With millions of square miles to explore, the country has a wealth of enticing attractions to offer, including tranquil mountain villages, stunning beaches and attractive national parks.
Without further ado, here are the 8 best summer travel destinations for 2023.
No. 8: Asheville, North Carolina
This mid-sized city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains has a vibrant arts and music culture that you can experience at a number of venues. These include the Moogseum, the River Arts District, the Asheville Art Museum and a number of galleries around town. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, The Orange Peel and The Grey Eagle are some of the best places in town to see live entertainment. The city is known for its progressive and open atmosphere.
No. 7: Crystal River, Florida
Expert Kyle McCarthy recommends a visit to Crystal River, a quiet Gulf Coast town located about 80 miles north of Tampa. This charming destination offers the natural beauty of Florida without the usual crowds. Visitors can enjoy cozy hotels, delicious seafood restaurants, a range of water sports and golf activities, and a number of family-friendly recreational activities in town.
No. 6: Hocking Hills, Ohio
Expert Kyle McCarthy says Hocking Hills State Park, with its scenic hiking trails, waterfalls and caves, is this region’s biggest attraction. Other popular activities in the area include river sports, hiking through the rolling hills, exploring Native American legends and enjoying farm-to-table cuisine.
No. 5: Chicago, Illinois
According to expert Shea Peters, while Chicago offers a wide range of activities, such as visits to the Field Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, the Adler Planetarium, or the Shedd Aquarium, as well as attending White Sox and Cubs games or taking a ride on the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier, many people do not realize that there are also beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan, especially those on 57th St.
No. 4: Mystic, Connecticut
This New England town may look familiar from the 1980s movie “Mystic Pizza,” but it’s actually much more idyllic. Sailboat rides, zip line adventures, wildlife viewing at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, and shopping in the downtown area are all available to visitors.
No. 3: Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, Wisconsin is a great choice if you are looking for a unique lakefront vacation spot, as it has 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and offers a wide variety of water activities. It’s the perfect place for those looking for water adventures in the Midwest, as you can go paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, water skiing, and even scuba diving to explore shipwrecks.
No. 2: Mobile, Alabama
This coastal Alabama community offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including airboat tours, trips to neighboring Bellingrath Gardens and Battleship Memorial Park, and visits to art museums. Enjoy delicious beignets at Mo’Bay Beignet Co, learn about the history of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum, and explore the area’s history on the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail.
No. 1: Mackinac Island, Michigan
On Mackinac Island, located between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, you can tour historic Fort Mackinac, ride in horse-drawn carriages through car-free streets, watch fudge being made, and then enjoy some of it. On this continental island in Lake Huron, you can go hiking, biking, kayaking, and snap pictures of the beautiful limestone Arch Rock.