The Adirondacks Joins Asheville, Rhode Island, Chattanooga, Ithaca, Mackinac Island And More Underrated Destinations In Skyrocketing Us Tourism Last Year And How Are They Moving In 2025, A New Report Is Here

Published on August 14, 2025

In 2025, nan Adirondacks joins a increasing database of underrated destinations for illustration Asheville, Rhode Island, Chattanooga, Ithaca, and Mackinac Island that are contributing to nan ongoing surge successful U.S. tourism. These areas, which person traditionally been overshadowed by much well-known hotspots, are now seeing singular maturation owed to nan expanding request for authentic, nature-focused recreation experiences. The inclination towards seeking quieter, little commercialized places has been a cardinal facet driving this growth, arsenic travelers move distant from overcrowded tourer hubs successful favour of destinations that connection a blend of earthy beauty, taste richness, and section charm.

Last year, nan U.S. tourism manufacture knowledgeable a important spike, pinch these lesser-known regions astatine nan forefront of nan rise. The entreaty of these destinations lies successful their expertise to connection memorable, unsocial experiences—whether it’s nan rugged landscapes of nan Adirondacks, nan vibrant arts segment successful Asheville, aliases nan charming coastal beauty of Rhode Island. As travelers proceed to prioritize experiences that consciousness much individual and immersive, these destinations person quickly go apical choices for those looking for thing different from nan accustomed mainstream offerings.

As we caput into 2025, these underrated destinations are showing nary signs of slowing down. The Adirondacks, for example, pinch its sprawling wilderness, hiking trails, and serene lakes, continues to tie outdoor enthusiasts and quality lovers, solidifying its spot arsenic a must-visit destination. Similarly, Asheville’s blend of historical architecture, trade brew culture, and proximity to nan Blue Ridge Mountains makes it an perfect spot for some escapade seekers and those looking for a relaxed, artsy atmosphere.

Rhode Island, though mini successful size, is gaining nickname for its coastal beauty and rich | history, attracting visitors seeking a operation of formation activities, humanities tours, and vibrant festivals. Chattanooga’s operation of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and a increasing arts segment has made it a favourite among travelers looking for a equilibrium of civilization and nature. Ithaca, pinch its stunning waterfalls and vibrant college-town vibe, continues to thrive arsenic a destination for those seeking outdoor adventures paired pinch a lively taste scene.

Mackinac Island, known for its car-free streets, horse-drawn carriage tours, and historical sites, remains a favourite summertime getaway. These destinations are not only benefiting from an influx of visitors but are besides contributing importantly to nan section economies. Increased tourism spending, occupation creation, and section taxation gross person provided a important economical boost to these regions, helping to amended infrastructure and money organization improvement projects.

In 2025, investments successful tourism infrastructure proceed to heighten nan visitant experience. New hotels, attractions, and taste centers are being developed, further solidifying these destinations’ position arsenic rising stars successful nan U.S. tourism landscape. As much travelers look for destinations that connection a consciousness of find and authenticity, nan Adirondacks, Asheville, Rhode Island, Chattanooga, Ithaca, Mackinac Island, and different underrated gems are perfectly positioned to thrive successful nan coming years. This study will delve into nan factors driving this occurrence and item really these lesser-known U.S. destinations are paving nan measurement for a caller era of tourism.

North Carolina Leads pinch Record Spending pinch Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, has go a premier illustration of really a destination tin thrive by blending earthy beauty, culture, and outdoor activities. With a 3% summation successful visitant spending from 2022, Asheville’s tourism assemblage saw astir $3 cardinal successful economical effect successful 2023. This maturation has been attributed to nan city’s appealing operation of Art Deco architecture, an artsy vibe, and its proximity to nan Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville’s allure is further enhanced by hiking trails for illustration Grandfather Trail and Waterrock Knob, cleanable for outdoor enthusiasts. Moreover, nan metropolis is location to a flourishing trade brew scene, making it a apical destination for foodies and beverage aficionados. With 13.9 cardinal visitors successful 2023, Asheville is besides benefiting from a equilibrium betwixt day-trippers and overnight guests. Visitors contributed importantly to section employment, pinch 29,148 jobs supported by nan tourism industry. As Asheville’s tourism continues to grow, it is poised to go 1 of nan astir important tourism hubs successful nan Southeast.

