Summer may be quickly turning into fall, but that doesn’t mean traveling is over. Whether you’re looking for one last summer trip or an early fall getaway, here are 8 great places to visit throughout the U.S. in the second half of 2022.
1. The Florida Keys
Here’s a great choice if you’re wanting to enjoy sunny, summer vibes as long as possible. The Florida Keys offers countless things to do, from exploring shops on Key West to hiking on Grassy Key. The end of summer can also offer slightly cooler temperatures, which can make it ideal for those looking to engage in outdoor activities.
2. Joshua Tree National Park
While many National Parks, such as Yosemite and Yellowstone, are most popular to visit in the summer (and even experience closures in the winter), the cooler parts of the year are actually the most popular time to visit Joshua Tree National Park. Planning an end-of-summer trip here is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds – cooler temperatures while still having fewer crowds. Visitors can look forward to activities such as camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
3. San Diego, California
San Diego, California is a gorgeous city known for its year-round pleasant weather. The end of summer can be a great time to visit as summer crowds will begin to thin out, but temperatures will likely still be warm enough to enjoy exploring Balboa Park or lounging on the beach.
4. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona is a beautiful desert city, and a great place to visit as summer weather cools off. The area surrounding the city is full of wonderful places to enjoy the outdoors, including Camelback Mountain, and the city itself offers plenty to do as well for all sorts of visitors, including the Arizona Science Center.
5. New York City
New York City is one of America’s most iconic cities, and for good reason. This beautiful city is a great visit any time of year, but also perfect for those looking to get one last summer hurrah in a new city. There are truly countless things to do in NYC, from exploring iconic spots such as Times Square to more little-known things such as The Dream House.
6. Marfa, Texas
If you’re looking for a quirky getaway, look no further than Marfa, Texas. Marfa’s location in Texas means you’ll likely still be able to enjoy warm weather during an end-of-summer visit. This small town is known for a number of eccentric draws, including supposed UFO lights in the night skies and a fake Prada store. It’s also about an hour away from the remote Big Bend National Park, which can make for a fun (and likely solitude-filled) day trip.
7. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is one of the gorgeous Hawaiian Islands. A great place to visit any time of year, Maui can be an especially great escape when the warmer summer weather begins to cool off in the fall, as it boasts year-round pleasant weather. If you’re looking to extend your fun in the sun, you can look forward to beautiful beaches, tropical forests, and even unique activities such as submarine rides and whale watching.
8. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is probably best known as a ski town, but an end-of-summer trip can also be spectacular. In town, you can look forward to exploring local shops, enjoying fine dining, and learning more about the history of the area at (museum). Once you’ve had your fill, head a little outside of Jackson to the gorgeous Grand Teton National Park. While the area becomes snowy in the wintertime, it’s often still dry in early fall, and offers stunning displays of changing leaves as well.