10 Places Americans Should Visit Before They Get Too Popular
As you are aware, travel destinations can change from hidden gem to bustling hotspot almost overnight in this ever eveolving world. Sometimes it’s the promise of a new cultural experience, wild natural beauty, or retreat from the treadmill of everyday life, but some places have an ability to amass crowds almost immediately once they’ve lured someone to visit them. For those who want to explore America before it becomes over commercialized, and before these spots lose that tranquil charm, now is the time to visit.
If you want to get away from the hustle of the typical tourist spots and still experience something totally off the wall, there are many places across the United States that still remain fairly low key and offer some truly genuine and memorable experiences. While these spots are by no means a secret, they’re at least currently off the beaten path, and right now is the time to plan your visit to these unbeatable gems before everyone else finds out and takes away their charm.
Big Bend National Park, Texas
One of the most spectacular national parks in the U.S., Big Bend National Park is also one of the least known—compared to Yellowstone or Yosemite. It borders Mexico, and has dramatic landscapes — canyons, deserts and mountain ranges. No matter if you like hiking, stargazing or just want the tranquility of nature, Big Bend is one of the few national parks that still offers the crowds escape its a stunningly remote an unspoiled park.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa, a small town in the West Texas desert, has been an artist’s haven for years, but the place is getting too popular for its own good. This town is famous for its Western history as well as it’s strange Marfa Lights and minimalist art scene. Visit before it gets too trendy and you get an interesting mix of culture, art installation, and mystique.
Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands
The Apostle Islands are a group of 21 islands on Lake Superior, most with pristine beaches, scenic hiking trails and historic lighthouses. Although the islands are beginning to receive more attention, they still are far from being as visited as the more well known Great Lakes destinations. Kayaking, sailing and camping in a quiet, untouched environment; it’s the perfect spot. It’s still one of the best kept secrets in the Midwest.
Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park
One of the most outstanding unique landscapes in the country is in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. Sand dunes rise over 700 feet high, and are surrounded by grasslands and mountains. More popular parks bring in many people, so this surreal location provides an out of this world experience with fewer people. For those of you who are adventurous at heart you can try out sandboarding or if you want to relax a bit you can take a walk around the dunes before they become the next Instagram hotspot.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia with untouched beaches, wild horses and lush forests. The island is protected by the National Park Service and can only be reached by ferry, so it’s not nearly as visited a destination as it deserves to be. The beach is pristine; it’s very natural and not commercialized at all, which is perfect for coming down and appreciating both wildlife and history, and not walking into a crowded beach.
The Oregon Coast, Oregon
Oregon’s coastline has some well-known spots, like Cannon Beach, but most of the Oregon Coast remains untouched by heavy tourism. It is a serene escape that is a world apart from more popular coastal destinations. The rugged cliffs, secret beaches, and lush rainforests provide a natural landscape that’s far removed from the commercialized resorts many tourists flock to. From secret coves to charming seaside towns like Bandon and Depoe Bay, it’s a perfect destination to visit before it becomes a hotspot for tourist visiting somewhere more commonly known.
Bristol Bay, Alaska
Bristol Bay in Alaska is the real deal if you want to get off the beaten path. But Bristol Bay is still relatively unknown, and is known for world class fishing, beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife. If you’re a nature lover or adventurer looking for a bolt into the wild before the region’s special charm is lost in the noise of growing tourism, it’s the perfect time to go. Some truly nice landmarks call the area home, from pristine lakes to breathtaking mountains.
South Carolina’s Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island is located just a short drive from Hilton Head and is known as a secluded retreat with no bridge access keeping it free from the horror of mass tourism. From its historic Gullah culture all the way to its pristine beaches and its slow life pace, the island has it all. It’s far away from the resort hustle and bustle or the new super commercial Christmas operation that’s like entering Disneyland. This quiet, peaceful nature won’t stay this way forever, so if you want to experience solitude, you should consider a visit soon.
North Dakota’s Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is often overlooked by travelers on their way to Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. This park is named after the 26th president. If you want a slice of Americana and dramatic landscapes, then you will find awe inspiring views of the Badlands, wildlife sightings, and a bit of solitude in this park. It’s one of few national parks that doesn’t get a lot of visitors and a fantastic place to go hiking, camp, and just reflect before it becomes swarmed.
Utica, New York
A small city located in central New York and full of history and charm is hidden away in Utica. It has a combination of old world architecture, multicultural cuisine, and beautiful views along the Erie Canal. Utica is quickly becoming a place to watch as a growing food scene and deep cultural history begin to get noticed. If you get there early enough, you will enjoy its quaint charm before the crowds arrive.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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