise.
Savor Bar Harbor Culinary Walking Tour– You take the tour with a small group of people while learning about the food scene in Bar Harbor. You will also stop and get a taste of a number of restaurants along the way.
Narrated Bus Tour of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor– On the 3.5 hour tour, you will learn about and stop at Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Jordan Pond and Behind the Nature Center to name a few of the places.
Walk to Bar Island– 1.5 hours before low tide and 1.5 hour after low tide, you can walk on the floor of the bay to get to the island. You can walk to the top of the island to get a great view of the surrounding area.
Places to Eat
Beal’s Lobster Pier– The restaurant is located right on the water. You can watch the lobster boats come in and unload their boats while you enjoy your food.
2 Cats– If you like breakfast, which I do, then you will enjoy 2 Cats. They have an eclectic vibe and great food.
Side Street Cafe– The cafe is an American, bar, seafood establishment. They offer a variety of great food and a relaxed vibe. They even allow dogs to come into the restaurant.
Rose Eden Lobster– The restaurant offers some of the best lobster in Bar Harbor. They are mainly a takeout restaurant but do have some seating outside.
The Stadium– The Stadium offers sweet and savory crepes, breakfast, hot dogs, chowder and mac and cheese. It is one of the highest rated restaurants in Bar Harbor.
The Travelin Lobster– This is a family owned business. The family trap lobster and so you are eating the catch of the day. They are usually quite busy during the summer and it is first come first serve.
2. Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana and consists of a million acres, 200 waterfalls, over 700 lakes and two mountain ranges. The park also has over 700 miles of trails. It is known as the “Crown of the Continent” because of its natural beauty.
The park is a popular spot to travel to with over 3 million people coming to enjoy all that the park has to offer each year. There are many different things to see and do while in the park.
Places to Stay
Hampton Inn and Suites Whitefish– The hotel is located a 35 minute drive from the entrance to Glacier National Park. There are regular rooms and suites that are offered at the hotel.
Glacier Outdoor Center– The cabins are located in West Glacier and they offer beautiful mountain views. They are located a little over a mile from the entrance to Glacier National Park.
Great Northern Resort– The resort offers 5 cabins along with 14 guest rooms in their brand new lodge. They are modeled after the Glacier Park Chalets located in the park.
Lodge at Whitefish Lake– The lodge is located a mile from Whitefish. It is a perfect place with parties of different sizes since the lodge offers standard rooms, suites, condominiums and homes.
Many Glacier Hotel– The hotel is located in Glacier National Park on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. The hotel has 214 rooms along with a fine dining restaurant, lounge, gift shop and snack shop.
Village Inn at Apgar– Village Inn at Apgar is located on the shores of Lake McDonald 2 miles inside the west entrance of the park. The inn offers rooms that can accommodate 2-6 people.
Rising Sun Motor Inn and Cabins– The inn is located inside the park. It has 72 rooms consisting of motor inn rooms and rustic cabins. It is a short drive to St. Mary Lake from the inn.
Things to Do
Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road– The road is a two lane highway that separates the park east from the west. You can see many of the different features in the park while driving the road. The road also crosses the Continental Divide at Logan’s Pass.
Half Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Tour– With the tour, you get a different perspective of the park. There are numerous rapids as you travel through John Steven’s Canyon.
Lake McDonald– Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park at over 10 miles long and a mile wide. The lake is located on the Going-to-the-Sun Road drive.
West Glacier and Polebridge Scenic Driving Tour– This tour lasts 6 hours. Some of the things that you will see on the tour include: West Glacier, Lake McDonald, Hungry Horse Reservoir, and the Polebridge. Entry fee into the park is included with the cost of the tour.
Hiking the Park– The park offers more than 700 miles of trails to hike. You have easy, moderate, and challenging hikes to choose from.
Swan Mountain Outfitters– There are 3 different horseback rides that you can take through the park. The rides can last from one to three hours.
Places to Eat
In the Park
Eddie’s Cafe– They offer sandwiches and the like. There is also a kids menu. You can eat inside and they have an outside seating area.
Russell’s Fireside Dining Room– The dining room is located in the Lake McDonald Lodge. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They have a breakfast buffet and they offer American style food for lunch and dinner.
Two Dog’s Flat Grill– The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. They serve pasta, salads, sandwiches and full dinners including duck and pork ribs to name a few.
Jammer Joe’s Grill and Pizzeria– They offer lunch and dinner menus. There is an all you can eat lunch buffet. Some items on the menu include: make your own pizza, soup, salads and sandwiches.
