100+ Summer Bucket List Ideas to Try This Summer
For anyone who loves traveling, cooking, and savoring life’s beautiful moments, summer is the perfect season to create lasting memories. For me, it’s my favorite season, the perfect time to make new friends, step out of your comfort zone, learn a new skill, cook a new dish, or even fall in love with someone or yourself.
Here’s a curated list of 100+ summer bucket list ideas to inspire your most adventurous, delicious, and romantic summer yet.
Outdoor Bucket list and Fun Summer Activities
Kayak Down a River
Rent a single kayak or canoe and spend a few hours floating down a calm river. The gentle movement of the water and the surrounding scenery make it both relaxing and adventurous.
Try Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is both a workout and a very relaxing water activity.
Go Fly Fishing
One item I left unmarked on my bucket list last summer was fly fishing. I think it’s so fun to go in full gear and catch some trout, especially if you have the Colorado Mountains or Montana as your backdrop. And please don’t forget to release the fish after you catch them.
Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Float above rolling hills, forests, or coastline.
Visit a Waterfall
One of my favorite activities while growing up was going chasing waterfalls in the summer. I love living in New York and in big cities, but if there’s something I miss about my tropical summers, it’s the beaches, the rivers, and the waterfalls.
Walk Through a Sunflower Field
Some farms open sunflower fields to visitors during peak bloom. Walking among towering flowers feels joyful and makes for beautiful photos.
Take a Long Bike Ride
Cycling through a beautiful place, either a city or the countryside, without a set destination lets you slow down and romanticize your life. People-watch while you ride.
Watch a Meteor Shower
Look up when the next meteor shower is expected and find a dark location away from city lights. Bring blankets and snacks while you watch shooting stars streak across the night sky.
Take a Boat Ride at Sunset
Watching the city turn from daytime to dusk at sunset while you glide across the water is incredibly peaceful.
Try Horseback Riding
Visit a ranch or riding trail that offers guided horseback rides. I recommend a sunset ride because, depending on the area you go to, it might be quite hot for you and the horse to ride under the midday sun.
Go Berry Picking
Visit a local farm or countryside patch where you can pick strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. It's a super fun activity, and you’ll go home with fresh fruit for snacks or desserts.
Learn to Surf
Summer is the perfect time to try something adventurous on the water. Surfing, paddleboarding, or diving are always fun.
Go to the Botanical Garden
Spend an afternoon wandering through gardens and greenhouses filled with seasonal flowers and plants.
Go on a Ferry Ride
If you live or are visiting a place with ferries this summer, don’t pass on going for a ride. It’s my favorite free thing to do in NYC in the summer and my favorite way to commute.
Swim in a Lake or the Ocean
There’s nothing that captures the feeling of summer quite like jumping into cool, refreshing water.
Spend an Afternoon Reading in a Hammock
Find a shady spot between two trees and settle in with a good book.
Have a Beach Day with Friends
Pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of cold drinks. A day spent swimming, talking, and soaking up the sun always turns into a favorite summer memory.
Go Camping Under the Stars
Sleeping outdoors brings you closer to nature and away from everyday routines.
Walk Barefoot Along the Shoreline
A slow walk along the water’s edge is one of the simplest ways to enjoy a summer day.
Go on a Wildflower Hike
Many hiking trails burst with wildflowers during summer. Walk through fields of blooms and listen to the sounds of nature.
Rent a Small Boat for the Day
Cruise along the shoreline on a hot summer day, swim in quiet coves, and enjoy the smell of the ocean and the rhythm of the waves.
Spend a Full Day Outside Without Checking Your Phone
Give yourself permission to fully unplug and enjoy the moment. Without screens, you’ll notice how much more vivid and relaxing the day feels.
Watch the Sunrise from the Beach
Early mornings at the beach feel calm and almost magical. I love seeing soft colors of the sky, and dipping my toes in the water make waking up early completely worthwhile.
Go Swimming at Golden Hour
It’s one of the most beautiful times of day to be in the water, and the water is often warmer than in the morning.
Take a Long Evening Walk After Dinner
Summer evenings are perfect for slow evening walks.
Lie in the Grass and Look at the Clouds
During the summer of 2020, we were living in Ireland. We couldn’t travel and had to stay mostly outdoors, so we spent those early summer months going to the park, eating fresh strawberries we had picked up from a small specialty store nearby, and lying in the grass watching the clouds for hours. We, and every other Dubliner, had the same idea. It’s, to this day, one of my favorite summer memories ever.
