Whispering Ridge cabin in VirginiaAirbnbAs crowded tourist hotspots grow more expensive and predictable, a new kind of traveler is heading in the opposite direction, toward quiet lakes, bayou towns and remote mountain valleys few people have heard of. A recent Airbnb survey found that 86% of travelers are interested in rural destinations, and that number jumps to 94% for Gen Z.Staying closer to home is also becoming more popular. In 2025, around 64% of U.S. Airbnb guests traveled less than 300 miles, which points to a shift toward shorter, more intentional trips. To reflect this trend, Airbnb has revealed its first America Off-the-Map list. This list features lesser-known destinations and gives insight into where people are heading and what kind of travel experiences they want.This change is about more than just being close to home; it’s about the kind of experience people want. A 2026 Priceline report shows more travelers are interested in the rural Midwest, drawn by lower costs, genuine experiences and a slower pace. Deloitte’s latest travel outlook also points out that younger travelers, especially Gen Z, care most about value and flexibility. Many of them now choose private rentals instead of traditional hotels.White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire, USAgettyRural travel is growing for both cultural and economic reasons. A 2025 report from HFT Market Insights shows that more customers are looking for unique destinations, nature-based tourism is on the rise and interest in sustainable travel is increasing. In many areas, short-term rentals are more than just an alternative to hotels, they are often the main choice for visitors.“Our goal is to encourage travel beyond traditional hot spots. With 63% of the U.S. currently lacking hotels, much of the country’s tourism remains concentrated in just a few areas. America Off the Map highlights rural, off-the-beaten-path destinations where Airbnb hosts are creating new opportunities for tourism,” said Laura Spanjian, global head of policy at Airbnb, in an email.“Given that the average Airbnb guest spends $775 per trip, this type of travel supports local restaurants, independent attractions, farms, and family-run businesses across the U.S., especially at a time when communities need it most,” she added.These places are not just remote; they stand out because they are not overhyped. Here, culture feels real, the scenery is untouched and experiences are personal rather than planned. Many of these spots are just outside popular areas, accessible yet able to keep their unique charm.Here are the 20 top off-the-map destinations in America according to Airbnb, along with highly rated stays that travelers are booking now.Best For Mountain EscapesAlexandria Mountain lodge located on an unpaved country road on a densely forested hill.Chris & Pam Daniele / courtesy of AirbnbAlexandria, New HampshireAlexandria sits on the edge of Newfound Lake, known for its clear water and easy access to forest trails and granite ridges. Unlike the busier White Mountains towns nearby, this area is quieter, making it a peaceful spot for hiking, swimming or enjoying the fall colors.Where to stay: Mountain Lodge with Private Sauna and New Log Cabin White MountainsCabin on the river in DuboisAirbnbDubois, WyomingDubois sits between Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole, offering the same wide-open Western views with red rock formations, open valleys and winding rivers, but without the crowds. The town is still shaped by ranching culture, and visitor facilities are kept simple on purpose.Where to stay: Cabin on the Wind River and Riverside Cowboy CabinCozy farmhouse retreat in Fairview, UtahAirbnbFairview, UtahFairview sits at the edge of the Wasatch Plateau and gives you access to alpine terrain all year. In summer, you can hike or mountain bike, and in winter, you can go snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Since it’s close to outdoor trails but less crowded than Utah’s national parks, it’s a practical place to stay.Where to stay: Cozy Farmhouse Retreat and Historic Jail HouseLighthouse near Haines, AlaskaGettyHaines, AlaskaYou can reach Haines by ferry or small plane. The town is set at the end of a fjord, surrounded by mountains shaped by glaciers. Visitors come here for the chance to see wildlife, especially bald eagles and brown bears, and to enjoy a less commercialized side of Alaska.Where to stay: Portage Cove Hunter’s HavenPine Creek in PennsylvaniaGettyPine Creek Gorge, PennsylvaniaPine Creek Gorge, often called the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon,” runs for almost 50 miles through thick forest. Visitors can hike along the rim, ride bikes on a former rail trail or kayak in the canyon’s narrower parts.Where to stay: West Bank Lodge on Pine Creek and Pine Creek RetreatSnowflake, ArizonaSitting at about 5,500 feet, Snowflake is cooler and greener than much of Arizona’s