Unique & Unknown Places – It is equally amazing and sometimes intriguing to contemplate the possibilities of going to the more remote parts of the world as it can be for an actual planning of a trip, but equally as much there exist gorgeous, hidden gems to visit in the United States of America. That is probably the reason why we are unable to realize how beautiful our country is.
Tourists can pack their bags and head to any part of the world and appreciate what is there to offer, but there are hidden gems all over the United States that are as spectacular as the icons like New York City or Washington DC. Most interesting destinations not a lot of people know about across the United States of America.
Late in December, there are many holiday attractions that offer the visitors a variety of Services as they have them varied from campsites to luxurious hotels. Yes, you may not have heard of them, at least not in the same way that you have heard about other famous places in the US, but they can very well become your new favorite destinations.
Unique & Unknown Places to Visit in the US
1. Willamette National Forest, Oregon
This part of the United States is an exceptionally beautiful area to visit. Part of the Cascade Range, Willamette National Forest can be found in Blue River, Oregon. It’s a giant forest that stretches across 110 miles and occupies 1,675,407 acres.
In case you enjoy hiking go along rivers and find three waterfalls including the second tallest in Oregon. There are cool lava rocks on hiking trails that resemble those on the moon even used by NASA for training purposes.
The national forest has over 70 campsites for nature lovers. Also, this dry landscape has a rich historical background as well as over twelve conifer trees and over three hundred fish and wildlife species; some of which are either endangered or listed as threatened species. It’s a nice place to explore and get close to nature!
Where to Stay Near the Willamette National Forest
- Luxury Hotel: Atticus Hotel
- Mid-Range Hotel: River Song Cabin-Mckenzie Riverfront log cabin
- Budget Hotel: Best Western plus mill creek Inn
2.Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is an awesome hidden gem for a vacation in the US. It’s in Central and South Texas, making up the Southeastern part of the Edwards Plateau. Even though it’s not exactly in the Southwest, it kind of marks the border between different parts of the country.
In Hill Country, there are cool local restaurants like Der Lindenbaum and Redbud Cafe & Pub that people really love. And the best part? It’s close to San Antonio, so you can plan a fantastic family vacation.
This place also has miles of Lavender Fields and hosts a Lavender Festival in Blanco, where you can find Redbud. If you visit around the end of May, you might even get to pick your own peaches in the fields. Stargazing and gardening are popular activities here, and you can find plenty of Topaz, even in the dirt! In Hill Country, you can literally discover your own hidden gems.
Where to Stay in Hill Country
- Mid-Range Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Angelo
- Budget Hotel: Courtyard by Marriot San Antonio Downtown/Market Square
3. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is like a combo of four different awesome places in one, sand dunes, forests, creeks, and mountains. Can you think of anywhere else in the US that has so much cool stuff to see? The dunes here, some as big as mountains, almost look like they’re not real—they’re that amazing.
This Colorado park is perfect for outdoor fun, whether you’re into sand sledding, hiking, camping, swimming in Medano Creek, or 4WD adventures through the trails. And guess what? There are waterfalls and ranches nearby where you can stay. Picture yourself chilling on a ranch in Colorado and exploring some of the biggest rolling dunes you’ve ever seen.
You can hike through the park, take a dip in the creek under a waterfall, try sandboarding down a small dune, and gaze at the stars in the wide-open sky, all before heading back to your cozy ranch. Sounds like one of the coolest, underrated vacation spots to me!
Accommodations Near Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Luxury Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamosa
- Mid-Range Hotel: Great Sand Dunes Lodge
- Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa
4.Stowe, Vermont
When we think of Vermont, the image that usually comes to mind is one of a cold, snowy place that best suits lovers of skiing. But if you are like me and not so much into winter activities, Stowe is an amazing summer getaway.
Stowe in northern Vermont mountains has great trails for nature exploration, mountain scenes as well as cozy hamlets. These are some things you can do there, A Strange Place Known As Stowe Cider Where You Can Play And Have Some Ciders That Taste Great,A Walk Through The Woods To Sunset Rock Which Is Just Simple And Pleasant Ends With, A Viewpoint Overlooking Stowe Downtown And Surrounding Mountains.The Gold Brook Covered Bridge That Looks Lovely With Stories And Photography Worthy Spots.