Creative Summer Ideas
Start a Summer Travel Journal
Write about the little memories from your trips, favorite meals, and people you meet along the way.
Take Photos of Beautiful Everyday Things
Experiment with natural light and everyday moments. Capture fresh pastries, candid photos of family and friends, everyday moments, and memorable dishes.
Press Flowers from a Summer Walk
Pick a few wildflowers during a hike or stroll and press them between the pages of a book. Once dried, they become delicate keepsakes from the places you explored.
Create a Summer Playlist
Add songs that remind you of road trips, warm evenings, and adventures with friends. By the end of the season, the playlist will feel like your own personal summer soundtrack.
Write Postcards to Friends
Sending postcards while traveling adds a nostalgic feeling to any trip, but you don’t have to be on vacation to share that feeling. Each week or month, choose a postcard from a local shop or create your own and exchange short handwritten notes with your best friend. Share little updates from your week or thoughtful messages you didn’t get a chance to say in person.
Document your Favorite Meals of the Summer
Keep a list of the best dishes you tried. These little notes can inspire recipes.
Start a Herb Garden
Plant basil, mint, rosemary, or thyme in small pots or a garden bed. Fresh herbs smell so good in the morning.
List of Fun DIY Crafts and Projects
DIY Candles
Learn how to make your own candles at home. It’s cheaper, relaxing, and often less toxic than many of the ones sold in stores.
If you’re curious, check out our step-by-step DIY candle guide.
DIY Wildflower Bouquet Arranging
Pick wildflowers or take a flower bouquet arrangement class with friends and create your own bouquets. Each arrangement feels unique and personal.
Botanical Bookmark Craft
Press leaves or flowers and laminate them into bookmarks. They make beautiful gifts for book lovers.
Create a Start-of-Summer Vision Board or Scrapbook
Use magazines, photos, and drawings to capture your goals and dreams. Add your goals, pictures of places where you want to go, and things that you’d like to experience at the beginning of the summer. It doesn't really matter how realistic you think it is. The goal is to have fun with it. Then check back at the end of the season. It’s a helpful way to organize goals by season rather than trying to plan everything for the entire year.
Paint Flower Pots
Decorate plain ceramic pots with bright summer colors. Plant small herbs, strawberries, or flowers afterward.
DIY Lavender Sachets
Fill small cotton bags with dried lavender and tuck them into drawers or closets to keep your linens lightly scented. Don’t forget to slip one into your everyday bag, too!
Sew a Picnic Blanket
Even if you don’t know how to sew, making a picnic blanket is surprisingly easy. Thrift a bright fabric, I love gingham or floral patterns, add a waterproof backing, and simply tie or glue the layers together.
Bucket List Things to do In Summer with Friends
Host a Pool Party
What’s more summery than a pool party? Grab a few fun floaties, blast some summer music, and invite friends over.
Go to a Local Summer Festival
Many towns host music festivals, food fairs, or art markets during the summer. Try local treats and enjoy live entertainment.
Outdoor Game Afternoons
Create a friendly league with your friends and meet at a park once a week to play pickleball, baseball, or football (soccer).
DIY Tie-Dye Party
Bring plain shirts, socks, or tote bags and experiment with tie-dye colors. It’s messy, creative, and perfect for summer memories.
Outdoor Yoga with Friends
Practice yoga in a park, garden, or backyard.
Take a Pottery Class or Summer Workshop
Learn how to make your ceramic cups and plates with your best friend.
Go to a Summer Outdoor Concert
Sharing live music creates memories that last long after the songs end.
Self-Love and Self-Care Summer Activities
Spend your Morning Sitting in a Café Without Looking at your Phone
Enjoy the simple pleasure of a slow morning with coffee or tea, observing your surroundings without digital distractions.
Manifest the Life you Want
Bring a novel to a shady spot in a park or garden. Summer reading feels especially relaxing outdoors and can help you dream about your future.
Solo Lunch Date
Visit a local café with a journal or sketchbook. Slow afternoons like this help you recharge and reflect.
Buy Yourself Some Flowers
Treat yourself without needing a special occasion.
