Plan a trip to these places and you might just ask yourself, “Did I doze off and fall into my screensaver?” If you’re fed up with visiting all the usual tourist traps, these destinations are a refreshing change. Let’s get you on the right track with the top 20 most surreal yet underrated places to visit in the US of A.
Why focus on surreal places to visit in the US? Because no passports or visas are needed, just what you need for an easy getaway.
Fly Geyser, NV
The most intriguing thing about this geyser is that it isn’t something nature originally intended. In fact, a geothermal company’s drilling caused this eye-catching, rainbow-colored accident! The geyser has created a bunch of travertine terraces, making about 30 to 40 pools spread across 74 acres.
The water is teeming with thermophilic algae that thrive in hot, wet conditions. This is what gives the surrounding rocks their vibrant shades of green and red. The result is a place that looks almost like it’s desperately trying to be part of James Cameron’s next movie!
- Best time to visit: Spring or fall for pleasant weather.
- Nearest airport: Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- How to get there: 2-hour drive north from Reno. It’s on private land, so book a guided tour through Friends of Black Rock-High Rock or the Fly Ranch Burning Man Project.
- Pro tip: You can’t just roll up and explore. Access is limited and controlled for conservation, so be sure to book!
Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO
Sheer drama is what you’ll get at the Great Sand Dunes. Starkly beautiful desert dunes set against a backdrop of snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains. Visit just once, and you’ll quite likely carry the memories with you forever.
It’s home to the tallest dunes in North America, with Star Dune and Hidden Dune reaching 741 feet. High Dune is 692 feet and is the most popular destination. The dunes were created by winds that sweep the San Luis Valley floor. The early 19th and 20th centuries saw prospectors arriving here in droves, lured by the idea that there was gold hidden under all that sand.
- Best time to visit: October to April is cooler and has fewer crowds.
- Nearest airport: San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
- How to get there: 1-hour drive from El Paso, TX.
- Pro tip: Rent a sled at the visitor center and embrace your inner desert child. No, really – the dunes are perfect for sliding.
Bonneville Salt Flats, UT
Imagine a horizon so flat and so blindingly white that it messes with your sense of depth. After the rain, the whole place turns into a mirror! You’ll be left wondering if the sky is on the ground or if you’re in the clouds. Soak in the emptiness, and feel at peace with yourself.
The origin story of the salt flats is quite interesting. Apparently, there was once a Lake Bonneville (almost the same size as Lake Michigan) that dried out and left a huge amount of salt behind! In some spots, the salt crust is only a couple of inches thick, but in other places, it can be up to 5 feet deep.
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall; post-rain for those mind-bending mirror effects.
- How to get there: 1.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City via I-80 West.
- Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Pro tip: Bring sunglasses (blinding white = eye squinting galore). Also, wear sturdy shoes and avoid walking barefoot on salt flats – it can cut your feet pretty badly.
White Sands National Park, NM
The name is a dead giveaway, of course. But what the name does not prepare you for is how surreal and gorgeous White Sands is! Here’s a fun fact – the dunes are pure white gypsum, not sand. So yes, it crunches underfoot like freshly fallen snow. If you feel the urge to take your shoes off, go ahead and do so. White sand doesn’t really absorb heat, so even on very hot days, it won’t burn your feet.
We recommend you go to sunset and stay for a moonrise. Don’t worry, if you fall asleep. You’ll wake up and wonder if you’re still dreaming! Trust us – when you experience it, you’ll understand why.
- Best time to visit: October to April for cooler weather and fewer crowds
- Nearest airport: El Paso International Airport (ELP)
- How to get there: 1-hour drive from El Paso
- Pro tip: Sledding on white sand is highly encouraged. Buy a sled at the visitor center and embrace your inner dune kid.
Mono Lake, CA
There’s old, and then there’s Mono Lake old. This ancient saline lake is a weird yet wonderful place. Besides the fact that there are no fish in this lake, its most surreal feature is the tufa towers. These otherworldly-looking limestone spires erupt out of the water like alien sculptures. Be prepared for a distinct sulfur smell when you get up close. Water was diverted from Mono Lake starting in 1941. This is what caused the tufas (some that can grow more than 30 feet tall) to be visible.
Boating is allowed, but make sure to comply with the rules. You can even swim here if you want to, but keep in mind that the water is quite salty and will keep you a little bit buoyant. It might be worth it because the salty water is rumored to have curative properties.
- Best time to visit: Late spring or fall
- Nearest airport: Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) or Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- How to get there: You can drive there from Lee Vining or from Yosemite’s east entrance
- Pro tip: Sunrise or sunset is when the tufas look most haunting and magical.
