10 Fantastic Unknown Vacation Spots in the United States

Ready to ditch the crowds, go off the beaten track, and explore some of the best unknown vacation spots in the United States? Then you’ve hit the jackpot! From oddly shaped rocks and mysterious ice caves to rugged shores and quaint villages, these least-visited places in the US are certainly worth a visit.

Unlike the most visited places in the United States, these hidden gems offer you a chance to escape the snaking long queues at attractions and astronomical hotel prices. You’ll also get to uncover underrated state parks, towns, and alpine lakes that you never knew existed in the US.

In this guide, I unpack some of the best-hidden vacation spots in the US and why you should visit them. So stick around if secret small towns, unspoiled beaches, and otherworldly landscapes are your idea of a great vacation.

Photo byMichael J. VegaonUnsplash

1. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Popularly known as the gateway to one of the best national parks on the East Coast, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a quaint mountain town waiting to be explored. This city may have a famous neighbor, but there’s much about it that’s been relatively hidden.

For starters, Gatlinburg is one of the most romantic getaways in the southeast, and it’s easy to see why. An aerial cable car ride from downtown gives you sweeping views of the national park, and at the top, you arrive at an all-season recreational and amusement park with lots to do.

Gatlinburg offers some quirky activities you’d love doing with your spouse too, like Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, a treasure trove of over-the-top displays. While you’re here, take on some of the town’s many hiking trails, zip line rides, and whitewater rafting opportunities.

You can then top it all off with a walk across the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

2. Stowe, Vermont

When you think of Vermont, what comes to mind first? Is it the world-class ski slopes blanketed with powdery white snow or the scenic rolling mountains dotted with vibrant fall foliage? Well, in Stowe, you get the best of both worlds.

As one of the snowiest cities in the US, Stowe is undeniably a haven for ski lovers, but the town also offers a laid-back countryside experience that you might not be aware of. Smugglers’ Notch State Park offers several hiking trails that lead to serene waterfalls like Bingham Falls, while the Stowe Scenic Auto Road takes you through fascinating dense forests.

Stowe is also a great vacation destination if you appreciate the mastery of craft beverages. The Alchemist Brewery offers guided tours of its brewing facilities and taproom, and the seasonal beer garden is an excellent place to have a cold pint.

3. Door County, Wisconsin

Tucked in a peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan, one of the largest lakes in the United States, Door County is one of Wisconsin’s best-kept secrets.

Its lengthy shoreline, white-washed lighthouses, and a myriad of state parks have earned Door County the title of “Cape Cod of the Midwest”, and I couldn’t agree more.

You’ll have plenty to explore in Door County. From local shops selling artisanal goods to fruit picking at the orchards and going on sea kayaking tours in the caves along the craggy shores, you certainly won’t be bored here.

If you’re in search of tranquillity, look no further than Peninsula State Park, where you’ll find the white-sand Nicolet Beach to swim, bask in the sun, or kayak surrounded by a lush forest.

4. St. Augustine, Florida

Located on the northeast coast of Florida, about 45 minutes south of Jacksonville, St. Augustine is the self-declared “oldest city in the United States”, but it’s perhaps one you’ve never heard of. The coastal city is best known for its colonial Spanish architecture, spooky ghost tours, and stunning Atlantic Ocean beaches.

You can easily explore St. Augustine’s top attractions with a hop-on hop-off trolley tour. Along the way, you’ll get a chance to marvel at one of the most historical places in Florida, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, the fortified Castillo de San Marcos, and so much more.

St. Augustine is also where you’ll find one of the best castles in Florida, Casa Monica, where you can marvel at the Spanish Revival and Moorish architecture that set this city apart. If you’re a history buff, consider exploring Potter’s Wax Museum and the gruesome Medieval Torture Museum.

5. Jekyll Island, Georgia

Here’s a question for you: What do Native Americans, English and French settlers, Spanish Missionaries, and wealthy individuals like J.P. Morgan all have in common? They’ve all been residents of Jekyll Island.

Today, this gorgeous island prides itself on being one of the most preserved areas in the United States. Jekyll Island is characterised by white-sand beaches and bare trees on the shores of Driftwood Beach – a stop worth adding to your itinerary when driving from New York to Florida.

Other exciting things you can get up to in Jekyll Island include taking a dolphin spotting tour and meeting adorable aquatic critters at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. If you’d like to learn more about the island’s heritage, visit the Jekyll Island Historic District to admire local attractions like the Faith Chapel.

6. Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

If rugged landscapes with red and pink slot canyons, natural arches, and swirling, stripped rock formations are your idea of a perfect vacation, the Valley of Fire State Park is just up your alley.

Located about a 47-minute drive from Sin City, this recreation area is one of the most recommended day tours from Las Vegas.

So, what’s in store for you at Valley of Fire State Park? Numerous hiking trails take you around the Aztec Sandstone formations, scenic drives give you the best vantage points, and ancient petroglyphs take you back in time. I loved my visit to this beautiful national park.

Another must-see in Valley of Fire State Park is the area’s most notable residents – bighorn sheep. Other species of wildlife can be spotted here as well, like coyotes, white-tailed antelope squirrels, and desert tortoises.

7. The Finger Lakes, New York

Speckled with breathtaking scenery, tumbling waterfalls, charming wineries, and craft breweries, the Finger Lakes Region of New York is an excellent place for a secluded vacation. Made up of a collection of long, narrow-sized lakes, this region boasts some fascinating gorges, natural pools, and state parks nearby.

The Finger Lakes are among the most beautiful lakes in the United States. They offer you a plethora of outdoor activities along their tributaries, like hiking in the Watkins Glen and Taughannock Falls state parks.

For a bit of indoor fun, head down to the Finger Lakes’ one-of-a-kind museums, like the Corning Museum of Glass, for a lesson in the world of historical glass. If you’re dying for a drink, you’ll be happy to know that the Finger Lakes is home to over 80 breweries to grab a cold pint.

8. Moloka‘i, Hawaii

It’s hard to think that there are any unknown vacation spots in Hawaii, but trust me, there are, and one of them is the lush island of Moloka’i. Located about 76 nautical kilometres from Honolulu, the island is home to the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, a formerly isolated community with a dark history.

You’ll have tons of outdoor adventures below the towering cliff of Moloka’i, from taking leisurely strolls along the vast white-sand beaches to cooling off at waterfalls like the Moa’ula Falls.

Scenic helicopter tours and sunset cruises are also great activities to do, and if you’d like to learn more about the leper colony that existed here, visit the Molokai Museum & Cultural Center.

9. Smith Rock State Park, Oregon

Are you into sports climbing? Then look no further than Smith Rock State Park. Sitting at the heart of Oregon’s High Desert, this state park is a hotspot for climbing enthusiasts and nature photographers looking for something out-of-this-world.

At Smith Rock State Park, you’ll be inundated with over 2,000 climbing routes, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and crater-face mountains that will leave you awestruck. If you’re up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, try kayaking along the Crooked River.

10. Solvang, California

Known for its Danish-style architecture, fabulous wineries, and museums, Solvang is one of the prettiest places in California that’s worth adding to your LA to San Francisco road trip.

Solvang is a hub for everything Danish, from museums that pay homage to legendary authors like Hans Christian Andersen to quaint pâtisseries like Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.

While you’re here, go birdwatching at Ostrichland USA, and don’t miss out on tasting some of the best wines in the region by taking a Santa Ynez Valley wine tour nearby.