避開人潮：美國 25 個最被低估的秘境寶藏景點
25 of the USA’s Most Underrated Destinations
迪士尼樂園、時代廣場和黃石國家公園有時會擠滿遊客。但在美國境內，其實還有許多美不勝收的地方，依然在主流旅遊雷達之外低調閃耀。
Disney World, Times Square and Yellowstone National Park can be packed to the rafters with tourists. But there are plenty of other places across the United States that continue to fly beneath the travel radar.
雖然符合這類描述的景點數不勝數，但以下是精選出的 25 個旅遊目的地——從城市、國家公園、地區甚至整個州——它們依然保持著令人耳目一新的低調與純粹。名單依地理位置由東北向太平洋方向排列：
While there are literally hundreds of locations that fit that description, here are 25 destinations — from cities and national parks to regions and even entire states — that remain refreshingly underrated. They’re listed geographically from the Northeast to the Pacific:
🍁 美國東北部秘境 (The Northeast)
1. 麻薩諸塞州 先鋒谷 (Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts)
麻州西部以伯克希爾山脈聞名，東部則由波士頓與鱈魚角坐鎮。那中間夾著什麼？那就是由康乃狄克河沖刷而成的先鋒谷。這裡有多座古老的磨坊城市，近年均成功轉型為充滿活力、富含獨立書店與農場直送美食的現代藝術中心。著名的籃球名人堂便位於發源地春田市。
Far western Massachusetts boasts the Berkshires, while the state’s eastern end is anchored by Boston and Cape Cod. So what’s in the middle? Pioneer Valley, an area carved by the Connecticut River where several vintage mill cities have reinvented themselves in modern times. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Springfield, where the sport was born in 1891.
2. 羅德島州 布洛克島 (Block Island, Rhode Island)
與新英格蘭南部其他大島不同，布洛克島極力保護其自然環境。大自然保護協會將此地譽為西半球「最後的十二個偉大地方」之一。全島 40% 的土地屬於野生動物保護區，居民強烈反對任何可能危及這片純淨大西洋家園的開發。騎車、健行和沙灘漫步是這裡的主旋律。
Unlike the other big isles off southern New England, this offshore slice of the Ocean State has gone the extra mile to preserve its natural environment. In fact, the Nature Conservancy declared the petite isle one of a dozen “Last Great Places” in the western hemisphere. Wildlife refuges and other nature areas protect 40% of Block Island.
3. 紐約州 水牛城 (Buffalo, New York)
這座曾在伊利運河時代繁榮一時的都市，在 20 世紀沉睡了許久。正是因為這段時光，水牛城得以完美保留其大師級的經典建築，如裝飾藝術風格的市政廳與法蘭克·洛伊·萊特的經典設計。如今，重生的水岸碼頭與極富盛名的尼加拉大瀑布就近在咫尺。
Once a boomtown at the confluence of the Great Lakes and Erie Canal, Buffalo snoozed through much of the 20th century. As the Western New York metropolis awakens again, people have come to realize that all that downtime helped preserve the city’s classic architecture. Meanwhile, Niagara Falls is just up the road.
4. 賓夕法尼亞荒野區 (Pennsylvania Wilds)
這裡是密西西比河以東人口最稀少的地區之一，地處崎嶇的阿利根尼高原。該區擁有無數野生動物、野性溪流與被稱為「大西洋中部大峽谷」的松溪峽谷。這片廣袤的荒野包含 20 多個州立公園、國家森林以及世界級的觀星聖地——櫻桃泉州立公園。
One of the least populated places east of the Mississippi River, the Wilds sprawl across a vast expanse of the rugged Allegheny Plateau. In addition to Allegheny National Forest, the region harbors more than two dozen state parks, two national wild and scenic rivers, and a world-class stargazing center at Cherry Springs.
⚓ 大西洋中部與南方 (Mid-Atlantic & South)
5. 馬里蘭州 狹長地帶 (Maryland Panhandle)
橫跨西馬里蘭三個郡，這片狹長的土地位於波多馬克河與南北戰爭分界線之間。這裡不僅能漫步著名的安提坦古戰場等歷史遺跡，還能健行著名的阿帕拉契小徑，並在威斯普度假村享受冬季滑雪運動。
Spanning three counties in Western Maryland, the state’s narrow panhandle region lies between the Potomac River and the Mason-Dixon Line. Reminders of that conflict infuse Antietam National Battlefield, while nowadays the region revolves around outdoor recreation including the Appalachian Trail and Wisp Resort.
