Detour travel is a popular trend for folks looking to avoid the crowds at popular tourist spots. It’s looking for those beautiful locations that most people don’t even know are there. Time to explore and get off the beaten path!
Detour Travel in the U.S.
The U.S. is vast, and there are many places with sights and experiences just waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying to a specific spot, you can find some hidden gems during your visits. Spots like these allow for more authentic experiences, greater cultural immersion, and offer a chance to slow down and smell the roses, figuratively speaking.
1. Williamsburg, VA
Wander has given Williamsburg, VA, a score of 9.29 on their 10-point scale, as a perfect detour travel destination. The city has a plethora of museums and art galleries, amusement parks and theaters, outdoor activities, and more. You’ll have a variety of lodgings to choose from, and they even offer package deals. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for culture and entertainment for the whole family.
2. Chincoteague, VA
We’ve chosen another spot in Virginia for our detour travel tour. Chincoteague will be a familiar name for folks who were fans of Marguerite Henry’s novels as a child. If you’re a horse-lover who hasn’t read Misty of Chincoteague (affiliate link), then you’ve missed out! In any case, you can visit this storied island yourself. It’s a beautiful place to visit. And, if you don’t mind a crowd, check out the annual Pony Swim in July.
3. Asheville, NC
Another highly ranked spot by Wander, Asheville, is a prime spot for detour travel if you like the fun of a party. They have a whole host of venues to choose from, including music venues, breweries, and bars. If that’s not your style, you’ll also be near outdoor adventure options like looking for waterfalls and driving the Blue Ridge Parkway.
4. Rapid City, SD
If you haven’t been to the Black Hills of South Dakota, you’ve missed a beautiful part of the U.S. There’s a lot to do around Rapid City, including exploring National Parks and visiting tourist destinations like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. But there’s a lot more to western South Dakota than just those two monuments. You might even see a wandering bison or mountain goat!
5. White Sands National Park, NM
Summer isn’t the best time to see White Sands, but even if you’re there in the summer, it’s worth it. This unique landscape is composed of gypsum sand that may appear to be snow at first glance. If you’re traveling nearby, don’t miss it.
6. Headlands International Dark Sky Park, MI
Mackinac Island, MI, is a famous spot you should add to your bucket list, and while you’re there, don’t miss a visit to the Dark Sky Park. This is the place to go to see the stars and, maybe even, the auroras.
7. Hovenweep National Monument, Four Corners
Where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah meet is called Four Corners, and there, you will find the Hovenweep National Monument. It’s an archaeological zone, which is a grouping of six ancient villages. Head to the visitors center and make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes. There are a variety of trails that will lead you to the sites.
8. Santa Barbara, CA
Take a little detour from LA to visit Santa Barbara. With a host of beaches, museums, and attractions, and more, you’ll find some incredible amenities without the crowds that are drawn to Los Angeles.
Hit the Road!
With summer vacation season in full swing, you may be hitting the road very soon. We hope these locations give you some fun and unexpected places to visit. Or, maybe it will inspire you to find other detours! Have a safe and relaxing summer season.
