Travel isn’t just about ticking off iconic sights anymore. In 2025, quiet destinations, the towns and islands that stay under the radar are surging in popularity. Many travellers want to stroll unhurried streets, hike in solitude, or indulge in small‑town art scenes without competing with crowds.
But reaching these hidden gems often involves flying or driving through larger hub cities, which raises a practical question: what do you do with your heavy luggage while exploring? Carrying a suitcase on winding mountain paths or cobblestoned streets is a recipe for sore shoulders.
That’s where Vertoe comes in. A leading short‑term instant storage service has locations in most major U.S. cities, so travellers can drop off luggage at the hub city and continue light.
Below are some of America’s most underrated destinations for 2025 and how using Vertoe in nearby hubs can make your journey smoother.
A recent “off‑trend” ranking by Wander crowned Williamsburg the most underrated U.S. destination for 2025. The colonial Virginia town scores a remarkable 9.29/10 for its quietness and culture: it boasts over 150 museums and galleries per 100,000 people and 265 historic sights and landmarks.
Yet it receives just ~31,000 annual Google searches and fewer than 3 000 Instagram posts, making it blissfully uncrowded. Visitors can wander the living‑history exhibits of Colonial Williamsburg, tour restored 18th‑century buildings and watch artisans blow glass at the Jamestown Glasshouse. There’s even a perfect 100/100 comfort rating for feeling at ease while walking around.
Most people reach Williamsburg via major East Coast hubs like Washington DC or Richmond. If you’re stopping in DC for museums before driving south, you can leave suitcases at a Vertoe luggage storage location in Washington DC. That way you’re free to explore colonial streets and art museums unencumbered and only carry a daypack on the final leg.
For travellers seeking big skies and cozy culture, Bozeman blends a mountain‑town pace with excellent dining. According to Wander’s analysis, Bozeman earned an off‑trend travel score of 8.98/10. The city has highly rated restaurants, over 64 % achieve four stars or higher, yet there are only 23 260 Google searches and 210 Instagram posts about Bozeman each year.
That leaves space to browse independent bookstores, take scenic drives under Montana’s big‑sky sunsets and dine at spots like Open Range or Burger Bob’s. The best times for a quieter trip are shoulder seasons (March–May or September–November).
Bozeman’s airport is small; many visitors connect through Denver or Salt Lake City, both of which have Vertoe locations. Drop your heavy suitcases at a bag storage Denver facility , then rent a car or hop on a regional flight to Bozeman with only essentials. You’ll appreciate being luggage‑free when walking through downtown or heading out on back‑road drives.
Nestled in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid offers a peaceful summer escape despite its Winter Olympic fame. AAA’s 2025 guide notes that in summer the village is laid‑back and perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can hike, bike, kayak or paddleboard on Mirror Lake and stroll Main Street’s shops and cafés. History buffs can tour the Olympic Museum or ski‑jump complex. The mix of outdoor adventure and small‑town charm makes Lake Placid ideal for travellers seeking both activity and relaxation.
Reaching Lake Placid often requires travelling via New York City or Buffalo. Both cities have multiple Vertoe locations. By storing suitcases in an NYC luggage storage spot, you can hop on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad or drive into the mountains with just a backpack. That’s especially handy when kayaking or trekking around Mirror Lake, there’s no need to leave gear unattended on shore.
Perched in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs feels like stepping into a Victorian postcard. AAA highlights its Victorian charm, winding streets and relaxed feel. The tiny town hosts a lively arts scene with galleries and studios, plus unique shops and cozy cafés in its historic downtown. Nature lovers can explore nearby parks and wildlife reserves. Must‑see attractions include Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural gem nestled in the forest, and the historic Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway.
Travelers often reach Eureka Springs by driving from larger cities like Dallas or St. Louis. Storing luggage in the Dallas bag store facility means you can enjoy Eureka Springs’ steep streets and artist alleys without hauling bags. It also makes side trips to Ozark hiking trails easier when you’re carrying only essentials.
Although Mammoth Lakes is a famous ski destination in winter, AAA notes that it becomes surprisingly quiet in summer, making it a peaceful vacation escape. The town boasts beautiful mountain scenery and clear lakes. Visitors can hike, bike, fish or kayak on the area’s numerous trails and lakes.
Mammoth also has an arts and culture scene with local restaurants and galleries. Nearby attractions include Devils Postpile National Monument with its columnar basalt formations and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, home to some of the world’s oldest trees.
Most people drive to Mammoth from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Instead of squeezing skis and suitcases into the car for a summer hiking trip, leave extra luggage at a Vertoe bag storage location in Los Angeles or San Francisco. When you’re scrambling up mountain trails or paddling across lakes, you’ll be glad you aren’t also babysitting heavy bags.
Sedona’s red‑rock vistas are iconic, yet the town retains a laid‑back, underrated feel. AAA describes it as a peaceful getaway with stunning red‑rock scenery. Beyond the natural beauty, visitors can wander art galleries, shops and local eateries. Hiking and biking trails like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Devil’s Bridge snake through the desert, offering awe‑inspiring views. Sedona is also known for its spiritual energy and wellness retreats, making it a destination for meditation and holistic healing.
