The Most Beautiful Hidden Vacation Spots In The US

The top US hidden vacation sites include small villages, beaches, and state parks in the wilderness. Keep reading to uncover the US’s coolest hidden paradises!

Are you sick of the same holiday spots? Want to unearth a hidden gem away from the crowds? Look no further! The US has some of the best vacation places you’ve never heard of.

In 2023, visit these hidden gems and hidden US vacation places, from off-the-beaten-path national and state parks to beautiful towns and secluded beaches.

How many of these US undervalued vacation locations have you visited? Leave a comment at the end of the article!

In no particular order, here we go:

1. Baxter State Park – Maine

Looking for unusual hiking vacations in the United States? Take a look at Baxter State Park in Northern Maine.

2. Leavenworth, Washington

Bavarian culture thrives in Leavenworth, Washington. Alpine lodges, pastel-colored buildings, and traditional beer halls make this mountain hamlet feel like the Bavarian Alps rather than the Pacific Northwest.

Leavenworth is known for hiking, biking, and climbing as well as its attractiveness. In summer, travellers visit this US secret paradise; in winter, skiers flock there. Leavenworth has some of the top US Christmas markets and celebrations.

Leavenworth is one of the finest unknown US vacation places due to its delicious German food and mountain charm.

3. Valley of Fire – Nevada

Fiery landscapes. Endless hiking trails, all check. Tourist crowds: no!

Valley of Fire State Park, an hour from Las Vegas, is a lesser-known US jewel. Its beautiful beauty, hiking, and camping are sometimes overlooked in favor of Arizona and Utah’s major attractions.

Valley of Fire should be a national park instead of a state park if it weren’t so close to Bryce, Zion, and the Grand Canyon. The beauty of this site is hard to describe, but here’s a taste.

4. Grand Teton National Park

Located in Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is one of the best hidden vacation spots in the US. It’s often overshadowed by nearby Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but it definitely deserves a spot in the limelight.

In the Tetons, excitement awaits. This park has over 300,000 acres of stunning mountains, alpine lakes, infinite hiking paths, and abundant animals. Hike through the mountains and admire what you see.

Grand Teton National Park visitors should stay in Jackson Hole or Teton Village. Both charming rustic villages represent Wyoming’s best. You’ll want to stay at one of these top US hidden gems!

5. Door County – Wisconsin

If you want to explore the Great Lakes, visit Door County. This charming Wisconsin county is a top family vacation spot year-round.

Winter in Door County is a cozy wonderland. The region blooms in spring and heats up in summer with sunshine and lake activities. Fall leaves are vibrant red, orange, and yellow, excellent for Instagram photos.

With its breathtaking shoreline, natural beauty, and many restaurant and shopping options, Door County has something for everyone. It’s crazy that it’s a top US secret holiday place for so long.

6. Stowe – Vermont

Little Austria, with  lots Vermont. Stowe, one of the best US hidden holiday locations, is that.

Stowe has spectacular mountain landscape for hiking, camping, and skiing. The Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the Von Trapp family, whose tale was depicted in The Sound of Music, combines Austrian architecture and Vermont scenery. I loved staying there and would recommend it to everyone who likes this Hollywood blockbuster.

Stowe’s Alchemist Brewery is known for its good beer, like Vermont. The Heady Topper, one of my favorite beers, is always worth a free pour at this small, family-run brewery. Nothing like a drink or two while taking in the mountain views.

Stowe is one of the best-kept US holiday locations, with snow-capped mountains and Austrian-style lodges. It has some of New England’s top hikes.

7. Gatlinburg – Tennessee

Gatlinburg, near the Great Smoky Mountains’ gateway, is worth visiting in 2023. This family-friendly mountain hamlet in eastern Tennessee is one of the top US vacation places.

Outdoor enthusiasts will adore this small town’s landscape and adrenaline-pumping activities. Gatlinburg offers family-friendly activities like whitewater rafting, bicycling, horseback riding, and ziplining. It has 600 miles of hiking paths for walking and photographing the state’s most beautiful scenery. Pigeon Forge, another top US vacation spot, is close.

Take an elevator to the Gatlinburg Space Needle’s 360° observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of the town and mountains. You can also take a 2-mile cable car to Ober Gatlinburg, a major ski and amusement destination. This chilly complex offers indoor ice skating, water rides, and wildlife encounters.

Gatlinburg is a winter wonderland with tubing, snowboarding, and skiing. You’ll see the country’s rural heart regardless of when you arrive. No wonder it’s a top US hidden gem holiday location!

8. Blackwater Falls State Park – West Virginia

Want to climb waterfalls? State park has you covered. Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the undiscovered US vacation places because West Virginia is a hidden gem.

