Skip the Expensive Flights: Where to Travel in the U.S. This Summer

With flight prices soaring this year, many of us are looking for local destinations that are both unique and easy to reach. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice adventure or cool factor to stay closer to home. We’ve rounded up some of the best (and surprisingly accessible) places across the country where you can enjoy unforgettable experiences without blowing a ton of budget just on getting there. From mountain escapes to cultural hotspots, here are our suggestions for your summer vacation.

Boise, Idaho: A surprising mix of outdoor adventure, indie culture, and family-friendly charm.

• Float the Boise River or bike the scenic Greenbelt trail.
• Explore the interactive Discovery Center of Idaho (great for kids).
• Take a day trip to hot springs or hike Camel’s Back Park.
• Fun, walkable downtown with great food and indie shops.

Greenville, South Carolina: A walkable, artsy southern town with waterfalls, parks, and a buzzing food scene.

• Stroll Falls Park on the Reedy with its gorgeous suspension bridge.
• Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail (perfect for families).
• Explore local art galleries and kid-friendly museums.
• Growing food scene with lots of affordable spots.

Eugene, Oregon: A laid-back, outdoorsy college town with river trails, markets, and nearby hiking.

• Visit the Science Factory or ride bikes along the Willamette River.
• Hike to waterfalls in nearby Spencer Butte or Sweet Creek Falls.
• Explore the Saturday Market (crafts, food, live music).
• Less touristy than Portland, but still cool and creative.

Traverse City, Michigan: Lakeside beauty with beaches, wineries, and access to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

• Spend a day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
• Pick cherries or visit local farms in summer.
• Explore Grand Traverse Bay by kayak or paddleboard.
• Cute downtown, mini golf, and local ice cream for kids.

Sedona, Arizona: Stunning red rock landscapes, hiking, and a wellness vibe.

• Hike Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock on easy-to-moderate trails.
• Take a Jeep tour through Sedona’s iconic red rock landscapes.
• Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built dramatically into a cliff.
• Go stargazing in this certified Dark Sky Community.
• Relax with a picnic along Oak Creek.

Portland, Maine: East Coast charm with lighthouses, lobster rolls, and a fantastic food scene. It’s a rising star, especially in summer.

• Walk the Old Port waterfront and try fresh lobster rolls.
• Visit the historic Portland Head Light lighthouse.
• Take a boat tour or ferry ride to explore the harbor.
• Stop by the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.
• Sample the famous potato-based donuts at Holy Donut.

Bentonville, Arkansas: Home to the stunning Crystal Bridges Museum and a growing arts scene, this small town offers big surprises.

• Visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (free + stunning).
• Play and learn at The Scott Family Amazeum (science + art).
• Walk the trails or rent bikes to explore the surrounding nature.
• Small-town feel with a surprisingly vibrant culture.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: Unique blend of art, history, and culture.

• Stroll Canyon Road’s art galleries and studios.
• Experience Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience loved by all ages.
• Explore the historic Santa Fe Plaza and centuries-old churches.
• Take a day trip to Bandelier National Monument to see ancient cliff dwellings.
• Join a local cooking class to learn New Mexican recipes.

Nashville, Tennessee: Live music everywhere, great food, and southern charm.

• Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• Walk along Broadway and hear live music in nearly every venue (many are daytime and kid-friendly).
• Visit Centennial Park and see the full-scale replica of the Parthenon.
• Stop by the Johnny Cash Museum.

Denver, Colorado: Big city meets the outdoors.

• Explore the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, packed with dinosaurs and space exhibits.
• Walk through the Denver Botanic Gardens.
• Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre, even on non-concert days.
• Check out Union Station for restaurants, shops, and great people-watching.
• Take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, just 1.5 hours away.

Austin, Texas: A fun, funky city with live music, great food, and outdoor swimming holes like Barton Springs.

• Swim in Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring that’s fun and refreshing for all ages.
• Listen to live music on South Congress or at Zilker Park.
• Eat at a food truck park with tons of casual options.
• Visit the Thinkery, Austin’s interactive children’s museum.
• Watch the famous bat flight from Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset.

Asheville, North Carolina: Artsy, mountain-town vibes with incredible hiking (Blue Ridge Parkway) and a top craft beer scene.

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for epic mountain views.
• Tour the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the U.S.
• Walk the River Arts District and explore murals and artist studios.
• Take a family-friendly hike to Looking Glass Falls.
• Visit the WNC Nature Center, where kids can meet local wildlife.

No matter where you’re starting from, these U.S. destinations offer a mix of culture, adventure, and family-friendly fun — without the hassle of complicated (or expensive) travel.

Hope this helps!