WASHINGTON—U.S. News & World Report recently released its new rankings of the best summer vacations in the United States, highlighting 20 destinations around the country.
Providing travelers with a living history lesson and access to the most famous baseball stadium in the country, Boston takes the No. 1 spot on the list of Best Summer Vacations in the USA. The No. 2 spot, Seaside, Oregon, is a family-friendly beach town that sees few crowds and provides easy access to nearby natural wonders. Coming in at No. 3, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is ideal for outdoor pursuits, such as hiking and camping.
For the budget-conscious traveler, U.S. News also rounded up the Best Cheap Summer Vacations. Known for its breathtaking beauty and massive size, the Grand Canyon snags the No. 1 spot, followed by Williamsburg, Virginia, at No. 2, which includes both historic and modern attractions at low costs. The No. 3 destination, Fort Myers, Florida, draws travelers with large nature reserves and easy access to nearby beaches.
Internationally, the No. 1 destination, Paris, offers iconic sights and sprawling neighborhoods to explore while the No. 2 spot, Florence, is famous for its abundance of architectural and cultural wonders. The No. 3 destination, Boston, offers both educational and recreational activities for all types of travelers.
“Many travelers look forward to their hard-earned summer vacation, and we understand that picking the right destination is a crucial part of enjoying your trip,” Gwen Shearman, travel editor at U.S. News, explains. “U.S. News’ Best Summer Vacations rankings offer a variety of family-friendly and affordable getaways ideas for every traveler, whether your ideal trip includes adventures in a national park or relaxation on a sandy beach.”
U.S. News analyzed more than 700 destinations using a methodology that combines travelers’ opinions with expert and editor analysis. Each destination is scored in 10 categories, from sights, culture, and food to nightlife, adventure, and romance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of each destination.
Best U.S. Summer Vacations of 2018
1. Boston
2. Seaside, Oregon
3. Steamboat Springs , Colorado
4. Nashville, Tennessee
5. Portland, Oregon
The World’s Best Summer Vacations of 2018
1. Paris
2. Florence, Italy
3. Boston
4. Dublin
5. Seaside, Oregon
Best Cheap Summer Vacations of 2018
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 United States
1. Outer Banks, North Carolina
2. Destin, Florida
3. Maui, Hawaii
4. Hilton Head, South Carolina
5. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
