Visiting underrated beautiful towns this summer offers a unique and enchanting travel experience. These hidden gems are often overlooked by tourists, allowing you to enjoy their beauty and charm without the crowds.
From quaint streets lined with historic architecture to breathtaking natural landscapes, these towns offer a sense of tranquility and authenticity. You can immerse yourself in the local culture and savor delicious regional cuisine.
With affordable accommodations and a relaxed atmosphere, these underrated towns provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories away from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations.
Ambler, Pennsylvania
For a town of less than 7,000 people, Ambler has a lot going on. The town theater, housed in a former school, regularly shows old movies and cult classics. There’s a microbrewery in the town center, as well as a variety of restaurants, inviting bars and cozy cafes. In the summer there is a music and art festival and a farmer’s market with fresh food from the region.
Lewes, Delaware
When you visit Lewes, you’ll understand why Delaware is home to one of the best beach towns in the nation. It’s peaceful and inviting, and there are wonderful restaurants serving locally sourced food (try Heirloom and Matt’s Fish Camp). Even a local craft brewery, Dogfish Head, operates an inn there.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Many people who have visited and fallen in love claim that Eureka Springs is one of the most welcoming and open small towns in all of America. The community has enacted some of the most liberal LGBT laws in Arkansas, and the downtown area is full of charming little stores to stroll around. The city is located near Beaver Lake, which is a popular summer destination for boating, swimming and fishing.
Monroe, Wisconsin
Anyone who likes cheese will find Wisconsin to be their cheese nirvana. So if you are short on time, head straight for Monroe. Located in the center of Green County, the city has been dubbed the “Cheese Capital of the U.S.” There are many cheesemakers to visit and sample, including the renowned Emmi Roth. After learning about the history of cheese making in the region at the National Historic Cheesemaking Center, head to Baumgartner’s to enjoy one of their famous cheese sandwiches and a beer.
Los Olivos, California
California is the ideal place for a wine-drinking summer vacation. Rolling hills, charming vineyards and paddocks populated by horses and cows are the hallmarks of the Santa Ynez Valley. Compared to other wine regions, it’s less busy, so you can fully engage with the local cuisine without having to squeeze through crowded eateries. Visit S.Y.. Kitchen to sample farm-to-table cuisine, rent a bike to explore the area’s quiet streets, and visit the neighborhood museum to see its collection of vintage horse-drawn carriages.
Greer, Arizona
The vast majority of cities on this list offer excellent hiking opportunities. However, the likelihood that you will travel to Arizona for physical activity is high. Sedona and Flagstaff are popular destinations, although they can get very hot in the summer. Greer is a small town in the White Mountains, a much cooler region of the state. It sits at an elevation of 8,356 feet. With a few hiking trails and small lakes, it is serene and tranquil.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
We realize that anyone who loves the outdoors should visit the Northwest, and Oregon has many small communities that come alive in the summer. One of the most beautiful is Cannon Beach, located near Portland and surrounded by state parks. The beautiful sandy beach with its huge rock formations is where most visitors come to enjoy the breathtaking view. The town itself is a great base for exploring and has charming restaurants and hotels.
Ocean City, Maryland
If your idea of “summer vacation” is the beach, a pier with rides, salty taffy, and a bike ride along the coast, then you need to head to Ocean City, Maryland. This is the classic beach town with colorful hotels and waterfront views.