Looking for unique places to visit in the U.S. that go beyond the typical tourist stops?
After living in five states and visiting 46, I found that some of America’s most powerful landscapes aren’t the ones everyone talks about. They’re the quiet corners, remote trails, parks and towns where you can still feel like you’ve stumbled onto something rare.
When people think about exploring the U.S., they often head straight for the famous national parks and big-name landmarks.
But there’s so much more hiding beyond the crowds that can be excellent for a unique getaway in USA — deserts and mountains that feel untouched, canyons and valleys that are overlooked, and clean lakes and lush forests that stay quiet and wild, far from the usual tourist routes.
In this post, I’m sharing some of them, my favorite lesser-known unusual locations in America that left a permanent mark on me and that I believe will do the same for you!
Psst: If you are planning your own adventure, I also recommend checking out this book, one of my favorite resources for finding epic routes and lesser-known places across the U.S.
When I lived in USA, it inspired me to explore the country more. It’s full of routes, hidden stops, and unusual ideas. I also have in my collection this book about 100 parks.
My List of Unique U.S. Vacations So Beautiful You’ll Fall in Love With Them
1. Wind River Range, Wyoming
The Wind River Range is one of the most remote and least-visited major mountain ranges in the U.S., even though it rivals the Tetons and Colorado Rockies in beauty. Most tourists stick to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, leaving the Wind Rivers almost empty by comparison.
What makes this place unique is its size and wildness: it’s home to Wyoming’s highest peaks, over 2,300 lakes, and the largest glacier system in the American Rockies. The landscape here is dominated by sharp granite spires, deep alpine basins, and crystal-clear glacial lakes. Popular areas like Titcomb Lakes require long hikes to reach, which keeps casual tourists away and preserves the wilderness feel.
On the one hand, this area is a dream come true for experienced hikers and backpackers because you need to hike for a few days to reach some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in the lower 48 states. But everyone else who is not a hiker can enjoy the Wind Rivers too.
The nearby town of Pinedale offers cozy hotels, cabins, and lodges, making it easy to explore the edges of this wild landscape without going deep into the backcountry. Shorter, easier trails near Elkhart Park and Half Moon Lake allow for scenic walks surrounded by mountain beauty without intense elevation gain.
Fremont Lake, just outside Pinedale, offers boat tours and peaceful lakeside views – perfect for taking it slowly and just enjoying the scenery. Even a simple drive along the Scenic Byway 191 will give you unforgettable mountain vistas without needing to lace up your boots.
Where to Stay:
➡️ Base yourself in Pinedale. Lakeside Lodge Resort & Marina on Fremont Lake offers cabins right on the water, perfect for an early start to the trailheads. (And surprisingly, their prices are quite reasonable, especially considering how expensive accommodations have gotten these days.)
What to Book:
🚙 4WD Rental SUV — a must if you want to reach the best trailheads without getting stuck on rough gravel roads. If you don’t have your vehicle, rent this car in Jackson, Wyoming for the best access, in Salt Lake City, or in Denver if you’re starting from farther away – book early for the best prices.
🥾 Guided Backpacking Trip — ideal if you’re not experienced with remote, high-altitude hiking. (Explore local guiding companies)
Other Tours to Consider If You Are in the Area
Why you’ll love it:
Hiking into Titcomb Basin – one of the most stunning alpine valleys in America.
Epic fishing, wildflower fields, and glacial rivers that feel untouched.
Stargazing is so intense that you can see the Milky Way pouring across the sky.
Experiencing true wilderness with barely any other hikers on the trails.
2. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park is one of the largest, most diverse, and unique state parks in the U.S., but it remains lesser-known compared to nearby Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park. That’s why many travelers skip it and miss out on some of the best landscapes in the Midwest.
This park covers over 71,000 acres of forests, lakes, granite peaks, and open grasslands. It’s famous for the Needles Highway, a scenic drive through massive granite spires with narrow tunnels carved straight through the rock – a road you won’t find anywhere else.
Custer is also one of the best places in North America to see free-roaming bison. A herd of around 1,400 bison moves freely through the park, and it’s common to get stuck in a “bison traffic jam” on the Wildlife Loop Road. Beyond wildlife, there are so many gorgeous hiking trails, incredibly beautiful lakes for swimming and kayaking, and sunrise views that light up the Black Hills like fire.
Where to Stay:
➡️ State Park Lodge or Cabin like Harney Camp Cabins — forest cabins and rooms with quick access to top hiking trails and Needles Highway.
