17 Underrated Destinations In USA To Add To Your Travel Bucket List
America is filled with amazing places that don’t always make the front of travel magazines. Beyond the bright lights of New York and the beaches of Miami lie incredible destinations waiting to be explored. I’ve discovered some truly special spots during my travels across the country that deserve more attention.
Let me share these hidden treasures that should absolutely be on your travel radar!
1. The Enchanting Olympic Peninsula
Hidden in Washington state’s northwestern corner lies a magical realm where rainforests meet rugged beaches. The Olympic Peninsula houses the only temperate rainforest in the continental US, with moss-draped trees creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
My favorite memory is kayaking alongside otters in Lake Crescent’s crystal-clear waters. Ruby Beach with its dramatic sea stacks and driftwood should be your sunset spot. During spring, the wildflower meadows on Hurricane Ridge transform the landscape into a painter’s palette of vibrant colors.
2. Savannah’s Historic Charm
Spanish moss dangles from centuries-old oak trees lining the historic squares of this Georgia gem. Savannah feels like stepping into a living history book, with its perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture and cobblestone streets.
Walking through Forsyth Park in the early morning before the crowds arrive is absolutely magical. The local food scene blends traditional Southern cooking with modern twists – don’t miss trying authentic shrimp and grits! Ghost tours after dark reveal the city’s spooky side, as Savannah is often called America’s most haunted city.
3. The Quirky Charm of Asheville
Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville combines mountain magic with artistic flair. The downtown area buzzes with street performers, colorful murals, and some of the best craft breweries in the country.
Visiting the magnificent Biltmore Estate feels like being transported to a European castle. I love wandering through the River Arts District where abandoned warehouses now house over 200 working artists’ studios. When you need a break from urban exploration, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning mountain vistas just minutes from downtown.
4. The Forgotten Coast of Florida
Far from the tourist crowds of Miami and Orlando lies Florida’s Forgotten Coast, a stretch of unspoiled shoreline along the panhandle. White sand beaches remain blissfully uncrowded, even during peak season.
Kayaking through the crystal-clear springs of Wakulla offers close encounters with manatees and diverse bird species. The charming fishing village of Apalachicola serves the freshest oysters you’ll ever taste, harvested that morning from the bay. St. George Island’s pristine beaches and star-filled skies (with zero light pollution) create perfect conditions for both sunbathing and stargazing.
5. The Mystical Landscapes of New Mexico
They call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment for good reason. The otherworldly landscapes around Taos and Santa Fe blend Native American, Spanish, and Anglo influences into something uniquely magical.
Watching hot air balloons drift over the Rio Grande Gorge at sunrise took my breath away. The centuries-old adobe buildings in Taos Pueblo provide a glimpse into America’s oldest continuously inhabited community. When night falls, the lack of light pollution reveals a dazzling display of stars that seems close enough to touch.
6. Sedona’s Red Rock Country
Ever wondered what it feels like to walk on Mars without leaving Earth? The crimson landscapes of Sedona, Arizona offer just that experience. The towering red rock formations create a surreal backdrop against the bright blue sky.
I love hiking Cathedral Rock trail during sunset when the rocks glow like they’re on fire. Don’t miss the vortex sites where many visitors report feeling unusual energy fields. The small-town atmosphere combined with world-class spas makes this desert jewel perfect for both adventure and relaxation.
7. Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes
Looking for Caribbean-blue waters without leaving the mainland? The massive sand dunes along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline will make you forget you’re in the Midwest.
Climbing the 450-foot dunes feels like scaling mountains of sugar, with the reward of spectacular views across Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters. I spent hours hunting for Petoskey stones – fossilized coral unique to this region. The quaint lakeside towns like Glen Arbor and Frankfort offer cherry everything (pies, wines, jams) from local orchards, perfect after a day of dune climbing.
8. The Wild Beauty of Big Bend
Tucked away in the remote corner of West Texas lies one of America’s least visited national parks. Big Bend’s isolation is precisely what makes it special – imagine having vast canyons, desert landscapes, and mountain trails almost entirely to yourself.
Soaking in the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande after a day of hiking feels absolutely heavenly. The night skies here are certified as an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best stargazing in North America. During spring, the desert transforms with wildflower blooms that carpet the normally rugged landscape in vibrant colors.
9. The Pristine Apostle Islands
Wisconsin might not scream “island paradise,” yet Lake Superior hides 21 jewel-like islands with some of the most stunning freshwater scenery in America. The Apostle Islands feature red sandstone sea caves that become even more magical in winter when they transform into ice caves.
