There are many famous, popular tourist spots in America, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, Times Square, and the Hollywood Sign. While these attractions are popular for a reason, it is also fun to explore the underrated tourist spots in America. In fact, lots of states in the US contain hidden travel gems.

The Hawaiian Islands, an online site detailing the best restaurants, attractions, and vacation rentals in Hawaii, conducted a study to find out the top ten most underrated tourist spots in America, according to visitors. The company gathered 17,000 Tripadvisor reviews of American tourist attractions, noting how many reviews used terms like “underrated” and “hidden gem” to compile a list of travel destinations. Below is a list of the top 14 most underrated US tourist spots that Tripadvisor users recommend visiting.

UPDATE: 2023/01/27 08:12 EST BY TYLER GOLEC

Tripadvisor Says: The 14 Most Underrated US Tourist Spots (According To Visitors)

The US is full of underrated destinations, and on sites like Tripadvisor, travelers have made their thoughts on them clear. Details about Underrated destinations are always changing. So, to help travelers to continue to be able to find new underrated destinations, this article has been updated to contain even more underrated US tourist spots.

14 Fort Point National Historic Site, San Francisco, CA

Fort Point National Historic Site, Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA,
Photo by Sesha Reddy Kovvuri on Unsplash
Fort Point National Historic Site, Marine Drive, San Francisco, CA, 

When planning a first-time visit to San Francisco, most people include the obvious attractions of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. There are so many hidden gems in San Francisco that are worth adding to an itinerary, with Fort Point National Historic Site being one example. Tripadvisor commenters rave about this site’s stellar views of the Golden Gate Bridge and interesting historical exhibits. The unique architecture of this fort is also a selling point for many visitors.

  • Stats: 32.0 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 201 Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
  • Hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 am-5 pm
  • Cost: Free

13 Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, ND

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA
Photo by Rich Martello on Unsplash
A photo of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA

The ninth most underrated tourist spot in the US is Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota. With over 400 national parks in America, it can be easy to overlook some pretty spectacular parks. During his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt used his presidential power to preserve over 230 million acres of land. Theodore Roosevelt National Park visitors rave about the abundance of wildlife, lovely scenic overlooks, and refreshing lack of crowds.

  • Stats: 32.9 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 315 2nd Ave Medora, ND 58645
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Cost: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, $15 per person

12 Japanese Tea Gardens, San Antonio, TX

Japanese Tea Garden Parking, San Antonio, Texas
Photo by Cesira Alvarado on Unsplash
A photo of the Japanese Tea Garden Parking, San Antonio, Texas

While Hawaiian Islands’ study revealed SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, to be one of the most overrated spots in America, there are plenty of underrated gems in the city as well. The Japanese Tea Gardens, for instance, is a must-see while visiting San Antonio. A perfect attraction for all ages, the garden includes beautiful foliage, East Asian architectural features, lovely koi ponds, and plenty of short trails. Visitors describe this attraction as tranquil, peaceful, beautiful, and a soothing oasis.

  • Stats: 34.0 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • Hours: 7 am-5 pm daily
  • Cost: Free

Related: Underrated American City: 10 Fun And Iconic Fort Lauderdale Experiences You Should Try

11 Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY

A Photo of a Cemetery
Photo by Meruyert Gonullu Via Pexels
A Photo of a Cemetery

A cemetery might now sound like a fun attraction, yet the Green-Wood Cemetery is ranked the eighth most underrated spot in America. Located in Brooklyn, New York, the architecture and sculptures in this cemetery are exquisite. Some visitors enjoy taking guided tours of the cemetery, while others find it calming to wander around the place alone. Visitors also say one can easily spend an entire day here, visiting historic memorials and admiring the architecture.

  • Stats: 34.1 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
  • Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily
  • Cost: Free

10 The Morgan Library & Museum, New York City, NY

The Morgan Library & Museum, New York
Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash
The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, United States

Libraries, in general, are underrated. An underrated library and tourist spot is The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. There are endless things to do on a weekend trip to New York City, including taking in a Broadway show and strolling through Central Park. Visiting The Morgan also needs to be on everyone’s itinerary. The ornate ceiling paintings and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make visitors feel as if they are in the library scene in Beauty and the Beast. Visitors describe this hidden gem as a book lover’s paradise, with plenty of ancient books, interesting exhibitions, and even a small coffee shop.

  • Stats: 37.8 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 225 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10016
  • Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
  • Cost: Adult- $22, senior -$14, student- $13, children (12 and under)- free

9 Grounds For Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ

Grounds For Sculpture, Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ
Photo by Praswin Prakashan on Unsplash
No better way to define a color than nature. Shot from the grounds for sculptures in New Jersey.

There are also plenty of underrated parks in America, one being Grounds For Sculpture. This New Jersey gem spans 42 acres of land, featuring wildflowers, butterflies, reflecting pools, and contemporary sculptures. The Tripadvisor comments section for this park is filled with glowing reviews. Visitors gush over the variety of artwork, the beautiful grounds, and the lovely flowers and trees. This sculpture garden is also perfect for a family excursion.

