With lengthy days, large blue skies, and hours of infinite sunshine, I feel June is without doubt one of the finest instances of 12 months to discover the States. From hip metropolis breaks to beautiful coastal cities, listed below are my favourite spots to discover throughout this summer time month…
1. Mackinac Island, Michigan
I discovered that this charming, car-free island made the right early summer time getaway – the climate was heat however not too scorching, the island was bursting with blooming lilacs and flower baskets, the ferries have been operating easily, the whole lot was open, and better of all, it was simply earlier than the height summer time crowds arrived!
I additionally cherished the energetic vacation buzz, particularly throughout the beautiful 10-day Lilac Festival with its parades, concert events, backyard excursions, and the crowning of the Lilac Queen!
I stayed on the historic 4-star Lake View Hotel and spent my days mountaineering and biking stunning trails in Mackinac Island State Park, kayaking alongside the shoreline, watching cannon and rifle shows on the historic Fort Mackinac, shopping the cool little quirky outlets and fudge shops (Murdick’s was my favourite!), and visiting the Original Butterfly House.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 7200 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
- Location: Upper Midwest
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- Vibe: Charming with a relaxed small-town really feel
- Average June temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Dining al-fresco on the nautical-themed Pink Pony Restaurant – I cherished the fashionable pink decor, the beautiful lake views, the connoisseur onion rings and the house-made hummus!
2. Bodega Bay, California
Visiting this small coastal city in June was such a good suggestion—the cool, breezy climate and clear skies have been good for out of doors adventures, the paths have been lined with wildflowers, it was whale watching season, and I acquired to absorb the surroundings earlier than the summer time crowds rolled in!
I additionally cherished attending the occasions – my favorites have been the rocking Sonoma Wild Music Festival and the buzzy Bodega Bay Community Farmers Market.
I drove 90 minutes north of San Francisco on Highway 101 and spent a peaceable lengthy weekend there. I went on cool, fog-kissed coastal hikes at Bodega Head, noticed migrating grey whales from Bodega Head, dined on the farm-to-table eating places, went wine tasting and explored their cute assortment of quirky unbiased outlets and artwork galleries.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 913 CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923
- Location: north coast of the USA
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- Vibe: relaxed with contact of rustic allure
- Average temperature – 13°C to 21°C
My highlights….
- Tasting the award-winning crisp Sonoma Rosé wine on the boutique Halleck Vineyard Estate
- Dining al fresco at Drakes Sonoma Coast – I cherished their rustic-chic decor, cozy hearth pits, and their scrumptious homestyle potatoes and sautéed foraged mushrooms!
3. Put-in-Bay, Ohio
I took a trip on this energetic resort village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie and located it actually got here alive in June with heat climate, open-air bars, reside music, and lakefront enjoyable – with out the peak-season crowds of July and August.
I additionally discovered some enjoyable family-friendly occasions, and my favorites have been the Ohio Islands Wine Festival, Founder’s Day, and the quirky Pyrate Fest—a energetic annual pirate-themed celebration with costumes and all!
I took a 20-minute ferry from Port Clinton and stayed for a protracted weekend, kayaking at South Bass Island State Park, absorbing panoramic views from Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, having fun with the energetic waterfront nightlife alongside Delaware Avenue, and tasting scrumptious Pink Catawba wine on the rustic Heineman Winery.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 440 Loraine Ave, Put-In-Bay, OH 43456
- Location: Midwest
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- Vibe: laid-back however with a enjoyable island occasion ambiance
- Average temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
My private highlights…
- Dining on the waterfront restaurant and bar The Boardwalk – I cherished the pleasant, informal vibe, the gorgeous views of the harbor, and their generously portioned Lava Cake dessert!
- Catching the reside nation band, ‘The Warped’ on the iconic circular-shaped Roundhouse Bar – I actually preferred the cool retro decor and the distinctive open-air setting!
