Escape the Crowds and Discover America’s Best-Kept Secrets

Tired of fighting tourists at Yellowstone or the Statue of Liberty? From the mountains to the coast, the USA is packed with under-the-radar spots that offer jaw-dropping landscapes, rich culture and so much more — minus the crowds or price tags. From a desert oasis with shimmering, fluorescent dunes to a tiny island ruled by feral horses, these hidden gems are flying under the radar … for now. Maybe it’s time to pack your bags and escape before they go viral! 🌄✨

1. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Why Visit?

Home of North America’s tallest sand dunes (750 feet!) against a backdrop of snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s bit like the Sahara colliding with the Rockies.

Don’t Miss:

• ­Sandboarding down the dunes (rent equipment at Kristi Mountain Sports).

• Medano Creek — a seasonal “beach” ideal for splashing during the summer.

Local Secret: In the summer, go during a full moon for trippy night hikes.

2. Cumberland Island, Georgia

Why Visit?

A rugged barrier island where feral horses wander freely, and forested coastline spans 18 miles. They only allow 300 visitors per day!

Don’t Miss:

• Dungeness Ruins, the ghostly remains of a mansion from the Carnegie era.

• Plank roads from the 1800’s hidden in the maritime forest

Tip: For a real-deal escape, pitch beneath moss-draped oaks.

3. Marfa, Texas

Why Visit?

A small desert town where art collides with mystery. Known for the Prada Marfa sculpture and mysterious Marfa Lights (glowing orbs at night).

Don’t Miss:

Chinati Foundation — minimalist art installations on a former military base.

Stargazing at the McDonald Observatory.

Local Secret: Get a beer at the Lost Horse Saloon, a dive bar with live music.

4. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Why Visit?

Known as the “American Alps,” the park is home to more than 300 glaciers, turquoise lakes and no crowds (it’s the least-visited national park!).

Don’t Miss:

• Diablo Lake Overlook for its surreal blue-green waters.

• Maple Pass Loop, a bloom hike in summer and larch hike in fall.

Pro Tip: When you visit, stay in the nearby Wild West-themed town of Winthrop.

5. Door County, Wisconsin

Why Visit?

Cherry orchards, 300 miles of shoreline and picturesque fishing villages earn it “The Cape Cod of the Midwest” moniker.

Don’t Miss:

• Cana Island Lighthouse for sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

• Fish boils — a local tradition where chefs cook whitefish over open flames.

Local Secret: If you go in October, you’ll catch the Fall Festival, which is a shrine to the apple cider donut.

6. Bisbee, Arizona

Why Visit?

A funky artsy town nestled in the Mule Mountains. Once a copper mining town, now lined with galleries, vintage shops and ghost stories.

Don’t Miss:

• The Queen Mine Tour —  Descend 1,500 feet into an old mine shaft.

• Lavender Pit, a giant open-pit mine transformed into surreal landscape.

Pro Tip: Book a stay at The Shady Dell, a retro RV park with 1950s trailers.

7. The Palouse, Washington/Idaho

Why Visit?

Rolling verdant and golden hills that resemble a patchwork quilt. This is a photographic and road-trippers paradise.

Don’t Miss:

• Steptoe Butte for sunrise views over endless waves of farmland.

• Kamiak Butte’s flower-bedecked trails.

Local Secret:  We love June because those lentils and barley are green.

8. Block Island, Rhode Island

Why Visit?

Small New England gem with huge cliffs, 17 miles of beaches and 365 freshwater ponds (one for every day).

Don’t Miss:

• Mohegan Bluffs 150-foot-high cliffs with a staircase to a hidden beach

• Southeast Lighthouse, a candy-striped beacon built in 1875.

Pro Tip: Rent a moped for a quick tour of the island’s hidden coves.

9. The Wave, Arizona/Utah Border

Why Visit?

A dreamlike sandstone formation with swirling red-and-orange stripes. What sets this trail apart is that only 20 permits can be claimed per day through a lottery system.

Don’t Miss:

• Hiking the Wire Pass Trail to view ancient petroglyphs.

• Golden hour shoot of the otherworldly rock patterns.

Local Secret: Get your permits 4 months ahead of time or enter the last-minute lottery.

10. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Why Visit?

A carless island where horse-drawn buggies reign, and Victorian charm jostles with fudge shops.

Don’t Miss:

• Arch Rock, a natural limestone arch overlooking Lake Huron.

• Fort Mackinac, a restored 18th-century military outpost.

Pro Tip: Rent a bike and ride up and down the 8-mile shoreline trail.

Conclusion: Go Now—Before These Gems Become Crowded!

There’s still time, the destinations are still blissfully quiet, but they won’t be a secret for long. Whether you’re running with wild horses on a Georgia island or sandboarding down Colorado dunes, adventure is to be found off the beaten path. Tag us with your #HiddenGemsUSA pics — we’ll post our faves!