Outside of the Park
Tower Grill and Coffee House– The restaurant is located in West Glacier. They offer breakfast, lunch, ice cream and coffee. They offer fast food in a casual environment.
Belton Grill Dining Room and Tap Room– The restaurant offers steaks, fish and Italian dishes. They also have a variety of drinks to choose from. You can dine on the outside deck during the summer time.
La Casita Mexican Food– It is a family owned Mexican restaurant that offers authentic Mexican food.
Two Sisters Cafe– The restaurant is located just outside of the park on the Black Feet Indian Reservation. They offer soups, salads, sandwiches and full meals.
3. Moab, Utah
Moab is located in eastern Utah and is home to a couple of national parks and a state park. If you have ever seen the movie Thelma and Louise then you have seen the state park. The town has a small town feel with plenty to do in the area.
The Colorado River runs on the edge of town offering a variety of things to do. Moab has plenty of red rock features, as well as forests and thousands of square miles of ruggedly beautiful Bureau of Land Management land.
Our family stayed in Moab for four days a few summers ago and it was our favorite place out of the different places that we visited.
Places to Stay
Hyatt Place Moab– The hotel is located on the northern edge of town. We stayed here while we were in Moab and we totally enjoyed our stay. They have a large pool area with a large hot tub. They offer traditional rooms along with two bedroom casitas.
Red Cliffs Lodge– The lodge is located 15 miles from Moab on the scenic Highway 128. The lodge is located on the Colorado River and near 2,000 feet of red rock cliffs.
Hoodoo Moab a Curio Collection by Hilton– The hotel is located a block from Main Street and minutes from Arches National Park. You have great views of the surrounding area. The hotel offers a large pool area and a variety of different rooms.
Comfort Suites Moab– The hotel is located in Moab and a short drive to Arches National Park. The hotel has a number of room styles to choose from and they have complimentary breakfast.
Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn– The hotel is located in downtown Moab. It is minutes from Arches National Park. The hotel has 80 rooms and comes with a free hot breakfast.
Moab Springs Ranch– The ranch is privately owned and is nestled beside the red cliffs of Moab. You can select from bungalows to townhouses to stay in during your stay.
Gonzo Inn– The inn is a boutique condo hotel. They offer 43 condominium style rooms. The different style rooms include king rooms, one bedroom suites, luxury suites and a two bedroom Gonzo suite.
Things to Do
Arches National Park– The park is located minutes from downtown Moab. The park has over 2,000 arches. The park has a variety of hikes that you can take from easy to difficult. Well worth your time to visit.
Dead Horse Point State Park– The park is located 40 minutes from Moab. The park has a desert landscape but you have views of white capped mountains. You can hike, bike and soak in the views.
Canyonlands National Park– The park is located down the road from Dead Horse Point State Park. The park is divided by rivers into 4 different sections. The park has buttes, canyons and hiking trails.
You can read my post, “Making Memories in Canyonlands National Park” to find out what happened to our family while visiting the park.
Raven’s Rim Zipline– You begin by getting in an ATV and climbing up 1,000 feet. You then hike to 6 different zip lines that give you great views of the area around Moab. There is also a 100 foot suspension bridge that you cross.
Hell’s Revenge 4 x 4 Off Roading Tour– You drive your own ATV while following a guide. You go down Hell’s Revenge and other local terrain during this 2-3 hour tour.
Moab Rafting Afternoon Half Day Trip– You raft down the Colorado River going through rapids and passing by red rock canyons, Castle Valley and Fisher’s Tower.
Places to Eat
Moab Diner– We ate here a couple of times. The place has a 50s vibe to it. The service was great and the food was delicious. They have all of your typical diner dishes.
Arches Thai– We got food from here our first day in Moab. The food was really good. They offer soups, salads and Thai cuisine.
Moab Food Truck Park– We ate here for dinner one evening. The park is located near downtown Moab. There were about a dozen food trucks. The food from the different trucks that we got was very good. They also have a covered area to eat.
Antica Forma– The place has a laid back vibe. The food and service was excellent. Our waiter was very personable. They serve Neapolitan pizza and other Italian style dishes.
Sultan Mediterranean Grill– Tonya and I ate here for our anniversary. The inside of the restaurant isn’t very big. The food and service were both good. We enjoyed our time at the restaurant.
