Top 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in North America

Top 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in North America


December 8, 2023 | Miles Brucker

Top 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in North America


Top 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in North America

A woman taking a selfieNina Lawrenson/peopleimages.com, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

North America, a diverse continent with remarkable destinations. From stunning natural wonders to charming cultural districts, it is filled with hidden gems that often go unnoticed by mainstream tourism.

In this article, we reveal the top 10 must-visit hidden gems of North America that are sure to charm and inspire even the most adventurous travelers.

Sedona, Arizona

sedona-arizonaUnsplash

Advertisement

Sedona is nestled within towering rock formations giving it a mystical allure.

Many believe that its unique energy vortexes are sources of spiritual power—attracting visitors who seek balance and rejuvenation.

Highlights: Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon

Activities to Enjoy: Hiking, mountain biking, photography

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, MexicoUnsplash

Advertisement

Tulum is located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It offers a mix of stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and of course the ancient Mayan Ruins. These historical treasures are the framework of a thriving bohemian beach town.

Highlights: Mayan ruins, cenotes (natural sinkholes)

Activities to Enjoy: Swimming, hiking, photography

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec%20CityUnsplash

Advertisement

Quebec City is located in Canada but boasts a charming European architecture complete with cobblestone streets and a rich history. The UNESCO-listed Old Town gives off a warm old-world charm.

Highlights: Chateau Frontenac, Quebec Winter Festival

Activities to Enjoy: French-Canadian culture, cuisine, shopping, photography

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Olympic%20National%20Park%20-%20WashingtonUnsplash

Advertisement

Calling all nature lovers—the Olympic Peninsula is a natural paradise. Lush rainforests, rugged coastlines, and snow-capped peaks make it a truly unique ecosystem in a relatively small area.

Highlights: Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, Olympic Mountains

Activities to Enjoy: Hiking, wildlife encounters, photography

Charleston, South Carolina

CharlestonUnplash

Advertisement

Charleston is a town known for its rich history, southern charm, and vibrant culture. This hidden gem leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The historic district is meticulously preserved with pastel-colored old homes and cobblestone streets.

Highlights: Gallah culture, Lowcountry cuisine, Barrier islands

Activities to Enjoy: Photography, shopping, boat tours

Alberta Badlands, Canada

Alberta%20BadlandsUnsplash

Advertisement

The Alberta Badlands offer a unique landscape that unearths a prehistoric past. The stunning rock formations are a favorite among photographers from all over the world.

The Royal Tyrrell Museum holds the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils.

Highlights: Fossil Museum, Hoodoos, Drumheller

Activities to Enjoy: Hiking, photography, educational tours

Asheville, North Carolina

asheville-north-carolinaUnsplash

Advertisement

Asheville is located among the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a vibrant and artistic city known for its striking natural beauty, craft breweries, and a prosperous music scene.

Highlights: Biltmore Estate, River Arts District, Blue Ridge Parkway

Activities to Enjoy: Garden tours, farm-to-table dining, scenic drives, art shows

St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada

erik-mclean-LBDkOa3X44E-unsplashUnsplash

Advertisement

St. John’s is the easternmost city in all of North America. It offers rows of colorful houses and coastal vistas. The music scene is a favorite among the lively local culture, and the beautiful Avalon Peninsula coastline offers unique exploration.

Highlights: Irish Music Pubs, Signal Hill

Activities to Enjoy: Whale watching, iceberg spotting, coastal hikes, music festivals, local cuisine

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Todos Santos, MexicoTravel Awaits

Advertisement

Todos Santos is a small town located on the Pacific Coast of Baja California Sur. Aside from it’s booming surf culture, Todos Santos offers unique art and natural beauty attracting tourists from all over.

The charming streets are filled with art galleries and local handicraft shops. The beaches offer world-class surf breaks and the local cuisine thrives on fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes.

Highlights: Punta Lobos, La Casa del Opalo, Hotel California, Balandra Beach

Activities to Enjoy: Swimming, surfing, shopping, photography, cuisine, hiking

San Juan Islands, Washington

san-juan-islands-washingtonUnsplash

Advertisement

The San Juan Islands are located off the coast of Washington State. The islands are best known for the abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes and tranquil island life.

Highlights: Friday Harbor, Art Galleries, Salish Sea sunsets

Activities to Enjoy: Whale watching, kayaking, hiking, photography

Final Thoughts

A woman taking a selfieSoloviova Liudmyla, Adobe Stock

Advertisement

These top 10 destinations are among some of the best must-visit hidden gems in North America. They offer unique tourist experiences and breathtaking beauty.

Do yourself a favor and add these to your bucket list if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path.


READ MORE

Internalfb Image

Intriguing Secrets Behind The Construction Of The Berlin Wall

This is how a concrete barrier turned into the world's most dramatic stage of human defiance. You may have heard about the 1961-constructed Berlin Wall, but do you know the history and happenings of it?
January 1, 2025 Alex Summers
Woman is cooking in home kitchen. Female hands cut salami, vegetables, greens, tomatoes on table on wooden boards. Ingredients for preparing italian or french food. Lifestyle moment.

The Surprising “Secret” Ingredients Home Chefs Reach For

Every good home chef has a few tricks up their sleeve when it comes to cooking. And that includes some seriously surprising “secret” ingredients that they add to their signature dishes.
May 31, 2024 Samantha Henman

The Sauk

The Sauk people have a rich history—they even helped shape America into what it is today. Let's take a look at this tribe our history books failed to mention.
March 31, 2025 Jacki Andre

Giethoorn Village, Netherlands

Discover Giethoorn village in the Netherlands. This quaint little village has become a popular tourist destination due to its picturesque fairytale-like charm, and the fact that is has no roads. Residents and visitors must travel by foot, boat, or bicycle. With old thatched roof houses and traditional wooden bridges, find out what else this small Dutch village has to offer.
July 31, 2024 Allison Robertson

The Discovery Of America's Largest Dinosaur

When paleontologists unearthed the fossils of Alamosaurus sanjuanensis, they had no idea they were uncovering one of the largest dinosaurs ever to roam North America.
March 31, 2025 Ella Mason
wallup.net

Blood-Curdling Facts About Horror Movies

"We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones." - Stephen King
December 31, 2023 Miles Brucker