The 20 best summer travel destinations in the US revealed from white sand beaches to rugged desert hikes – see if yours made the list

With the summer travel season fast approaching, DailyMail.com takes you through the shortlist for this year’s best summer getaways.

Whether you’re planning a trip by land, air or sea, the US has so much to offer.

From white sandy beaches to horse riding in the mountains or walking through the desert: according to the responses, these are the 20 best destinations nominated for your summer holiday this year compiled by USA Today.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor is a small town on Mount Desert Island on the edge of Acadia National Park.

Old-fashioned colorful slatted houses, eateries, and shops line Bar Harbor’s quaint downtown, while the park entrance offers beautiful views, where you can stroll and swim.

Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota

For those fascinated by geological wonders and who enjoy hiking through mountainous expanses, a trip to the Black Hills and Badlands is a must-see.

Highlights include the iconic Mount Rushmore, where US Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln are carved into the granite rocks.

Capitol Reef Country, Utah

Utah’s Capitol Reef Country includes many varied desert treasures such as Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

Visiting these stunning geological features is best done as a road trip.

Catalina Island, California

Catalina Island’s breathtaking coastline, sandy beaches and clear blue waters have made it famous as the setting for more than 500 films and TV shows over the past century.

With a length of only 35 kilometers, this island is the perfect place for a relaxing beach holiday.

Cody, WY

For those who have Yellowstone National Park on their bucket list, Cody could be the perfect place to stay.

Known as the ‘Rodeo Capital of the World’, the Wild West is right on your doorstep, with horse riding, cowboy bars and breathtaking scenery.

Door County, Wisconsin

If you prefer boating and kayaking to lying on the beach, another alternative is Wisconsin’s Door County with its 300 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan.

The country’s food and wine scene offers plenty for those who prefer to keep their feet dry.

Finger Lakes, New York

The 11 clustered lakes of the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York also offer much for sports and water sports enthusiasts.

The area also has many renowned wineries, so be sure to book a tasting during your visit.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is lined with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters for the perfect relaxing vacation.

Cultured Orange Beach offers culinary delights and amusement parks for the kids.

Juneau, Alaska

Juneau’s snowcapped mountain range offers endless opportunities for hiking on its 250 miles of trails.

The area is rich in indigenous history and steeped in wildlife, perfect for reconnecting with the outdoors.

Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania

The 3,000 miles of beautiful scenery in southwestern Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands attract families year after year who enjoy activities like whitewater rafting and visiting historic sites like Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is located between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. The charm comes from the car-free roads, which make a horse-drawn carriage ride into the city a nostalgic pleasure.

Mackinac Island State Park offers hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities off the beaten path.

Ocean City, NJ

This spot on the Jersey Shore has its famous boardwalk with plenty of seaside dining and shopping options.

There are plenty of theme parks for children, including the acclaimed Playland Castaway Cove, which offers the thrills of go-karting, roller coasters and mini golf.

Ocean City, Maryland

For a more relaxed atmosphere, Ocean City, Maryland is the quintessential East Coast beach town.

With boardwalks and sandy beaches, Ocean City offers the perfect escape.

San Juan Islands, Washington

This cluster of 176 islands and reefs offers a rugged coastline, lighthouses and windswept beaches.

The four main islands, San Juan, Orcas, Lopez and Shaw, are all accessible by the Washington ferry system and have hotels available for tourists.

Sandusky, Ohio

Sandusky is a family vacation favorite because it is home to the 150 rides and attractions of the Cedar Point Amusement Park.

It also has numerous cultural offerings, including the Sandusky Maritime Museum and the Sandusky State Theater.

Sevier County, Tenn

Luscious Sevier County in Tennessee is known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the country’s most popular national parks.

The only ski area in the state, it offers spectacular summer hikes and small-town charm in the ideally located spots of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.

South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The South Rim offers the most iconic and best-known views of the Grand Canyon. Nearby Grand Canyon Village offers an array of tourist attractions and options for overnight visitors.

If hiking is less your thing, the Canyon Railway Depot takes visitors on a scenic route through the Canyon and the surrounding area.

Space Coast, Florida

Home to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida’s Atlantic coast, it’s a must for the cosmically obsessed.

See where Apollo 11 took off on his famous moon landing mission or simply enjoy the sandy beaches in the area.

Swain County, North Carolina

Also bordering the Great Smoke Mountains is Swain County in North Carolina. The area offers beautiful waterfalls and whitewater rafting for the more adventurous.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Rich in Maritime History Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay and Sandbridge Bay offer 35 miles of sandy beaches and boardwalks, making it the world’s longest pleasure beach.