ParkSleepFly.com Travel Blog

Top LAX Restaurants: Eats Inside & Near the Airport

August 2, 2024 No Comments

LAX Restaurants offer a culinary haven right at the airport. Whether you’re in transit or waiting for a flight, the diverse dining options here cater to every palate. This blog explores some of the best restaurants within and around the airport, giving you a taste of the vibrant flavors of Los Angeles.

LAX Airport Restaurants

1. Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

pizza on brown wooden table

Yelp rating: 2.4/5

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza is a haven for pizza lovers at LAX. Known for its innovative, artisan pizzas, it combines quality ingredients with traditional cooking methods. The restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and desserts, making it a versatile choice for travelers.

You can find this LAX restaurant in Terminal 4.

Menu Highlights:

Four Cheese Pizza is worth trying, featuring mozzarella, Romano, gorgonzola and smoked gouda.
If you want to try a dish packed with flavour, the Breakfast Burrito Bacon should be top of your list!

Ambiance:

The welcoming and casual atmosphere at this LAX restaurant provides an escape from the bustling airport.

2. Rock & Brews

grilled meat with green vegetable on white ceramic plate

Yelp rating: 3.5/5

Rock & Brews at LAX offers a rockthemed dining experience with a robust menu of American classics and craft beers. Founded by rock legends, it combines great music with delicious food, creating a unique atmosphere. From burgers to salads, their offerings are perfect for a preflight meal.

You’ll find Rock & Brews in Terminals 1 and 5 in LAX.

Menu Highlights:

Looking for some comfort food? Be sure to order the Giant Soft Bavarian Pretzel.
The Signature Wings aren’t to be missed at this LAX restaurant. If you love spicy food, why not try the Rockin’ Hot wings?

Ambiance:

The energetic and lively setting, filled with rock memorabilia, makes it a fun and vibrant place to dine.

3. The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck

hamburger, fried eggs, avocado slices, and bread on round gray plate

Yelp rating: 2.4/5

Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at LAX offers a taste of fine dining with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu, crafted by the celebrity chef, features a range of pizzas, pastas, and signature dishes. It’s an excellent spot for travelers seeking a more refined dining experience.

Find The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck in Terminal 6.

Menu Highlights:

If you enjoy seafood, we recommend ordering the Salmon Bagel. It’s packed with flavour, including red onions and dill cream cheese.
Prefer a classic? Order up the Margherita Pizza.

Ambiance:

This LAX restaurant offers modern décor and great, making it a must-visit dining experience.

4. The Habit Burger Grill

burger with lettuce and tomato

Yelp rating: 2.9/5

The Habit Burger Grill brings its award-winning burgers to LAX, offering fresh and flavorful dining. Known for its chargrilled burgers, the restaurant uses high-quality ingredients to deliver mouthwatering meals quickly. It’s an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying bite.

This restaurant is situated in Terminal 6.

Menu Highlights:

Try the Charburger, with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun.
Want to enjoy something on the lighter side? Order the Grilled Chicken Salad.

Ambiance:

The contemporary and clean setting, with counter service and ample seating, ensures a quick yet pleasant dining experience.

5. Rolling Stone Bar

bread with tomato and green vegetable

Yelp rating: 1.9/5

Rolling Stone Bar offers a rock-and-roll dining experience at LAX, with a menu that features American classics and an extensive drink selection. It’s a destination for travelers looking to enjoy a vibrant meal before their flight. The bar’s lively ambiance is enhanced by its connection to the iconic Rolling Stone brand.

If you want to try the dishes at this restaurant, head to Terminal 7.

Menu Highlights:

If you’re looking to treat yourself, order up the delicious Memphis Melt; it’s a must try, with chipotle BBQ, a smashed patty and American cheese.
After a light bite? Choose the Uptown Turkey BLT.

Ambiance:

This LAX Airport restaurant’s energetic and eclectic decor, inspired by rock music culture, creates a fun and engaging dining environment.

