The surprise winner was picked for its powdery white sand, emerald green water, and varied recreation options, thanks to its dozens of miles of access.
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This small Wisconsin city features a Victorian-era downtown, community festivals, scenic parks, and a relaxed setting surrounded by prairie landscapes.
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This lesser-known Nebraska spot highlights Swedish heritage through seasonal festivals, local markets, Nordic dishes, and a scenic small-town setting.
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Charleston and Myrtle Beach get all of South Carolina's clout, but head to the state's largest lake for a fun day of fishing, paddling, and dining.
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This once-thriving military fort on the coast in Rhode Island is now a state park with trails, fishing, coastal views, and ruins of the old fortifications.
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Hiking trails, primitive camping, and paddling routes await in this Central Florida wetland rich with wildlife and accessible from nearby cities.
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A tiny Texas town known for its delicious melons has so much more to offer, with parks and festivals and a downtown that feels like a trip back in time.
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Just over an hour south of Boston is a Cape Cod town with a boardwalk that boasts stunning views of the water and quite a fascinating history.
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If you're into exploring eerie spaces that were once full of life but are now in complete disrepair, head over to this dead mall found in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
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A lesser-known Ohio destination between Dayton and Cincinnati offers a walkable downtown, family-friendly attractions, and well-loved local dining spots.
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While this ice cream shop may not be on the tourist radar (yet), it's a Wilmington, North Carolina staple offering both familiar and adventurous flavors.
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Miami, Florida, can get crowded, but you can get away from it all with just a 10-minute drive to a botanical garden whose founder was inspired by the Caribbean.
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The Great Lake State is home to more than 100 state parks, meaning some are less frequented than others. This one is a lakeside gem in Michigan's east.
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Hop in a boat and sail up to this peaceful little getaway, with waterfront camping and all the quiet you need to escape for a long weekend.
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The summer of 2026 brings a new water park outside of Atlanta, where you can race down towering water slides, sip drinks on a rooftop, and do laps in the pool.
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This expansive South Carolina state park offers cabin stays, forested trails through cypress groves, and access to one of the region's top fishing lakes.
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Disney and Universal are some of the most well-known parks in California, but this thrilling one carries the accolade of being the state's biggest.
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This sprawling lake in Vermont isn't just a great spot for boating and fishing, as you'll also find excellent golfing and camping around its shores.
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This North Florida park is not what you might expect from a Florida island getaway, but perhaps it's better: Secluded woodlands, quiet camping, and river fun.
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Visitors are flocking to America's parks in record numbers, but one recent policy change may make overcrowding feel even more acute this summer in some places.
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While Florida is known for its tourist destinations, it is also home to a lot of rural beauty. This state forest features an array of fishing, hiking, and more.
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There's nothing quiet like a stroll through town, popping into a few charming shops and glancing out over the water, and Tampa has a real winner to check out.
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If you have a love for the outdoors, warm weather, and wildlife, this state park in Texas is the perfect getaway to fulfill all of your needs.
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If an uncrowded, rustic getaway is what you crave, this picturesque lake in Nevada's high desert offers boating, swimming, camping, and wildlife spotting.
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This scenic bourbon trail city between Louisville and the Tennessee border is home to an iconic distillery and nearby attractions reflecting Kentucky heritage.
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While many nearby islands are off-limits to humans, this one features rugged beachfront campsites that let you enjoy a night under the stars.
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This island of a town has multiple parks connected by walking trails, several noteworthy shops and restaurants, and stunning views of the greater LA area.
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