In The Boiling Heat
Summer changes how a place feels. In each state, there's one destination that catches the season just right. Some draw hikers and others? They might just host the best fireworks or concerts.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Even in July, daytime temperatures around Glacier often stay in the 70s, which makes it one of the most incredible places to visit during peak summer. Going-to-the-Sun Road, which typically opens fully by late June, connects scenic valleys and alpine meadows only accessible for a few months.
Vulturesong, Wikimedia Commons
Bar Harbor, Maine
Each summer, dozens of cruise ships dock at Bar Harbor between June and August. Many passengers head straight for Acadia National Park, where warm-weather trail access is at its peak in mid-summer. The Bar Harbor Music Festival also draws thousands, with a complete program of chamber and jazz performances.
Skeezix1000, Wikimedia Commons
Chicago Lakefront, Illinois
Lake Michigan stretches out beside one of the country's longest waterfront trails, now running 18 miles through downtown. Lollapalooza, held in late July or early August, draws hundreds of thousands to Grant Park and marks one of the lakefront's most vibrant summer weekends.
Alanscottwalker, Wikimedia Commons
Ocean City, Maryland
The Jolly Roger Amusement Park opens only in summer to become a favorite for visiting families. Weekly beach attendance regularly surpasses 300,000 during peak season, according to verified crowd counts. At the heart of it all stands the boardwalk, first laid down in 1902 and still a significant draw. o
Notyourbroom, Wikimedia Commons
Big Bear Lake, California
Big Bear Lake attracts over three million visitors annually, especially in the summer when boating and fishing are at their peak. The lake's alpine setting and eight marinas support water sports and paddle excursions. By mid-summer, trails are fully open and seasonal festivals peak.
Hgjudd (talk) (Uploads), Wikimedia Commons
Mackinac Island, Michigan
No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, and that rule shapes how people explore it. Biking has become the primary mode of transportation, especially in the summer. Ferry companies add extra trips during peak months, and many restaurants and inns are only open from May through October.
Lynnanderson, Wikimedia Commons
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Ranger talks share the backstory of Mount Rushmore's construction, which took place from 1927 to 1941. With mild summer weather and clear skies, the trails nearby are easy to explore. The lighting ceremony, held each night, draws over 2,000 visitors and turns the monument into a glowing landmark.
Dean Franklin, Wikimedia Commons
Portland, Oregon
July is Portland's driest month, which averages less than an inch of rainfall. That timing helps the International Rose Test Garden reach peak bloom. On summer weekends, Sunday Parkways open miles of car-free streets, and thousands take advantage by walking and visiting neighborhood events.
Lake Chelan, Washington
By August, Lake Chelan's surface often reaches 70°F—perfect for swimming and boating. Surrounding vineyards host popular summer wine tours. From June through August, the area also buzzes with annual lake festivals and triathlons that draw steady crowds.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Whale-watching boats begin their season in mid-April, but summer is when they fill fastest. Ferries to Provincetown increase their daily runs by meeting peak demand in July. As school lets out, the Cape's visitor numbers surge to support thousands of seasonal workers and family-owned rentals.
John Phelan, Wikimedia Commons
Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark operates over 70 rides, and every summer sees near-capacity days between June and August. Nearby Chocolate World offers seasonal exhibits and tours that complement the main attraction. Most park expansions over the last decade have focused on summer traffic by including new water features and shaded rest zones.
Niagara Falls, New York
More water flows over Niagara Falls in summer than at any other time of year. Scenic boat tours, such as the Maid of the Mist, run daily from May to October. From May through mid-October, nightly fireworks and full illumination make summer evenings especially lively along the falls.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, Wikimedia Commons
Door County, Wisconsin
Cherry trees begin yielding fruit by mid-July in Door County, which turns orchards into visitor destinations. Bed-and-breakfasts report their highest occupancy from late June to August. In coastal towns like Fish Creek and Ephraim, traditional summer fish boils remain a top draw for dining.
Leif and Evonne, Wikimedia Commons
Nashville, Tennessee
The CMA Music Festival in early June attracts more than 80,000 fans daily and packs downtown streets with performers and pop-up stages. The Grand Ole Opry increases its show schedule each summer, while rooftop bars and concert venues see their busiest weekends of the year.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach began a major beach replenishment project in early 2025 and added nearly one million cubic yards of sand before Memorial Day. August remains a peak month for visitors to the boardwalk. The Neptune Festival's events feature sand sculpting contests and live music by the shore.
Bruce Emmerling, Wikimedia Commons
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Open-air shows at the Santa Fe Opera draw visitors from around the world each July and August. Summer weekends also host Native American art events, with the Indian Market dating back over a century. Thanks to its mountain setting, Santa Fe remains cooler than nearby desert cities, rarely topping 85°F.
