NEW YORK, NY — Many of America’s biggest tourist draws can be crowded, but a new roundup points travelers toward quieter places around the country that still deliver beaches, trails, museums and memorable food.
The list spans regions from New England to Hawaii, with stops that include small island communities, national parks, river valleys and urban neighborhoods with strong local identity.
New England islands and inland mill cities stand out for scenery and culture
Several of the Northeast picks combine natural scenery with local history. Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts includes Springfield’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Dr. Seuss museum, while Northampton adds independent shops, restaurants and a visible LGBTQ scene.
Block Island, Rhode Island, was singled out for its preserved landscape, with nature areas protecting about 40% of the island and 32 miles of trails for biking and hiking.
Rust-belt cities and Appalachian landscapes offer architecture, trails and national park access
Buffalo, New York, was noted for its preserved architecture, waterfront redevelopment and easy access to Niagara Falls. In Pennsylvania, the Wilds cover a sparsely populated stretch of rugged terrain with state parks, wild rivers and Cherry Springs, a popular stargazing spot.
West Virginia and western Maryland were also highlighted for outdoor travel. Harpers Ferry, the Appalachian Trail and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Towpath appear alongside New River Gorge, Civil War sites and winter sports at Wisp Resort.
Southern, mountain and desert picks range from Memphis music to White Sands and Big Bend
Durham, North Carolina, was described as a former tobacco town turned science, arts and sports center. In South Carolina, the ACE Basin offers undeveloped wetlands, kayak tours and wildlife viewing between Charleston and Hilton Head.
Other featured destinations include western Tennessee for Memphis music and barbecue, Arkansas’ Ouachita Mountains for solitude, Milwaukee for its art museum and riverfront, New Mexico’s White Sands and Albuquerque, and Texas regions anchored by Big Bend, Marfa and Fort Davis.
Pacific, Hawaii and Alaska destinations lean on national parks, coastlines and wildlife
On the West Coast, the list includes California’s Highway One north of San Francisco and Channel Islands National Park, both prized for coastal scenery and fewer crowds. Oregon’s Willamette Valley was cited for wine, sports and outdoor recreation.
Farther afield, the roundup points to Utah’s Capitol Reef National Park, Hawaii’s Kohala Peninsula with its ranching and heritage sites, and Alaska’s Matanuska Valley, where glacier adventures and wildlife experiences are close to Anchorage.
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