The best attractions and landmarks that are off the beaten path

The USA is a vast country with so much to see and do. In fact, you could probably make an entire bucket list purely consisting of the nation’s most famous tourist attractions.

From the Golden Gate Bridge and Las Vegas Strip on the West Coast to Times Square and Walt Disney World Resort on the East, the options are endless.

But what about the tourist destinations that you might not have heard of? Being such a huge country, the USA is full of hidden gems, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds or just try somewhere different.

So, which parts of the country are home to most of these hidden gems, and which are the best to visit?

Top 3 US states with the most hidden gems

1. Alaska
2. Wyoming
3. Utah

Top 3 USA best hidden gems

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

The states with the most hidden gems

1. Alaska – % of hidden gem attractions: 10.95%

Hidden gem attractions: 309

Total attractions: 2,823

Known for its dramatic landscapes featuring icy glaciers and fjords, Alaska is famously the most remote US state.

This remoteness means that many parts of the state are very hard to get to, meaning that it’s packed full of lesser-known places waiting to be discovered.

According to listings on Tripadvisor, just over 1 in 10 of the state’s attractions are deemed to be hidden gems, including the Mendenhall Glacier and Kodiak Island.

2. Wyoming – % of hidden gem attractions: 7.67%

Hidden gem attractions: 114

Total attractions: 1,486

Second is the state of Wyoming, which is the least populated state in the country but clearly has a lot of attractions to entice visitors.

Like Alaska, Wyoming is a state popular with tourists who love the great outdoors and a sense of adventure.

In total, 7.67% of its attractions are listed as being hidden gems, such as Devils Tower and the Midway Geyser Basin.

3. Utah – % of hidden gem attractions: 6.98%

Hidden gem attractions: 217

Total attractions: 3,108

Completing a top three of states located in the West of the USA is Utah, where just under 7% of attractions are listed as being hidden gems.

Utah has three distinct geographical regions and a history stretching back thousands of years, which means there’s an adventure to be found in every corner.

Some of the attractions you might not have heard of include: Capitol Reef National Park, Kanarraville Falls, and Fifth Water Hot Springs.

Where Does My State Rank?

Check to see if your state ranks in the Top 30 US States for hidden gems, in the tables below

The USA’s best hidden gems

1. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming – 9.51 out of 10

Annual search volume: 4,184,000

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

Taking into account the number of searches on Google as well as reviews by visitors, the most popular of the US’s hidden gems is the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

While it’s undoubtedly a popular place, Grand Teton is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the neighboring national parks of Yellowstone and Glacier.

The park stretches over 300,000 acres and is home to the Teton Range of mountains as well as the Jackson Hole valley.

2. Badlands National Park, South Dakota – 8.57 out of 10

Annual search volume: 1,295,000

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

Second place goes to another national park, the Badlands in South Dakota. Similarly rated 4.9 by visitors, the Badlands miss out on the top spot due to a lower search volume than Grand Teton.

Like Grand Teton, the Badlands is one of the more underrated national parks in the country but has some jaw-dropping scenery.

It can also be visited as part of a wider trip to South Dakota to see a more recognizable landmark: Mount Rushmore.

3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan – 8.13 out of 10

Annual search volume: 886,900

Google review score: 4.9 out of 5

In third place is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, located on the shores of Lake Superior.

Known for its dramatic multicolored cliffs and unusual sandstone formations, there is lots of natural beauty to explore here.

There are over 100 miles of trails to follow as well as guided tours led by the rangers, such as the one from Twelve mile Beach through the beautiful white birch forests nearby.

Top 30 Hidden Gems in the US

Discover what we found to be the top 30 US hidden gems, in the tables below

Methodology

The states with the most hidden gems

For each state, the number of total attractions listed on Tripadvisor was sourced. The number that is listed as being ‘hidden gems’ was then also sourced and calculated as a percentage of the total.

The USA’s best hidden gems

Using a number of articles we built a list of over 150 hidden gem attractions and landmarks across the USA.

For each, we then found the number of global Google searches between June 2021 and May 2022 according to Google Ads Keyword Planner as well as the average review score on Google Maps.

Finally, we gave each attraction a normalized score out of ten for both of these factors, before taking an average of these two scores to reach our overall score out of ten.

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Photos by:
Josh Carter – Unsplash | Matan Levanon – Unsplash | Fern M. Lomibao – Unsplash

via wikipedia.com

Boston is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and is one of my top favorite places in the world. From the food, to the bars, to the beautiful scenery, here is a guide for the next time you go to Boston.  Boston was also rated one of the coolest cities in the world by The Huffington Post. A lot of these places are accessible using public transportation – either via the subway or with a bus connection.

