Best places to visit in July

With its long, sunny days, July is one of the most popular months to travel. There are plenty of options to consider, like a relaxing beach vacation or maybe a cool mountain retreat. Or maybe it’s time to head overseas for a bucket-list trip. 

Here’s a list of 10 July vacation ideas throughout the U.S. and abroad that travel companies and experts in the travel industry highly recommend.

What you’ll learn:

• Choose from destinations with cooler climates to escape the heat or locations where you can enjoy the warmth, water and wildlife.

• Travel within the U.S. by exploring America’s national parks.

• Take your pick of international destinations for modern or Renaissance-inspired adventures.

It’s hard to narrow down the best place to visit in July when there’s so much world out there to explore. And where you go depends on how you prefer to spend your time. From relaxing to adventure seeking to experiencing local cuisine and culture, there’s something for everyone on this list.

As you get ready to plan your next vacation, here’s a list of some places to consider:

Iceland attracts visitors from all over the globe year round. And for good reason. During July, the weather is milder and the daylight lasts up to 20 hours. But pack layers—mornings can be cool, but it quickly warms up in the afternoon sun as you explore everything the country has to offer. 

Known for its dazzling vistas and natural wonders, Iceland boasts resorts that offer subterranean spas and warm geothermal waters. If you’re feeling more adventurous, head to Thingvellir National Park and take a guided tour to snorkel in the crystal-clear glacial waters of the Silfra Fissure. 

July is also peak whale-watching season, so with a bit of patience and some good luck you might spot one of the 23 species in the waters surrounding Reykjavik. On the other side of the island nation you can take in the floating icebergs at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. This iconic place offers boat, walking or snowmobiling tours where you can photograph wildlife, view the Northern Lights and explore ice caves.

If you’re a hiking and nature enthusiast, Glacier National Park is a must for your summer travel list. Located in northwest Montana, this national park was named one of the world’s best places to visit in 2025 by U.S. News and World Report. And July means visitors have access to all the park’s facilities and complimentary shuttle services. Plus, warmer weather has usually melted off the last of the snow from hiking trails. 

In addition to more than 700 miles of trails, Glacier National Park offers camping, fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting and more. And no trip to Glacier National Park would be complete without a drive along the historic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which stretches more than 50 miles through breathtaking mountain scenery.

Unwind, unplug and let nature take over on this trip, whether you prefer a luxurious mountain lodge or a conveniently located camping site. 

Just don’t forget to pick up a park pass.

Bonaire is a jewel of the Dutch Caribbean also ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best places to visit in July. It’s known for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling as well as its vibrant wildlife and conservation efforts. 

With more than 80 dive sites along the reef-lined coast, there’s an abundance of marine life to see, all protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park. If you prefer to keep your head above water, Bonaire is also home to one of only four flamingo sanctuaries in the world, where the birds breed and thrive.

This island also offers a number of quiet, romantic beaches. No Name Beach dazzles with white sand and clear blue waters. And locally loved, almond-tree-lined Donkey Beach offers quiet and shade. You can stay in a luxury resort or book a private apartment on the island. There’s something for every vibe.

July is considered Bonaire’s offseason, which might mean fewer crowds and lower rates at resorts and hotels.

The capital of Sweden and the largest city in all of Scandinavia, Stockholm has a rich history and vibrant energy that travelers have come to love. And July brings almost 24 hours of daylight.

There are more than 100 museums, castles and attractions throughout the city. Art buffs might enjoy the Nationalmuseum, the national gallery of fine arts. Continue your museum tour in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, founded in 1252. You’ll find stunning attractions like the Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum.

Or take a ferry ride to Djurgården. Once there, you can get up close to a 17th-century warship at the Vasa Museum or experience the Skansen open-air museum, which has craftspeople and homes depicting Swedish life through the decades. There’s even a museum dedicated to the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA. And if you need a break, you have your pick of beautiful parks like Kungstradgarden and Humlegarden.

