Photo by Max Lindenthaler at Shutterstock
Our country’s bursting with world-renowned natural wonders and unbelievable man-made attractions. It’s definitely worth traveling to see some of the most stunning locations across the US. But we’ve grown tired of jostling for elbow room with hordes of other tourists.
This is why we searched and found some destinations you likely didn’t know existed but aren’t so off the beaten path that they’re hard to get to. The great American experience is all about discovering the unknown, right?
You may think you know all the most fantastic places in the United States, but we bet you haven’t heard of these 6 stunning locations!
…Click “Next” and begin planning your trip!
One of the most incredible ways to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring is to attend a flower festival. And while Washington, DC, may be known for its cherry blossoms, Washington STATE, specifically the Skagit Valley, is known for its tulip fields.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors from over 85 countries and all of our states show up for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year in the entire month of April to snap some shots of hundreds of acres of tulips and an equal amount of daffodils.
The sight of over a million brightly colored flowers is among the state’s most popular attractions. Even though many other flowers may get a lot of attention, there’s nothing quite like seeing entire fields of colorful tulips blooming!
These expansive caves are worth planning an entire vacation to New Mexico! There are 119 known caves, formed completely from sulfuric acid and limestone, waiting for you to explore in this rocky New Mexico paradise.
You’ll discover this stunning location below the Guadalupe Mountains, an ancient reef containing fossils dating back over 250 million years ago.
Once you walk into the mysterious, damp caverns, the memory of the bright New Mexico skyline will seem like a dream from another planet. While here, be sure to keep an eye out for those majestic stalagmites and stalactites.
This charming coastal town in Oregon is the perfect destination for nature lovers, especially if you want an all-American adventure. No matter which time of the year you choose to go, there are unique cultural events and festivals you can enjoy.
But there’s also plenty to keep you entertained in the wild! We also recommend taking a quick detour to the mind-boggling oceanic abyss of Thor’s Well.
The rocky opening, looking like a massive sinkhole in the waves, is thought to have been created by the collapse of an underwater cave. Besides all the rich heritage you’ll find in Yachats, there’s also a unique quality of life you’ll notice.
The town’s natural scenic beauty, quiet neighborhoods, and exciting cultural activities all contribute to the town’s rich culture. Whether you’re interested in local history, nature, or both, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in this stunning location.
To get in tune with Mother Nature, head out to the Cape Perpetua Lookout. It’s a beautiful overlook of the town’s coastline. You can take a leisurely hike up the road to get there, and the mellow trail offers stunning views of the ocean and forest.
Sunsets can be particularly spectacular here, and it’s a great way to take in the sights.
Biosphere 2 is a stunning location that’s truly out of this world…deliberately!
It was created sometime back in the 80s, and this massive complex of shiny structures was planned to simulate conditions on different planets and help scientists learn how humans might be able to survive in different environments.
A group of researchers partook in closure experiments, during which they conducted numerous scientific experiments, harvested and made their own food, and preserved their living space.
The initial attempts were mainly failures: contamination of the water supply, the development of invasive species, and arguments among the participants afflicted the experiments from the beginning. Today, the site is a research facility and is open to the public for viewing.
This stunning location is the perfect place to escape the Texas heat in a lovely natural pool. When you arrive at the Hamilton Preserve, you’ll find a beautiful pool of clear, blue water surrounded by nature’s natural artistry!
Hamilton Pool Preserve is a secret swimming hole only locals know about. The freezing cold water spills over limestone rocks to create a 50ft waterfall that splashes into a wide-open canyon.
The area itself is breathtaking, but watching people take the plunge into the icy cold water is even more exciting! And even though you’ve never heard of this place, every local has. So be sure to check Hamilton Pool Preserve’s website before you drive there.
It can get a bit overcrowded, and you might need a reservation! If you can’t go during the time of your choosing, put yourself on the waiting list. We promise it’ll be worth it!
Located about two hours away from Des Moines and a little over two hours south of the Twin Cities, this place is truly wild! Oftentimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Grotto of the Redemption is the largest man-made grotto in o the planet.
It includes the most extensive collection of precious gems and stones found anywhere in one stunning location. But where exactly are these precious jewels?…EVERYWHERE! The grotto’s structures are literally encrusted with precious stones.
And even though the Grotto of the Redemption is somewhat off the beaten path, this shrine attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, and it’s simply perfect for a day trip.
Be sure to let us know in the comments if you’ve seen any of these stunning locations or if you know of any other hidden gems you’d like our readers to know about.
And if you enjoyed this post about stunning locations, we highly recommend you also read: 4 Stunning Summer Bucket List Destinations You’re Missing Out On
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View Comments
Strange, I've heard of them all and been to a couple.
I am the youngest of seven children and my parents always talk about being at Carlsbad caverns. Last year I was there and I went down to them because I could not remember when I came out. I called my sister and I said did you go on that trip with the folks And I asked when it was. It was five years before I was born.
I absolutely love the place. I spent six hours down in the caverns. They are absolutely amazing!
I'm going to share this with friends planning vacations!!