Travel and Leisure reports a new study that designates Sedona, Arizona as the country’s top “hidden gem”:
Social media has revolutionized travel, making it easier than ever to uncover hidden gems worldwide and explore off-the-beaten-path locales. The term “hidden gem” may have become somewhat diluted, but a recent study by Bounce suggests there are still plenty waiting to be discovered, including one right in plain sight in Arizona.
Bounce conducted a study to identify hidden gem attractions globally, utilizing TripAdvisor reviews and Google search data. Initially compiling a list of 180 attractions and landmarks in the U.S. and the United Kingdom from various online articles, they then analyzed global Google search volumes for each location from January to December 2023. All data was standardized as of January 23, 2024.
While categorizing the data by U.S. states and U.K. cities with the most hidden gems, Bounce also highlighted the most “popular” hidden gems. Despite the apparent contradiction, this designation reflects the number of searches for a specific state paired with the term “hidden gem.” According to Bounce, the top-ranked hidden gem in America is Sedona, Arizona.
“Sedona, Arizona, emerged as the most popular hidden gem in the U.S. for 2023, garnering an impressive 4.7 million Google searches throughout the year,” Bounce revealed. The town’s stunning red rock landscapes, lush pine forests, and mild climate contribute to its popularity as a sought-after destination.
Visitors are drawn not only to Sedona’s natural beauty but also to its intriguing vortices, which epitomize the essence of hidden gems. Described by Visit Sedona as “swirling centers of energy conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration,” these sites offer a unique experience of vitality. While numerous resources exist to guide visitors to these vortices, discovering the ideal spot to harness their energy remains an individual quest.
Joining Sedona on the list is Mackinac Island, Michigan, securing the second spot with its distinctive car-free lifestyle, necessitating travel by snowmobile in winter and by horse, bike, or foot year-round. Chattanooga, Tennessee, claims the third position, boasting natural splendor akin to Sedona’s allure.
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