July’s hottest travel destinations

Summer calls for ease, indulgence and time spent entirely on your terms. These July destinations offer unforgettable escapes, from barefoot beach days to the great outdoors, with just the right balance of luxury and leisure.

Image of Lake Josephine in Glacier National Park, East Glacier

Montana

If your dream summer involves big skies, nature trails and mountain lakes, Montana delivers it all, and then some. With the snow finally melted, Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks become playgrounds for hikers, bikers, whitewater rafters and fly fishers alike. It’s high season, yes, but with this much open space, there’s plenty of Montana to go around. Long days and warm nights are made for stargazing, huckleberry picking and maybe even a local rodeo or small-town festival. Montana’s a crowd-pleaser for every kind of adventurer, families included.

A photo shows a pier at Pacific Beach, one of the best neighborhoods in San Diego.

San Diego, CA

San Diego in July epitomizes California dreaming. With temperatures hovering in the mid-80s and not a raindrop in sight, it’s the kind of place where beach days roll into sunset dinners on the coast. The calendar’s packed with seasonal events from the world-famous Comic-Con to the nostalgia and glamour of the Del Mar Racetrack and the San Diego County Fair. Water lovers can surf, kayak or just float the day away, while families can explore attractions like SeaWorld and LEGOLAND. From a bustling downtown to relaxed beach communities, San Diego checks every box.

View of a small town surrounded by trees and mountains

Breckenridge, CO

This Colorado mountain town swaps scorching summer temps for refreshing mountain breezes, with highs in the 70s and trails bursting with wildflowers. Summer kicks off around the 4th with festive parades, fireworks and the Breckenridge Independence Day Celebration, followed by the flagship Breckenridge Food and Wine Festival. Outdoor lovers can fill their days with fly-fishing, hiking, golfing or wandering the historic mining town. This dreamy mountain destination draws a crowd, and for good reason, so book your activities and dinner reservations early.

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod delivers the quintessential New England summer full of charm, nostalgia and timeless Americana. July’s weather is perfect for beach days, bike rides, and seaside canapés. Hydrangeas are in full bloom, fresh-caught seafood graces every menu, and open-air concerts light up the evenings. Spend your days meandering through coastal towns brimming with boutiques and lobster shacks, collecting seashells at low tide, and savoring the simple pleasure of a mid-afternoon ice cream. From movies under the stars to impromptu harbor strolls, Cape Cod is summer, perfected.

Image of a waterfall in the distance surrounded by lush greenery.

Iceland

Welcome to the land of fire and ice. July brings Iceland’s warmest, sunniest days, but don’t expect beach weather. Instead, expect nearly 24-hours of daylight, perfect for waterfall chasing, hiking dramatic canyons, exploring glaciers and soaking in steamy hot springs. Mild temperatures make road-trips on the famed Ring Road a must, with stops to spot puffins, watch whales breach offshore, and photograph Iceland’s famously photogenic horses. From volcanic landscapes to Viking-inspired culture, Iceland in summer feels like stepping into another world.