Blackwater Falls is the showpiece of Blackwater Falls State Park. One of the state’s top photography places is this 57-foot waterfall. Elaka Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook are among must-sees.

Outdoor enthusiasts visit Blackwater Falls State Park in summer for camping, biking, hiking, and fishing. The region also loves hunting and beautiful train journeys. One of the best secret US vacation places, it has many camping and hotel possibilities.

The longest East Coast sled run is one of the park’s most memorable winter attractions. From mid-December through February, guests can ride down a snow-capped mountain and enjoy Tucker County’s winter landscape. Over 10 miles of cross country skiing tracks are nearby, making it a family favorite.

Blackwater Falls State Park is one of the most underappreciated US tourism locations, offering watersports, snow sports, and sightseeing.

9. St. Augustine, Florida

American tourists visit Florida for its beaches, theme parks, and sunlight. They overlook St. Augustine, America’s oldest city, but its charm. It’s one of the best hidden vacation spots in the US and a romantic hideaway on Florida’s northeast coast.

The oldest continually occupied European settlement in North America is St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565. Spanish colonial buildings, parks, and museums line 144 historic blocks of this old town. St. Augustine’s 17th-century castle, horse-drawn carriages, and narrow cobblestone alleys nevertheless exude colonial elegance.

St. Augustine, albeit on the coast, is not your average beach town. A 50-minute drive from Jacksonville makes it a convenient weekend retreat from Florida’s largest metropolis. There are many cheap flights to FL that make this worthwhile.

How St. Augustine has been one of Florida’s best hidden jewels for so long will astonish you.

10. Half Moon Bay – California

Half Moon Bay is one of the best secret vacation places in the US, with its gorgeous shoreline and gentle slopes. Between California’s Golden Coast and the Santa Cruz Mountains, it overlooks the Pacific Ocean.

Horseback riding, biking, sunbathing, camping, and fishing are all fun at Half Moon Bay, California. HMB is an excellent holiday area for kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing. Any daredevils at home? The Mavericks is an annual surf contest when surfers face 60-foot waves!

You can stay at many beachfront houses, eat seafood, and enjoy the coastline vistas. Fortunately, it’s a year-round resort, so you may visit any month and enjoy the following activities. Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco, is one of the US’s best-kept secrets.

11. Estes Park – Colorado

A list of the finest secret US vacation locations wouldn’t be complete without Estes Park, Colorado.

Estes Park is a charming alpine village. At the base of Rocky Mountain National Park is untouched nature and some of the best hiking in the US.

In summer, visitors hike, bike, and horseback ride; in winter, they snowshoe and cross-country ski.

Elk and bald eagle sightings and city strolls are also popular. Estes Park has many Victorian-era buildings, notably the Stanley Hotel, which inspired The Shining.

Whether you like charming Western villages or wild environment, Estes Park is one of the most underrated US vacation spots.

12. The Berkshires – Massachusetts

This Western Massachusetts rural area has many family-friendly attractions, pure scenery, and farm-to-table restaurants. Add its proximity to Boston and New York, and you’ll wonder why it’s one of the greatest underappreciated US holiday places.

The Berkshires’ leading activities include sightseeing. Mount Greylock, Massachusetts’ tallest summit, offers views of five states on a clear day. In warm weather, kayaking, canoeing, and zip line are popular; in cold weather, skiing and snowboarding. The stunning foliage in October is another must-see.

The Norman Rockwell Museum, Hancock Shaker Village, and Mass MoCA are among the Berkshires’ unique museums. Miraval Berkshires, one of the coolest wellness resorts, is not to be missed.

For the whole Berkshires experience, sample its food. New England’s best farm-to-table dining is here. Comfort food from the fall harvest is unmatched!

Though popular with New Englanders, the Berkshires are one of the best-kept US vacation locations. It’s the perfect spot to unwind in nature.

13. Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Broken Bow has pine trees, wildlife, lakes, hiking trails, state parks, and more. This area has more log cabins and chalets per square mile than any other US outdoor attraction, including New England, the Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest.

Broken Bow is the ultimate family vacation spot, with fishing, kayaking, and canoeing during the day and log cabin rentals by the fire at night. You won’t want to miss this Oklahoma vacation location. One of the best US hidden gems—what more could you want?

14. Woodstock – Vermont

Add Woodstock on your trip list if you like historic villages with softly undulating hills. This Vermont town has unique farms and surroundings. And it won’t be as crowded as Stowe or Burlington.

Downtown eateries and boutiques are great. Vermont is known for farm-to-table food, but Woodstock elevates it. A short drive away is Quechee Gorge, another cool US vacation location. This is Vermont at its best!

The best time to visit Woodstock is early to mid-October for optimum fall foliage. From covered bridges and quaint farms to apple orchards and lush woodlands, Woodstock has it all. Visit to see why it’s one of the top US vacation places.

