Top 5 Summer Vacation Destinations Revealed!

For the ranking, US News analyzed 700 destinations based on a combination of traveler and expert opinions, along with editor analysis. Each destination was scored in categories like sights, culture, food, nightlife, and romance.

In the category of best international summer vacation destination, the City of Light took the top spot for its gardens, sidewalk cafés, cobblestone streets and outdoor markets.

And while the summer months are identified as the best times to visit the city, experts concede it’s also peak tourist season and recommend booking well in advance to get a better travel deal.

After Paris, Florence and Boston round out the best international destinations. Boston also takes the top spot in the category of best summer vacations in the US.

Rounding out the top three domestic spots is the family-friendly beach town of Seaside, Oregon, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado, ideal for outdoor adventurers with its hiking and camping.

Here are the results:

Best Summer Vacations in the USA

1. Boston

2. Seaside, Oregon

3. Steamboat Springs, Colorado

4. Nashville, Tennessee

5. Portland, Oregon

Best Summer Vacations

1. Paris

2. Florence, Italy

3. Boston

4. Dublin

5. Seaside, Oregon

Best Cheap Summer Vacations Destinations

1. Grand Canyon, Arizona

2. Williamsburg, Virginia

3. Fort Myers, Florida

4. Albuquerque, New Mexico

5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Best Family Beach Vacations in the USA

1. Outer Banks, North Carolina

2. Destin, Florida

3. Maui, Hawaii

4. Hilton Head, South Carolina

5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina