The Best Hidden Gems to Explore on Your Next Vacation
Oftentimes, the best vacation destinations aren't those that are already popular. They're those that are hidden gems with fewer crowds and unique experiences.
Forget Paris and London - there are tons of places in the world that are not well known but are still incredible. Take a peek at these hidden gems to explore on your next vacation.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
With 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is larger than Switzerland, six times the size of Yellowstone, and contains nine out of the country's 16 highest peaks. It's also home to one of the largest ice fields in North America and is considered the premier mountain wilderness in the world.
It's an absolute must-visit if you love hiking, BookBaby Discount Code. It's also a great place to learn about the area's history and conservation.
For the best experience, plan your trip carefully and follow the Leave No Trace principles (stay on the trail, pack out what you need to bring, properly dispose of waste, etc.). You can find more information on the park's guidelines here.
If you have a lot of time to explore, consider rafting or going on glacier hikes. Some Alaska cruises stop here and many tour companies offer tours. You can book these tours online or through your cruise line.
Mendenhall Glacier
Mendenhall Glacier is one of the 38 glaciers that flow from the Juneau Icefield, a geological wonderland with an abundance of colorful blue ice and awe-inspiring vistas. This mighty river of ice extends 13 miles, making it an essential stop during your Alaskan vacation.
Embark on the Mendenhall Glacier Trek Tour to see this hidden gem in all its glory. You will be outfitted with all the right gear for your excursion, including micro-spikes to help navigate your way across the icy terrain.
A full-day adventure, the trek begins with a short drive from your hotel or cruise ship, where you will meet your guide for a brief overview of the trail. As you begin the hike, the temperate rainforest gives way to alpine terrain, and awe-inspiring glacier views start to open up.
Keep an eye out for thundering waterfalls, icebergs, and cliffs carved by glaciers in the past. You will have plenty of time to admire the scenery on this 5.5-hour glacier adventure. Be sure to bring your camera, since the Mendenhall Glacier is one of the best destinations in Alaska for taking photos.
Tennessee Valley
Whether you're looking for a place to unwind with a loved one or want to get out of the city for some fresh air, Tennessee has something for everyone. It's not only home to renowned music legends, but it also offers jaw-dropping natural beauty that will leave you enchanted and utterly satisfied.
With tremendously high Appalachian peaks and plunging caverns, Tennessee is a nature lover's dream come true. The state's 56 state parks offer enough variety to fulfill any adventurer's soul.
Explore the underground wonders of America's second-largest cave, Cumberland Caverns. This hidden gem has more than 32 miles of cave passageways, stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and gleaming pools.
Travelers can also visit News and Magazines Coupon Code, formed by an ancient river's rise and flow. These caves were inhabited by Early Woodland Native Americans more than 1300 years ago.
Food is another love language of the South and you'll find plenty of artisanal delights to tickle your taste buds. From stone ground chocolates from Olive & Sinclair to all-natural Nashville Jam Co. jams, Southern Jerky, and Forage South biscuit mis, these curated products are the perfect addition to any gift basket or ordering request!
Fly Geyser
While many people are familiar with the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, there is one lesser-known geyser worth a visit. It is called Fly Geyser and is located in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
The geyser is situated on the property of a private Fly Ranch in Washoe County, Nevada. This makes it very difficult for tourists to get in and take pictures.
It is a man-made geyser that ejects water about five feet into the air and can be seen from State Road 34 in Gerlach, Nevada. It is a popular stop along the Burner Byway.
This geyser is a fascinating sight that will make your vacation unforgettable! It also offers plenty of other things to do besides watching the water erupt into the sky.
The geyser is a rare phenomenon, only occurring in a few places around the world. It is formed when warm geothermal water finds a weak spot and leaks onto the surface. The resulting minerals form tunnels and tubes that create a beautiful rainbow of colors.
Deschutes National Forest
A sprawling national forest of forests, volcanoes, and mountains, Deschutes National Forest preserves a huge tract of natural beauty south of Bend, Oregon. At over 1.5 million acres, it’s a playground for hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking.
This area is fabled for its incredible diversity, with crystal blue rivers, majestic mountain peaks, and pristine lakes. It’s also home to five wilderness areas and one of the best ski resorts in the country, Mount Bachelor.
In summer, people flock to this 1.6-million-acre (647,500-hectare) wilderness playground for fly fishing, hunting, river rafting, and camping at one of its 125 campgrounds. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to the resort to try their hand at jumps, jibs, and a superpipe.
At the edge of this day-use area, the Deschutes River screams its way through a series of waterfalls that cascade into a 90-foot gorge. These aren’t your average waterfalls; instead, they’re a unique and fascinating look at nature and history.
La Conner
La Conner is a beautiful waterfront community located in the Skagit Valley. It's home to a plethora of restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and a brewpub. It's a perfect day trip from Seattle or Vancouver, BC.
If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids, make sure to stop at Pioneer Park in the heart of town. It features a salmon slide, a small bridge, and picnic shelters.
The town is also home to the Museum of Northwest Art, an expansive gallery focused exclusively on Pacific Northwest artworks in a modern space. It's free and open to the public.
It's also a good place to browse for fun gifts. Check out Handmade La Conner for luxe toiletries, Pelindaba Lavender for Lavender products, and Wood Merchant for a variety of wooden pieces.
Port Townsend
Located on the northeast tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend is a charming historic village known for its Victorian architecture and maritime heritage. It's stunning natural scenery and thriving arts scene are among its most appealing attractions.
There’s a lot to see and do in Port Townsend, but it’s best to spend at least a few days to get the most out of this beautiful destination. If you’re a big fan of nature, head to Point Wilson to paddle along the shore or catch a whale-watching tour on the nearby Strait of Juan de Fuca.
If you’re more into history, visit Fort Worden National Historic Site, a former military site that is now a state park. The site features an ancient military weapon emplacement and a century-old army hospital.
There are a variety of restaurants in town, from Thai cuisine to pizza to poutine. Try Banana Leaf Thai or Hillbottom Pies for a taste of local flavor. If you’re craving something sweeter, check out Elevated for delicious made-in-house ice cream and candy!
Hanalei
If you’re seeking a quiet, secluded spot to get away from the crowds, Hanalei is a great choice. This island town, located about 3 miles (5 km) west of Princeville, is an enchanting mix of a simple country lifestyle and an eclectic beach town.
Hanalei’s beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand, is perfect for swimming and surfing. If you prefer to sit back and relax, you can also enjoy a picnic in the park or walk the pier and watch locals fish or sailboats.
In addition to the beach, Hanalei is a wonderful place for exploring local art galleries and coffee and bakery spots. You can find some fine dining options as well.
This charming little town is full of charm and personality. Its resort-free atmosphere means it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, allowing you to re-energize and reconnect with yourself.
Hanalei is home to Hanalei Company, a skincare brand that specializes in creating gentle, restorative products inspired by Hawaii’s lush tropical landscape and native botanicals. The company launched a campaign to support local artisans, offering grants to help them share their locally inspired art forms virtually.
Conclusion
Many hidden gems around the world are worth exploring on your next vacation. From the charming towns of Europe to the natural wonders of South America, there is no shortage of unique and unforgettable destinations to choose from. So whether you prefer the beach, the mountains, or the city, be sure to consider these hidden gems for a truly special travel experience.
