Are you looking for the best places to visit in July in the USA? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

If you’re searching for the best places to visit in July in the USA, then you’re going to find all the inspiration you need on this list!

Whether you’re looking for beach escapes or city breaks – this list of the best places to visit in July in the USA has a little bit of everything, for every type of vacation.

So let’s get into it!


Here’s our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA!


Oahu, HI

Hawaii remains one of the best places to visit in July in the USA, but there’s something particularly charming about Oahu.

Rainfall is low in July, so you can spend endless afternoons relaxing on the beaches and taking in the stunning local attractions. Explore the depths of the crystal-clear waters on a snorkeling tour, or visit Paradise Cove for traditional Hawaiian activities – a Luau, anyone? It’s an obvious choice for the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Don’t leave without going on Admiral Warbird’s Adventure. Allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Pearl Harbor, you’ll be able to fly the same routes that Japanese pilots used to attack this historical area.

Oh, and the Honolulu Surf Film Festival should be running during your stay if you’re here from mid-late July – that’s right, culture abounds here in Oahu! A great choice the for best places to visit in July in the USA!


Lake Tahoe, CA

Lake Tahoe is one of our favorite places to visit in July in the USA, as it perfectly balances water activities with dazzling trails and biking opportunities.

Thanks to the incredible weather seen in California in July, you’ll be able to bask in the sun as you hike the Rubicon Trail or bike up to Old Echo Summit. 

If you’d like to hit the water, South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay are both beautiful areas that you should explore. Whether you’re a kayak fan or an avid paddleboarder, you should be able to safely have fun on the water.

Should you be around on the 4th of July, keep an eye out for the annual fireworks display. They’re big, bold, and very American! This is an epic choice for the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Read more about Lake Tahoe: 18 fun things to do in Incline Village near Lake Tahoe


Sequoia National Park, CA

Next on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA, it’s Sequoia National Park.

Ah, Sequoia National Park. Known for its beautiful forests, nature trails, and wildlife-spotting opportunities, it remains one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Explore the Giant Forest, Moro Rock Trail, and Kings Canyon before heading to the General Sherman Tree for a glimpse at one of the largest (and oldest, at over 2000 years-old!) sequoia trees in the world. It’s not hard to see why this makes our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Don’t leave without checking out the underground Crystal Cave to see its incredible rock formations and flowing streams!

Read more California travel inspiration: 20 incredible things to do in Southern California


Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe is next on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Boasting warm hot springs and incredible downtown area, we just had to include Santa Fe on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA!

Look out for the incredible Santa Fe Wine Festival while you’re here; as New Mexico is known for its vineyards and wineries, it’d be rude not to stop by. 

The Santa Fe Bandstand also runs during this period, and you can dance the night away across an almost 2-month period if you wish! Our top tip? Invest in great dancing shoes.

You should also visit Santa Fe Plaza for Miguel Chapel and the Palace of Governors, before indulging your historical side at the New Mexico History Museum.

If you’re an art fan, then the Museum of International Folk Art is not to be missed! It’s pretty obvious why this place makes our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Editorial credit: Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

Grand Teton National Park, WY

Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

It’s warm and sunny here in July, so there will be tourists around. However, it’s expansive enough to give you space to swim in the lakes, hit the water in a kayak, or head along the trails.

You’ll want to explore the Leigh Lake trail while you’re here as it leads to Mount Moran (you’ll get incredible views from here by the way!), and it’s worth foregoing a lodge for a more rustic camping experience if you’re looking to undertake a true wilderness explorer expedition!

A great choice for the best places to visit in July in the USA, especially if you love the great outdoors.


Door Country, WI

Next on our list of the top places to visit in July in the USA, it’s Door Country. If you’ve never visited Wisconsin, then we recommend scoping out Door Country to give you an excellent introduction to the state.

This area has long been a prime vacation spot for sun seekers, and boasts a selection of beaches, 19 picturesque villages, and excellent views of Lake Michigan. To make the most of your trip, we recommend exploring the shoreline along Lake Michigan in a Kayak, before heading to Peninsula State Park for hiking.

A great option for the best places to visit in July in the USA, especially if you’re the active type.

When night falls, head to one of the many villages for a bite to eat and a delicious cocktail. Perfectly relaxed and totally low-pressure, this is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA if you need to unwind.


Chicago, IL

Next on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA, it’s Chicago. July is when things (finally) start heating up in Chicago.

So put your thermals back in the wardrobe, and head over to Chicago to enjoy summer in this stunning city. It truly is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA, because it’s an amazing place to explore in the sunshine.

Think about all the wonderful parks, the riverfront, the concrete beach, the rooftop bars – Chicago is a city that was made for summertime! A perfect choice for the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Read more about Chicago: 20 of the best desserts in Chicago, you have to try!


Sonoma Country, CA

If you’re a total wine aficionado, then you’ll just love the next spot on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA. Home to over 400 wineries over 18 regions, this area is the place to be for wine tastings.

