Hidden Gem Destinations Around the United States

The crowd-filled busy summer travel period presents an opportunity to discover some of the hidden gem destinations across the United States.

From small towns to overlooked cities, there's no shortage of pleasant surprises that await travelers willing to venture off the beaten path in 2024.

Read on to uncover some of the underrated places you should visit next.

Head to America's Heartland to discover Springfield, Missouri, a destination rich in nature and history. Nestled within the Ozarks, the Birthplace of Route 66 also features a burgeoning food and arts scene that can be experienced along the Springfield Cashew Chicken or Historic C-Street.

Notable family-friendly attractions include the flagship Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium—an immersive shopping experience boasting seven aquariums, a hall of fame exhibit and a free museum—Fantastic Caverns, Dickerson Park Zoo and Ozark Mill.

Wisconsin's capital city is calling out this time of year. Madison is an incredibly walkable destination allowing visitors to make the most of the improving weather. Surrounded by lakes, this scenic city also boasts the most parks per capita and 240-plus miles of Platinum-rated paths for walking, jogging and biking.

Foodies will also fall in love with Madison and the largest producer-only farmer's market hosted on the Capitol Square.

Home to prestigious Yale University and some of the very best pizza in the world—don't miss Da Legna at Nolo—New Haven is begging to be explored this spring and summer. After all, the new-and-improved Yale Peabody Museum will reopen this April following four years of transformative renovations.

Visitors to the Elm City can also tour museums dedicated to interests ranging from delicious PEZ to trolleys. For an artful hotel experience that captures the essence of this destination, book a stay at The Study at Yale.

Head to New York's Finger Lakes region to discover the charming village of Hammondsport on the south end of Keuka Lake. Visitors to this overlooked area can explore more than a dozen wineries, including the region's first in the Pleasant Valley Wine Company.

Be sure to check out the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum to learn about an aviation and motorcycling pioneer and consider a stay at The Park Inn, an all-suite historic hotel with a true farm-to-table experience available at the on-site restaurant.

Take a journey back in time to the 18th century with a visit to Camden, South Carolina. Located less than an hour northeast of Columbia, this hidden gem puts fascinating history on display at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center and Historic Camden.

Camden is also a beloved destination for antiquing and there's no better place to shop for that newest gift than the Cultural District, where visitors can also explore unique artworks and catch special performances in between learning about this town's rich history and treating their taste buds. 

Get outside of Napa to discover a wine lover's paradise in Lodi, a region home to more than 85 wineries, 65 tasting rooms and 100-plus grape varietals. Lodi is the Zinfandel Capital of the World and produces over 30 percent of California's premium Zinfandel.

This hidden gem isn't just about vino though as visitors can shop boutiques in the charming downtown area, tour museums and galleries and even get out on Lodi Lake. For a unique stay, consider the locally owned and operated Wine and Roses wellness resort.

The Philadelphia suburbs are where you'll find the hidden gem of Kennett Square, a small town producing well over half of the nation's mushroom crop and home to the inviting Longwood Gardens. The annual Mushroom Festival is one of Pennsylvania's top events and takes place every September.

Meanwhile, Longwood Gardens is only getting better in 2024 with the debut of a reimagined garden experience coming this fall.

Often overshadowed by places like Santa Barbara and Malibu, Oxnard is a vibrant beach city that's not to be missed in 2024. Start your stay at Southern California's only all-suite oceanfront resort in Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, chow down on the newly expanded Oxnard Taco Trail, enjoy seven miles of uncrowded golden-duned beaches, travel back into the past a Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard and even take a day trip to nearby Channel Islands National Park.

An extremely accessible neighborhood-driven city in the Midwest, Columbus is fast becoming a can't-miss metropolis.

World-class museums like the renowned Center of Science and Industry (COSI), award-winning hotels such as The Junto and a thriving culinary scene—Flavortown was literally born here—are helping put the Ohio capital on the map as more and more visitors are discovering what locals already know.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Beech Mountain is the highest town in the eastern U.S. and is far more than just a popular skiing destination. In the summer, the local resort hosts concert series, mile-high yoga classes, scenic chair lift rides and more.

What's more, visitors can plan their visit for September to experience a one-of-a-kind immersive event in Autumn at Oz at the site of the original Land of Oz theme park.

Fort Worth is well-equipped to wow visitors with a robust portfolio of luxe and affordable hotel stays from the newly opened Crescent Hotel to the trendy Hotel Dryce. When travelers aren't indulging in craft BBQ at mouthwatering venues like Goldee's Barbecue, Smoke-a-holics and Panther City BBQ, they can soak in culture at The Kimbell Art Museum and The Modern or enjoy an authentic cowboy experience in the Stockyards District.