12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in the US

Do you want to go somewhere completely different on your next vacation? Why not take a trip to one of America’s best-kept secrets? You might think you know all the coolest spots in the US, but we bet you haven’t heard of some of these fantastic stops!

Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon, and you’ve probably been to many of Florida’s beaches, but there are many lesser-known wonders out there that you shouldn’t miss.

Whether you’re looking for some downtime or have just been everywhere else, these amazing unknown places in the US will not disappoint! Here are 12 of the most remarkable hidden gems in the United States and why they should be included on your bucket list.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Delaware

This living storybook museum is located on 1,000 acres of meadows and woodlands within the forests of coastal Delaware. Once a Du Pont family country retreat, this estate’s spectacular gardens surround a 175-room mansion that houses the world’s finest collection of American decorative arts from 1640-1860.

The way the entire place is so well cared for and conserved is absolutely incredible. They offer tour guides that are very knowledgeable and give you plenty of information about the mansion’s history, including the story of its original owners. For history and nature lovers, this is definitely an experience worth the trip. It is genuinely a true gem of Delaware.

Fort Bragg, California

Located along the Californian coast in Mendocino County, you’ll find the historic town of Fort Bragg. In the early 20th century, people were dumping their trash off the cliffs near the ocean. The coast was cleaned up in the 1960s as the environmental movement started. But, after years of dumping glass into the ocean here, the shoreline is now covered in sea glass pebbles.

That’s how the area became known as the glass beach. Go check out this beautiful beach which has interestingly given new life and meaning to the concept of turning trash into art. This Northern California beach town is a sleepy cove with all the charm you could want, complete with an inn that’s been around since back in 1902.

Door County, Wisconsin

Here you’ll find an idyllic peninsula nuzzled between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It’s dotted with dense evergreens and in the summer season makes the perfect swimming hole destination for locals and tourists alike. Or you can get away in autumn to see some of the most beautiful and vibrant fall colors of Wisconsin while enjoying exquisite restaurants, world-class shopping, and thrilling live performances.

There are over 300 miles of beautiful shoreline, and you can watch the sun rise and set and enjoy many activities. Among them, you can explore art galleries, devour cherry pie, sip on local wines and brews, and paddle along the bluffs. You can even tour 11 historic lighthouses or roam through five state parks. No matter what you’re looking for in your vacation, this place allows you to live life well.

Hammondsport, New York

Located in the finger lakes region, Hammondsport is a relaxed small town with lots to offer. You can enjoy the fantastic views of Keuka Lake and indulge in various water sport activities. Explore the lake and rent kayaks or jet skis in town, or book a fishing trip for the day. For cold days, check out some museums, wine tasting, and breweries around town.

At the tip of Keuka Lake, this town has played a vital role in developing the Finger Lakes region as a world-class wine destination. It was here that the first grapes of the area were planted back in 1829 and where Pleasant Valley Wine Company was founded in 1860. Hammondsport is one of the best hidden vacation spots in the US.

Meow Wolf, New Mexico

Flawlessly encapsulating the playfulness of Sante Fe, Meow Wolf is an interactive art experience that brings surrealism to life. Inside, the entire exhibit tells a non-linear story of a mysterious family. Go from one room to another through secret doors and hidden portals.

You can also explore the House of Eternal Return. It’s a mystery house brought to life with help from George R. R. Martin. Guests here are encouraged to examine at their own pace, find their way through the maze, and take lots of pictures. Through the collaboration of over 100 local artists, Meow Wolf is a “can’t miss” of Santa Fe.

Supai, Arizona

Go and explore the unbelievable blue-green waters of an Indian village in the Havasu Canyon at the end of the Hualapai Trail. The secluded town of Supai near the Grand Canyon is a hidden gem of stunning year-round waterfalls. What makes the place interesting is that it’s only accessible on foot. Even their mail is delivered by mule.

To get to this location, you must first hike 8 miles. However, once you are there, you can enjoy an invigorating dive in the waterfalls and travertine pools of Havasu Creek. From there, it’s still another 2 miles hiking to the camping area. This is a great place to enjoy the night sky for stargazing.

The International Car Forest, Nevada

This unique outdoor art display is a fantastic place to stop in the Nevada desert. You can find The International Car Forest just outside Goldfield on US Highway 95. Back in the day, Goldfield was one of the richest boomtowns in Nevada. Sunk deep into the dirt or poised on top of one another, 40 cars are displayed at what seems like an outdoor gallery.

Each vehicle is painted or decorated in some interesting way by different artists, and the display is free and provides many excellent photography moments. It’s one of the greatest hidden vacation stops in the US for those who love a little eccentricity.

Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Referred to as an under-the-radar national park by the New York Times, the Dry Tortugas is a place of beauty, history, and great solitude. The series of isles which are 70 miles away from Key West is the supreme destination for the adventurous seeker. With over 99% of the park immersed under crystalline waters, it is home to turquoise fish and waving palms, and it also has a rich history attributed to Fort Jefferson.

It’s the largest all-masonry fort in the US built to safeguard the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico. Because the park is mainly water, Dry Tortugas is only accessible by boat or seaplane. Which is ok because the BEST way to explore this park is by water. Explore marine life by snorkeling, diving, or boating.

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Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Carlsbad Cavern National Park is a vast cave system that is on a bed of limestone. It has a long history of geologic formation that started 250 million years ago. Over the years, tectonic movement lifted the reef above the ground. These large caves are worth planning an entire visit to New Mexico! The park is part of the Chihuahuan Desert at the base of the Guadalupe Mountains.

In the park are 83 individual caves, including the park’s namesake, Carlsbad Cavern. Enter the creepy, moist caverns, and the bright New Mexico sunshine will fade away. You can tour the caves when you visit for a chance to see the stalactites and stalagmites. If you would like to camp in the backcountry portion of the park, you can. But you must get the necessary permit at the visitor center before you are allowed to.

Newfane, Vermont

Like a picture-perfect postcard come to life, Newfane’s authentic feel is perfect for anybody looking for a giant dose of small-town charm! The Victorian architecture makes it a popular tourist destination. The local maple sugar houses will satisfy your sweet tooth, and the mountainous backdrop makes for an equally satisfying background.

While Newfane may not be as popular as other cities in the United States, don’t let that fool you. Newfane is a more petite but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be pleasantly surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this remote destination.

Cordova, Alaska

This charming Alaskan town rests right at the foot of a series of snow-capped mountains. S nowmobiling, Hiking, and even dog sledding are Cordova staples definitely worth experiencing. It’s located at the entrance of the Copper River, and Cordova is the type of town that can only be entered by air or sea because there aren’t any roads that connect to any other town.

The landscape is truly magnificent, boasting mountains, flourishing wetlands, forests, and many different lakes and rivers. This makes it an extraordinary place to enjoy lots of outdoor activities. These include skiing, hiking, wildlife watching and photography, sport fishing, and even flightseeing.

Bodie, California

Bodie is your perfect stop on a road trip of bizzare visits. The Sierra Nevada mountain town was abandoned in the early 20th century following the economy’s downturn, and the preserved buildings make for an eerie and unforgettable experience. This old mining town was founded back in 1859 when gold was discovered in the region.

But once the gold dried up, the townsfolk slowly began to leave the town after 50 years in residence. It eventually became a California Historic State Park in 1962. Instead of restoring the decrepit buildings left in the small town, they are instead preserved. This means everything is left in a state of suspended decay, from church buildings, homes, automobiles, mining equipment, and household items. Visiting the site of this historic ghost town is like stepping back in time.

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