Hidden Gems to Travel to in 2025

A new year means a fresh slate for exciting travel plans and experiences you’ve been longing for. If you’re looking for some inspiration on some hidden gems to visit in the US in the year ahead, you’ve come to the right place!

From seaside towns that will capture your heart to places in the mountains that are sure to keep the adventures coming, this guide has something for everyone. Travel enriches our lives in a way that many other things can’t; between the connections that are made with others, the unforgettable meals that you won’t find just anywhere, the sights that remind you just how marvelous our world is, and the stories that end up being shared for years to come, booking that trip is always worth it. Read on to discover some destinations that may be less popular than others but are sure to fulfill and deliver some truly amazing times.

Bristol, Rhode Island

Starting our list off strong is Bristol, a charming Rhode Island town situated on Mt. Hope Bay that has a long history and so many ways to make the most out of a visit here. With brilliant nature to explore and an extremely walkable downtown that’s brimming with local eateries and museums, Bristol offers the best of both worlds. For a dose of history and some insight into the town’s culture, the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which preserves the legacy of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company and over 70 of the boats created by the brothers that founded it in the late 1800s, is a fantastic place to start.

The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is located at the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge and has interactive exhibits that feature marine species from Narragansett Bay and a life-size model of a North Atlantic right whale. Outside, stroll the boardwalk that traverses fresh and saltwater marshes, fields, and forests until eventually reaching an unmatched view of Narragansett Bay.

Bristol is also home to the country’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration, which actually starts on Flag Day in mid-June and ends with quite a bang on July 4^th! If visiting during this time frame, you’ll be met with tons of special community events that are sure to brighten your experience here even further and make it all the more memorable. There’s no doubt that Bristol is a special place with practically everything you could ever want in a destination.

Highlands, North Carolina

For the adventurous spirits out there that can never get enough of the outdoors, consider making your way to the mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina. With miles of hiking trails that deliver sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near some of the most incredible waterfalls the state has to offer such as Dry Falls, Highlands will have you feeling like you stepped into a postcard.

Go fly fishing in Tanasee Creek, visit The Bascom – A Center for Visual Arts to spark your creativity and support artists from the area, and catch a dazzling sunset from none other than Sunset Rock. Highlands is also conveniently celebrating its 150^th birthday in 2025, so all year long the town is hosting a variety of events from concerts, history tours, parades, and festivals. With a wide selection of boutique hotels, homey lodges, and excellent local restaurants, Highlands makes for a remarkable retreat into the mountains that will renew your mind, body, and spirit.

Carlsbad, California

Journey out west to the Southern California beach town of your dreams. Carlsbad is a gorgeous area with cliffs overlooking the Pacific, great attractions for the whole family, and miles of paths to bike on and sandy shores for soaking up the sun. For the surfers out there, you’ll have the time of your life catching waves at Tamarack, Terramar, and Ponto Beach and fueling up afterward at any of the numerous beachside eateries that serve delicious Mexican fare and fresh seafood. The village of Carlsbad could not be more charming and boasts Victorian-style architecture, eye-catching artwork along the streets, and so many local establishments like theaters, boutiques, and cafes.

If you’re traveling with kids, definitely plan to spend a day at Legoland to let their imaginations run wild, have a blast on the various rides, and splash around in the waterpark. Carlsbad State Beach is also a great spot for families, with opportunities to bike on the paved baths along the coast, swim and snorkel in the ocean, and camp under the stars. If visiting between March and May, you can also immerse yourself in the thousands of beautiful blooms at Carlsbad Flower Fields. A trip to Carlsbad is sure to infuse sunshine, joy, relaxation, and fun into your life; we’re willing to bet that as soon as you leave you’ll already start plotting your next stay here!

Lafayette, Louisiana

Make your way down to the bayou and discover all the wonderful things the heart of Cajun country has to offer. Lafayette, Louisiana is a quieter destination in comparison to its NOLA neighbor, but there is no shortage of incredible experiences awaiting its visitors. The Lafayette Science Museum is right in downtown and has phenomenal exhibits that explore our planet’s oceans, land, and solar system, and the Children’s Museum of Acadiana is a wonderful place for kids to explore through hands-on creative play and interactive exhibits.

It’s reported that there are more restaurants in Lafayette per person than any other place in the country! You would be absolutely remiss to visit here and not try any of the dishes that are so near and dear to the region. You’re sure to find some of the best gumbo, crawfish, po’boys, boudin, and jambalaya imaginable right here in Lafayette, making it a foodie’s dream. Lastly, if you’re looking for a way to get outdoors during your Louisiana travels, rent a kayak or book a tour and head out into the bayou and be mystified by the draping Spanish moss, still waters, and wildlife like deer, alligators, and swamp rabbits. Quench your soul’s thirst for history, art, music, food, and scenery that can’t be discovered just anywhere by planning a trip to Lafayette this year.

Travel to These Hidden Gems and Find What You’re Looking for

We hope this guide of hidden gem destinations has at least sparked some inspiration and that the year of travels ahead is exactly what you’re seeking. From the bayou to mountains over to the sea, the United States has a destination for whatever adventure you’re after. So plan those itineraries and book those flights because 2025 is filled with so many possibilities and memories just waiting to be made!