There is nothing like summer vacation! Whether you’re heading to the beach, lake, mountains, or city, this time of the year offers something for everyone to enjoy! In this article, discover the best countries, cities and destinations to visit in July.

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Best Countries to Visit in July:

The month of July may be the hottest month of the year for many destinations, but it’s the best time to visit a lot of bucket list countries in the United States and worldwide.

In mountain destinations, July is excellent for visiting National Parks.

The warm weather is ideal for days at the beach.

Most cities offer cultural festivals and an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Long days are perfect for fitting in many fun outdoor activities and I can go on.

Below is a list of the best places to visit in July:

Best Places to Visit in July – USA:

Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming:

It’s no secret that the United States is one of the best countries to visit in July due to its incredible National Parks! Known as the youngest range in the Rocky Mountains with towering peaks, Grand Teton National Park is a playground for hikers. Additionally, Yellowstone National Park offers some of the most incredible natural beauty in North America!

A great place to stay near both parks is Cody, Wyoming. The top hotel to stay at is the Chamberlin Inn, located downtown. Cody is a charming Western town where you can attend rodeos, do old-time photoshoots, go horseback riding and more. The best places to eat in Cody are Proud Cut Saloon, Trailhead Restaurant, The Beta Coffeehouse and Annie’s Soda Saloon & Café.

What is great about traveling to Wyoming during the dog days of summer is that the National Parks boast cooler temperatures for hiking and other outdoor adventures due to its high altitudes. In July, Yellowstone National Park has an average temperature of highs in the lower 70s°F and lows in the upper 30s°F with around five days of rain. Grand Teton National Park has average temperatures of highs in the upper 70s°F and lows in the lower 40s°F with an average of five days of rain.

The best things to see in Yellowstone National Park are the Mammoth Hot Springs, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Beryl Spring, Fountain Paint Pot and Red Spouter, Fountain Geyser and Morning Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful, Castle Geyser and Morning Glory Pool.

A day trip to Grand Teton is incomplete without doing one of the many hikes in the park. The best trails to conquer are Jenny Lake, String Lake, Schwabacher’s Landing, Delta Lake, Cascade Canyon, Teton Crest and Snake River Overlook.

Overall, there are endless adventures to do in Yellowstone and Grand Teton!

Newport, Rhode Island:

There’s nothing like an East Coast summer, especially in New England! Newport, Rhode Island is one of the best destinations to travel in July.

Newport is a charming coastal city on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island. It’s iconic for its elegant Gilded Age mansions, yacht-filled harbor that hosts America’s Cup every year, beautiful beaches, incredible seafood restaurants, picturesque wineries, rich history and great shopping.

A perfect place to stay in Newport is Hammetts Hotel. It’s a luxury boutique hotel centrally located on the wharf and in the heart of downtown. The best restaurants to eat at during the summer months are The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, Pasta Beach, Midtown Oyster Bar, The Red Parrot Restaurant, Stoneacre Garden and CRU Café.

Newport, Rhode Island has pleasant weather during July, making it the perfect month to visit. You’ll experience average temperatures of highs in the upper 70s°F and lows in the upper 60s°F with around six rainy days.

One of the best things to do during the summer season in Newport, Rhode Island is sailing on the Narragansett Bay with Sightsailing of Newport. They offer daily sailing adventures where you can enjoy scenic views and have fun on a morning mimosa tour or an evening champagne sunset cruise.

Another great thing to do in Newport during summer is to visit one of the mansions on Bellevue Avenue. During the Gilded Age, America’s wealthiest families like the Vanderbilt’s, DuPont’s and Astor’s, to name a few, flocked to Newport and made it the residence for their summer homes. Even though there are a lot of jaw-dropping mansions to visit, my favorites are The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms.

Other great things to do in Newport, Rhode Island are to do the Newport Cliff Walk, relax at one of the many beaches, go wine tasting at a local vineyard, walk through the Newport Art Museum and shop on Thames Street.

Charlotte, North Carolina:

One of the top reasons why the United States is one of the best countries to visit in July is because there are a lot of great cities to enjoy! Charlotte, North Carolina has a lot of outstanding restaurants and bars, beautiful murals, friendly locals, fun tourist attractions and more.

The best hotel to stay at in Charlotte is the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel. The top eateries in the city are River’s Edge, Merts Heart & Soul, Amélie’s French Bakery & Café and Fahrenheit Charlotte. The city of Charlotte is also known for its breweries like Olde Mecklenberg Brewery, Sycamore Brewing, The Unknown Brewery, Birdsong Brewing Company and Legion Brewery.

During the month of July, the summer heat is in full swing in Charlotte. Average temperatures range from highs in the lower 90s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F. The city has an average of seven rainy days during the heart of summer.

