The United States has many famous tourist attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Grand Canyon, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For first-time travelers to the US, they might still want to visit those well-known check-in spots. But today, I'd like to recommend some more off-the-beaten-path locations. Unlike the well-known, traffic-clogged metropolises like New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, these are destinations that are less crowded, sparsely populated, lesser-known, and hidden gems—places that offer surprising and unforgettable experiences.

1. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont, is a quaint village with historic buildings and gentle hills. Here, you’ll encounter the impressive herd of Jersey cows at Billings Farm—just as visitors did a century ago.
Autumn is the most beautiful season here. It's the quintessential Northeast season—clear, crisp days perfect for apple and pumpkin picking, with leaves bursting into vibrant colors. From most vantage points, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking display of colorful foliage. A visit in autumn also holds pleasant surprises: local farms host harvest celebrations and make homemade pumpkin ice cream, offering a one-of-a-kind flavor. You can stop by a farm in Vermont, then go mountain hiking or take a scenic drive through the countryside, exploring rolling mountains, rural barns, and the fiery red autumn leaves.

2. Solvang, California

Solvang, meaning "Sunny Place" in Danish, is a small town perfect for strolling around. The hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops lining the streets are all uniquely styled, making it a great spot for girls to take photos.
Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, the town was planned to preserve and promote their culture, with Danish-style architecture like churches, schools, houses, and windmills. Initially, the design was fairly informal, However, after World War II in 1964, to boost tourism, the town began formally reinforcing and marketing its Danish identity. For instance, all buildings, whether chain hotels or public restrooms, were required to feature a vintage Danish style. This strategy achieved tremendous commercial success, earning Solvang the title “Danish Capital of America.” It has been listed among the Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in the American West.

3. Door County, Wisconsin

Door County is a long, narrow peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. It separates Green Bay from the vast Lake Michigan to the east, with beaches, bluffs, ferries, and historic brick lighthouses dotted around it. Blessed with fertile limestone soil, the region nurtures world-renowned cherry and apple orchards. Its 482-kilometer (300-mile) coastline teems with whitefish, a local favorite caught year-round. Therefore, when you come here, you must try the local specialty foods: American-style cherry pie and Scandinavian-style fish stew.
Set out from Ellison Bay for a leisurely bike ride along the lakeshore highway, taking in the autumn scenery. You can also visit the local vineyards along the way, taste the wine, and learn about the winemaking process.

4. Palouse, Washington

The Palouse region spans southeastern Washington State, north-central Idaho, and northeastern Oregon in the United States. Thanks to its unique landforms, it has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts—especially in spring and summer, when it draws many people to drive there.
In spring, the entire Palouse resembles an immense golf course, with rolling hills painted in vibrant patches by giant brushes. From every angle, it presents a picture-perfect scene. In summer, emerald-green wheat sprouts transform into golden waves of grain, shimmering under the sun's rays. Driving along the region's winding, undulating roads delivers not only a powerful visual spectacle but also the exhilarating sensation of being swept by crashing waves of wheat—much like the thrill of surfing.

5. Kanab, Utah

Southern Utah is home to the most concentrated collection of natural wonders that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world! Located at its heart, Kanab offers three national parks, five national museums, two state parks, two national forests, and one of America's largest national recreation areas! All within a 90-minute drive, each offers pristine, untouched terrain and breathtaking vistas waiting to be discovered. Nearby national parks are called “the crown jewels of America” for good reason. Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park each boast unique scenery that will leave you spellbound, along with magnificent trails perfect for hiking, biking, climbing, and sightseeing.
The two-million-acre Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument begins at Kanab's back door and stretches all the way to Lake Powell, filled with rugged wilderness waiting to be explored.
If you're ready to cool off, Glen Canyon Recreation Area offers boating and water sports. You can also lounge casually on the beach and soak up some sunshine. Southern Utah is brimming with “hidden gems.” Right in Kanab's “backyard,” you'll discover extraordinary geological formations, slot canyons, and remote wilderness experiences—though exploring and photographing them requires venturing off the beaten path.

