Jace Lamonica
While well-known destinations often steal the spotlight, there’s a whole other side of America where charm thrives off the beaten path. These hidden gems, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offer experiences that big-ticket cities just can’t match. If you’re craving something different and unforgettable, these underrated cities are waiting to be discovered.
Traverse City, Michigan
Michigan’s best-kept secret isn’t a secret at all—it’s just overshadowed by the more famous neighbor. Traverse City delivers the best of both worlds, where cherry orchards stretch for miles and beaches feel blissfully uncrowded. The food? Unmatched. The scenery? Even better. The kind of place you visit once and immediately start planning your return.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is one of those cities where history feels alive, but it’s far from stuck in the past. Founded in 1636, it still has that old-school charm, but the universities around town keep it buzzing with energy. Walk around, and you’ll find beautiful cobblestone streets, classic mansions, and a growing art scene. Plus, WaterFire at night makes it all come together.
Duluth, Minnesota
Instead of the tourism crowds at Lake Tahoe, go to Duluth, which offers an equally gorgeous lakefront without the chaos. This former industrial port is now an outdoor paradise situated on Lake Superior’s shore. Winding roads take you to Waterfall Cascade, while Canal Park invites you to relax with a warm coffee and the famous smoked fish sandwiches from Northern Waters Smokehaus.
Galena, Illinois
This is a place where history lingers in the air and time moves just a little slower. The cobblestone streets of Galena whisper tales of frontier traders and Ulysses S. Grant, while 19th-century buildings stand as elegant reminders of a time gone by. Main Street brims with antique shops and cozy bakeries, and just beyond the town, rolling vineyards offer a peaceful retreat.
Eureka, California
San Francisco is the popular choice, but that comes at a cost. On the other hand, Eureka, situated along the Redwood Coast, offers an untouched alternative. The entire Old Town is a time capsule of intricate Victorian architecture. Carson Mansion, which is one of the most photographed houses in the US, is also situated here, serving as a reminder of the grandeur of the Gold Rush era.
Greenville, South Carolina
Asheville in NC dominates the Blue Ridge travel scene, but Greenville’s charm rivals its neighbor. Falls Park on the Reedy has a gorgeous waterfall in the heart of downtown, surrounded by pedestrian-friendly streets filled with artisanal eateries. A thriving arts district and an emerging craft beer scene make it a compelling alternative. Want the mountain vibes with a little less hustle? Greenville is it.
Marfa, Texas
Out in the desert, where cacti outnumber people, something strange happens. World-class minimalist art appears in unexpected places, and unexplained glowing orbs dance in the night sky. It offers a mix of cowboy grit, creative energy, and roadside oddities that make this town feel like a mirage—but one you’ll want to stay in.
Bisbee, Arizona
Bisbee is the kind of place that surprises you at every turn, literally. Its maze of staircases winds through funky hillside homes, leading to hidden gems like vintage boutiques and live music joints. What was once a copper mining stronghold is now an artsy paradise packed with charm, eccentricity, and just enough ghost stories to keep things interesting. Most tourists pass it by, but those who find it never forget it.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is what happens when a town decides to have it all. The Columbia River Gorge? Right there. Some of the best windsurfing conditions in the country? Check. Postcard hiking trails? Absolutely. Then there’s the food scene. Farm-fresh everything, plus breweries that take their craft as seriously. With fewer crowds, the Pacific Northwest gem feels like a best-kept secret.
Cedar Key, Florida
Key West’s commercialized charm pales next to Cedar Key’s untouched beauty. The Gulf Coast island retains Old Florida vibes, where miles of empty beaches replace tourist-packed streets. Mornings begin with quiet paddles through mangroves, afternoons invite lazy strolls through town, and evenings end with dolphins gliding across the sunset-lit waters as the scent of freshly prepared seafood fills the air.
