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12 Underrated Summer Travel Destinations People Dismiss

Last Updated on June 11, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh

Summer fun doesn’t always mean toes in the sand. Think outside the box and add some adventure to your summer months. Imagine mountain escapes, sleeping in tree canopies, and even small towns more exciting than competing nearby metropolitan areas. There’s no better time to find an adventure than the summer. We rounded up the most underrated summer travel ideas that are too often traded for tourist traps. 

Summer Family Travel Destinations

Maybe the nostalgia of being off school or the warm weather awakes you from the long winter nap. There’s just something special about traveling during the summer. This year, you can create an unforgettable summer by indulging in these unique travel ideas. 

1. Bar Harbor, Maine

Not everybody wants a hot and humid summer. Escape to highs of 70 degrees when you plan a Bar Harbor vacation. The area’s coastal beauty shines during the summer, and it’s near Acadia National Park, which tourists visit for hiking, boating, and postcard-perfect scenery. Bar Harbor has a quiet downtown area with Main Street lined with shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and ice cream parlors. You won’t find long lines of traffic. It’s the New England dreamy summer vacation that’s almost a hidden gem. 

Bar Harbor, Maine
The Bar Harbor shops and eateries look so sweet by the water. Photo Credit: Dobbs Productions Fro Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce

2. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Let’s put a beach destination on your radar, but one outside of Florida. Cannon Beach, located in Oregon, is a beautiful destination in July or August. Tide pools fill with tiny sea creatures to study, and towering rock formations make the perfect backdrop for your next Instagram post. If you’re lucky, you might spot a migrating whale or tufted puffins nesting in their favorite spot: Haystack Rock. Lodging options include cozy inns with seaside views, and local microbreweries are the perfect way to cap off your day. 

Cannon Beach, OR
Cannon Beach has these stunning giant rocks that sit on the shore.

3. Cape May, New Jersey

Forget every preconceived notion you may have about the Jersey Shore. East Coasters may be familiar with Cape May’s extraordinary offerings, but Cape May is not exclusively theirs to enjoy. Walk the promenade for shopping and ice cream, surf the nonstop waves, or play volleyball. For a day away from the beach, climb the lighthouse or gawk at the area’s Victorian homes. The area’s heavy Italian heritage also makes it an excellent destination for food. Score big with a vacation to Cape May because it’s an underrated summer travel destination that most forget about. 

Cape May New Jersey Beach
Cape May, New Jersey has the East Coast summer vibes you’ll love.

4. Aspen, Colorado

Crowds disappear as the weather warms in Aspen. Tourists flock to this posh Colorado city for a winter wonderland, but those who leave as the weather warms are genuinely missing out. Hike through a blanket of colorful wildflowers, zip line across mountains, shop boutiques designed to pamper you, and dine at Michelan-rated restaurants. The Downtown Aspen Art Festival occurs annually in July, and the Aspen Music Festival attracts mainstream artists. Enjoy the mountain views with temperatures reaching the low 70s as a daytime high. 

Aspen Colorado mountain backdrops
The mountain backdrops of Aspen, Colorado make is an amazing summer destination.

5. Mackinac Island, Michigan

If you think you have summer island life figured out and it’s not for you, think again! Mackinac Island is a national treasure. There are no cars and no chain hotels on the island. The island is famous for horse-drawn carriages, Victorian architecture, and decadent melt-in-your-mouth fudge. The island welcomes tourists during the summer because most businesses are closed during the harsh winter months. Take the ferry to the island, stay at a cute inn or the luxurious Grand Hotel. Bike around town, discover historical landmarks or play golf. You’d never know northern Michigan was a prime spot for a summer vacation. 

The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island has an All-American summer offering.
Photo Credit: The Grand Hotel

6. The Adirondack Region of New York

Most people think of New York City when they think of The Empire State, but did you know that the largest protected area in the contiguous U.S. is located in upstate New York? It’s called the Adirondack Region. The region possesses natural wonders with over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 3,000 bodies of water (lakes and ponds), and 1,200 miles of rivers. Go camping, hike, canoe, and settle in for long days of summer fun. Both Saranac Lake and Lake Champlain are the region’s most well-known bodies of water, and they’re the perfect playground for summertime watersports. If you want to take your vacation to the next level, opt for one of the area’s glamping sites!

