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The Ultimate Guide for a Summer Getaway

Summertime is finally here! Here are some of our favorite spots sit back and relax from the archives...
By Cara Sanders on May 1, 2022
Stock photo of beach lined with umbrellas and people during summer
iStock/MarioGuti

Itching to get out and about this summer? Looking for somewhere new to take a trip? Or maybe want to avoid the crowds?

We’ve got you covered with a compilation of some of our favorite summer-centric content. Enjoy!

Looking for places you can vacation with your pup? Check out this list of some of the most Fido-friendly cities in the U.S.  
iStock/
Experiences & Adventures

The Best Cities to Visit With Your Dog in Every State

Looking for places you can bring your pup? Check out this list of some of the most Fido-friendly cities in the U.S.  
Aspen CO is home to one of the best summer hikes
Aspen / iStockPhoto/welcomia
Healthy Places

The 5 Best U.S. Cities for Summer Hikes

Looking for the perfect place to embark on a summer hiking adventure? These cities offer gorgeous hikes and plenty to do off the trail.
iStock/georgeclerk
Love Where You Live

9 Indie Bookstores That Are Worth a Road Trip

Famous owners. Cute shop dogs. Curated reading lists. Cool spaces. Which one will you visit first?
iStock/ArtMarie
Food Scenes

10 Best Ice Cream Shops in America

I scream, you scream — these are the 10 best cities for ice cream.
Stock
iStock
Experiences & Adventures

6 Cities With Summers So Amazing You (Almost) Forget How Cold the Winters Are

It’s hard to picture these cities without snow on the ground. But take our word for it: their summer alter egos are sunny, gorgeous and full of fun things to do.
Kat Nyberg/McMenamins
Food Scenes

The Best Hidden Bar in Every State

We scoured all 50 states to pinpoint the best secret bars and speakeasies. Here’s where to find them — and how to get in.
Manchester TN
Manchester / iStock/epicurean
Experiences & Adventures

10 Music Festivals That Will Make Your Summer Truly Epic

Summer music festivals can be found all over the U.S. — don’t miss these big shows in smaller cities.
Wyoming
Wyoming / iStock/Joecho-16
Experiences & Adventures

The Best Socially Distanced Travel Destination in Every State

From secret beaches to drive-through safaris, check out this list of our favorite destinations in every state — no plane rides or crowds required.
Palm Coast, FL
Palm Coast / Courtesy of Marc Averette under a CC 2.0 license.
Experiences & Adventures

The 6 Best-Kept Secret Beaches in Florida

Avoid the tourist traps and discover these gorgeous hidden gems — with plenty of space for your beach blanket.
dog-friendly cities
iStock/Nazar Rybak
Experiences & Adventures

5 Dog-Friendly Vacations You’ll Want To Take This Summer

These pet-friendly places make it easy for you and your furry friend to spend summer vacation together.

Wisconsin State Fair
Photo Courtesy of Wisconsin State Fair
Experiences & Adventures

10 Best State Fairs in America

These ten state fairs take the (funnel) cake for the most fun.

Big Sur Bridge California Ocean Road Costline CA-1 Drone Shot stock photo
iStock/Frederick Thelen
Experiences & Adventures

7 Underrated Places You Have to Stop on Your California Road Trip

From the Mojave Desert to untouched beaches and charming wine towns, these stops will make your California adventure unforgettable.
Rhode Island beaches
Rhode Island / Courtesy of Adam Vradenburg under a CC 4.0 license.
Experiences & Adventures

Why Rhode Island Has the Best Beaches in New England

Maine, Connecticut, the Cape and the islands: They got nothin’ on Little Rhody.
Washington Island WI
Wisconsin / Public Domain
Experiences & Adventures

7 Gorgeous Beaches in the Midwest

You don’t have to be near an ocean to find an awesome beach this summer. Here’s proof.
Rooftop Bar istock
iStock/ucpage
Food Scenes

10 Rooftop Bars With Stellar Views, Vibes and Drinks

Cocktails accompanied by a sweeping city view? Sign us up!
Charleston SC
iStockPhoto/Sean Pavone
Education, Careers & Opportunity

8 Dreamy Beach Towns for Entrepreneurs

If you can work from anywhere, why not work from paradise?
Savannah GA
Savannah / iStock/Marje
Experiences & Adventures

Why You Should Go on a Ghost Tour This Summer (Yes, Really)

Because doesn’t a chill down your spine sound refreshing right about now?
Couple clinks together craft spirit drink the Rising Sun from Marble Distilling Co. in Colorado
Courtesy of Marble Distilling Co.
Food Scenes

8 Epic Sips and Spirits You Must Try

These eight cities are home to some truly one-of-a-kind alcoholic sips and spirits just waiting to be tried.

Finger Lakes NY
New York / iStockPhoto/benedek
Experiences & Adventures

6 Goodbye Summer Getaways You’ll Want to Say Hello To

It’s not time to put away your swimsuits yet!
iStock
Experiences & Adventures

Travel Weird: The Eeriest Places and Phenomena in Every Region of the US

We can’t explain what’s going on in these places. But we can recommend spending hours reading about them online, and adding them to your road trip bucket list.
Tiki bar on the water in Greater Fort Lauderdale
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitor Bureau
Experiences & Adventures

Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Trip: 8 Beaches in 5 Days

Itching to go on an adventure? These road trips in the Sunshine State are calling.
Phoenix AZ
Phoenix / Courtesy of Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens
Experiences & Adventures

14 Inspiring Public Spaces You Can Visit Soon(ish)

Sculpture gardens! Labyrinths! Literary walks! Oh my!

About Cara Sanders

Livability Managing Editor

Cara Sanders is the managing editor and director of digital marketing for Livability.com. As an award-winning journalist with nearly a decade of experience, she specializes in using data-driven insights to uncover the "why" behind what makes a city a great...Read Bio

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