Amazing US Destinations You've Never Heard Of

As the world begins to reopen, it’s easy to see why you’d want your US vacation to tick some essentials off the bucket list. But as much as the Empire State Building, White House and Hollywood sign are landmarks, why endure the inevitable waves of tourists when these lesser-known idylls are waiting to be discovered?

From calming California towns to ancient Unesco World Heritage Sites, here are the destinations so many tourists overlook when discovering the Land of the Free.

Yachats, Oregon

This coastal town in Oregon excels as a destination for nature lovers, ideal if you’re looking for an all-American adventure. There are unique cultural events and festivals held throughout the year, so it’s worth planning your visit with a look at what’s on – but there’s also plenty to entertain you in the wild. Take a short detour to the mind-boggling oceanic chasm of Thor’s Well. The rocky opening, which looks like a massive sinkhole in the waves, is thought to have been formed by the collapse of an underwater cave.

Yachats excels as a destination for nature lovers

If you’re trekking southbound to visit Monterey, keep driving along the famous Big Sur highway for just 15 minutes and you’ll come across Carmel-by-the-Sea. This Californian town is unfairly overlooked on so many travel itineraries. Sure, it has a reputation for being beyond most people’s budgets, or too small to justify a standalone trip, but there’s certainly a case to be made for a flying visit. You can fit many of the major attractions into a short stopover – but don’t miss the simple pleasures of relaxing in one of the prettiest places on the West Coast.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is unfairly overlooked on many travel itineraries

Barnesville, Georgia

You may not know the name, but you’ve probably seen the town. Barnesville, Georgia, was where Marvel recently filmed The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). It was also the backdrop for HBO thriller series Sharp Objects (2018), with the old-school look standing out to producers when they went hunting for locations. The appeal of the place lies in its relaxed attitude and unforced retro charm. Popping into a diner here is like stepping into the past, and it all feels genuine. If you decide to drive from Atlanta to Savannah (one of the classic US road trips), a pit stop in Barnesville is highly recommended.

Taos, New Mexico

It’s hard to keep up appearances when your neighbours are as well known as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, but Taos is a beautiful southwestern town that’s full of historical sites. The main town is a short distance from Taos Pueblo, a Unesco World Heritage Site, so you’ll get to experience a great contrast of old and new. Art lovers are in for a treat as well, with a plethora of modern galleries showcasing some of the best work by local creatives. If you’re looking for a more adventurous escape, you can explore the hot springs and mountain bike trails in the surrounding area. Taos has a bewildering mix of experiences on offer – so come and visit soon before the secret gets out.

Taos Pueblo is a Unesco World Heritage Site

Lanai, Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands get their fair share of tourists from around the world, but you can escape from the crowds on the smaller islands away from Hawaii (the Big Island), Maui (the Valley Isle) and Oahu (the Gathering Place). One of our favourites is Lanai, known locally as Pineapple Island, which is accessible via short connecting flights, or a ferry ride from Maui. There are several hotels and plenty of things to do – including 18mi (29km) of secluded beaches and the gorgeous Garden of the Gods – but you’ll need to rent a car to get around. Given that the terrain is best described as unspoilt, make sure your vehicle is up to the task of taking you to some seriously remote spots.

Lanai, known locally as Pineapple Island, is accessible via short connecting flights from the main islands

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.