Looking to get off the beaten path in the USA this year? We don’t blame you! Of course, places like NYC and LA have a certain allure. To really experience the soul of the US, though, you’ll have to dig deeper. Explore the mountains, small towns, beautiful nature, and unique metropolitan areas that give the country its extraordinary flair. These are the best underrated cities to visit in the US in 2025.
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- Why You Should Visit Underrated Cities in the US in 2025
- Rapid City, South Dakota
- Boise, Idaho
- Chincoteague Island, Virginia
- Traverse City, Michigan
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Medora, North Dakota
- Montpelier, Vermont
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Missoula, Montana
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Durango, Colorado
- Wrap-up: Best Underrated Cities to Visit in the US
Why You Should Visit Underrated Cities in the US in 2025
You know the drill – there are so many upsides to visiting under-the-radar cities across the globe, so why would it be any different in the US? The most obvious benefit is that you’ll skip the crowds and long lines for attractions. Then, there’s the price. Popular destinations in the US like NYC, LA, Chicago, and New Orleans are notoriously expensive. If your budget this year doesn’t have room for these big city trips, we recommend spending your valuable time and money somewhere else.
Opting for off-the-beaten-path cities like this also ensures that you don’t become part of the devastating overtourism cycle. Overtourism not only causes issues like crowding and price hikes, but it can also reduce the quality of living for locals and lead to long-term environmental consequences. We encourage you to break the cycle of overtourism by considering the best underrated cities to visit in the US in 2025. Go ahead, beat the rest of the country to it.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Explore everything Rapid City has to offer. Credit: Visit Rapid City
Closest major airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Alternate route: N/A
I had a teacher in high school who used to joke that South Dakota wasn’t real because she’d never met or even heard of anyone from there. Today, I think that’s a shame. South Dakota is home to incredible nature and one of our country’s most famous monuments: Mount Rushmore. Rapid City is the perfect place to start exploring this great state.
Rapid City is situated in the western half of the state on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest. It’s the second-largest city in South Dakota and as such, it has plenty to do. The downtown area is walkable and is home to a thriving cultural scene. Main Street Square hosts outdoor events year round, from ice rinks in winter to splash patios in summer. You can also explore the City of Presidents – a collection of bronze statues of the presidents scattered across downtown.
This unique city is also the perfect starting point for day trips through South Dakota’s beautiful nature. For starters, Mount Rushmore National Memorial is only 30 minutes away. Crazy Horse Memorial is only 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, so you can easily combine these into a day trip or even book a guided tour. If you drive an hour in the opposite direction, you’ll hit Badlands National Park, home to dramatic buttes and scenic canyons.
Rapid City’s food and drink scene is also booming. Bison burgers and steaks feature heavily on menus across the city given its location, as well as chislic, or skewered cubes of meat seasoned to perfection. Tally’s Silver Spoon is the perfect place to go for this type of American cuisine, or head to Juniper at the Vertex to enjoy a meal on the rooftop with views of the downtown area. For beer lovers, Firehouse Brewing Company is South Dakota’s oldest brewery.
My Personal Favorite in Rapid City
It’s rare to get so close to wildlife without fear, but you can do it at Bear Country USA in Rapid City. This drive-through wildlife park is located in the Black Hills and is home to black bears, reindeer, elk, bison, and more.
Boise, Idaho
Enjoy everything Boise has to offer, from the mountains to the architecture.
Closest major airport: Boise Airport (BOI)
Alternate route: N/A
Boise, the capital of the potato state, has gained a bit of fame as an up-and-coming destination, and it’s easy to see why. This western city combines history, unique architecture, and a diverse offering of outdoor activities all into one, making it one of the best underrated cities to visit in the US.
Those interested in the area’s history can visit the 19th-century Old Idaho Penitentiary, which contains gallows and prison cells as well as military weapons. The Cabin is another historical site – a log building in the downtown area that now hosts readers, writers, and other artists to support community and creativity.
Boise is also home to the largest population of Basque outside of Spain, and the historic Basque block in downtown Boise is evidence of this. The Basque Museum & Cultural Center dominates the area, and you can stop at The Basque Market, which serves pintxos, or traditional Basque tapas. And this year is big for the Basque in Boise: they’ll celebrate Jaialdi, one of the largest Basque festivals outside of Spain. It occurs every five years, and since 2020’s was canceled due to COVID, this will be the first Jaialdi in 10 years. Visit from July 29 to August 3 to experience traditional Basque music, dance, food, and more.
