The United States of America is without a doubt one of the most popular leisure travel destinations. Within its 50 states, there is a treasure trove of mind-blowing experiences. However, only a few cities on the East and West Coasts capture the attention of a US visitor. The rest is simply obscured by the gleam of New York’s Statue of Liberty, Walt Disney World in Florida, or San Francisco in California.
Most leisure travellers are unaware that the undulating, dramatic terrain of the United States contains some of the most extraordinary experiences that one should witness once in a lifetime. So, it is time to abandon the usual path and embark on an adventure as an offbeat traveller. If you want to have an unforgettable US experience, check out this list of the most unique places to visit in the US.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Set foot on one of the most surreal and stunning places on the planet. The play of sunlight on this slot canyon creates a riot of amber, red, and orange hues, giving the landscape an otherworldly appearance. The Antelope Canyon at Navaho in Arizona is a mystically spectacular place one should visit while in the USA.
Best time to visit: June to August.
Havasupai Falls, Arizona
Havasupai Falls is another interesting place to visit while in Arizona. This gorgeous cascade of white gushing water falling from crevices of orange rust boulders and cliffs and pooling into an aquamarine stream is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation – and is a breath-taking sight to see. If you enjoy hiking and camping, this location is perfect for you. However, the region is not suitable for a day trip. Visitors must pre-book a one-night stay reservation that includes an official permit to enter the region.
Best time to visit: February to November.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, New Mexico
Looking for something out of the ordinary during your trip to the United States? Include a trip to New Mexico, where you will find yourself in San Juan County, tucked between Chaco Canyon and the De-Na-Zin Wilderness, at a location that looks straight out of a supernatural or sci-fi movie set. You can see how nature works its ethereal magic to forge mind-blowing terrain among the many-hued rock formations. Among many oddly shaped boulders and other unique geological formations, the infamous Alien Throne is an impressive example of a hoodoo to visit here. This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual places in the US to check out on your next holiday.
Best time to visit: September to April.
Thor’s Well, Oregon
Thor’s Well in Oregon is one of the most unique places in the United States to visit. A section of the rocky coast in Oregon’s Cape Perpetua Scenic Area has caved in like a well, draining the Pacific Ocean into an abyss. Thor’s Well is a sinking hole that offers a breath-taking display of water gushing into it and then plunging into nowhere, earning the attraction the moniker “Pacific drain pipe.” On rare occasions, you can see water filling the hole and then shooting up like geysers.
Best time to visit: Check out this site during the day and at low tides when the weather is nice. You would be able to see it in its most impressive form if you can catch it before the advent of a high tide. High tides are a dangerous time to visit this geological feature. Also, skip the winters, as it is not a favourable time to visit.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellow Stone National Park
Yellow Stone National Park is one of the best National Parks to visit for geological wonders. Among its many awe-inspiring sights, the Grand Prismatic Spring has the most lasting impression on visitors. Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest thermal spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, is sure to take your breath away with its brilliantly bright kaleidoscope of orange, blue, and teal-coloured rings. It appears surreal and is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and unique places in the US to visit.
Best time to visit: May to September
Glass Beach, California
Visiting the Glass Beach is one of the best things to do in California. This unique attraction perfectly illustrates how nature finds a way to create something beautiful out of man’s vicious filth. This stretch of coastline near Fort Bragg, California, was a dumping zone for a garbage landfill that was closed down. After years of clean-up programmes, metal scrapping, and biodegradation, all that was left were broken glass pieces that were polished and eroded into smooth, colorful sea glasses. Visit the spot during the sunset to watch the orange sun rays sheath the beach with golden rays that reflect on the colorful beach stones. No matter how much you might be tempted to grab a handful of these vivid, glistening, smooth glass rocks, resist the urge because it is forbidden to take any glass rocks from the beach.
Best time to visit: June to August. Visit during early mornings or during sunset for the best views.
Weeki Wachee Spring Park, Florida
While most unusual attractions in the US are geological in nature, this one in Florida is a fascinating man-made spectacle. After you have had your fill of Florida’s beaches and theme parks, head to Weeki Wachee Spring Park for an enchanting experience. Here’s your chance to see what mermaids look like in real life. The Weeki Wachee is famous for its spectacular live mermaid shows, in which artists dressed as mermaids perform an underwater show while holding their breath for an extended period of time. Aside from that, the area is well-known for freshwater activities such as paddle boating and kayaking, to name a few. Do visit this hidden gem in Florida on your next trip.
Best time to visit: June and July.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Spanning 40,000 acres of striking red Aztec sandstone, Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most overlooked vacation destinations in the United States and one amid the finest places in US to visit if you find yourself near Las Vegas. Make sure to stop by the visitor center to learn about petrified trees and petroglyphs over 2 millennia old. Camping in this park is accessible all year, though it is better to skip the intense heat of summer.
Fort Bragg, California
Positioned on the coast of California at Mendocino County is Fort Bragg’s historic city. In the early 1900s, individuals discarded their garbage over the sea cliffs. The shoreline was later tidied up in the 1960s as environmentalism started gaining traction. However, after decades of tossing glass into the ocean in this area, the coastline is now blanketed with pebbles of sea glass. This region is referred to as the glass beach. Come explore this one amid the not so famous places in USA which has transformed the waste dumped from the bluffs into something beautiful.
