8 Great Summer Destinations

Whether you’re looking to disconnect with a refreshing and quiet getaway in the mountains or escape to warm sandy shores for fun in the sun, summertime is the perfect time to break away from day-to-day routines and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts makes traveling to scenic destinations near and far easy, offering approximately 2,300 locations across North America – many of which are near popular national parks and world-class beaches. And AAA members save up to 15% at Best Western-branded hotels – making summer travel easy on your wallet too. The only difficult part? Narrowing down which destination to go to!

We’re sharing eight great summer destinations – any of which are sure to bring you the amazing experiences you’re looking for this summer season.

Fort Myers

When we close our eyes and imagine a warm tropical getaway, we think of Fort Myers, Florida. Positioned along the sunny Gulf Coast, this area is known for its rich history, fun downtown waterfront and spectacular beaches.

On the coastline, you’ll find Fort Myers Beach, a 7-mile stretch of paradise with sugary white sand and sparkling waters that postcards can’t even do justice. Whether you want to soak up the sun and let the waves lull you to sleep, or indulge in the water activities and enjoy local eats and finds at the laid-back beach village, this destination is a beach goer’s dream.

Travelers can also hop over to the neighboring island of Captiva, known for some of the most romantic beaches in the U.S., or the island of Sanibel, world-renowned for its shell-covered beaches and fishing pier.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Beach Resort.

Manhattan Beach

An idyllic California getaway involves the beach, outdoor activities, shopping, amazing food and proximity to Southern California’s major attractions. Enter: Manhattan Beach. This laid-back beach town has been dubbed “The Pearl of L.A.’s South Bay” and was immortalized in the Beach Boys classic, “Surfin’ U.S.A.”

From its beautiful beachfront, biking trails and parks, to its boutiques, cafés and creative eateries,  you’re sure to have the quintessential California experience at Manhattan Beach. Centrally located to all major freeway arteries in L.A., travelers also have easy access to explore and check off the big city attractions on their must-see list.

For a place to stay, check out Best Western Plus Manhattan Beach Hotel.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

If you’re looking to enjoy the quiet splendor, fresh air and tranquil sounds of the mountains, we recommend the beautiful and serene Smoky Mountains.

Part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States. Visitors can traverse over 300 miles of maintained roads to explore and view the animals, reptiles and hardwood forests that call this region home.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plaza Inn.

Orange Beach

A lesser-known beach, but a favorite among those who have been, the city of Orange Beach offers 32 miles of white sand beaches with 360-degree views. Year-round warm weather makes this beach a popular destination for locals but remains a relatively unknown beach for tourists!

Enjoy the best that Orange Beach has to offer by staying at the spectacular Best Western Premier The Tides.

Acadia National Park

The oldest park east of the Mississippi, Acadia National Park is located along the rugged coastline of Maine near Bar Harbor. This diverse park offers activities for all interests.

Explore the shoreline and the tide pools, or for a different perspective, hop on a cruise tour and learn the history while enjoying the scenery. Back on land, keep your eye out for the moose, deer and black bear that roam the park.

For a place to stay, check out Best Western Acadia Park Inn.

Yosemite National Park

The crown jewel of America’s national parks, Yosemite is the oldest and perhaps the most famous.

Many of the national parks have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from the others. For Yosemite National Park, the many waterfalls are what draw millions of visitors to the park each year. The diverse landscape also includes the mighty sequoia trees and famous rocks including Half Dome and El Capitan.

In addition to hiking, fishing and rock climbing, Yosemite has been a muse for many photographers. Take a workshop at the Ansel Adams Gallery at Yosemite for tips on capturing your treasured moments.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Yosemite Gateway Inn.

Miami Beach

Let’s face it, some of us want to have our cake and eat it too. So, when you want to soak up the sun on a world-class beach during the day and enjoy the glitz and glamour of a big city at night, look no further than Miami Beach.

The cultural hub of South Florida, Miami’s sparking beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant culture draw in millions of visitors from around the world every year. And the city only gets livelier as the sun goes down. Enjoy premier eating establishments globally inspired by Peruvian, Cuban, Caribbean, Asian and American cuisine and then hit the town for a night out in South Beach.

Known as the American Riviera, South Beach is packed with bars, restaurants and entertainment venues so fabulous you have to see them to believe it.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Plus Atlantic Beach Resort.

Thousand Islands National Park

Thousand Islands National Park in Ontario, Canada, consists of 21 islands making it a boater’s paradise where you can kayak and canoe your way between the islands.

Your water adventure at Thousand Islands continues with some of the best scuba diving in Ontario. The rich waters support a diverse marine population and shipwrecks may yield treasures.

Mallorytown Landing offers picnic areas perfect for a small quiet bite or picnic shelters can be rented for larger family gatherings. Mallorytown Landing has become a popular launch spot for kite surfers.

For a place to stay, check out the Best Western Fireside Inn.

Limited-Time Summer Offer for AAA Members

AAA Members who stay two nights between June 6-September 4 will get a free night award for future fall/winter travel.

Visit AAA.com/BestWestern to register. Terms and conditions apply.