The United States is full of interesting and unique places to visit. From the untamed land of Alaska to lesser-known National Parks, there are many underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. Wine lovers will love the California Central Coast while outdoors will enjoy places in Idaho and Utah.
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Best Summer Break Destinations in California
California Central Coast
The California Central Coast is one of the underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. People often head to more popular places in California like the Bay Area (San Francisco and wine country) or San Diego. However, people greatly underestimate what the Central Coast has to offer. You can easily spend a week exploring the area.
In the summertime, the weather is perfect. It can start off foggy and cool and then warm up with some sun during the day. To get around the area, you will definitely need a car, especially to view some of the hidden gems.
If you are a wine lover, I recommend spending a couple of days in Paso Robles. From there, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, and Avila Beach are also fun stops. The Pismo Preserve had some great hiking trails. I loved going to Sextant Winery and then soaking in the Sycamore Mineral Springs at the end of the day. For more wine tasting, head to the adorable town of Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley.
You will want to budget at least $150/night for hotels, but many of the activities are free or very budget-friendly. Some of the best hotels in the area include the Madonna Inn and The Kinney San Luis Obispo.
Ventura, California
By Denise of Chef Denise
Hotel Options:
- Ventura Beach Marriott
- Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard
- Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
- Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
On the California coast, about a half-hour south of Santa Barbara, the lesser-known and much more affordable city of Ventura awaits to be discovered. Complete with sandy beaches, a wooden pier, a charming main street, delicious eateries, and even a California mission, Ventura has everything you need, thus making it one of the underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States.
The typical sunny summer days rarely reach the 80’s, so it’s the perfect weather for sightseeing and beach days. Stay at the Crown Plaza on the beach and you get the best of both worlds—easy access to the Pacific Ocean and downtown Ventura. While you won’t need a car to get around between the two, it is the best way to get to Ventura.
The 2.5-mile Promenade Park stretches in front of the hotel for lovely walks along the coast, the nearby pier, and the East River Estuary.
A short distance up California Street will bring you to Main Street. Take a look at the Ventura Courthouse on the hill before turning on the main drag. In addition to the boutiques, book shops, and restaurants, this artsy town boasts numerous art galleries and the Museum of Ventura County with exhibits dedicated to the arts and history of the area. Across the street is the 9th California mission, Mission Basilica San Buenaventura.
Ventura can be a wonderful weekend or stay for a week and take a day trip for some extraordinary wining and dining in Ojai, and/or Santa Barbara.
Redwoods National Park, California
By Rasika of Bae Area and Beyond
Redwood National and State Parks is one of the best underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States for redwoods. It is located in Northern California along a stretch of coastline that features some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning redwood trees. If you are looking for a getaway from the city to be surrounded by nature, enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking or just relaxing on the beach, then Redwood National and State Parks are for you!
Make sure to check out the amazing hiking trails at the park, especially Fern Canyon Loop Trail, Trillium Falls Trail, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. The park is free to visit except for Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach (but that is just $8!). You can easily spend 5 days or more exploring this area. However, if you only have 2-3 days, then plan to check out Redwood National Park and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
You will need a car to drive within the park and across the other redwood parks. The weather in the park can be pretty temperamental. The summers tend to be foggy with temperatures ranging from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are several different campgrounds within the parks where you can stay, but they do fill up quickly during the summer. If you would rather stay at a hotel, there are several in nearby towns such as Klamath, Eureka, and Crescent City. We recommend staying at the Historic Requa Inn, which provides gorgeous views of the Klamath River.
Best Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
Medford, Oregon
Medford, Oregon is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. When people head to Oregon in the summertime, they often head to popular spots such as Portland, the Oregon Coast, and Bend. However, Medford also has a lot to offer.
From wine tasting to hiking trails, you can easily spend three or more days exploring the Medford area. In the summertime, the weather is pleasant and sunny. You will want a car to get around as there are really no other options to get around.
Medford has a ton of hotels, but we opted to stay at the Resort at Eagle Point. This awesome place is located on a golf course and had a very relaxing feel to it. Plan to spend about $100/night on hotels.
Near Medford lies Crater Lake National Park, the only National Park in Oregon. Here visitors can drive around the 33-mile Rim Drive and hike the 2.2-mile Cleetwood Cove Trail down to the lake. It is about an hour drive from Medford, and you can easily spend a day exploring the park.
