Best Places to Visit in June
Searching for the best places to visit in June? Having explored many places during this time of year, most recently on a four week road trip, I’ve found that June (and early July!) offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re heading to the coast, the mountains, or a lively city. 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? First off, the weather was pleasantly warm with cool ocean breezes, and the cobblestone streets were lined with blooming roses. In addition, ferries from Hyannis were already frequent, and everything was open for the season. Best of all, it was just before the peak summer crowds rolled in which made everything more affordable!
I stayed at the elegant and historic 4-star Jared Coffin House (around $196/night) for three days where my Superior Queen Guest Room was very comfortable and perfectly located right in the heart of town where 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 was highly worth it!
- Average temperature: ~ 58°F – 68°F (14°C – 20°C)
- Map & Directions
- Location: Off the coast of southeastern Massachusetts, south of Cape Cod in the Atlantic Ocean
What I loved best:
Dining al-fresco at the waterfront Cru Oyster Bar was my personal highlight because I loved the nautical-chic décor, the harbor views, the champagne pairings, and I had the most amazing lobster roll here!
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. Geneva, NY
We absolutely love Geneva, and have been many times. When Chris and I lived in New York for ten years, this charming lakeside town in the Finger Lakes was one of my favorite early summer getaway with gardens that were blooming, and charming farm markets.
I also loved the lively buzz around the "Lake Trout Capital of the World" during the Geneva Music Festival, which fills the air with concerts ranging from classical and jazz to bluegrass.
We stayed at the elegant Belhurst Castle & Winery, a historic 4-star hotel overlooking Seneca Lake for two days, and we spent our weekend 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. Visiting the Rose Hill Mansion for a peek into 19th-century lake life was a lovely way to spend 90 minutes. We enjoyed great burgers at both The Rusty Pig and Kindred Fare.
- Average temperature: 55°F – 74°F (13°C – 23°C)
- Map & Directions
- Location: In the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, on the northern shore of Seneca Lake
What I loved best:
The Spa at Belhurst Castle was my a standout (of course!) because of its decor with soothing earth tones and a full menu of treatments, my favorite being 50 minute Reflexology ($160).
3. Freeport, ME
I found that this charming coastal town made the perfect early summer getaway and it quickly became one of my favorite Maine getaways. T
I stayed at the cozy and stylish 3-star Harraseeket Inn for two days, 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.
- Average temperature: 54°F – 68°F (12°C – 20°C)
- Map & Directions
- Location: In southern Maine along Casco Bay, north of Portland and known for its coastal villages and outlet shops
What I loved best:
Maine’s legendary lobster rolls at Lobster Cooker and Pub and Freeport Oyster Bar were my favorite!
4. Topeka, KS
This was one of my favorite Midwest destinations in June. I loved the lively energy around town during the Sunflower Music Festival in June, a free 10-day celebration of classical music and jazz.
We stayed at the boutique 4-star Cyrus Hotel for two days, a chic 4-star property downtown.
What I love about visiting Topeka is how easy it is to get around and how much local history and character you can experience in just one day. It’s a manageable city that doesn’t feel rushed, and you can see a lot without spending hours in transit. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and starting your day early so you can take advantage of everything Topeka has to offer at a relaxed pace.
To get to Topeka, I suggest driving or flying into nearby Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and renting a car, since the drive takes about an hour and gives you the most flexibility. If you’re already in Kansas, driving is by far the easiest option—Topeka is right off I-70, making it very accessible. Public transportation exists within the city, but having a car will make getting between attractions much quicker and easier.
If you make the trip to Topeka, I think you should consider visiting the Kansas State Capitol, walking the grounds, and exploring the nearby historic downtown area. The Capitol building is stunning inside and out, and you can even take a free guided tour or climb to the top of the dome for great city views. Downtown Topeka has museums, local shops, and plenty of places to stop for coffee or a casual meal. You can also visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, which is both educational and deeply meaningful, or spend some time outdoors at one of the city’s parks or along the Shunga Trail.
I’ll warn you that Topeka is more spread out than it looks at first, and it’s easy to underestimate driving time between stops if you don’t plan ahead. The first time we visited, we grouped nearby attractions together and found that it helped us see more without feeling rushed. A guided Kansas history tour was a great way to learn more about Topeka’s role in civil rights and state politics without having to do all the research by ourselves.
- Average temperature (June): ~ 66°F – 84°F (19°C – 29°C)
What I loved best:
My favorite was sampling regional flavors, from hearty foods at Deano’s at Deer Creek to farm-to-table fare at Saltwell Farm Kitchen, and even discovered the city’s growing craft beer scene at Iron Rail Brewing.
If you loved this city, check out my other favorite places to visit in Kansas.
5. Port Orford, OR
Perched on a headland above the Pacific, this is my favorite destination when it comes to unspoiled nature on the southern Oregon Coast.
We stayed in a cozy cabin at the WildSpring Guest Habitat for two days, one of my favorite weekend getaways in Oregon, 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 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)
- Map & Directions
- Location: On the southern Oregon coast in Curry County, along the Pacific Ocean south of Coos Bay and north of Gold Beach
What I loved best:
Browsing the town’s small but vibrant art galleries was my personal highlight!
6. Oakdale, CA
We thought that this is one of the best places to visit in California in early summer. Why? We loved that the weather was hot and sunny but balanced with cool evenings. Best of all, Oakdale had that laid-back, old-west charm that made us feel like we stepped back in time.
We decided to stay at the 3-star Best Western Plus Rama Inn & Suites for two days, a comfortable and modern option just minutes from downtown. Our days were spent learning local history at the Cowboy Museum, strolling to the scenic Stanislaus River, and exploring the charming shops, antique stores in the historic downtown.
