Hidden Gems In The U.S. To Uncover On Your Next Road Trip

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An American road trip is a bucket list dream. Hitting the roads as you explore the road less travelled, stopping in towns you might have never heard of. Whilst the perfect road trip reportedly features three people (max) and rock music, you might be planning your trip with one person or a bigger group.

Which states are you hoping to explore? Have you mapped out the route you are hoping to take? Perhaps driving along Route 66 has always been your dream trip. Whether you are looking to drive this iconic route or explore somewhere new on your road trip, here are a few hidden gems to uncover during your upcoming road trip.

Sedona, Arizona

A trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the top places to visit in the States. However, there are other reasons you should choose Arizona as somewhere to visit on your American road trip. You could take a trip to Phoenix to explore the bustling cosmopolitan city or perfectly time your trip to watch the Arizona Diamondbacks play baseball at the Chase Field stadium.

You could also visit the hidden gem of Arizona, Sedona. If you are already heading to Arizona for the Grand Canyon, take a two-hour drive south, and you will find yourselves in Sedona, where you will not be disappointed. Sedona is a desert town with truly striking views. The red rock scenery is why this town is considered a hidden gem. You will be mesmerised by the scenery and under the spell of the unique energy in the town.

Solvang, California

L.A. is often the first thing people think of when asked about cities in California. If not L.A., then San Diego or Anaheim. These top cities are home to renowned attractions such as the Hollywood Sign, Disney Resort and the beloved Comic Con convention. However, Solvang is one city worth exploring if your travels take you to California.

Solvang is a true hidden gem in the U.S., possibly due to its location. As it is in California, Solvang is not one of the first places or things people think of when asked about The Golden State. However, Solvang is nothing short of extraordinary. Affectionately referred to as the Danish Capital of America, Solvang is rich in Danish-style architecture and has numerous wineries to try! For the more adventurous type, you could go mountain biking or cycling on one of the many trails. Do note, it is worth checking that your insurance covers your activity if you are planning to do something like this. Providers like Staysure, may not cover certain activities, so you might need to check the policy details and see if there is anything you can add-on if this is the case. 

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

From the west coast to the east coast – another stop worth making on your U.S. road trip is Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. The town was named after the merger of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch in 1954. If the name Jim Thorpe rings a bell, but you can’t figure out why – the town is named after the famous Native American athlete, Jim Thorpe.

Aside from its rich history, Jim Thorpe is a beautiful small town that is picture-perfect for a postcard. Additionally, for train enthusiasts, Jim Thorpe is the perfect place to visit as the town has an excellent rail service.

Planning a road trip across the U.S. might seem challenging, but it is worthwhile – especially when exploring a different side of the country. Taking the road less travelled provides you with opportunities to explore hidden gems, many of which you might not have considered if you travelled to a specific state or town. Aside from the places mentioned above, you might uncover even more hidden gems on your road trip!