Smack dab in the middle of most Americans’ summer holidays, July is the ultimate travel month. It can also be one of the most challenging months to decide where to go.
Whether you’re a beach lover chasing the perfect wave, a culture vulture hungry for vibrant festivals or just someone craving a break from the daily grind, July has options for every type of traveler.
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing — you might have to battle some crowds. But think of it as a sign that you have chosen the right time to join the global party.
This year, the excitement is dialed up even more. With the 2024 Summer Olympics in France and Taylor Swift concerts lighting up various stadiums in Europe, the continent will be a hive of energy and excitement. The streets will be rife with sports fans, cultural events and an exuberant spirit of celebration.
Even in the U.S., there’s plenty to get excited about as the days get longer and the temperatures start to climb. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and get ready to discover why July is the golden ticket to your dream vacation in these 10 destinations.
Cleveland
Why visit Cleveland in July? From July 12-21, the city will be buzzing with the excitement of the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games — an event that’s shaping up to be a fantastic travel dupe for the Paris Olympics.
Held every four years in the Americas, PAMG is an Olympic-like sports festival for athletes over 30. It features 26 medal-contending sports, including track and field, tennis, basketball, pickleball and cycling. This year’s games are set to be the largest international gathering in Northeast Ohio’s history, drawing more than 8,000 athletes from more than 50 countries.
Imagine the energy, the diversity and the sheer thrill of watching world-class athletes compete right in the heart of the city. It’s a spectacle you can’t miss, and it’s the perfect excuse for a summer getaway.
TPG tip: Following an impressive $90 million restoration and nearly a decade of careful planning, Hotel Cleveland, the city’s oldest hotel, will return to its original name (previously the Renaissance) and become part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Nightly rates start at $155 or 20,000 Bonvoy points per night.
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Singapore
If you’re pondering a visit to Southeast Asia in July, the Singapore Food Festival (July 12-26) might just be reason enough to book that ticket.
This mouthwatering event celebrates the island nation’s incredible food scene, mixing traditional favorites with exciting new flavors. Imagine biting into succulent Hainanese chicken rice, slurping up spicy laksa or tackling a messy, delicious chili crab — and that’s just the beginning. With hawker centers, gourmet restaurants and chef-driven pop-ups everywhere, your tastebuds are in for an unforgettable adventure.
Plus, July is a great time to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife and explore the summer sales at Orchard Road’s many flagship boutiques.
TPG tip: Stay at the Conrad Singapore Orchard from $228 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night and be close to much of the action across the city.
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is a remote yet spectacular summer getaway. Dramatic landscapes? Fresh seafood? Endless outdoor activities? Check, check and check.
You can golf along ocean bluffs, hike or bike the famous Cabot Trail, or try heli-fly fishing on the Margaree River. Traditional ceilidhs with Gaelic folk music, lobster boils and whisky tastings add to the fun. Plus, golfers will love Cabot Cape Breton’s stunning oceanfront courses.
The food scene is fantastic, too, with ultra-fresh seafood and unique craft beverages. Don’t miss festivals like the TD Halifax Jazz Festival, Acoustic Maritime Music Festival and Halifax Pride Festival. Not to mention, the weather is ideal; temperatures fall in the 70s and 80s, and sunsets take place well after 10 p.m.
TPG tip: Stay at Silver Dart Lodge from $132.
Carlsbad, California
Fancy a SoCal beach getaway? Look no further than the thriving hamlet of Carlsbad, just 45 minutes north of San Diego.
This coastal surf town offers access to 7 miles of pristine, uncrowded beaches. Plus, the outdoor recreation includes surfing, biking and hiking trails and championship-caliber golf courses like the ones at Omni La Costa or the Park Hyatt Aviara.
Families can enjoy attractions like Legoland, the Museum of Making Music and the iconic Flower Fields. Meanwhile, foodies can be the first to explore this rising culinary and brewery destination, which features restaurants like Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie, The Cottages on Roosevelt, Ember & Rye at the Park Hyatt Aviara, Le Papagayo and low-key local classics like Senor Grubby’s.
Really, Carlsbad in July is just a slice of Southern California paradise.
TPG tip: Book a room at Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach from $266 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Opt for a more luxurious experience and use your World of Hyatt points to stay at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa ($698 or 30,000 points per night).
Nosara, Costa Rica
July is an unobvious but wonderful month to visit Nosara, Costa Rica. Known as “locals’ summer,” the month is when the crowds thin out, but the sunshine still predominates, breaking through just enough to make the occasional afternoon showers refreshing rather than disruptive. It’s also peak season in what’s known as one of the best surf destinations in the world.
Nosara boasts more than 330 days of rideable waves per year, and July offers warm waters and consistent swells, especially at Playa Guiones. This spot is ideal for both novice and seasoned surfers. It’s also excellent for serene morning walks or breathtaking sunset views if you want to stay on land.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head over to Playa Pelada, where the turquoise waters and svelte palm trees offer a peaceful retreat. When hunger strikes, don’t miss trying some local flavors at Rosi’s Cafe, enjoying the stunning views at Coyol or sipping spectacular cocktails with your feet in the sand at La Luna.
