Cars driving through downtown Solvang, a city in Southern California's Santa Ynez Valley.

25 must-visit hidden gems from across the US

Written by:
March 2, 2023
HannaTor // Shutterstock

25 must-visit hidden gems from across the US

There's no shortage of popular vacation destinations within the United States, from big cities to iconic national monuments to well-known tourist traps. However, sometimes the most memorable trips happen when you seek out unexpected, under-the-radar spots that you never would've known about without some prior research.

For instance, American Express Travel's list of the  includes two U.S. Locations: Las Vegas, Nevada, and Colorado's San Juan Mountains. While Las Vegas remains a perennial favorite, the San Juan Mountains represent a growing interest in Colorado's lesser-known alpine regions. For travelers seeking the truly off-the-beaten-path experiences, underrated spots like New Mexico's White Sands National Park or Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park offer the chance to escape the crowds entirely. Reports from travel industry analysts show that travelers are increasingly planning their 2026 trips around hidden gems, smaller destinations and less-crowded natural attractions steeped in beauty.

Even if nature isn't your scene, plenty of other underrated activities across the country deserve to go on your bucket list, from Indianapolis' City Market Catacombs to the interactive art within Santa Fe's Meow Wolf.

Still, finding those under-the-radar gems can amount to a lot of work. So to help you get started, 麻豆原创 has compiled a list of 25 must-visit hidden gems from across the United States, using travel guides, news articles, national park and company websites, and more. Read on to find out where your next unexpected yet great vacation could be. You can thank us later!

Guinness World Record-holding largest mail box stands in park.
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The World's Largest Mailbox, Casey, Illinois

The town of Casey, Illinois is no stranger to breaking world records鈥攊t's home to the largest chair in the U.S.鈥攁nd the world's largest mailbox, which was created as part of businessman Jim Bolin's workshop. Measuring a whopping 5,743.41 cubic feet, the Casey mailbox is also fully functional and features a built-in stairway where visitors can mail letters of their own.

Street and shops in Solvang village.
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Mermaid statues and European influence in Solvang, California

Tucked away just two hours from Los Angeles, the quaint town of Solvang, California, is modeled after Denmark and Spain. With its Copenhagen-esque and , you'll be surprised you're not in Europe! Solvang is also conveniently close to Santa Barbara wine country so you can top off your trip with some wine tasting.

Tourists walking on sand dunes.
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Salty dunes at White Sands National Park in Tularosa Basin, New Mexico

New Mexico is home to one of the most underrated national parks: . Giant wave-like dunes of white gypsum salt cover 275 miles of desert, making it the largest gypsum dune field in the world.

Corn Palace exterior.
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The world's only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota

While it might not be one of the buzziest tourist traps, the tiny town of Mitchell, South Dakota, draws over 500,000 annual visitors thanks to its local . Built in 1892, the palace is made entirely of corn and corn husks. It hosts a to celebrate the state's main crop each August.

People walk in front of post office building in Seaside.
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On the set of 'The Truman Show' in Seaside, Florida

If you've ever seen the fake city where Jim Carrey's character lives in 1998's "The Truman Show," you might've assumed that the pastel, cartoonish city was entirely constructed for the film. However, it was mainly filmed in the , which was initially built in the 1980s as a planned community. Located about 20 minutes from Panama City Beach, the quintessential beach town seems from another era.

Cave waterfalls with magenta lighting.
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Underground waterfall in Ruby Falls, Tennessee

Ruby Falls is , meaning that it's literally a hidden gem. Located within Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, visitors can descend 260 feet by elevator to see Ruby Falls' ancient cave formations and wander its cavern trail.

Exterior view of Bishop Castle turrets.
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Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado

Yes, there really is a castle located in central Colorado! is hidden in the foothills of the San Isabel National Forest and was begun by its namesake, Jim Bishop, in 1959 when he was just 15 years old. Bishop spent more than six decades constructing the castle, which features stained glass windows, wrought-iron bridges, and even a steel, fire-breathing dragon.

Water spouting from Fly Geyser on sunny day.
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The wonders of Fly Geyser in northern Nevada

The Fly Geyser was accidentally created in 1964 as a result of an artesian well, but the results are still spectacular. Because different mineral deposits鈥攕uch as algae, iron, and sulfur鈥攃oexist, the water from the geyser spews five feet in the air in numerous vibrant colors. Although Fly Geyser is located on private property, visitors can still to see it on the weekends.

Tourist sitting on beach watching wild ponies.
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Wild horses in Assateague Island

The 37-mile-long barrier island, Assateague Island straddles both Maryland and Virginia. Although it's arguably best known for its , the spot is a true nature lover's oasis, and can often spot bottlenose dolphins, endangered peregrine falcons, and over 200 additional species of birds.

Exterior of Byodo-In Temple on lake.
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Byodo-In Temple and the Japanese American experience in Kaneohe, Hawaii

Did you know you can find a replica of a Japanese World Heritage Site in Hawaii? is just that. Located within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the replica of the Uji, Japan temple of the same name was opened in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants coming to Hawaii.

