American hidden gems: Travelers are sleeping on these 10 domestic destinations

USA Today

3 days ago

Nothing can ruin a trip faster than running into too many crowds and being stiffed at tourist traps.
When planning a vacation, many travelers consider the most trending or perennial destinations, only to find out everyone else had the same idea. As a result, their trip involves waiting in long lines or searching for a restaurant that caters to locals with affordable menu items.
However, there are a slew of slept-on domestic destinations that provide the same level of activities, food, history, and arts and culture to enjoy – just without the crowds or high price tags.
To help travelers decide on which hidden gem to visit next, the travel experts at luxury vacation rental service Wander released a ranking of the 10 most overlooked U.S. destinations. In May, the experts analyzed data from Google searches, TripAdvisor, Instagram and Numbeo to identify several hidden gems in the U.S., based on lists from media outlets like 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 in Bentonville, Arkansas, to the slow-paced mountain town of Bozeman, Montana, here are the top 10 hidden gems in the U.S.
10. Springfield, Illinois
Located three hours away from Chicago, Springfield is a history buff's paradise. Not only is the capital of Illinois set along the historic Route 66, but it was also the home of Abraham Lincoln when he became president. Travelers can visit places significant to the 16th President, like touring his former home at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and seeing his final resting place at the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site.
9. Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg offers more than just being the capital of colonial Virginia and the epicenter of the American Revolutionary War. While there are plenty of museums and historic attractions to visit, the city also offers theme parks like Busch Gardens, ghost tours and several art museums.
8. Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman may be known as a gateway town to the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park, but it's a destination all on its own. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the rustic city's endless adventures, such as hiking, fishing and mountain biking, before relaxing at the natural hot springs or one of the several locally owned distilleries.
7. Vancouver, Washington
Not to be confused with the city in British Columbia with the same name, Vancouver, Washington, is a riverside city right above Portland, Oregon. As one of the first permanent settlements west of the Rocky Mountains, the city has a historic charm while also offering plenty of outdoor activities like hiking.
6. Bowling Green, Kentucky
Located just 60 miles north of Nashville, Bowling Green is a vibrant city with the Southern charm Kentucky is known for. Besides exploring the picturesque downtown, travelers can enjoy some more unique activities, such as visiting the National Corvette Museum, where "America's sports car" is assembled, but also make a day trip out to the sprawling cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park.
5. Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville has long been a beloved destination by mountain bikers for its year-round trail access, but it's quickly rising as an arts and culture hub. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal deemed the city "the new capital of cool" for its growing dining scene and numerous public art installations.
4. Helena, Montana
As the second Montana destination to make the ranking, Helena draws in travelers for its charming downtown and slew of outdoor activities such as mountain biking and hiking. One of the biggest attractions is to take a boat tour around the stunning Gates of the Mountain, named by Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition but also known as the Missouri River Canyon.
3. Athens, Georgia
Less than 100 miles from Atlanta, Athens is more than just a college town for the University of Georgia. "Athens prides itself on its rich performing arts scene, with live music events taking place almost every night, whilst constantly welcoming new experiences and creators," Matt Kowalewski, chief of staff at Wander, told USA TODAY in a statement. "From the botanical gardens to Sandy Creek Park, there's a wide range of activities and places to visit in the city.'
2. Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Nestled right where the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers meet, Eau Claire is a vibrant city, especially for music lovers. "It's the hometown of the band Bon Iver and has a rich music and arts scene, with various festivals hosted in the city," said Kowalewski. "The spot is also the second-fastest growing major city in Wisconsin, so it likely won't be overlooked for long. Anyone hoping for a quiet vacation might want to get to Eau Claire sooner rather than later."
1. Tupelo, Mississippi
"Tupelo, Mississippi, has been named the most overlooked off-trend travel destination in our study, with only 4,300 annual Google searches for the likes of 'vacation in Tupelo, Mississippi' – 150,000 searches less than the most searched off-trend destination, Rapid City," said Kowalewski. "This suggests that people often don't think to take a trip to the Mississippi city." Travelers may be attracted to the city for the legacy of Elvis Presley, but they'll stay for the vibrant nightlife and food scene.