Road-tripping this summer? These charming destinations from across the U.S.A. may not be on your radar but they will be after you have this read this…
Solvang, California
Solvang is a quaint city located in southern California’s Santa Ynez Valley. It’s known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art explores the city’s Danish heritage through personal stories and photographs. The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese and European motorbikes. The Old Mission Santa Inés is an early-1800s Franciscan church.
Unalaska, Alaska
We picked this one because we love the name. It’s a bit of a trek to get to but worth it for the name alone!
Unalaska is the chief centre of population in the Aleutian Islands. The city is in the Aleutians West Census Area, a regional component of the Unorganized Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. Unalaska is located on Unalaska Island and neighbouring Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Islands off mainland Alaska.
Marfa, Texas
Marfa, is a small desert city in west Texas and, is known as an arts hub. The Chinati Foundation, founded by artist Donald Judd, displays huge indoor and outdoor installations on an old army base. The Ballroom Marfa arts center hosts exhibitions, concerts and the Marfa Myths cultural festival. Outside town is a viewing platform from which the mysterious orbs known as the “Marfa Lights” phenomenon can sometimes be seen.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village in the Cascade Mountains, in central Washington State. Alpine-style buildings with restaurants serving German beer and food line Front Street. The Nutcracker Museum displays thousands of nutcrackers, some dating back centuries. On the Wenatchee River, Waterfront Park is a habitat for ospreys and eagles. The village is a gateway to nearby ski areas and wineries.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small beach city on California’s Monterey Peninsula. It is known for the museums and library of the historic Carmel Mission, and the fairytale cottages and galleries of its village-like centre. The Scenic Bluff Path runs from surf spot Carmel Beach to bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. South lie the sea animals and whaling museum of Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a quaint little town in northern New Mexico’s high desert, bounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is known for historic adobe buildings such as Taos Pueblo, a multistory adobe complex inhabited by Native Americans for centuries. A longtime artist colony, Taos also offers many galleries and museums showcasing regional artwork, including the Harwood Museum of Art and the Taos Art Museum.
St. Augustine, Florida
Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the U.S. and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches such as the sandy St. Augustine Beach and the tranquil Crescent Beach. Anastasia State Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary. The Castillo de San Marcos is a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress with views of the St. Augustine Inlet.
For more travel inspiration, check out our GUIDES. Click here.
Travel responsibly taking only memories and leaving a near to zero carbon footprint. We are all visitors on this beautiful planet of ours. Let’s treat it and all inhabitants with love and respect!
A xenophile at heart, she lives to travel and loves to share her experience on Trip Jaunt (formerly Weekend Jaunt), an online travel community and hub she founded in 2010. She hopes that you will feel inspired to discover the world as well! Helen is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Academy of Canadian Film and Television.
- Savouring the Sophistication: Napa Valley Resorts & Wineries - April 27, 2023
- Lake Nona: A Haven for Technology, Wellness & Sustainability - April 20, 2023
- Orlando: A Tapestry of Fantasy, Technology and Cultural Diversity - April 4, 2022
