Top U.S. Summer 2025 Destinations: Parks, Coasts & More
As the summer of 2025 approaches, the American West calls out to travelers who crave breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and irreplaceable culture. You can climb dramatic mountain trails, relax on hidden beaches, and stroll through bustling small towns—all without ever doubling back. Here’s your quick guide to the top places in the West to pencil in for your summer vacation.
National Parks: Jaw-Dropping Views and Endless Fun
The West boasts some of the nation’s favorite national parks, which whisk you into untamed beauty, reveal ever-changing habitats, and offer hiking, biking, stargazing, and river rafting—all in one breathtaking day.
Yosemite National Park, California: You’ve probably seen the iconic cliffs of granite on postcards, but standing in front of them is something else. Waterfalls roar all spring, and the world’s biggest sequoias silently reach for the sky. Walk a mile on a flat trail, or strap on climbing shoes for a scramble up the cables on Half Dome. Summer days are warm, usually between 84°F and 96°F, perfect for picnics or finding a shady spot under a giant tree. Join a park ranger for a talk, or dance on the grass during the Yosemite Music Festival, with the night sky for a roof.