Treat Yourself to a Massage
Relax your body and mind with a professional massage or even a self-massage at home. You deserve it.
Make your Own Body Scrubs and Hair Masks
Dedicate a day each week to self-care at home. Natural treatments nourish your body and give you a reason to slow down.
Explore our DIY body scrub and homemade hair mask guides that you can make with simple ingredients at home.
Cut or Dye your Hair at the Beginning of Summer
A fresh hairstyle can make you feel more confident, radiant, and ready for the season.
Try a Simple Summer Glow-up
Focus on small changes that make you feel healthy and vibrant: skincare, haircare, or refreshing your wardrobe.
Drink Infused Water, Go on Walks, or Do Group Workouts
Hydrate, move your body, and enjoy summer activities that make you feel energetic and strong. Try our refreshing detox water recipes to stay hydrated all summer.
Buy Something that Makes you Feel Sexy and Attractive
A piece of clothing, jewelry, or accessory that boosts your confidence can be a fun and empowering treat.
Have Breakfast on the Porch
Start your day outdoors with fresh fruit, toast, and coffee. Morning light and quiet surroundings make breakfast feel extra special.
Learn a New Skill
Whether it’s cycling, cooking, or painting, summer is a perfect time to try something new. Last summer, I finally learned how to ride a bicycle, and I can’t wait for city bike rides this summer!
Take a Scenic Drive While Playing your Favorite Songs
Drive through countryside roads or coastal highways. Play your favorite playlist and enjoy the freedom and peacefulness of the open road.
Quintessential Summer Activities
Watch a Movie Outdoors
Set up a small projector in the backyard or attend an outdoor movie screening at the park to watch a romcom from the 90s.
Make a Flavored Iced Coffee or Match at Home
Brew coffee or matcha, add some summer ingredients, and pour it over ice with milk. Add a splash of honey or vanilla beans.
Looking for a refreshing iced matcha to enjoy this summer? Check out our strawberry matcha recipe!
Throw a Midsummer Party
No one celebrates summer quite like Europeans, and one of the most beloved traditions, especially in Scandinavia, is the midsummer party. Wear white or flowy floral dresses, decorate with flowers, and serve refreshing seasonal drinks. Gather friends outdoors, enjoy good food and music, and celebrate the longest, sunniest days of the year together.
Take an Afternoon Nap with the Windows Open
Let the June breezes drift through the room while you rest.
Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
Nothing says summer more than spending an evening at a rooftop bar, sipping a cocktail while the sky turns shades of pastel pink, purple, and orange.
Watch the 4th of July Fireworks
Find a spot with a beautiful view, perhaps near the water or on a hill, and watch the fireworks while drinking a glass of rosé.
Have a Spontaneous Late-Night Dessert Run
The best summer memories come from last-minute plans.
Eat Strawberries Straight from the Market Basket
Fresh summer strawberries are sweet enough to enjoy just as they are. Eating them by the handful feels simple, nostalgic, and perfectly seasonal.
Romantic Summer Ideas
Visit a Roadside Farm Stand and Buy Each Other’s Favorite Treats
Stop at a local stand selling fresh produce, baked goods, or flowers, and pick something you think your partner will love. It’s playful, thoughtful, and a sweet way to connect over small surprises.
Feed Ducks at a Pond
Visit a nearby pond where ducks gather and enjoy watching them swim and waddle around. This simple activity is calming, nostalgic, and surprisingly romantic.
Watch Boats on a Lake
Sit near a marina or lakeshore and watch boats glide across the water. The slow pace and gentle movement make for a peaceful and intimate afternoon together.
Try a Tandem Bicycle Ride
Work together to navigate the pedals and enjoy the rhythm of moving as a team. It’s playful, challenging, and perfect for laughter-filled moments.
Write Letters to Each Other and Hide Them in Surprising Places
Leave notes in pockets, bags, or around the house for your partner to find later.
Attend a Silent Disco in the Park
Dance together to your headphones under the stars while others groove silently nearby. It’s silly, unique, and a fun way to break routine while enjoying music together.
Take a Dancing Lesson Together
Sign up for a salsa, swing, or tango class and learn the moves side by side. Laugh through the missteps, celebrate the small victories, and enjoy the closeness that dancing naturally creates.
