You know those places that feel so dreamlike that you ask yourself, "Did I just fall into a screensaver?" No? Well, that's probably because you've been visiting all those usual tourist traps. Let Way.com get you on the right track with the top 20 most surreal yet underrated places to visit in the U.S.
We're going to start with surreal places to visit in the U.S. because there's no place quite like home, is there? Add to that no passports or visas needed, and lo and behold, you have the recipe for a perfect getaway.
This geyser isn't something nature originally intended. In fact, a geothermal company's drilling caused this happy geothermal accident. The geyser has created a bunch of travertine terraces, making about 30 to 40 pools spread across 74 acres. The water from the geyser is full of thermophilic algae that thrive in hot, wet conditions, painting the surrounding rocks in vibrant shades of green and red. The result—a place that looks almost like it's desperately trying to be part of James Cameron's next movie.
Sheer drama. That's what the Great Sand Dunes are. Starkly beautiful desert dunes set against a backdrop of pretty, snow-capped mountains—not something you'll usually see in any popular places you'll visit in the U.S. It's part Sahara, part Colorado postcard, and entirely surreal.
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.
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. Way.com recommends you go to sunset and stay for a moonrise. Trust us—when you experience it, you'll understand why.
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.
This is nature's lava lamp, frozen forever in sandstone. It's, no doubt, one of the most mind-bending places to visit in the U.S. but also one of the hardest to access. First-timers might feel they've walked into a painting. 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.
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 a magical thing and transformed the trash into the smooth, colorful sea glass that now awes travelers, young and old.
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 near Keystone, South Dakota. 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.
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 these daily shifts, and that's why this is one of the most surreal places to visit in the U.S.
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.
Descending into Carlsbad feels like walking into a fantasy film set. Way.com would not blame you if you expect to bump into an orc around the corner, because that's how otherworldly the caverns look. They stretch endlessly underground, with bizarre formations and echoing silence that's more calming than creepy.
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.
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.
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 Las Vegas.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. It's smaller and quieter than Antelope Canyon but just as unforgettable.
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.
This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
