12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List
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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. 

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12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List © Aleš Nowák / Adobe Stock
Arches National Park, Utah 1/5
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List © Kit Leong / Adobe Stock
Santa Fe, New Mexico 2/5
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List © Berzina / Shutterstock
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah 3/5
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List © aiisha / Adobe Stock
Route 1, California 4/5
12 Must-Visit US Locations for Outdoor Enthusiasts © Zak Zeinert / Adobe Stock
Bar Harbor, Maine 5/5

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12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List 1
Arches National Park, Utah
1 2
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List 2
Santa Fe, New Mexico
2 1
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List 3
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
0 3
12 Unique and Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List 4
Route 1, California
2 1
12 Must-Visit US Locations for Outdoor Enthusiasts 5
Bar Harbor, Maine
2 1

Route 1, California

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Route 1, California
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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. 

  • Stop at Huntington Beach: Visit Huntington Beach for a day of surfing and beach activities. Enjoy the lively pier and local shops.
  • Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea: Walk through Carmel-by-the-Sea. Discover art galleries and charming boutiques in this picturesque town.

Read also: Warm Destinations in September in the US

Arches National Park, Utah

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Arches National Park, Utah
© Aleš Nowák / Adobe Stock

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. 

  • Explore Delicate Arch: Hike to Delicate Arch for iconic views. The 3-mile round trip offers stunning scenery. Entry to the park is USD 30 per vehicle.
  • Visit Landscape Arch: Walk the easy trail to Landscape Arch, one of the longest natural stone arches in the world.

Read also: Top National Parks in the US

Bar Harbor, Maine

Destinations to Experience the Magic of Fall Foliage Acadia National Park Maine
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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. 

  • Explore Acadia National Park: Visit Acadia National Park for hiking and scenic drives. Entry is USD 35 per vehicle.

Read also: Small Harbor Towns in the United States

Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
© Berzina / Shutterstock

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. 

  • Attend a Racing Event: Plan your trip during Speed Week in August to see land speed races. It’s a thrilling event for motorsport enthusiasts.

Read also: Unique American Towns To Visit

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Santa Fe, New Mexico
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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. 

  • Visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum: Discover American modernism at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Admission is USD 22 for adults.
  • Admire Pueblo Architecture: Don’t miss the iconic San Miguel Chapel, one of the oldest churches in the U.S.

Read Also: American Cities With Magnificent Architecture

Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii
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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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  • Visit Pearl Harbor: Explore the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about the events of 1941. Admission is free, but some tours may have fees.
  • Tour the USS Arizona Memorial: Take a boat tour to the USS Arizona Memorial. Reserve tickets in advance to ensure availability.

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Read Also: Historical Towns in America

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Eureka Springs, Arkansas
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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.

  • Tour Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: Head to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to see bears and big cats. Admission is USD 32 for adults.
  • Visit Hot Springs National Park: Explore Hot Springs National Park to experience the natural mineral waters. Entry is free, and you can enjoy the historic bathhouses.

Read also: Cities in the US Where History Unfolds

Skyline Drive, Virginia

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Skyline Drive, Virginia
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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. 

  • Drive Skyline Drive: Experience the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Entry is USD 30 per vehicle.
  • Hike Popular Trails: Try hiking trails like Old Rag Mountain or Dark Hollow Falls for stunning views.

Read also: Best US Destinations for Autumn

Mackinac Island, Michigan

American Small Towns with Big History Mackinac Island, Michigan
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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. 

  • Explore Fort Mackinac: Visit Fort Mackinac to learn about the island’s history. Admission is USD 15.50 for adults.
  • Visit the Butterfly House: Explore the Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory. See a variety of butterflies in a lush garden setting. Admission is USD 15 for adults.

Read also: Relaxing Lakes in the US

Savannah, Georgia

Breathtaking US Spots for Your East Coast Road Trip Savannah, Georgia
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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.

  • Visit Forsyth Park: Spend time in Forsyth Park. Enjoy the iconic fountain and relax under moss-draped oak trees.
  • Book a Carriage Tour: Reserve a tour with Savannah Carriage Tours. Tours start at USD 35 per person.

Read also: Seaside Towns With Breathtaking Views

Destin, Florida

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Destin, Florida
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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. 

Read also: Hidden Beaches in the US

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Unique Underrated Places in the US for Your Bucket List Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
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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. 

  • Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road: Plan your visit to Glacier National Park when the road is fully open, typically from late June. Entry is USD 35 per vehicle.
  • Explore Lake McDonald: Spend time at Lake McDonald. Take photos of the clear waters and colorful rocks along the shore.

Read also: Instagram-Worthy Spots in the US

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