Hidden Gems in America: 15 Underrated Places in the USA Worth Visiting
Skip the crowds. These underrated places and hidden gems across America offer stunning scenery, history and charm without the tourist traffic.
In this article
Everyone knows the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. But America is full of lesser-known places with jaw-dropping scenery and a fraction of the crowds. Here are 15 underrated places in the USA worth a detour.
Lesser-known national parks
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada: ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
- Congaree National Park, South Carolina: one of the largest remaining old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the Southeast. Explore by boardwalk or canoe.
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: badlands, wild horses and bison where Roosevelt once ranched.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park, California: bubbling mud pots and steaming vents without Yellowstone's crowds.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado: sheer, dark cliffs plunging into a narrow gorge.
Scenic regions
- The Palouse, Washington and Idaho: rolling golden wheat hills, a photographer's dream.
- The Driftless Area, Wisconsin and neighboring states: a region the glaciers missed, full of bluffs, trout streams and small farms.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan: colorful sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior, best seen by boat or kayak.
- Apostle Islands, Wisconsin: sea caves and lighthouses on Lake Superior.
- Custer State Park, South Dakota: bison herds, granite spires and scenic drives near Mount Rushmore.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri: crystal-clear spring-fed rivers perfect for floating.
Charming small towns
- Bisbee, Arizona: a colorful former copper-mining town turned artists' haven.
- Marfa, Texas: a remote West Texas town known for art installations and the mysterious "Marfa lights."
- Galena, Illinois: a perfectly preserved 19th-century river town. See our charming small towns list.
- Cumberland Island, Georgia: wild horses roam an undeveloped barrier island reachable only by ferry.
Tips for exploring off the beaten path
- Services can be limited, so fill your gas tank and bring water and snacks.
- Cell service is often spotty. Download offline maps.
- Check seasonal hours and ferry or tour schedules ahead of time.
- Respect small communities and leave no trace in natural areas.
Looking for more? See the most beautiful places to visit in the USA.
