Summer is approaching and many of us are eager to explore the great American places. Big cities like New York, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles are on every visitor’s list to cover when they are traveling to the United States. But off the beaten track, there are some underrated places or attractions that are hidden from the usual path of travelers.
So today we are going to take you on a ride to the hidden gems of the USA that offer just as much beauty, adventure, and charm without the crowd as the popular places. From Mountain retreats to coastal towns discover the top 12 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas In USA with us, you need to visit these hidden gems that may not be on your radar yet but they’re worth discovering, so get ready to add some new destinations to your travel bucket list.
12. Big Sky, Montana
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Montana is the Land of the Shining Mountains, located in the west subregion, the western side of the United States. The Big Sky country has millions of national forested lands, wilderness areas, open spaces, and modern cities.
Big Sky is a nature lover’s paradise, it is located close to Yellowstone Park, high in the Gallatin National Forest, and is dominated by Lone Mountain.
A vacation in Big Sky, Montana is all about adventure. This place is for thrill-seeking hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, golfing, zip-lining, and scenic lift rides. The surrounding landscape and trails give fantastic opportunities for biking, and horseback riding, while the Gallatin River thrills the daring rafter.
11. Asheville, North Carolina
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This charming mountain town is a Hidden Gem known for its vibrant art scene and delicious food in the Beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. You can explore the famous Biltmore Estate, hike the many trails, or stroll through the Charming downtown area.
Asheville also boasts a thriving craft beer scene with many local breweries and taprooms to discover. The city is a perfect destination for art lovers Foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike don’t miss this Hidden Gem on your next trip to the USA.
10. Portland, Maine
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This Coastal City offers A Perfect Blend of history culture and outdoor activities, visitors can take a walk along the scenic Old Port known for its historic brick streets Charming shops and seafood restaurants, the Portland Museum of Art is also a must visit attraction, showcasing the works of local and regional artists.
Portland is also surrounded by beautiful White Mountains which offer great hiking opportunities in Casco Bay where you can take a boat tour to see the lighthouses and seals, Portland is a charming and picturesque City that should not be missed on your next trip to the USA.
9. Savannah, Georgia
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Savannah is known for its beautiful Spanish moss-draped trees historic squares and Charming atmosphere, you can take a stroll through the city’s many beautiful squares, admire the Antebellum-era architecture and explore the many museums and art galleries.
The city is a Food Lover’s Paradise with many local restaurants serving traditional Southern Cuisine such as low country dishes and seafood, you can also take a boat ride or a kayak tour to explore the river or hike the nearby parks and Gardens such as Forsyth Park Savannah is a city that offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty and is a must visit if you are nearby.
8. Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Santa Fe is known for its Rich Pueblo Indian and Spanish Colonial history with many ancient ruins in historic buildings to explore.
The Santa Fe Rail Yard Park is a must-see attraction showcasing the history of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the Santa Fe Opera is also worth a visit which is an open-air theater that hosts performances throughout the summer.
The city is also home to many art galleries and museums such as the Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Santa Fe also offers many outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling in the nearby Sangre de Cristo mountains, Santa Fe is a unique and fascinating City that offers a lot of interesting things to discover.
7. Burlington, Vermont
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This small city is known for its beautiful location on Lake Champlain, in its vibrant Arts and Music Scene, the Church Street Marketplace is a must-see destination with its Charming shops restaurants, and street performers.
Burlington, Vermont is also included in our winter underrated traveling list, this place is perfect to visit in the Fall as well.
The Vermont Folk Life Center is also worth visiting, showcasing the state’s cultural heritage. The city also offers many outdoor activities such as hiking biking and skiing in the nearby mountains.
Burlington is also home to the University of Vermont which offers many cultural and sporting events throughout the year, this charming city is surrounded by the beautiful Green Mountains and has much to offer to those who appreciate a blend of culture art and outdoor activities.
