Long days, plenty of sunshine and a bucket list of adventures is what awaits travellers this summer in the USA. Our destinations offer the perfect holiday for travel enthusiasts looking for a beautiful summer escape. From water sports to theme parks, horse riding to hiking, festivals and fairs along with glamping, these destinations offer adventure and experiences off the beaten track.
Discover New England
Much of New England’s history, character, and lifestyle is tied to the water and summer is ideal for boating around the shores of this beautiful region.
Connecticut’s most iconic riverboat, the Becky Thatcher, was built to resemble the type of steamboat that Mark Twain piloted on the Mississippi River during the mid-19th century. At Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, travellers will all get a thrill out of boarding a historic train for a rail ride from Essex to Deep River, where they’ll board the Becky Thatcher for a second dose of nostalgia.
Essex River Cruises, which is north of Boston, Massachusetts, operates scenic wildlife-viewing tours aboard wheelchair-accessible boats. Visitors heading south to Cape Cod, could consider booking a private excursion aboard the catboat Sarah. Built at, and operated out of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, this replica of an 1886 Crosby catboat (sailboat with a single sail ) also embarks on public sails. The Kimpton Hotel have free access to kayaks and canoes for enjoying the Charles River in the summer.
In the heart of Rhode Island, is the yacht-filled waterfront of Newport. Having hosted the annual sail regatta — the America’s Cup — for over 50 years, the city is known as the ‘sailing capital of the world’. One of the best ways to experience Newport’s nautical roots is by feeling the salty sea breeze and refreshing spray onboard a former America’s Cup racing yacht.
Lobster boat tours are a unique way to experience lobstering first-hand and learn how lobster fishermen preserve this vital industry. Some of Maine’s Lobster Boat Tours go past lighthouses and landmarks where sailors can see the ocean in all its beauty along with seals and whales.
New Hampshire offers more than 400 public-access sites where visitors can launch a boat or fish from shore. With 1,300 ponds and lakes all across New Hampshire, visitors can find the perfect natural pool for everything from waterskiing to canoeing and kayaking. History buffs can book the Isles of Shoals Steamship Company’s M/V Thomas Laighton, to hear spine-tingling legends and tales of pirates, treasures and shipwrecks enroute to their destination.
In Vermont’s remote Northeast Kingdom, visitors can sit back, relax and enjoy New England’s only international lake cruise. Northern Star Cruises offers two-hour scenic outings on Lake Memphremagog, which come with the added thrill of crossing both the 45th parallel, located halfway between the equator and the North Pole, and the border between the U.S. and Canada, which is marked by “the Slash,” a 20-foot-wide (6m) clear-cut alleyway through the trees that runs the entire 5,525 miles (8,892km) of the longest international border in the world.
https://discovernewengland.org/
Visit San Antonio
A summer trip to San Antonio is incomplete without visiting the city’s largest theme park – Six Flags Fiesta Texas. It is the ideal place for a fun experience. Located in the centre of a booming retail, restaurant and entertainment district, Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers guests thrilling coasters, exhilarating park rides, splash zones and wave pools, live entertainment (including an evening firework show that is not to be missed), fair food, adult beverages and so much more. Additionally, three new thrilling attractions and an expanded DC universe will premiere at the Sig Flags this summer creating the largest DC Universe at any amusement park in the United States. The three brand new attractions include: CYBORG Cyber Revolution that creates a visually stunning and air-time-filled ride experience, SHAZAM! Tower of Eternity that is a rotating family drop tower experience taking riders of all ages to a height of 70 feet before a series of bounce and drop sequences; and METROPOLIS Transit Authority that allows 16 passengers to relax and enjoy an aerial view 17 feet above.
https://www.visitsanantonio.com/
Visit Tucson
Summer in Tucson promises great hikes, horse rides and clear skies full of stars. Guest Ranches in and around Tucson deliver the authentic Southwest experience without sacrificing things like hot tubs, Wi-Fi, and great big comfy beds. Guests can expect the relaxing elegance of a resort with the purifying solitude of thousands of acres of Sonoran desert, canyons, and foothills.
