When I started my travel publication, I noticed that most bloggers were only talking about the big well known tourist destinations. I love seeking out hidden gems which deserve a little bit of love but are often overpassed by tourists. While some of these hidden places have now become popular, there are still plenty of off-the-beaten treasures to explore.
Check out some of the hidden gems I've encountered in my travels thus far. I am always up for going off-the-beaten path a bit. Sometimes, the best attractions are those that most tourists do not know about! You'll find hidden waterfall hikes, quirky museums, and other incredible places that have not yet become well known tourist sites.
Doe Mountain is a short & incredibly scenic 0.7 mile climb in Sedona. Upon reaching the mesa, you will get to enjoy 360 degree red rock views.
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The Hidden Canyon Bowen Trail in Tucson Mountain Park is one of the city's hidden gems. The 2 mile trek is easy and loaded with cacti.
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One of my favorite waterfall hikes near Asheville is the short, woodsy half mile trek to the 60 foot hidden gem, Tom's Creek.
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Dripping Springs is a wonderful hiking area in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I loved the gorgeous mountain scenery and solitude on this hidden gem.
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The breathtaking Cookstove Trail is a short, yet extremely steep 0.7 mile adventure to a stunning overlook of Oak Creek Canyon.
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The Red Mountain Trail is a short & scenic hike to the amphitheater of an old volcano. It's a great stop on the way to the Grand Canyon!
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Picacho Peak is a hidden gem located on I-10 in between Tucson and Phoenix. I recommend a quick hike along the Calloway to break up the drive.
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My guide to exploring Chiricahua, "the wonderland of rocks," one of Arizona's most interesting places. It's a quick 2 hour drive from Tucson.
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The Teacup trail is one of the most breathtaking and easily accessible hikes in Sedona. The easy terrain makes it a great pick for everyone.
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Petroglyph National Monument is a unique place where you can explore 400+ ancient carvings - a must for history buffs visiting Albuquerque.
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James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey, Florida is a quiet destination for hiking and bird and wildlife watching.
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The Great Island Trail is a gorgeous 7 mile long Cape Cod hike featuring access to an amazing quiet beach. I loved the secluded beach walk.
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Blue Hen Falls is a beautiful, moderate waterfall hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a free nature oasis 30 min outside of Cleveland.
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Veit Springs is a gorgeous short hike through pines and aspens on Snowbowl Road in Flagstaff, Arizona. Don't miss the hidden pictographs!
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Worcester Art Museum, the 2nd largest art museum in Massachusetts features 35,000 objects plus the largest floor mosaic in the US.
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The world's largest bicycle museum in the country is home to the famous Pee-Wee bike, plus rare models including the Bowden Spacelander.
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The quirky American Sign Museum in Cincinnati is the largest public sign museum in the US. Well worth a visit if you are into vintage!
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Biidi the Arch is a free alternative to the overrated, pricey Antelope Canyon tour. I recommend checking it out while driving through Page.
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On a recent drive through southern new Mexico, we got to walk on the "cool to the touch" white gypsum sand dunes at White Sands Monument.
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Scusset Beach is a scenic, quiet beach located in Cape Cod. This beach is one of my favorites for collecting seaglass.
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Bismark Lake is a gorgeous hike altitude hike in the Coconino County National Forest of Flagstaff. A beautiful leaf peeping destination!
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Pass-a-Grille beach is a low-key beach located on the southern end of touristy St. Pete. It's popular with locals seeking a quiet beach day.
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You can visit the corner in Winslow which inspired the popular lyrics "I'm Standin' on a Corner" in Take It Easy by The Eagles.
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Tubac, a small Arizona community, is an artsy city known for its' many galleries, boutique shops, and art festivals.
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Red Rock Canyon is a gorgeous hiking and cycling destination just 20 min from the Vegas Strip. The main attraction is a 13 mile scenic drive.
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My weekend getaway to Silver City, a cool escape in the high desert of New Mexico. I stayed at the beautiful, artsy Bear Mountain Lodge.
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Things to do in Bisbee, Arizona, a former copper mining town, including touring mine tours, exploring an old ghost town, and more.
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As "the largest ghost town in America, Jerome, is the perfect place to spend Halloween. This mining town goes all out with spooky decor.
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The Petrified National Forest in Northern Arizona is home to one of the largest collections of petrified wood in the world.
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My favorite Vegas attractions off the main drag including The Neon Graveyard featuring old casino signs and the Fremont Street Experience.
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The most interesting and unusual off-the-beaten path sites I've explored in Arizona including an abandoned Rt 66 zoo and Picture Canyon featuring 800 pictographs.
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We recently toured the Herschell Carrousel Museum in Upstate NY. I loved riding an antique carousel from 1916. It's a great stop near Niagara.
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I explored the only museum dedicated to aluminum Christmas trees in Brevard, NC. Seeing these vintage trees is a blast to the past!
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Congaree National Park is one of the country's few remaining free national parks. This South Carolina gem is home to many Champion trees.
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Fans of Edgar Allan Poe classics like The Raven will definitely want to take a tour of the historic Poe house in Philadelphia.
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A visit to the Chihuly Collection, spotlighting the amazing glass blown art pieces of Dale Chihuly, is a must visit while in St. Petersburg.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the perfect daytrip from Naples. This 13,000 acre wetlands habitat is a beautiful place to gator and birdwatch.
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In Tucson, there is this great museum which showcases over 400 antique and modern dollhouses. A great way to beat the desert heat!
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Indian Rocks Beach vacation guide: Tips for exploring this beautiful and quaint Gulf coast community located near Tampa.
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Courthouse Falls is a gorgeous 45 foot tall waterfall located in a beautiful cove in the Pisgah National Forest of Western North Carolina.
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