Top 9 Underrated US Destinations You Should Visit in This Lifetime

Have you considered a more underrated destination for your next getaway?

Our country has a myriad of beautiful locations you should visit in your lifetime. However, not all of the US’s best vacation spots are very well known.

If you happen to be looking for something a little different to see or do, or if you just want to get away from the crowds while still having a fantastic travel experience, why not try a less popular getaway?

Whether you’re a beach, desert, or mountain lover, don’t sweat it: we have you covered! Now, trying to list ALL the best places to go on vacation across the US is a bit of a fool’s errand because there are just too many!

But what we CAN do, however, is compile an ultimate travel bucket list for you. Read on and write down some of the top underrated locations across the country that you should see at least once.

Assateague Island: Virginia And Maryland

If you grew up reading all those classic horse novels like Misty of Chincoteague, then you’re probably familiar with Assateague Islands and the area surrounding it. Just like you might have read in all those books, these islands are densely populated with gorgeous wild ponies!

If you choose to visit the Assateague Island, you’ll likely get the chance to witness the horses for yourself. But that’s not the sole reason to visit this beautiful place. This underrated location also offers a laid-back getaway escape.

You can spend some time on the beach listening to the waves on the seashore, birdwatching, or strolling down any of the many nature trails on the island.

Letchworth State Park: New York

Wanna get away from all those neverending crowds at the Grand Canyon? While it may be stunning, we have a more underrated destination worth your time. Visiting the lovely Letchworth State Park is an exceptional alternative to The Magnificent Gorge.

Its regular visitors claim that this scenic state park is truly worth an entire vacation. And even though you may not have heard too much about it, this breathtaking place has some of the most picturesque views in our country.

If you’re into hiking, there are numerous trails you can take to explore the depths of the canyon here. But if it isn’t, take a few moments to just stand on the canyon’s rim and gaze out over the exquisite waterfalls.

White Sands: New Mexico

This next underrated vacation spot is truly unique! As one of the most memorable places to visit in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is not a stop you should miss at least once in your life.

The spectacular site offers bright, white, smooth dunes stretching for miles in every way you look. Plus, the views are unbelievable! You’ll be able to see as deep into the distance, all the way to the mountain range nearby.

This makes the White Sands National Park a fantastic backdrop to take some pics for your memories with the beautiful blue sky of New Mexico as a backdrop.

The Oregon Coast: Oregon

California seems to be a fan favorite when it comes to the Pacific Coast, but it’s not the only state with a shoreline worth seeing in this lifetime. The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful underrated spots to visit…AND it’s less crowded!

Here, the lush forest flows downward to meet the sea, separated only by a slither of beach, or at times nothing at all!

Put on some sunscreen and check out the area’s big cities and small towns while admiring the crashing waves and peaceful beaches of Oregon’s coast, and you won’t regret it!

Orcas Island: Washington

The underrated and less-tramped San Juan Islands are located between the state of Washington and Vancouver. They’re an especially great place to visit if you’re on your way to visit British Columbia up north.

But the largest and most memorable in this attractive archipelago is Orcas Island. If you’re looking for scenic views and water activities but without any passport requirements, this is the place to be!

The area also consists of densely populated forests. So how ’bout renting a cozy cabin and getting close to nature while taking a break from the regular stress in your life?

Hill Country: Texas

The Texas Hill Country is where you go to see the east and west collide! This is where the plains of Texas end, and the mountainous wilderness begins to take hold. But that’s not all this underrated area is known for!

Here you can get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, where Southern and Southwestern way of life triumphs, and you get a truly “Texas” experience with its culture, cuisine, and community.

While walking around, you can stop and close your eyes, and you’ll be able to imagine what it must have been for settlers on the frontier.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Fun Fact: This underrated area may be called Mackinac, but it’s actually pronounced “Mackinaw!” It was once the location of the Odawa settlement, and the island is a popular summer weekend getaway for the residents in the state of Michigan.

It’s situated in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and it’s a resort area that spans over four and a half square miles. In the 1960s, the entire island was declared a National Historic Landmark.

The only downside to this place is that you can only access it by ferry because no vehicles are allowed. But don’t worry: Most people who visit prefer to ride bicycles if they wish to take a tour of the island.

While here, make sure to try the boasted local fudge and visit or stay at the Grand Hotel, where the movie “Somewhere In Time” was filmed.

Boise: Idaho

As the most populated city in Idaho, Boise is genuinely an underrated place that offers lots of things to do for its enthusiastic visitors. It’s got LOADS of activities and attractions for you to discover while exploring! If you’re looking for outdoor attractions, Boise is your city.

It’s well-known to be an ideal spot for hiking. You can also check out areas like the Boise River Greenbelt, the Kathryn Albertson Park, and the Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area to explore what Boise’s outdoor spaces are like.

Later, head to its downtown area to check out several unique attractions, including the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and the Old Idaho Penitentiary.

And after a full day of activities, check out some of the incredible downtown restaurants that are simply delicious!

Bowling Green: Kentucky

Our last, but not least, underrated US getaway location can be found in the southern part of Kentucky. While this metropolis may be primarily known for the National Corvette Museum, there’s so much more to see in this small Kentucky City.

Whether you catch some thrilling vibes at the Beech Bend Amusement Park and Raceway or if you want to learn about its local history, you’ll be sure to fall in love with this underrated “All American” spot.

History buffs will love all the Civil War history at the nearby Kentucky Museum or the Hobson House. And suppose you’re looking for a more adventurous time.

In that case, we recommend checking out the Lost River Cave, which offers its visitors an underground cave journey that you can’t find anywhere else in the state.

So even though there are many amazing places to choose from when planning your next trip, why not pick one of these underrated locations for a destination you won’t soon forget?!?

But if you’re looking for something a bit different, we recommend also reading: 7 Magical Healing Spots You Should Visit in the US