Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest travel seasons on record, with AAA projecting a 12% increase in summer leisure travel spending over 2025. Here are our top picks, curated for value, beauty, and authenticity.
1. Acadia National Park, Maine — Best Overall
Maine’s Acadia offers dramatic Atlantic coastline, carriage roads perfect for cycling, and Bar Harbor’s charming downtown — without the extreme overcrowding of western parks. Book campsites at Blackwoods at least 6 months ahead. Best week to visit: mid-June to early July.
2. Taos, New Mexico — Best Hidden Gem
With Pueblo culture, world-class art galleries, and dramatic high desert scenery, Taos is still underpriced and undervisited relative to comparable destinations. Expect to pay 40–50% less than comparable Mountain West towns.
3. Asheville, NC — Best for Food and Culture
America’s most underrated food city, with a brewery scene to rival Denver and a music culture rooted in Appalachian tradition. The surrounding Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most scenic drives in the Eastern U.S.
4. Door County, Wisconsin — Best for Families
Cherry orchards, lighthouses, kayaking, and small-town charm along Lake Michigan’s shore. Extremely family-friendly with significantly more affordable lodging than comparable Great Lakes destinations.
5. Olympic Peninsula, Washington — Best for Adventure
Three distinct ecosystems in one region: temperate rainforest, alpine wilderness, and rugged Pacific coastline. Far less crowded than other Pacific Northwest destinations. The Hoh Rainforest alone is worth the trip.
Budget Tips for Summer 2026 Travel
- Book flights Tuesday–Thursday for lowest fares
- Purchase a National Parks Pass ($80/year covers all entrance fees)
- Travel the week before or after July 4 to avoid peak surcharges
- Pack your own food for national park visits — park concessions are expensive
- Use Hipcamp for camping options that don’t appear on major booking platforms
