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Will the U.S. ever adopt the concept of bullet trains?

That hasn’t exactly come to fruition in California despite multiple-comma checks poured in, only to come up short thus far.

With the goal posts pushed back year after year, even the current trend of NFL power kickers couldn’t force this one between the uprights.

That said, California’s false promises aren’t stopping Texas from dreaming big. After all, ‘everything is bigger in Texas’, right?

A new report confirmed a high-speed train is ‘on track’ despite some hurdles to clear and people to please.

As a state known for less bureaucracy (even with never-ending highway construction projects), we at Travel Off Path are stoked to be one of the first to report the exciting news of Texas’s lofty vision that’s set to become a reality.

Though travelers will have to wait a while, Texas travelers can look forward to zooming from Dallas to Houston (and vice versa) in 90 minutes or less.

Can we get a “yeehaw!”?

New Texas Train Is The Next Southwest Airlines

We’re all so infatuated with our phones nowadays (whether it be AI serving as a god in our pocket or shamelessly doom-scrolling mind-numbing videos) that most of us aren’t even impressed with being able to hop aboard a metal bird and shoot through the sky like it’s nothing.

Southwest Airlines is an American favorite, some might say an American treasure, given how they’ve always been innovators, for better or worse.

I mean, aren’t we glad about their new assigned seating policy?

Regardless, you may not know that Southwest originated right here in Texas with the purpose of connecting one of America’s largest states with ease.

Of course, you can fly almost anywhere worthwhile in North America or the Caribbean now with them, but back when they started, it might as well have been named Texas Airlines.

The Dallas to Houston High Speed Rail Project outlined by Dallas City Hall will essentially be the new ‘Southwest’ on rails, significantly cutting 4-hour road trips and ridding you of airport hassles.

With no traffic to worry about and an estimated 90 minutes travel time, this bold endeavor seems like a win-win, so what’s the holdup?

Lots — and it seems everyone is involved and disagreeing on the vision. Don’t fret, though, there’s an insightful new update to unpack with positive news.

The Latest Update

Other outlets reporting on this train’s progress seem to be using fear-mongering tactics for clicks.

By doing so, many of them missed a key detail.

Yes, it’s true that there have been setbacks. What major project hasn’t hit speed bumps along the way?

The good news comes in the form of 2 words: “on track”.

Quite literally, this means a plan is set in motion to have this bullet train — you guessed it — on the tracks as soon as feasible.

Others are focusing on the negative, while we’re thrilled to see how this will change the state of Texas travel, in addition to equally exciting news that Fort Worth is transforming into an urban island along the Trinity River as San Antonio 2.0.

Honestly, that makes the train even more enticing since Fort Worth is set to be in the cards too for this game-changing 240-mile line.

Even with a rocky start and the current administration pulling nearly $64 million in grants last year, private investors are making up for it, so the train still has the green light to push forward to the next steps.

Where Exactly Will This Train Go?

The full route is still in the works, but we do have some important developments where it will not go:

• Dallas’ Central Business District
• Uptown
• Victory Park vicinity
• Any city park interfering with Dallas-to-Fort Worth’s corridor

The latest update shows Houston hasn’t entered the chat just yet, so there’s no immediate timetable to guesstimate when shovels will hit the dirt.

Not that we’re engineers by any means, but our Spidey Sense tells us this will likely be located in the ‘burbs end to end when it’s all said and done, just as California’s latest LA-Vegas revelations show their bullet train concept won’t reach Los Angeles’s city limits.

According to Dallas City Hall, the entire timeline could take 17 years. However, everyone involved is already well into the planning stages, as many approvals took place during the dark days of the pandemic, so it’s not as much of a wait time as one might think, as long as this project keeps chuggin’ along.

Amtrak has been involved in planning discussions since as early as 2016, which could put the project approximately 7 years from completion if Dallas City Hall’s initial timeline holds strong.

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If you had to guess California’s next hotspots, you’d likely think they’re all lying along the coast.

