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20 Underrated Destinations in the USA

Before the pandemic, I felt as if a “real” vacation had to be some big, extravagant trip abroad. The past year drastically changed my perspective on a lot of things in life — travel being one of those things. When international travel became a no-go, I decided had no choice but to embrace domestic travel. I have seen more of the United States in the past 12 months than I had in my entire 23 years of life, and I am continually awestruck by the diversity and beauty that exists right here within the United States. LIKE WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET OUT THERE?! I wanted to share 20 of the most underrated destinations in the states to inspire your travels! Get out there already – I PROMISE you won’t regret it!!

Underrated USA Travel Destinations

Petrified Forest, AZ

Petrified Forest in AZ

Petrified Forest National Park is one of the most underrated destinations and parks of the west. Located in northern Arizona, the park is home to beautiful, crystalized petrified wood. While the current landscape at the Petrified Forest is that of an arid desert, millions of years ago this same land was an ancient, lush forest. You’ll find glimpses of this history in the preserved tree trunks that remain scattered throughout the park. 

While the petrified wood is the main attraction, one of the coolest things about the park is the stunning vistas. The painted desert, for example, is made up of lookout points that shimmer with shades of pinks and orange. Likewise, the Blue Mesa’s badlands are covered in colorful bands of soft purples that you can explore. 

The best time to visit the Petrified Forest is when the weather is cooler, in the early fall months. Winter brings snow, but the weather is usually pleasant as well. You should know: this is one of a few national parks that has an opening and closing time, so plan your visit accordingly. 

Contributed by Ale from Sea Salt & Frog

Chincoteague, VA

Wild ponies located in Chincoteague, VA

One of the most underrated towns in the US is Virginia’s Chincoteague Island. Located about two hours north of Virginia Beach, Chincoteague is a more affordable and less crowded beach destination, making it a relaxing beach vacation in summer. You don’t have to worry about massive crowds of families or expensive bars along a boardwalk.

Chincoteague and its neighbor Assateague are a great mixture of nature and relaxing beaches. One of the best things to do in Chincoteague is to attend the annual Pony Swim Festival in July. The Assateague Island Ponies are wild ponies that became famous due to the children’s book “Misty of Chincoteague.” The Annual Pony Swim is a huge festival where these beautiful and peaceful animals are celebrated. The funds of the event are used to take care of the herd throughout the year.

There is plenty of nature to explore if you get tired from the beach. The Wildlife Loop Trail is a paved path for bikers or walkers where you can spot a variety of birds, plants, and even ponies. While visiting Chincoteague, be sure to catch the sun rise over the water. 

Contributed by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveller

Everglades National Park, FL

Pond at the FL Everglades

If you’re a nature and outdoors lover looking for a less traveled and underrated destination to explore in the US, the Florida Everglades should be high on your list. The Everglades is like no place else on earth — what many might think of as just a swamp is actually home to endangered, rare, and exotic wildlife living on over 1.5 million acres of saw grass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks dominated by wetlands. The River of Grass filters water from central Florida and Lake Okeechobee (a lake so huge it can be seen from space) down through a slow-moving river system to the Ten Thousand Islands into Florida Bay. It’s the only ecosystem of its kind in the world and accessible from both Miami and Naples.


What’s the best way to experience this watery wilderness? Kayaking or camping the Everglades is a great way to immerse yourself in its primordial atmosphere. For a thrill, take an Everglades airboat ride in the summer when the rainy season brings more water, greater access, and lots more sightings of alligators, manatees, dolphins, and other wildlife. Winter is perfect for hiking when water and mosquitoes are at bay. Visit for a day or longer, but this underrated destination deserves a much closer look.

Contributed by Lori from TravlinMad

Rapid City, SD

Mount Rushmore on a sunny day

Rapid City, South Dakota, is a gateway to the Black Hills located on the state’s western side. When most people think of South Dakota, they think of the prairie, but western South Dakota is home to one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States. The Black Hills have the highest mountain peak east of the Rocky Mountains, Black Elk Peak, located at an elevation of 7,224 feet. Rapid City and western South Dakota tend to be underrated travel destinations in the USA. There are so many fun things to do in the Black Hillsincluding sightseeing, hiking, camping, and visiting National Parks!

