The 21 Best National Parks to Visit in July in the USA

I reached out to all of my travel blogger friends to put together this list of the the best national parks to visit in July. Collectively, we’ve visited every state and over 100 countries, so you can be sure these National Parks are the top choices for a summer trip!

I am all about setting travel goals. Some of the goal’s I’ve hit are visiting all seven continents and visiting 50 countries. I am always setting new goals to push myself to visit new places.

One of my current travel goals is to visit every national park in the United States. As a starting point, I reached out to a bunch of my blogger friends for the best national parks to visit in July.

If you are wondering what the best parks are to visit, like me, this list will be super helpful for you. Below, I share all of the top recommendations of national parks to visit in the summer in the United States.

Now, it’s time to start checking them off my list! Which park will you visit first?

Some links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in. Thanks for your support!

The Best National Parks to Visit in July

The below parks are the best to visit in the summer. The criteria for qualifying as a good summer park are good weather, availability of park amenities, and fun warm-weather activities.

For each national park, I list the location, nearest airport, the best things to do, and general travel tips.

1. Dry Tortugas National Park

State: Florida | Nearest Airport: Key West International Airport | Average Weather in July: 91/78

One of the most incredible National Parks in the state of Florida is located in the Keys. The Dry Tortugas National Park is about 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by plane or boat.

It is one of the best beaches in Florida with clear blue water, coral reefs with a wide variety of marine life, and a historical fort ready for exploring.

Snorkeling is one of the top activities, where you will get to see plenty of tropical fish, colorful coral, and even the large conch shells that the Keys are known for with many more possible sightings of marine life.

This makes it a great place to visit in July since you will be able to cool off in the water and the water will be warm for swimming with great weather.

To stay overnight on the remote islands is an amazing experience of camping under the stars. However, if you choose to do a day trip, one of the best places to stay is the Key West Harbor Inn.

Its location is close to the Yankee Freedom Ferry, one of the top boat tours to the Dry Tortugas, and close enough to other activities on the island of Key West.

2. Badlands National Park

State: South Dakota | Nearest Airport: Rapid City Regional Airport | Average Weather in July: 87/64

Badlands National Park is an excellent park to visit in summer. In fact, visiting during other seasons can be really difficult, as South Dakota can get A TON of snow and blizzard conditions.

In summer, you can really appreciate the striated hills and jagged peaks of the Badlands hills, plus enjoy that this is a less-visited park, so crowds aren’t super heavy. 

There are a ton of cool things to do in the Badlands, including a lot of epic viewpoints, fun hikes, and wildlife sightings. For hiking, Door Trail is an easy but extremely fun hike to do – there are a lot of places where you can go “off trail” and scramble and explore all sorts of shallow canyons and gorges.

There are also many viewpoints to enjoy in the Badlands. Big Badlands Overlook is a top favorite and is incredible at sunrise, but White River Valley Overlook and Hay Butte Overlook also showcase ridge after ridge of the craggy peaks and pinnacles that the Badlands are famous for. 

Finally, observing wildlife is a super fun thing to do in the Badlands. There are dozens of prairie dog colonies throughout the park, and you could spend hours watching them run between holes.

Bison are also plentiful, and it’s not uncommon for them to be near the roads. Pronghorn and bighorn sheep are also common animals to see. 

3. Zion National Park

State: Utah | Nearest Airport: McCarran International Airport | Average Weather in July: 87/57

Zion National Park is a great place to visit in the summer. In the summer, the scenery in Zion is the most beautiful and all the hiking trails are open.

Zion is full of spectacular hiking trails, with the best ones being Angels Landing (one of the most spectacular hikes in the US), Observation Point Trail and The Narrows.

Zion National Park is busy during the summer months – despite it being very hot! Start your day early – ideally before sunrise, or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.

Whilst it is hot in Zion in the summer, it is actually a great park to visit as there are many hikes that run along a river, for example the Riverside Walk or the Taylor Creek Hike so you can cool off when you get hot. 

You can hike to the waterfalls at Emerald Pools and walk behind the waterfall through the mist, or you can go tubing along the Virgin River which is a great way to cool down.

The nearest accommodation is Zion National Park Lodge – located right inside the National Park. If you’ll be in an RV you can stay at the Zion Canyon Campground and RV Resort nearby.

Make sure to book accommodation beforehand as summer is peak season.

