With long days, clear blue skies, and hours of sunshine, I’ve always found June to be one of the best times to explore the USA. After living here for several years and traveling widely during this month, these are my favorite places to visit – from fun cities to Insta-worthy coastal towns…
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
I found that this charming, car-free island made the perfect early summer getaway — it was warm but not hot, ferries ran smoothly, lilacs were out in bloom, and is was just before peak summer crowds arrived. I also loved the festive buzz of the 10-day Lilac Festival with its colorful parades, concerts, and crowning of the Lilac Queen.
From my stay at the trendy 4-star Lake View Hotel, I spent each day biking flower-dotted trails in breezy Mackinac Island State Park, kayaking the sparkling coastline, watching rifle demonstrations at historic Fort Mackinac, popping into quirky shops and fudge stores (Murdick’s was my favorite), and ending with a quiet moment in the tranquil Original Butterfly House surrounded by pretty fluttering wings!
Dining al fresco at the trendy Pink Pony — I loved the breezy lake views, playful pink nautical decor, crunchy beer-battered onion rings, and creamy, parsley-topped house-made hummus drizzled with olive oil.
2. Bodega Bay, California
Visiting this small coastal town in June was such a great idea — I found cool breezes, clear skies, wildflower-lined trails, and prime whale-watching season all before the summer crowds. I loved the buzz of the toe-tapping Sonoma Wild Music Festival and the laid-back Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market.
I drove 90 minutes north of San Francisco on Highway 101 and spent a peaceful long weekend at the charming Bodega Bay Inn. I hiked the fog-kissed cliffs at wind-swept Bodega Head, spotted migrating gray whales, dining on delicious farm-to-table meals (the roasted beet salad was incredible!), sampled the award-winning crisp Sonoma Rosé wine at the boutique Halleck Vineyard Estate, and browsed quirky local shops and art galleries.
I have to just say I found mornings were often foggy, so I was glad I bought bring layers for hiking!
Dining al fresco at the charming Drakes Sonoma Coast was perfect — there was rustic-chic decor with crackling fire pits, the scent of sea air, and a plate of buttery homestyle potatoes with earthy, garlicky sautéed foraged porcini mushrooms!
3. Put-in-Bay, Ohio
I discovered this month was the perfect time to take an early summer vacation in Put-in-Bay — warm weather, open-air bars, live music, and lakefront fun without the peak July and August crowds. I loved attending the Ohio Islands Wine Festival, and found out from the friendly locals that the Founder’s Day celebrations, and the quirky Pyrate Fest with its costumed pirates and lively antics also took place this month.
I took the 20-minute ferry from Port Clinton and stayed for a short break at the chic Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel. I kayaked at rocky South Bass Island State Park, soaked up superb views from the towering Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, bar-hopped along lively Delaware Avenue with live music drifting across the water, sipped sweet, grapey Pink Catawba wine at the rustic Heineman Winery and watched a live country band, ‘The Warped’ at the iconic circular-shaped Roundhouse Bar!
I just have to mention that I found that weekends were lively and a little on the noisy side, so book midweek if you prefer a quieter island vibe.
Vibe: laid-back but with a fun island party atmosphere
Average temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My personal highlights…
Dining at rustic-chic The Boardwalk — a breezy, casual waterfront vibe with sailboats bobbing in the harbor and a rich, molten-centered lava cake that oozed warm chocolate with every bite!
4. Laguna Beach, Southern California
I took a June vacation to Laguna Beach and loved that the sun was shining, the ocean was warm enough for swimming and surfing, wildflowers lined the coastal trails, and the town buzzed with early summer energy and beachside dining — all without peak-season crowds!
I timed my visit for the vibrant Sawdust Art Festival and the free Fête de la Musique, which kicked off with live music on Main Beach. I watched surfers at Thousand Steps, Victoria, and Main Beach, browsed local galleries, hiked in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with the scent of sagebrush in the air, and ended the day with grilled veggie tacos and a tangy margarita at an oceanfront restaurant while watching the sunset.
Location: Southern California on the Pacific Coast, in the western USA
Staying at the trendy Hotel Joaquin — I loved the boho-chic rooms with handwoven rugs and vintage record players, sunrise vinyasa yoga, and sipping on locally roasted Bear Coast Coffee while gazing at the shimmering Pacific!
5. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago really came alive for me in June — lakefront festivals, boat cruises on the bustling Chicago River, and perfect exploring weather made it easy to enjoy the city’s funky neighborhoods, parks, and beaches before peak summer crowds and sky-high hotel rates hit.
