Summer in the United States is when many individuals, couples, and families take their major vacations. Summer is the best time to enjoy many of the natural wonders of the country like beaches or national parks. Since summer is a popular time to take vacation, it may also be the only time to enjoy certain seasonal attractions. With a little bit of research, it's easy to find something that you and your whole family can enjoy.
There is nothing quite like going to the beach on a hot summer's day, frolicking in the surf, and lying in the sun. Fortunately, the U.S. has plenty of beaches both on lakes and the ocean. Most people immediately think of California, Hawaii or Florida for beautiful beaches, but all coastal states have beaches with unique charm. The Outer Banks in North Carolina is a popular and beautiful destination. Rhode Island, The Ocean State, has 59 public beaches. And the beaches of the Pacific Northwest have a laid-back and quaint vibe.
Don't discount the lake beaches of landlocked states either. Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, has beautiful beaches, many on small, calm lakes which are perfect for families with small children. Michigan has 3,200 miles of shoreline, and 11,000 inland lakes; and Arizona's Lake Havasu is among the most popular Spring Break destinations in the country.
There are 392 designated national parks in the United States. The National Park Service began in 1916, with Yellowstone the first designated site. Now they cover more than 84 million acres in every state except Delaware, including parts of American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. National parks like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite are among the most famous, but the list also includes Alcatraz Island, Death Valley, and Arizona's Petrified Forest.
National park visits are an affordable and fun way to learn more about American history, conservation and natural beauty. Park rangers and volunteer staff work incredibly hard to preserve history and make it accessible to any visitor. Called "America's best idea," by historian and writer Wallace Stegner, the national parks are a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.
The road trip is the classic American vacation. All you need is a car and a sense of adventure, and you can crisscross the country, meet interesting people, and explore this amazing land. Books like "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac, and "Travels with Charley" by John Steinbeck explore Americans' fascination with the road trip and give true accounts of what happens when you just let go and drive.
Road trips are also a great vacation for people who like to visit a number of sites close together, or roadside attractions. The area around Mount Rushmore in South Dakota is full of quirky sights and natural wonders like Flintstone's Bedrock City and Rushmore Cave. If you're less into attractions and prefer your vacations scenic, consider a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in California. It runs along the coast from San Francisco to Santa Monica, with plenty of beautiful seaside cities in between.