Sip chardonnays or indulge in a hearty pinot noir while you take in the gorgeous scenery around you in Sonoma Country. It’s total bliss – trust us!

While you’re here, enjoy the area’s many farm-to-table restaurants. Thanks to the incredible local ingredients, you can expect fresh dishes that make the most of seasonal picks.

Speaking of local ingredients, visit the large farmers markets for artisanal cheeses, arts and crafts, and fresh produce! With so much food and drink to sample, this is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA for gastronomic delights!

Read more California travel inspiration: 12 scenic small towns in California you should visit


Baltimore, MD

Next on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA, it’s Baltimore. Although Southern cities can get toasty during the summertime, Baltimore manages to remain palatable in July. With lovely sunshine, but not too much humidity.

One of the things that makes Baltimore one of the best places to visit in July in the USA is its incredible seafood (it’s one of the things Baltimore is best known for!). As the city is located right on the waterfront, you’ll have your pick of incredible oysters, succulent crabs, and other fishy fare!

Explore the best of American history at the many museums (the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is particularly poignant) and check out the fascinating Historic Ships exhibition and Fort McHenry for a glimpse into 19th-century military history.

When you’ve had your fill of culture, head to Federal Hill Park and Lexington Market for a bite to eat and a relaxing chill-out session. Do you see why it’s one of the best places to visit in July in the USA? We thought so.


Grand County, CO

Grand County is our next suggestion for places to visit in July in the USA. If you’re on the hunt for somewhere that’s completely serene during the summer months, you’ll want to check out Grand County.

Unlike larger areas like Boulder and Denver, Grand County sees fewer tourists year-round, but offers equally beautiful landscapes and mountain views. 

We highly recommend visiting the Grand Lake and taking a kayak out on the water. If you’d like to spot some local wildlife, check out Rocky Mountain National Park’s many trails! It’s one of the top places to visit in July in the USA for landscape lovers!

Whether you want to have a dedicated, nature-loving vacation or prefer to learn about the area at the local museums, there’s plenty to do in Grand County that makes it one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.


Panama City Beach, FL

Travelers to Florida that are looking for something other than Orlando’s theme parks will love Panama City Beach. Boasting over 27 miles of beachfront, Panama City Beach offers infinite spots for sunbathing and is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA! 

Although the beaches are the main draw here, you’ll also be able to check out Shell Island for local wildlife, and the SkyWheel for excellent views of the area.

If you’d like a break from the natural beauty, head to Pier Park for shopping, dining, and movies! It’s a great choice for the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Read more about Florida: Where can you find the clearest beach water in Florida?


Route 66, IL to CA

Next on our list of places to visit in July in the USA… It’s Route 66. Okay, so we may be cheating slightly by including Route 66 on our list of the best places to visit in July in the USA (it does span multiple states, after all!).

However, if you’re looking to take the trip of a lifetime this July, then it’s an excellent option. 

To make this happen, make sure you have a sturdy car and prepare to stop at several diners, historical hotspots, and natural sites across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, California, and Texas.

It’s a tough and tiring trip, but it remains one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.


Finger Lakes, NY

Located in New York State, the Finger Lakes are one of the best places to visit in July in the USA for a summer vacation.

Not only does it boast incredible wineries (the Cayuga Lake Wine Trails offers you access to the best ones around!), but you’ll also be able to visit several beauty spots while here. This is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in July in the USA.

Explore the gorgeous Taughannock and Buttermilk Falls before taking time to marvel at the Corning Museum of Glass and The Strong Museum of National Play if you’re here with the kiddos.

With such varied things to do, the Finger Lakes deserve a spot on anyone’s list of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Read more about the Finger Lakes: Our ultimate guide to The Finger Lakes


Marquette, MI

There are several touristy spots in Michigan that you can visit, but we highly recommend adding the quieter Marquette to your list of the best places to visit in July in the USA this year.

Known for its incredible trails, mild temperatures, and great outdoor activities, it’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves the Great Outdoors.

Oh – and don’t miss the incredible exhibitions at De Vos Art Museum or the Marquette Regional History Museum if you’re new to the area! It’s a great option for places to visit in July in the USA.


Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Considered one of the most picturesque towns in California, Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

While you’re here, hit up the many beaches before collapsing into one of the waterfront restaurants for a cool cocktail and hearty bite to eat. 

For sensational views, we absolutely love the Scenic Road Walkway and Garrapata State Park. If you’re after something more unique, visit the famous Carmelo Mission or head on the famous 17-mile drive that covers The Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay Beach! 

Whatever you choose to do here, you’re sure to think that it’s one of the best places to visit in July in the USA.

Read more about Carmel: Top 20 things to do in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Editorial credit: DiegoMariottini / Shutterstock.com

Hopefully this list of the best places to visit in July in the USA has given you loads of trip ideas!