Hidden America: 10 Breathtaking Places to Visit Instead of Tourist Traps

Setting a foot in a new place

Accompanied by the steady rhythm of your boots against a rugged mountain trail, you’re ascending higher and higher with every step. Excitement is mounting as you near a lovely clearance where the entire world will soon unfold beneath your eyes. There you are, standing on the top of the world. Your breath returns to normal as you rhythmically take in crystal-clear alpine air enriched with the scent of pine.

Distant snow-covered peaks, rolling valleys, and rivers meandering through the landscape make an eye-pleasing scenery. Immersing yourself in the serenity of the wild, you feel alive. No noise, no distractions.

Even the thump of your hiking boots is no longer your obedient companion. You are just standing in one spot, petrified and unable to move. You cannot simply withdraw from the irresistible, awe-inspiring magic of the Earth that unfolds before your eyes.

Embracing the hidden gems of American

Get ready to discover the hidden gems of the Earth – check the list of America's 10 breathtaking places that aren't mainstream destinations. Unlock the bliss of pure nature as you explore the untamed beauty of a hidden natural retreat.

• Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Stargazing and marble caves

Let’s hit the road to Nevada, the pearl of mesmerizing natural wonders. Great Basin Natural Park is one of its gems. It’s a perfect place for those who covet picturesque landscapes, solitude, and stargazing. You will have all these amenities without noisy crowns scuttering a solitary person’s plans.

Leave the Grand Canyon to the rest of the world. At the Great Basin, you will find pristine nature not less, if not even more, mesmerizing. It stretches from caves to cosmos. You will wander through mysterious subterranean passages and explore caves by day. Once the scarlet shafts of sunset yield to pitch darkness, you can set up your folding recliner. After lying down and resting your head on a cozy pillow, you are all set to bask in the darkest night skies.

Source: nps.gov

Why choose the Great Basin over the Great Canyon?

• Compared to a more popular destination, the Grand Canyon, the Great Basin doesn't have that many visitors at any given time. It feels like a well-hidden gem, offering you the perfect serenity of a natural escape.
• Unlock the unspoiled outdoor experience by exploring bristlecone pines, alpine lakes, and more amenities of nature.

Lifehacks to make your Great Basin Trip unforgettable

• Book Lehman Caves well in advance. Being one of the most attractive spots in the park, these marble caverns fill up in a heartbeat. You can reserve your tour anytime at the National Park Service website;
• Unparalleled stargazing demands more than the naked eye. Bring a binocular or telescope to enjoy the clearest starlight scenery in the country;
• Visit the park around the new moon. The jaw-dropping panoramas of the Milky Way unfold during that time.
• Get clad in clothes. Even during the hottest days of summer, temperatures noticeably drop. Sometimes it feels freezing. Layer up, especially if you intend to ascend above 10,000 feet.
• Stock up on groceries if you consider camping. The closest town to replenish your grocery supplies is Baker, NV.

The best time to visit the Great Basin

• Summer – pleasant warm temperatures allow for hiking at higher elevations;
• Winter – the landscape gets wrapped in a snow blanket for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

What’s the best way to reach the Great Basin?

You may want to earmark a few days to partake in the solitude of the Great Basin's wilderness. Swing by Kayak to arrange your adventure – a safe flight, a comfy vehicle to drive, and a cozy place to stay. Renting a car is a must-have. The closest airport is in Salt Lake City. It takes a 4-hour drive to reach the park.  

• Cumberland Island, Georgia

Oak-shaded trails and untouched beaches

Finding a pristine crescent of unspoiled sands is quite a challenge in a world urbanized at a neck-breaking pace. Yet Cumberland Island is home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.

Source: exploregeorgia.org

Why choose Cumberland Island over Miami Beach?

• Accessible only by ferry or a private boat, the island is an off-grid paradise. It's a natural escape for those who covet the tranquility of wild nature absent noisy crowds.
• Compared to Miami Beach packed with partygoers and commercialized experiences, Cumberland Island offers secluded beaches as they were shaped by Mother Nature millions of years ago.
• Hit the sea to Cumberland Island for solitude and peace, leaving the chaos and hustle of the world behind.

