Best States to Visit in July: Peak Summer Escapes

Massachusetts comes alive in July as summer reaches its peak along the coast and in the Berkshire Mountains. Cape Cod’s beaches reach perfect swimming temperatures, while whale watching tours off Provincetown offer nearly guaranteed sightings of humpback whales feeding in the rich waters of Stellwagen Bank. The Cape Cod National Seashore’s network of cycling trails provides scenic routes through dunes and past lighthouses.

The Berkshires transform into a cultural haven with the opening of Tanglewood’s summer season, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra performs under the stars. Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival presents world-class performances in both historic theaters and outdoor stages. The region’s numerous farm-to-table restaurants take full advantage of peak growing season, while farmers markets in nearly every town showcase local produce and artisanal products.

Boston’s historic sites take on special significance around Independence Day, with the Freedom Trail hosting costumed interpreters and special programs. The Boston Harborfest celebrates the city’s maritime heritage with tall ships, harbor tours, and historical reenactments. The Boston Common and Public Garden reach peak beauty, with Swan Boat rides and free Shakespeare on the Common performances drawing locals and visitors alike.

The Verb Hotel is the ultimate Boston getaway, taking visitors on a journey through rock and roll history with cool retro decor and experiences, an outdoor pool, continental breakfast, and convenient walking distance to Fenway Park and other attractions.

New Mexico’s high desert climate creates perfect conditions for early morning and evening activities in July. Santa Fe’s famous Plaza comes alive with the Spanish Market, the oldest and largest market of its kind in the United States, showcasing traditional Hispanic arts. The Santa Fe Opera’s outdoor amphitheater begins its summer season, offering world-class performances against spectacular sunset backdrops.

Taos Pueblo hosts special summer cultural programs, while the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide cool escape from afternoon heat. The Taos Art Festival brings together artists from across the region, while evening art walks take advantage of comfortable temperatures and dramatic lighting.

The Bandelier National Monument offers early morning guided tours of ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, while the adjacent Valles Caldera National Preserve provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Los Alamos’ Bradbury Science Museum extends its hours for summer visitors interested in the area’s scientific heritage, while the International Folk Art Market transforms Santa Fe into a global artistic crossroads.

The Drury Plaza Hotel is a great choice for Santa Fe travelers, offering an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, continental breakfast, a bar, and luxury accommodations.

Wisconsin’s northern lakes region reaches its prime in July as water temperatures become perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Door County’s cherry orchards open for picking, while the peninsula’s numerous art galleries and fish boils create a unique cultural experience. The Washington Island Literary Festival begins its summer programming, taking advantage of long days and pleasant temperatures.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers perfect conditions for kayaking among sea caves and historic lighthouses. Madeline Island’s beaches provide Caribbean-blue waters with a distinctly Great Lakes flavor, while the island’s unique community hosts art fairs and musical events throughout the month.

Milwaukee’s famous Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, brings hundreds of acts to the city’s lakefront. The Wisconsin State Fair preparations begin, while the state’s numerous dairy farms open for agricultural tourism. The Circus World Museum in Baraboo presents daily big-top performances, celebrating Wisconsin’s circus heritage.

Consider staying at the Mill Creek Hotel in Lake Geneva for balconies with lake views, an arcade, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, hot tub, and continental breakfast within walking distance of the Riviera Beach.

Maryland’s diverse landscape offers something for every type of summer traveler in July. Ocean City’s boardwalk reaches peak season with free concerts, movies on the beach, and spectacular fireworks displays. Assateague Island’s wild ponies are highly active, with new foals visible along the beach and numerous opportunities for wildlife photography.

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor hosts Artscape, America’s largest free arts festival, transforming the city with performances, installations, and culinary experiences. The National Aquarium offers extended summer hours, while the Baltimore Orioles’ home games at Camden Yards provide perfect summer evening entertainment.

The Chesapeake Bay reaches optimal conditions for sailing and crabbing, with waterfront towns hosting seafood festivals celebrating the peak of blue crab season. The state’s numerous pick-your-own farms offer blackberries and early peaches, while the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad runs special summer excursions through the Allegheny Mountains.

As always, you can trust Holiday Inn Express & Suites for excellent accommodations including indoor swimming pools, fitness centers, and continental breakfast at locations across Maryland.

Kansas showcases its summer beauty in July as sunflower fields begin their spectacular blooms. The Flint Hills’ tallgrass prairie reaches full growth, offering unique opportunities to experience this vanishing ecosystem. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers guided tours and bison viewing, while the nearby town of Strong City hosts prairie-to-plate dining experiences.

Dodge City’s Boot Hill Museum expands its programming with daily gunfight reenactments and chuck wagon dinners, celebrating the region’s Western heritage. The Wild West Heritage Foundation hosts special events, while the Kansas Wetlands & Wildlife National Scenic Byway offers excellent early morning bird watching.

The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, one of the world’s premier space museums, offers special summer programming including observatory nights. The Underground Salt Museum provides a cool retreat from summer heat while showcasing the state’s geological heritage. The Rolling Hills Zoo near Salina combines wildlife viewing with splash parks and indoor exhibits perfect for summer visitors.

Hampton Inn provides Kansas travelers with highly rated accommodations across the state, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and continental breakfast.