My son especailly enjoyed stopping at Bloomingcamp Ranch Bake Shop for sweet treats. 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)
- Map & Directions
- Location: In the Central Valley of California in Stanislaus County, east of Modesto and west of the Sierra Nevada foothills
What I loved best:
My husband, son and I all thought that Oakdale is an amazing foodie destination and during our stay there we tried to sample as much as possible, including Bistro 120 for comfort fare, great pizza at Firenze, House of Beef for steaks, Ryderz Restaurant for burgers (as well as Backwoods Burgers)!
7. Martinsburg, WV
This West Virginia town in the Shenandoah Valley completely charmed me as a romantic early summer escape.
We stayed at the welcoming and stylish 4-star McFarland House Bed & Breakfast (around $172/night) for four nights, and 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)
- Map & Directions
- Location: In the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, west of the Maryland border and south of Hagerstown in the Shenandoah Valley region
What I loved best:
I enjoyed returning to my cozy Victorian Double Room at McFarland House and having a relaxing bubble bath at the end of the day, my personal highlight.
8. Mackinac Island
Visiting this island in June was such a good idea—the cool breezes off Lake Huron and clear skies made it perfect for biking along the island loop and exploring car-free trails. The lilacs were in full bloom, giving Mackinac 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 also biked along the 8.2-mile lakeshore trail, hiked up to Arch Rock for panoramic views of Lake Huron which was fantastic.
- Average temperature: ~ 58°F – 68°F (14°C – 20°C)
- Map & Directions
- Mackinac Island website
- Location: In northern Michigan on Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas near the Straits of Mackinac
What I loved best:
Chris and I treated ourselves to a horse-drawn carriage tour which let me slow down and take in the relaxed pace of island life, my personal highlight.
9. Things to Do in Bloomington
This lively college town of around 80,000 residents has become one of my favorite day trips from Indianapolis. Why? First off, it's just an hour southwest of Indianapolis so it's super convenient when I'm in the mood for a change of scenery. In addition, Bloomington has to be one of the coolest small cities I’ve explored, and it’s easily among my favorite affordable last minute escapes.
We stayed at 3-star Hyatt Place Bloomington (from $101/night) for two exciting days. Right near the heart of downtown, I spent two hours at Tranquil Vibe Day Spa to unwind with a 60-minute massage ($100) followed by some time in the sauna.
In June, we enjoyed lunch at the outdoor patio at Cardinal Spirits (if you want to sit inside the tasting room/bar you must be 21+).
Top attractions we enjoyed in Bloomington were the Eskenazi Museum of Art (Free), WonderLab Museum, and the Indiana University campus.
What I loved best:
The atmosphere at Cardinal Spirits was perfect for my romantic evening out with Chris (my personal highlight!).
10. Arcata, CA
This town in Northern California turned into one of the most romantic and underrated weekend getaway experiences my husband and I have ever had, especially with summer just beginning.
we stayed at the charming eco-friendly 3-star Hotel Arcata (around $140/night) for two days, a restored 1915 property right on the historic plaza, where our Standard King room had a comfortable bed, private bathroom and solid WiFi.
We started exploring near the Arcata Plaza, and even in June there was that cool coastal air that made everything feel fresh and calm.
The first thing we did was grab coffee nearby and sit together watching the farmers market set up, which felt vibrant and very local.
June felt like the best time to be here because everything was green, alive, and full of that quiet Northern California magic.
After that we headed straight to the Arcata Community Forest, which is just minutes from town and honestly feels like a hidden gem.
Walking together beneath the redwoods was such an amazing experience, with soft light coming through the trees and total silence around us.
The fog would roll in and out, which made it feel romantic and kind of dreamy instead of gloomy.
Later we drove toward Mad River Beach, which is close by, and June made the coastline feel wild and dramatic.
We walked along the beach bundled up, holding hands, watching the waves crash, which felt peaceful and exciting at the same time.
That evening we went back into town for dinner, and Arcata’s food scene is surprisingly affordable and very interesting.
The next morning we slept in, which felt like the best decision for a romantic weekend getaway.
We spent the day wandering around downtown, popping into unusual shops, bookstores, and little cafes, just enjoying being together.
June felt perfect because it wasn’t crowded, which made everything more intimate and relaxed.
One of my favorite moments was driving along Humboldt Bay with the windows cracked and fog drifting over the water.
We ended the weekend with a slow sunset walk near the marshes, which felt quiet, joyful, and unforgettable.
- Average temperature: ~ 49.5 °F – 64.8 °F (9.7 °C – 18.2 °C)
What I loved best:
We loved the lively community spirit, especially during the Arcata Oyster Festival in June, when the central plaza filled with live music, art stalls, and of course, delicious oysters prepared every way imaginable - it looked like the whole town came out and celebrated in a way that completely won me over!
11. San Clemente, CA
This Southern California getaway made the perfect escape this month with pleasant weather, and streets were bursting with bougainvillea.
I stayed at the stylish boutique 3-star Casa Tropicana for two days, 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.
- Average temperature (June): 57.7 °F – 71.2 °F (14.3 °C – 21.8 °C)
- Map & Directions
- Location: In southern Orange County, California, along the Pacific Coast between Los Angeles and San Diego
What I loved best:
For me, San Clemente is one of the best places to visit in June because it's scenic and unique!
Taking an early summer dip at T-Street Beach was my personal highlight, a local favorite for both surfers and sunbathers, and driving down the scenic stretch of Pacific Coast Highway nearby was also amazing on the way to the beach!
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.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