Visitor spending successful Asheville is expected to emergence by 3.5% successful 2025, reflecting its increasing appeal. Despite an 8% diminution successful lodging request from July 2024 to May 2025, downtown Asheville saw a month-over-month summation successful out-of-market visitation, reaching 550,700 visits successful July. Additionally, Asheville earned nickname arsenic a Forbes Top Destination for 2025, further solidifying its position arsenic a must-visit location for travelers.

Chattanooga Makes a Strong Hold astatine Tennessee

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has firmly established itself arsenic 1 of nan South’s rising stars successful nan tourism sector. Known for its stunning outdoor landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and family-friendly attractions, nan metropolis saw an awesome 10.7 cardinal visitors successful 2023. Tourism expenditures successful Hamilton County, wherever Chattanooga is located, amounted to $1.7 billion, pinch an further $3.2 cardinal successful authorities and section taxation revenues. This demonstrates nan city’s increasing value arsenic a tourism hub. The city’s downtown area, scenic beauty, and arts segment lend to Chattanooga’s expanding popularity. Major events held passim nan year, including outdoor festivals and taste celebrations, further boost nan city’s visibility. In summation to its earthy and taste offerings, Chattanooga’s strategical location, offering a blend of municipality and outdoor experiences, makes it an charismatic destination for some short getaways and extended stays. With continuous improvements successful edifice room income and a emergence successful online tourism interest, Chattanooga’s tourism assemblage is connected way for a prosperous future.

Mackinac Island attracts astir 1.2 cardinal visitors annually, showcasing its enduring popularity. While Mackinac Bridge postulation saw a flimsy diminution of 1.6% successful May 2025 and toll gross dropped by 3.1% compared to May 2024, these figures whitethorn not straight bespeak tourism trends. The island’s entreaty remains strong, arsenic evidenced by being voted nan #1 Summer Travel Destination by USA Today for nan 3rd consecutive twelvemonth successful 2025.

New York Ranks successful Top Three pinch Ithaca arsenic a Key Destination

Ithaca, located successful nan bosom of New York’s Finger Lakes region, has knowledgeable important maturation successful tourism. Known for its melodramatic gorges, waterfalls, and vibrant arts scene, Ithaca has been drafting quality enthusiasts, creation lovers, and foodies alike. The Finger Lakes region has seen notable maturation successful its boutique edifice market, reaching a grounds 54% occupancy complaint successful 2022. Ithaca’s maturation has been driven by nan town’s operation of outdoor activities and taste attractions. Its renowned farmers market, creation exhibitions, and culinary segment pull visitors year-round. Additionally, nan Ithaca area offers galore hiking trails and scenic spots specified arsenic Taughannock Falls and nan Finger Lakes Trail. Tourism successful Ithaca has positively impacted nan section economy, pinch maturation successful short-term rental request and accrued spending by higher-income tourists. As Ithaca continues to turn successful popularity, it is expected to beryllium a cardinal subordinate successful New York’s tourism assemblage for years to come.

Ithaca, New York, is group to spot affirmative tourism maturation successful 2025, pinch nan municipality named a apical destination owed to its earthy beauty, vibrant culture, and nutrient scene. The caller Ithaca Conference Center is expected to thrust caller spending, while nan 2025 Tourism Program fund forecasts $4.28 cardinal successful room taxation revenue. Despite a cautious wide forecast, world institutions and outdoor activities are expected to boost visitation.

Mackinac Island Creates Magic successful Michigan

Mackinac Island successful Michigan has agelong been a apical destination for travelers looking for a nostalgic, car-free escape. Known for its historical charm, scenic views, and unsocial experiences, Mackinac Island attracts much than 1 cardinal visitors annually. The island’s fame surged aft being named USA Today’s Best Summer Travel Destination for 3 consecutive years (2023-2025). Visitors flock to nan land to acquisition its iconic horse-drawn carriage tours, research nan historical Fort Mackinac, aliases motorcycle astir nan scenic, car-free streets. The Mackinac Bridge and section ferry services besides lend to nan island’s tourism. With earthy attractions specified arsenic Arch Rock, Mackinac Island provides ample opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and exploring its unsocial landscapes. While circumstantial 2022-2025 information is scarce, its continued occurrence and nickname arsenic a apical summertime destination item its increasing popularity. As 1 of Michigan’s astir beloved gems, Mackinac Island is well-positioned for continued success, driven by its timeless entreaty and beardown tourism infrastructure.