Lifehacks to make your Cumberland Island trip unforgettable

• Carry everything you need on you. There are no grocery stores or restaurants on the island. Stock up on food, water, and other essentials before heading for this secluded place.
• Learn to ride a bike if you haven’t done it yet for whatever reason. The island is 17 miles long. To explore all the remote beaches and hidden gems of the island in one day, you will need to rent a bike.
• Hit the north for ultimate solitude. While most visitors head south, you ought to amble the opposite way, to the north. You will find pristine beaches with no one around there.
• Don’t you have a boat? – Book a spot on the earliest ferry. Leaving at 9 AM, the earliest ferry will give you the most time to explore the place before the last ferry leaves the shore at the end of the day.

Best time to visit Cumberland Island

• Summer – it’s a perfect time to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy other beach activities;
• Spring – blooming wildflowers and almost no pesky bugs make a stay on the island pure bliss.

What’s the best way to reach Cumberland Island?

Reserve a round trip at Travala. Jacksonville International Airport is only 45 minutes south of the ferry dock. You ought to rent a car as well to reach St. Marys, the gateway town to your adventure destination. You will park at Cumberland Island Visitor Center before catching a ferry.

• Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Source: nps.gov

Sea caves and kayaking

Cozily nestled on Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands indulge travelers in sea caves, kayaking, and pristine nature.

Why choose the Apostle Islands over Niagara Falls?

• Unspoiled amenities of nature – no commercialized urban infrastructure, and no overcrowding. Your eye will touch the beauty of untouched nature only – beaches and forests as they have been for millions of years;
• Niagara Falls is for viewing – Apostle Islands encourages adventure. You can go on a kayaking adventure, hike in forests, and stargaze.

Lifehacks to make your trip to the Apostle Islands unforgettable

• Layer up – temperatures may drop below teeth-chattering point even in summer;
• Camp on Sand, Rock, and Stockton Islands to stargaze and enjoy the wilderness overnight;
• Move out at dawn or later in the day for Instagram-friendly photos. Sea caves glow beautifully at sunset and sunrise;
• Book your summer adventure in advance – reserve ferry, cruise, kayak tours, and more activities ahead of time.

The best time to visit the Apostle Islands

• Unlock winter magic – Apostle Islands unfold its hidden beauty in winter, allowing you the excitement of exploring frozen sea caves. Niagara Falls, on the contrary, falls invariably in summer and winter, winter and summer.
• Summer is best for hiking, boat tours, camping and kayaking;
• Fall dyes the islands in gold, red, and orange. Crisp fall air scares away crowds as well.  

What’s the best way to reach the Apostle Islands?

The nearest airport to fly to is Duluth International Airport (DLH). At booking.com, you can book a flight and rent a car too – you will spend 1.5 hours driving to the gateway town to Apostle Islands – Bayfield, Wisconsin.

• Marfa, Texas

Source: thegetaway.com

Minimalist art and glowing orbs

Though seeming to be a peripheral tourist destination, Marfa attracts art lovers worldwide. The town has become known for its minimalist art attractions and mysterious glowing lights.

Why choose Marfa over Los Angeles?

• Marfa is a masterpiece of art. Compared to Los Angeles where art locations are scattered amidst the chaos of a big city, Marfa is a quiet, secluded desert town that feels like a living art installation. Roam the streets of Marfa to see and feel nature, art, and solitude merge.
• Los Angeles is commercialized, overcrowded, and noisy. Marfa is serene. Unlock the tranquility of a small-town life where you will find uninterrupted, deep artistic immersion.

Lifehacks to make your trip to Marfa unforgettable

• Cash some portion of your checking account. Many vendors and places in Marfa accept only cash.
• Drop by Prada Marfa Installation. It's about 30 minutes outside Marfa on Highway 90. The best time to visit is at sunset or sunrise. It looks enigmatic in the golden light.
• Don’t miss Marfa’s founder Donald Judd’s Art Installations. Feast your eyes on famous minimalist sculptures in an old military base in the Chinati Foundation.
• Make room to visit the Marfa Lights Viewing Area. Swinging by there at night, you may get lucky to spectate the magic of eerie glowing orbs in the desert.

Best time to visit Marfa

• Summer is scorchingly hot, but you will like the extra dramatic appearance Marfa’s landscapes take on;
• Spring offers cooler, milder weather conditions perfect for stargazing and hiking;
• In winter, Marfa is at its quietest and chilliest. Visit the price if you covet a solitary way to explore Marfa’s amenities.

What’s the best way to reach Marfa?

