The 50 Best Summer Vacations in America

There are trips taken between May and September and then there are iconic, star-spangled, spectacular summer va-cays. These are the ones that have been a tried-and-true favorite for generations or just happen to show off something especially unique about summer in America. Think about the first type of trip that would pop into your head if someone from another country asked you "what type of summer vacations do you guys take?" and you've got a good idea about what type of trips we're talking about. Click on the slideshow to begin the summer adventure.

You've talked about the trip all school year. It may have even been dangled as a carrot to encourage good behavior from the kids (of all ages) in the house. Then, finally, school is out for summer and it's time to pack the car up or go to the airport to head to Orlando and the most magical place in the world: Walt Disney World. Nothing quite comes close to the rush of seeing Cinderella's Castle for the first time and that's just the start of the lifelong memories you'll make with Mickey and friends at this iconic resort.

Arguably the most spectacular 600 miles of highway in the nation, spending a week road-tripping between San Francisco and San Diego is the highlight of hundreds of summers each year. In addition to a cornucopia of quintessentially Californian coastlines, lovely inland landscapes and delicious diversions, highlights include Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and of course Los Angeles and surrounding beach towns.

Only California and Alaska have more national parks within their state lines than Utah and getting to know this glorious quintet will leave you gobsmacked. Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, Arches, Bryce Canyon and Zion all have their own distinct personality and will have you thinking about them all through the fall.

From windswept Sandy Hook in the north to handsome Cape May in the South and dozens of vibrant seaside spots in between, the Jersey Shore is synonymous with summer in America. Bounce between beach towns for a week or two to find your favorite.

Summer is the season for outdoor concerts and one of the all-time great musical experiences is to follow your favorite artist around to a few of their gigs. Or, just put together a road trip that features impressive outdoor venues and watch whoever happens to be performing. Either way, you'll make musical memories for a lifetime.

Summer is the most popular time to head north, with the mild weather and light nights making for an unforgettable experience. Fishing, wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities are all even more fun under the midnight sun and it's also prime time to enjoy the state's natural splendor from the windows of the Alaska Railroad or inside Denali National Park.

This quaint, car-free island on the straits between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan waits all year for summer, and when it arrives, the isle truly comes alive. A summer vacation spent biking, hiking and meandering on Mackinac Island will leave you refreshed and ready to take on autumn and winter.

For well over a century now, travelers have been welcomed in by ranches in the West to show them the ropes while also letting them experience a little rest and relaxation. A good ranch stay will involve you in day-to-day life while also making sure you get plenty of time to explore the rugged landscape on your own.

Summer presents the best opportunity to get deep into the backcountry of this breathtaking place in northern Montana. Hike the trails to take in aquamarine lakes, pay your respects to the ever-diminishing glaciers and cruise down the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which might pack more jaw-dropping scenery per mile than any other road in America.

Nags Head, Okracoke, Duck, Kill Devil Hills, Buxton, it doesn't really matter where you stay, the Outer Banks of North Carolina are peak summer. Spend a few days sunbathing on the sand, floating in a pool or fishing from a pier and feasting on fresh seafood at night. Then, retrace the steps of the Wright Brothers at the national monument that bears their name.

America's first national park is still the most legendary in the land. Visit in summer to spot the most diverse range of wildlife of the year in addition to having full access to all of Yellowstone's best outdoor activities (hiking, fishing, biking, etc ). Sure, the crowds are thickest in June, July and August, but stay late into the evening and you'll have much more of this park's breathtaking landscapes to yourself.

If there's one national park that can compete with Yellowstone, it's Yosemite. Take in the vistas of some of the park's most famed icons (El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall and Half Dome) basking under the summer sun from Tunnel View, meander down the Merced River in a raft and spot wildflowers in the Tuolumne Meadows, which is only accessible in summer.

You have to gaze upon the Grand Canyon once in your life and while summer brings warm temperatures and the biggest crowds, you can't beat the buzz of the season in the park. Wake up early to avoid the heat and catch the sunrise over the canyon's rusty red rocks, go rafting on the Colorado River and join tours to explore the furthest reaches of the park, which are more plentiful in peak season.

With the kids out of school, there's no better time to get the family back together and catch up-and after the last 18 months, there are lots of overdue reunions. Have your travel advisor set you up with a house on the beach, beside the lake, or in the mountains and spend the week swapping stories at the swimming pool, picnic table or around the campfire.

A tradition since the late 1800s, Frontier Days is the highlight of Western summer vacations for hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. Travel to Cheyenne for the rodeo, rides, concerts and authentic taste of life in the Old West.