Restaurants Near LAX

1. The Ramen Joint

a bowl of ramen with chopsticks and a glass of beer

Yelp rating: 4.3/5

The Ramen Joint offers an authentic Japanese dining experience near LAX, specializing in rich, flavorful ramen bowls. The cozy restaurant provides a variety of ramen options, each crafted with carefully selected ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. It’s a must visit for ramen enthusiasts.

Location

6220 W 87th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from LAX

2.2 miles

Menu Highlights:

For a filling dish, we recommend the Braised Pork Rice Bowl.
Love Bao Buns? Choose between Pork Belly, Chicken Karaage or Braised Chicken.

Ambiance:

The intimate and minimalist setting, with an open kitchen and warm lighting, creates a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

2. Playa Provisions

raw meat with spices on green ceramic plate

Yelp rating: 3.9/5

Playa Provisions is a multi-concept restaurant near LAX, offering a diverse range of dining options from seafood to desserts. Each section of the restaurant has its own unique menu and ambiance, providing a variety of culinary experiences under one roof. It’s perfect for those looking to explore different flavors.

Location

119 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

Distance from LAX

5.3 miles

Menu Highlights:

If you’re sitting in Dockside, tuck into one of the delicious starters such as the Seared Ahi Tuna.
Visiting King Beach Café? Be sure to try the pastries, including the Biscuit Dulce De Leche!

Ambiance:

The beachy and casual vibe, with nautical decor and ocean views, makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.

3. Good Stuff: El Segundo

nachos filled bowl

Yelp rating: 4.1/5

Good Stuff in El Segundo is a family-friendly restaurant near LAX Airport offering a menu of healthy and delicious American dishes. Known for its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it’s a great place for a wholesome meal. The menu includes everything from hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners.

Location

131 W Grand Ave Ste. C, El Segundo, CA 90245

Distance from LAX

3.4 miles

Menu Highlights:

Visiting for breakfast? The Applewood Smoked Bacon & Eggs is not to be missed!
When it comes to light bites, Mexican Protein is the perfect choice. A dish full of flavor, featuring jalapenos, pico de gallo and feta cheese; it’s a must try.

Ambiance:

The bright and cheerful atmosphere, with ample natural light and friendly service, ensures a pleasant dining experience.

4. Aliki’s Greek Taverna

sliced vegetables in blue ceramic bowl

Yelp rating: 4.4/5

Aliki’s Greek Taverna offers a taste of Greece near LAX, with a menu of traditional Greek dishes made from authentic recipes. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and flavorful cuisine, making it a popular choice for both locals and travelers. It’s a great place to enjoy Mediterranean flavors.

Location

131 W Grand Ave Ste. C, El Segundo, CA 90245

Distance from LAX

3.4 miles

Menu Highlights:

A refreshing meal, the Greek Salad is delicious, with the olives being the star of the show!
One of the best dishes at this restaurant near LAX is the Gyro Plate. It’s full of tender meat, salad and flavorful rice.

Ambiance:

The cozy and welcoming environment, with Greek decor and a family-friendly atmosphere, creates a delightful dining experience.

5. The Coffee Company

baked pancake with blueberry and slice of banana

Yelp rating: 4.2/5

The Coffee Company is a beloved local cafe near LAX, offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options along with excellent coffee. Known for its homemade pastries and hearty meals, it’s a great place to start your day or enjoy a casual meal. The cafe’s friendly vibe is perfect for relaxing.

Location

8751 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from LAX

2.1 miles

Menu Highlights:

A light a fluffy dish that’s perfect for the morning is the Blueberry Pancakes.
Prefer something savory? Choose one of the omelettes, such as the Snow Crab Omelette.

Ambiance:

The warm and inviting atmosphere, with cozy seating and a laidback vibe, makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal.

6. Truxton’s American Bistro

Close-up Photography of Baked Mac

Yelp rating: 4.2/5

Truxton’s American Bistro offers a contemporary dining experience near LAX, with a menu that features a blend of classic and innovative American dishes. The restaurant prides itself on its welcoming service and diverse menu, catering to a variety of tastes. It’s an excellent choice for any meal of the day.

Location

8611 Truxton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from LAX

2.3 miles

Menu Highlights:

Enjoy a classic with a twist by ordering the Kicked Up Mac & Cheese. It comes with roasted tomatoes and applewood bacon.
A comforting choice is the Chicken Tortilla Soup, which comes with crispy tortilla strips and roasted corn salsa.

