Music fills the air throughout the summer in Chicago. Festivals are a frequent fixture in Grant Park, while the city beaches fill up with locals basking in the heat and lounging at one of the many beach bars along the coast. Stay for sunset and enjoy the skyline filled with skyscrapers silhouetted against the orange-hued backdrop.

Back in the city, mingle with the crowds along the Riverwalk and admire the iconic architecture. Then, seek out street fairs filled with art around Lincoln Avenue. Cruises on Lake Michigan add a touch of romance, as does dining al fresco on the edge of the lake. Visit Navy Pier for free fireworks shows on Wednesday and Saturday nights from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

In San Diego, the beach is a way of life, whether you’re sunbathing on a stretch of sand or snorkeling in La Jolla Cove. The mild weather makes every day perfect for enjoying the ocean. Active San Diegans surf, sail, or bodyboard on the waves. The city is blessed with a landscape ready-made for an active summer in the US.

Away from the ocean, head to the San Diego Nighttime Zoo to see the animals in their most alert state, along with a full itinerary of live entertainment. The extended hours run throughout the summer, from July to September. If you’re visiting in July, try to snag a ticket to Comic-Con, one of the world’s biggest gatherings of action heroes from the movies, cosplay enthusiasts, and comic book creators. Don't forget to bring your camera and an autograph book!

Pioneering Boston feels like a throwback to the past. The cobblestone streets and iconic sites are genuinely historic in a way few other American cities can claim. Starting at Monument Square, take a walk along the Freedom Trail, a walking tour that visits many of Boston’s finest landmarks.

This New England city is sports-mad. Fenway Park is a hub of activity throughout the summer in Boston, with live concerts taking place whenever the beloved Red Sox aren’t hitting home runs. Summertime is the perfect time to get out on the waters around Boston. Take a sunset cruise around Boston Harbor to see the city from a new angle.

Summertime is a savvy time to visit the bright lights of Las Vegas, as you can snap up great deals on accommodation, and the crowds aren’t as boisterous. Temperatures can reach over 100°F in the summer months, but this desert city has a host of air-conditioned attractions to enjoy.

Palatial 5-star hotels line The Strip, most of them housing more attractions than the average American city. You’ll find shopping malls, theme parks, and a host of ever-more creative dining experiences in each of them – and casinos, of course. After sunset, a vast array of live shows is held all over town. You can choose from world-famous singers, death-defying acrobats, or mesmerizing magicians pretty much every night of the week.

Summertime in Miami is a sizzling affair, with endless beach parties and rooftop gatherings. It’s certainly a city that has a well-earned reputation for fun and frivolity, but that’s only a small part of this enigmatic city. One of the most intriguing aspects of Miami is the diversity of its neighborhoods. Mix with the glamorous crowds in South Beach, go hunting for vintage art in Little Havana, or explore the bohemian Design District.

The Bayside Marketplace offers a scenic shopping experience in Downtown Miami with added live entertainment. The Marina Stage is a big draw, with live bands performing daily throughout the summer. Further afield, head out to the Everglades on a day tour to experience the wild beauty of Florida’s wetlands.

Seattle is blanketed in swathes of woodland throughout the summer, and with temperatures averaging in the 70s, you have plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Hit the hiking trails around Discovery Park, go kayaking in Elliot Bay, or head out to Puget Sound on a whale watching tour.

Festivals dominate the calendar in July and August in Seattle, making it a fantastic time to soak up the electric atmosphere of the city’s art and culture, including its proud music and culinary heritage. Several foodie-themed events also take place throughout July and August in Seattle, so come hungry and ready to feast.

This prominent beach resort on the East Coast is packed with fun things to do in the summer. The powder-soft Grand Strand beach runs for miles, and along it, you have access to a wide range of family attractions, including the Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Splashes water park.

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is a palm-lined promenade that stretches along the coastline. Head here in the early morning, and you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise view over the Atlantic. From June to August, you can enjoy fireworks at Broadway at the Beach, lighting up the evening skies on Tuesday and Friday evenings. This easy-going resort town has fantastic seafood restaurants serving Carolina-style home cooking like shrimp and grits, with fresh oysters and crawfish on most menus.