Travel Experts: 8 Best Hidden Gems for Middle-Class Families in the US

Who doesn’t remember a punishing road trip stuck in the back of your family’s minivan when you were a kid? Well, while those types of trips still exist — especially for middle-class families — there is a better way! And who doesn’t want to save money along the way?

GOBankingRates spoke with travel experts to find out the best off-the-beaten-path locations to travel with your whole crew — and there are some serious treasures in this list! Here are eight of the best hidden gems for middle-class families in the United States. 

For families looking for a Midwest escape, Lake of the Ozarks offers both natural beauty and exciting events.

“Expect savings of up to 40%, with rooms available for as low as $100 per night,” shared David Ciccarelli, the CEO of Lake.com. “The Lake of the Ozarks Fall Harbor Hop is a popular event that lets visitors enjoy the lake’s beauty while participating in a fun, festival-like atmosphere. The cooler weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking at one of the nearby national or state parks.”

New England’s charm shines at Lake Champlain.

Ciccarelli explained, “Lodging costs decrease by 25%, with charming inns and hotels offering rates around $150 per night. Lake Champlain is the quintessential New England fall destination. The AppleFest in South Hero celebrates the region’s apple harvest, offering cider tastings, apple picking, and more.”

Chattanooga is perfect if your family has different tastes — there are tons of outdoor activities and big city vibes. For those who want to get out and about, there’s the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, the Incline Railway, and plenty of revitalized riverfront with parks for picnics and play. There’s also nearby Lookout Mountain with its hiking trails and stunning views. If you’re more of a city slicker, their downtown area has galleries, coffee shops, and tons of unique shops to poke around. Best part? You can enjoy it all at around $100 a night for accommodations!

Now, Boise might not be the first city that comes to mind for a family vacation, but hear us out! It’s a real hidden gem worth exploring and incredibly family friendly. With its numerous lush parks, a lively downtown area and the Boise River Greenbelt — which is perfect for biking or strolling — there are countless things to do. Bonus points: Kids will love the Discovery Center of Idaho, while parents can enjoy the burgeoning local food scene and nearby wineries. And with hotels starting at under $100 a night, you can enjoy it all on a budget!

For families seeking southern charm without the crowds of larger cities, Beaufort is an ideal destination. This coastal town offers beautiful beaches, historic architecture and plenty of outdoor activities. The dolphin-watching tours are on another level — a perfect family activity — and afterwards, hit the downtown for cute shops and great eateries. As far as price, you can find great deals on hotels and vacation rentals for around $110 a night. 

Traverse City is a year-round destination that truly shines in the fall. Families can enjoy apple picking, corn mazes and scenic drives to view the fall foliage. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a one-stop shop for outdoor activities, while the city itself has a lovely downtown area with family-friendly restaurants and unique shops. When it comes to resting your head at night, Traverse City offers some great hotels for under $150 a night. 

If your family is outdoorsy, this is the place for you! Known as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks Silver Falls State Park has it all — stunning waterfalls, miles of hiking trails and beautiful campgrounds if camping is something your family enjoys. The Trail of Ten Falls is a moderate 7.2-mile loop that takes hikers past ten beautiful waterfalls, with several trails that go behind the falls for a unique perspective. Tire your kids out with this and then enjoy s’mores by the campfire. If you are camping, expect to shell out just $15 to 30 for both car and site fees. 

While technically in Canada, Muskoka is easily accessible for many U.S. families and offers a stunning fall getaway.

Ciccarelli shared, “Fall savings in Muskoka are significant, with prices falling by 30% compared to summer. Luxury lakeside accommodations average $180 per night.”

Ciccarelli highlighted the region’s attractions: “Muskoka’s fall colors are legendary, making it a top destination for leaf-peepers. The’Bala Cranberry Festival in mid-October is a must-see, offering visitors a taste of the local harvest and plenty of festive activities.”