4. Rocky Mountain

State: Colorado

Nearest Airport: Denver International Airport 

Without a doubt Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best parks to visit in the USA in July. After all, the weather is perfect for hiking and admiring local wildflowers.

Plus, most of the area’s snow has melted so the iconic Trail Ridge Road will be open, as will many of the park’s best hikes. And trust me, you do not want to miss this scenic, 48 mile drive along the highest paved road in the country. 

However, July is also peak season at the park. Therefore, you will need a timed entry permit to enter between May and October. Additionally, permits for weekends sell out quickly so it’s best to plan ahead. 

It’s also worth noting that many of the parking lots for the park’s best trails fill up fast. So, try to arrive any time between 1:00 am and 3:00 am. 

July and August are also thunderstorm season in the region. Plan to be well-below the treeline by 11:00 am to avoid these sometimes dangerous storms. 

Other than that, enjoy all of the amazing things this alpine oasis has to offer like climbing Long’s Peak, the park’s tallest mountain. Or hike to stunning lakes like Nymph Lake, Emerald Lake, and Dream Lake. 

Afterward, head back to nearby Estes Park and spend the night at The Inn of Fall River. It’s a lovely little place with a wealth of cozy log cabins that overlook the river here.

5. Olympic National Park

State: Washington | Nearest Airport: Seatac | Average Weather in July: 62/44

Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse in the National Park system, boasting soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline.

The park shines in the summertime. There are pleasant temperatures, mostly clear skies, and snow-free hiking trails.

Be sure to carve out some time to explore some of the best hikes in Olympic National Park. For example, the Hall of Mosses Trail is a family-friendly hike through the Hoh Rainforest.

It is a UNESCO Biosphere with ancient trees and primeval ferns that look straight out of Jurassic Park. Alternatively, consider hiking the Hurricane Ridge trail, where you’ll stroll along the spine of Mount Angeles, with fields of wildflowers and the Olympic Mountains towering around you. 

Exploring some of the park’s dramatic beaches should be at the top of every visitor’s bucket list as well. For example, following the Hole in the Wall Trail along Rialto Beach will take you past dense pine-tree forests and sea stacks jutting out of the Pacific to a stunning natural arch. Time your visit with sunset- you won’t be disappointed. 

Olympic National Park is enormous so there’s no one town that will be a perfect homebase to explore the entire park.

That being said, Port Angeles, in the park’s northern portion, is close to most of its most popular attractions and is the best place to stay for first time visitors. 

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

State: Ohio | Nearest Airport: Akron Fulton International Airport | Average Weather in July: 83/65

If you’re not sure which US National Park to visit this July then check out Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio. This stunning, 33,000 acre park sits along the Cuyahoga River and provides visitors with a oasis of tranquility. Which is in stark contrast to nearby Akron and Cleveland. 

Be sure to check out the awesome Brandywine Falls. Then, learn about the history of the Erie Canal at the Canal Exploration Center. You can also walk along a fully renovated section of the canal by using the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

It’s a wonderful trail that is home to amazing attractions like the Hunt House which is easily one of the best things to do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The Hunt House is filled with a wealth of exhibits geared towards children. It is only open seasonally, like many of the facilities in the park.

Next, take a scenic train ride aboard the the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. In fact, it runs right through the park and offers patrons sweeping views of the area. 

Spend the night inside the Stanford House. It’s a charming, white, colonial-style home with nine unique bedrooms that guests will love.

7. Acadia National Park

State: Maine | Nearest airport: Bangor International Airport | Average Weather in July: 76/55

Acadia National Park is a nature lover’s gem located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is fantastic to visit in July as the Maine weather is perfect with clear skies and warm temperatures.

Most visitors drive the Park Loop Road to see the dramatic coast. The Island Explorer, an electric free shuttle, is an easy way to get around Acadia. Make sure to stop at Thunder Hole to see ocean waves shoot up high in the air with a loud boom.

There are 158 miles of trails for hikers to explore. Some trails follow the rocky coast while other climb high in the mountains for fabulous views.

Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the eastern seaboard, is a heart-pumping hike. You can also drive up the road to the top. Sunrise is the perfect time to be on top of Cadillac Mountain.

Other outdoor pursuits include sea kayaking among the islands or rock climbing at Otter Cliffs. Crushed gravel roads for biking wind through the scenic areas of the park.

