3 surprising American getaways named as top destinations for June

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Now that summer is just around the corner, the Travel Off Path team wants to make sure you start it off with a bang!

We’ve found three getaways that are perfect for June, and all three of them are probably not where you expect.

We’re not hyping up every major Florida beach resort as “the other guys,” with regurgitated lists about how white the sands of Destin are, as if you didn’t know that already.

This time we’re going full Stupid and stupider in the stunning dreamscape of Colorado, where the Rockies look absolutely rocky, a lakeside time capsule at the pinnacle of the Midwest, and what we think is the trendiest island on the East Coast.

With some help from fellow travel experts, here are 3 surprising American getaways as top destinations for June.

Make sure you check the latest travel warnings before you travel.

3) Telluride: Colorado’s evergreen village

When a major car brand names its SUV after your city, you know it’s packed with adventure.

Well, maybe not.

After all, there is a Jeep Laredo…

But in this case we stick to it.

Telluride is one of Colorado’s greenest destinations. No, not in the hippie-dippie kind of way.

You’re not forced to order an oak-sprinkled latte from a barista ripe with patchouli oil.

The rustic townscape of this evergreen village is one of Aspen’s best alternatives for better prices and fewer cookie-cutter experiences.

This town is the perfect springboard for anyone who enjoys hiking, mountain biking, tubing, fishing, camping and for the more adventurous, river rafting.

One of the most surprising aspects of Telluride isn’t just that Tom Cruise once called it home; it’s the Telluride Bluegrass Festival (June 18 – 21, 2026) that fills the entire city with the soundtrack of violins and banjos.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, the outdoors are calling, whether it’s an airy patio while dining or a trek you must visit to see the 110-meter tower Bridal veil falls personal.

Far from the winter wonderland atmosphere, expect a sunnier side of Colorado in the coming months with welcoming locals, cozy inns and a calendar full of fun.

2) Mackinac Island: where Caribbean blue collides with a bygone era

‘Midwest’ and ‘Caribbean’ seem like an odd combination, but so does vanilla ice cream and olive oil until you give it a twist.

Mackinac Island is Michigan’s true time capsule. Think horse-drawn carriage rides, no cars, picturesque lighthouses and rows of colorful Victorian cottages along some of America’s bluest waters.

That would of course be Lake Huron, an adjacent Great Lake of Lake Michigan.

If you long for a place where time slows down or even stands still, this is the place.

Whatever the other end of the spectrum for Cancun foam parties, we say it’s Mackinac Island.

But don’t confuse sleepy with boring: There’s plenty to do besides gawk at the legendary streetscape that’s reminiscent of Nantucket if it were in the Midwest.

A fun summer event to look forward to is the Mackinac Island Lilac Festivala 10-day celebration every June with parades, live music, garden tours and the island’s iconic lilacs in full bloom.

Although there are no good beaches, the views couldn’t be more majestic, and exploring the city, whether on foot or on foot, never gets boring in beautiful summer weather, often in the 70s.

1) Block Island: the island within the “island”

Not to confuse anyone, but Rhode Island is not actually an island.

Don’t you believe me? Grab your nearest monocle, stroke your chin and look at America’s smallest state on a map.

However, Block Island is indeed an island, and a breathtaking one at that, packed with windswept beaches and dramatic coastal cliffs.

We all know there are an endless array of vacation destinations along the East Coast, but this one might be the trendiest of them all right now.

We’ve covered Block Island’s spike in popularity several times, but HomeToGo is the latest report shows an increase of no less than 60% this month.

If Yahoo! As Travel put it, “Block Island is called ‘the Island of Hope’ and is one of the twelve ‘last great places’ in the Western Hemisphere.”

The scenery is immaculate, the atmosphere couldn’t be more tranquil as it’s only accessible by ferry, and there are several waterfront hotels that are more than worth a visit as a summer haven.

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Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.