The 12 Most Unusual Off-the-Beaten-Path Places to Visit

Tired of the same old tourist traps? Looking to get off the beaten path and explore something different and unique? Look no further! We’ve got an amazing list of five unusual places to visit that will give you the perfect escape and a one-of-a-kind experience.

1. The Ghost Town of Bodie, California

One of the most unique places to visit in the United States is Bodie, California. This is a ghost town that was once a bustling gold-mining town. It’s now a State Historic Park but has been preserved in a state of arrested decay and gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the late 19th century. The town is full of old buildings, stores, and homes that are left in their original state. The town is also full of interesting stories, as it was once a wild and lawless place. Just remember to be respectful when visiting as this is a State Historic Park.

2. The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

The Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is one of the most interesting places to visit. This is a large salt flat that covers over 10,000 square kilometers and is the largest salt flat in the world. The area is filled with salt mounds, interesting rock formations, and a variety of wildlife. During the wet season, the area is covered with a thin layer of water which creates an amazing mirror effect that’s perfect for photography. It’s a stunning sight and definitely worth a visit.

3. The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is another unique place to visit. This is an area filled with 40,000 basalt columns that were created by a volcanic eruption over 50 million years ago. The columns have been naturally eroded by the sea and have created a stunning landscape full of interesting shapes and formations. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sea birds and seals. It’s an amazing sight to behold and definitely worth a visit.

4. The Catacombs of Paris, France

The Catacombs of Paris are one of the most unusual places to visit in Europe. This is an underground network of tunnels that were once used as a burial ground. The tunnels are filled with the remains of millions of people and are an eerie yet fascinating sight. It’s a great place to explore and learn about the history of Paris. Just remember to be respectful when visiting this unusual place.

5. The Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan

The Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan is another unique place to visit. This is a large crater that was created in 1971 when a drilling rig accidentally tapped into an underground gas pocket and the ground collapsed, creating the crater. The crater is still burning to this day and is often referred to as the “Door to Hell”. It’s an incredible sight to behold and definitely worth a visit.

6. The Abandoned Island of Gunkanjima, Japan

Gunkanjima, also known as “Hashima Island”, is an abandoned island off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan. The island was once a bustling coal mining town but was abandoned in 1974. It has since become a popular tourist attraction and is full of interesting abandoned buildings and structures. It’s an eerie yet fascinating place to explore and definitely worth a visit.

7. The Great Blue Hole in Belize

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is a large underwater sinkhole that was created by a collapsed limestone cave. The hole is over 300 meters wide and over 120 meters deep and is a popular spot for scuba divers. The walls of the hole are covered in colorful coral and other sea life, making it an amazing sight to behold. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for an underwater adventure.

8. The Fairy Pools of Scotland

The Fairy Pools of Scotland are a series of small pools and waterfalls located on the Isle of Skye. The pools are filled with crystal clear water and are surrounded by lush green landscape. It’s a stunning sight and perfect for a tranquil walk. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a peaceful escape.

9. The Darien Gap in Panama

The Darien Gap in Panama is a unique place to visit. This is an area of dense jungle that covers a narrow strip of land between Panama and Colombia. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and is full of lush green vegetation. It’s a great place to explore and experience the beauty of nature.

10. The Ice Hotel in Sweden

The Ice Hotel in Sweden is one of the most unique places to visit. This is a hotel made entirely out of ice and snow and is located in the village of Jukkasjarvi. The hotel is open from December to April and features a variety of interesting rooms, sculptures, and artwork made out of ice. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a unique and exciting experience.

11. The Red Beach in Panjin, China

The Red Beach in Panjin, China is one of the most unique places to visit. This beach is located in the Liaohe Delta and is covered in a unique type of red seaweed. The beach is a stunning sight and perfect for a peaceful stroll. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for an unusual experience.

12. The Desert of Kalahari in Botswana

The Desert of Kalahari in Botswana is a vast expanse of desert that covers over 90,000 square miles. The landscape is filled with interesting rock formations and is home to a variety of wildlife. It’s an amazing sight to behold and definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for an unusual adventure.

So there you have it! We’ve given you twelve unique places to visit that are off the beaten path. Whether you’re looking for an eerie adventure, a peaceful escape, or an underwater adventure, there’s something for everyone. We hope this list has inspired you to explore something different and unique. Happy travels!