13 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas in the US for 2024
When summer rolls around, popular destinations like Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Miami often top travel lists. However, the United States is brimming with lesser-known gems that offer unique experiences without the crowds.
While my daughter and I love traveling to these places, we often like to discover “hidden gems” around the United States too.
So if you’re also looking to discover new places and create unforgettable memories, consider these ten underrated summer travel ideas in the US. You won’t be disappointed!
1. Door County, Wisconsin: Summer Destinations
Known as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County offers charming small towns, beautiful beaches, and scenic state parks. Explore the peninsula’s 300 miles of shoreline, visit the historic lighthouses, and enjoy a fish boil dinner, a local tradition. Don’t miss Peninsula State Park for hiking, biking, and stunning views of Green Bay.
Door County is the perfect place for a family vacation with plenty to choose from. Spend a few nights here to fully experience the petting zoo, boat rides, and fun water activities. Or go for a couples getaway! Door County is known for its cherry orchards and special cherry wine. Check out the numerous wineries for wine tastings.
Our favorite was Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market where you can buy any cherry product imaginable, but also spend time on their back patio having a wine tasting and even doing a cherry pit spitting contest! The kids will love that one.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and outdoor activities. Visit the Biltmore Estate, hike the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, and enjoy the city’s eclectic food and craft beer scene. Asheville’s laid-back vibe and stunning natural surroundings make it a perfect summer escape.
If you love the outdoors and recreation areas, then Asheville would be a perfect choice. Many accommodations in Asheville feature floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We particularly loved that the Blueridge Mountains were so expansive, that you could spend a day or two just discovering its many trails and waterfalls scattered throughout the area.
Downtown Asheville not only has plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from but also has live music in some of its many parks during the summer months.
3. Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes region is a hidden gem known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and award-winning wineries. Spend your days exploring the area’s eleven glacial lakes, visiting wineries along the wine trails, and hiking in Watkins Glen State Park. The region’s serene beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal summer getaway.
The Finger Lakes also boasts plenty of waterfalls you can easily hike to. My daughter isn’t a huge fan of hiking, but if it goes to a pretty waterfall… she’s there! The scenery in the Finger Lakes is some of the prettiest we’ve ever seen on our travels.
Wineries are also very popular here as are the many Breweries and restaurants to choose from. Either way, there’s something for every member of the family in the Finger Lakes.
4. Taos, New Mexico
Taos offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Explore the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the artistic spirit of Taos in its numerous galleries and museums.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Rio Grande Gorge and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide excellent hiking, biking, and rafting opportunities. You may think you’re in the middle of the southwest desert, but Toas is home to some pretty cool rivers and rafting is always a ton of fun!
While Taos doesn’t experience the midnight sun, its long summer days provide ample time to explore its unique attractions. If you’re just looking to explore some areas that are new and unique, then give Toas a chance. The Southwest vibe is something I think every person needs to explore once!
5. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Step back in time to Mackinac Island, where cars are banned, and horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation. This charming island offers beautiful Victorian architecture, lush gardens, and stunning views of Lake Huron.
Visit Fort Mackinac, explore the island’s scenic trails, and indulge in the island’s famous fudge.
Mackinac Island was a favorite travel destination when I was a kid and I loved being able to share this with my daughter. Being an island, there are plenty of water activities to choose from. But the island itself is a fun place to rent some bikes and go off exploring on your own too.
6. Bend, Oregon: Mountain Biking
Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with its stunning landscapes and endless recreational opportunities. While Bend is known for its outdoor activities, nearby lakes also offer opportunities for scuba diving. Float down the Deschutes River, hike in the nearby Cascade Mountains, or explore the lava tubes at Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Bend’s vibrant downtown offers excellent dining, shopping, and a thriving craft beer scene which makes it a popular place to go to in the summer months. But you’ll still find the outdoors nice and cool and thriving with trails and things to do all summer long.
7. St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine is rich in history and charm. Wander through the cobblestone streets, visit the Castillo de San Marcos, and explore the historic district’s shops and restaurants. St. Augustine’s beautiful beaches and warm weather make it a perfect summer destination.
So if you’re kids are begging for some time on the beach like mine does, St. Augustine is one of the top summer destinations in Florida. It’s more affordable and easy to get to than Key West, but just as beautiful.
8. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Discover the surreal landscape of Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. Hike up the dunes, sandboard down their slopes, and splash in Medano Creek. The park’s unique landscape and stunning night skies make it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Being an easy drive from Arizona, we love visiting Colorado and the Grand Sand Dunes National Park was a memorable experience. Where else can you sandboard down dunes of sand? There’s even lots of camping in the area for the more adventurous spirits!
