Unexplored American States You Have to Visit

Quick answer: If you want to see America beyond New York and California, the unexplored American states you have to visit include Rhode Island, Arizona, Massachusetts, Wyoming and Vermont. Each offers a mix of culture, scenery and hidden gems without the tourist crowds.

For a tourist, America can seem to be all about New York and California, but this huge country has far too many beautiful cities and states to limit yourself to two. Anyone looking to avoid overcrowded, tourist-stuffed spots and go on a genuinely fun adventure should branch out a little. If you’re eager to find some hidden gems that will wow you, here is our list of less popular states that are amazing places to visit.

Rhode Island

It might be the smallest state in the US, but Rhode Island is chock-full of fun activities and a great choice for anyone seeking a little luxury. Visit the big, beautiful mansions in Newport and their grand architecture, or play a game of tennis on one of the numerous courts; it’s a very popular sport here.

It’s not all over-the-top riches, though. Other highlights include:

• Third Beach in Middletown – a lovely, inexpensive spot to enjoy.
• Rhode Island School of Design Museum – ideal for art lovers who want to see spectacular paintings.
• Fort Adams State Park – perfect for a stroll.
• Redwood Library – one of the oldest libraries in the country, with guided tours.
• Nightlife – varied bars, including ones serving excellent Irish beers.

Arizona

With its incredible landscape of rocky cliffs and towering mountains, Arizona is the place to be for gorgeous sightseeing. The most popular attraction is the Grand Canyon, which you can explore on foot or see on a helicopter tour for spectacular views from above.

There are plenty of Arizona things to do for amateur photographers, with picture-worthy spots in Monument Valley Tribal Park, at Havasu Falls and in Phoenix itself. For a unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride and snap photos from the air.

You can also visit the Heard Museum, which depicts the lives of the Native Americans who lived in the area, or the Desert Botanical Garden to discover the intricacies of desert plant life.

Massachusetts

The home of education and culture, Massachusetts is not to be skipped. Even if you aren’t interested in seeing MIT and Harvard, Boston is so lively and fun that you won’t be short of entertainment. Go whale watching or take a boat ride, then sit down at one of the many seafood restaurants for some excellent dishes.

For a quieter retreat, visit Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard. Elsewhere in the state you’ll find Salem’s Halloween festivals, apple picking adventures and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival for music lovers.

Wyoming

Wyoming is home to one of the best national parks in America, Yellowstone. It’s perfect for a family vacation, camping or long walks in nature, but the state has quite a few attractions beyond Yellowstone:

• Jackson Hole – incredible ski spots.
• The Buffalo Bill Center – home to five interesting museums.
• Cheyenne Frontier Days – a rodeo festival that’s incredibly fun if you’re into cowboys, parades and concerts with lively music.

Vermont

Photographers, foodies and winter sports lovers will all find their place in Vermont. Attractions include the Ben & Jerry’s factory tour, the Bennington Battle Monument and even an indoor waterpark at the Pump House.

There are plenty of excellent restaurants, like American Flatbread in Burlington, and cultural spots like the Shelburne Museum. Full of American folk art and Americana memorabilia, it’s a fun place anyone can enjoy. You can also visit Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, whose art-filled mansion is open to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some underrated US states to visit?

Rhode Island, Arizona, Massachusetts, Wyoming and Vermont all offer great sights with fewer crowds than New York or California.

What is there to do in Rhode Island?

Tour the Newport mansions, relax at Third Beach in Middletown, visit the RISD Museum, walk Fort Adams State Park and take a guided tour of the Redwood Library.

What is there to see in Wyoming besides Yellowstone?

Skiing in Jackson Hole, the five museums of the Buffalo Bill Center and the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo festival.

What are the best things to do in Vermont?

The Ben & Jerry’s factory tour, Bennington Battle Monument, the Shelburne Museum and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park.

Conclusion

If you want to explore America the right way, look beyond the usual hotspots. These unexplored American states offer something totally unique and unforgettable, so sate your wanderlust and discover them at your leisure.