These Small Towns in The Northern United States Come Alive in Summer
The Northern United States is home to some of the most awe inspiring landscapes; the results of the changing seasons bring in tourists from all over the world to witness mother nature at work. Spanning from Alaska to New York State, these cities burst with activity in the summer months sometimes tripling their population. Bringing people together over shared interests and unique opportunities, the Northern United States offers vacationers an unparalleled experience of the outdoors and sunshine in combination with historical and cultural adventure.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
A beautiful Island paradise, Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts is a place that people flock to during the summer months. Skip the busy crowds and take the ferry 7 miles off the coast of the city for a visit to Martha’s Vineyard. This sunshine and saltwater paradise’s population skyrockets through the summer months from 17,000 to nearly 200,000 people. It is popular for bright, clean and beautiful beaches and opulent, historic culture. Martha’s Vineyard is the summer hotspot for anyone looking to check out the coastal sandscapes off the Atlantic such as Oak Bluffs Town Beach, South Beach and Katama Beach. Eat some lobster while overlooking the harbor at Lucky Hank’s Restaurant & Cafe, ride through the land on one of many bicycle paths like the West Chop Loop or hop on a horse and go birdwatching in the place where the red-footed falcon was first spotted. Take in some history while you walk through Edgartown and check out the historic architecture that dates back to the 1700s by visiting the Old Whaling Church. It is no surprise that Martha’s Vineyard is one of the most attractive summer vacations in the Northern United States.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor in Maine sits just outside of one of the most attractive summer destinations, Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor has a population of 5,000 people year round, but in the summer months the area attracts over 17,000 people because of its Northeastern waterfront coastal beauty. People travel from far and wide to walk along the Shore Path, a hike that provides a scenic view of Frenchman Bay. Acadia National Park is the first national park east of the Mississippi and home to the highest point on the Atlantic coast of the United States, Mount Cadillac, shooting up 1,530 feet above dealevel. After viewing the top, head to the bottom where there are areas to catch lobsters and seafood that will make your mouth water. Named as one of the best places to view the Milky Way, Bar Harbor is one of the greatest destinations for vacationers looking to explore the Northern United States.
The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons are located on the eastern side of Long Island and have become a hotspot for people coming from all areas. Visitors to the North Eastern United States throughout the summer months choose the Hamptons because of its five star appeal. The population quadruples from 21,000 to 100,000 in the months of July and August and dies down afterwards, literally naming the day after Labor Day, ‘Tumbleweed Tuesday.” This summer time hot spot is a must see destination because it offers visitors a luxurious adventure with high end shopping, beautiful beaches and some of the most jaw dropping estates. These upscale shops and restaurants are paired with local wineries and vineyards that offer amazing tours in the summer months. The luxurious location caters to its visitors with a one of a kind, high end experience just a short drive from New York City. The Hamptons is one of the most exciting places to watch come alive through the summer months in all of the Northern United States.
Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Visit Yellowstone National Park in Montana, a massive attraction where visitors go to see dormant volcanoes, active wildlife and abundant plant life. In July and August, it is not unusual to share the hiking trails or boardwalks with around 1,200 people. The likelihood of being able to watch active wildlife in their natural habitat is very high at Yellowstone National Park, making it one of the more valuable vacations in the Northern United States. There are opportunities to sit and relax in the pristine water at Mammoth Hot Springs or walk face to face with an elk in Hayden Valley. Head to the Wapiti Valley to view the famous bighorn sheep that make Yellowstone such an iconic location. Check out the iconic geyser, Old Faithful and take some time to spiritually connect to the wonder of mother nature while overlooking the bluish green pristine waters rolling off the waterfalls and nestled in the canyons. Yellowstone is a location that is on the bucket list of many people and in the summer months it is busier than any other time of year. Yellowstone provides vacationers with an education, awe inspiring and exciting summer time experience that is unique to the Northern United States.
San Juan Islands, Washington
Home to Friday and Roche Harbor, San Juan Island is a sunshine attraction boosting the population from 7,200 to over 15,000 in the summer months. Spanning over 55 square miles, on the Pacific Ocean, San Juan Island is the second largest of the Archipelago Islands off the coast of Washington. Archipelagos are groups of islands typically formed over a hotspot, created by underwater volcanoes erupting under the water making the local environment one that is valuable for any vacationer to experience. Take in the majestic beauty of the Pacific coastline and spend an afternoon interacting with the sea life or watching the movement of the noble orca whale. Bike or walk across San Juan Island and smell the scent of air drifting through the Lavender Farm before heading over to pet a friend at the Alpaca Farm. San Juan Island brings people together at Westcott Shellfish Co., a working shellfish farm that grows mussels, oysters and clams which you can either purchase to bring home or enjoy them freshly prepared by a chef at their local restaurant. There is always something to do on the beautiful, sunny seaside adventure of San Juan Island.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod, located on the Atlantic Ocean, is a great place to visit at any time of the year, but in the summer months the population booms from 229,000 to more than half a million people. Home to Stellwagen Bank, Cape Cod is a rich feeding ground for sea life making it a world class destination for whale watching, viewing the busy activity of seals and exploring the exciting Atlantic waters. Spanning over 400 square miles of breathtaking beaches, nature trails and historic charm, Cape Cod makes for one of the greatest sunshine vacations. Seafood options are endless and waterfront dining is a must try for any visitor to the area. Embrace the all American summer pastime by watching one of the daily baseball games hosted by the Cape Cod Baseball League, an elite level roster with one in every 6 players having made it to the Major Leagues. Jump on the Golf Course and check out the diverse culinary experiences offered at Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club. Cape Cod tops the list as one of the American locations that bursts with action all summer long.
Traverse City, Michigan
Each summer in Traverse City the population seems to grow overnight from 16,000 to 160,000 people. Located on the grand freshwater lake, Lake Michigan, this sought after summer location is the “Cherry Capital of the World” and has a ton of natural attractions such as vineyards, wineries and beaches. Located next to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, home to bluffs and sand beaches matched with a rich natural history, Traverse City is a great escape for people looking to get outdoors, grab some sun and relax during their summer vacation. Home of the Traverse City Film Festivals, the city is vibrant with diverse groups of visitors who enjoy culture, history and participating in local events. Explore the lakeshore, enjoy some fish and chips and get on a ladder to do some cherry picking during an epic summer time vacation the northern United States beauty of Traverse City.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
Over 350,000 people visit the surreal scenery of the Kenai Fjords in Alaska each year and the top numbers are from the summer months. Located near the town of Seward and covering 669,984 acres of pristine Alaskan land, the Kenai Fjords are famous for being where the mountains and oceans meet. Boasting a wide range of ecologies and climates across one area, the Kenai Fjords are a sought after spot for any thrill seeking vacationer. The iconic feature of glaciers flowing from Harding Icefield makes this location one that must be viewed up close to fully appreciate the nature of the Northern United States. Watch the wildlife along the land and the whales that move through the open waters before trying out the Harding Icefield hike to view Exit Glacier from the top. Grab some of the diverse culinary experiences offered by the locals at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge or head over to the Yukon Bar in Seward for some specialty drinks after a long day of sightseeing. The Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most popular locations for vacationers seeking an authentic experience of the Northern United States.
Whale watching, sun bathing and outdoor excursions are just the beginning of the experiences available to tourists visiting the Northern United States. The changing seasons bring about unique landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. Boasting some of the most bountiful and fertile landscapes across the world, the Northern United States is home to some of the cities that are known for the summertime experiences.
