Wondering which places in the USA are worth adding to your bucket list? Look no further!
We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in the USA, so you don’t have to.
Let’s dive into these amazing American adventures!
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
We can’t start this list otherwise but with the Grand Canyon in Arizona, a natural jewel carved by the Colorado River.
Grand Canyon offers you impressive scenery, hiking trails such as the Bright Angel Trail and the Rim Trail and the opportunity to get a unique perspective through a helicopter ride. The Grand Canyon is approximately 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep.
The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November, but if you prefer cooler weather, the Grand Canyon South Rim is open all year round. You can find accommodation in Jacob Lake, Tusayan but also inside the Grand Canyon National Park.
2. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, primarily located in Wyoming (with parts in Montana and Idaho), is renowned for being the first national park worldwide, since the 1st of March 1872. This park is famous for its geothermal wonder like the Old Faithful geyser, diverse wildlife, and hot springs like the Grand Prismatic Spring.
You can spend a minimum of three days here, enjoying hiking trails, wildlife, and ranger programs. The park is open at its full potential during summer but you can visit it all year round. Accommodation is available within Yellowstone National Park but also nearby at Gardiner or West Yellowstone.
3. Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park in California is known for its giant sequoias and tourist spots like El Capitan, Tunnel View or Half Dome, and the Yosemite Falls.
Weather is an essential factor to consider when you plan your visit to Yosemite Park because the giant sequoias require a hike, so don’t plan it during rainy or snowy conditions.
During the summer you can make the most out of Tuolumne Meadows and Tioga Road and everything this National Park offers. You can find accommodation inside the park if you book it early or close by at El Portal or Mariposa.
Related: 8 Best Yosemite Tours From San Francisco
4. Maui, Hawaii
This island in the Central Pacific is one of the most charming Hawaiian spots. Maui takes you into a world of waterfalls and rainforests but also clear beaches and inviting tropical weather.
Enjoy a romantic sunrise from the Haleakalā National Park and the soft sand of Kaanapali Beach! Add a drive on the scenic road to Hana to enjoy the excitement of one-lane bridges and over 600 switchbacks.
You can find accommodation for all budgets and join specific Hawaiian activities like hula lessons!
5. Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
The narrow passageways of Antelope Canyon offer you a natural spectacle as they are illuminated by sun rays. Find this canyon near the Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, on Navajo tribal lands, and be ready to take pictures. Note that you will need a certified guide to explore these passageways.
The Horseshoe Bend in Arizona is not about horses but about the Colorado River which resembles the shape of a horseshoe. The trail is about one and a half miles long and offers great views to the left and right.
6. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains is both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This natural oasis invites you to explore its trails and wildlife as well as the fishing and horseback riding activities. You can also find the Appalachian trail in this region.
Find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and explore trails like Clingman Dome and Alum Cave. You can end your day at an accommodation in Gatlinburg or Cherokee.
7. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, Bear Bar Harbor in Maine awaits you with serene lakes, rocky shores, and charming, coastal sites. You can enjoy a majestic sunrise from Cadillac Mountain and have your adventure by exploring the Precipice Trail.
This 47,000-acre national park allows you to bike through roads that were historically meant for carriages. The best time to visit is during the summer, but spring and autumn can also offer you some breathtaking views!
8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is just outside Denver, at a half an hour’s drive. Discover the 12,000 elevation and charming 355 hiking trails. If you like fishing, there are over 50 lakes where you can relax and catch some. Ridge Road is a trail renowned for its high altitude and breathtaking scenery.
You can visit the Rocky Mountains all year and even camp in the park. Note that in the cold season, temperatures can drop below freezing, and the higher you hike, the greater the risk of encountering blizzards. You can also find accommodation at nearby hotels, including the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s novel ‘The Shining.’
9. Black Hills, South Dakota
The Black Hills in South Dakota offers you the perfect mix of natural beauty and history. Mount Rushmore displays the presidential sculptures, and nearby, you can visit the notable Crazy Horse Memorial, which honors the Lakota Sioux leader Crazy Horse.
Late spring and summer offer perfect conditions for hiking and exploring the hills. During the cold season, many trails might be closed but you can still take in the beauty of the region.
10. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona, due to its red rock formations. Here you will find an oasis of artistic activities and meditation. You can enjoy the area through jeep tours or hiking and snap one awesome photograph after another.
The best spots to see the charming rock formations are the Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Red Rock. The Devil’s Bridge Trail will culminate with a sandstone arch that will make your hike worth it. Book this Stargazing tour while you are here because Sedona is known as an International Dark Sky Community!
11. Everglades National Park, Florida
In Florida, you’ll find the Everglades National Park, an impressive ecosystem with rich wildlife like alligators, the Florida panther, various bird species, and manatees
If you want to dive into the untamed beauty of the region, try a kayak or airboat tour. May to November is the wet season when high temperatures meet humidity so make sure to check the weather daily for afternoon thunderstorms.
12. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion is Utah’s first national park, with stunning views wherever you turn. Pink, red, and cream sandstone cliffs charm you as you explore this region, which is enriched by its geological history and cultural significance, including ancient Native American sites and pioneer heritage.
Enjoy Zion Canyon from Angels Landing, which is a hiking trail for intermediate or experienced hikers. Discover the narrowest passageway of Zion Canyon by taking the Narrows trail, which is more beginner-friendly.
The wildlife will charm you with unique bird species, mule deer, and bighorn sheep, which you can observe best during the morning hours.
13. Glacier National Park, Montana
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the best places to visit in the USA for nature lovers. There are over 130 lakes, charming waterfalls, and more than 700 miles of hiking trails. Plus, you get to admire the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road will offer you some of the best views of the mountains during a 50-mile drive. The rich wildlife of Glacier National Park includes moose, mountain goats, and grizzly bears. You can enjoy the ancient glaciers on foot or by car and create memorable experiences.
14. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is notorious for its unique irregular rock columns, known as hoodoos. A four-hour drive from Salt Lake City will take you to this stunning destination and discover the natural art that appeared as a result of erosion and front. Also, in 2019, the Bryce Canyon National Park was titled an International Dark Sky Park as it offers plenty of spots for stargazing.
If you want to explore the hoodoos, the Fairyland Loop trail is for you, although it can be a challenging trail for beginners. The easier Rim Trail allows you to take stunning pictures of the canyon.
15. Arches National Park, Utah
If you are in Utah, you can’t miss out on the Arches National Park either. This park is located on the eastern side of the state and awaits you with over 2000 stone arches, the largest of its kind in the world. The mix of red rock formations and desert scenes make for a captivating experience in this park.
The Delicate Arch is one of the most popular arches, photographed by tourists from all over the world. The other charming arches known worldwide are the Landscape Arch and the Double Arch which are connected. If you are into hiking, this park offers all types of trails for both beginners and experts.
Visit the Arches National Park during the spring and autumn best to stay away from the heat of the summer.
16. Niagara Falls, New York
We can’t skip Niagara Falls in New York from the list of best places to visit in the USA. It marks the border between the United States and Canada and can be visited from both sides. The American side consists of three gorgeous waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Every second, over 3,160 tons of water flow, creating a majestic view.
You can experience Niagara Falls from the Observation Tower, Maid of the Mist boat tour, and Cave of the Winds walkway. And you will find plenty of attractions, shops are museums in its vicinity so this is a full-day trip.
17. Big Sur, California
California is home to Big Sur, with dramatic cliffs and the best ocean views. Driving in Big Sur is an experience by itself as it takes you through beautiful coastal scenery. You can admire the Santa Lucia Mountains on one side while enjoying the ocean breeze coming from the other side.
Among the highlights of this area are Bixby Creek Bridge, Pfeiffer Beach (purple sand beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in California) and McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.
We have series of posts to help you plan a perfect trip to Big Sur:
18 Things To Do In Big Sur That You Can’t Miss
Where To Stay In Big Sur? (10 Best Hotels)
Glamping In Big Sur: 20 Incredible Ideas
Discover the Best Big Sur Restaurants: Insider Tips on Where to Eat in Big Sur
18. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah
Right at the border between Arizona and Utah, you will find the Monument Valley with its charming sandstone formations. You most likely saw these sandstone clusters in different films and photographs as a feature of American West beauty.
The Monument Valley hosts monoliths that reach up to 1000 feet. It is also worth checking out the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park for a better understanding of the local history and culture. September is the best month of the year for visiting this area, as the temperatures are still warm and you get to enjoy every aspect of it. However, this is also the most crowded month.
19. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada
Death Valley National Park, splitting Nevada from California is not for everyone. But if you don’t mind (and enjoy high temperatures), you will appreciate an adventure here. This is the lowest national park in the US and temperatures can reach 120 degrees F during summer peaks. It is one of the hottest and driest places in the United States, offering a unique and extreme environment unlike any other in the country.
Here you will find the Badwater Basin, which is North America’s lowest point at 282 feet below sea level. Also, the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes offer an out-of-this-world view of golden sands, while Dante’s View provides the perfect spot for a panoramic perspective of the valley.
20. Denali National Park, Alaska
Last but not least on the list of best places to visit in the USA comes the Denali National Park in the cold area of Alaska. This is the highest peak in North America, reaching 20, 310 feet. The Denali National Park spreads over six million acres and features unique ecosystems and wild land. Alpine tundra, taiga forests, and wildlife including wolves, grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and other species await you to observe them.
Denali Park Road is the only road through the park but it gives you a full experience of the area. Here you can have a rewarding hike on the Denali peak, enjoy dog sledding activities, and connect with nature through.
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