Top Last-Minute 2024 Summer Getaway Destinations

Family travelers who haven’t booked a summer vacation yet, don’t fret. Vacasa, a vacation home management company, offers some stateside recommendations for last-minute summer getaways.

Beach Destinations

In summer fashion, beach destinations remain at the top of the list, with most travelers heading to the beach. Here are some budget-friendly and fun last-minute destinations:

• Anna Maria Island, Florida: Located between Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay, Anna Maria Island offers a budget-friendly getaway with a laidback beach atmosphere, a charming town and beautiful beaches.
• Hilton Head, South Carolina: This budget-friendly escape is a great spot for families or a group of friends looking for a last-minute getaway.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia: Travelers can expect soft, sandy beaches; historical attractions; beautiful hotels; and a delicious food scene.

Lakeside Destinations

Perfect for larger groups or multigenerational travel, lakefront vacation rentals offer more space for everyone. More than two in five travelers lean toward vacation rentals for their summer vacation.

• The Finger Lakes: This laid-back destination is home to 11 peaceful lakes and amazing vineyards and wineries. It has been an under-the-radar summer destination for years.
• Lake Anna, Virginia: Nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts should head to Lake Anna, perfect for boating and jet skiing. It also has a boardwalk, mini golf, an arcade and beach volleyball.
• Lake Michigan: One of the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan offers miles of shoreline, lighthouses and famous attractions like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Mountain Destinations

Roadtrips are more popular than ever this summer, with 77 percent of travelers saying they’ll drive a car, RV or camper to their destination. National parks and mountain regions are great for road trippers and budget travelers.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 150 official hiking trails and more.
• Olympic Peninsula: This budget-friendly destination is a mountainous stretch of Western Washington that sits across from Puget Sound in Seattle and is home to Olympic National Park.
• The Island of Hawai’i: This destination offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy beaches and mountains, including Mauna Kea, the highest peak in Hawai’I, and Volcanoes National Park.