A summer trip to South Dakota should definitely be high on your bucket list. From Rapid City, visitors can head east and check out Badlands National Park. Or outdoor vacation seekers can head south of Rapid City to visit world-famous tourist destinations such as Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Jewel Cave, Wind Cave, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Mountain, and so much more.

From Rapid City, visitors can also head north to drive through and hike the scenic Spearfish Canyon. If you’re into biker rallies, just north of Rapid City, there is an enormous motorcycle rally that typically hosts big-name rock bands every August in Sturgis. But, if you’re not into motorcycles, don’t visit at the beginning of August! Rapid City and the Black Hills are beautiful places to visit during the summer months and are sure to spark your mountain wanderlust.

Contributed by Ashlee from The Happiness Function

Pawleys Island, SC

The beach at Pawleys Island, SC

Skip the crowds and enjoy a stay in South Carolina’s underrated destination for couples, families and more. With miles of soft sand beaches, bike trails and parks, Pawleys Island is an outdoor lovers paradise.

If you like cycling on vacation, rent a bike and ride along the tree-lined separated bike paths. Make the ride an adventure by looking for geocaches and wildlife along the way. Hit the links at your choice of many top golf courses, including 10 with 4-star rankings. Visit the beach, especially Huntington Beach State Park with its restored historic buildings, coastline and rustic campsites. Enjoy the plentiful wildlife. This area offers diverse bird-watching, turtle nesting sites, and ideal for spotting dolphins and alligators.

Dine on southern barbecue or local seafood in the delightful Murrel’s Inlet, with dozens of eateries to choose from on the waterfront strip. Plus, kids will love the fact that the infamous pirate Blackbeard made his home here! Any visitor to Pawley’s Island must see Brookgreen Gardens. This beautifully manicured garden, sculpture garden and zoo covers over 9,000 acres and truly has something for everyone.

The best time to visit Pawleys Island is in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-October. The crowds and humidity are gone and you’ll have the beaches and parks to yourself, especially during the week.

Contributed by Melinda from Mel On The Go

Tettegouche State Park, MN

Lake at Tettegouche State Park, MN

When it comes to outdoor adventure and scenic wonder, Minnesota is often overlooked. What a huge mistake! Not only are Minnesota’s lush pine forests the quietest backdrop for a scenic hike, but also offer some picturesque views of nearby Lake Superior. Along Lake Superior’s shoreline are eight state parks that sample the best parts of Minnesota’s natural beauty. The state park that you cannot miss is Tettegouche State Park. 

Tettegouche State Park is perfectly situated between Duluth and Grand Marais. This state park offers a great mix of Minnesotan scenery from forests, waterfalls and the cliffed shoreline of Lake Superior. Shovel Point is the most popular hike that offers panorama views of Lake Superior. There are over 300 steps to reach the impeccable view, so make sure that you’re well-hydrated and ready for an intense leg workout. 

If you’re looking to chase some waterfalls, consider hiking to the High Falls. The trail winds through the dense forests and leads you to the head of the Baptism River. After soaking in the falls, hike back to the Visitor’s Center and relax at the mouth of the Baptism River. This pebble beach is a great place to enjoy a picnic and boasts even better sunrise views. If you’re daring, take a dip in Lake Superior. Even on the warmest months, Lake Superior’s temperature averages around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The summer months are often the busiest for Tettegouche State Park. The park becomes a frenzy in the fall again when the fall foliage erupts into brilliant hues of oranges, reds and yellows. To have the entire park to yourself, start your hikes early and opt to camp nearby for easy access. If you’re embarking on a North Shore road trip, schedule Tettegouche State Park on a weekday to avoid even more of the crowds. 

Contributed by Marth from Quirky Globetrotter

Goblin Valley, UT

Hoodoos in Goblin Valley, UT

One of the best places to visit in Utah is the stunning and beautiful Goblin Valley State Park. This park is located in central Utah and is usually passed by due to the big five national parks located in the state. Goblin Valley contains thousands of orange-brown hoodoos, which you can explore for hours. 

There are some official hikes like The Goblin’s Lair, Valley Of The Goblins, Three Sisters, and Goblin Valley Trail. But doing these hikes are not needed to enjoy this one-of-a-kind park. Walking around, exploring, and climbing up to the top of the plateau on your own, is a fantastic experience. If you want to stay at a unique place, check out the yurts that are surrounded by hoodoos. It is a lovely spot for the night but make sure to make reservations in advance. Goblin Valley is a wonderful but unrated spot in Utah. There are barely any crowds, and the views are stunning. Make sure to check it out!