Moyo– We went there one evening. They serve yogurt, gelato, custard and smoothies. It was very busy the evening that we were there and the yogurt was very creamy.
You can read my post “16 Epic Days in the Southwest: Utah/Arizona Trip Itinerary” to learn more details about Moab.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego is known as “America’s Finest City” because of its location. The city has great weather all year round. There are 70 miles of shoreline to explore with many pristine beaches such as La Jolla, Mission Beach and Coronado Beach.
The city has eclectic neighborhoods with wonderful architecture. If you enjoy food, the city has a growing food scene. No matter if you are an individual traveler or a family there is something for everyone.
Places to Stay
Fairmont Grand Del Mar– If you like a little more luxury in a hotel, then the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is your type of place. The hotel is located about 20 miles north of the city center. The rooms are spacious with many different amenities.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown– All of the rooms in the hotel are suites. The hotel is located in the downtown area not far away from the airport. A great centralized location to explore the city.
Old Town Inn– The Spanish style inn is a family owned inn for three generations. The inn has high ratings and is very affordable. It has a classic roadside style with exterior corridors. They offer regular rooms and suites.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa– The hotel is located on Mission Bay and very close to Pacific Beach. The hotel has a Polyonisian theme with 310 rooms. There is also a private beach and restaurant onsite.
King’s Inn– The inn has a mid century modern style and is located 3 miles from the zoo and SeaWorld. The rooms have all been recently renovated. There are 2 restaurants, a lounge, a pool and spa.
Urban Boutique Hotel– The boutique hotel is located in the downtown area in Little Italy. Waterfront Park and Little Italy Mercato are less than 10 minutes away.
Things to Do
USS Midway Museum– The museum is located in the downtown area. The ship was the longest serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. You can explore 29 restored aircraft on the deck of the ship. The Midway Theater is also included with admission.
San Diego Zoo– There are over 4,000 different species at the zoo. You can take the tour bus to see three quarters of the zoo. The zoo has a gondola that you can ride to see the zoo from a different perspective.
San Diego Whale Watching Tour– There are various whale watching tours out of San Diego. This is the only one that has an 1851 replica sailboat to take you out to see the whales.
San Diego Harbor Cruise– You can take a 1 or 2 hour cruise. The cruise takes you by the Coronado Bridge, the naval base and sea lions. The cruise is narrated so that you will learn about the city.
Balboa Park– The park is 1,200 acres. It has 17 museums, 19 distinct gardens, musical theaters, a sports complex and the San Diego Zoo. You can easily spend a whole day in the park.
Hop on and Hop Off Narrated Trolley Tour– You can get 1 or 2 day passes. There are 12 different drop off or get on points. You can see over a 100 different points of interest at the different stops.
La Jolla Cove– At the beach, you can snorkel and even dive. You can also watch the sea lions sunbathe on the rocks. During low tide, you can swim in the clear pools.
Go City Pass– The Go City Pass is a great option to save money while seeing the popular attractions in San Francisco. There are two different style of tickets to buy to meet your needs.
Places to Eat
Smallgoods Cheese Shop and Cafe– They are a gourmet deli and cafe. The cafe offers a variety of sandwiches along with platters. The shop and cafe have won many different awards.
Al Dente– The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes with a new flare of flavors. They have wild game meats, homemade pastas, stuffed mozzarella and more.
Ambrogio 15– The pizza shop offers thicker whole wheat pizza, a softer crust and a thin crunchy crust. The shop also has breads, salads and appetizers.
The Mission– The Mission restaurant has 3 different locations to choose from. The restaurants are open for breakfast and lunch. Some of the main dishes they serve include pancakes, sandwiches and modern Chino/Latino food.
Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill and Oysters– This casual restaurant is located a few blocks from La Jolla Shores Beach. They offer seafood, different meats, plates to share and desserts.
Sushi Ota– The restaurant is located in a strip mall but offers some of the best sushi in San Diego.
5. Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone was the first national park in the US. It covers 2.2 million acres and is a nature lover’s paradise. Over 4 million people come to the park every year.
People visit the park from all over the world to see Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Springs and the wildlife. Almost half of the world’s active geysers can be found in the park.
The park can be found in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana. There are over 900 miles of trails and 15 miles of boardwalks to see nature’s splendors.
Places to Stay
The Cody Hotel– The hotel has a western theme and is located 50 miles from the East Entrance of the park. The hotel is one of the newest in the area and offers free breakfast.
