20 Best Places to Travel in June

Summer officially starts in June, and that means it’s time to book your next vacation. Whether you’re planning a weeklong family trip in the U.S. or a once-in-a-lifetime getaway somewhere farther afield, we’ve got you covered. We’ve checked out destinations near and far for travel ideas—gathering suggestions from local experts and frequent travelers—to round up the best places to travel this June. 

Here are the best places to travel in June in the United States and around the world.

Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year with a new exhibit at Keeneland Library, and June brings festivals, food, and music to the “Horse Capital of the World.” Big names at the Railbird Festival (May 31-June 1) include Jelly Roll and Shaboozey for two days of performances at the racetrack-turned-music venue. SoulFeast Week (June 19-29) celebrates Black culinary excellence and highlights local restaurants, farmers, and chefs. Bourbon enthusiasts will find 18 excellent distilleries for tours and tastings. For outdoor adventure, there’s hiking, horseback riding, and ziplining. My personal suggestion is a tour of a horse farm to see and learn about the beautiful animals for an experience you won’t forget.

Where to Stay: The Manchester is conveniently located in the Distillery District. The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington is an art-filled boutique property.

North Carolina

From beautiful mountain towns to the Outer Banks, North Carolina has much to offer June visitors. Grandfather Mountain’s spectacular scenery attracts shutterbugs for Nature Photography Weekend (June 6-8).  Boone hosts the High Country Jazz Festival from June 13-15 and Boonerang from June 19-22. On the Atlantic, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary. In the midst of a major food moment, Charlotte features the Taste of Charlotte Festival (June 6-8) highlighting the city’s dozens of new and established restaurants. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held there June 22-24. Asheville is welcoming visitors as the area recovers from the devastating Hurricane Helene. Art in the Park is set for three June Saturdays, and nearby, Art in Bloom is celebrated throughout the month at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts. An Asheville must-see is the stunning Biltmore Estate, with 8,000 acres of beautiful architecture and gardens.

Where to Stay: In the Outer Banks, lodgings range from The Sanderling to convenient campgrounds. Asheville offers a variety of places to stay including the downtown Flat Iron Hotel and the nearby Horse Shoe Farm. Drive the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville to Blowing Rock for a stay at the Chetola Resort. The Grand Bohemian Charlotte is an elegant city option.

Newport Beach, California

About 50 miles south of Los Angeles and 80 miles north of San Diego, Newport Beach is a perfect coastal destination for June, with mild dry weather and much to do. With the Pacific Ocean providing the views, visitors can hike in Crystal Cove State Park, play golf, or take a boat tour among stunning homes. The Newport Beach Jazz Festival is set for May 30-June 1, and the Newport Beach Wooden Boat Festival will celebrate “Stories of the Sea: Wooden Boats in Film & Fiction” at Balboa Yacht Club June 13-14. Balboa Island is a short walk, drive, or ferry ride away with restaurants, shops, and a parade on June 1 celebrating the island’s opening of Fire Station #4 and honoring first responders. Decorated golf carts, horses, drill teams, floats, and more will make it a festive day.

Where to Stay: Pendry Newport Beach took first place among favorite U.S. city hotels in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Balboa Bay Resort, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, Lido House, and The Resort at Pelican Hill are more excellent options.

Nashville, Tennessee

It’s music festival time in Tennessee, with CMA Fest in Nashville from June 5-8 and the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in nearby Manchester from June 12-15. Meanwhile, in Nashville, travelers can dive into Music City’s claim to fame with visits to the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium and live performances at bars and clubs. Juneteenth celebrations, commemorating the day federal troops arrived in Galveston in 1865 to ensure that all enslaved people were freed, include fireworks, reenactments, Restaurant Week, block parties, and festivals throughout the community. It’s an ideal time to visit the National Museum of African American Music or the mural honoring Black country music artists. There’s plenty to do all month, including distillery and brewery tours, shopping, and outdoor activities in local parks and gardens.

Where to Stay: Stay at the art-filled The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hutton Hotel, Conrad Nashville, or The Westin Nashville near Music Row. Travel + Leisure’s readers named their favorite Nashville hotels in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, and the Thompson Nashville took first place.

