17 Best North American Cities to Visit this Summer

Whereas everyone would love the chance to travel to the far-off reaches of the globe this summer, more practical family vacations tend to occur. However, just because it isn’t in a different continent doesn’t mean your family trips are any less adventurous!

You can even travel to another country while still traveling by car! Canada offers beautiful family vacation destinations during the summer months. No humidity, a new culture to explore, and reasonably priced? Count me in!

Taking our family travel advice is completely up to you, but the following is a list of top cities throughout the US and Canada that offer families a range of activities, from white-water rafting to learning about our countries history and trekking up mountains to laying on the beach.

Portland, Oregon
1. Average Summer temperature: 66°
2. Reasons to go: terrific food, art-centric, farmers markets, breathtaking city views, water outings like fishing, cruises, tours, etc.
Denver, Colorado
1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
2. Reasons to go: fantastic parks offering bike trails, walking trails and beautiful landscapes for picnics;
Seattle, Washington
1. Average Summer temperature: 64°
2. Reasons to go: Voted America’s #1 city for farmers markets, and fourth for parks, sailing, water sports,
San Diego, California
1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
2. Reasons to go: famers markets, open parks, terrific weather, world-renowned San Diego Zoo, Sea World,
Montréal, Canada
1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
2. Reasons to go: Old Montreal; multi-cultural; Montreal Botanical Gardens; Museum of Fine Art; history
Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities), Minnesota
1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
2. Reasons to go: terrific live music venues; museums, sports centers (with a passionate hometown fan following); theater
Providence, Rhode Island
1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
2. Reasons to go: the Providence Children’s Museum; School of Design Museum of Art; immense arts community; street shops; whale-watching trips
Williamsburg, Virginia
1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
2. Reasons to go: Bush Gardens amusement park; historic interactions with a town filled with period-actors and re-enactments; close to Washington, D.C.
San Francisco, California
1. Average Summer temperature: 61°
2. Reasons to go: San Francisco Cable Car Museum; Aquarium of the Bay; Pier 39 open-air festival on Fisherman’s Wharf; San Francisco Bay tourism
Chicago, Illinois
1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
2. Reasons to go: The Navy Pier; cruises across Lake Michigan, water-side lounging on the many beach areas; Sears Tower; Shed Aquarium
Honolulu, Hawaii
1. Average Summer temperature: 81°
2. Reasons to go: amazing beaches, distinct culture, friendly natives, exciting outdoor adventures including helicopter rides, walks through the jungle and luaus, amazing water activities like renting a fishing boat, swimming, snorkeling, surfing and lounging!
Vancouver, Canada
1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
2. Reasons to go: in a word – scenery! The mountains and beaches offer outdoor fun for families of all interests
Boston, Massachusetts
1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
2. Reasons to go: historic walks through the city like the Freedom Trail; Newberry Street, where there are countless shops and restaurants; Bunker Hill;
Las Vegas, Nevada
1. Average Summer temperature: 89°
2. Reasons to go: tons of family-themed adventures, as well as parents-only outings; water parks at hotel pools;
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
2. Reasons to go: The Liberty Bell; Constitution Hall; National Constitution Center (perfect for kids with life-sized, interactive displays); Philadelphia Zoo,
Montauk, New York
1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
2. Reasons to go: cheaper, less crowded, and just as (if not more) breathtakingly beautiful than the Hamptons; surf; delicious food; waterfront
Anchorage, Alaska
1. Average Summer temperature: 55°
2. Reasons to go: offers both city attractions and outdoor adventures