10 Overlooked Road Trip Destinations

Tired of the same old vacation destinations? Following your friends on Instagram and also on adventures? Break the wanderlust mold and visit one of these underrated U. S. cities for your next getaway.

1. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia is commonly called the “next New York City,” and not without reason. This rapidly growing metropolis is home to more than just the Liberty Bell. Philly’s Reading Terminal Market is America’s oldest farmers market and boasts over 80 unique merchants with something for everyone. If shopping isn’t your scene, head over to Franklin Square for mini-golf, carousal rides, and hamburgers. This family friendly park offers storytelling booths and picnic areas to entertain the younger travelers in your group. If you’re looking for a scare, the fortress walls of Eastern State Penitentiary once held Al Capone and the world-famous bank robber Willie Sutton.

2. Knoxville, TN

Often overshadowed by Memphis, Knoxville offers its own taste of Tennessee. The Market Square District houses numerous restaurants, bars, and specialty shops. In the summer months, the district is home to “Shakespeare in the Square,” local productions of the Bard’s famous plays. Located in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, there are numerous hiking trails and waterfalls to get you back down to earth after a day of shopping. Ijams Nature Center, a sanctuary on the banks of the Tennessee River, offers a more structured view of the great outdoors; including paved walking trails, a waterfront boardwalk, and wildlife viewing tours. Check out Old City for a more authentic downtown feel.

3. Albuquerque, NM

As the ballooning capital of the world, Albuquerque is the home of one of the most beautiful festivals in the world – the annual International Balloon Fiesta. There is a thriving craft-beer culture with numerous breweries throughout the city brewing up small batch beers for locals and tourists alike. Authentic neon signs for the old Route 66 can still be seen throughout the city, and businesses have set up along the old route to continue the tradition and feel of “getting your kicks on Route 66.” The Rio Grande runs through the beautiful desert landscape, making for awe-inspiring views. New Mexico experiences all four seasons; so there is a perfect time to visit, regardless of your taste in temperature.

4. Key West, FL

Forget Miami and take a page out of Jimmy Buffet’s playbook. Key West is a culturally-diverse haven for those looking for relaxation, acceptance, and sunshine. With one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the country, there is no shortage of pride festivals and welcome centers. Speaking of festivals, Key West’s Fantasy Fest is one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the country. Akin to New Orleans, there are numerous bars and restaurants on the island’s own Duval Street. Endless outdoor activities are available to escape or embrace the tropical heat. Grab a kayak, a paddle board, or a seat on a glass-bottom boat to enjoy the beautiful waters. At the very end of US Route 1, Key West is the southern-most point of the United States – a mere 90 miles from Cuba. Take a picture with the Southern-Most Buoy and show your friends just how far you’ve come. The Florida Keys are connected by a series of bridges, so there’s no need to catch a flight if you want to visit another of the archipelago’s beautiful islands.

5. Portland, OR

Hipsters, rejoice! As is made clear in the popular IFC series, Portlandia, “the spirit of the nineties is alive in Portland!” This is a great place to stock up on your jean jackets and neon scrunchies, as Portland has zero sales tax! Portland’s iconic bookstore, Powell’s City of Books covers an entire city block and contains over 1.5 million books. The largest new and used bookstore in the world also offers an in-store coffee shop and is open 365 days a year. If you’re looking for another kind of tranquility, visit the Ming Dynasty style Lan Su Chinese Garden. Don’t forget to grab some souvenirs at Portland’s Saturday Market, the largest open-air arts and crafts market in the country.

6. Asheville, NC

Yes, I know, another mountain city. But what can I say? I love the peaks and valleys. They house some of the most unique attractions in the country; plus, you can end your vacation on a healthy note and hike off that road trip junk food. Asheville has quickly become one of the hippest cities on the east coast and could be described as a city of trails. Not only does it have gorgeous mountain trails with breathtaking views and sunsets, it also has trails within the city that require no tour guide. Asheville Urban Trail is a self-guided scavenger hunt through the city’s outdoor history museum. This 1.7 mile stretch includes 30 stations; informing visitors on the cultural, educational, and historical importance of the city itself. Asheville’s Honey Trail winds through gardens and fields, all part of this bee-haven. There is no shortage of sweetness here, friends.

7. Minneapolis, MN

America’s fourteenth largest metropolitan area is regularly underrated for its downtown scene. The arts are alive and thriving here, with the second-most theater seats per capita in the nation – second only to New York City. The Minneapolis Art museum boasts a wide-ranging collection of over 80,000 works of art, including Rembrandt and van Gogh, and spanning over 5,000 years of art history. One of MSN’s “cleanest cities,” green is a way of life in Minneapolis. Skip the smog and head to Minnesota to catch a play, and not a cough.

8. Indianapolis, IN

America’s Circle City boasts numerous attractions that should place it on your American vacation list. Downtown Indy is still growing, and is a hot-spot of art displays, museums, festivals, and restaurants to tempt any palate. The outdoor concert venue hosts a range of musicians and theater productions in the warmer months and Holliday Park is a sprawling urban park right in the heart of the city. Massachusetts Ave., known affectionately by the locals as Mass Ave, is a five block arts district in the downtown area. There are theaters aplenty and shows year-round. Along with a number of unique boutiques, Mass Ave is home to Stout’s Shoes – the nation’s oldest shoe store, established in 1886. Broad Ripple Village, located just north of Downtown Indianapolis, is an eclectic neighborhood full of bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants. There is something wonderful to discover in every part of the city.

9. Charleston, SC

South Carolina’s Holy City is a historical epicenter. Visitors can stand at the site where the first shot of the Civil War was fired, climb into a WWII aircraft carrier, and tour numerous plantations. Fort Sumter offers tours departing for Liberty Square in the city’s downtown area and from Patriots Point. After seeing where the Civil War began, head to the Aiken-Rhett house for a view of a real antebellum mansion, circa 1820. If a history lesson isn’t quite your reason for taking a vacation, fear not. Charleston also has beautiful beaches, gardens, and eco-tours. In the cooler seasons, the city’s aquariums keep the sea accessible. Downtown Charleston has more than enough Southern charm to go around. Grab a mint julep and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

10. Burlington, VT

Vermont has moose, mountains, and maple syrup. What more can you ask for? The largest city in Vermont, Burlington is a lovely city on the banks of Lake Champlain. The University of Vermont gladly shares its creativity with the rest of the city, as murals and sculptures line the streets and blend New England charm with arts and culture. Church Street Marketplace offers dining, shopping, and educational opportunities for tourists looking to experience the best of the city. Nestled between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, there are plenty of places to escape to nature once the sights and sounds of the city have satisfied your need for excitement; hiking boots or snowboards sold separately. In the spring and summer, the streets are taken over by festivals and outdoor concerts. Leddy Park offers bike and walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for family fun. Don’t count this small city out when planning your next road trip.

Any one of these cities would make for a memorable trip. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcase, grab a friend, and hit the road. America is calling.

PC: Emily Hurley