Best US travel destinations this summer, ranked by cost and attractions

LOS ANGELES - A new WalletHub report has pinpointed the best metro areas in the United States for summer 2025 travel — not just based on popularity, but also on value, accessibility, and experience. The study compares 100 of the most populated metro areas using 41 factors including average flight cost, hotel pricing, attractions per capita, dining affordability, safety, and local weather.

With 82% of Americans planning to travel this summer — and many hoping to keep costs in check — the report offers a practical guide for where to go without sacrificing fun.

What are the best US cities to visit this summer?

Dig deeper:

WalletHub’s data-driven ranking puts Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Orlando at the top of the list — each for different reasons:

• Atlanta, Georgia (Ranked #1): Atlanta offers excellent flight connectivity from major hubs, with direct flights averaging as low as $278. Once there, travelers can enjoy an array of amusement parks, shopping centers, museums, and ice cream shops. The city also stands out for nightlife lovers, with bars open until 4 a.m., one of the latest last-call times in the nation.
• Washington, D.C. (Ranked #2): The D.C. metro area ranked highest for safety, and offers travelers a wealth of free, world-class attractions like the Smithsonian museums, national monuments, and public parks. D.C. also scored high for dining — offering a surprising number of affordable restaurants rated 4.5 stars or higher on Yelp.
• Orlando, Florida (Ranked #3): Known for its major theme parks, Orlando also provides unexpected budget perks: three-star hotel rates as low as $55 per night and nonstop flights from major cities for around $308. The city ranks second nationally for activities, with top ratings for its water parks, boat tours, coffee shops, and spas.

FILE - Travelers walk through O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on November 22, 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Other standout cities include:

• Urban Honolulu, Hawaii (Ranked #4): With beautiful beaches and a high volume of outdoor activities, Honolulu ranked first for both weather and overall variety of attractions.
• Tampa-St. Petersburg, Florida (Ranked #5): A sunny getaway with affordable local costs and access to outdoor recreation.
• Austin, Texas (Ranked #6): Known for its live music and vibrant food scene, Austin also ranks high for activities and moderate travel costs.
• Philadelphia and Chicago (Ranks #7 and #8): Both offer a wealth of cultural institutions, historical sites, and easy flight access, especially from East Coast and Midwest cities.
• El Paso, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio (Ranks #9 and #10): These cities performed well thanks to low local costs and a solid mix of attractions and weather.

Why affordability matters in summer 2025

The backstory:

WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said cost-conscious planning is key to longer, more fulfilling vacations. "Choosing a destination that’s not only entertaining but also affordable is important when travel, dining, and activity costs have surged so much in recent years," she said.

The study’s methodology factors in not just prices, but how easy it is to get to each location and how much travelers can actually do once they arrive — from water parks and boat tours to live music venues and quality restaurants.

What they're saying:

Experts featured in the WalletHub report emphasized that good travel planning isn’t about picking the most famous cities — it’s about stretching your budget while maximizing your experience. Jason Draper, a hospitality professor at the University of Houston, pointed out that "smaller cities often deliver richer local culture and better value per dollar than many major destinations."

Bridget Niland of Niagara University added that easy airport access and diverse recreation options are key to getting the most out of a summer trip.