Tucson has beautiful places for riding and it is a huge part of Tucson’s culture. White Stallion Ranch, and Tanque Verde Ranch are located on opposite sides of town, but each adjacent to Saguaro National Park. Although ranches have always focused on horseback riding, today guests can also participate in other activities such as rock climbing, biking, guided hikes, fishing, arts & crafts, and cowboy cookouts.
Tucson is known as a Hiker’s Haven as it is surrounded on both sides by the Saguaro National Park offering some of the most iconic treks in the region. There’s also Catalina State Park, Redington Pass and Mount Lemmon inviting hikers to strap on their boots and explore rich and abundant desert and forest areas. Hikers can dip their toes in Seven Falls Water Trail and Romero Pools, when they need a break from their long treks.
Explore Louisiana
When temperatures rise, Louisiana offers plenty opportunities to cool off at a variety of water parks, playgrounds, resorts and more.
Thrill-seekers should venture to Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge, which offers nearly 20 water attractions and epic, giant water slides. Blue Bayou also has a lazy river, water playground and wave pool. In Sulphur, near Lake Charles, families gather at Sulphur Parks Waterpark to enjoy the water playground, lazy and raging rivers, and multiple water slides ideal for summer fun.
Many Louisiana State Parks also offer opportunities to enjoy the pools and beaches, water parks and splash pads. The wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego is a popular spot, as are the water playgrounds at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, which also boasts a sandy beach.
Guests at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles can enjoy a relaxing float along the property’s lazy river. For family fun with a beautiful lakeside location, the Sun Outdoors in Ponchatoula offers camp sites that have amazing views, along with the family pool and lazy river.
https://www.explorelouisiana.com/
Maverick Helicopters
Maverick Helicopters are launching flights over Hollywood and breathtaking views of the Californian coastline on a luxury helicopter experience. Summer is the ideal time to take this ride with lots of warmth and sunshine along with stunning coastal views.
Passengers will witness the beauty of the Southern California coast from an unparalleled vantage point with a 30-minute luxury helicopter experience. Departing from Long Beach, the Coastal California flight will soar over the breath-taking Pacific Ocean coastline, revealing exquisite architectural residences, extravagant seaside resorts, and lavish golf resorts. The stunning panoramas continue with views of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, Balboa Island, and Laguna Beach. Glimpses of California’s diverse marine life can be seen throughout the flight, often witnessed in the glistening waters along the Pacific Coast Highway and world-renowned surf beaches.
https://www.maverickhelicopter.com/tour-listing/california
Meet Boston
Boston’s Summer Bucket List has plenty of options for visitors looking to indulge in fun summer activities. One of the most unique and amazing things about Boston is the access to beautiful water views, activities, and boat tours. Visitors can take a sunset cruise in the harbour, or paddle down the Charles River, glide through the Boston Common on a swan boat, and explore the city by land or by sea with an iconic Boston Duck Tour.
Boston’s music scene has never been so hot, and the summer is no different. With several outdoor music venues and concerts, music lovers can head to the Seaport and grab tickets to a show at the Leader Bank Pavilion or check out the Fenway Concert Series for the summer.
With the city known as a craft beer haven and the sunny summer weather in full swing, visiting one of Boston’s beer, wine, or cocktail gardens is a must-do in this city. Check out one of the many pop-ups in some of the coolest locations in the city, or make your way to one of Boston’s widely known breweries – complete with indoor and outdoor space, dining options, games, events, and more.
Visit New Orleans
New Orleans has festivities galore this summer, with Tales of the Cocktail, Essence Festival and many more.
Tales of the Cocktail is a week-long celebration of cocktails and mixology at the 22nd annual Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) event, taking place from July 21-26, 2024. This year, the theme “Inspire” has been chosen as a call to action for the global drinks industry to embrace growth through the collective sharing of ideas and energy. Tickets will be available from World Cocktail Day on, May 13, 2024.
The Essence Festival Of Culture event brings a plenty of big names to New Orleans for large evening performances, intimate lounge shows, and DJ parties. Held over 4th of July weekend at the Caesars Superdome and throughout downtown New Orleans, this multi-day party named for its founder and sponsoring magazine combines high-octane music performances with inspirational speakers and provocative conversations about gender, race, culture, and art. 2024 marks the 30th Anniversary of the festival.
