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There can’t be more of a trip than encountering too many crowds or stiffening into a tourist trap.
When planning a holiday, many travelers consider the most trending or perennial destinations just to know that everyone else has the same idea. As a result, their trips include waiting in long queues or looking for a restaurant that caters to locals with affordable menu items.
However, there are many domestic destinations where you’ve slept in order to enjoy the same level of activity, food, history, art and culture without crowds or high price tags.
To help travelers decide which hidden gems they will visit next, travel experts from luxury vacation rental services have released a ranking of the 10 most overlooked US destinations. In May, experts analyzed data from Google Searches, Tripadvisor, Instagram and Numbeo and identified several hidden gems in the US based on lists of media such as CNN and Yahoo. Specifically, the team analyzed the number of restaurants, museums, landmarks, and more, along with factors such as safety and cleanliness.
From the arts and culture of Bentonville, Arkansas to the slow mountain towns of Bozeman, Montana, there are the top 10 hidden gems in the United States
10. Springfield, Illinois
Located three hours from Chicago, Springfield is a paradise for history buffs. The Illinois capital was not only set along historic Route 66, but also home to Abraham Lincoln when he became president. Travelers can visit places important to the 16th President, including touring his previous home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, or seeing his final resting spot at the historic site at the Lincoln Tomb State.
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is the capital of Virginia during the colonial era and not only the epicenter of the American Revolutionary War. There are plenty of museums and historic attractions to visit, but the city also has theme parks such as bush gardens, ghost tours and several museums.
8. Bozeman, Montana
Boseman may be known as the more popular gateway town of Yellowstone National Park, but it is a destination in itself. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy endless adventures in the rustic city, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking.
7. Vancouver, Washington
Don’t confuse it with a British Columbia city with the same name. Vancouver, Washington, is a riverside city just above Portland, Oregon. As one of the first permanent settlements west of Rocky Mountain, the city has its historic charm and offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking.
6. Kentucky Bowling Green
Located just 60 miles north of Nashville, Bowling Green is a vibrant city with Southern Charm, known for Kentucky. In addition to exploring the picturesque downtown, travelers can enjoy more unique activities, such as visiting the National Corvette Museum, where “American sports cars” are assembled, but also have the option of making a day trip to the vast cave system of Mammoth Caves National Park.
5. Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville has long been a beloved destination for trail access from mountain bikers all year round, but is rapidly rising as a hub of arts and culture. In 2023, the Wall Street Journal was considered “the new capital of cool” with its growing dining scene and numerous public art installations.
4. Helena, Montana
As the second Montana destination to rank, Helena draws travelers in for its charming downtown and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. One of the biggest attractions is taking a boat tour around the stunning gates of the mountain, named Merriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark expeditions, also known as the Missouri River Canyon.
3. Athens, Georgia
Less than 100 miles from Atlanta, Athens is more than just a university town at the University of Georgia. “Athens is proud of its rich performing arts scene. Live music events are held almost every night, and while always welcoming new experiences and creators,” he said. “From the botanical gardens to Sandy Creek Park, there is a wide range of activities and places to visit in the city.”
2. Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Located where Chippewa and the river Eau Claire meet, Eau Claire is a vibrant city, especially for music lovers. “It’s home to band Bon Iver, with a rich music and art scene and a variety of festivals in the city,” Kowalewski said. “This spot is also Wisconsin’s second fastest growing major city, so it won’t be overlooked for a long time. Those looking for a quiet vacation may want to go to Eau Claire sooner than later.”
1. Twopelo, Mississippi
“Tupero, Mississippi, is nominated as the most overlooked, untrend destination in our study, with 150,000 less searches than Rapid City, the most searched untrend destination, among other things, including 4,300 Google searches per year, including ‘vacation in Tupelo, Mississippi’,” Kowalewski said. “This suggests that people often don’t think about traveling to the city of Mississippi.” Travelers may be drawn to the city because of Elvis Presley’s legacy, but they remain in a vibrant nightlife and food scene.
