July in the United States is a time of celebration. As spring transitions into summer, the country comes alive with festivals, outdoor activities, and a palpable sense of excitement and happiness. Cafes spill onto sidewalks, musicians string melodies on street corners previously soaked in puddles, and the trees bloom with emerald green leaves. It’s hard not to be cheerful during the warmest and sunniest day of the year.
From the bustling streets of Chicago to the beautiful outdoorsy landscapes around Anchorage, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit in the U.S. in July.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, known for the icy winds that come off Lake Michigan and long, dreary winters, changes course in July. It’s the best time of the year to visit the city, which is a national hotspot for music, culture, and lakefront adventures. The city is typically known for its architectural history and deep-dish pizza, both of which can be experienced at rooftop restaurants and bars in the midst of summer.
Lake Michigan becomes a hub of activity, with water reaching a comfortable temperature that is warm enough to swim in. The city’s beaches, like North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, are busy with locals and tourists catching as much sunshine as they can. Music festivals like the Grant Park Music Festival (with a famous Independence Day Salute) and art exhibitions take place outdoors.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Set north of Chicago on the banks of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is no stranger to cold weather. So, when the sun shines for more than 15 hours of the day and temperatures hit the low 80s, you can just imagine how excited the locals get. July is a time of outdoor activities and socializing. The city is particularly well known for its craft beer scene, which comes alive in July with outdoor beer gardens scattered throughout the city.
When it comes to outdoor activities, there is a lot to do. Think kayaking on the Milwaukee River, biking along the Oak Leaf Trail or the Beerline Trail, and sailing in Lake Michigan.
Boston, Massachusetts
As one of the oldest cities in the country, Boston hosts some of the most incredible Independence Day celebrations. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular is one of the most impressive, with live classical music and an otherworldly fireworks display over the Charles River. On days other than the Fourth of July, the lush city parks take center stage as the best place for an outdoor picnic.
The waterfront buzzes with harbor cruises, riverfront seafood dining, and even kayaks cruising along the river. A great way to spend a summer day is to visit the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park for some walking, running, or biking. On select days, catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park is a quintessential American experience not to be missed.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of those classic seaside resort towns on the Atlantic coastline. It’s one of the top family-friendly destinations, with over 60 miles of wide sandy beaches scattered with promenades, restaurants, and micro-neighborhoods. To add to the summer allure, the city’s got an impressive culinary scene offering everything from fresh seafood to southern comfort dishes.
In July, temperatures average around 91° Fahrenheit, making it the warmest month of the year. Not only is the air balmy and warm, but so is the water, sometimes reaching as warm as 81° Fahrenheit.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage is a haven for nature lovers year-round, but with nearly 22 hours of sunlight in July, this is the most exciting time of year to explore the surroundings. The extended daylight allows you to fish at 10 pm, hike at 3 am, and even enjoy a game of midnight golf.
The city is often seen as a gateway to Alaska’s natural glaciers and wonders. But the city itself has some incredible attractions worth sticking around for. During peak summer, you could catch a glimpse of a bear, a moose, and bald eagles soaring the skies in their natural habitat. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are abundant, and the city’s cultural scene is just as vibrant.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is a city with so much history that it might just be the most patriotic part of the country. It’s the birthplace of American Independence, which puts it right at the heart of Fourth of July celebrations. One of the most important events is the Wawa Welcome America Festival, a multi-day celebration leading up to Independence Day. The event features free concerts, museum admissions, and, of course, incredible fireworks displays.
For those who like to make the most of the warm weather, Fairmount Park is a green oasis with gardens, trails, and beautiful mansions.
Newport, Rhode Island
Rhode Island is one of America’s most desirable places to spend the summer. It’s an elegant coastal region with more natural beauty, fresh seafood, beaches, and historical charm than you thought possible for one place. Newport is particularly well known for its fancy Gilded Age mansions. One of the best times to tour them is during July, when their gardens are in their summer prime.
Newport’s downtown area has enough to keep anyone busy, with boutique shops, plenty of places to eat, and historic sites. It’s also the gateway to various luxurious vacation islands like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
South Lake Tahoe, California
There is nowhere as beautiful as South Lake Tahoe in summer. In July, this previously icy lake becomes an outdoor paradise. The water is crystal clear, and while not classically ‘warm’, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. There are plenty of beaches and coves to explore, including Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach, and the exquisite Emerald Bay, named after its pristine green water.
Picnics become a daily activity in summer, as does hiking through the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. There are several boat clubs and marinas where you can launch or rent a boat and grab a drink on the docks.
Spokane, Washington
Spokane is one of the few inland cities on this list, but it’s got a lot going for it during July. When the summer sunshine hits the state of Washington, it’s like a breath of fresh air. On an average day, temperatures hang around the low 80s, making it perfectly warm, yet not so hot you can’t engage in some adventurous outdoor activities.
The city is small, but like many little towns, it has an incredible local vibe. Summer festivities take place along the Rivefront Park, including free music festivals and plenty of opportunities for al fresco dining.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor in Maine is possibly best known for its close proximity to Acadia National Park. It’s a small town on Mount Desert Island serving as the gateway to some of the most exquisite landscapes on the East Coast. It’s often advertised as the cover city of New England, and once you see its colorful wooden houses and taste its iconic lobster rolls, you’ll understand why.
The best way to experience this little town in July is at the beach with an ice cream in hand. While July is peak tourist season, the harbor town still manages to feel quiet and peaceful.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sioux Falls is a historic turn-of-the-century town that gives an authentic taste of middle America. It’s pretty much smack in the center of the country, in South Dakota, but on the border of both Minnesota and Iowa.
The city’s namesake, Falls Park, is the main event. In July, it’s covered with green grass and is dotted with picnickers and frolicking kids. The Big Sioux River, which tumbles through the center of the city, is a highlight of any trip here. Make sure to visit early in the morning for golden hour, or in the evening to catch some summer fireflies.
Charleston, West Virginia
Not to be confused with the city of the same name in South Carolina, Charleston, West Virginia, is an inland city at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s located at the meeting point of the Elk and Kanawha rivers. July brings heat and humidity to the area, but with so much fresh mountain air and opportunities for outdoor adventure, it’s nothing to stress about.
July is a great time to explore the area by hiking, biking, rafting, and swimming in the nearby mountains and rivers. On less active days, the July calendar is filled with summer festivals, such as the re-emerged Sternwheel Regatta, fairs, and concerts for all types of travelers.
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