There are so many places to visit in the United States, you could easily spend years trying to hit all the unique places. Summertime is always a popular season to travel, especially if you have a family. These are some of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States. From the hidden beaches in Florida to the smaller hidden gem towns, there are many awesome places to visit for everything.
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Table of Contents
Underrated Summer Break Destinations in New England
Portland, Maine
By Elena of The Carry-On Chronicles
Portland, Maine may not be the first spot that comes to mind when you think of summer vacation, but that is part of what makes it such a great destination! While many people head to busy beachside resort towns, Portland can be a wonderful, less expensive alternative. First, given its northern position, Portland boasts beautiful weather in summer. In particular, July and August experience average highs in the upper seventies.
Plus, with its coastal location, you can enjoy a pleasant sea breeze while checking out all of the beautiful lighthouses in Portland! There are a total of six lighthouses, including the “twin” set from Two Lights State Park. If you have limited time, a visit to the iconic Portland Head Light is a must! This is the oldest lighthouse in Maine, dating back to 1791.
Beyond lighthouses, you can’t miss all of the tasty eats while in Portland. This city is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you’re a fan of hearty brunches and lobster rolls. For an indulgent sit-down brunch, you must try Hot Suppa, Portland’s popular southern kitchen & bar, for belly-warming brunchy goodness. While prices are reasonable here, you’ll have your choice of cuisine. Warm weather brings with it an abundance of food carts, so you can always grab-and-go on the cheap.
A long weekend should be plenty of time to dedicate to this fun city, but it can also be enjoyed on a day trip. If you are traveling by plane, you’d fly into Portland International Jetport, the largest airport in Maine. Alternatively, if you live along the East Coast, you may want to make a road trip of it. Regardless, you will want to have a car when you are here. The Portland Harbor Hotel in the Old Port Area is a charming choice that won’t break the bank.
Portland, Maine is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Eastern United States.
North Conway, New Hampshire
By Kate of New Hampshire Way
If you enjoy picture-perfect small towns surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, you will want to head to North Conway, New Hampshire! North Conway is in the heart of the White Mountains, and with so many things to do in the surrounding area, it is one of the underrated summer break destinations in the Eastern United States and a favorite of New Englanders.
North Conway is both little-known outside of New England and a multi-hour drive from any airport, which keeps the level of visitors manageable.
While you can see most of the town of North Conway in a single day, you’ll enjoy having at least three days to enjoy the surrounding area. Some of the best things to do in North Conway NH include exploring the downtown North Conway Village area with its shops, taking a short hike to the waterfall-filled area of Diana’s Baths, checking out Cathedral Ledge Distillery or Moat Mountain Brewery, shop at Settlers Green outlets, or take the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road to the top of the highest peak in the Northeast, take the kids to Story Land, or throw your hiking boots on and conquer one of the many surrounding mountains!
North Conway is very much a four-season destination, but fall is the most gorgeous time of year. Early October is when you have peak foliage — along with peak crowds and prices. Winter is great for skiing and snowmobiling; late spring and summer are great for mountain hiking. Keep in mind that as a mountain destination you can expect cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, especially when hiking.
North Conway is best done by car, and it’s about a three-hour drive from Boston or a 2.5-hour drive from Manchester, New Hampshire, each home to major airports. Stay around North Conway Village if you can, for maximum walkability. Cranmore Inn is a great B&B worth the splurge; Eastman Inn and Kearsarge Inn are two other beloved options.
If you are looking to stay on a budget, get yourself a rental with a kitchen, cook your meals at home, and spend your days exploring the great outdoors. But whether you’re here for a cheap outdoorsy trip or a romantic splurge, you’ll fall in love with North Conway in no time.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
By Brittany of Travel by Brit
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States (and most underrated vacation destinations in general!). Portsmouth is located on the coast of New Hampshire and is the perfect stop on a New England road trip.
Compared to other coastal destinations in New England, like Newport, Rhode Island, and Kennebunkport, Maine, the short coastline of New Hampshire isn’t quite as popular, but it should be! This small city boasts incredible charm and is filled with plenty of history, nature, and sightseeing opportunities for a relaxed three-day weekend trip.