Sedona, Arizona
Many hiking trails in Sedona post safety notices by sunrise during summer due to extreme midday heat. Visitors flock to early vortex site tours and afternoon gallery walks. From June through September, dozens of small art festivals fill the city calendar with open-air events.
Aspen, Colorado
The Aspen Music Festival runs for eight weeks in summer and draws thousands for orchestral performances beneath the mountains. When the ski season ends, biking trails and gondola routes open by July, which shifts Aspen from a winter destination into a busy warm-weather retreat.
Lovethearts, Wikimedia Commons
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Each summer, sea turtles return to lay eggs along Gulf Shores' beaches, with marked nesting zones stretching for miles. Around the same time, the Hangout Music Festival swells the coast with tens of thousands of visitors. Dolphin-watching cruises also reach full capacity in peak season.
https://ourgulfshoresvacation.com, Wikimedia Commons
Destin, Florida
The Gulf waters off Destin are among the clearest in the United States, with NOAA data indicating high transparency in July. That month also sees hotel rates and occupancy climb sharply. Fishing charters, especially for snapper season, operate at near-capacity during the height of summer.
Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, Wikimedia Commons
Branson, Missouri
The neighboring White Water Park experiences a sharp increase in visitor numbers during summer heat waves. At the same time, Silver Dollar City records some of its busiest days in July. Branson's theaters, which together sell millions of tickets annually, reach their performance peak during this packed summer stretch.
Billy Hathorn, Wikimedia Commons
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Visitor numbers ramp up in summer even though these thermal springs remain accessible year-round. Seasonal ranger tours cover the site's rich spa history, with additional tours scheduled during the warm months. The Bathhouse Row Brewpub, housed in a restored bathhouse, opens its patio for summer crowds.
Brandonrush, Wikimedia Commons
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe's summer charm partly lies in its weather, with average highs staying below 80°F. In July, craft fairs pop up along the town's main streets. Mount Mansfield's gondola also begins operating by carrying hikers and sightseers up to breezy trails and panoramic views of Green Mountain.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Wildlife activity spikes in Grand Teton National Park during early summer, with excellent chances of moose and bear sightings. Snake River rafting trips are often booked out by mid-July. Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport inside a national park, operates at full seasonal capacity.
Jon Sullivan, PD Photo., Wikimedia Commons
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston Harbor fills with tour boats each summer, often sailing past Fort Sumter and under the Ravenel Bridge. The Spoleto Festival, held from late May to early June, stretches into summer and boosts tourism in the historic district, where bookings reach annual highs during these weeks.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Fewer tourists visit New Orleans in the summer, which results in hotel rates dropping to seasonal lows. But ESSENCE Fest in early July fills the Superdome and nearby venues. Evening riverboat jazz cruises take advantage of the slower pace by sailing past French Quarter rooftops just before sunset.
Jesse James, Wikimedia Commons
Boise, Idaho
Floating the Boise River has become a summer tradition, with daily permits and rental stations available along Barber Park. In North End, Hyde Park hosts its warm-season markets with local crafts and food stalls. Shakespeare Festival productions also fill outdoor stages at dusk throughout July.
Tamanoeconomico, Wikimedia Commons
Salt Lake City, Utah
Pioneer Day falls on July 24 and marks Utah's busiest summer celebration. City parades and fireworks begin early and continue into the night. Meanwhile, Great Salt Lake boat tours and Wasatch trail access offer cooler daytime options for visitors escaping the valley heat.
Lawrence, Kansas
Sidewalk sales downtown draw big summer crowds, especially during the July shopping weekend. Local breweries join in during the Free State Beer Fest, now a regional tradition. The University of Kansas offers summer-led historic tours that explore campus buildings and the town's Civil War-era past.
Epicsosseum25, Wikimedia Commons
Newport, Rhode Island
July sees a significant rise in tourist traffic through Newport's preserved Gilded Age mansions. Visitors also gather for the Newport Folk Festival, held on historic Fort Adams grounds. During the same month, sailing regattas bring crews from around the world to Narragansett Bay.
Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire
Cruises across Lake Winnipesaukee reach peak activity in July, with scenic views drawing visitors daily. Town museums and the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society focus their summer programs on steamboats and life in the 19th to 20th centuries. The scenic railroad starts in June with vintage shoreline rides.
Mark Crawley, Wikimedia Commons
Galveston, Texas
The Pleasure Pier operates at full capacity during summer, with ride activity highest in late July. Schlitterbahn's ticket sales also rise sharply. To keep beaches clear, the city increases seasonal seaweed cleanup, which helps maintain swimmable shorelines during the hottest weeks of the year.
