Summer is all about long, lazy days and enjoying the sunshine. The problem is, everyone else wants to do the same thing. This usually means long queues of traffic and crowded beaches, parks and lakes.
All of that makes life a little less relaxing on your summer holiday.
The good news is, there are plenty of places that you can go for some fun in the sun that are a lot quieter. You may just need to travel a bit further or try going off the beaten track for a bit. Let’s take a look at some of the best summer holiday destinations in the USA that don’t get too crowded.
1. Molokai, Hawaii
You don’t get more of a summer holiday destination than Hawaii. However, Molokai is an island that rarely sees even small crowds in the height of summer.
The reason it isn’t that popular is because you don’t have a wide variety of choice for accommodation and restaurants. Molokai is more rustic and better suited to those who like a bit of adventure. You won’t find much in the way of luxury resorts or places to shop here.
What you will find is glorious beaches that are surrounded by the world’s tallest sea cliffs. The island is the fifth largest of all the islands that make up Hawaii, so there is a lot to explore here.
2. Camden, Maine
The coast of Maine is a hot destination for summer holidays – full of calm ocean, boats of all sizes, quaint towns and that New England charm. The town of Camden is one of the best places to go because it is not one of the tourist destinations. Why this has happened is unclear because the town has everything you could want for a summer holiday in Maine.
There are some amazing hikes in the area, with Mount Battie being one of the main routes. It’s not the easiest of hikes but it does give you incredible views of the town harbour and Penobscot Bay. The restaurant scene is also pretty impressive in Camden. If it’s lobster you’re after, then you need to try Miller’s Lobster Co.
3. Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
If heading inland is more your thing in the summer, then this is the place to go. It’s one of the small national parks in the southeast of Utah, much smaller than the Mighty 5 that are incredibly popular with tourists and locals alike. However, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth visiting – quite the opposite, and it’s as awesome as spending time at Ausbet.
There is an incredible campground where you can stay inside the park. It’s certified as an International Dark Sky Park and the stargazing at night there is simply incredible.
During the day, the views are just as spectacular, with Bridge View Drive being one of the best adventures to take. It’s a 9-mile loop with several spots that are perfect for viewing three of the natural bridges – Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo – from various angles.
