The Top U.S. Vacation Spots in 2025

The Best Destinations to Visit in Every Season of 2025

As we settle into 2025, it’s the perfect time to set your sights on new vacation adventures and dream-worthy destinations. No matter what type of vacation you’re craving – a warm beach escape or a tranquil mountain hideaway – the U.S. has a destination to fulfil your wishes. Our vacation experts have rounded up a complete list of the top U.S. travel destinations that promise unforgettable experiences, from popular bucket-list musts to hidden gems waiting to be explored. We’ve broken down our guide by season, so no matter when you want to get away, you’ll have the best advice on where to go. Choose one destination or pick one for every season – we firmly believe there’s no such thing as too many vacations.

Spring

As spring arrives, temperatures rise, and it only makes sense to scratch that itch for travel. Spring is an excellent time to visit many destinations throughout the U.S. as the weather is starting to warm, but the crowds in popular vacation hot spots remain relatively small. If you’re looking to plan a spring getaway, we suggest any of these top spots:

Kona Coast, Hawaii

If you’re looking for a tropical destination, spring is one of the best times to visit the Big Island of Hawaii. Though the Kona Coast is a long journey from the continental United States, it is absolutely worth the extra travel time. The weather on the island in the spring time is exceptional and the tides are calmer, providing the perfect conditions for snorkeling, surfing, or simply laying on the beach. In addition, the spring also brings lush vegetation and beautiful blooming flowers to the island, making for unforgettable hiking experiences. Plus, there are fewer crowds compared to peak summer season, which means you can often score deals on lodging and airfare.

Austin, Texas

Those who prefer an exciting urban escape may want to focus their attention on Texas, specifically the big city of Austin. In the spring, this bustling city offers the best weather – temperatures are much more pleasant than the hot, humid summers. This area of Texas features the best of both worlds, offering city happenings as well as adventures in nature. In the city, you can attend top festivals, including South by Southwest (SXWS) that takes place each March, or the Pecan Street Festival that is held each May. Venture slightly outside the city and you can experience the natural beauty of Texas’ hill country – go hiking to see the spring wildflowers or relax on Lake Travis.

Islands of South Carolina

Immerse yourself in southern coastal charm when you visit any of the islands along the South Carolina coast. Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, Seabrook Island, and Kiawah Island are all ready to welcome you for your spring vacation, providing warm temperatures and classic beach fun. When you aren’t spending time at the beach, we suggest playing a round of golf at any of the area’s numerous courses, sampling delicious coastal cuisine, or delighting in the beauty of the spring blooms. These islands also put you within driving distance of the historic town of Charleston with its distinct architectural styles and cobblestone streets – it’s definitely worth a day trip away from the beach.

Summer

Summer is by far the most popular travel season, which means you’ll likely encounter a lot of other tourists during your travels. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still get out there and enjoy the world. While many people head to the beach for the summer, we think it’s the perfect time to turn your sights to the mountains. The summer brings warmer temperatures, providing the perfect atmosphere to get out and enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty. As summer rolls around, we suggest visiting any of these mountain destinations:

North Lake Tahoe, California

Get ready for a mountain vacation that has it all. Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this majestic mountain lake offers a plethora of summer activities. The crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe are truly a sight to behold, and you can experience them for yourself with a day of swimming, boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding. You can also experience the beauty of the lake from afar, hiking or biking up challenging mountain trails to get a view of the vast lake from a higher vantage point. The North Shore of the lake provides a more laid back and peaceful experience than the more populated southern shores. We suggest staying in one of the charming communities near the north shores of the lake, like Truckee, and recommend visiting any (or all) of the following spots during your stay:

• Kings Beach
• Sand Harbor
• Secret Cove Beach
• Historic downtown Truckee
• Donner Memorial State Park

Summit County, Colorado

If the mountains are where you’re heading for the summer, you definitely can’t go wrong with a trip to Summit County, Colorado. This county is a collection of delightful mountain communities, including Frisco, Dillon, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Silverthorne, and Keystone, and it’s where you’ll find some of the best outdoor activities in the state. Take a paddle on Lake Dillon, get your heart pumping on a rafting excursion, or explore miles of hiking trails throughout the county. July is an especially beautiful time to visit as the mountains erupt with colorful wildflowers – Boreas Pass and Mayflower Gulch are some of the best places to see them.