I flew into O’Hare, stayed four fun days, dined al fresco at romantic Osteria Via Stato and the creative Mediterranean restaurant Ema, lounged on Instagrammable North Avenue Beach, sipped on a florally Hawaiian Rose cocktail at Cindy’s Rooftop Bar, strolled the waterfront, picnicked in family-friendly Millennium Park, and soaked up the lively vibe at scenic Navy Pier. I just found that during this month the weather could swing from hot to chilly in a single day — so I was pleased I packed a light jacket for evenings!
Location: northeastern Illinois on Lake Michigan, in the Midwest USA
Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel EMC2 — I loved the sleek, art-filled decor and the quirky robot butlers, Leo and Cleo, softly whirring down the halls to deliver late-night Garrett’s Chicago Mix popcorn right to my door!
6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard made a dreamy early summer getaway — June brought long sunny days, warm weather, blooming hydrangeas, and a laid-back buzz that made the beaches and harbor towns even more inviting to me. Best of all, it was just before the peak summer crowds arrived.
After driving 1.5 hours from Boston to the Woods Hole ferry, I spent a blissful week biking the scenic State Beach path, admiring the storybook gingerbread cottages in historic Oak Bluffs, going on an interesting Martha’s Vineyard Tour (I especially loved Oldest House), visiting the striking lighthouse at dramatic Aquinnah Cliffs, and dining on fresh food at charming Menemsha Harbor — all with space to breathe before July’s rush!
Location: Off the southern coast of Massachusetts in the Northeastern USA
Vibe: Upscale, with a classic New England coastal feel
Average temperature – 15°C to 24°C
My highlights…
Staying at the historic Summercamp Guest House felt like a Wes Anderson set — retro board games in the lounge, striped porch hammocks, salty ocean breezes with distant ferry horns, and a yellow in-room iPad packed with quirky local tips!
7. Camden, Maine
Camden made one of my favorite early summer trips — mild sunny days, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, and wildflower-dotted trails in Camden Hills State Park set the perfect June scene before peak crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the fun Jazz in June event and couldn’t get enough of the lively yet laid-back vibe downtown.
I drove 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston and spent three gorgeous days hiking panoramic Mount Battie and saw beautiful harbor views, cruising on a classic schooner, relaxing on uncrowded Crescent Beach, and exploring downtown’s fine historic buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops. My perfect finale was a fragrant garden stroll at Merryspring Nature Center and a double artichoke feast — a garlicky wrap at Camden Deli with harbor views and rich fondue at the Waterfront Restaurant.
Location: mid-coast of Maine in the Northeastern USA
Staying at the sleek 4-star Relais & Châteaux Camden Harbour Inn — I loved the soothing in-room Hot stone massages, and the decadent French dining at Natalie’s, especially the silky mushroom velouté topped with truffle foam!
8. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
I thought this charming Wisconsin lakeside resort town made the perfect early summer getaway — warm sunny days for boating and hiking, gorgeous greenery, and a quieter vibe before peak summer crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the buzzing Farmers Market, and the whole place had a fun, summer-vibes energy.
After driving 1.5 hours from Chicago, I spent a long weekend taking a boat tour on the shimmering lake, strolling the flower-lined Geneva Lake Shore Path past stately historic mansions, dining al fresco downtown, sipping on warming Cabernet Sauvignon at the craft-focused Studio Winery & Geneva Lake Distilling, and touring the grand Black Point Estate — its perfectly preserved Victorian rooms were incredible to see up close!
Vibe: fun, family-friendly with classic lake resort feel
Average temperature – 24°C to 27°C
My highlights…
Staying at the romantic 4-star Maxwell Mansion Hotel was magical — vintage chandeliers, a mahogany four-poster bed, rose-scented gardens, and a hidden speakeasy behind a bookcase where I sipped a smoky Old Fashioned!
9. Santa Barbara, California
I couldn’t have picked a better month to experience Santa Barbara’s charm — warm, dry days, clear coastal skies, and just-right beach temperatures made it ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and soaking up a relaxed early-summer vibe, all with far fewer crowds than July or August.
I timed my trip for the colorful Summer Solstice Celebration and the lively Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival. After driving 1h40 from Los Angeles, I stayed at the stylish 4-star boho-chic Palihouse, spent lazy afternoons on photogenic East Beach, and sipped the local fruity Pinot Noir in the trendy Funk Zone.
I also hiked flower-lined trails in the adventurous Santa Ynez Mountains, dined on spicy veggie tacos and Gordita Frijol at locally famous La Super-Rica Mexican restaurant and ended each day with sunset strolls along Insta-worthy Stearns Wharf as the sky turned pink!
Location: Southern California on the West Coast of the USA
Exploring the State Street Promenade Market was a treat — I gorged on lavender-infused chocolate truffles, admired sea-glass jewelry at Sea & Sky Naturals, and relaxed under twinkling fairy lights at the café tables!
