Underrated Cities We’re Excited to Visit in 2026
At Pack Up + Go, we know that some of the most rewarding travel experiences happen in the destinations you least expect to visit. When you travel to lesser-visited destinations, you get to really enjoy the amazing food, culture, sightseeing, and outdoor experiences - without the crowds of more popular cities! That’s why we love sending travelers on surprise vacations. Here are some of the underrated cities we’re excited to visit in 2026.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia often lives in the shadow of New York, but it’s full of amazing art + history museums, an incredible food scene (beyond Philly Cheesesteaks!), and neighborhoods that are easy to walk around and explore, like Rittenhouse Square, Old City, and Fishtown. Some of our favorite sites in Philly include the Philadelphia Magic Gardens for an incredibly unique art (and photo op!) experience, the Mutter Museum for a medical + science museum (warning: not for the weak-stomached!), and The Barnes Museum. No matter the season, Philly has something for everyone.
Atlanta, Georgia
Despite Atlanta’s incredible historic civil rights landmarks, diverse food scene, and gorgeous green spaces, many people still just think of the city as an airport hub.
We love exploring Atlanta’s famous food markets like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, strolling along the Beltline, and exploring the city’s museums. The best part? The city’s airport makes it easy to get to Atlanta to take advantage of all the city has to offer.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio can sometimes get overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Austin. While many people only think of San Antonio for The Alamo, it’s a perfect city for a weekend getaway. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll or boat ride along The River Walk, eat some of the best tacos in the country, and visit world-class museums, including the McNay Art Museum.
Tucson, Arizona
Often overshadowed by Phoenix and Scottsdale, Tucson is a desert gem with soul. Surrounded by mountains and steeped in Native American and Mexican history, Tucson offers incredible outdoor experiences and some of the best food in the country. Did you know that it’s actually the first UNESCO City specifically for Gastronomy in the U.S.? The city’s Sonoran cuisine can’t be beat. Visitors can spend time hiking in Sabino Canyon or Mt. Lemmon, or beat the heat in some of the city’s unique museums like the Tucson Auto Museum or the Miniature Museum.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville, best known for being home to the Walmart headquarters, has so much to offer tourists. Many people don’t know that it’s home to one of the country’s best art museums, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The museum itself is housed in a gorgeous building, but is set on 120 acres - complete with hiking trails, gardens, and scenery perfect for visitors to enjoy. The city has also become a mecca for mountain biking and outdoor experiences, complete with beautiful mountains and greenways for bikers of all abilities. Plus, a visit to the Walmart Museum is a must while you’re in town!
Where are you excited to travel in 2026?