Fall

Depending on where you go, fall is a less popular travel season, which means it’s a great time to find travel deals while also enjoying smaller crowds. Whether you want to hang on to summer a little longer by visiting warm-weather destinations or you’re ready to fully revel in the crisp autumn air, the U.S. offers plenty of beautiful fall destinations. Take your pick from any of the following options (there’s no wrong answer here):

Galveston, Texas

As the crowds of summer wane, so do the extreme summer temperatures on the island of Galveston, making for some of the most pleasant beach weather. The water temperatures will still be warm enough for swimming. Plus, fall brings the lowest humidity of the year, so you can enjoy even more time outside. When you aren’t at the beach, you can play a round of golf at Moody Gardens Golf Course while enjoying views of Sydnor Bayou. The autumn season is also packed with events and festivals. Consider visiting during any of these events:

• ARTober Fest: Occurring every October, this festival features the work of over 100 artists from across the county. The festival is held in the town’s historic downtown arts district. 
• Galveston Island Shrimp Festival: This festival takes place each year in late September, spanning two days. The highlight of the event is the Gumbo Stroll where attendees can sample all the vendor’s gumbo recipes and vote to crown the winner.

Warren, Vermont

If you’re looking for a classic, crisp fall vacation, heading to New England is your best bet. Though Vermont is a popular destination at this time of year, due to its stunning fall foliage, you can beat some of the crowds by heading to lesser known destinations. Rather than heading for Stowe, the fall color capitol, we suggest visiting Warren in the Mad River Valley. Not only is the leaf peeping here just as impressive, but it also provides a quintessential New England experience with charming covered bridges and authentic small-town vibes.

Winter

When the weather turns cold, you have two options – escape it by traveling to a warm weather destination or fully embrace it by traveling to a winter wonderland. You can’t go wrong with either option, but we fully understand that the snow and cold is not for everyone. No matter which you choose, these are our top destination recommendations for the winter time:

South Florida

If you’re looking for a classic beach vacation, the south of Florida is where you should be headed. The southern tip of the Sunshine State offers warm temperatures year-round, making the region a perfect escape from the cold and gloominess of winter. Bring your beach chair, put your toes in the sand, and settle in for a beautiful sunny vacation in any of south Florida’s major cities, including:

• Miami: This multicultural city offers white sand beaches, exciting nightlife, and a foodie paradise. Spend your days on the beach and your nights sampling all the world-class dining options from the city’s diverse food scene.
• Fort Lauderdale: Get ready for a unique experience in this coastal city. When you’re not at the beach, you can take a gondola ride on the city’s canals or browse the many shops on Las Olas Boulevard.

Phoenix, Arizona

If dry desert warmth sounds more enticing for your winter vacation, then a trip to Arizona should be at the top of your list. With average high temperatures in the high 60s, Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale offer the perfect weather to get outside and enjoy nature. The area is known for its many hiking opportunities, like Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak. By visiting in winter, you’ll get a jump on the best hiking weather, avoiding the extreme heat that arrives in the summer as well as the crowds that often come with peak summertime travel.

Aspen, Colorado

If you thrive in the cold and love a good snow day, the winter is the best time to visit a wonderland in the mountains. Pack up your skis or snowboard and head for the Rockies to hit the slopes in Aspen. Even if you aren’t a skier, you’ll appreciate the lively après-ski culture of this mountain town. In the late afternoon, everyone heads to the local eateries and bars to indulge in tasty bites and a cocktail (or two). This post-skiing culture also includes live music, plus a great atmosphere of shared camaraderie that even non-skiers will feel – there’s just something about a magical winter day in the mountains that brings people together. When you aren’t enjoying the après-ski lifestyle, you can also partake in any of these other amazing winter activities:

• Snowshoeing: Strap on your snowshoes and explore mountain scenery on your own or book a guided excursion.
• Cross country skiing: You can explore over 60 miles of well-groomed trails via the Nordic Trail System.
• Tubing: Aspen Snowmass offers dedicated tubing lanes that are lift-serviced (which means you don’t have to walk back up for another run.)
• Hiking: The Maroon Bells – the most photographed mountains in America – are still accessible in the winter via a longer hike. You can also cross country ski or snowshoe to see these beauties up close.

Make Your Plans for a 2025 Getaway

No matter the season, you’re sure to find somewhere exciting to visit on your 2025 vacation. From the majestic mountains of the west to the sunny southern beaches, to the charming towns of New England, the USA provides a perfect destination for every traveler. The new year is just getting started, so there’s still plenty of time to plan – just make sure you don’t wait too long! Wherever you’re going, SkyRun likely has a vacation rental to make your trip feel more like home. Make sure to check us out – we’d love to welcome you and show you what’s so special about our vacation destinations.