img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:46.97265625%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}Last Updated 6 mins agoI’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again – sometimes the lesser known a destination is, the bigger impression it makes.
We’ve seen the world’s icons in movies. You know, Paris, New York, and London, to name a few.
It’s almost as if you know exactly what it’s like to visit without ever visiting.
Hidden gems, on the other hand, leave a lasting mark since the surprise factor is amplified. Travelers are seeking out new places for a variety of reasons, and the proof is in the pudding with 4 new reports revealing 4 big surprises.
Ranging from historic cities oozing Southern charm to underrated West Coast capitals, these 4 surprising U.S. cities broke all-time visitor records in 2024:
Sorry, San Francisco! Sacramento Is Northern California’s New Hotspot
The Sacramento Bee has reported a newfound buzz in their home base.
While San Francisco, just an hour away, has tarnished their reputation as an iconic city with outrageous travel costs and highly publicized crime spikes, “Sac Town” has become the new go-to spot for NorCal’s delights.
Whether it be a gateway to wine country such as Napa, Santa Rosa, or the under-hyped wine town of Lodi, it’s certainly worth flying into Sacramento to indulge in one of the most renowned wine regions of the world.
But, let’s not sleep on the city itself, as the Sacramento Bee points out the recent hype from Travel + Leisure as well as so much more connectivity at SMF airport.
While Sac is often overlooked by the aforementioned San Fran, Los Angeles, and San Diego, Sacramento is indeed the capital city of California.
As such, there’s gotta be some cool things to do, right? Other than venturing out for adult grape juice, one of the most intriguing parts of the city is the historic Old Town, lined with savory eats, vintage shops, and museums for a glimpse into the past of California’s Gold Rush.
Speaking of food, though, Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital. Keep an eye out for numerous foodie festivals held throughout the year.
Lexington, KY: 1,571,805 Travelers Love To Horse Around
You might think Louisville is Kentucky’s biggest draw for horse tourism. Neigh! It’s actually Lexington that’s been crowned the “horse capital of the world,” much to Ocala, Florida’s chagrin.
My guess would’ve been ‘bourbon capital’, especially with an always-fun Distillery District to sip adult beverages and enjoy insightful tours.
Lexington is a vibrant city teeming with history, welcoming to any type of traveler. In fact, Southern Living recently named Lexington the top city to visit in the South this year.
This record-breaking hotspot is home to welcoming locals and cheap stays, your dollar goes far in Lexington, whether it be flights, hotels, and yes, delicious down-home cookin’ like Josanne’s Homestyle Kitchen.
Missoula, MT: A Nature Lover’s Dream
If there’s a downside to hiking epic trails, bearing witness to majestic mountains, and simply unwinding away from the city grind, it’s that outdoor lovers typically have to pack more things.
As every traveler knows, more stuff equals more bag fees. The good news is Missoula counteracts the downside with numerous cheap flights hence one key reason why the city crossed the 1 million passenger threshold in 2024, setting a new record.
Frontier, Sun Country, and, most notably, Allegiant all fly here, so you know you can often pay double digits for airfare.
Here in Missoula, the wilderness is at your doorstep as an open invitation to explore, no matter the season, whether you’re into skiing, hiking, or kayaking.
What you may be surprised by is Missoula’s buzzing art scene in town, where locals are happy to have you peruse a nice gallery or stop in for a local craft beer at many breweries, like top-rated Draught Works.
In other words, it’s not exactly Beth Dutton vibes.
Knoxville: Tennessee’s Biggest Surprise
I once told a girl from Tennessee, “you’re the only ten I see”. Needless to say, that didn’t pan out well.
What is panning out well is perhaps Tennessee’s most underrated city’s record-breaking tourism numbers, and believe me, there are plenty of ‘tens’ to see here as far as attractions go.
To some, Knoxville is a gateway to Smokies. To others, it’s a fun college town to enjoy anything from bar-hopping, shopping, indulging in savory Southern comfort cuisine, and like Missoula, a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
The Tennessee River flows through Knoxville’s vibrant cityscape, an ideal spot for kayakers, fishermen, and scenic strolls at sunset.
You’ll also find charming neighborhoods lined with timeless architecture like Gay Street and the always-popular Market Square.
Best of all, treat yourself on a budget with 4-star stays like Hilton Knoxville for only $90 in March.
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Appeared first on: traveloffpath.com