What to Book:
🚙 Wildlife Jeep Safaris or Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Black Hills — best way to guarantee close-up views of bison, elk, and pronghorns.
🚗 Car Rental in Rapid City — necessary for exploring the park’s scenic drives and remote areas.
Why you’ll love it:
Breathtaking hikes like Cathedral Spires Trail – a climb through towering granite formations.
Needles Highway is here – one of the most unique roads in America.
Watching herds of bison cross the road right in front of you.
Sunrise drives where the land looks straight out of a dream (see photo above)
3. Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands Sea Caves are another unique trip destination in the US Midwest, yet they remain largely under the radar compared to more famous coastal vacations.
Located along the shores of Lake Superior, these sandstone caves have been carved by waves over thousands of years into tunnels, arches, and chambers that you can explore by kayak.
In summer, guided kayaking tours take you deep inside the caves, where sunlight makes the sandstone walls glow shades of red, orange, and gold. It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can paddle directly through cliffside caves in freshwater.
In winter, if Lake Superior freezes solid enough (something that only happens during especially cold years), the sea caves transform into ice caves, with massive icicles hanging from the ceilings and frozen waterfalls pouring over the cliffs. This rare event draws many people, but still not as many as other famous places around the country. It’s unpredictable and only accessible for a few weeks when conditions are safe.
Where to Stay:
➡️ Harbor’s Edge Motel — charming, comfortable, and walking distance to kayaking tours and harbor. Another option is something more rustic and more remote like, for example, White Horse Stable.
What to Book:
🛶 Guided Sea Cave Kayak Tour (summer) — safest and best way to explore the caves with expert guides.
🥾 Snowshoe Rentals (winter) — needed for hiking to the frozen sea caves if lake conditions allow.
Why you’ll love it:
Paddling through glowing sandstone caves along Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline.
Witnessing the rare frozen sea caves — a once-in-a-lifetime winter phenomenon.
Experiencing sunrises and sunsets over the water unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.
Discovering a hidden side of Wisconsin that few travelers ever see.
4. Green River, Utah
Green River is one of the least-visited towns along Interstate 70 because most travelers are focused on reaching Moab, Arches, or Canyonlands. But skipping Green River means missing access to some of Utah’s most untouched desert landscapes.
This area is unique because it sits at the edge of the San Rafael Swell, a massive geological uplift full of slot canyons, mesas, and natural arches, with hardly any visitors compared to Utah’s national parks. You can explore places like Little Wild Horse Canyon and Bell Canyon without crowds, and hike or drive through miles of open desert that feel completely undiscovered.
Nearby Goblin Valley State Park offers thousands of bizarre rock formations (“goblins”) — one of the most otherworldly landscapes in the U.S., yet it’s much less crowded than any national park.
Green River is also a starting point for rafting trips down the Green River itself, where remote, calm-water floats through scenic desert canyons.
Where to Stay:
➡️ River Terrace Inn in Green River — basic, clean, and conveniently located near the river.
What to Book:
🚙 SUV Rental — necessary if you want to explore the backroads of the San Rafael Swell.
🛶 Green River Rafting Tour — easy rafting trips with minimal crowds and wide desert scenery.
Why you’ll love it:
Access to San Rafael Swell’s slot canyons and desert landscapes without tourist traffic.
Visiting Goblin Valley State Park – a hidden gem with surreal rock formations.
Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S.
Experiencing true desert solitude away from Utah’s overcrowded parks.
5. Eastern Sierra Nevada in California
This place remains one of California’s most jaw-dropping yet lesser-visited regions, mainly because it lies on the “back side” of the Sierra — far from major cities like from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Most tourists flock to Yosemite Valley or Lake Tahoe, leaving this side blissfully quieter, wilder, and often even more dramatic.
Stretching along Highway 395, Eastern Sierra delivers insane variety: otherworldly rock formations at Alabama Hills, ancient forests at the Bristlecone Pine Forest (home to the oldest living trees on Earth), and high alpine lakes like Lake Sabrina and Convict Lake that shimmer under snow-dusted peaks with some interesting hot springs.
The June Lake Loop offers a scenic drive packed with hiking trails, while Mono Lake’s eerie tufa towers look like a landscape from another planet.
One of the best ways to experience the region is hiking part of the Little Lakes Valley Trail near Rock Creek — an easy-to-moderate trail passing a series of crystal-clear alpine lakes, all set against towering granite peaks, without the Yosemite crowds.
Where to Stay:
➡️ One of the condos (like Chamonix condo) in Mammoth Lakes or a guesthouse in Bishop (like Eastside Guesthouse) — both towns offer cozy lodges, rustic cabins, and great access to all the Eastern Sierra’s highlights.
