6 Underrated North America Travel Spots That Definitely Deserve More Hype

As we all know, you don’t need famous skylines or iconic landmarks to create treasured vacation memories, as they’re often found on excursions away from infamous tourist hotspots. After all, who wouldn’t want to swap the overcrowded city streets of New York for the chance to wander around a mesmerizing Victorian mountain town in Arkansas or enjoy a sunrise kayak along the New England shoreline every morning instead?

Let’s face it, some US and Canadian destinations are just too perfect not to miss out on, so here’s our hand-picked shortlist of the best North American towns and cities that need to be seen to be believed.

Chase the Strange in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Our first top underrated destination sees us heading to Eureka Springs in Arkansas, which feels like it decided long ago to ignore the rules of ordinary city planning in favor of becoming something entirely its own. First founded around a natural spring in 1879, the city itself is best known for its limestone-paved streets, its stunning Victorian architecture, and whimsical downtown vibes nestled beautifully in the Ozark Mountains.

Top things to do in Eureka Springs while you’re here include a captivating journey to explore the Onyx Cave system, whose cool underground passages and magnificent rock formations make an entertaining expedition for visitors of all ages. Then, to add a bit of intrigue to your trip to Eureka Springs, after dark, we highly recommend joining the fabulous team at Haunted Eureka Springs Tours to discover the town’s legendary haunted history, brought to life through eerie local storytelling.

Trade crowded coastal hotspots for unforgettable moments and experiences in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, before retreating for a great night’s sleep every night at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks.

Sip and Soar Through Hood River, Oregon

Next up, we head to the city of Hood River in Oregon, where the Hood River and the Columbia River converge, best known for being one of the most dramatic outdoor playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Framed by the picturesque Cascade Range, Hood River has become a magnet for visitors craving adventure, with the only real problem being that, with so many natural attractions on its doorstep, it’s hard to decide what to do first.

Extraordinarily, Hood River’s uniquely shaped river corridor has made it a world-famous destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, so whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned pro, you can head down to join the guys at Wylde Wind & Water for a perfect day out on the river. Then afterward, if you are keen to slow the pace of your vacation down, we’d like to point you in the direction of Hood River Tours for a day trip to taste the vintages of the best Columbia Gorge vineyards.

Discover Hood River in Oregon, and you’ll be left wondering why it isn’t already on everyone’s travel radar, particularly when you get a cozy night’s sleep every night at the Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn nearby in Cascade Locks.

Escape to the Waterfront in Freeport, Maine

Long before Freeport in Maine became known as a top outlet shopping destination, it was – and still is – defined by its remarkable coastal heritage, which remains the hallmark of this underrated seaside town. Blessed with the finest New England harbor views you can ask for, and the relaxed, welcoming energy of the locals, you’ll want to explore its prominent maritime history, traditionally tied to shipbuilding, overseas trade, and fishing.

Undoubtedly, our first recommendation to kick start your daily routine in Freeport is to head out for a sunrise solo paddle or join the crew at L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs for a sublime morning Casco Bay Kayak Tour. Then, after you’ve built up an appetite, you can skip the white-tablecloth experience in favor of eating delicious, freshly caught lobster on the dockside at the Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company – easily one of the most quintessential Maine experiences around.

Add something unexpected to your travel plans and see why Freeport, Maine, remains a top underrated destination when you book your stay nearby at the Best Western Plus Brunswick Bath.

Take a Step Back in Time into the Old West in Prescott, Arizona

Our next top underrated vacation destination is ideal if you’re a fan of the Old West, as we head to Prescott, Arizona, once the serving capital of the Arizona Territory and home to a host of prospectors, lawmen, and larger-than-life frontier characters back in the day. In fact, the second you arrive, you’ll see exactly how this frontier town would have looked all those years ago – almost frozen in time, its ageless historic brick buildings and towering pines exemplify the city’s distinctive personality that feels both rugged and welcoming.

Our top tip here, while you’re in town, is to explore the Whiskey Row promenade, where the city’s iconic saloons and live music offerings mean you can enjoy a different experience every night of your trip. However, a trip out to Prescott would be amiss if you didn’t join up with the experts at Hello Prescott for a wondrous night hike and stargazing tour that maximizes the region’s celebrated dark night skies.

Go on, treat yourself, and head to where the Wild West meets modern-day convenience at this hidden gem in the heart of Arizona by staying at the Hotel St. Michael, BW Premier Collection in Prescott.

Discover the Untamed Waterfalls Found Around Cookeville, Tennessee

We head to Tennessee next on our quest to highlight the top underestimated travel destinations in North America by visiting the city of Cookeville on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau. Best known for being surrounded by lofty gorges, spectacular rolling ridges, and more stunning waterfalls than you can shake a stick at, Cookeville makes for a perfect vacation away if you love dramatic scenery without the crowds found at major tourist hotspots.

A photographer’s dream location, we first recommend heading out to Burgess Falls State Park to capture the perfect snapshot of its powerful 136-foot scenic Burgess Falls waterfall and the equally impressive Falling Water Cascades. Afterward, we suggest taking a road trip around the backroads of Cookeville to encounter the impressive waterfalls, covered bridges, and secluded picnic spots of Rock Island State Park.

Leave the overdone travel lists behind and uncover an underrated destination worth bragging about in Cookeville, Tennessee, before relaxing in comfort every night at the Best Western Thunderbird Motel.

Discover a Different Side of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba

For our final undervalued travel destination that doesn’t get nearly as much hype as it deserves, we head to the wonderful city of Winnipeg, north of the border in Manitoba, Canada. Unquestionably a city of contrasts, one that boasts snowy winters and vibrant summers, it is also a cultural hotspot famed for its Indigenous roots and the inspirational namesake for the most famous bear on the planet, Winnie-the-Pooh.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing attractions to visit while in Winnipeg has to be the Royal Canadian Mint, one of two locations responsible for producing billions of dollars of Canadian currency, which opens its doors for daily tours. Then, once you’ve explored the vaults and coin minting presses, we highly recommend finishing each day over in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village to hang out with the locals for some fine Canadian cuisine, tasty beverages, and live music venues that open late into the night.

Forget following everyone else, when it comes to Canada’s most underrated destination, you just can’t beat a trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and you should do so by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus Pembina Inn & Suites.