Summer officially starts in June, and that means it’s time to book your next vacation. Whether you’re planning a weeklong family trip in the U.S. or a once-in-a-lifetime getaway somewhere farther afield, we’ve got you covered. We’ve checked out destinations near and far for travel ideas — gathering suggestions from local experts and frequent travelers — to round up the best places to travel this June.
Here are the best places to travel in June in the United States and around the world.
Olympia, Washington
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Located an hour south of Seattle-Tacoma Airport on the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Washington’s capital offers historic architecture and a vibrant arts scene. “June is when the Olympia area truly begins to shine with beautiful summer weather,” Shina Wysocki, owner of Chelsea Farms Oyster Bar in Olympia tells Travel + Leisure. “Extreme low tides allow for great beach exploration, and our forests are vibrant green, inviting hikers of all ages.” Visitors can rent a boat on Offut Lake or take a sunset sailboat tour with Olympia Sailing Company. It’s festival season, and the free three-day “Loveoly Summerfest” takes place June 21-23. Nearby, Seattle celebrates Pride Month with the 50th annual Pride Parade on June 30.
Where to Stay: The quaint four-bedroom Marie Bed & Breakfast radiates charming Victorian ambiance. The Swantown Inn is an 1887 Queen Anne/Eastlake Victorian mansion with modern amenities. In Seattle, stay steps from the waterfront at Hotel 1000, LXR Hotels & Resorts in the heart of downtown, or at Thompson Seattle near Pike Place Market.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
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Travel as summer vacationers have for hundreds of years to the car-free Mackinac Island where horse-drawn carriages are a daily sight and lilacs scent the June air. The 76th Mackinac Island Lilac Festival (June 7-16) celebrates the beloved flower with a Lilac Queen coronation, a 10K run, lilac planting seminars, a cornhole tournament, the Grand Parade, and more. “June is an exciting time on Mackinac Island. Flowers are in full bloom, temperatures are rising, and summer has officially begun,” says David Jurcak, president of the island’s iconic Grand Hotel. Visitors can explore Fort Mackinac, take bike rides, hike, sail around, and shop in the town’s boutiques, even if all you come away with is the island’s famous fudge.
Where to Stay: Set on 18 acres on the sunrise side of Mackinac Island, Mission Point Resort offers 243 guest rooms and suites, six restaurants, and a variety of activities. The Grand Hotel features a variety of accommodations along with 13 restaurants and bars.
Islamorada, Florida
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This village of islands in the Florida Keys is located 90 minutes south of Miami. Known for sportfishing, Islamorada also offers hiking trails in a tropical forest, eco-tours, and state parks where visitors can enjoy nature and learn about Florida’s history. Divers can explore the reefs surrounding the islands or visit the History of Diving Museum. Boating, kayaking among the islands, swimming, and snorkeling are more ways to get out on the water and enjoy the scenic islands.
Where to Stay: The luxury oceanfront Islands of Islamorada features residential-style accommodations ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom villas with full kitchens. Recently renovated Islander Resort Islamorada offers bungalows, suites, and townhouse-style villas. Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a stunning option, and Islamorada Resort Collection offers three premier resorts with different vibes.
Nashville and Manchester, Tennessee
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Music festivals arrive in this part of Tennessee in June, with CMA Fest in Nashville from June 6-9 and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in nearby Manchester from June 13-16. “Once you encounter the food, artisans, and Bonnaroo culture, it becomes an annual pilgrimage to escape everyday life, slow down, move with the music, and talk to strangers again,” according to Rebecca Bordenet-French, general manager of the Manchester Coffee County Conference Center. “Plan to stay another night and enjoy Middle Tennessee with its abundant hiking and biking trails.” Meanwhile, in Nashville, travelers can dive into “The Music City’s” claim to fame with visits to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium and live performances at bars and clubs.
Where to Stay: At Bonnaroo, there’s on-site camping and glamping. In Nashville, stay at the art-filled The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bobby Nashville in historic Printers Alley downtown, or The Westin Nashville near Music Row. Nearby in Franklin, Southall Farm & Inn is a working farm with a spa, pool, two restaurants, guest rooms, suites, and cottages.
Ocean City, Maryland
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If the name Ocean City conjures up visions of waves breaking on the shore, a classic wooden boardwalk, restaurants, and summer fun, you have a pretty good idea of what you’ll find on this Maryland barrier island with ten miles of Atlantic coastline. For more than a hundred years, Ocean City has offered visitors sunny beaches, an amusement park, games, arcades, shops, boating, fishing, and water sports. There’s nightlife, a performing arts center with live shows, shopping, and nearby Assateague Island with beaches and wildlife that includes deer and wild horses.
