10 Must-Visit U.S. Summer Destinations

Curated by Scarla Vexroot, your goblin of glamorous escapes.

1. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is a tropical dream dressed in volcanic drama and ocean blues. Summer here means endless sun, balmy trade winds, and fragrant plumeria filling the air. Drive the Road to Hana for waterfalls, bamboo forests, and black sand beaches—just bring your motion sickness meds. Explore Haleakalā Crater at sunrise, then coast downhill on a bike through clouds. Snorkel with sea turtles at Molokini or nap under a palm tree in Wailea. Dinner? A beachfront luau where you eat kalua pork with sand between your toes. Maui is paradise with a pulse.

Travel Tips: Rent a car, wear reef-safe sunscreen, and book any sunrise/sunset experiences well in advance.

2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is a geothermal circus of geysers, hot springs, and dramatic terrain that stretches across three states. In summer, its vast meadows are painted with wildflowers, and bison traffic jams are part of the experience. See Old Faithful erupt like clockwork, then hike the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The Lamar Valley is where wildlife photographers weep with joy. If you like your national parks with a side of adrenaline, try white-water rafting or horseback riding with a cowboy guide named Dusty (probably).

Travel Tips: Bring layers, pack bear spray, and stay inside the park if you want sunrises without crowds.

3. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is where Southern hospitality meets high humidity and even higher culinary standards. Walk down Rainbow Row, take a ghost tour through graveyards, or float through the marshlands in a kayak. In summer, the city hosts Spoleto Festival USA and beach season hits full swing on nearby Folly or Sullivan’s Island. Fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits are a must, and don't skip the she-crab soup. Every alley here whispers a story, and some of them are straight-up scandalous.

Travel Tips: Book AC-blessed lodging in the Historic District and bring breathable clothes. Trust me.

4. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe is the liquid jewel of the Sierra Nevada, straddling two states with chill mountain vibes and pine-scented breezes. In summer, you’ll kayak turquoise waters, hike granite peaks, and gamble away snack money in Stateline casinos. Take a scenic cruise on the MS Dixie, chill on Sand Harbor Beach, or hike to Eagle Lake. Even the sunsets look photoshopped. If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a screensaver, this is your moment.

Travel Tips: Arrive early to beat crowds at beaches, and stay on the north side for quieter vibes.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is an artsy, mountain-hugged town with craft beer in its bloodstream and the Blue Ridge Parkway in its backyard. Visit the massive Biltmore Estate, tube down the French Broad River, and hike Craggy Gardens at sunset. Downtown is buzzing with galleries, musicians, and more breweries than you can responsibly visit in one weekend. Goblin tip: check out the Friday night drum circle in Pritchard Park for maximum local flavor (and possible spontaneous dancing).

Travel Tips: Book a stay downtown or near the River Arts District. Pack hiking shoes and stretchy pants—you’ll need both.

6. Sedona, Arizona

Where the rocks are red, the vibes are cosmic, and your inner self is just waiting to be realigned. Sedona is a spiritual hotbed surrounded by epic desert scenery. Spend your mornings hiking Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge, your afternoons shopping for crystals, and your evenings stargazing in pure silence. Jeep tours take you through dusty trails that reveal panoramic canyon views—and maybe a rattlesnake or two. Many swear the energy vortexes here are healing. I say they’re at least photogenic.

Travel Tips: Book tours ahead, bring hydration gear, and stay somewhere with a sunset-facing view.

7. Chicago, Illinois

When the snow melts and the patios open, Chicago transforms into a summer wonderland. Walk the lakefront trail, take an architectural boat tour, and bask in the glories of Millennium Park. The music and food festival scene is relentless: Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, and neighborhood street fests every weekend. Deep dish is non-negotiable, and rooftop bars light up the skyline every night. The beach? Yes, this city has actual beaches—and they slap.

Travel Tips: Stay near the Loop or River North for walkable access, and wear comfy shoes. The city’s big and your feet will suffer.

8. Bar Harbor, Maine

This coastal Maine village is charming on the outside and lobster-stuffed on the inside. It's the basecamp for Acadia National Park, where hiking, biking, and coastal drives reign supreme. Eat a lobster roll on the harbor, take a sunset sail, or try popovers at Jordan Pond House like a true New Englander. In summer, the wildflowers bloom, the whales breach, and the salt air cures your soul like it's a piece of haddock.

Travel Tips: Lodging fills up early in peak season—book now. And bring layers. Maine's breezes bite.

9. San Diego, California

Forever sunny, forever chill—San Diego is SoCal’s most lovable overachiever. Beach hop from La Jolla to Ocean Beach, wander Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, and feast on fish tacos so good they should be illegal. Visit the world-famous zoo, take a harbor cruise, or explore the Gaslamp Quarter for night vibes. In the summer, it’s all sandals, surfboards, and smiles. Locals are suspiciously friendly. Don’t question it—just blend in.

Travel Tips: Stay in or near the Gaslamp, or go north to La Jolla for an upscale coastal vibe. Rent bikes and live your best life.

10. Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is where summer days stretch into midnight, moose roam the neighborhoods, and glaciers feel like neighbors. Go flightseeing over Denali, kayak around icebergs in Prince William Sound, or hike the Flattop Trail for sweeping views of the city and beyond. In summer, temps are mild and the air is crisp. Wildlife is everywhere: bears, eagles, whales, and maybe Bigfoot if you’re lucky. Or unlucky. Who’s to say?

Travel Tips: Summer is short—book early. And yes, you need bug spray. Alaska mosquitoes are basically birds.