During the summer in Portsmouth, you can expect warm, sunny weather with high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F. If you’re flying, the most convenient way to get to Portsmouth is flying into Boston and embarking on the short 62-mile drive to the city.
Although you will need a rental car to get to Portsmouth, you won’t need to use It much during the duration of your vacation. If you stay at a hotel in Downtown Portsmouth, like The INN Downtown or the Hilton Garden Inn Portsmouth Downtown, you’ll be able to walk to nearly every attraction in this historic city.
While you’re in Portsmouth, you can not miss the chance to visit the Strawberry Banke Museum—the city’s main attraction. Here, you can walk through over 300 years of history in the Puddle Dock neighborhood—a collection of historic homes, gardens, neighborhood stores, and taverns converted into an interactive museum.
You also should pay a visit to Market Square, where you can peruse the quaint boutiques, art galleries, and local bookstores centered around the North Church of Portsmouth, the city’s most recognizable landmark. Portsmouth also has an award-winning foodie scene, so you can try many great restaurants in Market Square, like Cava Tapas & Wine Bar, Flatbread Company, and Cure.
Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the Midwest
Wisconsin Dells, WI
by Kylie from Between England and Iowa
An underrated summer break destination in the eastern United States is to the Wisconsin Dells in Wisconsin. It calls itself the ‘Waterpark Capital of the World!’, so it is a perfect place to cool off in the summer months! Especially with summer temperatures averaging around 80 degrees.
As well as the waterparks, there are plenty of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells. From ziplining to mini-golf (Pirate’s Cove has 91 unique holes!), boat rides along the Wisconsin River, and lots more. Nearby in Baraboo, is Devil’s Lake State Park with 30 miles of hiking trails. It’s perfect for quick weekend getaways or there’s enough to keep visitors busy for a longer getaway.
There are a couple of ideas for a budget trip to the Dells depending on how many people are traveling. When staying at a resort such as the Wilderness or the Kalahari, rooms sleep between 4 and 6 people. Waterpark entrance is included in the room rate for all guests, for the duration of the stay. An alternative option is to stay at a budget hotel and then buy a day pass to somewhere like Noah’s Ark waterpark. The waterpark entrance fees are generally much cheaper than its Florida counterparts. There are also campgrounds for those looking for a self-catering stay which saves money on eating out.
It is best to have a car when visiting the Wisconsin Dells. The nearest major airports are either Milwaukee Airport (2hrs) Rockford Airport IL (2hrs) or the Chicago airports (approximately 2hr45). The attractions and restaurants have large, free parking lots.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
By Samantha of PA on a Pause
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a stunningly beautiful and underrated summer break destination in the eastern United States. The summer season brings the best weather for visiting the UP and you could certainly spend a week (or more!) visiting all of the hidden gems there.
A road trip around the upper peninsula is the best way to see everything, but even if you’re only visiting a couple of locations, a car is absolutely needed. In many areas of this part of Michigan, cell phone service is significantly limited or nonexistent, and rideshares can be few and far between.
Stay in Marquette for an area centrally located along the Lake Superior coastline, or for a more adventurous summer break, camp your way around the Upper Peninsula. Hotels, for the most part, are reasonably priced and camping is even more budget-friendly.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore features stunning, colorful cliffs which are best seen from the water on a boat cruise or kayak tour. There are more waterfalls than you can count scattered all around. The second-largest in the US, east of the Mississippi, can be found at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Historical shipwrecks, small towns, and beautiful scenery dot the lake’s shores.
The mitten half of Michigan gets a lot of attention with great cities and Lake Michigan coastline, but the upper peninsula has so many outdoor areas to explore that it most certainly is an underrated summer break destination.
The Boundary Waters, Minnesota
By Stephanie of The Unknown Enthusiast
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota is a great summer vacation destination for anyone who loves a bit of adventure. It is definitely one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States.
The Boundary Waters is an area that has a vast network of lakes, so a trip involves canoeing across one lake, getting out and carrying all your gear on your back and the canoe over your head to the next lake, getting back in the water, canoeing across the next lake, etc. This process of carrying your gear and canoe from one lake to the next is called portaging.
No motor vehicles are allowed in, and the number of permits given out is highly regulated, so you will rarely see anyone else as you canoe along pristine wilderness lakes and camp among the trees and under the stars.