9. Galena, Illinois
Galena is a charming town known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and picturesque setting along the Mississippi River. Explore the historic Main Street, visit the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, golfing, and hot air ballooning. Galena’s quaint charm and scenic beauty make it a delightful summer escape.
While most people probably never even heard of this town, Galena was a fun little gem to do some exploring in an area that isn’t overpopulated but tourists.
10. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem offering breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor adventures. Hike through wildflower-filled meadows, kayak on pristine alpine lakes, and enjoy the park’s remote and tranquil atmosphere.
The North Cascades’ rugged beauty and diverse wildlife make it a perfect summer destination for nature enthusiasts.
So if you are a National Park enthusiast like I am, go check out North Cascades National Park. It’s way less crowded in the summer months yet just as beautiful as places like the Grand Tetons or Yosemite.
11. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Discover the serene beauty and water-based adventures in this remote national park.
Voyageurs National Park is a hidden gem in Minnesota, offering a serene and peaceful summer vacation experience. Located in the northern part of the state, the park is only accessible by boat or seaplane, making it a truly remote and untouched destination. The park’s name “Voyageurs” comes from the French word for “travelers,” which refers to the French-Canadian fur traders who explored the area in the 18th century.
During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities, including boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The park’s numerous lakes and waterways offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the park’s scenic hiking trails and stunning natural beauty make it an ideal summer vacation spot.
Visitors to the park can stay in one of the many campsites or rent a houseboat to explore the park’s waterways. The park’s visitor center offers a variety of educational programs and activities, including guided boat tours and nature walks.
Overall, Voyageurs National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a serene and peaceful summer vacation experience. Its stunning natural beauty, remote location, and variety of outdoor activities make it an ideal summer getaway.
12. San Juan Islands, Washington
Experience a tranquil island getaway with stunning landscapes and wildlife.
The San Juan Islands in Washington state are a tranquil and picturesque destination for a summer vacation. Located off the coast of Seattle, the islands are accessible by ferry or plane and offer a relaxing and peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The San Juan Islands are known for their stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, scenic coastlines, and picturesque villages. Visitors can explore the islands by bike or car, taking in the breathtaking views and enjoying the local wildlife, including whales, seals, and eagles.
One of the best ways to experience the San Juan Islands is by staying in a boutique hotel or bed and breakfast. Many of the islands’ accommodations offer stunning views of the surrounding waters and landscapes, as well as delicious food and drink options.
Visitors to the San Juan Islands can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including kayaking, whale watching, and hiking. The islands are also home to a number of art galleries, museums, and cultural attractions, making them a great destination for those interested in history and culture.
Overall, the San Juan Islands are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a tranquil and peaceful summer vacation experience. Their stunning natural beauty, delicious food and drink options, and variety of outdoor activities make them an ideal summer getaway.
13. Ancient Ruins in the American Southwest
Uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations and explore breathtaking ruins.
The American Southwest is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient ruins in the world. From the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde to the sprawling city of Chaco Canyon, these ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region.
One of the most famous ancient ruins in the American Southwest is Mesa Verde, located in Colorado. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 5,000 known archaeological sites, including the famous Cliff Palace, which is the largest and most well-preserved cliff dwelling in North America.
Another must-visit destination is Chaco Canyon, located in New Mexico. This ancient city was once the center of a vast trade network that stretched from Mexico to California, and its ruins offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who built it.
Visitors to the American Southwest can also explore the ancient ruins of Canyon de Chelly, located in Arizona. This Navajo Tribal Trust Land is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient ruins in the region, including the famous White House Ruin.
In addition to exploring the ancient ruins, visitors to the American Southwest can also experience the region’s stunning natural beauty, including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and the red rock formations of Sedona.
Visitors can stay in a variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to camping sites, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and fly fishing. The region is also home to a number of delicious food and drink options, including traditional Native American cuisine and craft beer.
Overall, the ancient ruins of the American Southwest are a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable summer vacation experience. Their stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and well-preserved ruins make them an ideal summer getaway.
Tips for Exploring Underrated Summer Travel Destinations
- Plan Ahead: Even underrated destinations can get busy during peak travel seasons. Book accommodations and activities in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
- Embrace Local Culture: Take the time to learn about the local history, culture, and traditions. Engage with locals, try regional cuisine, and participate in cultural events.
- Stay Flexible: Be open to spontaneous adventures and changes in your itinerary. Some of the best travel experiences come from unexpected discoveries.
- Travel Responsibly: Respect the environment and local communities. Follow sustainable travel practices to ensure these hidden gems remain pristine for future travelers.
Exploring underrated destinations can lead to some of the most memorable travel experiences. These hidden gems offer a chance to escape the crowds and discover something truly unique and authentic. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the road less traveled this summer!
Have you traveled to any underrated summer places? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below!
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