Places Perfect for a Trip in July

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Want to make the most of your summer vacation? I’m a travel expert here to share some of the best places to visit in the USA and abroad in July!

This is the perfect time to travel for festivals and events, whether it’s Independence Day celebrations stateside or something more far-flung. There are all kinds of outdoor adventures to be had, too. Hike through alpine meadows covered in flowers, surf whitewater rapids, or explore vibrant coral reefs.

You may have to brave the summer crowds in some places, but it will be worth it. Let’s get into the best places to visit in July.

Places to Visit in July in the USA

Washington DC

The nation’s capital has some of the best 4th of July celebrations in the country.

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It’s no surprise that Washington DC is one of the top places to visit in July. The 4th of July fireworks show is one of the most spectacular in the country. Other festivities include special tours of Mount Vernon, the former home of George Washington, and the annual A Capital Fourth concert. 

There are other great concerts throughout the month, such as the Capital Fringe Festival and the annual International Colombian Festival. Many of the biggest names in music will also include a stop in the DC area during their independent summer tours. 

Aside from festivals and concerts, July is also a great time to explore DC’s most famous monuments, museums, and other attractions. Also, keep an eye out for special 4th of July deals at local hotels, some of which are conveniently close to the National Mall.

Aspen, Colorado

This world-famous ski resort still has a lot going on at the height of summer.

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Everyone knows about Aspen’s unrivaled skiing, but there’s still plenty to do here once the snow has melted. You can easily spend all day (or more) hiking the trails here. Snowmass Mountain has some of the best mountain biking trails in the area. Disc golf is another popular summertime activity in Aspen.

Aspen also has excellent restaurants, boutique stores, and resorts. Snowmass Village hosts open-air concerts every Thursday evening throughout the summer. The Silver Queen Gondola still runs in the summer and is a great way to take in the stunning views.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Idaho/Montana

Take in the majestic beauty of America’s first national park.

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Yellowstone was the first of America’s many national parks and July is a great time to see it at its best. Buffalo (and many other kinds of wildlife) roam the park freely. Old Faithful sends steaming jets of water sky-high. Over 1000 miles of hiking trails wind their way through forests, along canyons, and up and down mountains.

Speaking of canyons, Yellowstone has its own Grand Canyon. It’s smaller than its namesake in Arizona but boasts breathtaking waterfalls. Yellowstone has plenty of beautiful geothermal pools, but most are not swimmable.

This park and nearby communities like Jackson Hole are also great places for Old West charm. Stagecoach tours take you back in time and old-fashioned cookouts rustle up authentic cowboy grub.

New Hampshire

Beaches, lakes, mountains, and cozy towns make New Hampshire ideal for a relaxing summer vacation.

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New Hampshire has a little bit of everything. The state may have less than 20 miles of coastline, but the beaches are fantastic. Forests, lakes, and picturesque small towns await eager adventurers further inland. The Lakes Region is one of the most popular places for boating and fishing.

The state has 48 peaks over 4000’ high and is home to the White Mountains, the most rugged mountains east of the Rockies. The most famous mountain in this range is Mount Washington. You could summit it on foot or, for an easier ascent, ride up on the cog railway.

New Hampshire also has plenty of amusement parks and waterparks are perfect for family vacations. The state also ranks as one of the safest, and the pace of life is generally slower and easygoing. If you need a break, New Hampshire is hard to beat.

Bend, Oregon

Bend is one of the best places to experience the inland side of the Pacific Northwest.

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Bend, Oregon embodies the best of the Pacific Northwest’s inland side. Snow-capped mountains soar skyward. Rushing rivers wind through dense forests. But there’s also a more arid, rocky side. The Three Sisters Wilderness is perfect for alpine and forest treks. Smith Rock State Park is the best place to see the desert beauty of the PNW. 

For some thrills, head to Bend’s Whitewater Park to raft or (if you have the skills) surf the rapids. The river has mellower areas that are ideal for a lazy float, too. The city is also home to the famous Deschutes Brewing Company, the perfect place to wind down a day of adventure.