I mean, it is California after all…

However, that’s not entirely the case. Sticking with Southern California, we at Travel Off Path have put our heads together and dug deep into the far corners of the interwebs to unpack where travelers are heading next — and it’s not the usual names like San Diego, Los Angeles, or even Disneyland.

Travelers are venturing beyond the norm into the lesser-known, largely thanks to new luxury hotels, new airports, and word of mouth showing how amazing these hideaways truly are.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have a local insider like me🕺🏻on the team to scope out all of these destinations firsthand.

As such, we’re stoked to unveil SoCal’s next 4 vacation hotspots for 2026 — and we all but guarantee they’re not what you expect.

4) Idyllwild: The Best Alternative To Big Bear & Julian

Think California doesn’t have small-town charm and stunning nature beyond the Pacific? Think again!

As you are likely well aware, Big Bear, a popular ski haven with horrendous traffic during peak season, and Julian, San Diegan’s long-kept secret that has made its way into numerous major travel publications, are left out.

Any time you hear of someone taking a weekend getaway nowadays, it’s not Big Bear or Julian anymore — it’s a rustic map-dot village boasting lush forestry, wooded cabins, and an artsy town center.

It’s true: Idyllwild is SoCal’s new hotspot for a break from the city grind and jam-packed beaches—the perfect spot for a quiet reset or even a “digital detox”.

With epic hikes, a homey “downtown”, and fresh mountain air, you’ll feel right at home, as many already do, so now is the perfect time to visit before it becomes a household name.

3) Jamul: Flashy Hotel Puts Unknown Town On The Map

Even heard of Jamul? That’s probably a hard “no” unless you’re a San Diegan like me.

That said, Jamul is already becoming more of a draw even since their flashy boutique hotel with a panoramic rooftop pool opened last August.

Formerly just a nice casino boasting it’s “San Diego’s Closest Casino” on many billboards across the county, now it’s a full-fledged destination — and guess who sold out to ring the New Year?

Yep, I tried.

Any time I want to bet big on black or take out my anger crankin’ slots, Jamul has been the place — and I’m not the only one.

Jamul draws a crowd not only for its casino and rooftop pool, but surprisingly incredible restaurants, including my favorite, Tony Gwynn’s Sports Pub, who offers endless Ultimate Seafood on Friday nights.

Let me tell you, for a buffet setting, it’s some of the freshest seafood you can find and well worth the $60 price tag.

2) Chula Vista: City’s First-Ever Resort Creates New Vacation Spot

Chula Vista is in big bold letters on the map as it’s one of California’s unsung cities, home to roughly 280,000 residents, including me!

But even though it’s a major suburb at the very least, tourists have long skipped out on venturing south of San Diego proper unless they’re making a Tijuana day trip.

Now, Chula Vista is becoming a convenient vacation destination solely thanks to the new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opening doors on its scenic bayside waterfront.

That’s not to say Chula Vista is a one-trick pony. The city’s Eastlake district is vibrant with trendy shopping and restaurants and majestic mountain views at such places as Mountain Hawk Park, a place typical San Diego tourists would ever step foot.

Not to mention my neck of the woods — Third Avenue. If San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter is too much to bear, check out Chula Vista’s much quieter downtown, lined with cafes, great Mexican food, and breweries.

1) Carlsbad: New Airport Shines Light On San Diego’s North County

Travel + Leisure just named Carlsbad as the best destination on Earth for 2026 — yes, you read that correctly.

The only question is how lesser-known Carlsbad popped up on their radar…

Hmm…certainly not because of this article…😉

Anyhow, that’s not to say we disagree with their selection. Carlsbad is gorgeous, laid-back, friendly, welcoming and offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re a kiddo ready to conquer LegoLand, a couple looking for a romantic resort getaway, a retiree wanting quiet shores to kick back and relax, or simply looking for the perfect photo-op at the kaleidoscopic flower fields, it’s hard to leave Carlsbad feeling disappointed.

Most notably, Carlsbad rebranded its private airport into a commercial airport with American Airlines being the first to take flight, and now United is slated to follow.

