Discover America's Best Kept Secrets: Top Hidden Gems to Visit in the USA
, by Unboxify, 4 min reading time
, by Unboxify, 4 min reading time
The USA, comprised of 50 states, is a vast country that offers a diverse array of natural landscapes, cityscapes, cultures, and adventures. Whether you're exploring the tropical islands of Hawaii, the desert landscape of the Grand Canyon, or the multicultural cities like Chicago and New York City, there's always a destination to discover. Here’s a look at some of the best places to visit in the USA.
Located between the Carmel Highlands and San Simeon, Big Sur is a large, rocky stretch of the California coastline. It lines around 70 miles of California’s famous Highway 1, attracting travelers with its towering redwood trees and breathtaking beaches. Beyond driving, Big Sur offers top hiking opportunities through several state parks.
Founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US. Its walkable downtown features narrow colonial streets, locally owned shops, and outstanding restaurants. As a coastal city in Florida, it also offers prime access to the Atlantic Ocean and year-round sunshine.
Olympic National Park, the crown jewel of national parks in Washington, covers a diverse range of nature. From massive glacial mountains to dense rainforests, the park, receiving the most rainfall in mainland USA, offers unforgettable hikes such as those through Hurricane Pass and the Enchanted Valley.
Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Foothills, Asheville is known for its vibrant artsy community. The town center is filled with boutiques, bars, and restaurants. Nearby, the world-famous Biltmore Estate, built between 1889 and 1895, attracts nearly 1.5 million visitors each year.
With its incredible geological features, Monument Valley has starred in TV commercials, films, and magazine ads. Its massive sandstone buttes rise impressively toward the heavens, making it a must-see destination when visiting Arizona.
Known for its slogan "Keep Austin Weird," Austin stands out with its youthful population and status as the live music capital of the country. As the capital of Texas, the city offers unique attractions such as the pink capital building and the Congress Avenue Bridge, where more than one million bats fly out at sunset.
Carved into the side of the mighty Mount Rushmore, the giant heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln symbolize the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation. Visitors can also learn about the carving process at the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center.
Located in a remote part of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts. Its scenic surroundings are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, with four sublime ski slopes attracting visitors during winter.
The arm-shaped peninsula of Cape Cod in Massachusetts is a popular summer destination. The Cape Cod National Seashore is dotted with lighthouses, cranberry bogs, sandy beaches, and trails. Provincetown, at the very tip, is notable for being the site of the Pilgrims' first landing.
Pittsburgh is a metropolis where three rivers converge, featuring a distinct topography of green hills rising from the rivers. Once an industrial hub, its old warehouses and mills now house bustling businesses and cultural institutions like Point State Park and Fort Pitt Blockhouse.
One of America’s oldest cities, Santa Fe is renowned for its Pueblo architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Historical attractions include the Palace of the Governors Museum and the New Mexico Museum of Art.
MAA Island, a historic fur trading post turned popular destination, is car-free and offers horse-drawn carriage rides through its Old Town. Victorian-era architecture, delightful cafes, and romantic restaurants make it a charming getaway on Lake Huron.
From the historical richness of St. Augustine to the natural majesty of Grand Canyon, the USA's diverse destinations are sure to leave you amazed and inspired. Whether you're drawn to urban adventures, beach retreats, or mountainous explorations, there's something unique and exciting for every traveler.