The United States of America is without a doubt one of the most popular leisure travel destinations. Within its 50 states, there is a treasure trove of mind-blowing experiences. However, only a few cities on the East and West Coasts capture the attention of a US visitor. The rest is simply obscured by the gleam of New York’s Statue of Liberty, Walt Disney World in Florida, or San Francisco in California.
Most leisure travellers are unaware that the undulating, dramatic terrain of the United States contains some of the most extraordinary experiences that one should witness once in a lifetime. So, it is time to abandon the usual path and embark on an adventure as an offbeat traveller. If you want to have an unforgettable US experience, check out this list of the most unique places to visit in the US.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Set foot on one of the most surreal and stunning places on the planet. The play of sunlight on this slot canyon creates a riot of amber, red, and orange hues, giving the landscape an otherworldly appearance. The Antelope Canyon at Navaho in Arizona is a mystically spectacular place one should visit while in the USA.
Best time to visit: June to August.
Havasupai Falls, Arizona
Havasupai Falls is another interesting place to visit while in Arizona. This gorgeous cascade of white gushing water falling from crevices of orange rust boulders and cliffs and pooling into an aquamarine stream is located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation – and is a breath-taking sight to see. If you enjoy hiking and camping, this location is perfect for you. However, the region is not suitable for a day trip. Visitors must pre-book a one-night stay reservation that includes an official permit to enter the region.
Best time to visit: February to November.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, New Mexico
Looking for something out of the ordinary during your trip to the United States? Include a trip to New Mexico, where you will find yourself in San Juan County, tucked between Chaco Canyon and the De-Na-Zin Wilderness, at a location that looks straight out of a supernatural or sci-fi movie set. You can see how nature works its ethereal magic to forge mind-blowing terrain among the many-hued rock formations. Among many oddly shaped boulders and other unique geological formations, the infamous Alien Throne is an impressive example of a hoodoo to visit here. This is undoubtedly one of the most unusual places in the US to check out on your next holiday.
Best time to visit: September to April.
Thor’s Well, Oregon
Thor’s Well in Oregon is one of the most unique places in the United States to visit. A section of the rocky coast in Oregon’s Cape Perpetua Scenic Area has caved in like a well, draining the Pacific Ocean into an abyss. Thor’s Well is a sinking hole that offers a breath-taking display of water gushing into it and then plunging into nowhere, earning the attraction the moniker “Pacific drain pipe.” On rare occasions, you can see water filling the hole and then shooting up like geysers.
Best time to visit: Check out this site during the day and at low tides when the weather is nice. You would be able to see it in its most impressive form if you can catch it before the advent of a high tide. High tides are a dangerous time to visit this geological feature. Also, skip the winters, as it is not a favourable time to visit.
Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellow Stone National Park
Yellow Stone National Park is one of the best National Parks to visit for geological wonders. Among its many awe-inspiring sights, the Grand Prismatic Spring has the most lasting impression on visitors. Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest thermal spring in the United States and the third largest in the world, is sure to take your breath away with its brilliantly bright kaleidoscope of orange, blue, and teal-coloured rings. It appears surreal and is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and unique places in the US to visit.
Best time to visit: May to September
Glass Beach, California
This California attraction perfectly illustrates how nature finds a way to create something beautiful out of man’s vicious filth. This stretch of coastline near Fort Bragg, California, was a dumping zone for a garbage landfill that was closed down. After years of clean-up programmes, metal scrapping, and biodegradation, all that was left were broken glass pieces that were polished and eroded into smooth, colourful sea glasses. Visit the spot during the sunset to watch the orange sun rays sheath the beach with golden rays that reflect on the colourful beach stones. No matter how much you might be tempted to grab a handful of these vivid, glistening, smooth glass rocks, resist the urge because it is forbidden to take any glass rocks from the beach.
Best time to visit: June to August. Visit during early mornings or during sunset for the best views.
Weeki Wachee Spring Park, Florida
While most unusual attractions in the US are geological in nature, this one in Florida is a fascinating man-made spectacle. After you have had your fill of Florida’s beaches and theme parks, head to Weeki Wachee Spring Park for an enchanting experience. Here’s your chance to see what mermaids look like in real life. The Weeki Wachee is famous for its spectacular live mermaid shows, in which artists dressed as mermaids perform an underwater show while holding their breath for an extended period of time. Aside from that, the area is well-known for freshwater activities such as paddle boating and kayaking, to name a few.
Best time to visit: June and July.
Conclusion
This article brims with such jaw-dropping unique places in the US that are less heard about. We are sure you would have rushed to change your USA bucket list now.
