This Year's Most Popular Summer Vacation Cities in the US May Surprise You

Visit Arch Rock, a limestone arch in a state park that has a pretty to-die-for view, or explore old historical forts in Mackinac Island, MI. The island has been a tourist attraction since the late 19th century, so there is no shortage of great hotels to stay in, either.

Probably one of the most stunning places in Maine, Bar Harbor is home to the famed Arcadia National Park, which will not only surprise you with its beauty, but it will also give you plenty of Instagrammable opportunities as well. The food scene is also not to be missed in this area, which is an added bonus.

This island is accessible by ferry ride from Long Island, New York, Connecticut, and several different points on Rhode Island, as well as by plane. Block Island has 17 miles of beach, specialty and gift stores, and tons of activities like bike riding and kayaking. Summer on Block Island is also dotted with a variety of festivals, from music to food.

Dubbed the mini golf capital of the world, Lake George has lots to offer couples, families, and friends looking to vacation in the area. From swimming and fishing to cruising on the lake, there is a lot to be done in the water. However, you can hike, head to a spa, or do something a bit more extreme (zipline, anyone?) on your Summer vacation.

The gateway to Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone in Montana is a small, lively town that has visitors fly fishing, river rafting, mountain biking, trail riding, and hiking in the Summer months.

Hang on the beach during the day in Ocean City, MD, and then head to the boardwalk at night for some rides, games, and certainly some interesting people watching. Don't forget to try the crabs in Maryland while you're there — the state is pretty famous for them.

Besides trying to figure out which house Taylor Swift purchased, there are loads of other great things to do on Martha's Vineyard. Peep the gingerbread-style houses that are all brightly colored, take in the view from Edgartown Harbor Light, or explore the Aquinnah Cliffs.

If you've ever wanted to know a little bit more about Alaskan heritage, Anchorage is the place to go for one of those vacations where you can both relax and learn something new. Check out glaciers, try your hand at gold panning, go whale watching or sled dog riding (take it from someone who knows — dog sledding is a bucket list item!), and make sure to catch a glimpse at the Northern Lights.

Just because Jackson Hole is known for its ski areas doesn't mean there isn't anything to do there during the Summer. Take a horseback ride through "the last of the Old West," visit one of the area's iconic old saloons, or take a hiking excursion in Grand Teton National Park where you can spot grizzly bears, wolves, moose, pronghorn, and elk.

An island off of Cape Cod, MA, Nantucket Island is a quintessential New England place to spend the Summer months. Amazing lobster (pronounced lobstah) and sprawling beaches that each bring their own character to the area play well with local museums and art galleries.