These carriage roads were built in the early 1900s by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. Cyclists can enjoy the astounding stonework bridges as they pedal beside beautiful lakes and cliffs.

Bar Harbor is the main town near Acadia. Whether you want a full lobster dinner or some local ice cream, Bar Harbor has it all. Charming shops and waterfront dining can be found here.

8. Mount Rainier National Park

State: Washington | Nearest Airport: Seatac | Average Weather in July: 72/53

Mount Rainier national park is one of my favorite parks. It’s near my hometown of Seattle and is the park that inspired my national park bucket list. The top things to do around Mount Rainier national park are hiking, snowshoeing, and camping.

It’s best to visit Mount Rainier national park in the summer because many roads and trails close due to snow in the winter. In the summer, you will find many amazing hikes to destinations such as lakes, rivers, and viewpoints.

Nearby, I recommend staying at the Stormking Cabins, a luxury camping resort with wood lodges and private hot tubs.

9. Great Smoky Mountain National Park

State: North Carolina/Tennessee | Nearest Airport: McGhee Tyson Airport | Average Weather in July: 78/55

Great Smoky Mountain National Park located in North Carolina and Tennessee is one of the most popular national parks.

Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park can expect to see some of the most picturesque scenery and abundant wildlife.

Wildflowers bloom across the park, making this an ideal month for sightseeing and photography. 

The park offers plenty of activities to make your stay unforgettable. One such activity is hiking. There are numerous trails to choose from, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging climb up Mount LeConte. The views from the summit are spectacular!

If you prefer biking, take a ride around Cades Cove and enjoy picturesque mountain vistas. Also keep an eye out for abundant wildlife sightings including bears, deer, and elk.

The benefits of visiting in July are numerous. The weather is generally mild and comfortable. Due to its high elevation, temperatures tend to be slightly cooler than in other nearby regions, making it a great escape from the summer heat. 

Looking for a place to stay near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park? Look no further than Margaritaville Island Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of it all.

This hotel offers contemporary design and luxurious amenities that will make you truly feel like you’re on vacation. 

10. Haleakala National Park

State: Hawaii | Nearest Airport: Kahului Airport in Maui | Average Weather in July: 79/75

Haleakala is a great national park to visit year-round, including in July. It’s located on the Hawaiian island of Maui near the town of Hana. It is a popular destination at the end of the famous road to Hana drive.

The top things to do in Haleakala national park are the hikes. I recommend visiting the seven sacred pools and the bamboo forest. There are also many nearby beaches if relaxing is more your speed.

If you plan to visit Haleakala, I suggest driving the road to Hana then spending a night at the Hana Maui resort. The following day, continue to the national park and spend the entire day exploring.

11. Yosemite National Park

State: California | Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite International | Average Weather in July: 90/56

Yosemite National Park is simply stunning and a perfect place to spend a few days in July. As you drive into the Yosemite Valley, you are met with soaring mountain peaks, dramatic waterfalls, and sheer rock faces.

Depending on your level of activity, you may wish to sit and enjoy the scenery, find a place to cool off in the water, enjoy a picnic, meander along trails meant for an easy walk, or add a hike or two to your itinerary.

If you plan to hike, get an early start. A popular hike among visitors is the 3-mile round trip hike to Vernal Falls. If you continue on to Nevada Falls, the trail becomes much less crowded.

The distance for hiking to Nevada Falls is 7 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and appropriate hiking gear.

Fancy an overnight stay in the park? Rent a cabin, room, or a canvas tent in Curry Village. Rentals fill quickly so you’ll want to check for reservations up to a year in advance.

Reservations are required to enter the park as well.

12. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

State: Colorado | Nearest Airport: Montrose Regional Airport or Grand Junction Regional Airport

Average Weather in July: 91/58

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a fantastic park to visit in the summer. The roads leading to the park are fully open and it is one of the lesser visited parks which leads to fewer crowds. 

However, this somewhat hidden gem of a national park is worth the visit.

Visitors can enjoy three scenic drives, rock climbing, park ranger led programs, and stargazing.  There are two sections of the park (the north and south rims).

It is highly recommended that you take the time to see both as they each offer a unique perspective.  Popular overlook areas include pulpit rock and painted wall view.

When visiting the park and planning on staying in a hotel, your best options will be located in the towns of Montrose or Gunnison.  

Stay Wise Inns of Montrose is an excellent option due to its close proximity and free breakfast.

