Every State's Hidden Gem Travel Destination

Staycations and "quick hit" holidays are all the rage these days, but all too often we tend to head towards the same iconic destinations. These great places certainly deserve the attention they receive, but you'll also be rewarded if you seek out a surprise. The following 50 destinations are all less known than they should be (especially outside of their home state) and they might just be the perfect place for your late summer getaway.

Even if you haven't heard of The Shoals before, rest assured you've already heard its signature sound. That's because, in addition to a wealth of natural beauty (think lakes perfect for boating and a picturesque manmade waterfall called Coldwater Falls), this quartet of towns in northwest Alabama has been a hub of music and recording studios for decades-and many can be visited today. The most famous residents of the area were "The Swampers", the legendary studio house band name-checked in "Sweet Home Alabama" and lauded for backing up everyone from Aretha Franklin & Cher to the Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynrd and Bob Seger.

Home to a combination of magnificent scenery and mild climate, Homer has been a beloved getaway for Alaskans for years. The town sits on Kachemak Bay-at the end of the stunning Sterling Highway-and is blessed with a bounty of galleries and cafes you would expect in a town twice its size. Of course, the main attraction is mother nature, but don't skip the fishing, as Homer has been nicknamed the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World".

Whether you are looking for a "Wild West" adventure or an outdoor escape among wild, Western landscapes, Prescott is your place. The former capital of the Arizona Territory sits nestled in ponderosa, is full of historical landmarks and boasts a true throwback to the days of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday in its characterful Whiskey Row district. After you've soaked up the legends of the past, make for the placid waters and unique rock formations of nearby Lake Watson.

Sprawling across central-western Arkansas, this truly underrated national forest is a natural playground full of rolling hills, lush greenery and serene lakes. Take to the numerous hiking trails that crisscross the forest or just stay in your car and admire all the beauty from the Talimena Scenic Byway, one of the nation's most scenic road trips.

Sacramento may not be a secret, but it's still criminally underrated-especially by out-of-state visitors. A stroll through the Old Sacramento district will take you back to the days of the California Gold Rush while a plate full of farm-to-fork delicacies (the city's preferred culinary style) will show you the best of today.

They may not be Rocky Mountain "Fourteeners", but these striking hills of sand are the tallest dunes in the United States. Some of the majestic sand mountains top 700-feet, yet the region is consistently overlooked when it comes to Colorado bucket lists.

Regardless if you turn Team Pepe, side with Sally's or can't get enough of the pie at Modern, you'll leave New Haven with a new appreciation for "apizza" and one of the Northeast's most underrated destinations. Other major highlights include the Yale University campus and the sands of Hammonasset Beach State Park.

The capital of the First State is rich with colonial history, especially on The Green. This space was the setting for many monumental decisions and events in our nation's history, none more important than when the U.S. Constitution was ratified on December 7th, 1787 at a tavern on the green-thus making Delaware the first state. Modern delights come in the form of the Dover International Speedway, home of the "Monster Mile".

It's technically true that this informal region of Florida has no official border or city limits, but you'll still know it when you arrive. From Crystal River and its manatees to coastal gem Cedar Key and even as far up as Apalachicola, the Big Bend offers a glimpse of Florida how it used to be and a bevy of outdoor and wildlife-watching opportunities along the way.

One of the most bewitching barrier islands on the East Coast, Cumberland still flies far under-the-radar compared to some of its neighbors. The island is a national seashore and is home to over 15 miles of windswept sands, historical ruins and even wild horses.

You're already adrift from the beaten path by touching down on the "Garden Island" in the first place, but going to the north shore will send you even further away from the pack-and closer to a more magical Kauai travel experience. Case in point is Ke'e Beach, the gateway to the magnificent Kalalau trail and mystical Napali Coast.

Did you know that the spectacular double cascades of Shoshone Falls are taller than Niagara? Don't feel bad, a lot of other people are unaware of the fact too and that's why Twin Falls remains blissfully in the "underrated" category. The town is also home to a charming downtown and the Perrine Memorial Bridge-a dramatic truss arch span over the Snake River Canyon popular with BASE jumpers.

You will find over 400 miles of hiking trails in this swath of forest in the southernmost section of the state. Stay near the forest for a few days to fully explore its wealth of natural wonder, including the iconic rock formations of the Garden of the Gods.

Known for its vibrant, walkable downtown and thriving minor-league sports scene, skipping Fort Wayne is a major league faux pas. Stroll along the riverfront, tour one of the many museums & galleries (highlights include Science Central, the African/African-American Historical Museum and the Fort Wayne Museum of Art) before checking a few boxes on the Northern Indiana Beer Trail.

