The Best Hidden Gems Across America
Some of America’s best-kept secret destinations are charming and breathtaking. They appetize your senses and give you a whole new perspective of the world around you. These gems are relics that tell the story of a time long since passed, while others are modern expressions of creativity and innovation.
Grab your sense of adventure as we look at some of these lesser-known spots across the country, and what makes them so special.
Elkhorn Slough, California
Elkhorn Slough is a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts on California’s central coast. It’s an estuary that boasts sea otters, seals, and over 340 bird species. You may take a kayak out into the serene waters to see nature in its pure glory. Elkhorn Slough is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the state according to a study by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Maine, the International Cryptozoology Museum
Lighthouses and lobster rolls aren’t all Portland, Maine has to offer. The International Cryptozoology Museum is tucked away in this delightful city showing what could be evidence of creatures like Bigfoot and supposed mermaid remains. It’s an offbeat stop for curious minds, says museum founder Loren Coleman, who says it’s about “exploring the unknown” rather than solving mysteries.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island is an unspoiled paradise with windswept dunes, historic ruins, and wild horses. This barrier island can only be reached by ferry. Visit the moss-drape oak forests or the deserted beaches. In a National Park Service survey, visitors praised its tranquil beauty and many commented that it’s one of the few places where you can truly unplug.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills features stunning waterfalls, sandstone caves, and lush forest. A very popular hiking spot in Old Man’s Cave has a trail that feels like it is out of a fantasy novel. Hocking Hills has become a steady draw for visitors thanks to its natural beauty, but it still feels like a hidden gem, according to a 2021 state tourism report.
Kelleys Island Glacial Grooves, Ohio
Kelleys Island has some of the largest and most accessible examples of Glacial Grooves, carved into the limestone by ancient ice sheets, which have become world-famous attractions. A local guide famously quipped that walking down these grooves is like reading a history book written in stone.
Driftless Area, Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Driftless Area is anything but flat farmland, as the state is known for. Unlike further north, this area was untouched by the glaciers and boasts rolling hills, deep valleys, and beautiful limestone bluffs. Outdoor lovers can hike, fly fish, explore secret caves, or simply find comfortable stops in quaint towns such as Viroqua and Spring Green. The striking landscape is enhanced by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, located here.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico
The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is a hidden desert treasure in northwest New Mexico, often called a ‘badlands wonderland.’ It’s a landscape of alien-like hoodoos, petrified logs, and rock formations that change with the light. Photographers and nature lovers are often mesmerized by its uniqueness and visitor surveys conducted lately show that it is ranked one of the most hauntingly beautiful destinations.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style village tucked against the Cascade Mountains, was one of the most visited small towns in Washington, according to a 2022 regional survey. Besides its charm, hiking, skiing, and river rafting are outdoor activities that make it an adventure lover’s paradise. Leavenworth also boasts fun festivals that visitors can partake in.
Meow Wolf, New Mexico
Meow Wolf in Santa Fe is not just an art exhibit, it’s a story of creativity and imagination. Filled with secret passageways, surreal installations, and interactive displays that will captivate all ages, this mind-bending venue is one of the most unique experiences. As George R.R. Martin, its co-founder, put it, it’s a playground for your brain. Visitors leave feeling inspired and awestruck — and it’s no wonder.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
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.
10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience
