Okay, maybe some of these aren’t total secrets. However, it’s undeniable they’re lower on most travel lists than places like Austin, Denver, Seattle or Miami. Everyone’s at least heard of these cities, except they also provide budget-friendly and less-crowded city experiences, leaving your memory bank and checking account happy when the trip ends. Below are four cities I visited in 2022 most probably didn’t think of checking out. They should all be on any beer and outdoor lover’s bucket list.

Each of these places has an easily accessible airport that hosts major US airlines, along with budget carriers. Keeping with the Drunk Explorer theme, they also have a good beer scene and outdoor activities within a 30-minute drive of their respective downtowns. In no particular order, the cities are:

• St. Petersburg, Florida
• Tucson, Arizona
• Buffalo, New York 
• Columbus, Ohio

And without any more of my BS, let’s get into why I chose these four cities as my 4 Underrated US Travel Destinations for the remainder of 2022 and 2023. 

St. Petersburg, Florida (not Russia) – You may have flown into Tampa/St. Pete before, but did you see anything other than Clearwater Beach? Probably not. Sure, the beaches are moderately famous and in Florida so there’s no shortage of visitors. Blue water that’s warm enough to swim in most of the year brings tourists from all over the United States, except the city of St. Pete has a lot to offer and is well worth the visit by itself. Don’t forget the drive is under 30 minutes from Pass-A-Grille Beach, Fort De Soto Park & St. Pete Beach, all of which are vastly more peaceful than Clearwater, in my opinion. 

Central Ave. boasts laid-back Florida culture mixed with galleries, coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and a nightlife starting to rival Miami. While I didn’t have the best Airbnb experience here, it did place me within a short drive of Pete’s Bagels, Dirty Laundry, Green Bench Brewing Company & Bananas Records. For explorers, remote workers and tourists alike, you can’t go wrong visiting St. Pete. 

• Pete’s Bagels has some of the best breakfast bagels and sandwiches I can remember, along with a local gift shop attached to the restaurant. The Spicy Pete on a Jalapeno Cheddar bagel left me craving so much more that I ended up going there three times – but they have less spicy options too if you’re not into the heat.  
• Dirty Laundry is a coffee shop with a kitchen that keeps things going after sunset with a hidden nightclub. When I visited in January, there was a friendly barista, good local coffee and a quiet outdoor patio for remote working in the afternoon. Obviously, there’s a theme here and the whole place is decorated like a 50s laundromat. No matter the time of day, you’ll find yourself going back for a refill.
• I loved sitting at the bar at Green Bench Brewing Company. Both bartenders were super friendly – helpful for a solo traveler – and brought their flagship Sunshine City IPA, along with my personal favorite of theirs, the Skyway Hazy Double IPA. Needless to say, I couldn’t stop at just one and both left the brewery with me in cans. The name also tells a story of local history – and what they’ve done about bringing change. Can’t wait to pay Green Bench another visit. 
• If you’re into vinyl, Bananas Records isn’t just a store, it’s a record warehouse. They have three locations in St Pete, a physical store, a garage/warehouse where items are processed and a library-style room where you can browse records before they hit the store’s shelves. Getting to go Bananas buying new-to-me vinyl records was a great end to my trip. 

A trip to St. Pete isn’t complete without stopping by Par Bar, Teak (for the skyline and pier view), Dog Bar and any of the various murals in the area. I was even able to go night kayaking on LED glass-bottom kayaks at Sharkey’s near the famous Don Cesar pink hotel and enjoyed a great view of the night sky. Additionally, I was lucky enough to see dolphins during the expedition. Another benefit is that many US airports have flights to the area on budget airlines such as Allegiant, Frontier & Spirit. They may not be first class on Delta, but they’ll get you to Florida for a fraction of the cost of regular airlines. In fact, I flew to the area in January for just $110 round trip on a same-day booking. 

Tucson, Arizona – As someone who grew up in the Midwest, Tucson was never somewhere I thought would be an awesome hiking destination, especially in nature-packed Arizona. Then, I showed up and learned it was home to Saguaro National Park. After that, I realized it was nestled in the Rincon Mountains located near Mount Lemmon. Plus, it’s where the Sonoran Hot Dog came from. That was news to me as well. After initially planning a December 2021 visit that didn’t work out, I was finally able to make the trip in April 2022. 

April was a bit warm for my taste, with high temperatures already in the upper 90s, meaning we saw plenty of sunrises in Tucson. I’d highly recommend hiking the Tanque Verde Falls Trail and in Sabino Canyon for great mountain views, and, obviously, more Saguaro cactuses than the eye can see or count. Would highly recommend a sunset at Gates Pass as a reward for enduring the Arizona heat. Tucson also offers a growing foodie scene, with several places offering a unique Sonoran blend of American and Mexican culture, in addition to the ever-so-needed air conditioning. 