Travel + Leisure highlighted Carlsbad’s food scene, something my scale can attest to after devouring beachside tacos when I’m being cheap or splurging at one of my favorite SoCal eateries, Ember & Rye, masterminded by celebrity chef Richard Blais.

It’s an absolute must if you can swing it.

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Think you know The South? Think again!

If you thought Florida’s sunshine, Charleston’s European vibes, and Savannah Banana shenanigans were the best ways to experience this vast region of coastline and history, Southern Living is throwing you a big yellow curveball for your next trip.

It’s true, a pair of cities largely overlooked have become must-visit destinations in the eyes of these respected local experts.

After a heavy dose of research, we at Travel Off Path couldn’t agree more ourselves.

That’s why we’re skipping out on more notable names and revealing 2 true surprises we found to be rising to the occasion in terms of affordability, sensational cuisine, quintessential southern hospitality, and fewer crowds than you’d likely experience elsewhere.

These 2 surprising southern cities have become must-visit destinations:

Charlotte Is Far More Than An Airport Hub

No longer the sleepy pass-through city you may have crossed in your travels as an American Airlines hub, Charlotte has quickly transformed into what feels like a brand new city you’ve been missing out on — myself included.

While I can only personally attest to Charlotte’s flawless AMEX lounge, Southern Living claims they had the pleasure of visiting the city for the first time in years and were shocked by what they found.

So, what is North Carolina’s biggest city all about nowadays?

It’s safe to say you’ll no longer dread having a layover here. In fact, Charlotte is well worth being your destination of choice.

Boasting a vibrant revitalized Uptown, buzzy neighborhoods like NoDa and South End, a booming beer scene, and an increasingly confident food and arts culture have reshaped Charlotte’s identity, pair all of the above with a handful of pro sports teams and this city is rockin’!

Better yet, Charlotte is widely considered both safe and affordable, so you won’t break the bank, whether it’s on hotels or regional cuisine that will surely have you drooling days later just thinking about what you ate.

We found the Hilton Charlotte Uptown in the $120s this January — a steal of a deal!

Some of Southern Living’s favorite stomping grounds include:

Want Travel Off Path’s pick? WE got you!

Definitely make a reservation at McNinch House Restaurant, set in a mystical Victorian home for a unique atmosphere and prix-fixe fine dining worth the splurge.

Tulsa: This Famous Route 66 Stop Is No Longer A Snoozefest

“Tulsa? Really?”, might be what you’re thinking. But hey, if it’s good enough for Sylvester Stallone, it’s good enough for us.

Dare we say it’s…a knockout? Okay, wrong Sly, but hear us out…

Tulsa has become a must-visit for an array of surprising reasons, especially its captivating museums and delicious South-in-your-mouth cuisine serving up soulful comfort foods.

Southern Living raves about its food and arts scene, with one editor quoted as saying, “I really loved visiting Tulsa. The food and arts scene is incredible. You must buy a ticket to a show at Cain’s. It doesn’t matter who is playing, it will be fun.”

While downtown can feel a bit ghostly, there’s still much to be desired across the city, whether it be wide-open green space at Gathering Place or locally loved pockets like Brookside, but one absolutely must-visit is the Philbrook Museum of Art (scroll back up to the first photo in this article — isn’t it pretty?!).

I may not have stepped outside of Charlotte’s AMEX lounge, but I have been to Tulsa. I can tell you Southern Living is absolutely right, saying Tulsa is an underrated must-visit.

One of my personal favorites is Utica Square, a charming open-air shopping center anchored by local boutiques and upscale dining.

Unfortunately the Tulsa Zoo no longer offers camel rides where I pretended I struck it rich in Arabian oil (one can dream, right?), but this is still one of America’s most underrated zoos and chock-full of fun for all ages.

As far as restaurants go, Southern Living is a huge fan of these:

You know we gotta give our take too! Don’t sleep on century-old staple Ike’s Chili, especially during the throes of winter. What better way to warm up?

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As small town hideaways and hidden gems slowly but surely command more attention, more travelers are saying goodbye to the crowds and high prices in favor of budget-friendly, blissful escapes.

