Top 10 Must-Visit Summer Destinations for 2025

Summer 2025 is calling—and it’s promising golden beaches, historic charm, epic hikes, and world-class cuisine.

Whether you're craving barefoot luxury, urban adventure, or nature at its rawest, here are 10 incredible destinations to spark your next getaway.

1. Los Cabos, Mexico

A perennial favorite for American travelers, Los Cabos serves up the perfect blend of sun and sophistication. Think: golden beaches, swanky resorts, sea turtle hatchings, and a thriving food and wine scene. It's sunshine with a side of luxury.

Top Places to Visit:

• El Arco de Cabo San Lucas – Iconic rock formation at Land’s End

• San José del Cabo Art District – Walkable and vibrant cultural scene

• Chileno Bay – Perfect for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters

Foods to Try:

• Fish Tacos – Fresh from the Pacific, best with mango salsa

• Ceviche – Lime-cured seafood, light and zesty

• Birria Tacos – Slow-cooked meat, rich and spicy

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

No passport? No problem. San Juan is a Caribbean gem for U.S. citizens, bursting with piña coladas, pastel colonial buildings, and beach days on tap. History meets holiday here—laid-back and culturally rich.

Top Places to Visit:

• Old San Juan – Colorful streets and colonial charm

• Castillo San Felipe del Morro – Historic fort with ocean views

• Condado Beach – Lively area for sunbathing and nightlife

Foods to Try:

• Mofongo – Mashed plantains with garlic and pork

• Arroz con Gandules – Puerto Rico’s national rice dish

• Lechón Asado – Slow-roasted pork, often served during festivals

3. Tokyo, Japan

Named one of Mastercard’s top cities for 2025, Tokyo blends neon cityscapes with tranquil parks and deep-rooted traditions. Summer brings colorful festivals, late-night eats, and unforgettable urban energy.

Top Places to Visit:

• Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing

• Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple

• Ueno Park – Museums, gardens, and summer festivals

Foods to Try:

• Ramen – Each neighborhood has its own twist

• Sushi (especially at Tsukiji Market) – Ultra-fresh and iconic

• Tonkatsu – Crispy breaded pork cutlet, served with shredded cabbage

4. Paris, France

The City of Light shines even brighter in the summer. Sip rosé on a rooftop, wander through world-class museums, or stroll the Seine at sunset. Timeless, stylish, and always a good idea.

Top Places to Visit:

• Musée d'Orsay – Stunning Impressionist art in a former train station

• Montmartre – Bohemian vibes, Sacré-Cœur, and artists at work

• Seine River Promenades – Ideal for a romantic sunset stroll

Foods to Try:

• Croque Monsieur – Parisian grilled ham and cheese sandwich

• Duck Confit – Crispy, tender, and deeply flavorful

• Crêpes (Savory & Sweet) – Street food perfection, from ham to Nutella

5. Iceland by Cruise

Forget crowded ports—cruising Iceland is all about dramatic fjords, wildlife sightings, and northern gems like Akureyri and Ísafjörður. It’s the cool, quiet adventure of the season.

Top Places to Visit (by port):

• Akureyri – Botanical gardens and whale watching

• Ísafjörður – Quiet fjord town with dramatic views

• Seyðisfjörður – Colorful village with hiking trails and waterfalls

Foods to Try:

• Lamb Soup (Kjötsúpa) – Hearty and traditional

• Plokkfiskur – Creamy fish stew with potatoes

• Skyr – Icelandic yogurt-like dairy treat, great for breakfast

6. Nova Scotia, Canada

For rugged beauty with soul, head to Nova Scotia. Hike along Cape Breton’s coastal cliffs, spot wild horses on Sable Island, and explore charming Halifax. It's Canada’s underrated summer star.

Top Places to Visit:

• Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Scenic cliffside hikes

• Peggy’s Cove – Famous lighthouse and dramatic coastline

• Halifax Waterfront – Food, history, and harbor views

Foods to Try:

• Lobster Roll – Nova Scotia is lobster country

• Donair – Halifax’s sweet-sauced take on the gyro

• Blueberry Grunt – Local dessert with stewed berries and dumplings

7. Vietnam

Vietnam is skyrocketing in popularity with European travelers—and for good reason. From the lantern-lit streets of Hội An to the pristine beaches of Phú Quốc, it offers affordability, flavor, and cultural richness in one unbeatable package.

Top Places to Visit:

• Hội An Ancient Town – Lantern-lit streets and riverside charm

• Hạ Long Bay – Limestone karsts and emerald waters

• Hồ Chí Minh City – French architecture meets buzzing energy

Foods to Try:

• Phở – Iconic noodle soup with beef or chicken

• Bánh Mì – Fusion baguette sandwich packed with flavor

• Gỏi Cuốn (Spring Rolls) – Fresh, healthy, and perfect for summer

8. Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden

Hike across 20 idyllic islands on this newly opened trail, spotlighted by National Geographic as a top pick for 2025. The Stockholm Archipelago Trail blends Nordic nature, coastal villages, and peaceful paths—summer serenity at its finest.

Top Places to Visit:

• Vaxholm – Gateway to the archipelago, with coastal charm

• Grinda – Great for hikes and picnics

• Sandhamn – Sailing village with beaches and cafés

Foods to Try:

• Gravlax – Cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce

• Smörgåstårta – Savory sandwich cake with seafood layers

• Kanelbullar – Swedish cinnamon buns, perfect for fika

9. Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Sarajevo is topping travel lists for 2025 with its mix of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. Picture cozy cafés, riverside strolls, mountain air, and a resilient spirit. A soulful, surprising capital waiting to be explored.

Top Places to Visit:

• Baščaršija – Ottoman-style bazaar and cultural heart

• Tunnel of Hope Museum – Powerful WWII history

• Yellow Fortress – Sunset views over the city

Foods to Try:

• Ćevapi – Grilled minced meat with flatbread and onions

• Burek – Flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese

• Begova Čorba – Rich stew made with slow-cooked chicken

10. Santorini, Greece

It wouldn’t be summer without a stop in Santorini. Iconic blue domes, sunset-kissed cliffs, and crystalline waters make this Greek island the picture-perfect finale to any adventure.

Top Places to Visit:

• Oia – Iconic sunset spot with whitewashed buildings

• Red Beach – Unique volcanic sand and snorkeling

• Ancient Akrotiri – Preserved ruins of a Minoan city

Foods to Try:

• Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters) – Local island specialty

• Fava (Split Pea Purée) – Creamy and often paired with capers

• Grilled Octopus – Fresh and charred, often with olive oil & lemon

Wherever you go, go boldly.

Ready to book? Whether you're island hopping or museum crawling, summer 2025 is stacked with experiences that’ll stay with you long after your tan fades. Which destination are you eyeing? Leave a comment below.