Looking for somewhere new to go this year? These underrated hidden gem destinations in the United States are currently trending, according to a new report from the travel booking engine Expedia.
Each of these destinations has seen a more than 30% increase in demand in the past year.
1. Nampa, Idaho
Nampa is a suburb of Boise, Idaho that has been growing in popularity in recent years. This small city is a great place to base yourself on a trip to Idaho.
In addition to offering easy access to Boise, you can also take plenty of day trips from Nampa to popular destinations like Idaho wine country, Three Island Crossing State Park, and Bogus Basin for skiing.
2. Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro is a city in North Carolina known for its historical and cultural significance. If you like museums, you’ll enjoy Greensboro because the city has several to explore.
The Guilford Courthouse National Military Park is the site of a significant Revolutionary War battle, while the International Civil Rights Center & Museum commemorates the civil rights movement, in which Greensboro played an integral role with its sit-in protests during the 1960s.
3. Layton, Utah
Layton is a suburb of Salt Lake City, and it’s been growing rapidly in recent years. This bustling town is a great place to base yourself on a trip to Utah.
Utah is known for its natural beauty, with unique places like Goblin Valley State Park and the Bonneville Salt Flats within easy driving distance of Layton. You’re also close to Park City and Ogden, two of the best skiing destinations in the state.
4. Irmo, South Carolina
Irmo is a quiet town just outside the city of Columbia, South Carolina’s capital. Columbia is home to notable museums like the South Carolina State Museum and the Columbia Museum of Art, as well as the historic South Carolina State House.
For nature lovers, the underrated Congaree National Park is just a short drive away, along with the beautiful Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
5. Oneonta, New York
Located in the northernmost part of the Appalachian region, Oneonta is a quaint small town in New York nicknamed “City of the Hills.”
Every year, the town hosts the City of the Hills Festival for arts and crafts. There are also lots of beautiful hiking and walking trails nearby in the Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary and Robert V. Riddell State Park.
6. Hampton, Virginia
Hampton is a growing city in Virginia, not far from Norfolk and Virginia Beach. This waterfront city is home to the Virginia Air & Space Science Center and the historic Fort Monroe National Monument.
7. Bristol, Rhode Island
If you’re looking for a quaint New England town, look no further than Bristol, Rhode Island. This historic seaport town is full of charm, including historic estates like Blithewold Mansion and Linden Place that you can tour.
8. Spokane, Washington
Located in eastern Washington, Spokane is a great place to visit, with attractions like the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Manito Park botanical gardens. Within easy driving distance, you can explore Mount Spokane and Riverside State Park.
9. Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces is a town in New Mexico on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert. It’s popular because of its many art galleries, museums, theaters, and festivals. It’s also a great location for exploring New Mexico’s natural beauty, like the nearby Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park.
10. Missoula, Montana
Home to the University of Montana, Missoula is a vibrant town known for its arts and culture. The Missoula Art Museum showcases works by local Montana artists, while the National Bison Range preservation area is within driving distance.