Airlines have certainly taken note. Here at Travel Off Path, we’ve lost count of how many exciting airport openings (or in this case re-openings) we’ve covered just in the last year or so — but it’s a lot!

Now it’s Mississippi’s turn, which should be no surprise to anyone who’s kept a close eye on how trendy the surprisingly diverse “Magnolia State” has become.

With a thrilling new Amtrak route chugging along the gleaming white-sand coast, and even inland cities almost unheard of welcoming record numbers of visitors, Mississippi is actually a far cry from its less-than-stellar reputation.

One such place is Natchez, a delightful riverside town lining, you guessed it, the Mississippi River — and it’s become more popular than ever.

United Airlines is set to launch the first commercial flights to this surging Southern charmer for the first time in over 30 years.

People Are Flocking To Natchez In Record Numbers

It’s not just Mississippi’s underrated beach towns gaining attention and actually luring tourists away from Florida; it’s the charming small towns with welcoming locals exuding unmatched southern hospitality, too.

Believe it or not, the quaint town of Natchez, hugging the Mississippi, has become all the rage to those in the know.

Earlier this year, we revealed this lesser-known getaway as one of the most surprising destinations breaking tourism records.

Not to toot our own horn, but we’re going to tell ourselves United began licking their chops and saw a great opportunity to cash in…

So, what’s there to do in this (formerly) remote hideaway? Lots, actually — especially if you’re seeking a relaxing retreat in a laid-back town or you’re a nature enthusiast.

Better yet, Natchez is inviting for all four seasons.

Though you’ll have to wait a bit for United’s groundbreaking new flight here, you can still reach Natchez fairly easily from nearby Baton Rouge or Monroe, both around an hour and a half drive.

Natchez Offers Stunning Nature & Small Town Charm

January is the coldest month of the year in Natchez, but it still sees highs of 58.

While the breezy riverside might be a bit much to endure, grab a comfy jacket and explore the most famous natural attraction here — the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Whether it’s scenic hikes, tranquil fishing, peaceful campgrounds under the starlight, or an epic road trip covering 444 miles of lush landscapes through multiple states, it’s a huge draw.

Otherwise, folks tend to stay in town if they’re not hopping aboard a riverboat tour to see the sights.

Speaking of hopping aboard, Natchez is just big enough for a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus (just note it’s ‘temporarily suspended’).

‘Til then, enjoy a selection of plantation tours, live music from local legends, down-home eateries whippin’ up southern staples, and even Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel to test if Lady Luck is on your side.

In case you’re wondering what to order, here’s a hint — Natchez is the unequivocal “Biscuit Capital of the World“.

And don’t settle for name-brand chains either when booking a stay. Natchez is also the “Bed and Breakfast Capital of the South“.

Our pick? Go with Devereaux Shields House. You’ll thank us later!

United Buys Into The Hype On Natchez

Before United’s latest announcement, most visitors opted for an old-fashioned road trip or one of the latest travel crazes, river cruises, to get here.

That’s all set to change come the turn of the calendar, which will be here before you know it!

According to the City of Natchez, this is one of the most exciting developments for tourism in decades.

Mayor of Natchez, Dan M. Gibson, proudly claimed they ‘will not only have commercial air service again, but we will have the best. SkyWest and United are the premier partners for airports all over the world. Natchez will now be connected by air to those markets’.

United’s new and only flight to Natchez (HEZ) is set for launch with daily service beginning July 1, 2026, from Houston (IAH), so let’s sure hope the government opens back up by then (shoo-wee! Did you see those lines this week?!)

Rather than following the path laid before you to the titans of tourism, such as Cancun, Cabo, Miami, and the like, fall is an excellent time to explore new shores.

No matter the time of year, globally renowned paradises draw a crowd. Of course, summer tends to be when travelers max out their PTO for a much-needed sunny vacay, only to get back to work during fall to build up their time off all over again.

We all know the one annoyance with summer is the challenge of scoring a barstool at swim-up bars, the perfect palm tree for your beach lounger, or even a parking space where it doesn’t feel like you’re lugging your cooler farther than Uncle Rico can toss a football.

