20 Underrated US Travel Destinations

Traveling is all about exploration and discovery, and that's a little difficult to do in places that have been overly represented in pop culture, history, music and songs. So instead of going to the same cities that everyone else visits or that you've seen in a million movies, take a different path, one that's full of wonder and excitement, one that defies all expectations. Visit one of our favorite underrated U.S. cities.

Milwaukee is known as the 'City that Beer Built', and that's because it's home to some of the biggest and best breweries, like the world-famous, Miller brewery. When you're not touring breweries and tasting local beers, Milwaukee has plenty more to offer. Shop and dine in the Historic Third Ward before walking to the Riverwalk where you can rent vintage boats for some fun on the water. Enjoy larger-than-life sculptures in Lynden Sculpture Garden or make your way to Doctor's Park to grab a beer from the beer garden before walking down to a beachy shore on Lake Michigan. If you love architecture, the city is teeming with great buildings like Frank Lloyd Wright's Burnham Block or an 1898 double house (where you can stay!) called the Dubbel Dutch Hotel.

Alabama has the best-kept secret as far as beach destinations go: Gulf Shores. This coastal city draws folks from all over the South for its lovely beaches and ocean activities. It doesn't hurt that it's a beachy getaway at an affordable price. Visit this year and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with great seafood and Cajun cuisine. Take the kids to the pier, the zoo or on some easy hikes in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.

See the world-famous arch from a hotel or a paddlewheeler on the river with a trip to St. Louis, Missouri. The city has a wealth of museums for the whole family like the City Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Don't overlook the outdoor offerings here. Take Insta-worthy photos at Laumeier Sculpture Park or in the Missouri Botanical Garden. Learn about the ancient city of Cahokia and the community that lived there at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York, but it doesn't receive as much national tourism love that we think it deserves. With a location on Lake Erie, people are drawn to the lake to fish, boat, paddleboard or have a beach day at Woodlawn Beach State Park. Delve into the history of the area with tours of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National or Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House. Art lovers will thrive at the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Let your friends go to Sedona and Phoenix, while you forge your own path to Flagstaff. Enjoy the outdoors with phenomenal hikes to Sunset Crater, Coconino National Forest and Walnut Canyon National Park. See the ruins of prehistoric adobes at Wupatki National Monument and stargaze at Lowell Observatory. The Grand Canyon isn't that far of a drive from Flagstaff, but you might find it difficult to escape Flagstaff's wealth of outdoor activities like mountain biking, a great brewery scene and a public art scene. In the winter, hit the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl.

Appleton is probably not on your radar, but this little-known city is a great destination for a weekend getaway. The historic downtown is full of shops and public art. Spend a Saturday shopping through the boutiques and exploring the farmers market that takes up multiple blocks. A visit to the Trout Art Museum is great for art lovers, while foodies will have a blast eating along the Fox River, such as at Fratellos Riverfront Restaurant. Tour the first home to be hydro-powered with electricity at the Hearthstone Historic Museum. End the day enjoying some drinks on a sunset river cruise with Fox River Tours.

Fort Worth has long been overshadowed by other Texas cities, but thankfully this 'cowtown' is coming into its own these days. The Stockyards is at the center of entertainment because it offers restaurants, shopping, a rodeo, a daily longhorn show and live music. Stay at the new and stylish Hotel Drover so you can be at the center of all this area has to offer. Take the opportunity to go beyond The Stockyards and see the city's wonderful art museums like the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Amon Carter Museum of Art.

South Walton is a great place for a Florida beach vacation. There are 26 miles of white sandy beaches and beautiful clear waters to swim, jet-ski and boat in. When you're not catching some rays at the beach, enjoy the gardens at Eden Gardens State Park or go hiking at Point Washington State Forest. If you tire of swimming in the ocean, Morrison Springs County State Park is a natural spring area that's perfect for a cool dip or scuba dive session. While Florida isn't a well-known wine destination, it could be fun to do a tasting at the Chautauqua Vineyard and Winery.

Enjoy a getaway to the wonderful city of Providence, Rhode Island. The WaterFire sculpture in Waterplace Park is a special experience that you can't miss. For more art, visit RISD Museum and the Providence Art Club. Experience the Providence River with a romantic gondola ride or on a guided riverboat tour. Stroll through Federal Hill to explore the city's Italian roots through some of the best bakeries and restaurants on the East Coast. Book lovers can't miss a chance to visit the Providence Athenaeum, one of the oldest libraries in the country.

