Large cities may need massive enchantment — however they’re not the one locations value visiting.

The time period “second cities” historically refers to a area’s second-largest metropolis, nevertheless it usually describes different populous however usually neglected city facilities that ship a lot of what main metropolises do.

To be clear, these aren’t small cities off the freeway. Second cities have the cultural richness, culinary chops and charisma of the better-known metropolises, however normally with fewer crowds and typically decrease costs. They’re properly value including to your itinerary, and even planning a full journey round.

Second cities provide the most effective of each worlds if you’re in search of a vacation spot with issues to do, however barely much less touristy.

Right here’s what makes them interesting:

• Much less chaos: With fewer vacationers and fewer visitors, second cities usually really feel much less irritating than their bustling counterparts. For a calming journey, that may be precisely what you’re in search of.

• Your pals possible haven’t been there but: By visiting a second metropolis, you’ll be capable of expertise the tradition, meals and historical past of a sure area past the standard vacationer guidelines. And your journey may be extra memorable due to it.

• Straightforward transportation: In lots of second cities, you may stroll or depend on occasional rideshares. That saves on rental vehicles, gasoline and parking charges.

• Free or low cost issues to do: Very similar to their bigger counterparts, second cities usually pack in cultural establishments, scenic parks, historic websites and native leisure — usually for little or no value.

We compiled among the second cities that make nice trip locations. This is not a proper rating or an exhaustive listing — simply a few of our favourite spots.

Only a three-hour drive away from Houston — Texas’ largest metropolis and a significant enterprise hub — San Antonio gives a visitor-friendly expertise, with walkable sights, decrease costs and historic appeal.

Plus, a lot of San Antonio’s prime sights are both free or low cost. You possibly can discover a lot of the enduring Alamo without charge, stroll the San Antonio River Stroll (one of many nation’s most charming pedestrian corridors), or wander by means of the Japanese Tea Backyard — all with out spending a dime.

Simply over two hours by bus or prepare from Manhattan, Atlantic Metropolis delivers lots of the similar city attracts: headline live shows, high-end eating, boutique procuring and even a budding arts scene. However the place New York instructions premium costs at each flip, Atlantic Metropolis nonetheless gives off-peak resort rooms beneath $100.

Suppose glamping, kayaking, wine-tasting and artwork galleries. Santa Barbara has all of it with Pacific views and approach much less visitors.

Chicago is the unique second metropolis, incomes the nickname within the Nineties when it grew to become the second-largest metropolis within the U.S. behind New York. (Now it is third, behind Los Angeles.) However in the event you’re in search of one other nice vacation spot close to Chicago, Madison is value a go to. Pedal across the lakeside trails, stroll by means of the Dane County Farmers’ Market, then unwind at a brewery or kayak launch simply steps from the Capitol dome.

Flagstaff’s neon indicators, retro diners and ties to the historic Route 66 freeway make it a memorable highway journey vacation spot. Nature lovers can cool off beneath Ponderosa pines and discover volcanic caves on this laid-back mountain city.