15 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas for Your Bucket List

Summer is the bright time to collect memories, and have an adventure on unexplored and underrated summer travel destinations that are no less than pics straight out of a postcard.

These below described underrated summer travel ideas are not yet popular enough but offer tranquility, a sense of discovery, and connectedness with rich culture & history.

We have described the most underrated summer travel ideas for your bucket list from different regions of the world where you can enjoy serene destination retreats.

Exploring the American Outdoors

1.The Rustic Beauty of Grand Teton, Wyoming

On the northwest of Wyoming, there is an American Park that stretches to land of around 310,000 acres termed Grand Teton National Park. There are plenty of things to do in the park as you can drive the 42-mile scenic loop, take a hike around the Jenny Lake region, and explore 1890’s Mormon Row historic district.

2. Discover the Tranquility of Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

It doesn’t matter what sort of adventure sport such as kayaking, hiking, or snorkeling on the beach, you will find it in the northern part of Wisconsin at Apostle Islands. You can camp on Sand Island & Oak Island, explore the superior lake and ice caves that are sandstone caves carry you deep inside the cliffs.

3. A Hidden Gem: Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Visiting the Great Basin National Park is one of the most underrated summer travel ideas. It will offer you the experience of moving from caves to the cosmos because of carrying 13,000 ft Wheeler Peak and amazing sage-covered foothills.

The most significant places to visit in the park include Lahman Caves Tour, Lodge Room Tour, Grand Palace Tour, and stroll on the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail that will take you to the Stella & Teresa Lakes.

4. Exploring Santa Catalina Island, California

Santa Catalina Island is located on the coast of the Southern region of California and has around 7,000 BC long history of Native American settlement.

You can visit the preferred section of Catalina Island by taking a six-passenger cart with you or have a Catalina Island parasailing adventure within the range of $25 to $80.

5. Island Hopping in San Juan Islands, Washington

San Joun Islands are a cluster of islands in the Pacific Ocean near the US state of Washington that is a most underrated summer travel ideas for destinations to enjoy the camping sites.

You can also explore British colonial history and determine the reason for the Pig War a territorial dispute that erupted in 1889.

6. Enjoying Nature in Door County, Wisconsin

Door Country is a peninsula that has a lower population around 30,000 and is also termed by its nickname, the Cape Cod of the Midwest. It’s the most underrated summer travel destination near Lake Michigan and features a long shoreline and magnificent coastal parks.

It has destinations like Cave Point County Park, Washington Island, Whitefish Dunes State Park, and Eagle Bluff Lighthouse to attract travelers for years.

7. Relaxing at Lake Ouachita, Arkansas

Lake Ouachita extends around 40,000 acres of clean water where you can kayak, fishing, boating, and scuba diving in the open water of the lake.

Around the park, there are 93 campsites eight of which have fully functional kitchens and the comfort of home. It makes the sites suitable for lantern hangers and outdoor grills.

8. Sunbathing on Clearwater Beach, Florida

The theme song fits Clearwater Beach with sugary white sand and emerald water would be walking on sunshine. You can rent a shaded cabana for a day on the beach while watching your kids play on the beach. Besides the beach, choose to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and take dolphin cruises to sail longer on shallow waters.

9. Kayaking on Moosehead Lake, Maine

If you miss the pristine beauty and solitude at the less crowded place in the US that is also the most underrated summer travel destination, Moosehead Lake.

You can merge yourself in nature on longer trials for hiking, take some rare wildlife photos, and also fishing on the Lake where you can party with your family and friends.

10. Beach Retreats on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island is the most underrated summer travel destination that was connected by a bridge with the mainland in 1956.

The bridge boosts tourism in the region which becomes the major reason for its fast-growing recognition among travelers. The region is perfect for biking because there are several paved paths formed on the island.

Read Also: Rest Areas in South Carolina: 101 Road Guide

European Hidden Wonders

11. The Serene Beauty of Lofoten, Norway

Lofoten Islands are a cluster of islands located in the country of Nordland that are also the most underrated travel destinations due to their distinctive scenery and dramatic mountains.

Under the shadow of towering mountains, there are most accessible beaches like Ramber Beach, Ytresand Beach, and Haukland Beach. The water temperature ranges from 8 to 14 C is perfect for surfing and other water sports.

12. Unveiling Theth National Park, Albania

Theth National Park was established in 1966 in the South European country, Albania. It is the ideal place and most underrated summer travel destination that has a wide biodiversity and ecosystem that is evidenced by the presence of valleys, rivers, mountains, and waterfalls. You need to beware of the large mammals such as brown bears, roe deer, and chamois.

South American Summer Adventure

13. Immersing in the Wilderness of Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia covers around 1,000 miles and is situated on the southern border of Chile where the land is replete with the wonder of nature as it contains the Andes mountains with lakes, fjords, rainforest, and glaciers. You can have a rafting experience that is most adventurous in the gushing waters of River Colorado and Barrancas.

Unconventional Asian Retreats

14. The Mystique of Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines

Terrance is formed to make the mountainous area cultivatable for growing rice to meet the needs so the indigenous people and others living around. These are green pastures that cover the mountain and cascade towards the foot of the hills That makes these the best Terrace Fields in the World.

15. The Scenic Charm of Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island is a volcanic island that contains the highest mountain in South Korea with a height of around 6,400 ft. It’s the most underrated summer travel destination in the Asian region where you can see plenty of rare destinations like Jeongbang Falls, Manjanggula Cave, etc.