Cosmopolitan

The 15 Most Underrated Summer Travel Destinations in the U.S.

Time to discover them before your FYP does. 

BY KRISTY ALPERT

Summer travel can be sooo painfully predictable sometimes. You’re either blowing your vacation budget on international airfare, or laying towel-to-towel on a beach with crowds of people who came up with the same genius (🙃) vacation plan you did. Thankfully, you don’t have to pick between one or the other—because I’m here to fill you in on the fact that there are plenty of underrated destinations primed and ready to satisfy your wanderlust.

Take it from me: The U.S. is chock full of inexpensive spots with fascinating backstories and vibey hangouts just waiting to be discovered—no passport required. And because summer travel is about freedom and fun, not predictability and waiting in long lines for churros and rosé, I decided to list 15 of my favorites for you, below. You might know a few of ’em, but some might surprise you. Just trust me. I’m a travel writer, and I stand behind Every. Single. One. 

So, why not spice up your summer travels by hitting up someplace a bit more unexpected, like a party barge on the lakes of Missouri, or a remote island off the coast of Washington State? Consider this list of underrated travel ideas my gift to you, and don’t say I didn’t warn you if you end up booking your next trip before the story is over. 

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