6 Underrated Road Trip Destinations That Are Too Incredible To Miss

We’ve all heard of the classic road trip destinations: major cities, popular U.S. National Parks and famous beachfront hubs. But, across the nation, there are countless, lesser-known destinations with so much to offer.

For travelers looking to see the country, here are six underrated road trips to take this summer.

1. Lake George, NY

Escape to Lake George, New York for a relaxing getaway in the Adirondack Mountains.

Lake George offers plenty of family-friendly activities throughout the season, including live music in the park, food truck events and even chocolate-making classes. The town also hosts festivals and celebrations throughout the summer, including the Lake George Community Band Festival, ensuring there’s never a shortage of things to do.

Road trippers can rent a boat and spend a day on Lake George — one of the world’s cleanest and clearest lakes, stretching 32 miles long. Or, take an hour-long trip on the iconic Minne Ha-Ha, one of the country’s last paddle-wheel ships. At night, keep the fun going by visiting one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants offering live music, dancing and entertainment.

The surrounding area has a lot to offer, too. Consider heading to one of the many shopping areas and outlets nearby to grab the perfect souvenir. If you’re looking for adventure, spend the day with the family at Six Flags Great Escape, or test your skills on a whitewater rafting excursion on either the Sacandaga or the Hudson River.

2. North Cascades National Park, WA

The U.S. is home to 63 national parks, boasting otherworldly sights and excitement for the whole family; however, some parks see more visitors than others.

Washington’s North Cascades National Park welcomes guests who make the trek with a vast expanse of forests, lakes and beautiful glacier views. Offering many recreational activities including boating, biking, hiking, climbing and horseback riding, the park is also drivable for those who’d prefer to take in the views from designated overlooks.

Located three hours outside of Seattle, and close to the Canadian border, the park draws in just over 40,000 annual visitors. In contrast, the state’s Mount Rainier National Park attracts about 2 million visitors per year. With so few visitors, you’ll likely feel as if you have the park all to yourself.

3. Golden, CO

On the foothills of the Rocky Mountains sits Golden, a former mining town dating back to 1859 located in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado. Originally named Golden City, the area was popular during the gold rush, serving as a destination for miners passing through.

Today, the city has preserved many of its buildings, retaining its historic roots. Visitors can explore the area's history through walking tours or a visit to the Golden History Museum & Park, which is open daily with free admission.

There’s plenty of outdoor adventure to be had, too. You can white-knuckle it up to the city’s tallest park, Lookout Mountain, to get a 360-degree view from 7,300 feet above. But be warned — the drive has many classic Colorado hairpin turns and few guardrails.

At night, visitors can head out to one of the area’s many breweries — including the Golden City Brewery or the Coors Brewery, which offers free tours and tastings.

4. Block Island, RI

Bustling with food, oceanside entertainment and plenty of coastal views, Block Island is an underrated summertime destination that is worth the travel. The island spans less than 10 miles, but it has a lengthy history dating back to the 1800s.

Block Island offers a different type of road trip, accessible via ferries that launch from various locations across Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York — though you can bring your car along, too. Just make sure to book your vehicle reservation over the phone in advance.

Throughout the island, there’s ample opportunity to take a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. One of the island’s iconic features is the breathtaking, 200-ft tall cliffs known as the Mohegan Bluffs. Getting to the bottom requires a steep 141-step descent down a wooden staircase, taking visitors to a remote beach ideal for swimming and surfing. With the right weather, visitors can even catch a glimpse of Montauk, which sits on the tip of Long Island in New York.

5. Minneapolis, MN

Welcome the summer with a road trip to Minneapolis, Minnesota. As one of the two Twin Cities, Minneapolis has something for everyone in your group.

Home to the Mall of America, the country’s largest shopping mall with four stories of 520+ shops, an amusement park and an aquarium, Minneapolis has plenty of shopping and entertainment options. It also boasts many must-see destinations for art lovers, like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden which offers free admission, and the Mill City Museum, which highlights the city's rich history as the “Flour Milling Capital of the World.”

At night, sports fans can catch a game and immerse themselves in the world of Minnesota sports — which has six professional sports teams and a history of hosting large-scale sporting events. Music lovers can get in on the action too: Explore the city’s expansive rock-and-roll history or catch a show at one of the area's several iconic venues like The Armory and First Avenue — one of the U.S.’s longest-standing independent venues.

6. Coeur d’Alene, ID

For a road trip filled with adventure and relaxation, head to Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene, located near the Idaho/Washington border. Coeur d’Alene caters to travelers of all ages with luxury spas, picturesque golfing greens and jaw-dropping views.

Travelers can find plenty to do in the area all summer long, from outdoor activities like float planes and parasail rides to thrills at the largest theme park in the northwest. Grab a seat on the Coeur d’Alene Brews Cruise to get a front-row view of the beautiful landscape while tasting the region’s local brews. Or, take in the sights by walking along one of the longest floating boardwalks in the world.

Once the sun goes down, head to the Coeur d’Alene Casino to explore the nightlife or unwind with a drink at one of the local wineries.

There are so many destinations worthy of exploring around the U.S. This summer, hit the road and check some of these fun, underrated destinations off your list!

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