Here Are The 15 Absolute Best Places To Visit In June Across The United States
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Chris Muras
Author
Each area of the US has something different to offer as spring turns into summer. But one thing they all have in common is that they deserve to be treasured in their own unique way. If you are itching for a vacation, we have some very special locations for you to explore. Let’s check out some of the best places to visit in June in the USA. Some may surprise you.
This article is part of our Best Places to Visit in the USA series. If you’re looking for the top places to visit around the country in each month of the year then look no further, our guides will give you all the seasonal travel inspiration you need to find the perfect location for your next getaway:
| SPRING IN USA | SUMMER IN USA | FALL IN USA | WINTER IN USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | June | September | December |
| April | July | October | January |
| May | August | November | February |
Best Places to Visit in The USA In June
When the weather starts to warm up in June, it’s time to plan your next vacation. These suggestions below are a delightful way to start your summer adventures.
1. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Why Visit In June: Cape Cod in June is a little less busy and cooler than later in the summer. With temps in the mid-70s, you'll still enjoy some nice days, but swimming might be a bit chilly. Since it hasn't hit peak tourist season you can enjoy this delightful east-coast town without huge crowds.
- Where To Stay Nearby: A lovely beach cottage on the dunes is the perfect way to enjoy your Cape Cod vacation. This spot is nice because it is right on the beach yet away from the busiest section of the bay.
If you enjoy seafood, a visit to Cape Cod is pretty much mandatory. And one of the best June vacations in the US. With wicked good lobster rolls, clam chowder, and oysters at any restaurant you step into, you could make a vacation out of just touring the hottest foodie spots. Aside from the seafood, come to The Cape for some of the best whale watching and lighthouse tours on the East Coast. Visiting Cape Cod, Massachusetts in June is the perfect time to spot whales because it is peak migration season.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
- Location: Mackinac Island, MI
- Why Visit In June: Any time of year on Mackinac Island is magical. In June, cool winds blow off of Lake Huron keeping the temps mild, but warm enough on a sunny day to enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin. Explore the island's hiking and walking trails, or hop on a bike and cruise the town without overheating like you will in the warmer summer months.
- Where To Stay Nearby: One of few rentals on the island itself, Lakeside Mackinac is a delightful condo with beautiful lake views. Everything you need is within walking distance!
Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan in June is a delightful time of year with temperatures in the low 70s. This scenic small island will delight you with its seaside charm, especially if you view the sights in a horse-drawn carriage. Biking around the island can be done in an or two with stops along the way to enjoy some famous Mackinac Island fudge at any number of quaint shops. There are no chain stores, restaurants, or hotels on the island so everywhere you go will be unique and delightfully local. Whether you enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking, fine dining, or exploring cute shops, Mackinac Island is a lovely place for a family vacation.
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3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Why Visit In June: Visiting Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in June is one of the best times as the weather is warm enough to enjoy boating and outdoor activities, but not as intense as in later summer months.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This East Allegheny home is filled with character and is impeccably furnished. Your Pittsburgh vacation getaway will be enhanced by this art-filled home and the location is perfect for enjoying the charming downtown.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania might not be on your radar as a vacation getaway location unless, of course, you have a hankering for a Philly cheesesteak. But that's the thing about Pittsburgh, it sneaks up on you. This big city with a small-town vibe has the best of both worlds. Beautiful river views, award-winning restaurants, historical significance, museums, and botanical gardens, and it's the birthplace of Andy Warhol - if you are a fan of this modern art legend. If you are looking for unique places to go in June in the USA, add Pittsburgh to your shortlist.
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Best Attractions To Visit In The USA In June To Avoid Crowds
The summer tourist season can get a little crazy. But these next few places offer all of the fun and excitement without the overwhelming crowds.
4. Hudson Valley, New York
Hudson Valley, NY, USA
- Location: Hudson Valley, NY
- Why Visit In June: Visiting Hudson Valley, New York in June will treat you to mild warm weather in the 70s with cool mornings that make hiking the beautiful wilderness or riverfront sidewalks pleasant.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The picturesque Orange Lake in Newburgh, NY in the Hudson Valley is a dream vacation away from crowds. You'll have your own private oasis with your family while you enjoy kayaking on the lake, sunsets over the water, and a few fish you just caught cooking on the grill.
