Summer vacations are on the way and are the best time for adventures, sunshine, and making memories. But when you sit to plan good summer vacation spots in the US, they might look expensive to you or they are crowded. So today we are with some underrated summer travel ideas in the USA that you can explore with your friends and family.
While popular destinations like beaches and theme parks often steal the spotlight. But there is a whole world of underrated gems waiting to be discovered across the United States. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, here are some fantastic and often overlooked summer travel ideas that you can consider for your next travel.
Underrated Summer Travel Ideas In The USA
Whether you are planning a trip with your friends, family, or kids, do not forget these underrated summer locations this year. Despite worth visiting once in a lifetime, they are unseen by many. Here is a list of some underrated summer places to visit in the USA.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is fun to visit during summer. This place offers you plenty of activities to explore with your travel partner. If you are an adventurous lover then you can explore some popular hiking trails including Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock. You can also think to explore the rugged terrain and get up close to Sedona’s famous red rocks.
Sedona is also famous for its art galleries, so you can also take some time to explore them. Trust me it is one of the great summer vacation spots in the USA. Don’t forget to explore some shopping places in the downtown area.
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado and the tallest sand dunes in North America. You can plan a family trip to this park for a minimum of a three-day stay. Visitors can hike on the dunes, sled, or sandboard down the sandy slopes, and splash in Medano Creek (seasonal). Also, you should not forget to explore the diverse ecosystems including grasslands and wetlands, and stargaze in the clear night skies.
This is one of the most underrated summer travel ideas but trust me it is a budget-friendly place to visit during summer vacations.
3. Block Island, Rhode Islan
Block Island is a beautiful destination, especially during the summer months. If you are a beach lover then you can explore the popular beaches including Crescent Beach, Ballard’s Beach, and Mansion Beach. The visitors can rent a bike to explore the island’s scenic trails which is a perfect place to enjoy bike rides with coastal views and rolling hills.
At this underrated travel destination USA, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and visit the local farms.
4. Finger Lakes, New York: Underrated Summer Travel Ideas
When we are discussing some amazing worthy travel ideas, then we can’t skip talking about the Finger Lakes. If you are planning a trip with your friends or with your partner, then you should explore a number of wineries at this destination.
Also, you can explore different cultural events, and sporting events and can enjoy hiking activities with beautiful waterfalls. This place is worth visiting during the summers.
Related Post:Â Top 13 Most Romantic Places on Earth
5. Black Hills, South Dakota
During this summer vacation, try to skip Mount Rushmore and try to explore the rest of the activities at black hills. You can visit the iconic monument and marvel at the colossal sculptures of four U.S. presidents or you can spend a day exploring the scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation at Custer State Park.
If you are planning a visit in August then you should not miss the exciting Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is quite popular around the world.
6. San Juan Islands, Washington
San Juan Island is one of the most underrated vacation spot in the USA. In the months of summer, the San Juan Islands offer you a wonderful blend of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and coastal charm. You can explore the scenic coastline and tranquil waters of the San Juan Islands by kayak, enjoy challenging hikes with panoramic views, or rent a bike and explore the islands at your own pace.
If you wine lover then you should not miss the locally produced wines at wineries and tasting rooms on Orcas Island and San Juan Island. In short, this place is a good summer vacation sport in the US.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the amazing and underrated summer travel ideas. This beautiful park is located on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine. During the summer months, tourists can explore the beautiful scenic drives along Park Loop Road or hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset views. The sunset views of this national park are a must to capture while holding hands with your partner.
You can also explore historic sites like Jordan Pond House, go biking on carriage roads, and take boat tours to view coastal scenery and wildlife. Also don’t forget to enjoy the iconic mountain views to make your visit more memorable.
8. Asheville, North Carolina
This beautiful park is located on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine. During the summer months, tourists can explore the beautiful scenic drives along Park Loop Road or hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise or sunset views. The sunset views of this national park are a must to capture while holding hands with your partner.
You can also explore historic sites like Jordan Pond House, go biking on carriage roads, and take boat tours to view coastal scenery and wildlife. Also don’t forget to enjoy the iconic mountain views to make your visit more memorable.
