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If your summer 2026 travel mood board currently includes alpine lakes, national parks, scenic drives and fewer crowds, you’re setting the trend.
Lonely Planet released its list of the 21 best summer destinations for 2026, and several U.S. locales made the cut—including Colorado, Utah, New Hampshire and California.
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The annual roundup reflects a broader shift in how Americans are traveling this year. Instead of flocking exclusively to the same overcrowded beach towns and European capitals plastered all over TikTok, many travelers are seeking out destinations that balance outdoor adventure, culture and affordability. According to Lonely Planet, this year’s selections prioritize scenic escapes, immersive local experiences and alternatives to overtouristed hotspots.
Among the domestic picks, Colorado came in at No. 2, continuing its reign as a summer favorite thanks to its mix of mountain towns, hiking trails and outdoorsy cities like Denver and Boulder. Utah (No. 7) earned recognition for its otherworldly landscapes and easy access to national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches, while New Hampshire (No. 8) is gaining attention for its quieter New England charm, lakeside retreats and White Mountains hiking.
California (No. 19), meanwhile, remains a choose-your-own-adventure state. Depending on your mood, summer there can mean coastal road trips along Highway 1, wine country weekends, national park escapes or beach days stretching from Malibu to San Diego.
The broader list also highlights a growing appetite for destinations that feel more intentional and experience-driven, with Croatia taking the top spot. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing local food scenes, regional festivals and nature-focused itineraries over whirlwind sightseeing tours.
That shift comes as many major destinations continue grappling with overtourism concerns. Across Europe and parts of the U.S., residents and officials have pushed back against record visitor numbers, leading travelers to seek out lesser-known alternatives.
Lonely Planet’s picks ultimately reflect where travel is heading in 2026: toward slower itineraries, scenic landscapes and destinations that feel a little less algorithmically overexposed.
So if your dream vacation currently involves hiking boots, a rental car playlist and at least one small-town ice cream stop, congratulations: You’re on trend! Now, let's hope that these newer spots don't end up as overrun as their more famous counterparts.
Here's the full list of Lonely Planet's 21 best summer destinations for 2026.
1. Croatia
2. Colorado
3. Scotland
4. Portugal
5. Italy
6. Tanzania
7. Utah
8. New Hampshire
9. Switzerland
10. Greece
11. Japan
12. Spain
13. Curacao
14. Uzbekistan
15. Iceland
16. Peru
17. Ireland
18. Bermuda
19. California
20. Morocco
21. Czechia