Pride Weekend set to take place 7 – 9 June this year, is celebrated with parades in the French Quarter, special parties, brunches, family-friendly events, and more celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in the city and beyond.
Tennessee Tourism
Road trips, Elvis Week, Summer fairs and much more await travellers in Tennessee this summer.
Elvis Week 2024 at Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis has an exciting lineup of events that celebrate his life, music, and legacy. Elvis Week 2024 highlights include the Elvis: Return to Vegas Show on August 16, featuring Elvis on the big screen accompanied by a live band; Elvis Fan Choice Awards, a night offering some glitz and glamour; Elvis: Back in Memphis Concert, a tribute to the music Elvis recorded in his hometown; plus Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist events and contests; Conversations on Elvis; and much more.
Themed “The Best Six Days of Summer,” the Anderson County Fair at the Anderson County Fairgrounds in Clinton, Tennessee brings a lot of fun with concerts every day, contests like a truck pull and a pie eating contest taking place 15th -20th July 2024. The Claiborne County Fair takes place August 26-31 2024 on the Claiborne County Fair Grounds.
Travellers can take a Summer Road Trip across Tennessee to experience the scenic beauty, history along with charming small towns, local restaurants and hidden gems. The 16 self-guided driving routes take you off the beaten path for authentic experiences and connect Tennessee’s 95 counties. Trails feature attractions, restaurants, and unexpected stops as you walk in the footsteps of legends and discover Tennessee. The Tennessee Music Pathways driving tour connects visitors to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America.
Visit Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has played a crucial role in the United States’ civil rights story, will continue to share this important history with events and programming that commemorate the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer. Cities like Hattiesburg, one of the largest areas for volunteer activity during the summer of 1964, are organizing photographic exhibitions and events leading up to additional programming commemorating the brave volunteers of the summer later this year.
Vicksburg offers travellers world class outdoor activities through boating, hiking and cycling. Visitors can experience the Mighty Mississippi, paddling through the river’s currents while enjoying the diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery of the Magnolia State. Canoe the Mississippi River with Quapaw Canoe Company – Vicksburg Outpost, which offers day trips on the river or multi-day/overnight expeditions.
Elvis fans will also love a trip to Tupelo, the city of his birth where a signature event that celebrates the impact Elvis Presley made and continues to make on popular culture, the Tupelo Elvis Festival will return this summer from 6 – 9 June featuring live music events, Elvis Tribute Artist competitions and concerts, living history demonstrations, conversations with those who knew Elvis best and more.
From October 6-13, Crusin’ the Coast, returns. Known as “America’s Largest Block Party,” this event draws sun and car-enthusiasts from all over the world to the shores of Mississippi’s coastline for traces of nostalgia through music, vintage cars and hot rod vehicles. Attendees are invited to “cruise” across the region’s eclectic coastal towns, where miles of mini stages await filled with live bands, local food vendors and more.
Visit Mesa
Mesa, Arizona’s third largest city is in close proximity to a water recreation paradise offering plenty to do for visitors. There are three lakes and two rivers within 30 minutes of Mesa that allow for desert boating, fishing, rafting, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing.
Glamping at Schnepf Farms must be on every camping lover’s bucket list. The Cozy Peach trailers are renovated, vintage airstreams that provide guests with the perfect getaway, offering both a cozy and relaxing camping experience. Each trailer is unique and has its own personal style to it. The trailers include a television, microwave, refrigerator, plush bedding and a fully landscaped front yard with grass, a patio and outdoor seating elevating camping to a whole new level.
Ends
For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:
Caroline Donaldson-Sinclair, PR Account Director: caroline@ttmworld.co.uk
For Meet Boston, Discover New England, and Visit San Antonio
David Venables, Senior PR Account Manager: david@ttmworld.co.uk
For Explore Louisiana, Tennessee Tourism, Visit Mesa, and Maverick Helicopters
Billy Greening, PR Account Manager: billy@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Mississippi, New Orleans & Company, and Meet Boston
Anisha Hegde, PR Account Executive: anisha@ttmworld.co.uk
For Visit Tucson
Kirsty Dillury, Owner / Chief Communications Officer (CCO): kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk
For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or
call +44 (0)208 313 1717