The Adirondack Region has beautiful mountain vistas to adore.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

If you want a big city getaway for summer, look no further than Boston. The weather is fantastic during the summer, and the city’s attractions come to life then. Baseball fans can head to Fenway Park for a game. Freedom Trail is perfect for history lovers to explore, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace will cure any food craving. The city’s numerous breweries and museums are great attractions when a rainy day hits. Boston has several summertime festivals you can plan your vacation around: the Boston Harborfest and Dragon Boat Festival.

Boston is an underrated summer travel spot

8. Fairbanks, Alaska

Known as the last stop before Northern Alaska, Fairbanks is known as the “land of the midnight sun.” It’s always sunny in the summertime because the city experiences 70 straight days of twilight. There’s a scientific explanation for this, which you can learn about during your trip, but just know you want to visit Fairbanks in the summer! Biking, hiking, and golfing occur around the clock. If you’re a gardener and love admiring other gardens, this is the perfect vacation for you. Due to this summertime sunlight phenomenon, the crops in Fairbanks dwarf their cousins in the contiguous U.S. It’s not uncommon to find a whopping 100-pound head of lettuce on display for tourists to admire!

Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska is home to some beautiful scenery during the summer months, once the snow melts.

9. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Surprisingly, Wisconsin Dells is known as the “Waterpark Capitol of the World,” and we are all about waterparks for the summer months. There’s always fun to find with the numerous water venues scattered around Wisconsin Dells. Noah’s Ark Waterpark is the largest outdoor water park in the country, and Wilderness Resort has four indoor and four outdoor water parks on top of a place to rest your head. If you want a break from the water, animal lovers will enjoy stopping at Timbavati Wildlife Park, where you can find tigers and sloths. Some might scoff at a trip to the MidWest for summer, but it’s an underrated summer travel spot you’ve got to visit.

Wisconsin Dells Summer
Wisconsin Dells is your summer MidWest family destination! Photo Credit: Visit Wisconsin Dells

10. Jackson Hole, Wyoming 

Jackson Hole is a good option if you’re craving a trip off the grid. I think Jackson Hole is an underrated summer travel spot because everyone thinks of visiting during the winter months. This Wyoming resort town sits at the foot of the Grand Tetons, which means easy access to Grand Teton National Park. Hike the park’s trails, head to Snake River Brewery (Wyoming’s oldest brewery) for a drink, or enjoy the ski resorts open all year long. Elk, bears, and deer are standard on the outskirts of Jackson Hole. Shutterbugs will love the animal photography amongst the mountain backdrops. Plan an excursion and enjoy the city’s nightlife at an old-timey saloon. 

Jackson Hole Wyoming is a great underrated summer travel spot
Connect with nature in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and see the Grand Tetons.

11. Hershey, Pennsylvania

You might think a trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, is a cheesy summer destination, but you’re mistaken. It’s a chocolate one! The town is aptly named after chocolate company founder Milton S. Hershey, and it’s home to Hersheypark. The park features a variety of family-friendly rides, coasters, a water park, a zoo, and countless ways to enjoy chocolate. Summer months bring plenty of color to Hershey Gardens, and the Hershey Story Museum is great for history buffs. Stay on the property to take advantage of special vacation packages. Of all the kid-friendly summer vacations you can think of, Hershey is the sweetest!

Hersheypark, Pennsylvania
Hersheypark has so much family fun to offer.

12. Williamsburg, Virginia

Travel back in time, with the help of living history, and experience summer fun amongst our country’s Founding Fathers (Or at least amongst talented actors portraying historic roles). Williamsburg is most famous for its Colonial Williamsburg attraction, the largest living history museum in the world. Kids can learn during the summer months without stepping foot in a classroom. History isn’t the only attraction in the city of Williamsburg. Experience thrills at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, catch a magic show, or sign up for a Segway tour. 

historic sites of Williamsburg virginia
Step back in time with the Jamestown Settlement in Williamsburg, VA.
Photo Credit: Visit Williamsburg

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