Summer has arrived here in The Bluegrass State and what a glorious season it is! The heat, the humidity, the festivities, the summer foods… we love it all. And there’s no shortage of fun to be had during the summer in Kentucky, so we compiled this awesome list of our top 11 absolute “must do” items for your summer bucket list. Take a look, and get ready to have an amazing season of sun and fun here in beautiful Kentucky!

1. Plan a small-town getaway
Visit Murray, Kentucky/Facebook
If you’re looking for a quick getaway in Kentucky, consider one of the state's winsome small towns! The Bluegrass State is full of the best little towns, each of which brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, a weekend of historical adventure, a mountain escape, or a laid-back weekend of food and fun, plan to take a few small-town getaways this summer in Kentucky!
2. Plan some unique day trips
Jane's Saddlebag/Facebook
Overnight getaways are grand, but so are day trips! Kentucky is full of unique places to visit: Jane's Saddlebag, Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site -- the list goes on and on! Find more inspiration here.
3. Hit the beach
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park/Facebook
The Bluegrass State is home to many beautiful beaches, some with white sands and cerulean waters so blue, you'd swear you were in a tropical paradise! Pictured is Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, a perennial Bluegrass favorite.
4. Shop 'til you drop at a Kentucky flea market!
Awesome Flea Market/Facebook
There's nothing quite like the experience of shopping at a flea market; and in Kentucky, there's one awesome market you'll definitely want to check out. One of the largest in the state, Awesome Flea Market is a year-round, indoor and outdoor market in Shepherdsville that's open every Saturday and Sunday.
5. Savor in the views from a scenic overlook.
Brennanbooth89/Google Local
One of the best ways to take in The Bluegrass State's beauty is from above. For example, the Cumberland River is a long, resplendent river that winds and forks its way through Kentucky and Tennessee, and the deeply carved gorge canyons provide some truly magnificent overlooks along the way. There are several scenic vistas where you can behold its grandeur, many of which require little more than a short trek!

Related Stories

The Lazy River Summer Tubing Trip In Kentucky To Start Planning Now

The Lazy River Summer Tubing Trip In Kentucky To Start Planning Now

 The Ultimate Kentucky Adventure That Belongs At The Top Of Your Summer Bucket List

The Ultimate Kentucky Adventure That Belongs At The Top Of Your Summer Bucket List

 5 Of The Clearest Lakes In Kentucky, Perfect For A Day Of Swimming

5 Of The Clearest Lakes In Kentucky, Perfect For A Day Of Swimming
6. Take a hike!
Carter Caves State Resort Park Facebook Page
There are so many perfect hikes you can take in Kentucky; and, during the summer, you'll be dazzled by the lush forest landscapes, wildflowers, and rushing rivers found along these trails. Kentucky's natural bridges and arches are especially wonderful to explore during the summer, offering a shaded and cool refuge from the heat!
7. Make a splash at a Kentucky waterpark!
Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground/Facebook
With so many beautiful bodies of water in Kentucky, we often forget about our state's fun waterparks! Kentucky Splash Waterpark & Campground is one of our favorites because it combines beautiful Kentucky nature with an epic waterpark. The park boasts myriad slides, a lazy river, and swimming areas, and is a total blast! Bonus: you can camp here, too!
8. Float, tube, canoe, or kayak down a Kentucky river.
Hart County Tourism/Facebook
Kentucky's water recreation really is unparalleled, and you can plan a day on the water doing so many different, fun activities! Whether you choose to float, tube, canoe, kayak, or simply rent a boat, you can do it all here in Kentucky.
9. Hit up a local swimming hole.
Virginia Fuentes/Flickr
The experience of a Kentucky swimming hole really is one of life's greatest simple pleasures, and Kentucky has lots of beautiful swimming spots perfect for taking a cool dip on a hot day!
10. Enjoy some down-home Kentucky cookin'.
Management/TripAdvisor
It goes without saying, but Kentucky's food scene is top-notch. From next-level barbecue to amazing fried chicken, and everything in between, definitely enjoy some authentic Bluegrass fare this summer!
11. Go to a festival.
Gaslight Festival- Official/Facebook
No summer in Kentucky is complete without a festival and there are plenty of options throughout the summer months. Let us know which ones you never miss!

Of course, this list merely scratches the surface of all of the fun you can have during the summer in Kentucky. Have you ever been to any of these awesome spots? If so, which were your favorites? What are your “summer musts” that you would add to the list? Be sure to share them with your fellow Kentuckians in the comments section below!

For a fun waterpark adventure, check out the SomerSplash Waterpark in Somerset.

If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Adventures in Kentucky

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 26, 2023

Where can we find museums in Kentucky?

  • The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville showcases over 200 dollhouses, detailed room boxes, and amazing miniature buildings.
  • The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro chronicles the history, performers, writers, and more that have made the bluegrass sound what it is today.
  • The Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum in Hartford is a unique collection of vintage American motorcycles and related items dating back to the early 1900s.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful museums in Kentucky.

Where can we find horse farms in Kentucky?

  • The Windy Meadows Horse Farm is a full-service equestrian center that also offers tours to the public.
  • Second Stride in Crestwood focuses on rehabilitation, retraining, and placing retired thoroughbred racehorses with new loving owners.
  • Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours in Lexington is a family-owned and operated business offering both public and custom private tours.

Read on to learn about some of the many other beautiful horse farms in Kentucky.

Where can we find breweries in Kentucky?

  • The Braxton Brewing Company in Covington is popular for its fun taproom and fantastic rooftop patio.
  • The Bircus Brewing Co. in Ludlow is set inside of an old historic theatre and offers live circus acts as part of your experience.
  • The West Sixth Farm in Frankfort is set out in the country and offers mountain biking and hiking along the mixed-use trail system on the property.

Read on to learn about some of the many other tasty breweries in Kentucky.

Related Articles

Explore Kentucky