Contributed by Michelle from The Wandering Queen

Torch Lake, MI

Torch Lake, MI

Torch Lake, MI is located in rural northern lower Michigan, along the 45th Parallel. Due to the northern location, the best time to visit is July & August. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters that make it appear as if you’ve landed in the Caribbean Sea rather than a Michigan inland lake.

Torch Lake is one of the longest inland lakes in Michigan, making it the perfect water-skiing lake. Get out early before the crowds and enjoy the most epic water-skiing of your life. By mid-morning, the sandbar is the hotspot on the lake, where you’ll find both locals and tourists alike enjoying the famous sandbar party.  Accessing the sandbar is easiest by boat, but it’s close enough to one of the 48 public access points, that you could easily paddle out on a kayak.  Once you’ve had enough fun in the sun, go for a short ride over to The Dockside, where you can grab something to eat right from your boat. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, explore all 30 miles of the entire Lower Chain of Lakes: including Lake Bellaire, Clam Lake, Torch Lake, Lake Skegemog, and Elk Lake.

Contributed by Amber from Wandering Wests

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, WV

New River Gorge in WV

New River Gorge National park is a hidden gem in West Virginia. It’s packed full of awesome things to do like hiking, rafting, scenic driving, climbing, biking, fishing, and more. No matter what you like to do outdoors, you can probably find it here. Most people will probably only spend one day in New River Gorge but you could easily fill weeks here.  

Make sure to drive Fayette Station Road, hike to Sandstone Falls, and hike the Glade Creek Trail. There are so many trails in the park, it can be overwhelming but these two and the drive are amazing. Everything in the park is pretty spread out so be sure to map out what you’d like to see before going.


When it comes to the best time of year to visit, you really can’t go wrong. Fall is great because you can see the leaves changing and the weather is perfect. Summer will be really nice as far as temperature goes and just as gorgeous with all the green leaves and stunning blooms.  

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Capitol Reef National Park on a sunny day

One of the most underrated destinations in Utah is Capitol Reef National Park. Why is this park underrated? When people plan trips to visit the Utah Mighty 5, they are usually planning to visit for 1-2 weeks which limits the amount of time they can spend in each park.

And at first glance, when you only have a day or two to spend in Capitol Reef, it likely is deserving of its last place ranking among the Utah Mighty 5. Capitol Reef does not have the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, the towering canyon walls of Zion National Park, the unlimited number of accessible arches of Arches National Park, or the incredible viewpoints of Canyonlands. Therefore, one day in the park will likely leave you feeling a little underwhelmed.

However, with additional time to visit and spend in Capitol Reef, you will be more and more impressed. Driving the Cathedral Valley Loop is one of the best off-road excursions in the state. An entirely separate section of the park also contains a portion of the Burr Trail, a road connecting Bullfrog and Boulder Utah, passing through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The most well-known section, called the Burr Trail Switchbacks, is contained within Capitol Reef National Park.

If you only have a day to visit Capitol Reef or don’t have a capable vehicle, check out the Capitol Reef Scenic Drive, Hickman Bridge, and the Grand Wash trail.

Contributed by Andrea from Our Beautahful World

Thousand Islands, NY

Island in the Thousand Islands region of upstate NY

The Thousands Islands region of upstate NY is undoubtedly one of the most underrated destinations in the US. While the area does draw tourists, especially during the warmer months, it stays relatively uncrowded due to its remote location. There’s no shortage of things to do – making an extended visit totally worthwhile! Here are a few tips from a local: Make sure to take the ferry from Alexandria Bay to Boldt Castle, watch a sunset in Clayton, go on a wine cruise, and have a lobster roll at Tin Pan in Sackets Harbor!

To access this area, your best bet is flying into the Watertown airport with American Airlines; however, you might have an easier time flying into Syracuse (located just an hour south of Watertown) and driving up to this area. The Thousand Islands region quite literally consists of nearly 2,000 islands that stretch all the way up to the US-Canadian border. Everything is pretty spread out, so you’ll definitely want a car.

