Why Cross Oceans When the Perfect Getaway is Right near Your City?
Summer is calling, and this year your dream vacation destination might be right under your nose. As international travel becomes increasingly expensive and hectic, at PlayStar, we’ve put our expertise in travel-free fun to the test, compiling a list of the best vacation spots in the U.S.
Given its size, the U.S. has it all. Across the 50 states, you’ve got every type of scenery and climate imaginable. Pick an activity and there’s somewhere to do it: shopping, road trip, extreme sports and activities, casinos, you name it. The land of opportunity is behind so much iconography relating to travel and adventure, inspiring all kinds of media. You can even look through our lobby, and you’ll find American-themed slots whose imagery captures that nostalgic road trip feeling.
So we figured we’d show you where you’ll get the most for your money and reveal those U.S. travel dupes that feel just like Europe but without the jet lag! Let’s discover your ultimate vacation without the passport!
Where to Go in the U.S. This Summer
Are you dreaming of a summer escape but want to avoid airport queues, customs, or exchanging currency? You’re in luck, as our US Holiday Index ranks the best cities to go on vacation in the US, helping you discover domestic gems that rival even busy international icons.
To help you decide, we’ve taken a look at everything from top-rated hotels and restaurants to stunning beaches, fun-packed theme parks, and hiking trails. We also considered the weather, affordability, and the kind of buzz destinations are generating online.
Our Top Vacation City Might Surprise You!
While it’s no shock to see New York City and Los Angeles make up the top five in our list of the top ten cities to visit in the U.S., our overall winner may come as a surprise. Houston, Texas, sealed the top spot, scoring big with the highest number of top-rated restaurants on Yelp (240) and hotels (836), and its big sunny skies (average temperature of 67.2°F)
Also flying high against NYC and L.A. are:
- New Orleans is in third place, with its famously vibrant music scene and mouthwatering food traditions (216 top-rated restaurants).
- Chicago is in fifth place, which blends a modern urban buzz with lakeside calm and tranquility, hosting 27 lakes in a 20-mile radius of the Windy City.
- Portland is in sixth place for its adventurous vibe, offering the most hikes (327) in the study.
Whether you’re chasing the sun, hungry for sizzling food, or seeking accessible family adventures, our best cities to visit in the U.S. can hold their own on the global travel stage.
And the Worst City for Summer Travel?
Billings, Montana, takes the lowest-ranked spot in our index. With lower popularity scores, few activities, and mixed summer weather, it’s not a top pick for peak travel season.
Top Pick for Outdoor Adventures
Whatever you’re looking for, the diversity of US cities and landscapes means there’s a passport-free vacation for all tastes practically on your doorstep.
Where Will Your Family Have the Most Fun?
If you’re more interested in wide-open adventures, hiking trails, and theme parks than relaxing on a sun lounger, then these are your best outdoor family vacation spots in the U.S.
California is our winner, with Los Angeles ahead of the pack. With 140 hikes, 240 amusement parks, and an average temperature of 60.0°F, LA has a proven blend that families adore.
Where else is making up our top 5?
- Phoenix, Arizona, is a nature-lover’s dream with incredible hikes (220) and endless sun-drenched skies (temperatures of 61.9°F). Stay after dark for a vast canopy of stars.
- New York City, New York, may be known for its metropolitan buzz, but with 50 lakes, 128 hikes, and 141 amusement parks, it scores highly for outdoor activities.
- Atlanta, Georgia, has botanical gardens, treetop trekking, and warm Southern nights that create a relaxed and friendly vibe. It ranks highly for lakes (38) and amusement parks (93).
- Houston, Texas, features again! It scores highly, with amusement parks (68), hikes (145), and other features like outdoor museums that bring learning to life.
An honorable mention should also be made of Portland, with its waterfall wonders and hipster hikes, and Bridgeport, Connecticut, with its low-key coastal atmosphere, is a favorite with families.
And What About the Worst for Outdoor Fun?
Fargo, North Dakota, has fewer family activities and lower temperatures, making it one of the less ideal spots for outdoor fun.
Drive, Don’t Fly: Best Budget Destinations on the Road This Summer
If you’re longing for the golden age of long summer days and endless highways, there are wallet-friendly destinations for a classic American family road trip.
When it comes to flight-free travel costs, gas prices can make a huge difference, so we set out to find the cheapest pump prices in the country. Here’s our list of budget-friendly vacation spots — no passport needed!
At just $2.66 per gallon, Jackson, Mississippi, has the lowest gas prices in the country, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. With delicious Southern BBQ and soul food on the menu, as well as museums, parks, and live entertainment, it’s a budget-conscious gem.
Around 400 miles down the road from Jackson, you’ll find Nashville, with fuel in Music City at around $2.72 per gallon. A mecca for music lovers, this iconic Southern city won’t break the bank.
With gas at just $2.73 a gallon, you can cruise into New Orleans, Louisiana, with plenty of money left over for beignets and bourbon.
Not far behind our top three are Houston, Texas ($2.74) and Huntsville, Alabama ($2.75).
The most expensive gas prices are found in Los Angeles at $4.80 per gallon, followed by Seattle, Washington, at $4.42, and Portland, Oregon, at $4.01.
Travel Dupes: U.S. Spots That Look Like They’re Abroad
With rising costs and concerns about over-tourism, travel dupes are all the rage. These are places that resemble other, far-flung destinations but without the crowds and long-haul flights.
Here are some of the best vacation spots in the U.S. if you’re looking for dupes and doppelgängers:
- Huntsville, Alabama: With its blend of modern and historic architecture, Huntsville is often compared to photogenic European cities like London.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: You don’t have to go to Paris for historical districts and culinary excellence. New Orleans is Louisiana’s very own vibrant city with a French influence.
- Chicago, Illinois: With its diverse arts and music scene and vibrant, buzzy culture, Chicago is a city on par with the likes of Berlin.
- Portland, Oregon: Surrounded by natural beauty and with an established outdoor lifestyle in a walkable city, Portland invites comparisons to Oslo in Norway.
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: With waterfront areas and both serving as major cultural and economic hubs for their regions, Phildelphia can be compared to the Irish capital of Dublin.
If you prefer something beyond the urban pace, the Florida Keys are sometimes called the “Maldives of the U.S,” with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches. With cobbled streets, colorful architecture, and horse-drawn carriages, Charleston in South Carolina also has the feel of a Mediterranean coastal town.
Where will you go on your next passport-free vacation?
Methodology
We ranked U.S. destinations using data from Yelp, TripAdvisor, AllTrails, NOAA, and gas price reports. Metrics included hikes, beaches, attractions, temperatures, hotel and restaurant ratings, and average gas costs. We also identified “travel dupes” by utilizing social media trends and Google Image Search to find U.S. spots that resemble global destinations.
