Ultimate Summer Travel Guide: Top Destinations, Trends & Tips for 2025

With warm weather, outdoor festivals, school breaks, and cultural events, summer is the perfect time for family getaways or solo adventures. Despite a turbulent economic start to the year, many travelers don’t seem to be changing their summer travel plans. According to Deloitte’s ConsumerSignals (2025 report), around 53% of all Americans plan on taking summer vacations, up from 2024’s 48%. 

So, whether you’re planning a great summer trip or simply a long weekend somewhere with the kids, The Parking Spot is here to help! In this article, you’ll learn more about great vacation destinations, discover critical travel trends, and master some practical tips. 

Summer 2025 Travel Trends to Watch  

Assessing your budget is critical before booking your big summer vacation or long weekend getaway activities. Worrying economic trends, including increased inflation, will make traveling more expensive this year than ever. Even domestic travel will have wildly fluctuating prices.  

Coupled with growing international unrest, it’s no surprise that many travelers are rethinking their plans, even as they look forward to a summer break. For instance, nature-focused road trips, including state parks, are expected to be hugely popular this year.  

Many American travelers are also embracing staycations or planning travel around peak seasons to avoid heavy peak crowds on vacations like Labor Day. Some are even planning more family-friendly or solo activities focused on historical and cultural events, such as food and music festivals.  

The Parking Spot has also seen a rise in last-minute, flexible bookings as travelers seek to save money. Romantic weekend getaways, long weekend trips for families, or even historical and cultural trips like exploring the Civil Rights movement all offer unique opportunities! 

Summer Travel Logistics & Tips for Your Long Weekend Getaway Activities 

To help you plan the best summer vacation of all time, The Parking Spot has gathered some general logistics tips to make this process easier. Whether you’re planning a family-friendly or solo summer break, these tips can guide you through this process. Let’s start by examining whether you should book early or at the last minute: these tips may vary based on your trip. 

Booking Early  

• Pros: Ensure you get everything you need (plane and destination tickets, etc); feel less stressed when you get there; improve your choices; save a lot of money with early bird discounts.
• Cons: Far less flexibility due to early booking; potential cancellation fees if you need to change anything; may come with surprisingly higher upfront costs in some situations.

Last-Minute Booking 

• Pros: Surprisingly great discounts on unsold inventory that occur relatively close to the booking date; far more flexibility as you can adapt to changes in weather, pricing, and availability.
• Cons: There are rarely as many options available compared to when you book ahead; peak travel costs may be far higher when you book last minute; higher stress caused by uncertain plans.

Which Should You Try? 

Suppose you’re someone who already knows what they want and hates uncertainty, book ahead! Create a schedule of historical and cultural domestic destination activities that make your trip rewarding. However, if you’d rather fly by the seat of your pants or experience life as it comes, plan last minute. Both are rewarding depending on your personality and preferences. 

Other General Tips  

No matter what kind of summer vacation you have planned, the following tips and tricks will ensure you have a smoother, streamlined, and more enjoyable experience: 

• Book your trip 3–4 days before major events to avoid heavy traffic
• Pre-book activities and research them before showing up
• Try to avoid the busiest airports to cut back on stress and avoid crowds
• Go to events early and leave late to minimize traffic and stress 
• Download travel apps to make your experience more enjoyable
• Expect longer security lines during summer break, and plan ahead based on security type
• Arrive early at your airport (2-3 hours) to settle into your travel 
• Find play areas for children in your airport to keep them entertained

Best Summer Destinations in the U.S. 

Planning a summer getaway or long weekend? Decide whether you want to hit up popular or more obscure spots. In the next section, The Parking Spot will highlight some fun, family-friendly, historical, cultural, romantic, and adult-themed summer trips. 

Popular Summer Destinations 

When braving those packed areas (like Myrtle Beach), planning ahead is critical. Consider parking your car and relying on public transportation. Budget a few hundred dollars for ride-sharing to avoid stress while driving. 

You can also try: 

• Booking in walkable destinations, like New York City
• Packing light (one bag only) for a solo getaway adventure
• Find trains, taxis, or buses in the area 
• Rent a bike (either manual or mechanical) for your trip

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho 

Summer is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park. If you've never been here, the warm months mean all park roads and trails are open, wildlife is more active, and there's simply more to do here. Picture wildflowers blooming across the meadows, waterfalls roaring from snowmelt, and the scent of pine filling the air as you hike under clear blue skies. 

• Recommendations: When visiting Yellowstone in the summer, book in gateway towns for easier access and reserve early to avoid crowds. Bring food to eat healthier and save money.
• Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, people who want to have truly amazing adventures, and anyone looking to save a little money (Yellowstone can be incredibly cost-efficient).
• Nearest Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

There's never a bad time to visit Myrtle Beach. Still, summer is the best time due to multiple unique summer activities, beach and boardwalk games, family-friendly attractions, and solo getaway activities. Warm ocean breezes make the sand perfect for beach games, while the boardwalk buzzes with the smell of popcorn and the sound of carnival rides in full swing. 

