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Beautiful Places in the USA

Some of the best spots I’ve visited in the United States weren’t the most obvious choices, but they turned out to be the most amazing.

Whenever I think back on my travels, it’s these unexpected, underrated places that end up being the best memories I carry with me.

We keep adding to our collections of some of the coolest destinations in the USA!

Places to Visit in the USA

8 Things to Do in Provo

Provo is known for its abundance of natural beauty, a prestigious university and fast-growing economy.

I took this photo of the tree at Lincoln Center on my way to see the Nutcracker at the Met

Places to Go on Christmas

Christmas vacation ideas and places to visit are some of the most unique and magical trip inspirations of the year, and honestly, they’re some of my favorite kinds of getaways.

I took this photo of a meadow in the mountains in August

7 Places to Go in August (that were a perfect summer vacation!)

I love how August trips offer the best mix of sunny weather, outdoor fun, and vibrant festivals. Even though it’s peak travel season, there are so many underrated spots where you can still find hidden gems and memorable experiences.

My photo of Hayden Planetarium in NYC on a sunny spring day

15 Last Minute Vacation Ideas

Last minute vacations can still be some of the best trips you’ll ever take, and they’ve become some of my favorite ways to make memories without the stress of overplanning.

I took this photo of stunning yellow fall foliage

11 Places to Visit in New Hampshire

I love how New Hampshire offers the best mix of mountain adventures, charming small towns, and peaceful lakeside escapes. Nestled between Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts, New Hampshire is one of the best and most unique destinations in New England.

Places to Visit in Utah

For me, Utah isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s about the unique landscapes, the favorite experiences, and the best underrated gems that make the state unforgettable.

I took these photos of sandy beaches and colorful sunsets in MA

Best Places to Visit in Massachusetts

What makes Massachusetts truly unique to me is its variety: walking the historic Freedom Trail in Boston, relaxing on Cape Cod’s beaches, or wandering through the Berkshires for art and outdoor adventure.

My photo of Wildflowers in the Colorado mountains near Silverton

Places to Visit in Colorado (that were a standout!)

Colorado is best known for its first class ski resorts, where you can enjoy every type of snow sport imaginable, but there are equally exciting outdoor activities for all seasons.

Things to Do in Kingman, AZ

The city of Kingman, Arizona was founded in 1882, prior to the Arizona Territory's incorporation as an American state.

Places to Visit in New Mexico (enchanting and unforgettable!)

What I love most about New Mexico is how each city and region seems to have its own distinct personality, especially if you visit during different seasons.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA townscape at dawn in autumn

Places to Visit in West Virginia (my favorite finds!)

I love how West Virginia offers the best mix of rugged natural beauty, cozy small towns, and thrilling outdoor activities.

My photo of amazing scenery on a horse farm on my day trip in Ohio

Day Trips in Ohio

Ohio is one of the Midwest's most charming states, stretching between the Ohio River landscape in the south and picturesque Lake Erie along its northern border.

I took this photo while exploring Mississippi's Gulf Coast

Places to Visit in Mississippi

For me, Mississippi is one of the best and most unique states to explore. Why? Honestly, it's an underrated favorite that I can drive to on a road trip from my home that always delivers memorable experiences.

Must-Visit Natural Hot Springs in the USA

I think that natural hot springs in the United States are some of the best and most unique experiences, underrated favorites that always leave me feeling recharged.

Mindfulness, Spa and Yoga Vacation Ideas

Mindfulness retreats in the United States are some of the most unique and transformative experiences you can have.

My husband took this photo of a stunning sunset over the ocean in March

10 Places to Travel in March

What makes March trips truly unique to me is their variety: chasing cherry blossoms, exploring national parks before the rush, or enjoying cultural festivals. Each experience feels exciting and different.

The Largest Cities in South Dakota

Located in the Midwest region of the United States, South Dakota is the 17th biggest state in terms of area but has the 46th largest population. For me, the largest cities in South Dakota are unique hubs of community and great destinations that make the state feel special.

Memorial Day Weekend Getaways

Memorial Day vacation ideas in the U.S. are some of the most unique ways to kick off summer. With warm weather, festive events, and long weekends made for travel, this holiday is one of the best opportunities to explore new destinations or revisit your old favorites.

Places to Visit in Idaho (that wowed me!)

The best part about visiting Idaho is the variety: hot springs, mountain adventures, and charming downtowns.

Places to Go on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving means taking some time to appreciate all the blessings you have in your life, so why not give yourself even more to appreciate by planning a weekend getaway?

My photo of unique scenery on our day trip in Virginia

Day Trips & Small Towns in Virginia

Visitors can step back in time to the city's colonial-era days and take part in living history demonstrations depicting typical 18th- and 19th-century life throughout the region at a number of living history sites throughout the area.

American Banjo Museum

The American Banjo Museum is home to 21,000 square feet of information that provides historical celebration of the Banjo.

Hi, Welcome to VacationIdea.com! I'm Ema. While my home is in Texas, I've lived in many different places months at a time researching vacations. On this page, I share fresh, dreamy vacation ideas. I love to chase unique things to do near me and revisit old favorites for a cool, fresh perspective. I'm also eager to learn from my fellow travelers to see what works for people and what doesn't. Whether you like great sunsets, hidden gems, places of mystery, famous attractions, or underrated experiences, here you'll find all of those recommendations from locals that won me over. Let's explore together! Click here to find my Youtube channel @VacationIdea. I'm not associated with any other YouTube channels, networks or marketing companies (especially those using the terms "vacation ideas", "vacation idea", "dream travel", "dream vacation", etc). Ema Kisel has received many awards and media mentions, including: abc6 Morning Show, UMich, 7News, WA State Department, and many others.