12 Best Places to Visit in the US in July

Summer in America hits full throttle in July with beaches in their prime on all coasts, Independence Day celebrations lighting up the skies, outdoor concerts, and breezy patio hangs. National parks also come alive this time of year, offering peak access to wildflower blooms, wildlife sightings, and trails for a properly picturesque day hike.

Whether you’re lounging in a hammock soaking up that salty air, road-tripping for a long weekend, or sneaking off-grid to unwind at a quiet campground, this is the season for relaxing at your own pace. But with so many destinations competing for your attention, narrowing down your travel options can feel like a lot. So, if you’re wondering about the best places to travel to in July in the US, start with these 12 suggestions favored by locals and curious globetrotters alike.

12 Best Places to Visit in July in the US

1. Traverse City, Michigan (Mild)

Average temperature: 60°F - 80°F

Tucked along the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City earns its reputation as one of the most surprising places to visit in America in July. This hidden gem of a lakeside town comes alive during the National Cherry Festival—a weeklong celebration of Michigan’s beloved fruit featuring a carnival, live music, air shows, a parade, and pie-eating contests. For couples or families craving natural splendor, the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes offer sweeping views and a chance to climb some of the tallest sand dunes in the Midwest. You can set sail into the bay’s glimmering waters or kick back to live entertainment easily found downtown.

2. Asheville, North Carolina (Warm)

Average temperature: 65°F - 85°F

If you’re chasing southern culture with a side of mountain air, Asheville, NC, is one of the coolest US places to visit in July 2025. This arts-driven city in western North Carolina blends historic charm with the geographic beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. July brings a welcome break from the humid Southern heat thanks to misty morning hikes, cooler temps, and the occasional mountain rain shower. Don’t miss the Shindig on the Green, an open-air celebration of Appalachian music and dance that fills Pack Square Park with banjos, ballads, and picnicking. For more grandeur, the Biltmore Estate delivers with gardens, trails, and tasting rooms spread across a former Gilded Age mansion.

3. Aspen, Colorado (Cool)

Average temperature: 50°F - 75°F

Aspen, CO, is most well-known as a wintry ski destination, but it’s got a completely different feel for the summer that is just as inviting. The surrounding Roaring Fork Valley offers flower-filled hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, fly fishing, or even horseback riding with vibrant alpine views. Downtown Aspen is just as scenic, with exciting boutiques and a strong culinary scene. Over at Snowmass Village, slopes turn into an open-air playground with bike trails, concerts, and 4th of July celebrations that serve a unique blend of summer-meets-ski-resort.

4. Austin, Texas (Hot)

Average temperature: 75°F - 95°F

Austin, TX, earns its place on any list of places to travel in the US in July with its unbeatable blend of music, vibrant arts scene, and true Texas summer heat. Independence Day here is a whole event as locals flock to Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic for live country music while the Austin Symphony’s H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks lights up the night at Vic Mathias Shores. The temps can be intense, so a big hat, lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and water breaks are a must. It’s always smart to stay somewhere with a pool or plan a cool-down dip at Barton Springs Pool or Deep Eddy. When things cool off in the evening, take a walk through South Congress, grab some hearty Tex-Mex tacos, or hop into a honky-tonk for two-stepping and live music.

5. Burlington, Vermont (Mild)

Average temperature: 60°F - 80°F

Lake towns don’t get much better than Burlington, VT, especially in the summer. Set along the edge of Lake Champlain, Burlington offers breezy kayaking, bike rides by the water, and one of the best craft beer events of the season: the Vermont Brewers Festival at Waterfront Park. Strolling Church Street is a great way to explore the town, as the historic downtown offers live music, indie bookstores, and creemees—a soft-serve maple syrup swirl that’s a Vermont summer staple. For a mellow Northeast getaway with local flavor, it’s one of the top US places to visit in July.