Many people also travel to Boise because of its rich offering of outdoor activities. The Boise River Greenbelt, for example, stretches for 25 miles along the riverbanks so you can walk or cycle through the city. You can even book a Boise River rafting and wildlife tour. Natural hot springs are also just a short drive away, so you can soak in nature’s hot tubs if you wish. If you’re visiting during winter, try skiing Bogus Basin.
My Personal Favorite in Boise
Anyone who knows me knows I love potatoes. So, in the capital of the potato state, I had to take a trip on the Boise Idaho Potato Trail. First, you need to sign up to receive your trail passport on your phone. Then, you can use the maps to guide you to different restaurants and breweries that are known for their amazing potato dishes. Must-visit stops along the trail include Guru Donuts for the Idaho Potato Donut and Bear Island Brewing for the Idaho Potato Ale.
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Visit the iconic Love chairs on the waterfront in Chincoteague, VA.
Closest major airport: Salisbury-Ocean City Airport (SBY)
Alternate route: Fly to Norfolk (ORF) and drive 2 hours to Chincoteague Island
Chincoteague Island is situated just off the coast of mainland Virginia near the border with Maryland. Nestled on the southern edge of the Chincoteague Bay, this area gives you access to calm, protected waters and plenty of outdoor recreation activities. We recommend visiting Chincoteague during the spring or fall, as that’s when the weather is best to enjoy the outdoor opportunities to the fullest.
Perhaps the most obvious thing to do on Chincoteague Island is to hit the beach. This area hosts Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge as well as Assateague Island National Seashore, so there’s plenty of coastline to explore. Just be sure to respect the natural landscape and help keep the beaches clean. Whether you want to swim, surf, or lounge in the sand, there’s plenty of space to do so. These areas also offer opportunities to go kayaking, boating, biking, fishing, and much more. A great way to watch the sunset over the water is to book a boat tour.
Wildlife enthusiasts will be ecstatic to learn that Chincoteague is also home to a wild herd of Chincoteague Ponies. You’ll almost certainly encounter them if you’re exploring the Wildlife Refuge. Or you can opt to visit during a Chincoteague Pony Roundup, or the 100th annual Chincoteague Pony Swim and Auction on July 30 and 31 this year. On the 30th, the Saltwater Cowboys will lead the ponies in a swim across Assateague Channel before joining the carnival parade. On the 31st, the pony auction will be held to fundraise for the local volunteer firefighters and veterinary care for the ponies themselves.
Of course, you also have to try the local island-style cuisine. Chincoteague is famous for Chincoteague “Salts” oysters as well as clams, crab cakes, and other seafood. If you’re a foodie like me, be sure to visit during the Chincoteague Seafood and Oyster Festivals.
My Personal Favorite on Chincoteague Island
After a long day playing outside, I like to relax with a delicious meal and a night downtown. Chincoteague’s downtown area is home to a lovely waterfront park where you can sit in the Love chairs and watch the sunset.
Traverse City, Michigan
Head to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for an amazing view. Credit: Traverse City Tourism
Closest major airport: Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
Alternate route: Fly into Grand Rapids (GRR) and drive 2.5 hours to Traverse City
Forget Detroit and Grand Rapids – Traverse City is the place to visit in Michigan. In fact, Traverse City has been named one of the world’s ten best places to visit this year by The Wall Street Journal, so it’s about to get a lot of attention. Even more motivation for you to travel up to Traverse City before the rest of the crowds find it!
Traverse City sits along the coast of Grand Traverse Bay, a more secluded offshoot of Lake Michigan. It provides the perfect conditions for growing fruits and veggies, earning Traverse City the title of the Cherry Capital of the World. If you visit during spring, you’ll be welcomed by the sights and smells of two million cherry trees blooming. Thanks to these same fertile conditions, Traverse City is also perfect for growing grapes and producing wine. The Traverse Wine Coast has over 50 wineries and vineyards that produce award-winning wines. We recommend a wine tour to explore them responsibly.