Tucked away in West Texas, Marfa is a remote desert town. In other words, you need to rent a car. Fly to one of the closest airports in El Paso, TX, Midland/Odessa, TX. Rent a car at Turo and schedule a pick-up time that matches your arrival at a chosen airport. Enjoy your 3-hour drive as you savor picturesque views of a desert landscape.

• Channel Islands, California

Source: nps.gov

Tropical vibes and unspoiled nature

Setting foot on Channel Islands, you form a bond with pristine, untouched nature. Explore this pearl of the Earth, immersing yourself in unique wildlife.

Why choose the Channel Islands over Hawaii?

• There is nothing to remind you of the modern, heavily urbanized world. Amble untouched landscapes, seeing no hotels, cars, or commercial objects.
• No signs of urbanization mean you can look up and savor what you see. There will be no artificial lighting to scupper your plans to stargaze.
• High rugged landscapes for picturesque views. Set off on a thrilling adventure to see naked nature as the Universe made it a long time ago.
• No human impact is an inapprehensible gift. Roam the islands to see their diverse fauna, from island foxes to giant kings of the sea – whales.

Lifehacks to make your trip to the Channel Islands unforgettable

• Bring or rent a kayak. There is no better way to explore the coastline than by kayaking.
• Pitch a camp to stay at least one night. The absence of light pollution creates an ideal setting for nightlong stargazing.
• Hike day in and day out. Don’t overlook Smuggler’s Cove Trail at Santa Cruse to have stunning coastal vistas come into view. Wonder Torrey Pines Forest at Santa Rosa to feast your eyes on rare pine species you will find nowhere else in the world.
• Pack water, food, and everything you need. There are no grocery stores or services on the islands. You will drink and eat only what you carry in your backpack.

Best time to visit the Channel Islands

• Summer paves the way for snorkeling and kayaking;
• Spring offers a fascinating vista of hills and slopes blooming with vibrant wildflowers;
• Fall is a pleasant time for wildlife viewing and hiking due to mild weather and high wildlife activity;
• Winter marks a gray whale migration season. Watch the kings of the sea breach and roam close to the shoreline.

What's the best way to reach the Channel Islands?

You can reach Channel Islands National Park by plane or boat. Departing from Ventura and Oxnard harbors, the Island Packers ferry is the most cost-effective and convenient option. You can reach Ventura Harbor from Los Angeles (a 1.5-hour drive) or Santa Barbara (a 40-minute drive). Rent a car at Hertz to supply your trip with a reliable vehicle.   

• White Sands National Park, New Mexico

Source: nps.gov

Sledding and awe-inspiring landscapes

What may look like massive sand dunes at a distance are glistening white sands once you come up to take a close look. Towering the terrains of Tularosa Basin, the white sands of New Mexico are among the world’s greatest wonders.

Why choose White Sands National Park over Death Valley?

• Long story short, White Sands is playful and soft, while Death Valley is inhospitable and uninhabitable.
• Cool, soft gypsum white sands allow for year-round sledding. There is no way you can sled down a rugged rocky terrain in scorching hot weather conditions that are common for Death Valley.
• Ambling shite sand dunes feel effortless. You can take Instagram-friendly photos. Death Valley lives up to its notorious name. It’s more about survival than traveling. The place challenges you to endure the unbearable heat every single second you spend there.
• Shite Sands National Park is less crowded and takes it easy on your body.

Lifehacks to making your trip to White Sands National Park unforgettable

• There are white sand dunes that look like ice cream balls. And you cannot fight the temptation to sled them. Grab a plastic sled on your way to the park or rent one at a visitor center. You can have the most exciting sledding experience near Alkali Flat Trail and Interdune Boardwalk.
• The most stunning views show themselves as you hike the Alkali Flat Trail.
• The sand dunes that are white by day turn golden pick by night. Amble the place at full moon or at sunset.
• If you aren’t prepared to walk for miles, go on a 16-mile round trip. Your vehicle will effortlessly take you through the beating heart of the dunes.  

The best time to visit White Sands National Park

• Summer – there is no better time for feasting your eyes on starry nights and scarlet shafts of sunsets;
• Spring – hike the sand dunes and sled with comfort;
• Fall – dunes glow mesmerizingly at sunset and sunrise;
• Winter – cooler hikes feel even more delightful as you enjoy your moments of solitude. Dunes take on a surreal appearance in a soft winter light

What’s the best way to reach White Sands National Park?

