Are we really alone in this galaxy? Is there life beyond Planet Earth? We won’t even try to answer those questions, and we certainly won’t judge you for wanting answers to questions about alleged extraterrestrial encounters.
When you’re ready to head out and investigate for yourself, check out these top UFO destinations across America. Some have become world-famous, while others have flown under the radar. Nonetheless, they all have their own uniquely ethereal charm.
1. Area 51, Nevada
Located some 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas, this U.S. Air Force facility remains highly classified, so much so that the CIA didn’t even publicly admit its existence until 2013. UFO believers insist this is due to the U.S. government’s alleged top-secret alien research here. While Area 51 remains very off-limits to civilians, you can take the SR 375 “Extraterrestrial Highway” to the alien-themed town of Rachel and soak up its otherworldly vibes.
2. Roswell, New Mexico
Even if you’re not a UFO enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of this unique High Plains town where a UFO allegedly crashed in 1947. The U.S. Military initially said they recovered a “flying disc.” Later, this allegedly turned into merely a “weather balloon.”
The U.S. government’s strange response fueled a flood of alien-centric conspiracy theories, and this phenomenon has since transformed Roswell into one of the world’s most famous epicenters of UFO tourism.
3. Kecksburg, Pennsylvania
On December 9, 1965, thousands across the U.S. and Canada reported a giant fireball shooting through the sky. An allegedly acorn-shaped object then landed in the woods outside the town of Kecksburg. Since then, this event has been attributed to everything from a meteor to a Soviet spacecraft to a top-secret U.S. Military project to… of course, aliens. To this day, locals throw a UFO Festival every July to commemorate the incident and support the volunteer fire department.
4. San Luis Valley, Colorado
For decades, Southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley has been the epicenter of some strange happenings, from the disappearance of Kristal Reisinger, which was investigated on the podcast Up and Vanished, to the bizarre cult Love Has Won, which spurred an eponymous 2023 HBO docuseries.
It’s also the scene of countless reports of UFO sightings, so much so that Judy Messoline built her own UFO Watchtower in 2000 to watch the mysterious night sky.
5. Hopkinsville, Kentucky
On August 21, 1955, a family stormed into the local police station and claimed that “little green men” attacked their home. They claimed they had to shoot about 15 two-foot-tall aliens to defend themselves, yet these “little green men” would reemerge and resume their attack. Police never found evidence to confirm the family’s claims, but locals continue to commemorate the incident with their Kelly Little Green Men Days Festival every August.
6. Joshua Tree, California
Joshua Tree is an extraordinary place. It’s named after perhaps the most iconic plant native to the Mojave Desert and the name of the famed Irish rock band U2’s 1987 album. Locals also consider this corner of the desert extra special because of the vast amount of UFO sightings reported here since the 1940s. Feel free to come for the strange night lights, then stay for the unique Joshua Tree National Park scenery and the vibrant local arts scene.
7. Marfa, Texas
Upon first sight, this West Texas town might seem like a quiet outpost near Big Bend National Park. But at night, the locals look up to catch the Marfa Lights. These apparently sourceless orangey-red spherical lights suddenly appear randomly and then race across the desert floor. Scientists have generally attributed this to car headlights, but UFO believers insist these lights really are out of this world.
8. Sedona, Arizona
Since the 1950s, people have been reporting UFO sightings in and around this stunningly beautiful Northern Arizona town. The place has since become a cherished haunt for New Age communities thanks to its vortexes, or swirling hubs of spiritual energy conducive to healing and enlightenment.
Some come here to partake in the alleged otherworldly gifts from beneficent aliens, while others come here to enjoy the magnificent red rocks and lovely local arts scene.
9. Pine Bush, New York
Tucked away in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley, the hamlet of Pine Bush has gradually gained a reputation as the Northeast’s premier UFO hotspot. Locals have come to celebrate this with their annual UFO Fair every April, which includes a parade, live music performances, and even a UFO pet costume contest. If aliens exist, we’re sure they appreciate Pine Bush’s warm welcome.
10. Vernal, Utah
Originally named for the Navajo legend of the malicious witches who disguise themselves as animals, the privately-owned Skinwalker Ranch near the town of Vernal has become notorious for alleged bigfoot-like creatures, mysterious magnetic fields, mutilated cattle, and (of course) UFO sightings. Though the ranch is not currently open to the public, you can assess the night sky at the nearby Dinosaur National Monument and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area.
11. Aurora, Texas
On April 17, 1897, residents of this tiny North Texas town reported a massive cigar-shaped aircraft crashing into a farm. A humanoid pilot was allegedly found dead inside, and he was later buried in the local cemetery. Though later investigations have occasionally cast doubt on this local UFO legend, the Texas Historical Commission nonetheless placed a historical marker outside the cemetery to commemorate this infamous incident.
12. Gulf Breeze, Florida
In November 1987, local contractor Ed Walters gave a series of photos to the Gulf Breeze Sentinel. He claimed these photos were proof of a UFO encounter “right out of a [Steven] Spielberg movie.”
A subsequent investigation by the Pensacola News Journal showed evidence suggesting Walters used a styrofoam model to stage the photos. Regardless of the veracity of Walters’ UFO claims, Gulf Breeze is a great place to enjoy some of the region’s most pristine beaches.