26 underrated US destinations everyone should visit in their lifetime
Madeline Diamond,Sophie-Claire Hoeller
- The US is full of incredible destinations — some more well-known than others.
- Skip the big cities and plan a visit to smaller, underrated destinations that are a little more off the beaten path.
- For example, Letchworth State Park is a 14,427-acre state park in New York state that is also known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
- Hill Country in Texas produces world-class Cabernets and Tempranillos.
If you're traveling in the US, cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are probably on the top of your list of places to see. Outside of big cities, however, there are also tons of smaller, underrated destinations that are totally worth a trip.
We asked our colleagues for their favorite, off-the-beaten-path spots, and did research on under-the-radar gems to come up with a list spanning everything from little-known tropical islands to underexposed national parks and secluded beaches.
Editor's note: This article was originally published in 2017 and has been updated, though it's worth noting that certain attractions on this list may be closed or partially closed due to the coronavirus pandemic so it's worth checking before making any plans. It's also important to note that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19."
Letchworth State Park is a 14,427-acre state park in New York state that is also known as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
The park's most striking features are its three large waterfalls on the Genesee River, which winds through the park in a gorge so deep its sides can rise up to 600 feet (hence the Grand Canyon nickname).
Death Valley National Park in California features stunning, otherworldly rock formations.
Death Valley National Park in California is the "hottest, driest, and lowest national park" in the US, according to the National Parks Service.
Less than 30 minutes from San Francisco, California, is a largely unknown stretch of stunning wilderness called the Tennessee Valley
Tennessee Valley has tons of hiking and biking trails, horse stables, a native-plant nursery, and the tranquil Tennessee Cove and its beach.
Orcas Island in Washington is known for epic hiking and biking trails, as well as whale watching and kayaking.
The largest of the San Juan Islands, Orcas Island is forested and rugged, filled with crystal-clear lakes and stunning beaches.
From the lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls of Moran State Park to the quaint lighthouses on the coast, this island is basically one big photo op.
Culebra, a tiny island of off Puerto Rico, has stunning white beaches and turquoise waters — but a fraction of the tourists you'd find in San Juan or nearby Vieques.
The under-the-radar gem is still mostly locals only, with a minimal amount of bars and restaurants that may or may not run out of food and booze on any given day.
St. Augustine, Florida, claims to be the oldest city in the US.
Dating back to 1565, St. Augustine is filled with stunning Spanish architecture: The Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century stone fortress, is a must-see.
St. Augustine is also home to one of the state's most haunted spots, the Old St. Johns County Jail, which dates back to 1891. Today, you can go on a tour of the now-defunct jail that's said to be haunted by former inmates.
Devil's Tower, Wyoming, is a great side trip if you're on your way to Mount Rushmore.
This otherworldly rock formation is 1,267 feet tall, and was the site of alien thriller "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."
While super remote, it's a great side trip if you're on a road trip to Mount Rushmore. And because it's so far off the beaten path, there's plenty of room for camping.
The Oregon Coast is a must-see.
Besides being ruggedly beautiful, all of the Oregon Coast is public land (the public has free use of Oregon's 363 miles of coastline), meaning that you can basically park your car anywhere and walk to the beach. Beach camping, while not exactly encouraged, is also not prohibited in most places.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, has plenty of unique activities for every type of traveler.
From breweries and cafés to galleries showcasing local artists, there's plenty to see in Albuquerque.
Plus, every autumn the city holds the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a stunning festival where over 500 hot air balloons fill the sky.
Hill Country in Texas produces world-class Cabernet and Tempranillo wine.
While Texas officially has eight recognized wine-growing regions, Texas Hill Country is a standout, as it produces world-class wines like Cabernets and Tempranillos from grape varieties you would usually find in places like Spain, southern France, and Italy.
Texas Hill Country sits on 9 million acres, stretching across 25 counties. The Lone Star state is said to be one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country.
Assateague Island, in Virginia and Maryland, is famous for its beach-roaming wild ponies.
A barrier island shared between Maryland and Virginia, Assateague Island is famous for its 300+ wild, beach-loving horses. Local folklore says a shipwreck during the colonial era brought the horses to Assateague, although no one knows for certain.
You can also go kayaking, take a sightseeing cruise, or just sit back and marvel at the wildlife.
The Apostle islands — 21 Wisconsin islands in Lake Superior — have beaches, lighthouses, and shipwrecks to keep visitors busy.
In the summer, the Apostle Islands beckon with crystal-clear waters and sea caves to explore by kayaking, diving, or hiking.
But the winter is no less stunning, as the islands, which boast some of the most unusual rock formations in the country, freeze over to create an incredible winter wonderland.
Many people head to Arizona to see the Grand Canyon, but instead of battling crowds and paying astronomical hotel prices, head to Sedona, Arizona.
Sedona is perfect for an active yet peaceful getaway with beautiful scenery.
Colorado's Great Sand Dunes National Park is like a giant sandbox for adults.
Great Sand Dunes National Park features the highest sand dunes in North America — the tallest dune towers 750 feet high — as well as stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
San Antonio, Texas, might not be as popular as Dallas and Austin, but there's still plenty to do.
From taking a scenic boat ride along the San Antonio Riverwalk to exploring the Alamo, there's something for every type of traveler in this 300-year-old city.
While San Antonio is filled with history, there are also plenty of trendy shops, restaurants, and art galleries to keep you busy.
Boulder, Colorado, is a paradise for outdoor lovers.
Boulder, Colorado, was named the happiest city in the US by National Geographic in recent years.
It's no wonder, considering that the college town, home to the University of Colorado Boulder, has the perfect combination of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shopping.
Kansas City, Missouri, also known as "The City of Fountains," is famous for, well, its many beautiful fountains.
Kansas City is also famous for its delicious barbecue and its jazz heritage. Exploring the American Jazz Museum and hitting up local jazz bars and breweries is a must, as is checking out the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and catching a Kansas City Royals baseball game.
Forget more popular cities like Nashville or Charleston — Asheville, North Carolina, is a gem if you're looking to explore the southern region of the US.
Asheville was ranked the No. 1 US city by Lonely Planet in 2016, although it's still a relatively under-the-radar spot when it comes to tourism. Visit the historic Biltmore Estate, which includes the largest privately-owned home in the US and stunning architecture.
There are beautiful national parks all over the US, but Glacier National Park in Montana is worth putting at the top of your list.
Located in northern Montana near the Canadian border, Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of hiking trails. From glaciers and lakes to alpine meadows, it's the perfect place for an active vacation if you love the outdoors.
Mackinac Island, Michigan, which has a ban on cars, is a slice of the past.
Mackinac Island is a small yet beautiful island off the coast of northern Michigan.
The charming island town is perfect for outdoorsy vacationers who love to spend time swimming, biking, and boating. It's also home to one of the oldest hotels in the entire state, the Island House Hotel.
Some like to call El Matador Beach "California's best-kept secret."
Far less crowded than its more well-known Los Angeles counterparts, El Matador Beach is secluded, quiet, and arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country. In fact, it's a favorite with photographers thanks to its craggy cliffs and crashing waves, so don't be surprised if you walk in on a photo shoot.
Right off the Pacific Coast Highway, the rugged beach is the perfect pit stop to shake out weary legs.
Tourists flock to Philadelphia for its rich history, but Pittsburgh is another Pennsylvania city worth visiting.
Pittsburgh has something for everyone, whether you're into sports, art, or food. Catch a Steelers or Pirates game to familiarize yourself with the local sports culture, or visit the Andy Warhol Museum, which houses some of the Pittsburgh native's most iconic pieces.
Traverse City, Michigan, became internationally known for its white wines.
Located on the same parallel as the Rhone Valley and Bordeaux in France, Traverse City produces similar wines, but much cheaper. While the region is internationally known for its white wines, like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, it's increasingly gaining attention for its French-style reds like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
In the summer, the Cherry Festival is a must-visit (Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the US), while the winter allows for skiing and snowboarding.
There's no better place to take in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains than Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
The resort town boasts Tennessee's only ski resort, as well as several museums and its own 32-story Space Needle.
Burlington, Vermont, is a charming college town that's beautiful year-round.
Fall is the perfect time to take in the stunning Vermont foliage in Burlington while the summertime means boating and water sports on Lake Champlain.
From exploring shops showcasing local artists in the downtown area to taking in the beauty of the lake and harbor, Burlington should be your next East Coast destination.
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