7 Summer Vacation Ideas in the USA

Family Adventures

Summer vacation planning is in full swing for my clients.  Where I live in Wisconsin, many of these trips are “Up North”, meaning anywhere north of Milwaukee and on a lake.  We swim, waterski, boat, hike and eat s’mores around the campfire every night.

But lately several clients have asked for something more unique. They are missing the excitement of international travel but are not yet ready to tackle the complexities involved due to Covid. They want interesting summer vacation ideas in the good ‘ol USA.

So here you go … 7 great summer vacation ideas in the USA, from sea to shining sea.

San Diego, California

Summer in San Diego can’t be beat, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado is the perfect place to stay.  Spend your days building sandcastles or learning to surf and your nights taking oceanside strolls under the moon.  If you care to venture off the resort, visit the world famous San Diego Zoo or nearby Legoland.

Vermejo Reserve, New Mexico

Vermejo is a 550,000 acre wildlife reserve in northern New Mexico that is home to buffalo, deer, antelope and elk.  There are multiple guest lodges to chose from, including the beautiful Casa Grande, an elegant historic mansion restored to its 1900s grandeur. Guests can unplug and enjoy an authentic ranch experience at this remote, unspoiled wilderness. Activities include wildlife viewing, game drives, stargazing, hiking, fishing and more.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Summer is a wonderful time to explore this gorgeous area in the Rocky Mountains.  Stay at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa to be right in the middle of the action. From there, walk to the Summer Adventure Center, where you can explore 4×4 mountain tours, mini golf, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking.  Golf lovers will be happy with nearby courses and adventure-seekers will have fun white-water rafting or ATV-riding.

Big Sky, Montana

The brand new Montage Big Sky resort is a perfect reason to visit this beautiful mountain town.  Just a one hour drive from the Bozeman airport, this luxury hotel is perfectly situated to help you explore the rugged, raw beauty of Montana. In the summer, experience hiking, biking, fly fishing and horseback riding, or travel 50 miles to the south to explore the western side of Yellowstone National Park

Cruising the Great Lakes

Who knew you could take a luxury cruise on the Great Lakes? Viking Cruise Ships offers an 8-Day Niagara & the Great Lakes cruise, starting in Toronto, Canada and finishing in my very own city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  You’ll learn about the Great Lakes’ compelling shipping history, experience the power of Niagara Falls, stop at Mackinac Island and uncover complex ecosystems and hidden treasures along the way.

Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia

Primland Resort is another perfect place to unplug and enjoy summer as a family. This majestic, all-season mountain retreat features luxurious accommodations (including very cool Tree House Suites soaring over the treetops) and delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The whole family will stay active with horseback riding, archery, hiking, water sports, golf and star gazing.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head, famous for its incredible beaches and world-class golf courses, makes for a perfect family summer vacation.  Stay on island at the beautiful Inn & Club at Harbour Club, where you can enjoy tennis, golf, biking or the beach.

For even more luxury, look to the Montage Palmetto Bluff, located just minutes away from the island.  You may find it hard to leave the beautiful grounds, with golf, tennis, boating, biking, kayaking, fishing and more.

Let’s plan your summer vacation

If any of these destinations are calling your name, please reach out. I’d love to work with you to create a summer vacation to remember.

And remember – as member of Virtuoso through Brownell Travel, I am able to secure you VIP benefits and perks, such as daily breakfast for two, room upgrades if available, and early check-in/late check-out when available. 

Let’s get planning!