Many families take at least one vacation a year, traveling all around the country to various locations. Unfortunately for most families, the destinations that they choose are cookie-cutter locations that are extremely common. While there certainly isn’t anything wrong with these locations, that’s why they got so popular in the first place, it does mean that you’re missing out on some lesser-known cities. Many of these under-the-radar cities have just as much to offer visitors, and if you don’t even consider them then you’ll definitely be missing out. So what are these underappreciated locations? Here are four underrated cities to visit.
St. Louis
An interesting destination in the Midwest is St. Louis, Missouri. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the West“, the city is more often used as a pit stop during road trips rather than as an actual destination. However, the city has plenty to offer visitors. One of the biggest things that the city has going for it is the absolutely gorgeous Gateway Arch. The monument is truly impressive, as it is the world’s largest arch and the tallest man-made building in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can ride to the top of the arch, offering a breathtaking view of the entire city. In addition, St. Louis has an extremely unique local cuisine, combining elements from the Midwest with elements of the South. If you’re looking for a unique and criminally underrated city to visit, St. Louis is a great option.
Detroit
Several years ago, Detroit was in a rut and was struggling mightily. Almost no one wanted to buy Detroit houses for sale, since the local economy was so bad. However, since that time period the city has rebounded tremendously and is on an economic upswing. Unfortunately, the Motor City’s old reputation still haunts it, but it has been making some great progress. The city has improved for both residents and tourists and has now become a premier destination in the Midwest. If you’re looking for underrated cities to visit, Detroit has to be at the top of the list.
Jacksonville
When people think of Floridian cities to visit, their minds often wander to locations such as Orlando and Miami. While these cities certainly are great and have a lot to offer, they definitely aren’t the only top-notch destinations in the state. One of the more underrated cities in Florida is Jacksonville. Jacksonville still has the great Floridian weather that tourists love to enjoy, but doesn’t have the large crowds that major tourist destinations have. In addition, many things in Jacksonville are a lot cheaper than other cities in Florida, simply due to lesser demand. While Jacksonville might not have theme parks and beaches like other Florida cities, the city still has a lot of amenities and entertainment options to entertain guests. Plus, it’s still within reach of some great beaches and things to do – you’ll even find bachelorette party ideas not too far away if you’re in charge of planning and want to throw the bride-to-be off the scent a little! If you’re looking for a city that isn’t too expensive or crowded, yet still has a lot to offer, then Jacksonville could be the perfect destination for you.
Baltimore
When major cities are discussed, Baltimore often comes up as a city with a bad reputation. While the city does have some major detractors that prevent it from being a premier tourist destination, it also has some positives that are really enjoyable. One of the biggest things that Baltimore has going for it is its location on the harbor. If you know anything about Baltimore, you know that the city loves its seafood diet, crab in particular. As a result, Baltimore is home to some of the best seafood dishes in the country, making it a great destination for seafood lovers. In addition, the city isn’t too far away from other major attractions such as Washington D.C. Baltimore definitely deserves some of the criticism that is levied against it, but at the same time, the city is underrated and flies under a lot of peoples’ radars.