7 Top Ideas for the Ultimate City Escape This Summer in the USA

With longer days and warmer temperatures, summer tends to be the best time of the year to get away for a while and experience something new. However, you might not have the ability or the time to take two weeks to jet off to a foreign country for a full-fledged vacation. Rather, you might only be able to take a few days away for your trip this summer.

Even though it might not seem like a smaller chunk of time will be enough to truly enjoy a vacation, you might be surprised to learn that you can create quite the itinerary for yourself when you opt for a city escape sort of trip. By visiting one of the amazing cities throughout the country, you can enjoy the style, luxury, and plenty of entertainment without having to travel too far from home.

Furthermore, a city escape can also prove to be a great way of having a more economical vacation. Instead of spending a fortune on international travel, hotels, and food, you can plan your trip wisely to get the most out of whichever city you choose for your ultimate getaway.

Best City Escape Locations for Summer Vacation in the USA

With that in mind, if you are hoping to experience an amazing city escape this summer, here are a few ideas for you to consider.

1. Chicago, IL

The Windy City is an excellent option for those who want the true city escape experience without getting lost in the abyss that can be cities like New York or Los Angeles. With plenty of cultures, history, and entertainment to enjoy, you will find no shortage of things to do in Chicago.

Make sure to include some of the world-class restaurants that Chicago has to offer on your trip itinerary. While you will surely have your pick of the lot when it comes to incredible deep-dish pizza, a dish that the city is known for, there is also a great deal of ethnic and international food options in the area. No two meals are alike when you visit a city like Chicago.

Another selling point for Chicago as the setting for your ultimate city escape is the fact that you can find affordable flights from pretty much anywhere when you fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Just make sure that you book your flights in advance to get the best travel deals for your city escape.

2. Nashville, TN

Those looking to have their city escape focused more on music than anything else can’t go wrong with a trip to Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville is the official home of country music and has an abundance of tourist attractions to enjoy during your trip. Furthermore, even though this is certainly a city of substantial scale, it isn’t as overwhelmingly overbuilt as some of the larger cities across the country.

In addition to the truly world-class music scene in Nashville, you can also enjoy some incredible food while you are in the area. Dishes like Nashville hot chicken and Southern barbecue should absolutely be on the menu as some of the best offerings of this nature in the world are located in Nashville. 

The Grand Ole Opry, Music Row, and the Ryman Auditorium are all things that are worth making their way onto your itinerary for your trip to Nashville.

3. New Orleans, LA

You don’t have to wait for Mardi Gras to enjoy all New Orleans offers. Incredible food, a rich local culture, and some charming parks are all conveniently situated in this iconic city.

For starters, you will want to make sure to carve out some time to wander around the French Quarter. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to get a table at the famous Café du Monde, where you can enjoy some of the best beignets in the world. Those looking to learn more about the local history of New Orleans will have plenty of impressive museums to choose from as well.

Cross the powerful waters of the Mississippi River on the Algiers Ferry in order to enjoy the scenery, bars, and cafes of Algiers Point. Amazing music, incredible food, and vibrant nightlife are all worth exploring during your visit to New Orleans.

4. Charleston, SC

Those looking to couple their city escape with a bit of time by the sea should book a few days to Charleston, South Carolina. This is a great option for the summer months as the weather tends to be a bit more on the mild side of things. You can also cool off by the water if you happen to be out and about on a warmer day.

Make sure that you bring your walking shoes as Charleston is incredibly pedestrian-friendly. Walking around is also the best way to take in all of the charm and history that exists in Charleston. 

If you are hoping to hit the links for a morning, you should book a tee time at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. You might even be tempted to hit the spa at the resort while you are there, adding some much-needed rest and relaxation to your city escape. 

When you return to Charleston, you should make sure that you book a table at Citrus Club so that you can enjoy some world-class dining and breathtaking views of the city. You will find yourself wishing that your city escape could last a few days longer.

5. Boston, MA

One American city that is teeming with US history, charm, and plenty to see and do is the city of Boston. Situated in Massachusetts, history buffs will appreciate attractions like the Liberty Bell and the Freedom Trail.

Boston is also a city for those who are literally inclined. Some of the more impressive and historical public libraries are located here as well as places like the Old Corner Bookstore. Another reminder of this city’s high academic aspirations is the presence of the ivy-covered walls of Harvard University.

While in town, you don’t have to only focus on history and books. Head down to Boston Harbor for a sunset cruise or take a tour of Fenway Park. With a rich background in baseball, sports fans will delight in Boston just as much as book lovers. Samuel Adams Brewery is also worth a tour for those who are so inclined.

6. Savannah, GA

Those looking to slow down and take it slow while still enjoying a bit of city life should book a trip to the extremely picturesque Savannah. Located in the Southern state of Georgia, the temperatures will be rather mild even throughout the summertime. 

This is another town that has loads of charm and a quaint atmosphere. It isn’t nearly as busy as some of the larger cities you might encounter, but it isn’t short on all of the main draws that you would want from a city break. World-class dining, stunning scenery, natural beauty, and a bit of fun going on ghost tours, for the ghost hunter in you, are all on offer when you take a trip to Savannah.

Furthermore, this is a great spot for those not interested in bumping elbows with an absurd number of tourists. While the city certainly sees its fair share of foot traffic, you won’t feel overwhelmed by other travelers when you spend time in this lively yet pristine city. 

7. New York, NY

If you are truly looking for the ultimate in a full-on city escape, it is essential that you include New York City on the list of cities you are considering. As far as things to do, see, and experience, it simply doesn’t get much better than the Big Apple, especially if you purchase an NYC pass that lets you save money on over 90 attractions.

You could stay in New York for two weeks and still not have all the time that you need to see everything that you would want to. Because of this, it is essential that you take the time to put together a realistic itinerary for yourself before your trip.

You can make your city break to New York anything you want. Those who love the theatre will be delighted by what’s showing on Broadway, history buffs will surely want to book a visit to Ellis Island, and general tourists will have no shortage of attractions to visit.

Another major benefit of choosing to visit New York is that you have some of the finest food in the world within your reach. Make sure to book tables at the hottest restaurants well in advance.

What are the best city escape locations for a summer vacation in the USA?

Here are the best city escape locations for the ultimate summer vacation in the USA:

• Chicago, IL.

• Nashville, TN.

• New Orleans, LA.

• Charleston, SC.

• Boston, MA.

• Savannah, GA.

• New York, NY

Even though it is nice to be able to spend a week or two on an extravagant vacation, such trips can prove to be expensive and rather stressful to plan. If you only have a few days to dedicate to a trip this summer, you can still end up having an amazing time when you choose the right destination.

Opting for a city escape in one of the incredible cities across the country can prove to be just the ticket when you need a little time away from the chaos of daily life this summer.