Des Moines and Dubuque get lots of love, but Cedar Rapids is still missed by far too many Midwest travelers. Get here soon to see the studio where Grant Wood painted the iconic American Gothic, the spanking new NewBo City market and the African American Museum of Iowa. Then, take a spin on the Cedar River Trail, which winds its way along the water and through the heart of downtown.

The Flint Hills will show you once and for all that the "fact" that Kansas is flat is nothing but fake news. The rolling slopes of the region are home to the largest tallgrass prairie in North America and a host of handsome small towns like Emporia.

Home to first-rate cities like Lexington and Louisville, rolling hills of bluegrass and countless barrels of Bourbon, Kentucky itself is one big hidden gem. The graceful, artistic river town of Paducah is the perfect place to get to know an especially fetching corner of the state while also exploring the nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Oh sure, lots of locals love Lake Charles, but the city remains well under the radar to folks from out-of-state, but now is the time to get familiar with this fine city in southwest Louisiana. In addition to being a mecca for casino gaming, fishing and golfing, Lake Charles is the best jumping-off point for the fascinating Creole Nature Trail, a 180-mile scenic roadway that winds its way through the wild Louisiana Outback.

So much more than just a body of water, the Allagash holds a special place in the hearts and minds of Mainers and this protected waterway shows off the best of the river. The best way to explore the allure of the river? By canoe of course.

You'll be able to feel the history on the streets and in the water when you visit charming Chestertown. The harbor is home to the schooner Sultana and a journey on the ship offers both an entertaining day out and the chance to learn about the history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.

You will find Rockport at the far edge of Cape Ann and you're also sure to find yourself smitten with this seaside town after your visit. Long overlooked by the bigger names down the coast, Rockport is romantic to a fault and is home to miles of gorgeous beaches and alluring light that has attracted artists for centuries.

Everybody and their sister know about Sleeping Bear Dunes-and they should because it's a stunning place-but that has allowed Arcadia Dunes to dip under the radar. Here, you will find trails that wind their way through majestic hardwoods to mountains of caramel sand that overlook Lake Michigan.

How can a national park be a hidden gem? Well, for starters, when a large swath of it is made up of water, the park straddles the fringes of the US/Canadian border and it receives only about 5% of the visitors as our most popular parks. All of those factors make exploring the islands, lakes and splendid North Woods scenery of Voyageurs all the more worthwhile.

Just across the water from Biloxi, you'll find the town of Ocean Springs and here you'll experience the best of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Downtown maintains its Southern, small-town atmosphere while two public beaches are within short reach.

The hit show Ozark may have turned the Lake of the Ozarks into a household name around the country, but a bit further south you'll find the Show-Me State's true hidden gem. Straddling the Missouri/Arkansas border, Table Rock has all the placid water, hidden coves and recreation opportunities of its brother up the road, but far fewer crowds.

Blessed with a location between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks-two of our nation's shiniest travel gems -Missoula can get missed in the shuffle. Stop here for a few days and you'll find a town with wonderful Western wilderness on its doorstep and a downtown full of eclectic shops and independent eateries & breweries.

Yes, Omaha is awesome and is fast-becoming one of the best destinations in the Midwest, but you can't fully understand the Cornhusker State until you go to Grand Island. Here, you can experience a revitalized Railside district and the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer-a riveting museum that tells the story of people who were instrumental to the story of the region.

Located at the base of the Ruby Mountains in the heart of northeastern Nevada, Elko is still filled with the spirit of the Wild West. Spend your days crisscrossing the rugged-yet ravishing-surrounding landscapes that and your evenings swapping stories with real cowboys over games of chance at one of Elko's casinos.

The capital of the Granite State may not rake in as many "likes" as Mount Washington or pretty-as-a-postcard Porstmouth, but it's a fine place to experience the everyday charms of New Hampshire. Make for the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center to learn about the wonders of space travel before setting off to explore the wilderness that lies on the capital's doorstep.

Nope, not all of New Jersey's gems lie within a stone's throw of the shore, as the entire Skylands region offers a breath of fresh air from the big city. High Point State Park is a highlight (you can see the spot, where New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania meet) as is the cute town of Clinton.

This town serves as the gateway to three national park properties and is full of surprises. Start your experience by taking in the stunning scenery and cultural sights of Bandelier National Monument, which is home to ancient Pueblo rock-dwellings and petroglyphs before learning about the more recent past at the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which tells the story of America's entry into the nuclear age. Then, make for the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a refuge for wildlife and heaven for outdoor lovers.