Generally, on a Boundary Waters canoe trip, you get up in the morning, break camp, canoe (and portage as necessary) for several hours until you reach your next campsite, and then set up camp. From there, you can fish, swim, hike, relax, explore a waterfall, watch for wildlife, or, in some spots, do some cliff jumping!
The closest airport is the Duluth Airport, and you’ll need to rent a car and drive up to the entry point in Ely, MN. A trip is allowed to last up to 14 days, but I think that 4-5 days is the perfect amount of time for a canoe trip. Average highs in the summer are a pleasant mid-70s to low 80s, but you’ll still want a jacket for the evening.
You can rent a lot of the gear you’ll need at an outfitter on the lakes – plan to spend about 300 per person for a 5-night trip, depending on how much gear you already own versus need to rent.
Warren Dunes, Michigan
By Rachel of Rachel’s Findings
Warren Dunes in Sawyer, Michigan is the perfect underrated summer break destination in the eastern United States. It is located on Lake Michigan and the perfect place to spend 2-3 days.
This beach is primarily visited by locals because it’s in a smaller city. Most tourists will visit the more popular beaches in Grand Haven and Holland which are closer to major cities and airports. However, getting to Warren Dunes is easily drivable from Chicago, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
The pull to visit this particular area is for the sand dunes that are right on the beach, very uncommon in the southern part of the state. You can climb the dunes for spectacular views of Lake Michigan, running down them is the best part! If you walk down the left side (south) of the beach you will reach a small stream that eventually turns into a clay pit. It’s fun to paint yourself or others with it. Additionally, there are 6 miles of hiking trails with views of the lake inside of this state park.
When you are ready to relax, try some craft beer at The Local Pour or take a winery and distillery tour with Grape & Grain. One of the stops on the Grape & Grains tour is at Round Barn Estates, the round barn on the property is actually an Airbnb rental, perfect for accommodating larger groups. If you are going as a couple or individual check out Among the Vineyards B&B, rooms start at $200/night. If you want something even more budget-friendly consider renting a cabin or camping!
The temps in Southern Michigan will range from the mid-70s to the low 80s in the summer but sometimes the evenings will be cool enough for a light pullover.
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield, Illinois is home to Lincoln’s childhood home and is the capital of Illinois. It is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States. You can easily spend a couple of days here, paired with a trip to St. Louis or Chicago.
The weather in the summertime can be a little bit hot and humid, but a lot of the attractions are indoors or have indoor components, so you will not notice as much. Visitors will want a car to get around, especially if stopping as part of a road trip in the area.
Springfield is not a huge city, so anywhere you stay will be a good location. I always love staying at the Hampton Inn because it includes breakfast and has nice rooms. Rooms are usually around $100/night.
There are a ton of fun sites to see in Springfield. The main attraction is Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site. Here, you can visit the boyhood home of Lincoln and see what life was like during his time. After, head to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
You can also visit both the old and new state capitol buildings and the Old Ridge Cemetery where Lincoln is buried. Grab a meal at Obed and Isaacs and then a custard at Krekel’s. You will not be sorry!
Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the South
Crystal Rivers, Florida
By Lanie of Make More Adventures
Florida is more than beaches and theme parks, and Crystal River on the Gulf Coast is worth visiting for its springs, manatees, and relaxed vibe. It is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States.
To get there, fly into Tampa Airport, 74 miles south of Crystal River, and rent a car for the hour and 15-minute drive. Crystal River is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Orlando and an hour and a half from the Pinellas County beaches, making it easy to add to a beach or theme park trip, but definitely not necessary.
Summer in Florida is hot and usually in the high 80s, but the springs are always cool with temperatures in the low 70s. Plantation on Crystal River is an eco-friendly resort located right on the river, with a large pool, a spa, and an adventure center where you can book activities.
Manatees are often spotted in Crystal River, and while there are fewer manatees there in the summer, it is still quite likely you will be able to see them, especially on a tour. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, and diving are just some of the ways to travel to the natural springs that feed into the Crystal River.
3 Sisters Springs is one of the most popular springs nearby. While there is a viewing boardwalk, the only way to get into the springs is by kayak, canoe, or swimming from a larger boat.
Scalloping season runs from July to September. Visitors can rent a boat and go scalloping on their own or join in on a tour. Scalloping involves snorkeling until you find a scallop and then diving down to retrieve it.
