Make your summer worthwhile at some of the best summer destinations around the USA!
Summer is finally here! With the rising temperatures and vacation days begging to be spent, add a bit more excitement to your break with a trip to the West or East coast! From animal encounters and space travel to getaways in both nature and city attractions, we’ve got you covered with a list of some of the best summer destinations from both the West Coast and East Coast to check out.
Take a raincheck to the usual Disneyland and Universal Studios visit and experience summer fun at these other top attractions in the U.S.!
10 Best Things to do this Summer Around the USA
- Explore the Big Apple with the Go New York - Explorer Pass
- Experience space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Orlando
- Reach new heights at the High Roller Las Vegas Ferris Wheel
- Say hello to the fascinating marine life of SeaWorld San Diego
- Zipline through the Jurassic Valley at a Kualoa Ranch Experience Tour
- Visit the best of Oahu with the Go Oahu - All Inclusive Pass
- Meet the animals of the iconic San Diego Zoo
- Enter the Jurassic Jungle of Kualoa Ranch on a Jeep Expedition
- Step into a thrilling shark cage diving adventure in Oahu
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of Pearl Harbor on a half day tour
East Coast
1. Explore the Big Apple’s top attractions with the Go New York - Explorer Pass
Who wouldn’t love to spend their vacation in the concrete jungle where dreams are made of? A trip to one of the world’s most iconic cities, NYC is always a good idea for those looking for an adventure at every corner. Bursting with rich cultural and historical stories to share from the streets of Broadway or lively streets of Manhattan, New York is definitely on our list of places to be this summer 2021.
With the Big Apple home to so many iconic attractions to visit, Klook has got the answer to help you figure out your itinerary– the NYC Explorer Pass. Choose from the 3, 4, 5, or 7 explorer pass options that give you access to popular spots like the Empire State Building, MoMA, The Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center Tour, and more. Forget about having to buy ticket after ticket when roaming the city, and enjoy more time experiencing what makes New York the city that never sleeps!
2. Experience the wonders of the universe at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Orlando
If your summer goal is to reach new distances and learn something new, why not spend your summer finding out what makes space the final frontier at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Orlando? Immerse yourself in the wonders of space and the United States’ historic space achievements as you explore one of NASA’s most iconic bases in the country.
Klook tip: For those who want to step into the shoes of an astronaut, we recommend heading over to the motion simulator attraction for a virtual launch experience!
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10:00AM-4:00PM, Saturday-Sunday: 10:00AM-5:00PM
West Coast
3. Reach new heights at the High Roller Las Vegas Ferris Wheel
With the rising summer temperatures, a trip to the city of lights in the desert seems like an odd idea to do if you’re looking to cool down from the heat, doesn’t it? If that’s what you're thinking then you’d be missing out on an unforgettable experience at the High Roller Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas! Standing at 167.4m and considered to be one of the tallest ferris wheels in the world, The High Roller Ferris Wheel can rival the iconic London Eye in the UK and Nanchang Star in China.
You’ll definitely be able to cool down and see the city from a different perspective onboard a modern closed glass-cabin with built-in air conditioning. We suggest scheduling your visit at sunset or in the evening to be able to see the bright city lights light up the desert skies.
High Roller Las Vegas Ferris Wheel
- Address: The LINQ Promenade, 3545 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
- Opening hours: Monday-Thursday: 4:00PM-12:00AM, Friday-Sunday: 12:00PM-12:00AM
4. Say hello to the fascinating marine life of SeaWorld San Diego
One of the most iconic aquariums in the world, SeaWorld San Diego is a sure fun spot for families venturing off to the East Coast. Experience the magical secrets of the world’s oceans at the biggest Sea World location in the U.S. You’re in store for exciting close encounters with friendly sea creatures, like seals and dolphins, as well as dazzling live shows and attractions to see.
If you aren’t planning to go anywhere after your visit, we recommend staying until the night to enjoy the park’s seasonal fireworks and electric night shows to celebrate the summer!