Ambiance:

The modern and stylish decor, coupled with comfortable seating, creates an enjoyable and chic dining environment.

7. Pann’s Restaurant

waffles with chocolate syrup on white ceramic plate

Yelp rating: 4.2/5

Pann’s Restaurant provides the classic American restaurant near LAX. With a menu that boasts comfort food favorites, it serves as a nostalgic retreat for travelers. Pann’s is renowned for its hearty breakfasts and traditional American dishes that are both satisfying and delicious.

Location

6710 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from LAX

3.9 miles

Menu Highlights:

The Hotcake Plates are one of the best options at Pann’s Restaurant. You can create your own plate, so why not give our combination a try? For the hotcake, choose waffles, then add eggs to the side and fried chicken wings for protein.
If you prefer a satisfying and filling dish for lunch or an evening meal, we recommend trying the Fried Pork Chops.

Ambiance:

The retro decor and friendly service evoke a sense of 1950s Americana, offering a warm and inviting dining experience.

7. Melody Bar & Grill

tacos with mince, onions and herbs

Yelp rating: 3.9/5

Melody Bar & Grill is a great spot for travelers looking to unwind with great food and drinks. The menu features a variety of American favorites, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches, complemented by a full bar. It’s a popular choice for both dining and socializing.

Location

9132 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Distance from LAX

1.8 miles

Menu Highlights:

One of the highlights of this restaurant’s menu has to be the tacos. Why not try the Barvecue Carnitas Tacos?
Alternatively, try one of the bar tapas, such as the Baby Back Ribs & Fries; delicious!

Ambiance:

The lively and welcoming atmosphere, with a full bar and plush seating makes it a great place to relax.

FAQs

What restaurants are in LAX?

We’ve featured some of the best restaurants you can find inside and close to LAX above. However, if you want to check out a complete list of places to eat, check out the official airport’s dining and shopping directory.

How late are restaurants open at LAX?

On average, the airport’s restaurants stay open until 10pm or 11pm; but, please check before visiting!

What time do restaurants at LAX open?

The opening times for LAX Airport restaurants can vary, so please check ahead of visiting. The earliest opening time is 4:30am, and the latest tends to be 8am.

Are there any restaurants on baggage claim level at LAX?

Yes, there are several restaurants situated on baggage claim level in the airport. Please explore the FlyLAX map to find them.

Are there restaurants before security at LAX?

Yes, there are 12 places to eat before the Security Checkpoint. These include Asian Street Eats, Dunkin’ Donuts, Earl of Sandwich, Starbucks, Planet Holywood, Wpizza and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

We hope this guide to restaurants in the airport helps you find your next best bite before your flight! Next time you find yourself at LAX, take the opportunity to explore these fantastic restaurants and enjoy a memorable meal before your journey.

Do you need somewhere to stay before or after your flight in LAX? Here at ParkSleepFly, we’ve partnered with fantastic LAX hotels that offer parking and shuttle service – take a look!

Why book Park, Sleep, Fly? Reasons to choose an airport hotel

July 11, 2024 3 Comments

Airport hotel at night

Traveling can be exhilarating, but navigating airport logistics often adds a layer of stress. Early morning wake-up calls, expensive parking fees, and the scramble to catch a shuttle can leave you feeling frazzled before your trip even begins. But what if there was a way to streamline the process, ensuring a relaxed and enjoyable start to your journey?

Have you ever thought of booking a park, sleep, fly package? It’s one way of improving your journey and is becoming ever more popular Ok, we may be biased because that’s what we do, but believe us, it really is a brilliant idea.

There’s a whole bunch of reasons to choose an airport hotel which we go into below. So, if you’ve been thinking that you’d like to try but weren’t quite sure then let’s see if we can help you make up your mind.