13. Yellowstone National Park

State: Wyoming | Nearest Airport: Bozeman | Average Weather in July: 73/39

Visiting Yellowstone National Park in the summer is the ideal time to visit. With its stunning terrain, diverse wildlife, and an array of activities, this park is a perfect destination for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

The colors surrounding the park, wildlife, and thermal pools are amazing, making summer one of the best times to go to Yellowstone.

Visiting Yellowstone National Park is a must if you have not had the opportunity to visit. It was the first designated national park and is one of the most popular because of the beauty and all the animals that roam the grounds for visitors to see.

Summer is a great time to visit because of the great weather. In the winter, the park gets lots of snow, and the majority of the park will shut down. In the summer, when the park is in full swing, everything will be open and accessible.

The best place to stay is inside the park at Old Faithful Inn. The Inn is close to the famed Old Faithful Geyser. By staying inside the park, you will reduce your driving time.

If you want to stay where there is more shopping, plays, and dining, you should stay in West Yellowstone, which is just outside the west entrance of the park.

14. Shenandoah National Park

State: Virginia | Nearest Airport: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport | Average Weather in July: 75/57

Easily one of the best US national parks to visit in July, Shenandoah National Park offers fantastic weather throughout the month and is home to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. 

Visit the park during the week and early in the morning to avoid the crowds. After all, many of the parking lots for the region’s top hikes can become totally full on weekends.

Be prepared for hot and humid weather, though the park is usually 10 degrees cooler than the valley below. 

Now, the best way to enjoy this marvelous landscape is by using the Skyline Drive. It’s a 105 mile long road that extends from north to south along the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

It’s also the only public road through the park and will take around three hours to complete. 

Take some time to enjoy some of the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park like visiting the Massanutten Lodge at mile 41.7. It’s a lovely little museum that features exhibits on the history of the lodge and the women behind it.  

You can also check out the Byrd Visitor Center at mile 51 before going stargazing within the  Big Meadows Area and standing in awe of the stunning views of the Milky Way. 

Next, be sure to do a 9.5-mile loop trek to the summit of Old Rag Mountain. It won’t be easy but the hike will be worth it for stunning panoramas of this mountainous area. 

And if you still have energy, embark on a strenuous, 1.5-mile loop climb up Hawksbill Mountain before doing a short hike to Dark Hollow Falls. 

15. Lassen Volcanic National Park

State: California | Nearest Airport: Sacramento International Airport or Redding Regional Airport

Average Weather in July: 77/41

Summer is the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park. Because of its elevation, much of the park can be closed due to snow, often until July.

Some of the best things to do in Lassen include walking Bumpass Hell. This is a short hike through 3,000 acres of boiling mudpots, steam vents, and fumaroles. It is often referred to as the “Yellowstone of California.” Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds is another must-do.

This hike is more challenging with no shade, and over 800 feet of incline up loose gravel. When you get to the top, you get amazing views of the Shasta Cascade from the mouth of an actual volcano.

Staying in the park campgrounds is the most popular way to visit the park. However, you can also get a hotel in Redding and make the hour drive into the park each day.

One thing that truly makes this national park special is how accessible it is; with 85 miles of roads and 150 miles of trails, it’s easy to explore Lassen’s majestic beauty. Lassen National Park is certainly a great place to spend your summer.

16. Arches National Park

State: Utah | Nearest Airport: Salt Lake City or Denver | Average Weather in July: 97/66

There are so many incredible things to do in Arches National Park. But of course the #1 thing to do is go hiking. There are lots of incredible hiking trails for all levels, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the arches in this awesome park.

One of the best easy trails in Arches is the Windows Loop. This trail is only a 1 mile loop and takes you to some of the most incredible arches in the park.

Another favorite trail in the park is Devil’s Garden. This trail is quite a bit more strenuous being an 8 mile loop. Although, lots of people will only hike a portion of the trail and then turn around.

Besides all the hiking trails, one of the best things to do in the summer is see an Arches National Park sunset. Because the sun sets so late in the summer, it’s a perfect time to experience a sunset and see the rocks light up in a fiery orange and red color, creating gorgeous photos! 

Moab is the closest town to Arches National Park and there are many awesome places to stay. One of the best is Hoodoo Moab, a luxury resort that has comfy rooms, amazing reviews, and awesome views. 