10. Portland, Maine
I spent a June vacation in Portland, Maine — nicknamed ‘Vacationland’ — and loved the long sunny days (with just the occasional cool spell). It was perfect for exploring the waterfront, lounging on East End Beach, and enjoying buzzing breweries and waterfront dining, all before the peak summer crowds arrived.
I timed my visit for the creative Portland Wine Week and the magical Water Lantern Festival, which lit up the harbor after dark. After driving two hours north from Boston, I stayed at the stylish 4-star Press Hotel, sipped on zesty Summer Ale at casual Shipyard Brewing, strolled the breezy Eastern Promenade, wandered the cobblestone streets of the quaint Old Port lined with indie shops and cozy restaurants and rounded my trip off with on an an incredible Odyssey Whale Watching tour (peak whale-watching season runs now through to September).
Dining at the cozy UNION Restaurant was a treat — I loved the glowing pendant lights, the sizzle from the open kitchen, and my colorful hominy succotash with charred corn and smoky poblano crema!
11. Shasta Lake, California
I visited Shasta Lake in June and loved the hot, sunny weather and full lake from spring runoff — perfect for houseboating, swimming, and jet skiing — with peaceful trails still quiet before peak summer!
I drove 3.5 hours north from Sacramento and spent an idyllic week at the cozy, quirky Happy Bear Lodge. I swam in the clear coves feeling the cool water against the strong heat of the day, kayaked along the pine-fringed shoreline, took the boat tour to the damp, earthy-scented Shasta Caverns, and hiked the peaceful Bailey Cove Trail which had Insta-worthy views of snow-capped Mount Shasta glowing in the sun.
Location: Northern California (around 10 miles north of Redding)
Hiking the 5.5-mile Castle Dome Trail, I passed purple lupines and sun-warmed pines, heard birdsong echoing through the crags, and finished with stunning views of snowcapped Mount Shasta!
12. Santa Cruz, California
I took a June mini-break in Santa Cruz and loved the warm, sunny days, cooler evenings, great hotel deals, and lighter crowds before the July–August rush. I timed my visit for the fun Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Summer Concert Series and the colorful Santa Cruz Pride parade also took place this month.
After driving 1.5 hours south of San Francisco, I spent a fun week at the trendy 4-star Hotel Paradox, soaked up the sun on the Beach Boardwalk, hiked beneath towering redwoods at majestic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, spotted tide pools and playful sea otters at iconic Natural Bridges State Beach, and explored the buzzing downtown packed with indie shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
My favorite treat was sipping a tangy local kombucha flight at the popular Taproom — perfect after a day in the sun!
Location: central coast of California in the western USA
Dining al-fresco at the Mediterranean & Afghan restaurant Laili – I especially loved the cute outdoor patio dotted with pretty fairy lights and my delicious pillowy leek dumpling and saffron risotto infused with a delicate floral aroma!
13. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod made the perfect early summer escape — I discovered warm but not humid days, quiet beaches and bike paths, great early-summer hotel deals, and fragrant hydrangeas in full bloom. I timed my visit for the inspirational Provincetown International Film Festival and loved the extra buzz the event bought!
After driving 1.5 hours north from Boston, I spent a blissful short break lounging on the expansive Coast Guard Beach, biking the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail, whale-watching in buzzy Provincetown, browsing Wellfleet’s interesting art galleries, feasting on a juicy Portabella Burger at Sesuit Harbor Cafe, and visiting the community-focused Chatham Farmers Market – the artisan Brewster Coffee Company Stall was a highlight for me!
Location: North Atlantic Coast of the Northeastern USA
Vibe: Relaxed, nostalgic, and coastal with a classic New England
Average June temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My favorite highlights…
Staying at the gorgeous historic Captain Freeman Inn, I loved starting each morning with a gourmet breakfast on the breezy veranda — my favorite was the seasonal Cape Cod asparagus and herb frittata served with warm, fresh-baked popovers!
14. Dillon, Colorado
Dillon, Colorado, was an incredible June getaway — I was wowed by the mild, sunny days, snowmelt filling Dillon Reservoir for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and boat tours, and trails bright with wildflowers, all with fewer crowds before peak summer.
I timed my trip for the weekly community-focused Farmers Market and a live blues-rock Dillon Amphitheater concert, which gave the town a festive, small-town vibe.
After driving 70 miles from Denver (about 1h20), I spent five blissful days in a modern Keystone home with a hot tub, hiked the scenic Ptarmigan Trail, explored Frisco’s charming Main Street, sipped a crisp, hoppy IPA at Pug Ryan’s Brewery with the scent of brewing hops in the air, and spent lazy afternoons boating, biking, and kayaking on the large, sparkling lake.
