Are you looking for where to travel in July? This month is a great time to visit the United States, where you can check out the stunning national parks, join in on fun city festivals, and be part of historic celebrations.
The weather is also ideal for outdoor activities, like hiking in Glacier National Park, hanging out at Cannon Beach, or exploring Olympic National Park. Philadelphia has epic Independence Day celebrations, Seattle’s Capitol Hill Block Party is full of music and art, and San Diego’s Comic-Con is a blast.
No matter what you’re into, we’ve curated a list of the best places to visit in the U.S. in July 2024.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA. The weather is great, with hardly any rain, making it perfect for hiking, checking out wildlife, and water activities.
The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open, offering amazing mountain views and access to spots like Logan Pass. You’ll see wildflowers and glacier-fed lakes and have long days for adventures.
Don’t miss hiking the Highline Trail or Iceberg Lake Trail, taking a boat tour on Lake McDonald, or driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Events like the Creekside Stroll and Iceberg Lake Hike are also things to look forward to in July.
Glacier National Park is perfect for outdoor lovers, photographers, families, and anyone who loves nature. Just be ready for crowds and book everything early, especially for popular spots that need timed entry permits in 2024.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park in Washington is one of the best travel destinations in July. You’ll find the park’s diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and alpine meadows, are at their most vibrant during this time.
Highlights you shouldn’t miss include the Hoh Rain Forest, an enchanting, moss-covered forest; Hurricane Ridge, with stunning mountain views; Ruby Beach, known for dramatic sea stacks; Lake Crescent, a serene, glacially carved lake ideal for kayaking; and Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful three-pronged waterfall.
In July, the park also hosts several festivals and events, such as the Sequim Lavender Festival for Street Fair + Farm Tours on the third weekend of the month, Sequim Music in the Park with concerts on Tuesdays, and Centrum Fiddle Tunes, a week-long, total-immersion workshop showcasing a variety of fiddle styles from around the world.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is one of the best places to vacation in July. It offers visitors mild summer weather and diverse attractions. You can go beachcombing, hiking, and exploring the famous Haystack Rock, which has kaleidoscopic tidepools and eclectic birdlife.
Don’t forget to check out Ecola State Park for stunning coastal views and great hiking trails, and wander through the small downtown area with its unique galleries and shops.
Cannon Beach also celebrates Independence Day with a charming small-town parade and the Great Puffin Watch, a fireworks-free event for families and nature lovers. The summer season brings beach lovers, art fans, and outdoor adventurers, so expect bigger crowds and book your flights and accommodations early.
Whether building sandcastles, exploring tidepools, or enjoying the local art scene, Cannon Beach in July is a fantastic Oregon coast experience with beautiful nature and small-town charm.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of the best places to go in July. The perfect weather is ideal for outdoor activities like exploring iconic landmarks like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. The highlight of the month is the Wawa Welcome America festival. This 16-day celebration culminates on July 4th with spectacular fireworks, free concerts featuring renowned artists, and patriotic events throughout the city.
History buffs and families will love the Independence Day festivities, including the Salute to Independence Parade and the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony. Food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies like like roast pork sandwiches and whoopie pies at the bustling Reading Terminal Market. At the same time, art lovers can take advantage of Free Museum Days offered during the festival.
Philadelphia also comes alive with outdoor concerts and rooftop parties like the Dusk: July 4th Edition at Stratus Rooftop Lounge. There are also quirky celebrations such as Christmas in July vendor events and bar crawls. Sports fans might catch a Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park, while those seeking a blend of history and the macabre will be fascinated by the Eastern State Penitentiary tours.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, is one of the best places to visit in the USA in July. This month is perfect for outdoor activities like exploring Pike Place Market, enjoying fresh seafood and local crafts, or taking a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. The Seattle Great Wheel on the waterfront gives you incredible panoramic views of the city and Puget Sound, especially during July’s long, sunny days.