17. Glacier Bay National Park

State: Alaska | Nearest Airport: Juneau International Airport | Average Weather in July: 50/44

Glacier Bay National Park encompasses three million acres, of which 25% of its land is covered in ice fields. Visitors can only reach the park by air or boat.

It takes multiple planes to get to Gustavus (the nearest town to the park). Glacier Bay Lodge provides the only lodging inside the reserve.

The majority of visitors arrive on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver. Although, only two large vessels a day can enter the park and must be accompanied by a park ranger.

In July, you’ll experience the warmest temperatures to view the tidewater glaciers (glaciers that touch the ocean). Also, Alaska experiences the midnight sun, so you’ll have up to 16 hours of daylight to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Cruise ships spend up to nine hours sailing in the bay, and it’s a chance to view the untouched landscape, wildlife, and multiple glaciers. Margerie Glacier provides the most calving action, and its turquoise hues make it the most photogenic.

With a pair of compact binoculars, you can often see bears on the shoreline searching for food, bald eagles in the skies, and humpback whales swimming close to shore. The icebergs below John Hopkins Glacier provide a breeding ground for harbor seals.

Glacier Bay National Park is a bucket list destination. Whether you visit for a day or a few days, you’ll experience solitude and captivating landscapes that create lasting memories. 

18. Glacier National Park

State: Montana | Nearest Airport: Missoula Montana Airport | Average Weather in July: 70/45

Glacier National Park is an outdoor paradise in Montana. Its the perfect destination for visitors looking to explore nature and take a break from the hustle of everyday life.

With its stunning vistas, deep forests, crystal clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains, it’s no wonder that Glacier National Park is the 7th most visited National Park in the US. 

Glacier National Park is a great choice for the summertime. During other seasons, many of the roads in and out of the park are closed due to snow and ice, so summer is the most ideal time to visit. July is peak season, but also offers the best weather and park access. 

Glacier National Park is well known for its breathtaking scenery. From snow-capped peaks to cascading waterfalls, there’s something to marvel at around every corner.

The views are particularly stunning during the summer months when the park is alive with color and wildlife. There are many ways to take in these spectacular sights – whether you prefer to hike up mountains or cruise along Going To The Sun Road.

Summertime is also an ideal time for wildlife watching in Glacier National Park. You can spot animals such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, elk, moose, and bald eagles throughout the park.

Keep your eyes peeled while out on hikes or drives; you never know what fascinating creatures you might come across! 

19. Denali National Park

State: Alaska | Nearest Airport: Fairbanks | Average Weather in July: 66/38

One of the best national parks to visit in July is Denali National Park.  Denali is one of 8 National Parks in Alaska.  Summer in Denali is amazing!  The sun shines all day and the weather is perfect.  Hiking in Denali is a must.  There are some amazing trails with beautiful views.

Another really awesome thing to do is visit the sled dogs.  Visiting sled dogs is really part of the Alaskan experience!

There are lodging options near and in Denali National Park. If you want to stay at the official national park lodging you will need to book in advance.  Princess Cruise lines have amazing hotels located near Denali.  There are also campsites and cabins near the entrance of Denali National Park. 

Another thing to keep in mind when visiting is that only the first 15 miles is accessible by car.  You will need to book a tour if you want to explore deep into Denali. 

These tours must be booked well in advance. But don’t worry if they are full, the first 15 miles are incredible and will take you an entire day to check out.

These tours are only offered in the summer which makes it one of the best national parks to visit in July.

20. Indiana Dunes National Park

State: Indiana | Nearest Airport: Gary Regional Airport, O’Hare, or Midway

Average Weather in July: 82/64

What better national park to cross off your list this summer than one of United States’ newest established national parks, Indiana Dunes! 

Located one hour from Chicago consider making a day trip or multi-day trip to the Indiana Dunes.  

A top highlight of visitors is the variety of hiking trails.  Some of the most popular hikes at Indiana Dunes include 3 Dune Challenge, Dunes Succession Trail, and Cowles Bog Trail. 

Indiana Dunes has trails ranging from easy to difficult, so hikers of all experience levels have something to enjoy.  

Perhaps the best reason to visit in summer is the beaches. Having been a National Lakeshore since 1966, Indiana Dunes knows a thing or two when it comes to its beaches. 

There are several to choose from in the surrounding national park and state park area.  Only certain beaches have a lifeguard on duty so swim at your own risk.  

