We love summer so add these summer vacation destinations to your travel bucket list!
As the transition from spring to summer unfolds, our thoughts inevitably yearn for a getaway. Summer is a season that ignites our wanderlust, offering longer days to explore, warmer weather to enjoy and a multitude of cultural festivities to experience.
Anticipating the upcoming summer, let’s explore some of the top vacation destinations. Whether your interests lie in the charm of urban landscapes or the serenity of natural wonders, this guide to summer vacation destinations caters to every traveler.
The lure of sun-soaked beaches, historic cities and awe-inspiring natural landscapes becomes oh so real now.
U.S. Summer Vacation Destinations
Don’t feel like busting out your passport this summer? There are plenty of options in the United States.
San Diego
Vibe: Laid-back beach life meets urban sophistication, with an ever-present sunny disposition.
Where to play: Explore the San Diego Zoo, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the Gaslamp Quarter or relax on Coronado Beach.
Where to stay: Hotel del Coronado for historic luxury, or the Pendry San Diego for a modern touch.
Hawaii
Vibe: Tropical bliss paired with vibrant cultural heritage, all set in stunning natural landscapes.
Where to play: Surf in Waikiki, hike through the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, or attend a traditional luau.
Where to stay: Turtle Bay Resort for ultimate luxury, or the Halekulani Hotel for a more boutique experience.
Arizona
Vibe: Majestic natural wonders and adventurous spirits intersect beneath expansive, star-filled skies.
Where to play: Hike the Grand Canyon trails for breathtaking vistas, brave a whitewater rafting trip or capture a desert sunrise.
Where to stay: Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa for a transformative wellness experience, or Amara Resort & Spa for red rocks and pines in whimsical Sedona.
Montana
Vibe: Untouched wilderness x breathtaking beauty offers a tranquil escape into nature.
Where to play: Trek through scenic trails, spot diverse wildlife, or kayak in clear mountain lakes.
Where to stay: Sage Lodge for a cozy mountain stay close to all the action, or The Ranch at Rock Creek for your Great American West vacation—and if you feel like being a cowboy.
Wyoming
Vibe: Rustic elegance converges with outdoor adventure, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains.
Where to play: Explore national parks, try fly-fishing in pristine rivers or saddle up for a horseback ride.
Where to stay: Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa for alpine luxury mixed with Western hospitality, or The White Buffalo Club where all of Jackson Hole is right at your doorstep.
Yellowstone National Park
Vibe: Geothermal wonders and wild encounters in America’s first national park.
Where to play: Witness Old Faithful, marvel at colorful hot springs and observe free-roaming wildlife.
Where to stay: Snow King Resort gets you up close and personal with Yellowstone, or Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa, a boutique hotel close to all the action.
Puerto Rico
Vibe: Lively cultural mosaic set in lush tropical scenery, with a rhythm all its own.
Where to play: Explore the historic streets of Old San Juan, relax on untouched beaches or delve into the rainforest of El Yunque.
Where to stay: Condado Vanderbilt Hotel for boutique luxury and history right in San Juan, or Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve for an exclusive, up-scale experience.
International Summer Vacation Destinations
If you feel like venturing further afield this summer, check out these destinations.
Vancouver, Canada
Vibe: Urban sophistication and outdoor adventure converge seamlessly within the heart of nature’s playground.
Where to play: Bike around Stanley Park, shop in Gastown or hit the nearby hiking trails and ski slopes.
Where to stay: Fairmont Pacific Rim for contemporary luxury with stunning views of downtown, or the Rosewood Hotel Georgia for a touch of vintage charm.
London, England
Vibe: Timeless elegance merges with modern flair, where history and innovation walk hand in hand.
Where to play: Explore historic landmarks, peruse world-class museums or catch a show in the West End.
Where to stay: The Berkeley for a quintessentially British experience, or The Langham London, one of the most elegant and glamorous buildings in the city.
Spain
Vibe: A lively fusion of history, art and passion under the Iberian sun.
Where to play: Bask on sunny beaches, visit grand cathedrals and palaces or join the locals in a vibrant fiesta.
Where to stay: Wine, dine and unwind at Hotel Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine or indulge in natural hot springs at Fontsanta Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness in Mallorca.
Croatia
Vibe: Mediterranean charm intertwines with historic grandeur, all framed by the backdrop of dazzling seas.
Where to play: Wander ancient walled cities, sail the crystal-clear Adriatic or lounge on pebbled beaches.
Where to stay: Kempinski Hotel Adriatic Istria if you love golf and want a five star experience with a spa and private beach, or if you want to be closer to the action, check out Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel, a luxury resort near Dubrovnik.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Vibe: Where Italian grace dances with the shimmering embrace of the Mediterranean.
Where to play: Savor fresh seafood, explore quaint villages or cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast.
Where to stay: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, a luxury seasonal hotel in an 11th-century palace, set on a cliff overlooking the Amalfi Coast.
Paris, France
Vibe: Romantic allure blends with cultural richness, all with a chic Parisian twist.
Where to play: Visit iconic monuments, browse haute couture or savor a glass of wine at a sidewalk bistro.
Where to stay: Brach Paris for an urban retreat with cosmopolitan charm, or the Le Bristol Paris, an icon of French elegance and joie de vivre, located in one of the city’s most fashionable and prestigious neighborhoods.
Greece
Vibe: Ancient myths, sun-kissed beaches and tranquil island life.
Where to play: Explore ancient ruins in Athens, bask in the sun on the beaches of Mykonos or Santorini, and indulge in delicious Greek cuisine.
Where to stay: Aegialis Hotel & Spa for all your wellness needs and 360-degree views of the Aegean Sea, or Mystique Hotel Santorini for a true Santorini experience, with rugged cliffs, cycladic architecture and hypnotic blue waters,
Bali, Indonesia
Vibe: Spiritual sanctuary meets tropical paradise, with the most kind and smiley locals.
Where to play: Visit tranquil temples, relax on stunning beaches, or immerse yourself in lush jungles and rice terraces.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan for a secluded jungle hideaway alongside the Ayung River, or Fivelements Retreat, an eco-conscious wellness sanctuary offering healing, detox, renewal and zen.
Season of Summer
Choosing the perfect summer travel destination depends on what you seek: adventure, relaxation, culture or nature. Each destination on our list offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Paris, exploring the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon or lounging on the sun-soaked beaches of Hawaii, the important part is to embrace the spirit of summer.
So pack your bags, pick your paradise and dive into the adventure that awaits. The world is vast and summer is the perfect time to explore it!
About Vacayou
At Vacayou [pronounced VACAY – YOU], we believe that travel has the power to change lives. The power to revive, rejuvenate and redirect your inner wellness warrior. And that’s why we’re here. Vacayou brings the world of wellness travel to you!
No matter how far or how adventurous, our team scours the globe to curate the best in wellness travel. But the booking process can often be time-consuming and complicated. We’ve made it much easier for you to search, discover, and book wellness and active vacations. With Vacayou’s Instant Book, your dream wellness getaway is now just a click away.
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