10Best Places in July

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Many consider Cannon Beach the prettiest stretch of Oregon's dramatic coastline.  Haystack Rock is the town's can't-miss landmark, and summer is a great time to explore this gorgeous area west of Portland.  

Bergen, Norway

When southern Europe gets blistering hot, the Baltics are at their peak of desirability.  Perhaps no city is more picturesque than Norway's lovely Bergen.  

Destin, Florida

The gorgeous white sands of Destin, Florida perfectly contrast stunning aquamarine waters.  But there's more to Destin than the beach.  Visitors also love the food (the Cajun influence is strong post-Katrina) and shopping, entertainment and recreation options are unlimited.

Finger Lakes region, New York

Boating, skiing, camping, hiking, wine tasting . . . it's all good in the Finger Lakes.  Maybe this should be the year you discover what savvy New Yorkers have known all along.  The watery wonderland south of Lake Ontario is a fantastic place to be in July.   

Grand Tetons, Wyoming

America may have no prettier landscape than that of the Tetons.  Visitors to Jackson discover wild west scenery that's straight out of a painting.  You don't have to be an avid outdoorsman to appreciate the view.  And Grand Teton Natl Park is in our Readers' Choice contest for Best National Park.  

Traverse City, Michigan

Love cherries? Jazz? Wine?  Traverse City offers visitors the chance to cool off and sample the cherries for which the area is famous.  The 21st season of Jazz at Sunset is this summer, at Chateau Chantal on the peninsula.  

Nova Scotia

Cosmopolitan Halifax is home to Celtic music, great seafood and a Titanic museum.  But it's only a part of memorable Nova Scotia.  Beautiful coastal villages are also friendly.  And the scenic Cabot Trail in Cape Breton affords views of breaching whales from a land that looks like Scotland. 

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Countless golf courses, wonderful family fun, and miles and miles of Atlantic beaches.  Welcome to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina!  Our Local Expert shares his Myrtle Beach travel lists and tips here.  

Whitewater Falls, N.C.

The highest waterfall east of the Rockies lies 60 miles from Asheville, N.C., in the Nantahala National Forest.   Whitewater Falls drops an amazing 811 feet.   Get there by visiting the Jocassee Gorge area near upstate South Carolina.  July is a perfect time to go.  
 

Photo courtesy of digidreamgrafix_thinkstock

Toronto

Perhaps the coolest North American city most Americans have never visited, Toronto offers summer visitors countless options on entertainment, world-class shopping, and great weather.  This city is clean, beautiful and easy to navigate.