There are so many hidden gems in our own American backyard that might be worth a visit, especially if they're not as busy or expensive as other tourist spots.
Whether you're looking to book a trip this summer or need inspiration for where to go next, here are some of the domestic destinations that the BuzzFeed Community recommends traveling.
1.
“Vermont's green mountains are everything. It's my home state.”
2.
“The Black Hills of South Dakota. We have Mount Rushmore if you're interested, but there's also the Crazy Horse Memorial which has a volksmarch that lets you ride the arm twice a year, reptile gardens ( the largest park in the world), largest reptile house), the 1880 train that takes you between two historic cities, and Dead wood (yes, like the TV series). The views are to die for. If you like motorcycles, we also have the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally the first week of August. In winter we also go skiing. »
3.
“The Oregon coast. Thick forest right next to the ocean. I also love old-fashioned small coastal towns. I fell in love with Astoria and am going back this summer. I would move there if I could.”
4.
“Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is arguably one of the most breathtaking places I have ever visited in my life, and it is so different from many places. There are some beautiful trees and water everywhere, but cave systems as massive as this are rare.”.
5.
“I have a few: Charleston, St. Augustine, Sanibel Island and Puget Sound.”
6.
“Watkins Glen State Park in New York. Waterfall after waterfall looks like a fairy tale world has come to life.”
7.
“The North Shore of Kauai, especially Tunnels Beach. Felt like I was walking and swimming through a postcard.”
8.
“I took a helicopter ride with a landing in the Grand Canyon, and it was breathtaking. The photos just don't do it justice. This aerial perspective also showed me how great the canyon is vast. You will feel like a point in the universe and you will know why it is considered one of the greatest “wonders of the world”.
9.
“The Adirondacks. Even the highways are full of the most beautiful wildflowers.”
ten.
“Highway 101 — from the Olympic Peninsula to San Francisco. Incredible beauty, dramatic changes in ecosystems, small towns, cheesy tourist traps, wonderful camping and hiking. And also Death Valley. It's truly unique and impressive. The American Southwest. Finally the Grand Tetons, these mountains are indescribably beautiful.
11.
“The Florida Keys. Observe deer, wild roosters and endangered species. the Sharks in water. Cross the ocean. Super friendly locals and warm water for swimming. I love it there.”
12.
“Zion National Park is my favorite place on Earth.”
13.
“If you want to explore small towns in New England, also visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It is just an hour's drive from Boston. It is one of the oldest settlements in the country and the oldest Town is really quaint with nice restaurants and shops. There is also an area that has been preserved as a museum called Strawberry Banke with some original settlement houses. Additionally, Kittery, Maine is accessible by a short bridge from the town.
14.
“The mouth of the Elwha River on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State is a truly amazing destination with an amazing history. An amazing landscape where two dams were removed just a few years ago. You can see beaches and an entire river system being rebuilt. in real time. Beautiful and inspiring with so many birds.
15.
“Avoid Aspen and go to Breckinridge, Colorado. It's more accessible by car and has more charm, in my opinion.”
Have you visited any of these places or do you have any unique American destinations that you love? Share it all with me in the comments below!