Kayaking through the summer caves feels like exploring another world, with water so clear you can see 20 feet down. Madeline Island, the only inhabited island, offers a delightful mix of artistic community and natural beauty. The historic lighthouses scattered across the archipelago tell tales of Great Lakes maritime history.
10. The Surreal Landscapes of Palouse
If you’ve ever seen those pictures of rolling hills in impossible shades of green and gold, you’ve likely glimpsed the Palouse region of eastern Washington. These undulating farmlands create a photographer’s paradise that changes colors with the seasons.
Climbing Steptoe Butte at sunrise rewards you with a 360-degree panorama of the patchwork landscape below. The small town of Pullman offers charming farm-to-table restaurants serving produce grown in the very fields you’ve been admiring. During harvest season, the golden wheat fields rippling in the breeze create a mesmerizing natural light show.
11. The Otherworldly Badlands
South Dakota’s Badlands feel like stepping onto another planet. The bizarrely eroded rock formations in striking bands of color create an alien landscape that changes dramatically with the shifting light throughout the day.
Hiking the Notch Trail at dawn, I spotted bighorn sheep navigating the rocky terrain with impossible grace. The nearby prairie dog towns provide endless entertainment as these social creatures pop in and out of their burrows. When darkness falls, the Milky Way appears with such clarity that it casts shadows – a phenomenon increasingly rare in our light-polluted world.
12. The Magical Channel Islands
Just off the coast of busy Southern California lies an archipelago that feels worlds away from the mainland. The Channel Islands offer pristine nature with unique species found nowhere else on Earth – like the adorable island fox, about the size of a house cat.
Snorkeling through the kelp forests surrounding Anacapa Island, I swam alongside playful sea lions and colorful garibaldi fish. The islands’ isolation has preserved Native American archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. During whale migration season, the boat ride to the islands often includes encounters with magnificent blue whales – the largest creatures ever to exist.
13. The Stunning Columbia River Gorge
Straddling the border between Oregon and Washington, this massive canyon carved by the Columbia River houses dozens of spectacular waterfalls. The historic highway winding through the gorge offers viewpoints that will have you stopping every few minutes.
Hiking behind the 177-foot Multnomah Falls gives you a unique perspective few visitors experience. Wind surfing enthusiasts flock to Hood River where perfect wind conditions create one of the world’s premier spots for the sport. The changing seasons transform the gorge dramatically – from spring’s wildflower explosions to fall’s vibrant foliage displays.
14. The Coastal Magic of Acadia
Maine’s rocky coastline reaches its dramatic peak at Acadia National Park, where forest-covered mountains meet the crashing Atlantic. While not completely unknown, many visitors never venture beyond the park’s main attractions.
Watching the first rays of sunlight hit Cadillac Mountain (the earliest sunrise in the continental US) is worth the pre-dawn wake-up call. The park’s carriage roads, built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., offer car-free biking through pristine forests. After exploring, the nearby town of Bar Harbor serves up lobster rolls so fresh the crustaceans were swimming that morning.
15. The Timeless Beauty of Mackinac Island
Step back in time on this car-free island in Michigan where horse-drawn carriages remain the primary transportation. Located in the straits between Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas, Mackinac Island preserves Victorian charm in its grand hotels and fudge shops.
Biking the 8-mile road circling the island offers spectacular views of Lake Huron’s crystal waters and limestone formations. The Grand Hotel’s 660-foot porch (the world’s longest) provides the perfect spot for afternoon tea overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Don’t leave without trying the island’s famous fudge – watching the confectioners fold the sweet treat on marble slabs is entertainment itself.
16. The Desert Oasis of Moab
Surrounded by two national parks and countless adventure opportunities, this small Utah town delivers big on natural wonders. The red rock landscapes around Moab create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Mountain biking the famous Slickrock Trail feels like riding on another planet with its unique terrain. Watching the sunrise illuminate Delicate Arch in Arches National Park is a spiritual experience worth the pre-dawn hike. When temperatures soar, cooling off in the refreshing pools along Mill Creek provides welcome relief while revealing ancient petroglyphs carved into the canyon walls.
17. The Historic Charm of St. Augustine
America’s oldest city offers European flavor without crossing the Atlantic. Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine’s narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture create a distinctly un-American atmosphere.
Climbing the 219 steps of the St. Augustine Lighthouse rewards you with panoramic views of the ancient city and Atlantic coast. The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish fort built from coquina shells, has withstood centuries of sieges and storms. After dark, ghost tours reveal the city’s spooky side – with over 450 years of history, St. Augustine has accumulated plenty of haunting tales.