For those who would rather stay on land, golf is popular in Crystal River. The Shoppes of Heritage Village in downtown Crystal River is filled with unique gift shops and boutiques. Homosassa Springs, just 10 minutes south of Crystal River, has a wildlife park and an underwater viewing area where visitors can see manatees without getting wet.
Crystal River is a great off-the-beaten-path place to spend a few days relaxing in the sun, participating in water sports, eating delicious fresh seafood, and spotting manatees.
Johnson City, Tennessee
By Anna of Stuck On The Go
Johnson City is often overshadowed by the larger cities within a few hours like Gatlinburg, TN and Asheville, NC. It has plenty of character of its own to offer though and is full of outdoor adventure opportunities thus making it one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Eastern United States.
A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to spend in town unless you are an avid hiker and mountain biker. Then you may want a few more days to explore all the nearby trails. Summers can be hot and humid here but a short drive into the mountains typically fixes that. Buffalo Mountain is a quick ten-minute drive or you can head to Beauty Spot or Roan Mountain on the NC/TN border.
You will want a car to get around as this is a smaller city with minimal public transport and many of the outdoor activities are outside of town. The Carnegie Hotel is the perfect place to stay and not too expensive but if you’re on a tight budget then check out the Fairfield Inn Johnson City.
The hiking trails are endless in Northeast Tennessee – Buffalo Mountain and Beauty Spot are two of the most popular near Johnson City. Mountain biking at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park is also popular but if you need flatter ground then go on the Tweetsie Trail. It follows an old railroad bed. If you want a real adventure then go whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River. This river is typically Class III-IV and is a ton of fun!
Don’t miss the fantastic restaurants in Johnson City either. White Duck Taco, Cootie Brown’s, and Freiberg’s are some favorites. The cost of the trip depends on how many activities you pay for and how much gear you have to rent. If you mostly hike then you should be able to do a long weekend (three nights) for $700 when staying at the Carnegie including food. You can reduce that by staying at a more budget-friendly hotel or even camping!
Biloxi, Mississippi
By Disha of Disha Discovers
One of the best underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States is Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi is a must-visit because the resorts are top-notch and provide everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Plus, the restaurants are amazing and offer a variety of cuisine options. There are also plenty of entertainment options available for any age. The best part is that it’s quieter than beach towns in Florida, making it the perfect place to unwind.
You will want to stay a minimum of three days, but five to six days would be ideal for enjoying everything Biloxi offers. You can get to Biloxi by flying into Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Renting a car is the best way to get around Biloxi since attractions are spread out throughout the town. During summer, the weather in Biloxi is hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s and 90s and lows in the 70s.
The resorts in Biloxi range anywhere from $100 per night to $250 per night. However, hotels are cheaper than resorts, and the best place to stay is at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Tourist restaurants are obviously on the pricier side, but they’re still more affordable than the ones in Florida. Plus, Biloxi has so many great local restaurants that are more delicious and affordable.
One of the best things to do in Biloxi is soaking up the sun at Biloxi Beach. Another must is visiting Ship Island. Located around twelve miles off the coast of Biloxi, this island is untouched, and you’ll have it all to yourself. Biloxi is also home to several museums and memorials, including the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum, Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, and more. You can also hop from resort to resort and enjoy what they offer. Finally, take a sunset cruise on the Betsy Ann Riverboat.
Other Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the Eastern United States
Leesburg, Virginia
Leesburg, Virginia is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States. This up-and-coming wine country has so many fun things to do, so I recommend spending at least three days exploring the area.
The weather in the summertime can be a bit hot and humid but it is not unbearable. You will need a car to get around as many of the wineries are spread out. There are a ton of hotel options near the downtown area, but we stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Leesburg. Plan to spend at least $125/night on hotels.
Leesburg has a ton of fun wineries and distilleries to visit. Favorite wineries included Bluemont Vineyards, The Vineyards at Lost Creek, and Three Creeks Winery. Also in the area, visitors can stop by several Civil War Battlefields such as Balls Bluff Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Manassas National Battlefield Park.
Make sure to eat at the Echelon Wine Bar, The Wine Kitchen, and Goosecup. All have great food and some wine options.
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia is such a historical city that is often overshadowed by nearby Baltimore and Washington, DC. You will want to spend two to three days exploring the unique sites this city has to offer. Weather in the summertime can be temperamental. Sometimes it is hot and humid, other times it may storm.
To get around the city there is some public transportation, but I recommend a car so you can visit some of the sites right outside of the city. We stayed at both the Holiday Inn Express Downtown, which was a great location, and the Virginia Crossings Hotel.
At Richmond National Battlefield Park, visitors will learn about the history of the Civil War in Richmond. History buffs will also want to stop at the White House of the Confederacy, the Capitol Building, and St. John’s Church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech.
Other popular sites include the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont, and the Agecroft Hall and Gardens. Make sure to eat at the Tobacco Company, Urban Farmhouse Market, and Tarrant’s Cafe. If you have more time, take a day trip to Shenandoah National Park, Monticello, or one of the other many Civil War Battlefields in the area.
Roanoke, Virginia
By Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia
Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, there is much to love about budget-friendly Roanoke, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. It is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Eastern United States. Begin your exploration with a drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, which skirts to the east of downtown. Colorful wildflowers and flowering shrubs delight motorists all along this scenic byway.
Stop at Explore Park at milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 1,100-acre recreation area boasts hiking and biking trails, disc golf, a treetop course, kayaking, camping and tubing on the Roanoke River. Pop in the Twin Creeks Brewpub at Explore Park for a pint to toast a day well spent outdoors.
In-town, hike to the Mill Mountain Star, the world’s largest man-made star that stands proud at 100 feet tall. The iconic steel star has been welcoming visitors to Roanoke since 1949. The overlook can be reached by car or on foot for all to savor views across the Roanoke Valley.
Plan to get tickets to see the Salem Red Sox, the area’s minor league baseball team. This is a must-do while in Roanoke for hometown baseball and selfies with Mugsy, the team’s cuddly mascot. The season runs from early-April to mid-September.
Make it a long weekend in Roanoke with an in-town stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Downtown. Centrally located, this hotel is just two blocks from Center in the Square, which houses family-friendly attractions like the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and Roanoke Pinball Museum.
Expect lots of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s in the summer months. Your best bet is to bring a car to Roanoke, but you can also reach this mountain town by way of daily passenger train service with Amtrak.
Lewes, Delaware
By Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA
Looking for a less touristy summer break destination? Head to one of the best beaches in Delaware: Lewes Beach! Summertime temperatures in Lewes are in the high 80s and the sea is perfect for cooling down.
Known as “The First Town In The First State,” Lewes is small but offers plenty to do, including a calm bay that’s perfect for kids to safely swim and charming history for a romantic couples getaway.
Despite its small size, you can enjoy an impressive variety of restaurants in Lewes, ranging from casual waterfront patios to upscale bistros. Also near Lewes, check out Nassau Valley Vineyards for a winery tour and tastings.
For history lovers, there’s the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, which showcases the history of one of the earliest European settlements in the US. You can also visit the Lightship Overfalls, a restored lightship that is also a National Historic Landmark.
Lewes is quite small and very walkable, and cycling is popular along the flat roads. You’ll need a car to get there, though. It is about a 2.5-hour drive from the DC area or just under 4 hours from NYC or Virginia Beach (depending on traffic of course). So Lewes is ideal for a weekend getaway in the summer!
Plan to spend at least a long weekend there (if not a whole week!) to truly relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Lewes Beach is less popular than nearby Rehoboth Beach, and far less touristy than Ocean City, Maryland, just to the south. It’s the perfect underrated summer break destination in the eastern United States and for anyone in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond!
Puerto Rico
By Sam Opp of Find Love & Travel
Puerto Rico is easily one of the best yet underrated places to visit in the eastern United States. With jungles, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals, you will be sure to have a great time during a trip!
You can generally find great prices on flights going into San Juan. While you do not technically need a car to visit Puerto Rico, having a car will allow you to see a lot more of the island without having to get transportation from tours.
Having at least 4 days in Puerto Rico will allow you to maximize the island. During this time you should enjoy El Yunque National Forest. Here you can enjoy this lush tropical rainforest, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
You will also not want to miss touring around the color city of Old San Juan. It is a great place to soak in the culture! The Old San Juan/ Old San Juan area is also a great place to stay with tons of food, activities, and accommodations at your disposal.