Due to the high temperatures, the U.S. National Whitewater Center is a popular destination in July. It offers over 1,300 acres of fun summer activities, from white water rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, rock climbing and zip lining. The white-water rafting is a highlight of the U.S. National Whitewater Center and boasts the world’s largest artificial Whitewater River!

Another reason why Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the best places to visit in July in the USA is because it features the NASCAR Hall of Fame. North Carolina has a rich racing history; the first NASCAR race took place in Charlotte in 1949.

Charlotte also has a lot of beautiful murals to admire! The best ones to check out are the Confetti Hearts Wall, Donut Wall, Magic Carpet Mural, Lotus Flower and Baby Yoda.

Northern California and Oregon:

Northern California and Oregon are two of the best July travel destinations! From the sky-high redwoods to the enchanting Oregon coast, a Pacific Northwest road trip offers the best adventures in North America!

The best places to visit in Northern California and Oregon are Lassen Volcanic National Park and Redwood National and State Parks, the beaches along the coast of Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest, Eugene and Portland.

In that case, the top places to stay are in the town of Redding, outside Lassen Volcanic National Park, at the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge; Crescent City, outside Redwoods National and State Parks at Best Western Plus Northwoods Inn; Eugene at Home2Suites by Hilton Eugene Downtown and Portland at Inn at Northrup Station.

The top places to eat in these areas are La Cocina De Chuy in Redding, SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City, Sabi Café & Bar in Eugene and Serratto Restaurant and Bar in Portland.

Northern California’s mainly sunny weather boasts temperatures ranging from highs in the upper 70s°F to lows in the mid 40s°F. Average temperatures along the Oregon coast are between highs in the upper 60s°F to lows in the lower 50s°F. Northern California and Oregon are in their dry season during July, so please be mindful of wildfires.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the most underrated National Parks in the country. It offers excellent hiking trails that feature volcanoes, meadows, glistening lakes and peaceful woodland trails. One of the most epic parts of the park is Sulphur Works, a former Sulphur mine. You can see the fumaroles and bubbling mud pots when you hike up to this spot.

Redwood National and State Parks are home to the tallest trees on Earth and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. Most redwood trees are over 370 feet tall and are amazing to see in person.

Summer is the perfect time to see all of Oregon’s natural beauty. The top spots to check out on a road trip are Natural Bridges along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Coos Bay, Sweet Creek Falls, Canon Beach, Mount Hood National Forest and Multnomah Falls.

Berkshires, Massachusetts:

If you’re wondering where to go in July for a mountain getaway on the East Coast, the Berkshires are the perfect destination! The Berkshires are a set of charming villages and towns in Western Massachusetts.

The best town to stay in during a summer getaway is Pittsfield and a great hotel to book is Hotel on North in downtown. The top places to eat in Pittsfield are Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, Marketplace Café, King Kone, District Kitchen & Bar and Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort. A great bar to visit for cocktails is Methuselah Bar and Lounge.

July boasts good weather in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. Temperatures range from highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the upper 50s°F. There are around nine rainy days during this month.

When the Berkshires are experiencing sunny days, the top things to do are to stroll around downtown Pittsfield, enjoy a Berkshire Camino adventure or hike, visit Hancock Shaker Village and go wine tasting at Balderdash Cellars.

On rainy days, you must see a performance at Barrington Stage, visit Herman Melville’s Arrowhead home and head to neighboring towns to enjoy one of the many Berkshire museums and historic sites. The best museums to visit during the rainy season are the Edith Wharton House in Lenox and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams.

Broken Bow, Oklahoma:

Located in Southeastern Oklahoma, Broken Bow is the perfect woodland summer getaway and one of the best travel destinations for July in Middle America. Broken Bow is off the beaten track and a lake town perfect for water sports, hiking, wine tasting and camping.

The best place to stay in Broken Bow is at The Cabin Collection’s California Dreaming A-frame house. It’s a spacious A-frame home with three bedrooms, a deck with a hot tub, two fire pits and stunning décor. The top places to eat in town are Buffalo Grill, Abendigo’s Grill & Patio, Shuck Me, Hochatown Saloon and Papa Poblanos.

Summer is the peak season for Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Average temperatures in July are highs in the mid 90s°F and lows in the lower 70s°F with around five days of rain.

The best things to do in Broken Bow in July are to go on a hike in Beavers Bend State Park; visit a brewery like Mountain Fork Brewery; have a campfire; go wine tasting at Fish Tales Winery; enjoy a day on the lake; go axe throwing and more.

Lavallette, New Jersey:

Another reason why the United States is also one of the best countries to visit in July in the Northern Hemisphere is because there are plenty of wonderful coastal towns to visit. One of the best beach towns on the East Coast for a great time is Lavallette, New Jersey!

