Upstate New York Gem Makes List of ‘Top Summer Vacations in the US’

Planning Your Next Summer Getaway?

Where would you go if you could take a Summer vacation anywhere in the United States?

Perhaps you dream of the beach and maybe a place like Myrtle Beach or Cape Cod seems ideal. Or, maybe you're into sightseeing or hiking, so a place like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park (both terrific options) might suit your fancy.

There are endless roads to travel in our great country, but sometimes the backdrop for a perfect Summer vacation is right in your backyard, or in this case, just a short drive up the Northway!

Top 21 Summer Vacations in the USA

A recent survey from The US News and World Report compiled a ranking of their top  Summer vacation places in the USA for 2024, an Upstate NY gem, our glorious Adirondacks made the list, edging out vacation havens like Aspen, Boston, and even Newport, Rhode Island.

Of the 21 US cities ranked, The Adirondacks placed #14 on the list!

What are the Criteria for the Ranking?

US News and World Report say they ranked the places using several criteria.  They grade the destinations against one another based upon lists covering topics such as the World’s Best Places to Visit and the Best Places to Visit in the USA.

The cities are then judged on specific characteristics that each location exhibits, including sights, culture, people, food, family, nightlife, adventure, romance, value, and accessibility.

What Does this Survey Love about the ADKS?

Just about everything!  Upstate New Yorkers know how special the Adirondacks are, but it's nice when a national publication takes notice. Here's, in part, what the article said about them:

Whether you're a lover of outdoor activities, sports history, or just appreciate beautiful scenery, odds are you'll adore northern New York's Adirondacks region. Once summertime rolls around, travelers can go biking, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting. No matter what time of year it is, you'll have your pick of stunning scenery to explore — like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake — thanks to more than 6 million acres spread across 12 regions.

Here's the Complete List by US News and World Report

1. Glacier National Park
2. Yellowstone National Park
3. San Diego
4. Grand Canyon National Park
5. Grand Teton National Park
6. Kiawah Island
7. Zion National Park
8. Bar Harbor
9. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
10. Outer Banks
11. Bryce Canyon National Park
12. Cannon Beach
13. Hilton Head
14. Adirondacks
15. Cape May
16. Cape Cod
17. Portland Maine
18. Newport, RI
19. Bend, OR
20. Aspen
21. Boston