Another major thing to do in Medford is wine tasting. Dancin’ Vineyards and Ledger David were two of my favorite options. Other fun activities include the Medford Railroad Park, the Southern Oregon Historical Society, and Prescott Park.
Oswald West State Park, Oregon
By Anna of Anna Tee
The Oregon Coast is a really popular destination, but there is a hidden gem amongst the crowds! Just south of the popular Cannon Beach is Oswald West State Park, one of the underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States.
To get there from Portland, you will take Highway 26 all the way to Cannon Beach, where you will turn south on the coastal Route 101. It takes about an hour and a half, and you will need a car to get to Oswald West State Park. If you are flying, you can rent one at the airport. I recommend staying for at least 3 days if you like to hike, but if you just want easily accessible overlooks and a beach to relax on, a day is enough time to enjoy the views!
The weather is amazing in the summer, with a break from Oregon’s rain. It is sunny and warm, perfect for hiking. The best thing to do at Oswald West State Park is to hike the trails, but you can also surf at Short Sands Beach or enjoy some amazing viewpoints over the ocean. The destination is underrated because Cannon Beach is more well known, so the park is great for a day trip from there, or for a multi-day camping trip!
The park itself is free, so this is a great budget-friendly getaway. For places to stay, I recommend Manzanita, Oregon. The town is small, and much less popular than Cannon Beach, so you will find more privacy and more budget-friendly options. There is even free camping just a 20-minute drive from the park, with gorgeous mountain views on Oregon State Forest land.
San Juan Islands, Washington
By Corinne Vail of Roving Vails
When looking for the best place to go for a summer vacation, look no further than San Juan Island in Washington state. It is one of the best underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. Just getting there is half the adventure. Being an island, you can only arrive by small plane or state ferry, and it’s only about a two-hour drive from Seattle. The great thing about driving is that you have a car on the island which is the best way to get around.
For San Juan Island, you really only need a few days to feel like you’ve been rejuvenated. Plan to spend at least three days there, get out and do some amazing hiking and kayaking. There are plenty of trails and beaches to explore.
The weather is the best thing about the island, temperatures range around the low seventies which is perfect for all those outdoor activities as well as seeing wildlife. The area is known for whales, and taking a whale watching cruise is a must.
While on the island, you can camp in a number of spots which are all on the water and very picturesque. Friday Harbor is the main city, and there are plenty of B&Bs and hotels for those that love a few more conveniences. You can also find some fantastic restaurants serving up the freshest seafood.
San Juan is spectacular, and one reason is that it’s a little out of the way. Even during summer, there are not too many people. It’s truly a getaway. And if you want to spend more time in Washington there’s plenty to do to keep you busy.
Twin Falls, Idaho
By Emilie of Love Life Abroad
This summer, skip to crowds of the Southwest and Western Coast and head to Idaho. Yes, Idaho, the gem of the United States. Hidden somewhere between potato fields, you will find the beautiful town of Twin Falls, one of the best underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. It is where you will want to base yourself for a few days, ideally 4 days, and explore the region.
First, you will be chasing some wonderful waterfalls. The most popular one is Shoshone Falls. It is even called the “Niagara of the West”. If you are looking for a unique activity, head to Centennial Park and rent some kayaks from AWOL Adventure Sports. You will then paddle your way to the base of Shoshone Falls. You will see the Perrine Coulee Falls on your right, then paddle under the Perrine Bridge. Take your time as you may see a show of base jumpers.
If you still have some energy after this adventure, stop at Perrine Coulee on your way back to the town. Walk on the short trail behind the falls.
Another day will be filled exploring Thousand Springs State Park. The state park includes 6 unique units. If you have time, try to visit them all as they are all unique. Ritter Island, Malad Gorge, and Box Canyon are definitely not to miss.
Then, make time to slowly soak in hot springs. Miracle Hot Springs or Bunbury Hot Springs are good options. And they are located not too far from each other if you want to try both.
There are many lodging options in town. But try to book one of the Ritter Island cabins.
Boise, Idaho
By Candice of CS Ginger
One of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States is Boise, Idaho. There are lots of fun outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and enjoying the growing downtown area. Boise has lots of amenities that you would find in a big city, but you will still feel like you are in a small town.
