If you’re tired of crowded tourist traps, pricey tours, and the usual vacation clichés, Williamsburg, Virginia, might be the quiet getaway you’ve been searching for. According to Wander, a luxury vacation rental service that analyzed data from Google, Numbeo, Tripadvisor, and Instagram, Williamsburg ranks as the most underrated travel destination in the United States for 2025.
Scoring an impressive 9.29, Williamsburg boasts over 150 museums and galleries per 100,000 residents and 265 sights and landmarks. Despite its abundance of offerings, it remains under the radar online, with just over 31,000 annual searches and fewer than 3,000 Instagram posts, meaning visitors can enjoy a peaceful, less crowded experience. The city also earned a perfect 100 out of 100 rating from visitors for safety, cleanliness, and ease of walking around.
Williamsburg’s deep historical roots add to its charm. Once the capital of the Virginia Colony from 1699 to 1780, the city played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum, invites visitors to step back into the 18th century, exploring old buildings and watching artisans practice trades like blacksmithing, bookbinding, brickmaking, and carpentry.
Montana proved another underrated hotspot, with Bozeman and Missoula taking the second and third spots. With three Montana cities, Missoula, Helena, and Bozeman, making the top 10, the state is emerging as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking lesser-known American adventures.
The most underrated travel spots in the US: The full list
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Bozeman, Montana
- Missoula, Montana
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Bentonville, Arkansas
- Bellingham, Washington
- Helena, Montana
- Olympia, Washington