The best place to stay in Lavallette is at a rental property and the leading places to eat are at Lobster Dock, Ohana Grill, Sand Dollar Pancake House & Restaurant, The Crabs Claw Inn, Lenny’s Pizza and Italian Grill and Lava Java.

The beautiful warm weather makes July an ideal time to visit Lavallette, New Jersey! The temperature ranges from highs in the upper 80s° to lows in the mid 60s°F in July, with around seven rainy days.

Lavallette boasts one of the best beaches in the country because of its powder-soft sand, beautiful sapphire-colored ocean and dreamy dunes with sea grass that sways during a light wind. Enjoying a summer beach day at this Jersey Shore town is a must.

Other fun things to do during a trip to Lavallette, on New Jersey’s Barnegat Inlet, are to go mini golfing at Barnacle Bill’s in Ortley Beach; visit Casino Pier in Seaside Heights or Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach; watch a sunset on the Barnegat Bay; wander through Island Beach State Park and enjoy boutique shopping from a local store.

Best European Islands to Visit in July:

Sardinia, Italy:

Italy is undoubtedly one of the best European countries to visit in July! The Italian island of Sardinia is a must if you’re looking to escape the crowds of the Amalfi Coast and enjoy the beautiful beaches, the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the charming cities and towns.

The best places to stay in Sardinia are at rental properties on the Baunei Coast, Baja Sardinia and La Maddalena. Additionally, the best way to see Sardinia is by renting a boat on the Costa di Baunei or La Maddalena Archipelago to explore all the pristine beaches.

July is an excellent time to visit Sardinia because of its fantastic weather! Temperatures range from highs in the lower 80s°F to lows in the mid 60s°F. July is also the driest month in the Mediterranean, so there are barely any rainy days.

One of the top places to visit during a summer trip to Sardinia, Italy are Arbatax and Porto Frailis, along the Baunei Coast. Rent a boat and sail up and down the breathtaking coast from there.

Italy is one of the best countries to visit in July because there are many incredible beaches and hidden coves to explore from the sea. The top spots on Baunei Coast are Cala Luna, Piscine di Venere, Grotta del Fico, Cala Mariolu and Cala Goloritzè.

Another incredible area to enjoy a boat trip in Sardinia is La Maddalena Archipelago. It comprises 62 beautiful islands in the Straight of Bonifacio between Sardinia, Italy and Corsica, France. The best places to explore in La Maddalena Archipelago are Spiaggia Cala Francese, Spiaggia di Cala Corsara, Spiaggia Rosa and Spiaggia del Cavaliere.

Alghero is one of the most underrated European cities on the west coast of Sardinia. It’s a must to visit because it offers incredible historic sites, charming narrow streets, rich Catalan culture and great restaurants.

Mallorca, Spain:

Mallorca, Spain is one of the best holiday destinations for July. It’s the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. It features beautiful coastlines for beachgoers, 11 mountain peaks for hikers, Medieval and stone-built villages for history buffs and olive groves for grub connoisseurs.

Palma de Mallorca is one of the best places to stay on the island because of its central location. Because July is the high season for Mallorca, booking hotel and restaurant reservations in advance is best. A great hotel near Palma is Hospes Maricel; the top restaurants are Ca n’lgnasi, El Txoko de Martín and Fera.

One of the main reasons Mallorca is a popular destination is its warm temperatures. There’s an average temperature of highs in the upper 80s°F to lows in the lower 70s°F with little to no rainy days.

Spain is another of the best countries to visit in Europe and there’s no better time than July to travel to its islands. Quaint villages you cannot skip out on visiting are Valldemossa and Deià. These towns are best for strolling through, admiring old churches and savoring delicious tapas.

The best beaches to visit in Mallorca are Cala Deià, Cala Pi, Cala Llombards and Cala s’Almunia. These stunning beaches offer secluded coves and scenic coastlines to sunbathe, swim and explore. At Cala Deià, you must enjoy an authentic meal with a view at Ca’s Patro March!

For those who prefer hiking over the beach, you must enjoy one of the many trails along the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range during a summer trip to Mallorca.

Sicily, Italy:

Sicily, Italy is one of Europe’s largest and best islands to visit in July! This summer holiday destination has some of the most pristine beaches, well-preserved ruins, the best cities and one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.

The best places to base yourself during a Sicilian vacation are the port city of Catania or the beautiful seaside town of Taormina. There are numerous hotels and rental properties to suit all budgets!

Average temperatures for Sicily in July range from highs in the lower 90s°F to lows in the upper 60s°F. July is also the dry season for Sicily, so you’ll experience little to no rain during this month.

The top Sicilian destinations to visit are Palermo for archaeological ruins and incredible food; Cefalú for a beautiful beach day; Taormina for historical sites, shopping, sunbathing and scuba diving; Siracusa for a fun boat trip along the Ionian Sea and ancient sites; Ragusa for its dreamy views, fantastic food and thriving nightlife and Mount Etna for volcanic hikes, wine tasting and breathtaking views.

