- Top 20 travel destinations for this summer announced
- Whether you're traveling with kids or alone, these places have it all
As the summer travel season approaches, DailyMail.com presents a shortlist of this year's best summer destinations.
Whether you're planning a trip by land, air, or sea, America has a lot to offer.
From white-sand beaches to mountain horseback riding and desert hiking, these are the top 20 destinations on the list for vacations this summer, according to responses compiled by USA Today.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island on the edge of Acadia National Park.
Bar Harbor's quaint downtown is lined with colorful old-fashioned slatted houses, restaurants, shops, and has great access to parks for hiking and swimming.
Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota
For those fascinated by geological wonders and who enjoy hiking through vast mountainous regions, a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands is a must-do.
Highlights include the iconic Mount Rushmore, which features U.S. Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln carved into granite.
Capitol Reef Country, Utah
Utah's Capitol Reef Country is home to a variety of desert treasures, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park.
The best way to visit these amazing geological features is as a road trip.
Catalina Island, California
Catalina Island's beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, and crystal clear blue waters have made it famous as the backdrop for more than 500 movies and television shows over the last century.
At only 35 miles long, this island is the perfect place for a relaxing beach vacation.
Cody, Wyoming
For those who have Yellowstone National Park on their bucket list, Cody is the place to stay.
Known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World,” the Wild West is right at your doorstep, with horseback riding, cowboy bars, and breathtaking scenery.
door county wisconsin
If boating or kayaking is more your thing than lying on the beach, Door County, Wisconsin has more than 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan.
The land-based food and wine scene has plenty to offer for those who prefer to keep their feet dry.
finger lakes, new york
The collection of 11 lakes in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is also a draw for fishing and water sports enthusiasts.
There are also many highly rated wineries in the area, so be sure to book a tasting when you visit.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
The Alabama Gulf Coast is lined with white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water, making it the perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
Cultural Orange Beach offers not only delicious gastronomy but also an amusement park for children.
Juneau, Alaska
Juneau's snowy mountains offer endless opportunities to hike 400 miles of trails.
The area has a rich indigenous history and is home to wildlife, perfect for reconnecting with the great outdoors.
Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
The 3,000 miles of scenic beauty in southwestern Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands draws families each year who love activities like whitewater rafting and visits to historic sites like Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Fallingwater.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is located between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The city's charm lies in its roads, which are car-free, and a stroll through the city in a horse-drawn carriage is a nostalgic treat.
Mackinac Island State Park offers secluded hiking, biking, and kayaking.
ocean city, new jersey
This Jersey Shore spot boasts a famous boardwalk with plenty of eateries and waterfront shops.
There are plenty of amusement parks for kids, including the acclaimed Playland Castaway Cove, which offers the thrill of go-karts, roller coasters, and mini golf.
Ocean City, Maryland
For a more relaxed atmosphere, consider Ocean City, Maryland, a quintessential East Coast beach town.
With its boardwalk and sandy beaches, Ocean City is the perfect place to spend your vacation.
San Juan Islands, Washington
This archipelago of 176 islands and coral reefs has rugged coastlines, lighthouses and windswept beaches.
The four main islands, San Juan Island, Orcas Island, Lopez Island, and Shaw Island, are all accessible by Washington's ferry system and have hotels for tourists.
Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky is a popular destination for families, home to Cedar Point Amusement Park's 150 rides and attractions.
There are also many cultural institutions such as the Sandusky Maritime Museum and Sandusky State Theatre.
Sevier County, Tennessee
Tennessee's luscious Sevier County is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the nation's most popular national parks.
It's the only ski resort in the state, and in the summer, you can enjoy great hiking and small-town charm in ideal locations in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
The South Rim offers some of the Grand Canyon's most iconic and best-known views. Nearby Grand Canyon Village offers a variety of attractions and lodging options for visitors.
If hiking isn't your thing, visit the Canyon Railroad Depot and enjoy the scenic route through the canyon and surrounding area.
space coast florida
Home to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida's Atlantic coast, it's a must-see for anyone interested in space.
See where Apollo 11 took off on its famous moon landing mission or enjoy the area's sandy beaches.
Swain County, North Carolina
Swain County, North Carolina also borders the Great Smoke Mountains. The area has beautiful waterfalls and, for the more adventurous, whitewater rafting.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Rich in maritime history, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay, and Sandbridge Bay offer 55 miles of sandy beaches and boardwalks, making it the world's longest pleasure beach.