Columbus, Ohio

The capital and largest city in Ohio, Columbus is located in the central part of the state about 100 miles southwest of Cleveland. Temperatures in the low 80s with some humidity make it pleasant, and the city offers events throughout the month. The Columbus Arts Festival from June 6-8 features visual and performance art representing more than 200 artists. From June 13-15, the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival and Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival will attract visitors. The Juneteenth Ohio Celebration celebrates the holiday with a weekend of family activities. Travel for sports events is on the rise, and the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Tournament founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus will bring golf fans to Columbus from May 26-June 1. If time allows, stick around for Red, White & Boom on July 3 or take a side trip to Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Where to Stay: Lodging in Columbus ranges from hotels, like Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection, to bed-and-breakfasts. In Cleveland, stay downtown at the Fidelity Hotel.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is a popular summer getaway with a number of beachfront boardwalks, and if you visit in June, you can be a bit ahead of the vacation crowd. Atlantic City offers white-sand beaches, a lively five-mile boardwalk, and exciting nightlife with casinos and top entertainment. Stroll the boardwalk for restaurants, shops, and bars, and hop on the Boardwalk Tram for a ride. You can also see the city on one of the jitneys that have operated for a century, available 24/7. The Steel Pier, dating to 1898, is a classic amusement park with rides, restaurants, arcade games, and The Wheel, with temperature-controlled gondolas and panoramic views. Check out Atlantic City’s murals, war memorials, and historical sites, like Historic Gardner’s Basin. There you can dine, take a dolphin-watching cruise, enjoy the scenery, or visit the newly renovated Atlantic City Aquarium.

Where to Stay: The Showboat Resort features a year-round waterpark. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City are great options. Guests can book a modern suite at Ocean Casino Resort and arrive from NYC on a luxury helicopter through the resort’s partnership with Blade.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

June’s mild weather and fewer visitors before the peak summer months make it an ideal time to enjoy the car-free Mackinac Island. The annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival from June 6-15 celebrates the exquisitely scented blooms with walking tours, live music, a parade, a 10K, and the coronation of the Lilac Queen. On June 14, the Michigan Cornhole tournament adds to the fun. A Mackinac Island vacation takes guests back to the time of horse-drawn carriages, lazy summer days, and home-made fudge—an island specialty. Visitors can explore the island’s historic sites, take a leisurely bike ride, hike to Fort Holmes, kayak, or enjoy views of the coast on a sunset cruise. Shopping in the charming downtown boutiques and art galleries is another favorite way to spend an afternoon.

Where to Stay:  The Inn at Stonecliffe, originally built in 1904, offers fully renovated guest rooms and new private cottages. Mission Point and Hotel Iroquois were T+L readers’ favorite Midwest resorts in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. The Grand Hotel Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s oldest resorts.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Located on South Carolina’s coast, Myrtle Beach is known as the Golf Capital of the World, and there’s much more to do in the popular vacation area. Six popular beaches, 14 coastal communities, shops, restaurants, and attractions line the city’s 60-mile Grand Strand. The Boardwalk and Promenade include arcades, parks, and the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, with glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas. From June 5-8, the Carolina Country Music Fest, the East Coast’s largest four-day outdoor country music festival, features more than 40 of the industry’s biggest stars, and there’s always live music at more than 20 Myrtle Beach venues.

Where to Stay: Recently renovated beachfront Kingston Resorts offers two hotels, five restaurants, tennis, a spa, and a variety of children’s activities. Oceanfront resorts, hotels, condo rentals, and campgrounds provide a wide range of other places to stay.

Island of Hawaii

T+L readers chose Hawaii as their favorite Hawaiian island in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, and June is a great time to visit. The weather is warm and dry on the island’s Kona side, and on the Hilo side, visitors will find occasional showers. Ocean temperatures are warm, ideal for snorkeling, diving, or an exciting night swim with manta rays. June 11 is King Kamehameha Day, celebrated with parades and events on all of the islands. Runners and spectators head to the Big Island for the Kona Marathon on June 25. This year’s Big Island Jazz & Blues Festival will be held on May 31 at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. The annual Hawaii Kuauli Pacific & Asia Cultural Festival at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort is set for June 6-8.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, and King Kamehameha Kona Beach Resort are luxurious places to stay on Hawaii.

