Summer is for the girls. The days are longer, the sun is warmer, we get to put on cute sundresses, and there’s an irresistible buzz in the air. It’s the perfect time to ditch your routine, embrace spontaneity, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To help you make the most of this glorious season, we’ve compiled the ultimate summer bucket list – 110 unique ideas to fuel your adventures and satisfy your wanderlust. Whether you crave outdoor thrills, refreshing treats, creative pursuits, or a touch of magic, this list has something for all the girlies.
So, grab your sunglasses, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to make this summer truly unforgettable with our summer bucket list ideas!
Ready for your hot girl summer bucket list? From getting out in nature, to celebrating endless days with pals, to recharging and focusing on mental health, there’s so many fun things to do in summer.
Outdoor Adventures:
- Go for a hike and explore a new trail at a local national park (we love California national parks!)
- Wander through a massive field of sunflowers and take tons of photos with the girls!
- Go whitewater rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
- Have an aesthetic picnic in the park with the girls at a local park.
- Go stargazing on a clear night.
- Take a dip in a lake, river, or ocean.
- Camp under the stars (backyard camping counts too!).
- Build a bonfire and roast marshmallows.
- Go for a bike ride on a scenic route.
- Go kayaking or canoeing on a calm lake.
- Learn to surf or bodyboard at the beach.
- Go on a geocaching adventure.
- Visit a local farmer’s market and stock up on fresh produce.
- Attend an outdoor concert or festival, there are so many on our summer list!
- Go for a morning jog and enjoy the sunrise.
- Play frisbee or catch in the park.
- Volunteer your time at a local community garden.
- Have a backyard campout and tell spooky stories.
- Go whitewater rafting for an adrenaline rush.
- Take a scenic boat tour and explore the coastline.
- Go on a California road trip down Hwy 1.
Astrology and Witchy Things:
- Celebrate the summer solstice with a bonfire and rituals to honor the sun’s power. (Many European countries have traditions around this, like Midsummer in Sweden with maypoles and flower crowns.)
- Hold a full moon ritual to cleanse your energy and set intentions for the month.
- Go on a crystal collecting hike and learn about the healing properties of different stones.
- Learn how to read tarot cards and gain insights into your summer adventures.
- Learn about the folklore and myths associated with the summer solstice.
- Host a stargazing party and learn the constellations and their astrological meanings. There’s so many fun things to learn with astrology!
Food and Drinks:
- Make homemade ice cream and enjoy it on a hot day.
- Have a barbecue with all your favorite grilled foods.
- Try a new recipe for refreshing summer cocktails.
- Set up a lemonade stand and sell cool drinks to your neighbors.
- Have a s’mores night and roast marshmallows over a fire.
- Make popsicles from your favorite juices and fruits. Pro tip: stick them in a glass of white wine for a spritzer!
- Have a progressive dinner party with friends at different houses.
- Visit a local ice cream shop and try a unique flavor.
- Learn how to grill the perfect steak.
- Host a potluck with a specific summer theme (e.g., tropical fruits).
- Go on a wine tasting tour at a local vineyard.
- Take a refreshing dip in a pool on a hot afternoon and then relax all day. This is always on our summer to do list!
Unique Experiences:
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley wine region (and then make summer plans to wine taste after!)
- Learn to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
- Attend the Eurovision Song Contest (usually mid-May!)
- Celebrate the rich culture of the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco
- Travel to Pamplona, Spain for the thrilling Running of the Bulls festival
- Go on a wine tasting tour in California to sample all the best California Pinot.
- Watch the sunset at 11pm in Stockholm in June.
Relaxation and Fun:
- Read a cozy book under the shade of a tree.
- Learn a new skill you’ve always wanted to try.
- Take a long nap in a hammock on a breezy day.
- Have a movie marathon with your favorite summer films.
- Go stargazing and try to identify constellations.
- Spend a day at the beach soaking up the sun.
- Have a spa day at home and pamper yourself.
- Take a relaxing yoga class outdoors.
- Binge-watch a new TV series you’ve been wanting to see.
- Go on a shopping spree and update your summer wardrobe.
- Learn to play a new musical instrument.
- Write in a journal and reflect on your summer experiences.
- Take a relaxing bubble bath with a refreshing drink.
- Learn how to meditate and find your inner peace.
- Do a digital detox and disconnect from technology for a day.
Creative Activities:
- Paint a summer landscape outdoors (en plein air).
- Build a sandcastle masterpiece at the beach.
- Take a pottery class and create your own summer-themed mug.
- Write a short story or poem inspired by the summer season.
- Learn how to do calligraphy and write inspirational summer quotes.
- Design and tie-dye your own summer t-shirt.
- Start a summer scrapbook filled with memories and photos.
- Learn how to knit or crochet and make a summer scarf.
- Take a photography class and capture the beauty of summer.
- Learn how to play a new board game with friends.
Learning and Volunteering:
- Take a summer class and learn something new.
- Visit a local museum or art gallery.
- Attend a lecture or workshop on a topic you’re interested in.
- Learn how to identify different types of wildflowers.
- Volunteer at an animal shelter and walk some adorable dogs.
- Help clean up a local park or beach.
- Donate blood and help those in need.
- Learn how to grow your own vegetables in a garden.
- Take a dance class and learn a new style like salsa or hip-hop.
- Volunteer your time at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.
Summer Festivals:
- Attend a music festival and discover new bands.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a street food festival.
- Celebrate cultural diversity at an international folk festival.
- Enjoy live art demonstrations and performances at an art festival.
- Learn about local history at a historical reenactment festival.
- Sample craft beers and support local breweries at a beer festival.
- Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at a Pride festival.
- Enjoy live music, theater, and dance performances at a performing arts festival.
- Watch classic and independent films at a film festival.
- Explore local agriculture and enjoy live music at a harvest festival.
Family Fun:
- Go bowling with your family for a fun afternoon if you need to cool off from the hot days.
- Build a blanket fort and have a movie night indoors.
- Have a water balloon fight in the backyard with the kids. Such a fun summer activity!
- Have a watermelon seed spitting contest in the back yard.
- Built an epic outdoor movie night set up in your yard.
- Attend a free summer movie night in the park.
- Visit a zoo or aquarium and learn about amazing animals.
- Go miniature golfing for a little friendly competition.
- Spend a day at an amusement park and ride all the roller coasters.
- Have a water gun battle in the sprinklers with the kids.
- Visit a children’s museum and explore interactive exhibits.
- Go on a scavenger hunt around your neighborhood.
- Build a sandcastle masterpiece at the beach with your family. Make sure to take a family photo!
Nightlife and Entertainment:
- Go bar hopping and explore the city’s nightlife scene.
- Have a karaoke night with friends and sing your hearts out.
- See a comedy show and laugh the night away.
- Go watch a baseball game or another outdoor sporting event.
- Attend a live theater performance and be transported to another world.
- See a concert by your favorite band and dance the night away.
- Go stargazing at a public observatory with a telescope.
- Plan a game night with friends and classic board games. Better yet, turn these into outdoor games in your yard or just around a table under the sun!
- Watch fireworks on the Fourth of July or another celebratory night.
- Rent a paddleboat and enjoy a romantic evening on the lake.
So there you have it – 100+ incredible ideas to make your summer bucket list pop! With this diverse range of activities, you can tailor your own summer bucket list to your unique interests and create experiences that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and full of joy. Remember, summer is fleeting, so don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, embrace new adventures, and capture the magic of the season.
What are some must-haves on your summer bucket list? Share your ideas in the comments below and inspire others to make the most of this beautiful time of year!