There's no doubt that winter can be rough in these parts, but once the sun shines on the water and the mercury rises, these heavenly bodies of water come alive. Summer vacations here feature cruises on the lakes, canoeing, swimming and enjoying alfresco wine tasting at the Finger Lakes' many wineries.

You don't even have to be the biggest baseball fan in the world to be swept off your feet by the summer fun you'll experience bouncing between bleacher seats during a Major League ballpark road trip. Or, stick to minor league stadiums for an even more family-friendly, affordable experience.

As American as apple pie, state fairs are the signature summer event in a large swath of the country. Building your summer trip around experiencing one of these fun-filled, deep-fried festivals (or visiting multiple fairs over a week) is sure to be an unforgettable vacation experience for the whole family.

Sure, Niagara looks swell coated in ice and snow, but nothing tops being cooled off by its mists on a warm summer day or gazing upon the almost-guaranteed rainbows that appear when the sun shines through the spray.

A summer vacation spent retracing the steps of our most valiant Civil Rights crusaders will prove to be informative, emotional and rewarding. The United States Civil Rights Trail lists over 100 locations in 15 states that played a pivotal role in the quest for equality, so create your own itinerary and discover stories you never knew about Civil Rights in America.

One of the Midwest's premier summer playgrounds, the LOTO makes for a great base for a lake-vacay. Rent a boat to take out on the water, go fishing, frolic at the waterpark, and play old-school skeeball at the Bagnell Dam Strip. Then, head a couple of hours south to Branson to finish your Show-Me State vacation with even more family fun.

Make your way down Maryland's coast, exploring quaint waterfront towns and fishing villages along the way as you inch closer and closer to the summer mecca that is Ocean City. With its boardwalk, sandy beaches and myriad of amusements, this summer paradise provides one of the East Coast's most quintessential summer experiences.

The cool seaspray and stiff breezes of the state's coastline are a welcome relief from the heat come summer each year. The state owns over 300 miles of shoreline, with just a few of the summer vacation standouts being Cannon Beach and nearby Ecola State Park, Seaside, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and the beautiful landscapes surrounding the beach at Bandon.

Nothing says summer in New England quite like Cape Cod. Hit peak summer vacation with your toes tucked into the sand at the Cape's namesake national seashore before spending your evening under the stars at a drive-in movie theater.

Home to America's oldest Amish community, Lancaster County attracts those seeking a slower-paced and quieter summer vacation, and it has become one of Pennsylvania's most popular getaways. The kids will love the buggy rides and the wonderful Amish cooking which includes whoopie pies and soft pretzels.

There's no better time to dig into the American history on display in Philadelphia than the weeks before and after July 4th, making a summertime trip to the City of Brotherly Love one of the nation's most beloved seasonal traditions. Walk in the footsteps of the founding fathers at Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell up-close and personal before embarking on a trip to the Constitution Center, The Museum of the American Revolution, and the eye-opening President's House.

An equally fun sequel to the adventure in Philadephia-perhaps best suited for a summer or two afterward-is the summertime trip to our nation's capital. The list of sights to see is seemingly endless, with the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and myriad of Smithsonian museums being just the start of the DC delights.

Spending a week throwing a line can be just as relaxing as one spent sitting on the beach or by the lapping shores of a lake. Plus, there's the added bonus of being able to grill up your catch on an open fire under the summer stars.

From the windswept dunes of Cape Henlopen State Park to the boardwalk of Rehoboth Beach and down to Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island, Delaware's Beaches turn into a summer's dream each May to September.

Waterparks, beaches, mini-golf, family-friendly theater and the sensational Skywheel that towers over the Atlantic. This is Myrtle Beach in summer and year after year it's one of America's best places to be between May and September.

Summer is the season for traversing the width and breadth of the East Coast's most stunning national park. Summer temperatures are relatively mild in Acadia, so spend your vacation hitting the hiking trails and cycling on the park's network of "carriage trails" to take in the best scenery and if a heatwave strikes, then make for gorgeous Sand Beach.

Renowned for its caramel-colored beaches and immaculate golf courses, Hilton Head is one of the nation's most handsome summer towns. Hilton Head's Harbour Town and its evocative lighthouse have been the setting for millions of cherished childhood memories over the years, with many of those same kids returning one day with their own children.

Baseball at Wrigley Field. A never-ending list of food festivals. Navy Pier. Shedd Aquarium. An astounding array of parks and museums. Beaches on Lake Michigan. Lollapolooza. Yes, summer sizzles in Chicago and the city can more than fill your to-do list on a week's summer vacation.

