Traveling internationally is a treat, and exploring other cultures can be incredibly rewarding. But long and expensive plane rides aren’t always possible with busy schedules and tight budgets. Fortunately, there are several locations right here in the United States that make you feel like you’re far, far away from home. Across the States, there are destinations with landscapes, cultures, and architecture that can make you feel as if you’ve stepped into another country.
Solvang, California – A Taste of Denmark
Tucked in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang feels like a little slice of Denmark. With its windmills, half-timbered houses, and bakeries serving buttery aebleskiver (Danish pancake balls), the town is as charming as a European village. Beyond the aesthetics, Solvang offers wineries, museums, and festivals that celebrate its Danish heritage.
St. Augustine, Florida – A Spanish Getaway
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine carries a distinctly European flair. Cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos give it a Mediterranean vibe. Wander through the old town, enjoy tapas-inspired restaurants, and you might forget you’re in Florida at all.
Hana, Hawaii – Like Another World
Though part of the U.S., Hawaii often feels worlds away. Drive the famous Road to Hana on Maui and you’ll discover lush rainforests, black-sand beaches, and waterfalls around every bend. The tropical scenery, combined with Hawaii’s rich Polynesian culture, makes Hana a destination that feels both remote and deeply spiritual.
Leavenworth, Washington – A Bavarian Escape
Leavenworth is a quirky alpine village tucked in the Cascade Mountains. Modeled after a Bavarian town, it’s filled with beer gardens, German restaurants, and chalet-style buildings. In winter, with snow-dusted rooftops and Christmas markets, it could easily pass for a mountain town in southern Germany or Austria.
Taos, New Mexico – A Glimpse of Old Mexico
With its adobe buildings, vibrant art scene, and Native American heritage, Taos blends cultures in a way that feels far from the typical U.S. landscape. The centuries-old Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, connects visitors to traditions that predate European settlement, while the surrounding desert landscapes evoke northern Mexico.
From Bavarian villages to tropical coasts, the U.S. is full of places that transport you to another world. These underrated spots can make you feel like you’re traveling internationally without the long and expensive flights. Sometimes, the feeling of being abroad is closer than you think, even waiting just a state or two away.
