Vacation spots in the US stretch beyond Las Vegas and the Statue of Liberty. Off the beaten path, vacation destinations are great options for people looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The United States is the third-largest country in the world by area – it isn’t surprising that there are tons of spots that the mainstream tourism market hasn’t found yet. But just because a vacation spot is lesser-known, it doesn’t mean that it lacks any of the facilities compared to its famous counterparts.
Discrete locations to relax are just that – discrete. For many avid travelers, places that aren’t commercialized hold a special kind of appeal. These hidden gems attract smaller crowds, and are much cheaper and more authentic than mainstream destinations. Due to their ability to stay under the radar, they attract smaller crowds – this means their authenticity with respect to cuisine, art, and culture remains undiluted.
Let’s take a look at some of the USA’s best hidden vacation spots.
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Just off the main island of Puerto Rico, Culebra is a barely populated island paradise. Located on the eastern side of Puerto Rico, it is geographically part of the Spanish Virgin Islands. This isn’t the spot for people looking for luxury travel, high-class cuisine, or all-inclusive resorts and spas. What it lacks in infrastructure, Culebra makes up for in stunning scenery. The viewpoints on this island boast some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world – along with snorkeling and diving.
Burney Falls, California
California isn’t just the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios. It isn’t even limited to the sandy beaches of San Diego or San Francisco’s quirky café scene. This massive state is home to possibly the most gorgeous waterfall in the world (among several other wonders of nature). Located inside the McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park in Shasta County, Burney Falls is everything a waterfall enthusiast dreams of. The 129-feet tall behemoth is a great spot for canoeing, hiking, and fishing.
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Supai, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is majestic – there’s no doubt about it. But Arizona has a few not-so-famous gems hidden up her sleeve as well. Supai is home to the Havasupai, the smallest Native American Tribe in the US. The village isn’t exactly a walk in the park – it’s quite hard to reach. The only modes of transport that can get you to this remote village are mule, foot, horseback, or helicopter. Pristine pools, red canyons, and waterfalls – it would tempt almost anyone.
Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina’s pride, Asheville, is an eyeful. A stone’s throw away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its varied cuisines, art, culture, and brewery scenes. The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as one of the world’s most scenic drives – for good reason – and Asheville is right by the side of it. This off-beat vacation destination offers activities like hiking, fly-fishing, bird watching, foraging, museum and architecture tours, art gallery tours, etc. to visitors.
Seaside, Oregon
The true divinity of the coasts of the Pacific Northwest is what Seaside has. Untamed beaches, misty sunsets and sunrises, diving, and surfing are some of the activities tourists can indulge in. Visitors can drop into Seaside, the quaint little town right by the sea (hence the name). As quaint as it is, the town packs quite a punch – with rich wildlife, lighthouse tours, and scenic treks.
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Na Pali Coast, Hawaii
Situated on the northwest coast of Kauai, Hawaii, Na Pali Coast is a slice of heaven on earth. The Na Pali State Wilderness Park is famous its cascading waterfalls, sea cliffs, lush valleys, and desolate beaches. It is a 17-mile long coastal national park that has cliffs that are as tall as 4,000 feet. While partying it up on the Big Island is an evergreen activity, Na Pali rewards the more daring travelers with breath-taking views. The coast can be explored by either raft or kayak, or the 11-mile Kalalau foot trail.
Wallace, Idaho
Idaho might not be on the top of the list when planning a vacation, but it might just be worth it. Wallace is the county seat of Shoshone County – situated in the Silver Valley Mining District of the Idaho Panhandle. This off-the-beaten-path vacation destination is the perfect place to get a dose of real American history. Tourists can take tours of the underground mines and learn about the hardships of a life of labor. Adventure-seekers can go on a mountain bike/ ATV course as well.
Garden of the Gods, Colorado
With a name so grand, the Garden of the Gods has already set expectations high. Located in Central Colorado, this park is a National Natural Landmark. It definitely does not enjoy the fame of its neighbor the Rocky Mountain National Park – but this might be a blessing in disguise. Visitors can leave behind the tourist throngs and enjoy the natural wonder this park is. Towering sandstone towers, snow-capped peaks, and untamed wilderness greet tourists here.
Traverse City, Michigan
Located in the state of Michigan, Traverse City is a great stop for a quaint North US experience. The city is well-known for its spectacular fall color tours and icy expanses for skiing, snowmobiling, and hikers. The city is also slowly gaining a reputation for its bustling fresh ale scene – craft brewing is really pulling the crowds. The city is a resort-town for a reason – the calm lapping of the water on the lakeside shores, the snow cover, cherry trees, etc. bring to mind a relaxed atmosphere – one best for unwinding and romance.
Leavenworth, Washington
Located in central Washington, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed town. This is the perfect spot to head to when looking for a European experience right in the heart of the US. Prevailing German styles of architecture, food, and beer (of course) treat visiting travelers. The town is also close to several ski slopes and wine resorts.
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