Traverse City’s downtown area is a lively community hub, as well. Colorful, unique shops line the streets, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants where you can taste the region’s famous wine and local delicacies. Traverse City also boasts plenty of art and culture, as it’s home to attractions like the City Opera House and the award-winning State Theatre & Bijou by the Bay.
This northern city also boasts plenty of outdoor recreation activities that you can enjoy no matter when you decide to visit. Spring and summer invite visitors to swim, kayak, hike, or cycle around the bay, while fall’s changing colors encourage you to go on a scenic drive. During winter, try your hand at skiing or snowmobiling.
My Personal Favorite in Traverse City
When you visit Traverse City, you have to get out on the water. There’s no better way to do that than to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was recently named The Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America viewers. All you have to do is drive about 40 minutes west to the coast and hop on the ferry. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is home to almost 65 miles of sandy beaches, but perhaps it’s most famous for its 400-foot sand dunes. Do the Dune Climb and enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and its surroundings.
Flagstaff, Arizona
Gaze up at the starry sky in Flagstaff, a stop on the iconic Route 66. © John Burcham
Closest major airport: Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
Alternate route: Fly to Phoenix (PHX) and drive a little over 2 hours to Flagstaff
Situated in central Arizona, Flagstaff is a small city that offers a unique blend of natural landscapes. Surrounded by mountains, deserts, and ponderosa pine forests, the scenery here is truly unbeatable. Hikers and bikers will be happy to learn that Flagstaff and its immediate surroundings offer over 800 miles of trails, whether you’re looking to zip through downtown or explore the nearby forests.
If you want to explore the nearby area, you can easily do so–there are 9 national parks and monuments located within a short drive. The San Francisco Peaks mountains, just an hour away, are home to Humphrey Peak, Arizona’s tallest mountain. The famous Grand Canyon National Park is about 90 minutes north of Flagstaff. Those visiting during winter can head 30 minutes north to the Arizona Snowbowl for some skiing.
Arizona is also famous for its Native American reservations, so you’d be remiss if you didn’t dedicate some time to learning about their history and culture. Wupatki National Monument, just 40 minutes away, is home to Native American pueblos, while Walnut Canyon also has some Native American cliff dwellings.
You should also explore downtown Flagstaff in between all your outdoor adventures. The pedestrian-friendly city is home to a culture defined by the mountains, the population of college students, the mild climate, and local businesses. Heritage Square and Wheeler Park are always hosting events and live music, while the Weatherford Hotel and Hotel Monte Vista are famous for their history and hauntings. If you’re interested in the spooky side of Flagstaff, we recommend a haunted history tour. Flagstaff is also situated along the legendary Route 66, so you can visit historic roadhouses and sites that have been traveled for 100 years.
My Personal Favorite in Flagstaff
Did you know Flagstaff was the world’s first (and is still the world’s largest) dark sky city? Protections were put in place in 2001 to protect the night sky from light pollution, and it shows. My favorite activity in Flagstaff was simply stargazing, and you’ll see a night sky like no other here. To learn and experience even more about this aspect of Flagstaff, head to Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Head over the bridge into Cincinnati to discover all this underrated city in the US has to offer.
Closest major airport: Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
Alternate route: N/A
Located in southwest Ohio’s tristate area, Cincinnati sits near the borders with Kentucky and Indiana. With three professional sports teams, a nationally renowned craft beer scene, and a unique history, the Queen City deserves much more attention than it actually gets. Every type of visitor will find something to enjoy here.
Those interested in the city’s history should hit the museums. The Cincinnati Art Museum, for example, is one of the oldest in the country and features a huge section dedicated to historic and contemporary artists from Cincinnati. The American Sign Museum, on the other hand, preserves and displays collections of signs – including the Frisch’s Mainliner sign. It was even ranked among USA Today’s best museums in the country for 2025. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is another notable museum that explains Cincinnati’s role in the historic route.
Cincinnati also continues to embrace its German heritage. The city was built largely by German immigrants, and this is evident especially in the Over-the-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood downtown. The area features plenty of 19th-century architecture – just check out Cincinnati Music Hall. Findlay Market is another example, and it’s especially nice during summer when you can wander through the indoor and outdoor market and food stalls. To see the best of downtown, including Findlay Market, take a streetcar tour.
