Vrbo: where to go in July

Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Celebrate summer with these top vacation spots

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The summer vacations can truly begin in July. The sun is out and so are the schools, and the beaches are calling. Sometimes you need your beach break to come with a little side serving of glamor, and that's what Martha's Vineyard and the Hamptons offer. These East Coast staples are 2 of the best places to visit in July for elevated beach vacations. If only an exotic island escape will do, head to Zanzibar and Bonaire. Both islands are the epitome of tropical. Zanzibar is great for windsurfing and culture. Bonaire is home to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

In the south of Mexico, the pretty town of Oaxaca celebrates Guelaguetza this time of year. The festival celebrates the culture of the local indigenous population. Come for the colorful dresses and traditional dances, stay for the liberal servings of mezcal. San Diego in July is great for lovers of both beaches and culture. The Pacific Ocean is finally warm enough to enjoy without having to wear a wetsuit, and the city plays host to both the San Diego County Fair and the legendary Comic-Con.

Ocean City

Ocean City, Maryland

#1 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Ocean City is a party come July. Maryland's favorite beach town is packed with tourists making the most of the high summer weather. Swimming is a must and both of the Boardwalk's amusement parks are in full swing. Explore 10 miles of coastline with plenty of opportunities for watersports and all things beachy. Head to Assateague Island National Seashore a few miles down the road for a quiet respite in nature. The island is famous for its wild horses. Enjoy free concerts in Northside Park on Sunday evenings and don't miss the big fireworks on the 4th of July.

 

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Cape May

Cape May, New Jersey

#2 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Cape May is one of the best places to visit in July for old-fashioned beach fun in one of New Jersey's more laid-back spots. The town is famous for its beautiful Victorian houses, several of which you can visit on guided tours. The summer weather is glorious and there's plenty of fun to be had on the beach and in the water. Embark on the Cape May Whale Watcher for a half-day whale and dolphin watching expedition. Keep an eye out for popular local events like Movies on the Beach and the summer Craft Show on the Promenade.

 

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The Hamptons

The Hamptons, New York

#3 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

The favorite getaway of wealthy New Yorkers is one of the best places to travel in July for stylish vacations by the beach. The Hamptons are wonderful for spending long, sunny days lazing on the sand and playing in the water, and relaxed evenings barbecuing outdoors. There are tons of stylish boutiques and foodie joints to discover—lobster rolls are a local favorite. Release your inner socialite and browse for art at the Hamptons Fine Arts Fair, get away from it all in Montauk Point State Park, or practice your wine tasting in some of the best wineries in New York State.

 

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Orlando

Orlando, Florida

#4 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

July is hot and busy in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Summer is high season in Orlando and the parks fill up with excited tourists and families enjoying the school break. Fortunately, the city is home to fantastic water parks so there are plenty of places to cool down. Universal Volcano Bay, Aquatica, and Discovery Cove are 3 of the local favorites. Beaches like Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are a short drive away, and boat tours of the Everglades are fun this time of year. The 4th of July fireworks in the parks is a major event.

 

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Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, California

#5 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

July is prime time for visiting the coastal Californian town of Santa Barbara. The beach is having its moment with average highs close to 80°F, plenty of sunshine in the forecast, and water warm enough to enjoy without a wetsuit. The city's busy summer festival program is underway. Wine connoisseurs will love the 2-day California Wine Festival, while film buffs will want to nab tickets for the French Wave Film Festival. Take the ferry out to Channel Islands National Park to explore a pristine nature reserve teeming with bird colonies and marine life.

 

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Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

#6 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Delaware's Rehoboth Beach is all about the beach in July. The sun and the crowds are out in full force and the water is great for swimming and water sports. The mile-long boardwalk is a hub of activity, teeming with restaurants and food stands dishing out classic beach town fare. Nearby Cape Henlopen State Park has plenty of options for hiking and fishing. Rent a bike to cycle the trail to the historic town of Lewes. There, you can visit disused World War II bunkers and the Cannonball House, which was hit by a British cannonball in 1813 and survived to tell the tale.

