In the US, June means the start of summer. Although ocean temperatures might not be as warm as in July, the weather is heating up enough for days spent playing in the sun. In spring, areas of the country that usually close down in the winter begin to reopen. But by June, most hotels, restaurants, and entertainment are back in full swing.

With kids and teens out and about instead of in the classroom, many popular destinations begin filling up quickly in June. While it might not be possible to entirely avoid crowds in June, certain locations, especially top family vacation spots like Walt Disney World, will be busier than others throughout the country.

Wondering where to travel in June? We’ve put together a list of the best vacation spots in the US in June to help you plan your perfect early summer trip. Pick a location from our guide, and you’re bound to have an amazing time exploring the US to kick off your summer!

The 15 Best Places to Visit in the USA in June

1. Spring Lake, New Jersey

When you picture the Jersey Shore, you may be picturing amusement park rides, tipsy teenagers, and lots of clubbing. And while there might be some areas of the Jersey Shore where such things are more common, you won’t see such sights in Spring Lake.

Spring Lake is a scenic little beach town that’s one of the best places to travel in the US in June. It’s much quieter than some of the other Jersey Shore towns, especially in June when other parts of the shore are filling up with teens celebrating their summer break. Instead of a boardwalk filled with overpriced carnival games and raucous amusement park rides, you’ll find a non-commercial boardwalk where the beautiful beach is the star.

Head out onto the beach for a soothing day in the sun or visit the park to stroll around the spring-fed lake. Hop on a bike to get around this tranquil town and visit one-of-a-kind boutiques, mom-and-pop restaurants, or the magical Spring Lake Theatre.

2. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

There are many reasons to plan a Cape Cod vacation in June. With 40 miles of national seashore, a visit to Cape Cod is, well, a day at the beach! But it’s so much more than that. From bike trails to drive-ins, there’s something to keep you busy all vacation long. Plus, June is peak whale-watching season for Cape Cod. But what you get depends on when you visit in June.

In early June, you’re visiting during the shoulder season. Expect it to be mostly quiet. Few crowds will have descended upon the beaches, hotels won’t be at peak prices, and tickets to events, like a show at the Melody Tent, will likely be easier to get. 

However, the weather is mild at best. Expect to wear layers in case you need to bundle up for an outdoor excursion. And the ocean is cold enough that you’ll likely either skip going in or need a wetsuit if you really want to take a dunk.

Later on in the month, the weather will warm up considerably. But late June is also when peak season tends to start, so expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodations. 

3. Block Island, Rhode Island

Like Cape Cod, Block Island may be one of the best places to travel in the US in June, but what you get depends on when you visit. Peak season typically starts in mid-June, which makes early June a prime time to go if you want to avoid the crowds. Just don’t expect to be able to get in the water if you choose to go earlier in the month. 

Still, the 17 miles worth of beaches to be found on the island will be scenic and beautiful no matter when you visit. And even if you come early in the month, you can still enjoy the water. Although it would be wise to wear a wetsuit if you arrive early in June, you can take a kayaking tour that’ll show you just how magical this island is. 

Or you can take in the sunset aboard a private charter. If you come later in June, you can get in the water yourself. Block Island is a great snorkeling location, especially if you go to Surf Beach. There are also some fun events happening throughout June, so there will always be something to do when you visit, no matter what time of the month you’re coming. 

June is when Block Island plays host to the Block Island Film Festival, where you’ll see up-and-comers as well as noted industry professionals honing their crafts. The festival often takes place in the second or third week of June.

June is also when you’ll see the Block Island Race Week, an annual tradition in which you’ll watch racing sailboats cutting through the waters and putting on quite a show. It’s a regatta you gotta see!

4. Gloucester, Massachusetts

Famous for being the oldest fishing port in the states, Gloucester is one of the best US cities to visit in June. Just a train ride from Boston, it’s easy to plan a Massachusetts vacation where you can enjoy Boston in the summer while still getting in time to see the scenic beaches of Gloucester.

Wake up in the morning and head to one of the town’s mom-and-pop brunch spots, then hop on a whale-watching cruise. Whales can be spotted around Gloucester anytime from May to October, making a June whale-watching tour a perfect excursion.

Spend an afternoon exploring Salt Island at Good Harbor Beach, or take a tour of the famous Hammond Castle Museum, a European castle that strangely sits on Cape Ann. Then, end the day on a dinner cruise or aboard the famous Schooner Lannon.

If you want a true taste of Gloucester’s culture, June is the best time to visit, as the town holds St. Peter’s Fiesta for five days every June. This holiday is a celebration of Gloucester’s fishing history and faith, as it honors Peter, the patron saint of all fishermen. This family-friendly festival holds tons of events across the five days, from the Seine Boat Race to the annual Greasy Pole competition.

5. Letchworth State Park

Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” New York State’s Letchworth State Park is one of the best places to visit in the US in June if you want to be immersed in nature. The park spans over 14,000 acres and runs along the Genesee River, providing incredible views throughout over 60 miles of hiking trails. 