Best Western Premier Ivy Inn & Suites– The hotel is located in Cody, WY and is near local attractions like the Cody Night Rodeo. The hotel is a little over an hour to the east entrance of the park.
Yellowstone Gateway Inn– The inn is located in Gardiner, MT and is less than 5 minutes from the north entrance of the park. The inn offers apartment style suites.
Old Faithful Inn– The inn is located in the park and as you can expect is near Old Faithful. It is made out of logs and is considered the largest log structure in the world. The inn has 327 rooms and is open from early May to mid-October.
Kelly Inn- West Yellowstone– This is the closest hotel to the west entrance of the park. The inn has a large outdoor area along with a fire pit. They also serve a continental breakfast.
Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel– The hotel had a major renovation in 2019. It is located below the steaming terraces of the Mammoth Hot Springs and a few miles from the North Entrance of the park. They also offer cabins to stay in.
Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cottages– The hotel and cottages can be found on the bank of Lake Yellowstone. The hotel has a Greek revival look to it with white columns on the front of it.
Things to Do
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone– The canyon stretches for 20 miles and is from 1,500 to 4,000 feet wide. The canyon is over 1,000 feet deep and you can see the famous Upper and Lower Yellowstone Falls.
From Jackson Hole: Yellowstone Old Faithful, Waterfalls and Wildlife Tour– This is a great for people who may be short on time but want to see as much as they can. You see multiple features through the park while a narrator gives you information about them.
Old Faithful– How could you go to Yellowstone and not see the iconic Old Faithful. The geyser is one of the most famous in the world. It erupts every 30 to 110 minutes. The geyser shoots the water 130 feet in the air.
Grand Prismatic Spring– The spring is one of the largest hot springs in the world. It measures 370 feet in size and 121 feet deep. The spring has a unique rainbow color to its water which is caused by bacteria in the water.
Hayden Valley– This is a great place to see wildlife in the park. You can find elk, bison, coyotes and grizzly bears. There are two hiking trails that you can take to get a great view of the valley.
Mammoth Hot Springs– The hot springs are located just south of the north entrance. The springs have terraces that have formed over the years. Some of the best views of the area can be seen from the Upper Terraces.
Hike the Park– There are many different trails in the park. You can hike easy, moderate or challenging trails to enjoy the scenery.
Places to Eat
In the Park
Mammoth General Store– In the store you can buy grocery items but they do serve lunch.
Mammoth Hotel Dining Room– The restaurant opens late April through late November. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual atmosphere.
Lake Yellowstone Dining Room– The casual dining space offers a breakfast buffet as well as lunch and dinner. You must have reservations for dinner.
Canyon Fountain and Grill– They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can get standard American fare and quickly.
Outside of the Park
The Cody Cattle Company– The Cody Cattle Company is located in Cody, WY and serves family style meals. They have chicken and brisket as the main meats with sides like potatoes, baked beans and salad.
Our Place Cafe– The restaurant is located in Cody, WY and serves breakfast and lunch. They serve homestyle meals.
Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon– Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon is located in West Yellowstone. They have a number of pizzas to choose from and you can make your own. They also serve calzones, hot sandwiches and pasta.
Running Bear Pancake House– Located in West Yellowstone, the restaurant offers family style dining and is known for their pancakes. They are open for breakfast and lunch.
Wonderland Cafe and Lodge– The restaurant is located in the heart of Gardiner, MT. They feature farm to table handcrafted cuisine. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
6. San Francisco, California
Mark Twain once famously said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” If you have ever been to San Francisco, you know that there is some truth to that statement.
The city has many attractions and things to do no matter what stage of life that you find yourself in. You can take a stroll at Fisherman’s Wharf to shop, get something to eat or watch the sea lions. Don’t forget a jacket or sweatshirt.
You can cross or take a boat ride underneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. There are numerous neighborhoods that you can visit or you can take a ride on a street car. You can also visit Alcatraz.
You will also want to take some time and visit the Mission District, the Haight and the Castro while you are in the city.
Places to Stay
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco– If you want to stay at a higher end hotel then the Ritz Carlton is for you. The hotel is located on Nob Hill in a landmark building.
Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf– The location of the hotel gives you easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf, cable cars and North Beach.
Argonaut Hotel– This boutique hotel is located in the Fisherman’s Wharf area in the Haslet Warehouse building. There are views of San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz from the hotel.
Hotel Via– The hotel is a boutique hotel with 159 rooms. It is located directly across from Oracle Park and close to the Chase Center, SFMOMA and the Embarcadero Waterfront.