If you’re looking for something to do outdoors, there are plenty of options. Try to catch a Reds baseball game, a Bengals football game, or an FC Cincinnati soccer game if you’re in town during the season. Cincinnati also has several parks, with the most popular being along the Ohio River. Sawyer Point Park & Yeatman’s Cove and Smale Riverfront Park are two of the best. Places like Eden Park and Devou Park (which is actually across the river in Covington), however, provide the best views.
My Personal Favorite in Cincinnati
As a Cincinnati native, one of my absolute favorite things about this city is the food. A nod to the city’s German heritage, Cincinnati was the birthplace of goetta, a sausage made of ground meat, oats, and spices. Cincinnati also has its very own style of chili, invented by Greek immigrants. This special chili doesn’t have beans and it contains cinnamon and cocoa powder – it’s commonly eaten on hot dogs and spaghetti. Take it from a local: Skyline is much better than Gold Star.
Medora, North Dakota
Stroll through Medora’s tiny downtown.
Closest major airport: Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport (DIK)
Alternate route: Fly into Bismarck (BIS) and drive two hours to Medora
Medora is a tiny town situated in western North Dakota, about a 30-minute drive from the border with Montana. With a population of about 300 to 400 people during the summer and just under 200 in the winter, it can be speculated that Medora is home to more bison than people. But that’s exactly what makes Medora special: the tightly knit local community welcomes tourists and seasonal workers alike to share the wonder of the town and the land that surrounds it.
Those looking for a taste of life in the Old West will certainly find it here. The town has only two or three bars and saloons, and it’s not uncommon for patrons to ride up on their horses and tie them outside while they head in for a drink. Medora is also home to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame as well as Chimney Park, where the ruins of the Marquis de Mores’s meat packing plant still stand. A visit to the Chateau de Mores State Historic Site will tell you more about Medora’s resident influential French politician and his doings in the area.
Medora’s culture and natural landscape also greatly influenced the life and mindset of Theodore Roosevelt. To teach locals and visitors about the former president’s role in the community, Joe Wiegand, the world’s premier Theodore Roosevelt repriser, frequently takes up residence in Medora during summer. It was also the landscape in and around Medora that inspired Roosevelt to draw up the conservation policy surrounding national parks – but more on that later.
In the summer, Medora is largely run by the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and natural landscape of the area. The foundation puts on a nightly musical, known as the Medora Musical, during summer at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre. The musical features performances that pay homage to the story of this town and the characters that made it great. For dinner before the show, head to the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, where New York Strip Steaks are prepared on pitchforks.
My Personal Favorite in Medora
Perhaps the most notable thing about Medora is the outdoor activities it offers. The Maah Daah Hey bike trail is open year round, while the Bully Pulpit Golf Course has been ranked as one of the most beautiful in the country. The true gem of the surrounding landscape, though, is Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This park is home to an incredible badlands landscape as well as plenty of bison, prairie dogs, elk and more. The views are incredible, whether you’re driving the Scenic Loop or headed out to Painted Canyon.
Montpelier, Vermont
Explore the storied streets of downtown Montpelier.
Closest major airport: Edward F. Knapp State Airport (MPV)
Alternate route: Fly to Burlington (BTV) and drive 45 minutes to Montpelier
Montpelier is situated in central Vermont and is known for its free spirit and natural beauty. In fact, it’s the US’s only capital city without a Starbucks or a McDonald’s – even more of a reason to visit. The city may be small, but it’s home to a vibrant and eclectic arts scene, historic architecture, and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The downtown area of Montpelier is home to an abundance of history and culture. The Vermont State House itself is a Greek Revival building with a gold dome as its crown. Inside, you’ll find a selection of art collections. The Vermont History Center Museum outlines the state’s history dating back to the 1600s. The Lost Nation Theater also supports local performances all year round.
Montpelier is also surrounded by nature, making it a great place to go if you’re looking to get outside. Hubbard Park, for example, contains over 7 miles of hiking and biking trails (you can also ski in the winter!). The highlight of this park, however, has to be Hubbard Park Tower – it stands 54 feet tall and provides an incredible view of the surrounding landscape from the top. North Branch Nature Center is another natural highlight, with 28 acres worth of forests and fields.
