The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

The Independent Voice of Southern Methodist University Since 1915

The Daily Campus

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#Summer2020: Travel the USA with The Top 10 Places to Visit in Your 20s

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Looking for the best places to visit in your 20s?

Whether you’re still in college or just starting out in the working world, your 20s are a great time to explore and travel. Those carefree years put you in the perfect position to be adventurous.

If traveling abroad isn’t in your budget, there are plenty of domestic destinations that are just as exciting.

Check out these 10 destinations for inspiration for your next trip.

1. New York City

New York City is something everyone should experience. When you’re in your 20s, you can enjoy the city with excitement and enthusiasm for all it offers.

There’s no shortage of hot dining spots, clubs, and shopping.

If you prefer a more cultural experience, grab tickets for a Broadway production or visit one of the many museums or historical sites.

2. New Orleans

Mardi Gras may come to mind when you think of visiting New Orleans, but the city is a party no matter when you go. A summer trip means you can enjoy the many summer festivals hosted in the city.

Beyond the booze and beads on Bourbon Street, the city offers lots of art, architecture, jazz music, and history. Vintage streetcars offer a fun way to get around the city.

The culinary scene is also full of delicious foods, from po’boys to beignets.

3. Las Vegas

Visiting Vegas in your 20s is almost a rite of passage. It’s something that most 20-somethings do at least once to experience the glitz and excitement of the Strip.

If you’re at least 21, you can enjoy all of the gambling and beverages the city has to offer. If you prefer more of a party, hit the clubs. You’ll also have plenty of shows to choose from.

During the day, soak up the Vegas sun around the pool. Most resorts have massive pools full of young people.

If you want to add a little sightseeing into your Vegas trip, you can take several day trips in the area. Popular options include the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead.

There are plenty of unique things to do in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.

4. Nashville

Nashville isn’t just for country music lovers. Sure, the Grand Ole Opry is a major draw, and you can find live country music at many of the clubs.

But Nashville has more than just a thriving country music scene and nightlife. East Nashville appeals to the artsy 20-somethings and offers some amazing food options.

The city also has plenty of green spaces.

It’s a popular destination for bachelorette parties, so if any of your friends are getting hitched, consider planning a trip here. Even if you’re all happily single, Nashville has plenty to offer.

5. Austin

Whether you love the city for its “Keep Austin Weird” slogan or its title as the live music capital of the world, Austin offers all sorts of diverse options for people in their 20s.

It has an amazing nightlife scene that’s perfect for people in their 20s. It also has amazing barbecue and other culinary options.

Plan a stop at Barton Springs Pool. Located in Zilker Park and fed from underground springs, this three-acre pool maintains an average comfortable temperature of 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Portland

Portland also wants you to help keep it weird. It has a unique culture that draws people of all ages, especially 20-somethings, with an emphasis on the eco mentality and art.

Head to the Alberta Arts District for boutiques and art. You’ll also find plenty of bars and restaurants there. The city is also known for its breweries and coffee.

Outside of all the city options, Portland is surrounded by lots of nature, from mountains to forest. You can spend your days hiking and exploring nature before hitting up the breweries and restaurants at night.

7. Miami

The sun, sand, and nightlife attract many college students to Miami for spring break. It’s just as appealing in the summer when things really heat up.

During the day, you can sport your best bikini on the beach, take a speed boat tour, or explore the Cuban heritage of the city.

At night, get dressed up to hit the many popular clubs. Most have a dress code, so don’t expect to show up in your flip flops and shorts.

8. Jackson

Wyoming might not be your typical location for 20-somethings, but Jackson offers a unique option if you’re looking for an active getaway.

Jackson Hole Valley is a great skiing destination in the winter, but it also offers plenty of summer-time activities.

Whitewater rafting, fishing trips, and eco-tours are a few of the outdoor options.

If you want to see wildlife in a more controlled environment, check out the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

9. Denver

The Mile High City provides lots of big-city activities while being close to the Rocky Mountains for plenty of outdoor activities. Denver is known for its breweries and has plenty of amazing restaurants.

The River North Art District is a great place to go for a bit of culture. The Denver Art Museum is another popular option.

When you visit in the summer, you can head to Coors Field to catch a Rockies baseball game.

10. Savannah

If you’re looking for Southern charm and loose alcohol laws, head to Savannah. The Downtown Savannah area doesn’t have open container laws. That means you can take your drink with you as you bar hop along the river.

It also has plenty of history and culture that you can explore during the day. Take a trolley tour, or wait until nighttime and take a ghost tour of the city.

Nearby Tybee Island is a great place to spend the day. Spread out on the beach on Tybee Island to enjoy the sun and ocean.

You’ll also find lots of amazing southern food throughout the city.

Make a List of the Top Places to Visit in Your 20s

Make the most of your college years and beyond with a travel bucket list. Hitting these places to visit in your 20s gives you a wide range of experiences while you’re young and adventurous.

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