Most travellers arrive via Phoenix, only about two hours south, or occasionally via Las Vegas. Vertoe operates in Las Vegas so you can drop off your suitcase, rent a car and drive north with just a daypack. Navigating Sedona’s dusty trails or browsing Uptown arts villages is much easier without dragging roller bags.
On Maine’s southern coast, Ogunquit offers a quieter alternative to overrun seaside resorts. AAA’s guide calls it a peaceful escape with sandy beaches, a charming village and relaxed vibe. Stroll the scenic Marginal Way, a cliffside path overlooking the Atlantic, or browse downtown seafood restaurants and shops. For culture, visit the Ogunquit Museum of American Art; for activity, kayak or sail along the coast. Ogunquit’s combination of natural beauty and small‑town hospitality makes it perfect for a refreshing summer break.
Travellers usually reach Ogunquit via Boston or Portland. Since Vertoe has locations in Boston, you can store your luggage there, take the train or drive up to Ogunquit, and enjoy the beach and cliffside walks carrying only what you need for the day. When your hands are free, it’s easier to explore tide pools or carry a lobster roll.
Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for tourism, yet Captiva Island remains a tranquil sanctuary. According to AAA, the island features unspoiled beaches, stunning sunsets and a relaxed atmosphere. Activities include shelling, swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding in clear waters. There’s also a charming farmers’ market, shops and restaurants, and the Bailey‑Matthews National Shell Museum showcases local marine life. Captiva’s lack of crowds and natural beauty make it ideal for a low‑key escape.
Visitors usually fly into Miami, Fort Myers or Tampa and then drive to Captiva. Vertoe operates in Miami and Sarasota, allowing travellers to store surfboards, suitcases or shopping bags before heading to the island. Once on Captiva you’ll spend your days beachcombing and kayaking, much easier without extra baggage.
Travel writer Bill Clevlen names Brevard one of the small towns in America to visit. The region around Brevard, dubbed North Carolina’s “land of waterfalls,” has around 250 waterfalls and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors can try fly fishing, rock climbing, hiking, biking, boating or simply watching for the town’s famous white squirrels. Lodging ranges from inns to cabins near Pisgah National Forest. The abundance of cascades and trails makes Brevard a paradise for nature lovers.
Brevard is roughly an hour from Asheville and a few hours from Charlotte. While there’s no Vertoe in Brevard, there is in Raleigh, and travellers often fly into Charlotte or Atlanta (both major cities served by Vertoe) before driving west. By storing large luggage at the hub and packing a smaller bag for Brevard, you can hike to waterfalls or bike through Pisgah Forest unencumbered.
Another small‑town star from Bill Clevlen’s list is Moab in Utah. With two national parks – Arches and Canyonlands – at its doorstep, Moab is an adventure base. Visitors can rock climb, mountain bike, river raft or paddleboard. Downtown Moab has locally owned restaurants such as Cactus Jacks and Canyon Pizza Company and a range of lodging options. The combination of outdoor thrills and friendly dining makes Moab one of America’s luckiest small towns.
Reaching Moab typically involves flying into Salt Lake City or Denver and then driving. Vertoe has locations in both cities, so you can lighten your load before renting a car. It’s far easier to scramble up sandstone fins or join a rafting trip when you’ve left your suitcase safely in the city.
Hidden‑gem travel has its rewards: fewer crowds, immersive local culture and beautiful natural settings. But remote destinations often lack amenities like storage lockers, so planning becomes crucial. Travellers can use Vertoe’s network of major U.S. city locations vertoe.com to drop off suitcases en route, then continue with only what they need for the day. This strategy enhances freedom and safety, as you’re not leaving luggage in your car or dragging it through narrow streets and forest trails. Vertoe boasts of 1000‑plus locations across 65+ other cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Jersey City, Houston, to global destinations like Toronto, Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore.
In 2025, consider venturing beyond the usual tourism hubs to places like Williamsburg, Bozeman, Eureka Springs, Mammoth Lakes, Sedona, Ogunquit, Captiva Island, Brevard and Moab. Each offers something unique – from colonial history and Victorian architecture to waterfalls, desert hikes and gulf sunsets, with quiet atmospheres and engaging local culture. Pair that curiosity with smart logistics: stash heavy bags with Vertoe in the nearest major city and travel light. You’ll return home with stories and experiences, not sore shoulders.
Modern travel is meant to be liberating, yet a mundane problem often mars the experience:…
Gen Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, is quickly emerging as the most…
When it comes to travel, your luggage can either make or break your trip. While…
Travel planning has never been easier or more personalized thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). From…
Travelling opens up a world of possibilities, offering insightful experiences from around the world. In…
Travel isn’t just about arriving somewhere—it’s about the unforgettable moments and cherished memories created along…