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When June arrives, summer isn’t far behind (it officially kicks off on June 20th)—and in the U.S., it’s the perfect time to get a head start on the season. This time of year brings out longer daylight hours and vivid sunsets, lush trails full of active wildlife, and breezy waterfronts that truly put the "break" in "summer break."
Maybe the kids are finally out of school and itching for adventure, or you're ready to swap the office for a long-overdue road trip. Whatever your pace, these best places to travel in June in the U.S. offer a mix of natural, metropolitan, and cultural elements—like spotting wildlife in Glacier, gallery hopping in Santa Fe, biking the shores of Lake Geneva, or cooling off in the San Juan Islands. Which will be your top picks to ease into summer and savor the slower moments?
1. Bar Harbor, Maine (Cool)
Average temperature: 50°F - 75°FBar Harbor earns its spot as one of the best places to visit in the US in June thanks to its inviting balance of northeastern calm, remote natural beauty, and rich New England history. Found on Mount Desert Island, this coastal town is the main hub for exploring Acadia National Park’s glacier-carved peaks, panoramic ocean views, and refreshing trails.
In June the wildlife is active, the outdoor temps are perfect, and events like the Acadia Birding Festival and Art in the Park give a unique opportunity to experience local culture. Between kayaking Frenchman Bay, walking the historic Shore Path, and catching the first sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, it’s a destination for those that like a splash of adventure with their tranquility.
2. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (Mild & Relaxing)
Average temperature: 55°F - 80°FLake Geneva has been a summer escape for Chicagoans since the late 1800s, when city dwellers first started building grand estates along its shores. That legacy hasn’t faded, and in fact, has grown to attract visitors from all over. Today, this small Wisconsin town still feels like a seasonal retreat, with lakefront mansions, scenic boat tours, and a charming walkable downtown.
This Midwestern getaway is easily one of the best places to travel in the US in June, since this month is when Riviera Beach opens for the season, the lake is warm enough for paddleboarding, and there are exciting events like the recently debuted Bacon Fest.
3. Anchorage, Alaska (Cool & Scenic)
Average temperature: 50°F - 70°F
Most of the year, Anchorage feels off-limits with long cold, dark winters that are better left to the locals. But come June, things start to warm up as the city hits a short window of longer days, mild temps, and thriving landscapes. Glaciers, moose, and mountain trails are all within reach, and the city itself becomes more active with a lively downtown and summer festivals that deliver local food, music, and arts. If you want to catch Alaska at its most inviting, Anchorage is one of the best places to travel in the US in June.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico (Warm & Cultural)
Average temperature: 55°F - 85°FSanta Fe, New Mexico enters its peak tourism season in June as warm days, clear skies, and cool nights create the perfect setting to enjoy the city’s high-desert landscape—where Spanish-influenced adobe architecture blends naturally into mountainous terrain. Make the most of the fresh desert air by soaking in local hot springs, biking extensive trails, or hiking the conifer-heavy Santa Fe National Forest.
"The City Different" also serves up a one-of-a-kind art scene that ranges from the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to Meow Wolf’s otherworldly immersive exhibits. Santa Fe is also one of the best destinations to visit in June, thanks to a wide selection of standout events—like the Currents New Media Festival, Santa Fe Pride, and Balloons Over Angel Fire, a dramatic three-day display of hot air balloons set against the mountains.
5. Newport, Rhode Island (Mild & Elegant)
Average temperature: 60°F - 75°F
Newport, Rhode Island blends coastal elegance with historic charm, making it an ideal for a unhurried June escape. Stroll the iconic Cliff Walk, tour Gilded Age mansions, or fill up on a lobster roll after a breezy harbor cruise. The June calendar in this waterfront has many energetic events like the Newport Flower Show at Rosecliff and the citywide Pride Festival. With mild weather and ocean views around every corner, Newport makes slowing down feel like a luxury.
6. Portland, Oregon (Mild & Lush)
Average temperature: 55°F - 80°FIf your ideal summer trip includes inventive food, indie culture, and a satisfying selection of local craft beer, Portland might be the best place to visit in June in the US. The city’s food cart pods—like Lil’ America and Portland Mercado—offer everything from birria ramen to vegan Sri Lankan curry, but the culture goes beyond the plate.
You’ll find basement comedy shows, feminist film nights, DIY art galleries, and bookstores that double as community hubs for creative neighborhoods like Buckman and Alberta. The month also brings the Portland Rose Festival’s parades and PDX Beer Week.