15. Jekyll Island – Georgia

A beautiful island called Jekyll Island situated off Georgia’s coast. It’s one of Georgia’s trendiest locations to visit and one of the US’s best hidden jewels due to its flawless nature and interesting history sans the crowds.

William Vanderbilt, J.P. Morgan, and William Rockefeller used Jekyll Island as a hideaway during the Gilded Age. The world’s richest and most exclusive club, the Jekyll Island Club, included these prominent persons.

Many homes remain intact after the island was ceded to Georgia as a state park after World War II. Jekyll Island Historic District shows how the other side lives. I call it the Newport of the South.

Jekyll Island, like Molokai, lacks traffic signals. Only 35% of the island is developed due to state-protected lands. This suits Jekyll Island’s laid-back culture. There are many beaches, but biking is a popular activity and way of transit along the 20 miles of bike routes.

Jekyll Island attracts travelers seeking raw nature, ancient architecture, and a unique blend of old and new.

16. The Finger Lakes – New York

The Finger Lakes region of New York deserves more recognition for its beautiful scenery and vineyards. It’s puzzling why it’s been one of the most underappreciated US tourism destinations for too long given its many attractions.

This gorgeous section of Upstate New York has 11 finger-shaped lakes, some over 30 miles long. Cayuga Lake is the longest Finger Lake, followed by Seneca. Keuka and Skaneateles Lakes are less-known yet worth visiting.

Each lake has lake mansions and wineries for miles. The lakes have more boat traffic than cars on the surrounding roadways. This is a peaceful vacation spot!

Must-sees include Watkins Glen, Buttermilk Falls State Park, and the Grand Canyon of the East.

TIP: Continue west from the Finger Lakes to Buffalo, New York, if time allows. It’s urban, but upstate New York has lots to see and do.

17. Devils Tower – Wyoming

Devils Tower is one of the west’s best-kept secrets in Wyoming, the least populous state. It was the first U.S. National Monument designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and holy to Native Americans.

One of the main activities is hiking. The Tower Trail is slightly over 2 miles roundtrip and offers beautiful views of the tower from all directions. Devils Tower National Monument has 8 km of trails.

Prior registration is required for technical rock climbing. The National Park Service reports that 1% of visitors climb Devils Tower.

Interesting, this rock tower is the only one in the entire world. It appears like a volcano, but experts disagree on its identity and formation. Devils Tower may have been produced by magma millions of years ago and pushed to the surface. It’s a fascinating natural phenomenon worth seeing, especially if you like hiking and climbing.

Devils Tower is one of the best hidden vacation places in the US, but Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park in South Dakota are also nearby.

18. Molokai – Hawaii

Molokai is one among the most secluded US destinations.

Molokai has no traffic signals, luxury resorts, or buildings taller than palm trees. Instead, you’ll encounter unspoilt scenery and a beautifully intact Hawaiian culture. Hawaii’s best-kept secret is Molokai, which is quite different from the rest of the island.

Molokai is famous for its culture. Hula, a 1,000-year-old sacred dance and chant, originated there.

Visitors come for real Hawaiian culture, but remain for magnificent scenery. The world’s highest sea cliffs, longest fringing reef, and most beautiful waterfalls and valleys are on Molokai. One of the best hidden paradises in the US, it features many unspoiled beaches.

Molokai isn’t for everyone. As one of the few Hawaiian islands without tourism, it fights to preserve its culture. If you want a tropical paradise with beach resorts and nightlife, travel to Maui or Oahu. Locals want visitors that want to learn about Molokai and experience it like a local. Molokai is for those who prefer rugged terrain and cultural immersion to contemporary amenities and luxurious resorts.

19. Asheville – North Carolina

This North Carolina vacation getaway is becoming one of the nation’s most popular for good reason! Asheville, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, combines urban style with natural beauty that will leave you wanting more.

The first thing about Asheville is its sensory overload. There’s always something new to discover, from the busy downtown with independent stores, art galleries, and excellent restaurants to the historic buildings and colorful street art. The city has flourishing arts and music communities, so you may catch live performances every week.

Don’t forget the magnificent outdoors! Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains have some of the best hiking paths in the country. You can choose a trail for experienced hikers or casual walkers. Ziplining, rock climbing, and horseback riding are available!

Picnicking, hiking, and sightseeing on the Blue Ridge Parkway make for a memorable drive. The parkway is home to waterfalls, meadows, and lookouts with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views.

Not to mention food! A foodie’s dream, Asheville is recognized for its farm-to-table food, craft beer, and local wines. Quality is always high, and there are various options for any taste and diet.