• Crooked Tooth Brewing Company wins my fictional “Most Unique Beer Flight” award. At Crooked Tooth, flights are served on mini skateboards, way more fun than boring wooden paddles. I liked their courtyard too. Consistent with my Hazy preference, I deeply enjoyed my additional pint of their 18th Hour. 
• Seis Kitchen is a top spot in Tucson for breakfast burritos, so you know it’s good. Seis has quite generous portion sizes too, which will leave you either skipping lunch or puking on the trail if you don’t let the burrito settle. Conveniently located in the Mercado San Agustin, it’s easy to find and surrounded by other shops and restaurants, one of them Presta Coffee Roasters. The market’s courtyard with misting machines was a nice touch too! 
• El Güero Canelo Restaurant – Okay, what’s a Sonoran Hot Dog? It’s the bacon-wrapped hot dog covered in pinto beans, onions, tomatoes and sauces I’ve always dreamed about consuming. It’s a local favorite in Tucson, but El Güero Canelo’s was my favorite. Don’t sleep on their Tortas either. 
• San Xavier del Bac Mission is a historic Spanish mission likely highly recognized from Instagram. Its snow white exterior is nearly impossible to miss, especially in the desert sun. Whether you’re into architecture or just looking for a selfie, you’ll get the picture you’re after here. Did you know it was in Tucson? You’re welcome. 

If you’re like me and don’t like hot weather, driving to the top of Mount Lemmon provided a nice break from the heat. Sitting above 9,000 feet in elevation, temperatures were nearly 30 degrees cooler than Tucson. The Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway brings views and varying ecosystems like no other. Starting below 3,000 feet, the Saguaros disappear and turn into Pine trees as you’re climbing the mountain and views are getting wilder. There are plenty of places to stop along the way for views and photos, a free audio tour of the road hosted by the University of Arizona, and even a ski lift near the top. 

Tucson’s balance of outdoor activities, hiking and city conveniences make it a hidden destination that doesn’t get the same amount of attention as nearby Phoenix and Sedona. If you like breathing and personal space like me, having fewer crowds, both in town and on the trails, Tucson will create a more enjoyable and genuine journey. The only downside is that it’s not heavily serviced by budget airlines – Canadian carrier Flair Airlines is currently the only one with year-round operations, meaning you’ll have to use a higher-cost carrier or fly into Phoenix and make the 1.5 hour drive on Interstate 10. 

Buffalo, New York – Located just a short 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls State Park, Buffalo offers a lot more than only somewhere to sleep while exploring the second biggest waterfall in the world. While its proximity adds to the value, the falls are far from the area’s lone attraction. Buffalo is rich in history, arts, built a walkable and enjoyable Downtown, has a great beer scene and hosts many local events, including live music, especially during the summer. For accommodation, Hostel Buffalo-Niagara has an excellent location on Main Street, adequate street parking and bunk beds for under $40 a night. While short-staffed, they were energetic, helpful and made sure I had a great stay. They’re also a non-profit and host events giving back to the community throughout the year.  

Two obvious things we need to mention: Buffalo wings originated at Anchor Bar in Buffalo and this city REALLY likes the NFL’s Buffalo Bills. If you don’t watch football, just tell a local you like Bills Quarterback Josh Allen and you’ll be sure to gain some friends. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to visit during the fall, make sure to attend a tailgate and get acquainted with Bills Mafia. While the Buffalo Wing originated at Anchor Bar, there are plenty of local restaurants that will transform how you view wings. I went to JJs Casa Di Pizza, where my wings were smothered in sauce. So amazingly smothered they had to put aluminum foil in the box to keep it from leaking. Belt Line Brewery also had great wings. My point is, no visit to Buffalo should end without eating wings. If chicken isn’t your vibe, most restaurants in the area should have cauliflower wing options. 

I went in Mid-June, which brought temps in the 70s, nearly perfect for walking and biking around the city. Wilkeson Pointe, only a short drive from Downtown, was a great stop to watch the sunset over Lake Erie. Hertel Alley has dozens of murals spread across a couple of blocks and is worth the stop, whether you’re killing time or a street art aficionado who could spend hours enjoying local creativity. River Fest Park hosts live music every Wednesday night, which you can hear from Labatt USA’s brew house or BYOB. If you were me, I also wouldn’t miss these places:

• Belt Line Brewery was my favorite brewery I visited in Buffalo. Being partial to Hazy IPAs, they left me with plenty to choose from and needing to stay for the wings. They had plenty of space at the bar too, which is always helpful for getting recommendations. 
• The Old Pink is an iconic dive bar in the Allentown (I confirmed it was called Allentown before Josh Allen) neighborhood of Buffalo. If you’re from Western New York, this isn’t anything new to you, but the steak sandwich was absolutely incredible. There may not be the latest craft brews, but you’ll find cheap drinks, friendly patrons and a fun environment.     
• Fitz Books & Waffles – Yep, that’s right, books & waffles. There’s a bookstore that serves coffee and waffles from a small waffle maker in the back of the shop. Offered in chocolate and vanilla flavors (they’ll mix both if you ask nicely), these fresh, hot waffles are made right in front of customers and were definitely a breakfast I’ll remember. 
• I’ve seen videos on YouTube and Instagram about cereal bars where you can order unique cereals from around the world by the bowl, just like you’d order a beer at a typical bar. The Cereal Spot was the first time I’ve encountered one in person. This is where I discovered Timbits cereal and the sweet tooth in me didn’t leave disappointed. 