We at Travel Off Path have 4 Southern beach towns just for you to enjoy what still feels like summer sun without a crowd in sight!

South Carolina’s Secret Island

Who Da Fuskie is South Carolina’s secret island? Well, let me tell ya!

Lying between popular Hilton Head and even more popular Savannah (Georgia) is little-known Daufuskie Island, a serene hideaway off the tourist path.

Known for its calm, hidden beaches wrapped in century-old Spanish moss oaks, as well as its surprising aspect of a rich Gullah-Geechee heritage still noticeable in day-to-day life, Charleston isn’t the only coastal escape oozing charm, history, and scenic shores.

Despite no traffic lights in town, many locals opt to get around by golf cart as the island only spans 5 miles, but within that short range is a treasure trove of delights, including highly-rated old-timey inns, picturesque ruins, and perhaps the town’s most favored stomping grounds, Silverdew Winery, set in the most unsuspecting building on the island.

The sun is still beaming this time of year, with temps still hovering in the 80s this month and gradually dwindling as we get closer to the holidays — perfect for squeezing in a quick getaway to enjoy Daufuskie’s footprint-free sand, where it’s said to be great for shelling and dolphin spotting.

Discover The Whitest Sand In Mississippi

We’ve said it once, twice, thrice, and we’ll say it again — Mississippi is booming!

Whether it be inland charmers like Meridian or coastal gems like Pascagoula, let’s turn it back before Mississippi became the South’s new vacation hotspot — and that would be the state’s most recognizable name, Biloxi.

According to Southern Living, this vibrant beach town laden with flashy resorts and casinos has the ‘whitest sand in Mississippi’, and continues to sparkle throughout fall with steady weather in the 70s and 80s.

While Mississippi may not have been blessed with crystal-clear waters like other Southern neighbors, beaches here are still enjoyable, just not suitable for snorkeling (unless you visit nearby Ship Island before it closes until spring).

There’s no shortage of places to stay here with household names such as Margaritaville, Hard Rock, and Golden Nugget, just to name a few.

Alabama’s Historical White-Sand Escape

Tucked further south than ever-so-popular Gulf Shores, is a small town boasting white-sand beaches and historical landmarks standing guard where Mobile Bay meets the Gulf.

Sharing the namesake of this under-hyped beach town, Fort Morgan is a significant 19th-century masonry fort, a key defensive stronghold in the Civil War.

The site is open year-round since the weather is so inviting, as are the surrounding shores, far less crowded than nearby Gulf Shores, which steals a majority of the shine away.

While Fort Morgan doesn’t offer the same flashy condo rentals and beachside hotels, there are vibrant beachside cottages available for rent on multiple local platforms and Airbnb.

Don’t sleep on Dauphin Island either, reachable by ferry a stone’s throw across the Pelican Bay.

Ample Parking & Clear Water: Southwest Florida’s Siesta Key Alternative

Craving tiki vibes, no crowds, and low-key Florida charm? The tight-lipped secret town of Nokomis awaits.

It doesn’t matter which beach you pull up to — Nokomis Beach or North Jetty Beach — you’re all but guaranteed a parking space and an easy walk to the perfect beach day.

Grill some burgers, snorkel the clear waters brimming with sea life, and if you’re around on a Wednesday or Saturday evening, take part in the talk of the town — the lively Drum Circle.

Hey, anything beats Fyre Festival…

The one place you may have trouble parking, however, is the always buzzing Pop’s Sunset Grill (get the ‘Steamship Pot’!), though Deep Lagoon in nearby Casey Key is a close second when it comes to fresh seafood with local favorites like Hogfish, cooked to perfection.

I just got back from Nokomis for the second time, and I may have enjoyed it even more this time around, as other popular beach towns just can’t replicate the local charm and easy beach access.

If you plan a visit, the good news is that you have plenty of time to soak up the sun, as Nokomis still tops out in the low 80s in November.