Related Post: Best Places to Visit in the USA in July
9. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Summer season is the best time to explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada. Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake which is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and lies among the underrated summer travel ideas. This is known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning alpine scenery.
Visitors can enjoy the less crowded beaches like Sand Harbor or Zephyr Cove. they can explore hiking or mountain bikes on trails in the surrounding mountains, enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and parasailing, and can also explore some charming lakeside towns like South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City. This is a worth visiting sport during the summer vacations.
10. White Sands National Park, New Mexico
You can make a plan to visit the most amazing white sands park. This park is popular for its natural beauty and gypsum dunes spread over 275 square miles. This is more like a dream place for the visitors. Once you reach here. You should explore the amazing Dunes Drive to enjoy the stunning views of white sand all around.
Visitors can enjoy a number of activities at this place including Stargazing and shopping at the gift shops. You should not skip hiking at the ALKALI FLAT TRAIL, as it is one of the most amazing activities to enjoy at this park. You can also enjoy backcountry camping here to make your visit more memorable and exciting.
11. Mackinac Island, Michigan
I personally found Mackinac Island among the most underrated summer travel ideas. This island offers you budget-friendly stays in the world’s largest Porch. You will find this place as the home of the historic Fort Mackinac and can enjoy the world-famous fudge.
If you are looking for a relaxing vacation from your daily hustles, then this car-free island is the perfect destination for you. Visitors can enjoy different hiking activities on the trails, bike riding around the island, horse cartridges, and many other relaxing activities. Visiting on this island will take you back to the past time and this will make you so relaxed and refreshed.
12. Vail, Colorado
Vail is among the great summer vacation spot and also among the most underrated summer travel place in the USA. This small town situated at the base of Vail Mountain offers you various relaxing and enjoyable activities to explore during this summer. This place is famous for skiing and snowboarding but the iconic GoPro Mountain Games in the month of June has also become a major attraction for the summer tourists.
Visitors should not miss the beautiful trails including Meadows Loop Trail, Strawberry Lane Trail, Ptarmigan Loop, and Sunlight Trail, and enjoy the panoramic views. These trails will connect you with nature and will make your journey refreshed.
Also read:Â Best tips for Mother Daughter trips on a budget
13. Savannah, Georgia
Looking more into some underrated summer travel ideas?, you can also plan a trip to Savannah, Georgia. This charming city is known for its well-preserved historic district, cobblestone streets, and antebellum architecture. You can sit along the banks of the Savannah River to feel nature.
March to July is the perfect time for visitors to explore the beauty and flower blossoms of the city. Visitors can take guided walking tours to learn more about the history of the city and explore historic squares and landmarks like Forsyth Park and Bonaventure Cemetery. You should enjoy riverboat cruises, and savor Southern cuisine at local restaurants.
14. Rapid City, Dakota
Rapid city is the second largest city in the South Dakota and amazing underrated place to travel in the summer. It is popularly known as the gateway to the black hills and city of presidents. With the large number of national parks (Badlands national parks) and state parks (Custer state park), this location is fun and worth visiting this summer.
If you want a whole day to spend here, you can explore the large number of beautiful and adventurous locations that are underrated in the USA. Journey museum, art alley, Dahl arts, main city square, bear country USA, etc are the biggest attractions.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
when looking for underrated summer travel ideas in the USA, what could be better than the water activities. Lake of the Ozarks is exactly what it offers and have the shoreline of more than 1100 miles! This place is the best known for water activities and boat life while exploring the Missouri. You can also rent a party barge while enjoying the stunning view of the Ozark.
Apart from the enjoying the Ozark lake this summer, you can also explore breathtaking places nearby. Some of these places include Bridal cave, Bagnell dam, water park, Ha Ha Tonka state park, etc.
Conclusion
These are the most underrated summer travel ideas that you should explore this summer. A few of them are our personal recommendations that you can think of visiting with your family and friends. Vacations are the time to relax so you should look for less crowded and relaxing places. The above-mentioned places will connect you with nature and you will feel relaxed after your vacations.
I really hope that these descriptions will give you a good overview of each destination and the activities you can enjoy there during the summer months. Let me know if you’d like more information on any specific place!
Also read:Â 46 Budget-Friendly Date Ideas for Couples
