South Carolina Has One of the Best Secret Parks in the U.S.

Sometimes, if something is really good, you want to keep it a secret. One South Carolina park is apparently so amazing that people are keeping it secret, because it's one of the least-visited national parks in America. Maybe that won't be the case after this new study gets out. Perhaps this is just what this park needs to get more visitors. It's funny, because I've written about parks for a long time, and this park often tops best-of lists. Here's the South Carolina park that's one of the best secret parks in the U.S.

The National Park Service recently put out a report with its 2023 visitation numbers for 400 federally protected sites. The list included the least- and most-visited national parks in America. "While overall visitation continues to grow across America's national parks, visitors are increasingly discovering opportunities in less well-known parks and during park off-seasons," they state. However, travel to parks is going up. "Today, the National Park Service announced that 400 national parks reported a total of 325.5 million recreation visits in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022," they stated.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska is the least-visited park, or we should say one of the best secret parks, in all of America. That spot had just 11,045 visits in 2023. The next few parks on the list are also from Alaska: Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska (16,728 visits) and Kobuk Valley National Park in Alaska (17,616 visits). Next up is Michigan, with their Isle Royale National Park. Rounding out the top five is Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

So, where is South Carolina? We're at No. 12 with Congaree National Park at 204,522 recreation visits. Congaree National Park's beauty is “defined by the presence of both flood and flame,” the Park Service states in the report. For what it's worth, the two most visited parks for 2023 were Great Smoky Mountains National Park at 13.297 million visits and Grand Canyon National Park at 4.73 million. Not a surprise at all. Find the full study here.

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.