The best airport to fly into is the Boise Airport (BOI). If you are flying into town, you can easily get a ride into downtown. The downtown area is very walkable and close together. However, if you are wanting to explore the nearby mountains or surrounding area you will need a car.
The Grove Hotel and Hyatt Place Boise/Downtown are two great places to stay in the heart of downtown Boise. If you have a vehicle, the Riverside Hotel is another highly recommended place to stay but is about 10 minutes outside the downtown area. It is a quick and easy drive downtown from there.
One of the best activities to enjoy is hiking in Boise. There are a number of great trails in the surrounding foothills and nearby mountains. A hike right in the heart of downtown Boise is Tablerock. It is a 3.7-mile hike that will take you to a large rock quarry that overlooks the Boise area. The views are beautiful and it is a really fun hike.
Another fun thing to do in Boise is riding bikes on the Greenbelt. It is a long-paved pathway that follows the river. You can rent bikes and enjoy beautiful views of the river and some fresh air.
There are also lots of great historical sites and museums in Boise. The Boise Art Museum, Idaho State Museum, Old Idaho State Penitentiary, and the Basque Museum and Culture Center are all great places to visit.
Other Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the Western United States
Fairbanks, Alaska
By Paula of Paula Pins the Planet
If you are looking for the best underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States, Fairbanks should be on the top of your bucket list. Fairbanks is a popular destination, and it is a must-visit destination in any Alaska Itinerary. From the vast forests, wilderness, to chasing the Aurora Borealis, Alaska has something for everyone. But during summertime, Fairbanks gets even better. This time of the year is when you can experience the endless daylight and the famous midnight sun season where you can see daylight 24-hours a day.
Fairbanks is the best place in the world to catch the Northern Lights, and you should plan to spend at least 3-days here, as your chance to see the lights is very high. One of the most popular things to do in Fairbanks is to spend some time soaking in the hot springs at the Chena Hot Springs Resort. The resort also offers a large variety of activities to enjoy during summertime such as ATV, hiking trails, and horseback tours.
During summertime in Fairbanks, the pleasant average daily high temperature is above 59°F. The hottest month of the year in Fairbanks is July, with an average high of 72°F and a low of 54°F.
Fairbanks is only a short 1-hour flight from Anchorage, or, if you prefer driving from Anchorage, it will take approximately 6 hours on a scenic drive. Also, the Alaska Railroad runs between Anchorage and Fairbanks, taking an average of 12 hours due to the winding paths and rail lines, but with stunning views.
Park City, Utah
By Leigh of Arizona Day Trips
Park City, Utah is a world-class ski destination and hosted several events for the 2022 Winter Olympics. What most people do not realize is summer in Park City is just as fun and makes for a great Utah day trip! Whether you want to sample local bourbons on a rooftop deck, relax at one of the many luxury resorts in town, or get out and explore the Wasatch Mountains, Park City has something for you!
Park City is easily accessible at just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. It is just an easy hop along the 80 east to get there. Park City Main Street is the hub of all nightlife, so if you can stay close to Main Street, it is very walkable. Park City has a free bus system, making it easy to get around. But if you are interested in outdoor recreation, you are going to want a car for at least a few of your days.
The surrounding mountains are full of great activities like hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and ATV-ing. Expect warm days and cool nights during your stay, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
As you can see, Park City has a ton of fun things to do, thus making it one of the best underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States.
Southern Wyoming
By Daria of The Discovery Nut
Southern Wyoming is one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States that is perfect for those travelers who are looking for a cool destination off the beaten track. While most visitors know Wyoming because of places like Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming offers a lot more.
Whether you want to stop in Cheyenne or Laramie for a couple of days or head further west to explore the Snowy Range Mountains, Southern Wyoming is full of breathtaking nature and vast unexplored terrain where crowds are thin and the scenery is plentiful.
Cheyenne is the capital of the state and is a perfect place to get familiar with the area before proceeding further west. You can start at the historic Cheyenne Depot & Museum or catch the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley where you can listen to a narrated historic city tour. Spend the night in Cheyenne before heading to Snowy Range Mountains where you can hit many alpine trails.
Many visitors come to Southern Wyoming after spending some time in Colorado. Denver is home to the bigger commercial airport in the area and takes under 2 hours to get from Denver to Cheyenne via Interstate-25.
To enjoy Southern Wyoming, spend between 3-5 days in the area, and head back toward Denver to catch the flight or proceed west along Interstate-80 toward Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.
