The United States boasts an abundance of breathtaking destinations, each with its unique charm. However, many of the well-known spots have become magnets for crowds and can be heavy on the wallet. That’s where the concept of USA destination dupes steps in – offering fantastic alternatives to the more popular travel hotspots. While these dupes may not mirror their famous counterparts precisely, they share a multitude of similarities and, often, even outshine them in affordability. I’m not advocating against visiting the renowned destinations, but if budget constraints or proximity are factors, exploring these alternatives could be your ticket to an equally mesmerizing experience. These hidden gems typically come with more budget-friendly entrance fees, accommodations, and a lot less hustle, making them enticing alternatives for travelers.
Usa Destination Dupes
These alternatives offer unique experiences, steering you away from crowded and pricey mainstream spots. While not identical replicas, these hidden gems share a similar experience with their more popular counterparts.
Providence Canyon Instead Of Bryce Canyon
If you’re seeking an alternative to Bryce Canyon with a similar vibe but less crowded and more budget-friendly, Providence Canyon State Park is a great choice. Often referred to as the “Little Grand Canyon,” it boasts 15 orange-hued canyons that resemble Bryce Canyon but on a much smaller scale. While it lacks Bryce’s famous hoodoos, Providence Canyon offers unique formations and covers 1109 acres, attracting around 300,000 visitors annually. Like Bryce Canyon, you can explore the canyons by walking down in them or stroll along the rim.
Some main differences between the two parks are size, number of visitors, and the fact that Bryce Canyon has its famous hoodoos.
We explored Providence Canyon a few years after visiting Bryce Canyon and loved every second of it. It’s a lot smaller and less crowded. While there were other people there, we basically had the canyons to ourselves which was nice. You will not get that same quiet experience at Bryce Canyon National Park. My family will agree that Bryce Canyon is far superior, but this is a great alternative with a similar feel.
Learn more about Providence Canyon State Park
Bryce Canyon Vs. Providence Canyon At A Glance
| Bryce Canyon National Park | Providence Canyon State Park | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | Yes, on a leash |
| Cost | $35 | $5 |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Visitor Center, Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May | September to May |
| Activities | Hiking | Hiking |
| Size | 35,835 acres | 1,109 acres |
| # of Yearly Visitors | 2 million | 300,000 |
Bonneville Salt Flats Instead Of Badwater Basin
Both Bonneville Salt Flats and Badwater Basin provide similar views of white salt flats with mountains in the distance. However, there are some differences between them. Bonneville Salt Flats sprawls across a whopping 30,000 acres in Utah and you can drive on it, an experience that you will not find at Badwater Basin. Death Valley National Park, home of Badwater Basin, draws in over 1 million visitors a year. And at 200 square miles, Badwater Basin can get pretty crowded.
Bonneville Salt Flats is truly a unique experience. Even though our trip to Badwater Basin was more recent than Bonneville Salt Flats, our kids will forever remember their time a Bonneville Salt Flats. Probably because we let them drive, but hey, you can’t do that at Badwater Basin.
Badwater Basin Vs. Bonneville Salt Flats At A Glance
| Badwater Basin | Bonneville Salt Flats | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | Yes, on a leash |
| Cost | $30 | FREE, if no special events are happening |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | None |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May | Year round |
| Activities | Hiking, Scenic Viewpoints | Racing Events |
| Size | 200 square miles | 30,000 acres |
Kanarra Falls Instead Of The Narrows
Kanarra Falls and The Narrows share similarities in their stunning slot canyon formations and unique hiking experiences. Both trails involve hiking through narrow canyons with towering walls and rivers, providing a sense of adventure and natural beauty.
However, there are some differences worth noting. Kanarra Falls has a permit system to prevent overcrowding and beautiful waterfalls inside the slot canyon. The Narrows, located in Zion National Park, doesn’t offer either of those and is prone to crowds.
I must admit that we have not experienced The Narrows hike. We tried, and unfortunately the water level was too high for our young son at the time. However, we did see crowds of people in the water starting the hike.
However, we did sucessfully complete the Kanarra Falls hike and it was incredible. We saw maybe 2 people along our hike. It was so peaceful and stunning! Kanarra Falls is by far the best hike we have ever done and we have done a lot of awesome hikes.
Learn more about Kanarra Falls
The Narrows VS Kanarra Falls At A Glance
| The Narrows | Kanarra Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | No |
| Cost | $35 | $15 per person |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Summer, Early Fall | April – October |
| Activities | Hiking | Hiking |
| Trail Length | 16 miles (all slot canyon) | 4 miles |
Red River Gorge Instead Of Arches National Park
Believe it or not, Red River Gorge has 150 natural arches and the only place in the United States with more arches is Arches National Park which has an impressive 2,000 arches!
In Red River Gorge, you’ll encounter impressive sandstone arches and natural bridges, reminiscent of the iconic arches found in Arches National Park.
Furthermore, both destinations offer a variety of hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in nature. Both Red River Gorge and Arches National Park provide opportunities for outdoor adventures, whether you’re interested in hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
While the arches differ in color and look, the overall experience of being surrounded by natural arches makes Red River Gorge in Kentucky comparable to Arches National Park.
These places are different, but if you want to see natural arches then Red River Gorge doesn’t dissapoint. We enjoyed our short time at Red River Gorge and want to go back. Some of their hikes are unique and fun and the arches were impressive too.