Hiking the easy 5.5-mile Dillon Reservoir Loop Trail at golden hour, I passed fragrant lupines, columbines, and wild roses along the shore, heard the water lapping softly, and watched the Tenmile Range glow as it reflected in the sparkling reservoir!
15. Long Beach Island, New Jersey
I found Long Beach Island was especially magical during this month — warm, sunny weather, quieter beaches, and better hotel deals made it the perfect early-summer escape.
After a two-hour drive north from NYC, I spent a fun short break at the modern, funky 4-star Hotel LBI, climbed the iconic ‘Old Barney’ lighthouse in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, lounged on the sun-drenched beaches, watched surfers at the wave-rich ‘The Spot’, toured the fishing docks in quaint Viking Village, had fun at the family-friendly Thundering Surf Water Park (the FlowRider! surf attraction was awesome!) and browsed chic eateries and independent boutiques.
Dining at the upscale farm-to-table Arlington, I loved the cozy-but-trendy decor, sipped a refreshing Lavender Bee’s Knees cocktail, and devoured their pillowy Bavarian pretzels and decadent flourless chocolate cake!
16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park in June was magical — I discovered that the forests were at their greenest, mountain laurel and rhododendrons were in full bloom, fireflies lit up the woods at night, and wildlife was more active, all with perfect hiking weather before the peak summer heat.
I drove two hours from Asheville and spent five wonderful days, first at the funky 4-star Lodge at Camp Margaritaville in Pigeon Forge and then camping under the stars. I hiked wildflower-dotted trails to cascading Laurel Falls, took scenic drives through atmospheric Cades Cove, watched the famous synchronous fireflies at enchanting Elkmont, and spotted deer and black bears along the photogenic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
Camping at the shady Smokemont Campground, I woke to the dawn chorus of warblers and thrushes echoing through red maples, yellow birches, and white oaks, and fell asleep under a canopy of fireflies twinkling like tiny lanterns!
17. Taos, New Mexico
Taos made such a unique June getaway — warm, dry days, wildflowers brightening the high-desert trails, and lively art festivals and farmers’ markets, all before the peak summer rush. I timed my trip for the fun Music on the Mesa Festival and the colorful San Antonio and San Juan Feast Days at Taos Pueblo also took place this month.
After driving 2.5 hours from Albuquerque, I spent three extraordinary days at the funky Adobe and Pines Inn B&B, drove the scenic Enchanted Circle, hiked the sprawling Carson National Forest, explored the ancient Taos Pueblo, and joined interesting art walks through historic Taos Plaza and the eclectic Harwood Museum of Art. I have to admit, the high desert sun could be intense even in June and I had to buy sunscreen and drink plenty of water!
Dining at the fabulous organic restaurant The Love Apple, I savored their locally famous yellow-and-blue cornbread and earthy roasted beets, paired perfectly with a glass of the elegant Taos’s Vivác Winery Pinot Noir!
18. Hood River, Oregon
I found out first hand that Hood River was such a dreamy June getaway — long, warm, breezy days were perfect for watching windsurfers on the Columbia River, hiking to waterfalls, and exploring orchards and wineries along the scenic Hood River Fruit Loop, with lavender just beginning to bloom and no peak-summer crowds!
I timed my visit for the community-focused Mt. Hood Scramble and toe-tapping summer music nights, which gave the town a fun, festive vibe. After driving 75 minutes from Portland, I spent three relaxing days driving the scenic Fruit Loop, hiking to the thundering Columbia River Gorge waterfalls, sipping on crisp pear ciders at rustic farm stands, and strolling through the photogenic lavender fields at Hood River Lavender Farms with Mount Hood perfectly framed in the background.
Location: Pacific Northwest region of the western United States
Staying at the Insta-worthy Hood River Hotel, I loved the quirky stuffed moose heads, vintage suitcases, and the warm scent of polished wood and leather in the lobby!
19. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite felt like pure magic to me in early summer — long, warm days, roaring waterfalls from snowmelt, wildflowers blooming in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, and fully open roads like Glacier Point and Tioga Pass made it perfect for hiking before the midsummer crowds.
Wildlife was more active too — I spotted deer and a black bear from a safe distance — and I loved stargazing under the clear night skies.
After driving 3.5 hours from San Francisco, I spent four unforgettable days feeling the cool mist on my face and hearing the thunderous roar of Yosemite Falls, breathing in pine-scented air while hiking the breathtaking Mist Trail and Sentinel Dome, and rafting the fast-flowing Merced River with the sound of rushing water all around me.
I just have to mention a tip – parking near Yosemite Valley fills quickly so I recommend arriving before 9am or using the shuttle system instead.
Location: east-central California, western United States
Staying at the Insta-worthy 4-star Tenaya at Yosemite, I loved the striking lobby with its huge windows, sparkling chandeliers, and fresh pine scent mixed with mountain views!
