While some of the most popular destinations in the United States, like New York City or San Francisco, are fun and exciting tourist hotspots for a reason, maybe you’ve already been there, done that, or maybe you are just hoping to discover a lesser-known destination that is more of a hidden gem and not quite as overrun with tourists. Whether you're visiting the U.S. from another country, or living in the States looking for a hidden gem in America, there are a variety of unique places you may not have considered. 

Unique Historical Destinations in the USA 

While some people’s idea of a vacation looks like relaxing at the beach with their toes in the sand, others prefer to explore and learn new things in the city they visit. If you are the type of person who loves history and wants to learn more about historical sites throughout the United States, the destinations below could be a good fit for you. 

• Savannah, GA – Savannah is a city with rich history and beautiful scenery. Home to the Historic Landmark District, the largest national historic landmark district in the United States, Savannah offers unique history, such as with the American Prohibition Museum, and plenty of activities that the entire family can enjoy.  

• Gettysburg, PA – If you are especially interested in the history of the Civil War, Gettysburg is the place for you. And beyond just learning about the city’s important history, you can immerse yourself in it during the Gettysburg Heritage Center’s Reenactor Recruitment Day where you can join one of more than 20 reenactment groups based on a historical period you’re most interested in. 

• San Antonio, TX – One of the historic sites San Antonio is best known for is The Alamo, a fortress used against Mexican troops during the Texas Revolution. After visiting The Alamo, you can also check out the historic St. Paul Square, full of restaurants and nightlife activities, such as The Espee. 

• Williamsburg, VA – While several parts of Virginia are rich with American history, Colonial Williamsburg is home to the nation’s largest living history museum and offers a historical experience unlike any other. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the historic sites and see first-hand the blacksmiths and shoemakers hard at work. 

Unique Cultural Experiences in the USA 

It’s one thing to just visit a city, but if you are wanting to take it a step further and be fully immersed in a city’s unique culture, check out the destinations below. 

• New Orleans, LA – The culture in New Orleans is unmatched, as it’s a city known for its vibrant music scene, Cajun and creole cuisine, and endless celebrations. The city’s oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter, is home to the famous Bourbon Street, which is full of nightlife and entertainment. If you want to experience New Orleans to the fullest, visiting during Mardi Gras is a must. 

• Kansas City, MO – While the Kansas City Chiefs have certainly made the city more popular in recent years, there is much more to the culture of Kansas City, such as its world-famous barbecue, the lively jazz music scene, and the more than 200 fountains throughout the city. 

• Santa Fe, NM – If you’re looking for a more unusual cultural experience, Sante Fe may be the place for you, as it’s known as “The City Different.” Whether you want to explore Santa Fe’s beautiful scenery with an outdoor hiking tour, or the Sante Fe Margarita Trail sounds more up your alley, the city has a range of cultural experiences for you to enjoy. 

Best Natural Wonders in the USA 

If you are someone who loves nature, you’ve likely visited some of the most popular national parks in the United States, like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, which is why these offbeat attractions in the U.S. could be great options for your next adventure. 

• Waterholes Canyon – If you’re looking for a hiking experience with minimal difficulty and excellent views, a visit to Waterholes Canyon in Page, Arizona is a great choice. Located within the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, you will have to purchase either a hiking permit or guided tour to experience all that Waterholes Canyon has to offer. 

• Natural Bridges – Natural Bridges became Utah’s first national monument in the early 1900s and offers three incredible natural bridges created by erosion to explore during your visit. Each bridge has trails you can hike from below or viewpoints at the top to admire the scenic views. 

• Indiana Dunes – Located in Porter, Indiana, the Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden gem of the Midwest. The Indiana Dunes stretch along the southern coast of Lake Michigan and have something fun for everyone to enjoy. You can relax on the beach, hike one of the 15 trail systems within the park, or go for a horseback ride to experience the area’s beauty. 

• Red River Gorge – Also located in the Midwest, Red River Gorge in Kentucky is the place for outdoor adventure lovers. Beyond your typical hiking, you can experience all that the Gorge has to offer through ziplining, rock climbing, and even kayaking underground through an abandoned limestone quarry. 

Best Places in the USA for Sports Lovers  

If you’re a sports fan, there are several great destinations to visit in the United States, beyond Los Angeles, Boston, or New York City. Whether you love football, basketball, tennis, or all of the above, consider the destinations below for your next sports-related trip. 

• Green Bay, WI – Home to the Green Bay Packers, one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history, a trip to Green Bay is a must for any American football fan. Visiting Lambeau Field and experiencing the Packers' passionate fan base firsthand will make for a game day experience unlike any other. 

• Newport, RI – Newport is a tennis lover's paradise, as it’s home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the annual Hall of Fame Open. You can immerse yourself in tennis history to learn more about the sport's greatest players through the years and also catch some exciting matches during your stay. 

• Indianapolis, IN – If there is one thing that Indianapolis, Indiana is known for, it’s the Indy 500. Hundreds of thousands of race fans visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a motor racing circuit, each May to experience the largest single-day sporting event in the world. If you’re planning a trip to the track, be sure to check out the Speedway Museum during your visit for a behind-the-scenes tour as well. 

• Salt Lake City, UT – Salt Lake City is a great destination if you are a fan of winter sports. Known for its world-class ski resorts, Salt Lake City has everything from skiing to snowboarding to ice skating, all accompanied by the area’s beautiful mountain scenery. Having previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002, the city is set to host once again in 2034. 

• Raleigh, NC – Home to North Carolina State University, Raleigh is a must-visit for any college basketball fan. The city’s Lenovo Center is set to host the first two rounds of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and experiencing the arena’s electric atmosphere is sure to be a great time for any sports fan. 

As you are planning your next getaway to some of the best-kept secrets in American travel, be sure to purchase travel insurance to protect both you and your trip investment should something unexpected happen. If you are a visitor coming to the U.S., IMG’s Visitors Preferred plan is a popular option for protecting your health while in the states. If you live in the U.S. and are planning to travel domestically, IMG’s iTravelInsured Choice plan is a great option for cost-conscious travelers who want to protect their finances in the event they have to cancel their trip.