7. Virginia Beach, Virginia (Warm & Beachy)
Average temperature: 65°F - 85°FVirginia Beach is a top pick for families seeking a summer getaway filled with sun, sand, and seaside fun. The city’s three-mile boardwalk is lined with kid-friendly attractions, including the Atlantic Fun Park, which features rides and games midway games. You’ll also find mini-golf, nearby waterparks, and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, where young visitors can explore marine life exhibits and touch stingrays. June is the perfect time to take advantage of the seasonal action, as the crowds are more manageable, but the weather is still warm and inviting.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Mild & Majestic)
Average temperature: 40°F - 75°FIf you want wild beauty before the summer crowds roll in, June is the sweet spot in Jackson Hole. Trails are open and wildlife is everywhere with grizzlies, bison, elk, moose, even bald eagles flourishing throughout the area.
Beyond hiking and rafting on the Snake River, you can take a scenic tram ride up Rendezvous Mountain, browse art galleries downtown, or soak in a natural hot spring. Stays range from rustic-chic cabins to high-end lodges with mountain views and easy access to the parks. With all this packed into one stunning valley, it’s easy to see why Wyoming is considered by many to be America’s best state to visit in June.
9. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware (Warm & Relaxing)
Average temperature: 65°F - 85°FRehoboth Beach blends small-town coastal charm with feel-good friendliness, making it a best beach vacation in June. The wide, clean beaches catch the first strong sun of the season, while the boardwalk keeps up the energy with arcades, ice cream counters, and old-school rides. Away from the sand, you’ll find local breweries, the Rehoboth Art League’s outdoor exhibits, and bike trails weaving through Cape Henlopen State Park.
10. Glacier National Park, Montana (Mild & Wild)
Average temperature: 40°F - 70°F
For summer campers looking to beat the peak-season crowds and still catch Glacier National Park at its most wild, plan a trip during the first weeks of June. While some higher-elevation trails and roads may still be closed due to snow, lower campgrounds typically open by late May, giving tent and RV campers a head start. Waterfalls run heavy, wildlife is active, and the crisp mountain air gives a nice escape from the rest of the country’s heat. If you’re looking to pitch a tent in one of the best places to visit in early June, set Glacier National Park on your must-camp list.
11. Chicago, Illinois (Warm & Lively)
Average temperature: 65°F - 85°FJune is when Chicago comes alive as festivals fill the parks and the city’s cultural calendar kicks into high gear. Music lovers can catch the Chicago Blues Festival, foodies can find flavor at the Taste of Randolph, and baseball buffs can catch a Cubs or Sox game. Whether you’re into jazz, dipped Italian beef sandwiches, or snapping a sunny photo at The Bean, it’s no wonder why the Windy City is among America’s top places to go on vacation in June.
12. Olympic National Park, Washington (Cool & Diverse)
Average temperature: 45°F - 70°FYou don’t need to jet to the Amazon to see a lush rainforest. Instead, visit Olympic National Park to experience one of North America’s only temperate rainforests, surrounded by alpine ridges, wildflower meadows, and an ever-changing coastline. From the moss-covered trails of the Hoh Rain Forest to the tidepools along Rialto Beach, it’s a haven for hikers, campers, and photographers who seek dramatic contrasts and lots of color.
June is the ideal time to visit the Pacific Northwest, since the weather’s cool and the scenery is vivid. Keep in mind that campgrounds fill up fast this time of year, so if you want to experience a best place to visit in June in the USA, you’ll want to reserve early.
13. Block Island, Rhode Island (Mild & Serene)
Average temperature: 55°F - 75°F
When people wonder where to vacation in June, Block Island rarely tops the list… but that’s exactly what makes it special. Just 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, this tiny island is often overshadowed by larger New England destinations. However, its Victorian-era charm, 17 miles of beaches, and zero stoplights, it’s a quiet throwback to simpler times.
Visitors can bike between lighthouses, kayak the Great Salt Pond, or lounge on Crescent Beach without big crowds. June is the month to plan your Block Island trip, since it’s warm enough to swim and explore, but calm enough to feel like it’s your secret hideout.
14. San Juan Islands, Washington (Cool & Tranquil)
Average temperature: 50°F - 70°F
Another reason Washington is among the best states to visit in June 2025? The San Juan Islands. Accessible by ferry or seaplane, this quiet archipelago offers misty mornings, forested trails, and some of the best whale-watching in the country.
In June 2025, visitors can look forward to seasonal favorites like the San Juan Islands Artists’ Studio Tour, the Three Lakes Triathlon and San Juan Island Marathon, and the Orcas Island Summer Solstice Parade & Celebration.
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