 

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Estes Park

Estes Park, Colorado

#7 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

July is peak season in the Colorado mountain town of Estes Park, a popular base for adventures in the Rocky Mountain National Park. The summer weather is breathtaking, and all the trails should be open. It can get busy in the Rockies so aim for hiking less popular trails to avoid crowds. Take the aerial tramway up Prospect Mountain to enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the valley down below. Little ones will love zipping down the Mustang Mountain Coaster. For a taste of Southern France, check out Provence in the Rockies, a weekly French-inspired artisan market.

 

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Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii

#8 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Hawaii's capital is one of the best places to go in July for a beach break with an exotic twist. Summer in Honolulu is dry and warm with very little rain—fantastic for exploring the island and making the most of the beach. Snorkel on the North Shore, swim in Waimea Bay, and learn how to surf in legendary Waikiki. The 4th of July celebrations are a serious affair on Oahu, with firework displays organized across the entire island. July is a good time to catch hula dancers in action at the Prince Lot Hula Festival and the Queen Lili'uokalani Keiki Hula Competition.

 

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Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

#9 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

With its 35 miles of coastline, Virginia Beach makes for a wonderful seaside break in July. The beaches fill up with tourists in town for the great weather, and the legendary boardwalk takes on a festive atmosphere. Escape the crowds in First Landing State Park and False Cape State Park, 2 beautiful nature reserves boasting trails and wildlife. Get up close with dolphins on the guided kayak dolphin tours. Music lovers will love the Oceanfront Concert Series and the Totally Tribute Music Fest. Both festivals are free and feature local bands as well as some of the best tribute bands in the country.

 

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Oslo

Oslo, Norway

#10 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

The Norwegian capital is one of the cool places to visit in July if you're in the mood for a cultural city break. Summer in Oslo means long, warm days with almost 19 hours of daylight and 11 pm sunsets. Visit the National Museum, the largest art museum in Scandinavia, home to the world-famous painting The Scream by homegrown hero Edvard Munch. Deepen your knowledge of Norway's most iconic painter at the Munch Museum in the port district of Bjørvika. For a very special local experience, rent a sauna raft and enjoy a good steam-up on the waters of Oslo harbor.

 

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Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park, Washington

#11 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

July is one of the most popular months to visit Olympic National Park. The warm and sunny conditions are ideal for exploring the epic mountains, dramatic shorelines, and fairytale forests of one of the most unique parks in the US. Hike Mount Storm King for spectacular lake views. Make your way up Hurricane Ridge to see snow-capped mountains and fields of wildflowers. Check out the otherworldly trees of Hoh Rainforest and the perilously balancing Tree of Life, 2 of the most unique sights in the park. Ranger-led walks are a great way to discover lesser-known parts of the park and learn more about the wildlife.

 

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Manchester

Manchester, England

#12 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Manchester is one of the best destinations to go in July for a city break all about world-class culture and great music. Explore dozens of great venues, from dingy pubs booking the indie stars of tomorrow to mega venues where all the biggest names in contemporary music perform. Dig for records and stylish clothes in the city's famous vintage stores and make time to hit up some of the city's best art galleries—the Manchester Art Gallery and Whitworth are 2 local favorites. Summer in the North of England can be unpredictable so pack for all possibilities.

 

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Capri

Capri, Italy

#13 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

July is high season on the picturesque Italian island of Capri. The sun is out, the air is warm, and the conditions are all ripe for spending all the time you want in the water. Take it easy on the deck chairs of I Faraglioni Beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Marina Piccola, or hop on a boat excursion to explore the natural spectacle of the Blue Grotto. Head to the rooftop restaurants of Anacapri to taste delicious Southern Italian specialties accompanied by a big glass of limoncello spritz and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Naples.