4. Laguna Beach, Southern California
I took a June trip to this picturesque coastal metropolis and cherished that the solar was shining, the ocean was heat sufficient for swimming and browsing, wildflowers lined the coastal trails, and the city buzzed with early summer time vitality, artwork occasions, and beachside eating—with out the complete peak-season crowds (bonus!).
I additionally discovered superior annual occasions to get entangled in similar to the big Sawdust Art Festival, the free Fete de la Musique which had a gap ceremony on Main Beach.
When right here, I relaxed and watched surfers on the iconic Thousand Steps Beach, Victoria Beach, and Main Beach, found native artwork galleries, hiked in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and explored charming streets which have been lined with stylish boutique outlets, fashionable cafes, and superior oceanfront eating choices.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 381 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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- Average temperatures -17°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Staying on the distinctive boutique gem Hotel Joaquin – I cherished the intimate boho vibe, the beautiful customized furnishings, the early morning yoga lessons and the attractive ocean views!
5. Chicago, Illinois 
I assumed Chicago actually got here alive in June – with lakefront festivals, open-air concert events in Millennium Park, boat cruises on the Chicago River, and lovely climate that made it good for exploring town’s funky neighborhoods, parks, and seashores, all earlier than the height summer time crowds rolled in and whereas lodging was nonetheless straightforward to seek out.
I cherished the buzzing vitality that stuffed the parks, patios, and streets and my favourite occasions I discovered that have been on this have been the toe-tapping Chicago Blues Festival and the superior Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash music competition,
I flew into Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and stayed for a enjoyable 4 days. I dined al-fresco on the unimaginable eating places (my favorites have been Osteria Via Stato and Ema), frolicked on the sandy North Avenue Beach, strolled alongside the scenic waterfronts, picnicked in Millennium Park and found the cool leisure vacation spot, Navy Pier.
- Visitors Center Address: 77 E. Randolph St. Chicago
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- Vibe: Vibrant and energetic
- Average temperatures – 18°C to 29°C
My favourite highlights…
- Staying on the Hotel EMC2 – I cherished the tremendous horny and stylish decor and the superior robotic butlers, named Leo and Cleo, which roamed the hallways delivering issues to our visitor room!
- Visiting the trendy Cindy’s Rooftop Bar – I used to be a giant fan of the fashionable decor, the breathtaking views and the nice hand-crafted cocktails, particularly the floral Hawaiian Rose cocktail!
6. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts 
This picturesque trip island made a dreamy early summer time getaway – June introduced lengthy, sunny days, heat climate, blooming hydrangeas and gardens, and a laid-back buzz that made the seashores and island allure much more satisfying.
It was additionally simply earlier than the height summer time crowds arrived, however loads of occasions have been already in full swing—my favorites have been the Juneteenth Jubilee Festival, the Inkwell Beach occasion, and the beginning of the Edgartown Village Market.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 29 Church St, Edgartown, MA 02539
- Location: Off the southern coast of Massachusetts within the Northeastern USA
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- Vibe: Upscale, with a basic New England coastal really feel
- Average temperature – 15°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Staying on the quaint and historic Summercamp Guest House – I cherished the quirky and colourful decor, ocean views and the in-room tech such because the cool iPads which got here loaded with helpful space info!
- Going on a Martha’s Vineyard Tour and exploring the historic websites – I particularly cherished the fantastic Oldest House and its rustic furnishings and huge central chimney, the attention-grabbing Old Mill, and the photogenic Edgartown Harbor Lighthouse the place we climbed the spiral staircase to see the commentary deck!
7. Camden, Maine
I loved certainly one of my first summer time journeys on this picturesque harbor city, the place the climate was delicate and sunny, sailboats stuffed the harbor, wildflowers lined the paths in Camden Hills State Park, and the outlets, seafood spots, and waterfront paths have been energetic but nonetheless peaceable earlier than the height summer time rush.
