10 Unusual places to visit in the US

These unusual places to visit in the US are unique, interesting destinations to discover, perfect for urban exploration and eerie experiences.

The United States has a wide range of interesting places to visit that should be on your USA Bucketlist. From beautiful landscapes to historically significant landmarks and the 7 Wonders of the United States.

However, some of the most unique, interesting destinations to explore, are these unusual places to visit in the US which even include some abandoned places in the US.

Love unique travel? We also share some of the best unique hotels in the USA, ideal for those looking for something a little different.

Things to know before you travel the USA

• Do not forget your visa. Every traveler needs to know the requirements necessary to enter the United States because incorrect issuance of a tourist visa or appearance without the appropriate documents will lead to a refusal of entry.

• Do not visit the USA without travel insurance.

• Do not forget about the connection. To be able to use smartphones, buy a digital SIM for travel in USA and explore the undeniable advantages of having an eSIM card on your trip. 

• Don’t forget that the USA has a tipping culture. Whether it is a restaurant, bar, taxi, or food delivery, there is an expectation that you leave a tip when being served by someone else. Most restaurants now print the percentages on the receipt or show the prices on a card machine when paying by card, just be aware of this when budgeting your trip and being served.

• Prices are not what they seem. Prices listed in stores often don’t include the sales tax. This tax usually ranges from 6% to 10% and varies from state to state, as well as from city to city.

• Understand the Public Transport. The larger cities in each state will offer some excellent transportation options, from subways to metros to extensive bus systems. Learn about the system in your destination but be aware, that smaller cities and towns do not offer fantastic or reliable public transportation options, so you may need to hire a car.

Unusual places to visit in the US

Gary, Indiana

Many would agree that Gary, in Indiana, was once a bustling city. Once a thriving steel town, over the last few years, it has become infamous for its deserted structures and increased robbery. Yet, the city presents an interesting option for those who like taking photos of the ruins of old industrial plants. 

The Gary Union Station is considered one of the most famous among the abandoned buildings in Gary.

This huge train station was constructed in 1910 and was the terminal point for the trains that traveled from Chicago to Pittsburgh. The place is now deserted, its windows broken, and its walls plastered with graffiti.

Centralia, Pennsylvania

The deserted city of Centralia, Pennsylvania, since the 1960s. At one time, Centralia had over 1,000 people living there and supported a coal mining industry. Despite that, a coal seam fire dating back to 1962 is still smoldering underground, and the town is now unfit for habitation.

People come here as well to see these abandoned streets and buildings, including the burnt ground on which they stand, but the old church has not moved.

Cairo, Illinois

The townsite of Cairo, Illinois, sits right at the point where the Ohio River flows into the Mississippi.

Established in 1837, Cairo has always been a busy port of transit as well as a trade outlet. Despite this, however, throughout the decades, there have been many issues that have beset the city, and it has not been managing enough people and wealth.

This is one of the greatest challenges faced by Cairo due to its location in a flood-risk zone. The city has suffered several massive floods in the past, for instance, the great flood of 2011, which destroyed many buildings.

You can now visit Cairo and appreciate the old-time archiecture that has been left to age with the surroudning nature.

Jackson, Wyoming

Another intresting and unusual places to visit in the US is Jackon, Wyoming. The small but beautiful town lies deep in the mighty Rockies Mountain region.

Jackson, which is famous for its pristine environment, is a place that attracts international tourists.

Additionally, Jackson offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is the biggest in North America, with more than 2,500 acres of terrain and nearly 450 inches of average annual snowfall.

However, Jackson, being a famous holidaymaker, still retains its rural atmosphere and Western character.

Several events are held in this town during the year that promote cowboy culture like the Jackson Hole rodeo, and the elite antler auction dubbed as Elkfest, among others.

Bodie, California

Bodie Town was founded during the California Gold Rush in 1859 and had more than ten thousand residents at one time. Nevertheless, throughout the years, the town’s prosperity waned down until, at the beginning of the 20th century, many people abandoned the place.

Currently, Bodie operates as a state historic park and is a popular tourist attraction. The town has many well-maintained buildings that visitors may tour, including homes, saloons, and even a jail. There are several restored shops located on the town’s main street.

Many of the buildings in Bodie have not lost their old fixtures and furnishings, which were here when the glory days began. One can find himself transported back in time through antiquated telephones and furniture for visitors who come here.

California is also home to some of the most unique hotels in America, so make sure to swing by one of these whilst you’re there.

Savannah, Georgia 

For more unusual places to visit in the USA, make sure to plan a trip to Savannah, Georgia. Savannah boasts year-round pleasant weather and an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic American film set in the South. It is, after all, the country of broad fields, afternoon cocktails, and peach trees.

A delightful blend of history, culture, and art can be found here, along with some of the most amiable people you’ll ever encounter. Here, time seems to slow down a bit, allowing you to fully appreciate the surroundings.

Savannah offers things to do, sights to see, and a social culture that needs to be on your USA Bucketlist. It also has plenty of amazing food in the best Mom and Pop Savannah restaurants so come with an empty stomach and taste all the local dishes.

Trinidad, California

Another one of the more unusual places to visit in the USA is Trinidad in California. There are less than 400 individuals living in this little village. Despite its size, this Californian hamlet offers a wealth of amenities.

There is plenty to discover and take in in Trinidad, from stunning public beaches to the history and traditions of Native Americans. The stunning coastline of Trinidad, which has 10 public beaches and offshore rocks, is well known.

One of the most breathtaking and unspoiled parts of the California coast is the Trinidad region. It is now recognized as a California Coastal National Monument Gateway, providing the greatest opportunity from the coast to explore and observe offshore rocks, islands, and their residents.

One of the most varied seabird colonies in California, with over 100,000 breeding birds and twelve species, is sustained by rocks off the coast of Trinidad.

For seabirds, Green Rock and Flatiron Rock are the two most significant locations. Twenty-five percent of the most significant seabird colonies along the California coast are found on these two rocks alone.

Little Switzerland, North Carolina

Little Switzerland is another unusal palce to visit in the US.

It all began in 1910 when a justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court discovered the region and made the decision to build a vacation community.

These days, the little hamlet with Swiss influences is a great place to spend a long weekend, especially if you’re itching to travel abroad.

Just make sure to schedule your trip during the busiest months of the town, which are April through November, as many establishments and lodgings close from Thanksgiving until March.

Little Switzerland’s architecture, as the name implies, is influenced by Swiss styles, but the entire look was originally inspired by the region. This is a unique place to visit in the US but also one o the most romantic places to visit in the USA.

Silver City, New Mexico

Silver City, located in the southwest corner of New Mexico, is not the type of city that just happens to exist and one of the more unusual places to visit in the USA. In the late 1800s, the town was sought after by silver miners, and more recently, outdoorsy and artistic types have been drawn to it by its Old West flair and high-desert setting.

Casual eateries in the historic center make effective use of the local green chilies. Silver City, outside of town, was named one of the healthiest retirement and living communities lately. 

The vibrant past began in 1870 with the discovery of silver above La Cienega (Marsh) de San Vicente. Stories from those early days feature the Hearst family, Judge Roy Bean, Billy the Kid, Geronimo, and “Dangerous” Dan Tucker.

Spokane, Washington

One of the greatest cities in the Pacific Northwest is Spokane, where you can never get bored.There is plenty for everyone to do here, whether your goals are to explore the sites, spend time in the great outdoors, or take in the vibrant music scene.

Saunders Cheese Market is one of the interesting marketplaces to explore. You can also have coffee at a contemporary cafe. Spokane will not let you down, no matter what you decide to do.