Where to Stay: The newly renovated Ashore Resort & Beach Club features 250 accommodations including 15 multi-room suites, perfect for families and groups. Campers can check out nearby Frontier Town RV Resort & Campground.
Santa Barbara, California
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This coastal city is a year-round destination, and June is an ideal time to visit thanks to temperatures reaching into the 70s and several events. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Celebration is the largest event in Santa Barbara County, with a parade of floats, giant puppets, whimsical costumes, and music and a festival that attracts spectators from around the world. There’s also the Juneteenth Block Party, a celebration of Black culture and talent with music, dancing, poetry, art exhibitions, food, storytelling, and the Black Artisan Market. The Santa Barbara Wine + Food Festival and the Santa Barbara Lavender Festival are both set for June 29. My favorite spots in the area are the Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail and Funk Zone; I love visiting wineries, and the Wine Trail is a convenient way to taste a few new wines and hear their stories.
Where to Stay: The Steward, an all-suite boutique hotel, is set on nearly five lush acres with a fitness barn, pool, and restaurant. The Rosewood Miramar Beach features six restaurants and bars in nearby Montecito. The luxurious El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the city.
Catskill Mountains, New York
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Located in southeastern New York about 100 miles from Manhattan, the Catskills have long been a destination for snow sports during the winter and an escape from the city’s stifling heat during the summer. The summer season gets underway in June, but visitors in the early part of the month can beat the crowds to enjoy the flowers, green trees, and fresh air of late spring. Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails reward trekkers with spectacular views, waterfalls, and wildlife. Fly fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing attract adventure travelers, and luxurious hotels are there for visitors seeking relaxation among natural beauty.
Where to Stay: Choose your own Catskills adventure, with accommodation options ranging from glamping in a vintage camper at Boheme Retreats in the Sullivan Catskills, relaxing at The Chatwal Lodge, a luxury all-inclusive resort, exploring the wilderness at Scribner’s Lodge, or taking in the view from a soaking tub at the plush boutique Urban Cowboy.
Utah
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You can still get ahead of most summer visitors to Utah’s five spectacular national parks if you start planning now. Skiers have packed away their gear, and most of the snow has melted, so hikers, rock climbers, river rafters, and campers have their choice of Utah’s mountains, rivers, trails, and parks. Utah is home to 23 designated International Dark Sky Places for stargazing; five are in national parks and 10 are in state parks. Plan for some time in Utah’s cities where restaurants, pubs, museums, and historic buildings offer more ways to enjoy the “Beehive State.”
Where to Stay: Under Canvas offers upscale, custom-designed glamping tents in Zion, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, and Moab, with special stargazing activities. In Moab, stay at the rustic Red Cliffs Lodge. In Salt Lake City, choose the Grand America Hotel or Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City.
Bhutan
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This small Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, often called the happiest country in the world, is known for its stunning landscapes and monasteries. June begins the summer season, when two major cultural festivals take place with vibrant traditional performances, folk dances, and displays of spiritual devotion. “Bhutan is a country that has forged its own path and deliberately stands aside and apart from the mainstream — in travel, and much else,” according to TravelLocal founder, Huw Owen. “There is no mass tourism here, limited hustle and bustle, and plenty of space, peace, and silence. It’s one of the few destinations with the power to make you think, reflect, and perhaps change.” TravelLocal offers a variety of ways to explore Bhutan through guided tours.
Where to Stay: TravelLocal’s personalized itineraries can include hikes through the Himalayas, visits to the famous Tiger’s Nest, and time in Bumthang, known as “the Switzerland of Bhutan.” Accommodations are at hotels or local residents’ homes.
Fiji
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June is considered Fiji’s brief shoulder season before the summer crowds arrive, and the weather is generally dry with temperatures in the 70s to mid-80s. A rainbow of tropical fish and marine life make their habitats in the barrier reefs, so this destination is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. On land, there are rainforests, waterfalls, and hiking trails for adventure travelers. Fresh seafood, ripe tropical fruit, and local flavors represent Fiji’s tasty cuisine. Plus, daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles and service from other West Coast cities on Fiji Airways make getting there easy.
Where to Stay: My stay at VOMO Island, a private island resort among Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, was wonderful, and the snorkeling expedition was the best I’ve experienced in my travels. Wakaya Private Island Resort & Spa offers waterfront cottage suites. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, COMO Laucala Island, and Turtle Island are more places to stay.
