8 Great Hidden Gems for Vacations in the USA

Updated On October 6, 2023
A girl on a cliff

If you’ve already knocked off the American bucket list and visited such places as Yosemite and Times Square, it’s time to look for some other great places.

In fact, it can be pretty thrilling to find a visit to some of the great hidden gems.

One great thing about such places is that they are less crowded, pretty budget-friendly, and of course, more unique.

Usually, these places are absolutely cool and beautiful.

So, we’ve prepared for you the list of the top 8 hidden gems for travelers in the USA.

Rocky landscape
Rocky landscape

Hamilton Pool Preserve, Texas

Hamilton Pool Preserve is just an hour away from Austin.

This place has more of the Central America vibe than looking like deserted plains of Texas.

More than 1000 years ago there was an underground river and its dome collapsed.

As a result, there appeared an incredible limestone waterfall with a pool filled with turquoise water.

This hidden gem is a perfect destination for a relaxing picnic or an incredible afternoon swim.

It is better to visit this place after heavy rainfall as the water level is high.

Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool Preserve

Garden of the Gods, Colorado

Garden of the Gods is one of the most amazing National Natural Landmarks in the USA.

It is located in the central part of Colorado but it is not as popular as Rocky Mountain National Park.

You’ll for sure be impressed by 300-foot sandstone rocks with snowy peaks surrounded by lush evergreen forests.

This place is a great destination for any traveler even for not the most adventurous wanderer.

Just make sure to take a walk around the area and enjoy local views.

Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods

Supai, Arizona

Planning a trip to Arizona and looking for some destinations less crowded than Grand Canyon, you should consider visiting Supai.

This place is home to Havasupai that is the smallest tribe of Native Americans in the USA.

Also, it is the only place in the country where mules are used for mail delivery.

The place is rather isolated so you can get there only by mule, horse, helicopter or on foot.

However, it is absolutely worth it as there are some incredible waterfalls and pools surrounded by the starkly red canyons.

A church
A church

Traverse City, Michigan

Traverse City is a small town in the state of Michigan and one of the greatest hidden gems in the country.

Going there during the winter, you can enjoy skiing and sledding while during the fall you can enroll in one of the winery tours and visit cherry festivals and farmers markets during the summer.

Also, it is a great destination for any foody as there is a variety of delicious cuisines and dishes that are worth trying.

Vegetables
Vegetables

Seaside, Oregon

If you are going to visit the coastline of the Pacific Northwest, you should consider visiting Seaside.

This amazing, peaceful place is located in the North of the state of Oregon.

In fact, it is known as one of the greatest coastal vacation destinations in Oregon.

This place is rather small so you can enjoy exploring the town, walking and biking around the streets.

Also, you can rent a kayak and explore the surrounding areas.

Interesting car
Interesting car

Byodo-In Temple, Hawaii

Most people got to Hawaii to spend some relaxing time by the beach and enjoy local culture but there are only a few people that go there to visit the Buddhist temples.

Surrounded by a gorgeous green forest, the temple was established in 1986 in order to commemorate a 100-year Japanese settlement on the island.

In fact, the Byodo-in Temple is one of the places you for sure need to visit during your visit to Hawaii.

Byodo-In Temple
Byodo-In Temple

Lake Norman, North Carolina

Located not far from Charlotte, there is an incredibly beautiful town and one of the hidden gems of North Carolina.

In 1963 the Catawba River was dammed and as a result, the Lake Norman appeared.

Later, on the banks of this lake, some great community appeared.

During your visit there, you can enjoy fishing, canoeing, swimming, and water skiing.

The town itself will impress you with its unique vintage vibe with its retro cars, rustic cabins, great hotels, and amazing attractions.

Lake Norman
Lake Norman

Bodie Ghost Town, California

What can be even more hidden than a ghost town?

If you feel like visiting such a place, Bodie is exactly what you need.

It was a gold mining town that was started in the 19th century.

Due to the gold rush, its population increased significantly and reached 10,000 inhabitants.

However, today this place is absolutely deserted and all wooden buildings are vacant.

You can book a ghost walk tour and learn some local legends and stories while walking through the town.

An interesting house
An interesting house

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