When choosing a summer vacation, there are probably several destinations that jump into your mind like Yellowstone National Park, Hawaii, Bermuda, Disneyland, a Caribbean cruise, or a beach resort in Mexico, just to name a few.
But there are downsides to some of these popular vacation spots, namely the crowds. Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel, especially for families. There can be hundreds of thousands of people packed into a single location, making it difficult to enjoy your time there.
Disneyland, for example, averages about 44,000 visitors per day in the summer. They mill through an 85-acre park, which is a pretty small space for that many people, and it’s easy to feel claustrophobic.
That’s why it’s good to visit some of the world’s overlooked summer destinations. Rather than fighting the crowds, you can actually enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer. As you consider your summer vacation this year or next, don’t forget to check out these four prime destinations.
1. North Bend, Oregon
Oregon is arguably one of the most beautiful states in America with incredible views of the Pacific ocean, greenery, and plenty of outdoor recreation. If you want to enjoy the state at its finest without the crowds, North Bend, a city on the coast in Coos County, Oregon, is a great place to land.
It’s a small town with a population under 10,000, which makes it ideal for visiting in the summer. The cooler temperatures make the coastline more fit for exploring than for swimming. You can spend hours wandering around the tide pools, watching the surf hit the rocks, and frequenting the coastal shops and restaurants in Coos Bay.
The beautiful parks draw many tourists as well. Simpson Park, Ferry Road Park, and Mingus Park are among the finest recreation areas in the town, perfect for walking, barbecuing, boating, and outdoor playing.
Visitors also travel from all over the country to travel across the Oregon Dunes near North Bend. They stretch for miles along the beach. There are plenty of places to rent ATVs or take dune buggy tours all over the sandy terrain.
After a trip over the dunes, many visitors visit the Mill Casino, which offers more than just slot machines and poker tables. There are also many events and entertainment opportunities to keep visitors occupied.
North Bend is also a big destination for campers. The RV parks in North Bend, OR are some of the finest in the state. It’s the perfect stop for campers looking for a summer adventure along the Pacific Northwest coastline.
2. Telluride, Colorado
When you think of Colorado, you probably picture fields of hemp, now that marijuana growing laws in Colorado are more relaxed, snowy slopes, ideal for skiing and snowboarding, and the Garden of the Gods, a spectacular land of rock formations.
While some cities and attractions in Colorado are legendary, others are often overlooked. Telluride, for example, is a stunning town located in a box canyon in the San Juan Mountains. The historic town has an incredible backdrop, and the views are absolutely unbeatable.
Along with exploring the historic downtown, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, and visiting the Telluride Historical Museum, you have your choice of outdoor recreation. While in town, you must climb to Bridal Veil Falls, a gorgeous hiker’s paradise. At the end of the hike, there’s a stunning lake with a cascading waterfall.
Telluride is also home to a balloon festival that takes place every June. Hot air balloons come from all over the state to race and show off. Some balloon captains will even allow you to take a ride for a fee.
If you’re planning your summer vacation in August, plan it around the Telluride Jazz Festival. It’s the largest jazz festival in the Rockies, featuring jazz heros, craft beers, and all the soulful music you could hope for.
3. St. George Island, Florida
Miami, Naples, and Orlando are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida, but they’re far from the only places you can have a fabulous time this summer. St. George Island in Florida is a gorgeous place to get a tan and enjoy the white sandy beaches of this Gulf Coast island.
The island of St. George is unspoiled, unlike the coasts of Miami or other large Florida cities where the beaches are lined with skyscrapers. There’s miles of uncrowded beaches, excellent fishing, untouched marshes, wildlife viewing, and all the island recreation you can dream of. It’s one of the best places to see on Florida’s Gulf Coast!
Visit St. George Island Lighthouse where you can take a tour of this new structure on Apalachicola Bay. It’s a 72-foot high lighthouse located in the center of the island. There’s also ghost crab hunting, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, shipping, shelling, and beachcombing.
Bird watchers also like to spend their summers on the island, as you can see a variety of birds migrating on their way north or south. It’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle flying overhead.
Outdoor recreationalists can rent a kayak or paddle boat to explore the bays and inlets surrounding the island. As you paddle, you might see whales or dolphins playing in the surf. Fisherman also enjoy the catches in the bay, as well as the oysters that are easy to find.
4. San Clemente, California
Surfing is a very popular pastime. If you’ve ever had a chance to surf Hawaii beaches, you know what great surfing is. However, if you’re not able to make the trip to this far-off Pacific island, you can enjoy the sport along California’s coast.
Popular destinations like Huntington Beach or Santa Cruz are often overcrowded and difficult to navigate, which is why San Clemente makes a great overlooked destination. The sand and surf are perfect for beginner and expert surfers alike.
When you’re not on the water, check out the San Clemente Coastal Trail, a five-mile line of beach and boardwalk, perfect for enjoying California’s beaches on foot. By day or night, the views are breathtaking, and the weather is always perfect.
The San Clemente Pier is also a popular tourist attraction. It’s not as busy as the Santa Monica Pier, so you’ll have better views of the ocean and an opportunity to fish along the edge. There’s also restaurants and bars serving fresh seafood, perfect for when the sun goes down on your ocean sport.
San Clemente Pier is at the end of Del Mar Street, a shopper’s paradise. You’ll have your choice of trendy boutiques, brand-name stores, strip malls, specialty shops, and designer stores, not to mention, cafes, restaurants, bars, and art galleries.
If you make your way inland, you can also enjoy the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center and the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens. There’s rich history and civilization in these tourist destinations, making San Clemente a fantastic place to visit.
The next time you head out on a summer vacation, think outside the box. It’s amazing what you can discover if you close your eyes to the crowded beaches and cities tourists flock to and open them to a world of underrated destinations you won’t regret seeing!