When it comes to adventure travel destinations in the U.S., the East Coast probably isn’t top of mind for most people. Even among outdoor enthusiasts, most bucket list space is reserved for the grandiose landscapes of Utah, Colorado, Washington, and California.

And while the crowds of visitors to these destination are understandable, most people have no idea how many places they’re overlooking back East. The East Coast is chock full of unique experiences, world-class outdoor recreation, charming towns, delicious food, and off-the-beaten-path locations.

Here are 5 underrated destinations on the East Coast to add to your travel bucket list right now!

1. Space Coast — Melbourne, Florida

I’m sure you’re thinking “wait a minute, the space coast is pretty well-known.” You’re not wrong. In fact, Cocoa Beach on the Eastern coast of Florida is a popular tourist spot. What’s underrated is everything underneath Cocoa Beach that most people don’t bother to see.

Most vacationers hang out on Cocoa Beach, visit Cape Canaveral, or head over to Disney World in Orlando (a short drive away). Those are great activities but there’s so much more to the Space Coast than that! For starters, there are a ton of natural areas with a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, fishing, and swimming. Not only that, Florida is home to some incredibly unique ecosystems where you’ll find rare plants and wildlife.

I highly recommend checking out the state parks like Sebastian Inlet, as well as the natural area preserves and wildlife refuges. In one afternoon at Sebastian Inlet State Park, I managed to spot several unique birds and swim with a wild dolphin! For food and drink, Intracoastal Brewing is a must if you enjoy beer. Foodies might like the eclectic variety of hot dogs at Mustards Last Stand, the rooftop bar at Pineapples, and the Burger Inn.

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2. Gwynn’s Island, Virginia

This tiny island off the coast of Virginia in the Chesapeake Bay is a total hidden gem. Located north of Virginia Beach just inside the Chesapeake Bay, it’s pretty easy for people to miss! Now, this definitely is not the destination for you if you’re looking for a fast-paced, party environment, but if you’re looking for beautiful scenery and a relaxed type of vibe, you’ll get it here!

Some activities that I highly recommend for your visit are kayaking or paddling around the island, visiting New Point Comfort Lighthouse (and paddling out to it if conditions allow), exploring the marshes and walking trails at Bethel Beach and Haven Beach, biking around the island, getting freshly caught seafood to cook (oysters are big here), and exploring downtown Mathews, Virginia. You absolutely have to try Southwind Pizza in Mathews. Their pizza is delicious, but they have quite an extensive menu with fresh local seafood. Hole in the Wall Waterfront Grill serves up great food with an equally great view, and Richardson’s Café is your typical American diner.

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3. Culpepper, Virginia

This is one of my favorite mountain towns in Virginia (and in general)! Its location near Shenandoah National Park’s Northern and Central Districts puts it within easy driving distance of several of my favorite hikes: Old Rag Mountain, Hazel Falls and Caves, Mary’s Rock, Stony Man Mountain, Hawksbill Mountain, Dark Hollow Falls, and Rose River Falls.

There’s nothing quite as good as hiking all day and then heading to a local brewery for some refreshing craft beer. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Culpepper where there are several local breweries! My favorite one by far is Far Gohn (pun intended), but they’re all great! There are some fantastic restaurants in town, too. You can’t go wrong with Grill 309 where you can order a burger on a donut bun. That’s where all that hiking to work up a hefty appetite comes in handy!

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4. Boone, North Carolina

I think this one is super easy to overlook because of its proximity to Asheville. Boone s a bustling mountain town similar to Asheville, but with a more local and chill feel. Perhaps one of the best features of Boone is that the Blue Rudge Parkway runs right through it.

It’s an exceptional place to be during the fall. Just look up the Linville viaduct! Visiting Grandfather Mountain State Park is a must too, whether you’re up for a hike to Macrae and/or Calloway Peaks, or an exhilarating walk across the mile-high suspension bridge. For hikers, a must-do trail right off the Blue Ridge Parkway is Rough Ridge. It’s fairly easy and rewards with big views of the parkway and surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Definitely grab brews and food afterward at Booneshine Brewing, which has a great outdoor space and overall cool atmosphere. Within the town of Boone, there are several great places to eat and shop local, and you’re within short driving distance of three ski resorts!

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5. Finger Lakes Region, New York

New York is so much more than NYC when it comes to travel! Though there are several underrated areas, so I have to put the Finger Lakes Region on your radar. First of all, the 11 lakes that make up the region (spread out like fingers) are incredibly clear and blue. Take your pick of cozy Airbnb’s right on the lakeshore where you can fish, swim, paddle, and star gaze to your heart’s content.

If you haven’t heard, the Finger Lakes Region has a wine trail and a beer trail, so it’s a great spot for a friends’ trip or bachelor/bachelorette party. One of my favorite places in the entire area is Watkins Glen State Park. You can hike through the gorge (or above it) to explore more than 19 individual waterfalls, some of which you can even walk behind! Most people would be surprised to learn how many waterfalls there actually are in this part of New York. I’d recommend a visit to Letchworth State Park, Ithaca Falls, Buttermilk Falls, and Robert Tremman State Park at minimum. Taughannock Falls is also one of the most beautiful falls in the Eastern U.S.!

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Kris Maria is a hiking and travel blogger based in the Washington, D.C., area. Visit her website, krismariawanders.com, for more East Coast adventure ideas