I additionally discovered the city got here alive with native occasions and festivals, together with the two-day music competition Jazz in June, the Haddon Heights Farmers Market and Merchantville Farmers Market.
When right here, I hiked the scenic trails, relaxed on the sandy Crescent Beach, attended a efficiency on the elegant Camden Opera House, and explored downtown, which was crammed with artwork galleries, historic buildings, distinctive boutique shops, and the scenic Waterfront Park.
I drove 3 hours 40 minutes from Boston and spent a stunning three days there. I hiked up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, took a scenic schooner cruise from Camden Harbor, dined on native delicacies on the waterfront Camden Deli, and took a stroll by means of the beautiful gardens of Merryspring Nature Center.
- Visitor’s Center Address: Camden-Rockport-Lincolnville Chamber of Commerce, 2 Public Lndg, Camden, ME 04843
- Location: mid-coast of Maine within the Northeastern USA
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- Vibe: Quaint, scenic, and quietly refined
- Average temperature – 21°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Staying on the beautiful 4-star Relais Chateaux Camden Harbour Inn – I adored the stylish fashionable decor, the in-room therapeutic massage companies and the unimaginable connoisseur French delicacies, particularly the Mushroom Velouté!
- Dining al-fresco on the deck on the Waterfront Restaurant – I used to be utterly gained over by the ocean views, the quaint nautical theme and their severely scrumptious artichoke fondue!
8. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
I visited this charming lakeside resort city one June and didn’t remorse it—whereas it will get busy in peak summer time, I discovered it a lot quieter this month with heat climate good for boating, mountaineering, and exploring the attractive shoreline.
The city was additionally crammed with lush greenery and energetic music festivals and occasions. My favorites have been the superior Live at Lyon’s Street Dance and their buzzy Farmer’s Market.
I drove an hour and a half from Chicago and stayed for a enjoyable lengthy weekend. I took a ship tour on the lake, strolled alongside the flower-lined Geneva Lake Shore Path previous spectacular historic mansions, went out of doors eating within the energetic downtown and took a guided tour of the sprawling Black Point Estate and Gardens (I used to be in awe of the superbly preserved Victorian furnishings)!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 201 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
- Location: Upper Midwest
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- Vibe: enjoyable, family-friendly with basic lake resort really feel
- Average temperature – 24°C to 27°C
My highlights…
- Visiting the boutique Studio Winery & Geneva Lake Distilling – I assumed it was superior that it additionally doubled as an artwork gallery. I additionally actually loved its distinctive, inventive vibe and tasting the heavenly Cabernet Sauvignon!
- Staying on the distinctive historic boutique lodge – Maxwell Mansion Hotel – I used to be charmed by the vintage-style decor, my enormous cozy mattress, the sculpture-filled backyard and the Secret Speakeasy which I discovered hidden behind a bookcase!
9. Santa Barbara, California
I assumed visiting this pristine coastal metropolis throughout this month was simply good! The climate was heat and dry with clear coastal skies, the seashore temperatures have been good for sunbathing and browsing and it had a really relaxed early-summer vibe! There have been far fewer crowds in comparison with once I’d visited in July and August too!
I additionally found gardens in full bloom and a implausible calendar of occasions, festivals, and wine tastings. There was the fantastic Summer Solstice Celebration, the energetic Juneteenth Santa Barbara Block Party and Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival, and the free Santa Barbara Lavender Festival.
I drove an 1 hour and 40 minutes from Los Angeles and stayed for a mini-break within the beautiful boho boutique Palihouse and loved lazy seashore days at East Beach, wine tasting within the Funk Zone, scenic hikes within the Santa Ynez Mountains, and sundown strolls alongside Stearns Wharf.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 1 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
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- Average temperatures – 13°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Exploring the State Street Promenade Market – I actually preferred the charming out of doors seating, native artisan stalls particularly the Sea & Sky Naturals stall, the handcrafted jewellery and the hand-made connoisseur chocolate truffles!