Click to Skip To:

• Boston Bars and Nightlife
• Where to Eat in Boston
• Boston Breweries
• Boston Museums
• Places to Visit in Boston
• Transportation

Boston Bars and Nightlife

Drink

This bar is located in Fort Point, and in most people’s opinions, is one of the best cocktail places on the Eastern Seaboard. It made one of Esquire’s lists, along with the Pegu Club in SoHo, NYC. The training process for the bartenders is long and they specialize in pre-prohibition era cocktails. It’s the type of place where you just tell the bartender some flavors that you like and they make something just for you, typically a deep cut from their extensive library of classic cocktails.

Back Bar

This bar is a similar situation with the drinks, but smaller, and hidden within Somerville’s Union Square! It’s a cozy place with late night food and are famous for their ramen as well as pork and eggplant buns. They also have an awesome boutique ice cream maker you don’t want to miss out on!

Where to Eat in Boston

Mr. Bartley’s Gourmet Burgers

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The Lady Gaga, the iPhone and the Democrat, are just a few of the names of the delicious burgers at this famous restaurant. This place is a definite must go when visiting Boston. They have an infinite list of burger concoctions and even have gluten free buns. They are famous for their onion rings so make sure to try those as well!

Penny Packer’s Fine Foods

This place started out as a couple of food trucks (which is still a new thing in Boston) serving up freshly prepared foods, with a constantly changing menu. They recently upgraded to a store front in Magoun Square, Somerville. The only thing that is constant on their menu is the porchetta sandwich, which is one of the most incredible things you will ever eat. The rest of it changes daily based on the season as well as the creative whims of the chefs.

Pauli’s

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A great joint to get lobster rolls- a MUST DO in Boston. Located along the Freedom Trail, in the North End, this place is a good alternative to the pricier sit down spots such as Neptune. They have counter service, and is therefore cheaper than the others, yet the lobster is just as good if not better. They have very generous portions.

Redbones

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If you’re looking for some awesome BBQ in a fun setting, then this is the place to go. Located in Somerville in Davis Square, this spot has two floors with three different rooms: a bar, an upstairs dining room, and a downstairs dining room/bar combo featuring a lounge feel (dimmed lights, colorful art). You definitely get what you pay for. Another plus: They have a huge beer selection.

Mike’s Pastry

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One word: cannoli. This is a definite go to spot if you are visiting Boston and just about everyone knows it. Located in the heart of the North End. Orders are carefully wrapped up in pastry boxes and tied up old school style with twine.

Sunset Grill and Tap

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Located in Allston, just by Boston University. They have a huge selection of beers. This is the perfect place to have a few (or a few too many) beers and eat some good bar food. The atmosphere is very casual with TVs around the dining room and at the bar. The food is also amazing. They have a really extensive selection of beers and a fun environment.

The Gallows

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This restaurant is located in the South End of Boston. They have a large selection of food and beer, including their famous scotch egg, which is a shelled boiled egg, wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.

Boston Breweries

Sam Adams

Smallish brewery located in Jamaica Plain. They have a free tour, which includes a tasting afterwards and completes with discussion about the (usually 3) tasting selections. Afterwards take Jason’s free party shuttle (disco ball and stripper pole included) to Doyle’s Pub. Order a pint of Sam Adams on tap, and keep the specially designed Sam Adams mug. All current tapped varieties of Sam Adams on tap, including the locally famous Brick Red, which you can only get in Boston on tap.

Harpoon

Larger brewery facility located in the fort point/south Boston area (double check on a map to see where they draw the line). The tickets are $5, but the tasting is much more extensive, consisting of 20 minutes in the tasting room where they have every one of their brews on tap. They basically start the timer and encourage you to have as much as possible. They also have a very large restaurant area made up of picnic benches running through a very large room, serving only large pretzels freshly baked, with your choice of sauces. Another opportunity to have any of their brews on tap.

Boston Museums

Museum of Fine Arts

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Student discounts are offered. It has a very nice selection of permanent and visiting exhibitions. There is an incredible musical instrument room. Lots and lots to see. It is free to everyone every Wednesday night from 4-10 PM. The tour is one hour and is a great amount of time to get in all the information you need.

Isabela Stewart Gardner Museum

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Everything in this museum is from a private collection. It is an absolutely beautiful museum and is very well decorated and preserved. Even if you are not into art, you should check out this museum.  The museum does not allow any photos or allow people to carry anything on their back. If you plan on wearing a backpack, be prepared to hold it throughout your visit.