SeaWorld San Diego
- Address: Mission Bay Park, 500 Sea World Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
- Opening hours: 10:00AM-6:00PM, Daily
5. Zipline past the Jurassic Valley at a Kualoa Ranch Experience Tour
We’ve got a challenge for thrillseekers searching for an adventure this summer– the Kualoa Ranch Zipline Experience in Oahu. Fly high above the lush green Ka’a’awa Valley on a series of zipline sections that cross the valley’s natural landscapes. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to explore the area in different ways aside from just riding the zipline. Hike through 3 nature trails and cross 2 heart-racing suspension bridges as you make your way down the top of the valley.
What makes the experience even more worthwhile is that aside from all the exhilarating fun, you’ll be able to listen to fascinating stories of Hawaiian traditions from your accompanying expert tour guide. Thrilling fun and rich culture is always a good mix for a memorable vacation!
6. Visit the best of Oahu with the Go Oahu - All-Inclusive Pass
A summer escape to Oahu means a chance to find out what makes the island one of the best vacation destinations to visit this season. Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu lives up to this name as the city is Hawaii’s melting pot of different cultures. From laid-back surf towns to busy streets of the city center, we don’t think you’ll run out of things to experience at the third largest Hawaiian island.
You don’t have to miss out on the excitement of the island with the Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass. Have your pick from the 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day pass and visit the city attractions based on how you want to schedule your day! The pass grants you access to over 34 attractions in the city with a bonus of discounts to shops, activities, and dining experiences to complete the experience!
7. Meet the animals of the iconic San Diego Zoo
San Diego is home to many of the world’s iconic zoos and aquariums, so of course, we wouldn’t miss out on the chance to suggest a family fun-filled day at the famed San Diego Zoo! Meet over 3,700 animals and 650 different species from all around the world while you explore the different sections and exhibits of the zoo. From the Gorilla Tropics to the Koala and Panda exhibits, there’s no doubt your kids will be bursting with excitement.
One of the must-see attractions we think you shouldn’t miss out on is the Skyfari aerial tram experience that has you riding over treetops for a picturesque view of the zoo from down below!
San Diego Zoo
- Address: 2920 Zoo Drive San Diego, CA 92101
- Opening hours: 9:00AM-6:00PM, Daily
8. Enter the Jurassic Jungle of Kualoa Ranch on a jeep expedition
For those who want to experience Kualoa Ranch but aren’t really into the zipline experience, don’t fret, you can still explore the wild areas of the ranch on a jeep expedition tour! Hold on tight onboard a 6-wheel Swiss Pinzgauer vehicle as you cross 4,000 acres of varied terrain to the eastern Oahu coast.
What makes it more fun are the stories of Hawaii and the ranch’s history shared by your driver-guide while you travel. We especially love the stop at some of the film locations of Hollywood blockbuster films like Jurassic Park!
9. Step into a thrilling shark cage diving adventure in Oahu, Hawaii
Summer calls for adrenaline-pumping adventures and what better way to experience this than a chance to go shark cage diving in Hawaii! Plunge into the crystal clear waters of Oahu and enjoy an up-close encounter with sandbar sharks (maybe even tiger and hammerhead sharks!) in the safety of an underwater cage. If you prefer not to step into the cage, it’s okay, you can still see the majestic sea creature closely from the boat.
The most important trip reminder from Klook is not to forget your disposable or underwater cameras! You’ll surely want to remember this unforgettable underwater event.
10. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Pearl Harbor on a half-day tour
History buffs might want to consider a trip to the historic Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. With this year marking the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, the tour is a great idea to find out what really happened during one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history.
The memorable experience allows you to step inside the USS Arizona Memorial to pay tribute to the great soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War II. Listen to stories of survivors at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center and from the tour’s professional guide. What we think makes the tour even more worth the trip is the rewarding view of the harbor 184ft above the city at the Aloha Tower!
