Every summer, millions of Americans pack up their cars and make their way to their vacation destination.  Whether you’d rather hit the beach or escape to the mountains, there are tons of vacation destinations in the U.S. to choose from.  Here are some of the best vacation hotspots to visit this summer.

Buffalo, NY

Buffalo is a city that doesn’t get enough credit.  The upstate New York city has garnered a reputation for being predominantly blue-collar, but Buffalo has so much more to offer.  Aside from being only a short drive away from Niagara Falls, Buffalo is also home to the Buffalo Zoo, the third oldest zoo in America.  The zoo is widely considered one of the best zoos in the country, and features countless cool animals and exhibits.  If zoos aren’t your speed, there are plenty of other things to do in Buffalo.  The city is known for its incredible food scene, and there is no shortage of amazing restaurants to check out.  Amy’s Place, a little restaurant on Main Street, is known for their delicious vegan and vegetarian options, particularly the Reuben sandwich, a vegan take on the American classic.  Buffalo is a great destination for people who don’t want a traditional beach vacation, and definitely worth checking out this summer!

Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is another underrated vacation city, partly because visitors to New Mexico tend to head towards Santa Fe.  However, Albuquerque has a lot of charms of it’s own, which could be why Albuquerque homes for sale have been in high demand!  Albuquerque is the perfect vacation destination for people who love the outdoors, but don’t want a typical beach vacation.  Albuquerque is full of amazing parks and trails, and nature lovers will find no shortage of things to do in and around the city.  One popular attraction is the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, which takes visitors on a scenic tour of the Sandia Mountains.  Albuquerque is also known for it’s love of hot air balloons, and the city hosts an annual International Balloon Festival each year to celebrate.  Albuquerque is a truly unique and culturally rich city, and definitely worth a visit this summer.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head Island is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beach towns on the East Coast.  The weather is practically perfect year-round, the locals are friendly, and there are tons of amazing restaurants, bars, and cafes to check out.  Outdoor activities like golfing, biking, and watersports are extremely popular in Hilton Head, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities if you’re visiting with little ones.  The Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of the most visited attractions in Hilton Head, as well as The Salty Dog Cafe and The Skull Creek Boathouse.  Hilton Head continues to be one of the most popular vacation destinations on the East Coast for it’s beauty, perfect weather, and laid-back vibe.

Idyllwild, CA

If you’ve never heard of Idyllwild, it’s probably because the little town has been one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets!  Idyllwild, located in the San Jacinto Mountains, has been known to attract many celebrities over the years due to the town’s peaceful, private vibe.  Dolly Parton, Michael J. Fox, and Sean Connery have all owned homes in Idyllwild, and the town is perfect for people who want to get away from the noise of the city and just unwind.  Idyllwild is also home to the Idyllwild Arts Academy, a private school focused on the performing arts.  Idyllwild’s picturesque pine trees and mountain views make this Southern California town the perfect summer getaway for nature lovers.