Baltimore has been operating under the radar for years, but we don't think it will stay that way for long. The Inner Harbor is packed with places to visit like the National Aquarium, but we suggest you explore the cultural and dining options in more charming neighborhoods like Mount Vernon and Fells Point. The George Peabody Library is an iconic attraction, though don't miss your chance to dive into the city's art offerings at the American Visionary Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. And if you love the poet, Edgar Allan Poe, there are a few great spots - like the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum - that you'll want to add to your list.

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail spans across many cities, but one of our favorites is Omaha, Nebraska. This city is thriving culturally with spots like the Joslyn Art Museum and the Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts. Spend the day strolling through the downtown area, especially the cobblestone Old Market which has great buildings, restaurants, shops and museums. The Omaha outdoor scene offers everything from a world-class zoo to a zipline and a footbridge named "Bob." Shop at Gene Leahy Mall (which has a lagoon!) or win it big at the Ameristar Casino.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, take a trip to Las Cruces. Hike the Dona Ana Mountains or mountain bike at Picacho Peak. The Dripping Springs Natural Area and Prehistoric Trackways National are great outdoor spaces to visit. The art scene in Las Cruces is fantastic. Visit the Las Cruces Museum of Art before perusing through the many galleries like Main Street Gallery and MVS Studios. Taste wine at the Rio Grande Winery before checking out the Zuhl Museum or the Museum of Nature and Science.

Experience the West with a stay in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The city is teeming with historical adventures at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West, Wyoming State Museum and Cheyenne Depot Museum. Bring the kids to the Terry Bison Ranch to see a herd of bison or take a horseback ride. Hikers and cyclists should explore Curt Gowdy State Park. You could spend a whole day shopping, eating and exploring the downtown area, so make sure that's your first stop!

Skip the price tag of Las Vegas for a trip to Reno, Nevada. While there are plenty of places to hit the slots, Reno offers much more than gambling. After taking a photo of the famous Reno Arch, check out the most popular attractions like the Nevada Museum of Art, the National Automobile Museum and The Discovery, an interactive science museum. Have a beer at the Depot Craft Brewery Distillery after rock climbing the tallest rock climbing wall in the world or tubing on the Truckee River.

Fayetteville may be a college town in Arkansas, but it's got a wealth of activities for all types of visitors. Bask in the sunshine and natural beauty of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks or fish, bike and hike at Lake Fayetteville. Spend an hour wine tasting at the Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery before visiting the Clinton House Museum which features exhibits in the former president's home. West Dickson Street is a popular avenue in downtown for dining, bars and shopping. Arkansas is known for some health-inducive natural springs, so we suggest Twin Springs Park, which isn't too far of a drive from Fayetteville.

You'll definitely develop a love for horseracing with a visit to Lexington, Kentucky. The first stop on your Lexington vacation has to be to the Kentucky Horse Park. If horses and horse racing aren't for you, visit Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood home and the great collection at the University of Kentucky Art. Spend the morning hiking through Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and the afternoon at the Arboretum. While you can find 14 historic bourbon distilleries in Lexington, wine drinkers should consider a visit to Talon Winery and Vineyards.

Charleston, West Virginia has been flying under the tourism radar, but we want to change that. As the capital city of West Virginia, it's got a lot going for it, like the downtown Capitol Market which is a cool destination with eateries and shops in an old freight station. Haddad Riverfront Park is a popular spot that hosts a free concert series for locals and visitors alike. Check out the bars, shops and old mansions of East End Historic District, and take the family to the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences. Kanawha State Forest is a great place to hike, but if you're willing to drive an hour to New River Gorge, you can experience whitewater rafting and ziplining.

Turn your attention to the Portland that doesn't get as much love as its western counterpart, Portland, Maine. Set on Casco Bay, you're guaranteed a true coastal experience. Indulge in seafood, shopping and much more at the Old Port Waterfront. Hit the beaches of Peaks Island or check out the Portland Head Light, a 1791 lighthouse and museum. Have fun with bigfoot at the International Cryptozoology Museum or play into the night at an amusement park called Palace Playland. The Eastern Promenade is a wonderful spot to walk, shop and enjoy the breeze from the bay morning, noon or night.

North Carolina has some great destinations, but we want to put Durham at the top of your list. The family will have a blast with the interactive earth and space exhibits at the Museum of Life and Science. Adorable lemurs will capture your children's full attention at the Duke Lemur Center. Peruse more than 10,000 artworks at the Nasher Museum of Art or explore the many outdoor hot spots around town like the Occoneechee Mountain State Park, Eno River State Park and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Downtown Durham is your best bet for breweries, shopping, comedy shows and dining.