Travel Suggestions

Under-Appreciated and Awesome Tourist Attractions in the U.S.

In the U.S., there are many travel destinations from coast to coast. Of these destinations, some cities stand out from others and gain worldwide recognition. These become the spots that are often crowded with tourists, which can make them expensive and even take away from some of their original appeal. There are other cities, however, that do not garner as much attention. Poor reputation, a history of crime, and economic crashes are just a few of the things that can hamper tourism in some locations. Fortunately, times change, and lesser-known or underrated cities can quickly become areas worthy of attention and vacation dollars. There are many benefits to learning which cities are making a comeback or are beginning to come into their own. Tourists who visit these cities often benefit with money saved, smaller crowds, and attractions that are fresh and exciting.

Branson, MO

Located in the Ozarks is the lively city of Branson, MO. It is a destination that may not have the widespread name recognition of some larger vacation destinations, but it offers just as much excitement and enjoyment. Tourists will find that there’s never a dull moment in Branson, whether they’re spending their time indoors or out. The city offers numerous live shows and country music performances. It serves as a great family destination with museums, family fun parks, and theme parks. For active tourists, outdoor attractions include guided safari tours and zip-lining over and through the trees. Vacationing adults may also enjoy the number of wineries that are in or near Branson.

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore is yet another overlooked yet exciting city that makes for a great vacation destination. For people with an interest in history, the country’s first monument built to honor George Washington is located in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood. Other tourist attractions include the Baltimore Museum of Art, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Maryland Zoo. Inner Harbor is another destination that is home to areas of interest for tourists. The National Aquarium in Baltimore, the USS Constellation, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and the Maryland Science Center can all be found at or near Inner Harbor. The food is yet another highlight in Baltimore, with great restaurants and dishes featuring foods such as blue crab. In addition to food, museums, and other attractions, there are also a number of beautiful parks.

Detroit, MI

Once known for its robust auto industry, Detroit has had its fair share of hardship and struggles. Although most people are familiar with the economic downturn that the city has suffered, they may be surprised to find that in recent years, it has undergone a revival. New businesses and classic attractions are also creating an interesting destination for tourists. The Eastern Market is a fine example of what makes the city a great place to visit. The market is roughly 125 years old, and tourists and locals alike can find foods that range from farm-fresh to freshly baked every Saturday of the year. Food has become its own attraction in many ways, as notable restaurants and eateries have become more commonplace in the city. There is also a strong art and culture scene. Visitors won’t want to miss the Motown Museum, the Detroit Institute of Art, or Fox Theater. Detroit’s architecture, like its food, makes the city worthy of a visit. Some of the buildings that tourists find of architectural interest include the Guardian Building, the Masonic Temple, and the Fisher Building. Tourists also won’t want to miss a photo opportunity at the Joe Louis Monument while exploring downtown Detroit. Events such as the Detroit International Jazz Festival, the North American International Auto Show, and the Woodward Dream Cruise are also good reasons to visit and explore Detroit.

Oakland, CA

While most of the positive attention shines across the Bay toward San Francisco, the city of Oakland’s appeal has been on a steady rise. In years past, the media often associated the city with high crime, which kept it under the radar in terms of being a tourist attraction. Like any other city today, there are inevitable areas of crime; however, there are also a lot of interesting and appealing attractions and locations that are turning this underrated city into an increasingly recommended travel destination. This burgeoning appeal owes much to the robust climate of art and music that has integrated itself into the city. Tourists come to see the artistic works of the city’s large community of artists. There is a thriving entertainment district that is also a draw for tourists known as Uptown Oakland. Other attractions that elevate Oakland to a worthy vacation destination include the Oakland Zoo, Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, and the Oakland Museum of California. In addition, Oakland’s Chinatown holds several annual events that tourists may find appealing, including the Oakland Chinatown StreetFest in August.

Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a vacation, but this underrated city is a destination that has a lot of interesting attractions for tourists. While visiting the city, tourists with an interest in art may wish to visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Frick Art & Historical Center, and the Andy Warhol Museum. Duquesne Incline, which dates back to 1877, is another must-see for families or singles visiting the center. The wooden cable car incline ride offers amazing views, and people who visit are able to view the city’s downtown area from the observation deck. Other interesting destinations that make Pittsburgh a great place to vacation include the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Rivers Casino. The city is also host to a number of festivals and events, such as Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, the Pittsburgh Jazz Live International Festival, the Three Rivers Film Festival, and much more.