Going to a large resort or a well-known area, such as the south rim of the Grand Canyon, will surely result in more people, but there are a number of uncrowded alternatives to famous spots in the United States.
While the time of year has a significant impact on traffic, with summer being the most popular for a variety of vacations, there are other regions that are less traveled, whether due to a lack of tourist media or contemporary conveniences.
We’ve listed here some favorite uncrowded spots in the United States including nature, a plethora of activities, and even excellent hotel alternatives, as well as a bit more privacy.
10 Uncrowded Spots in the United States
1. Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
Mendenhall Glacier is a beautiful, 13-mile-long glacier with some of the most pristine and unspoiled vistas in the nation. It’s just outside of Juneau, which is also a hidden treasure in the United States. The gigantic glacier draws in many visitors, but the flowing waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, and lush woods keep them coming back.
It’s a popular area for observing bears, with hiking paths closed due to bear activity on occasion.
Mendenhall Glacier is beautiful on the surface, but most of the beauty is hidden beneath the ice. There are also magnificent turquoise-colored, crystal ice caves there that are accessible by kayak. If you’re looking for an excellent hiking track with spectacular views of icebergs and snow-capped mountains, this is the place to go.
2. Fredericksburg, Texas
Everything in Texas is larger, and Fredericksburg is the complete enchilada. This Central Texas town, not far from Austin and San Antonio, has it all: magnificent vistas, excellent food, picturesque vineyards, and German-inspired architecture. Fredericksburg, as the name implies, has German ancestors.
German immigrants who moved here in the early 1800s helped shape it into the dynamic community it is today. They introduced true German meals, superb beer, and fine wines, which are still prominent today.
You should also take advantage of the live music scene, which is second only to Austin’s. Explore the beautiful lavender fields that Fredericksburg is famous for.
3. Solvang, California
Looking for a taste of Europe in the United States? The city of Solvang is waiting for you. With its iconic wooden windmills, authentic Danish bakeries, and Christmas village ambiance, it’s easy to understand why it’s called the “Danish Capital of America.”
As you wander through Solvang’s lovely retail districts, and sample traditional Scandinavian sweets. There are also several restaurants and museums to visit, including one dedicated to the famed Danish fairytale author, Hans Christian Andersen.
Solvang is located in Central California’s Santa Ynez Valley, a premier wine-producing region. It’s close to Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. However, once inside this charming village, you will not want to leave!
4. Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is one of the greatest secret vacation places in the United States, known for its exquisite beauty and Victorian elegance. It is home to a variety of landscapes, including stunning clay cliffs and windswept beaches, as well as ancient lighthouses and rural farms.
Block Island is a popular day excursion from Newport, but to properly appreciate its rustic appeal, prepare to stay for the weekend.
Block Island, located just off the coast of Rhode Island, has defied expectations by being a hidden treasure in the United States for so long. It has the typical New England feel of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket but without the crowds. Except for electricity and a few other modern conveniences, the island hasn’t altered much since the late 1800s.
5. Smith Rock State Park – Oregon
There are numerous secret sites in the Pacific Northwest, but this one in Oregon sticks out. Have you heard about Oregon’s Seven Wonders? One of these is Smith Rock State Park. This river canyon is the home of American rock climbing and the ideal playground for anyone in search of adventure and the great outdoors.
Smith Rock State Park is distinguished by its geology. The park’s trademark pointed rocks are positioned high above the valley, like Gothic church spires.
Rivers cut across rugged mountain terrain, surrounded by beautiful scenery and numerous faunas. Eagles and falcons may regularly be seen in the sky, as well as beavers and otters beside the river.
6. Molokai, Hawaii
There are no traffic signals, luxury resorts, or structures taller than a palm tree on the island of Molokai. Instead, you’ll encounter untouched landscapes and a beautifully intact Hawaiian culture. Molokai is distinct from the rest of Hawaii, making it one of the best-kept secrets and hidden treasures in the United States.
The island of Molokai is well renowned for its rich cultural legacy. It is the origin of hula, a 1,000-year-old sacred dance, and chant. Visitors come for the unique Hawaiian culture, but they remain for the breathtaking landscapes.
Molokai has the tallest sea cliffs and the longest fringing reef in the world, as well as breathtaking waterfalls and valleys. It also features several clean beaches, making it one of the greatest hidden paradises in the United States.
More about Hawaii? Read: 5 Maui Secrets Only Locals Know About!
7. Devils Tower, Wyoming
Devils Tower is one of the western United States’ best-kept secrets. It is a holy site for Native Americans, and President Theodore Roosevelt designated it as the first U.S. National Monument in 1906.
The Tower Trail is slightly over 2 miles roundtrip, with breathtaking views of the tower from every angle. The Devils Tower National Monument has 8 miles of trails. Technical rock climbing is permitted but must be pre-registered.
According to the National Park Service, only approximately 1% of visitors to the monument climb Devils Tower. Surprisingly, this projecting rock tower is the world’s only one of its sorts. Though it seems to be a volcano, scientists are divided on the opinion on what it is and how it arose.
8. The Finger Lakes, New York
Where in the world have the Finger Lakes been my entire life?
The Finger Lakes area of New York, known for its great wines and breathtaking beauty, deservingly demands more attention. For far too long, it has been one of the most underappreciated tourism destinations in the United States, and it’s hard to understand why given everything that it has to offer.
There are 11 finger-shaped lakes in this gorgeous area of upstate New York, some of which are almost 30 miles long. The longest of the Finger Lakes is Cayuga Lake, which is followed by Seneca Lake. The lakes of Keuka and Skaneateles are a little further off the usual road, but they’re worth a visit as well.
9. Woodstock, Vermont
Add Woodstock to your list of holiday destinations if you enjoy lovely villages with ancient buildings and softly undulating hills. This traditional Vermont community is filled with lovely farms and landscapes that you won’t find anyplace else. And, unlike in booming communities like Stowe and Burlington, you won’t find the same throngs.
Downtown has some of the best restaurants and stores. Vermont is well-known for its farm-to-table eating scene, but Woodstock takes it to a whole other level. Quechee Gorge, another beautiful vacation site in the United States, is only a short drive away.
Woodstock actually has everything, from covered bridges and quaint farms to apple orchards and deep woodlands.
10. Jekyll Island, Georgia
Jekyll Island, located just off the coast of Georgia, is an exquisite island getaway. It’s filled with beautiful scenery and fascinating history—without the crowds—making it one of the coolest locations to visit in Georgia and one of the top hidden jewels in the United States.
During the late-nineteenth-century’s Gilded Age, Jekyll Island served as an exclusive hideaway for the world’s wealthiest individuals, including William Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and William Rockefeller.
These important persons were members of the Jekyll Island Club, which at the time was the world’s richest and most exclusive club. The island was given to the state of Georgia as a public park after WWII, although many of the homes remain standing.
The Jekyll Island Historic District is a must-see for anybody interested in learning about life on the other side of the tracks.
