Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season – the period between the peak summer and low winter season – an ideal time to explore the US. From mountain hikes and wildlife-filled drives to coastal strolls and cultural festivals, these destinations shine in fall. To boot, you’ll find fewer lines, more room to roam and landscapes at their most photogenic.

Sandbridge is where quiet coastal charm meets endless outdoor fun. It’s perfect for doing a whole lot or nothing at all. Whether you want to kick back on a calm beach, paddle peaceful inlets, or enjoy easy access to a bustling boardwalk scene, this laid-back paradise lets you have it all.   When you crave a break from the beach, stroll through local parks or get up into the treetops for a new perspective. With fresh-caught seafood, vibrant farmers markets, scenic bike paths, and paddle-perfect...

From the banks of the Potomac to Seattle’s Space Needle, a coast-to-coast bike trail is becoming a reality — one pedal revolution at a time. As I pushed off from Pittsburgh’s Point State Park — where three rivers converge beneath a skyline of steel and stone — a wave of anticipation washed over me. The sky was gray, promising rain, but all I could feel was the pull to begin my first multi-day bikepacking adventure. The night before, Amtrak deposited me into the quiet hum of the city just before...

Depending on which US coastline you find yourself closest to, Portland could mean something completely different. There's the Maine version, known for its classic coastal New England vibe and maritime history. On the West Coast, Portland, OR, is laid-back, indie-spirited and as outdoorsy as they come.

History meets waterfront charm in Yorktown, a small town that played a big role in America's story. As part of Virginia’s Historic Triangle, alongside Jamestown and Williamsburg, Yorktown is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. But you don’t have to wait to experience its cobblestone streets, sandy beaches, and stories of independence. From ghost tours to battlefield walks, riverside dining to local art galleries, Yorktown invites you to slow down,...

For many, an trip means big , tours, and bustling ports like , , and Seward. However, for breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventure, and authentic local charm minus the crowds, the less-traveled routes are where the magic really happens.

Airport: Dulles, Concourse A. Amenities: Renovated a year ago, this jewel-toned lounge spans two levels and 5,200 square feet. The first floor features a hot-food bar, grab-and-go options, a made-to-order menu, a full drinks bar, a reflection room, and showers (reservation required). Upstairs, relax in a cozy center banquette, sofas, and lounge chairs with built-in outlets and a beverage station. How to access it: Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, including up to two guests, get in free with p...

Traveling with kids—lugging car seats, pushing strollers, wrangling toddlers—is a marathon of patience-testing. Enter airport concierge services, which can offer relief for families, seniors, or anyone needing extra help. At BWI, Bethesda-based SkySquad can meet you curbside, carry your bags, assist with check-in, and help you breeze through security (starting at $149). They’ll even watch your bags at the gate. “We’re like the friend you needed at the airport,” says founder Julie Melnick. Simila...

Bermuda’s pink sand beaches, shipwrecks and cerulean waters have long captivated travelers. Now, thanks to new nonstop flights from legacy airlines, plus the launch of BermudAir in August 2023, reaching this small island in the North Atlantic 650 miles east of North Carolina is easier than ever. Direct flights from more than a dozen US cities, including Baltimore and Hartford, mean you could be poolside by lunchtime. Best enjoyed from May to September, Bermuda offers cultural heritage sites, fre...

About 40 miles west of Santa Fe, in the high desert of north-central New Mexico, the landscape transforms into a dreamscape of pale, cone-shaped spires. Known as Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, this surreal cluster of hoodoos — some reaching 90 feet high — was carved by ancient volcanic eruptions that layered the terrain with ash, pumice and tuff.Kasha-Katuwe, meaning “white cliffs” in the Keresan language of the Cochiti Pueblo people, is a geological wonder and a sacred site of cultural significance. Shuttered since March 2020, first due to COVID-19, then to address over-visitation, the monument reopened to the public in February after a seasonal closure in December, with new measures in place to safeguard this landscape for future generations.

With its riverfront parks, historic homes, and tree-lined streets, Smithfield is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile. Just an hour from Norfolk and under two from Richmond, it’s an easy getaway that feels worlds away from the hustle.  Spend your days exploring historic sites, sampling small-batch spirits, and snapping photos with the town’s beloved pig statues—a nod to Smithfield’s famous ham. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this underrated destinatio...

Surf culture runs deep in Virginia Beach, long considered the birthplace of East Coast surfing. Now, it’s leveling up with Atlantic Park Surf, the first surf lagoon in the United States powered by Wavegarden wave-generation technology. Set to open by July, this high-tech lagoon will pump out consistent, rideable waves year-round—just two blocks from the ocean. This surf park anchors Atlantic Park, a 10.35-acre entertainment district developed in collaboration with hometown icon Pharrell Will...

When the summer sun is blazing, there’s no better way to cool off than by heading underground. Caves offer a naturally air-conditioned escape, along with a chance to explore some of the Earth’s most fascinating geological formations, from delicate stalactites to sparkling crystals.

Tucked into the quiet folds of Southwest Virginia, far from the hum of the interstates, Independence is a small but spirited mountain town where outdoor adventures meet deep-rooted Appalachian heritage. Hike to spot sturdy wild ponies, pedal along a rail-trail or two, or tap your toes to the twang of old-time fiddle music. It may catch you off guard, but this grounded authenticity is part of the charm.   This is the kind of place that invites you to press pause—to slow down and truly appreciat...

Ocean City, Maryland, is the ultimate summer playground, known for wide beaches, sumptuous seafood, and of course, classic boardwalk fun. Ten miles of free, sandy beaches make Ocean City a favorite destination for catching waves, building sandcastles, and soaking up the sun. And the 3-mile boardwalk packs in the fun with roller coasters, mini golf, kiddie rides, and so much more.

Nostalgia tourism is on the rise in 2025, and there’s no better way to embrace it than by hitting the open road to explore some of the quirkiest, most iconic roadside attractions in the northeast, like Lucy the Elephant in New Jersey and the Coffee Pot in Pennsylvania.

Planning a vacation is exciting, but creating an itinerary can be overwhelming. A destination expert can streamline the process and even suggest experiences that may not have been on your radar, like hands-on cooking classes or cultural activities, that can enhance your trip.

It may not seem like a necessity, but a comfy cozy travel blanket can make a big difference on trips.  “Some of us may sleep very well when we travel, while others may struggle,” says sleep expert Rebecca Robbins, an assistant professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Bringing elements that are cozy and comforting, such as a blanket, eye mask, or other elements, can remind you of home and help set you up for sleep success whi...

Taking advantage of low-cost airlines and crowdsourced tips, time-crunched tourists can pack big adventures into a single day.

Spring is a magical time to witness wildlife in action, as animals emerge from winter and migratory birds return. From paddling alongside wild ponies on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to spotting baby bison in Yellowstone National Park, here are seven unforgettable adventures that will take you to wildlife-rich spots across the U.S. Keep in mind, however, that the best wildlife encounters happen when you keep a respectful distance and observe responsible practices, so grab your binoculars and get read...