30 Best US Summer Travel Destinations

Still looking for inspiration for your upcoming summer getaway? WalletHub recently ranked the top summer 2018 domestic destinations based on cost and convenience of traveling to each city as well as affordability while taking into account the number of attractions and variety of activities. Here are the top 30 metro areas.

While local costs aren't cheap, the nation's capital boasts ideal summertime weather, is easily accessible and is home to countless attractions, including famous monuments and memorials. The Washington, D.C. metro area also ranks high in activities and in visitor safety.

There's no shortage of things to do in the Theme Park Capital of the World so it's unsurprising that the Orando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida metro area ranks among the top summer destinations. Affordability also sets the region apart.

The Austin-Round Rock, Texas metro area doesn't stand out in one key area in particular but relatively cheap travel costs and abundant attractions and activities propel it to the top of the list. Stellar BBQ and world-class live music are among its many highlights.

Chicago and its surrounding neighborhoods are as entertaining as they come and summer vacationers should have no trouble flying into the Windy City even if the weather and local costs are an issue.

Atlanta ranks in the top 10 in both travel costs/hassles and activities, earning it a top five spot for 2018.

When it comes to travel costs and hassles, Cincinnati is second to none, establishing it as a premier destination for the summer ahead.

The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas metro area only ranks slightly above average for attractions, activities, weather and safety. However, the destination is all but guaranteed to win over budget-conscious visitors as it's one of the best for accessibility and local costs.

Oklahoma City ranks No. 1 out of 100 metro areas in local costs, according to WalletHub's research. The destination also offers tremendous weather and low travel costs.

Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement year-round so summertime visitors will find plenty to do even if the heat keeps them indoors for the most part.

The Houston-The Woodlands and Sugar Land, Texas metro area offers summer visitors incredible value, ranking in the top 10 in travel costs/hassles as well as local costs.

New York City lures vacationers in with its unrivaled wealth of attractions and activities, including bucket-list-worthy sights such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. The Big Apple's summer weather is also more than welcoming.

Similar to New York, Los Angeles provides visitors with countless possibilities. Despite its steep prices, the City of Angels can be easily accessed as well.

Tampa and the surrounding Florida Gulf Coast ranks pretty consistently across all key categories, especially standing out for its numerous activities.

St. Louis boasts some of the best summer weather in the Midwest and also ranks in the top 25 in terms of travel costs/hassles and activities.

Nice weather and relatively low travel costs separate Salt Lake City from other summer travel destinations, according to WalletHub's research.

Safety and favorable local costs are among the most attractive reasons to visit Richmond, Virginia this summer. It ranks in the top 25 in both and is also home to a plethora of enjoyable outdoor attractions that have it trending up.

Affordability and renowned attractions such as The Alamo and River Walk help distinguish San Antonio and its surrounding neighborhoods from other places in the South.

Philadelphia can certainly present challenges for your budget but the City of Brotherly Love certainly isn't lacking things to do and see as it ranks 12th in both attractions and activities.

Knoxville, Tennessee trails only Oklahoma City when it comes to the most affordable local costs. The weather in this college town also makes it a sneaky-good vacation destination.

The Steel City ranks in the top 10 in terms of safety so families will definitely want to consider it for a potential summer getaway spot. Pittsburgh also ranks high when it comes to affordable travel costs and limited hassles.

Colorado's Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area is home to arguably the nation's top airport, excellent hotels and, if that weren't enough, sunny days are frequent here.

What Columbus, Ohio might lack in attractions and activities, it more than makes up for in affordability and summer weather, ranking in the top 25 in each category.

Local costs are Omaha's biggest advantage when it comes to luring summer visitors. Plus, travelers can take part in the College World Series, among other seasonal events.

Like a majority of destinations at the top of the rankings, Detroit is kind to visitors' wallets, both before and after they've arrived.

Charleston's stellar weather and proximity to the coast makes it a no-brainer for summer vacationers heading to the Southeast. The area is also home to loads of history and a burgeoning arts scene.

Ranking fourth and 17th in travel costs and activities, respectively, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is the place to be this summer. Recent expansion from JetBlue has made getting here even easier.

The warm and sunny weather combined with affordable local costs make Chattanooga, Tennessee a worthwhile stop on summer vacation, especially for outdoor enthusiasts.

Despite the fact San Diego's local costs rank 92nd of the 100 metro areas WalletHub analyzed, the scorching coastal destination has got attractions and activities to please everyone from solo travelers to couples and families.

Easily among the most affordable destinations, Louisville also experiences pleasant summer weather that draws visitors to Bourbon Country year after year.

Above average summer weather and manageable travel costs help make the Raleigh, North Carolina metro area one of the best places to visit this time of year.