Where to Stay Near Stowe, Vermont
- Luxury Hotel:The Lodge at Spruce Peak
- Mid-Range Hotel: Hob Knob Inn
- Budget Hotel:Goldilocks Cabin
5.Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Little Switzerland is hands down one of the coolest places to visit on the East Coast. This delightful mountain town sits 3,000 feet above sea level in the North Carolina mountains, and let me tell you, the views are absolutely breathtaking!
Sure, you could spend your day just chilling on a vacation rental deck and soaking in the scenery, but there are some amazing adventures waiting for you in Little Switzerland. Here are a few you should definitely check out Emerald Village, A bunch of 12 attractions related to gems, mining, and history (closed during winter).Grassy Creek Falls A big waterfall surrounded by nature trails,The DiamondBack Road: A curvy mountain highway that treats you to some incredible views.
Where to Stay Near Little Switzerland, North Carolina
- Luxury Hotel: switzerland Inn
- Mid-Range Hotel:Cozy Cabin: Peaceful Haven in the Heart of Nature
- Budget Hotel:Hidden Hollows Tiny House
6. Dewey Beach, Delaware
The very mention of “East Coast beach towns” brings to mind some famous names like Cape Cod and The Hamptons. It is surprising to know that Dewey Beach is also a charming little tourist destination that often gets overlooked. Dewey is an island let’s say, about a mile long and wide and can be reached by bridge by both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and by Assawoman Bay.
The uniqueness of Dewey Beach is that the beach is not only a great place to relax and go to for a serene state of mind, but also for food lovers. With Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Ocean City, Maryland right on one side of it, Dewey sets itself apart from the usually busy and laid-back beach towns as a calm and tranquil place.
Within just about 1/2 mile you can walk to all these restaurants, a concert venue, a tiki bar on the beach, and a famous brewery, and there are some super fantastic beaches too. Also, with everything to be found in the neighborhood, you will be in the position to have a busy day as well as a relaxed and unwinding one. Also Delaware offers view of no taxes, hence when you go out it can be a reason for your saving. While Dewey is a great place to visit if you just want to relax and flow with your hours, it’s up to you whether you want your day to be rather routine or unpredictable.
Where to Stay in Dewey Beach
- Luxury Hotel: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
- Mid-Range Hotel: Atlantic View Hotel
- Budget Hotel: Hotel Dewey
7. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
People usually associate my home state, Wisconsin, with beer, cheese curds, and state fairs. But Wisconsin has a lot more to offer!
Take the Apostle Islands, for example. This National Lakeshore consists of 28 islands in Lake Superior, just off the coast of Wisconsin. These islands provide opportunities for cliff diving, camping, kayaking, cave exploration, and visiting lighthouses. The scenery is breathtaking, and it’s hard to believe you’re on a big lake and not somewhere in the Caribbean. In the warm summer months, you can even hop on a water taxi, charter, or cruise around these magnificent islands.
The best part about this hidden gem is that it’s fantastic to visit both in the summer and winter. But for a completely different experience, you might want to wait for winter.
Don’t worry; winters in Wisconsin aren’t that harsh. And the cold is totally worth it because, in the winter, you can walk around the caves, usually filled with water. The wintertime turns these caves into a magical display of icicles!
Where to Stay in the Apostle Islands
- Luxury Hotel: Cobblestone Inn and Suites – Ashland
- Mid-Range Hotel: Quality Inn Ashland – Lake Superior
- Budget Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham Ashland
8. Camden, Maine
Camden is such a place, with a history and undeniable charm. The port bustles with sailboats, yachts and fishing boat tours. Going. It’s incredibly easy to jump aboard a boat and venture out into the Penobscot Bay.
If you ever want to feel like you’re in a scene from a movie Camden is the destination. Stroll through the town explore its eateries, trendy shops and quaint antique stores.
Camden truly shines as a treasure in the United States for a couple of reasons. Firstly the town boasts a history that dates back over 230 years. Many of the homes date to the century with the library standing as an impressive structure and the local Opera House showcasing stunning architecture.
Moreover Camden has emerged as a haven for chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Skilled culinary artists craft dishes using seafood and local produce at various restaurants throughout town. Notable dining spots include Peter Ott’s, on the Water, Marriner’s Restaurant and the aptly named Waterfront.
Where to Stay in Camden, Maine
- Luxury Hotel: 16 Bay View
- Mid-Range Hotel: Grand Harbor Inn
- Budget Hotel: Lord Camden Inn