10 Coolest The United States Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
Are you looking for a fun and adventurous way to spend your summer this year? Look no further, as we will be discussing what we consider to be the coolest destinations to travel to in 2025.
From mountainous resort towns to beachside escapes and more, join us as we go across the nation and highlight a collection of the best vacation spots, all of which appeal to a variety of interests, whether you're in search of a scenic hike, a historic downtown to discover, a new restaurant, or whatever else. See how many of these towns will make your itinerary as the weather starts to heat up!
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach features a great combination of natural beauty, ease of access, and a full-bodied food scene, all adding up to make it one of the smartest choices for a summer vacation in 2025.
Summer weather in this part of the Pacific Coast is ideal for outdoor activities, with mild temperatures, ocean breezes, and numerous clear days per year, perfect for exploring nearby locales like Ecola State Park or even taking a beachside horseback ride. The wide, sandy beaches that can be found here stretch for miles, and are exemplified by the towering Haystack Rock, an iconic landmark you can actually walk to at low tide.
On the other hand, downtown Cannon Beach is small but dense, packed with anything from art galleries and mom-and-pop specialty shops to oceanside hotels like the Tolovana Inn, and of course, excellent seafood restaurants that source their ingredients locally whenever possible. If you're just thirsty, this Oregon town is a lot like many others within the state, meaning excellent breweries are always at hand. Pelican Brewing, for one, is a mainstay in Cannon Beach, while Public Coast Brewing Co. is a smaller option that focuses on dining as well.
Whatever you decide to do, this amazing Pacific Northwest community will be buzzing with energy this summer, a vibe that you should be a part of!
Bar Harbor, Maine
Moving onto the east coast, Bar Harbor delivers a full summer vacation experience, whether you just want to relax on a beach or want to delve a little deeper into this New England gem. Sitting at the edge of Acadia National Park, it is perhaps most well known for giving immediate access to renowned hiking trails like the family-friendly Ocean Path and the summit climb up Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the first sunrise in the continental U.S.
The town itself is clearly built for summer travelers, with walkable streets lined by longtime favorites like Jordan Pond House, an eatery known for its popovers, and Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium, famous for its lobster ice cream! Furthermore, whale watching tours leave from the town pier daily, along with kayaking trips that explore the rocky coastline and the Porcupine Islands offshore. For a quieter experience, be sure to take a stroll on the Shore Path, a one-mile coastal walkway along the waterfront dating to the 1880s.
Also, learn more about the region at the Abbe Museum downtown, which connects visitors to the area’s Wabanaki heritage through modern exhibits. For a look into the natural history of Bar Harbor, pay a visit to the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, a family-friendly attraction containing numerous exhibits about local animals, plants, and geography.
Solvang, California
Solvang will feel different than your average American town. With its windmills, artisan bakeries, and architecture lifted straight out of Denmark, you may think you're in the northern European country for real during your stay.
Check out the Elverhøj Museum, where the real story of the region's early Danish settlers comes to you through artifacts and local art, then walk to Copenhagen Sausage Garden for lunch outdoors with local wine on tap.
The beauty of Solvang isn’t just in its storefronts, however, but it’s also in how close everything is to each other. One block, you’re buying hand-rolled chocolates at Ingeborg’s, the next you’re at a tasting room sampling local Santa Ynez reds without ever needing a car to get around. In need of something to do in the evening? Grab a seat at the outdoor Solvang Theaterfest, a 700-seater in the heart of downtown, hosting live shows all throughout the season.
If you want to truly stretch your legs, visit Nojoqui Falls, a hidden 80-foot waterfall in a fern-filled canyon just south of Solvang. For the golfers out there, you can play a game at the River Course at Alisal, a gorgeous course that straddles the Santa Ynez River and features a 360-degree view of the lush mountains around town.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood packs more history, underrated scenery, and adventure into a summer trip than towns twice its size! This former gold rush town is a National Historic Landmark in its entirety, with original buildings dating back to the days of the cowboy back in the mid-1800s lining its Main Street. Here, you can tour the Adams Museum, which showcases Deadwood’s colorful (and often violent) past, or step inside the meticulously restored Adams House to see how some of the town’s elite lived in tits early day.
