The Hidden Travel Gems Of America

The fourth-biggest country in the world by area, you could be forgiven for not taking in everything that America has to offer, even if you live there. From the freezing northern-most tip of Alaska to the humid climates of Arizona and Florida, the USA is one of the world’s most diverse countries.

Of course, some of the most famous cities like New York, Orlando, Las Vegas and San Francisco generate plenty of headlines and regularly find themselves in the travel plans of both Americans and people living overseas.

But in this article, we will focus on the lesser-known cities and states, and help you uncover some of America’s hidden travel gems.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

One of America’s most southern states, New Mexico boasts a generally warm climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 100 degrees in the height of summer, but dropping as low as -3 around December time.

Albuquerque is New Mexico’s biggest and most populous city, with more than half a million inhabitants rising to more than a million across the city’s total Metro area. And it also enjoys a growing reputation as one of America’s hubs for film-making.

Classics like Breaking Bad, S.H.I.E.L.D. and more have been filmed in the city – and it’s even possible to take tours of the city that include trips to famous locations that you may recognize from the small screen.

Sitting on Route 66, Albuquerque is also a great city for road-trippers, providing the perfect rest stop at the end of a grueling journey down one of the world’s most famous highways.

Buffalo, New York

In a state best known for the Big Apple, Buffalo is often overlooked by tourists. Around 400 miles North West of NYC, Buffalo is a city of more than 260,000 and the second biggest city in the state.

Home to the famous Buffalo Wings chicken dish that is enjoyed the world over, this northern conurbation on the banks of the Niagara River is the perfect destination for food lovers.

Buffalo is also known for its sponge candy, which is less known globally but perhaps equally delicious. You can even make it at home.

Charleston, West Virginia

The final city on our list can be found in the heart of West Virginia, the state that lends its name to the chorus in the famous song written by John Denver. Charleston is West Virginia’s biggest city and a great travel destination.

Down the east coast from Atlantic City, Charleston is equally abuzz with eager tourists chasing a great time. And although you’ll find fewer casinos in West Virginia, recent updates to regulations around gambling have allowed the State to open its own sportsbook services and you can try these instead, joining the already solid numbers of people exploring sports betting there.

But Charleston is famous for so much more, including its annual events and fairs, and plethora of historical structures and museums. In fact, around 50 locations in Charleston are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

So, if learning about America’s heritage is on your checklist for travel, Charleston could be the perfect place.

We hope you have enjoyed our alternative look at American travel destinations, and that the article has inspired you to look again when planning your next trip Stateside. Tourism giants like New York are wonderful to visit – but discovering your own hidden gem can often be far more satisfying.