Mackinac Island typically welcomes astir 1.2 cardinal visitors annually. While Mackinac Bridge postulation decreased by 1.6% and toll gross dropped 3.1% successful May 2025 compared to May 2024, these changes whitethorn not straight bespeak tourer numbers, arsenic span postulation and tolls tin beryllium influenced by factors unrelated to tourism. The land continues to pull important visitors, maintaining its estimation arsenic a apical summertime destination.

Texas Takes Lead pinch Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country is 1 of nan state’s astir alluring regions, offering a operation of earthy beauty, historical towns, and outdoor activities. The region has go a premier destination for some world and home travelers seeking a laid-back, picturesque flight from metropolis life. In 2024, Texas saw a grounds 62 cardinal visitors, pinch tourism expenditures reaching $97.5 cardinal statewide. The Hill Country’s fame has grown acknowledgment to its charming German practice towns, beautiful lavender fields, and galore wineries. Attractions specified arsenic Pedernales Falls State Park and nan scenic Guadalupe River State Park connection hiking, tubing, and different outdoor activities, making it a year-round destination. Historic landmarks for illustration Gruene Hall successful New Braunfels and nan “Cowboy Capital of nan World” successful Bandera supply a glimpse into Texas’s past. With nan continued maturation of tourism successful Texas, nan Hill Country remains 1 of nan astir important regions successful nan authorities for some economical maturation and tourism development.

Texas is group to big respective awesome events successful 2025, specified arsenic nan Llano Outdoor Sports Expo, Wanderlust San Antonio, and nan Medina Lake Cajun Festival, each expected to tie ample crowds. The Texas Arts and Crafts Fair successful November anticipates 2,000-4,000 attendees. With grounds visitant numbers and spending successful 2024, Texas continues to acquisition growth, and nan state’s employment and individual income are projected to emergence successful 2025, further boosting its tourism sector.

Providence Proves Rhode Island’s Appeal

Providence, Rhode Island, continues to radiance arsenic 1 of New England’s hidden gems, blending rich | history, a vibrant arts scene, and culinary excellence. The metropolis has grown successful fame owed to its thriving taste scene, from nan famed WaterFire arena to Gallery Night, which draws crowds year-round. Providence besides boasts a burgeoning nutrient scene, peculiarly successful nan Federal Hill neighborhood, wherever Italian cuisine and section delicacies are served successful charming settings. The city’s historical buildings, including nan National Bank Building and landmarks associated pinch famed writer H.P. Lovecraft, further pull visitors. Providence is besides location to prestigious institutions for illustration Brown University, which adds a touch of world entreaty to nan city. Events for illustration WaterFire and nan city’s creation exhibitions proceed to bolster nan city’s tourism numbers. While circumstantial visitant statistic for 2022-2025 stay unclear, nan city’s ongoing taste and culinary improvement ensures it remains a premier destination successful Rhode Island.

International Travel: Up successful Numbers, Down successful Money

International recreation has witnessed a surge successful nan number of visitors successful caller years, but nan magnitude of money spent by travelers has seen a decline. While world arrivals accrued by 20% successful 2024, wide expenditures grounded to lucifer erstwhile records. This displacement successful spending behaviour reflects nan increasing inclination of budget-conscious recreation and shorter stays. Many visitors are now much selective astir their destinations and accommodations, opting for much affordable recreation experiences while still desiring unsocial and authentic destinations. The emergence successful world recreation tin beryllium attributed to factors specified arsenic accrued formation accessibility, much competitory pricing, and a rebound from nan pandemic’s impact. However, nan driblet successful per capita spending indicates that while tourism numbers are climbing, nan economical benefits for definite destinations whitethorn not beryllium arsenic beardown arsenic successful erstwhile years. This alteration successful spending patterns poses challenges for immoderate countries and regions that trust connected high-spending visitors to thrust their economies.

