This surprising island was rated the ‘Best Underrated Travel Destination’ in the US — and an upstate New York spot even made the top 20

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The latest best vacation travel ranking from U.S. News & World Report has revealed a new hidden gem.

Each year, the publication analyzes over 1,500 locations using a mix of traveler reviews and expert opinions, factoring in things like cultural offerings, recreational opportunities, dining scenes, and how uncrowded and unexpectedly delightful an experience is.

Leading its 2025 list of “Best Underrated Travel Destinations” is a coastal island that’s long been a quiet favorite for locals but largely overlooked by national travelers: St. Simons Island in Georgia.

And among others recognized in the top 20 is a standout location from upstate New York, the Catskills, with the mountain belt landing at No. 17.

The full U.S. News list includes a variety of overlooked destinations across the country, catering to travelers who’d rather trade theme parks for hiking trails or bustling cities for small-town charm.

Top-ranking St. Simons checks all the boxes. While its neighbors — Florida and South Carolina — often dominate vacation itineraries, this tranquil barrier island remains blissfully low-key.

Winding bike paths, majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and quiet beaches create a setting that feels like a step back in time — and a major upgrade from the typical packed summer hotspots.

“This dreamy barrier island is home to stately live oaks, dune-lined beaches, maritime forests and quaint shopping villages, lending it a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere even during peak season,” U.S. News wrote.

The island’s appeal isn’t just in its postcard-worthy landscape.

From historic landmarks like Fort Frederica to local haunts like Frosty’s Griddle & Shake and Southern Soul BBQ, the area offers rich experiences for food lovers, history buffs, and families alike.

There’s kayaking through salt marshes, browsing local shops in the quaint village area, and catching vibrant sunsets from the pier.

For golf fans, scenic seaside courses provide a relaxing tee time with Atlantic breezes.

While St. Simons is finally starting to attract national attention — Travel and Leisure recently highlighted it as a top summer town — it still retains the kind of unspoiled vibe that vacationers crave but rarely find.

Back in the Empire State, the Catskills feature cool mountain lakes and wooded trails that hold just as much allure as sandy shores.

“Picturesque rounded mountains – beloved by landscape painters for centuries – are ideal for skiing and hiking. Meanwhile, small towns such as Catskill on the Hudson River and Bethel, home of the Woodstock Music Festival, are well worth checking out,” U.S. News noted.

As travelers increasingly seek escapes that feel both special and uncrowded, places like St. Simons Island and the Catskills are emerging as new favorites.

However, with national recognition shining a light on these unique offerings, they might not stay a secret much longer.

So, you’re hereby warned: don’t wait too long to book.

Top 20 most underrated travel destinations in the U.S. for 2025:

1. St. Simons Island, Georgia
2. Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho
3. Door County, Wisconsin
4. Chattanooga, Tennessee
5. Block Island, Rhode Island
6. Big Bend National Park, Texas
7. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
8. Duluth, Minnesota
9. Charlottesville, Virginia
10. Crested Butte, Colorado
11. Des Moines, Iowa
12. Baxter State Park, Maine
13. Yachats, Oregon
14. Omaha, Nebraska
15. Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota-Wyoming
16. Flagstaff, Arizona
17. The Catskills, New York
18. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
19. Gloucester, Massachusetts
20. Winston-Salem, North Carolina