Waterfall at Hamilton Pool in summer.
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Take a dip at Hamilton Pool Preserve in Travis County, Texas

Located just 23 miles west of Austin, the stunning natural was first created when an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. Located just 23 miles west of Austin, the stunning natural Hamilton Pool Preserve was first created when an underground river collapsed thousands of years ago. Due to its popularity, reservations are now required for all visits every day of the week. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the jade green water and taking in the pool's 50-foot waterfall when conditions allow, though swimming is not guaranteed with reservations.

Rocky shores of the Apostle Islands in summer.
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Escape to Apostle Islands in Lake Superior, Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Lake Superior is home to a whopping 22 islands collectively known as the , which offer a secluded escape to visitors. A major highlight is the islands' gorgeous natural , which you can explore via kayak in the spring and summer.

Devils Tower above hayfield in autumn.
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First National Monument in Devils Tower, Wyoming

Fun fact: The first official United States National Monument was a strange geological monolith in Wyoming known as . Based in the Black Hills, the rock structure is considered sacred by Northern Plains Indigenous groups and is quite a sight to behold.

Colorfully painted house at The Heidelberg Project.
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The colorful Heidelberg Project in Detroit, Michigan

When creator and artist returned to Heidelberg, the street where he grew up in Detroit, Michigan, he found it riddled with poverty and substance abuse. To combat these issues, he embarked on the Heidelberg Project, creating guerrilla-art installations using abandoned houses, transformed with polka dots and various painting designs.

In January 2026, Guyton was named the Kresge Eminent Artist, one of , as the project celebrated it's 40th anniversary.

Fenelon Place elevator on a sunny day in Dubuque.
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Going up the Fenelon Place Elevator in Dubuque, Iowa

Located within the town of Dubuque, Iowa, the has been dubbed the world's "shortest, steepest, scenic railway." A $4 round trip gives visitors panoramic views of the Mississippi River and three surrounding states: Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

People riding bicycles on busy Market Street.
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Explore Mackinac Island in Michigan

Home to the historic Fort Mackinac, Michigan's is today a quintessential American summer getaway town. In the virtual absence of cars, you can get around the island by carriage tours and bicycles, in between sampling the island's famous homemade fudge and taking in Indigenous art at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.

Close up exterior 鈥淐ity Market鈥 sign and clock.
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Brick ruins at City Market Catacombs in Indianapolis, Indiana

Beneath the hustle and bustle of the Indianapolis City Market lie the , a Romanesque expanse of brick arches that are all that remains of Tomlinson Hall, which burned in a 1958 fire. Now, visitors can take guided tours of the area, while learning trivia about the historic City Market.

Couple standing on Driftwood beach at sunset.
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Millionaire Village in Jekyll Island, Georgia

Located off the coast of Georgia, was originally built as a lavish getaway for some of America's wealthiest citizens, including the Rockefellers and the Pulitzers. These days, it's open to the public, where you can tour and indulge in nature鈥65% of Jekyll Island is intentionally kept wild to foster local flora and fauna. Fun fact: The beachy vacation spot was also the site of the first transcontinental telephone call!

Person viewing exhibit at Oz Museum.
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Yellow brick road at the Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas

Since "The Wizard of Oz" is the first thing many people think of when they think of the state of Kansas, it's only fitting that Kansas should have an impressive museum dedicated to the fantastical world that author L. Frank Baum created. Located in Wamego, Kansas, the contains over 2,500 pieces of Oz memorabilia relating to both the film adaptation and Baum's book series.

People standing in multimedia art installation.
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A macrocosmic adventure at Meow Wolf in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe's is home to more than 70 rooms of immersive, multimedia art installations. It also features the permanent art installation known as "House of Eternal Return," in which guests piece together the mysteries of a fantastical house through non-linear storytelling.

Grandfather Mountain and suspension bridge on clear day.
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Mile High Swinging Bridge in Linville, North Carolina

Brave the heights of Grandfather Mountain's , a 228-foot suspension bridge that spans an 80-foot chasm and provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding North Carolina mountains. While you're in town, you can also enjoy nearby hiking trails and wildlife habitats at the .

Landscape with petrified wood in Petrified Forest National Park.
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Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona

Known as the "Rainbow Forest," Arizona's is full of colorful petrified wood fossilized over 200 million years ago. Preserved in time, the site is home to a whopping 600 archaeological sites.

Room interior at Winterthur Museum.
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Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library in Winterthur, Delaware

Originally the home of horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont, Delaware's is now one of America's foremost decorative art museums, displaying nearly 90,000 objects made or used in the country since 1640. It's also a botanical draw, featuring a 60-acre garden designed by du Pont himself that shows off colorful displays throughout the year.

People walking through narrow passageway at Antelope Canyon.
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Drive through Antelope Canyon in Page, Arizona

Although the town of Page, Arizona, is located five hours from major cities like Las Vegas and Phoenix, the natural splendor of more than makes up for the trip. Visitors can tour the Slot Canyon formation's beautiful red and golden-hued, famously narrow turns.

Tourists at Mendenhall Glacier viewpoint.
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Mendenhall Glacier waterfalls and icebergs in Juneau, Alaska

is one of Southeast Alaska's grandest glaciers, punctuated by waterfalls, icebergs, and lush forests that make it a world-class nature trip. Nearby, guests can also check out an in Mendenhall Valley, flipped upside down by a disgruntled landscaper named Steve in 1985.

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