11 Places to Visit in the Summer in July
I've always loved getting away in June, July and early August. And not just to the beach either. Mid-summer weeks are perfect for trips to the mountains, lakes, many national parks, and even overseas. I love discovering new underrated places each summer where you can still find peace and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Here are my favorite July places to go to (including great 4th of July fireworks), and I hope you'll enjoy them too.
Bemidji, Minnesota
This was one of my favorite Midwest destinations in July. With average temperatures around 58°F – 79°F (14°C – 26°C), Bemidji weather was perfect for being outdoors. This is the best time to enjoy the lake too. You can go boating, fishing, and paddling, all are at their best in July!
Nicknamed "The First City on the Mississippi", Bemidji came alive with fun summer happenings too. There was the colorful Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival on Lake Bemidji. We saw a free Concert in the Park at the waterfront amphitheater, which was my favorite.
What I loved best:
Wild rice quiche for breakfast at Raphael’s Bakery Café was my favorite highlight.
In the evenings, spectacular sunsets over the lake are well worth waiting for!
I have to warn you that the drive took us good four hours north from Minneapolis so I definitely recommend this a 3-day weekend getaway or even longer to avoid feeling rushed.
Big Bear Lake
A mountain getaway in SoCal? Absolutely! Head to Big Bear Lake which we absolutely love, and have been many times. You'll find it high in the San Bernardino Mountains, just over two hours from Los Angeles.
You can go hiking, kayaking, and swimming in Big Bear Lake. Dining on lakeside patios without the overwhelming heat is such a blessing in July. The weekly Big Bear Farmers Market offered fresh mountain produce, and affordable treats. Best of all, you can enjoy them guilt-free after all that hiking and swimming
The town’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular over Big Bear Lake was dazzling with fireworks displays. Don't miss the scenic Sky Chair at Snow Summit for lovely views.
- Average July temperature: 54°F – 81°F (12°C – 27°C)
What I loved best:
For me, fluffy pancakes for brunch at Grizzly Manor Café were a standout!
Ridgway CO
Situated in a mountain valley in Colorado, this is one of the most stunning little towns I’ve visited in July! We discovered Ridgway by chance during a road trip through southwest Colorado, just under an hour from Telluride.
- Average July temperature: 46.2 °F – 72.1 °F (7.9 °C – 22.3 °C)
If you get a chance to catch the Ridgway RiverFest at the end of June, you should go for it. You'll find the festival along the Uncompahgre River, full of music, local food, and cool paddle races.
Be sure to check out the Ridgway Farmers Market where we picked up fresh snacks. Visit the historic downtown to admire its Western movie heritage, hike on the scenic Ridgway Area Trails system, paddleboard at Ridgway State Park, and take a scenic drive along the San Juan Skyway.
My highlights? Tacos piled with crispy Brussels sprouts for lunch at Taco del Gnar were my favorite highlight.
Auburn, Washington
I explored this Puget Sound valley gem in July during our Pacific Northwest road trip, and it turned out to be such a fun stop! July is one of the driest months of the year, perfect for hiking along river trails, exploring regional parks, and enjoying the local food.
- Average July temperature: 50°F – 75–79°F (10°C – 24–26°C)
We drove less than 40 minutes south from Seattle and stayed for three easygoing in a vacation rental days! Auburn’s 4th of July Festival with fireworks over Les Gove Park was a highlight.
Local tip: Stop at Sun Break Café for their famous French toast.
Hudson, Wisconsin
Now, first things first, this town offers some of the most beautiful river landscapes I’ve seen in Wisconsin.
I thought that July weather was perfect for riverside strolls, boating, hiking, and dining on outdoor patios overlooking the water.
- Average July temperature: 63°F – 81°F (17°C – 27°C)
I also the way Hudson’s Booster Days Festival over the 4th of July was full of parades, live music, and fireworks over the St. Croix River. We drove just under 40 minutes from Minneapolis and stayed for three easygoing days in an affordable rental! You can visit the historic downtown, picnic at Lakefront Park along the river, and hike through Willow River State Park to its dramatic waterfall.
Eat Your Way Through a City: Unique Food Tours
Some of my favorite weekend getaways have been centered around food tours. Why? I think going on a local food tour gives you the fasted (and most delicious!) introduction to a new place. Sure, there's the food but also you get to hear stories from your guide, say hello to local chefs and people working at restaurants, and chat with your fellow travelers. All in all, I think food tours are the best and here are my favorites!