TPG tip: Opened in February 2024, Silvestre Nosara is a residential-style luxury beachfront resort where you can kick back and stay a while. Rates start at $1,030 per night.
Paris
You can’t talk about where to travel in July without mentioning Paris this year. The host city of the Summer Olympics will welcome the world in full force, and the opening ceremony scheduled for July 26 will kick off the excitement. The streets will be pulsating with energy and a sense of global unity as athletes and spectators from around the world descend upon the City of Light.
The excitement will begin a few weeks earlier on July 14, Bastille Day, which commemorates the start of the French Revolution. Be sure to witness the grandeur of the military parade along the Champs-Elysees, a proud spectacle of national heritage. As night falls, watch the sky over the Eiffel Tower erupt in a spectacular display of fireworks — an awe-inspiring finale to the day.
With these extraordinary events, plus Paris’ enduring allure and rich cultural tapestry, July is undoubtedly the perfect month to dive into the city’s dynamic atmosphere — if you’re willing to contend with the crowds.
TPG tip: Check out our list of the best hotels in Paris for some of our top picks in the French capital. Many still have rooms available for dates during the Olympics as well as before and after the games.
Niseko, Japan
Although known for its phenomenal ski runs in the winter, Niseko, Japan, is a year-round adventure hub. In summer, the the landscape transforms into an alpine paradise with activities like ocean fishing, whitewater rafting on the Shiribetsu River and e-biking through lush forests.
For families, there are fireworks shows, indoor rock climbing opportunities and tree walks with views of Mount Yotei’s dramatic slopes. The area also hosts Bruce Munro’s “Mountain Lights” installation, which will illuminate Niseko Annupuri Mountain with 180,000 fiber-optic lights starting July 1.
This year, the 90th anniversary of the Nikka Whisky Distillery adds a cultural touch with tours that showcase the art of whisky making and blending. It celebrates the legacy of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky.
TPG tip: Rates at high-end hotels in Niseko are a downright bargain in summer compared to the busy winter season. Book the Park Hyatt Niseko for as little as $310 or 35,000 points per night; or opt to stay at Hagashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve for $485 or 80,000 points per night.
Kangaroo Island, Australia
July is an unexpectedly beautiful time to visit Kangaroo Island in South Australia. While it’s winter Down Under, Kangaroo Island still enjoys sunshine warm enough to explore its natural beauty comfortably, paired with the cool-weather perks of refreshing breezes and fewer tourist groups.
This sweet spot in the calendar means you can wander through the stunning, rugged landscapes and spot local wildlife without the usual hustle and bustle. Whether you’re looking to explore the island’s unique rock formations like the Remarkable Rocks or hoping to catch sight of sea lions basking at Seal Bay, July’s mild weather provides an ideal setting. It’s truly a time when you can enjoy the best of both worlds — soaking up the gentle sun while relishing the tranquility of the off-peak season.
TPG tip: For a luxurious option, stay at the Southern Ocean Lodge, which starts at $2,275 per night for double occupancy. If you’re on a tighter budget, the adorable Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge starts at just $125 per night.
Salzburg, Austria
If you want to avoid Europe’s crowded beaches in favor of culture and fresh mountain air, consider Salzburg, Austria.
The city bursts into life with the start of the Salzburg Festival on July 19. It’s one of the world’s top events for opera, classical music and theater, right in Mozart’s hometown, no less. Imagine soaking up virtuoso performances by artists from around the world in such a historic setting.
July in Salzburg features gorgeous weather for leisurely pursuits. The days are sunny, yet the cool mountain breezes provide a refreshing balance. It’s an ideal time to wander the town’s cobblestone streets, admire the Baroque buildings and explore the stunning gardens. Whether you’re strolling along the Salzach River or visiting ancient sites, the city in July is a picturesque paradise.
More adventurous travelers can set out on a day hike or multiday trek along the scenic Salzkammergut, one of the world’s most famous walking trails.
TPG tip: The newest property in the Rosewood Hotel Group portfolio, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, will open this July. The historic castle, within miles of the city center, will feature carefully crafted Austrian cuisine highlighting local ingredients and an on-site Asaya Spa. Rates will start at $865 per night.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
July is the quintessential month to visit Cape Cod, Massachusetts, as it showcases the best of New England’s summer charm. Technicolor hydrangeas burst into bloom, fluttering in the salty ocean breeze and creating a picturesque backdrop for all kinds of outdoor activities.
The beaches are in their prime, offering expansive stretches of coastline for sunbathers, swimmers and shell collectors to enjoy. July also marks the height of the tourist season, meaning all the local shops, fanciful cafes and seafood shacks are open for business; they offer the freshest catches and local flavors.
Plus, the Cape Cod Baseball League is in full swing, allowing visitors to catch tomorrow’s baseball stars in the quaint stadium. Interested in more tranquil activities? There are numerous bike trails and walking paths that offer a peaceful retreat into nature.
TPG tip: Just in time for the 2024 summer season, Red Jacket Beach Resort in Yarmouth is unveiling a $40 million renovation. Stay for around $469 per night.