At Travel Off Path, we’re always on the prowl for overlooked destinations ready to delight you with surprising attractions and unexpected experiences.

As such, we’ve had a helpful hand from what’s undoubtedly become the South’s trendiest state right now — none other than Mississippi, a word I still struggle to type correctly on the first try…

Most recently, the strongest report yet suggesting Mississippi’s newfound popularity revealed many vacationers are opting for white-sand beaches here over Florida’s jam-packed shores, but it’s not just the coast seeing a surge in visitors.

Riverside towns like Hattiesburg and Vicksburg are welcoming millions in their charming towns too, and one town nearby is even more aesthetically pleasing as Mississippi’s third-oldest European-American settlement dating back to 1729, leaving behind imposing Greek Revival ruins oozing European vibes in a town already known for quintessential Southern hospitality.

Port Gibson: A Slice Of Europe Where You’d Least Expect It

It’s not often you find a site in the South permeating Athens vibes, and no, we’re not talking about Athens, Georgia, or Athens, Texas.

We’re talking about quite possibly Europe’s most renowned city for preserved ruins. While you likely won’t find savory gyros or shots of Ouzo in Port Gibson, this town boasts a mini slice of Europe in a place you least expect it.

Turning back the clock to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, this is where Port Gibson really began to thrive as a trading hub during a time when gorgeous European-styled mansions and stately churches were constructed

Fast forward 60 years, and that’s when Port Gibson found itself in a stranglehold. The Battle of Port Gibson took place on May 1, 1863.

Though ultimately it was declared “too beautiful to burn”, answering why it has stood the test of time to the present day, bringing a timeless charm and rich historical tapestry to those who visit.

While Port Gibson’s small townscape is anchored by the classic marvel, the Claiborne County Courthouse, which personally reminds me of my trip to Luxembourg, it’s the Windsor Ruins that have become the most notable attraction as a portal to Europe with towering pillars and crumbling facades, emitting a sense of ancient grandeur of a bygone era.

Windsor Ruins is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and can be visited any day from dawn to dusk.

Old-Timey Inns & Soulful Cuisine: Port Gibson’s Southern Charm

No trip to the South is complete without sitting down at a Mom ‘n Pop eatery for a soul-refreshing meal.

Mississippi is certainly no different, fighting off its hillbilly reputation when many of the top destinations are nothing but welcoming and exuding vintage charisma.

Port Gibson is home to fewer than 1,500 people, so you can imagine exploring downtown won’t take long at all.

In fact, many of Port Gibson’s visitors are passersby coming from nearby Vicksburg, Jackson, or road trippers heading for Mississippi’s gleaming white coastline.

Regardless, a pit stop downtown is a must, whether it be a day trip or weekend getaway. You’ll find a handful of cozy stays, remarkable churches, and inviting restaurants whipping up Southern staples.

Locals’ favorite is Mississippi’s Finest, a no-frills soul food restaurant serving classics like fried chicken, mac ‘n cheese, and dessert, there’s always room for pecan pie.

As for where to make your base, you have a few options. You can opt for a top-rated bed and breakfast, Isabella’s, holding a near-perfect 4.9 Google rating.

One recent guest raved about the service, saying he was ‘regaled me with history and interesting anecdotes about Port Gibson and the Civil War, as well as a host of other topics. It was way more than ‘just’ Southern hospitality! Definitely recommend!’.

Though Collina House does boast a perfect 5.0 Google rating and holds unique events each month for guests to kick back and recharge, such as September’s Human Design, Yoga & Beyond with Nathalie Croix.

Revel In The River: Port Gibson’s Natural Beauty

Everyone knows the legend of the Mississippi River as it’s commonly shortened to “The Mississippi”.

Grand Gulf Military Park is a great starting point to partake in Port Gibson’s riverside delights, offering sweeping river views and historic landmarks, helping you piece together the town’s significant timeline as a key port throughout multiple wars.

Though, it’s not solely the ‘Mississippi’ that’s a draw for nature lovers. In fact, Port Gibson is also a common stopping ground for hikers and cyclists traversing the Natchez Trace Parkway, where you can visit waterfalls and Sunken Trace, a pathway used by past pioneers and Native Americans now deeply trenched from decades of wagon and foot traffic.

