![\"Mackinac](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mackinac-Island-Michigan.jpg?resize=1000%2C665&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\nWith long days, clear blue skies, and hours of sunshine, I\u2019ve always found June to be one of the best times to explore the USA. After living here for several years and traveling widely during this month, these are my favorite places to visit – from fun cities to Insta-worthy coastal towns…<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\n![\"Mackinac](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Mackinac-Island-Michigan-Summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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I found that this charming, car-free island made the perfect early summer getaway \u2014 it was warm but not hot, ferries ran smoothly, lilacs were out in bloom, and is was just before peak summer crowds arrived. I also loved the festive buzz of the 10-day Lilac Festival<\/a> with its colorful parades, concerts, and crowning of the Lilac Queen.<\/p>\n From my stay at the trendy 4-star Lake View Hotel,<\/a> I spent each day biking flower-dotted trails in breezy Mackinac Island State Park, kayaking the sparkling coastline, watching rifle demonstrations at historic Fort Mackinac, popping into quirky shops and fudge stores (Murdick\u2019s was my favorite), and ending with a quiet moment in the tranquil Original Butterfly House<\/a> surrounded by pretty fluttering wings! <\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Northern Michigan<\/a>, Midwest USA<\/a> | Vibe:<\/b> charming and relaxed | Avg temp:<\/b> 18\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Visiting this small coastal town in June was such a great idea \u2014 I found cool breezes, clear skies, wildflower-lined trails, and prime whale-watching season all before the summer crowds. I loved the buzz of the toe-tapping Sonoma Wild Music Festival<\/a> and the laid-back Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market.<\/p>\n I drove 90 minutes north of San Francisco on Highway 101 and spent a peaceful long weekend at the charming Bodega Bay Inn<\/a>. I hiked the fog-kissed cliffs at wind-swept Bodega Head, spotted migrating gray whales, dining on delicious farm-to-table meals (the roasted beet salad was incredible!), sampled the award-winning crisp Sonoma Ros\u00e9 wine at the boutique Halleck Vineyard Estate<\/a>, and browsed quirky local shops and art galleries. I have to just say I found mornings were often foggy, so I was glad I bought bring layers for hiking!<\/p>\n My highlights….<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I discovered that early summer was the perfect time to visit Put-in-Bay \u2014 warm weather, open-air bars, lakefront fun, and live music without the heavy July<\/a> and August<\/a> crowds. I loved attending the Ohio Islands Wine Festival<\/a> and chatting with locals who told me about the month\u2019s Founder\u2019s Day celebrations and the quirky Pyrate Fest<\/a> which featured costumed pirates and a lot of fun!<\/p>\n I took the 20-minute ferry from Port Clinton and stayed a week at the chic Anchor Inn Boutique Hotel<\/a>. I kayaked off rocky South Bass Island State Park, climbed the towering Perry\u2019s Victory & International Peace Memorial and gazed at impressive lake views, bar-hopped along lively Delaware Avenue, sipped sweet Pink Catawba wine at the rustic Heineman Winery,<\/a> and caught a live country music band at the circular Roundhouse Bar. I found weekends were busy, so I\u2019d recommend booking midweek if you prefer a quieter island vibe.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I took a June vacation to Laguna Beach and loved that the sun was shining, the ocean was warm enough for swimming and surfing, wildflowers lined the coastal trails, and the town buzzed with early summer energy and beachside dining \u2014 all without peak-season crowds! <\/p>\n I timed my visit for the vibrant Sawdust Art Festival<\/a> and the free F\u00eate de la Musique,<\/a> which kicked off with live music on Main Beach. I watched surfers at Thousand Steps, Victoria, and Main Beach, browsed local galleries, hiked in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park<\/a> with the scent of sagebrush in the air, and ended the day with grilled veggie tacos and a tangy margarita at an oceanfront restaurant while watching the sunset.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Chicago<\/a> really came alive for me in June \u2014 lakefront festivals, boat cruises along the bustling Chicago River, and fine, sunny exploring weather made it easy to enjoy the city\u2019s funky neighborhoods, green parks, and sandy beaches before the peak summer crowds and high hotel rates hit. I loved the buzzing energy and timed my visit for the toe-tapping Chicago Blues Festival<\/a> and the hip-hop-focused Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash<\/a> also took place this month.