This isn’t one of those “you can’t go wrong no matter when you visit” types of places. This area gets slammed with lake effect snow in the winter; therefore, a winter visit is not advisable. For the best experience, consider visiting during early fall. An autumn visit will enable you to miss the summer crowds and still have great weather.

Apostle Islands, WI

Kayaking at the Apostle Islands in WI

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a must-see in the Great Lakes region of the Midwest. Over 400 islands make up the Apostle Islands, which dot Lake Superior. The largest of these islands is Isla Royale, at over 200 square miles – an incredibly large island for a lake. Lake Superior, which contains 10% of all the world’s fresh surface water, is an almost tropical shade of turquoise during the summer months when you can kayak through sea caves along the coastline.

Summer is also when you’ll see beautiful fields of wildflowers like lupines right off of the highway. In the winter, Lake Superior freezes over and the sea caves transform into natural ice castles. If you ever wanted to try ice climbing, this is an incredible place to do it. Hiking is an option year-round but be prepared for temperatures frequently dipping well below zero degrees Fahrenheit in winter.

The charming town of Bayfield, Wisconsin makes an excellent base for exploring the Apostle Islands, with plenty of accommodations, restaurants, and shops for an easy stay. If you have time, explore the region around Bayfield, where you can find thundering waterfalls and deep evergreen forests. Nearby airports are located in Ironwood, Thunder Bay, and Duluth, but plan to have a car since there is no public transportation in this area, which is surrounded by National Forests. Local tour and equipment outfitters rent kayaks and guided excursions into the sea caves.

Contributed by Sarah from Organized Adventurer

Asheville, NC

Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, NC

Asheville, NC is an incredible, artsy little mountain town located in western North Carolina. One of the best things about Asheville is that not only is there a ton to do downtown, but also there are countless opportunities for outdoor adventures not too far outside of the city – waterfall chasing, hiking, fishing, swimming, and more! Another great thing about Asheville is that it offers easy access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smokies. If you do visit, make sure to grab a few tacos from Taco Temple on Charlotte St, check out the River Arts District, and stop by one of the city’s amazing breweries (it’s not called Beer City USA for nothing)!

Asheville is a great city to visit year round, but summer and fall are ideal if you want to be able to spend time outside as well as drive the Blue Ridge Parkway without having to worry about closures. If you do happen to be around during wintertime (particularly Christmas), do yourself a favor and schedule a tour at The Biltmore! The mansion is spectacular anytime of year, but there’s nothing quite like seeing it decorated for Christmas.

Great Basin National Park, NV

Lake at Great Basin National Park in NV

There are so many amazing reasons to visit Great Basin National Park, it’s hard to know where to start. This national park has mountains, alpine lakes, a glacier, a cave, and some of the oldest living things on Earth (Bristlecone trees), all in the middle of nowhere Nevada. It’s one of the least visited national parks in the US and it’s amazing.


Summer is the best time to visit, specifically between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Most of the scenic drive will be closed due to snow any other time of year but it (and the Wheeler Peak Campground) open around Memorial Day. There may still be snow on the trails but the weather is perfect and a great break from the desert heat below. If you want to do a Lehman Cave tour, which you should, make sure to book it ahead of time, especially if you want to do the 1.5-hour tour, because they do sell out in advance. If you’re lucky you can get on a tour on the same day at the visitor center, but it isn’t guaranteed. Also, make sure to eat at Kerouac’s down in Baker!

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Crater Lake National Park, OR

Sunny day at Crater Lake National Park in OR

Crater Lake is one of the most underrated destinations in the USA. Due to its remote location in Oregon, many pass it by without a second thought. However, its extreme beauty is worth the extra effort. Crater Lake was created 7,700 years ago after a volcanic eruption crippled the peak of Mount Mazama, a 12,000-foot-tall volcano. The hole cooled and filled with rainwater and snowmelt over 600-800 years. The bold blue and purity of the water will take your breath away. It remains so blue because the volcanic terrain limits the nutrients and stops streams from entering the lake.

Take a drive along the 33-mile Rim Road. Get out to stretch your legs at as many of the 30 pullouts as you like. Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of the lake. There are also several hiking trails with views that you cannot get from road level.

The most popular time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months. Some of the roads close during winter weather conditions, though there are still adventure opportunities available.