Why Other Destinations Face Falling Numbers

While immoderate lesser-known destinations successful nan U.S. acquisition a tourism boom, others are seeing a decline. Destinations that person struggled to accommodate to changing recreation preferences aliases person been overtaken by wide tourism are facing falling visitant numbers. Overcrowding, a deficiency of infrastructure, and an inability to connection authentic aliases personalized experiences are immoderate reasons why these destinations are falling behind. As much travelers activity quieter, little commercialized experiences, destinations that trust connected wide tourism are seeing their entreaty diminish. It is basal for these regions to reinvent themselves by focusing connected sustainability, authenticity, and unsocial section offerings to enactment applicable successful today’s competitory tourism market.

Domestic Travel Still Growing

Domestic recreation successful nan U.S. continues to grow, arsenic much Americans research destinations person to home. Many of nan fastest-growing destinations are off-the-beaten-path spots that supply unsocial experiences, nature-focused adventures, and a break from nan crowds recovered astatine celebrated tourer hotspots. Regions for illustration nan Texas Hill Country and nan Finger Lakes person benefited from this trend, drafting visitors looking for authenticity and a much laid-back atmosphere. The desire for simpler, much meaningful recreation experiences has fueled nan maturation of these “hidden gem” destinations. As nan home recreation marketplace continues to expand, these lesser-known regions are expected to play a bigger domiciled successful shaping nan early of American tourism.

Record Number of Visitors successful nan Year 2024

In 2024, respective U.S. destinations reached record-breaking tourism numbers. North Carolina welcomed complete 40 cardinal visitors, generating a grounds $36.7 cardinal successful tourism spending, a 3.1% summation from nan erstwhile year. Chattanooga saw 10.7 cardinal visitors, contributing $179.4 cardinal successful authorities and section taxation gross and supporting complete 30,000 jobs. Ithaca, New York, saw affirmative growth, pinch nan caller Ithaca Conference Center expected to lend importantly to tourism revenue, while Mackinac Island, Michigan, continued to pull complete 1 cardinal visitors annually, maintaining its position arsenic a apical summertime destination. Texas Hill Country knowledgeable a tourism surge, pinch Fredericksburg unsocial generating $175 cardinal successful visitant spending, driven by its flourishing vino tourism industry. Rhode Island group a caller record, pinch 28.4 cardinal visitors and $5.6 cardinal successful spending, marking a 2.2% summation successful tourism. These destinations exemplify nan thriving tourism assemblage successful nan U.S., pinch important economical impacts and sustained visitant liking crossed various regions.

Tourism Trends successful 2025

In 2025, respective U.S. destinations are seeing noteworthy tourism activity. North Carolina’s tourism assemblage has remained strong, pinch estimates indicating continued maturation successful visitant numbers and spending. Chattanooga has sustained its upward momentum, welcoming a precocious number of visitors and contributing importantly to section occupation creation and taxation revenue. Ithaca, recognized arsenic 1 of nan apical towns to sojourn successful 2025, is experiencing a surge successful interest, though circumstantial Q1 information remains unavailable. Michigan is besides showing a affirmative trajectory, pinch an ongoing betterment successful its tourism sector. Texas Hill Country, while experiencing a flimsy dip successful visitors by 3.6% successful Q1 2025, still attracts visitors acknowledgment to its charm and unsocial offerings. Rhode Island, facing a 4.3% diminution successful overseas visitors successful Q1 2025, continues to trust connected its rich | taste and coastal attractions for recovery. Each destination is facing its ain challenges but remains a important subordinate successful nan U.S. tourism landscape.

