This Washington location is a top-ranked summer vacation destination

Summertime is approaching fast, which brings summer vacation. But where is the best place to go on a trip this season?

Each year, U.S. News creates a ranked list of the best locations in the country for summer vacations. Rankings are created based on editor scores in numerous categories, including things like sights, culture, adventure and value, as well as reader votes. People can vote on any location on the list to contribute to rankings.

For 2025, a popular location in Washington state sits at sixth place in the nation.

Best summer vacation spot in WA

The list currently includes some iconic locales like San Diego, the Adirondacks and Hilton Head Island, and some lesser-known options. There are also several national parks on the list, including Mount Rainier National Park in Washington.

The park spans more than 235,000 acres, including the massive volcano Mount Rainier, which has the tallest peak in the Cascade Range, at 14,410 feet. There are at least 25 major glaciers, more than any other peak in the continental United States.

The dormant volcano’s last major eruption was more than a thousand years ago, while some smaller eruptions occurred about 150 years ago. The park was established in 1899, among the first five national parks in the country.

Mount Rainier National Park is a solid vacation destination no matter the level of your outdoor skills. There are views accessible by car, outdoor recreation areas and camping sites, along with many trails.

The park is also ranked third on U.S. News’ lists of Best Seattle Day Trips and Best Places to Visit in Washington State.

Visit Mount Rainier National Park

The park is great to visit throughout the year, with ski and snowshoe opportunities in the winter. But U.S. News particularly recommends visiting in the summer since wildflowers will be in bloom across the subalpine meadows.

Hiking conditions are prime during the summer months too, with dozens of trails throughout the park of varying difficulty levels.

There are four campsite options for overnight stays, or nearby hotels if you prefer to stay indoors at night. There are a handful of food options in the park, but not many, so be sure to plan ahead. Keep any food and garbage stored safely, as there is wildlife in the park.

Visiting Mount Rainier

Entrance to the park is $30 for a vehicle or $15 for an individual pedestrian. Passes last seven days. An unlimited entry pass for one year is available for $55. There are also free admission days each year:

• January 9

• January 20

• April 19

• June 19

• August 4

• September 27

• November 11

Parks also offers numerous free annual passes, including options for current U.S. military members and their dependents, residents with a permanent disability, all of the nation’s fourth graders and more.

Entrance lines tend to get long quickly on summer weekends. It’s recommended to visit during the week, or arrive before 10 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m. to avoid congestion.

Certain park areas require reservations to visit during the summer.

There are also currently some areas closed for construction. One bridge connecting Route 165 to several park access points was recently closed due to safety risks identified by WSDOT. Before visiting the park, check online if your plan is impacted by any closures or restrictions.

This story was originally published May 25, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "This Washington location is a top-ranked summer vacation destination."