Explore the United States like a geography and history expert. It should be easy to skip the big cities and the overcrowded attractions; you just have to know where to look. That’s where we step in to give a helping hand.

Join us as we uncover these underrated gems across the nation that we highly recommend you give a chance in 2025. Whether you are aiming to see a new park, relax in a quiet resort, check out a lesser known historic district, or anything in between, there should be something for anyone on our list of potential travel destinations.

Eureka, Nevada

Eureka sits in one of the most lonely regions in the United States, the deserts of northern Nevada. Far from the nearest interstate highway and even more distant from any major towns or cities, this community is among the best places for those in need of some legitimate solitude in 2025.

Located along U.S. Route 50, aptly called “The Loneliest Road in America,” this town of just over 400 residents is a cool example of a 19th-century mining town. Better yet, it is one that hasn’t been overrun by mass tourism (yet).

Eureka’s historic district is home to many original period buildings, including the Eureka Opera House, which still hosts performances, and the Eureka Sentinel Museum, housed in a former newspaper office with intact printing equipment from the late 1800s.

Unlike nearby Virginia City, a similar town that sits about 230 miles to the west, Eureka draws smaller crowds and still retains an authentic small-town atmosphere in this remote part of the state. Be sure to stop by local businesses, such as the Owl Club Bar and Steakhouse, a joint that feels as if it is still meant to serve the miners who settled the area generations ago. Moreover, stay the night at the Sundown Lodge, a surprisingly affordable hotel housed in a historic red brick building at the heart of downtown.

For those interested in exploring the area’s vast wildernesses, the surrounding Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest offers rugged hiking trails, various ghost towns, and scenic driving routes through the high desert for you to enjoy. Just be sure to fill up on gas before you leave!

Goshen, New York

Located in the Hudson Valley, Goshen is a New York state community with an interesting history, deep-rooted equestrian culture, and a revitalized downtown that deserves more attention.

Renowned for its harness racing (when the horse pulls a two-wheeled buggy), the historic Goshen Historic Track is the oldest continuously operated horse racing track in North America. Opened in 1838, this venue still hosts events to this day. The adjacent Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame provides insight into the sport’s long legacy.

If horse racing isn’t really your thing, stop by downtown Goshen, which is home to some cool looking locales like the Orange County Government Center, a very interesting example of Brutalist architecture that architecture enthusiasts will certainly appreciate. This modern flair contrasts with the town’s more traditional buildings, including the flat brick storyfronts along Main Street.

Just outside of town, wineries, distilleries, breweries, and farms contribute to the area’s growing agritourism scene too. If this interests you, definitely check out the Orange County Distillery at brown Barn Farms, which sits a short drive west, or the Orange County Brewing Company for locally crafted beverages. A little further away, near the Pennsylvania border, sits the renowned Warwick Valley Winery.

Goshen is also home to Legoland New York, making it a top spot to bring the kids to this year. Note that the park closes during the winter months and 2025’s opening date is set for April. 10th.

Wallace, Idaho

Wallace is a quiet town that draws tourists throughout the year, with several nearby parks to hike in the summer and ski resorts, like Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area, for some fun in the winter. Here, you will get direct access to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 72-mile paved path ideal for cycling, as well as the rugged Route of the Hiawatha, known for its tunnels and trestles through mountain terrain. Both of these routes are amazing ways to see the natural beauty of this area on a prolonged outing, making Wallace a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure in 2025.

Learn more about the history of this town as well. Start as the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, which offers a look into the region’s storied mining history led by guides with firsthand knowledge of the industry.

Yellow Springs, Ohio

You may also come across Yellow Springs’ budding food and drink scene, exemplified by the very popular historic Ye Olde Trail Tavern and Yellow Springs Brewery.

The town’s calendar is filled with exciting events like music festivals and art fairs, such as the annual Street Fair, which brings together regional artisans, musicians, and food vendors. The next fair will be taking place in June of 2025.

Yellow Springs is also a place that is a gem for nature lovers, with several notable parks and greenspaces in and around town. Glen Helen Nature Preserve, located just steps from dowtown, is a 1,000-acre protected area that contains hiking trails and picturesque waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and the town’s namesake yellow spring.

Avila Beach, California

This town’s main beachfront is known for its calm waters, making it ideal for paddleboarding and swimming. If you want something a bit more active to do than lounging on the sand, a short drive away leads to the Avila Valley, home to the Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort. This scenic spot is where natural hot springs flow into hillside soaking tubs, with a hotel conveniently located on the property as well.

In town, the Inn At Avila Beach is another great option for accommodations. Many of its rooms offer unobstructed views over the water.

Avila Beach’s compact size and lack of major chain stores help preserve its relaxed atmosphere. Instead, you can explore its collection of longstanding landmarks, like the historic Harford Pier. This locale is still used by commercial fishermen and offers an up-close look at the area’s marine life too, including sea lions lounging near the docks. The Central Coast Aquarium is another great place to learn more about local aquatic wildlife and contains several curated exhibits on the region’s natural and human histories.

Bisbee, Arizona

The town’s unique topography also serves as a major draw in itself, with steep, narrow streets and staircases built into the hills, leading through Bisbee’s various neighborhoods. This has created a walkable environment that feels more like a European village than a typical desert town.

Here, you are open to exploring the town’s preserved architecture, which dates back well over a hundred years. One such spot is Brewery Gulch. Once a rowdy district that was formerly home to saloons and brothels for the early residents to enjoy, it now is home to craft breweries, restaurants, hotels, and other amenities. Bisbee’s Table is a particularly highly rated place to grab a bite, serving up tasty pub fair in an eclectic setting.

Rosemary Beach, Florida

The town’s beachfront is known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, with limited public access points ensuring a quieter atmosphere for all. Pedestrian-friendly boardwalks connect the local beaches to a network of small city parks and a compact commercial area where you can enjoy local dining options, mom-and-pop boutiques, and easy-to-reach accommodations.

The Pearl Hotel towers over the ocean and provides great views and a variety of eateries just steps from the beach. A favorite joint like LaCo serves authentic Mexican seafood dishes with ingredients sourced from the nearby waters.

Cyclists love seeing the area via the Timpoochee Trail, which provides a scenic biking route along the 30A corridor, passing through state parks and coastal dune lakes. Sitting just east of Rosemary Beach is Camp Helen State Park, one of such parks that is definitely worth a stop. Overlooking the Phillips Inlet, this unique ecosystem houses a web of short footpaths on land, and options for kayak rentals should you wish to spend an afternoon paddling around the inlet and the adjacent Powell Lake.

Goliad, Texas

Start your adventure here at the Presidio La Bahía, a reconstructed 18th-century Spanish fort. This is widely regarded as the town’s most prominent landmark and was the site of the 1836 Goliad Massacre, a pivotal event in early Texan history. Nearby, the Mission Espíritu Santo, also originally established in the 1700s, provides another window into what early Spanish colonial life was like. Both sites are within Goliad State Park, where you can also hike, fish, or paddle along the river.

With this in mind, Goliad seems to be the top spot for history buffs to explore in 2025. The area’s nearly year-round excellent weather doesn’t hurt either.

See These Lesser-Known American Gems this Year

Why not try something new this year? From fascinating historic districts that will teach you something new about the United States’ past to unrowded parks and more, you can’t go wrong with a visit to any of the towns mentioned above. Whether you are exploring the coast or embarking on a road trip across the country, we made sure to provide you with a plethora of options across the country, now it is your turn to go experience what they have to offer in-person!