5 Ways to Discover Hidden Gems Near You

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If you’re planning a staycation this year, or simply need some time to yourself to explore, there’s plenty to discover in your backyard. Start to see your local town through the eyes of a tourist and you’ll find there are many magical and interesting places to investigate. You could learn more about local history or get back in touch with nature. It’s all about going slow, getting lost, and taking the scenic route. Here are five ways to discover hidden gems near you.

Get lost

You deserve to take some time for yourself to go and explore. If your busy schedule is always overplanned, why not simply go out and get lost? The best way to find hidden gems is sometimes not to look for them. Take a walk in a new area of your town or the countryside and you’ll come across sights you’ve never seen before. Be mindful and aware of your surroundings as you explore, and you might just surprise yourself. It’s a great way to engage your curiosity. 

Talk to the locals

Chat to the locals and find out where they like to eat, drink, or hang out. This way you’ll get more trustworthy recommendations rather than simply googling random ideas. There are several reasons to embrace eating locally. Show your support for local businesses, sample locally-sourced ingredients, and make friends with the local people. 

Get in touch with nature

Getting in touch with nature is the perfect way to disconnect from your stressful everyday life. Look for areas of natural beauty near you, the more secluded the better. Remember to stay safe if you’re going out exploring on your own. Pack a few essentials and keep your phone charged in case you get lost. Here are some more useful tips for exploring secret spots. 

Contact local history buffs

If you’re looking to learn more about your town’s history and culture, contact local history buffs. You can do this through forums online or social media. Ask around and see if anyone you know has a history buff friend. They will be able to tell you about historical hidden gems in your city. For example, if you live in Texas, visiting the historic missions is one of the most interesting things to do in san antonio, but you might have never considered it before. Find out what landmarks near you represent important moments in history.

Take the scenic route

In order to discover hidden gems, you need to be patient and take your time. It’s about the journey rather than the destination and what you might find on the way. Consider a road trip this year rather than flying somewhere. Travelling overland is the best way to enjoy the scenic route. You can make stops on the way and visit places off the beaten track. Be bold and adventurous on your next trip and look for more unconventional destinations. It’s not even necessary to go very far. You’ll be surprised what you can discover on your doorstep.