Off-the-Beaten-Path US Destinations Worth the Trip
There’s a good reason why some of the country’s top destinations have earned their reputation - places like the Grand Canyon, New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami have so much to offer visitors. However, at Pack Up + Go, we’re excited to showcase lesser-visited destinations around the country that we think are also worth exploring but don’t show up on every itinerary or all over social media. If you’re looking for unique US destinations that feel a little more personal and a lot less crowded, these six hidden gem destinations are a great place to start.
Here are six unique vacation options in the US, each one ideal for a long weekend or as a stop on a bigger road trip.
Ithaca, New York
Tucked into the scenic Finger Lakes, Ithaca is a small city that has so much to offer, no matter your interests. There are more than 150 waterfalls within ten miles of downtown, plus gorges you can hike straight through. Spend a morning exploring Robert H. Treman State Park, then swap your hiking boots for your wine-tasting apparel and explore the Cayuga Lake wine trail. The town is home to a world-class culinary scene and a thriving small business community, thanks to the many colleges in the area.
No matter the season, Ithaca and the Finger Lakes are worth the visit.
Cape May, NJ
At the southernmost tip of New Jersey, Cape May defies the “Jersey Shore” reputation. This charming seaside town is a National Historic Landmark, and the streets are lined with colorful Victorian houses that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Visitors can enjoy walking along the pedestrian-only streets downtown, play a round of mini golf and browse the charming storefronts. The town is also a major migratory path for birders to enjoy, and the beaches offer incredible sunset views. A stay in one of the town’s many bed & breakfasts will make for a perfect long weekend trip. Your only regret will be that you didn’t know about it sooner!
Traverse City, Michigan
If you think the Great Lakes cannot compete with the coast, Traverse City will change your mind. This northern Michigan town sits on Grand Traverse Bay, where the water turns a beautiful turquoise in summer. Traverse City is also the unofficial cherry capital of the country, with orchards, farm stands, and a festival every July. Nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes offers towering sand bluffs and lake views that stretch for miles, and the area is full of beautiful vineyards and farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you come in the spring, summer, or fall, you’re sure to have an incredible experience.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Part national park, part historic spa town, Hot Springs is one of the more unusual stops in the country. The thermal waters that draw visitors today have been doing so for generations, and the restored bathhouses along Bathhouse Row let you soak in a piece of that history. Beyond the spas, Hot Springs is known for its nearby hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, a walkable downtown, and lakes for paddling. The town has a great selection of both hotels and bed & breakfasts for visitors.
Galena, Illinois
Just a few hours from Chicago, walking through Galena feels like you’re walking through a movie set. The 19th-century main street is lined with brick storefronts, local shops, and restaurants. Yet somehow the town doesn’t feel stale or dated, even though it has managed to maintain all of its historic charm. The restaurants are top-notch, and the town is surrounded by beautiful scenery and full of history (fun fact: it’s the hometown of Ulysses S. Grant!). Whether you’re looking for a unique road trip destination, or a place to stop through the Driftless region, Galena will not disappoint.
Boise, Idaho
Make it stand out
To be honest, we’re not sure why Boise doesn’t get more attention as a great destination. The city has a thriving downtown scene with incredible dining options, a strong coffee scene, and the Boise River’s greenway that runs for miles. Just outside of town, visitors can enjoy plenty of mountain biking and hiking options, or you can opt to spend your time enjoying all of the museums and cultural centers in the downtown area of the state capital. One thing is for sure - you’ll be glad you visited.
Plan the Trip, Skip the Stress
The hardest part of visiting off-the-beaten-path US destinations is the planning. Picking the destination, booking the accommodation, and finding the best things to see, do, and eat once you’re there, since these destinations aren’t featured on social media as much.
That is where Pack Up + Go and a surprise trip can help. If you want to plan your own getaway, you can download one of our Picks Destination Guides, or we can help you plan a trip to an off-the-beaten-path destination on a surprise vacation. You simply tell us what you’re looking for in your vacation, and one of our travel planners will do all the research for you. You’ll find out where you’re going on the day of your departure, and all you have to do is show up and enjoy the kind of unique destination most people never think to visit!