Reasons to Book Park Sleep Fly Before You Travel

We’ve listed the top 10 reasons to stay at an airport hotel before (and also after) your flight…

Avoid the Traffic
It’s Better for Families
Recharge Before Airport Arrival
Beat any Weather Inconveniences
Nationwide Availability
Competitive Rates
Free Extended Parking
Unwind and Enjoy the Hotel Amenities
Sleep in and Skip the Morning Stress
Travel Made Easy

ParkSleepFly.com is your one-stop shop for a smarter travel experience. Our innovative platform offers a winning combination of convenience, value, and peace of mind.

Intrigued? Read on to discover why we would love to be your go-to travel partner and help you transform your next trip from a logistical struggle into a streamlined adventure.

Avoid the Traffic

Avoid the travel time’s #1 challenge: the traffic jam or snarl on flight day. Many travelers can tell you stories about “just” making their flight or even more frustrating – watching it take off without them! Traffic jams and snarls happen often, especially on the way to the airport. Avoid this frustration and confusion by planning ahead and booking a park, sleep, fly package.

You can drive to the hotel when it suits you, and during off-peak hours the traffic is sure to be lighter than in the early morning rush-hour. You’ll stay overnight at an airport hotel and take a complimentary airport shuttle the next day to the airport. You’ll be at the airport in minutes – instead of spending hours in traffic!

It’s Better for Families

Choosing a park, sleep & fly package is ideal for families with children because you can keep them on their regular schedule. Let’s face it – no one enjoys a long travel day. This is especially true when it comes to little ones who wait and then travel and then wait some more, travel some more. Their travel day can be 12 or even 16 hours long!

With a park and fly package you stay overnight in an airport hotel and wake up at your regular time, not in the pre-dawn hours to get your flight. This is a great convenience for every family, making travel stress and hassle free.

Recharge Before Airport Arrival

Travel to the airport the day before your flight at the time most convenient for you and your family. Park your car in off airport parking and check in to your airport hotel. Spend the night enjoying the generous amenities at your airport hotel and comfortable surroundings.

Instead of getting up in the pre-dawn hours to catch the flight, only to get caught in traffic, you will get up at your regular time and take the complimentary shuttle bus which will have you at the airport in minutes! Can’t you feel your traveling stress levels lower as we talk about it? We thought so!

Beat any Weather Inconveniences

Many travelers have concerns about bad weather when they travel. A summer thunderstorm, tornado or other types of weather can wreak havoc on your travel plans. A park, sleep, fly package makes traveling so much easier.

No… we can’t change the weather. But you’ll be at the airport on time and ready for your flight. If there are any changes to your flight, you’ll be at the airport and ready to manage new tickets or a new flight in a few hours… not still outside fighting with Mother Nature.

Nationwide Availability

There is a huge variety of packages available across all major US airports which brings convenience and potential savings to travelers. With locations scattered across the country, you’ll always find a park and fly hotel near your departure airport. This eliminates the hassle of searching for separate parking and accommodation, and potentially saves money by bundling them together.

You can relax at the airport hotel the night before your flight, avoid early morning commutes, and enjoy a shuttle ride directly to the airport, all streamlined through one travel package.

Competitive Rates

Convenience is key when you’re traveling but so are competitive rates and packages need to be very price conscious for savvy travelers. You might be surprised to discover that a hotel stay combined with airport parking is often comparable in price to just airport parking for your family vacation or business trip – plus consider the added value you’re getting!

Free Extended Parking

For the price of extended airport parking, you get a comfortable hotel room to relax in before your flight, and a convenient shuttle ride right to your terminal. Plus, extended parking options let you ditch the stress of airport parking hassles.

Park your car at secure facilities for 7 to 14 days – you can leave whenever you want and arrive back at your own pace.

Unlike airport lots with limited hours, airport hotel parking offers the flexibility to come and go as needed, entirely on your schedule. And the best part? This extended parking is completely FREE with any ParkSleepFly.com package!

Unwind and Enjoy the Hotel Amenities

The idea of park, stay and fly isn’t just about convenience – it’s about enhancing your entire travel experience. After a comfortable night’s sleep in your hotel room, you can take advantage of the variety of amenities offered by airport hotels, ensuring you’re refreshed and ready to fly.

Enjoy complimentary WiFi while eating a continental breakfast in a relaxing restaurant – without the hustle and bustle of passengers whizzing past as you sip your coffee.