 

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Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Tanzania

#14 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Zanzibar is one of the best places to travel to in July for vacations that blend relaxation and adventure. The weather is wonderful on this tropical island off the coast of East Africa. Relax on pristine white-sand beaches, swim with sea turtles in warm turquoise waters, go dolphin watching, and try your hand at windsurfing or kite surfing. July is windy, so scuba diving can be hard this time of year. Head to Stone Town to explore a maze of old streets and food markets. Film buffs can catch a few screenings at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.

 

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San Diego

San Diego, California

#15 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

San Diego's warm July weather is fabulous for spending ample time at the beach and enjoying dips in the Pacific Ocean without a wetsuit. Head to La Jolla Cove to see the seals, or retreat to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for lovely hikes with fantastic views. Every July, the San Diego County Fair returns to Del Mar Fairgrounds. Come for the thrilling rides, live music, and delicious food stands at one of the oldest fairs in the US. Fans of all things fantasy will love San Diego Comic-Con, the largest comics and pop culture event in the country.

 

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Key West

Key West, Florida

#16 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

In July, water sports rule in Key West. Spending all your time in the water is a great way to escape the famous Florida heat. Scuba and snorkel in some of the most beautiful spots in North America. Hop on a boat tour to get up close with the local marine life—you could spot dolphins, sea turtles, or sharks. Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about Key West's famous honorary resident. If you've been growing out your beard or mustache, you can even join the annual Hemingway Look-Alike Contest organized by legendary local bar Sloppy Joe's.

 

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Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

#17 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Summer on Martha's Vineyard is a dream. The Massachusetts island is buzzing with visitors, the weather is beautiful, and the water is warm enough to swim. The beaches and nature are 2 of the island's best attributes. Bounce between State Beach, South Beach, and a variety of other beaches, each with its own special charm. Head to Aquinnah to see the rugged cliffs and the historic lighthouse. Go birdwatching in Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Watch skippers do their thing during the Edgartown Yacht Club annual regatta. If you’re coming for the 4th of July weekend, join the party in downtown Oak Bluffs.

 

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Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park, Montana

#18 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

Glacier National Park is a delightful outdoor playground in July. Visitors generally come for the trails, but there's so much to do if you're happy to head off the beaten path. Throw yourself down class 2 and 3 rapids on a white-water rafting adventure on the Flathead River. Go on a rock-climbing expedition and get a bird's-eye view of the valleys down below. Learn about all the exciting wildlife in the park on a guided birdwatching tour with the Glacier Institute. If you're lucky, you might even spot a grizzly bear from afar.

 

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Oaxaca

Oaxaca, Mexico

#19 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

In July, Oaxaca pulses to the rhythm of the festivities of Guelaguetza. The region's biggest festival turns the streets of this pretty Mexican town into one big party celebrating the region's indigenous culture. Expect traditional dances and music, colorful outfits, and plenty of mezcal. Make time to visit the natural wonder of Hierve el Agua. These otherworldly rock formations double up as natural pools from which you can observe the luxuriant forests of one of Mexico's most beautiful states. Oaxaca is the home of mole, so it's the best place to give this authentic Mexican dark-chocolate-and-chili sauce a try.

 

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Bonaire

Bonaire , Caribbean

#20 in Best Places to Visit in July 2025

If your travel bingo card shows dreamy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and flamingos, look no further than Bonaire. This small island in the Southern part of the Caribbean Sea is a tropical paradise in July and a prime summer destination for lovers of relaxed seaside experiences. Make the most of the marvelous Caribbean sun on the island's 22 beaches, explore Bonaire's colorful coral reefs on a scuba diving excursion, and make sure to visit the salt flats of Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary to observe flamingos in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is one of the very rare places in the world where flamingos mate and nest.

 

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Methodology

We have curated these lists of top destinations by month by combining real booking data and expert insights. Some destinations were chosen based on actual booking data, reflecting popular choices for trips during a particular month. Additionally, our travel editors used their expertise to select other destinations, ensuring a well-rounded and inspiring list. This ranking is designed to provide helpful ideas and guidance for planning your trip in a particular month, offering a mix of trending spots and expert recommendations.

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