What to Book:
🥾 Guided Day Hikes in Little Lakes Valley or Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest — perfect if you want expert navigation and local stories.
🚗 4WD SUV Rental — necessary if you plan to drive into trailheads like Sabrina Basin or explore dirt roads in the Alabama Hills. Compare car rental prices between LAX and Las Vegas Airport.
Why you’ll love it:
- Hiking alpine lake trails without battling crowds.
- Seeing the oldest living trees (some over 4,000 years old!) in the Bristlecone Pine Forest.
- Driving through movie-famous Alabama Hills with views of Mount Whitney.
- Experiencing high-desert stargazing under some of California’s clearest skies.
- Visiting Mono Lake’s surreal tufa towers at sunrise or sunset for unreal photo ops.
6. Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
Some people will say that Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a kind of random place to visit in the US, but in reality, it is one of the least-visited (and unique) national parks, mainly because of its remote location in western North Dakota, far from major cities or popular tourist routes.
We visited it on one of our Midwest road trips and this spot came as a total surprise! The isolation is what makes it feel like a true hidden gem — wide open badlands, roaming bison herds, and colorful rock formations that you can often have all to yourself.
The park is split into three separate units (South Unit, North Unit, and Elkhorn Ranch), with the South Unit near Medora being the most accessible. Scenic drives weave through eroded buttes and grasslands, and wildlife is everywhere — bison, prairie dogs, wild horses, and golden eagles.
The 36-mile Scenic Loop Drive in the South Unit offers countless pullouts, hikes, and photo ops without battling crowds.
One of the best hikes is the Petrified Forest Trail, where you can walk among ancient, fossilized trees in a vast, quiet landscape that feels like stepping back in time.
Where to Stay:
➡️ Stay in Medora — a small western-themed town right next to the park entrance, with inns, cabins, and lodges offering easy access.
What to Book:
🥾 Guided Wildlife Jeep Tour — perfect for spotting bison, wild horses, and learning about the park’s geology without worrying about navigation.
🚗 Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour — for an interactive road trip through the southern rim of the park.
Why you’ll love it:
- Seeing massive wild bison herds roaming freely across the badlands.
- Hiking among ancient petrified forests and colorful layered hills.
- Watching golden sunsets over endless open landscapes.
- Experiencing a true national park adventure without tour buses or crowds.
- Exploring the charming frontier town of Medora, especially in summer when it hosts cowboy shows and local events.
7. Yachats, Oregon
Yachats is the kind of place you stumble upon by accident and then never want to leave. It is located on Oregon’s Highway 101, the main scenic route along the coast, and is often overlooked by travelers heading to bigger destinations like Newport or Florence.
With a population of just over 700, it offers an authentic, small-town coastal experience surrounded by some of the wildest scenery in Oregon by the ocean. Аnd to tell you the truth, it is the only place so far in the US that reminds me so much of northern Tenerife where I currently live. So by visiting it, you can also get an idea of what part of this island is like.
What makes Yachats unique is its location — right on rugged black volcanic cliffs, not sandy beaches. The 804 Trail runs right along the shoreline, offering close-up views of massive Pacific waves crashing into the rocks and some of the best tidepools on the coast, filled with sea stars, anemones, and crabs during low tide.
Nearby Cape Perpetua, the highest point on the Oregon Coast, offers hiking trails through old-growth rainforest and panoramic views from over 800 feet above sea level. It’s also home to Thor’s Well, a natural saltwater fountain where the ocean surges dramatically through a hole in the rock, especially powerful during high tide.
Of course, it doesn’t make much sense to come just for this little town if you’re driving from afar and don’t plan to spend much time in the area. But if you’re planning to drive Oregon’s wildly scenic Highway 101, slow down in Yachats. It is a convenient stop for seeing tidepools, dramatic cliffs, and Cape Perpetua – all close to town and easy to reach.
Where to Stay:
➡️ Overleaf Lodge & Spa — oceanfront rooms with direct access to the 804 Trail and an on-site spa.
What to Book:
🦀 Tidepool Walk + Oregon Coast Tour — explore hidden tidepools with a local guide who explains the ecosystems.
💆 Spa Treatments at Overleaf — perfect for relaxing after hiking and tidepooling.
Why you’ll love it:
Walking the 804 Trail with waves exploding against volcanic cliffs just feet away.
Watching Thor’s Well in action during a high-tide storm.
Beach bonfires at sunset with barely any crowds.
