When looking for cities with fun activities, you don’t have to limit yourself to large metro areas like New York City or Los Angeles. From coast to coast, the U.S. has numerous exciting towns you might not see in travel guides. Where can you go to beat the crowds and still make lifetime memories? Here are the 16 most underrated urban adventure cities in the U.S.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
First, head to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the American Southwest. This city is on Route 66, making it easy to find on your way to Los Angeles. However, it’s more than just a pit stop for your road trip.
The Duke City is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, featuring numerous hiking trails, guided tours and hot air balloons. Albuquerque receives over 300 days of sunshine annually with under 10 inches of rain, so you can nearly guarantee good weather when you arrive. East Albuquerque features the Sandia Mountains inside the Cibola National Forest, where you have over 100 hiking trails to enjoy.
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Albuquerque proper, so take a ride on the Paseo del Bosque Trail. This path entails 16 miles of paved roads that are easy to navigate because traffic won’t interrupt them. You’ll enjoy local artwork, the Albuquerque BioPark and the Rio Grande Valley State Park on your rides.
October is an excellent time to visit Albuquerque because of its hot air balloon festival. Each fall, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta displays 500 colorful balloons in the sky as they fly over the Southwest town.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon, is a hidden gem on the West Coast and the Beaver State’s oldest city. Explorers founded the town in 1811 and it has grown into a terrific spot for urban adventures.
Start by visiting the Astoria Column on the city’s east side. This monument is a symbolic ending for the Oregon Trail and tells history with its artwork. Climb the spiraling staircase to the top for spectacular views of Youngs Bay, the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Proximity to water makes Astoria an excellent destination for water sports. The city has numerous opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, scuba diving and more. While rain is prominent in Astoria, don’t let the precipitation spoil the fun. This area is a renowned filming location as “The Goonies,” “Kindergarten Cop” and “Free Willy” productions set up shop here.
A terrific way to explore Astoria is cruising the riverwalk trail. This city path takes you along the scenic Columbia River, letting you sight-see and explore the bars and restaurants. The Pacific Northwest is famous for its beer, so check out Fort George Brewery or the Astoria Brewing Company on your travels.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont, is an under-the-radar New England treasure with its mild summers and cool autumns. While urban adventures might not come to mind for this state capital, Burlington excels with its walkable areas and terrific cycling infrastructure. The Burlington Greenway contains 8 miles of paved roads for your bikes as you enjoy Lake Champlain and the Winooski River. You’ll also ride through the gorgeous downtown with plenty of museums and art to embrace.
Summer is preferable for visiting Burlington because of the weather and the weekend farmers market. Sellers showcase the best of what Vermont offers, with produce, crafts, jams and other local treats. The smaller winter market still lets you find Burlington favorites like grass-fed beer, cannolis and winter fruits.
Another summer favorite in Burlington is the Lake Champlain ferries. These boats take you on an hour-long ride across the water to Port Kent, New York. Embrace the outdoors or relax inside the ferry’s covered lounge. The ferry ride provides excellent views of Lake Champlain, the Trembleau and the Adirondack Mountains.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, is a large city and home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, C-Town doesn’t get enough credit for its urban adventures. City leaders have morphed Cleveland into a charming Midwest town with new restaurants, renovated buildings and increased housing. Now, it’s worth putting on your bucket list for underrated cities to visit.
Cleveland shines because of its proximity to parks inside and outside the city. Cuyahoga Valley National Park should be on your Cleveland itinerary because of its 125 miles of hiking trails, river paddling, fishing and bird watching. The park began as a recreation area in the 1970s but became an official national park by 2000.
Forest City also earns its nickname through its extensive Metropark network. The 18 parks throughout the city encompass over 325 miles and 25,000 acres of endless fun. Exploring the Metroparks takes you to golf courses, hiking trails and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The northern Metroparks take you to the scenic lakefronts bordering Lake Erie. Boating, kayaking and parasailing are only some fun activities you can do on this Great Lake.
Duluth, Minnesota
The western edge of the Great Lakes takes you to Duluth, Minnesota. This port city is relatively small compared to Minneapolis to the South, but it’s an urban adventure year-round. If you’re not afraid of heights, check out the Aerial Lift Bridge overlooking Lake Superior. This bridge is unique because it uses an elevator lift to transport people and goods from one side to the other. While it has existed since 1905, the bridge is safe for anybody to use.
If you prefer to stay on the ground, cruise along the North Shore All-American scenic drive. This route takes you from Canal Park in Duluth to the Canadian border as you pass by woodlands, cobblestone beaches and picturesque lighthouses. When the spring thaw arrives, locals enjoy the Lakewalk as they bike walk along Lake Superior. This winding road gives you postcard-worthy views with each step you take.
History enthusiasts enjoy the various museums around the city, including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum. The institutions give visitors an up-close and personal look at boats and trains as these vessels are integral to Minnesota history.
Durango, Colorado
Colorado tourism centers around hotspots like Denver, Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park. However, you can find urban adventures around the state by heading to Durango. A short drive from New Mexico, Durango provides Western charm by combining fun city activities and plenty of outdoor excursions.
