Uncovering the Best Kept Secrets: 5 Nature Hotspots You Need to Visit in USA

Whether you’re an avid hiker, wildlife enthusiast, or passionate photographer, the United States of America has plenty to offer in terms of unique and stunning wildlife hotspots. From Alaska’s untamed wilderness to Florida’s swamps and deserts, each state has its own distinct wildlife waiting to be explored. 

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Here are five must-visit nature hotspots in the USA that you need to add to your bucket list: 

Discovering the 5 Underrated Locations for Experiencing Nature Up Close in USA

1. Stanley, Idaho

The lovely hamlet of Stanley in Idaho is underappreciated and remains one of the most underestimated locations to visit in the United States. Spend at least two days in this town, and you’ll notice that it has something for everyone, whether you want a calm and rustic vacation or an energetic and adventurous one.

Stanley is an excellent starting point for exploring some of Idaho’s most beautiful natural areas. Sawtooth National Forest, Sawtooth Lake, and Stanley Lake are nearby, and this nationally recognized area offers some of Idaho’s best hiking and water activities. The Iron Creek Trail, which leads to Sawtooth Lake, is one of the most well-known routes in the area.

Stanley is also an excellent location for visiting some of Idaho’s most famous hot springs, including Boat Box Hot Springs and Sunbeam Hot Springs. Take a peaceful vacation at the Mountain Village Resort, which is recognized for its excellent, Idaho-inspired food and pleasant accommodations.

Stanley also has several important museums, including the Stanley Museum, which chronicles the town’s history.

2. San Luis Obispo, California

San Luis Obispo, California’s Central Coast city, is known as “The Happiest City in America.” While this town has amazing recreational options and rich culture, it is frequently eclipsed by the glitzy Santa Barbara to the south and the touristy Big Sur to the north.

Unlike other areas in California that may feel overcrowded during peak season, San Luis Obispo provides a more tranquil ambience with an authentic flair. Begin your journey by exploring the charming downtown area and cultural landmarks such as Bubblegum Alley, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Fremont Theater, or explore the vibrant food scene at one of the many San Luis Obispo restaurants.

If you prefer outdoor sports, set aside approximately a half-day to climb one of the Seven Sisters, the dormant volcanic hills surrounding San Luis Obispo. Bishop Peak, a 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) intermediate round-trip trek, is one of the most popular.

Day outings from San Luis Obispo include the hamlet of Paso Robles (renowned for its vineyards and lush rolling hills) and Monta de Oro, a postcard-perfect resort with gorgeous beaches and flowering flowers in the spring.

3. Sedona

Sedona is well-known for its stunning red rock landscapes, canyons, picturesque panoramas, and distinctive animals. Though Sedona is a small city, there are plenty of activities and entertainment options, making it one of the greatest hidden vacation places in the United States. It’s also a fantastic destination for active travelers who enjoy the great outdoors.

Hiking, mountain biking, and jeep tours are all available in Sedona. Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock are among the most famous walks in the area. Sedona is also one of the world’s few International Dark Sky Communities. The best way to capitalize on this is to join the well-known Nighttime.

Because Sedona is a vortex site (a location with a unique energy flow), it is a prominent location for enlightenment and spirituality. There are numerous possibilities to practice yoga, meditation, and healing techniques in this area.

Taste the native food and drink, which includes Tex-Mex-inspired dishes and drool-worthy prickly pear desserts. Elote Cafe and Che Ah Chi are two of the nicest places to eat.

4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

While Oahu and Maui are popular alternatives for Hawaii holidays, the Big Island is a less-touristy option with fantastic hidden jewels like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This underappreciated UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best site in Hawaii to watch lava. Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, also calls it home.

Your first stop should be the visitor center, where you can learn about special ranger programs taking place during your stay and which locations of the park are best for seeing the lava flow. You can also get advice on which hiking trails are suitable for your family.

Driving the Crater Rim is one of the most popular activities at the park. This route has numerous magnificent lookouts, photo opportunities, sights, and hiking trails. If you have time, take a few minutes to explore the Thurston Lava Tube along the way. This is where lava carved a tunnel through the mountain.

You can visit this park on a day trip from the Big Island, but many visitors choose to spend the night so they have enough time to explore properly. While there are numerous nice lodges both inside and outside the park, camping is still a popular alternative for those who enjoy the great outdoors.

5. National Park of Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska is undoubtedly one of the best secret vacation places in the United States. It is the largest National Park in the US at 13.2 million acres, yet because of its distant position, it is also one of the least populated.

This park features the most unique glacial system in the country, with glaciers spanning 35% of the parklands. One of the most well-known is Nabasena, the world’s longest valley glacier, which stretches for 53 miles (85 km). The glaciers can be visited and even seen from above on a flight seeing excursion! The scenery is truly magnificent.

In this park, there are various hiking trails of varying complexity. The Root Glacier & Stairway Icefall Trail and the Bonanza Mine Trail are two of the greatest. The Kennecott Mines, an abandoned boomtown in the center of the park, used to host one of the world’s largest copper reserves in the twentieth century.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park’s tourism season typically runs from June to mid-September. Spend at least 2-3 days here to fully appreciate this hidden treasure; the best spots to stay overnight are in the beautiful town of McCarthy.