We only have a few weeks left to enjoy summer before the weather cools, the leaves change, and kids go back to school. But, since there's still time, we asked travel experts for their top picks for a late-season vacation. They all had the same suggestion: you need to head to the American West.
The region is full of summer-ready destinations, from national parks with endless trails to gorgeous beaches and vast plains where you can feel completely alone. It provides the ideal blend of new adventures and nostalgic escapes that travelers are looking for. Here's exactly where you should go over the next few weeks to make the most of summer 2025.
Ready to see the ultimate American summer destination?
Yellowstone
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"When I think about the ultimate American summer, Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park immediately come to mind," said Christophe Le Chatton, the general manager of The Ballantyne in Charlotte, North Carolina. "There's something truly transformative about experiencing this pristine wilderness during the summer months – it represents the very best of what authentic American travel can offer."
Le Chatton also mentioned that it's a fantastic place for wildlife spotting, from "bison herds roaming freely" to the chance of seeing the park's elusive wolves at dusk. And of course, there are the park's famous features like Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs. He noted that the best moments happen during quieter times, like early morning or late afternoon, when the light is golden and the crowds are smaller.
Idaho
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Idaho offers more of that rugged and wild beauty that people seeking solitude might want this summer, according to Mara Repetto of Yellowstone Peaks Hotel. Specifically, Repetto recommends checking out Island Park. "It's peaceful, wild, and still feels like a hidden gem," she said. Visitors can spend their days "hiking, floating the river, fishing, horseback riding," or visiting nearby Yellowstone. The best part? "It doesn't get unbearably hot during the summer months, just crisp mountain air, pine trees, and starry skies."
Montana
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Luxury travel expert McLean Robbins also suggests nearby Montana for its beautiful scenery and upscale amenities. "Montana's luxury ranches offer wide-open spaces, top-notch cuisine, and just enough adventure," Robbins said. "Whether you're riding horses at sunrise or unwinding at the SPA, it's a true luxury escape that still feels grounded and unpretentious." She recommends it as an ideal spot for couples or families who want to unplug, though she noted, "yes, there's Wi-Fi, if you must."
California
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The Golden State provides a full range of summer activities, including vineyard valleys, coastal drives, and plenty of sunshine, explained Andrew Satkowiak of The Luxury Travel Agency. "I love a California road trip from Napa Valley to Santa Barbara," Satkowiak shared. "You can start your mornings with fresh pastries in Napa, spend your afternoons sipping wine in Paso Robles, and end your day with a sunset seafood dinner in Santa Barbara."
LaDell Carter of Royal Expression Travels noted that Southern California also has its own unique appeal. "Laguna Beach offers that easy-breezy charm," Carter said. "Newport Beach, on the other hand, gives yacht-club glamour. I stayed at Pelican Hill in a 3-bedroom villa with ocean views; it's gated, private, and feels more like a Mediterranean village than a U.S. resort."
Oregon
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Late-summer adventures aren't just for coastal cities. Adrian Gonzalez, the general manager of The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park in El Paso, says Bend, Oregon, should also be on your list. Gonzalez mentioned it has great "weather, dining and wining, outdoor activities from kayaking to golfing to hiking to horseback riding and every other summer activity in between." For something truly Oregonian, he added, "The local craft beers are one of a kind, and of course, you're about a 2-hour drive to Willamette Valley, the heart of Pinot Noir country."
Alaska
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For those seeking the most dramatic form of remote wilderness, you should travel all the way west and north this summer to Alaska.
"One of my favorite places for a summer vacation in the USA is Southeast Alaska – specifically, the stretch from Juneau to Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage," said Cory Lawrence, the CEO of Off the Beaten Path. "It's peaceful, immersive, and awe-inspiring in the most grounding way."
Lawrence noted that the summer months offer long daylight hours, as well as opportunities to see whales swimming, eagles soaring, and bears foraging. Just be sure to bring a sweater for the changing weather. As Lawrence added, pack for sunshine, mist, and even a hint of early fall, because it's coming sooner than you think.
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