The USA offers a variety of destinations. There is something for every type of traveler when exploring the USA and the summer is one of the best times to visit these destinations.
We will hit all different types of vacations so you and your family can choose the spot that most aligns with your interests.
BEACHES
Let’s start with some amazing beach locations in the USA.
30A-South Walton, Florida
30A is a 30 mile stretch of county road highway in the panhandle of Florida. The highway is dotted with numerous idyllic, beach communities-each with their own personality. Some of my favorite ones are Seaside, Seagrove, Watercolor and Rosemary Beach.
The white powder sand beaches and the turquoise waters rival the Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands.
You can ride bikes or rent golf carts to drive down County Road Highway 30A and explore all of the different areas. 30A has many amazing resorts like The Pearl in Rosemary Beach and Watercolor Inn in Watercolor. If you need a condo or house, there is no shortage here. There are many short term rental agencies or use VRBO or AirBNB to find your perfect place.
Shop around the Seaside square and grab some Seaside Style attire, get the best ice cream at Blue Mountain Creamery, grab a paddle board and enjoy the calm waters of the Gulf or have a fun night at The Big Chill where you can watch movies, play games, and grab some food.
There are so many amazing places to grab a bite to eat as well. Some of our favorites are Bud & Alley’s, Red Bar, Great Southern Cafe and Cafe 30A.
My family and I have been coming to 30A beaches for about 13 years now. Andy and I got married here and we have been back every year since. So you know it must be a wonderful if we keep coming back year after year. Come see what all of the hype is about and take a visit to 30A this summer.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island is an idyllic beach community set in the heart of lowcountry South Carolina.
Hilton Head makes a perfect summer family vacation spot. Rent bikes and golf carts for a fun way to get around the island. Take a guided fishing excursion with expert fisherman, kayak, go on a crabbing adventure and so much more.
There are many resorts here that offer an all inclusive type feel with restaurants, pools, and activities for the kids. Some of the best resorts on the island are Sonesta Resort, Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort, The Westin Hilton Head Island, Beach House Resort, Palmetto Dunes, and Disney even has a resort on the island.
Some favorite restaurants in the area are Alfred’s, Farm Bluffton, Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, The Lucky Rooster, and Hilton Head Social Bakery South.
Don’t forget to add these beach locations to your summer vacation list!
MOUNTAINS
Now let’s take a look at some amazing mountain destinations that are perfect for summer. I know a lot of people only equate the moutains with winter vacations, but my favorite time to be in the mountains is the summer.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming may just be my favorite summer destination ever.
Jackson Hole offers so much. It has amazing restaurants, great shopping, and you are minutes away from my favorite National Park-Grand Teton National Park.
There are so many activities to do in Jackson in the summer. You can attend the Jackson Hole rodeo, fly fish on the Snake River, take epic hikes in Grand Teton National, take a Safari Wildlife Tour, make a custom hat at Kemo Sabe, take the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram for some amazing views of the area, take a boat ride on Jenny Lake, whitewater rafting and so much more.
Jackson is filled with some amazing resorts! Some of our favorites include: Rustic Inn Creekside, Hotel Jackson, Lodge at Jackson Hole, and Fireside Resort.
You can also rent some amazing short term rentals in and around Jackson Hole. Check out the Teton Village area as well. So many things to do right within the area.
You will not want to miss the amazing food that Jackson has to offer. You must try Glorietta, Snake River Grill, Jackson Drug, Hand Fire Pizza, and Persephone.
When I say that the Tetons and Jackson are both places that you need to mark off your bucket list…I am not lying. The beauty of the Tetons is unmatched. It truly takes my breath away every time that I see them. You will be in awe of the majestic mountains, and the fact that the most amazing mountain town is just minutes away from the spectacular beauty of the park makes it a win-win. Add Jackson Hole to your family summer vacation list.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Another favorite mountain town of mine is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Gatlinburg sits at the base of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, making it a perfect location to bring your family.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park is America’s most visited national park and its no wonder why. The beauty of this park in the South is just breathtaking and there are so many amazing things to do inside the park. Go to Clingmans Dome. This is the highest point in the park. There is an observation tower that provides sweeping views of the park. Take in the views at the Newfound Gap Overlook. Drive through Cade’s Cove. This is likely the most popular spot in the park. You will see historic cabins and abundant wildlife, including black bears.
But Gatlinburg has more to do than just visiting the national park. You can head to Dolly Parton’s theme park, Dollywood, for some family amusement park fun. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg. This is one of the best aquariums that I have ever been to. Ride the Anakeesta Sightseeing Gondola and take in the amazing views, shop around the village of Gatlinburg and see some amazing local shops. Visit Ober Mountain and ride a scenic chairlift, rock climb, go alpine sliding, summer tubing and so much more.
You can zipline, go white water rafting, fishing, hiking and biking all in the amazing town in the South.
Don’t forget you are in the South and we are known for our amazing cooking so check out some of these restaurants while you are in town: The Park Grill, Timbers Log Cabin, Tom & Earl’s, Tennessee Jed’s, Pancake Pantry, and Old Mill restaurant.
As far as where to stay here, I always like to rent an airbnb. There is just something about a cabin sitting in the Tennessee mountains that is so picturesque.
Gatlinburg is a must visit destination for your summer vacation.
LAKE
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Now, I have to say that I am a little biased when it comes to Hot Springs. Hot Springs is in my home state and we have visited this area countless times. It a wonderful destination year round but I particularly love it in the summer.
The town has so many nearby lakes that you can take your pick. Lake Hamilton is the closest, literally right in town. You can find this lake surrounded by beautiful homes and docks. This lake is great, especially if you rent a house on the water. You will never want to leave.
Lake Quachita is another lake located extremely close to Hot Springs. The beauty of this lake is unparalleled. Every time we have someone from out of state visit this lake, they cannot get over how gorgeous this lake is. The water is blue and crystal clear. You are not allowed to build homes on this lake so the untouched natural surroundings of this lake is what makes it so special.
If you decide to go to Lake Quachita, there are many airbnb options you can rent nearby or stay in Hot Springs and be within close proximity. Some great hotels in Hot Springs are The Waters Hotel, Embassy Suites, and Oaklawn Casino and Resort.
Hot Springs offers so much to do when you come off the lake as well. Like a casino, a theme park, luxury spas, a national park, and amazing restaurants.
Some of our favorite restaurants here are DeLuca’s Pizza (don’t forget to call and reserve your dough), Fisherman’s Wharf, The Pancake Shop, The Porterhouse, Luna Bella, Back Porch Grill, and Rolando’s.
Hot Springs is an amazing place for a couples trip or bring the whole family.
So if you are trying to think of somewhere new, different and fun to take your family for a summer vacation, try out one of these amazing destinations.
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