Imagine spending hundreds, or maybe thousands of dollars, for a nice vacation. But you get there and find the photos of serene and empty beaches online attracted far more tourists than just yourself. The beach is overcrowded, loud and not what you expected.
Traveling to those widely raved-about tourist destinations can be disappointing, and there are so many underrated places to choose from instead, suggests Bounce, a luggage storage company. It compiled a list of America’s hidden gems and analyzed online reviews and Google search trends to determine the most well-loved destinations.
Here are the top destinations that made their list.
10. San Luis Obispo, California
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.07 million
- Worldwide: 2.49 million
San Luis Obispo has lots to offer, especially for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can relax on beautiful beaches, surf, kayak and camp. Or for a more thrilling experience, they can dirt bike, ride their ATVs or go off-roading.
With its vineyards and farms, San Luis Obispo also has a strong food and wine scene.
9. Half Moon Bay, California
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 1.90 million
- Worldwide: 2.50 million
Half Moon Bay is a seaside town with a historic downtown area. After feeling the sand between their toes at the beach and taking in the quaint historical landmarks, visitors can refuel at one of Half Moon Bay’s wineries and breweries.
If you go, pick up breakfast, sweet treats and fresh bread from the coast’s nearly 100-year-old Italian bakery during your stay.
8. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.04 million
- Worldwide: 2.54 million
Go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and camping in the summer. Grand Teton National Park’s towering mountains look grand in every season. Wildlife lovers may also get a peek at various animals like the bighorn sheep.
7. Olympic National Park, Washington
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.13 million
- Worldwide: 2.58 million
Olympic National Park sprawls over nearly a million acres. It was declared a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Convention in 1981 — labeling this vast area of land and its history as worth protecting. If you can’t make this visit yet, get a peek at the park through its live webcams.
6. Garden of the Gods, Colorado
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.78 million
- Worldwide: 2.97 million
The Garden of the Gods is packed with visitor attractions: climbing the red rock fomations, Jeep tours, guided nature walks and a theater show. As the site of a newly discovered dinosaur species, the park also has an informative visitor and nature center that guides people through the history of the park, its geology and its plant life.
5. Anna Maria Island, Florida
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.72 million
- Worldwide: 3.13 million
This seven-mile-long island is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Anna Maria Island is a great area for snorkeling and diving. Those wishing to stay on the beach can of course just sit back, or they can go on the hunt for shells and fossilized shark teeth.
4. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 3.38 million
- Worldwide: 3.56 million
Hike the Smoky Mountains, ride a mountain roller coaster and splash around a water park. Gatlinburg has a variety of activities, and at the end of the day, you can sleep at the Eggo House of Pancakes.
3. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 2.86 million
- Worldwide: 3.89 million
Make your childhood dreams come true by staying in one of Chattanooga’s tree houses. Visitors can see Falling Water Falls’ 110-foot cascade. Or visit Ruby Falls, which has a 145-foot cascade.
You can take in more of the outdoors through kayaking or visiting the Rock City garden with its 400 different species of plant life.
2. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 3.82 million
- Worldwide: 4.02 million
Good luck driving your rental car around Mackinac Island — cars were banned there in 1898, and it’s been car-free ever since.
Enjoy some homemade fudge as you walk (or ride a horse carriage) past the island’s 14 candy shops. After all, it is America’s fudge capital. Plan your trip right, and you can catch the annual Fudge Festival.
1. Sedona, Arizona
Google searches for this destination in 2023:
- From the U.S.: 3.34 million
- Worldwide: 4.66 million
There are more than 400 miles of trails in Sedona for hikers and cyclists to take advantage of. This city is home to the Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve. While there, check out the iconic Devil’s Bridge Trail.
Visitors can also try out the area’s unique spas that feature treatments like red clay wraps and blue corn body scrubs.
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