6. 西維吉尼亞州 (West Virginia)
這座山脈環繞的州份是歷史愛好者與戶外極限運動者的天堂。哈珀斯費里見證了引燃內戰的約翰·布朗襲擊事件。而在 2020 年底才剛升格為美國最新國家公園的新河峽（New River Gorge），則以急流激流泛舟、攀岩、登山單車以及 Bridge Day 高空跳傘而名揚四海。
While West Virginia may not be “almost heaven” for everyone, it certainly is for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. Established in late 2020 as the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge is renowned for whitewater sports, hiking and mountain biking, and Bridge Day BASE jumping.
7. 北卡羅來納州 達勒姆 (Durham, North Carolina)
很少有美國城市能在過去 25 年間經歷如此翻天覆地的轉變。達勒姆從一個沒落的煙草工廠小鎮，華麗蛻變為集科學、藝術、運動與精釀啤酒於一體的現代都市。這裡有全美最著名的杜蘭公牛小聯盟棒球隊，以及致力於保護瀕危靈長類的杜克狐猴中心。
Few American cities have experienced a more dramatic turnaround over the past 25 years. From its days as a tobacco factory town, Durham has evolved into a science, art, sports and entertainment hub that revolves around a reenergized downtown and reimagined American Tobacco Campus.
8. 南卡羅來納州 ACE 盆地 (ACE Basin, South Carolina)
它是美東海岸最大的未開發濕地之一，得名於穿流其中的三條河流。雖然地處兩大超人氣觀光地查爾斯頓與希爾頓黑德之間，但這裡的遊客只有一小部分。您可以在毫無人潮干擾的沙灘、水道和森林秘境中尋找稀有野生動物與非裔美人文化遺跡。
One of the largest undeveloped wetlands on the east coast, the ACE Basin takes its name from three rivers — the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto. Despite its location between Charleston and Hilton Head, the basin draws a fraction of the visitors, offering uncrowded trails, waterways and beaches.
9. 佛羅里達州 被遺忘的海岸 (Florida’s Forgotten Coast)
沿著墨西哥灣延伸的這片沙灘，是佛羅里達州最真實、未受過度開發的海岸線。細軟如滑石粉的白沙灘完全避開了邁阿密等地的喧囂，您可以在此與海牛、帝王蝶不期而遇，或在 11 月的阿巴拉契科拉海鮮節享受現捕海產與現場音樂。
Arrayed along the Gulf of Mexico, this unheralded slice of the Florida shore is about as authentic as it gets in the Sunshine State. Talcum-powder-fine beaches on the St. Joseph Peninsula and St. George Island offer an uncrowded alternative to Florida’s more storied (and crowded) strands.
10. 西田納西州 (Western Tennessee)
毗鄰密西西比河的田納西西端，融合了豐富的自然生態與極具靈魂的音樂歷史。孟菲斯市是靈魂樂與搖滾樂的搖籃，除了貓王優雅的雅園（Graceland），此處更是全美品嚐經典手撕豬肉燒烤的終極聖地，南部更有怪異而美麗的落羽杉沼澤和內戰遺址。
Bordering the Mississippi River, the western end of the Volunteer State presents an enticing blend of nature, history, music and food. Memphis was the cradle of soul and rock ‘n’ roll (including Elvis Presley’s Graceland) and is one of the best places on the planet to catch live tunes and pork barbecue.
🌲 中西部與內陸大平原 (The Midwest & Great Plains)
11. 阿肯色州 沃希托山脈 (Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas)
阿肯色州西部的沃希托山脈極少有遊客踏足。與鄰近商業化的歐扎克山脈（Ozarks）不同，沃希托山脈極其安靜、不著商業痕跡，非常適合喜愛在孤獨中健行、露營與野外垂釣的旅人。全州最高點雜誌山更是滑翔翼與極限登山單車的聖地。
Tucked into a valley on the southeast edge of the Ouachita range, Hot Springs National Park has been popular since the 1830s. Unlike the nearby Ozarks, which boast manmade attractions, the Ouachitas are exceedingly untouristy, ideal for hiking, camping and fishing with a large dose of solitude.
12. 威斯康辛州 密爾瓦基 (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
這座曾被稱為「啤酒之城」的都市，如今提供遠超麥芽黃金液體的現代魅力。密爾瓦基美術館是以巨型鋼製雙翼聞名的建築奇觀；而經過重塑的工業河岸則成為充滿藝術雕塑的「河畔步道」。在這裡，您可以手拿精釀啤酒，配上熱烤德式香腸，享受獨特的中西部浪漫。
At one time, “Brew City” may have been the nation’s beermaking capital but nowadays Milwaukee offers a lot more. The Milwaukee Art Museum is an architectural marvel topped by giant wings, while the city's rivers have undergone a renaissance that includes the art-strewn Milwaukee Riverwalk.