Overall, Sicily is one of the most underrated July travel destinations for European summer. I love how it isn’t as crowded as places like Amalfi Coast, Rome, Cinque Terre and Florence and that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Best Place to Visit in July in the World:

Hanoi, Vietnam:

Vietnam is one of the best tropical places to visit in July and top destination to vacation in Asia. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and is known for its historic landmarks, especially from the Vietnam War, along with its French-style buildings, incredible cuisine and fascinating culture.

The best hotel to stay at in Hanoi, Vietnam is Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake. Great restaurants are Hanoi Restaurant – Vietnamese Restaurant and Cooking Class, Bum Bo Nam Bo, Banh Xeo Zon Pancake, Banh My P and The Note Coffee.

Even though summer is monsoon season in Southeast Asia, the weather in Vietnam during July is hot and perfect for warm weather fun. Temperatures range from highs in the lower 90s°F to lows in the upper 70s°F with around eight rainy days.

Hanoi, Vietnam is considered one of the best countries to visit in July because there’s so much to do! You must walk through the Temple of the Jade Mountain; shop through the Old Quarter; watch the train ride by on the iconic Train Street; take a cooking class; tour the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison), where Senator John McCain was imprisoned during the war; visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral and educate yourself at the Temple of Literature.

Oslo, Norway:

Norway is one of the best cold countries in July that you must add to your bucket list! The capital city, Oslo, is a great travel destination for July because it’s located right on the fjord and offers excellent outdoor activities, from enjoying a floating sauna to sightseeing.

The best hotel in Oslo, Norway is Saga Hotel by Best Western Premier. Great restaurants and bars to go to are Hrimnir for ramen, Maaemo for Nordic cuisine, Hanami for Japanese food, Olivia for Italian cuisine, Amazonia for Latin dishes and HIMKOK for excellent craft cocktails.

Even though Oslo is one of the best cities to visit during July, it does have around 10 rainy days. On nicer days, temperatures fall between highs in the mid 70s°F to lows in the upper 50s°F.

The best things to do in Oslo during a beautiful summer day are to enjoy a relaxing afternoon at KOK, which is a floating sauna; tour the Royal Palace and stroll around the picturesque park; visit the Oslo Opera House, which is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and spend an afternoon at the cultural art village of SALT.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala:

Guatemala is one of the best countries to visit in July in Latin America. Located in a massive volcanic crater, Lake Atitlan is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Guatemala. It’s a wonderful area to enjoy outdoor adventures, learn about Mayan culture and visit authentic lakeside villages.

The best hotel to stay at on Lake Atitlan is Laguna Lodge, which is by the town of Santa Cruz. It’s located by the ferry stop, allowing you to easily visit the other towns around the lake. Laguna Lodge also has a great eco-cuisine restaurant, spa and activities.

During July, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala has an average of 20 rainy days. When it’s not raining, it’s humid with average temperatures ranging from a high in the upper 80s°F to a low in the lower 70s°F. Even though summer is the rainy season in Guatemala, you’ll experience fewer crowds and more affordable prices!

The best things to do on Lake Atitlan are to relax on the lake or go kayaking/canoeing; learn about Mayan culture; hike to Indian Nose and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views; visit the hippie village of San Marcos where you can go wine tasting at La Casa Zapote and walk around and admire the talented art in La Galeria in Panajachel.

Copenhagen, Denmark:

A favorite city among many and the capital of Denmark that you must add to your bucket list is Copenhagen! This fascinating city sits on the Danish coastal islands of Zealand and Amager and is linked to Sweden by a bridge. Overall, Copenhagen is one of the best places to visit in July in the world due to its incredible food scene, royal landmarks, peaceful canals and lively ambiance.

The best place to stay in Copenhagen, Denmark is at Absalon Hotel in the vibrant Meatpacking District. Great places to eat in Copenhagen are Vaekst, Barabba, Oysters & Grill and Sankt Peders Bageri.

Weather in Copenhagen usually consists of eight rainy days with temperatures ranging from highs in the lower 70s°F to lows in the upper 50s°F.

The best things to do during summer in Copenhagen, Denmark are to enjoy the rides and entertainment at Tivoli Gardens; tour Rosenborg Castle and walk through the King’s Garden; grab a drink on the picturesque Nyhavn; do a canal tour; see The Little Mermaid bronze statue; explore the hippie area of Freetown Christiania and climb the Church of our Saviour while admiring beautiful views of the city.

Here are other great places to visit in July:

Central Park, New York City

Machu Picchu, Peru

Banff National Park

I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best countries and places to visit in July. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

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