When summer rolls around, visions of crowded beaches, overpriced hotels, and tourist traps might have you dreading your vacation before it even starts. But what if we told you there are off-the-beaten-path destinations that offer all the relaxation and adventure of a blockbuster getaway without the maddening crowds? From charming small towns to outdoor wonderlands, these 15 underrated summer escapes are about to blow your mind. Get ready to ditch the fanny packs and souvenir shops for an incredible experience you’ll be raving about for years.
1. Charlevoix, Quebec
Nestled along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, Charlevoix is a delightful French-Canadian destination that lets you experience modern Quebec’s distinct culture and cuisine. This quaint village with colorfully painted homes will charm you from the moment you arrive. Stroll the pedestrian-friendly downtown to browse art galleries and boutiques or sample poutine, crepes, and other regional delicacies at sidewalk cafes. Driving through the countryside, with its historic churches and rolling farmland, is scenic. At night, relax at an auberge (country inn) or look for whales offshore during a sunset cruise. Go whale-watching in Charlevoix, Montreal, for two days here.
2. Marquette, Michigan
This unassuming Lake Superior town offers big outdoor adventure in a forested, waterfront setting. In summer, Marquette is a playground for hikers, rock climbers, mountain bikers, kayakers and more. Easy access to slopes, cliffs, and miles of scenic trails make it a mecca for adrenaline junkies. Embrace your inner daredevil by cliff jumping at Presque Isle Park’s blackrocks or paddling the turquoise waters that give this region its “Caribbean of the North” nickname. Downtown, examine Native American artifacts at the museum or relax over a brew from one of Marquette’s craft breweries. Enjoy a private Lake Michigan sailing charter and Chicago sightseeing here.
3. Whitefish, Montana
At the edge of Glacier National Park, idyllic Whitefish provides the perfect base for exploring one of America’s crown jewels, the wilderness. After gearing up at the town’s outdoorsy shops, set out for adventures like hiking up to peaceful alpine lakes, horseback riding through wildflower meadows, or driving the famous Going-to-the-Sun-Road. Summer is the best time for spotting Glacier’s diverse wildlife, including grizzlies, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. In town, dine on seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, sip Montana wines, and bask in the laidback Western ambiance of this Rocky Mountain gem. See Montana’s beauty on a Whitefish Lake boat ride here.
4. Salida, Colorado
If you dream of playing among the towering Rockies and whitewater rapids, make this your destination. Salida’s location along the Arkansas River makes it heaven for whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and river tubing. When you need a break from rapids, hike sections of the Colorado Trail and Collegiate Peaks for incredible mountain scenery. The free-spirited atmosphere of this funky little town will have you feeling like a modern-day mountain man. Unwind with live music at a local brewery or check out the contemporary art scene. Reserve a personalized morning tour of Rocky Mountain National Park here.
5. Greenport, New York
For a sophisticated seaside getaway without the Hamptons’ glitz and crowds, head to Greenport. This posh yet low-key village on Long Island’s North Fork provides the perfect escape with its relaxed pace, pristine beaches, and boating culture. Tour the region’s scenic vineyards and craft breweries while enjoying lots of New England charm. Spend lazy days relaxing on the white sand or sailing the calm waters. Downtown’s elegant inns, upscale boutiques, and classy dining scene offer all the summertime luxuries you’d expect from an East Coast hideaway. Explore hidden catacombs and off-the-beaten-path spots here.
6. Sandpoint, Idaho
Welcome to your own little slice of Pacific Northwest paradise. With its pristine forests, glittering lakes, and mountain backdrop, this Idaho panhandle town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Rent a boat or kayak to peacefully paddle glacier-carved Lake Pend Oreille or embark on hiking and mountain biking excursions in their backyard wilderness terrain. Downtown Sandpoint boasts a lively arts scene with galleries, music venues, and shops housed in historical brick buildings lining the beach town’s charming streets. Check out the Sandpoint activities here!
7. Solvang, California
Iconic scenery and a taste of Europe await in this little “Danish Capital of America.” The town’s windmills, traditional architecture, and bakeries will instantly transport you to northern Europe. Spend your days wandering the walkable village, browsing boutiques and museums, or sipping imported lagers at authentic beer gardens. Then travel the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley to bask in California’s winery paradise. Enjoy wine tastings at picturesque vineyards backed by rolling hills and split oak trees. For breathtaking coastal panoramas, cruise over to the nearby town of Solvang for a hike in the golden-hued Santa Ynez Mountains. Check out the Solvang activities here.
8. Camden, Maine
With its idyllic harbor, diverse cultural attractions, and endless fresh seafood, Camden is summer in New England personified. For stunning sights, climb to the top of Mt. Battie for sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and its soaring granite islands. Then get up-close and personal with nature in Acadia National Park, just an hour’s drive away. Back in Camden, check out the town’s proud seafaring heritage at windjammer exhibits and galleries. You’ll also find an abundance of hiking trails weaving past lighthouses, beaches, and peaceful nature preserves. Find all the things to do in Camden right here!
