Road Trip: Eight Underrated Cities to Visit Over Spring Break

There’s no shortage of unique places to visit, but here’s a few we think you should add to the top of your road trip bucket list:

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Don’t sleep on this one. Minneapolis has one of the best arts scenes in the country — the Walker Art Center alone is worth the drive — plus a live music culture that punches way above the city’s weight. Spring hits different here after a long winter, and the city knows how to celebrate it.

Roadtrip through the Northeast

Start with a day or two Boston, then head north to Salem — the architecture alone justifies the detour. Cut back south, hug the coast into Rhode Island, and stop in Newport for the Gilded Age mansions and some of the best sailing in the country. End in Providence, which has quietly become one of the most interesting small cities in the Northeast — RISD energy, a great food scene and a walkable weirdness that’s hard to manufacture.

Savannah, Georgia

Atlanta may seem like the obvious pick for the city to stop in in Georgia, but some RELEVANT fans are adamant that Savannah is the place to stop. It’s similar to Charleston — another great pick — but with much less reality TV sets. The squares are still mossy and strange, and you can actually just walk around without feeling like you’re in someone’s content. The food helps too.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Hear us out: we know the Western states have a reputation for exciting hikes in the mountains, the South has its own scenic vistas — although their secret locations are closely guarded by locals. Set at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Chattanooga is home to the spectacular Rock City Gardens and Ruby Falls. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a magical garden rather than a southern Tennessee city. From Lookout Mountain to the Raccoon Mountain Caverns, there’s plenty to visit and see here.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

New Mexico’s capital is full of eccentric places to visit. Start with the gorgeous Lorenzo Chapel, which contains a one-of-a-kind staircase with a miraculous origin story. Then, head over to the Canyon Road Arts District to interact with renowned artists from around the world who create unique, gorgeous art pieces and jewelry. It’s O’Keeffe country in the most literal sense — high desert, serious art, and green chile that will rearrange your priorities.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you’re looking for a cool place to hike (cool as in rad and cool as in colder weather), Colorado Springs is the perfect pick for your summer trip. Garden of the Gods alone is worth it, and Pikes Peak is right there if you want to push further. There are plenty of trails and parks to visit, so you won’t pass the same place twice. It’s the perfect spot to get out in the great outdoors and reconnect with God’s Creation.

Monterey, California

There are plenty of beach destinations in America, but one of the most underrated is located in Monterey. While many think Big Little Lies when they hear Monterey, the coastal California city is home to more than just big drama. Cannery Row, immortalized in the writings of author John Steinbeck, is a massive strip full of exciting cuisine and activities. Plus, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the biggest in the U.S. with over thousands of marine animals who live in the aquarium or in the nearby ocean. And you don’t have to be stuck there — hit the PCH and see more of the California coast.

Vancouver, Canada