Camping is always a blast, but I recommend checking out the hotels in Bend as well. Several break the mold of America’s rather cookie-cutter chain hotels. A favorite of mine is the outdoor-themed The LOGE, which bridges the gap between camping and hotels. It even has hammocks in its rooms, as well as beds.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Celebrate the 4th of July at the place where it all began.

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Philadelphia is a fantastic (and appropriate) place to visit in July. The City of Brotherly Love was the first major gathering place for the Founding Fathers. So, naturally, the Independence Day celebrations here are top-notch.

Several museums offer free admission between June 19th and the 4th of July. A variety of block parties take place in celebration of Independence Day. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are, of course, must-sees.

Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteak, but there’s a blossoming culinary scene offering much more than the trademark sandwich. There are also seasonal beer gardens in parks across the city offering a great place to kick back after a day of celebrations.

Montana

July is one of the best times to explore Montana’s many epic landscapes.

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Montana is hard to match when it comes to epic beauty. Many guides tell you to stay in Glacier National Park for a few days (which you should). I’d recommend making a state-wide road trip. Glacier National Park’s rugged mountains and pristine lakes are impressive, but there’s much more to Big Sky Country.

The rolling steppes to the east may seem empty, but that is the beauty of it. This is where you really get the sense of the “Big Sky.” The western end of the state is more rugged with narrow river valleys and dense forests, such as the Kootenai National Forest.

Montana has great campsites, some of which are even free. I’d also recommend you spend some time in Montana’s charming cities and towns.

Billings is the largest, with a population of just under 120,000. Stay in Missoula to experience one of my favorite cities in the state. Kalispell is a great gateway for Glacier National Park. Butte has a motherlode of mining-town history. You could also go on a scavenger hunt for ghost towns, which Montana has a wealth of.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Dense forests, lofty mountains, and tranquil beaches make Olympic National Park a perfect place to destress.

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Olympic National Park in Washington shows the best of the coastal side of the Pacific Northwest. If you want to spend a day at the beach minus the massive crowds, there are more than enough places to do that here. Further inland, lush rainforests cover much of the park. Further still, the gorgeous Olympic Mountains hold endless opportunities for adventure.

There are also several stunning lakes. The crown jewel of these is the sparkling, serene Lake Crescent. Olympic National Park even has hot springs at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.

There are lots of cozy small towns in the area around the park. Port Angeles, the largest, is the best jumping-off point for exploring the park and is charming enough to merit a visit of its own.  

Kodiak, Alaska

Venture a little further off the beaten path to discover a hidden gem – Alaska’s Emerald Isle.

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I may be a little biased, being from Kodiak, but I think it’s one of the best places in Alaska. July is when the weather is warmest and (hopefully!) sunniest. This is prime time for salmon fishing and exploring the many hiking trails around town.

Hit the beach at Pasagshak and then wind down the day at the Kodiak Island Brewery and Distillery. Fort Abercrombie State Park is great for forest treks and for World War II history. Several bunkers and pill boxes still keep watch over the cliffs of the park.

The Kodiak History Museum is a great place to learn more about the town’s unique blend of cultures. The Alutiiq Museum is the best place for unique and authentic souvenirs.

If you want to see sea lions, head to the end of the last dock at St. Herman Harbor on Near Island. They like to sun themselves on a special float separate from the docks. If one happens to pop up on the dock itself, give it a wide berth. They’re not docile and are surprisingly fast on land.

International Places to Visit in July

Oslo, Norway

White nights, urban sophistication, and steaming saunas await visitors to Norway’s capital city.

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Oslo is not quite far enough to the north to have a literal “midnight sun.” It does, though, get “white nights” where the sun briefly dips just below the horizon for an hour or two before rising again. This means more time to explore.

