Do you know what the best hidden gems in the United States are?
Our country is indeed beautiful, and every aspect of it entices visitors to return for more. And this applies to tourists too! However, while large cities are usually the most visited, you should be aware that there are some hidden gems that are worth visiting.
If you want to see and visit lesser-known destinations in our country, keep reading because we have compiled a comprehensive list of every location.
If you’re like me and you’re always ready to go somewhere new, today we’re going to discover some of the coolest hidden gems in the USA! You won’t be disappointed, for sure.
1. Baxter State Park – Maine
Are you a fan of hiking? Then I have you! One amazing hidden gem is definitely Baxter State Park, located in northern Maine. Close to another amazing destination, which is the Appalachian Trail, this park is one of the best virgin forests on the East Coast.
If you’re both into hiking and photography, you won’t regret visiting this area. The Knife Edge Trail is probably one of the best places for epic hiking adventures in the US! The proper time to visit Baxter is usually in the summer and fall. Besides warmer temperatures and optimal conditions for hiking, the whole area is breathtaking!
If this hasn’t convinced you yet, you must know that here you can see the Northern Lights and the aurora borealis. Amazing, right? Don’t forget to get a reservation in advance to have full access to the area.
2. Fredericksburg, Texas
Whenever I travel to a new destination, one of the first things I try is food. I’ve never been anywhere without sampling their culinary delights, and for what is Texas famous? Enchiladas, for sure! If you’ve been here at least once, you know how amazing they are, and if you haven’t, well, you can change that next year by just putting Fredericksburg on your travel destination list.
Beyond its delectable cuisine, what else makes Fredericksburg a great hidden gem in the USA? Let me think. Definitely the architecture! If you have ever been to Germany and liked the whole rural environment, then you will be happy to know that we have such beautiful scenery in America too.
Fredericksburg has German heritage, as suggested by its name. German immigrants who came here during the early 1800s helped make it into the thriving community it is today. The Germans brought with them genuine German cuisine, excellent beer, and exquisite wines, all of which are still popular today.
You’re still not convinced to visit this hidden gem? You have to know that besides a huge field of lavender that’s blooming in the spring, this place is also known for good wine.
If you haven’t visited this place, it’s time to pack your bags!
3. Molokai – Hawaii is among the best hidden gems in the US
Whenever I travel, I only look for two things: to be quiet and less crowded. Because I’ve spent my entire life in cities, I prefer to visit new places in peace. And because I am always in search of amazing beach places, last year I discovered Molokai.
This is a small island with no traffic lights, huge lines, luxury resorts, or skyscrapers. Amazing, right? Well, it is. Molokai is a hidden gem of the United States because it preserves Hawaiian culture and traditions, which is why it’s known for its cultural patrimony. If you enjoy dancing, you’ll be pleased to learn that Molokai is the birthplace of the internationally known “hula.”
If you want to experience this place as a local, you will have so much fun! Don’t forget to put this gem on your travel list for next year.
4. The Finger Lakes – New York
The Finger Lakes region of New York deserves more recognition because of its world-class wines and priceless scenery. Given everything it has to offer, it has been among the most underappreciated tourist sites in the US for a very long time. There are 11 finger-shaped lakes in this beautiful region of upstate New York, some of which are almost 30 miles long. The longest Finger Lake is Cayuga Lake, which is accompanied by Seneca Lake. Although a little less popular, Keuka and Skaneateles Lakes are nevertheless worth visiting.
If you want to spend a week away from your car, crowded streets, and everything else that everyday citizens face, the Finger Lakes is the place to go. You will be happy to see more boats than cars, and the entire environment is delightful!
Along with the lakes themselves, I had fun exploring the region’s well-known state parks, waterfalls, and gorges. The Grand Canyon of the East, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and Watkins Glen are all must-see attractions. You must know that there is no specific season to visit this area, but if you don’t like cold and snow, it is recommended that you visit during the spring or summer.
5. Woodstock – Vermont
If you’re looking for a place to visit in the autumn, then Woodstock is it! Woodstock actually offers everything, from apple orchards and rural farms to covered bridges and wooded areas. To understand why it is among the top vacation places in the US, you must go there for yourself.
Historical buildings and enchanted towns? Woodstock has everything you need. And this place is never crowded, which is a big plus for most people who want a quiet vacation away from the rest of the world. Woodstock’s Sleepy Hollow Farm is a personal favorite of mine.
You may also like: 5 Scenic Roads on The East Coast You’ll Love.
6. Half Moon Bay – California
Are you looking to find the best hidden gems in the U.S.? Well, Half Moon Bay is definitely one of the best places to retreat for a couple of days. Hidden away with a view of the Pacific Ocean between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Golden Coast of California, Half Moon Bay is a place where you can have a quiet vacation.
Are you looking to spend your time doing a lot of interesting outdoor activities? Then surfing, kayaking, biking, and fishing are going to be your favorites. And every year in this location, there is a surfing competition that is very entertaining to watch, whether as a spectator or as a competitor.
Fortunately, this hidden gem is a year-round destination where you can have fun no matter the season.
7. St. Augustine, Florida is a hidden gem in the USA
A lot of people (including myself) travel to Florida to have a nice, warm vacation. Whether it’s the endless sunshine or the beaches, Florida always has something nice to offer its residents and visitors. But the one hidden gem I am going to talk about today is Saint Augustine. This destination is a romantic getaway mostly because of the buildings and the scenery. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is probably the oldest settlement in our country.
There are 144 historic blocks in this old town that are surrounded by Spanish colonial buildings, public parks, and museums. The 17th-century castle, the city’s horse-drawn carriages, and the city’s winding cobblestone alleys best capture St. Augustine’s colonial beauty, which is still very much in evidence today.
Although it is located on the coast, St. Augustine is not a typical beach, and because of that, it definitely deserves your attention!
How many of these overlooked tourist destinations in the US have you been to? Please share your thoughts in the article’s comments section.
