This post was updated on February 7, 2025. 

It’s not easy to define “hidden gem”­—especially when what constitutes one depends on the eye of the beholder.

So that’s where we’ll start: Hidden gems are subjective. What’s mysterious to a newcomer might feel like old news to a longtime resident. A sight that appears mundane to one person could spark excitement and glee in someone else with a distinct passion. Even places that seem humdrum at some point may later become intriguing, buried treasures that come into view as our own interests grow and evolve.

Perhaps the solution is not to assign a singular definition but to embrace the idea that hidden-gem status changes from individual to individual—and there are many ways to understand the phrase. For our insider guide, we do just that, focusing on a variety of interpretations, from the literal to the more abstract. These 45 things to see and do are intended to kindle a sense of curiosity and discovery in your own backyard, no matter how you define hidden gem.