Lesser-known but equally amazing travel destinations worth exploring in the U.S.

When people think of visiting the U.S., famous attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon or the iconic skylines of major cities like Chicago, New York, Las Vegas or Seattle are probably the first things that come to mind. That’s why these places are packed with tourists from all over the world all year round. 

But you would be naïve to think that’s all there is to see in the U.S. The country covers a huge area of approximately 9.8 million square kilometers (3.7 million miles), which means there are tons of wonderful places that many people, U.S. citizens included, have never visited or don’t even know existed. As interesting as the attractions mentioned above might be, there’s no reason for everyone to flock to the same handful of popular tourist destinations when the U.S. has so many hidden gems scattered across its vast surface waiting to be discovered.   

Big cities like New York are extremely crowded and even if there are plenty of solutions and services that can make your visit go smoother, from finding affordable accommodation to booking JFK parking, you might end up feeling disappointed by these famous locations.  

So, if you want to avoid common tourist traps and want to explore amazing places in the U.S. that are not swamped by visitors just yet, you’re going to love these off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

Glacier National Park, Montana 

National Parks are always a great idea if you have a penchant for offbeat travel and want to escape the crowds, and the U.S. just happens to have no fewer than 423 sites in its National Park System and a total of 63 National Parks, meaning you have plenty of options to choose from. 

However, some Parks are definitely more popular than others, so if you want to visit less-explored territories, Glacier National Park in Montana won’t disappoint. This 1,583 square miles wilderness area located in Montana's Rocky Mountains encompasses lush forests, alpine meadows, glacier-carved valleys, beautiful lakes and more than 700 miles of picturesque hiking trails for you to explore. With so much land to cover, chances are you won’t meet a soul during your journey, so you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and enjoy your outdoor adventures to the fullest. 

Rock City, Georgia 

For those who have never heard of this attraction, which is probably quite a large demographic, we need to clarify that Rock City is not an urban settlement like the name might have one believe, but a 200-million-years-old stunning natural rock formation located six miles from downtown Chattanooga, on top of Lookout Mountain.

So, what exactly makes this place so special? Well, it’s more than a mass of rock you’re going to discover here. The 4100-foot walking trail that winds through the rocky terrain in Rock City gives you the opportunity to discover beautiful gardens, an impressive 90-foot waterfall and amazing panoramic views of seven states. 

Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico

Acoma Pueblo or Sky City as it’s often called is a Native American settlement located approximately 60 miles west of Albuquerque, and is considered the oldest continually inhabited community in North America, with a history dating back 2,000 years when the Acoma people first came to the region. 

Despite its historical and cultural significance, it often goes under tourists’ radar. This means zero crowds and plenty of room to roam around this peculiar pueblo that sits atop an astonishing 376-foot-tall mesa surrounded by breathtaking views. From the fascinating stories of the local native communities to the adobe brick buildings that offer an excellent example of classic Puebloan architecture, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. 

St. Augustine, Florida

Since we’re talking ancient establishments, you might also want to include St. Augustine on your travel bucket list, especially if you’re a history buff. Now, St. Augustine may not be as old as Acoma Pueblo, but it is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement of European and African-American origin in the U.S., being founded in 1565.  

So, for those who still believe that the U.S. is a newly developed country that lacks history, this fascinating city proves otherwise, as you’ll come to discover while wandering around its cobblestone streets and visiting its numerous historical landmarks. 

Cody, Wyoming

Wyoming is a gold mine when it comes to remote destinations, and the Yellowstone National Park is probably the most relevant example in this respect. But since you want to go against the current of tourists, you might want to leave Yellowstone for another time and head to Cody instead. 

This little town in northwest Wyoming is the hometown of “Buffalo Bill”, the legendary figure of the American Wild West. So, this is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Western history and learn about the region’s troubled past. If you’re traveling from afar, we suggest you book a flight, secure a parking spot at the airport with Parkos and get to Cody by plane if you don’t want to waste precious time on the road. 

The Wave, Arizona 

This spectacular sandstone formation in Arizona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. Southwest, so one might not think it doesn’t qualify for off-the-beaten-path explorations. 

However, there’s a reason why this visually stunning natural wonder is not crawling with tourists. Access to the Wave is limited by a lottery system in order to preserve the wilderness area. If you plan to visit it, you need to apply for a North Coyote Buttes permit. It’s also recommended to book a guided tour since the area is rather vast and this will make it easier for you to explore the best spots.  

The U.S. is home to many other remote and largely unknown destinations that can make for unforgettable adventures. So, don’t hesitate to look beyond the beaten path if you want to enjoy a truly memorable travel experience. 

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