Wondering where to go this summer? Check out these low-cost July destinations!
The arrival of July only means one thing… Summer is in full swing! This particular month means rising temperatures, freedom, and more festivals than you can imagine. And don’t let its obviousness put you off.
For plenty of incredible cities, the seventh month is the best possible time to visit. Luckily, the most beautiful states in the US are home to stunning beaches and captivating national parks perfect for outdoor activities and exploration.
Besides that, many vibrant cities are worth visiting while on a road trip. But choosing the best places to travel in July can take time due to the many options. And costs also have to be taken into consideration. But don’t worry!
Must See Places has a list of the most budget-friendly summer vacation destinations in our country. From hiking trails and white-sand beaches to majestic lakes and lively cities, here are 7 of the best low-cost July destinations in the US!
Jekyll Island, Georgia
This place will have you singing “Georgia on My Mind” in no time! Jekyll Island is one of the best low-cost July destinations.
Located off the Georgia coast, it’s a popular tourist destination due to its abundance of adventures and activities while providing a laid-back atmosphere. While here, you can explore the town’s stunning sandbars and shoreline.
As you wander through the town’s historic district, you’ll be transported back in time. Visit the galleries and museums to immerse yourself in the local history and culture.
But if you’re looking for a more scenic way to glimpse this low-cost July destination’s beauty, rent a bike and follow along the 22 miles of scenic paths and trails with majestic dunes and oak trees.
And, of course, every trip to the Georgia coast comes complete with delicious fresh-caught seafood dishes.
San Juan Islands, Washington
A utopian summer trip to the San Juan Islands is on the bucket list of many couples. Made up of more than 170 reefs and islands, there are abundant things to do any time of the year. But a visit in July means beautiful weather with average temperatures of 70 degrees.
This means you can leisurely explore the outdoors and get in tune with Mother Nature. While visiting this low-cost July destination, you can kayak through the islands, go on wildlife tours, climb mountains, hike through thousands of acres of land, or relax by the waters.
This month, there’s also a higher chance of spotting whales in the surrounding waters. After a day of whale-watching and other outdoor activities, stop by one of the local restaurants to enjoy some freshly caught seafood. A
And remember to stop by the local farmers’ markets on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Islands, where you can find hundreds of souvenirs made by local merchants to take home while visiting this low-cost July destination.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Of course, we couldn’t curate a list of low-cost July destinations and NOT include a place that isn’t hot! If you want to beat the heat, you certainly couldn’t go wrong with Denali National Park.
The weather is perfectly mild and temperate with average highs of 60 degrees and lows of mid-40s. It’s among the most stunning national parks in the US, featuring rugged mountain peaks, impressive glaciers, and tundra and spruce forests.
This is where you’ll find Mount Denali, North America’s most elevated mountain peak. You’ll also find a diverse mix of species of animals wandering around the nearly six-million-acre land.
This includes moose, wolves, caribou, sheep, and grizzly and black bears, frequently seen during summer. One of the best ways to explore the park’s beauty is through its scenic hiking trails.
But, a trip to this low-cost July destination around this time of year allows you to use your own vehicle to drive along a portion of Denali Park Road. Bus tours are available during this time.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Cradled in the mountains of Tennessee, this lovely town has heaps of Southern charm. And while July is the warmest month of the year here, it’s also the month with the most rainfall.
The sporadic weather may deter some people, but the enjoyable atmosphere still makes it among the best low-cost July destinations in the US. It draws in hordes of tourists, especially couples, looking for a romantic weekend getaway.
Some exciting things to do in Pigeon Forge this season include strolling along Little Pigeon River, touring local wineries, or a leisurely float downstream. But be sure to also soak in the fantastic views of the Smokies in your vehicle during a scenic drive or on horseback.
Also, a trip to Pigeon Forge would only be complete with a quick stop at Dollywood, which has extended park hours and nightly fireworks displays during this month.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is among Wyoming’s most prized possessions. Boasting alpine lakes, staggering mountain ranges, historical sites, and lush meadows, it’s one of the most beautiful low-cost July destinations in the nation for breathtaking landscapes and sights.
This month brings warm days and cool nights, with few chances of rain in the afternoon, so bring the proper rain gear if you decide to visit. So, what will you be doing while you’re here? Relax at one of the park’s lakes and cool off during a warm day.
Enjoy a picturesque picnic by the waters, swim, boat, or relax. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous on your summer travels, you can head over to one of the streams and rivers and go white-water rafting!
Besides this, many visitors try to conquer outstanding mountain scenery by climbing and mountaineering. It’s important to note, though, that depending on the elevation, some mountains might still have snowmelt around this month.
Sequoia National Park, California
One of our favorite national parks to include in your list of low-cost July destinations in the US is Sequoia.
Also known as the Land of Giants, Sequoia National Park is home to massive and usually ancient trees that will provide you with plenty of shade from the scorching summer sun.
And even though July is a popular month to visit this national park, it sees moderately fewer crowds than the famous Yosemite. The diverse landscapes mean that the climate and weather may differ depending on the elevation you reach.
Lower elevation areas of this low-cost July destination like the Foothills generally experience hot and dry days. On the other hand, higher altitudes have temperate days with cooler evenings.
The balmy temperatures are ideal for taking long strolls through the famous Sequoia groves. July is also a fantastic time to explore the park’s beautiful mountain ranges and other hiking trails scattered with blooming wildflowers and roaming wildlife.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
If you’re planning on traveling this summer, make sure to add this low-cost July destination to your travel bucket list of places to explore. Due to its hot springs and world-class ski resorts, the city is one of the most popular winter getaway destinations in the State.
But it’s equally worth visiting during the warm summer. And July is the ideal time to have some outdoor fun. Begin your day with a mountain-top morning yoga session, after which you can go horseback riding through the region’s aspen trees.
And to top it all off, you can soar high above the Steamboat Valley on a hot-air balloon ride! Camping is also a popular activity here. In fact, many people flock to the Steamboat Springs campgrounds for a more personal experience with the great outdoors.
Moreover, the annual Steamboat Springs rodeo competition falls this month. So aspiring cowboys and cowgirls will undoubtedly have a good time… just remember to pack your cowboy boots!
So what’s YOUR verdict on the most beautiful low-cost July destinations in the US? Have you ever been to any of these stunning places? If so, be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for some more places to visit this summer, Must See Places has just the thing for you! Check out: 11 Low-Cost Beach Vacations for an Affordable Summer