Head to downtown Durango to glimpse iconic Southwest architecture while enjoying local restaurants, shops and historic buildings. Take a walking tour of Durango to see early 20th-century buildings that once housed salons, printing offices and soda factories. The city is also famous for its breweries, so take a beer and wine tour by stopping at Steamworks Brewing and other businesses.
The great outdoors is a big deal in Durango, so take the scenic routes inside and outside the city. Within the town, the Animas River Trail is a stroll on a well-paved surface. You’ll get opportunities to stop at restaurants, libraries, parks and other leisurely areas. You get breathtaking locations outside the city, like San Juan National Forest and Purgatory Resort. Take a train ride at the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs, Arkansas, is another city close to a national park, making it an excellent blend of urban and rural adventures. This Arkansas city is the birthplace of former U.S. president Bill Clinton and where you’ll find Hot Springs National Park. Visitors come to this recreational area because of its bathhouses, which produce naturally hot water. Bathhouse Row lets you relax with authentic water from these springs.
Hot Springs National Park is ideal for beginner hikers because of the mostly shallow inclines. The trails here constitute 26 miles, with each one spanning short distances. Sunset Trail is one of the tougher courses with its 15-mile loop. Besides hiking, the park is an excellent site for bird watching, photography, camping and fishing.
You can get more educational experiences in Hot Springs by checking out the Mid-America Science Museum. This institution is a worthy stop for children and adults as you’ll learn about dinosaurs and other pre-historic life. The Mid-America Science Museum has workshops, interactive exhibits and hours worth of fun.
Fort Myers, Florida
Recreational opportunities are abundant in Florida as the Sunshine State boasts Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico beaches. Miami, Tampa and other coastal cities have plenty of tourists, so head to Fort Myers for underrated urban adventures. This South Florida city brings you closer to nature with easy access to the Babcock Ranch Preserve and the Okaloacooche Slough Wildlife Management Area.
Start your Fort Myers adventures in the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This area is a must-see if you enjoy swamps, marshes and the animals inhabiting these ecosystems. The wetlands feature alligators, otters, migratory birds and other creatures you’d have difficulty finding anywhere else. Stroll the boardwalk as you view enclaves, a theater and educational displays.
Fort Myers is also a place rich in American history. This Southwest Florida city is where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent winters to escape the northern cold. Head to the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory in Fort Myers, where the inventor experimented with various plants to produce rubber.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, is the state capital and renowned for the University of Wisconsin. While the Badgers are integral to the town, natural beauty and urban adventures put Madison over the top. This town is unique because it’s on an isthmus with numerous lakes surrounding the capital city. Lake Mendota, Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa provide easy access to fun on the water, including ice fishing, cross-country skiing and ice hockey in the winter.
In addition to water sports, Madison includes 200 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Spend an afternoon at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens to see a wonderful plant conservatory. Here, you’ll find gardens for perennials, rocks, herbs, wildflowers and tropical plants. The Henry Vilas Zoo is another must-see destination in Madison because this facility is free to enter. Marvel at the Aldabra tortoises and ring-tailed lemurs.
While Wisconsin winters can be brutal, Madisonians embrace all four seasons with events every month of the calendar. Warmer weather means you’ll see live concerts with rock bands and opera singers. The spring also marks the opening of the Dane County Farmers Market — the largest producer-only market in the U.S. Stop by for tasty pastries, fresh produce and unique local eats.
McCall, Idaho
Idaho has seen increased urbanization recently, especially in the state capital. Boise’s population has grown by 330% since 1969, making it a more attractive area for relocation. However, the real gem is about two hours north in McCall, Idaho. This small town is an urban adventure in the Pacific Northwest regardless of the time of year.
When winter arrives, head to Brundage Mountain Resort to ski and snowboard. This snowy destination is suitable for beginners and experts, with its slopes varying in difficulty. McCall’s Activity Barn is another family-friendly place to ski and slide down hills in a snow tube. If you can brave the cold, head to McCall for its annual winter carnival. This festival features fireworks, snowshoe golf, sculpture tours and other fun activities.
While winters can be long in McCall, the summers are ripe for urban adventure with days on the water. Head to Payette Lake for jet skiing, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming and other exhilarating activities for the warm summer days. McCall is also a prime spot for hiking, as Mother Nature provides 55 hikes in the Cascade Mountains. Take an easy stroll on the Meadow Marsh Loop or challenge yourself on the Twentymile Lakes path.
Nashua, New Hampshire
While the city gets attention during election years, Nashua is a fun city to visit anytime due to its scenic New England landscape. Autumn’s changing leaves make the city a must-see destination once summer leaves. Take advantage of nature in Nashua by visiting Mine Falls Park near the city center. This recreational area lets you cross-country ski, bike, fish and simply embrace the sunshine on foot.