Another great thing about Montpelier is the access it provides to other nearby cities and attractions. Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks is only a few miles outside of Montpelier and is certainly worth a visit. You can tour the sugarhouse, walk the grounds of the farm to greet the animals, and shop for some local family-made maple products to take home. Montpelier is also a short drive from places like Burlington as well as plenty of ski resorts.
My Personal Favorite in Montpelier
Vermont is known for its independent and free spirit, so my favorite thing to do in Montpelier is to shop. I’m normally not a huge shopper, but Montpelier is different – you won’t find many chain stores here. Instead, you’ll find plenty of unique, independent, one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques selling local goods that you won’t find anywhere else. Even if you don’t buy anything, window shopping is a great way to get a feel for the local style and culture.
Kansas City, Missouri
Discover the unique history and architecture of Kansas City.
Closest major airport: Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Alternate route: N/A
Kansas City, Missouri, famously sits on the border with Kansas, and its personality is just as extraordinary as its location. Famous for its unique brand of barbecue and its strong ties to jazz music, Kansas City is an unassuming Midwestern city that becomes even more appealing the more you explore it.
Kansas City is home to plenty of history and culture. The city’s skyline is dominated by the Liberty Memorial, which is just one part of the National WWI Museum and Memorial. You’ll also find moving memorials to 9/11, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War in KC. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, on the other hand, is home to almost 40,000 pieces of art ranging from ancient times to contemporary works.
If you’re more interested in jazz culture, head to 18th & Vine – KC’s historic jazz district. This area is home to the American Jazz Museum, which also shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This area was once the home of Charlie “Bird” Parker, a famous jazz musician who died in the 1950s. Walk through the area to find live music in the historic clubs he once played in, and check out the 17-foot bronze sculpture of him to honor his legacy.
Kansas City is also home to several national sports teams. The Kansas City Chiefs famously lost the Superbowl this year, but that won’t stop fans from celebrating their achievements. KC also boasts the Kansas City Royals baseball team and the Kansas Speedway, where NASCAR fans often gather. If you plan to hit all of these things to do and more, consider getting a Kansas City attractions pass.
My Personal Favorite in Kansas City
My personal favorites in these cities almost always have to do with food, and KC is no different. You’ll definitely want to try Kansas City’s barbecue. It incorporates a bunch of different types of meat, including chicken wings, brisket, pork, sausage, and ribs. It’s served after a good spicy dry rub and a slow smoke over various types of wood. The tomato-based barbecue sauce tops it off. You can download the KC BBQ Experience app to track your progress as you eat your way through the city.
Missoula, Montana
Closest major airport: Missoula Montana Airport (MSO)
Alternate route: N/A
Missoula is a small town situated in western Montana, nestled in between multiple protected National Forests. With an abundance of nature escapes right at your fingertips and an eclectic community at the very heart of it, Missoula has something for everyone. Whether you’re using it as a base for day trips or just exploring the music and food scenes downtown, it’s hard to go wrong here.
Those interested in nature have so many options that it’ll be hard to choose – you better make this a long trip if you want to see it all. Situated in the Northern Rockies, hiking opportunities abound at the nearby McLeod, Lolo, and St. Joseph Peaks. Or, you can opt to go biking at the Blue Mountain National Recreation Area or the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness. Flathead National Forest and Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest are also short drives away. To stay closer to Missoula, opt for kayaking or paddleboarding one of the city’s three rivers.
The Missoula area is also home to plenty of history to be explored. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula is a great place to start – you’ll learn more about the fort, built in 1877, and other restored buildings on site. There are also plenty of ghost towns nearby, including Garnet Ghost Town, which is known as Montana’s best preserved one. Garnet was an 1890s gold mining town, and you can explore the log cabins still standing today.
The downtown area of Missoula is not to be missed, either. After you spend your day outdoors, you can explore one of downtown’s three shopping districts to explore local goods you won’t find anywhere else. Missoula is also known for its craft beer scene – Missoula ranks second in the country for most craft breweries per capita. There are five outstanding breweries waiting to serve you the best local beer.
My Personal Favorite in Missoula
Downtown Missoula is also known for its vibrant music scene, much to the enjoyment of music lovers like myself. The town may be small, but there’s no shortage of talented local musicians spanning multiple genres – you’ll often find them performing at bars and breweries in the area. Aside from daily performances, Missoula also hosts several renowned festivals like the River City Roots Festival and Travelers’ Rest Fest.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Hop on The Incline for some amazing views of Chattanooga.