Additionally, there are no boat tours departing Port Gibson, even with its storied past as a prime port for goods and supplies, but there’s Bayou Pierre, a common spot for paddling through tranquil waterways for wildlife spotting.

The popular town of Vicksburg is only a half-hour away, too. Test your luck at riverside casinos or enjoy a scenic boat ride.

We at Travel Off Path love not visiting Southwest Florida, but reporting on it too. I mean, who wouldn’t want to vacation in one of America’s prettiest destinations?

This side of Florida is the antithesis of the rest of the Gulf’s notoriously brackish waters westward of Alabama, replaced with shades of Caribbean hues and powdery white sand.

That’s why you’ll find Clearwater and Siesta Key duking it out year after year in a fight for the crown of being named America’s top beach.

That being said, you shouldn’t sleep on either of these pristine beach towns’ vibrant neighbors, whether it’s one of my favorites, Nokomis, or another beautiful hideaway off the tourist trail. being hyped by Southern Living as a potential new vacation hotspot.

All around the Tampa-St. Pete’s region has numerous white-sand getaways well worth visiting, but the word is trickling out on the appeal for Dunedin this summer.

Clearwater’s Less-Crowded Alternative

Consistently ranking as one of not only Florida’s best beaches, but the whole country, Clearwater draws a crowd every summer — and rightfully so.

Clearwater is a vibrant beach town that lives up to the name. Beachgoers enjoy pristine waters and gleaming white shores, but have become accustomed to sharing space.

Dunedin (pronounced “done-EE-din”) on the other hand, offers more down-home charm, surprising culture, gorgeous beaches and even paradisal islands in its own right.

Being a stone’s throw from Clearwater, Southern Living believes Dunedin should be on more Florida vacationers’ radars.

It’s only 5 miles from the crowds of Clearwater, making for a calmer getaway to avoid screaming kiddos and that one guy with a metal detector who always seems to be in the way.

Dunedin’s Stunning Islands Are Must-Visits

There’s no denying Clearwater and Siesta Key boast gorgeous shores, but there’s no argument to support that they’re unspoiled.

That’s one of many reasons why you should visit Dunedin’s stunning islands, ff not solely for the eye-popping drive alone across the sparkling Dunedin Causeway, which reaches Honeymoon Island.

In its heyday, Honeymoon Island saw newlyweds flock here for their cozy beachside cottages to, let’s just say, solidify their marriage…

Nowadays, it’s one of the few places across the record-breaking Sunshine State that feels untouched by the masses, with sprawling, wide-open beaches and connected trails to explore.

In fact, Southern Living hypes up Honeymoon Island’s serenity so much that they say, ‘don’t be surprised if you see more wildlife than people’.

Honeymoon isn’t the only slice of paradise to check out. Neighboring Caladesi Island State Park levels up said serenity as it’s only reachable by boat (a ferry runs between both islands).

It’s highly recommended to bring sunscreen as the most shade you’ll find is a kayak ride through lush mangrove forests.

There aren’t many places to hang out besides the beach, but Cafe Caladesi is open every day from 10:45 am to 5 pm.

Cultural Flair & Charming Streets: Discover Downtown Dunedin

Dunedin is truly unique. Not many small towns will you see Celtic flags proudly waving outside of Boston.

There’s a strong sense of community here, and it shows through long-held traditions, such as The Dunedin Celtic Music & Craft Beer Festival (November 22).

Most notably, oranges might catch your eye and that’s no mistake. Dunedin is proud of its citrus roots, where you’ll see paintings of bright oranges lighting up the rooms of local businesses and homes, too.

Don’t worry, though — it’s not just orange concoctions on dinner menus around here, whether it be local dive bars, seafood shacks, or a handful of upscale dining options.

For one, Southern Living recommends Eli’s Bar-B-Que, an unassuming hole-in-the-wall whipping up mouth-watering slabs of meat and all the traditional Southern fixin’s.