Experiencing a quieter, wilder side of the Oregon Coast that most tourists miss.
This is my list of unique places to vacation in the US, can you add any other ideas?
Have been to California a bunch of times but never visited Lava Beds Park. I think I should add it to my list for the next time when there!
And you won’t regret Patrick! Just make sure you’ll arrive in the morning, there are lots of activities for the entire day!
Oh, and Umpqua National Forest in Oregon is a short drive away 🙂
Great article!
And please add McArthur Burney Falls and Mt Lassen State Psrks. Two more of California’s wonders.
We loved Pictured Rocks and the surrounding area, in fact, the whole upper peninsula was fantastic. We also enjoyed T Roosevelt NP. We are headed west this summer to the PNW, so I’m happy to hear about these other spots!
…oh and we hit RMNP last summer and hope to go again. You’re spot on about it being just as scenic but less crowded because it’s not on the intl tourist list.
So excited for you! You’ll guys definitely have a great time, and will want to come back 🙂 We hope to revisit one day too!
I have been to RMNP many times. So beautiful and so much too see. I have also been to Picture Rocks in Michigan. We took the boat tour, which allowed for great photos and great information.
I had it heard of most of those. I will have to check them out next time I’m out West. Or maybe the one in Michigan much sooner
You should love them, Erin! Have a great time!
Try Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota, beautiful waterfalls, and the hike to the Devil’s Bathtub was amazing.
Also try Medicine Bow in Wyoming. Picturesque lakes, surrounded by incredible mountain scenery.
Or check out Sinks Canyon in Wyoming. It’s called Sinks Canyon because the river sinks into a canyon at a place called three Fall and disappears beneath the surface. Scientists have no idea where it goes, they’ve speculated; maybe it’s another dimension, another planet, some kind of underground hot spring, most think it just gets trapped behind limestone slowly squeezing through tiny cracks. All they know is that when it reappears 3 hours later at a place called the Rise it’s warmer. That’s especially unusual because usually when water disappears beneath the surface it would come back cooler. Nice views, cool geological features, and if you take the Popo Agie trail it leads to a waterfall, then a swimming hole with a natural waterslide.
Wow, Dan, all these places look so beautiful!! I’ve checked some pictures and now can’t wait to revisit Wyoming and get to South Dakota (this is one of a few states where we haven’t been yet.) Thank you for all your tips!
We loved Roosevelt National Park! It is quiet with lovely scenery and everywhere so many animals (including bison, prairie dog towns, and wild horses) up and personal. It was a huge treat after the crowds at Yellowstone. We highly recommend it! The Eastern Sierra is gorgeous and so overlooked. Thanks for the good article!
Thank you, Gail, for your lovely comment! Eastern Sierra is very overlooked, that’s true, and one visit is never enough. I am happy to hear you had a great time!
RMNP???? Seriously??? Less crowded??? Um, I’d really love to show the real secluded Colorado. RMNP is for people who need to pay to experience nature.
Based on the comment it seems you just scrolled through and read the captions without paying attention to what this post is all about. It clearly says that Americans know and love this park, and frequent it often. But international visitors tend to skip it thinking it’s not worth the visit.
In any case, thanks for stopping by and all the best.
Thanks for mentioning North Dakota! It’s a forgotten state with truly a lot of beauty!!
We had a truly wonderful experience in North Dakota and can’t wait to return to explore more!
Your photos are absolutely gorgeous!! Definitely adding these to my must visit list!!
Thank you, Anna!
Where in the Eastern Sierra’s is that first pic? It’s beautiful.
Hey Marc! it was taken on a trail around the Convict Lake 😉
Love your post!! My husband and I love hitting the places less visited also!! We currently live in Whitefish, Montana and before lived in Bend, OR. Living in both locations we seek out the places that no one visits!! In Oregon Umpqua National Forest is one our faves!! If you visit Oregon again make sure you visit the Oregon Outback/Desert. There are so truly unique places out there and you will most likely see no one ?.
We also love the Eastern Sierra in California!!
We will be spending a lot of time exploring and camping throughout the West this coming summer and will be starting a blog to share our adventures.
Cheers to you and your Adventures!!!
Manda, thank you for your kind comment and for the tips! You live in such a beautiful place, it’s definitely time to start sharing about all places you go to on your blog! Just don’t postpone. I have been procrastinating with my blog and now regret I haven’t started it sooner.
When you start one, please, get back and let me know. I love reading blogs of others and learning about hidden gems. And it would be great to connect.