Moreover, the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried, offers some of the best views over the town. Conversely, for an exciting live-action show, the summertime Days of ’76 Rodeo, and various reenactments of Wild West shootouts on Main Street throughout the season, keep Deadwood’s frontier spirit alive into 2025.
Gaming is also legal in Deadwood, with historic saloons like Saloon No. 10 housing blackjack and poker tables, along with a mix of fine dining and classic pub eats, and a full bar with a surprisingly large wine list.
Outdoor enthusiasts can have just as much fun as history buffs in and around town, too. A hike to the nearby George S. Mickelson Trail, a 109-mile crushed limestone path that winds through the Black Hills, is a wonderful way to see the landscape. Or, take a scenic drive along Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway for a more laid-back outing. Another short local drive connects visitors to nearby icons like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park, making Deadwood an easy base for wider adventure in the Black Hills as well.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is more than a former Olympic venue, it’s one of the most complete resort towns in the Northeast, winter or summer. Let's focus on the summer months, though.
Set in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, this amazing region of upstate New York is home to both rugged wilderness and a walkable downtown packed with amenities, from world-class museums to highly-rated lodges and hotels. The Olympic Center and Museum is a must-visit here, as it gives you a direct window into the history of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Games (which both took place in Lake Placid), including the rink where the U.S. beat the Soviet Union in the “Miracle on Ice.”
Just outside town, Mirror Lake is another centerpiece of summer activity. Paddleboarders, swimmers, and kayakers often share its calm waters, with views of the surrounding peaks to match. The 2.7-mile paved path around the lake is also ideal for a scenic walk or bike ride.
More ambitious hikers can access trailheads to Mount Jo, Cascade Mountain, or even Mount Marcy, the state’s highest point, all within short driving distance. Test yourself even further and embark on a backcountry trip in the nearby McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, where secluded lakes, mountain top viewpoints, and other pristine natural features see few annual visitors.
Columbia Falls, Montana
Sitting 15 minutes away from the west entrance to Glacier National Park, the town of Columbia Falls is where you'd ideally base yourself if you want easy access to one of the nation's most renowned parklands. This town has its own scenic charms too, with the Flathead River cutting right beside dowtown. Rafting trips with local outfitters like Glacier Guides are easy to line up in the summer, giving you a cool option for adrenaline-filled adventure this year in Montana.
Speaking of downtown Columbia Falls, you’ll also find local watering holes like Backslope Brewing serving craft beer and casual spots like Gunsight Saloon hosting live music on summer nights. If you’re around on a Thursday, the Columbia Falls Community Market pulls together farmers, artists, and food trucks in a setting that feels more like a welcoming neighborhood gathering than a mere pop-up event.
If you're looking for outdoor options beyond the national park, nearby Hungry Horse Reservoir gives you backcountry trails and deep blue swimming holes with far fewer people than Glacier’s big-name spots like Lake McDonald. A trip down to Flathead Lake is also warranted, which is not only Montana's biggest lake but one of the nation's cleanest bodies of water, too. Its clear waters and pebble beaches are popular for boaters, anglers, campers, and anyone simply looking for a beautiful lakeside locale to chill out in.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Set in Hill Country, smack dab in the center of Texas, the community of Fredericksburg is a true hub for history, agriculture, and fun, all conveniently located just over an hour away from both Austin and San Antonio.
Main Street is the center of town, literally, but also for visitors looking to squeeze the most out of their trip here. Spots like the National Museum of the Pacific War, which dives deep into WWII history, and real-deal German restaurants (the region was populated in large part by German settlers) like Altdorf Biergarten, serving schnitzel and local beer under a canopy of city trees.
Summer in Fredericksburg also means stone fruits, and local farms like Jenschke Orchards and Vogel Orchard open for you-pick peaches straight off the branch. Wine is another big draw and makes up a large portion of the local culinary scene. The town is surrounded by world-class vineyards, with dozens of tasting rooms right in town if you don't want to drive.