desert. The nearby White Mountains offer lakes, pine forests and plenty of hiking trails.Where to stay: Meadowlark Cottage Apartment and Snowflake CottageWhispering Ridge cabin in Stanley, VirginiaC.L. Russell Photography / Courtesy of AirbnbStanley, VirginiaStanley sits at the northern edge of Shenandoah National Park. It offers easy access to Skyline Drive and nearby trailheads, and you can skip the heavier traffic found at the park’s busier entrances.Where to stay: Stanley Hollow Cabin and Whispering Ridge CabinBest Waterfront GemsCajun Acres Log Cabin in ArnaudvilleAirbnbArnaudville, LouisianaArnaudville sits at the meeting point of Bayou Teche and Bayou Fuselier. The town’s strong Cajun culture is shaped by its waterways, local music and close-knit community life.Where to stay: Cajun Acres Log CabinCedar Key, Florida, Hiking around Shell MoundgettyCedar Key, FloridaCedar Key is a group of islands linked by one road. The area is known for its salt marshes, clam farms and birdwatching instead of big developments. Its protected coastline helps keep tourism small and gentle.Where to stay: Cottage in Cedar KeyHistoric schoolhouse in Ft PeckAirbnbFort Peck Lake, MontanaFort Peck is one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S. It features wide water views, little development and a quiet, remote setting that attracts boaters and anglers.Where to stay: Historic Ft. Peck SchoolhouseHawaiian green turtles relaxing at Punaluu Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of HawaiigettyNaalehu, HawaiiNaalehu sits near the southern tip of the Big Island and gives visitors a chance to explore volcanic landscapes and black sand beaches, all without the crowds found in Hawaii’s busier resort areas.Where to stay: Tropical Aloha Home and Sunrise SanctuaryOlympic retreat cabin in Sekiu, WashingtonAirbnbSekiu, WashingtonThis small fishing village on the Olympic Peninsula looks out over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is a starting point for salmon fishing and exploring the quieter coastal parts of Olympic National Park.Where to stay: Olympic Retreat CabinChimney Bluffs State Park is located east of Sodus Bay, on the shore of Lake Ontario,GettySodus Point, New YorkSodus Point sits by Lake Ontario and offers beautiful waterfront views. The area is also known for its apple and cherry orchards, making it a popular seasonal spot that blends farming with lake activities.Where to stay: Sodus Point Apartment on Lake and Cottage on Sodus PointBest Historic TownsHikari Haven Dome in CoarsegoldAirbnbCoarsegold, CaliforniaCoarsegold began as a Gold Rush settlement and still has the charm of a foothill town. Its location near Yosemite National Park makes it a peaceful place to stay while exploring the area.Where to stay: Cozy Eco Hut Yosemite or Hikari Haven DomeMain street at sunrise in Goldfield Ghost Town which was a gold mining town in the 1800'sGettyGoldfield, NevadaGoldfield was once one of Nevada’s biggest boomtowns. Today, it remains much as it was in the early 1900s, with many original buildings still standing and little restoration done.Where to stay: Ghost town main street cabinPinos Altos, New MexicoPinos Altos sits next to the Gila Wilderness and offers a mix of mining history, backcountry trails, hot springs and forested landscapes.Where to stay: Casa Loma Cabin or Guesthouse La PalomasWilmington waterfront retreatAirbnbWilmington, IllinoisWilmington sits on historic Route 66 and keeps the spirit of mid-century America alive with its old signs, classic diners and famous landmarks like the Gemini Giant. The nearby Kankakee River offers a peaceful spot to enjoy nature.Where to stay: Waterfront family retreatBest For Wide Open PlainsCaprock Canyon in Texas near MatadorgettyMatador, TexasMatador sits among ranchland and the striking cliffs of Caprock Canyon country. Its wide, open landscape is home to wildlife like free-roaming bison, which are a regular part of the view.Where to stay: Two Hoots guesthouse or The Green Door CottageCrestone Hobbitat in Monte VistaAirbnbMonte Vista, ColoradoMonte Vista sits in the San Luis Valley and is famous for the annual sandhill crane migration. Every spring, thousands of these birds gather in the nearby wetlands.Where to stay: Grandma’s Valley Hideaway or Crestone HobbitatThese destinations stand out not only because they are remote, but also because they show restraint. Tourism has not changed their landscapes as much as it may have elsewhere, local economies are often still connected to community life and travel can feel more genuine.As more people look for value, space and real experiences, these lesser-known places may soon become popular. Right now, they give travelers a rare chance to experience a place as it truly is.MORE FROM FORBESForbesInside Vision Lodge, One Of The World’s Most Remote New Luxury HotelsBy Jim DobsonForbesDeep Sleep: Inside The New Underground Kaamos Lodge In LaplandBy Jim Dobsonairbnb