When anyone talks about America’s most beautiful places, it’s easy to evoke images of world-famous destinations like the Hamptons, Aspen, and Malibu, where celebrities and top executives collect multi-million-dollar properties. Yet behind the front page and beyond the range of the paparazzi, the United States has plenty more incredible destinations for you to explore.
Discover these lesser-known spots across the U.S. that serve stunning top-tier views without a snooty A-List attitude.
1. Elko, Nevada
Seemingly hidden in the great expanse of Nevada’s Great Basin, Elko stands out from the Silver State’s more famous cities by embracing historic neighborhoods, Basque food and culture, and cowboy poetry. And only about a 20-minute drive out of town, visitors can ascend into the Ruby Mountains and explore Lamoille Canyon, perhaps the most ethereally beautiful corner of the state.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Tucked in the Straits of Mackinac where Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan, Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island lives up to its claim as “America’s all-natural theme park” with over 70 miles of trails, gorgeous beaches, picture-perfect natural features (like Arch Rock), and some of the best boating opportunities beyond the ocean coasts. Come for a stay at the historically luxurious Grand Hotel, and stay for the island’s incredibly delicious fudge.
3. Las Cruces, New Mexico
Though Las Cruces might not seem like a great outdoorsy city at first glance, it sits near some of the nation’s finest national parks and monuments, including the otherworldly dunes of White Sands National Park and the towering peaks of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. Meanwhile, you can hang around in town and explore Las Cruces’ burgeoning arts scene.
4. Block Island, Rhode Island
Located northeast of the Hamptons, Block Island offers a different kind of escape. You may not find celebrity parties here, but you will notice that some 40% of the island consists of protected natural spaces, making Block Island “the last great place” to explore the wild side of the southern New England coast. Visitors can enjoy 32 miles of trails and pristine beaches and check out the island’s art scene and local restaurants.
5. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai may be the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands, yet this “Garden Island” feels fresh and new with its pristine natural beauty. Kauai boasts everything from lush tropical rainforests to massive canyons and steep waterfalls. Some parts of the island are only reachable by sea or air, but visitors can reach Nā Pali Coast State Park and Waimea Canyon State Park to discover many of Kauai’s finest treasures.
6. Augusta, Georgia
Every April, golf fans worldwide descend upon Augusta for The Masters Tournament. Yet, during the rest of the year, travelers can escape the maddening crowds elsewhere and find a city that overflows in creative New Southern cuisine, cool rock ‘n’ roll history, and surprisingly beautiful wetland preserves. And yes, Augusta also has some great golf courses open to the public.
7. Tacoma, Washington
Seattle may be the larger and more famous Puget Sound metropolis, but Tacoma has its own quirky charm. Tacoma is closer to the world-famous Mount Rainier, and the city abounds in unique glass art (including works by hometown legend Dale Chihuly), rocking live music venues, cutting-edge restaurants, and an overall culture that celebrates artistic creativity.
8. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is nestled on Lake Champlain’s eastern shore and combines big-city sophistication with small-town cozy charm. Come for the many lakeside activities and the nearby Green Mountains, and stay for the freshest farm-to-table restaurants, the coolest local art galleries, and the most popping craft liquor and nightlife.
9. Astoria, Oregon
Look for where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean, and you will find the city of Astoria. Along the Pacific Coast, you can explore a historic military fort, a legendary shipwreck, and many miles of unspoiled beaches at Fort Stevens State Park. In town, you can enjoy a treasure trove of craft breweries, delectable restaurants, and locations popularized by the 1985 cult-classic film The Goonies.
10. Flagstaff, Arizona
The Grand Canyon may be Northern Arizona’s best-known attraction, but Flagstaff is the region’s beating urban heart.
Not only does Flagstaff offer plenty of fun and affordable lodging options for travelers who want to see the region’s national parks and monuments, but Flagstaff also has many of its own great features, including a network of trails leading into the picturesque Coconino National Forest and cool indie-rock vibes in the city’s historic downtown.
11. San Luis Obispo, California
While visitors to California’s Central Coast love the stunning scenery of Monterey, there’s plenty more to explore on the other side of Big Sur. From the breathtaking “million-dollar view” at Ragged Point to the laid-back surfer vibes of Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo (SLO) County’s beach towns have something for everyone. In addition, SLO County has some of California’s most dynamic and exciting wine regions, including Edna Valley and Paso Robles.
12. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
New Hampshire may be famous for its White Mountains, “Live Free or Die” motto, and first-in-the-nation presidential primary, but its Seacoast is full of hidden gems worth discovering. In particular, Portsmouth keeps the revolutionary spirit alive with a robust craft brewery scene, a variety of local visual and performing arts, and a collection of lovely beaches to enjoy.
13. Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali might be North America’s tallest peak. Yet, its national park offers ambitious travelers the perfect opportunity to escape the maddening crowds at America’s busier national parks and explore some six million acres of pristine wilderness, from low-elevation taiga (or boreal forest) to the highest mountain peaks.
14. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
Though Grand Staircase-Escalante may not be one of Utah’s famous “Mighty Five” national parks, this national monument on the southern end of the Beehive State offers over 1.8 million acres of mostly unspoiled high desert lands that offer refreshing streams and waterfalls, vast canyons, and a series of colorful plateaus that form the Grand Staircase between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
15. Black Hills, South Dakota
Rising from the northern Great Plains seemingly out of nowhere, the Black Hills (or Pahá Sápa in Lakota) are full of natural and historic treasures for visitors to admire and cherish. In addition to better-known offerings like Mount Rushmore and Sturgis, you can check out the awe-inspiring Crazy Horse Memorial, the wild beauty of Custer State Park, and the rustic “Old West” town of Deadwood that inspired the eponymous HBO TV show.
These Destinations May Be Lesser Known, but They Provide More Value for Travelers
The places listed above might not be America’s most well-known, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth visiting. Rather, these places offer a wide array of hidden gems that are just waiting to become your new favorite crown jewels.
Sometimes, the road less traveled really is the road most worth traversing. These stunning spots certainly go the distance to prove this adage true.