6. Providence, Rhode Island
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This small city is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant art scene, and excellent food. The city is home to the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design which has produced many famous artists and designers.
Providence also offers many art galleries and museums such as the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, and the Museum of Art Rhode Island School of Design.
The food in Providence is also excellent with many Farm to Table restaurants and craft breweries. The city is also surrounded by beautiful parks and Gardens such as Roger Williams Park which makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan
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This college town is known for its vibrant downtown excellent food and arts scene and beautiful Parks. Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan which offers many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. The city also boasts many museums and galleries such as the University of Michigan, Museum of Arts and the Kelsey Museum of archeology.
The food in Ann Arbor is also excellent with many restaurants and craft breweries the city is also surrounded by beautiful parks and nature preserves such as the Nichols Arboretum which is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
4. Boulder, Colorado
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This outdoor city has a beautiful location at the base of the Rocky Mountains, in its vibrant outdoor and art scene Boulder offers many outdoor activities such as hiking biking, and rock climbing, in the nearby mountains the city also has a thriving art scene with many Galleries and museums such as the Boulder Museum of Contemporary art.
Boulder has many breweries and restaurants, the city also offers a variety of parks and Gardens such as Chautauqua Park which is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
Boulder is a unique and beautiful city surrounded by natural beauty that offers a lot of interesting things to discover.
3. Madison, Wisconsin
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This college town is known for its beautiful location on Lake Mendota, beautiful arts music scene and its excellent food.
Madison is home to the University of Wisconsin which offers many cultural and sporting events throughout the year, the city also boasts many museums and galleries such as the Chasen Museum of Arts, and the Wisconsin Historical Museum.
The city is also surrounded by beautiful parks and nature preserves such as the University of Wisconsin Arboretum which is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
2. Boise, Idaho
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Boise is a fascinating City, it is one of the most isolated urban areas in the country, yet it’s been growing like crazy in recent years.
Boise is located in the Treasure Valley along the Boise River, the word Boise is French, the name likely originates from French Canadian trappers who named the area Boise because it was a rare wooded Valley in the context of a high desert area.
Boise offers many outdoor activities such as hiking biking and skiing in the nearby mountains the city also has a thrive diving Arts scene with many Galleries and museums such as the Boise Art Museum.
One of the best pieces of architecture in Boise is the Boise train depot, it was considered to be the most beautiful structure of its kind in the west.
1. Finger Lakes, New York
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The Finger Lakes is located in New York where several lakes form finger-like shapes, locals and visitors love this area for many opportunities, for beautiful nature, scenery, waterfalls and outdoor activities.
The natural beauty of Finger Lake State Parks is exquisite while only two miles long this overachieving Wonderland packs 19 waterfalls 200 foot Cliffs and forests into its Lush borders unseasoned hikers will love the multitude of trails that snake their way through the park.
The Gorge path is one of the most popular paths, it makes its way under over and behind waterfalls, providing jaw-dropping views with very little effort required from the rim trail and offers the best Gorge Vistas, Insider tip the paths can get very Slippery when wet so be cautious.
kids will love the large swimming pool and nearby fishing opportunities in Seneca Lake and Catherine Creek.
Another great place to visit in the Finger Lakes region is Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, the namesake falls are part of a collection of 10 waterfalls the trails around the park are not strenuous and offer visitors great views of the park in the summer and early fall. You can even go swimming below Buttermilk Falls just a short walk from the parking area.
Final Thoughts
The USA is full of attractions, most of which fall on the beaten track and have excellent infrastructure to offer a lifetime experience. These lesser-known places are equally wonderful and unique, less tumultuous and less pricey.
The list of beautiful places in this article includes the hidden gems of the United States, that anyone who loves to travel can enjoy to the fullest, from the history of Santa Fe, New Mexico to the beautiful locations of Vermont, Finger Lakes, New York, Madison, Wisconsin, Savannah, Georgia and many more.
