Lonely PlanetJul 30
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.
cycle for scenic farmland and lakeside views
25 things in this story
- Dane County Farmers’ MarketMarketoffering local produce, farm-fresh eggs, cheese curds
- Wisconsin State CapitolSightarchitecturally stunning, features a 360-degree observation deck
- Olbrich Botanical GardensGardeninvites peaceful strolls, enhanced by outdoor art exhibit
- GLEAMPlaceoutdoor art exhibit featuring large-scale light installations
- Capital City State TrailTrailcycle for scenic farmland and lakeside views
- Frank Lloyd Wright TrailTrailincludes Taliesin and Madison's Monona Terrace
- Monona TerraceSightpart of the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail
- Tornado Steak HouseRestaurantsupper club vibes and hearty chops
- Elsewhere
- Needles HighwayTrailCuster State Park, United Statesfamed for its granite spires and narrow tunnels
- Saguaro National ParkTrailTucson, United Statesfeatures cactus-studded trails like the Valley View Trail
- Mount RushmoreSightRapid City, United Statesmarked its 100th anniversary in 2025
- Wildlife LoopAirportCuster State Park, United Statesdrive for bison, pronghorn and wild burros
- 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
- TaliesinNature reserveSpring Green, United StatesFrank Lloyd Wright's home, an important stop on his trail
- 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