6. Moab, Utah (Hot)

Moah, Utah
Average temperature: 70°F - 100°F

Outdoor adventure is the reason to spend your summer in Moab, Utah. While you should be prepared for serious heat during the day, you can cool off with a rafting trip down the Colorado River or explore shaded canyons filled with petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. At Arches National Park, Delicate Arch earns its fame—especially at sunset—while nearby trails offer chances to spot bighorn sheep or golden eagles. With so much land and nature, Moab is one the best places to travel in US in July for all those looking to disconnect in the red rock wild.

7. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Warm)

Average temperature: 65°F - 85°F

Once a hub for steel and industry, Pittsburgh now thrives with tech startups, universities, and a nationally recognized food scene—all layered over its historical roots. July is the perfect month to cruise the three rivers aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet or join the pickle-loving crowds at Picklesburgh, the city’s beloved food fest. Cool off in one of the city’s many museums, from the Andy Warhol Museum to the Carnegie Science Center. There are also many unique neighborhoods to explore, each with its own personality—such as the academic vibe of Oakland, the energetic hospitality of The Strip District, or the trendy nature of Lawrenceville.

8. Door County, Wisconsin (Mild)

Average temperature: 60°F - 80°F

Known for its charming waterfront towns, cherry orchards, and historic lighthouses, Door County, WI, is one of the best places to visit in July. United States travelers flock here for warm-weather adventures on the Lake Michigan shore. Paddle through underwater caverns at Cave Point or kayak on the calm waters near Peninsula State Park. Beyond Independence Day celebrations, Door County has many one-of-kind events to check out in July, including the Door County Triathlon and the Door County Plein Air Festival, where artists paint the landscape in the fresh air. Add in boutique shopping, fresh-caught fish boils, and quiet beach sunsets, and you’ve got a well-rounded summer escape.

9. Taos, New Mexico (Warm)

Toas, New Mexico — Image sourced from Shutterstock

Average temperature: 55°F - 85°F

With high-desert landscapes and vibrant Southwestern culture, New Mexico is one of the best US states to visit in July—and Taos stands out as a gem in The Land of Enchantment. Framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this cultural outpost offers striking landscapes with cooler summer temps than much of the Southwest. From adobe architecture and centuries-old pueblos to its vibrant arts scene, Taos brings together Indigenous heritage, local history, and creative energy like few other places. In July, don’t miss the Taos Ski Valley Arts Festival, a celebration of regional talent set against mountain views.

10. Camden, Maine (Cool)

Average temperature: 55°F - 78°F

Camden, ME, is one of the best US cities to visit in July if you’re looking to beat the heat. Ocean breezes, classic New England charm, and postcard-worthy views make it a storybook coastal retreat. Set sail on a schooner tour, watch fireworks burst over Camden Harbor on the 4th, or enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Beyond the harbor, hike up Mount Battie for sweeping views of Penobscot Bay. If you’re up for a small adventure, head to the nearby town of Rockland at the end of the month for the Maine Lobster Festival.

11. Finger Lakes, New York (Mild)

Average temperature: 60°F - 82°F

New York’s Finger Lakes region is known for its long, narrow glacial lakes, rolling vineyards, and small towns defined by warm hospitality. With over a dozen lakes to swim, paddle, and play in, it’s a summer favorite for nature lovers (especially those searching for waterfalls). Explore the Corning Museum of Glass or the Strong National Museum of Play, a hit with both kids and nostalgic adults. Relax with a glass at one of many wineries in the region or soak up local culture FLX Summer Fest at The Glen and the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival.

12. Block Island, Rhode Island (Mild)

Average temperature: 60°F - 75°F

Just 13 miles off the Rhode Island coast, Block Island is one of the more peaceful USA places to visit in July—but don’t let that fool you. July is one of its liveliest months, with a festive fireworks display, a quirky Christmas in July celebration at the docks, and ideal weather for beach days and bike rides. Spot nesting ospreys at the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, kayak the Great Salt Pond, or relax on miles of crowd-free shoreline. With no stoplights and a throwback coastal vibe, this summer destination still feels off the radar.

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