<\/p>\n I flew into O\u2019Hare, spent four fun-filled days in the city dining al fresco at romantic Osteria Via Stato<\/a> and lounging on the photogenic North Avenue Beach (above!). I also sipped on a Hawaiian Rose cocktail at trendy Cindy\u2019s Rooftop Bar<\/a>, picnicked in Millennium Park, and soaked up the lively vibes at the touristy but fun Navy Pier. The weather often swung from hot to breezy within a day, so I was glad I packed a light jacket for evenings!<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Martha\u2019s Vineyard made a dreamy early summer getaway \u2014 June brought long sunny days, warm weather, blooming hydrangeas, and a laid-back buzz that made the beaches and harbor towns even more inviting to me. Best of all, it was just before the peak summer crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the joyful Juneteenth Jubilee Festival<\/a>, the lively Inkwell Beach party, and the start of the quaint Edgartown Village Market<\/a>.<\/p>\n After driving 1.5 hours from Boston to the Woods Hole ferry, I spent a relaxing ten days biking the scenic State Beach path, admiring the pretty gingerbread cottages in historic Oak Bluffs, going on an interesting Martha\u2019s Vineyard Tour<\/a> (I especially loved Oldest House), and dining on fresh food at charming Menemsha Harbor \u2014 all with space to breathe before July<\/a>\u2019s rush! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My highlights…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Camden made one of my favorite early summer trips \u2014 mild sunny days, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, and wildflower-dotted trails in Camden Hills State Park set the perfect June scene before peak crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the fun Jazz in June<\/a> event and couldn’t get enough of the lively yet laid-back vibe downtown.<\/p>\n I drove just under four hours from Boston and spent five gorgeous days hiking panoramic Mount Battie, cruising on a classic schooner, and relaxing on uncrowded Crescent Beach. I also explored downtown\u2019s historic buildings, art galleries, and boutique shops before ending my trip at the Merryspring Nature Center<\/a>, surrounded by wildflowers. My finale was a delicious double artichoke feast \u2014 a garlicky wrap at Camden Deli with harbor views, followed by a creamy fondue at the Waterfront Restaurant<\/a>.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this charming Wisconsin<\/a> lakeside resort town made the perfect early summer getaway \u2014 warm sunny days for boating and hiking, gorgeous greenery, and a quieter vibe before peak summer crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the buzzing Farmers Market, and the whole place had a fun, summer-vibes energy.<\/p>\n After driving 1.5 hours from Chicago<\/a>, I spent a long weekend taking a boat tour on the shimmering lake, strolling the flower-lined Geneva Lake Shore Path past stately historic mansions, dining al fresco downtown, sipping on warming Cabernet Sauvignon at the craft-focused Studio Winery & Geneva Lake Distilling<\/a>, and touring the grand Black Point Estate<\/a> \u2014 its perfectly preserved Victorian rooms were incredible to see up close! <\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I couldn\u2019t have picked a better month to experience Santa Barbara\u2019s charm \u2014 warm, dry days, clear coastal skies, and just-right beach temperatures made it ideal for sunbathing, surfing, and soaking up a relaxed early-summer vibe, all with far fewer crowds than July<\/a> or August<\/a>. I timed my trip for the colorful Summer Solstice Celebration<\/a> and the lively Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival<\/a>.<\/p>\n After driving 1 hour 40 minutes from Los Angeles, I stayed at the stylish 4-star boho-chic Palihouse<\/a> for a week and spent lazy afternoons on photogenic East Beach, and sipped on fruity local Pinot Noir in the trendy Funk Zone. My favorite evenings were spent tucking into Gordita Frijol at the locally-loved La Super-Rica Taqueria<\/a>, then taking mesmerizing sunset strolls along the quintessentially Californian Stearns Wharf.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I spent a June break in Portland, Maine \u2014 nicknamed \u2018Vacationland\u2019 \u2014 and loved the long sunny days (with just the occasional cool spell). It was just right for exploring the waterfront, lounging on East End Beach, and enjoying buzzing breweries and waterfront dining, all before the peak summer crowds arrived. I timed my visit for the creative Portland Wine Week<\/a> and the magical Water Lantern Festival<\/a>, which lit up the harbor after dark.<\/p>\n After driving just over two hours north from Boston, I stayed at the stylish 4-star Press Hotel,<\/a> sipped on zesty Summer Ale at casual Shipyard Brewing<\/a>, strolled the breezy Eastern Promenade, wandered the cobblestone streets of the quaint Old Port lined with indie shops and cozy restaurants and rounded my trip off with on an an incredible Odyssey Whale Watching<\/a> tour (peak whale-watching season runs now through to September<\/a>).<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I visited Shasta Lake in June and loved the hot, sunny weather and full lake from spring runoff \u2014 perfect for houseboating, swimming, and jet skiing \u2014 with peaceful trails still quiet before peak summer! <\/p>\n I drove 3.5 hours north from Sacramento and spent an idyllic week at the cozy, quirky Happy Bear Lodge.