We do plan to go back to the U.S. and possibly make a base in Oregon (just not sure when exactly,) so adding Outback Desert to my list, never heard about it! Thanks again, so glad you stopped by and mentioned it!!
Nice article! I did notice that you mentioned Red Rocks as being in California. It’s in Colorado. Also, Mt. Whitney is not only the tallest mountain in California, it’s the tallest in the contiguous 48. Only Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) in Alaska is higher in the U.S.
Hi Lori, thank you for dropping a comment!
Red Rocks, which I mention in my post, is a State Park in California. Yes, there is one in Colorado too (I guess parks with the same name are all over the country) but the one I mention is in California. It’s around 2 hours away from Los Angeles towards Mammoth Lakes.
For Mt. Whitney, it seems there are 10 other peaks (all of them are in Alaska) that are higher. At least this is what wikipedia says. But yes, this is one of the highest peaks in entire North America!
Several of the cities you name as great places to move to have very very expensive housing. Do you take this into
consideration when you choose the places. Also someplace like Vermont has a very long, cold and dark winter. I guess it’s ok if you are a skier.
Hey Bonnie, yes, some cities have expensive housing indeed but salaries there are also at much higher level than in those cities where accommodation is cheaper.
I live in Riseburg, Oregon and have hiked to almost all of the waterfalls in the area. I have also hiked the North Umpqua River trail twice. It’s an amazing hike. 84ish miles of spectacular views, forests, and waterfalls. I highly encourage anyone coming to visit to hike some or all of the segments. You wont regret it.
I throughly enjoyed your post I’m always looking for the hidden gems. My husband and I are beyond blessed and have able to travel to many places. I would like to encourage you guys to check out Kootenai falls in Montana near the border. It’s also a least traveled area we just discovered it by accident on our trip trough the northern west coast. Stop at what seemed to be just a rest stop and read some of the sign and thought we’d check it out only to find a swinging bridge offering spectacular views and then The falls galore when we went in 2016 there was a drought and it was mid August and the falls were slower and walked in the middle and we’ve returned May 2019 only to find another look and feel of the place even more water and where we hike to the center of falls well that was all rushing over. This place has been featured in a movie. Also a bald eagle was spotted trying to take a closer look at my husbands drone.
Wow, Lolita, thank you so much for this tip! I’ve just looked through some photos on google maps and got inspired! We haven’t seen much of Montana yet but planning to return and discover more of this beautiful state. Hopefully, next year.
I put a check mark on the map, thank you again!
There is a lot to see in North Dakota. Try a Google search….I spent a week there last summer, a few favorites in addition to TRNP are The Enchanted Highway (do spend the night in The Enchanted Castle!) In Regent, The International Peace Garden on the Canadian boarder, The National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown, and for the best flash back to the past, visit Bonanzaville in Fargo. North Dakota has many historical sites as well, we visited several restored forts and Lewis and Clark sites. And let’s not forget the geographical center of North America is located near Center, ND. Go back for another visit, you missed too much!
So many wonderful tips and places, thank you, Joan! We definitely plan to revisit and go on another adventure, thank you again!
What great pictures!
Thank you, Tas!
They may not be the most popular places to visit in the US, but these places are still travel goals, and we hope to see a lot of people travel to these destinations.
We visited Theodore Roosevelt NP just after July 4 2009. Had the place to ourself. Great park. Go see the place.
You’re right, Theodore Roosevelt National park is one of the most beautiful, underrated places on earth, but, you’re wrong in that there isn’t much else to offer in North Dakota. There are so many other beautiful places to see.
I guess we need to return and explore more of North Dakota then! Thank you, Mari, for stopping by!
I live in Upper Michigan and I was so happy to see Pictured Rocks on your list! It’s a beautiful place! If you ever come back, be sure to visit the Keweenaw Peninsula too. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank you, Lisa, for this tip! Adding Keweenaw Peninsula to my map, we will definitely return one day to explore more of Michigan! 🙂
What a wonderful blog post! We will definitely be checking out some of these spots as we explore more of our own country during this time. Thanks so much for sharing your advice on lodging too! Xx Sara
I am glad to hear you found it inspiring! Happy travels!
Very interesting and informative blog post! I would love to experience these places whenever I go to the U.S. Thanks for sharing this post. your way of blog writing is really amazing
Hello Anya What a wonderful collection of US destinations! Your post has inspired me to explore more of this stunning nation because I’ve always wanted to. I value your accurate and thorough explanations of each location as well as your helpful suggestions on what to do, how to get there, and what to expect. Your excellent writing style and enthusiasm for travel come through in everything you write.