10 Underrated US Cities To Visit This Summer

There are plenty of popular destinations to choose from when planning summer travel in 2024.

However, those looking to venture off the beaten path and uncover a pleasant surprise someplace new can't go wrong in a lesser-known city flying under the radar.

Avoid the crowds and discover a new adventure in these underrated U.S. cities.

Break free from the crowds of Chicago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin this summer. Situated on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee shines during the summer season when dozens of farmers' markets and beer gardens open to take advantage of the sunshine and breezes coming in off of the lake.

Meanwhile, beer lovers can look forward to an array of awesome breweries and pubs like the beloved Lakefront Brewery on the Milwaukee River.

Visitors can also attend the world's largest music festival at Summerfest, discover unique and entertaining neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward and scenic parks such as South Shore Park offering a weekend farmers market, a lakefront beer garden and beach access.

While Los Angeles and San Diego get most of the love, Southern California is full of hidden gems like the Temecula Valley, where visitors can enjoy spectacular vino and even better views at a plethora of exceptional wineries, soar above stunning landscapes in a hot air balloon and travel back in time in the walkable Old Town.

Callaway Vineyard & Winery is the region's first—celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024—and is an excellent starting point as it offers affordable yet tasty wines and some of the best views in Temecula.

A popular destination for Oktoberfest, Fredericksburg, Texas is an easy choice for culture seekers this summer. The city is renowned for its German heritage which visitors can learn more about at the Pioneer Museum. It's also home to splendid wineries, breweries and distilleries. The Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten is not to be missed.

Additionally, travelers can look forward to endless shopping opportunities at more than 150 locally-owned stores, boutiques and art galleries.   

Tucked away in the Idaho panhandle, Coeur d'Alene is a picturesque city at its best during the warm and dry summer months. The Coeur d'Alene Golf and Spa Resort is the ideal basecamp for luxury seekers but travelers can blend relaxation with adventure in this part of the country as it offers numerous opportunities for scenic hiking, ziplining and water activities on sprawling Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Relax on the beautiful beachfront at City Park or venture down nearby Sherman Ave to explore charming shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Bustling spots like The Buoy offer cold drinks, satisfying bites and gorgeous views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Visitors to Coeur d'Alene can also head west to Spokane, Washington to take in scenic waterfalls, museums and more.

Located just outside of Baltimore, charming Old Ellicott City is ideal for a laidback summer getaway where plenty of shopping and dining are on the itinerary. Head to Main Street to tour dozens of shops, restaurants, galleries and museums.

Visitors can also enjoy live music and events, fascinating history tours, axe throwing, pottery classes and much more. 

Sioux Falls is a great city to spend a few summer days as travelers can make the most of their time outdoors in places like Falls Park and SculptureWalk Sioux Falls. You can also enjoy miles and miles of trails, museums showcasing the city's history and family-friendly attractions like the Great Plains Zoo.

Sioux Falls is also home to a burgeoning foodie scene where visitors can sample South Dakota favorites such as bison burgers and chislic.

Head to the New England port city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire to uncover rich history and a stellar arts scene. The Seacoast destination is also a premier place for foodies. When visitors aren't chowing down, they can step back in time at popular sites like the Strawbery Banke Museum and the USS Albacore Submarine or take a guided history or tasting tour.

Travelers can also explore various islands and parks throughout Portsmouth amid the perfect summer weather. 

Travelers looking to spend a summer getaway outdoors should consider Chattanooga, Tennessee. This southern gem boasts scenery in bunches, especially at sites such as Ruby Falls and Rock City Gardens. Chattanooga also offers museums catering to travelers of all ages, including the Tennessee Aquarium housing more than 10,000 animals.

During the summer months, visitors can also get excited about live music, festivals and other events like the free Nightfall Concert Series, which takes place every Friday night from early May through late August.

Just off I-70 in western Colorado is where you'll discover Glenwood Springs, a resort city renowned for its natural hot springs.

In addition to soaking in healthy minerals, visitors can explore America’s Only Mountaintop Theme Park at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, hike and mountain bike through beautiful landscapes, float down the Colorado River, shop boutique stores and treat their taste buds at excellent restaurants like the Riviera Scratch Kitchen.

Iowa's capital city is an overlooked Midwest locale with sizzling summer temperatures allowing travelers to get outside and explore its wide range of parks and gardens.

Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market has been recognized as one of the best in the nation and visitors can navigate hundreds of miles of trails. Stellar craft breweries and one-of-a-kind eats like the Zombie burger also await visitors.

Kid-friendly attractions include Adventureland Park, the Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa.