The USA is full of underrated travel spots. Skip the touristy spots and discover hidden gems such as a Bavarian-style village in Helen, Georgia or gloomy coastlines and ghostly ruins in Yachats, Oregon.
Yachats is never busy and offers stunning tide pools, dramatic coasts and cozy cabin feels. The town is dedicated to ethically sourced seafood.
1. Cayo Costa
Florida is known for its stunning beaches, but not many people realize that the state’s Gulf Coast has more than nine miles of gorgeous islands to explore. Cayo Costa State Park is a remote island that is only accessible by boat and it offers visitors an authentic look at what Flordia’s barrier islands used to be like before they were smothered with development.
While you’re at the state park, take the opportunity to walk through a preserved mangrove forest and learn more about Florida’s natural habitat. Cayo Costa also has an amazingly beautiful beach that is great for shelling and swimming. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife and you may even be lucky enough to see manatees or dolphins while visiting the island.
To get to Cayo Costa State Park, you will need to rent a boat at Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages(tm). From there you can schedule a Captiva Island tour or a water taxi to take you out on the water and over to Cayo Costa. You can also purchase a state park pass to visit Cayo Costa if you’re interested in frequenting this incredible hidden gem more often.
For those who are looking to stay on the island for a night or two, there are 12 primitive cabins available that can be reserved through the state park system. These cabins are not equipped with electricity and only offer a bed and cooking utensils. Camping is also allowed at the park and it’s best to come during late fall through early spring when the mosquito population is less a problem.
2. Waipio Valley
Despite its proximity to some of the country’s most famous national parks, Utah’s Valley of Fire State Park has remained underrated. This otherworldly landscape is perfect for hiking, camping, and getting that perfectly Instagram-ready photo.
The sandstone formations and red-rock canyons are as captivating as they are unique, and this national park is ideal for families with kids of all ages. In addition to the impressive natural scenery, there are also a variety of things to do and see, including horseback riding tours, geology walks, and scenic hikes.
For a truly spectacular experience, take the Waipio Valley Lookout shuttle tour. This 3.5-hour tour will allow you to see the beach, valley floor, and cliffs without having to worry about driving. The guide will share interesting facts about the native plants, fruits, and history of the area, as well as answer any questions you may have.
While the actual Waipio Valley remains closed to all visitors until 2022, there are still plenty of things to do on the island of Molokai. The least-visited Hawaiian island feels worlds away from the tourist centers of Oahu and Maui, with unspoiled landscapes and a distinct culture that’s surprisingly intact.
While summer is the best time to visit Gatlinburg, the town’s winter attractions make it an equally fun destination. Skiers and snowboarders will find a lot to love about the mountainous terrain at Ober Gatlinburg, while those looking for something more family-friendly can enjoy the town’s cool amusement complex that features everything from water rides to indoor ice skating. The city’s coolest attraction, though, is the Space Needle, an observation deck with amazing views. The view is even more stunning at night, when the Space Needle lights up for a show that’s not to be missed.
3. Helen
When most Americans think of vacation, they probably imagine beaches, theme parks, and endless sunshine. But there are plenty of other destinations across the country that fly under the radar. These underrated vacation spots range from small towns to vast national parks, and they offer some of the best hidden gems in the United States. From charming Western towns to boundless nature, these underrated vacation spots are a must-see for anyone looking for a new getaway destination.
Helen is one of the most unique travel destinations in America, a tiny Alpine town that has a brilliant Bavarian style that makes it feel like you’re strolling around Germany. Once a struggling mining ghost town, a group of local businessmen teamed up to revitalize the area by transforming the downtown into Georgia’s Alpine Village. Today, the charming mountain town attracts millions of tourists each year who sightsee and sample traditional German dishes, like schnitzel and strudel.
There are many things to do in Helen throughout the year, but summer is undoubtedly the most popular season for visiting. River tubing is a popular activity during the summer, and the cool river water is the perfect way to beat the heat. Other summer activities include hiking, camping, and fishing. The area’s natural riches make it a fantastic place to spend a day outdoors, but you can also enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere with a relaxing walk around its quaint downtown.
Fall is another popular time to visit Helen. The weather is usually still warm and dry, making it a great time to try some of the outdoors activities, including hiking and fishing. However, the leaves start to turn and the air gets a bit chilly in the mountains, so be sure to pack warm clothes for your trip. During the winter, you can enjoy some of the same attractions and take part in other fun winter activities, like ice skating and tubing.
4. Woodstock
As you may know, the iconic music festival of Woodstock took place in upstate New York during the summer of 1969. It was the brainchild of four young entrepreneurs who were inspired by musical innovation blossoming in the ’60s. Michael Lang, Artie Kornfeld, John Roberts, and Joel Rosenman had an impressive collective resume that made their idea viable—and it paid off.
The town of Woodstock itself has plenty to do, from charming, cozy cottages to the renowned restaurants and boutiques downtown. But, the real gem in this area is its gorgeous scenery, from rustic farms to the quaint covered bridges. And, when fall arrives, the surrounding mountains blaze with color and beauty.
There’s also a ton of outdoor fun here, too. Hikers can tackle the famous Overlook Mountain Trail, which features a 4.6-mile round trip adventure that takes around 3 hours to complete. The hike is considered moderately difficult and offers some great views of the valley below.
In the winter, the town transforms into a snowy paradise with lots of tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. Visitors can also enjoy the indoor Ober Gatlinburg complex, which is a cool amusement and ski area with all sorts of activities for all ages.
If you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s chock full of charm and adventure, this is a must-visit vacation spot. You won’t regret it!
5. Cape Cod
New York has its Hamptons, Rhode Island has Watch Hill and Massachusetts’ hook-shaped peninsula, Cape Cod, has its own illustrious charm. The dreamy peninsula is packed with sandy, pitch-pine-dotted beaches and quaint little towns that are a photographer’s delight. From Chatham’s bustling Main Street to Wellfleet’s winding back roads and Provincetown at the very tip, the Cape has it all.
Spring and fall are some of the best times to visit this hidden gem, as you’ll enjoy less-crowded beaches and charming town centers. The weather is also perfect for outdoor activities, like hiking, biking and exploring the area’s charming villages, and you may be able to score better deals on accommodations.
While you’re visiting the Cape, make sure to stop in Sandwich for some classic fried seafood and stroll through the town of Mashpee. If you’re looking for culture, catch a performance at the Cape Playhouse—the oldest professional summer theater in the country or see what the local artists have been up to at the Cape Cod Museum of Art.
The Cape’s southwestern corner, Falmouth and Woods Hole, is another good option for a stay, as you’ll be close to the famous Vineyard Ferries and the historic Nobska Lighthouse. Plus, the town of Falmouth offers a great walking town with an excellent long Main Street and some incredible restaurants, including our favorite local spot, Seafood Sam’s.
If you’re interested in visiting the renowned Boundary Waters, this wilderness is best visited during the summer when it’s not as cold and the lake is frozen enough to go fishing and hiking. The rugged terrain and scenic beauty of this hidden gem will leave you breathless. The Finger Lakes region of upstate New York is another underrated destination that deserves more clout. This picturesque area is home to 11 beautiful lakes, and you’ll love everything from its sparkling wines to its precious scenery.
