Let’s be real, summer travel can get a little… chaotic. With kids and students on summer break, many families use this time to travel, which means overpriced hotels, crowded attractions, and surge pricing across the board. It can feel impossible to enjoy a summer vacation without draining your savings.
However, there’s one hack to enjoy a quiet and affordable vacation during the summer: avoid trending travel destinations and visit the cities that everyone is fleeing instead.
Yep, this is your sign to go against the vacation herd. While most travelers are stampeding toward packed beaches and tourist hotspots, there’s a smarter way to do summer: choose off-season travel spots and head to the cities that aren’t trending. The ones that get just too quiet for most people’s bucket lists. You get to enjoy fewer crowds, lower prices, and space to enjoy it to the fullest.
Why Off-Season Is The Smart Season
Traveling in the off-season is absolutely worth it. Most cities have seasonal shifts, which means you can take advantage of:
- Lower prices: Hotels, flights, and attractions often offer many deals during off-peak season.
- Move availability: You have more choices when it comes to securing a prime location and luxury amenities.
- Less summer chaos: Shorter lines, emptier streets, fewer tourists, and easier parking.
- Space to relax: You get to actually enjoy your vacation and have an authentic local experience, plus you get to support many local businesses during a slower season.
U.S. Cities People Flee in the Summer (But You Should Visit)
Tucson, AZ
Yes, it’s hot, but that just means more pool time and mid-day naps. Tucson is quiet, calm, and very affordable in the summer.
- What to do: Hit Sabino Canyon and Saguaro National Park, explore wineries in Sonoita, or go camping at Mt. Lemmon.
- Where to stay: In a prime downtown location, RendezVous Urban Flats offers easy access to shopping and city transit, plus an in-building mini mart and fitness center. Prefer a more quiet setting? Head to Linda Vista, an Oro Valley retreat just minutes from top hiking trails, with a pool and hot tub.
Phoenix, AZ
Traveling to Phoenix in the off-peak season means peaceful mornings on the trail, chill afternoons by the pool, and fewer people everywhere. Just make sure you have A/C!
- What to do: Enjoy sunrise hikes at Camelback or South Mountain, float down the Salt River on an inner tube, go to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament for indoor entertainment, or grab dinner at Pizzeria Bianco.
- Where to stay: Cool off in the rooftop pool or hit the Echelon Mirror studio at Preston at Biltmore, located in the heart of Phoenix’s upscale Biltmore neighborhood. For a more local vibe, The Access in Tempe offers resort-style amenities, rooftop basketball, and it’s a short walk from Mill Ave and ASU.
Orlando, FL
The rainy season scares off the crowds, especially by late August. That’s your window for smaller lines and better deals. Just make sure to bring an umbrella or raincoat, just in case.
- What to do: Visit theme parks with a Lightning Lane pass, explore the Orlando Science Center, or take a shaded paddle through Wekiva Springs.
- Where to stay: Relax by the saltwater pool or hit the West Orange Trail at Vintage Horizon West, just 15 minutes from Disney. Or choose Estates at Park Avenue for luxury amenities like a yoga studio, hammocks, and easy access to Orlando’s cultural scene.
Memphis, TN
Memphis in the slow season is steamy, but that means no lines at Graceland, more room at BBQ joints, and fewer crowds on Beale Street.
- What to do: Tour Sun Studio or the National Civil Rights Museum, visit the Memphis Zoo, or enjoy a cruise on the Mississippi River.
- Where to stay: Stay close to Shelby Farms Park at The Nine @ Memphis, with in-unit laundry, a resort-style pool, and spacious layouts for work or play. It’s the perfect home base for exploring Beale Street, local museums, and the city’s best BBQ.
Nashville, TN
The bachelorette parties slow down midweek, leaving you with live music, lake days, and way less chaos.
- What to do: Kayak the Cumberland River, catch a show at the Ryman, take a day trip to Percy Priest Lake, or hang out at rooftop bars.
- Where to stay: Enjoy pool days and quick city access at The Flats at Walden Grove, complete with a 24-hour gym and quick drive to downtown’s best venues. Or opt for Preston at Hillwood, where sand volleyball, outdoor kitchens, and a game room keep summer stress-free.
Durham, NC
When college students leave, the city breathes. You get to enjoy quiet neighborhoods, brunch mornings, and green trails with no one else around.
- What to do: Hike Eno River State Park, brewery-hop downtown, visit the Durham Farmers’ Market, or catch a Bulls game.