  • Stats: 38.5 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
  • Hours: Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-5 pm, closed Tuesdays
  • Cost: See Website

8 Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT, USA
Photo by Martin Podsiad on Unsplash
A photo from Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey, UT, USA

The most underrated national park, according to the Hawaiian Islands study, is Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. The colorful rock formations are truly breathtaking, and many visitors rave about the petroglyphs and red rock. This hidden gem can also be explored in a variety of ways. Some travelers enjoy exploring the natural beauty up close via hiking trails. Other travelers prefer to stay in their cars, opting for a scenic drive instead. One final draw of this national park is its lack of crowds.

  • Stats: 54.3 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 52 West Headquarters Drive, Torrey, UT 84775
  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Cost: $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, $10 per bicycle or pedestrian

Related: Canyon De Chelly National Monument Is An Underrated & Worthy Spot To Visit

7 Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Chicago, IL

The third most underrated US tourist spot, according to visitors, is the Richard H. Driehaus Museum. This Chicago museum features art and architecture from the late 1800s-early 1900s. The building contains an ornate main hall, drawing room, library, and ballroom. Visitors agree that this home highlights how the wealthy lived during the Gilded Age in America. Visitors also praise the highly knowledgeable tour guides and exquisite decor. With over 1,100 “Excellent” reviews and zero “Terrible” reviews on Tripadvisor, this museum is a must-see when visiting the Windy City.

  • Stats: 57.8 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 40 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611
  • Hours: Closed Monday-Wednesday, Thursday- 11 am-5 pm, Friday and Saturday- 10 am-5 pm, Sunday- 11 am-5 pm
  • Cost: Adult- $20, seniors- $15, students (with ID)- $10, children (12 and under)- free

6 National Postal Museum, Washington, DC

A unique and very underrated museum in America is the National Postal Museum. Located in Washington, DC, this Smithsonian Museum teaches visitors all about the postal systems and postal history of various countries around the world. The museum offers guided tours, drop-in tours, self-guided tours, and scavenger hunts for kids. Moving the Mail, a permanent exhibit features the vehicles that the US Postal Service has used to carry mail over the years. Tripadvisor reviews explain how the museum presents information in a fun and engaging way and that this museum is a hidden gem worth visiting.

  • Stats: 69.6 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20002
  • Hours: 10 am-5:30 pm daily
  • Cost: Free

5 Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC

Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Linnean Avenue North
Photo by Ashley Hajimirsadeghi on Unsplash
Japanese-style garden in Washington D.C.

The Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens is the most underrated tourist spot in America. Hillwood Estate is in DC, meaning tourists can easily visit both the estate and the previously mentioned National Postal Museum in one day. The lovely Hillwood contains a charming estate, museum, and gardens. The estate was purchased by heiress and businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post in 1955. The estate is now a museum containing breathtaking artwork, elegant furniture and light fixtures, and lush gardens. The gardens are described by visitors as a hidden oasis. The docent-guided tours are also heavily praised on Tripadvisor.

  • Stats: 83.2 underrated mentions per 1,000 reviews
  • Address: 4155 Linnean Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
  • Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am-5 pm, closed Mondays
  • Cost: See Website

4 Summer Festivals In Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth Washington USA
Photo by Afif Ramdhasuma on Unsplash
A holiday photo from Leavenworth Washington USA

Travelers visiting Leavenworth, Washington, will discover a mountain town with rich Bavarian folk culture. The homes of the town are lovely pastel colors with authentic beer halls and alpine lodge accommodations that look like they belong in the Bavarian Alps. This charming site is also a popular destination for those looking to enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing. This town becomes a paradise in the summer with many festivals visiting. From all over, travelers come to enjoy the festivals and summer beauty of the town. Travelers will love this delightfully different escape.

  • Address - 735 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
  • Hours & Cost - See Event

Related: 10 Underrated Destinations That Were On The World's Greatest Places Of 2022

3 Hike Knife Edge Trail, Baxter State Park, Maine

Knife Edge Trail, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA, United States
Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash
Knife Edge Trail, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA, United States

Travelers looking for a truly unique destination with access to incredible outdoor activities should check out Baxter State Park in Maine. On the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, Baxter State Park is a hiker's dream and one of the wildest places on the American east coast that hikers can explore. This park is also home to the highest peak in Maine and some of the best hiking around, including Knife Edge Trail, known as one of the most epic hikes in New England and the US. This hike features an elevation gain of 3,413 feet and 2,000-foot drops on both sides. This is not a hike for beginners.

2 Enjoy Water Sports, Moab, Utah

A view of the Colorado River in Moab, Utah
Photo by Backroad Packers on Unsplash
A view of the Colorado River in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is likely most famously known for Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, which are incredible draws themselves, bringing numerous outdoor enthusiasts to the area every year. However, Moab is far more than just its parks. The Colorado River runs through the area providing an incredible destination for white water rafting, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. This destination is made even better by the incredible landscape the river is surrounded by.

1 Enjoy The Music Scene, Fredericksburg, Texas

Texas has a lot of everything, and even outside its main cities, travelers can discover incredible spots such as Fredericksburg, Texas. This aesthetically beautiful town offers travelers incredible views of both its architecture and its landscape. But one underrated aspect about this town is its music scene, which is second to only Austin in the state. This off-the-beaten-path destination is great for music lovers who want to enjoy acts passing through without the big city hassle. Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for enjoying great music at a slower pace.