Spring House Inn is one of the closest hotels to the national park.  Visitors at Spring House Inn can plan for an indoor pool and cottage style rooms in a 3-star hotel.

21. Grand Canyon National Park

State: Arizona| Nearest Airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport | Average Weather in July: 95/65

When people think of Arizona in the summer, they typically think of unbearably hot temperatures. However, the Northern part of the state is much more moderate.

Since the temperatures are cooler than places like Scottsdale, the Grand Canyon National Park is a great place to visit in July.

To get to the National Park, you can fly into Phoenix and drive four hours or fly into Flagstaff and drive two.

Some of the best things to do in Grand Canyon National Park are the South Rim Hike, Angels Landing Hike, or bike tours around the park.

There aren’t many hotels near the national park, but I highly recommend staying at the Under Canvas Grand Canyon location for unforgettable glamping.

Not National Parks, but Worth a Visit

Although this guide is all about the best national parks to visit in July, I had to include the following locations. They aren’t technically designated as national parks but are destinations well worth a visit to enjoy nature in the summer.

Cape Cod National Seashore

State: Massachusetts | Nearest Airport: Boston Logan International Airport

One of the most underrated parks on the East Coast is the Cape Cod National Seashore. It spans 40 miles along the Atlantic coastline, and home to 11 scenic hiking trails, and miles of paved bike paths. This is one of the best places to be in the summer months for beach days and outdoor adventure.

The main attractions in the park are the beaches, a few of which are widely considered some of the best in the entire country. One you don’t want to miss is Coast Guard Beach. This beach is backdropped by dramatic sand dunes, and is also a great spot for watching seals swim by along the shoreline. 

The National Seashore park is also home to New England’s most famous lighthouse, Nauset Light. Not sure where you’ve seen this one before? Head to your grocery store and find the Cape Cod potato chips!

For convenient access to all the best beaches and trails within the park, you’ll want to stay in the Outer Cape area, which includes the towns of Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.

If you’re looking to stay in the most lively of these options, Provincetown is the best choice. It’s packed with shops, art galleries, restaurants, beaches and nightclubs, and is also one of the most unique towns in the Northeast.

San Juan National Historic Site

State:  US territory of Puerto Rico

Nearest Airport: Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport

Puerto Rico is home to the San Juan National Historic Site.  This park recognizes the historic defensive elements of San Juan, including the city walls and San Juan’s three forts.  This is one of the top attractions of San Juan!

Get an up-close look at the city walls as you stroll along the waterfront on the El Paseo del Morro National Recreational Trail.  The fortified city walls loom overhead and are studded with defensive sentry boxes, or garitas.   

Perched atop the headlands guarding the entrance to the harbor is the impressive fortress of El Morro.  Explore the six levels of the El Morro fort, check out the old lighthouse, and stroll across the sprawling green lawn in front of the fort.  Called a glacis, it’s another defensive feature of the fort.   

Buying a ticket to explore El Morro will also grant you access to its sister fort within the US National Park, Castillo de San Cristóbal.  Castillo de San Cristóbal is the largest Spanish fort in the Americas.

While the official Caribbean hurricane season starts at the beginning of June, generally things are fairly quiet until mid-August.  But summertime, particularly July, is a great time to visit San Juan and score great deals on hotels. 

Stay at the Hotel El Convento, a former Carmelite convent.  It’s conveniently located in Old San Juan, just a ten-minute walk from either of San Juan’s main historic forts.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

State: Michigan | Nearest Airport: Sawyer International Airport, Marquette

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches for 42 miles along the coast of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The area is well known for its stunning turquoise waters, dramatic mineral-stained cliffs, plenty of hiking trails, and hidden waterfalls. J

uly is an ideal time to visit as the temperatures will average in the 70s-80s, and the water temperature is ideal for any water activities.

One of the best activities to do in Pictured Rocks is to hop in a kayak or boat. This way, you can get a unique perspective of the area and get close to some of the wild beauty.

Pictured Rocks Cruises offers guided boat tours, and Paddling Michigan offers a few different kayak tours that are perfect for exploring the area.

The best area to stay is the charming town of Munising. From here, you’re within easy reach of many of the picturesque sites.

If you decide to stay outside Munising, be aware that it could add significant driving — there are many dirt roads throughout the Upper Peninsula and only a few major highways.

Assateague Island National Seashore

State: Maryland | Nearest Airport: Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)