Norway’s capital teems with parks, museums, and art galleries. Highlights include museums dedicated to skiing, arctic exploration, and Edvard Munch (painter of The Scream – his name is pronounced more like moon-k). Should you need something to munch after visiting the Munch Museum, Oslo also has tons of great restaurants and cafes.

One of Oslo’s most unique attractions is its collection of floating saunas. Steam up, then take the plunge into the chilly waters of the Oslo Fjord. Some saunas even offer food and drinks.

Queensland, Australia

Experience a winter that is more like summer in the Land Down Under.

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Queensland, Australia’s northeastern state, is a must for July travels. It’s technically winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but you wouldn’t know it from the warm, dry weather.

This is a great time to explore the Great Barrier Reef or go surfing along the Gold Coast. You could also follow in Laura’s footsteps and take a road trip up the coast in a free campervan.

The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the perfect place to get an up-close look at one of Australia’s most famous animals. Back out at sea, humpback whales are often spotted as they migrate past Hervey Bay. If you’d rather go below the surface of the earth than of the waves, the caverns of the Undara Volcanic Park are the place to go.

Queensland also has great family-friendly activities such as SeaWorld and the cinema-themed amusement park Movie World. July also sees the annual Laura Dance Festival, a celebration of Aboriginal dances and culture.

Wales

Medieval castles, cozy towns, and Celtic culture make Wales a welcoming summer destination.

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Wales is one of the most charming corners of the United Kingdom, with more unique places to visit than most people realize.

Venerable castles dot the landscape. Cozy towns lie tucked between rolling green hills and low-lying mountains. The locals are proud of their unique and vibrant language and culture.

Wales is known as the “Land of Song,” famous for its choirs and traditional Celtic music. There are plenty of concerts throughout the country in July, featuring everything from choral to American Country (yes, you read that right). The annual Sesiwn Fawr festival celebrates Welsh (and world) music and is one of the most popular festivals in the country. 

Brecon Beacons National Park is one of the best places to go hiking in Wales. Wales also has an extensive railroad system featuring old-fashioned steam locomotives. You might not expect it from a country in the UK, but Wales also has some amazing beaches.

Montenegro

Visit one of the most overlooked, yet incredible countries in Europe

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Montenegro is one of the lesser-known European nations, but this is part of its charm. Leave the tourist traps far behind and discover one of the best hidden gems in the Balkans.

Montenegro, like its more visited neighbor Croatia, has fantastic beaches. They will be fairly crowded with locals but aren’t as well known to the outside world. The waters off Montenegro are warm and also remarkably clear, with visibility up to 56 meters.

The nation’s name means “Black Mountain” and there is plenty of alpine beauty awaiting further inland. Montenegro also has several striking alpine lakes (maybe too cold for swimming, though). The locals are hospitable, especially in the villages, and the country is safe despite the turbulent political history of the Balkans. 

Montenegro is also a great place for digital nomads, should you stay on a little longer. Food and other necessities are cheap compared to prices in America or Western Europe. 

Vietnam

Vibrant culture and unparalleled natural wonders make Vietnam a must for any bucket list.

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Vietnam is a popular place for digital nomads and tourists for a number of reasons. For one, it is a gorgeous country with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to jungles to rugged coasts. Vietnam is also home to Son Doong, the largest cave on earth (which looks like something from a fantasy world instead).

The coasts are remarkable, too, with crystal clear water and warm sandy beaches. Aquatic activities range from scuba diving to parasailing, and few places can match Vietnam’s North Coast for stunning scenery. Vietnamese food is famous all over the world, but what better place to try it than at the source? 

People are friendly and proud of their rich culture. Intricate pagodas and Buddhist temples adorn city and village alike, and many modern buildings borrow ancient influences in their designs. Vietnam is also very budget-friendly, which is always a plus (especially in summer).

While Vietnam is a great place to visit in July, you’ll need to come prepared to deal with both the humidity and the mosquitoes. Check out Laura’s Vietnam packing list to learn what to bring for a comfortable trip.

Mongolia

Explore the endless steppes of the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.