Los Cabos, Mexico
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June is considered the last month of shoulder season in Los Cabos before the arrival of summer vacationers and hurricane season. Temperatures reach the high 80s, ideal beach and pool weather that’s also perfect for a sunset cruise or a sportfishing excursion. Dive, snorkel, or hike in Cabo Pulmo National Park, where a coral reef is home to a diverse array of marine life. Explore pedestrian-friendly San José del Cabo, with its town square, shops, galleries, restaurants, and Thursday evening Art Walk (through June). There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Los Cabos, even if all you want is a lounge chair by the pool and a margarita.
Where to Stay: My recent stay at the all-inclusive Grand Velas Los Cabos was superb, and I also visited the luxurious adults-only Grand Velas Boutique Hotel, another gorgeous resort. Another favorite, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is planning a Festival of Flavors culinary weekend June 13-15. The Four Seasons Los Cabos Costa Palmas is another personal favorite for its golf course and beach.
Toronto, Canada
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June kicks off Toronto’s summer season with exciting festivals and events. World-renowned musicians gather for the Toronto Jazz Festival, June 21-30, and from June 6-16, Luminato Festival brings art, musicals, theater, concerts, and more to Toronto. The city celebrates Pride Month with a vibrant parade as well as parties, performances, and art. Toronto historian and tour guide, Bruce Bell, tells T+L, “You’ll never have to worry about food in Toronto.” He recommends St. Lawrence Market, “the oldest and largest food market in Toronto, established in 1803. There are over 80 vendors, and it’s very multicultural, which perfectly reflects the city’s population.”
Where to Stay: Kimpton St. George features The Fortunate Fox, a hip gastropub. The Shangri-La Toronto is located in one of the city’s tallest buildings. Ace Hotel Toronto was featured on T+L’s It List in 2023. Nobu Hotel & Residences Toronto is set to debut in summer 2024 with a two-level Nobu restaurant.
Tasmania, Australia
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The mountainous island of Tasmania lies about 150 miles south of mainland Australia. Its untouched natural beauty includes waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, national parks, wineries, and some of the world’s oldest forests. June’s Dark Mofo, Hobart/Nipaluna’s midwinter festival inspired by ancient rituals, celebrates the longest night through art, food, music, fire, and light. “Dark Mofo has established itself as a beacon of artistic exploration and challenging ideas for a decade, immersing audiences in the depths of darkness and the heart of winter,” according to Chris Twite, Dark Mofo’s artistic director. The Winter Feast (June 13-16 and 20-23) showcases Tasmanian food, wine, and spirits. The Nude Solstice Swim will take place at sunrise on June 21, welcoming back the light after the longest night.
Where to Stay: In Hobart, waterfront and city accommodations are available, including The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, set in historic waterfront buildings.
Greece
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This country, bordered by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian seas, offers everything you could want in a summer vacation — sunshine, warm waters, beaches, museums, ancient sites, and delicious cuisine. That makes the season a busy one, but early June is the tail end of the shoulder season, a good time to get ahead of summer’s visitors. In Athens, thrill to the sight of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and other ancient buildings, but don’t miss the city’s old town and seaside. Then it’s time to get to know Greece’s cities and islands, each one offering distinctive pleasures. The popular island of Mykonos features beaches, clubs, and a lively atmosphere. Beautiful Santorini is known for whitewashed buildings topped with blue domes. You can also find your way to lesser-known places for a relaxing vacation with fewer tourists.
Where to Stay: Katikies Santorini topped T+L’s 2023 World’s Best Awards list of the top resorts in Greece, with Andronis Boutique Hotel and Andronis Arcadia (opening for the season in May) also on the list. Cali Mykonos (named to T+L’s It List in 2023) reopens on April 29, with 40 villas on secluded Kalafati Beach. Calilo on Ios reopens on June 1 with a new spa, and the all-inclusive Sol Cosmopolitan Rhodes is an ideal family resort.
European Cruises
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Want to visit several European cities without creating your own itinerary, arranging flights and transfers, and packing and unpacking between destinations? A cruise could be your answer, and there are so many to choose from. Cruise Croatia offers small-ship cruises along the Croatian coastline and islands in its luxurious, modern fleet. You can cruise the Mediterranean in glorious style with Star Clippers in a five-masted clipper ship. Oceania Cruises features a variety of Mediterranean itineraries aboard the new Oceania Vista. I spent two nights on the 1,200-passenger ship, and it’s stunning, with spacious rooms, a range of restaurants, and a fabulous pool deck. Cruise Europe’s rivers on a specially themed sailing, like the AmaWaterways wine cruise through France. And there are fantastic family-friendly cruise lines that offer entertainment, food, and service for everyone in the group.
