10 Great American Destinations for Summer

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

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This summer, why not think a little closer to home? Consider these 10 classic American destinations for your next vacation.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This two-state park in Tennessee and North Carolina is America's most visited national park—and for good reason. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has such diverse flora and fauna that it is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage site. There are more than 500,000 acres to explore here—what are you waiting for?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Statue Of Liberty

Nothing says America like the Statue of Liberty. This iconic symbol of freedom and democracy sits on Liberty Island, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan. Lady Liberty recently reopened to the public, and now visitors can climb the 377 steps up to the crown for amazing views (reservations are required). Don't want to make the climb? Visit the Liberty Island Museum for views of history instead.

Mount Rushmore

Only in America do we memorialize our presidents by carving their faces into a mountain. Come visit Mount Rushmore's massive sculpted heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The surrounding Black Hills region offers more nature and scenery to explore, and there are several NPS sites within a 1–2 hour drive, so you'll never run out of things to do here.

Niagara Falls

We may have to share Niagara Falls with Canada, but everyone knows that the American side is better. (USA!) Around 750,000 gallons of water rush over the massive falls every second, and you can even get close enough to feel the powerful mist. The Maid of the Mist boat ride takes visitors up to the base; sightseers can also take the Cave of the Winds Tour, which starts with a 175-foot elevator ride down into the Niagara Gorge and ends with a walk just feet away from the pounding falls.

National Mall

The National Mall in our nation's capital might just be America's best free attraction. There's no fee to visit any part of it—including the many moving and poignant memorials. Come any time of day or night without having to pay admission or wait in line for tickets. Nearby, you'll find even more free museums if you need an air-conditioned break.

Four Corners

Check four states off your bucket list in one go at Four Corners. This nifty monument marks the spot where Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet. It's the only place in America where you can stand in four different states at once, so be sure to bring the camera for some fun photo ops! (And while some grumble that the Monument isn't positioned at exactly the right place, the federal government and the Supreme Court have decreed it so.)

Freedom Trail

Deep in the heart of Boston, the Freedom Trail's two-and-a-half miles of brick path will lead you to 16 historically significant sites. Explore everything from the oldest currently afloat commissioned warship in the world to war memorials and modern-day attractions like the Boston Common (actually the oldest city park in the U.S.). All you have to do is follow the red-brick road!

Golden Gate Bridge

It's one of America's most iconic bridges, and it just got a new visitors center in honor of its 75th anniversary. The Golden Gate Bridge stands out with its 746-foot tall towers, bright orange color, and art deco design. Walk or drive across its approximately 1.7-mile length and enjoy the sweeping views across the bay.

Appalachian Trail

One of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world is right here in America. The Appalachian Trail's 2,180 miles span 14 different states, and hiking it is one of the best ways to get an up-close and personal look at America's East Coast. Close to 2,000 people attempt to hike the whole trail each year, but the less-ambitious or time-strapped can hike shorter sections—Maryland and West Virginia feature the easiest sectors.

Grand Canyon

What list of great American destinations would be complete without the Grand Canyon? You can helicopter over the Canyon, hike or take a mule down its trails, raft along its bottom, dare to "float" over it on the transparent Skywalk, or simply admire it from the roadside viewing sections! The Canyon is a mind-boggling one-mile deep and offers picturesque views no matter which rim you visit.

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