Plan to budget about $500 for your trip which will include a car rental, accommodations, food, and miscellaneous expenses.
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
By Jessica of The Uprooted Traveler
Petrified Forest National Park, in Northeastern Arizona, may be part of the beloved U.S. National Park system, but it is still a hidden gem and one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. While its landscape is quite a bit different than some of Arizona’s desert scenery, it’s nonetheless stunning, with vibrantly-hued badlands, stretches of colorful yet barren desert, and forests of prehistoric logs scattered across its rolling hills.
To get to this unique place, you will need to rent a car. Flagstaff is only two hours away along historic Route 66. One of the awesome things about the park is its small footprint- you can easily see all of the main highlights of the park in just two days.
Some must-sees in the park include the Blue Mesa Trail, where you’ll follow a path below the rim of a mesa and through a field of towering indigo badlands, and the Crystal Forest Trail, which will lead you across a series of knolls covered with countless logs of impossibly colorful crystallized trees.
For accommodations, check out the neighboring town of Holbrook, which has taken Route 66 and its Americana nostalgia to heart. Here, you’ll find plenty of ‘50s style diners and kitschy dinosaur statutes. While you are visiting, be prepared for some heat- it can get up to 90° in the summer months! Given the desert climate, the weather is more tolerable, given that it’s “dry heat”- plus, all of the hiking trails are fairly short (generally less than two miles in length) and beginner-friendly!
Fredericksburg, Texas
By Umiko of Two Worlds Treasures
Fredericksburg is one of the beautiful German Towns in Texas Hill Country. It is often overshadowed by its famous neighboring cities, Austin and San Antonio. It is easily one of the most underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States.
You can spend three to five nights here easily, but for a first-time visitor to Fredericksburg, three days will be sufficient. You must drive a car to get here since there is no commercial airport in town.
Your first day in town begins by visiting the Visitor Center to watch a video about Fredericksburg. Then go to Pioneer Museum and Vereins Kirche Museum to experience and learn about the rich German heritage of this town. Before check-in to the hotel, have a light lunch at one of the restaurants nearby.
After a quick rest, go back to town for some shopping. Main Street Fredericksburg is known as a shopping heaven. Then head south of town to watch bat emergence at the Old Tunnel State Park. To end the day, back to town for some German food.
The next morning, you will head north to Enchanted Rock. You will hike to the top of the massive pink granite dome, one of the most popular things to do in Fredericksburg. Since the average temperature in the summer is in the 80s, you must start early.
Then go back to town for lunch before you go wine tasting. In case you do not know, Fredericksburg is a Texas wine country. Leave your car at the hotel and a shuttle service will take you for a winery hopping. For supper, wind down at one of the restaurants in town that has live music.
Last day in town, you will do peach picking. Summertime is peach season in Fredericksburg. Then drive to Luckenbach on your way home.
You will need to budget between $150-200 per day, depending on your accommodation. Most hotels, B&Bs, or Airbnbs are located downtown.
Hilo, Hawaii
When most people head to Hawaii, they usually visit places like Kaanapali in Maui, Waikiki on Oahu, or Kona on the Big Island. People do not usually head as frequently to Hilo thus making it one of the underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States.
You can easily stay in Hilo for a week and still have plenty to do. The weather may be hot and humid in the summertime, but nothing like a quick dip in the ocean will solve. Hilo is pretty walkable, so you do not need a car if you plan on chilling at the beach most of the time. However, if you want to go to some of the sites in the area, you will want a car.
The downtown Hilo area is a great place to stay if you want to be able to walk to restaurants. However, we opted to stay at an Airbnb across from Richardson’s Beach, which was super convenient for beach access. Hawaii can be expensive during the summertime, so plan on spending close to $200/night on hotels.
Some of the best snorkel spots on the Big Island are located in and around Hilo. If snorkeling is not your thing, there are also a ton of hiking trails around Hilo such as Akaka Falls State Park and Kaumana Cave Park. You can also wander around the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens or grab a bite to eat at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Hilo.
Underrated Summer Break Destinations in the Western United States
There are so many amazing, underrated summer break destinations in the Western United States. While people may want to head to popular places like Yosemite National Park, San Diego, Las Vegas, or South Dakota you can save many and be away from the crowds at the more underrated destinations. Other underrated destinations in the west include Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, and Cottonwood, Arizona.
