Derrik J. Lang

Why is everyone vacationing in the same place? I often wonder this during travel spikes, scrolling social media to see people with nothing in common having the same experiences. Are we all spring skiers now? Is everyone actually having fun, or are we just yielding to a trend? It’s time we all dig a little deeper, skip the cookie-cutter trip and set off somewhere different. Forget what everyone else is doing! Let’s explore our own interests—and while we’re at it, do it where it’s not so crowded. To help you find the perfect underrated summer travel destination, we tapped our network of writers with plenty of experience discovering cool places. We’re showing new sides to cities and regions you already know and sharing choice spots that might be new to you. From wine tasting your way through Boise, Idaho, and encountering wildlife in Oakland, California, to ferry hopping in Southeast Alaska, these aren’t your typical summer escapes. A little less popular and still very exciting, these underrated U.S. destinations are calling your name this summer.

If you’re ready to graduate from singing in your car or shower—or just like watching folks make fools of themselves—karaoke venues abound in Los Angeles, from a totally random 1980s-themed dive bar in Bellflower to lavish lounges throughout Koreatown. When the urge to wail “Don’t Stop Believin’” (or any other song, please please please) hits you, here are the top spots to unabashedly croon into a mic and cheer on strangers who’ve dared to take the stage. Unlike bars with specific karaoke nights, these venues offer the chance to act like a contestant on The Voice multiple times a week. No audition or spinning chairs necessary. RECOMMENDED: More karaoke in Los Angeles

There’s magic to be found across Orlando—and not just inside the city’s many theme parks. From lush gardens and parks to crystalline springs, a diverse array of attractions await Central Florida visitors and locals alike beyond Space Mountain and Hogwarts. While there’s no denying riding roller coasters and meeting Mickey Mouse are fun (but expensive) things to do, it’s worth noting that venturing outside that bubble will lead to an even deeper appreciation for everything that The City Beautiful has to offer, including priceless glass art and a groundbreaking soccer team. Peruse our list of the best attractions in Orlando and expect a magical time around the corner, no matter where you choose to spend it. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in OrlandoRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in OrlandoRECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Orlando

There’s more to do in Orlando besides spin around in larger-than-life tea cups and hang out in Harry Potter's fictional world. While those things are fun – and don't get us wrong, we LOVE the Orlando theme parks – there’s actually a secret world of free activities in the city, if you know where to look. In fact, there's actually so many many free things to do in Orlando that you could spend a few days in the city and only spend a little money on food and maybe a ride-share. So why not escape the heat at a perfectly temperate river oasis? Or hang out in one of the city’s best museums? All for free. And if you absolutely must go to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, there are things to do there that won’t break the bank too. Enjoy all that Orlando has to offer without breaking the bank by following our guide of free things to do in Orlando. You can use the extra dough you saved to treat yourself to dinner at one of Orlando’s best restaurants. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Orlando

What happens when the sun goes down over the theme park-dotted landscape that is Orlando? Well, the city comes even more alive after dark – just head to one of the best clubs in Orlando to see what we mean.  Night owls can find a distinct range of clubs in the city, from a plethora of pulse-pounding EDM hubs to some of the country's most famous LGBTQ+ havens. There’s even a classic country club, if you’d rather giddy up than get down. And while the Orlando nightlife scene is plenty fun, don't expect Miami or Vegas levels of outlandishness and parties that go until brunch the next morning. While most clubs in Orlando are found downtown, there are a few hot spots to shake your money maker in the resort areas as well as the up-and-coming indie enclave Ivanhoe Village. So if you're ready to dance the night away, here are the best clubs in Orlando that are worth the cover charge.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Orlando 