A weekend getaway to the Hudson Valley is a wonderful way to get away from busy city life and relax with some of the finest wines and ciders in the region. This beautiful area along the Hudson River is rich with vineyards, orchards, and farms, so you can imagine a quaint out-of-the-way farm-to-table restaurant might be in your cards when you visit. Come, in June for jazz festivals, incredible hiking trails, and charming boutique shops along the riverfront.
5. Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- Why Visit In June: Visiting Cincinnati, Ohio in June is a must if you enjoy music and summer activities. A brewery tour, some boating on the Ohio River, and maybe a little dancing on the riverwalk outside your favorite jazz lounge. Cincinnati can be a rather romantic city for you and that special someone.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Nothing says "I love You" like a luxury penthouse apartment in downtown Cincinnati. With epic views from the rooftop patio and easy access to all of the attractions, shops, and restaurants in downtown Cincinnati, you are in the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend getaway in style.
A walk along Cincinnati's riverfront at Smale Riverfront Park is a delightful June activity. When boats on the Ohio River sail lazily as the summer sunsets and live music can be heard from various park events and restaurant patios, an evening cruising the riverwalk is an enchanting time spent with someone special. Cincinnati is a vibrant city filled with light, and it can be an overlooked vacation spot. It would be a shame to exclude this charming downtown area from your bucket list.
6. Bourbon Trail, Kentucky
Bourbon Trail, Radcliff, KY, USA
- Location: Radcliff, KY
- Why Visit In June: With over 40 distilleries on the Bourbon Trail you can customize your journey any way you, please. There are also guided tours available for a reasonable cost. (And some that are pretty luxurious if you want to go all out) Visiting the Bourbon Trail in June can get hot and humid so early June is better than late June.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Treat yourself to a little bit of luxury in Louisville in this City Loft Escape with river views in the heart of the city. The downtown vibe is exhilarating and you'll be in a prime position to start your Bourbon Trail tour.
If you want a vacation where you aren't overrun with busy tourists, the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is such a lovely area with rolling hills, vivid green trees, and historic distilleries to explore. Sampling a little bourbon is pretty much mandatory as well. The Kentucky horse country is a quiet serene landscape you'll enjoy if you want to get away from your typical beach party vacation.
Best Places To Visit In The US In June For Outdoor Adventure
If your idea of the perfect June vacation is getting out in the rugged outdoors, these locations will get your nature-loving blood pumping.
7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
- Location: Wyoming, Montana, & Idaho
- Why Visit In June: As summer comes to Wyoming the roads open up, the temps get nice and toasty, and the wilderness comes alive with life. Flowers bloom, baby animals cozy up to their mothers, and waterfalls seem to sing with joy.
- Where To Stay Nearby: With an abundance of cool mountain cabins in Wyoming and Montana you really can't go wrong anywhere you stay. But the Montana Cabin is only five blocks from the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park! The interior is clean, modern, spacious, and cozy.
If you want a true outdoor adventure, visit Yellowstone National Park. With amazing geysers bursting out of the earth like a rocket ship (Old Faithful), hot springs to soothe your sore muscles, alpine rivers to cool them off again, lush forests, and breathtaking canyons to explore, there is no end to the amount of fun to be had with a Yellowstone vacation. Yellowstone is one of the best places to travel in June in the USA. If you haven't been, add it to your bucket list right away.
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8. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
- Location: Medora, ND
- Why Visit In June: If you want a real treat, visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park when wildlife is coming alive after a long winter. You may even get the chance to see baby bison and horses grazing in the distance. June is also a bit cooler than later in the summer so you can enjoy a hike without bursting into flames.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Experience the Badlands with an authentic Wild West cabin straight out of a movie overlooking the Little Missouri River and the Chateau De Mores.
The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a true treasure. The wide-open Great Planes touch the Badlands with beauty as bison frolic (can you image a frolicking bison?) in vibrant green fields with Painted Canyons in the background. When visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park in June, make sure you take the Scenic Loop Drive as it is a breathtaking scenic tour with plenty of awe-inspiring overlooks to enjoy.