- Dining on the regionally well-known La Super-Rica Mexican restaurant – I used to be a giant fan of the informal vibe, funky artwork deco decor and their very tasty spicy veggie tacos and Gordita Frijol!
10. Portland, Maine 
I vacationed in “Vacationland” throughout the month of June and located the times have been lengthy and sunny (with simply the occasional cool spell), good for exploring the waterfront and out of doors points of interest—and all of the meals shacks and breweries have been buzzing with life, and there was loads of waterfront eating to absorb the nice climate too!
There have been fewer crowds than simply earlier than the primary summer time season begins, however there have been nonetheless some superior festivals happening, my favorites have been the annual Portland Wine Week and the ethereal water lamp competition.
I drove two hours north from Boston and spent an enthralling week principally stress-free on East End Beach, however I additionally sipped Summer Ale at Shipyard Brewing Company, strolled the scenic Eastern Promenade, and explored the historic Old Port District with its cobblestone streets, cute indie outlets, and glorious eating places.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 14 Ocean Gateway Pier, Portland, ME 04101
- Location: Northeastern USA
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- Vibe: Coastal, inventive, and relaxed
- Average temperature – 13°C – 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Going on a whale watching boat tour with Odyssey Whale Watching – it was an unimaginable second to see humpback whales leaping out of the ocean (it was an incredible month for recognizing them)!
- Dining on the upscale New American UNION Restaurant – I cherished the fashionable fashionable decor, watching the cooks prepare dinner within the the open kitchen, and my inventive veggie dish, Hominy Succotash!
11. Shasta Lake, California
I took a visit to California’s largest reservoir in June and located the climate scorching and sunny, the lake full from spring runoff—good for houseboating, swimming, and jet snowboarding—and I might nonetheless get pleasure from peaceable hikes earlier than the height summer time crowds arrived.
I drove 3.5 hours north from Sacramento and stayed for an idyllic week tenting at Antlers Campground (there have been additionally cabins and lodges to remain in).
- Visitor’s Center Address: Shasta Dam Visitor Center, 16349 Shasta Dam Blvd, Lake Shasta, CA 96019
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- Average temperature – 27-32°C
My favourite highlights…
- Hiking the difficult 5.5-mile Castle Dome Trail in Castle Crags State Park which took me to the bottom of the large granite formation Castle Dome – I cherished the beautiful purple wildflowers and the panoramic views of Mount Shasta.
- Going on a free guided tour of the Shasta Dam – it was attention-grabbing to learn the way its hydroelectric energy plant generated sufficient vitality to energy lots of of 1000’s of houses!
12. Santa Cruz, California
When I took a mini-break on this vibrant coastal metropolis in June, I discovered heat, sunny days, cooler evenings, nice lodge offers, and fewer crowds earlier than the July and August rush.
I additionally discovered there have been additionally a number of enjoyable occasions happening such because the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Summer Concert Series and the LGBTQ+ celebration, Santa Cruz Pride.
I drove 1.5-hour drive south of San Francisco and stayed for per week. I indulged in sun-soaked enjoyable on the Beach Boardwalk, hiked amongst redwoods in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and noticed tide swimming pools and cute sea otters at Natural Bridges State Beach and exploring the buzzing downtown space crammed with distinctive outlets, native eating places, and superior nightlife!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 303 Water Street, Suite 100. Santa Cruz, CA
- Location: central coast of California within the western USA
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- Vibe: Surfy, youthful, and laid-back
- Average temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Dining al-fresco on the Mediterranean & Afghan restaurant Laili – I particularly cherished the lovable out of doors patio dotted with twinkling lights and my scrumptious leek dumpling and saffron risotto!
- Watching surfers at Steamer Lane – I climbed the bluffs simply above Steamer Lane and watched them for hours, the ocean views have been unimaginable from there!