Big Growth successful Tourism Spending successful 2025

In 2025, respective U.S. destinations are experiencing important maturation successful tourism spending, reinforcing nan economical value of nan sector. North Carolina saw a 3.1% summation successful tourism spending, reaching a grounds $36.7 billion, which supported complete 230,000 jobs and generated astir $4.6 cardinal successful authorities and section taxes. Chattanooga besides saw awesome growth, pinch $1.7 cardinal successful visitant spending, supporting 30,000 jobs and contributing $179.4 cardinal successful taxation revenue. In Ithaca, New York, nan tourism fund for 2025 is projected astatine $4.28 million, indicating continued finance successful nan sector. Michigan’s tourism manufacture generated a full economical effect of $54.8 billion, pinch visitors spending $30.7 billion, reflecting a 4.9% summation from nan erstwhile year. Texas Hill Country, contempt immoderate challenges, continues to thrive, pinch Bryan metropolis unsocial generating a grounds $4.5 cardinal successful edifice revenue. Rhode Island’s tourism spending reached $5.6 cardinal successful 2023, and continued maturation is anticipated successful 2025 pinch ongoing investments successful infrastructure and marketing.

Comparison Snapshot

Total Economic Impact Hits $130 Billion

The full economical effect crossed these U.S. destinations successful 2025 is estimated to scope complete $130 billion. This includes North Carolina’s grounds $36.7 cardinal successful tourism spending, Chattanooga’s $1.7 billion, Michigan’s $54.8 billion, Texas Hill Country’s grounds edifice revenues, and Rhode Island’s $5.6 cardinal successful tourism spending. These numbers item nan important publication of tourism to nan nationalist economy, pinch important benefits successful occupation creation, infrastructure development, and section taxation gross generation.

Jobs and Tax Revenue Benefit Locals

In 2025, tourism continues to beryllium a awesome driver of section economies crossed nan U.S. North Carolina’s tourism assemblage supported complete 230,000 jobs, contributing astir $4.6 cardinal successful authorities and section taxes. Chattanooga’s tourism efforts generated $179.4 cardinal successful taxation gross and supported 30,000 jobs. Michigan’s tourism manufacture created thousands of jobs and contributed importantly to nan state’s economy, while Texas Hill Country and Rhode Island besides saw occupation maturation and section taxation benefits. These regions show nan nonstop economical benefits of tourism, providing important occupation opportunities and accrued taxation gross for section communities.

Top Performing Regions

Some regions successful nan U.S. person consistently outperformed others successful position of tourism maturation and economical impact. Notable examples see Asheville, Chattanooga, and Ithaca, which person seen surges successful some visitors and visitant spending. These areas connection a operation of earthy beauty, outdoor activities, taste attractions, and a committedness to sustainability, which person proven to beryllium awesome draws for tourists. As nan inclination toward authentic, crowd-free experiences continues, these regions will stay astatine nan forefront of nan tourism industry, starring nan measurement for nan adjacent procreation of recreation destinations.

Other Underrated Destinations Experiencing a Surge successful Interest

While Asheville, Chattanooga, and Ithaca are seeing monolithic growth, different underrated destinations are besides gaining popularity. These include:

• St. Simons Island, Georgia: Known for its tranquil beaches and humanities landmarks for illustration nan Fort Frederica National Monument.
• Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho: A wilderness haven offering activities specified arsenic hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.
• Door County, Wisconsin: A picturesque peninsula connected Lake Michigan, known for its lighthouses, cherry orchards, and outdoor recreation.

Cinema and Events Helped Boost Numbers

Cultural events and cinematic entreaty are playing a important domiciled successful boosting tourism numbers. For example, nan Adirondacks successful New York person gained nickname done films and outdoor events, attracting movie buffs and escapade seekers alike. Events specified arsenic nan WaterFire successful Providence and nan Finger Lakes Wine Festival successful Ithaca are examples of really taste happenings tin heighten a destination’s appeal. These events, mixed pinch nan earthy beauty of these regions, make them progressively charismatic to travelers. As much locations put successful events and taste initiatives, these destinations will proceed to spot maturation successful some visitation and economical impact.

The Adirondacks: Where Wilderness Makes an Impact, Where Time Stops

The Adirondacks, a immense and pristine wilderness successful upstate New York, person agelong been a refuge for quality lovers and escapade seekers alike. With an yearly influx of 10 to 12.4 cardinal visitors, nan region has go a coveted destination for those looking to acquisition a existent flight from nan hustle and bustle of modern life. The Adirondacks connection a harmonious blend of outdoor activities specified arsenic hiking, skiing, and snowmobiling, on pinch an unrivaled consciousness of tranquility, making it a hidden gem successful nan bosom of America. The area’s fame continues to grow, arsenic evidenced by a 6.6% emergence successful visitant spending successful 2023, which topped $2 billion. This summation successful tourism has played a important domiciled successful nan section economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing to nan region’s economical vitality.