Institute of Contemporary Art

Modern art museum that often has other multimedia events. It has two of the greatest views of the water and surrounding area from spots inside the museum.

Museum of Science

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Cost of admission is $23 for adults. This museum is supposed to be very interesting  and has numerous exhibits you can check out.

Places to Visit in Boston

Public Garden/The Boston Common

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This is basically the Central Park of Boston. One leads into the next and they connect a few neighborhoods. There have been many films shot here due to the beautiful background it presents. It is a great place to take a stroll and experience the beauty that Boston has to offer.

Symphony Hall

Home to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops (depending on the season). They have a very good orchestra with great programming.

Jordan Hall

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Venue connected with New England Conservatory but often the location of other professional orchestras such as the Boston Modern Orchestra Project. This is fun for those interested in a more adventurous and less expensive classical music experience.

American Repertory Theatre

Located in Cambridge, in Harvard Square, so you can grab dinner/drinks before or after. It is a great theatre that often has cutting edge works. There is a great view of the stage no matter where you are seated. It is a smaller theater, so much more quaint and cozy. This theater does serve alcohol. 

Theatre District

Several different theaters downtown in this area. Broadway bound shows sometimes. You can see them before they hit New York City.

The Harbor

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This is a nice place to walk around the water and grab some delicious seafood.

Harvard Square

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There are a lot of nice places to eat and hang out in this area. Go down to the river and hang out while reading a book or just taking it in. Raven Bookstore has a location here and is an amazing used and new bookstore (also a new location on Newbury St. in Boston). Cool record stores as well. Plenty of good food and drink along Mt. Auburn St. and Brattle St. Plenty of shopping options as well.

Newbury Comics

Several locations including Newbury St. and Harvard Sq. This place is a great spot for comics, records, CDs, T- shirts, apparel, etc. It is a local spot that makes the area a cool place to check out.

JP Licks

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JP stands for Jamaica Plain. They have amazing ice cream. There are locations in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, often in the most prominent neighborhoods.

Christian Science Center

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Located near the heart of Boston. The center has  huge outdoor water table and a dramatic cathedral. It is a lot of fun to walk around outside. There are beautiful buildings and gardens, a fountain, and a reflecting pool. It also has its world famous Mapparium, which is basically a planetarium for Earth.

Transportation

The T

Boston’s subway system and associated bus and ferry lines and goes just about everywhere in the Greater Boston area and beyond.. Boston’s public transportation system is operated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, but locals know it simply as the “T”. Take it, it is easy and cheap, especially if you buy a week pass. The pass covers everything on the T line. To ride the T, you need to purchase a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket. Fare is $2.10 and the link pass is $75.  Subway stops are color coded – Red Line, Green Line, Blue Line, Orange Line or Silver Line.

Taxis

Taxivservice is available throughout the city. From Logan International Airport to most hotels in Boston and Cambridge. The current fares are approximately $25-$35.00, one way.

Walking

A lot of things are walking distance from each other, so put some running shoes on, and walk to your next destination.

Biking/bike sharing

Hubway is a bike sharing system providing over 100 stations and 1,000 bikes available in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. You can get a bike near your hotel and bike to your next attraction, shopping trip, or to visit friends and family.

Which landmarks are the most beautiful around the world? 

In a world where international travel is opening back up, more and more people are parking at the airport and venturing abroad to tick off the natural and architectural wonders that are on their travel lists. 

From the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty these landmarks are iconic, but which are the most beautiful?     

We analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for famous landmarks, to see how many people reviewed them using the words beautiful, pretty, picturesque, and stunning to reveal which landmarks people consider the most beautiful.  

Top 5 Most Beautiful Landmarks In The World

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

“Beauty” reviews: 3,163 

This landmark is one of the internationally recognized symbols of San Francisco. It is believed to be one of the most photographed bridges in the world, boasting spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay through the rising fog, so it’s no surprise this landmark ranks first on our list with 3,163 reviews.   

2. The Eiffel Tower

“Beauty” reviews: 3,107

Coming second in our ranking is one of the world’s most identifiable landmarks. This tower has been imitated all over the world, in China, Las Vegas, Greece, and fittingly Paris, Texas due to its beauty. The tower was originally meant to be demolished after 20 years but became such an iconic landmark in Paris that the French government decided to keep it. It welcomes nearly 7 million visitors a year who enjoy spectacular views of the Paris skyline. 