But hiking isn’t the only fun to be had here. You can go white-water rafting, hop in a hot air balloon, and step back in time at historical sites. If you arrive in late June, you can also go swimming at the Harvey Swimming Pool. Swimming in the river is not allowed, but the pool will let you enjoy the weather heating up.

However, the main attractions at Letchworth are its famous falls. The park is known for its three waterfalls that you can see pretty much any time of year: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Genesee Falls. But there are actually more than 25 waterfalls in Letchworth. Their flow depends greatly on the rainfall and snowmelt, so spring can often be the best time to see all the falls. 

Arriving in June gives you the best of both worlds. The falls should still be flowing, depending on how dry spring was, and the weather should be warm enough for you to enjoy hiking, swimming, and rafting. Summer can be crowded in the park, but it’s worth the ideal weather and hiking conditions.

6. Chicago, Illinois

A vacation in June to Chicago means warm days perfect for outdoor excursions. And the city sure does know how to celebrate the summer. For one thing, you don’t have to wait until July 4 to see fireworks in the city. You can see fireworks every Wednesday and Saturday night over Navy Pier in June!

Stroll around Navy Pier, enjoying all the fine dining and entertainment the area has to offer, and then end your day with a fireworks show. Or you can hop on a river cruise that’ll give you a perfect view of the show from the water. 

Another more active way to embrace the night is by taking a fireworks kayaking tour. Tour companies like Urban Kayaks offer all types of kayaking trips that give you a unique view of the city. Or take a water taxi to get all around the Chicago Riverwalk.

But the city really comes alive with music in the summer. From Candlelight Concerts to the free Millennium Park Summer Music Series, there’s a celebration of sound everywhere you go in Chicago in June. 

But one of the biggest celebrations is the Chicago Blues Festival, a free annual event that honors the past and present of the blues, which has deep roots in the Windy City. You’ll see old favorites and up-and-comers making a splash on the blues scene throughout this four-day event at Millennium Park.

7. Big Sur, California

If you love scenic views, Big Sur is where to go in June. The weather is mild, making for great hiking conditions. You may experience some fog, but not enough to detract from the beautiful vistas. With 90 miles of coast to see and explore, it’s no wonder why a vacation in June to Big Sur will keep you busy.

Check out the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to take in the wildlife, or hike through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park to see the 80-foot McWay Falls. To see California’s iconic redwoods, walk among the giants at Limekiln State Park. And to see Big Sur’s incredible shimmering purple sand, stop by Pfeiffer Beach. 

For a unique experience unlike any other, book time at the Esalen Institute, a holistic retreat where you can relax and decompress in hot springs that reach temperatures of 119 degrees. It’s believed that the heat and minerals can heal both the body and mind. But whatever you believe, it’s an incredible way to spend some time while you enjoy the views of the Pacific.

8. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Whether you’re a music lover or a nature fan, Chattanooga is one of the best vacation spots in the US in June. As a getaway destination, it’s not as popular a choice as other Tennessee cities, like Nashville, but it has plenty to do and see. June is a warm month for Chattanooga, but it shouldn’t get hot enough to keep you inside all day long.

Take in the incredible views from Lookout Mountain. Or head underground and see Ruby Falls, the largest underground waterfall in the US. For more adventures below, you can check out the mysterious cave system that is Raccoon Mountain Caverns. If you do want to take a break from the heat, Chattanooga has tons of museums to keep you busy, from a vintage car museum to a children’s discovery center.

There’s also a can’t-miss event in Chattanooga that comes every June: the Riverbend Festival. Set along the Tennessee River at Ross’s Landing, the festival offers three stages where performers of all different genres come together for three nights of amazing acts. What started as a way to celebrate the Chattanooga community has become one of the best music festivals in the US! 

9. Finger Lakes

Over in New York State, the Finger Lakes offers something for everyone. And with the weather being warm enough for outdoor activities but not hot enough to make you want air-conditioning all the time, the Finger Lakes is one of the best US vacations in June. The massive Finger Lakes Region covers 9,000 square miles, stretching from Rochester in the west to Syracuse in the east and from Great Lake Ontario down to the Pennsylvania border.

The region was named for its 11 glacial lakes. All that water offers plenty of fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Or you can hop on a boat cruise, available throughout the towns and cities of Finger Lake . 

Letchworth State Park deserved its own spot on this list, but the Finger Lakes towns and cities also make for a great vacation in June. And not just for the scenic lakes. Not only will you find many beautiful hiking trails in this region, but you’ll also find trails that will take you through the best the towns have to offer, like the Corning Chocolate Trail, three distinct wine trails, and the Finger Lakes Cheese Alliance. 

10. Mammoth Lakes

On the other coast, Mammoth Lakes may be known as a top winter destination, thanks to the massive Mammoth Mountain providing excellent skiing, but a vacation in June to Mammoth is just as lovely. The temperatures are just right for outdoor adventures, with Mammoth typically heating up more toward the end of the month. 

