{"id":1638,"date":"2024-08-06T20:23:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T20:23:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/?p=1638"},"modified":"2025-01-22T20:37:50","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T20:37:50","slug":"off-beaten-path-summer-vacation-destinations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/secondstogo.net\/wordpress\/off-beaten-path-summer-vacation-destinations\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Off-the-Beaten Path Summer Vacation Destinations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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According to recent research<\/a>, 66% of survey respondents are more interested in travel now than they were before the pandemic. Over 75% of travel spend, is now domestic, meaning Americans will spend more time hitting popular summer vacation destinations within the good old U.S. of A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter how you do the math, it adds up to a lot of travelers hitting the top locales, such as Las Vegas, Orlando and national parks<\/a>. Fortunately, for travelers looking to beat the crowds, not every state will receive its fair share of vacationers, leaving some beautifully tranquil and uncrowded places to visit. If you want to dial it back this summer\u2014or maybe you just want to enjoy your vacation without jockeying for elbow room with thousands of others vying for the perfect selfie\u2014we\u2019ve got some ideas for off the beaten path summer vacation destinations in the USA<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecticut\u2014Blending Family Entertainment with Coastal Pleasures (Without the Crowds)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Orlando, Florida once again tops the list of summer travel destinations, and it\u2019s no surprise. Home to two popular theme park franchises (Universal and Disney), as well as novelties such as Sea World, Orlando has cornered the market on family fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given the area’s proximity to the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico, Orlando also goes above and beyond as a summer vacation destination by offering the option for a side beach excursion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Orlando isn\u2019t the only locale to offer summer fun in the sun with a family flair. Connecticut, over 1,100 miles north, is the home to the longest continuously operating theme park in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Compounce<\/a> opened in 1846 as a picnic park, offering swimming, barbecues and amusement attractions. In 1895, trolley lines were extended to the rural location, allowing visitors from nearby cities, such as Hartford, to escape the summer heat and urban grime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“Lake Compounce”<\/a>by jjbers<\/a> is licensed under CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake Compounce is now home to over 50 rides, including the world\u2019s number-one rated wooden roller coaster, as well as a water park. This off-the-beaten path vacation spot is one of the few remaining parks that successfully combines lakeside fun with amusement attractions. It may not boast the size and theming of the ever-popular Orlando destination, but it will happily make up for it in quaint charm and history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to expend more energy on top-speed thrills, Six Flags New England resides just over the Connecticut border and pumps up the adrenaline with 12 roller coasters. Superman, the granddaddy of them all, features a 208-foot lift hill and views of the Connecticut River. This adrenaline-soaked trip through the park traverses walkways and dives into tunnels for an experience that pleases even the most die-hard coaster fan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just remember, we\u2019re talking about theme parks, where some lines are endemic to the experience, but you’re bound to feel alone when you compare it to destinations like Orlando.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have the Ocean too\u2014Connecticut Beaches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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In Connecticut, you can travel the entire state from shore to northern border in less than two hours, so getting to any of the state’s wonders isn’t out of the question. That includes that side beach trip you’ve been thinking about. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hammonasset Beach State Park<\/a> is one of the premier summer vacation destinations in the USA. Leave the nearby city behind and stretch out on over 2 miles of sandy beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you get tired of splashing in the waves, spend some time exploring the state\u2019s plant and animal life at the hands-on nature center or try some outdoor cooking in one of the onsite pavilions or picnic areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecticut\u2019s coast braces the Long Island Sound, a narrow stretch of water that runs between the state\u2019s southern border and the peninsula of New York City. Because of its protected nature, the water is mostly calm. Sometimes downright flat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If more serious wave action tickles your fancy, take a drive Rhode Island way. Within a few hours of Hartford, you can hit a series of open-water public beaches with plenty of room to throw down your towel and pitch your umbrella. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Our favorite is Misquamicut. While not exactly an off-the-beaten path vacation experience on a weekend, there is plenty of room to spread out and find a private spot or two. To experience more tranquil conditions, visit on a weekday, where you’re guaranteed plenty of space to pitch your beach umbrellas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the vast expanse of available beach line, coin-operated showers are almost a luxury at the end of day in the surf and sand. Washing the sand and salt from your hair while feeding quarters to a coin-operated shower may not sound like heaven, but when you emerge into the cool fresh breeze off the ocean, cleaned and scrubbed of the salty residue, you\u2019ll understand the appeal. Just don\u2019t forget your quarters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For side excursions, try a lighthouse cruise<\/a> out of New London or tour the Thimble Islands by boat<\/a>. We plan to do both this summer and will be reporting on our experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To reach Connecticut, convenient flights arrive regularly at either JFK or Bradly International airport (BDL), just outside of Hartford, and offer quick access to all this off-the-beaten-path summer vacation destination has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two Major Urban Centers Nearby<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

New York City ranks as a top travel destination<\/a> in the USA as the city expects to surpass pre-pandemic levels by 2025 – that’s over 62 million visitors<\/a>. Conversely, Connecticut offers convenient access to the urban pleasures without the cost and hassle of staying in the city. The Metro North rail line provides convenient access to Grand Central Station. From there, set out on foot, hail a cab or order a Lyft to the many experiences the city offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular tours are offered at architectural wonders such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. The metropolis is also home to over 100 art museums, as well as parks, shopping and shows. When evening comes, spend a night in town or hop back on the train toward more peaceful and solitary slumber at one of Connecticut’s hotels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Connecticut Makes Our List of off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Vacation Destinations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n