Beautiful weather makes us want to get out and explore, so we asked TravelAwaits writers where they like to go in June. We already have a list of amazing European cities to visit in June, so we kept this one in the U.S., save for the one Floridian who likes to escape the heat in Canada. In no particular order, here are our travel experts’ favorite places to visit in June.
1. Lake Tahoe
“The Lake Tahoe area has a ton of things to do once the snow on the ski slopes melts. There are miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, watersports opportunities on the lake, great dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, farmers markets, shopping in and around The Shops at Heavenly Village, solitude to enjoy, and much more. On the Nevada side, hotels offer gambling and Vegas-style shows.
But my favorite reason to come to Lake Tahoe in June is to ride America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. The 72-mile route makes a complete circuit around Lake Tahoe, giving you spectacular views of the lake and snow-capped mountains from dozens of spots. Lonely cabins, bustling villages, and pine trees line the course. You get to see the entire lake area from both the California and Nevada sides.
Lake Tahoe has activities to enjoy year-round, but June is my favorite time to visit.” — Stan Thomas
2. Kittery, Maine
“This gorgeous little community, just north of the New Hampshire border, is the perfect pocket of late spring and early summer adventure. Shoppers will love Kittery’s broad selection of outlet shops, but if you turn away from the highway, you’ll discover a vibrant seaside community that’s filled with history. After all, Kittery’s claim to fame is that it’s the oldest town in Maine.
Here, you’ll find a monument to John Paul Jones and have the opportunity to explore life as a soldier in the 1600s onward at Fort McClary State Historic Site. Meanwhile, foodies will love Lil’s Cafe (which has phenomenal blueberry muffins and many other temptations), Loco Coco’s Tacos, Lovebird Donuts, and the Tributary Brewing Co.
Before school lets out at the end of the month, the beaches are pretty quiet and superb places for the proverbial long walk. The sky is dusky pink and the lighthouse is situated at sea amidst the rocks.” — Vanessa Chiasson
3. North Shore, Minnesota
“Winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, and the constantly changing beauty of Lake Superior are just starters of why Minnesota’s North Shore is a great choice for a June getaway. Minnesotans affectionately refer to the area from Duluth to the Canadian border as ‘the North Shore.’
Lake Superior, in all her majesty and fluctuating moods, is the crown jewel of this area. It’s the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area and the third largest by volume.
An outdoor paradise that peaks in summer, the North Shore is a great place to get up and get moving, with canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and 300-plus miles of continuous hiking trails. Need some R&R instead? It’s also a terrific place for a nice dinner of locally-caught walleye, a glass of wine, and the peace and quiet of nature surrounding you.” — Joan Sherman
4. Quebec City/Charlevoix, Canada
“Quebec City and its nearby Charlevoix region appeals to different tastes in every season. Me? I’m looking for an escape from the Florida summer swelter in southeastern Canada. Besides climactic relief, Quebec City poses a cultural getaway that feels as French as it gets without leaving North America. The old gated city enchants with its narrow, uneven side streets; ancient churches and citadel; year-round cultural festivals; and St. Lawrence riverfront. And don’t get me started on the food!
The city can get crowded in summer, however, as busloads of tourists disgorge. So, once I’ve had my fill of colonial-metro vibes, I’m ready to head rural. After obligatory stops at Montmorency Falls (check out the new promenade) and the farms and vineyards of Ile d’Orleans, charming Baie-Saint-Paul beckons. The waterfront town makes a perfect jumping-off point to explore Parc National des Grands-Jardins, discover the region’s rich agrotourism, or take a train ride along the river.” — Chelle Koster Walton
5. Yellowstone National Park
“June is the perfect time to visit Yellowstone National Park. During June, the park is fully open and the weather is great. With temperatures in the low 70s during the day and 40s at night, the park is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors. Animal sightings are numerous and often can be seen right on the side of the road.
June also means you can partake in many of the activities that the park offers thanks to the warm weather. These activities include rafting, sightseeing, hiking, and more! Finally, the warmer days mean that there is less steam being produced by the geothermal features, so you can more easily see their gorgeous colors!” — Michelle Snell
6. Boston
“Boston in June, when the average high temperature is 77 degrees, is a wonderful time to visit. The city has passed by the chilly spring and is heading toward the muggy summer, but June is just right.
Head over to one of the amazing outdoor venues like Trillium Brewing Company’s rooftop deck in the Fort Point neighborhood or the casually chic al fresco dining in the heart of the shopping district at Stephanie’s on Newbury.
Even if you’re not a Red Sox fan, you should visit Fenway Park, a legendary baseball venue. You can take in a home game from the Green Monster seats or explore the ballfield on a tour.
A unique Boston experience is a Swan Boat ride around the Public Garden lagoon. The 15-minute, novelty ride is a fun way to enjoy the June blooms and lush greenery from a unique perspective on the water.
Boston is my city, and I never get tired of showing her off.” — Sandi Barrett
7. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
“Great Basin National Park had been on my travel list for years when I finally planned a road trip to the park in Nevada’s far eastern reaches in June 2020. At the time, I was looking for a remote experience with light crowds, and I found that and much more at Great Basin. Even though I knew going in that the park would offer rugged mountains and sweeping views, I was simply blown away by the stunning alpine lakes and the soaring heights of Wheeler Peak.
June turned out to be the perfect time to visit for a number of reasons. Temperatures were warm and sunny during the day, but snow still clung in patches to the mountainsides, offering pretty reflections in the sparkling lakes. And the spectacular Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive had just opened up after being partially closed for the winter months.
June is also a great month to take in another thing that Great Basin is famous for – its stellar night skies. Great Basin is an International Dark Sky Park, and stargazing astronomy talks take place on select nights throughout parts of June, July, and August.” — Cindy Barks
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