3. Trevi Fountain

“Beauty” reviews: 3,105

One of the oldest water sources in Rome, the Trevi fountain is noted for the intricate and beautiful baroque artwork that surrounds it, with statues representing important aspects of the city. This and the fact it has featured in the classic films La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday make it a popular spot for tourists wishing to take in its iconic look, as a key landmark in Rome.  

4. Edinburgh Castle

“Beauty” reviews: 3,091

The highest-ranked castle on our list, this iconic landmark dominates the skyline of the old city, perched on top of an extinct volcano. It is noted for its beautiful views over the Scottish city and the pretty St Margaret’s chapel featuring the original ornate arches and more recent stained glass windows.   

5. The Colosseum

“Beauty” reviews: 3,051

This ancient ruin is one of the most recognized landmarks in Rome. It is the largest amphitheater ever built, and the largest still standing despite being nearly 2,000 years old. This ancient architectural marvel draws nearly seven million visitors annually, with 3,051 visitors describing the landmark as beautiful.

5 Most Beautiful US Landmarks

1. The Golden Gate Bridge

“Beauty” reviews: 3,163

Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the US. Stretching a mile across the Golden Gate strait this iconic structure was considered an engineering marvel, being both the longest and tallest bridge built, at the time of construction. It also stands out as a landmark due to its distinctive orange paintwork which complements its natural surroundings, with 3,163 reviewers remarking on its beauty.   

2. Biltmore Estate

“Beauty” reviews: 3,042

Coming second, this national historic landmark in Asheville, North Carolina was the largest privately-owned house in the US taking up 178,926 square feet. The estate is renowned for its beautiful architecture, which 3,042 reviewers agree with. The main house was built in the Chateauesque style featuring sculptural ornamentation both inside and on the exterior as well as the park-like landscape gardening. It now serves as a museum and tourist attraction. 

3. The Empire State Building

“Beauty” reviews: 3,023

This skyscraper is an icon of the New York City skyline. It was the world’s tallest building from 1931 until the construction of the world trade center in 1970. Designed in the Art Deco style, The Empire State building’s height and observation decks have made it a popular destination for tourists, attracting over 4 million a year, 3,023 of which agree the landmark is beautiful. Added to this, its appearance in over 250 TV shows and movies has solidified its status as a cultural icon and symbol of the city. 

4. National September 11 Memorial and Museum

“Beauty” reviews: 2,672

The second New York landmark on our list is the September 11 Memorial and Museum. This landmark commemorates both the 2001 and 1993 attacks on the World Trade Center, documenting its impact and continuing significance. Visitors to the thought-provoking memorial can visit the two reflecting pools which mark where the towers stood.

5. Alcatraz Island 

“Beauty” reviews: 2,497

This former prison is the second San Franciscan landmark on our list. It has become a major tourist attraction, with around 1.7 million visitors annually flocking to experience the rich history of this iconic island, which 2,497 reviewers agree is beautiful. The island also boasts beautiful views of San Francisco and hosts enchanting gardens and grounds. 

5 Most Beautiful UK Landmarks

1. Edinburgh Castle 

“Beauty” reviews: 3,091

This historic landmark is the second most visited paid tourist attraction in the UK, as well as being one of the most iconic attractions in Scotland. The ancient fortress looms over the Royal Mile, providing a pretty view of the city. 

2. The London Eye

“Beauty” reviews: 3,048

This key feature of the London skyline provides panoramic views of the city from Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. Because of this, it is the UK’s most popular paid tourist attraction attracting some 3 million visitors annually. Like the Eiffel Tower, this landmark was also initially considered temporary before popular demand ensured its permanent status as an iconic landmark in the UK capital.

3. The Tower of London

“Beauty” reviews: 3,024

The second historic castle and second London landmark on our list, the Tower of London lies on the North bank of the River Thames in central London. It is noted for its rich history as both a prison and palace. The Tower is also renowned for its beautiful medieval architecture and grounds with stunning views of the modern city, with 3,024 reviewers describing it as beautiful.  

4. Tower Bridge

“Beauty” reviews: 2,446

One of the most iconic landmarks in London, Tower Bridge has approximately 40,000 crossings every day, making it an important part of the city as well as a cultural icon. The bridge has become a popular lookout point for tourists to enjoy views of London as well as experience the amazing feat of engineering and an excellent example of Victorian architecture. 

5. Buckingham Palace

“Beauty” reviews: 2,330

This palace was originally built in 1701 and has been the official residence of the British royal family since 1837. It is considered a place of national rejoicing or mourning for the British people and is full of British history as well as beautiful gardens.  

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