• Recommendations: When booking Myrtle Beach for the first time, don't wait until the last minute: get beachfront accommodations now! Also, arrive mid-week to avoid weekend traffic.
• Best For: Beach bums who want to get some sun, young people who want a little party fun, and anyone who enjoys summer weather on a gorgeous, popular beach.
• Nearest Airport: Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)

Chicago, Illinois 

Nicknamed 'Second City' (though now the third-largest by population), Chicago has an almost unlimited free and paid summer events, including Taste of Chicago (a popular food festival), lakefront activities right on the beach, free concerts by amazing bands, and even hiking experiences. The warm breeze off Lake Michigan brings the smell of street food and the hum of live music, while parks and patios fill with people soaking up the long days and golden sunsets. 

• Recommendations: To travel in Chicago with less stress, use public transportation or walk regularly (you'll get lots of exercise). Also, make reservations whenever you go to a restaurant. 
• Best For: Solo adventurers, people who love the big city, and anyone who wants to see plenty of fun and engaging live outdoor music (seriously, the festivals here are amazing).
• Nearest Airport: O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Coastal Maine (e.g., Bar Harbor, Camden, Portland) 

Maine is a hidden gem for summer vacations. It offers pleasant temperatures, delicious lobster dishes, activities at Acadia National Park, unique golf courses, and nearly fall-like weather that can make your summer getaway adventure a little more unique this year. Coastal Maine smells of sea salt and fresh-cut grass, with cool ocean breezes rustling through pine trees and the soft sounds of waves crashing against rocky shores. Don’t miss the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland for an authentic taste of summer. 

• Recommendations: While Maine roads are rarely packed, expect traffic on U.S. Route 1. If visiting popular areas like Bar Harbor, book ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Best For: People who want a family-oriented summer break, couples looking for an ideal summer vacation or long weekend, and food lovers who want to chow down.
• Nearest Airport: Portland International Jetport (PWM)

Less Crowded/Niche Summer Gems for Your Solo or Family Getaway  

The Parking Spot knows that many people don’t want to deal with massive crowds on their summer break or a long weekend. We get that because a family-friendly or solo summer vacation getaway with thousands of people can seem stressful, even with tons of fun historical and cultural activities to distract you. Try these more niche destinations to avoid excessive stress. 

Door County, Wisconsin 

While Door County is probably not on your radar for your summer vacation getaway, it is a great summer break spot for a week or a long weekend with dozens of family-friendly and solo activities (including cherry picking, art festivals, and lakeside retreats). The air smells like fresh-cut grass and bonfires, while sunsets over the water stretch forever, casting a golden glow on the lakeshore. 

• Recommendations: Bring some swimming trunks (there are a lot of lakes around Door County) to enjoy this trip even more. Don’t forget bug spray to keep yourself free from mosquito bites.
• Best For: This trip is perfect for families and couples looking for a laid-back lakeside getaway and those who enjoy slightly historical or cultural activities (visit the nearby parks!).
• Nearest Airport: Green Bay–Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB)

Taos, New Mexico 

Looking for a warm but not hot summer vacation getaway that doesn’t always get a huge summer break crowd? Taos sits at a higher altitude, giving it a slightly cooler (though still warm) climate. Enjoy outdoor art markets and hike in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to have fun! The high desert air is filled with the scent of sagebrush, and the golden evening light casts long shadows over adobe buildings—perfect for artists and dreamers alike. 

• Recommendations: Plan lots of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, while here. Bring water and snacks in case a heat wave hits unexpectedly during your long weekend.
• Best For: While perfectly family friendly, this destination is perfect for solo adventurers who want solitary activities or artists looking for historical and cultural inspiration for their work.
• Nearest Airport: Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)

Finger Lakes, New York 

While most people hit up New York City or Buffalo on their summer break, for a unique experience, visit the Finger Lakes! This rural getaway is usually relatively peaceful, with lots of lake activities, wine tastings, and summer farmers markets for you and your family to enjoy. The air smells of fresh-cut grass and ripening grapes, while the lakes shimmer in the summer sun, perfect for paddling, picnicking, and watching golden sunsets over the water. 

• Recommendations: Book a cabin or outdoor camping space (bring your tent) and pack your kayak or canoe to truly enjoy everything the Finger Lakes offers.
• Best For: Anyone looking for budget-friendly solo or family-oriented adventures may love the Finger Lakes. It’s also appropriate for more adult-focused leisure activities or those who want to party.
• Nearest Airport: Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC).

Planning Your Perfect Summer Vacation Destination  

Your big summer trip or long weekend is right at your fingertips! With these tips, you can easily plan an action-packed adventure somewhere popular, head to more peaceful retreats, check out important cultural or historical areas, or simply relax with friends and family. 

Before booking, though, plan ahead to avoid the busiest summer travel days. Pack carefully and bring suitable clothes for your summer break activities. Finally, embrace traditional and unexpected destinations to truly enjoy your vacation! 

If you're planning a big family-friendly or solo getaway and want to park with ease, book with us at The Parking Spot! We have over 70 locations nationwide and provide secure, safe, and well-priced parking that works well for any budget!