There are only a few more weeks to go. celebrate summer Before the wind starts to chill and the leaves change color, kids will have to return to school. It’s still several weeks away. To help you enjoy the summer as much as possible, we asked experts to tell us where you should go for the rest of your vacation. All of them agreed that you should head to the American West.
This region has a plethora of summer-ready destinations. From national parks offering miles upon miles worth of trails to gorgeous beaches that provide warm, sunny days and endless plains in which you can feel as if you are the only person on earth. The perfect blend of newness and nostalgia is what vacationers want. This is where you should go in the next few months to make the most of summer 2025.
Yellowstone
When I think of the perfect American summer, Wyoming, and Yellowstone National Park, immediately come to my mind,” Christophe Le Chatton is the general manager at The Ballantyne Charlotte, North Carolina. “There’s something truly transformative about experiencing this pristine wilderness during the summer months—it represents the very best of what authentic American travel can offer.”
Le Chatton also said it was a wonderful place for wildlife enthusiasts, as “bisons herds roam freely” in the park and wolves can be spotted at dusk. The park is also home to some of its most iconic attractions, including Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon. The best moments in the park, he said, come during the quieter periods—early morning or late afternoon—when the light turns golden and the crowds thin out.
Idaho
Idaho, Mara Repetto of Yellowstone Peaks HotelThis summer, solitude seekers will be looking for more rugged beauty. Repetto said that Island Park is a must-see. Repetto described Island Park as “peaceful and wild” with a feeling of a “hidden gem”. Visitors can spend the day “hiking or rafting down the river,” fishing, riding horses, or going to Yellowstone. The best part is? The best part?
Montana
Luxury travel expert McLean Robbins It is also worth checking out Montana, which offers both pristine landscapes as well as luxury touches. Robbins says Montana’s luxury ranches have wide-open spaces and top-notch food, with just the right amount of adventure. The ranches are a real luxury getaway that is still grounded and unpretentious. “Whether you ride horses in the morning or unwind at the spa, this is a true luxury retreat.” She says it’s a great destination for couples and families who want to unwind, but notes that “yes, you can use the Wi-Fi if necessary.”
California
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The Golden State offers the full spectrum of summer offerings: vineyard valleys, seaside drives, and a generous amount of sunshine, Andrew Satkowiak of The Luxury Travel Agency, explained. “I love a California road trip from Napa Valley to Santa Barbara,” Satkowiak shared. “You can begin your mornings in Napa with pastries, then spend the afternoons drinking wine in Paso Robles. You can end your day in Santa Barbara with a sunset dinner of seafood.”
LaDell Carter Royal Expression Travels It was also noted that Southern California is not without its charms. Carter said that Laguna Beach has a relaxed charm. Newport Beach is more yacht club glamourous. I stayed in a three bedroom villa at Pelican hill with ocean views. It’s gated and private, but feels more like a Mediterranean Village than an American resort. resort.”
Oregon
Not only coastal cities are worth the trip in the late summer. Adrian Gonzalez is the general manager at The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park Bend, Oregon is also a must-see in El Paso. As Gonzalez said, it offers great “weather, dining and wining, outdoor activities from kayaking to golfing to hiking to horseback riding and every other summer activity in between. Want to experience something truly Oregonian? The local craft beer is unique, and you’re only a 2-hour drive from Willamette Valley in the heart of Pinot Noir Country.
Alaska
Alaska, in the far north and west this summer is a great destination for those seeking extreme remoteness.
“One of my favorite places for a summer vacation in the U.S. is Southeast Alaska—specifically, the stretch from Juneau to Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage,” Cory Lawrence, the CEO of Off the Beaten Path, said. “It is peaceful, immersive, awe-inspiring, in the best way.”
Lawrence said that the summer months bring long daylight hours. Whales swim by, eagles soar above and bears hunt for food. Bring a sweater for the transitional weather. Lawrence said to pack for mist and sunshine. It’s going to be here sooner than you expect.
