In the past, I was constantly jetting off to other countries, not taking the time to explore all the beautiful places within the US. That all changed in 2020 when borders started closing and international travel was limited. As someone who traveled largely internationally, the ban on international travel certainly took a toll on my own mental health. I realized I needed to travel again and took on the task of exploring my own backyard. I am so glad I did as through my travels I’ve discovered so many hidden gems in the US!
Some of these places even look like they are straight out of a fairytale. I’ve even shifted the focus on my content to more US travel because I want to share all the beautiful places I’ve stumbled across during my own personal travels. Check out these hidden gems in the US that are straight out of a fairytale!
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Map of the Best Hidden Gems in the US
The Best Hidden Gems in the US
1. Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Can you believe this is in Oklahoma?! The Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa houses an unbelievable art collection, but the building itself is a living piece of art. This art museum transported me back to Italy with its Italian villa architecture! The grounds here are absolutely stunning and I spent hours wandering around the expansive gardens.
The Philbrook Museum of Art is open to the public and general admission tickets are only $12. Check out their website to plan your visit!
2. Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island, Georgia
I believe Cumberland Island is Georgia‘s best-kept secret. As a Georgia resident, I had heard of Cumberland Island for years and finally got to visit recently! A remote island with sandy white beaches, roaming wild horses, and historic mansion ruins? Say no more!
The Dungeness Ruins is accessible by an easy trail on Cumberland Island, and there’s a lot of history to these ruins. The mansion was built by Thomas Carnegie in 1884 but burned down in 1959. Today, wild horses roam freely throughout these ruins.
As I mentioned, Cumberland Island is a remote island and is only accessible by boat. There is a direct public ferry to Cumberland Island that departs from downtown St. Mary’s. The island is actually undeveloped and preserved by the U.S. National Park Service. Check out my complete guide on visiting Cumberland Island here!
3. St. Catherine’s at Bell Gable in Fayetteville, Arkansas
When I first came across photos of this chapel, I couldn’t believe it! This chapel is a piece of Europe found just minutes away from downtown Fayetteville.
I got to meet the family that owns this beautiful property and also explored the grounds! This truly is a hidden gem in the US!
The chapel is mainly used for weddings but is open for the public to visit on most Sundays. Check their Facebook page for other open house schedules and events. Plus, they offer special photography sessions here as well. What a beautiful place in Arkansas!
4. Lionshead Village in Vail, Colorado
Vail, Colorado is known as one of the best ski towns in the US, so you might be wondering…why is this town featured in an article for hidden gems in the US? Many people only visit Vail Mountain to ski and snowboard, but largely ignore Vail and its surrounding area. The hidden gem is found at the base of Vail Mountain, a part of town known as Lionshead Village.
Lionshead Village looks straight out of a storybook! This Bavarian-inspired village is completely closed off to cars and contains an ice skating rink, shops, and a variety of eateries. If you visit, you have to get the hot chocolate at Rimini Gelato & Chocolate!
I’ve visited Lionshead Village in winter and summer and it was absolutely magical during both visits. I felt like I was in the town of Arendelle from the Disney movie, Frozen!
5. Swan House in Atlanta, Georgia
Can you believe this beautiful estate is located in the heart of Atlanta?
The Swan House was built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman, an affluent Atlanta family, and a great example of the Second Renaissance Revival style that was popular in the late 1920s. The grounds are also absolutely stunning with fountains, sculptures, and lush greenery. The name of the house is drawn from the swan motifs that are placed throughout the interior.
Today, the Swan House is a part of the Atlanta History Center, and your admission to the museum grants access to the grounds and the interior of the Swan House. You also might recognize this popular Atlanta photo spot from the Hunger Games movies! President Snow’s house anyone?
6. Storybook Castles in Fairhope, Alabama
Did you know there were castles in Alabama? I certainly didn’t!
Finding these castles was a complete surprise as I was visiting the town of Fairhope and randomly stumbled upon them. These castles are known as “Storybook Castles” and are well known and loved by the locals of Fairhope.
There are several castles on these grounds and it was all started by a man known as Craig Sheldon who used his imagination to turn dreams into reality. He started building these castles shortly after World War II with recycled materials and repurposed these parts. Today, the work continues by Mr. Sheldon’s daughter and son-in-law.
I got to meet Mr. Sheldon’s son-in-law during my visit and he is the kindest man! All are welcome to visit, but please do be respectful. The family still lives here so please admire these castles from a respectful distance.
If you want to spend a night in these castles, you’re in luck as these are listed on Airbnb as well!
7. Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida
The Ringling Museum of Art is such a gem! The grounds are so massive here that you have to plan an all-day visit. Today, the Ringling is comprised of several buildings including the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, Historic Asolo Theater, and Education Center. This property sits on Sarasota Bay providing sweeping ocean views.
The Ringling was the former residence of John Ringling of the famed Ringling Brothers. John Ringling built a Venetian Gothic-styled mansion on this waterfront property known as “Ca’ d’Zan“. He also had an affinity for art and started building his art collection while traveling through Europe in search of acts for his circus. Soon after the completion of Ca’ d’Zan, he built a 21-gallery museum modeled after the Uffizi Gallery to house his treasure trove of paintings and sculptures.
Everyone can visit the Ringling and explore its impressive grounds today! This place might be well known by Sarasota residents, but I think it is one of the best-hidden gems in the US.
8. Old Town in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Old Town Albuquerque reminds me so much of the Pixar movie, Coco! There are rainbow-colored banners all over and fun shops. I love how colorful the area is with vibrantly painted doors and intricate tilework. It is well worth the visit if you are passing through Albuquerque.
9. Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Isn’t this chapel stunning?! It would be an absolute dream to get married here.
The Anthony Chapel in Hot Springs, Arkansas is a work of art. This glass chapel is located in Garvan Woodland Gardens and features soaring glass ceilings with lake and forest views.
Be sure to check their wedding calendar online before you visit so you can actually enter the chapel.
10. Normandy Village in Berkley, California
I felt like I was transported to a French village when I stepped foot onto this property. To be honest, this spot is actually an apartment complex located on UC Berkley’s campus. There’s not much else to it, but it is a cool place to check out if you’re in the area. It is strange that there’s one part of campus that looks like a French village!
If you visit, be respectful as this is private property. I got permission from the residents before I stepped foot on those stairs.
11. Downtown Leavenworth in Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington looks so much like Bavarian Germany! This picturesque Alpine-style village offers a taste of Bavaria with eclectic dining, specialty shops, and welcoming locals.
I visited Leavenworth in the summer, but I’ll love to go back to experience it in the winter. I’ve heard that Leavenworth in snow looks straight out of a Hallmark movie! Come experience the beauty of Leavenworth for yourself.
12. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona, Arizona
Honestly, I had no idea this place existed in Sedona until I actually drove past it. I went on a hiking trip to Sedona and had only researched the best hikes and trails but nothing on the town itself.
This shopping center was a complete surprise to me. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is modeled after a traditional Mexican village and one of the best hidden gems in the US! Imagine being able to visit a Mexican village right here in Arizona. You can find art galleries, craft shops, restaurants, and other specialty shops in this shopping village.
Tlaquepaque, meaning the “best of everything,” gives you that feeling that it’s been here for centuries with its vine-covered walls, cobblestone walkways, and magnificently arched entryways give you the feeling that it has been here for centuries.
13. Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga, California
What if I told you that you can go wine tasting in a castle?
Castello di Amorosa is located in the famous Napa Valley in California and it looks just like a medieval castle! You can visit this beautiful vineyard and go for a tasting within the castle. Your wine tasting even includes a tour of the 13th-century style castle!
Be sure to check out the beautiful vineyards and scenery surrounding the castle. I recommend making a reservation for your wine tasting ahead of time.
14. Carmel-by-the-Sea in Monterrey, California
A charming town right by the sea, Carmel-by-the-Sea is such a magical place! The town center is full of fairytale-like buildings housing art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops.
I highly recommend visiting this town if it isn’t on your travel bucket list yet. There’s plenty to do in this area with Monterrey and Big Sur nearby! This is a great starting spot for a mini Pacific Coast Highway road trip as well.
Tip: If you want to see more of these buildings, drive along the residential streets as there are many storybook cottages in town.
15. Spanish Village in San Diego, California
Located within Balboa Park, Spanish Village depicts a charming old village in Spain with quaint buildings and colorful courtyard. Located between the Zoo and the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Spanish Village is a gathering spot for artists of all mediums.
It serves a thriving community of over 200 local artisans who share their talent and the love of all things art. Be sure to stop by to watch daily demonstrations in studios and visit the onsite glass blowing facility.
16. Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, Missouri
Located in the Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a public recreation area with miles and miles of trails, stunning blue springs, and castle ruins. It encompasses over 3,700 acres and is a geologic wonderland featuring sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and magnificent bluffs.
However, I think these castle ruins are the highlight of this Missouri state park. Certainly one of the best hidden gems in the US!
17. Jekyll Island Club Resort on Jekyll Island, Georgia
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is a luxurious Victorian-style clubhouse turned into a hotel that’s located on Jekyll Island. It was once proclaimed as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world”!
The resort is deemed one of the Historic Hotels of America, and it has such a fascinating history! The Jekyll Island Club was actually founded in the late 1800s by the elites of America’s Gilded Age such as JP Morgan and Joseph Pulitzer. Other members included the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts.
It is said its membership represented one-sixth of the world’s wealth. While the clubhouse was the main building for the Jekyll Island Club, some members developed their own seasonal cottages.
Read more about my stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel here.
18. Downtown Helen in Helen, Georgia
Helen is a Bavarian-inspired town in the North Georgia mountains! Helen is beautiful year-round but especially in the fall when the leaves are turning colors in Georgia. I highly recommend checking out all the bakeries, fudge shops, and German restaurants in town!
There’s also plenty of outdoor activities to do near Helen including tubing, hiking, and ziplining. Be sure to plan your visit so you get to experience the beauty of North Georgia!
19. The Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is well-know for its surrounding nature, breweries, and food scene, but did you know there’s also an estate that looks like a French chateau here? The Biltmore was built by George Vanderbilt in 1889 as a family retreat and home and later opened it to the public in 1930.
Today, everyone is welcomed to visit this grand estate and its massive grounds. Come experience the elegance and grandeur of the Biltmore by taking a tour of America’s largest home. The home features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. Plus, there’s over 8000 acres of trails and gardens!
20. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami, Florida
A breathtaking Italian-Renaissance estate on Biscayne Bay surrounded by beautiful gardens, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, is well worth a visit! This villa is absoutely stunning and each room is going to take your breath away. I can’t decide whether the interior or the gardens are more impressive!
I hope you’ve added some new places to your travel bucket list as there are so many hidden gems in the US! As I continue my travels around the US, I’ll keep updating this article so come back and revist for new hidden gems 🙂
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