only in
Only In Your State
Plan your next weekend getaway
Only In Your State
Bucket list adventures
Only In Your State
Overnight adventures
Only In Your State
Hit the trails
Only In Your State
Get away from it all
Only In Your State
Step back in time
Only In Your State
Discover hidden gems
Only In Your State
Discover charming small towns
Only In Your State
Discover local treasures

Around the Country

Trips & Routes
Day Trips

The 13 Best Outdoorsy Towns Across the U.S. For Endless Adventurers

From mountain hideaways to lakeside basecamps, these towns make it easy to spend your whole trip outside.

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 14
Moose at the river in autumn yellow forest by snowcapped mountains. North Cascades. Winthrop. WA. USA
Experiences

The Best State Fairs Happening Each Summer (And What to Eat at Each)

by Melissa Mahoney
on Jul 14
amusement rides including a ferris wheel and roller coaster at the ohio state fair
Experiences

11 Refreshing Lazy Rivers in the U.S. for Tubing This Summer

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 8
River tubing in gentle cascades, surrounded by the forest.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina: Go Here Instead

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Jul 10
Sunrise on the beach at Pawleys Island, South Carolina.
Nature

10 Best Places To See Bioluminescence In The U.S. (2026 Guide)

by Marisa Roman
on Jul 6
Bioluminescence glowing blue along shallow shoreline water created by natural marine microorganisms at night.

Find Your Next Adventure

let us do the work

Effortlessly plan your next adventure with AI
Instead of These Spots, Go Here Instead
Ditch the spots with the most people and find these underrated gems instead.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Grand Isle Beach in Louisiana: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Grand Isle, but this hidden beach in Louisiana offers fewer crowds and drive-on beach access. Here’s why it’s worth the switch.

by Melanie Johnson
Views of Holly Beach, a hidden beach in Louisiana, featuring an empty sandy shore and calm blue waters.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland: Go Here Instead

Everyone loves the Assateague Island National Seashore, but this hidden beach in Maryland is far less crowded and offers a more classic beach experience.

by Charlie Boyle
The sun sets on the Chesapeake Bay at Flag Ponds Nature Park's beach in Maryland.
Nature

Everyone Always Goes to Wildwood in New Jersey: Go Here Instead

With a boardwalk that rivals Wildwood but a fraction of the crowds, Point Pleasant Beach is the best hidden beach in New Jersey.

by Raymond Goldfield
An overhead view of the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk in New Jersey, with amusement parks and housing visible next to the beach.

Hand-Picked

Discover a curated selection of our favorite travel gear and goods, hand-picked just for our readers.

Travel Goods
Travel Gear

19 Prime Day Deals on Products Our Editors Actually Use

by Marisa Roman
Amazon prime deal examples
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Travel Expert’s Top 26 Must-Haves for 2026

by Only In Your State Staff
Collage of travel gear items
Travel Goods
Travel Gear

Hand-Picked: The Best Luggage, Carry-Ons, and Checked Bags

by Meg Archer
alt
Trips & Routes

Essential Gear You Actually Need to Pack for Your Next Outdoorsy Trip

by Joe Erbentraut
Outdoor gear spread out on blanket

Gem of the Week

Nature

13 Natural Water Slides in the U.S. That Beat Any Theme Park

No lines, no lifeguard whistles, and no $60 admission. These natural waterslides across the U.S. are some of the best swimming holes yet.

by Marisa Roman
Jul 20
Sliding Rock Falls on Looking Glass Creek in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA

Discover Local Wonders

alt text

Come along for the ride

All Stories

Nature
Hiking

Devil’s Den Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Nebraska

The name sounds intimidating, but this scenic hike is one of the most rewarding trails in Nebraska. Here's why it's worth the adventure

by Jacki Mick
on Jul 22
Hiker standing inside a narrow rock crevice at Devil's Den, Nebraska.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

Illinois’ Drink of Summer Can Be Found at These 3 Iconic Places

This three Illinois bars all do spritzes a little differently, yet they capture the essence of the trendy summertime beverage.

by Amanda Finn
on Jul 22
Two hands toasting with a pair of spritzes at Happy Camper in Chicago, Illinois.
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

Everyone Always Goes to Orchard Beach in Michigan: Go Here Instead

Everyone flocks to Orchard Beach, but this hidden beach in Michigan offers fewer crowds and stunning views. Here’s why it’s worth the switch.

by Jacki Mick
on Jul 22
Bare feet on sandy Lake Michigan beach watching a sunset at Nordhouse Dunes, MI.
Nature

The Most Beautiful Lake in Hawaiʻi That Most People Have Never Heard Of

High above the Pacific Ocean on Mauna Kea, Lake Waiau offers one of Hawaiʻi’s most unexpected landscapes: a tiny alpine lake surrounded by volcanic terrain, clear skies, and sweeping summit views.

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 22
An orange and yellow sunset lights up the sky above a remote lake in Hawaii.
Trips & Routes

The Instagrammable Roadside Attraction Is Worth the Drive From Dallas

Forget Paris; just a short drive from Dallas, Texas, is a whimsical Eiffel Tower worthy of your Instagram. Here’s what makes it worth the trip.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 21
Views of a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, with a large red cowboy hat on top.