Summer 2024 is just around the corner, and people across the country are starting to make travel plans. Washington, DC is one of the best summer travel destinations in the country, according to a recent ranking by WalletHub.
Why is Washington, DC the #2 best summer destination in the country?
The study found that the Washington, D.C., area ranks better than most other cities nationwide, including frequent nonstop flights from most major cities, the quality of the local food scene, number of landmarks, and free museums. There are several factors that make it stand out compared to other summer destinations. And, of course, its proximity to some excellent day trip destinations.
Whether it's a national park with waterfalls and cliffs less than 30 minutes away, or one of the country's best beaches just a two-hour drive from the capital, there's plenty to do.
They also said it's an ideal location for those who want to enjoy nature but want to stay close to a big city, as there are plenty of hiking trails, natural swimming spots, and biking trails.
Which city ranks as the best summer destination?
According to rankings, the country's top summer destination is none other than Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta ranks high because of its cheap nonstop flights from most major cities in the country, its vibrant and unique culture, and, interestingly, one of the slowest “last call” times in the country. The reason for this is around 4am.
How did they do the rankings?
According to the study, the goal was to “find out which locations are the most cost-effective,” and looked at 100 metropolitan areas using 41 unique key metrics, including flight costs and average prices. Through analysis, we did just that. For a meal for two. For example, safety is one of the ranking criteria, and of all 100 metropolitan areas analyzed, Washington, DC is considered the safest metropolitan area in the country.