The nicest aspect is that Asheville is still unknown to many tourists despite its amazing attractions. Want an off-the-beaten-path place with culture, adventure, and great food? Asheville, North Carolina should be your top US vacation location.

20. Smith Rock State Park – Oregon

The Pacific Northwest has numerous secret sites, but this Oregon one sticks out.

Ever heard of Oregon’s 7 Wonders? Smith Rock State Park is one. This river canyon, the home of American rock climbing, is great for outdoor enthusiasts.

The geology of Smith Rock State Park is distinctive. The park’s pointed rocks tower above the valley like Gothic cathedral spires. Rivers cut over rugged mountains in beautiful scenery and numerous fauna. Beavers and otters beside the river and eagles and falcons in the air are common.

Though there are many difficult paths and climbing locations, you don’t need to be a climber to visit. The park offers trails for every difficulty level, so you may locate a lovely viewing location for your Instagram snap.

Smith Rock receives minimal rain, unlike Oregon’s spectacular coastline and much of the Pacific Northwest. More than 300 sunny days a year make mountaineering, golfing, paddle boarding, and more possible. If the weather is bad, there are lots of microbreweries to drink a craft beer.

Hikers and rock climbers will love one of America’s best-kept holiday locations.

21. Block Island – Rhode Island

Want an off-the-beaten-path northeast family vacation? Just look at Block Island.

Block Island is one of the top US hidden vacation places due to its lovely environment and Victorian charm. It has stunning clay cliffs, windswept beaches, antique lighthouses, and rural farms.

Block Island is a popular day excursion from Newport, but a weekend there will truly capture its rustic appeal.

Block Island, off Rhode Island, is astonishing that it has remained a US secret gem for so long. It has the charm of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket without the visitors. Besides electricity and a few cars, the island has altered little since the late-1800s.

The mainland and Block Island are accessible by plane and ferry, making day visits easy. However, overnight guests can enjoy sunrises and sunsets in peace. The island has no stoplights or foreign chains, so you’ll feel like you’re back in simpler times.

Block Island, one of the finest unknown US destinations, offers unique hiking, biking, shopping, and relaxing experiences. It represents Rhode Island’s best.

22. Solvang – California

Want your Europe fix in the US? Come to Solvang. Its wooden windmills, Danish bakeries, and Christmas village vibe make it the “Danish Capital of America”.

Visit Solvang’s beautiful shops and try traditional Scandinavian sweets. You can also visit many restaurants and museums, including one dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen. Why this is one of the top US vacation places is obvious.

Solvang lies in Central California’s Santa Ynez Valley, a prominent wine region. Santa Barbara and Los Angeles are nearby. After entering this charming village, you won’t want to leave!

23. Fredericksburg, Texas 

Texas says everything is bigger, and Fredericksburg is the complete package. Staying here will provide you the finest US vacation views ever!

This Central Texas town near Austin and San Antonio has beautiful views, great food, vineyards, and German-inspired architecture.

German roots give Fredericksburg its name. German immigration in the early 1800s made it a bustling town. They brought true German food, beer, and wine, which are now popular.

Use the live music scene, which rivals Austin. Explore Fredericksburg’s stunning lavender farms. Visit the Marktplatz and German churches. Fredericksburg’s charm and individuality make it one of the best off-the-beaten-path getaways in the US.

24. Mendenhall Glacier – Alaska

See a cool glacier up close? Mendenhall Glacier, a 13-mile glacier, has some of the country’s finest scenery. It’s just outside Juneau, Alaska’s capital and a US hidden gem.

The massive glacier draws visitors, but the waterfalls, lakes, and forests keep them. Bears are so common that hiking trails sometimes close.

Mendenhall Glacier is beautiful above but even more below. Kayaks can reach the turquoise-colored, crystal ice caverns.

Mendenhall Glacier should be on your 2023 bucket list if you like trekking and seeing icebergs and snow-capped mountains.

25. Moab – Utah

Moab, Utah is a hidden gem that should top your vacation bucket list! This desert oasis offers infinite exploration and thrill for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.

First, the scenery. The red rock arches of Arches National Park and the surreal vistas of Canyonlands National Park are among Moab’s most stunning natural attractions. If you’re a hiker or a tourist, these parks will captivate you. The best part? Explore them on foot, bike, or 4×4!

USA vacations in Moab are outdoor adventures. The Colorado River is great for white water rafting, kayaking, and SUP in Moab, not just the parks. Moab is one of the top paragliding places in the country, so you may fly above red rock canyons and enjoy the sights.

For adrenaline junkies, Moab is nirvana! Off-roading, rock climbing, and mountain biking are popular here, as elsewhere in Utah. Those feeling daring can even go hot air ballooning or skydiving!

Moab has many restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and outdoor gear shops. Stargazing tours in Moab’s dark sky will amaze night owls!