12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List
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Not every bucket list is about ticking off big-hitting sites like the Grand Canyon, New York, Orlando’s theme parks, Route 66, or New England in the fall. If you want to experience somewhere a little less obvious, the good news is there are plenty of places to pick from. Here are a dozen US destinations that you’ll never regret taking time out to visit.
Route 1, California
Forget overrated Route 66. Head to State Route 1 in California, which runs along the Pacific coastline for over 650 miles. San Francisco to San Diego or Santa Barbara to Monterey are the most popular sections, but whichever you choose, expect to be left speechless. Stops like Huntington Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara are de rigueur, while Big Sur is often said to be the most breathtaking segment.
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Read also: Unmissable American Road Trips
Arches National Park, Utah
Though not as on the tourist radar as big-hitting national parks like Yellowstone, Arches National Park deserves to be far more famous than it is. The sweeping sandstone formations are incredibly photogenic. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most jaw-dropping views – and to feel truly at one with nature.
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Read also: Top National Parks in the US
Bar Harbor, Maine
If you’ve always craved a slice of coastal New England life, head to Bar Harbor in Maine. This pretty town is the gateway to Acadia National Park. It’s encircled by mountain peaks on one side, with the ocean on the other.
Bar Harbor’s rocky coastline contrasts pleasingly with candy-colored buildings, and the shoreline is liberally sprinkled with boats and beaches. Stroll along the Shore Path, leading from the pier, for sweeping panoramas over the Atlantic and Porcupine Islands.
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Read also: Small Harbor Towns in the United States
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Did you know you don’t need to visit Bolivia to see salt flats? Thanks to viral social media posts, Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah are now on the tourist map. The flats occupy 30,000 acres on the edge of the Salt Lake Basin and are only 90 minutes by car from Salt Lake City.
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Read also: Unique American Towns To Visit
Santa Fe, New Mexico
The gorgeous setting of Santa Fe is enough to make it a must – but then there’s the state capital itself. This location started out as a Spanish colony back in 1610, and life here still centers on the main plaza. Head to Santa Fe to enjoy the creative arts scene, admire the Pueblo architecture and absorb Native American culture.
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Read Also: American Cities With Magnificent Architecture
Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii
If you need an educational excuse to visit Hawaii, then historic Pearl Harbor could be it. The beautiful ocean setting doesn’t detract from what happened here in 1941, and it’s all very tastefully done. Pineapple plantations, world-class surf, tropical rainforest, and the welcoming aloha culture await on Oahu.
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Read Also: Historical Towns in America
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
An entire town has sprung up around the natural mineral waters present in this part of Arkansas. The settlement also boasts a well-preserved Historic District featuring original Victorian buildings. You can also see bears and big cats at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, which is to the south.
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Read also: Cities in the US Where History Unfolds
Skyline Drive, Virginia
Drive for over 100 miles among the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, and you can say you’ve done the iconic Skyline Drive. This is one for fall when the foliage creates a stunning palette of glimmering gold, autumnal orange, and rich red. Alternatively, head here in spring to see a spectacular display of colorful wildflowers.
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Read also: Best US Destinations for Autumn
Mackinac Island, Michigan
You’ll have to leave your wheels behind when heading to this Michigan island, on Lake Huron, as it’s car-free. Once you arrive by plane or ferry, rent a bike and take Arch Rock en route. It’s good for foodies, too – try anything made with whitefish, followed by some super sweet local fudge.
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Read also: Relaxing Lakes in the US
Savannah, Georgia
Even if you’ve taken dozens of city breaks across the US, you haven’t seen them all until you’ve visited at least one Southern Belle. If you visit only one, make it coastal Savannah, where Georgia meets South Carolina by the Savannah River. The main draws are the city’s gorgeous antebellum architecture, horse-drawn carriages, glorious parks with moss-draped oak trees, and the downtown historic district.
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Read also: Seaside Towns With Breathtaking Views
Destin, Florida
Destin in Florida offers gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches with sparkling waters and white sand in an area informally known as the Emerald Coast. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk connects these dazzling beaches. To the south of town, you can also discover Henderson Beach State Park’s nature trails or enjoy a fun-filled family day at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park in the west.
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Read also: Hidden Beaches in the US
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Situated in Glacier National Park, there’s no route better for magnificent mountain views than Montana’s Going-to-the-Sun road. You’ll need to time this one carefully, as due to inclement winter weather, the whole road isn’t even open until late June – sometimes later. It stretches for around 50 miles, takes around two hours to drive, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. Expect crystalline Alpine lakes, emerald forests, and an ancient landscape carved by glaciers.
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Read also: Instagram-Worthy Spots in the US
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Tracy Chesterson is a freelance content writer specializing in travel. UK-based, she’s traveled widely, particularly in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and spent a year exploring Australia. Tracy has also worked in the travel trade. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and plan future trips.