Located in Ontario, Canada, Toronto is known for being one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Travelers from all over the globe can feel right at home in this big city, which features such havens as Greektown, Little Italy, Chinatown and Koreatown. And visiting in July is the perfect time of year, with warmer temperatures making exploring the city even more enjoyable. 

While in Toronto, a must-see is the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. But there are plenty more locations to add to your bucket list, like the St. Lawrence Market with over 200 vendors selling goods in this centuries-old landmark. 

Toronto also offers a wide variety of restaurants, with cuisines from nations around the world. You’ll find everything from MICHELIN-starred restaurants to tiny brewpubs to cafes offering delectable sweets.

July is wintertime in the Southern Hemisphere, making New Zealand a great place to beat the summer heat. Ski resorts are open, so you can enjoy a variety of snow sports and icy mountain scenery. 

Resorts in the Southern Alps around Queensland allow for days on the slopes followed by restful evenings in a cozy lodge. 

If skiing isn’t your thing, July is also a great time for sightseeing. Take a tour of the stunning fjords at Fiordland National Park. Visit the geothermal parks in Rotorua to indulge in hot springs and explore the geysers. Take a helicopter to the top of Fox Glacier for a guided tour. Or head to Auckland to experience the city’s world-famous coffeehouses.

Matariki, the Maori New Year, sometimes falls in July. If you’re visiting, you might join the celebration with local festivals, food, music, fireworks and more.

Verona is rich in history with Roman ruins, medieval architecture, Renaissance art, vibrant piazzas and so much more. Get romantic at Casa di Giulietta, where you’ll find the famed balcony described in “Romeo and Juliet.” Order gelato and stroll through a piazza, shop at local market stalls or simply sit and enjoy some people-watching.

When you visit Verona in July you’ll be able to take part in the Arena di Verona Opera Festival, which is held from June through early September. This famous event has attracted millions of opera lovers and tourists from around the world since 1913. 

If you’re looking to see more of the country, Milan, Venice and Florence are day-trip worthy destinations.

The dry season in Zambia runs from May to October, making July one of the best months for an African safari. Although July is one of the busiest months for tourism in Zambia, it also offers the perfect opportunity to see wildlife throughout the region. The vegetation is less lush, making animals much easier to see while on safari. 

You can find guided walking and driving safaris in South Luangwa National Park, where you can get up close and personal with wildlife. Or hit the water—even during the dry season—by canoe or boat along the Lower Zambezi River, where you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Add a visit to Victoria Falls to your itinerary to see Africa’s largest waterfall, where you can also go whitewater rafting for a more adventurous experience.

Bar Harbor, Maine, is home to Acadia National Park. It welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. Located along the coastline on Mount Desert Island, the park features 49,000 acres of natural beauty. 

Hike Cadillac Mountain, canoe along Great Long Pond or enjoy a picnic at Sand Beach—just a few ideas for how to spend your days at the park. July is also peak whale-watching season in the area.

Acadia National Park isn’t the only reason to visit this quaint city. Bar Harbor boasts amazing restaurants serving lobsters that are off-the-boat fresh. That’s not to say the coastal New England destination is limited to seafood. There are other cuisines along with local craft breweries, wineries or ice cream parlors and more. 

If you’re in town for the Fourth of July, make sure to attend the lively celebration held in town.

Bali is one of the 17,500-plus islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. Bali boasts white sandy beaches, luxury hotels and a lively nightlife. July is the dry season on this small island, making it the perfect time of year to explore all there is to do. 

Explore majestic waterfalls and miles of beaches, visit religious temples and markets in the local villages, and make time to visit a working coffee plantation or impressively scenic rice terrace. There’s also the opportunity to interact with local wildlife—The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud has hundreds of monkeys that roam freely among the trees and temples.

There are also local family-run restaurants to check out.

The best place to visit in July really depends on your personal preferences and bucket-list destinations. Whether you choose a breezy beach where you can sip fruity beverages, an exhilarating hiking excursion at a national park or the overseas trip of your dreams, July can be a great time to travel.

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