One of Colorado's premier winter playgrounds transforms into an outdoor lover's paradise each summer. Summer vacations here feature wildflower-filled hikes in the Roaring Fork Valley, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and a myriad of summer festivals.

You'll find it hard to believe that there's such a thing called "lake effect snow" when you're kayaking at Michigan's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Wisconsin's Apostle Islands. Ditto for the concept of the region's most famous football field being nicknamed the "frozen tundra" when you're whiling away your summer vacation at one of the powdery sweeps of beach that line Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes.

Summertime is when the wonder that is Mount Rainier NP sparkles the brightest. You won't believe how many wildflowers you will see on the nature trails, as mid-summer is the peak season for these vibrant showstoppers. In addition, the park's waterfalls are at their best in summer and it's the only season to take hot air balloon rides.

Spend your summer vacation learning all about Colonial-era America at the nation's most outstanding living history museum. The kids will be amazed as history comes alive right before their eyes at the myriad of interactive attractions, carriage rides and during musical performances of the Fifes & Drums.

The Smoky Mountains certainly look splendid in autumn, spring and winter, but the area teems with life and owns a long list of fun things to do during summer. Choose an active vacation by tackling sections of the Appalachian Trail or just spend your week taking scenic drives that finish with picnics and waterfall viewing.

Along with nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge serves as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, and it's here where you'll find a full supply of iconic summer vacation experiences. Mini-golf, aerial tramways, laser tag, mountain adventure parks, and fun, family-friendly shows. This is also the home of Dollywood, where you'll find the most smiles-per-mile in the Smokies.

One of the nation's most cherished landmarks, Mount Rushmore is the perfect finale for a summer vacation spent in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Explore Deadwood and the Badlands before meeting up with the stone faces of Jefferson, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington to make memories that will stick with you for a lifetime.

Nothing says summer vacation in the Old Dominion like pedaling a beach cruiser down the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. Mix in a full roster of fun activities and amusements and a solid beachfront and it's no surprise the town is one of the nation's most popular beach getaways.

Plenty of New Yorkers head Upstate or make for the beaches of the Hamptons, but the nation loves to visit during summer vacation to experience a taste of the Big Apple. Spend a week taking selfies in Times Square, feasting on pizza-by-the-slice, going to the top of the Empire State Building, taking in Broadway shows and seeing Lady Liberty up close and you'll have enough travel stories to last you until next summer.

Over 200 miles of trails traverse Grand Teton National Park, getting summertime vacationers up-close to alpine mountain scenery, serene lakes and a diverse range of wildlife. Summer is also the best time to take a scenic float trip on the Snake River.

If you think it's too hot in the desert during summer to fully enjoy a trip to Vegas, I have two words for you: pool party. Las Vegas sizzles in the summer as Americans from all over the country converge on Las Vegas to dance with Lady Luck, take in the riveting shows, enjoy the free entertainment on the Strip and take day trips to Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston and even the Grand Canyon.

The only place in the United States where four states meet, visit the Four Corners on your summer vacation in order to stand in Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona at the same time. In addition to that quirk of geography, the broader region is also home to Monument Valley, Natural Bridges National Monument and Mesa Verde National Park.

A summer vacation spent in Key West often features adventures under the sea, fishing, swimming, exploring the colorful history of the island and sipping frozen concoctions at the multitude of characterful island bars. Sometimes all in the same day.

Join the throngs of Texans who visit San Antonio each summerr to explore the Alamo and the rest of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, stroll along the Riverwalk and get their adrenaline flowing at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Combine a trip here with a few days in nearby Hill Country to experience slightly cooler temperatures and some of Texas' most charming small towns.

When the mercury rises in the interior of the Lone Star Stae, locals head for the coast and Galveston is still one of the most popular locales. Spend your vacation days on the beach and super cool boardwalk and your nights enjoying admiring the local architecture before taking a lively ghost tour.

Boston brims with life between May and September, as the sun shines down upon the harbor and the city's green spaces fill up with locals enjoying the outdoors. Summer vacation here features a good dose of American history by way of the Freedom Trail, the historic ship USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides"), the Paul Revere House and nearby Plimoth Plantation. Throw in the chance to see the Red Sox play at Fenway and the fact that it's lobster roll season and you're set for the trip of a lifetime.

Wisconsin's dreamiest county, Door County is a wonderland of beaches, lakes, cottages, pristine state parks, and scores of islands. Spend your vacation finding your favorite stretch of the over 300 miles of coastline. Then, head across the state to Wisconsin Dells to get your feet wet at the region's famous waterparks and other fun family attractions.