Get Engaged
If there’s ever been a summer bucket list idea for couples, this might be the most meaningful one. If you’ve talked about marriage and see a future together, summer can be the perfect time to pop the question or casually let your partner know you’d love to get engaged. It’s also a wonderful time to celebrate an engagement with family and friends, and you’ll have the winter to hibernate and plan the wedding.
Visit a Museum and Pick Each Other a Look-Alike Portrait
Wander the galleries and find paintings or sculptures that remind you of each other.
Have a Date Night and Pretend You Just Met
A really fun summer bucket list idea for couples is to dress up, go to a favorite or new restaurant, and act like strangers meeting for the first time. Flirt, ask fun questions, and enjoy the thrill of rediscovering each other all over again.
Go Skinny Dipping Together at Sunset
Find a secluded beach or lake and take a daring, carefree swim as the sun sets.
Food & Cooking
Make Pasta from Scratch or Take a Pasta Cooking Class
Spend an afternoon rolling fresh pasta dough and shaping it by hand. Pair it with a simple sauce for a classic, comforting meal.
Host a Backyard Pizza Night
Invite your friends over and let everyone build their own pizzas. It’s fun, casual, and a great way to enjoy summer evenings together.
Get a Homemade Ice Cream Machine
Think honey lavender, strawberry basil, or classic vanilla bean. Making ice cream at home is creative, delicious, and perfect for hot days.
Cook a Dish from a Country you Visited
Choose a recipe from a place on your travel bucket list and recreate it at home. It’s a way to relive memories and explore new flavors.
Make your Own Fruit Popsicles
Blend fruit and coconut water, pour into molds, and freeze. Homemade popsicles are healthier, refreshing, and super easy to make.
Take a Cooking Class with Your Friends
Learning new techniques together is fun and inspiring, and you get to enjoy the dishes at the end!
Learn How to Shuck Oysters
If you love seafood, learning to shuck oysters can feel like a small culinary achievement. Pair them with lemon, hot sauce, and a chilled glass of wine.
Batch Make Iced Herbal Tea
Brew tea with herbs like mint or hibiscus and chill it. Add citrus slices for flavor. Check out our refreshing iced tea recipes for inspiration.
Make Fresh Pesto
Blend fresh basil or kale, garlic, nuts, and cheese, and toss it with pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or drizzle it over grilled vegetables. You can follow our easy homemade pesto recipe to learn how to make it.
Roast Peaches with Honey
Roasted peaches become sweet and caramelized in the oven. Serve them warm with creamy vanilla ice cream for a simple summer dessert.
Make your Own Crostini with Sardines
Top toasted bread with sardines, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick, flavorful snack.
Bake a French Fruit Tart
Use fresh berries, apricots, or peaches to create a beautiful pastry that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Homemade Pickles
Quick-pickled cucumbers, onions, or carrots add bright flavor to summer meals. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Make your Own Party Dips
Hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips are fun to experiment with and perfect for entertaining. Get our go-to recipes for homemade dips.
Learn about Wine or Natural Wines
Spend time tasting and learning the differences between varietals and styles, it’s both educational and indulgent.
Summer Food Experiences
Eat a Lobster Roll
Fresh, buttery lobster on a soft roll is a quintessential summer treat, especially near the coast.
Try a New Ice Cream Flavor at a Local Shop
Skip your usual order and pick something unusual like lavender, honeycomb, or mango. Summer is the perfect excuse to be adventurous with ice cream.
Visit a Summer Food Festival
Food festivals bring together dozens of vendors, flavors, and creative dishes in one lively place. Try small bites from many different cuisines.
Eat Tacos from a Street Stand
Fresh tortillas, sizzling fillings, and vibrant toppings make street tacos irresistible.
Try Fresh Oysters Somewhere Coastal
Oysters served close to the ocean are incredibly fresh and full of flavor. Enjoy them with lemon, a little hot sauce, and a chilled drink for a classic seaside experience.
Eat Frozen Yogurt
Froyo is light, refreshing, and endlessly customizable with fruit, nuts, or chocolate toppings.
Drink Natural Wines
Light, crisp, and often lower in additives, natural wines are perfect for summer sipping.
Order the Chef’s Tasting Menu at a Restaurant You’ve Been Wanting to Try
A tasting menu lets the chef guide you through their most creative dishes. It’s a fun way to experience new flavors and cooking techniques you might not normally order.