13. Cape Cod, Massachusetts 
I discovered this stunning coastal peninsula made the right June escape – the climate was heat however not humid, the seashores and bike paths have been nonetheless peaceable, I managed to seek out some nice lodging offers, and the aromatic hydrangeas have been in out in full bloom!
I additionally found the cities have been buzzing with early summer time occasions and I particularly cherished the favored Provincetown International Film Festival and the very cultural Hands on the Arts Festival.
I drove an hour and a half north from Boston and stayed for a wonderful brief break principally simply kicking again and stress-free on Coast Guard Beach. I additionally managed to squeezee in biking the scenic Cape Cod Rail Trail, whale-watching in Provincetown, wandering round artwork galleries in Wellfleet, and gorging on contemporary meals in Sesuit Harbor Cafe.
- Visitor’s Center Address: 7025 Route 6, Eastbound. Barnstable, MA 02630
- Location: North Atlantic Coast of the Northeastern USA
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- Vibe: Relaxed, nostalgic, and coastal with a basic New England
- Average June temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Staying on the beautiful historic boutique inn Captain Freeman Inn – I adored consuming a connoisseur breakfast on the lovable veranda every morning!
- Visiting the community-focused Chatham Farmers Market – the artisan Brewster Coffee Company Stall was a spotlight for me!
14. Dillon, Colorado
This picturesque mountain city was an superior place to discover in June—the climate was delicate and sunny, snowmelt stuffed Dillon Reservoir for kayaking, paddle-boarding, and boat excursions, wildflowers brightened the paths, and the thinner crowds made it even higher earlier than peak summer time hit.
I noticed that the city hosted energetic concert events on the Dillon Amphitheater and I cherished attending the weekly Farmers Market too and absorbing the welcoming small city vibes!
I drove 70-miles from Denver (which took 1 hour and 20 minutes) and I went tenting at Dillon Lake Campground for 5 days. I explored the charming Main Street of close by Frisco, hiked alongside the Ptarmigan Trail, visited the cool Pug Ryan’s Brewery and went boating, biking and kayaking!
- Visitor’s Center Address: 246-V Rainbow Dr, Silverthorne, CO 80498
- Location: western USA
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- Vibe: Relaxed, outdoorsy, and family-friendly
- Average temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My favourite highlights…
- Hiking the leisurely 5.5 mile Dillon Reservoir Loop Trail which took me on a scenic loop across the picturesque reservoir – I cherished seeing the breathtaking vistas of the Tenmile Range!
15. Long Beach Island, New Jersey
I assumed this barrier island was particularly fantastic throughout the month of June! I discovered the climate was heat and sunny, and there have been fewer crowds and higher lodging offers in comparison with the height summer time months.
There are some superior festivals on and my favorites turned out to be the favored LBI Lighthouse International Film Festival, and the enjoyable HopSauce Festival, which was devoted to craft beer!
I drove two hour north from NYC, I visited ‘Old Barney,’ the long-lasting lighthouse in Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. I relaxed on the seashores, watched the surfers at The Spot, took a tour of the fishing docks in Viking Village, and found all of the stylish eateries and unbiased boutiques
- Visitor’s Center Address: 6801 Long Beach Blvd, Brant Beach, NJ 08008
- Location: Northeastern United States
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- Vibe: laid-back and family-oriented
- Average temperature – 18°C to 24°C
My highlights…
- Dining on the upscale farm-to-table restaurant The Arlington – I cherished the comfy however fashionable decor, the craft cocktails and their heavenly delicate Bavarian Pretzels and Flourless Chocolate Cake!
- Having enjoyable on the Thundering Surf Water Park, – it was nice tubing down the lazy river, enjoying the 18-hole mini-golf course and driving the simulated browsing attraction the FlowRider!
16. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
I took a visit to this much-loved protected space throughout this month and didn’t remorse my determination! I discovered the landscapes and the forests have been at their greenest, the mountain laurel and rhododendrons have been in full bloom, beautiful fireflies lit up the forests at evening, the wildlife was extra energetic and the times have been lengthy and the climate was simply good for mountaineering, wildlife recognizing with out the extreme summer time warmth.
I drove two hours from Ashville and stayed for a beautiful 5 days. I went on wildflower-filled hikes to Laurel Falls, beautiful scenic drives by means of Cades Cove, attended synchronous fireflies at Elkmont, and wildlife noticed alongside the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
- Visitors Centre Address: 1420 Fighting Creek Gap Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- Location: southeastern United States.
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- Vibe: Tranquil, nature-rich, and family-friendly.
- Average June Temperatures: 15 to 29°C
My favorite highlights…
- Camping on the shady Smokemont Campground campground and waking up every morning surrounded by Red Maples, Yellow Birches and towering White Oaks and the “dawn chorus” of the native birds!
17. Taos, New Mexico
I discovered this historic city to be a singular place to discover in June—the climate was heat, dry, and sunny, wildflowers lined the high-desert trails, artwork festivals and farmers’ markets introduced a burst of native shade, and I might get pleasure from all of it with out the height summer time crowds.
I found there have been festivals galore this month, together with “Music on the Mesa” and the “Toast of Taos Wine Festival and Golf Tournament,” together with cultural occasions such because the enjoyable “San Antonio Feast Day” and “San Juan Feast Day” at Taos Pueblo.
I drove 2.5 hours from Albuquerque and stayed for a unprecedented three days. I went for a scenic drives alongside the Enchanted Circle, hiked in Carson National Forest, visited the traditional Taos Pueblo, and went for attention-grabbing artwork walks by means of the historic Taos Plaza and Harwood Museum of Art.
- Visitors Centre Address: 1139 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM 87571
- Location: southwestern USA
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- Vibe: Artistic, earthy, and non secular
- Average June Temperatures: 26–29°C
My private highlights…
- Dining on the regionally well-known yellow and blue cornbread and roasted beets on the fabulous natural restaurant The Love Apple.
18. Hood River, Oregon
I cherished visiting this charming small city in June—lengthy, heat, and breezy days have been good for watching windsurfers on the Columbia River and mountaineering to waterfalls, the lavender had began to bloom, and the orchards and wineries alongside the scenic Hood River Fruit Loop have been bursting with shade, all with out the height summer time crowds.
- Visitors Centre Address: Hood River Visitor Center, 720 E Port Marina Dr, Hood River, OR 9703
- Location: Pacific Northwest area of the western United States
- Location Map
- Vibe: inventive, small-town really feel
- Average June Temperatures: 20 – 24°C
My private highlights…
- Staying on the Insta-worthy Hood River Hotel – the eclectic decor even included classic stuffed moose heads and outdated leather-based suitcases!
19. Yosemite National Park (California)
I like visiting this much-loved protected park in early summer time—lengthy, heat sunny days (with a number of cool evenings), roaring waterfalls from snowmelt, absolutely open roads and high-country trails like Glacier Point and Tioga Pass, blooming wildflowers in Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, and peaceable hikes earlier than the midsummer crowds arrive.
It was additionally a superb time for wildlife viewing, because the black bears and deer have been extra energetic and I cherished stargazing within the clear evening skies as nicely!
I drove 3 and a half hours from San Francisco and stayed for an unimaginable 4 days. I noticed Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall at their fullest, hiked the unimaginable Mist Trail and Sentinel Dome and went rafting on the Merced River.
- Visitors Centre Address: 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite National Park, CA
- Location: east-central California, western United States
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- Vibe: Serene and majestic
- Average June Temperatures: 24–29°C
My highlights…
- Staying on the 4 star Tenaya at Yosemite – I cherished the Insta-worthy modern decor particularly the jaw-dropping foyer which had enormous entrance home windows and huge chandeliers!