With more than 300 miles of trails, you’ll see breathtaking vistas from everywhere around Mammoth Lakes. Plus, many of the trails will take you to or around someplace to get in the water, so be sure to bring your swimsuit along.

Two can’t-miss attractions at Mammoth Lakes are Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. Devils Postpile, formed by volcanic forces over 100,000 years ago, reaches over 60 feet tall, while Rainbow Falls is over 100 feet tall and is known for its namesake rainbows. 

June is one of the best months to see the falls, but in order to reach both of these destinations, you’ll need to arrive after mid-June, as the Devils Postpile National Monument is only open in the summer. Opening times are dependent upon the weather, but you can usually expect to see them in late June.

Expect crowds no matter when you visit throughout the month, so try to get an early start on hiking trails to prevent hiking while it’s overcrowded. Afternoon thunderstorms can also happen, which is another reason to start early.

11. Telluride, Colorado

Speaking of winter destinations that are just as wonderful in the summer, Telluride is one of the best places to travel to in the US in June. But the time you visit in the month can create a different experience.

Mid-June is when crowds tend to pick up in Telluride, but it’s also when more shops, restaurants, and entertainment begin operating again. Meanwhile, some things may still be closed in early June, but you should expect less expensive accommodations and lower crowd levels. 

With the Rocky Mountains soaring above you, the town of Telluride looks like it popped right out of a postcard. One of the best sights to see in June is the Hot Air Balloon Festival, where you’ll see the balloons take off from Telluride Town Park and float over the Telluride Valley.

Other great summer activities include riding the free gondola to Mountain Village for incredible views, hiking over 90 miles of trails, and kayaking on the picturesque Trout Lake.  

12. Mackinac Island, Michigan

As the weather heats up in June, Mackinac Island’s tourism season also heats up, but it’s worth the largest crowds to experience Mackinac in the summer. With the lake breezes in the air, it’s never too hot to want to avoid being outdoors, which is why you’ll love exploring Mackinac Island on your vacation in June.

Go kayaking, snorkel to rock caves, hop on a horseback-riding tour, or charter your own horse-drawn carriage. This highly historical island allows you to enjoy the beauty of the land while also exploring its heritage. Walk along the Native American Cultural Trail or visit the British Landing Nature Center to learn more about the British settlements and the flora and fauna that call the island home.

One of the main highlights of visiting in June is the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. The largest and most historic festival on the island, it’s a 10-day celebration of the island’s iconic lilacs. Watch the crowning of the Lilac Queen, join the 10K Run/Walk, take walking tours around the island that show you the best spots for lilac viewing, learn to plant your own, listen to live music, play in the Michigan Cornhole tournament, and more. It all leads up to the Grand Parade!

13. Glacier National Park

Although the snowmelt and rainfall may make some roads and trails inaccessible in June, Glacier National Park is still a great place for a June vacation. There’s still tons to do, but you get the benefit of lower crowd levels. In general, the crowds tend to arrive in July and stick around all summer.

Despite there being some trails closed at higher elevations, the lower elevation trails will most likely be fine for exploration, whether you’re hiking or biking. You’ll also want to see the park from the water, so book a boat tour or try your hand at white-water rafting. 

If you want to drive the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is a 50-mile stretch where you’ll pass waterfalls, mountains, and glaciers, arrive toward the end of the month. The road typically opens around the third week of June, but keep track of conditions before your trip to be certain.

14. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

June is actually the shoulder season for Martha’s Vineyard, so you won’t see crowd levels as high as you would if you were visiting in July and August. Much of this fact has to do with the weather. 

June can still be a bit cold at Martha’s Vineyard, and you’ll definitely need a wetsuit if you want to get in the water. But there’s still plenty to do that make Martha’s Vineyard one of the best US vacations in June.

Indulge in incredible seafood, stroll around Menemsha Hills, take an alpaca yoga class, go on a sailing tour, and definitely don’t miss the stunning views from Aquinnah Cliffs. Stroll around entranced by the Gingerbread Cottages of Oak Bluffs, or spend some time sunbathing. Martha’s Vineyard is a place to relax and rejuvenate, so enjoy lazy days in the sun, embracing the start of summer.

15. Olympic National Park

Over in Olympic National Park in Washington State, its climate makes for an incredibly diverse ecosystem. In just one national park, you’ll find rainforests, mountains, and beaches. 

Its heavy rainfall helps it maintain its lush beauty, but that also means there’s a pretty good chance of getting rained on when you visit the park. If you want to avoid the rain as much as you can, summer is your best opportunity, but that’s also when peak season begins, so expect high crowd levels.

Wander through the rainforest, kayak or paddleboard around the alpine lakes, or explore tidepools along the coast. If you arrive later in the month, you can also take a boat tour around Lake Crescent. 

By June, most of the trails should be accessible, but you should still check conditions while planning your trip and in the weeks leading up to it to ensure what you want to do is available. There may still be snow at some higher elevations. Thunderstorms may also occur, so come prepared for weather fluctuations.

There you have it! The 15 best vacation destinations in the USA in June. What’s your favorite?

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