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As travelers look beyond crowded tourist hotspots, a range of lesser-known destinations across the United States are earning praise for their natural beauty, cultural attractions, and slower pace of life.
From remote islands and wildlife refuges to historic small towns and overlooked outdoor escapes, these destinations offer experiences that many visitors may not expect, travel experts told Newsweek.
The recommendations come as the U.S. travel industry faces mixed signals. While travel spending remains resilient, some measures of demand have softened, according to a July report from the U.S. Travel Association, prompting travelers to seek out quieter and potentially less crowded alternatives.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
Johan Siggesson, a fine art wildlife photographer, described Cumberland Island as a “slice of paradise” distinguished by its wild horses, untouched white-sand beaches, and “the ruins of grand, old-mansions of the Carnegie era.”
“Only accessible by a short ferry ride, this peaceful and remote island is unlike any other,” he told Newsweek, highlighting the island’s combination of natural beauty and history.
Bosque del Apache, New Mexico
Another of Siggesson’s recommendations is Bosque del Apache, where he said visitors can experience extraordinary birdlife during the winter months.
“There are a myriad of migratory birds,” he said, describing the sight of snow geese and sandhill cranes covering the landscape, noting “that is winter’s peaceful cinematic escape to a New Mexico desert.”
Santa Fe and Taos in New Mexico
Travel guide writer Sara Droz, founder of Dip A Toe, called Santa Fe and Taos “hidden gems” thanks to their combination of dramatic scenery, cultural heritage, and relaxed atmosphere.
Droz told Newsweek that both have a “small town charm and a relaxed pace that makes them ideal for slow travel.”
She pointed to their landscapes of deserts, mountains and canyons, alongside strong Indigenous influences reflected in local art, history, and architecture. Droz also praised the towns’ boutique accommodations, creative New Mexican food scenes and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Jenny White, founder of The Kai Life, told Newsweek that Murrells Inlet offers an entirely different experience from nearby Myrtle Beach.
She highlighted the MarshWalk, lined with seafood restaurants and live music venues, as well as nearby parks and nature preserves. According to White, visitors can enjoy slow boat rides, dolphin spotting, beach days, sunset walks, and a “killer view,” while avoiding the heavier crowds found elsewhere along the coast.
Culpeper, Virginia
Travel and food blogger Dominic Brown, the owner of TallTravelEats, described Culpeper as an underrated destination that combines history, wine, dining, and small-town charm.
The Virginia town has grown while preserving its historic character, Brown told Newsweek. He singled out Old House Vineyards as a standout attraction and noted that visitors can also explore local cafés, restaurants, shops and the town’s famed “LOVEwork” sign, a popular photo spot.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Travel blogger Deanna Squires told Newsweek that she and her husband discovered Cedar Rapids unexpectedly during a Midwest road trip and found it “surprisingly inviting.”
She described the city as rich in art, history, and culture, recommending attractions including the American Gothic Barn, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Brucemore estate, and the Czech Village & New Bohemia District.
Cape May, New Jersey
Travel writer David Mason, from Three Week Traveller, told Newsweek that Cape May is often overshadowed by larger East Coast destinations despite being “one of the most charming seaside towns in the U.S.”
Its Victorian architecture and scenic coastline make it an appealing alternative to busier beach destinations, particularly for couples or travelers seeking a slower-paced trip, he said.
San Luis Obispo, California
Travel adviser Autumn Enoch told Newsweek that San Luis Obispo deserves greater attention.
She cited its expanding culinary scene, Edna Valley wine region, and unusually diverse range of international restaurants. Enoch also highlighted the city’s year-round Thursday night Farmers’ Market, seasonal concerts, outdoor recreation opportunities, and convenient location halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Kodiak Island, Alaska
Siggesson described Kodiak Island as a “natural diamond-in-the-rough.” He said its dramatic coastline and opportunities to see brown bears in the wild provide a more rugged and less polished experience than many better-known Alaskan destinations.
Assateague Island in Maryland and Virginia
For Mason, Assateague Island stands out because it feels “worlds away from the busier East Coast beaches.”
Wild ponies, pristine shorelines, and excellent birdwatching opportunities make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, he said. The island’s limited development further enhances its appeal for campers, kayakers, and nature-focused travelers.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Steve Schwab, the CEO of Casago, a vacation rentals and property management company, told Newsweek that Mackinac Island remains unknown to many travelers despite its devoted following.
The absence of cars is part of its appeal. Visitors get around on foot, by bicycle, or by horse-drawn carriage, creating what Schwab described as “a very charming feel and a slower pace,” noting it “feels like an escape from the real world.”
Jacksonville, Florida
Travel writer Stella Bukovick told Newsweek that Jacksonville “doesn’t feel overdone yet,” and retains a more local feel than many Florida destinations.
She praised Neptune Beach and Amelia Island’s distinctive Boneyard Beach, while also highlighting the walkable San Marco neighborhood, where restaurants, cafés, and shops are clustered around San Marco Square.
Oregon Beyond the Usual Hotspots
Mason said Oregon remains overlooked compared with neighboring California and Washington.
He highlighted places such as Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Magone Lake, and Malheur National Forest, which offer wildlife, striking landscapes, and a sense of solitude that can be difficult to find elsewhere. As travelers increasingly seek quieter outdoor experiences, he believes “Oregon’s high desert and wilderness areas should definitely be on people’s radars.”
Big Bend, Texas
Cory Lawrence, president and CEO of the travel company Off the Beaten Path, told Newsweek that Big Bend National Park is “one of those rare places that flies under the radar while offering an incredibly rich experience.”
He pointed to the region’s hiking, birdwatching, remote desert trails, and dramatic canyons as major draws. Visitors can also enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the continental U.S., making stargazing one of the park’s standout experiences.
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Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Sirena Bergman and Sam Wilson.
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