The best vacation spots blend the best of both worlds: plenty of things to see and do but also not overrun with other visitors. They’re beloved by locals, but fly just under the radar to remain unspoiled by overtourism. From an unspoiled isle in one of America’s least-visited national parks to the “Classic City” of the South, these 10 U.S. destinations are often overlooked and uncrowded — but you might have a hard time keeping quiet about them once you visit.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
In their rush to the ski resorts, many travelers to Colorado miss out on this historic mining town at the northern edge of the Roaring Fork Valley. But Glenwood Springs oozes charm, from the beautifully preserved buildings to the wonderfully warm hot springs that bubble up from the depths beneath town.
Visitors don’t even need a car: Amtrak treats passengers to spectacular scenery on the five-hour ride from Denver, dropping them in the heart of the easily walkable downtown. Pro tip: The Pullman, right across from the station, has some of the best food in town. And if you stay at the historic Hotel Colorado, their complimentary guest shuttle will whisk you to Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which feature more than 25 mineral springs pools, with temperatures ranging from 98 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit and epic views of the Rockies.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nearby Taos and Santa Fe frequently make the travel guidebooks, but for laid-back, relatively untouristed charm, New Mexico’s capital is hard to top. Albuquerque’s high desert location means you can ski Sandia Peak in the morning and enjoy a sunny round of golf in the afternoon. The unique geography has also allowed the city to become the hot air ballooning capital of the world — take flight yourself or marvel at the masses at the annual international balloon fiesta.
Albuquerque is known for its mouthwatering New Mexican cuisine, and Papa Felipe’s is a can’t-miss local favorite. Meanwhile, for a bit of Provence in the desert, visit the lavender fields and enjoy an exquisite meal at the Los Poblanos Historic Inn.
Waipi’o Valley, Hawaii
The Big Island’s Waipi’o Valley — nicknamed the “Valley of Kings” — is indeed fit for the Hawaiian royalty who called the sacred valley home for generations. Located at the northern end of the Hamakua Heritage Corridor, the steep and sparsely populated valley stretches across more than 5 miles of dense jungle.
Getting to the bottom requires a strenuous hike or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, so a tour (by shuttle, mule-drawn wagon, or horseback) is often the best way to experience Waipi’o. The intrepid will be rewarded with uncrowded vistas, a beautiful black sand beach, and Hi’ilawe Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state.
Topsail Island, North Carolina
South of the better-known Outer Banks, Topsail is a 26-mile-long barrier island between the coast of North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. Two high-rise bridges are Topsail’s only connections to the mainland, and it remains a wild sanctuary of maritime forests and a refuge for sea turtles. The island was historically a hideout for pirates; legend has it that Blackbeard buried a still-undiscovered trove somewhere on its southern end. Today, Topsail’s treasure consists of incredible oceanfront rentals, uncrowded beaches, and spectacular fishing.
Athens, Georgia
There’s something special about the energy of college towns, and the “Classic City,” home to the University of Georgia, is an ideal example. The college — the nation’s first land-grant university — dates back to 1785, but Athens itself was officially incorporated in 1806, two years after the first class graduated.
Filled with graceful mansions, a restored Victorian downtown, and classic architecture, Athens has a rich musical history — REM, the B-52s, and Widespread Panic formed here — along with a vibrant culinary scene. Grab an oversized biscuit at Mama’s Boy and then stroll off the calories at the 300-plus-acre State Botanical Garden.
Springfield, Illinois
Illinois’ state capital has presidential history in abundance, but Abraham Lincoln isn’t the only reason to travel to this mid-state destination. Of course, Springfield is home to — and justifiably proud of — Honest Abe’s presidential library and museum, his 1860 home, and his tomb. But even without these, the city has plenty of appeal.
The Dana Thomas House is a lovingly preserved example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie-style architecture. Wright designed approximately 450 art glass windows, skylights, door panels, sconces, and light fixtures for the house, which also contains the largest collection of his custom-created furniture. For more modern glass, check out the vintage Route 66 neon signs at the Ace Sign Co. Sign Museum.
Astoria, Oregon
Fans of the 1985 cult classic The Goonies will instantly recognize this coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River. (And yes, there are plenty of film locations to see around town.) The first permanent non-Native American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria quickly became a center of fur trading, lumber, and canning, thanks to the millions of salmon that once ran along the river.
Astoria today embraces its industrial roots, all while welcoming visitors who come for its many attractions, from the maritime museum to the six-mile riverwalk, the vibrant downtown, and endless recreation opportunities on Oregon’s wild Pacific coast.
Finger Lakes, New York
This scenic corner of upstate New York has 11 finger-shaped lakes, the longest of which, Cayuga, stretches more than 30 miles long. You’ll usually find almost as many boats as automobiles on the uncrowded lanes that lead to Cayuga or the more remote Keuka and Skaneateles lakes.
And then there’s the wine: The Finger Lakes region is home to more than 100 wineries, and produces particularly fine Rieslings. Whether you’re savoring maple syrup and leaf-peeping, sledding and ice-skating, or splashing and sunning, the Finger Lakes are truly a year-round delight.
Hermann, Missouri
German settlers homesick for the Rhine Valley found the rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley a suitable substitute, and decided to call them home. Planting vineyards on the rocky hillsides and erecting brick buildings along the Missouri River, the early 19th-century colony prospered.
Today, the picturebook-pretty town is on the map again, holding a lively Oktoberfest and boasting a varied selection of restaurants and boutiques in its historic downtown. One of its wineries, Stone Hill, has won gold medals at wine competitions around the globe, and at one point was the second-largest winery in the country.
Isle Royale, Michigan
Isle Royale lies in Lake Superior’s northwest corner, which is just a few miles from the Canadian border and part of Isle Royale National Park. Apart from a few Alaska parks, Isle Royale National Park is the least-visited of all national parks. It also happens to contain the highest number of intact shipwrecks in the National Park Service, making it an exciting destination for divers willing to brave the cold water.
This gorgeously rugged island park’s isolation is what keeps visitor numbers low. To reach Isle Royale, you’ll want to book a seaplane flight or board a ferry for a three to four-hour trip from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Minnesota. You won’t encounter traffic jams here — the only way to get around is by foot or boat, as the park prohibits all wheeled vehicles except wheelchairs. Multiple campgrounds are scattered around the island, and many have easy water access to launch kayaks or canoes. One small lodge exists on the island if you prefer an alternative to camping.
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