We all know the traditional top vacation spots in the United States. Florida, Las Vegas, Southern California all spring to mind. If you are well traveled, you are probably familiar with the most popular beautiful places in USA to visit, however, the usual spots can get a little tiresome. If you are looking for places that are a little off the beaten path, here are the top five underrated best vacation spots in the U.S.
1. Hudson Valley, New York. The Hudson Valley flies under the radar for most people but resident New Yorkers know how great it is. The area that starts in Westchester County, just minutes north of New York City, is the East Coast’s answer to California’s wine country. The Hudson Valley has vineyards, as well as a world-class food scene. This trip ticks a lot of boxes for people with varied interests. There are great parks and hiking trails, as well as world class museums like the Dia Beacon. There is enough there to keep you occupied for days. The next time you’re going through New York City, leave time for the Hudson Valley.
2. Sonoma County, California. Everyone knows the San Francisco Bay Area is one of the most beautiful places in USA to visit. Most people will stay in San Francisco and then go up north to spend some time in wine country. Mistakenly, they will choose to go to Napa. The real fun is in the county next door, Sonoma. Sonoma County has hundreds of vineyards too, and some say they produce better and more interesting wines than their more famous neighbors. Sonoma also has an amazing coastline and the stellar Russian River Valley. To get a great idea of the area, visit the three towns of Guerneville, Healdsburg and Sonoma City.
3. Southern Utah and the Wasatch Valley. Did you know that Utah has five national parks? It’s true! If you are a nature lover, make it a point to visit the Beehive State. You can spend time in what’s known as the Big Five. There you can do the usual stuff, with camping, hiking and s’mores being strongly encouraged. If you want to go a little more luxe, you can finish your vacation in a place like Park City in the Wasatch Valley.
4. Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. These coastal cities might be in two different states, but they could be classified as twins. They are both bastions of colonial American architecture and great traditional Southern foodways. The scenery is second to none and the people embody the ideal of southern hospitality.
Lake Michigan and the Chicago Wheel. Anyone who lives in the Chicagoland area knows the shores of Lake Michigan are one of the best vacation spots in the U.S. It is home to four national forests in Wisconsin and Michigan. A road trip around Lake Michigan has everything for city folk and rustic types alike.
