With tourism at its peak in July there’s something happening everywhere we go. The month kicks off with Independence Day, and the 4th of July shifts summer into high gear for outdoor activities. Every corner of the country is bustling. Travel demands rise and with them prices! So if you’re keen to get out of town in July, it’s an ideal time to set up a home exchange. Not only can it save on costs, but it provides a unique local experience. Planning your summer travels stateside and in search of a place to go? Check our best places to visit in July in the USA.
Discover How HomeExchange Works1. Nantucket, Massachusetts: Experience New England Summer at its Finest
There’s nothing quite like a New England summer, and Nantucket is the place to live it! While rather small and isolated, this island off the coast of Cape Cod is world famous for its traditional charm and regarded as one of the best places to visit in July in the USA. In summer, blooming hydrangeas line its cobblestone streets, perfectly complimenting its pristine New England architecture. Enjoy strolling along its perimeter to spot its three famous lighthouses.
The island offers 80 miles of wide sandy beaches, all of which are public for everyone to enjoy. History lover’s don’t forget to stop into the whaling museum, and to pick up a few souvenirs visit the Old South Wharf Shops. Complete with some of the best seafood and amazing breweries, foodies will also enjoy their stay on the charming island of Nantucket in July!
See Homes in Nantucket2. Anchorage, Alaska: One of the Best Places to Visit in the USA in July for Nature
Nature lovers, this one's for you! Anchorage is one of the best places to visit in July to enjoy the great outdoors. Here, far up north, the summer days are long, providing extra daylight hours to get outside and make the most of your summer trip. July is the warmest month, with temperatures coming in at around 60°F.
This mild climate makes for comfortable cycling and hiking weather, as you enjoy the city’s 135 miles of bike paths and the countless number of nearby trails. Within a stone’s throw of Anchorage, you can go whale watching, see glaciers, visit Chugach State Park (one of the nation’s largest!), experience tidal viewing, and learn about its historical railroads and local native history. You’re likely to see moose, bears, whales, and so much more wildlife. Because of its cold climate, Alaska’s main tourist season is between May 15th and September 15th. With only four months to do business, prices can be quite high at this time. This makes a home exchange an ideal option for accommodation to get a local experience and avoid high hotel pricing.
See Homes in Anchorage3. Jackson, Wyoming: Get More of the Great Outdoors
Jackson is another great option for those looking for the best places to visit in July to enjoy the great outdoors. Jackson lies at the south end of the Grand Teton National Park. Its extraordinary local wildlife and alpine terrain make fishing, river rafting, horseback riding, and hiking the most popular local activities here in summer.
You’ll likely spot wildlife like bison, elk, moose, and bears. In town in July and throughout the whole of summer, Jackson hosts a rodeo every Wednesday night. The area also is very attractive for artists and photographers, who love to come and capture its beauty. You can enjoy many of their works at the National Museums of Wildlife Art in Jackson. Overall, Jackson is a lively town and ideal home base for exploring the area's wildlife all the way to Yellowstone National Park.
See Homes in Jackson4. Santa Fe, New Mexico: Culture & Festivals Galore in the City Different
While the days are certainly warm here in summer, Santa Fe enjoys a rather comfortable dry heat that doesn’t slow this city down in July. In fact, July is Festival Season in Santa Fe so things really get going. Santa Fe is actually the oldest capital city in the United States, making it rich with history and diverse with a range of cultures to explore and celebrate.
The city’s July festivals reflect this unique heritage. The Wine Festival, International Folk Art Market, Art Week, Viva Mexico Festival, Traditional Spanish Market, and Chamber Music Festival, are just some of the activities that make this city one of the best places to visit in July in the USA. If you love art, music, history, and hope to stay busy during your stay, go ahead and suggest a July home exchange in Santa Fe!
See Homes in Santa Fe5. Santa Barbara, California: Experience the Romance of the American Riviera
There’s no need to fly overseas to get your Mediterranean fix. Santa Barbara has been coined the American Riviera, and with good reason thanks to its charming Spanish architecture and geography strongly resembling the South of France or Italy. As one of the best places to visit in July in the USA for couples, Santa Barbara is full of romantic outings. Take a day trip over the hill to Sante Ynez for wine tasting, enjoy spectacular sunsets from Butterfly Beach, and indulge in dinner for two at one of the city’s seemingly endless highly rated restaurants.
Dreaming of a date night? Try the summer film screenings at the famous sunken gardens of the Santa Barbara Courthouse, or an evening outdoors at the Santa Barbara bowl to catch a concert. For chic shopping head to Coast Village Road in Montecito, and for the outdoorsy enjoy numerous local hikes that offer a spectacular view of the coastline. Known for its fine real estate, you are sure to find a home exchange here to spark your desire to visit!
See Homes in Santa Barbara6. New York, New York: Feel the Energy of Summer in the City
While some seek out nature in the height of summer, let’s not forget the magic of summer in the city. On hot summer nights, the city that never sleeps really comes alive. There is no better time than July to enjoy New York’s rooftop terraces, snacking and sipping as you take in the city lights and skyline.