Learn more about Red River Gorge
Arches National Park Vs. Red River Gorge At A Glance
| Arches National Park | Red River Gorge | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | Yes, on a leash |
| Cost | $30 | FREE |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring, Fall | April to November |
| Activities | Hiking, Arches | Hiking, Arches |
| Size | 76,519 acres | 29,000 acres |
Smith Rocks Misery Trail Instead Of Angels Landing
If you’re seeking an exhilarating hiking alternative to Angels Landing in Zion National Park, Misery Trail in Smith Rock State Park unique option. Both hikes are similar in their challenging and rewarding hiking experiences.
Misery Trail and Angels Landing offers thrilling adventures full of switchbacks, narrow paths, steep ascents, and stunning views.
While specific landscapes may differ, the shared elements make Misery Trail a great destination dupe for Angels Landing.
Learn more about Smith Rock
Angels Landing Vs. Misery Trail At A Glance
| Angels Landing | Misery Trail | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | Yes, on a leash |
| Cost | $35 | $5 |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Visitor Center, Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring, Fall | Spring, Fall |
| Activities | Hiking | Hiking |
| Trail Legnth | 5.4 miles | 3.6 miles |
Cathedral Caverns Instead Of Mammoth Cave
Cathedral Caverns is an excellent alternative to Mammoth Cave for several reasons. Both offer impressive underground experiences, making them popular choices for cave enthusiasts like yourself.
Like Mammoth Cave, Cathedral Caverns features remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. The world’s largest stalagmite, Goliath, measures 45 ft. tall and 243 ft. in circumference and can be found at Cathedral Caverns.
Both caves provide guided tours, allowing you to learn about the geological history and interesting features of the underground world. These guided experiences offer educational insights into the formations, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the caves.
With its impressive formations, informative tours, and the giant Goliath stalagmite, Cathedral Caverns promises a remarkable cave experience comparable to Mammoth Cave.
Again, we have not been to Mammoth Cave yet so I can’t say much about it. But we have visited other caves and Cathedral Caverns blew us away. It has a very interesting history, its absolutely stunning and our guided tour was so much fun. I’ve never been so engaged in a guided tour as I was at Cathedral Caverns.
Mammoth Cave Vs. Cathedral Caverns At A Glance
| Mammoth Cave | Cathedral Caverns | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | No |
| Cost | $8 + depending on the tour you choose | Adults $13, 5-11 yr olds $6 |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Visitor Center, Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Year round | Year-round |
| Activities | Cave Exploration | Cave Exploration |
| Tour Length | Varies | 90 minutes |
Shawnee National Forest Instead Of Great Smoky Mountains
Aside from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park being nestled in the Appalachian mountains, it shares very similar landscapes with Shawnee National Forest. They both have waterfalls, beautiful overlooks with panoramic views, dense forests, and plenty of hiking trails.
However, Shawnee National Forest distinguishes itself by being less traveled compared to the popular and often crowded Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also more affordable and has some very unique things to see like Stone Face, Cave in Rock, and the Little Grand Canyon Hike.
The only real difference between the two places is that Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in a mountain giving a different vibe. However, the landscapes between the two are very similar.
We love both places, but we don’t love crowds or touristy traps. We would choose Shawnee National Forest over Great Smoky Mountains everytime.
Learn more about Shawnee National Forest
Great Smoky Mountains Vs. Shawnee National Forest At A Glance
| Great Smoky Mountains | Shawnee National Forest | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | No | Yes |
| Cost | FREE | FREE |
| Facilities | Visitor Center, Bathrooms | Very Few Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Fall, Summer | Spring, Fall |
| Activities | Hiking | Hiking |
| Size | 522,427 acres | 289,000 acres |
Fire Wave Instead Of The Wave
In Valley of Fire National Park, Fire Wave Trail makes a perfect destination dupe to The Wave. They both share similarities in their stunning landscapes. Both destinations feature deep red and orange rock formations with unique patterns in them.
While The Wave requires a permit obtained through a lottery system, Fire Wave Trail offers a more accessible option for those seeking a similar experience without the challenges of the permit lottery. The simplicity of access to Fire Wave makes it a great alternative.
The Fire Wave is incredibly small in comparison to The Wave. While they are different, I imediately thought of The Wave when I saw Fire Wave.
The Wave Vs. Fire Wave At A Glance
| The Wave | Fire Wave | |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Friendly | Yes, must be on the permit | Yes |
| Cost | $9 application fee plus $7 if you win the lottery | $15 |
| Facilities | at Trailhead | Visitor Center, Bathrooms |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring, Fall | October to April |
| Activities | Hiking | Hiking |
| Trail Length | 6.7 miles | 1.3 miles |
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this journey through USA destination dupes, we hope you’ve found inspiration in these alternatives that offer a fresh perspective on familiar places. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply daydreaming of new adventures, keep these budget-friendly destinations in mind.
We encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, and even your own destination dupes with our community in the comments below. Have you discovered a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight? Do you have tips for fellow travelers seeking alternatives? Your insights can spark new adventures for others.
Travel is not just about the places; it’s about the stories we create, the connections we make, and the shared joy of discovery. So, let’s continue this conversation—inspire, and be inspired.
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