You may have seen someone sporting an "Ithaca is Gorges" t-shirt, made a note of the town but forget to ever pursue it further. Well, there's no better time than the present to make up for lost trips. What makes it so special? Combine a cool college town with the Finger Lakes and throw in over 150 waterfalls in a 10-mile radius and you've got something truly gorgeous.

Seemingly everyone is headed for the mountains of Asheville, the delights of downtown Durham or the sands of the Outer Banks these days, but spend a weekend in Wilmington and you'll walk away impressed. Especially during your sunset strolls on the romantic Riverwalk.

You'll leave Minot with more than just a passing familiarity with the state's rich Nordic heritage. The Scandinavian Heritage Park pays homage to all five Nordic Nations (Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland) through historic log houses, a stave church, sauna and much more.

Re-trace the footsteps of famous native sons the Wright Brothers in this oft-overlooked city on the Miami River. Once open again, the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park will continue offering true insight into the men behind our entry into the world of flight. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is also a must-visit as it is the world's largest military aviation museum.

Oklahoma's third-largest city is home to the beautiful campus of the University of Oklahoma and a wonderful downtown. Naturally, seeing the Sooners play football is a can't-miss experience, but just walking the campus and admiring the gorgeous architecture will also be a memory you will cherish. In downtown, the Walker Arts District is the heartbeat of the city's cultural scene.

Ashland lies just over the border from California in southern Oregon and it is known as a hub for the arts and one of the best places for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail to chill their boots. In town, you will find a myriad of galleries and excellent eateries and of course, the wonders of Oregon's outdoors are always just a short hike away.

Erie is perpetually overshadowed by other Great Lakes destinations, but this city on the water can hang with the big boys. Case in point is Presque Isle State Park, which in the right light and temperature can feel downright tropical. The town is also home to one of the best old school diners in all the land in the form of Lawrence Park Dinor.

There's no doubt that Block Island is beloved by Rhody residents, but talk to travelers outside of the state and it gets harder to find folks with firsthand experience of its unique island atmosphere. Make for the beach at Mohegan Bluffs for one of the most idyllic settings for sunbathing on the East Coast.

Not only does Beaufort own a welcoming downtown filled with Southern charm, but it also offers up unmatched Lowcountry cultural & culinary delights. The city also lies within easy striking distance of the sensational sea island of Hunting.

Rapid City has gotten a reputation as the "gateway to the Black Hills" and while that is indeed a feather in its cap, it can convince some people to keep driving past this Dakota city. Those who stay end up leaving impressed with the statues of each and every American president on the streets and the myriad of things to do around Main Street Square.

Country music may have come of age in Nashville, but it was born in Bristol. Visit this town that straddles the border of Tennessee & Virginia to learn all about tunes that tell "three bars and the truth" at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The city is also famous for the Bristol Motor Speedway and for being nestled among some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southeast.

Located directly between Austin and Dallas, Waco is way more than just a pit stop. The "Heart of Texas" is the home of the Dr. Pepper Museum and the Magnolia Market-the headquarters of home decorating heroes Chip & Joanna Gaines. The city is also sure to charm you with its romantic Riverwalk and collection of statues dedicated to cattle drivers.

Located on the doorstep of Zion National Park, Utah's sunniest city is popular with retirees seeking rest & relaxation, but tourists have yet to properly discover this gorgeous place. Visit to fall head over heels for its magical light and surrounding natural splendor.

Combine the majesty of Vermont's mountains and waters in Westmore, located in the northeast section of the state and on the shores of glacial beauty Lake Willoughby.

An eclectic, melting pot of a port city, Norfolk is not as well known as it should be outside of the Old Dominion. Locals are known for giving love to their hometown you're sure to follow suit. Follow along the Cannonball Trail to learn tales of the city's fascinating history before settling in for a wonderful al fresco meal near the water.

It's as fun to visit Snohomish as it is to say its name. This town north of Seattle is home to a charming downtown lined with antique stores, restaurants, breweries and distilleries while playing host to a bevy of fun events each year.

Many travelers come to the Mountain State and head straight for the hills, but those who linger in Morgantown will be richly rewarded. The home of WVU has all the liveliness you would expect from a college town but also mixes in heavy-hitting cultural sights as well. Paramount on the list is Monongalia Arts Center, a mecca for art lovers.

A town defined by its prime location between bluffs on the Mississippi River, La Crosse is one of the best stops on the Great River Road. Take a paddlewheel cruise on the river before admiring the view of the surrounding landscape from Grandad Bluff and don't be surprised if you start thinking relocation.

The students at the University of Wyoming know all about the eclectic charms of this Western town, but when combined with the scenery on the nearby Snowy Range Scenic Byway, you have a combination that's hard to beat.