If you happen to be in town on the 4th of July, New York City’s fireworks show is one of the biggest in the world, showcasing 48,000 fireworks in 25 minutes. Other great summer activities in the city include picnicking in Central Park, enjoying a breeze cycling the city’s bike paths along the river, walking the High Line, taking a river cruise to the Statue of Liberty, or seeing one of over 100 free concerts the city offers during the month. With no shortage of things to do New York City is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA. There’s truly something for everyone!
See Homes in New York City7. Northern Michigan: Get all the Great Lakes Have to Offer
When summer time rolls around, the Great Lakes really start showing off. As one of the best places to visit in July in the USA, why not set up a base with a HomeExchange in Traverse City, Michigan to enjoy all they have to offer. Here, with Lake Michigan to the west and Lake Huron to the east, you can enjoy summer on the lakes any direction you go.
Beyond typical activities like swimming, boating, and paddle boarding, you might be surprised to find the enormous variety of fun this area of Michigan offers, from riding dune buggies to diving to exploring underwater shipwrecks. Traverse City even has two pirate ships offering evening cruises to take you far from the city lights for a bit of star gazing on the water, for kids and adults alike to love! That sounds like an incredible way to spend a warm summer night and just one of the many reasons Traverse City is on our list of the best places to visit in July.
See Homes in Traverse City8. Cannon Beach, Oregon: One of the Best Places to Visit in July for Couples
July is one of the best times to get the ultimate Oregon Coast experience in Cannon Beach. This scenic coastline is known for its dramatic rocky coast line and wide sandy beaches that are perfect for strolling, tide pooling, and watching the sunset. The best known landmark here is perhaps Haystack Rock, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
In July, warm weather finally comes to the Pacific NorthWest making it an ideal time to enjoy this spectacular geography along the local coastal trails. From here, you don’t even have to leave land to whale watch thanks to its perfectly perched lookouts from which you might spot orcas. Another adorable local wildlife attraction includes puffins! While many come for these natural sights, you won’t be disappointed by the town itself. It has a thriving art scene with over a dozen galleries, as well as stylish dining and breweries. Here's where to soak up summer stateside with HomeExchange's best places to visit in July for 4th of July family fun, romantic getaways, or the great outdoors. It’s also a favorite spot for a romantic getaway. Its spectacular beach strolls, sunsets, and romantic restaurants make it one of the best places to visit in July for couples.
See Homes around Cannon Beach9. Fredericksburg, Texas: Experience European Charm with a Texas Twist
This lovable little town situated between Austin and San Antonio, is another great getaway as one of the best places to visit in July for couples. Like with Santa Barbara, there’s no need to fly across the world to get your dose of European romance. Fredericksburg is a traditional German colonial town, and these roots have inspired its European spirit. It has an abundance of beautiful brocantes selling antiques, excellent dining, chic shopping, and even a wine country where you can enjoy a romantic tasting.
For all that European charm, Fredericksburg is still truly Texan though and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go all out for Independence Day. The annual parade heads down Main Street on the 4th of July with over a dozen floats. Other local highlights during the month of the July include horse racing and the summer concert series. Lastly, if you want to beat the heat, do as the local’s do and go tubing for a relaxing float down the rivers of the Texas Hill Country. A little detour to this corner of Texas has so much to offer in summer, which is why it’s one of the best places to visit in July.
See Homes in Fredericksburg10. The Berkshires: Art Meets Nature in the Heart of Massachusetts
Experience the summer bounty that The Berkshires has to offer by visiting in July. This lush land in inland Massachusetts offers outdoor recreation for everyone in the family. Get out and golf on the gorgeous greens at Williamstown or Great Barrington. Walk, run, or bike the Ashuwillticook Trail between Lee and Adams. Or, get your thrills with local zipline or water rafting trips!
But the outdoors is not all the Berkshires brings this time of year. It’s renowned for its art and culture as well. Art, song, and dance all come together here. Visit museums like the Massachusetts MoCA and the Norman Rockwell Museum, and take in festivals like Jacob’s Pillow for dance and Tanglewood! presenting the Boston Symphony Orchestra outdoors. The Berkshires is one of the best places to visit in July as its sublime mix of nature and the arts come together to create a special summer magic.
See Homes in Berkshire CountyEnjoy July Across the USA with HomeExchange
July is one of the greatest times to get out and see the United States. Between 4th of July festivities around the country, and summer in full swing, there is so much to see and do across all of the 50 states. HomeExchange is the #1 home exchange community in the world, and with us you can make yourself at home anywhere across the country this July. So get out and explore new places, or visit old favorites! Start planning your dream summer vacation with these top ten destinations for the best places to visit in July in the USA and go ahead and sign up for a HomeExchange for the best deals and experiences thanks to amazing hosts like you.
