Famous landmarks and popular tourist spots always have a high occupancy rate and limited available rooms and restaurant reservations. Nevertheless, there are still many excellent destinations in the United States that are still undiscovered by tourists, making them less expensive and less crowded. A less congested location might be more enjoyable for various vacation purposes, including a night beneath the stars or a trip to the big metropolis.
Ausable Chasm, New York
Western New York’s Ausable Chasm is a stunning natural wonder that is often overlooked. Yet, New York City takes all the credit for New York State, although this location is roughly five hours to the northwest. It’s not the easiest place to visit for a day trip, but once you go out on the trails, you’ll see what makes this place unique. This canyon was formed by a river that originated at a waterfall on the other side of Lake Champlain. Like a little version of Niagara Falls!
There are three distinct routes across the gorge, plus additional routes for rock climbing, rappelling, and even lantern-lit walks. The main office is a convenient place to reserve tours. Cabins are available just beyond the main entrance. It’s like glamping on steroids; you get 360-degree views of the gorge!
Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, Idaho, is situated immediately north of Sun Valley, a year-round resort town that attracts many visitors. The Sawtooth Mountains and the Salmon River, two natural landmarks, serve as geographical bookends for the town, belying its pedestrian moniker.
The natural setting is the major lure for tourists. Whitewater rafting on the Salmon River is among the greatest in the nation, and the mountains are a great place to go hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and equestrian riding. Even better, you can relax your weary muscles in one of Stanley’s many hot springs after an action-packed day.
Pecos National Historical Park, New Mexico
While Pecos, New Mexico, and Pecos National Historical Park are just 30 minutes apart from Santa Fe, neither is well recognised. Don’t be fooled by the town’s low profile; Pecos is a genuine treasure.
And, it is located in the shadows of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, between the Glorieta Mesa and the Pecos River, this area is a fascinating crossroads of South-western and Indigenous history and culture. Spectacular Mission church remains may be seen in Pecos, and the park’s one-mile circle leads visitors to two newly rebuilt kivas. Although Pecos is one of the least used parks in the United States, you can expect to have the trail and other park amenities to yourself.
North Shore, Minnesota
Are you hunting for a secret getaway that offers many state parks, lakes, waterfalls, and quaint A-Frame cabins? The North Shore of Minnesota is where you want to be.
The expansive coastlines of Lake Superior, also known as the southwesternmost point of Northern Minnesota, are the inspiration for the name of this area in Cook County, Minnesota. Tettegouche State Park has fantastic hiking trails if you’re seeking things to do on the North Shore of Lake Superior. And, hike to Minnesota’s highest waterfalls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park or set up a tent in Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island may be the better option for summer vacation than its more popular neighbours, such as Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
It has a small year-round population but a huge influx of summer visitors; it is by no means “undiscovered,” Summer housing must still be reserved months in advance, but it has all the welcoming attractions of a New England seaside town.
Moreover, Block Island’s seventeen miles of public beaches are open to the public, and the island’s residents have prioritised land conservation over resort-style development for decades. This has resulted in large swaths of the island being designated as protected habitats for migratory birds that are increasingly difficult to spot on the mainland.
Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas
Tourists go to New York, Los Angeles, and Miami year-round, but few go out of their way to visit Missouri and Kansas. Kansas City is unique because of its lack of pretension. This city in the Midwest features great restaurants, museums, and clubs for a memorable holiday.
While it is home to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Power and Light District’s vibrant nightlife, and some of the greatest barbeque in the nation, Kansas City is still surprisingly cheap and under appreciated. And, if there’s one thing we took up from Nashville’s meteoric rise as a tourist hotspot, it’s this: Kansas City has the potential to become the next big thing; get there now before the costs and people skyrocket.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona, is one of the state’s best-kept secrets and is located in the beautiful red rock area. Vacation hotspots like Sedona in the American Southwest are tucked away between towering red rocks, canyons, and desert vistas and are only accessible via twisting roads.
Sedona is a great base to explore the rest of Arizona, approximately two hours south of the Grand Canyon.
Have you been searching for the ideal holiday spot? But Bypass the pricey and overcrowded tourist traps and visit one of these lesser-known treasures instead.
Lastly, read more about travel around the world here.