13. 蘇必略湖 (Lake Superior)
作為世界上面積最大的淡水湖，其美國部分的湖岸跨越密西根、威斯康辛與明尼蘇達三州。這裡的松林、海蝕拱門和島嶼，完全不輸美西的雄偉。這片區域包含了彩岩國家湖岸、使徒群島、擁有野狼與麋鹿共生的皇家島國家公園，以及無數神祕的沉船遺骸。
The American half of the world’s largest freshwater lake stretches across northern Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Lake Superior region embraces Pictured Rocks and Apostle Islands national lakeshores, and Isle Royale National Park with its resident wolves and moose.
14. 北達科他州 惡地 (Badlands of North Dakota)
相較於因電影《游牧人生》出名的南達科他州惡地，北達科他州的惡地在美國歷史上更具重大意義。年輕的西奧多·羅斯福總統曾在此放牧、過著牛仔生活，奠定了他日後的自然保育理念。以他命名的國家公園完美保護了他的小木屋與野牛、土撥鼠和野馬共生的混合草草原。
South Dakota’s badlands are better known. But the badlands of neighboring North Dakota were more consequential for American history. That’s where young Teddy Roosevelt ranched in the 1880s, inspiring Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which safeguards his modest log cabin and wild bison.
⛰️ 美西山脈與紅岩荒漠 (The Mountain West & Deserts)
15. 愛達荷州 (Idaho)
這座擁有全美最低人口密度的州份，擁有一望無際的地理景緻——從巨大冰川湖泊、奔騰的白水急流、白雪皚皚的山峰到無邊乾旱荒漠。其中最著名的景點「月球火山口國家保護區」是一片奇幻的火山熔岩原，阿波羅太空人曾在此進行登月模擬訓練。
With one of the nation’s lowest population densities, Idaho boasts plenty of wide-open spaces, ranging from huge lakes to snowy peaks. Its iconic park is Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, a vast volcanic landscape where Apollo astronauts trained for Moon missions.
16. 科羅拉多州 大章克申 (Grand Junction, Colorado)
越過落磯山脈，會看見一個截然不同的科羅拉多：乾旱的紅岩峽谷與科羅拉多河孕育的肥沃山谷。大章克申市遠離高樓林立的丹佛與時尚喧囂的滑雪勝地。這裡擁有 30 多座酒莊，西側的科羅拉多國家保護區更擁有絕美的峽谷景觀與景觀公路，完全值得國家公園的名號。
Beyond the Rockies is a whole different Colorado, an arid region of red-rock canyons and fertile valleys. Grand Junction seems light years removed from high-rise Denver. The Grand Valley harbors 30 wineries, while Colorado National Monument west of town deserves full-blown national park status.
17. 新墨西哥州 白沙國家公園 (White Sands National Park, New Mexico)
就像專門為科幻電影創造的場景一般，白沙國家公園讓人感覺宛如置身外星世界。這片由亮白石膏砂組成的世界最大石膏沙丘群極其奇幻。遊客可以健行穿越沙丘、或租借塑料滑沙板體驗從雪白沙丘頂端飛速滑下的無比快感。
Like something created for a sci-fi movie rather than a quirk of nature, White Sands feels like visiting an alien planet. That’s how strange it is to explore the world’s largest gypsum dune field. Visitors can hike across or sled down the bright-white dunes using plastic discs.
18. 新墨西哥州 阿爾伯克基 (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
在著名的「66號公路」上兜風的最佳地點，就是阿爾伯克基的中央大道。這裡保留了眾多霓虹閃爍的歷史建築，並融入了西班牙殖民地和美洲原住民的深厚文化資產。您還可以搭乘西半球最長的空中纜車，直達海拔萬呎的桑迪亞峰頂鳥瞰大地。
One of the best places to get your kicks on Route 66 is along Central Avenue in Albuquerque, where much of the neon-studded architecture has been preserved. Long before Route 66, the city was a bastion of Spanish colonial and Native America cultures, backed by the longest aerial tram in the hemisphere.
19. 西德克薩斯州 (West Texas)
在拓荒時期，佩科斯河以西的德州是美國西部荒野的縮影，也是無數西部片如《險路勿近》的靈感來源。這片無垠遼闊的土地至今人口依然極其稀少，並保留了兩座全美最粗獷的國家公園：大彎（Big Bend）與瓜達洛普山，這裡還有神祕「馬爾法之光」的外星傳說。
In frontier days, Texas west of the Pecos River was the epitome of the Wild West. The vast region is still sparsely populated, home to wide open spaces and a couple of the nation’s wildest national parks: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. It also features quirky arts towns like Marfa.
