Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026
The USA's Top 10 Shoulder Season Destinations
Cool mornings, fewer crowds and lower prices make shoulder season an ideal time to explore these 10 fantastic locations in the United States.
25 things in this story
- Needles HighwayTrailfamed for its granite spires and narrow tunnels
- Wildlife LoopAirportdrive for bison, pronghorn and wild burros
- Elsewhere
- Saguaro National ParkTrailTucson, United Statesfeatures cactus-studded trails like the Valley View Trail
- Mount RushmoreSightRapid City, United Statesmarked its 100th anniversary in 2025
- Badlands National ParkSightRapid City, United Statesoffers dramatic landscapes all along the 39-mile Loop Road
- Main StreetNeighborhoodRapid City, United Statesstroll for life-size bronze statues of past presidents
- Art AlleyNeighborhoodRapid City, United Stateswander for graffiti-style murals
- Dinosaur ParkParkRapid City, United Statesseven super-size concrete dinos watched over the city
- Firehouse Brewing CompanyPubRapid City, United Statesoldest brewery in South Dakota
- Dane County Farmers’ MarketMarketMadison, United Statesoffering local produce, farm-fresh eggs, cheese curds
- Wisconsin State CapitolSightMadison, United Statesarchitecturally stunning, features a 360-degree observation deck
- Olbrich Botanical GardensGardenMadison, United Statesinvites peaceful strolls, enhanced by outdoor art exhibit
- GLEAMPlaceMadison, United Statesoutdoor art exhibit featuring large-scale light installations
- Capital City State TrailTrailMadison, United Statescycle for scenic farmland and lakeside views
- TaliesinNature reserveSpring Green, United StatesFrank Lloyd Wright's home, an important stop on his trail
- Frank Lloyd Wright TrailTrailMadison, United Statesincludes Taliesin and Madison's Monona Terrace
- Monona TerraceSightMadison, United Statespart of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
- Tornado Steak HouseRestaurantMadison, United Statessupper club vibes and hearty chops
- Arizona-Sonora Desert MuseumZooTucson, United States98-acre zoo, botanical garden and natural history museum
- Valley View TrailTrailSaguaro National Park, United Stateswinds through saguaros, prickly pear and teddy bear cholla
- Pima Air & Space MuseumMuseumTucson, United Statesget close to historic aircraft
- San Xavier Del Bac MissionSightTucson, United Statesbeautifully preserved Spanish colonial mission
- Tucson Bike ToursPlaceTucson, United Statesbook for taco tour, sample Sonoran hot dog
- Burns Basin OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States
- Pinnacles OverlookSightBadlands National Park, United States