Guerneville, California

About an hour north of San Francisco, the rustic town of Guerneville is home to one of California’s best beaches, although there’s not an ocean in sight. Johnson’s Beach, a stretch of sand along the Russian River, is the place for kayaking, tubing, and relaxing in the shade of an umbrella. Founded in the 1850s, Guerneville boasts a quaint retro downtown with antique shops, galleries, restaurants, a summer farmers market, and old-fashioned shops lining Main Street. Some of the state’s best wines come from the nearby Russian River Valley wineries, open for tours and tastings. The town’s LGBTQ+ residents and visitors will celebrate Pride Month in nearby Santa Rosa where Sonoma County Pride events will be held on May 31-June 1.

Where to Stay: Dawn Ranch is set among tall redwoods with a variety of accommodations. Opening in May, The River Electric camp resort, swim club, and event venue will feature 40 luxurious furnished tents.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto’s high season starts in June with mild temperatures in the 70s and a full calendar of festivals and events. The Toronto International Jazz Festival brings 10 days of live music to the heart of downtown starting June 21. From June 4-22, Luminato Festival blends performance art, live music, theater, concerts, and interactive exhibits to the city. Toronto celebrates Pride Month with parties, performances, and a lively parade. The food scene is one of the city’s attractions, with everything from poutine to Michelin-starred restaurants. Bruce Bell, Toronto historian and tour guide, says, “You’ll never have to worry about food in Toronto.” He recommends St. Lawrence Market, the oldest and largest food market in Toronto, dating to 1803. “There are over 80 vendors, and it’s very multicultural, which perfectly reflects the city’s population,” according to Bell.

Where to Stay: We rounded up our picks for the best hotels in Toronto, and our readers named the St. Regis Toronto their favorite city hotel in Canada in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto and Four Seasons Hotel Toronto also made the list. I loved my stay at the plush Fairmont Royal York, a classic landmark dating to 1929.

Fiji

June is considered Fiji’s brief shoulder season before high season’s summer vacationers start to arrive for warm, dry weather and clear seas. A paradise for divers and snorkelers, Fiji is home to colorful tropical fish and marine life among the coral of the barrier reefs. On land, rainforests, waterfalls, gorgeous beaches, and lush hiking trails provide a variety of ways to enjoy the islands. Fiji’s cuisine includes fresh seafood, tropical fruit, seasonal vegetables, and spices that reflect the influences of its multi-cultural history. Fiji Airways offers nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Where to Stay: Our readers voted for their favorites in the 2024 World’s Best Awards, with Tokoriki Island Resort and Nanuku Resort Fiji topping the list of South Pacific resorts.

Munich, Germany

June is a great time to visit Munich for warm spring weather and flowers in full bloom. The English Garden in the city’s center is a large public park perfect for strolling, biking, or surprisingly, surfing. The Eisbach Wave attracts professional surfers, so most visitors are content to be spectators and enjoy the unique experience. This Bavarian city, founded in 1158,  celebrates its birthday on June 14 and offers centuries-old buildings, including Nymphenburg Palace, once the summer residence of Bavarian royalty. The Tollwood Summer Festival from June 19-July 20 is a renowned cultural event with music, art, theater, and markets. Neuschwanstein Castle is a visitor favorite, and private tours are available. Auto enthusiasts will enjoy the BMW Museum, and exploring Munich’s varied neighborhoods is a pleasure for all. Lufthansa offers new premium cabins on several Munich routes from North America.

Where to Stay: Rosewood Munich is located in the heart of Munich’s Old Town. The Charles Hotel is located close to the historic Königsplatz, a picturesque square with architecture modeled after the Acropolis in Athens.

Loire Valley, France

Often called the “Garden of France,” the Loire Valley blooms with flowers in June, and mild weather makes it pleasant to be outdoors. It’s an ideal time to visit the area’s iconic châteaux and taste the Sancerre, Vouvray, and other excellent wines of the region. At Château de Villandry, a June 7-8 event highlights the gardens and parks of France. June is also a great time to take a boat ride on the Loire River, soar over the valley in a hot air balloon, or explore the troglodyte caves, carved into limestone cliffs. A drive of 150 miles or a train ride of about an hour takes you from Paris to the Loire Valley.

Where to Stay: Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé, built in 1760, features classical landscaping inspired by the gardens at Versailles. At Loire Valley Lodges, luxury tree houses offer hot tubs and forest views.