20. 猶他州 圓頂礁國家公園 (Capitol Reef National Park, Utah)
橫跨猶他州南部，其得名於早期定居者的豐富想像力，他們認為島上巨大的白色岩石結構非常類似美國國會大廈的白色圓頂（Capitol）。這裡的人潮遠少於鄰近的錫安或布萊斯國家公園，但崎嶇、壯麗的絕壁公路與歷史悠久的莫門教徒果園，依然帶給探險者頂級的荒野體驗。
Straddling a huge portion of southern Utah, Capitol Reef owes its name to early settlers, who thought one of its giant white formations resembled a capitol dome. Visitors can explore the old Mormon farming community of Fruita, hike Cassidy Arch, and enjoy spectacular canyon views with far fewer crowds.
🌊 太平洋西岸與海外奇觀 (The Pacific Coast & Beyond)
21. 奧勒岡州 威拉米特谷 (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
大城市波特蘭聲名在外，但其南部的威拉米特谷依然低調、保留了質樸的田園之美。這裡擁有超過 550 個頂級葡萄酒品酒室，以黑皮諾葡萄酒名揚世界。此外，這裡也是戶外單車、河流泛舟，以及在銀瀑州立公園體驗神祕「樹頂露營」的頂級樂園。
Big city Portland needs no introduction. But the rest of the Willamette Valley remains relatively undiscovered. The valley’s wine scene flaunts more than 550 tasting rooms, while the region is also a hub for outdoor sports and tree camping in the old growth forests of Silver Falls State Park.
22. 加州 1 號公路北段 (Highway One [North], California)
加州大瑟爾海岸（Big Sur）的 1 號公路是終極公路旅行首選。但鮮為人知且同樣令人屏息的是舊金山以北的 1 號公路段。跨過金門大橋，公路折向崎嶇的海岸線，穿過希區考克拍攝《鳥》的菩提伽灣，一路通往點綴著畫廊、精緻海鮮餐廳與百年燈塔的藝術小鎮門多西諾。
Highway One along the Big Sur is an epic road trip. A lot less known but just as awesome is the drive along the route to the north of San Francisco. Passing Point Reyes Seashore and Bodega Bay, where Hitchcock filmed “The Birds”, the scenic highway leads to the artsy coastline town of Mendocino.
23. 加州 海峽群島國家公園 (Channel Islands National Park, California)
這座由五座島嶼組成的國家公園堪稱舊加州時期的遺珠。這裡保護了極其原始的大自然生態，鯨魚、海豚、海獅和海獺在周邊水域盡情嬉戲，島上則有稀有的島嶼灰狐。每年僅有大約 3 萬名遊客登島，讓這裡成為享受潛水、獨木舟與完全孤獨露營的伊甸園。
A throwback to old California, the five-island park preserves paleolithic digs and raw nature. Whales, dolphins and sea lions frolic in the waters, while the islands host the rare Island Fox. Only around 30,000 people set foot here annually, offering total solitude for kayaking and scuba diving.
24. 夏威夷 科哈拉半島 (Kohala Peninsula, Hawaii)
這座位於夏威夷大島北端的半島，是百萬年前形成的古老火山遺跡。起伏的綠色高地上保留著豐富的夏威夷王室歷史遺產。遊客可以跟隨當地的牛仔騎馬越過草原、探訪夏威夷開國國王卡美哈梅哈一世的出生地，或沿著科哈拉森林保護區的峭壁小徑前往隱秘的波洛盧山谷衝浪。
Hawaiian heritage and outdoor adventure are the twin attractions of the Kohala Peninsula on the Island of Hawaii, formed by a massive shield volcano. It preserves the birth site of King Kamehameha I, offers horseback riding with local paniolo cowboys, and features a steep coastal trail to Pololū Valley.
25. 阿拉斯加 馬塔努斯卡-蘇西特納谷 (Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska)
距離阿拉斯加最大城市安克拉治僅一小時車程，這片長長的河谷提供了本需要耗費幾天路程才能抵達的原始極地荒野體驗。遊客可以參加冰川冰壁攀爬、搭乘直升機進行高空直升機健行、在冰川湖面上玩立槳衝浪，或在獨立金礦廢墟遺址了解開拓時期的淘金熱故事。
Just an hour’s drive from Anchorage, this long river valley offers the sort of wild polar encounters that usually require days of travel to reach. Visitors can enjoy glacier ice climbing, fly-in glacier paddleboarding, dog sledding, and explore the historic gold-mining ruins of Independence ghost town.