- Where to stay: Settle in at Foster on the Park, located right by Durham Central Park with a saltwater pool, yoga room, and local eats nearby. It’s the ideal stay for brewery hopping and trail exploring.
Washington, D.C.
Yes, it’s humid. But fewer tourists mean relaxed museum visits, rooftop drinks without the wait, and shaded parks for mid-day picnics.
- What to do: Paddleboat around the Tidal Basin, listen to jazz in the Sculpture Garden, watch the sunset from the Lincoln Memorial steps, or visit the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.
- Where to stay: Stay just steps from Capitol Hill and Eastern Market at 1335 Penn Ave with bike storage and easy Metro access. Perfect for exploring museums by day and rooftop bars by night.
Indianapolis, IN
What are the perks of visiting Indianapolis during the low season? Affordable stays, relaxing canal walks, and space to explore without fighting through event crowds.
- What to do: Bike the Cultural Trail, rent a pedal boat on the canal, enjoy outdoor movie nights at Newfields Gardens, or catch a game downtown.
- Where to stay: Book 9 on Canal for canal views, a rooftop pool, and quick access to Mass Ave’s shops, trails, and events. Or stretch out at Lake Castleton, where lakeside trails, two pools, and a laid-back vibe make it easy to stay awhile.
Wilmington, NC
Humidity? Sure. But also, peaceful beaches, riverfront strolls, and all the coastal charm, without the East Coast vacation chaos.
- What to do: Head to Wrightsville Beach early, take the Riverwalk downtown, have a blast at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, or sip a drink at Alcove.
- Where to stay: Head to Bellingham Park to stay close to the beach, walking trails, and perks like a resort-style pool and private movie theater. It’s a short drive from Wrightsville Beach and steps from UNCW, breweries, and local dining.
Looking to Stay Longer?
If you’re working remotely or just craving a slower summer pace for a little longer, these cities are perfect for an extended stay. You’ll still get all the off-season perks: lower costs, fewer crowds, and that authentic local experience.
Las Vegas, NV
When it hits 110°, that’s when hotel prices drop and restaurant waitlists disappear. Stay cool indoors with plenty of entertainment options, or treat the pool like your day pass retreat.
- What to do: Book a spa day, catch a show on the Strip, explore the Neon Museum, or go to a water park.
- Where to stay: Unwind after work at Summit on Boulder, with a year-round spa, resort-style pool, and easy access to hiking, Lake Mead, and downtown Vegas. Or stay at The Ellison, where rooftop lounges, a pool, and luxe finishes make life in The Gramercy feel like a permanent staycation.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly gets muggy in summer, and locals tend to flee to Jersey Shore. Stay behind and enjoy the food scene, historic sites, and open sidewalks all to yourself.
- What to do: Bike Kelly Drive along the river, go to a Phillies game, grab a picnic from Reading Terminal Market, or catch a rooftop movie at Cira Green.
- Where to stay: Stay at Hagert & York in the heart of Fishtown, with rooftop views, pool table, and all your favorite cafés and venues just steps away. From Johnny Brenda’s to The Fillmore, Philly’s coolest neighborhood is right outside your (fully-furnished) front door.
Kansas City, MO
No, it’s not a beach town. But it is full of fountains, jazz, BBQ, and local charm, with low prices and little competition for the best spots.
- What to do: Check out First Fridays in the Crossroads, cool off at a brewery, visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, or relax by the Country Club Plaza fountains.
- Where to stay: Stay in style at The Darby at Briarcliff, with a fitness center, pool, and quick access to riverfront trails and downtown. Perfect for extended stays, it’s your home base for exploring KC’s green spaces, breweries, and summer events.
How to Find the Perfect Stay
No matter where you’re headed, Landing makes summer stays easy. Book vacation rentals and fully furnished apartments in a great neighborhood. You’ll have everything you need to feel right at home, including a full kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, stylish interiors, and access to amenities such as a pool, gym, A/C, parking, and more.
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Hot Cities, Cooler Prices: Travel Smart this Summer
By heading to the cities everyone else is skipping, you get to enjoy fewer crowds, better deals, support local economies, and have an authentic experience. Whether you’re working remotely, taking a quick break, or just want a change of scenery, these off-season spots offer everything you need.
And with Landing, you don’t need to overthink the logistics. Just show up, settle in, and enjoy the summer your way, with a fully-furnished home, premium amenities, 24/7 support, and everything you need already in place.