9. Put-in-Bay, Ohio
This enticing little island on Lake Erie offers adventures both modern and historical. For starters, Put-in-Bay’s role in the War of 1812 provides endless opportunities to explore its military significance at forts, battlefields, and museums. But the big draw nowadays is Put-in-Bay’s lively tourism scene. Go zipping around in a colorful golf cart, sampling wines at island vineyards, partying at waterfront bars and clubs, or parasailing over the lake’s sparkling blue waters. At night, relax at one of the quaint bed-and-breakfasts, then wake up to gorgeous island sunrises. Check out the Put-in-Bay activities here.
10. Nederland, Colorado
Looking for an authentic mountain town removed from tourist traps? Nederland is a magical hamlet almost frozen in the 1960s counterculture era. Traveling to this unique spot nestled in Roosevelt National Forest is like journeying back to a simpler, groovier time. Catch a show at the sister-run Caribou Ranch recording studio, where legends like John Lennon and Elton John created albums. Explore the town’s funky shopping and embrace its particularly pungent alternative culture at one of the Brewgrass events, pairing craft beers with bluegrass bands. And of course, you’ll have easy access to endless hiking, climbing, and mountain biking in the surrounding Rocky Mountain wilderness. Book Nederland activities here.
11. Sierra Vista, Arizona
While Arizona is famous for its red rocks and deserts, the small city of Sierra Vista opens the doors to a different side of the state’s beauty: sweeping grasslands, forested mountain ranges, and thriving wildlife. Spot black bears, deer, and coatimundi in the Huachuca Mountains or take a scenic drive through Sierra Vista’s famous vineyards and former Wild West mining towns. Cool off underground in breathtaking caverns formed by volcanic forces millions of years ago. To soak in the full Arizona experience, experience the town’s burgeoning food, wine, and art scenes, or learn about Apache history and culture from the indigenous residents. Book Sierra Vista activities here.
12. Rockport, Massachusetts
You’ll feel like you've walked into a classic New England painting in Rockport, a seaside village defined by its picturesque harbors, islands, and red-roofed cottages. Summer days are best spent exploring the town’s coastal vistas, scenic lighthouses, and working harbors. Hike the trails at Halibut Point State Park, stopping to comb the rocky beaches for sea glass and other treasures. Then browse art galleries or take in an outdoor summer concert on Rockport’s historic Main Street. Evenings belong to wandering through narrow colonial lanes or savoring fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant as the light slips over the Atlantic. Check out the Rockport activities here.
13. Grand Marais, Minnesota
In this remote area, you’ll finally experience the dramatic cliffs, cobalt waters, and pristine boreal forests that give northern Minnesota its wild, untamed character. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic wildlife like moose, bald eagles, and black bears roaming their natural habitat. At night, relax around a campfire under a star-studded sky or check out Grand Marais’ quirky local theater scene. Click here to find out what you can do in Grand Marais.
14. Galena, Illinois
Step back in time to the 1800s in this remarkably preserved Midwestern town. Galena’s reputation as one of the best examples of ornate 19th-century architecture in the country is well earned. Admire the impeccably maintained mansions, churches, and storefronts lining its historic main streets. The town’s rich history as an industrial shipping port along the Mississippi and boomtown for mineral mining attracted visitors like Ulysses S. Grant and Abraham Lincoln. Today, you can explore museums, homes, and buildings associated with these legendary figures. An added bonus? Galena’s location in Illinois’ rolling hill country provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor exploration. Check out the Galena activities here.
15. Denali National Park, Alaska
For the ultimate getaway from the crowds, there’s no greater escape than Alaska’s wild frontier. Vast, untamed, and utterly spectacular, Denali is a summer paradise, offering a glimpse into America’s last true wilderness. While most visitors experience it through bus tours, hiking is the best way to immerse yourself in Denali’s grandeur. Follow grizzly trails through otherworldly landscapes of tundra, braided rivers, and jagged summits towering overhead. Keep an eye out for caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and, of course, the iconic grizzlies roaming these remote lands. For a multi-day adventure, challenge yourself by scaling Denali’s climbing routes or taking a guided backpacking trip into the backcountry to sleep under the midnight sun. Click here to find out what you can do in Denali National Park.
Conclusion
There you have it: 15 summer getaway spots that trade crowded attractions for incredible scenery, outdoor adventures, and relaxed small-town charm. From coastal escapes to mountain wonderlands, each proves you don’t have to fight hordes of tourists to experience summer in an epic way. Now get out there and escape the beaten path!
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