Visit a Bakery Early in the Morning for Fresh Pastries
The smell of warm croissants, breads, and pastries fresh from the oven is hard to resist.
Try a Classic Summer Cocktail like a Hugo Spritz or Mojito
Light, refreshing cocktails are made for summer. Drinks with citrus, mint, or sparkling wine capture the easygoing spirit of the season.
Travel & Day Trips Ideas
Plan a Spontaneous Weekend Road Trip
Pack a bag, create a good playlist, and see where the road might take you.
Explore a Nearby Town You’ve Never Visited Before
Even the smallest towns can surprise you with charming cafés, bookstores, vintage shops, and quiet streets full of character. Spend the day wandering and let curiosity be your guide.
Rent a Vintage Car and Take a Scenic Coastal Drive with the Windows Down
Drive along the ocean with salty air drifting through the car. Stop whenever you see a beautiful view or a quaint roadside café.
Visit a Small Seaside Village for the Day
Seaside villages often feel like they belong to another era, with fishing boats, local bakeries, and slow afternoons. Spend the day walking along the harbor and enjoying fresh seafood.
Get a Shared Summer Weekend House with Your Friends
Rent a beach house or mountain cabin for a weekend(s) with your closest friends. Enjoy group dinners, late-night talks, and shared adventures.
Visit a Vineyard or Winery for a Tasting
Spend an afternoon strolling through vineyards and tasting local wines in the sunshine. It’s a relaxed way to learn about regional flavors and enjoy picturesque countryside views.
Use Your Credit Card Points to Go on a “Free Summer Vacation”
Redeem your credit card points for flights, hotels, or experiences and plan a spontaneous getaway.
Explore a New Neighborhood in your Own City
You don’t always need to travel far to discover something new. Spend an afternoon walking through a neighborhood you rarely visit, stopping at shops, cafés, and parks along the way.
Take a Sunrise Walk Somewhere Beautiful
Early mornings feel peaceful and full of possibility. Buy yourself some fresh flowers on your way back home.
Visit a Lighthouse
Lighthouses feel perfectly suited to summer travel, with their incredible coastal views and fascinating maritime history.
Look for a Hidden Beach or a New Swimming Spot
Ask locals or wander a little off the main path to find a quiet stretch of shoreline. These hidden places often become the most memorable parts of a trip.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Watch landscapes unfold outside the window. Mountains, rivers, and countryside views make the journey just as beautiful as the destination.
Travel Somewhere Known for Incredible Street Food
Some of the best meals in the world come from food stalls and night markets. Sampling local street food is one of the most authentic ways to experience a place.
Spend a Weekend Exploring Antique or Vintage Markets
Even if you leave empty-handed, the experience is always inspiring.
Wander Through a Historic Old Town
Cobblestone streets, old architecture, and hidden courtyards make historic districts endlessly fascinating. Allow yourself to get a little lost and enjoy the atmosphere.
Plan a Picnic Somewhere Scenic
Pack fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and a bottle of something chilled, natural wine or iced tea, then find a beautiful spot to relax. Picnics turn an ordinary afternoon into a small travel experience.
End-of-Summer Adventures
Make a Recipe you Discovered while Traveling
Recreate a dish that reminded you of a special place you visited this summer. Cooking it again brings back the flavors, smells, and memories of the trip.
Cook an End-of-Summer Feast with Friends
Go to a nearby farmers’ market together and buy fresh produce. Spend the day cooking, using seasonal ingredients like tomatoes, herbs, grilled fish, and fruit to create a farm-to-table end-of-summer dinner. Choose a theme, set the table, and share your favorite memories from the past three months.
Print Your Favorite Summer Photos
Choose the photos that best capture your favorite summer adventures and turn them into prints. Surprise your friends and family by mailing them copies, even if they live in the same house.
Write Down Your Favorite Summer Memories
Write about the moments and things that made you smile and sigh. Reflect on small adventures, meaningful conversations, and even a few secrets. It’s a gentle way to say goodbye to this summer chapter while keeping the memories you want to carry forward.
Plan your Next Travel Adventure
Start researching destinations, saving ideas, and dreaming about where you’ll go next.
Get Excited for Fall and All Things Autumnal
Make a list of autumn activities you’re looking forward to, like apple picking, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and Halloween. Embrace the new season, and you close out your summer with gratitude.