10 Amazing Places to Visit in the US That Most Americans Don't Know About

There's plenty of tourist attractions in the US but there's also many places that everyone forgets about. It's easy to overlook or take things for granted, such as good food or breathtaking views. We sometimes don't realize or notice some of the best places are right under our noses or located in the corners of the country. Here's the ten amazing places to visit in the US that most Americans don't know about or overlook.

Salem, Massachusetts

Most people know Salem, Massachusetts as the location of the witch trials. And city officials have exploited that in their favor. Police cars even have pictures of witches on broom handles on them. But the real attraction here is coming to Salem on Halloween, which is a Mardi Gras type of celebration. There's many attractions, such as storytelling in cemeteries, costume contests and of course, haunted houses. The Witch House is a Salem landmark, the only building left relating to the witch trials, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in the US.

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Located in Empire, Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes encompasses about 35 miles of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US. Known to locals as "the dunes," the Sleeping Bear Dunes offer natural features such as forests, beaches and glaciers in the winter. Check out the hiking trails and take in the beautiful views through the Maple/Beech forest.

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

This historic port-town features all of the New England charm with a small town feel and great seafood to boutique shops. Featuring about 250 restaurants, visit the Redhook Ale Brewery or enjoy a fresh lobster roll at Surf Portsmouth. In the summer, enjoy plenty of outdoor activities like a boat ride or whale watch. And in the fall, the foliage alone makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US and North America.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Located on the Arkansas River, Tulsa is more than just a college town, it's one of the best places to visit in the US. You can visit the Oklahoma Aquarium, the Tulsa Zoo, Philbrook Museum of Art or the Woody Guthrie Center. Every May, Tulsa holds its International Mayfest, showcasing art, music, food and family entertainment. Be sure to also check out the Tulsa Botanic Garden, 170 acres of over 8,000 trees, perennials and sculptures.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Everyone knows about Nashville and Memphis for its musical relevance but Chattanooga is often forgotten for places to visit in the US. Climb up to Lookout Mountain, featuring views of the Chattanooga Valley or ride the steep Incline Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. If you're afraid of heights, Chattanooga is also home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the United States, including Sugar Ribs.

International Car Forest of the Last Church, Nevada

The International Car Forest of the Last Church is one of the most interesting places to visit in the US. A creation by artists Chad Sorg and Mark Rippie, Sorg was inspired when he noticed a car with its nose in the sand while driving through Nevada. The forest features over 40 different cars, trucks and vans all stacked on top of each other with various paintings on them.

Magic Gardens, Philadelphia

This nonprofit art museum is one of those hidden gems located in the South Street neighborhood. Magic Gardens is a beautiful display of sculpting of various objects by renowned artist Isaiah Zagar. Spread throughout 3,000 square feet, the Magic Gardens include indoor galleries, as well as outdoor sculptures. Zagar spent 14 years sculpting everyday objects like tires, bottles and recycled items into art, making it one of the most unique places to visit in the US.

Gillette Castle, Connecticut

Located between Lyme and East Haddam, the Gillette Castle sits high above the Connecticut River. The castle was originally designed by William Gillette, an actor best known for his performance as Sherlock Holmes in a 1916 silent film. He lived in the castle from 1919-1937, which was later bought by the state of Connecticut in 1943 for $5,000. Inside the medieval-looking building, you'll find built-in couches and beautiful woodcarvings in one of the most overlooked places to visit in the US.

McDonald Observatory, Texas

Located on a 7,000 foot-tall mountain and more than 150 miles away from the nearest city, the McDonald Observatory is the perfect stargazing spot. This observatory even hosts evening "star parties," where visitors can operate large telescopes three nights a week. They also offer moonlit dinners, lectures from astrologers and daytime tours. The McDonald Observatory is one of the most secluded places to visit in the US.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

There's an eerie, peaceful silence to Joshua Tree, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US. This park combines two desert ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado, featuring plants and large rock formations. Visitors can hike along trails through the Hidden Valley and enjoy views of the Coachella Valley. The Joshua Tree National Park is also home to Gram Parsons' Memorial Boulder, where the country singer spent much of his time in the 70s and died in a hotel nearby.