Universal Orlando Resort is best known as the theme park home of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and even Jimmy Fallon. But you won’t often find these characters inside Universal CityWalk Orlando, Universal’s sprawling entertainment-and-dining district located at the front of the parks. Instead, the likes of Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and a milkshake-making robot named Jaques are featured amongst CityWalk’s array of stores, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.For most, a stop in CityWalk is all about eating and drinking. There are more than 20 different places to grab a bite or a drink in CityWalk. Thankfully, a few surprises elevate the walkable zone beyond a simple tourist trap (Do we spy a VooDoo Donuts?!). And it’s arguably a better option for food and beverage than what’s readily available within Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. From Universal’s on-site hotels, CityWalk can be accessed by either water taxi or lush walking paths. If arriving by car, you’ll have to park in the massive garage servicing the entire resort. (Don’t forget you left your ride in E.T. or was it Jurassic Park?!) RECOMMENDED: The 8 best Orlando theme parks for the whole family

It's perpetually summer in Central Florida, which makes special events all the more important to mark the seasons because, well, the weather is pretty much always warm. Thankfully, Orlando plays host to several celebrations that commemorate the holidays, as well as the culture, art, athleticism, foods and restaurants that make the city oh-so-wonderful. Whether you want to be scared out of your mind during Halloween or taste dishes from around the world without leaving the United States, you’ll find a local event or festival that you’ll want to return to over and over again each year. We promise: the best events in Orlando will cater to you all—from museum-obsessed culture fiends to cinephiles and, of course, theme park lovers.

There are surprisingly few karaoke options on the Westside, which makes Palms’ Boardwalk 11 a mecca for amateur performers. The feel-good dive hosts karaoke every day from 8pm to 2am on the most adorable little stage. There’s a diverse selection of tracks—from punk rock to show tunes—that are frequently updated and curated by the KJs (that’s karaoke jockeys to the uninitiated). Boardwalk 11’s menu is loaded with dozens of beers on tap, as well as comforting classics like tater tot nachos and gooey mac and cheese. Plus, the sprawling venue is super spacious, making it a sweet spot for office parties, birthday celebrations and nights out with your crew.

From about a block away, you can hear wannabe pop stars inside the Gaslite, Santa Monica’s divey karaoke gem that provides casual libations and a high-energy, lowbrow vibe. Anything goes at this dimly lit watering hole featuring a diverse-yet-welcoming clientele, ranging from aging hipsters to UCLA undergrads. The raucous, judgement-free atmosphere makes for a prime spot for potentially shy singers. That bar itself is open from 4pm until 2am daily, but karaoke doesn’t begin until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 8pm every other night.

With 13 private karaoke rooms and a full-service restaurant that slings New American cuisine and craft cocktails, the Venue is the chicest spot in town for karaoke. The well-designed digs can accommodate group sizes from standard (1–12 guests) to massive (24–50 guests). The rooms are each equipped with the latest karaoke systems boasting more than 10,000 available songs. The sophistication comes at a steep price, though: There’s usually a $100 food and drink minimum and hourly rates start at $40 and go up from there. But if you want some burrata while you sing Madonna, this is the place.

While most L.A. karaoke bars are unapologetically dive-y, the full-service Pharaoh Karaoke Lounge in Koreatown is surprisingly sexy. The swanky lighting and interior design touches make Pharaoh feel more like a Vegas club than a truck stop diner. The lavishness of the 37 private karaoke rooms, of course, comes at cost with drink minimums and service changes at every turn. (Hey, we said it felt like Vegas!) The limited song selection also leaves something to be desired when compared to other area k-bars. However, Pharaoh is most definitely a stylish choice for crooners looking to reenact Lost in Translation.

If you’re not keen on Taylor Swift and Drake infecting your karaoke playlist, venture to this ‘80s-themed bar and restaurant in Bellflower where the song selection always veers toward the era of big hair and shoulder pads. It’s the only place in the L.A. area where you can sip a Dirty Dancing cocktail and munch on a Pac-Man burger while waiting to sing Oingo Boingo. Depending on the evening, karaoke usually happens either on the main stage or, if a band is booked, in the backroom. New Wave frequently hosts special nights that pay tribute to specific artists like Duran Duran and Prince, so if you wanna go crazy, check the schedule beforehand.