From the ruggedly beautiful Californian coast to the best parties in southern Louisiana, check out this list of where to travel in June.
Sunshine, coastline, beaches and waterfalls… just some of the wonderful things summer brings! Travel to one of these five places to find your perfect June holiday destination.
1. Denver, Colorado
With average temperatures reaching eighty-degrees fahrenheit, Mile High City is the place to be in June. Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is an impressive city surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty. Explore Red Rocks Park, a millennia-old geological sandstone formation or go on a hike at Bear Creek Canyon Park and discover the diverse wildlife of Colorado. While in the city, browse the 16th Street Mall, a red, white and grey granite pedestrian promenade with forty-two outdoor cafes, twelve movie theatres and more than twenty-four shops and restaurants! Continue down the promenade to the path and cross three bridges to reach Commons Park and LoHi. This hip neighborhood is filled with restaurants and pubs where you can sit and sip a cold brew at sunset.
2. Big Sur, California
About an hour drive from Monterey, Big Sur is an unforgettable vacation destination. Located on the the California coastline, Big Sur boasts spectacular panoramic views with its abundance of rugged mountainous coastline, fantastic hiking, vineyards and beaches. Drive along the winding Highway 1 and stop at some of the many pull-over spots such as Bixby Creek Bridge. Take a stunning photograph of this iconic site at sunset and then spend the night at one of the campgrounds such as Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Don’t forget to feel the warm sand in between your toes on Pfeiffer Beach and to take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
3. Portland, Oregon
A hip and jovial city, Portland always something exciting happening, and June kicks off the city’s ‘festival season’! First up is the Portland Rose Festival offering three weeks of fun family events from mid-May until early June. Beer lovers will want to check out the Portland International Beerfest (22-24 June) with more than two-hundred world class beers. Watch…or join in on the World Naked Bike Ride (clothing optional) on 23 June to raise awareness against pollution-based transport. Plus, the nature in this region is breathtaking so be sure to explore the coastline, go whale watching, or hike to the beautiful Multnomah Falls which is only thirty miles east of the city center.
Multnomah Falls, Photo credit: LDELD on VisualHunt.com / CC BY-ND
4. Camden, New England
A charming waterfront town in the lovely state of Maine, Camden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and unwind for a weekend. Check into a cozy bed and breakfast and take a stroll along the town’s main street and waterfront where you will find a plethora of shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. If you like hiking, head on up to the top of Mount Battie for a breathtaking view of Camden Harbor, just be sure to make the trip on a clear and sunny day for the best view. If you’re up for it, hop on board the Schooner Olad, an authentic yacht built in 1927 which offers a daily sailing tour from mid-May to mid-October from Camden Harbour.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Treat yourself to some southern hospitality in Louisiana because if there is one thing that New Orleans knows how to do best, it’s celebrate! And the month of June is no exception. Attend one of the many festivals and parades including NOLA Caribbean Fest (24-25 June). Here you can sample delicious island flavors and dance to Caribbean music styles. Or, watch one of the thrilling live performances ranging from circus and comedy to burlesque at the Snake Oil Festival (14-17 June). Before you leave this fascinating city, take a walk through the charming French Quarter and the lovely Garden District where you will be sure to see some iconic sights as well as discover some hidden gems.
French Quarter, New Orleans