Beck’s Motor Lodge– The hotel has a 50s vibe to it. The rooms have been recently renovated. There is also free parking at the hotel which is not common in the San Francisco area.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco– The hotel is located on Nob Hill in downtown San Francisco. The hotel offers 4 varieties of rooms to select from to meet your needs.
Things to Do
Straight to the Gate Access: Golden Gate Bridge Cruise– The cruise takes an hour. It travels out to the Golden Gate Bridge and comes around Alcatraz Island. We did this a few summers ago and we enjoyed it.
Ride a Cable Car- One of the most iconic things associated with San Francisco are cable cars. You can get on one at one of the turnarounds or you can hop on at the brown and white signs located on street corners.
Fisherman’s Wharf– There are many things that you can do in this area of the city. You can visit different museums, grab a bite to eat, do some shopping and you can hop on a cruise just to name a few of the things to do. There are great views of the bay from the wharf.
San Francisco Hop on Hop off Bus Tour– There are one and two day passes. You can jump on and off at 17 different stops along the way. Buses come along every half an hour or sooner. We did this and enjoyed our time going around the city.
Golden Gate Bridge– There are a number of different ways to see and cross the bridge. You can walk across the bridge or drive across the bridge. The Hop and Off Tour crosses the bridge. You can take various cruises out to the bridge.
Lombard Street– The crookedest street in the world has 8 switchbacks along the short stretch of the street. You can find it between the Presidio East to the Embarcadero.
GoCar San Francisco Tour– With a GoCar, you can take a GPS self guided tour at your own pace. Each car is compact and fits two people. You will travel down Lombard Street, into Chinatown and by Coit Tower to name a few of the places.
Golden Gate Park Segway Tour– On this 2.5 hour tour, a guide will lead you around the park and give you information about the park. You will go through training before going on the tour.
Alcatraz with Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour– On this tour you can take in these three great attractions. You will have some free time to explore Muir Woods and Sausalito. This will be an all day event taking 7-8 hours.
Go City Pass– The Go City Pass is a great option to save money while seeing the popular attractions in San Francisco. There are two different style of tickets to buy to meet your needs.
Places to Eat
Mersea Restaurant and Bar– The restaurant is located on Treasure Island on the Great Lawn. The restaurant offers burgers, pizza, fish and chips along with other items.
Pacific Cafe– The cafe serves dinner from 5:00pm-9:00pm Wednesday through Sunday. They serve different fish and shellfish. Each meal comes with bread, soup or salad and fries, rice or vegetables.
Kokkari Estiatorio– This is a fine dining restaurant that serves Mediterranean and Greek food. You can make a reservation for up to two months out.
Eight AM– The restaurant is an American cafe. They serve breakfast, lunch and brunch. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options.
Mo’s Grill– Mo’s is a burger, bbq and steak place. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Even though they are known for their meat dishes, you can also get vegetarian dishes as well.
7. Zion National Park
Zion National Park was Utah’s first national park and is one of the most popular parks in the national park system. More than 4 million people visit the park each year.
There are many things that you can do in and around the park. In the park, you can take all kinds of hikes including Angels Landing and the Narrows.
Outside of the park, you can take ATV tours, Jeep tours, go on helicopter rides, investigate slot canyons and go canyoneering.
Places to Stay
La Quinta Inn & Suites Zion Park/Springdale– The hotel is located around 1.5 miles from the entrance of Zion. We stayed here when we were in the area. The hotel was nice with good sized rooms and the pool area was large and clean. Views from the hotel were excellent.
Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites– The hotel is located near the park. You are also within walking distance of restaurants and shops. A shuttle service into the park is located in front of the hotel.
Desert Pearl Inn– The inn is located less than two miles from the park entrance in Springdale. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the inn. You can also grab the shuttle into the park near the hotel.
Hampton Inn & Suites Springdale/Zion National Park– The hotel is located just outside the park entrance. You have wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel offers rooms and suites.
Zion Canyon Bed & Breakfast– If staying in a hotel is not your thing, then a good alternative is this bed and breakfast. The bed and breakfast is located near the park and has outstanding reviews.
Holiday Inn Express Springdale– The hotel is located 1.2 miles from the south entrance to Zion. You are within walking distance to restaurants and shops.
If you want to save money on lodging, you can book hotels outside of Springdale.