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Best Places To Visit In June For Events
We don’t always need a reason to travel, but sometimes a special event will inspire us. Here are two beautiful events you definitely want to put on your bucket list of the best vacations in the US in June.
9. Los Angeles, California - Pride Festival
Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Why Visit In June: LA Pride is one of the biggest events that take place in Los Angeles in June. But that isn't the only June festivities in LA. Visiting Los Angeles, California in June will treat you to numerous music, food, art, cinema, and cultural festivals that spring forth as summer hits SoCal.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This adorable New England Cape Cod home in West Hollywood is the perfect home base for your pride celebration weekend. Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, catch some laughs at the Comedy Store, what more do you need?
Los Angeles is a vibrant hot spot in California filled with interesting people, events, and entertainment. Come the second weekend in June when LA Pride fills the streets with color, joy, and personality, the city is transformed into an epic LGBTQ Pride celebration. One of the biggest in the world, in fact. You can't help but fall in love with the energy that emanates from every unique individual in attendance. For that reason, LA is one of the best cities to visit in June in the USA.
10. Sitka, Alaska - Sitka Music Festival
Sitka Music Festival, 104 Jeff Davis St, Sitka, AK 99835, USA
- Location: Sitka, AK
- Why Visit In June: Aside from attending the Sitka Music Festival in June, this time of year warms up to a balmy 60 degrees so you can leave your snow pants at home. Visiting Sitka, Alaska in June is also a lovely time because it is one of the months with the fewest amount of rain.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are in town for the music festival, or any time of year for that matter, the Stone Lantern House is a remarkable Japanese-influenced home that is a true work of art. And the views are amazing!
Not only is this small Alaskan town simply beautiful set against several mountain peaks, but it is also home to the world-famous Sitka Music Festival. This month-long classical music festival in June is held at Harrigan Centennial Hall, in downtown Sitka. As the chamber fills with a symphony of sound you can gaze out the large wall of windows at Crescent Harbor with snow-capped mountains in the background. Don't be surprised if your heart swells and goosebumps dance on your arms.
Best Hidden Gems to Visit in the US in June
Sure, we love a good beach vacation with fruity drinks and lobster tans, from time to time. But it’s also good to explore an area you may have never thought about before. These hidden gems are truly special.
11. Kaaterskill Falls, New York
Kaaterskill Falls, Hunter, NY 12436, USA
- Location: Haines Falls, NY
- Why Visit In June: When late spring and early summer arrive in the Catskills, the scenery really comes alive with vibrant green. June is also a good time for waterfalls as the fresh rain of late spring adds volume to the falls.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Oh, boy do we have a delightful rental for you! The Kaaterskill Cottage is beautifully furnished and feels like an oasis in the mountains. With views of Hunter Mountains and only a half-mile walk to Kaaterskill Falls, you will feel like you are in heaven. It's a 3-bedroom home with plenty of room for the whole family.
When you close your eyes and imagine the perfect setting for a waterfall, Kaaterskill Falls should be the standard you hold all other waterfalls to. The incredible peace and quiet you'll find in this scenic basin with the soundtrack of a rushing waterfall surrounding you like a cozy blanket is such a zen feeling. The hike to reach the falls is only about 1.4 miles roundtrip and not that difficult, but the crowds can be intense at the peak of summer. It's best if you can make the hike early before the crowds arrive. If you do, you can capture a moment of bliss all to yourself.
12. Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma & Arkansas
Talimena National Scenic Byway, OK-1 Scenic, Talihina, OK 74571, USA
- Location: Oklahoma & Arkansas
- Why Visit In June: While a fall road trip on this beautiful byway is a must-see experience, visiting the Talimena National Scenic Byway in June is rewarding as well. You can enjoy a leisurely drive since traffic will be lighter and the trees should be filled out with lush green.
- Where To Stay Nearby: A good place to start your drive is near Talihina, OK. This Talihina Retreat is a lovely cabin with access to the Kiamichi River. It's a beautiful setting perfect for those who love the outdoors and scenic views. It is also close to the start of the scenic byway in Talihina.