Devils Tower, Wyoming
If you are looking for a brief stopover on a road trip on Interstate 90, Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming is one of the best hidden gems in the United States worth visiting for a couple of hours. You can combine a trip to Devils Tower with recreation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The tower rises 867 feet above its foundation. While most people think the tower was created by a volcano that is inaccurate. Devils Tower formed through magma intruding into the sedimentary bedrock underground. Over time, the softer sedimentary rock eroded away, leaving Devils Tower standing. On your visit, the 1.3-mile Tower Trail takes you around the tower’s base.There are also a series of awe-inspiring places to visit in Grand Teton National Park. Such beautiful United States destinations cannot be missed.
Estes Park, Colorado
Built at the Rocky Mountain National Park’s eastern entrance; it is an incredible yet underappreciated vacation spot in the US which offers an all-inclusive classic Colorado experiences. Right from rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and golfing, this has everything for the outdoor buffs. No matter your preferred adventure, you can find a guide service in town to lead an excursion. These guided outdoor trips are the lifeblood of the town. Make sure to book a tour with a local guide to get the most out of your time in Estes Park, Colorado.
Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
Situated in the southwestern region, Ohiopyle State Park serves as an entrance to the Laurel Highlands. The primary draw for visitors is the Youghiogheny River Gorge. At Meadow Run, you can ride down one of two naturally formed waterslides. For people wanting more thrills, you can sign up for a guided rafting excursion down the “Yough” river.
Hamilton Pool Preserve, TexaS
On a hot summer day, take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Hamilton Pool. This nature preserve is part of the federal Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan. Over the past 10 years, Hamilton Pool has become a more popular hidden places to visit in USA, so make sure to book your reservation far in advance if you want to see the pool. Besides swimming, there are short walking trails to explore in the park. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Tennessee
A hidden treasure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Take your time and enjoy a picturesque mountain drive through an old-growth forest. The road gets its name from Roaring Fork, a mountain stream that swells with heavy rainfall. The five-mile, one-way loop drive passes by grain mills, log cabins, and other historically significant buildings that have been kept in good condition over the years. One of the park’s most visited waterfalls if you want to get out of your car is Rainbow Falls. Before starting the 5.4-mile round-trip hike, one must prepare for the moderately difficult terrain.
Hammondsport, New York
Nestled in New York’s finger lakes region, Hammondsport is an intriguing small town with plenty to enjoy. You can take in the breathtaking vistas of Keuka Lake and partake in a variety of water sports. Investigate the lake and rent kayaks or jet skis right in town or schedule a fishing excursion for the day. For chilly days, visit the museums, wineries, and breweries around the area. Hammondsport is likely one of the finest under-the-radar vacation destinations in the United States.
The International Car Forest, Nevada
This unusual outdoor art exhibit is an interesting place to visit in the Nevada desert. The International Car Forest sits outside Goldfield along US Route 95. In its heyday, Goldfield was one of Nevada’s most prosperous boomtowns. Embedded in the earth or stacked on top of one another, 40 cars are shown at this outdoor gallery. Every car has been painted or decorated uniquely by various artists. The display is free and provides many grand photo opportunities. It is one amid the best places to visit in USA for those who take pleasure in a touch of peculiarity.
Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska
The Mendenhall Glacier and its historic visitor center are must-see attractions if you visit Juneau. This massive 13-mile-long glacier flows into Mendenhall Lake. The area surrounding the glacier has numerous easy to moderate hiking trails to explore. While hiking these trails, you might spot some wildlife like black bears, bald eagles, beavers, porcupines, mountain goats, and migrating birds. Summer is the optimal time to visit one amid these underrated tourist places in USA. However, the hiking trails are open all year for you to experience the glacier’s beauty.
Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona
Distinctive rock spires create the scenery at Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona. Visitors can appreciate this park by driving 8 miles on a paved scenic road that goes through the park or by hiking on the 17 miles of trails open during the day. Make sure to take your time gazing around since Chiricahua is an excellent spot for bird watching in the southwest desert. Stop by the Faraway Ranch Historic District for a tour and to learn about the history of the area. Just south of the park is an old volcano. The rock spires comprising this extraordinary landscape were shaped by the erosion of hardened ash.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
Positioned on the Lake Superior’s shores, this is a hidden natural wonder in the US that offers spectacular views all through the year. This untamed shoreline, inland lakes, waterfalls, sand dunes, & dense woods are all part of the rocky coastline that was sculpted via the might of Lake Superior & are just waiting in being explored. Stop in at a visitor center along the 100 miles of trails to learn about guided tours or to chat with a park ranger. And do not miss the historic lighthouses and coast guard stations that dot the maritime landscape.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Just off the shore of Rhode Island in the Atlantic Ocean lays a small island called Block Island. This quiet tourist destination is one of America’s best-kept secrets for a peaceful escape. Since there is no public transportation on the island, taking a guided taxi tour is the optimal way to see everything. The local taxi drivers provide great insight into the history of the place and recommend the top spots for dining and sightseeing. At the northern tip, you will find the granite North Light and the Block Island Wildlife Refuge. At the south end, Mohegan Bluffs tower 150 feet above the sea. In autumn, explore on a self-guided bike tour, or in warmer weather, try a guided kayak excursion around the island.
Conclusion
This article brims with such jaw-dropping unique places in the US that are less heard about. We are sure you would have rushed to change your USA bucket list now.