6. St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, located on Florida's northeast coast near the port city of Jacksonville, is known as America's oldest city and the earliest European settlement on the North American continent.
It is home to the Castillo de San Marcos, a National Historic Landmark and the oldest fortress in the United States. Frequently featured on lists of “America's 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns,” this coastal community of 13,000 captivates visitors with its rich history and well-preserved European charm.
The town as a whole is not large—all major buildings are within walking distance, and it is filled with a strong Spanish architectural vibe. White walls and red rooftops are the symbols of St. Augustine; looking at such buildings, one can’t help but feel calm and peaceful. Dome-shaped churches, spire-topped churches, the Mark Fountain, abandoned castles, and stone-paved roads—you will come across them all just by wandering casually around the town. The small shops along the streets are quite distinctive, and many of their tourist souvenirs stand out from the generic ones found elsewhere. The most common souvenirs here are seashells, followed by starfish, sea urchins, corals, conches, and various other marine creatures.

7. Camden, Maine

The charming port town of Camden, home to about 5,000 residents, is hailed as a jewel of historical charm along America's northeastern coast. All the houses date back to the 19th century, with the library standing as the town's largest structure. The local opera house offers an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere here is wonderfully laid-back and slow-paced, with few people around. The sea here is a shade of Cerulean Blue—a term derived from the Latin word for sky, though Cerulean blue carries a hint more green than the typical sky blue.
This quaint town has become a hub for world-renowned chefs. Many top culinary talents create exquisite dishes using fresh seafood and local ingredients at the town's restaurants. Maine is famous for its lobsters, and a visit to Camden allows you to savor these delicacies while enjoying breathtaking sunset views aboard a classic sunset sailboat.

8. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park features a desert of pure white sand. Covering approximately 275 square miles, the desert stretches endlessly in a sea of white, creating a spectacular sight.
These white sands are actually composed of gypsum crystals, which originate from gypsum rocks that once lay at the bottom of a lake. Later, when the lake dried up, the gypsum rocks were exposed. Through the process of weathering, they broke down into extremely fine and soft sand, making walking on them a delightful experience. The best time to visit White Sands National Park is from May to September, as the weather during this period is relatively warm.

9. Anna Maria Island, Florida

If you're seeking a paradise island experience straight out of a romance novel, Annemarie Island is one of them. This small town lies 40 kilometers south of Tampa, Florida, and seven miles west of Bradenton. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Tampa Bay to the east, and Sarasota Bay to the south, this 7-mile-long tropical island is a gem—blue waters, white sands, and a population of just 1,800. If you plan to stay for a few days, rent a beachfront home where you can open your window each morning to breathtaking views right before your eyes.

10. Leavenworth, Washington

Levermore German Village, brimming with Bavarian charm, is located northeast of Seattle, about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. Throughout the year, it hosts numerous festivals and parades of all sizes. Spring brings the merrymaking Empty Cup Festival, German Poetry Festival, and Spring Bird Festival. Summer features the German Accordion Festival and New Wine Festival. Late September sees the Washington Autumn Leaf Festival, followed by October's German Oktoberfest. Among these, the winter Christmas Light Festival is particularly popular with tourists. It draws numerous local and out-of-state visitors annually, making it one of the most beloved towns in Seattle's suburbs.
Nestled within the Cascade Mountains, which are home to numerous glaciers, Lewenworth German Village is said to have first flourished during the American Gold Rush. The construction of a trans-mountain railway brought waves of railroad workers and their families to the town, further fueling its growth. The area surrounding the German town offers over 26 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage through snow-covered forests for a fairy-tale-like, rustic ride. Here, you must try traditional German pork sausages, chicken sausages, turkey sausages, spicy cheese sausages, and more—perfectly paired with freshly baked, aromatic bread! I also recommend the German-style roasted pork knuckle and German pork foot. The skin is roasted until crispy, while the meat is very tender and juicy. Served with German sauerkraut and potato salad, it's delicious and plentiful!
Alright, that wraps up today's recommendations. I wonder if these 10 off-the-beaten-path destinations have captured your interest. If you're truly drawn to any of them, don't just daydream—take action! Pack your bags, grab your travel companion, and set off on an impromptu adventure.