Sometimes one of the best parts of a vacation is the scenic drive to get to your destination. The Talimena National Scenic Byway is one such experience. This 54-mile highway between Mena, Arkansas, and Talihina, Oklahoma is incredibly beautiful in June. (It's epic in the fall too) The timing of your drive really makes a difference in how the views will delight you with their beauty. An early morning drive as the sun rises and light filters through the trees like an angel gently waking the land up with a kiss is a surreal experience. Of course, the opposite end of the day is also amazing when the sun sets and each twist of the road reveals stunning golden rays as they turn to red-orange over the Ouachita National Forest.
13. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
- Location: Carlsbad, NM
- Why Visit In June: The Brazilian free-tailed bat migrates to the Carlsbad Caverns each year. Visiting Carlsbad Caverns in June is the prime time to witness an amazing spectacle. Each night, as the sun sets, a hush falls over the area. Then, with a burst of activity, hundreds of thousands of bats rush out of the caverns in search of unsuspecting insects. Even if the thought of that many bats kinda creeps you out a bit, the sight is absolutely amazing. And perhaps you'll learn a whole new appreciation for these tiny winged mammals.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The perfect home base for your family vacation to Carlsbad Caverns is this lovely 3-bedroom home in the heart of Carlsbad, NM. The home sleeps ten so you could even make it a multi-family getaway.
The Carlsbad Caverns are a surreal experience deep in the earth. And the Sword of Damocles is an iconic feature you'll find in the cave. This 20-foot stalactite hangs just to the left of the pathway in the "Big Room" of the cavern. It is only one fascinating feature of this marvelous cave system which includes more than 119 caves.
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14. Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA
- Location: Walla Walla, WA
- Why Visit In June: While the fall is harvest season for the vineyards in Washington, June is an incredible time to visit as well. The spring rains have given life to the vast fields of grapes and the valley comes alive with life. June tends to be less rainy than previous months, yet the temps start to heat up into the 70s and 80s for a perfect sunny day of winery touring.
- Where To Stay Nearby: The perfect spot for a romantic weekend in the wine country is this modern tiny home located on Dragon's Gate Brewery & Farm. Prydwen (named after King Arthur's shield) is absolutely enchanting. And it's close to several cideries, wineries, and breweries.
Not only does Walla Walla, Washington have an incredibly fun name to say ten times real fast, but it is also an epic wine region of the United States. With more than 130 wineries and many thousand acres of grapes of all varieties, the area is not only beautiful but delicious. Whether you go gaga over a local vino, or you simply love the esthetic of a vibrant green vineyard, visiting Walla Walla in June is an incredibly romantic getaway.
15. Black Hills, South Dakota
Black Hills, South Dakota, USA
- Location: Rapid City, SD
- Why Visit In June: Summer kicks off in June and when school is out families rush to, well, Mount Rushmore. Sure, some of the hottest attractions in the Black Hills get busy in June, but there is so much to explore that you'll always find something to do when visiting the Black Hills in June.
- Where To Stay Nearby: If you are visiting the Black Hills for a romantic getaway the Maitland Legacy is a cozy log cabin surrounded by forest and a gently flowing stream. If you are planning a family vacation to the Black Hills, upgrade to this cool 3-bedroom mountain cabin with epic views.
Custer State Park, Sylvan Lake, Sturgis, Mount Rushmore, Needles Highway, Norbeck Scenic Byway, and the Black Hills National Forest, not to mention herds of bison roaming free. Oops, we mentioned it. We could go on and on, but the gist is, the Black Hills is a truly magical place filled to the brim with natural wonders. If you haven't been to the Black Hills yet, a road trip should definitely be on your bucket list.
If you’ve been wondering where to visit in June in the USA, we hope you’ve discovered a few places that weren’t on your bucket list quite yet. All of these locations make wonderful vacations with the family, with that special someone, or even all by yourself. What are some of the best places to visit in June in the USA that you’ve discovered? Share a few with us in the comments.
Then, check out this list of the best beachfront rentals in the US, because you really can’t go wrong with a beach vacation in June.
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