Music lovers will have a blast at the Capitol Hill Block Party (from July 19 to 21), a three-day music festival with local and national artists. If you’re into art, the Seattle Art Fair (from July 25 to 28) at the Lumen Field Event Center has tons of contemporary art from famous galleries. Families will love the Seafair Summer Fourth, an Independence Day celebration with fireworks, live music, and food vendors at Gas Works Park.
San Diego, California
San Diego, California, is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA for couples who enjoy hanging out at beautiful beaches like La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach. You can surf, sunbathe, or check out tide pools.
After soaking up the sun, head to the city’s vibrant waterfront; you can feel the ocean breeze and learn about naval history at the historic USS Midway Museum. Then, stroll through the scenic Seaport Village, where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying stunning ocean views. Don’t miss the San Diego Zoo, famous for its diverse animal exhibits, such as a polar bear habitat and an Asian river for tigers.
The Big Bay Boom on July 4th is a fantastic fireworks display over San Diego Bay, best seen from places like Shelter Island and Harbor Island. Later in the month, from July 25 to 28, Comic-Con International takes over the city, drawing fans of comics, movies, and pop culture worldwide. If you’re into sports, you can catch a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. The Del Mar Racing season starts in mid-July, offering exciting horse racing action.
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the best places to go in July. You can sail across the picturesque estuary Narragansett Bay or lounge on the sandy shores of Easton’s Beach, known locally as First Beach, to enjoy the warm sun and the sound of the waves.
For a taste of history, stroll along the famous Cliff Walk. This 3.5-mile path offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and takes you past Newport’s historic mansions, like The Breakers and Marble House.
Foodies will delight in the fresh seafood served at waterfront restaurants or the Newport Beer Run on July 20 at Fort Adams State Park. Art lovers can explore the Newport Art Museum’s exhibitions, like Morris & Cushing Galleries, from July 13, while history enthusiasts can immerse themselves in colonial America at the Newport Historical Society’s living history programs.
The Newport Music Festival, from July 4 to 21, features world-class classical performances in historic venues. Also, the Newport Folk Festival, from July 26 to 28, offers a lineup of folk, blues, and rock artists at Fort Adams State Park.
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA. Visitors can float down the Deschutes River or try paddleboarding. If you’re up for a challenge, head to the Cascade Mountains for epic hiking and biking trails.
Downtown Bend is a vibrant hub with craft breweries and local restaurants to explore. You’ll find a variety of flavors and styles, from classic pub fare to innovative cuisine. Take the chance to see natural wonders like Smith Rock State Park, known for its stunning rock formations and hiking trails with breathtaking views. Newberry National Volcanic Monument showcases Oregon’s volcanic past, with lava flows, cinder cones, and beautiful lakes to explore.
July in Bend is exciting, with festivals like the Bend Summer Festival (July 12 to 14), where you can enjoy art, music, and delicious food downtown. Then, there’s the FairWell Festival (July 19 to 21) at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, featuring folk, blues, rock, and country artists that will keep you dancing all night long.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks, North Carolina, is one of the best places in the USA in July. It’s the perfect spot for all your beach adventures and outdoor fun. Swim, surf, and soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches, or explore iconic spots like the Bodie Island Lighthouse and see the wild horses of Corolla.
For the adventurous, visit Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest natural sand dunes on the East Coast, or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where aviation history began. July is packed with events like Independence Day celebrations with parades and fireworks and the Carolina Boat Builders Tournament from July 24 to 27, which celebrates the area’s maritime heritage.
History buffs can enjoy The Lost Colony outdoor drama in Manteo, telling the story of America’s first English settlers. At the same time, nature lovers will find paradise at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, home to diverse ecosystems.
July 2024 is an exciting month with various awesome destinations across the USA, and OneAir can help you find the best deals to get there. This AI-powered travel platform scans millions of airfares and hotel rates and sends instant notifications when prices drop for top destinations worldwide.
No matter where you choose, you’re in for some great summer weather and tons of activities. With Independence Day celebrations, music festivals, outdoor adventures, and delicious food, July is the perfect time to explore the USA. So, plan your summer getaway now, snag some cheap flights, and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