Things to Do
Angel’s Landing– The hike ascends nearly 1,500 feet and is 5.4 miles round trip. If you don’t want to make the final ascent up the mountain, you can stop at Scout Lookout. You need a permit to go beyond Scout Lookout. You can check out information by clicking the link.
Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon UTV Guided Tour Self Driven– We did this tour as a family. The guy who was our guide was great. We got to drive in the sands leading to Peek-a-Boo Canyon and back. It was well worth the money.
The Narrows– This is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The hike goes through the narrowest part of Zion Canyon. Walls of the Narrows rise 2,000 feet from the water below. You can turn around anytime that you like. The hike is well worth it.
Helicopter Ride Around Zion National Park– You will go on a 55 mile helicopter ride around Zion National Park. You will see places like Kolob Canyon, Smith Messa, and Canaan Mountain Wilderness Center.
East Zion 4 Hour Slot Canyon Canyoneering UTV Tour– On the tour, you will hike, rappel, canyoneer and travel in a UTV. You will see a number of slot canyons and see some spectacular views.
Zion Jeep Tour Premium Package– The only company that is allowed inside the borders of Zion National Park. The tour takes 4 hours and they will stop at places that you are interested in seeing.
Places to Eat
MeMe’s Cafe– We stopped in here for lunch one afternoon. They have seating inside and outside. We ate on the nice patio area outside. The food and service was excellent.
Oscar’s Cafe– We had takeout from this cafe a number of times. The reason that we went back was the fact that the food was so good the first time around. They had great burgers and sandwiches. My favorite place in Springdale to eat.
Deep Creek Coffee Company– We ate here for lunch the first afternoon in Springdale. They have a small area inside to eat and an area outside. They had a small menu but the food was good.
King’s Landing Bistro– The Bistro offers starters, steaks, burgers, fish and chicken dishes. They also serve various desserts.
Bit and Spur Restaurant and Saloon– The restaurant serves Mexican and southwestern dishes. They also have Italian dishes on their menu.
You can read my post “16 Epic Days in the Southwest: Utah/Arizona Trip Itinerary” to learn more details about Zion and the Springdale area.
8. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is located right on Lake Michigan. The city has a lot to offer during the summertime. There are numerous parks to enjoy the summer weather with many having free concerts.
If you are into sports, you can take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play or at Guaranteed Rate Field to watch the White Sox. You can also go watch the Chicago Sky WNBA team.
There are numerous museums located throughout the city to enjoy. You can also take in the impressive skyline and you can visit numerous observation decks to see the city from a different view.
Make sure to have a deep dish pizza while you are in the city.
Places to Stay
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile– The hotel is located near Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. You are steps away from great shopping and restaurants.
Pendry Chicago– The Pendry is a historic luxury hotel. It has a contemporary and comfortable feel to it. The hotel offers regular rooms, suites, and speciality rooms.
Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown– The hotel is located in the heart of downtown and close to Michigan Ave. There are plenty of restaurants and entertainment that surround the hotel.
The Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, a Hilton Hotel– The hotel is located right on the Navy Pier. You have great views of the city’s skyline from the hotel. It is located near many top attractions in the city.
The Langham, Chicago– This luxury hotel is located in the downtown area. From the hotel, you will have great cityscape views as well of the Chicago River. This is the highest rated Chicago hotel on TripAdvisor.
Sophy-Hyde Park– The hotel is located near the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. It is also a 10 minute drive from downtown. The hotel has an eclectic vibe to it.
Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel– The hotel is located in the Lakeview East neighborhood of the city. You will be located near many area attractions as well as a bike path.
Things to Do
Chicago Architecture River Cruise– You can kick back and relax on the cruise while you take in many of the most famous buildings in the city. A guide gives you information about what you are seeing while on the cruise.
Millennium Park– The park consists of three square blocks located right on Lake Michigan. You can take pictures in front of the Cloud Gate or take in a concert at the outdoor music pavilion. There is even a Ferris Wheel to ride.
Museum of Science and Industry– The museum is the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere. It is located in the only building that remains from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. You can take in multiple exhibits like boarding a German sub.
Skydeck Chicago Willis Tower– The skydeck is located on the highest building in the western hemisphere. You will climb to the 103rd floor. On a clear day you can see into Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour– If you are a foodie or someone that just loves great food, then this walking tour is for you. You will take a 1.5 mile walk stopping to taste great food and also seeing some of the city’s famous landmarks.
The Magnificent Mile– You will want to hit this part of town if you are into shopping. This stretch of the city has 460 shops from high end stores to more budget friendly stores. There are also many good restaurants in the area.
