South Carolina Has One of the Best Secret Parks in the U.S.
Sometimes, if something is really good, you want to keep it a secret. One South Carolina park is apparently so amazing that people are keeping it secret, because it’s one of the least-visited national parks in America. Maybe that won’t be the case after this new study gets out. Perhaps this is just what this park needs to get more visitors. It’s funny, because I’ve written about parks for a long time, and this park often tops best-of lists. Here’s the South Carolina park that’s one of the best secret parks in the U.S.
The National Park Service recently put out a report with its 2023 visitation numbers for 400 federally protected sites. The list included the least- and most-visited national parks in America. “While overall visitation continues to grow across America’s national parks, visitors are increasingly discovering opportunities in less well-known parks and during park off-seasons,” they state. However, travel to parks is going up. “Today, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022,” they stated.
Best Secret Parks in America
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the least-visited park, or we should say one of the best secret parks, in all of America. That spot had just 11,045 visits in 2023. The next few parks on the list are also from Alaska: Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska (16,728 visits) and Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska (17,616 visits). Next up is Michigan, with their Isle Royale National Park. Rounding out the top five is Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
So, where is South Carolina? We’re at No. 12 with Congaree National Park at 204,522 recreation visits. Congaree National Park’s beauty is “defined by the presence of both flood and flame,” the Park Service states in the report. For what it’s worth, the two most visited parks for 2023 were Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 13.297 million visits and Grand Canyon National Park at 4.73 million. Not a surprise at all. Find the full study here.
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.
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St. Croix
If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.
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Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.
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St. Thomas
St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.
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St. John
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.
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