Planning a summer vacation in the United States? Whether you're dreaming of coastal breezes, vibrant cultural hubs, or mountain retreats, the USA offers something for every traveler. Here are 10 top-rated U.S. cities to explore in the summer of 2025.
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe blends rich cultural heritage with breathtaking high desert scenery. It’s the oldest state capital in the U.S., known for its distinctive adobe architecture, Pueblo-style buildings, and an art scene that rivals much larger cities. During the summer, enjoy open-air opera, local festivals, and incredible sunsets over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
Walk Canyon Road to browse hundreds of galleries, eat green chile enchiladas at a local cantina, and unwind at the Japanese-inspired Ten Thousand Waves spa. Santa Fe is especially peaceful in the early mornings and evenings when the desert air cools and the sky turns a deep violet hue.
Weather forecast:
2. San Diego, California
If you’re seeking beachy vibes, perfect weather, and endless outdoor fun, San Diego should be at the top of your list. Summer days here average 75°F with blue skies and ocean breezes. Head to La Jolla Cove to snorkel with sea lions or relax at Coronado Beach under the iconic red-roofed Hotel del Coronado.
Families love the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, while foodies can explore Little Italy and its bustling farmers market. From surfing at Pacific Beach to taco hopping in Barrio Logan, San Diego is the quintessential laid-back summer city.
Weather forecast:
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Summer is steamy, but afternoon sea breezes and a scoop of peach cobbler gelato go a long way. Don't miss the chance to dine at a James Beard-nominated restaurant like Husk, or sip cocktails under oak trees at The Dewberry’s rooftop bar.
Weather forecast:
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago comes alive in the summer. The city’s lakefront transforms into a festival ground, with events like Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza drawing huge crowds. Rent a bike and ride the 18-mile Lakefront Trail, take an architectural boat tour down the Chicago River, or enjoy Shakespeare in the Park in Grant Park.
When night falls, rooftop bars like Cindy’s offer skyline views and lively ambiance. Deep-dish pizza, Millennium Park selfies, and a dip at Oak Street Beach — you’ll never run out of things to do in the Windy City.
Weather forecast:
5. Portland, Maine
Portland is a charming New England coastal city known for its fresh seafood, historic brick buildings, and cool ocean breezes. In summer, visitors flock to the harbor for lobster rolls, lighthouse tours, and boat excursions along Casco Bay.
Wander through the Old Port district, sample local IPAs from Maine’s booming craft beer scene, and explore nearby beaches like Crescent Beach or Ferry Beach. For a day trip, hop on the ferry to Peaks Island for a peaceful island bike ride and picnic.
Weather forecast:
6. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City offers an unexpectedly great summer base for outdoor lovers. With easy access to the Wasatch Mountains, you can spend your mornings hiking alpine trails and your afternoons paddleboarding on lakes or wandering local farmers markets downtown.
The city is modern, safe, and laid-back. Neighborhoods like 9th & 9th and Sugar House are filled with local coffee shops, bookstores, and yoga studios. Plus, it’s a great jumping-off point for day trips to Park City, Bonneville Salt Flats, or Antelope Island.
Weather forecast:
7. Asheville, North Carolina
Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a bohemian escape for those who crave a mix of outdoor adventure and creative spirit. Summer brings music festivals, river tubing down the French Broad, and scenic drives on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Visit the historic Biltmore Estate, shop for handmade goods at the Grove Arcade, and catch live music while sipping local cider. Asheville also boasts one of the highest concentrations of breweries per capita in the U.S., so it’s a haven for craft beer fans.
Weather forecast:
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle in summer is a revelation. The clouds clear, the air turns crisp, and locals come out in droves to kayak Lake Union, explore Pike Place Market, and hike the nearby Cascade or Olympic mountains.
Start your mornings with a local roast from a Pioneer Square café, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island, and end your day watching the sunset over the Puget Sound from Kerry Park. You’ll never believe this is the same rainy city you hear about in winter.
Weather forecast:
9. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is more than a beach town — it's a full-fledged city paradise. With Waikiki’s surf-friendly waves, Diamond Head’s hikeable crater, and Honolulu’s vibrant food culture, summer here is unforgettable.
Take a catamaran tour at sunset, explore Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor, and eat poke bowls with a view of the Pacific. While it’s warm year-round, summer brings drier weather and more festivals, like the Prince Lot Hula Festival and Lantern Floating Hawaii.
Weather forecast:
10. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder is a sun-soaked mountain town with a serious love for the outdoors. Start your day with a hike in Chautauqua Park or a sunrise at the Flatirons. Then wander Pearl Street, where buskers perform next to locally-owned shops and outdoor cafés.
It’s a haven for cyclists, hikers, and rock climbers, with stunning trails and endless summer adventures within minutes of town. Boulder's food scene, powered by local farms and a focus on wellness, also makes it a great destination for conscious travelers.
Weather forecast:
Plan Your Summer 2025 Adventure
Each of these U.S. cities offers its own flavor of summer magic — from the wild waves of Waikiki to the cool desert nights in Santa Fe. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you're sure to find your perfect summer destination on this list.
