The Safest Cities for Summer Travel in the United States

Safety continues to be a top priority for travelers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, summer vacationers have plenty of secure destinations to choose from in 2022. Looking at some of the most recent COVID-19 safety metrics, including vaccination, positive testing and hospitalization rates and FBI crime statistics for violent and property-related offenses across the country, we can single out some of the U.S. cities faring the best when it comes to keeping visitors safe right now. Whether you've got your sights set on a return to a big city or perhaps a visit to a lesser-known destination, consider one of these places for your worry-free summer getaway.

San Diego is the second-safest large city (population of 500,000-plus) in the U.S., based on recent FBI data on crime rates analyzed by CCTV Camera World. In the U.S. as a whole in 2020, crimes occurred at a rate of 2,356.7 per 100,000 people. However, America's Finest City recorded a lower combined crime rate at 2,060.65. What's more, California ranked fourth in the personal finance website WalletHub's most recent COVID-19 safety study with a score of 74.51. The Golden State also reported the third-lowest positive testing rate.

New York City's robust population and relatively small surface area can certainly create an illusion of danger but the reality is that the Big Apple is a safe place for tourists. Like San Diego, NYC is one of only four large cities in the country to report a combined crime rate in 2020 that was lower than the national average at 2,136.29. The stellar summer weather also means visitors can spend more time outdoors spaced out from the crowds.

Boston is another safe destination for travelers this summer. The Massachusetts capital and New England's largest city boasts the fifth-lowest crime rate among large U.S. cities based on the latest FBI data. Plus, Massachusetts is tied for the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the nation. As the weather warms, outdoor attractions such as the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park and the Boston Common offer visitors the opportunity to explore in the fresh air.

Sin City is well-equipped to safely entertain visitors along the walkable Las Vegas Strip as it ranks sixth-safest among big cities in terms of crime rate. More broadly, Nevada also ranks seventh nationwide in terms of COVID-19 safety, according to WalletHub's most recent research.

Elsewhere out west, Los Angeles fares better than most when it comes to violent and property crime rates, ranking inside the top 10 among large cities at a rate of 2,869.93 per 100,000 people. The City of Angels offers numerous neighborhoods to explore as well as expansive beaches and scenic parks.

Located just outside of Phoenix, Gilbert provides travelers with a wide range of exciting attractions and activities ranging from scenic hiking to sampling delicious farm-to-table meals. What's more, Gilbert is the sixth-safest mid-size city (population between 150,000 and 500,000) in the country, according to the latest FBI data, with a combined violent and property crime rate of 1,187.08 per 100,000 people.

WalletHub recently found South Dakota to be the safest state in the country in regards to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing vaccination rates, positive testing rates, hospitalization rates, death rates and the level of community transmission, the personal-finance website scored the state at 81.8. Visitors seeking a safe getaway to the Mount Rushmore State can look forward to tons of outdoor adventure in Rapid City, which is convenient to a slew of can't-miss attractions including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park and the famous Badlands.

According to WalletHub's most recent study on the safest states during COVID-19, North Carolina ranks second with a total score of 75.16. The state was tied for the lowest COVID-related death rate. For travelers visiting North Carolina this summer, Wilmington offers something for everyone, from the sun, sand and sea in nearby Wrightsville Beach to the charming Wilmington Riverwalk downtown. In between, visitors will find mouthwatering restaurants and brewing companies such as Indochine and Flying Machine in addition to stellar attractions like museums, gardens and historic houses.