Admittedly, I made the trip to Buffalo by car, but the city is easily traversed by public transport. It has a tram line in the city and a bus that goes to Niagara Falls for just $2.50 each way. If you’re flying to Buffalo, several cities have direct flights on Frontier and JetBlue, giving you more money to buy more beer once you’re there. 

Columbus, Ohio – I might be biased including a city I called home for four years that’s also in my home state of Ohio, but hear me out. Chicago isn’t the only city in the Midwest worth visiting anymore. Columbus is home to The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States with over 60,000 students enrolled. Many of these graduates stay local and work for L Brands (who owns Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works), Wendy’s, White Castle and Nationwide, all headquartered in the area. Whether you’re eating a meal, having beers, or both, the State of Ohio’s predominantly German heritage and being home to Cameron Mitchell restaurants create an experience your taste buds will remember. 

These opportunities have brought a growing tech scene, over 50 local breweries, dining that competes with any major US city and two professional sports teams, all at a fraction of the cost. Columbus is situated in Central Ohio, far enough south of Lake Erie to have milder, mostly snow-free winters and its distance from the coast means summers are less humid than its Eastern and Southern neighbors. Naturewise, Hayden Falls, one of the biggest waterfalls in the state, is located a mere 15 minutes from the Short North Arts District and downtown. The city is, additionally, just over a 30 minute drive away from Hocking Hills State Park. Ash Cave and Rock House will have you wondering, “Am I really in Ohio? It’s all supposed to be corn and flat.” If you’re up for a drive, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a two hour drive Northeast of Columbus and is home to the breathtaking Brandywine Falls. But, after these hikes, it’s time for the reward of getting drunk with some food. As a former local, these were my favorite spots.

• Katalina’s Cafe – Peace, Love & Pancake Balls. It’s painted outside their original Pennsylvania Ave location and their signature dish. I still haven’t figured out how to make them myself, but eating a delicious breakfast comes a little more naturally to me. With house-made apple butter, Nutella and more as filling options, there’s no wrong choice. Just keep in mind the line is often out the door by 9:30am. 
• In a city with over 50 breweries, Nocterra Brewing Co. is one of my favorites. They have a wide variety of styles, a very large outdoor patio with two fire pits and, of course, some of the best beer around. Outside of their flagship NE IPA Beta Flash, Nocterra’s beer selection is always changing, which makes certain no two stops are alike.  
• Ray Ray’s Hog Pit offers some of the best BBQ you’ll find outside of Texas. Go ahead, try it, feel the brisket melt in your mouth, and tell me I’m wrong. With several locations in Columbus, two of which at Land Grant and Nocterra brewing companies, you’ll get to enjoy their meat on two of the best patios in town. 
• Oddfellows Liquor Bar has unique decorations (Cocaine Santa comes out in July & December), entirely its own vibe, half-off drafts during happy hour and a Mikey’s Late Night Slice pizza shipping container right outside. What more could you ask for in a bar? I can also essentially guarantee you’ll see a dog there. 
• Hot Chicken Takeover rivals any hot chicken from Nashville and actually burns twice. They offer thighs, wings and tenders at Cold, Warm, Hot, Holy and Extra Holy – technically off menu – spice levels. Don’t miss baked beans, mac and cheese, and banana pudding as sides either. I’m surprised food comas aren’t on the menu because most people who eat at Hot Chicken Takeover go straight into one. 
• Hounddog’s Pizza/Lion’s Cub Cookies – Okay, these are different places. One was voted the best pizza in Columbus and the other makes delicious cookies. Some of the best I’ve ever had. Try them both.     

Sure, Ohio and the rest of the Midwest isn’t as scenic as Colorado, but we’re talking about underrated places you can see on a budget here. The Buckeye State doesn’t offer robust coastlines, mountain summits or flashiness, but you’ll meet friendly people, have great food and beer, and find better than expected scenery while saving your wallet. Columbus has direct flights from most major US cities and is a focus airport for Southwest, so your bags will get there for free, too.

There you have it. Whether you’re here looking for inspiration on where to travel or simply passing time on the Internet, now you know why St. Pete, Tucson, Buffalo and Columbus are my top 4 underrated US destinations that I’ve visited in 2022. Hopefully I’ve inspired someone on the deep, dark Interweb to do something adventurous and travel somewhere new. If you thought this blog post was entertaining, be the first to find out about new posts by following me on Instagram and subscribing to my newsletter using the form below.