Sleep in and Skip the Morning Stress

Don’t wake everyone up before the rooster’s crow. Getting everyone up when it’s still dark to get that mid-morning flight is a real hassle. With a park, sleep, fly package you can likely get up at your regular time and still catch your flight. Forget the pre-dawn scramble to the airport!

Travel Made Easy

Traveling with family can sometimes feel more like a logistical nightmare than an exciting adventure. Make life, and your travel experience that much easier by giving yourself plenty of time before you depart.

A park, sleep, fly package makes travel more enjoyable and fun for the whole family. So much so, that everyone will be ready for the next trip, even before this one is over!

Imagine excited chatter about future destinations instead of the usual travel woes.

Has that given you enough reasons to book an airport hotel? If so, why not book your ParkSleepFly.com package today – you’re sure to find one that suits your needs as well as your budget – and let the fun begin!

Happy Travels!

Photo by:

80 Atlantic Ave
Boston, MA
02110

Menu Highlights:

Popular dishes include the Cajun Broiled Seafood Combo, New England Lobster Roll, and the Grilled Swordfish Sandwich. The hearty seafood platters are perfect for sharing, and the menu also features fresh, daily specials that highlight the catch of the day.

Ambiance:

The laid-back, nautical-themed setting with outdoor seating makes it a great spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic views of Boston Harbor. The casual and friendly vibe ensures that every visit feels like a relaxing retreat by the sea.

No matter your tastes, Boston restaurants offer a diverse array of dining options that cater to every palette. From upscale steakhouses and elegant French bistros to cozy Italian eateries and vibrant seafood joints, the city’s restaurant scene is first class.

Planning a trip from BOS Airport? Save yourself the stress and hassle by booking a Boston Airport hotel with free parking and shuttle service. Additionally, find even more things to do by checking out our Boston travel guide.

Photos by:

Global Surfing Spots

June 20, 2024 No Comments

The best surfing locations to catch a wave in the USA, and across the world

Our world is made up of 71% water, so what better way to experience it than riding a wave? Surfing can be the perfect way to connect with nature allowing us to view our oceans from a completely different perspective.

From the likes of Montauk, New York, to La Jolla, San Diego, for those dreaming of taking on the adrenaline rush that surfing brings, the surfing spot options are endless.

If you are not sure where to start your surfing adventure, and you need a little inspiration, then keep reading as we reveal the most popular surfing spots across the USA and the world.

The USA’s top surfing spots

1. Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA – Surfing Spot Score 8.32

Located in the sunshine state of Florida, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for surfers and sunbathers alike. The beach is an iconic and busy surfing hub with an extensive surfing history dating back to the 1950s. Cocoa Beach is particularly popular on social with over 3,000 surfing-related Instagram hashtags. The sea temperatures are also favorable, averaging 27°C, so whether you are looking to surf or to swim, it’s going to be a great place to take to the sea.

2. Waikiki, Oahu, USA – Surfing Spot Score 7.69

Hawaii is well-known for its gorgeous beaches and warm seas so it’s no surprise that Waikiki in Oahu ranks in second position. Oahu offers 122 surf breaks and a coastline of 3.8km to explore. Similarly to Cocoa Beach in Florida, surfers are in for a warm ride with average sea temperatures of 27°C.

3. Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, USA – Surfing Spot Score 6.67

Huntington Beach is located in the popular surfing area of Orange County, California. The surfing spot ranked well for the number of surfing breaks at 51, and on average the spot is searched 1,770 times per month across the globe. The seas appear to be slightly cooler here than in Florida and Oahu though, averaging at 21°C.

The world’s top surfing spots

1. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico – Surfing Spot Score 7.50

Puerto Escondido is a laid-back coastal region, yet it is home to one of the world’s most thrilling waves, making the surfing spot perfect for expert surfers. The thrillseekers paradise is also highly sought after online, with over 3,000 tags on Instagram, and 6,120 monthly Google searches.

