The United States boasts some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations—New York City, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles, just to mention a few. Yet, aside from these popular sites, there are numerous off the beaten path gems that present one-of-a-kind experiences, breathtaking scenery, and rich history. If you want to travel the road less traveled, these are some of the off-the-beaten-path USA destinations you didn’t know existed.
1. North Cascades National Park, Washington
Usually dwarfed by Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, North Cascades National Park is a heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its dramatic peaks, blue lakes, and more than 300 glaciers, it provides stunning hiking trails, backcountry camping, and wildlife viewing. Unlike other national parks, this park is surprisingly uncrowded.
2. The Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Set amidst Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands are a Midwestern gem hidden away. These 21 islands have sea caves, historic lighthouses, and unspoiled beaches. In winter, the sea caves are frozen over, forming an ethereal scene, while summer is the time for kayaking, sailing, and hiking along nature trails.
3. Great Basin National Park, Nevada
While many travelers flock to Las Vegas, few venture to the breathtaking Great Basin National Park. This lesser-known gem offers stunning mountain landscapes, ancient bristlecone pine trees, and the magnificent Lehman Caves. At night, the park’s remote location makes it one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing.
4. Cumberland Island, Georgia
For solitude-seekers and untamed nature, Cumberland Island does not disappoint. Only reachable by ferry, this barrier island boasts wild horses, untamed beaches, and historic ruins. Campers can stay beneath a Spanish moss canopy or tour the remnants of the Carnegie family’s Dungeness Mansion.
5. The Enchanted Highway, North Dakota
This offbeat road trip attraction in North Dakota is a must for artists and adventure-seekers. The Enchanted Highway has a series of giant metal sculptures ranging from grasshoppers to Theodore Roosevelt. The highway passes through expansive prairies, providing a glimpse of America’s rural landscape.
6. Jekyll Island, Georgia
One of Georgia’s hidden gems, Jekyll Island features peaceful beaches, historical sites, and amazing wildlife. Driftwood Beach features an otherworldly landscape of gnarled, weathered trees, while the Georgia Sea Turtle Center lets tourists learn about conservation.
7. Door County, Wisconsin
Referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County features quaint coastal villages, picturesque lighthouses, and cherry orchards. Travelers can hike Peninsula State Park, indulge in a classic fish boil, or ride a ferry to Washington Island for a serene escape.
8. The Ozarks, Arkansas & Missouri
The Ozarks area is a secret paradise with waterfalls, clear lakes, and dense forests. From hiking in the Buffalo National River region, fishing in Table Rock Lake, or touring underground caves, this area offers a getaway into nature with less congestion.
9. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
Looking like an alien world, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is the most underappreciated destination in America. It’s a secluded spot with surreal rock formations, hoodoos, and fossilized skeletons. It’s ideal for photographers, hikers, and people looking for solitude amidst the vast expanse of desert.
10. Solvang, California
A Danish town in the middle of California? Yes! Solvang, situated in the Santa Ynez Valley, is like an escape to Europe. The town is dotted with classic Danish buildings, windmills, and bakeries serving authentic pastries. One can also visit nearby vineyards, making it an ideal weekend retreat.