Closest major airport: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
Alternate route: Fly to Nashville (BNA) and drive 2 hours to Chattanooga
Chattanooga is located just north of Tennessee’s border with Georgia in the Appalachian Mountains. Full of Southern charm and natural beauty, Chattanooga often gets overlooked in favor of places like Nashville and Memphis, but it deserves a visit on its own. With plenty of history to explore as well as outdoor recreation opportunities, this versatile destination won’t disappoint.
Chattanooga is most famous for its abundance of railroad history, but its personality today also incorporates Civil War history, Black history, and Native American history. A visit to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum allows you to relive the city’s glory days by taking a ride on the train. For more information about the city’s transport history, hop on a derailed trolly tour. More adventurous travelers can check out the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, the steepest passenger railway on the planet. Lookout Mountain was also the site of key battles during the Civil War, so once you reach the top you can walk the grounds and enjoy the view. Chattanooga was also the site of important sit-ins and is now home to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Situated in the foothills of the Appalachians, Chattanooga also offers plenty of opportunities to get outside. The Tennessee River Gorge is often referred to as Tennessee’s Grand Canyon and is just a short drive from the downtown area. To explore from the water, go rafting or rent some kayaks or paddle boards. Those who prefer to stay landlocked can opt for a hike. Chattanooga is also a premier destination for rock climbers of all levels. Want to be outside without too much strain? Take a stroll along the Chattanooga Riverwalk to explore the attractions of the downtown area on foot.
Chattanooga is also perfectly located for exploring the surrounding area. A day trip to Atlanta, for example, is only a 2-hour drive, while Huntsville, Alabama, is less than 2 hours away. While Chattanooga has plenty to offer in and of itself, you might as well see as much of the South as you can while you’re here.
My Personal Favorite in Chattanooga
One of my favorite things to do in Chattanooga is to get out on Chickamauga Lake. The lake has over 800 miles of shoreline and as such, offers plenty of space for boating, jet skiing, swimming, or just lounging by the water. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing day.
Durango, Colorado
Hop on the train to see Durango from a different point of view.
Closest major airport: Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
Alternate route: Fly to Albuquerque (ABQ) and drive 3.5 hours to Durango
Durango is located in southwestern Colorado just north of the border with New Mexico. A 19th-century railroad town, Durango shows a different side to Colorado than larger cities like Denver and Boulder. It boasts plenty of natural beauty as it’s located in the San Juan Mountains, but the unique history here gives it a bit of an edge.
The city of Durango is perhaps most famous for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, built and heavily used in the 19th century. Today, you can take a ride on the steam train, passing through the San Juan National Forest and providing incredible views of the surrounding landscapes. In fact, it was because of this railroad that the city of Durango came about, and the downtown area is preserved as a piece of history.
The downtown area is a Nationally Registered Historic District in and of itself, and it’s home to historic hotels, museums that will teach you more about the city’s history, and plenty of boutique shops. The Roundhouse Museum and the Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum are two notable must-visits. The Animas River runs right through downtown, and if you walk along the riverbanks, you’ll get to enjoy a view of the La Platas Mountains.
Durango is also a great place from which to explore the natural beauty of the region. Mesa Verde National Park is only about an hour away, and it’s home to preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, including the notable Cliff Palace. The La Plata Mountains are also home to miles and miles of hiking, biking, and off-roading trails. If you’d rather get out on the water, go rafting down the Animas River.
My Personal Favorite in Durango
Who doesn’t love some good hot springs? I know I do, and that’s why visiting Durango Hot Springs Resort and Spa was one of the highlights for me. This place is located just north of Durango and features over 30 hot springs and mineral pools for you to relax in. You’ll enjoy sitting in the warm water surrounded by gorgeous mountain views.
Wrap-up: Best Underrated Cities to Visit in the US
We all already knew that the United States boasts some of the best and most unique places in the world, especially when considering natural beauty. We hope we’ve inspired you to look further than places like New York City and Los Angeles and go right to the heart and soul of the country. These underrated cities to visit in the US in 2025 each offer something different, whether that’s weirdly specific history, gorgeous scenery, delicious food, or a friendly and eclectic local community. It’s time to start exploring!
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