2. Noosa, Queensland, Australia – Surfing Spot Score 6.38

In second position is Noosa, Queensland, Australia. Located on the sunshine coast, this is the perfect spot to take to the waves. This resort has waves for all levels, and the best time to surf is during April when sea temperatures average 21C. According to the research, Noosa has a total of 69 surf breaks, and it is also highly popular on Instagram with over 16,000 tags.

3. Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada – Surfing Spot Score 5.76

Ranking in third place is Tofino, Canada. Tofino offers a range of surf breaks with varying difficulty levels, perfect for beginners and avid surfers alike. The best time to surf Tofino is in January when the weather and atmosphere are most ideal. During this time waves begin to increase due to fluctuations in wind activity providing perfect surfing conditions. Interestingly, surfing in Tofino has been tagged more than 700,000 times on Instagram.

The most searched for surf spot

Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia – 10,000 total searches

Located on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu offers an abundance of fast and powerful waves for thrillseekers. With 10,000 combined average monthly Google searches over the last 12 months for ‘surfing in Bali’ and ‘surfing Uluwatu’, this is the most searched surfing location on our list.

The most popular surf spot according to Instagram

Noosa, Queensland, Australia – 16,036 total tags

Noosa, Australia is the most popular surfing spot according to Instagram, with a total of 16,036 tagged posts. This surfing spot is great for those in search of smaller swells, whilst big swells do appear they are inconsistent. The area is well known for its gorgeous golden sands and clear waters, making it ideal for surfing.

The surf spot with the most breaks

Waikiki, Oahu, USA – 122 total breaks

A surf break is an obstruction in the sea or ocean that causes a break in the tide to create a barrel wave – perfect for surfing. In Oahu, Hawaii there are 122 breaks, creating several surfing options. Some of the surfing breaks along Waikiki are Canoes – which provide perfect conditions for beginners, Queens – home to plenty of surfing competitions, and The Wall – perfect for practicing on smaller waves.

The surf spot with the longest coastline

Reunion, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – 600km

The surf spot of Reunion is located in Durban, and it is home to a total of 600km of beaches on its coastline to explore. The extensive coastline and glorious weather year-round make this the spot ideal for surfers and beach lovers alike.

The surf spot with the highest sea temperatures

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico – 30.67° C

Although there’s no optimum surfing temperature, warmer climates can make the experience much more comfortable. With average sea temperatures of 30.67°C, Puerto Escondido, therefore, ranks in first place. This surfing spot is one of the most famous in Mexico, offering plenty of waves in its warm waters.

The best global surf spots for each month of the year

Methodology

Initially, ranking lists of surfing spots for the terms ‘top surfing spots around the world and ‘the world’s best surfing spots’ were analyzed to create a list of 150 key surfing locations.

This list of over 150 surfing locations was then narrowed down to 30 focusing only on those with the highest search volume.

From here any surfing locations that were not surf breaks were reviewed using the quality rating from Surf Forecast. The surf breaks with the highest ratings were selected.

Using this list we then undertook research into the following factors to identify the best surfing spots across the world.

Google Searches

Using Keyword Planner, average search volumes for the keyphrases that contain the location name and surfing term [example, ‘surfing in Bali’] were analyzed to reveal the overall search volume for each surfing spot. All terms searched included the word surf or surfing to ensure the intent was relatable to the concept.

Instagram Tags

Social data was gathered by analyzing the number of times each surfing spot was tagged on Instagram along with the word surf or surfing e.g. waikikisurf and waikikisurfing. The number of tags per hashtag was then added together to provide a total number of tags for that destination.

Coastline Length

To determine coastline length details a combination of tourist boards and surfing publications were used.

Average Sea Temperatures

Finding the lowest and highest sea temperatures in each location were completed using seatemperatures.net, and lowpressure.co.uk for Mentawai Island.

Best Month to Surf

To identify the best month to surf in each location Surf Forecast was used, for the locations where the best surfing month was unavailable alternative surfing publication sources were used, mywavefinder and surfline.

USA’s Hidden Gems

June 13, 2024 No Comments

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

Alaska
Wyoming
Utah

Top 3 USA best hidden gems

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan

List of states with the most hidden gems

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

list of States with the most hidden gems continued

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

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, USA

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.

To book a hotel & parking package for your next trip, click below!

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