23 Great US Summer Vacation Ideas With Never-Ending Fun Things To Do and Where to Eat and Play
It’s summer, and the time to take a vacation is now! However, it can sometimes be challenging to figure out what type of vacation you want. To help get your creative juices flowing, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great ideas for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or relaxing, this list has it all!
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia’s Southern hospitality has something for everyone. From strolling through history with our award-winning walking tours or dining on some of America’s best seafood while overlooking scenic riverfront parks, there are plenty of ways for visitors from far and wide to experience authentic local culture.
Savannah is an enchanting and picturesque coastal town known for its architecture parks, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. Visit the city at your very own pace with the convenience tour Hop on Hop On Hop Off Trolley.
You’ll find restaurants with outdoor seating overlooking the Savannah River or squares in historic districts such as Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square.
For those looking for more than just sightseeing, there’s plenty of shopping to be done on Broughton Street, where you’ll also find some great jazz clubs!
Spend your evenings strolling through the Bull Street corridor (the city’s first commercial district) or attending one of our famous arts festivals like SAVVY while sipping cocktails at sunset on River Street, Savannah, Georgia a premier entertainment destination.
Breakfast: Magnolia Cafe is an iconic Southern institution known for its signature buttermilk biscuits, grits, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Lunch: The Lady & Sons offers a Southern feast that’s worth the wait with their famous fried chicken and pecan pie for dessert.
Dinner: Savannah Steak Company is one of our favorite restaurants in town! You can’t go wrong with any selection from their menu. Still, we recommend starting off your meal with some appetizers like shrimp cocktail or buffalo wings while sipping on an ice-cold beer or refreshing frozen margarita to wash everything down.
Nightlife: Whether you’re looking for great live blues music, top 40 dance hits, diverse DJs spinning hip hop tunes, rowdy karaoke nights, or just want to enjoy drinks at the bar without the crowds, you’ll find it all at The Jinx.
The Bottom Line: With so much to offer and endless hours of fun things to do in Savannah, GA, the most challenging part about planning a trip is knowing where to start!
The Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills is home to Mount Rushmore, Deadwood (a former gold mining city), Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and more!
A new year-round public space in the city’s heart, Outlaw Square will host activities that teem with luxury after more than a year without service.
In Rapid City, a massive civic development project is underway for the Monument Building. The expansion will increase the crowds for historical events, such as The Black Hills Powwow.
Breakfast: Start the day at The Diner with a hearty stack of pancakes and eggs.
Lunch: For lunch, try out one (or all) of these great options – Hickory House BBQ, Piggy’s Pizza & Pasta, or O’Connells Seafood Pub.
Dinner: To end your night on a high note, head to Murphy’s Steakhouse for some mouthwatering steak in classic style!
Nightlife: If you’re looking for fun things to do after dark, we recommend checking out many Rapid City’s breweries, such as Crow Peak Brewing Company or Spearfish Brewery, where artfully crafted beer is served alongside appetizers like burgers, tacos, and pizza.
The Bottom Line: A vast region with an incredible variety of things to do in the Black Hills. This is the perfect place for anyone looking to experience great food and drink while admiring some stunning scenery at one of America’s best summer vacations ideas!
Cape May, New Jersey
Harriet Tubman Museum chronicles Tubman’s time in Cape May while placing a critical (and critical overlooked) role of the city in the history of Black. The museum occupies the former parson home, the historical Macedonia Baptist Church.
Since 1859 Cape May Lighthouse offers refugee seekers fleeing slave trade and storms in its historic harbor. An interest in the city has revived the staid hotel stock after Lokal Brand renamed it a charming beach house with a saltwater pool.
Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Green Eggs Cafe.
Lunch: For lunch, try out one (or all) of these great options – The Bell Tower Restaurant or La Tierra Mexican Restaurant & Bar.
Dinner: To end your night on a high note, head to Kelly’s Roast Beef for some mouthwatering roast beef in classic style!
Nightlife: If you’re looking for fun things to do after dark, we recommend checking out many Cape May’s breweries, such as Southern Prohibition Brewing Company or Devil’s Reach Brewery, where artfully crafted beer is served alongside appetizers like fried green tomatoes and hummus dip; perfect before pairing with a juicy grilled burger.
The Bottom Line: Once an industrial hub, Cape May has reinvented itself to be a place where anyone can experience great food and drink while admiring some stunning scenery.
Fire Island, NY
Located off the south shore of Long Island in New York’s Great South Bay near East Rockaway beach, Fire island is one of America’s most popular summer destinations.
With its long list of activities for visitors to choose from during their stay on the island, there is no shortage of things to do during your visit!
One way you might enjoy this destination during your vacation on fire island is by renting bikes and going out onto Fire Island roads for some fresh air and exercise.
Beyond biking, there are plenty more adventures waiting for visitors to explore during their stay on Fire Island:
- Visit Robert Moses State Park, where you can enjoy beautiful views overlooking Long Island Sound, take in nature walks or boat rides, and just relax at the beach.
- Explore Throgs Neck Wildlife Refuge, which is perfect for people of all ages with its abundance of nature and open space that includes trails, fishing spots, a boardwalk through maritime forests, and access to many animals living within the refuge.
- Enjoy an adventure camping trip on fire island by renting tents from one of many campgrounds throughout this area, such as East Rockaway Campground, where you will spend your days exploring nature by hiking or biking while enjoying stunning views of the ocean.
- Rent kayaks and explore the Great South Bay, where you can enjoy a day of fishing for your next meal!
- Explore the beach, surrounded by pristine white sand and views that will take your breath away.
- Take a day trip out to Montauk Point and explore its lighthouse museum or walk the beach.
- Explore all the fun things to do at Breezy Point, and enjoy a restaurant with some tasty seafood, such as The Breezy Point Hotel.
Breakfast: The Coffee Mill Restaurant offers various classic American dishes and breakfast selections, including pancakes, French toast, omelets, and Eggs Benedict.
Lunch: The Tea Room offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
Dinner: The Bayville House Restaurant features fresh seafood dishes in an elegant setting. Alternatively, if you want to completely indulge yourself with some great food and cocktails, head over to the Seaview Lounge for dinner or drinks, where they offer everything from lobster rolls to tacos.
Nightlife: There are many bars and clubs in nearby towns on Fire Island, but during busy summer months, there is only shuttle service between May 20th to September 30th.
Bottom Line: Fire Island is one of the most popular summer destinations in America, with plenty of things to do during your visit.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
For a sun-drenched beach getaway with vast amounts of family fun and relaxation, visit Myrtle Beach, where you will find some of the best condos for rent with plenty of amenities.
Myrtle Beach is full of excitement year-round, but especially during the summer months when locals and visitors come out to enjoy the large variety of water sports, vacation rentals, shopping venues, and an overall incredible atmosphere.
There are many other places to explore in this location, including:
- Fort Moultrie National Monument (English Ivy Trail)
- The Lighthouse Gathering Place (and amazing restaurant)
- Window Fun Park
- The Children’s Museum on Muse Street
- The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, “The Grand Strand,” is one of the longest continuous boardwalks in North America and stretches along seven miles on both sides of Hwy 17.
Breakfast: The Living Room Coffee Shop offers a breakfast menu with waffles, sandwiches, and omelets.
Lunch: The Diner serves up some classic American fare for lunch hours and dishes that are perfect for those who want to indulge in their favorite sweets, such as cheesecake or strawberry shortcake.
Dinner: For an elegant evening out, head over to the Waterway Café, known for its excellent seafood dishes paired perfectly with superb wines!
Nightlife: You’ll find plenty of …