The city also prides itself on being active and providing fun things to do for locals and tourists. Some Nashua locations have earned recognition from Hippo Press, a weekly New Hampshire lifestyle magazine. Hippo Press voters named Axel’s Throw House the top spot for group outings and friendly competition in 2023. Boards & Brews and Canobie Lake Park and are other honorable mentions from the list and popular local favorites.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven, Connecticut, is another urban adventure worth your time in New England. Home to Yale University, New Haven is an old city with classic architecture, walking tours and outdoor fun for the family. Stroll through downtown on a self-guided tour to see iconic spots like the old Yale University campus, Louis’ Lunch and the Grove Street Cemetery. This path also takes you to historic sites like the Yale Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book Library.
If New England autumn is your priority, visit New Haven around Halloween for spooky adventures. The New Haven Ghost Walk is a local favorite as you learn about the spirits haunting the city. Connecticut’s second-largest city also features haunted houses, labyrinths, scary train rides and more riveting activities.
If you enjoy being outdoors, you’re in the right place. The New Haven park system has recreational facilities throughout the city, letting visitors participate in archery, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and other fun physical activities. The mix of aquatic and mainland excursions makes New Haven an excellent choice for urban adventures.
Reno, Nevada
Las Vegas gets much of the attention for Nevada’s tourism. However, you can still find worthwhile urban adventures in Reno. Nevada’s third-largest city boasts a short drive to Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and Tahoe National Forest. While summers get hot, the cold winters bring plenty of snow and outdoor activities for any taste. Winter activities in Reno include ice skating rinks and skiing at Mt. Rose.
If cold temperatures aren’t your thing, head to Reno another time of year for horseback riding. The city provides access to numerous ranches where you can explore the unbelievable desert scenery of the Southwest. Another fun outdoor opportunity in Reno is Raptor Adventures just north of the city. This animal park has unique encounters with hawks and falcons, helping you learn more about these majestic creatures.
When inside Reno, don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Riverwalk District. Stroll along the Truckee River as you enjoy Bicentennial Park, Barbara Bennett Park and Wingfield Park. These recreational areas are only a sliver of what the city offers.
Roseville, California
Drive past Lake Tahoe and Eldorado National Forest to reach Roseville, part of the Sacramento metro area. Roseville gives you a break from the busy life of California’s state capital by providing a paradise for urban adventures. Start your Northern California fun by riding the Miners Ravine Trail Loop. This 8.8-mile trail starts outside the city and rides along salmon-filled creeks before taking you to the heart of downtown.
Another Roseville destination worth seeing is the Maidu Museum and Historic Site. This park educates visitors on California’s Native American history by showcasing artwork, inviting guest speakers and scheduling performances. The exhibits are interactive and terrific for children or anybody who likes to learn.
Among the premier outdoor sites in Roseville is Golfland Sunsplash. This amusement park is in the heart of the city off I-80 and features numerous activities for the family. Go-karts, miniature golf and a water park headline the facility’s attractions.
Salida, Colorado
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find the small town of Salida, Colorado. The city’s population is under 6,000, but there isn’t a shortage of fun in this town near the state’s center point. Salida gives you access to multiple mountains, including Cleveland, Poncha, Methodist and Big Baldy. Lace your climbing shoes and prepare for a fun hike up these terrains.
Despite being landlocked, Colorado is an underrated destination for watersports. Salida rests on the Arkansas River, where locals and tourists spend many hours rafting and paddle boarding. Fishing is also a treasured pastime here as people come to Salida to fish for trout in the Arkansas River. You also get a taste of water along the riverwalk as you stroll through the Creative District in downtown Salida.
The city is a must-see destination in the Rockies because it gives the mountain town charm. Salida is an excellent opportunity to learn about the Wild West as you’ll learn about outlaws and important history in the town. Like other Colorado cities, Salida has plenty of pubs and saloons for fun nights out. Check out the haunted pub crawl as you learn the town’s haunted past while enjoying tasty brews.
Savannah, Georgia
If spooky stories fill your travels, put Savannah, Georgia, on your urban adventures bucket list. This Southeast town has long been a Halloween favorite because of its rich history and urban legends. Savannah is important in American history, as it solidified General Tecumseh Sherman’s March to the Sea for the Union Army. Head to Laurel Grove North for a piece of American history, as numerous soldiers call it their final resting place.
Another haunted spot in the city includes the Marshall House. This large building housed sick and wounded soldiers during the American Civil War and is now a hotel for out-of-towners. Guests report faucets running by themselves and seeing ghosts in the hallways, making the hotel a terrifically terrifying spot any time of year.
Besides haunted hotels, Savannah is an exciting city if you enjoy the outdoors. Stroll in Forsyth Park to see beautiful fountains, fun playgrounds and upbeat music for an enjoyable afternoon. Film lovers may appreciate Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump tells his epic life story. While the bench is no longer here, you can still take pictures and embrace Hollywood history.
Finding Hidden Gems for Urban Adventures
The U.S. is a vast country with opportunities for fun in every corner. While the largest cities are popular destinations, you can find urban adventures in smaller areas. These 16 towns provide access to nature inside and outside the city, giving everyone something fun to look forward to. You’ll see deserts, swamps, snow-capped mountains and everything in between as you explore and make lifelong memories.
