These 9 Towns Are The United States' Best-Kept Secret
When you picture American vacation destinations; famous landmarks and capital cities often come to mind. However, why not push past the radar and discover hidden gems not many have seen before? Between magnificent mountains, remarkable beaches, and architectural wonders, brace yourself for exhilarating new adventures as you fill your feed with captivating, one-of-a-kind photos. From the striking vistas of Seward to the spectacular Sonoran exhibits of Cave Creek, these 9 towns are the United States' best-kept secrets.
Seward, Alaska
Discover breathtaking landscapes like never before in Seward, an otherworldly city that will truly make your jaw drop. Situated on the Kenai Peninsula, renowned for its world-class King Salmon fishing opportunities; get ready to see gorgeous glaciers and fascinating fjords in extraordinary spots like Kenai Fjords National Park. From kayaking to skiing, flightseeing, whale watching, fishing, and mountaineering, the options for outdoor adventures are endless. Paired with the expansive vistas of the Chugach Mountains and the dramatic cliffs of Resurrection Bay, you will be blown away by the beauty of Seward.
Leavenworth, Washington
Let yourself be transported to Europe with a trip to Leavenworth, a picturesque village of Bavarian heritage. Set in the mesmerizing Cascade Mountains, expect to see stunning landscapes from Lake Wenatchee State Park, a natural gem on Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River. Get a taste of Europe with authentic culinary dishes, pairing traditional German appetizers with craft beer in München Haus. Admire the exquisite city architecture as you meander through the streets, visiting one-of-a-kind sites like the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Explore the rare collection of nutcrackers, ranging from the 12th century to modern-day times.
Anna Maria, Florida
Picture powdery white sand beaches framed by crystal-clear ocean waters. Now is the time to escape to Anna Maria, a hidden oasis in The Sunshine State. Get sun-kissed as you lay back and relax, listening to the ocean waves gently crash against the shore on Bean Point Beach. This serene, secluded beach is also a wonderful spot to watch the sunset and is one of the United States’ best-kept secrets. Enjoy fresh fish, delicious steak, and quality wine at The Porch Restaurant, and experience the true meaning of relaxation with multiple massage services, facials, and other rejuvenating packages available at Body & Sol Spa and Wellness.
Bisbee, Arizona
Whether you are a fan of striking desert landscapes, magical mountainous backdrops, crystal-clear night skies, or well-preserved historic architecture, Bisbee is one of the United States’ best-kept secrets. See the vibrant, colorful homes amid magnificent views of the Mule Mountains from town. Explore Bisbee’s rich copper mining past at Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum; discover how the city played a role in the industrialization of America. Bisbee is also an International Dark Sky Community, certified by Dark Sky International. You can see the stars on the outskirts of town or in parks away from city lights.
Telluride, Colorado
Surrounded by dramatic snow-capped peaks, this Colorado town is as pretty as a picture. Explore the charming village, designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1961, largely due to its 1878 to 1913 mining boom era. The area is now lined with unique shops, quality restaurants, and various boutiques. You can even take the gondola up to Mountain Village, admiring the expansive views of the San Juan Mountains en route. Once you are there, enjoy a delicious meal and sip on award-winning wines, taking in the scenery from Allred’s Restaurant, situated 10,551 feet above sea level.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Set on the Central California Coast, this captivating village offers exquisite architecture and fairytale-like landscapes. Whether you prefer the historic wonders of the 1797-built Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, with its four incredible galleries; or the stunning vistas of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, you will be blown away by the beauty and charm of one of the United States’ best-kept secrets. Garrapata State Park is another jaw-dropping spot, where vibrant wildflowers and cascading waterfalls can be seen, and Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, and Sea Otters often visit the coast.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Escape to Eureka Springs, a hidden gem in the Ozarks. Between rejuvenating salon services amid a breathtaking natural setting at Mountaintop Spa Resort and timeless Victorian-style houses, this mesmerizing mountain town is the perfect place for relaxation and adventures. Eureka Springs’ downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; it holds the largest collection of Victorian architecture in the central United States. Onyx Cave is another treasure you can not miss. Recognized as the oldest toured caved in Arkansas, famous since 1891, you will be blown away by the fascinating formations and wildlife you will find underground.
Orange Beach, Alabama
Between powdery white-sand beaches and glistening turquoise waters, now is the time to escape to paradise in one of the United States’ best-kept secrets. Spend some time in Gulf State Park, where miles of picturesque beaches and gorgeous hiking, walking, and biking trails await. Cotton Bayou Beach is a lovely spot to get sun-kissed by the shore or watch the spectacular sunrise. Stroll around The Wharf, a vibrant entertainment district home to the iconic Ferris Wheel, magnificent marina, SPECTRA Laser Light Experience show, incredible restaurants, a lively arcade, and more.
Cave Creek, Arizona
Another hidden wonder in The Copper State, Cave Creek is an Old West Frontier Town that offers extraordinary treasures for every kind of traveler. Discover fascinating Sonoran exhibits in the Cave Creek Museum, seeing the well-preserved artifacts of the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area and Cave Creek Mining District. See an expansive collection of minerals, crystals, and gemstones at Rare Earth Gallery, and explore the scenic hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking trails of Cave Creek Regional Park. With mesmerizing views and an abundance of plant and animal species, you will be blown away by the park’s beauty.
Takeaways
From north to south; west to east; these 9 towns are the United States’ best-kept secrets. Whether you prefer the Cascade Mountain treasures of Leavenworth, the powdery picturesque beaches of Anna Maria, or the Victorian marvels of Eureka Springs; each destination is unique and offers its own magic. Now is the time to go off the beaten path and create your own journey as you discover incredible destinations not many have visited before.