Savannah, Georgia
Ghost tours reach their highest bookings in July, with routes weaving through colonial alleys and historic cemeteries. Along the riverfront, weekly art markets feature handmade goods and local foods. The summer jazz series brings live music to squares and shaded patios throughout the city.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fills its calendar with special summer events, including outdoor concerts. At Edgewater Beach, crowd monitoring data confirms record attendance on holiday weekends. The Guardians' home games draw strong numbers, especially during fireworks nights that follow Friday matchups.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Lottery applications for synchronous firefly viewing reach capacity within days each summer. Hiking access to Chimney Tops becomes more popular in dry spells, and bear sighting reports increase in park logs between June and August. Campgrounds stay consistently full during this warm season.
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Spirit Lake becomes a summer center for fireworks and music. July brings surging boat launch permits on Lake Okoboji. Arnold's Park Amusement Park sees its highest seasonal traffic at that time. Fireworks over West Lake cap Independence Day with crowds packing the shoreline hours before dusk.
Skywayman at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons
Omaha, Nebraska
Downtown farmers' markets stretch for blocks through late August by offering baked goods and handmade items. At the Henry Doorly Zoo, extended hours and shaded exhibits keep crowds engaged. June's College World Series brings a significant surge in visitors by packing stadiums and hotels citywide.
en:User:Cburnett, Wikimedia Commons
Mystic, Connecticut
Mystic Seaport attracts a large crowd in the summer by offering maritime history exhibits and engaging dockside events. Families visit the nearby aquarium, which features seasonal outdoor programs. Warm-weather weekends fill the town's historic downtown, where shops and seafood restaurants face the river.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Free concerts at the Rehoboth Beach bandstand stretch through summer by drawing nightly crowds. Shops along the boardwalk stay open late to cater to visitors enjoying mild evenings. With highs in the 80s and daily lifeguard coverage, it remains one of Delaware's most popular summer escapes.
Patrick Nouhailler's…, Wikimedia Commons
Waikiki, Hawaii
Waikiki draws steady summer crowds with its wide beaches and views of Diamond Head. Catamaran cruises and outrigger canoe rides fill the shoreline, while nightly hula shows bring visitors to Kuhio Beach Park. Peak travel occurs in July, supported by full hotel capacity.
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
Located along Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes offers 15 miles of summer-ready beaches. July sees ranger programs expand and camping demand peaks. The park's dune trails provide scenic views, and nearby towns host outdoor concerts and events that draw weekend crowds from Chicago and beyond.
Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Red River Gorge fills with rock climbers and hikers each summer, especially in the Natural Bridge area. Cool creek swimming holes and scenic campsites bring in families. Visitor centers report the highest foot traffic in July, which coincides with wildflower blooms and guided geology walks.
Natchez, Mississippi
Food and music festivals fill the Natchez summer calendar by drawing regional visitors with barbecue and blues. Historic homes open their gardens for tours and evening events. From bluff-top parks, people watch steamboats pass below, a view that becomes part of the city's warm-weather rhythm each year.
Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Panoramic views from Lake Tahoe's east shore give way to scenic trails and paddleboard races each summer. Concerts by the water pull in evening crowds. By mid-morning in July, state parks like Sand Harbor reach capacity, and boat rentals along the Nevada shoreline are in full swing.
Blake Everett Carroll, Wikimedia Commons
Medora, North Dakota
The town of Medora anchors summer tourism in North Dakota. It borders Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where bison sightings and canyon trails top visitor lists. Each night, the Medora Musical fills an outdoor amphitheater with cowboy songs and fireworks against the backdrop of the prairie sky.
NPS/Mark Hoffman, Wikimedia Commons
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Civil War-era buildings at Harpers Ferry become part of ranger-led tours each summer. Hikers climb to overlooks of the Potomac River and join segments of the Appalachian Trail. On the water, tubing and rafting fill the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, especially during holiday weekends in July.
Cape May, New Jersey
Victorian house tours fill quickly in summer, with groups walking through brightly painted homes and preserved parlors. Whale-watching boats also operate daily in July, timed to coincide with feeding activity off the coast. The Cape May–Lewes Ferry sees a passenger spike during the same window.
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile draws long visitor lines in the summer, especially around lunchtime. Nearby, bison tours across the Tallgrass Prairie operate on regular shuttles. Osage Nation events, including cultural performances and crafts markets, expand the town's draw during the warmer months.
Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons
Pipestone National Monument, Minnesota
Live quarrying demonstrations take place daily at Pipestone in summer, showing how sacred stone is still carved. Cultural festivals draw Dakota artists and educators to the site. Trails through native tallgrass prairie offer quiet views and link historic markers tied to ceremonial practices.
Michaelzamboni, Wikimedia Commons
Fairbanks, Alaska
Midnight sun baseball games, played without artificial lights, highlight Fairbanks' summer identity. Paddleboard and kayak rentals on the Chena River rise in July when water levels stabilize. Late August marks the start of aurora-watching tours, timed to coincide with the return of darker skies to the region.