You will need an aircraft and a car. You can book both at Kayak. Take a flight to El Paso International Airport. After leaving the terminal, get behind the wheel of your rented car and hit Highway 70 for a 1.5-hour drive to the park.

• North Cascades National Park, Washington

Source: nps.gov

Glacier views, wild trails, and mountain solitude

North Cascades National Park is home to untouched nature. It’s a time machine that you can hop in and travel millions of years back in time. Become a solitary figure that roams the park, savoring vistas of alpine peaks and glaciers.

Why choose North Cascades National Park over Yellowstone?

• North Cascades are more pristine and remote. Yellowstone is overcrowded, especially in summer.
• Wild tracks pave the way for seclusion. They challenged you to take on more rugged hikes.
• The absence of urbanization and any other signs of civilization amplifies the dramatic mountain scenery.

Lifehacks to making your trip to North Cascades National Park unforgettable

• You wouldn’t believe it, but Maldive-grade turquoise waters can be found elsewhere than at a five-star coastal holiday resort. Diablo Lake will feast your eyes with awe-inspiring blue waters that enhance surreal vibrancy at midday.
• Hit a 7.2-mile Maple Pass loop to unveil views of peaks and lakes that will make you hold your breath.
• Rent a kayak or canoe at Ross Lake Resort to row to secluded valleys wedged between towering mountains.
• Feast your eyes on views of jagged peaks and glaciers as you hike to Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm.

Best time to visit North Cascades National Park

• Summer is ideal for hiking, camping, and backpacking;
• Spring dyes the terrains in colorways of blooming wildflowers. Melting snow adds volume to waterfalls and irrigates lush green valleys;
• Winter paves the way for backcountry snowshoeing and skiing;
• Fall turns the landscape into a colorful dreamscape. It’s a perfect time for solitary exploration.

What’s the best way to reach North Cascades National Park?

The best way to reach the park is by driving 120 miles to the northeast of Seattle. Spot by Booking.com to book a flight to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Then rent a car to enjoy a 2-3-hour drive to the park.

• Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Stunning caves and breathtaking waterfalls

Hocking Hills State Park takes pride in hemlock-shaded gorges, mesmerizing waterfalls, and towering cliffs. Things you can do and sights you can see there vary from tranquil river floats to hiking trails, rock formations, and recess caves.

Source: ohiodnr.gov

Why choose Hocking Hills State Park over the Great Smoky Mountains?

• Roaming Hocking Hills feels effortless and rejuvenating. Secluded trails and fewer crowds allow for a more intimate hike.
• Easier trails are more family-friendly.
• Shorter drivetime – the park’s location is more comfortable in relation to major cities.

Lifehacks to making your trip to Hocking Hills State Park unforgettable

• Visit on weekdays or before 9 AM on weekends to avoid crowds.
• Don’t miss the pearls of the park – Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, Ash Cave, and Rock House.
• At Booking.com, you will find a cozy secluded cabin or treehouse for an unforgettable stay in the park. Look for cabins with hot tubs – running yourself a hot bath is second to none after a day-long hike.
• No light pollution paves the way for stargazing. In just a 10-minute drive from the park, you will reach John Glenn Astronomy Park. Visit the place to look up and discover one of the darkest skies in the world.
• Invest in high-end hiking boots. Most trails lie through boggy and muddy terrains. Trail sections close to waterfalls are the dampest and most slippery. Make sure you have good traction to feel confident in every step.

The best time to visit Hocking Hills State Park

• Summer will make you appreciate the coolness of caves, shaded trails, and waterfalls. It’s the best time for hiking.
• Spring breathes vibrancy into the landscape as blooming flowers bring the park to light.
• Fall dyes vegetation into stunning autumn colors. Red and golden foliage makes waterfalls and trails look surreal.
• Winter freezes the time. You can feast your eyes on frozen waterfalls. It’s the time for the ultimate solitary experience – enjoy fewer crowds and peaceful trails.

What’s the best way to reach Hocking Hills State Park?

Fly into John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Rent a car to drive for about 1 hour to the park via US-33 E to OH-664 S.

• Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Rugged geologic formations and mixed-grass prairies

The vastness of Badlands National Park reminds us, human beings, how small we are in relation to the universe. Wherever you look, you will see wide open spaces that stretch far beyond the horizon. Embrace the freedom as you explore the rugged beauty of colorful rock formations.