Underground Donut Tour– Who doesn’t like donuts? This unique tour takes you to a number of the best donut shops in the city. The tour has a 5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor with nearly 400 reviews.
The Art Institute of Chicago– The Art Institute is one of the highest rated museums in the US. They have one of the best Impressionist collections outside of Paris.
Go City Pass– The Go City Pass is a great option to save money while seeing the popular attractions in Chicago. There are two different style of tickets to buy to meet your needs.
Places to Eat
The Polo Inn Bridgeport U.S.A.- You can dine in or carry out at this diner/grill. They have various dishes to pick from and is one of the highest rated restaurants in Chicago.
The Capital Grille– The restaurant is located in the downtown area on the Miracle Mile. The steakhouse is more upscale so be ready to pay a little more for the great food.
The Chicago Diner Logan Square– If you want meat, then you need to pass on this diner since they are meat free. They offer many of your diner favorites minus the meat.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria– You can’t go to Chicago and not have deep dish pizza. This pizzeria is one of the best pizza places in the city. So, sit down and have a slice or two.
Superdawg Drive In– Chicago is also known for their dawgs. They also offer hamburgers, fries and shakes.
Giordano’s– Another great deep dish pizza place to try while you are in the city. They have numerous locations all over the city.
9. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands located on the eastern coast of North Carolina. They are one of the most popular places to visit during the summertime. Ten of thousands of people come to enjoy the area every summer.
There is so much to do for kids, tennagers and adults alike. You can go fishing, surfing, hang gliding, relax on the beach, boogie boarding and you can explore numerous lighthouses.
There are numerous areas that you can select from to visit. Some of them are more laid back while others are more in the heart of the action.
Places to Stay
Sanderling Resort– The resort is located in the town of Duck. At the resort, you have excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound. The rooms have oversized bathrooms along with decks.
The Ocracoke Harbor Inn– The inn is located in the village and overlooks Silver Lake Harbor. There are 16 rooms and 7 suites that you can choose from.
The First Colony Inn– The B&B is located in Nags Head. Each morning you will be served a hot breakfast. Every afternoon there is a complimentary social with snacks and beverages.
Cypress House Inn– The B&B is located in Kill Devil Hills at mile marker 8. You are only 125 yards away from the ocean. There is public beach access directly in front of the inn.
Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks Corolla– This hotel is located right on the beach in Corolla. They offer rooms and suites that have direct ocean views. Free breakfast is offered every day.
Surf Side Hotel– The hotel is located in Nags Head. This hotel is located on the beach and offers great views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks/Kitty Hawk– The hotel is located on the beach and has easy access to shopping, restaurants, and beaches. There are numerous local attractions that are located nearby.
Things to Do
Visit a Lighthouse– There are numerous lighthouses that you can visit while in the Outer Banks. A few of the more popular lighthouses include: Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Bodie Island Lighthouse.
Wright Brothers National Memorial– The memorial is located in Kill Devils Hill. It is open every day of the year except Christmas. You can see a replica of the plane that they used and much more.
North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island– The aquarium is located in Manteo, NC. The aquarium is 61,000 square feet and overlooks the Croatan Sound. You will see over 2,200 species in the aquarium.
Whalehead in Historic Corolla– The house has been completely restored. The museum is open year round and is located on 39 acres of waterfront property. There are various tours to choose from.
2-hr Outer Banks Wild Horse Tour by 4WD– On this tour, you will have an expert guide that will take you out to see the wild horses of Corolla. They will also give you information about the horses and the history of them.
Kitty Hawk Maritime Forest Kayak Tour– The tour takes you through the Kitty Hawk Wood Central Reserve. The creek that you will take winds through the deciduous maritime forests.
Roanoke Island Festival Park– The park takes you back to the 1500s and the settlement of Roanoke. There is a replica of the Elizabeth II ship where you can swab the decks.
Places to Eat
Dockside and Duck– If you like seafood, then you will love this restaurant. They offer all types of seafood from fish, shrimp, shellfish and more. The restaurant also has numerous pies for dessert.
Blue Moon Beach Grill– This restaurant is located in Nags Head. The grill offers all kinds of seafood dishes, steaks, chicken, tacos, sandwiches and more.
I Got Your Crabs Seafood Market and Steam Bar– The restaurant and market specializes in steamed blue crab and is located in Kitty Hawk. You can eat in or take out.
