You don’t have to leave the country to experience unforgettable holiday experiences and breathtaking natural wonders. The US encompasses almost every type of terrain, climate, landscape and geographic formation. Whether you dream of ancient forests or frozen caves, you can discover wonders beyond your imagination on your next vacation here in the United States.
The secret? Most people don’t know where the most beautiful places are hidden. We’re honored to take you on a tour of eight of the United States’ most treasured hidden gems to plan your next vacation.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta is a beautiful, culturally rich city to visit, but few people know about its hidden treasure: the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Here you will find incredible works of art in both beautiful plants and spectacular water features.
The garden hosts events and programs throughout the year, from educational classes to art festivals. While summer is full of sunny activities for all the family, don’t miss the breathtaking mix of flowers and light shows during the winter holidays and January’s Winter Fun.
Devil’s Tower, Wyoming
The Devil’s Tower in Wyoming there is a national monument that is considered a sacred place by more than twenty Indian tribes. The tower itself is a stunning spire of igneous rock that rises more than 800 feet from the base and feeds more than 1,200 people over the Belle Fourche River. If you want to see one of the great geological wonders, Devil’s Tower is a fantastic place for nature walks, sightseeing, camping and learning about Native American legends.
The ancient forests of Olympic National Park, Washington
Have you ever wanted to walk among trees that are 1000 years old? Then you can find them in the Ancient Forests of the Olympic National Park in Washington. These forests include Douglas Fir, Western Hemlocks, Sitka Spruce, Grand Fir, Western Redcedar, Western White Pine, and Lodgepole Pine.
Explore the Hall of Mosses and stand under trees so tall you’ll think you’ve woken up in the Fairie Underhill. Summer is the peak season for camping and hiking in these legendarily beautiful forests that will take you through the ages, but winter activities are a wonderful way to escape the crowds and see these evergreen forests in their prime.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
If you’re looking for a unique and history-rich camping experience, explore the White Sands National Park in New Mexico. Home to the world’s largest collection of fossilized Ice Age footprints, showcasing more than 20,000 years of human history as you take in the glory of the pristine white desert environment. Summer or winter, the sand is the same. Bring a disc sled to slide through the dunes and explore the local museum sites. You can even take a barefoot walk, which is a rare treat for barefoot lovers.
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
If you like beautiful rock formations and ancient fossils, you will love visiting the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. This park is a sight to behold, especially at sunset, when the setting sun paints the entire rocky expanse with beautiful red and gold hues. Where else can you see bison, camp with prairie dogs, and climb steep canyon walls, all in one place? Camping is the main activity in the Badlands, followed by exploration of one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Here you will find ancient signs of prehistoric horses, rhinos and even saber-toothed cats.
Blooming mystical lavender labyrinth, Michigan
A mandala in lavender, the Blooming mystical lavender labyrinth is a man-made natural wonder to behold. Lavender is not just a flower, it is a vibrant flowering shrub planted in circular rows around a fragrant and beautiful mandala garden in the heart of Cherry Point Farm near Shelby Michigan. the Lavender Labyrinth has a spiral pattern that can be walked in utter inner peace. The best time to visit is mid-summer when the lavender is in full bloom.
Munising, Mich
Iridescent cliffs, breathtaking waterfalls and fantasy coastlines are what you’ll find along the shores of Munsing, Michigan. Here you’ll find Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Hiawatha National Forest, and Grand Island National Recreational Area in Michigan’s upper pinensula. In other words, it’s a beautiful place to visit, with an endless variety of outdoor activities to choose from. We especially love the boat trips that show you the spectacular painted rocks, and the glass bottom ship tours. Discover summer kayaking in the summer and frozen caves in the winter in this wonderfully picturesque location and one of the US’s best hidden gems.
Mono Lake, California
Mono Lake is a saline (salt water) lake known as an inland sea. It is known for its eerie towers made of mineral tuff. Mono Lake bustles with fishing, water sports and warm-water vacationers in the summer, but winter is considered the best time to visit. In winter the lake is heartbreakingly beautiful and you can enjoy the bubbling hot springs in the fresh winter air.