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July sees the celebration of the annual Naadam Festival throughout Mongolia. Competitions include wrestling, horse races, and archery, and ceremonies celebrate Mongolia’s rich nomadic culture. 

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, hosts one of the largest Naadam celebrations and is also worth spending a few days in to see other sights.  Local restaurants offer international cuisine, as well as traditional Mongolian favorites (much different from the average fare at most “Mongolian” barbeques in America).

You also can’t miss the Genghis Khan Statue Complex just outside the city, which commands sweeping views of the countryside. Further afield, you could trek across the steppe on horseback or spend the night in a yurt. 

Svaneti, Republic of Georgia

Ascend into another world full of stone towers, majestic mountains, and a culture unlike any other in the world.

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I’ve been all over the Republic of Georgia, but nowhere has struck me the way Svaneti did. High in the Caucasus Mountains, in the northwestern corner of the nation, Svaneti is a land steeped in natural beauty and unique culture.

Mestia, the regional capital, is a charming alpine town and your best hub for exploring the area. The local ethnographic museum is small but full of fascinating treasures. Some of the trademark Svan stone towers in Mestia also function as museums, showing what daily life was like in past centuries.

Be sure to visit the village of Ushguli, the highest inhabited point in Europe, which also has a small, but fascinating museum.

You can get to Svaneti via air with the local Vanilla Sky airline, but its website isn’t the easiest to use. I would, instead, recommend booking a private transfer and taking a day trip from Batumi or Kutaisi. There are also minibusses from these cities (as well as Tbilisi), but they can get kind of cramped.

Namibia

Surreal sand dunes, diverse wildlife, and much more await visitors to this emerging travel destination.

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Namibia is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. This nation in southwestern Africa is home to surreal deserts of orange sand, rugged canyons, and one of the world’s largest cheetah populations.

The Sossusvlei is the best place to see Namibia’s distinctive desert landscapes. The highlight of this area is the Deadvlei, which looks more like something from a surrealist painting. 

Namibia’s coasts are also rich with fascinating locations. Cape Cross is home to a massive colony of seals, an animal you normally wouldn’t associate with Africa.

The capital city, Swakopmund, is a great place to use as a base for your explorations of Namibia. It also has some great sights, such as an aquarium with an underwater walkway and a museum featuring a 220,000-lb chunk of quartz.

Bimini, The Bahamas

You don’t need to go far from home to find a little corner of paradise.

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The Bahamas, unlike some entries on our list, doesn’t lie on the other side of the world. It’s just a short flight away from the United States, but you’ll feel worlds away from the daily grind here.

Bimini is the best place to begin your stay in the Bahamas. Many consider its beaches to be the best and there are some great places to scuba dive and snorkel. Temperatures often peak in the low 80s (F) so it doesn’t get too hot.

July is also when the colorful Junkanoo Festival is held across this island nation. The capital city, Nassau, has the largest and most famous celebrations, but Bimini’s are also quite a dazzling spectacle.

Canada

The world’s second-largest nation holds limitless opportunities for summer adventures of all kinds.

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July is when the “Great White North” is at its greenest, so don’t miss out on all the incredible places to visit in Canada. There’s a little bit of everything (except, maybe, the tropics) here. 

Fancy an urban expedition? Canada’s cities are modern and sophisticated. Canada’s east coast has just as much charm as New England (some might even say more). British Columbia also has many sights that rival the best of America’s Pacific Northwest. 

The country is huge, so there’s no end to the road trips you could take, too. I highly recommend driving the Al-Can Highway that connects Alaska, Canada, and the continental US. I’ve done it several times and every time was chock full of adventure.

You could venture even further north into the Northwest Territories or Nunavut if an Arctic expedition suits your fancy. It’s definitely niche and not always the most budget-friendly, but there is something undeniably captivating about the austere beauty of the Far North.

Get planning with our guides to where to stay in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Winnipeg.

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These are the best places to visit in July! Up next, if you’re looking to travel later in the summer, check out my list of the best places to visit in August.