10 Highly Underrated Travel Destinations In The U.S
For your next vacation or weekend away, consider traveling off the beaten path. You can experience an eclectic getaway when you explore a unique location. As a bonus, stay in an Airbnb with a cooling mattress and truly relax. Are you ready to go? Now’s the perfect time to pack your travel pillow and discover the adventures and fun waiting for you in one of these 10 underrated U.S. destinations.
1. Manchester, New Hampshire
The most populous city in northern New England, Manchester boasts a large array of year-round activities for visitors. The area’s largest shopping center, Mall of New Hampshire, features 125 stores. Tourists may also visit dozens of museums and cultural centers, such as the historic Palace Theatre, the Currier Museum of Art, and Slam Free or Die, a weekly slam poetry venue. Manchester’s breweries, parks and numerous historical landmarks also offer entertainment to travelers.
2. New Paltz, New York
New Paltz offers something for everyone. Numerous historic sites, such as the Historic Huguenot Street and Testimonial Gateway, invite visitors to learn about the city’s origins and history. Adventurous guests may engage in outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing, at the local Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Local wineries, farms and art galleries offer additional opportunities for fun, entertainment and relaxation.
3. Dunwoody, Georgia
Located 10 minutes north of Atlanta, Dunwoody offers both outdoor and indoor activities. Ride the zip lines at Treetop Quest or skate, bike or walk at Brook Run Park. Visitors may also explore the interactive playground at the Dunwoody Nature Center and play beside its babbling brook, rest in a hammock or participate in the Butterfly Festival. Or browse the art exhibit at the Spruill Center for the Arts, explore specialty shops and restaurants at Dunwoody Village and Perimeter Place, and indulge in 1.5 million square feet of shopping at Perimeter Mall.
4. Navarre, Florida
Nature enthusiasts find plenty of activities in Navarre. Attractions include Navarre Beach, the Navarre Beach Marine, a Sea Turtle Conversation Center Park, and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Visitors may observe wildlife and play outdoors as they hike, swim, boat and fish. In addition to outdoor activities, Navarre visitors may visit numerous local boutique and specialty stores, including a seafood market, and dine on a variety of cuisines at local restaurants.
5. Bentonville, Arkansas
More than the birthplace of Wal-Mart, Bentonville features numerous attractions. Guests may visit over 30 historic landmarks and explore the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Museum of Native American History and Compton Gardens. The Bicycle Friendly Community also maintains 22 parks and 50 miles of trails where visitors can enjoy disc golf, tennis, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Visit the town’s shops and restaurants, too, while exploring this unique destination.
6. Farmer’s Branch, Texas
The city of Farmers Branch is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Here, visitors can easily take advantage of all the vacation activities located in the nearby big cities or explore quaint Farmers Branch. Relax in one of the city’s 28 parks, watch a show at the Firehouse Theatre or visit Escape This. Plus, the town boasts dozens of shops and diverse dining options with cuisines from around the globe.
7. Big Bear, CA
Escape to Big Bear in Southern California any time of year. The four-season mountain resort offers fishing, hiking, horse riding, skiing, and snowboarding, among other recreational activities. Visitors may also observe eagles, tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory and visit the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. While guests can find plenty of outdoor, shopping and dining activities in Big Bear, they may explore nearby Las Vegas and Phoenix, too.
8. Seaside, Oregon
In addition to the Turnaround promenade on its own beach, Seaside offers easy access to notable coastal attractions, such as Cannon Breach, Ecola State Park and Tillamook Head. Here, visitors may hike, bike, fly kites, and razor clam. After exploring the great outdoors, Seaside guests may indulge their taste buds in dozens of restaurants, bars and grills, and coffee shops. Remember to browse at the Carousel Mall and Factory Outlet Center, too, or explore local historical sites.
9. Bozeman, Montana
The fourth-largest city in Montana, Bozeman offers visitors adventure, entertainment and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy rafting, ziplining and hiking on the Gallatin River and at the Palisade Falls. Other attractions include the Montana Arboretum and Gardens, Museum of the Rockies, American Computer Museum, and the annual Sweet Pea-A Festival of the Arts. Downtown Bozeman also features shops, restaurants, landmarks, and walking trails that engage and entertain visitors of all ages.
10. Chesterton, Indiana
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Indiana Dunes State Park, Lake Michigan and Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve at Chesterton. Here, visitors may play on the beach, admire 200-foot high sand dunes and enjoy recreational activities, such as biking, hiking and bird watching. Chesterton tourists may also enjoy dozens of restaurants and shopping experiences. As a bonus, Chicago attractions are a short 46 miles away.
For your next travel excursion, choose one of these 10 underrated destinations. They invite you to explore, play, learn, and relax.
Why not book your Airbnb, pack your suitcase, and prepare for an interesting vacation today?