33 Best Hidden Vacation Spots in the US to Visit in 2024

This article compiles information from several sources to provide a comprehensive list of hidden vacation spots in the US for 2024. Note that some sources list more or fewer than 33 locations.

Hidden Gems Across the US

The following locations are highlighted across multiple sources as hidden gems in the US, offering unique experiences and escaping the typical tourist crowds:

West Coast:

• Stanley, Idaho: A small town offering access to Sawtooth National Forest, Sawtooth Lake, Stanley Lake, and hot springs. Ideal for hiking and relaxation.
• San Luis Obispo, California: Known as "The Happiest City in America," offering outdoor activities, cultural landmarks, and proximity to Paso Robles and Montaña de Oro.
• Sedona, Arizona: Famous for red rock landscapes, canyons, and vortex sites, ideal for hiking, stargazing, yoga, and meditation.
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii: A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering lava viewing, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
• Solvang, California: A Danish-themed town with unique architecture, wineries, bakeries, and restaurants.
• Kanab, Utah: A scenic outdoor hub with access to The Wave, Coyote Buttes, and other hiking trails.
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska: The largest national park in the US, featuring glaciers, hiking trails, and the Kennecott Mines.
• White Sands National Park, New Mexico: Home to the world’s largest gypsum dunefield, offering hiking, sandboarding, and unique scenery.
• North Bend, Washington: A relaxing town with hiking trails, the Snoqualmie Falls, and proximity to Twin Peaks filming locations.
• Lone Pine, California: A picturesque town offering access to Mount Whitney, Death Valley, and Alabama Hills.
• La Conner, Washington: A charming fishing town with antique shops, tulip fields, and scenic drives.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea, California: A fairytale seaside town with restaurants, art galleries, and proximity to hiking trails and attractions.
• Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon, Colorado: Picturesque mountain towns offering hiking, biking, and skiing.
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada: A secluded park with Lehman Caves, hiking trails, and Wheeler Peak.
• Channel Islands National Park, California: A group of islands offering kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
• Big Sky, Montana: A scenic mountain village with access to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
• Whitefish, Montana: A charming town near Glacier National Park, offering outdoor activities, restaurants, and breweries.
• Silver Falls State Park, Oregon: A park with ten waterfalls, offering hiking trails and camping.
• Redding, California: A town with access to Lassen Volcanic National Park, waterfalls, and Shasta Lake Caverns.

Midwest:

• Apostle Islands Ice Caves, Wisconsin: Ice caves accessible during winter months, offering unique scenery and winter activities.
• Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota: A forest with national parks, monuments, and historic sites, offering outdoor activities.
• Mackinac Island, Michigan: A car-free island with a state park, limestone formations, and boat tours.
• Badlands National Park, South Dakota: A park with jagged cliffs, rock formations, and hiking trails.

South:

• Texas Hill Country, Texas: A region with rivers, waterfalls, vineyards, and various towns offering outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
• Broken Bow, Oklahoma: A town by Broken Bow Lake, offering outdoor activities, cabins, and a local food scene.
• Big Bend National Park, Texas: A remote park with mountains, desert, river, and opportunities for birdwatching and stargazing.
• Jekyll Island, Georgia: An island with beaches, parks, and wildlife, offering various activities.
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: A park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic drives.
• Amelia Island, Florida: An island with beaches, parks, and historical sites, offering various activities.
• Chattanooga, Tennessee: A city offering outdoor activities, breweries, restaurants, and historical sites.
• Eastern Shore, Virginia: A region with diverse landscapes, wild ponies, and beaches.
• Bald Head Island, North Carolina: A car-free island with beaches, a lighthouse, and golf courses.
• Morgantown, West Virginia: An artsy college town with a food scene, outdoor activities, and historical sites.
• Matlacha & Pine Island, Florida: Barrier islands offering kayaking, fishing, shelling, and art galleries.

Northeast:

• Hudson Valley, New York: A region with farms, woods, parks, and historic mansions.
• Frederick, Maryland: A historic town with shops, restaurants, breweries, and Civil War sites.
• Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania: A forest with waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

Additional Locations from Other Sources:

Several other sources provide additional suggestions, including:

• WayToStay: Lists Mancos, Colorado; Fairhope, Alabama; Alamogordo, New Mexico; Florence, Oregon; Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas; Mendocino County, California; Medora, North Dakota; Finger Lakes Region, New York; Apostle Islands, Wisconsin; Ka’ū District, Hawaii; Stockbridge, Massachusetts; Eureka, Montana; Maysville, Kentucky; Block Island, Rhode Island; Sugar Hill, New Hampshire; Peru, Vermont; St. Augustine, Florida; Goldfield Ghost Town, Arizona; Ogden, Utah; Kodiak Island, Alaska; Bellingham, Washington; Williamsburg, Virginia; Mystic, Connecticut; Asbury Park, New Jersey; and Duluth, Minnesota. Many of these locations overlap with the list above.
• Pinterest: Offers a visual guide to hidden vacation spots, but lacks detailed descriptions.
• Travel + Leisure: Focuses on "America's Best Small Towns," highlighting specific towns categorized by beach, mountain, lake, desert, arts & culture, food & wine, spa & wellness, retirement, college, and shopping. These are not necessarily "hidden" but offer unique small-town experiences.

This combined information provides a diverse range of options for those seeking unique and less crowded vacation experiences across the United States. Remember to check individual location details, accessibility, and best times to visit for optimal enjoyment.