When it comes to traveling around the United States, there are some states that stand out from all the rest. You know the ones I mean – tourist hot spots such as California, Florida, and New York. Generally speaking, it’s the states that have world-famous cities and fantastic weather year-round that attract the crowds of tourists.
Want to escape the crowds and get off the beaten track? Don’t worry; there are plenty of states that are well-worth visiting but don’t attract quite as many tourists as some of the more popular ones do. Here are some states that might not feature so heavily in guidebooks but have so much to offer visitors.
If you love wildlife and nature reserves, then you will love North Carolina. Book a room at the Outer Banks Oceanfront Hotel so that you are just a stone’s throw from the state’s popular Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a popular spot for fishing, nature trails, and scenic spots for picnics. If you want to try some more hiking routes, then take a trip out to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will be able to spot lots of different species of wildflowers on the trails and can also walk the section of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the park.
Do you consider yourself a bit of a foodie? If so, then you should head straight to Maine. Known for its thriving food scene, there are plenty of restaurants and eateries in this state that regular feature at the top of many “best of” lists. Once you have had your fill of all the delicious local delicacies, you can walk off all those calories by hiking up the side of Mount Katahdin. Don’t forget a day trip to Casco Bay where you can enjoy plenty of sailing and bracing sea views.
Oregon is the home of Portland, a city known for being a little crazy and alternative! It’s a haven for hipsters and you will be able to while away your days in trendy coffee shops, craft breweries and rummaging around in hip thrift stores. But Oregon isn’t just a city. You can also hike up Mount Hood or go skiing in the mountain’s resort. Don’t forget the Oregon coast which has some of the best beaches off the beaten track in the country!
You might not immediately think to visit New Mexico when you plan a holiday in the United States, but there is a surprising amount of things to see and do in this state. For example, you might want to head to the White Sands National Monument. It’s also a good idea to visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park to explore the famous caves. There are more than 100 caves and caverns to take a look around!
So, next time you plan a trip around the US, don’t just go to all the usual destinations. One of the above states should also be featured on your list!
This is a contributed post that may contain affiliate links.
