Best Summer Vacation Ideas for Outdoor Adventure in the U.S.

With summer in full swing, we have an itch, but don’t worry, it’s not from mosquitoes… the Bug Bite Thing office was bitten by the travel bug! From beach vacays to Disney days to lake getaways – plus a few Eras Tour-centered Swiftie trips in the mix – our TikTok scrolls have us living vicariously through our friends’ lenses until it’s time to embark on our own adventures.

Have you made your own summer travel plans? No need to fret. Here are five of our favorite not-so-touristy vacation spots to hit in July and August if you are in the mood for outdoorsy fun.

Breckenridge, CO

When most people think of Breckinridge, skiing the Rocky Mountains typically come to mind, but you’re missing out if you haven’t visited during the summer months. Stay at one of Breck’s lodges, then head out to hike the wildflower-lined trails overlooking high alpine lakes. Go fly fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, tubing and white-water rafting. The area is incredibly family-friendly – and pet-friendly! – and kids will love the Epic Discovery Park complete with climbing walls, an Alpine slide, mountain coaster, gold-panning opportunities and BreckConnect Gondola.

How to Stay Safe in Colorado: It can be tough to get used to the higher elevation if you’re not used to it, so stay hydrated with water and electrolytes to fend off altitude sickness. Hiking can put you in contact with the Rocky Mountain wood tick and American dog tick, so be sure to pack our new and easy-to-use Bug Bite Thing Tick Remover in your hiking pack.

High Springs, FL

Florida is known for its beaches and Disney World, but in the summer months, those places can be downright hot. Instead, we recommend vacationing where many Floridians roadtrip during the summer: the springs of Central Florida! Start out by camping in Ginnie Springs along the Santa Fe River. The water is crystal clear and refreshing, even in the heat, as water temperatures are 72 degrees year-round. The area has multiple springs and cave systems, so spend your days floating down river in a tube, kayak or paddleboard. Known by many as the world’s favoriate freshwater dive, take part in freediving or tank-diving to view some of the most breathtaking underwater scenes imaginable.

How to Stay Safe in Florida: Mosquitoes love to call Florida’s heat and humidity home, so the Bug Bite Thing is a camping must-have and should be added to your packing list (our Sea Glass-colored tool will match the water!). Besides the bugs, be mindful of local wildlife, such as alligators, and follow safe diving and swimming protocols.

Jonesport, ME

Close enough for a short trip to Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park, Jonesport is a tranquil fishing village filled with coastal beauty. Rent a waterfront cottage to take in the sea breeze and sunrise while escaping the crowds and take a boat out to view the historic Moose Peak Lighthouse while you’re there. Sea life and wildlife are plentiful, making it great for birdwatching during hikes or seal-spotting along the water’s edge. In fact, sea life is so plentiful, that if you know where to go (or who to talk to), you can create a full feast right off the land and out of the water by digging for your own clams, catching lobster and crab, and foraging for wild blueberries, raspberries and cranberries.

How to Stay Safe in Maine: With a milder than usual winter this past year, deer had better survival rates than usual, but unfortunately so did ticks that feed off them. While you’re hunting for wild berries to snack on, be sure to tuck pants into your socks and keep your Tick Remover close by for any that find their way to your skin anyway.

Shenandoah National Park, VA

Whether you are backcountry camping or staying in one of the rustic cabins, Shenandoah National Park is the outdoor explorer’s dream during summer’s long days and cool nights. There are more than 500 miles of hiking trails across 200,000 acres of protected lands that are filled with lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, deer, songbirds, black bears and more to see. Go rafting, horseback riding, picnicking or rock climbing along the Blue Ridge Mountains, and make sure to check out the Big Meadows, a high-elevation meadow and unique ecosystem filled with wildflowers.

How to Stay Safe in Virginia: The risk for mosquito and tick activity is high in the summer, making the small and reusable Bite Thing suction tool and Tick Remover helpful items to pack in your travel first aid kit. When hiking, water and sunscreen are always safe to have on hand, too.

Fairbanks, AK

Hot springs, river excursions, arctic lakes, Alaska native heritage and some of the most magical views on the planet brought Alaska to our list. With a Fairbanks address, but about an hour outside the city, Chena Hot Springs’ naturally heated pools make it a perfect spot to stay for those interested in an adventure-meets-relaxation vacation. Canoe the Chena River, take a dog cart ride, hike a trail or go mountain biking, where you could spot reindeer, lynx, moose and muskoxen. Visit on a clear day and you could catch views of Denali, and if you stay for a clear night in late August, you might get lucky enough to see the awe-inspiring northern lights. 

How to Stay Safe in Alaska: You might not believe it, but mosquitoes are still a pain up in Alaska, especially in heavily wooded areas! With 35 different species, they’re plentiful this time of year—and so large that some joke about them serving as the “Alaska State Bird.” You know our answer to that: bring along your Bug Bite Thing (in Nightfall to match the clear skies, of course) to alleviate any itching or swelling so those pesky insects don’t interrupt your sightseeing.

Will you put any of these locales on your list? We want to see where Bug Bite Thing travels with you this summer. Tag @bugbitething on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter so we can follow along.