Best Outdoor Vacation Spots to Go in the Summer

When you want your summer trip to be more than just tourist attractions and theme parks, you need to check out some of the best outdoor vacation spots.

The United States of America offers some of the most picturesque and amazing locations where you can spend some time and unwind. Rather than only reading about these amazing places, it’s time to make a list and start visiting them. From sea to shining sea, there are many cool locations where you can have a wonderful vacation in the outdoors; here are ten of them.

The Grand Canyon Must be on Your List

Head toward Arizona and spend some time at the Grand Canyon. This isn’t just a large gorge in the earth cut by the Colorado River, but one of the most amazing places on the planet. You can spend several days hiking the trails, enjoying the waterways, and taking the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim. You’ll find a ton of amazing camping spots around this glorious destination to make sure you and your family have a memorable time.

Experience the Simplicity of Mackinac Island

This small Island in Michigan is one of the most wonderful places to go. You’ll spend a lot of time in on the trails and outside during your vacation to Mackinac Island. Your stay might include time in some of the bed and breakfast spots, but during the day, this is easily one of the best outdoor vacation spots in the United States. Forget your car, it’s not welcome on this island. Take the ferry boat over and use either a bicycle or your own two feet to get around.

Door County, Wisconsin is Unique

Door County sits on a peninsula, which means its surrounded by water on three sides. This charming county in Wisconsin offers 19 small villages for you to enjoy your time. You’ll want to be outside by the shoreline. This county has 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan on one side and Green Bay on the other. It’s easy to make your summertime memorable when you take your vacation in Door County. You’ll want to come back every summer for a new experience.

Pack Your Bags and Head to Yellowstone

One of the most iconic locations to spend time in nature is Yellowstone National Park. You’ll quickly agree this is one of the best outdoor vacation spots in the country. The park covers areas of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, with more than two million acres of natural landscape to enjoy. There are some amazing hiking trails, the Old Faithful geyser, and tons of great activities to enjoy. You’ll probably see some wildlife that you never see when you’re stuck at home.

Enjoy the Beaches of Cape Cod

Cape Cod is located in Massachusetts, and it’s thought of as one of the most quaint and upscale vacation spots in the country. If you love touring an old-fashioned fishing village and want to spend some time on New England beaches, this is the place to go. There are more than 40 miles of beaches along this area, some of which are home to celebrities that spend their summer months in this area. Get outdoors, and you might see some of these famous faces around town.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina has a Lot to Offer

Whether you want to camp, hike, boat, fish, or enjoy some of the touristy things to do, you’ll find all of these things in the Outer Banks. You can fish in the ocean or along the intercoastal area. Head for a hike up one of the many lighthouses or take off with a wind sail from the top of the dunes. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches for 130 miles and offers nature areas, coastal towns, and plenty of ways for this to be one of the best outdoor vacation spots in the country.

A Quiet Summer Vacation Awaits You in Grand County

Grand County is located in Colorado, and it’s a wonderful place for a quiet summer vacation. You’ll have a great time with warm temps and active wildlife all around. If you’ve always wanted to spend time on a dude range, the Latigo Ranch is located nearby to give you the experience you want to enjoy. Grand Lake is also close and a great place for some kayaking, swimming, or fishing. Head to this Colorado area and enjoy the outdoors this summer.

Jekyll Island is a Peaceful Place in Georgia

If you’re looking for a coastal retreat to be the best outdoor summer vacation spot for you to enjoy, head to Jekyll Island. This island is a state park, offering well-preserved natural beauty to give you the views and experiences you want to enjoy. This island is part of the Golden Isles, which is a group of four barrier islands along the coast. You’ll love the low-key island feeling when you spend time in this area.

Find the Outdoor Recreation You Desire in Portland, Maine

Going to one of the northernmost areas of the country for your summer vacation can be a lot of fun. You’ll find lots of activity, outdoor fun, and natural beauty along the coast of Portland. The rocky coastline offers wonderful sounds as the sea crashes along the base of the rocks. There are several lighthouses for you to enjoy when you want to walk up and see the views from the top. Experience some of the amazing fishing, golfing, and sailing offered in the area.

Take a Drive Down Route 66

The iconic American highway could also be the best outdoor vacation spot for your time this summer. This road takes you through seven different states, with its end along the coast of California. You’ll find some wacky roadside attractions and places you can camp along the way. If you’re looking for something fun and want to experience nature along the road, take a convertible and drive down Route 66.

Which one of these amazing locations will be the best outdoor vacation spot for you? Will you add all ten to your bucket list and start spending your summers checking one off each year?