July is a wonderful month to experience the beauty and diversity of the United States, and since America celebrates its Independence Day on the 4th, you’ll find those quintessential celebrations in both cities and rural towns.
This is also prime national parks season.
I’ve traveled to over 65 countries over the past decade, but there’s truly no place like home, and the USA will always be one of the most exciting and diverse countries to travel through.
Below are 21 places to consider for your next trip:
1. Seward, Alaska
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As the largest state in the US, Alaska (aka the Last Frontier) is known for its vast landscapes, plentiful wildlife, and untamed wilderness. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Alaska, and Seward is one you might have overlooked. It’s the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and a major cruise terminal, but it’s also home to a lesser-known hike: Mount Marathon.
Because Alaska is so far north and July is the middle of summer, you can expect sunlight for about 20 hours a day. Despite that, it’ll still be brisk, in the 50s F, and a little rainy. Here’s a packing list to help you prepare, and if you’re into backpacking, bring these items too.
2. Lake Tahoe, California
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If you’re looking for Caribbean-blue waters, without the salt but with stunning mountain peaks in the background, you’ll find it at Lake Tahoe, California. With hikes galore (like the Tahoe Rim Trail and the Mt. Tallac Hike), incredible photography opportunities (like Chickadee Ridge and Emerald Bay), and plenty of things to do, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular place, especially during the summer.
It’s warm in July, when it will be the perfect temperature to go for a swim or get out on the trails. Because it’s a popular season, it can be hard to find accommodations. We’ve got you covered though, with a list of the best boutique hotels and Airbnbs.
3. Sequoia National Park, California
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California has many national parks, but you’ve likely heard of Sequoia. It has some of the largest trees in the world, and there’s lots to see and do, like waterfalls, caves, viewpoints, and significant sequoias (for example, the General Sherman tree), as well as road-tripping. Plus, Kings Canyon is right nearby, so you can explore both on a weekend getaway.
July is one of the busiest times, because the weather is so nice, the caves are open, and most of the snow has melted. But because Sequoia is typically overshadowed by Yosemite, it’s one of the less busy national parks during high season.
4. Colorado road trip
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Those seeking diversity on a scenic road trip will find it in Colorado’s red-rock plateaus, arid landscapes, and rural towns. The state is home to the most mountains in the US higher than 14,000 feet and therefore is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Your Colorado road trip could easily include camping, hiking, and mountain biking, all with tremendous views.
In July, it can get a little hot in cities like Denver, so summer is when most people take advantage of the cooler parts. The weather is comfortable enough at higher elevations for hiking and biking.
5. Idaho hot springs
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Summertime is fun in this Mountain West state. Idaho is gorgeous, full of mountainous landscapes, thriving wildlife, and rolling sand dunes.
But did you know that it also has hot springs? There are over a hundred! You may have heard of those in Sun Valley, but there are also find hidden gems, including some natural and resort springs. You may have one all to yourself in the early morning hours.
Some argue that the hot springs are best visited in winter, but the water can get a little tepid in cooler temperatures. If you get too hot, you can always cool off by white-water rafting!
6. Glacier National Park, Montana
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If you’re looking for breathtaking beauty, you can put your faith in Montana’s Glacier National Park. There are stunning views, brilliant starscapes, incredible hikes, and clear lakes. Not convinced? Just check out the photos and things to do here, like white-water rafting, ATC exploring in Whitefish (where there are also some meditative things to do), and admiring waterfalls.
July offers some of the safest and most comfortable weather in Montana for hiking and being outdoors, making it the peak season for discovering all of its natural beauty. Even though it’s summer, it can still snow at higher elevations, however.
7. Oregon road trip
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When you’re new to a state, you might as well see as much of it as possible and get the lay of the land. Oregon is a wonderful road-tripping state, because there’s so much to see both inland and on the coast. July is the photo-op season here, because of the clear, sunny skies and drier weather.
One place you won’t want to miss is John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, a colorful rock that dates back 40 million years. If you fall in love with the coast, you can go fishing, boating, and beach strolling. Most people flock to the ocean, because it’s one of the warmest months of the year, but on a road trip, you can make your own itinerary and avoid the crowds as you wish.
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