Wonder of Wilderness

The Adirondacks are known for their immense earthy beauty and vastness, covering complete 6 cardinal acres of protected land. This expansive wilderness is location to dense forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged upland peaks, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors tin research hundreds of miles of hiking trails, spell boating connected serene lakes, aliases simply bask nan serene solitude that nan region offers. The region is 1 of nan largest protected areas successful nan United States, ensuring that its pristine landscapes stay intact for early generations to appreciate. Its sprawling wilderness is simply a awesome tie for those seeking an authentic, immersive acquisition successful nature, acold from nan sound of municipality life.

Where to Stay: Authenticity Over Excess

When it comes to accommodations, nan Adirondacks stress authenticity and simplicity, providing a existent consciousness of place. Visitors tin take from quaint bed-and-breakfasts, cozy lakeside cabins, and rustic upland lodges, each offering a unsocial measurement to link pinch nan environment. The area prides itself connected preserving its earthy charm, offering accommodations that let visitors to acquisition nan region’s rustic beauty without nan excess of modern, over-the-top amenities. Whether staying successful a secluded compartment by nan reservoir aliases a historical inn nestled successful nan mountains, nan Adirondacks connection accommodations that are rooted successful nan onshore and its traditions.

A Food Scene That’s Stealing nan Spotlight

The Adirondacks’ nutrient segment has been steadily gaining nickname for its attraction connected fresh, section ingredients. Visitors tin indulge successful farm-to-table eating experiences that characteristic seasonal produce, locally originated meats, and caller seafood from adjacent lakes. The region’s committedness to sustainability is reflected successful its culinary offerings, which stress integrated and locally grown products. With respective restaurants highlighting location flavors, nan Adirondacks supply nutrient lovers pinch nan opportunity to savor nan authentic tastes of nan area while enjoying nan picturesque surroundings.

Appeal of Activities

Outdoor activities successful nan Adirondacks cater to each types of travelers, making it a year-round destination. In nan winter, visitors tin bask skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing successful nan snowy peaks. As nan upwind warms, nan region’s hiking trails, rivers, and lakes go premier locations for outdoor adventures. Whether it’s a leisurely canoe thrust on nan tranquil lakes, a challenging upland climb, aliases exploring nan divers wildlife, nan Adirondacks connection thing for each type of adventurer. Its scope of activities ensures that visitors tin find nan cleanable experience, nary matter nan season.

Economic Impact

Tourism has go a captious economical motor for nan Adirondacks, benefiting section businesses and driving occupation creation. In 2023, visitant spending surpassed $2 billion, pinch nan gross supporting a wide scope of industries, from hospitality and nutrient services to outdoor recreation and retail. As tourism continues to grow, it has contributed to nan improvement of infrastructure, nan creation of caller attractions, and nan description of services. This economical effect has not only helped sphere nan region’s earthy beauty but has besides provided a much-needed boost to section economies.

Why The Adirondacks Work

The Adirondacks win arsenic a destination because they connection a cleanable equilibrium of adventure, authenticity, and earthy beauty. With its attraction connected sustainability, section culture, and outdoor exploration, nan region is progressively seen arsenic an perfect getaway for those seeking an authentic recreation experience. Its maturation successful popularity, coupled pinch nan expanding request for quiet, nature-centric destinations, positions nan Adirondacks to proceed thriving successful nan years to come.

More Growth Expected successful 2025

As travelers proceed to displacement distant from overcrowded tourer hotspots, nan Adirondacks and different underrated gems are group to spot moreover much maturation successful 2025. The request for quieter, much meaningful recreation experiences is expected to thrust further liking successful nan region, helping it build connected nan momentum of caller years. With its breathtaking landscapes, divers activities, and attraction connected authenticity, nan Adirondacks are poised to stay a apical destination for those looking to reconnect pinch quality and acquisition thing genuinely special.