With so many tourist attractions, the United States never runs out of things to see and do, regardless of one's vacation preferences and interests. Even the country's world-famous destinations make up a longer list than travelers think. But some visitors are more interested in preserved areas than the famous tourist sites listed on travel sites.
A ParkSleepFly study analyzed all the tourist attractions in each state and identified some as “hidden gems,” reminding travelers that this country has much more to offer than they already think. Looking for some beautiful, lesser-known attractions to explore? Here are the 13 U.S. states home to the most hidden travel gems.
UPDATED: 2023/02/23 10:04 AM EST BY AARON SPRAY
Most States with the Most Travel Gems
Many states are full of great travel gems – and which states have the most of them can be quite surprising. This list has been expanded to include more states with the most travel gems. States don't need to have famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or Yellowstone National Park to be worth visiting.
13 Alaska – 10.95% of travel’s hidden gems
Alaska has a total of 2,823 tourist attractions, and 309 of them are hidden travel gems, making it the state with the most lesser-known destinations in the United States. Known for its diverse landscapes, marked by melting glaciers, the state is the most isolated, meaning it is more difficult for vacationers to access certain locations. The size of Alaska is almost hard to comprehend. Covering 663,300 miles, this US state is one-fifth the size of the lower 48 states. Its coastline alone is longer than that of the rest of the American continent combined. But a visit to the state is definitely worth it. On an Alaska vacation, travelers will experience the state's abundant natural beauty, incredible culture, and amazing wildlife.
12 Wyoming – 7.67% of hidden travel gems
Wyoming has 1,486 tourist attractions, 114 of which are hidden travel gems. A paradise for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, Wyoming is the least populated state and, surprisingly, has many attractions to attract vacationers. Welcome to World famous Yellowstone National Park, this state boasts wild beauty, incredibly diverse wildlife, and a welcoming culture. While vacationing in Wyoming, travelers will likely encounter bison, bears, coyotes, and elk roaming its vast plains.
11 Utah – 6.98% of hidden travel gems
With a total of 3,108 tourist attractions, 217 of them are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Utah has several vibrant and historic cities surrounded by breathtaking scenery, designated as national and state parksnational monuments, national forests, and a vast area of additional open space spanning millions of acres.
ten Hawaii – 6.92% of travel’s hidden gems
Of Hawaii's 6,123 tourist attractions, 434 are preserved areas waiting to be discovered. With many islands to choose from, incredible history, amazing culture, and a fantastic food scene, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. The state is a popular destination for honeymooners, hikers, surfers and any traveler interested in an island vacation. The state is home to a good number of beautiful beaches, waterfalls and picture-perfect forests.
- Top hidden gems: Kawela Bay and Sanju Pagoda in Oahu, Bamboo drill in Maui and the Mermaid Caves in Oahu
9 Maine – 6.19% of hidden travel gems
Situated at the top of the New England region, Maine is among the ten most populous states in the United States and ranks 39th in size. Home to 3,378 tourist attractions, 209 of which are hidden gems, Maine guarantees vacationers an unforgettable adventure. With more than 200 miles of coastline stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, with picturesque beaches, jagged cliffs, enchanting villages and incredible lighthouses, Maine is a place to see.
- Top hidden gems: Moose Point State Park, Cabbage Island and Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
8 South Dakota – 6.03% of hidden travel gems
South Dakota is home to a total of 1,161 tourist attractions, 70 of which are hidden gems. Located in the Midwestern region of the United States, South Dakota is the 17th largest and among the five least populated states in the country. It is a part of the Great Plains and among the 10 least touristy states. South Dakota is home to the world's only Corn Palace, Mount Rushmore and Wall Drug. Its Badlands National Park is one of the second hidden gems in the United States, as shown by the annual search volume. The park is underrated by many travelers, but it offers breathtaking scenery that would definitely create a last.
7 New Mexico – 5.75% of travel’s hidden gems
From incredible white sands to stunning fields of wildflowers to soaring mountains, New Mexico is home to one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States. After looking at the map of New Mexico, one may be surprised by the absence of cities and towns in the state. The less populated areas are home to some of the most impressive hidden attractions. Even the most populated areas still have their best-kept secrets, including historic sites and natural landscapes. White Sands National Park is the best kept secret in the state and the 10th best kept secret in the United States, according to research by ParkSleepFly.
6 Tennessee – 5.68% of travel’s hidden gems
With the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Mississippi River to the west, Tennessee is home to one of America's most famous destinations, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Volunteer State has a total of 5,283 tourist attractions, 300 of which are hidden travel gems. Tennessee is known for its rich history and incredible cultural background. Its Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is its best-hidden gem and the 30th in the country.
- Top hidden gems: Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Smoky Mountain Deer Farm, Exotic Petting Zoo, Forbidden Caverns, and Ijams Nature Center
5 South Carolina – 5.57% of Travel’s Hidden Gems
South Carolina isn't the biggest state in America, but it has so many hidden places that it would take forever to explore all that it has to offer. South Carolina has more hidden travel gems than visitors realize. Among its 4,833 tourist attractions, 269 of them are less known to vacationers. Located in the southeastern region of the United States, South Carolina is the 23rd most populous state and boasts over 187 miles of shoreline. The state is full of thriving vegetation, rich history, and incredible culture.
4 Idaho – 5.49% of hidden travel gems
Also called the “Gem State,” Idaho has a total of 1,676 tourist attractions, 92 of which are hidden travel gems. From stunning mountains to glowing rivers, Idaho is full of breathtaking landscapes worth mentioning. In fact, some of the state's most beautiful places are known only to locals, and only adventurers willing to “dive deeper” can discover these best-kept secrets.
- Top hidden gems: Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail, Roosevelt: The Forgotten Underwater Ghost Town, Winchester Lake State Park and Sportsman Park
3 Arkansas – 5.46% of hidden travel gems
Arkansas is largely on par with those ranked above and below in terms of the number of hidden travel gems in the state. The southern state of Arkansas isn't normally high on any traveler's radar, but that hides the fact that it has plenty to see and do. One of the state's most notable attractions is Hot Springs National Park. Although Yellowstone National Park was the country's first national park, Hot Springs was actually the first federally protected area. Perhaps the best area to explore in Arkansas is the Ozarks region – as the historic town of Eureka Springs.
- Top hidden gems: Ozarks, hot springs
2 Vermont – 5.45% of hidden travel gems
Vermont is one of the smallest states in the country, but it's a great place to visit. In fall, the foliage is brilliant while in winter, the state has some of the best skiing options east of the Rockies. Vermont has some of the largest corn mazes and some of the best hiking trails in New England.
- Top hidden gems: Skiing, Foliage, Hiking
1 Kentucky – 5.23% of travel’s hidden gems
Kentucky is a beautiful state nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. There are many hidden gems to discover there. Attractions range from beautiful fall foliage to Cumberland Gap National Park in Kentucky (the gap through the Appalachian Mountains played a very important role in the country's early westward expansion. Perhaps the strangest attraction in Kentucky there is a life-size replica of Noah's Ark according to how it appears in the Bible.
- Top hidden gems: Cumberland Gap National Park, replica of Noah's Ark
