At your desk dreaming of wiggling your toes in the sand? How about hopping on a train and sipping your way through wine country? A hike through the magical redwoods? Or getting lost on the streets of a big city? Same, same. Whether you’re planning a summer trip or stuck at your desk with only your imagination, we’ve rounded up the best U.S. cities to visit in the summer, with the help of some amazing photos on Instagram.
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Santa Barbara, California
Cool ocean breeze, sunny skies, salty waves and wine tasting rooms—what more do you need in a vacation? Santa Barbara is a dreamy, adorable town to visit in the summer, especially if you’re escaping the heat. Get your fix of ice cream on the pier, go tasting in the Funk Zone, take a swim in the ocean and pop into the many shops on State St.
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Seaside, Oregon
This quaint beach town on the coast of Oregon offers plenty of summer fun. Pop into the Aquarium and feed the seals, take a guided kayak tour down the Necanicum River, go paddling in a swan boat and fill up on fish and chips at the drive-through Grizzly Tuna.
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Portland, Oregon
Microbreweries and food trucks and coffee, oh my! Oregon’s largest city is a great place to spend a weekend in the summer. Get caffeinated at Stumptown Coffee, spend an afternoon at the beloved Powell’s City of Books, catch a movie while enjoying an ice cold IPA at the Living Room and don’t miss out on the delectable ice cream at Salt & Straw or the extravagant donuts at Voodoo Doughnut, Delicious Donuts, Blue Star Donuts and so many more.
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Portland, Maine
You’re going to want to bring your appetite (and possibly a rental car) to picturesque Portland, Maine. This city is known for its lobsters and lighthouses, and for good reason. Take a driving tour of six beautiful lighthouses, enjoy a morning on the beach then set out on a Lobster Lovers Lunchtime Crawl or other foodie tour around Portland.
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Seattle, Washington
Visit the Pacific Northwest to grab a cup of coffee at the first Starbucks and toss some fish at Pike Place Market, hold your breath during the 43-second elevator ride up to the best view of the city at the Space Needle and take an underground tour in Pioneer Square.
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Chicago, Illinois
Visit the Windy City when the weather is a bit friendlier in the summer. See your favorite artists perform at Lollapalooza in Grant Park, enjoy a rooftop view, beer and kielbasa at Gene’s Sausage Shop and experience the wild Lagunitas Beer Circus offering live music, over 100 performers, food trucks, and of course, beer.
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Santa Fe, New Mexico
Get your taste of culture and New Mexican food in Santa Fe. Shop all things turquoise from the local vendors in the plaza, catch a show and possibly a glimpse of owner George R.R. Martin at the Jean Cocteau Cinema, experience the magic of Meow Wolf and order the enchiladas Christmas style at The Shed in the Square.
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Headed to Yosemite or Joshua Tree? Check out these 10 Dreamy Airbnbs Near National Parks.
Featured photo by Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash
The post Best U.S. Cities to Visit in the Summer appeared first on Cartageous.