Contributed by Debbie from World Adventurists

White Sands National Park, NM

Sand dunes at White Sands National Park

White Sands National Park is a New Mexico must-see. This national park is just outside of Alamogordo and super easy to get to and super easy to get away from people in. This was one of those parks that should be on everyone’s national park bucket list. It is extremely easy to enjoy the park while easily getting away from the crowds along the main road.


There isn’t really a bad time of year to visit. Summer will be super hot though, so try to avoid that if possible. The weather is perfect in the spring and fall. Before you go, make sure to check if there are any missile tests going on when you’re supposed to be there. If there are, the park will be closed. Also, make sure to get your sand sleds in town if you want to get a sled to go sand sledding. It’s super expensive for a sled and wax in the park (like, $20!) but you can sell them back for a portion of what you paid.

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Portland, OR

Empty street with blooms in Portland, OR

Portland, OR is one of the most underrated destinations in the United States of America. It is the largest city in the state and totally worth a visit. There are many reasons why Portland is amazing – the atmosphere, the food, and the architecture to name just a few. Also, there are lots of things to do in Portland! Visiting the Portland Art Museum One is one of of the best things to do in the city. The Portland Japanese Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and International Rose Test Garden are a few more worthwhile stops to add to your itinerary.

The best time to visit Portland is between June and September, as the temperature is most comfortable then.

Contributed by Dymphe from Dymabroad

Cape San Blas, FL

Waterway in Cape San Blas, FL

Cape San Blas is a tiny little beach town tucked away in the panhandle of Florida. The whole area was heavily affected by Hurricane Michael in 2018 but it’s slowly making a comeback. This sleepy little community is perfect for escaping the Florida beach crowds down south. As one of Florida’s most underrated destinations, this is a great place to visit if you enjoy quiet beaches and beach activities like shelling.  


The best time to visit will be winter, even though it’s cooler.  Summer will still be nice, especially if you want to lay on the beach, but it’s also hurricane season. There aren’t any hotels here, just vacation rental homes and only a few restaurants which makes it the perfect place to get away and relax.  Stay on the beachside if you can! It’s a little more expensive but worth it. Make a trip into Port St. Joe one or two nights to eat at Joe Mamas and Provisions.

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Ouray, CO

Busy street in Ouray, CO

Tiny Ouray, Colorado packs a big punch, making it one of the most underrated destinations in CO. With a population of less than 1,000 people, this village defines small town America. But, despite being such a small village, it has a surprising number of excellent restaurants and amenities.

Visitors come here to see the majestic peaks that tower of the horseshoe shaped valley. Because of the majestic peaks, Ouray is called the Switzerland of the Americas. People come here for the outdoors, including hiking, 4-wheeling, and sightseeing. At the base of the mountains, Box Canyon makes a beautiful hike and creates a remarkable experience as water rushes through such a small space. Because of the outdoorsy nature of the town, the best time of the year to visit is summer.

But what makes Ouray truly special are the natural hot springs. Hot water bubbles up from deep under the Rocky Mountains and is channeled into the city’s swimming pool. Soaking in the water is the perfect way to relax after a long day in the mountains. If you are truly lucky, you might stay at one of the hotels in town that has their own private hot springs.

Contributed by Lance from Travel Addicts

Albuquerque, NM

Mountain backdrop in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is located in Central New Mexico south of Santa Fe, and offers the visitor so many options, with an average of 310 days of sunshine it is always a great time to visit. This NM town is one of the most underrated destinations in the US! There are several must hit items when visiting Albuquerque, Old Town filled with beautiful historic buildings and cute souvenir shops. The ABQ BioPark is actually 4 attractions in one, an aquarium, a botanical garden, a zoo, and Tingley Beach which is a great outdoor area. The Sandia Peak Tramway is an excellent ride up to some amazing views of the city, wear layers it can get very chilly at the top of the mountain.

It is known as the hot air balloon capital of the world, and if you go in October the International Balloon Fiesta will be happening and there are more hot air balloons in the sky than anywhere else in the world. In April, there is North America’s largest Pow Wow The Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque. It is an amazing opportunity to experience many of the Native cultures and their traditions all in one place.

The last must hit is of course the food, traditional New Mexican food is an essential experience when in Albuquerque, Papa Felipe’s has been making food from scratch for over 40 years.

Contributed by Rebecca from Whatever Packs Your Bag


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