Vacation. What hard working North American’s look forward to all year long.

A week where you get to leave your home and job behind and kick back to relax for just a little while. If you’re looking for the best summer places to travel in the U.S. this summer, look no further.

Ocean City, MD

On the East Coast, most vacationers head to the beach. Ocean City, Maryland is just a few hour drive from the surrounding major cities of Wilmington, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. OC, Maryland offers the best vacation activities for beach loving families. From watersports to a 2.45-mile-long boardwalk, visitors won’t be bored. In this vacation spot, you can relax on the beach, or enjoy a nice round of mini golf. There’s plenty of water parks and oceanfront hotel views. This small city turns into big fun in the sun.

Outer Banks, NC

For a family-friendly vacation, Outer Banks in North Carolina is the place to go. It was rated the #1 Best Family Beach Vacation in the USA based on The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings. The Outer Banks offers miles of beaches to relax on, plenty of great fishing spots, cute boutique shopping and even more attractions and historical sites. If you plan on visiting the Outer Banks, be sure to wake up at sunrise for a walk on the beach to see dolphins, collect the best sea shells and avoid the hot sand.

San Diego, CA

California is known for its breathtaking sites, amazing surf spots, and other fun attractions. San Diego is a great city full of touristy things to do. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are just two of the many things to do in San Diego. As one of the top destinations in American, San Diego has great restaurants and visitors love the farm fresh food. Families who visit San Diego love the atmosphere it provides. Safe biking, SeaWorld, the Zoo, and historical attractions provide educational fun for everyone in the family. You won’t be short on entertainment and activities in this city.

Walt Disney World – Orlando, FL

Who doesn’t want to go to Walt Disney World? Rated one of the best family vacation spots in the US, Disney World is a hot spot for summer vacation. Disney provides a unique adventure for every family that walks through the gates. From amazing theme parks like Epcot, Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom to fantastic water parks like Tycoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach there is enough Disney magic for everyone in the family. Disney has breakfast with different characters such as Winnie the Pooh and friends. A full afternoon of amazing theme rides will keep your family busy. Not to mention every single night, Disney gives it’s guest a firework show.

Chicago, IL

Known as America’s most welcoming city, Chicago has a lot to offer. Navy Pier is a unique attraction with Chicago’s iconic Great Wheel, which is where the first ever Ferris wheel was actually built. If you visit Chicago, you have to have their famous deep dish Pizza. Thin crust doesn’t fly in this city. Chicago is also home to great restaurants and hotels. The windy city is an overall fun place to visit for families who love a good pizza.

Denver, CO

For a city full of art, music and culture, Denver is the place to go. Downtown hosts many festivals all year long. Denver has unique museums that are children-friendly that make an educational experience fun. Among the best things to do in Denver, visiting the Denver Zoo is one of them. It has over 600 species in natural habitats with downtown still in view. There are also great hiking trails, and plenty of outdoor activates to enjoy the beautiful sites of Colorado.

Gatlinburg, TN

Take a trip to the great Smoky Mountains for a vacation in the great outdoors. You won’t be short of adventures activities at this destination. Hiking, white water rafting and zip lining are top notch in Gatlinburg.Two major attractions that bring in families are the Dollywood Theme Park, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not Aquarium. Entertainment, family rides, and tanks of marine creatures will give your family plenty to see and do. Gatlinburg will bring your family fun experiences in the midst of nature.

Honolulu, HI

Home on “The Big Island” of Oahu, Honolulu is a popular summer destination. Although it’s more on the pricey end of family vacations, Hawaii is a gorgeous place to go. The breathtaking beaches and amazing surf are what make Hawaii so attractive to visitors. Honolulu also has great hiking trails that lead to amazing ocean views. Honolulu also shows guests the great Hawaiian culture. From luaus and tiki bars to floral leis and hula skirts. Honolulu is one of the best destinations in the US.

Vacation is a fun way to sight see the US and visit a destination you’ve always wanted to go to. While the US is home to thousands of great small towns and large cities, you’ll want to visit the best of the best. Plan your getaway today for a family fun vacation tomorrow.

Kacey Bradley is a US-based lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us and a frequent contributor to followsummer. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. You can follow Kacey on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.