At Sites To Explore, we’ve road-tripped across all 50 states to uncover the best travel hacks and truly unique American experiences—no crowded tourist traps here.
1. The National Park Hack Everyone Misses
Instead of: Fighting crowds at Yellowstone’s Old Faithful
Try This:
- Great Basin National Park, NV – See 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines and tour Lehman Caves (often alone!)
- Pro Tip: Visit any national park on Wednesday mornings (least busy day statistically)
Personal Experience: We had Wyoming’s Grand Teton all to ourselves at sunrise by entering via Moose-Wilson Road when others were at main gates.
2. City Secrets Even Locals Don’t Know
New York:
- Free Statue of Liberty views from the Staten Island Ferry at dusk (better photos than Ellis Island)
- Hidden Gem: The elevated Little Island park (few tourists, epic Hudson River sunsets)
Chicago:
- Skip Navy Pier – Montrose Beach has a real lighthouse and skyline views
- Secret Spot: The Garfield Park Conservatory (larger than Lincoln Park’s, 90% less crowded)
San Francisco:
- Alcatraz at Twilight (the night tour feels completely different)
- Local Favorite: Sutro Baths at low tide (explore hidden tunnels most miss)
3. The Road Trip Trick That Saves Hundreds
Instead of: Renting cars at airports
Do This:
- Use Turo (peer-to-peer rentals) for cheaper vintage cars
- Rent RVs from RVShare (often half the price of commercial outfits)
- Pro Tip: Always check rental policies at Walmart parking lots (many allow free overnight RV parking)
Our Favorite Route: The Million Dollar Highway (CO-550) with stops at:
- Silverton (1880s mining town frozen in time)
- Orvis Hot Springs (clothing-optional, locals-only spot)
4. When to Visit Iconic Spots (Without the Crowds)
| Destination | Worst Time | Best Secret Time |
|---|---|---|
| Disney World | Christmas | First Wednesday after Thanksgiving |
| Grand Canyon | Summer | November weekdays (snow-capped views!) |
| French Quarter | Mardi Gras | Late April (Jazz Fest prep week) |
5. The Foodie Hack: How to Eat at Booked-Out Restaurants
- Walk-in at 2:30PM (between lunch/dinner rushes)
- Ask for bar seating (often first-come, first-served)
- Our Success Story: Got into NYC’s Carbone by arriving at 3:15PM on a Tuesday
Want More?
We’ve got an interactive U.S map with all our secret spots:
Contact us and mention “US Secrets hacks” for free access.