Source: nps.gov

Why choose Badlands National Park over Zion National Park?

• Badlands is less crowded and more peaceful than Zion National Park.
• There is no need for permits and shuttles.
• The landscape is friendly for scenic drives and road trips.

Lifehacks to making your trip to Badlands National Park unforgettable.

• Explore on a list. Don’t miss must-see spots – Door Trail, Window Trail, Big Badlands Overlook, and more.
• Wildlife watching requires more than your naked eye – bring binoculars to watch bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and more inhabitants roam their habitat.
• Little to no light pollution paves the way for stargazing – camp at Sage Creek Campground and Cedar Pass Campground.
• Brace for whimsical weather. It’s hot by day and cold by night. A thunderstorm may come like a bolt from the blue. 

Best time to visit Badlands National Park.

• Summer gives way to stunning views at sunset and sunrise. The sky is clear by night, making it perfect for stargazing.
• In Spring, wildlife intensifies. You have a good chance to see baby bison exploring surreal landscapes scatted with blooming wildflowers.
• Fall marks the peak of wildlife activity. Fewer crowds play an important role in it as well.
• Winter wraps rugged rocked formations in a snowy canopy, making them take on a surreal appeal.

What’s the best way to reach Badlands National Park?

The first stage of your trip involves air travel. Book a flight to Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP). Rent a car for a 1-hour drive to the park. You will savor majestic views on your way to your rendezvous with ancient, rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife inhabiting them.

• Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

Untamed and mystical

Towering over the vastness of the prairie surrounding the Black Hills, Devil’s Tower seems to be reaching the blue canopy of the sky. This 867-foot unique geologic wonder reminds us of the sheer greatness of the Earth and Universe. Visit the place to explore the fascinating geology of Devil's Tower and the wildlife – furry, prickly, and scaly dwellers –  inhabiting surrounding terrains.

Source: unsplash.com

Why choose the Devil’s Tower over Mount Rushmore?

• Devil’s Tower is a sacred Native American site. It’s been preserved to look and feel the way nature created this wonder of Earth millions of years ago. The place is peaceful and remote – it’s a perfect combination to enjoy your moments of solitude.
• At Mount Rushmore, you can’t go climbing. Devil’s Tower welcomes hikers and climbers from all walks of life.
• No artificial lighting paves the way for hypnotizing night skies and stargazing.

Lifehacks to making your trip to Devil’s Tower unforgettable.

• Set off for the park at dawn and make sure you stay there to greet the dusk. The scarlet shafts of sunset and sunrise embellish the tower with an orange-red glow.
• Hit the 1.3-mile paved Tower Trail loop that snakes around the root of the tower. This will be an easy hike to explore eye-catching rock formations and, if you get lucky, catch sight of some of the tower’s fauna – prairie dogs.
• Stay overnight. Devil’s Tower is far enough from civilization to please your eye with one of the darkest skies in the world. Savor an incredible stargazing session.
• Challenge yourself with an epic hike. You can hire a local guide for assistance in climbing the tower.

Best time to visit Devil’s Tower.

• Summer marks the time for hiking and rock festivals. Thunderstorms aren’t shy to come like a bolt from the blue and please your eye with epic lighting views.
• Spring breathes life into the landscape, dying it in green and colorways of wildflowers. Wildlife becomes active in Spring – deer, bison, prairie dogs, and more creatures come into a human explorer’s view more often.
• In the Fall, you can have the whole tower for yourself – fewer tourists mind the crisp autumn air. Feast your eyes on colorful autumn foliage.

What’s the best way to reach Devil’s Tower?

The fastest way to reach the tower is by car from Gillette-Cambell County Airport (GCC). Drop by Hertz to rent a vehicle to enjoy a view-gazing 1-hour drive from the airport to Devil’s Tower.

The bottom line

Setting foot in a new place, you will unlock the vibe of adventure and discovery. Whether it's the crisp air of a mountain peak or a soothing murmur of ocean waves, you will embrace the rejuvenating beauty of nature, experiencing life in its purest form.

Prepare to embrace the thrill of exploring unknown places – book a flight and accommodation and rent a car to kickstart your soul-reaching journey. Explore the hidden gems of America and share your travel experience in the comments section below. Let’s inspire each other to set off for a new adventure that blends wonder and self-discovery at every turn.