How to Explore Hidden Gems When Traveling by Road

Road trips are one of the most rewarding ways to uncover places most travelers never see. Not surprisingly, their popularity is surging, and the reasons go beyond flexibility and cost savings. According to Talker Research, holiday travel trends in 2025 were dominated by road trips. Data showed that more than half of Americans (57%) loved them for the sense of adventure they offer.

Instead of rushing from one big-city attraction to the next, driving lets you slow down. You can follow your curiosity and wander off the main highway. Many times, small detours can lead to pleasant surprises like a family‑run café, a quiet lakeside picnic spot, or a viewpoint with no tour buses in sight. 

So, how do you find these hidden gems along your route? A bit of smart research, some flexibility, local conversations, and an openness to scenic back roads can do the trick. With this approach, you can transform an ordinary drive into a journey filled with hidden gems.

Research Before Starting Off

Research gives you a head start when it comes to finding hidden gems on a road trip. Do a quick “hidden gems sweep” for your route using local blogs, Reddit threads, and regional tourism sites. These sources often spotlight lesser‑known attractions beyond classic guidebooks. 

Google Maps has a helpful new feature that finds these offbeat and fun places along your route. The best part is that you can use this feature to get suggestions for interesting local stops and save time when planning your drives. Search things like “hidden gems near me,” “small towns to stop between [city A] and [city B],” and “scenic drives near me” for relevant results.

Map tools let you zoom in along your rough route, clicking on parks, viewpoints, small museums, farm shops, and lakes. Look for ones with good reviews, and consider them as potential stops. Apps like Roadtrippers can automatically surface unusual attractions, historic sites, and scenic detours along your path.

Be Well-Prepared 

Preparation gives you the freedom to detour confidently without worrying about basics like fuel, safety, or where you will sleep. A well-maintained vehicle is the first thing you should have on your checklist. 

According to Consumer Reports, you must check the tire pressure and tread to ensure there are no visible signs of damage and wear. Wiper blades should be replaced if older than 6 months. Also, a professional check is recommended to ensure road-readiness. 

This is even more important for travelers planning unexpected detours to seek hidden gems, as they may need to traverse rough roads. Also, pack a simple “road trip kit” with water, snacks, a first‑aid kit, and a power bank. Carry offline maps, paper copies of key bookings, and layers for changing weather so that unexpected side roads feel inviting, not stressful.

Download offline maps for your full route and surrounding areas, specifically if you plan to explore rural or mountainous regions where the signal can drop. Set up your navigation app preferences in advance to avoid tolls, allow unpaved roads, and pick scenic options if available. You will not have to fiddle with settings while driving.

Explore Scenic Routes

Highways are efficient for road tripping, but you will find more character and views on secondary roads and designated scenic byways. Before you leave, look up “scenic drives” or “back roads” for your region. You can plan to shift to smaller roads for at least one section each day, even if it adds an hour.

Let us consider an example of a road trip to Cleveland, Ohio. AAA shares a list of popular destinations and hidden gems in and around this area. Despite what the region offers, a high number of traffic fatalities here is a reason to worry. Axios notes that Cleveland witnessed more than 600 people walking or biking being hit by cars in 2024. Accidents may happen when you take a lesser-known route, and a Cleveland car accident lawyer can help.

Piscitelli Law Firm highlights the rights of victims under the personal injury law. However, it is important to be vigilant when exploring hidden gems, as caution can prevent accidents. Use planners and navigation tools that emphasize scenery, yet provide insights into the safety status of the roads. 

Embrace Flexibility

The best thing about road trips is the freedom and flexibility they offer. Although you start with a route in mind, you can always change it as you go. When you want to explore hidden gems, flexibility should be a priority. Avoid rigid schedules and steer clear of the “sticking to plans” mindset from the outset. 

Build “white space” into your schedule by planning shorter daily driving distances than you think you can handle. Instead of filling every hour with fixed stops, choose a few anchors and treat everything else as optional. Also, be open to asking locals for quick recommendations along the way. 

When something catches your eye, allow yourself to pull over safely and explore. It could be a roadside sign, a local market, a river access, or a small detour signposted as a viewpoint. Many true hidden gems are not famous online; they are places you stumble upon because you were willing to deviate from the fastest route.

FAQs

Why should you talk to locals during a road trip?

Locals are often the best “search engine” for hidden gems, especially in small towns. You can ask people who see many travelers, such as baristas, gas‑station staff, campground hosts, and hotel receptionists. They can guide you about where they go on a day off or which nearby spots they wish more visitors knew about.

What to do on a really long road trip? 

On very long days, think in “segments” of 60–90 minutes. Plan for short breaks designed around interesting stops rather than just rest areas. Use planned pauses for quick walks in small towns, viewpoints, or short trails so both your body and your mind reset regularly. Rotate roles if you are not traveling solo, so that everyone stays engaged and no one gets exhausted. 

How to avoid getting bored on a road trip?

Boredom fades when you interact more with your surroundings and less with just the speedometer. Treat the drive as part of the trip by setting small “quests,” such as finding the best local bakery, spotting a particular type of wildlife, or stopping in one town per day. Think beyond your original plan.

Exploring hidden gems on a road trip is less about ticking off famous sights and more about how you choose to travel. When you plan lightly, stay prepared, and deliberately leave room for detours, you create space for real discovery. Scenic back roads, small towns, and conversations with locals turn a simple drive into a string of memorable moments. The best road trip souvenirs are not things you buy, but the secret spots you find and the experiences you stumble upon together.