If you’re ready to get outside and explore the wonders of nature in this part of the Lone Star State, then definitely check out Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which is only 20 minutes north. Here you can hike up a massive pink granite dome with wide views over the peaceful surrounding countryside.
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is quite remote, but in the best way, delivering fresh mountain air, wild scenery, and a notably deep history without the summer crowds of other Colorado destinations. Set at over 9,300 feet in the San Juan Mountains, it is one of the highest communities in the United States, one that was originally founded to house local miners.
Today, you can explore the area by riding the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train that winds along the Animas River and through the region's canyons and dense alpine forests. However, downtown Silverton is built for exploring on foot, with stops like the San Juan County Historical Society’s Mining Heritage Center and the Grand Imperial Hotel, operating since 1882. Shops along Greene Street sell local wares and outdoor gear, while spots like Avalanche Brewing Company offer a low-key place to unwind as well.
For an even quieter trip, nearby accommodations, including campgrounds and cabin rentals, put you right against the gorgeous backcountry of central Colorado.
Silverton’s natural surroundings make it easy to fill its few warmer summer days with activity in the Rocky Mountains. Hiking to Ice Lakes Basin, off-roading along the Alpine Loop, or visiting ghost towns like Animas Forks are all popular options for an outing in the great outdoors.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint, located next to a massive lake in Idaho's verdant panhandle, is a seriously underrated destination in the little-visited eastern half of the Pacific Northwest. Set on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the deepest lakes in the U.S., this town of around 10,000 residents provides you with countless convenient options for boating and swimming right from local spots like City Beach Park.
Downtown is fairly compact but certainly active, centered around historic buildings housing businesses including Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters, MickDuff’s Brewing Company, and the Pend d’Oreille Winery. Art lovers can explore the galleries along Cedar Street or visit the Panida Theater, a restored 1920s movie house still hosting concerts and films year-round. Are you looking for an extended walk in town? The Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail offers easy waterfront walking without leaving town proper.
Annual summer events like the Festival at Sandpoint, a two-week outdoor music series, bring live performances to the lakeside setting and an energy that you might not expect from a quiet town like this.
And of course, no trip here is complete without a visit to the mountains. Schweitzer Mountain Resort, just 20 minutes away, runs summer chairlifts for hiking and mountain biking with panoramic lake views. Kaniksu National Forest also sits close by, and contains an extensive trail system, many of which allow you to summit the park's ridges and mountain tops, or meander along its clear, natural spring/glacier-fed streams.
Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort stands out with its wonderful Atlantic waterfront charm and a slower pace that can only really be found in the South.
Located on Port Royal Island, the town is known for its collection of antebellum-era architecture, much of it found in the nationally recognized historic district centered around Bay Street. Walking tours led by local historians are a very popular way to experience this area, as they intimately reveal places like the John Mark Verdier House Museum and the Old Point neighborhood, lined with centuries-old oaks and historic mansions.
Beaufort also has a fairly strong arts community, with galleries like Rhett Gallery and the annual Beaufort Water Festival filling the calendar with summer events. As you could imagine, seafood is central here too, with local institutions like Dockside Restaurant serving shrimp fresh from the surrounding waters.
See more of the town's natural setting at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, set along the Beaufort River, which offers shaded lawns, swings, and even launching points for boat tours that explore the surrounding Sea Islands. Just outside Beaufort, Hunting Island State Park delivers five miles of more secluded beaches, a historic lighthouse you can climb up, and a biodiverse maritime forest unlike anywhere else on the East Coast.
Experience these Cool Spots Across America this Year
There is certainly no shortage of top-notch vacation destinations in the United States, and this list barely scratches the surface. From the Cascade Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) and beyond, the options are seemingly unending. Want to hike a mountain? Go to Silverton or Sandpoint.
Need a beach to lounge on under the sun? Head out to Beaufort or Cannon Beach. Love history? Then be sure to check out Deadwood or Fredericksburg. Wherever you go, you really can't go wrong with any of the small towns mentioned above this summer.
