You don’t have to jet off halfway around the world to have a great vacation.
The U.S. is jam-packed with hidden gems and exciting getaways that could give any European escape a run for its money!
And American travelers agree! Domestic travel will increase by 15% this summer compared to last year.
But where are they going?
According to research by Allianz Partners, these are the top 10 U.S. destinations Americans will visit this summer:
10. Denver, Colorado
Denver is an everyman of a city, offering a wonderful mix of urban exploration and outdoor adventure.
Denver is also a wonderfully walkable city and boasts a thriving arts and culture scene and with the Rocky Mountains as your near-permanent backdrop it’s an incredible photogenic city too.
Highlights of summer in Denver include exploring the Denver Botanical Gardens or hiking through the natural beauty of Red Rocks Park.
9. Kahului, Hawaii
Kahului is an outstandingly beautiful vacation destination: the sea here is so blue it has to be seen to be believed.
You can enjoy hiking, snorkeling, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding in your own piece of tropical paradise, and all without using the U.S.
The summer months are the driest in Kahului which makes it the best time to visit.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Kanaha Beach Park which is considered the best on the island.
8. Anchorage, Alaska
Summer is the very best time of year to visit Anchorage. If you love the great outdoors, the prepare yourself for 223 parks and 250+ miles of trails in Anchorage for you to explore.
Mountains, forests, rivers, and the opportunity to see a glacier up close all explain why Anchorage is such a popular vacation destination.
Explore the area better on a mini cruise, or stay up all night and cross your fingers that you’ll get the chance to see the Northern Lights.
7. Los Angeles, California
There’s no bad time of year to visit Los Angeles but the city really comes to life in the summer.
Of course, summer is the best time to visit the beach in Los Angeles. Although the sands will be more crowded the Lifeguard towers are only staffed during the summer and many of the vendors only open during the summer months too.
But there’s so many other things to see and do in LA too. Visit theme parks and water parks, enjoy summer theater and music festivals, and take advantage of water sports such as surfing, water-skiing, and sailing.
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
The hot, hot Vegas summers clearly aren’t putting tourists off from visiting as it is the 6th most popular destination for U.S. travelers this summer.
The weather in Las Vegas during the summertime can get extremely hot, but there’s so much to see and do here. Make sure you pick a resort with a swimming pool, and don’t forget that all of the casinos have air conditioning.
Other attractions include visiting the Shark Reef Aquarium or heading out of the city to hike the many natural attractions such as Antelope Canyon.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Proving that Hawaii is a perennial summertime favorite, Honolulu is the second Hawaiian destination to make the list.
Honolulu is the Hawaiian capital and the biggest city in the State. It boasts pristine beaches and a plethora of water sports for enjoying outdoor adventures, and most visitors rarely leave the seashore.
If you want to step off the beach then you’ll find a host of breathtaking hikes and lookouts adding to the already incredible natural beauty of this stunning destination.
4. New York, New York
New York, New York, so good they named it twice! While many native New Yorkers leave the city in the summer months, tourists begin to arrive in their droves.
New York is home to museums, galleries, and a whole host of iconic attractions to explore. Everyone should see the American Museum of Natural History or the Statue of Liberty at least once.
Summer in New York is a great time to get outside and enjoy picnics in the park, eat gelato on the steamy streets, or take in a show in an air-conditioned theater when things get too hot.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Summer is the busiest time of the year to visit Boston which explains why it is considered the 3rd most popular destination in the U.S.
Visit the Seaport Summer Market, check out an outdoor movie and head to the beach if you’re looking for outdoor adventures. Wollaston Beach is the largest beach in Boston and boasts a huge stretch of golden sand.
There are plenty of parks and public gardens in the city too, perfect for enjoying a picnic in the sunshine.
2. Seattle, Washington
The 2nd most popular destination for American travelers this summer is Seattle. Seattle is a super cool destination, but the weather is comfortably warm during the summer months.
Some of the highlights of a trip to Seattle include taking a ferry ride across the Bay, enjoying a food tour of Pike Place Market, or hiking through the beautiful green spaces in Discovery Park.
And while Seattle isn’t known for its beaches, you can enjoy a beach day on the sandy Alki Beach in West Seattle where you can also swim in the water.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando is America’s favorite destination to visit this summer, which should come as no surprise as it took the number 1 spot last summer too.
And it’s easy to see why Orlando is so popular. Whether you want to meet Mickey Mouse in Walt Disney World, a thrill seeker ready to explore Universal Studios, or an adrenaline junkie ready to hit the water parks there’s something for everyone.
And away from these best-known attractions Orlando also offers incredible outdoor adventures, such as kayaking through the Everglades, world-class shopping experiences, or simply soaking up the sunshine.
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