With many Americans gearing up to travel this summer, it’s time to start thinking about which places will be the busiest.
More and more people are reporting that they are planning on traveling closer to home this year to both save on costs and also avoid the anticipated headaches that summer 2023 air travel will bring.
Luckily America has no shortage of places to visit without leaving the country, and to give you some ideas, the popular travel planning website Trips To Discover has ranked the best place to visit in each state this summer.
The list includes an ideal summer destination from each of the 50 states, meaning you can discover a new place without having to go too far, thus avoiding all the airport traffic, delays, lost baggage, and all the other stressors that come with flying nowadays.
The destinations were chosen based on a variety of factors, including the summer weather quality, the number of attractions on offer for the whole family, and the ease of access to nature and outdoor activities.
While some of the locations on the list are ones that are well-known, there are others that are more off the beaten track. Including all six of the regions within the United States, here are 6 destinations that offer a unique getaway for a summer trip.
New England: Conway, New Hampshire
If you venture into New England’s White Mountains, you can find Conway tucked into the rolling green hills.
While the area is worth a visit in any season, a trip here in the summer allows you to go tubing down the Saco River and swim in the area’s lakes.
The downtown is delightful, and you can take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad’s old-fashioned trains to take in the views. Shopping, dining, and outdoor attractions also win people over who visit.
Mid-Atlantic: Saranac Lake, New York
The Adirondack Mountains in Northern New York are one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s best places to get away and into some epic nature.
Only about four hours from Manhattan and two hours south of Montreal, this natural paradise isn’t actually as hard to reach as you might expect. The Adirondack area is home to around 3,000 lakes, with the most famous being Lake Placid.
While Lake Placid is a great destination, it tends to get crowded in the prime months, so keep going about 10 miles northwest until you find the serene Saranac Lake. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more local feel, this is the unique place to get away this summer that you have been thinking of.
The South: Beaufort, South Carolina
You can find the charming and historic waterfront town of Beaufort located only about an hour and a half’s drive from the lovely Charleston, making it a perfect day or overnight trip.
If some areas of this town might look familiar, it’s because much of Forrest Gump was filmed here.
With moss-draped trees and huge historic houses lining the streets, this is a gem tucked away for those who are lucky enough to discover.
Spend your time wandering along the streets, taking in the antebellum architecture, visiting the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, and sampling some fantastic Low-country cuisine.
The Midwest: Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If you are looking for a unique place to visit in the American midwest, Wisconsin Dells is worth consideration.
Known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”, Wisconsin Dells has more waterparks per capita than any other place in the world.
While the waterparks are a huge draw here, making this a great destination for families, there are other reasons to visit this unique destination as well. The rock formations jutting along the river make for some epic scenery, and duck tours, horse rides, canyon, and river walks are all options to help you navigate this interesting terrain.
The Southwest: Taos, New Mexico
As the only Native American community to be designated both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, Taos Pueblo is absolutely worth a visit in the Southwest.
Nicknamed “The Soul Of The Southwest”, Taos charms visitors with its many galleries, amazing rafting, local cultures, and of course, the landmark sights.
A visit here can let you explore the spiritual traditions of the region and the fine arts and unique culture.
The West: Estes Park, Colorado
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is a fantastic destination to visit, and the bonus is that you can spend your downtime in the small mountain town of Estes Park.
Enjoy your visit as you spend the days wandering downtown, fly-fishing, spotting the vast wildlife, hiking, and many other activities.
Wander the charming downtown streets and the picturesque riverwalk, and use this town as your base for exploring the National Park and surrounding area.
