James Wolfe
June 20th marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re seeking the best places to be for the Summer Solstice, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable journey.
Whether you crave a spiritual sunrise, a glowing bonfire under midnight skies, or a festival with centuries of tradition, there’s a solstice destination waiting for you. At AlwaysPacked.com, we believe travel isn’t just about the where—it’s about the when. And there’s no better when than this golden day of light.
Why the Summer Solstice Is the Ultimate Travel Moment
The Summer Solstice isn’t just a seasonal change—it’s a celebration of nature, light, and life. This astronomical event happens when the Earth’s tilt is most inclined toward the sun, giving us the longest stretch of daylight.
Cultures around the world honor the solstice with rituals, festivals, and moments of connection. That means you get the rare chance to blend adventure with meaning, all wrapped in the beauty of summer.
Stonehenge, England – A Mystical Sunrise Ritual
Each year, thousands gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise directly behind the ancient Heel Stone. It’s a bucket-list experience steeped in Druid traditions, where music, silence, and spiritual energy collide.
Stonehenge is one of the best places to be for the Summer Solstice because it connects you to both history and nature in a truly awe-inspiring way. Be sure to arrive early and wear layers—the English summer can still be brisk at dawn.
Fairbanks, Alaska – Where the Sun Barely Sets
In Fairbanks, the sun shines for 22 hours on the solstice. Locals celebrate with the Midnight Sun Festival, featuring live music, food trucks, and even a baseball game that starts at 10 p.m. with no stadium lights needed. This quirky, family-friendly party makes Fairbanks one of the most fun and unconventional places to go for Summer Solstice in North America.
Reykjavik, Iceland – A Festival Under the Midnight Sun
Reykjavik turns the solstice into an art, music, and culture celebration with its Secret Solstice Festival. Imagine dancing to global DJs at 2 a.m. in full daylight, surrounded by Iceland’s otherworldly beauty. For the wellness-minded traveler, consider heading just outside the city to soak in geothermal spas or take a solstice hike across mossy lava fields.
Cusco, Peru – Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun
Rooted in Incan heritage, Inti Raymi is a colorful re-enactment of a traditional ceremony held to honor the Sun God. This cultural festival involves parades, dancing, and rituals that wind through the historic city of Cusco and up to the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuamán.
For travelers craving deep cultural immersion, Cusco is one of the best places to be for the Summer Solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, where June 20th actually marks the Winter Solstice—but the celebrations are just as fiery and vibrant.
Big Sur, California – A Bohemian Nature Escape
If you want your solstice celebration grounded in natural beauty and introspection, Big Sur is your place. Camp beneath redwoods, practice sunrise yoga overlooking the cliffs, or join a silent solstice circle at Esalen Institute. For road-trippers, this is an ideal add-on to our Ultimate National Park Road Trip.
Sápmi (Lapland), Sweden – Midsummer Magic in the Arctic Circle
Swedes treat Midsummer like a second Christmas. Expect flower crowns, maypole dances, grilled seafood, and endless daylight. In Sápmi (the indigenous Sámi lands of northern Sweden), the traditions go even deeper. You’ll find a unique mix of modern Swedish festivity and Sámi rituals that celebrate the land and animals.
Santorini, Greece – Sunset Worship on a Caldera Cliff
There’s no shortage of golden hour destinations in Greece, but Santorini on the solstice is spellbinding. Watch the sun linger over whitewashed buildings and sapphire seas, and then head to a clifftop taverna for a long, candlelit dinner. Santorini offers a quieter, romantic way to embrace the longest day.
Mount Fuji, Japan – A Spiritual Hike to the Summit
While the official climbing season begins in July, many hikers start the trek to Mount Fuji’s summit around the solstice to see the sunrise from the “roof of Japan.” The sunrise, known as Goraiko, is revered as sacred. If you’re looking for a transformative experience that combines physical effort, cultural reverence, and nature, this is it.
Sedona, Arizona – Red Rocks and Solstice Energy
Sedona is a magnet for spiritual travelers, thanks to its red rock vortexes and strong energy fields. Join a solstice meditation, sound bath, or desert hike under the glowing sun. Whether you’re there to recharge or realign, Sedona earns its spot among the best places to be for the Summer Solstice in the U.S.
Tips for Planning Your Solstice Adventure
Book early: Many solstice events and accommodations sell out fast.
Pack for the sun: Long days mean more UV exposure. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats are a must.
Stay mindful: Solstice is about balance and presence. Whether you’re dancing at a festival or meditating in the woods, tune in.
Respect local customs: From sacred Indigenous lands to ancient ruins, many solstice locations carry spiritual or cultural significance. Be a thoughtful guest.
Why Travel During the Solstice Matters
Traveling for the solstice isn’t just about ticking off a list—it’s about being part of something ancient, beautiful, and universally human. Whether you’re a solo traveler chasing light, a couple looking for a romantic moment, or a family seeking an enriching cultural trip, the Summer Solstice offers something meaningful for everyone.
The Light Is Calling
No matter where you choose to go, let the best places to be for the Summer Solstice guide you toward unforgettable memories. The magic of this celestial moment is real—so grab your bag, chase the light, and make June 20th your brightest day yet.