On the East Coast, Ahoy New York Food Tours in NYC combines two things I love: history and food. Walking through Chinatown and Little Italy with them makes you feel like you are part of the city’s living story.
Need something on the West Coast instead? What makes Ventura Food Tours so special is how the guides bring Ventura’s history to life while letting you enjoy yummy local foods.
Similarly, joining a Santa Barbara Tasting Tour last month introduced me to local favorites.
Eden, Utah
Like the idea of a mountain town in July? Another place we've enjoyed in July is Eden, Utah. You'll find green slopes with wildflowers near hiking trails.
You can visit Pineview Reservoir, and walk along the shoreline. You'll hear cicadas and birds and that helps you sink into the relaxation of summer.
The town of Eden itself is very laid-back. You can sip coffee at a local cafe and have a casual lunch.
In the afternoon, we drove up toward Powder Mountain, where you'll find panoramic overlooks.
- Average July temperature: 56.8°F – 82.4°F (13.8°C – 28°C)
Skagway
We stopped in this small Alaskan coastal town gem in July during our summer road trip, and it was absolutely worth it! If you've never been, there are nearly 19 hours of daylight in the summer! You can see coastal fjords, hike on mountain trails, and enjoy riding a stretch of the legendary White Pass & Yukon Route Railway. Dining in rustic saloons and cozy seafood spots is a unique thing to do as well.
- Average July temperature: 42.6 °F – 54.9 °F (5.9 °C – 12.7 °C)
My favorite was lunch at Glacial Coffeehouse where I had a smoked salmon bagel with dill cream cheese and thin-sliced cucumber.
We also adored visiting the Red Onion Saloon for a dose of local history.
What I loved best:
For me, Skagway is one of the best places to visit in July because it's scenic and unique!
I loved catching the 90-minute Skagway Street Car Tour. We also enjoyed the excitement of July 4th celebrations, with music, food, and fireworks.
Mallorca and Tramuntana Hotel
Thinking of of a summer trip abroad? One unique place is Mallorca in the Mediterranean. From Palma de Mallorca, we drove 20 miles northwest (about 40 minutes) into the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain range. When we stayed at Tamuntana Hotel (Google Maps Pin) in Mallorca, we felt like we had uncovered one of the island’s most underrated gems.
Our room for two weeks was dreamy, with big windows and lots of light. Waking up to mountain views and the scent of orange blossoms drifting in from the valley was pure magic for us.
Exploring nearby hiking trails and spending afternoons lounging by the pool was a perfect summer vacation ideas.
- Check prices at Tramuntana Hotel
What I loved best:
Breakfasts at the hotel were exceptional. You can choose from fresh fruit, homemade pastries, and local specialties to start your day.
Takakkaw Falls
If you enjoy waterfalls and going off the beaten path, check out Takakkaw Falls (Google Pins Maps) in Yoho National Park, B.C., Canada. We drove 13 miles north from Field, BC to Takakkaw Falls (about 30 minutes along Yoho Valley Road).
We spent three incredible days in a vacation rental nearby. You can explore this lush valley, hike on the Iceline Trail with its jaw-dropping views of the falls. Don't forget to bring along a picnic to enjoy by the Yoho River.
Alternatively, you can also stay at 5-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for two days which won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award so you can trust in a high quality experience.
Copenhagen
This is one of my favorite European cities to visit in summer because you get 17 hours of daylight, warm (58°F – 70°F) weather, and heaps of attractions. From Copenhagen Airport, you can take the Metro (Lines M2 or M3) straight into the city center in about 15 minutes for roughly 24 DKK (around $4 USD). Once you’re in the city, simply walking (or biking!) is the best way to get around. Renting a bike lets you experience Copenhagen like a local while covering a lot of ground.
If you decide on visiting Copenhagen in July, walking along the waterfront is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the city. You can visit Tivoli Gardens, , explore Christianshavn, and relax in the city’s many parks. Naturally, there’s no shortage of cafés, bakeries, and food markets in the summer to stop at along the way.
Lunch at BRUS was my favorite highlight. I had a crispy chicken sandwich with fermented chili mayo and pickled vegetables, stacked high on toasted sourdough.
One thing to keep in mind is that July is a popular time to visit, and Copenhagen can feel busy. I have to warn you that parking can be a challenge so I recommend using public transportation! On our first visit, we joined a tour with a local guide to make the most of our summer vacation in the "City of Spires". One tour that really stood out was the Copenhagen Culinary Food Tour because not only it was a delicious way to explore the city, but the tour itself has over 500 5-star reviews.
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, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