Just down the block feels a little more local to a seaside town — neither Happy’s Bayou Bites or Lucky Lobster Co. will disappoint.

But, perhaps Dunedin’s most underrated aspect is the beer scene. There are ample breweries dotting the small townscape, such as rightfully named Dunedin Brewery and HOB Brewing Co.

One place Southern Living did not mention was the top-rated Meranova Guest Inn, a grand alternative to overpacked resorts this time of year.

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Life in the big city isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

If we turn back the clock to my 25-year-old naive self, I thought moving to the tallest building in San Diego was a surefire way to happiness.

Despite the epic views from my balcony, I still look back at that place as a dumpster fire since the city chaos and high rents were just too much to bear.

Ah, life’s disappointments. Can I get a “bless your heart”?. Thanks, ya’ll.

According to local reports, many travelers are choosing small-town charm over the bright lights of Broadway as three of the most unexpected Southern destinations are booming, proving that ‘the South has risen again.

Each breaking tourism records due to their unique appeal, visitors willing to give these off-path destinations a chance will find down-home charm and less crowds compared to the household names, such as Miami, Austin, and Nashville.

These 3 unexpected Southern cities are soaring in popularity:

Pensacola, Florida

You hear of every Florida beach town and their mother, but Pensacola proper rarely enters the chat as many travelers opt for Panama City, Destin, and even cross the state line to Gulf Shores.

Pensacola is far more than a gateway to these notable beaches, boasting a charming downtown district and its own beautiful shores.

While it’s true you can expect crowds across most Florida beaches as everyone has a different Spring Break, once the college crowds go back to pretending to pay attention in class and getting AI to write their thesis papers, Pensacola is a gorgeous vacation spot.

According to local news outlet WEAR-TV, Pensacola saw a record number of 2.5 million visitors in 2024.

There are numerous high-end beachfront hotels to choose from along the bright white sands of Pensacola Beach, such as Surf & Sand Hotel and Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front to cash out your IHG points.

Downtown offers a slower pace with picturesque streets lined with galleries, bars, restaurants, and shops. Definitely check out Palafox Street.

Bentonville, Arkansas

Ever been to Walmart? Who hasn’t at one point or another, right?

Well, Wally World started right here in Bentonville, which has long been Arkansas’ 9th largest city’s claim to fame, even offering a Walmart Museum in the heart of downtown with free admission.

While you’re unlikely to travel here solely to dive in to the history of one of America’s largest chain stores, Bentonville’s newfound tourism hook is based around events — over 300 of them, in fact.

According to local news outlet 5NEWS, Bentonville hosted 310 events throughout 2024, including Bentonville Film Festival, Bentonville Bike Fest, and local’s favorite First Fridays, a family-friendly block party of music, great eats, and artisan crafts.

This underrated city offers astounding natural settings to explore as it’s held in high regard in the mountain biking community and boasts down-home delights downtown with charming storefronts and world-class cuisine.

Bike culture is such a staple here, there’s even The Bike Inn, one of the most unique and top-rated stays in Bentonville, only costing around $100 per night this spring.

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

While Biloxi’s white-sand shores and thrilling casino hotels might be Mississippi’s biggest draw during beach season, believe it or not, it’s actually the never-ending waterways and small town charm of Hattiesburg that’s all the rage.

Well, unless that wild Netflix doc ‘The Kings of Tupelo‘ got you fired up enough to visit Elvis’ birthplace, but that’s a different story…

Hattiesburg offers visitors a balanced mix of natural attractions and southern hospitality, especially downtown where you’ll find classic diners, cafes, and old-timey streets perfect for photo-ops.

Away from downtown lies 50-plus miles of scenic waterways, a big draw for kayakers, but the most notable outdoor must-visit is Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile-long linear park perfect for jogging, biking, and hiking, and simply a great spot to get a feel for the city.

If your budget allows, stay in Ross Mansion Bed & Breakfast, voted ‘Best Bed & Breakfast in Mississippi‘ or opt for a name we all know and love, Hotel Indigo Hattiesburg.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.