Art’s Place– Art’s is located in Kitty Hawk. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For lunch and dinner, they offer sandwiches, wraps and burgers.
Buxton Munch Company– You will find over 30 different gourmet wraps and quesadillas. They also have subs, sandwiches and burgers.
Flying Melon– The Flying Melon is located in the town of Ocracoke. They serve American and seafood dishes. You can also find vegan and vegetarian options.
10. Grand Teton National Park
You can find Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The park is over 310,000 acres in size. The mountain range towers over Jackson Hole Valley and to me they are the most beautiful mountain range in the U.S.
You can enjoy the 13,370 foot Grand Teton Mountain or relax by one of the lakes located in the park. If you like to hike, you have over 250 miles of trails to choose from.
You can also take a raft or kayak ride down the Snake River. The wildlife in the park consists of black bears, grizzlies, moose, antelope bison and more.
Yellowstone is on this list and the two parks are only 10 miles apart from one another.
Places to Stay
Signal Mountain Lodge– This is a full resort located inside the park. They offer 79 rooms, three restaurants, a general store, a gas station and a marina among other things.
Jenny Lake Lodge– The lodge is located on Jenny Lake inside of Grand Teton National Park. The resort has various cabins to enjoy. You are also within walking distance to three different lakes.
Dornan’s Spur Ranch Cabins– The Cabin’s are located just outside the south entrance to the park in Moose. They have 8 one bedroom cabins and 4 two bedroom cabins to choose from.
Lost Creek Ranch and Spa– This is an authentic guest ranch located in Moose that has excellent views of the Tetons. The cabins have a rustic feel but with modern amenities. Each cabin also has a porch.
The Lexington at Jackson Hole– The hotel is located in the center of Jackson. It is located near restaurants and shops.
Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole– The hotel is located just minutes from restaurants, shops and nightlife in Jackson but still far enough away that you will still get a good night’s sleep.
Cowboy Village Resort– The hotel is located near many attractions that are located in Jackson. Cabins have covered porches with seating areas.
Things to Do
Hike some trails– With 250 miles of trails there are many different hikes to pick from. Some of the more popular hikes in the park include: Jenny Lake Trail, Cascade Canyon Trail, Taggart Lake Loop, Inspiration Point Trail, and Goodwin Lake Trail.
42 Mile Scenic Loop Drive– The 42 mile loop consists of two different roads. It is suggested that you drive the outer road first and then the inner road. There are many stops that you can make along the way.
Solitude Float Trips– The float trip goes down the Snake River and goes through Teton National Park. This trip has a 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Family Friendly Standard Raft or Small Boat Excitement– The family friendly raft is intended for larger families. The trip covers 8 miles and goes over class II and III rapids. The small boat excitement goes the same 8 miles in a smaller boat.
Grand Teton Wildlife Safari in an Open or Enclosed Vehicle– The tour lasts 4 hours and goes through the park observing the more than 600 species of animals in the park.
Mormon Row Historic District– A group of Mormons settled in the area and some of the homesteads are still intact. There are some barns that still stand with mountains in the backdrop.
Places to Eat
In the Park
Trapper Grill– The grill is located at the Signal Mountain Lodge. They serve American bar food with vegan and vegetarian options.
Leek’s Marina and Pizzeria– The restaurant is located in the park on Jackson Lake. They serve the usual pizza dishes. They have inside and outside dining.
Jenny Lake Lodge Dining Room– The restaurant is in a 1930s log cabin. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is open seasonally from May through October.
The Mural Room– The restaurant is located in the Jackson Lake Lodge. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant offers great views of the park.
Pioneer Grill at Jackson Lake Lodge– The restaurant has a more laid back feel with a 50s vibe to it. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The counter in the restaurant is 200 feet long.
Out of the Park
Virginian Restaurant– They serve breakfast and lunch with homestyle meals in the heart of Jackson.
Miazga’s– The restaurant was honored with the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice award for 2021 and 2022. They serve Polish and Italian dishes along with burgers.
The Blue Lion– The Blue Lion was a former home turned into a restaurant. They serve different meats along with fish. They are only open for dinner.
Liberty Burger– As you can imagine by the name of the place they sell burgers. They also have a decent amount of shakes to choose from.
Persephone Bakery– Besides being a bakery they are also a cafe. They are open for breakfast and lunch. For lunch, they offer sandwiches, soups and salads.
Part 2 in the series will be coming out next week and I will share 10 more places to enjoy for the summer.