Additionally, you should enjoy the beaches in Carolina such as Isla Verde! Puerto Rico can be a very budget-friendly place to visit. You can likely spend around $1,000 for a 4-day trip. This of course depends on your travel style, as it can be a very luxurious trip as well.
The temperatures in summer will likely be in the 80s and humid. There is no sugar coating Puerto Rico is hot, but there is plenty of lovely ocean to cool you down!
Annapolis, Maryland
By Pam of the Directionally Challenged Traveler
Annapolis is an underrated summer break destination in the eastern United States. Nestled comfortably in the middle of the east coast, Annapolis is often overlooked for the larger cities of Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The charming personality of Annapolis welcomes visitors with open arms.
Most people travel to Annapolis by car, but the nearest airport is Baltimore/Washington International (BWI). The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly so a car is not necessary to get around.
While smaller in size, there are still plenty of things to do in Annapolis. An ideal time frame for exploring Annapolis is a long weekend getaway. Since there are fewer crowds, there is more time to explore the city at your own pace.
The history of the United States is part of the heart of Annapolis. The city was the first peacetime capital after the Revolutionary War. The cobblestone streets have been home to a number of important people. There are numerous historic homes and National Historic Landmarks you can discover- including the Maryland State House! The William Paca House & Garden is a gorgeous mansion and tours only cost $10. Nearby is James Brice’s house. As a Governor of Maryland in 1792, his home is one of the most elegant houses still standing on the east coast. The US Naval Academy is also in the heart of the city. It’s home to war memorials and a lot of military history.
Main Street has beautiful scenery leading to the waterfront and there are plenty of locally-owned shops and restaurants. Enjoy a unique cocktail at the Red Red Wine Bar, indulge in the local seafood at Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, and then satisfy your sweet tooth at Uncle Bob’s Fudge Kitchen. The Historic Inn of Annapolis brings the history to life and is centrally located for exploring!
Hudson River Valley, New York
By Ian of Hudson Valley Discovered
New York City and Niagara Falls get all the attention, but New York’s Hudson Valley is the state’s true hidden gem and one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the eastern United States.
Spanning each side of the Hudson River between NYC in the south; the state capital, Albany, in the north; the Catskill Mountains to the west; and the Berkshires to the east, it’s a beautiful area. From bucolic farmland to wooded hiking trails, and the wide river in between, there is plenty to see and do.
Summers are warm, with average highs of 84°F and lows of 64° in July. While it’s possible to get to some towns by railway between NYC and Albany, you need a car to get to most of the highlights. A popular place to stay is the small town of Hudson, with the main street lined with antique stores and restaurants. Historic Kingston (the state’s first capital) is another central location.
There is so much to do in the Hudson Valley that I recommend at least 3 days, though you could easily spend a week there. If you like hiking, head to Minnewaska State Park (Gertrude’s Nose is a famous trail with incredible views), Mohonk Preserve (the Bonticou Crag rock scramble is super fun), or Hudson Highlands State Park for the legendary Breakneck Ridge vertical hike.
The Valley is a hot spot for agritourism and there are plenty of farms where you can pick fruit fresh off the trees. There are also dozens of vineyards, cideries, and spirit distilleries. If you have a designated driver, you can easily spend a day (or more) touring several and sampling their wares. Also not to miss is the enormous outdoor art and architectural sculpture park at Art Omi.
For a change of pace, head to Kingston and take a river cruise down the Hudson or kayak on Roundout Creek to a tiny waterfall. Then explore the historic Stockade District in the center of town. Another historic area worth exploring is French Huguenot Street in New Paltz, with 18th century stone houses and churches.
Whether you like history, antiquing, u-pick fruit, hiking, art, gastronomy, cider, or just relaxing, there is something for you to enjoy in Hudson Valley. With accommodations, meals and activities, allow about $200/day.
There are so many amazing underrated summer break destinations in the Eastern United States. While people may want to head to popular places like Boston, New York, Asheville, Atlanta, or Washington, DC, you can save many and be away from the crowds at the more underrated destinations. Other underrated destinations in the west include the Finger Lakes, Little Rock, and Asheville.
