8 Best Hidden Gems for Middle Class Families in the US

Who doesn’t remember a tough road trip as a kid strapped into the back of your family’s minivan? Well, while these types of trips still exist—especially for middle-class families—there’s a better way! And who doesn’t want to save money along the way?

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

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

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

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

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Lake Champlain, Vermont

New England charm radiates from Lake Champlain.

Ciccarelli explained, “Lodging costs drop by 25 percent, with charming inns and hotels charging around $150 per night. Lake Champlain is the ultimate New England fall destination. South Hero’s AppleFest celebrates the region’s apple harvest, with cider tastings, apple picking and more.”

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Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga is perfect if your family has a different taste — there are plenty of outdoor activities and a big city vibe. For those who want to get out and about, there’s the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City Gardens, the Incline Railway, and lots of renovated riverfront parks for picnics and play. There’s also Lookout Mountain nearby with its hiking trails and beautiful views. If you’re more of a city dweller, downtown has galleries, coffee shops, and tons of unique shops to browse. The best part? You can enjoy it all for about $100 a night for accommodations!

Boise, Idaho

Boise may not be the First city ​​that comes to mind for a family vacation, but listen up! It’s a true hidden gem worth exploring and incredibly family-friendly. With its many lush parks, a vibrant city center, and the Boise River Greenbelt—perfect for biking or hiking—there are tons of things to do. Bonus points: Kids will love the Discovery Center of Idaho, while parents can enjoy the emerging local food scene and nearby wineries. And with hotels starting under $100 a night, you can enjoy it all on a budget!

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Beaufort, South Carolina

For families looking for southern charm without the hustle and bustle of larger cities, Beaufort is an ideal destination. This coastal town offers beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and plenty of outdoor activities. The dolphin tours are on another level — a perfect family activity — and afterwards, head downtown for quaint shops and great dining. As for price, you can find great deals on hotels and vacation rentals for around $110 per night.

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is a year-round destination that really 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 beautiful downtown 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 per night.

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Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

If your family loves the outdoors, this is the place for you! Known as the “crown jewel” of Oregon State Parks, Silver Falls State Park has it all: beautiful waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and great campsites 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 run behind the falls for a unique perspective. Tire the kids out with this one, and then enjoy s’mores by the campfire. If you camp, expect to pay just $15-30 for both car and camping fees.

Muskoka, Ontario

Although Muskoka is officially in Canada, it is easily accessible for many American families and offers a beautiful fall destination.

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

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

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Travel Experts: 8 Best Hidden Gems for Middle-Class Families in the US