Peru

June is the dry season in most areas of Peru, and it’s considered the first month of high season when conditions are ideal for exploring outdoors. Machu Picchu is the best-known destination in Peru, attracting so many visitors that limits have been placed on numbers of daily guests. Still, visiting the ancient Lost City of the Incas is an experience of a lifetime. Other ancient cities and archaeological sites are well worth a visit too, like Caral, about 120 miles from Lima. Northern Peru also offers opportunities to explore centuries-old ruins without crowds or travel limitations. On Peru’s coast, the Grau Tropical Sea National Reserve protects marine life and provides another reason to visit the country.

Where to Stay: Las Casitas, a Belmond Hotel, Colca Canyon is located on an alpaca farm. On Peru’s coast, Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, offers exclusive access to the Ballestas Islands. Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is housed in a historic mansion in Cusco.

Greece

Bordered by the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian seas, Greece has around 6,000 islands, each with its own distinctive style, offering sunshine, beaches, museums, ancient sites, and delicious cuisine. June is the time to go—before summer visitors arrive—and with some planning, you can even visit Greece on a budget. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, nightlife, cities, small towns, or sunny beaches, Greece has the right place for you, from lively Mykonos and Santorini to quiet, secluded islands. In Athens, thrill to the sight of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and ancient sites before you head to the island of your choice.

Where to Stay: In T+L’s 2024 World’s Best Awards, Kalesma Mykonos, Andronis Boutique Hotel, Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos, and Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino were among readers’ favorite European hotels.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the weather is mild and the days are long with up to 16 hours of daylight in June, so you can make the most of each day and evening. The Holland Festival begins in late May and continues throughout June, featuring music, theater, dance, and art. Mid-month, Open Garden Days offer a rare opportunity to see the hidden gardens behind Amsterdam’s iconic canal houses and perhaps get a glimpse of the homes’ interiors as well. The annual Bite of Amsterdam food festival is set for June 13-15 in Amstelpark. Cruise the canals, bike around the city, or picnic in Vondelpark.

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Amsterdam hotels in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Conservatorium won top honors, and Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam also made the list. You can be one of the first to stay at the highly anticipated Rosewood Amsterdam when it debuts on June 1.

Roatán, Honduras

This Caribbean island is a favorite place for snorkeling and scuba diving among coral reefs, marine life, and shipwrecks. One of the Bay Islands of Honduras, Roatán is located along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. White-sand beaches, temperatures in the 80s, fresh seafood, and beautiful scenery attract visitors during the shoulder season. In Gumbalimba Park and at Daniel Johnson’s Monkey & Sloth Hangout, visitors can see monkeys, macaws, iguanas, sloths, and more. Little French Key, a day trip from Roatán, offers water sports, pristine beaches, and fascinating wildlife. Deep-sea fishing, sailing tours, and hikes are more ways to enjoy the island. Learn about local culture with a visit to Punta Gorda, a Garifuna village and the oldest community on the island.

Where to Stay: Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa was a reader-favorite Central American resort in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. Little French Key Resort is a luxury all-inclusive hotel.

Tasmania, Australia

The mountainous island of Tasmania lies about 150 miles south of mainland Australia. Its untouched natural beauty includes waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, national parks, wineries, and some of the world’s oldest forests. T+L readers placed Tasmania’s southwest wilderness on their list of hidden-gem destinations in the 2024 World’s Best Awards. The UNESCO World Heritage region, only recently made accessible to visitors, offers hiking and wildlife spotting. A cruise is an ideal way to explore the area. In Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, midwinter festival Dark Mofo celebrates the longest night through art, food, music, fire, and light. Inspired by ancient rituals, the events take place from June 5-15, with annual Nude Solstice Swim set for June 21. Freycinet National Park features pink granite peaks, sandy beaches, wildlife, and water sports.

Where to Stay: In Hobart, waterfront and city accommodations are available, including The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, set in historic waterfront buildings. Saffire Freycinet is a 20-acre lodge inside the national park.

European Cruises

Want to visit several cities in Europe without creating your own itinerary, arranging flights, dealing with transfers, and packing and unpacking between destinations? A cruise will make it easy, and there are many available, from river cruises to voyages in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Unforgettable Travel Company offers luxury small-ship and yacht cruises along the Croatian coastline and islands. You can cruise the Mediterranean in glorious style with Star Clippers in a five-masted clipper ship. Oceania Cruises features a variety of Mediterranean itineraries. River cruises are a great way to experience Europe’s cities in comfortable style, with a variety of excursions each day. Choose a specially themed sailing, like the AmaWaterways wine cruise through France or family river cruise with Adventures by Disney.