With its Old West brick buildings and Rocky Mountain scenery, Cripple Creek might be the ultimate Colorado escape. Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this historic mining town is home to vibrant casinos, bustling shops, and attractions ranging from the Mollie Kathleen Mine to the Outlaws and Lawmen Jail Museum. Spot black bears, eagles, and hawks at Mueller State Park, hike through Pikes Peak National Forest, or catch a show at Butte Theater, a 100-year-old historic venue.

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HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA

If you’re not a Civil War buff, then you might not know that Harpers Ferry—an hour from the DC metro area—contains a treasure trove of antebellum history. As one of the country’s best preserved 19th-century towns, this National Historic Park features museums and exhibits around every corner. Nearby, outdoor adventures abound, from tubing on the Shenandoah River to cycling at C&O Canal National Park. Rent a waterfront home and score a private dock for lazy fishing days.

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JIM THORPE, PENNSYLVANIA

Full of history and surrounded by natural beauty, Jim Thorpe was established in 1818 and renamed after the iconic professional athlete in 1954. This charming destination in the Poconos features historic Victorian buildings and hidden-gem museums alongside attractions like Old Mauch Chunk Railroad Station, the Rail Trail, and the Lehigh River (great for fishing and whitewater rafting).

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AVALON, CALIFORNIA

As popular with celebrities as starstruck tourists, Avalon might as well have been plucked from the coast of the Mediterranean. But the town’s balmy climate and gorgeous scenery are just part of its appeal; with attractions like Lover’s Cove Marine Preserve, Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens, and Pleasure Pier, you’ll be just as smitten with local activities and attractions. You might find yourself on a glass-bottom boat one day and a zipline eco tour the next—or perhaps you’ll strike out on a hike along the Trans-Catalina Trail, which boasts some of the area’s best ocean views.

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NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS

In this coastal community north of Boston, you’ll fall head over heels for the art galleries, mom-and-pop shops, and miles of gorgeous beaches. Few summer vacation ideas epitomize the season quite like Newburyport, and with good reason. From the historic rentals to the dockside oyster shacks and sweeping views of the Atlantic, it’s hard to imagine a more picturesque place to escape. Free summer concerts, hidden-gem antique shops, and outdoor attractions like the Clipper City Rail Trail only add to its appeal.

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See all of the remianing places in our list by visiting this full post on the TripAdvisor blog! Click here.