<\/a> I swam in the clear coves feeling the cool water against the strong heat of the day, kayaked along the pine-fringed shoreline, took the boat tour to the damp, earthy-scented Shasta Caverns, and hiked the peaceful Bailey Cove Trail which had Insta-worthy views of snow-capped Mount Shasta glowing in the sun.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I took a mini-break in Santa Cruz during this month and found the warm, sunny days, cooler evenings, great hotel deals, and lighter crowds before the July<\/a>\u2013August<\/a> rush. I timed my visit for the fun Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Summer Concert Series <\/a>and the annual Santa Cruz Pride parade<\/a> also took place this month.<\/p>\n After driving 1.5 hours south of San Francisco, I spent a fun week at the trendy 4-star Hotel Paradox,<\/a> soaked up the sun on the Beach Boardwalk, hiked beneath towering redwoods at majestic Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and explored the buzzing downtown packed with indie shops, restaurants, and nightlife. My favorite treat was sipping a tangy local kombucha flight at the popular Taproom \u2014 perfect after a day in the sun!<\/p>\n My favorite highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n
2. Bodega Bay, California <\/h2>\n
![\"Bodega,Beach,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bodega-Bay-CA.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/strong>![\"Bodega](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Bodega-Bay.jpg?resize=1000%2C674&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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3. Put-in-Bay, Ohio<\/h2>\n
![\"Put-in-bay,,Ohio](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Put-in-bay-Ohio-summer-vacation.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Put-in-bay,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Put-in-bay-Ohio.jpg?resize=1000%2C620&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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4. Laguna Beach, Southern California<\/h2>\n
![\"Laguna](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Laguna-Beach-CA.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/strong>![\"Laguna](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Laguna-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C562&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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5. Chicago, Illinois
![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Chicago-Summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Chicago,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Chicago-Illinois-summer.webp)
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6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
![\"Martha's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Marthas-Vineyard-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Martha's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Marthas-Vineyard-summer-beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C609&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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7. Camden, Maine<\/h2>\n
![\"Camden,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Camden-Maine.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Camden,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Camden-Maine-USA.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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8. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin <\/h2>\n
![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Lake-Geneva-Wisconsin-summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Lake-Geneva-Wisconsin.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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9. Santa Barbara, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Santa-Barbara-Beach.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Beautiful](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Santa-Barbara-Beach.webp)
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10. Portland, Maine
![\"Portland,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Portland-Maine.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Portland,](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Portland-Maine-summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C664&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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11. Shasta Lake, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Shasta-Lake-Summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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12. Santa Cruz, California<\/h2>\n
![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Santa-Cruz-California.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"Santa](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Santa-Cruz-summer.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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13. Cape Cod, Massachusetts