Hidden Gems To Visit In The U.S.

Many people love going to Disneyland, DisneyWorld, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and many other great tourist spots in the United States.

It can also be fun to find those not so popular places. Whether that can be because of the amount of people, finding something that's kid friendly, wanting to go on a budget-friendly vacation, or wanting to find something different; there are so many hidden gems to visit.

Here are great, beautiful places in the US that often get overlooked.

Costal Escapes

• Cumberland Island National Seashore- Located in St Mary's, Georgia, Cumberland Island has wild horses, empty beaches, maritime forests, and historic ruins. There is only a $15 entrance fee for people 16 and older.

• Dry Tortugas National Park- Can only be accessed by boat, Dry Tortugas is located west of Key West, Florida. Dry Tortugas features a massive historic fort, snorkeling, and coral reefs; with a $15 entrance fee for anyone 16 and older.

• Block Island- Located 13 miles south of the mainland of Rhode Island. Block Island is accessed by a Ferry, and it includes many things to do like; restaurants, shopping, beaches, nature walks, harbors and boating, and places to stay.

• Cannon Beach- Found in Oregon, 80 miles west of Portland, Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, a charming viliage atmosphere, and long sandy shores.

Desert & Southwest

• Valley of Fire State Park - Located in Nevada, Valley of Fire features glowing Aztec sandstone formations swirling in red and white sandstone, and 3,000 year old petroglyphs.

• White Sands National Park - Found in New Mexico, White Sands is the world's largest gypsum dune field, sand that stays cool in the heat.

• Chiricahua National Monument - Is special for its towering stone spires, called Hoodoos, earned the nickname "Wonderland of Rocks."

• Great Basin National Park- Another great place located Nevada, it features ancient bristlecone pines, decorated limestone caverns, and exceptionally dark night skies.

Mountains & Small Towns

• Sawtooth National Recreation Area- A 756,000-acre protected mountain region in central Idaho featuring jagged peaks. Popular activities include; camping, water recreation, scenic drives, and plenty of places to relax.

• North Cascade National Park - About 2 1/2 hour drive northeast of Seattle, North Cascades is great for visiting. Featuring jagged snowcapped peaks, bright turquoise glaciers, and lack of crowds.

• Leavenworth - A Bavarian - styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington. Though may be crowded during the weekends, it's a great place to visit during Christmas and Oktoberfest.

• Ouray - A historic mountain town nestled in a dramatic box canyon in Colorado. It's nickname is "Switzerland of America".

Lakes & Waterfalls

• Pictured rocks National Lakeshore- It's located near the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Featuring striking multicolored sandstone cliffs. clear turquoise water, and stunning waterfalls.

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore- Comprises a stretch of shoreline and 21 islands at the northern tip of Wisconsin, on Lake Superior. Offering stunning sea caves, historic lighthouses, and clear Lake Superior waters.

• Hocking Hills State Park - Located in Ohio, the park features 25 miles of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. Key highlights include Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Conkles Hollow.

• Watkins Glen State Park - Located in the village of Watkins Glen, south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County in New York's Finger Lakes region. Known for its Gorge Trail, 19 cascading waterfalls, and unique stone-arch bridges.

Charming Small Cities

• Eureka Springs - This small city in Arkansas is specail because of its winding mountain streets with no four-way intersections, well-preserved Victorian architecture, and natural healing mineral springs.

• Galena - Galena, Illinois is a great visit for its well-preserved 19th century architecture, boutique shopping, and rich Civil War history. Key highlights include historic Main Street, the Ulysses S. Grant home, and local craft beverage spots.

• St. Augustine - Located in Florida, offering amazing history, beautiful beaches, and great food. It features unique 16th - century Spanish architecture, vibrant culture, and a charming walkable downtown.

• Bisbee - Found in Arizona, has a unique mix of historic mining culture, quirky arts, and colorful mountain scenery.

If You Love National Parks (Without the Crowds)

• Capitol Reef National Park - South-central Utah

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - Montrose County, Colorado

• Lassen Volcanic National Park - Northern California

• Isle Royale National Park (one of the least-visited national parks) - in Lake Superior, Michigan

• Congaree National Park - South Carolina

Some favorite underrated road trips

• Idaho's Sawtooth Scenic Byway

• Michigan's Upper Peninsula

• Oregon Coast (beyond Cannon Beach)

• Utah's Scenic Byway 12

• Blue Ridge Parkway in late October

• Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior