10 Best Places to Visit in June
June is one of the best months to travel around the USA, with long days, warm weather, and destinations around the world in full bloom. Having explored many places during this time of year on a four week road trip, I’ve found that June offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains, or a lively city.
I discovered vibrant festivals, outdoor markets, and scenic trails that are especially enjoyable in early summer. From family-friendly activities to romantic getaways and cultural events, June is full of opportunities to make unforgettable memories. Here are the places to visit and things to do that I recommend, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
1. Nantucket, MA
I found that this charming New England island made the perfect early summer getaway and for me it was one of the best places to visit in June when I moved to the East Coast. Why? The weather was pleasantly warm with cool ocean breezes, the cobblestone streets were lined with blooming hydrangeas and roses, ferries from Hyannis were frequent, everything was open for the season, and best of all, it was just before the peak summer crowds rolled in!
I stayed at the elegant and historic 4-star Jared Coffin House three nights, perfectly located right in the heart of town. My days were spent biking along scenic paths to Siasconset, strolling through the picturesque wharves, lounging the beaches like Surfside and Steps Beach, and visiting the Whaling Museum to soak up the island’s fascinating maritime history. I also enjoyed browsing the art galleries, savoring the island’s famous fresh seafood, and catching the sunset over Brant Point Lighthouse.
- Average temperature: ~ 58°F – 68°F (14°C – 20°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
Dining al-fresco at the waterfront Cru Oyster Bar was my personal highlight. I loved the nautical-chic décor, the harbor views, the champagne pairings, and the amazing lobster roll!
Local tip: The traditional Steamship ferry lets you bring your car aboard, just be ready for a longer 2-hour ride (around $121 each way during peak days). We caught a high-speed ferry from Hyannis, cruised over in about an hour, for $46.50 each way (or $89 round-trip). There is a weekday same-day deal at just $66 round-trip.
2. Martinsburg, WV
Martinsburg, WV is a historic little city in the Shenandoah Valley perfect for an early summer escape. The weather was warm but not too hot, the rolling hills were green and full of wildflowers, everything was open for the season, and best of all, it felt pleasantly under the radar compared to busier nearby destinations!
I stayed at the welcoming and stylish 4-star McFarland House Bed & Breakfast for four nights, which blended modern comforts with early 20th-century elegance. My days were spent exploring the Martinsburg Roundhouse, and hiking along the C&O Canal Towpath and Appalachian foothills. You can also walk through charming downtown shops and cafés, go wine tasting at nearby Shenandoah Valley vineyards, visit the Belle Boyd House for Civil War history.
- Average temperature: 60°F – 81°F (16°C – 27°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
3. Arcata, CA
Arcata, CA in Northern California made the perfect early summer getaway with refreshing ocean breeze and is one of my favorite places to visit in June. Why? The town square was bustling with local energy, and everything was open.
I also loved the lively community spirit, especially during the Arcata Oyster Festival in June, when the central plaza fills with live music, art stalls, and of course, delicious oysters prepared every way imaginable. The whole town comes out and celebrate!
I stayed at the charming eco-friendly Hotel Arcata, a restored 1915 property right on the historic plaza. You can hike among towering redwoods in Arcata Community Forest, explore the scenic trails and tidepools at Humboldt Bay, and wander through bookstores, art galleries, and vintage shops downtown. I also enjoyed strolling the plaza during the weekly farmers’ market, where local musicians set the soundtrack for browsing organic produce and artisan goods.
- Average temperature: ~ 49.5 °F – 64.8 °F (9.7 °C – 18.2 °C)
- Location: Map & Directions
4. Geneva, NY
I found that this charming lakeside town in the Finger Lakes made the perfect early summer getaway. The weather was sunny but not too hot, the gardens were blooming, and farm markets were in full swing, it still felt relaxed before the peak summer tourism season hit.
I also loved the lively buzz around town during the Geneva Music Festival, which fills the air with concerts ranging from classical and jazz to bluegrass.
I stayed at the elegant Belhurst Castle & Winery, a historic 4-star hotel overlooking Seneca Lake. My days were spent exploring local wineries along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, walking the scenic lakefront trails at Seneca Lake State Park, and browsing the boutiques, cafés, and art galleries in the historic downtown. You can also visit the Rose Hill Mansion for a peek into 19th-century lake life and enjoy great burgers at The Rusty Pig.
- Average temperature: 55°F – 74°F (13°C – 23°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
5. San Clemente, CA
San Clemente, CA in Southern California made the perfect getaway this month with pleasant weather, and streets were bursting with bougainvillea. I also loved the lively coastal energy.
I stayed at the stylish boutique Casa Tropicana, a 4-star hotel right across from the pier with incredible ocean views. Don's miss the San Clemente Pier at sunset, bike along the Beach Trail, explore the Spanish Revival–style architecture downtown, and browse the trendy surf shops and art galleries. Taking a dip at T-Street Beach was a highlight, a local favorite for both surfers and sunbathers. Driving the scenic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway nearby was also amazing.
- Average temperature (June): 57.7 °F – 71.2 °F (14.3 °C – 21.8 °C)
- Location: Map & Directions
6. Freeport, ME
I found that this charming coastal town made the perfect early summer getaway. The weather was comfortably warm but still crisp in the mornings, lupines and wildflowers lined the countryside, the harbor sparkled, all the shops and restaurants were open, and best of all, it had a relaxed Maine vibe before the height of summer crowds arrived.
I stayed at the cozy and stylish Harraseeket Inn, a classic New England 4-star hotel with fireplaces, farm-to-table dining, and warm hospitality. My days were spent browsing the famous flagship L.L.Bean store (open 24/7!), exploring outlet shops and local boutiques downtown, hiking on scenic trails at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. You can also fo kayaking along the rocky shoreline of Casco Bay and eat Maine’s legendary lobster rolls and blueberry treats at local eateries.
- Average temperature: 54°F – 68°F (12°C – 20°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
7. Topeka, KS
June weather in Topeka, KS was sunny and warm but not sweltering, the prairies and gardens were in full bloom and it had a friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
I also loved the lively energy around town during the Sunflower Music Festival in June, a free 10-day celebration of classical music and jazz that fills the city with concerts, recitals, and community spirit.
I stayed at the boutique-style Cyrus Hotel, a chic 4-star property downtown. You can explore the Kansas State Capitol with a guided dome tour, stroll in the gardens and trails at Lake Shawnee, visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park, and browse the antique shops along Kansas Avenue. I also enjoyed sampling regional flavors, from hearty barbecue to farm-to-table fare—and even discovered Topeka’s growing craft beer scene.
- Average temperature (June): ~ 66°F – 84°F (19°C – 29°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
8. Port Orford, OR
Port Orford, OR makes a great early summer getaway. You'll get great weather was mild ocean breezes, wildflowers and fewer crowds.
I stayed at the WildSpring Guest Habitat, a serene eco-friendly retreat nestled in a forest overlooking the Pacific. My days were spent hiking the windswept headlands at Battle Rock Wayside Park, exploring the tidepools and dramatic sea stacks at Port Orford Heads State Park, and kayaking the sheltered coves along the coast. I also browsed the town’s small but vibrant art galleries, watched the fishing boats unload at the unique “dolly dock” (the only one of its kind in the U.S.), and feasted on freshly caught seafood straight from the Pacific.
- Average temperature: ~ 52°F – 62°F (11°C – 17°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
9. Oakdale, CA
I found that this small Central Valley town made the perfect early summer getaway. Oakdale, CA is one of the best places to visit in June. Why? the weather was hot and sunny but balanced with cool evenings, the rolling farmland was lush and green, everything was open for the season, and best of all, it had that laid-back, old-west charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
You can stay at the Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites, a comfortable and modern 4-star option just minutes from downtown. My days were spent learning local history at the Cowboy Museum, rafting the scenic Stanislaus River, and exploring the charming shops, antique stores, and family-owned restaurants in the historic downtown. Oakdale also makes a perfect jumping-off point for adventures to Yosemite National Park, less than two hours away, or to nearby wineries in the Sierra Foothills.
- Average temperature: 58.6 °F – 90.1 °F (14.8 °C – 32.3 °C)
- Location: Map & Directions
10. Mackinac Island
Visiting Mackinac Island in June was such a good idea—the cool breezes off Lake Huron and clear skies made it perfect for biking the island loop and exploring car-free trails. The lilacs were in full bloom, giving the island its signature fragrance, and I loved soaking up the scenery before the summer tourist rush.
I also got to join in on the famous Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, which brought the whole island alive with parades, concerts, and garden tours. I took the ferry over from Mackinaw City and spent a peaceful long weekend at the historic Grand Hotel. I biked along the 8.2-mile lakeshore trail, hiked up to Arch Rock for panoramic views of Lake Huron, and treated myself to horse-drawn carriage tours that let me slow down and take in the relaxed pace of island life.
- Average temperature: ~ 58°F – 68°F (14°C – 20°C)
- Location: Map & Directions
Conclusion
I always love traveling in June. It feels like getting an early start on summer. In these places festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor adventures filled the calendars, yet the crowds of peak summer hadn’t fully arrived.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