The Wave (Coyote Buttes), AZ/UT Border
This is nature’s lava lamp, frozen forever in sandstone. The Wave is old, like 160 to 180 million years old! While it is undoubtedly one of the most mind-bending places to visit in the U.S., it is also one of the hardest to access. To control crowds and preserve the area, the National Park Service requires you to get a permit to visit, and these are not easy to obtain.
The pain of getting a permit is totally worth it, though. The surreal, swirling sandstone formations, with their vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, look like something out of a dream or a sci-fi movie. The undulating patterns and smooth curves, sculpted by millions of years of wind and water, mess with your sense of scale and reality, making it feel both ancient and alive at the same time.
- Best time to visit: Spring or fall for mild weather
- Nearest airport: Page Municipal Airport (PGA) or St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
- How to get there: Drive from Kanab, Utah, or Page, Arizona
- Pro tip: You need a permit to enter. Apply in advance or try the local lottery system.
Glass Beach, CA
A beach covered in colorful sea glass instead of sand sounds like a real-life Pinterest board. It’s peaceful, sparkly, and oddly therapeutic. All thanks to years of wave-polished glass debris. Yup – the beauty of the beach is all thanks to trash, quite literally. This area used to be a dumping ground for trash, including glass, up until the mid-20th century. But then the Pacific Ocean did this magical thing and transformed the trash into the smooth, colorful sea glass that now awes travelers, young and old.
- Best time to visit: Year-round, though fall and winter sunsets are extra special
- Nearest airport: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS)
- How to get there: Scenic three-and-a-half-hour coastal drive from San Francisco
- Pro tip: Don’t pocket the glass. It’s protected and better left for others to enjoy.
Devils Tower, WY
It rises straight out of the prairie like it was dropped there by another planet. Devil’s Tower is just a couple of hours from the more popular Mount Rushmore. This massive monolith is sacred, cinematic, and unforgettable. The natural structure is believed to have been created from the remains of a volcano. It has also been the site of many Native American religious ceremonies. Be warned – the path to walk up has a steep incline. There is a sidewalk that lets you get close to the formation and walk around it to see the grooves up close.
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Nearest airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
- How to get there: Two-hour drive from Rapid City
- Pro tip: Go around sunset for the best views and colors. Stargazing here is also next level.
Painted Hills, OR
It’s unreal when you drive around a corner, and woah, there’s a painted hill! Because these hills certainly live up to their name. Rich layers of red, gold, and black sweep across the land like brushstrokes. The colors shift depending on the angle of the sun, time of day, and moisture levels. Whatever the reasons, every visit feels slightly different because of this, and that’s why this is one of the most surreal places to visit in the U.S.
- Best time to visit: Spring and early fall
- Nearest airport: Roberts Field (RDM) in Redmond, Oregon
- How to get there: Two-hour drive from Bend
- Pro tip: The colors shine brightest in the late afternoon. Remember your camera and some water.
Apostle Islands Ice Caves, WI
This one’s a real doozy in more ways than one. To start with, these ice caves look like something straight out of a fantasy novel with their shimmering icicles, frozen chambers, and glowing ice walls sculpted by nature. But here’s the kicker: access depends entirely on Lake Superior freezing solid, which rarely happens anymore. The last time conditions allowed safe access was in 2015, so it’s become a rare event.
- Best time to visit: Winter, but only if the lake freezes solid enough for safe access
- Nearest airport: Duluth International Airport (DLH)
- How to get there: Drive to Bayfield, Wisconsin
- Pro tip: Watch for local park announcements and ice condition reports. If you ever get lucky enough to visit when it opens, drop everything and go. It’s that spectacular and you may not get another chance.
Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Descending into Carlsbad feels like walking into a fantasy film set. We would not blame you if you expect to bump into an orc around the corner! Because that’s how otherworldly they look! The caverns stretch endlessly underground, with bizarre formations and echoing silence that’s more calming than creepy.
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Nearest airport: El Paso International Airport (ELP)
- How to get there: Two-and-a-half-hour drive from El Paso
- Pro tip: Take the Natural Entrance trail on your way down. The elevator is fine, but the slow descent feels like an adventure.
Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, NM
No trails, no signs, no crowds. Just strange rock formations and a desolate beauty that feels like you’ve been transported to another planet. It’s one of the most underrated desert landscapes in the country. It’s not just about the rock formation; keep your eye out for petrified trees, animal tracks of deer, and wild mustangs.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall
- Nearest airport: Four Corners Regional Airport (FMN) or Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
- How to get there: Drive from Farmington, New Mexico
- Pro tip: Bring offline maps, extra water, and a good sense of direction. It’s easy to get turned around.
Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree, CA
You know, those funny dancing cacti toys? They ain’t a patch on what you’ll find at Cholla Cactus Garden. These cacti aren’t just cute – they glow like they’ve been plugged in when the light hits them at the right angle. Sunrise and sunset are pure magic here.
- Best time to visit: Spring or golden hour year-round
- Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- How to get there: Forty-five-minute drive from Palm Springs
- Pro tip: Look, don’t touch. The spines are clingy and unforgiving.
Valley of Fire State Park, NV
Bright red rocks, ancient petroglyphs, and landscapes that look like a Martian backdrop. Valley of Fire delivers the drama without the crowds of the national parks. The colors and patterns in the rocks are amazing. The petroglyphs are interesting, and the designs that were carved into the rock are captivating. Valley of Fire is quite close to Vegas.
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Nearest airport: Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS)
- How to get there: One-hour drive from Las Vegas
- Pro tip: The Fire Wave trail is short but stunning. Carry extra water, even on cooler days.
Thor’s Well, OR Coast
Let’s get one thing straight – if you’re expecting Chris Hemsworth, you might just be disappointed. But if you aren’t quite a treat awaits. Thor’s Well is a swirling hole on the coastline that appears to drain the sea. It’s mesmerizing to watch and makes for jaw-dropping photos – from a safe distance.
- Best time to visit: Winter storms for drama, low tide for safety
- Nearest airport: Eugene Airport (EUG)
- How to get there: Drive to Cape Perpetua via Highway 101
- Pro tip: Never turn your back to the ocean here. It’s wild, unpredictable, and a little moody.
Antelope Island, UT
Antelope Island is one of those places that feels like it shouldn’t exist. You’ve got bison herds roaming freely, a salty desert landscape that turns otherworldly at golden hour, and surreal reflections on the Great Salt Lake that look like they’ve been Photoshopped. It’s quiet, peaceful, and oddly hypnotic.
- Best time to visit: Spring or fall
- Nearest airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- How to get there: One-hour drive from Salt Lake City
- Pro tip: Summer brings intense bugs. Trust us — spring and fall are your best bet.
Horseshoe Bend, AZ
A sweeping curve carved by the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend is one of those places that feels unreal even when you’re standing right in front of it. The red rock walls drop dramatically to reveal water that looks almost too perfect to be natural. You’ve seen the photos, yes – but show up at the right time, and it’s a whole different experience.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset
- Nearest airport: Page Municipal Airport (PGA)
- How to get there: Short hike from a parking area just outside Page, Arizona
- Pro tip: Bring a wide-angle lens and water. The trail is short but completely exposed to the sun.
Badlands National Park, SD
Striking rock formations, layered cliffs, and sweeping views that seem to go on forever. The Badlands are wild in every sense, with rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and a quiet kind of beauty that sneaks up on you. It’s not polished or postcard-pretty, but that’s exactly the charm.
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Nearest airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
- How to get there: One-hour drive from Rapid City
- Pro tip: The Notch Trail is a must-do. It’s short, steep, and rewards you with unforgettable views.
Lava Beds National Monument, CA
This is where geology gets weird in the best way, with lava tube caves, jagged volcanic rock, and a landscape that feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Above ground, the terrain is stark and dramatic. Below ground, it’s an entire world of tunnels, chambers, and complete silence.
- Best time to visit: Spring or early fall
- Nearest airport: Klamath Falls Airport (LMT)
- How to get there: One-and-a-half-hour drive from Klamath Falls
- Pro tip: Bring a headlamp and gloves. The lava rock can be rough, and phone flashlights won’t cut it.
Zebra Slot Canyon, UT
Tucked away in the Escalante region, Zebra Slot Canyon feels like nature’s abstract art gallery. The narrow canyon walls are striped in soft pinks and reds, curving and twisting just enough to make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a painting. Smaller and quieter than Antelope Canyon but just as unforgettable.
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall
- Nearest airport: Page Municipal Airport (PGA) or St. George Regional Airport (SGU)
- How to get there: Drive to Escalante, Utah and hike in
- Pro tip: Avoid visiting after rain. This area is prone to flash floods and not worth the risk.
No matter which surreal corner of the U.S. you choose to explore, the journey should be just as smooth as the destination is stunning. If you’re driving or flying in, don’t forget to sort out your parking ahead of time!
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
