12 US Adventures That Belong on Every Bucket List
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The United States is such a vast country that many Americans choose not to leave the country to go on vacation. With so much on offer, we can’t say we blame them. America has everything from iconic cities like New York and San Francisco to glorious white sand beaches in Hawaii and picturesque national parks teeming with wildlife.
However, deciding where to go first can be challenging, with many exciting things to see and do. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find 12 things to do in the US before you die. We selected these entries because they are the things you’ll regret missing most.
Explore Central Park, New York City

We’ll kick things off with the world-famous Central Park in New York. Central Park is an enormous urban park located in central New York, between the Manhattan neighborhoods of the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. It became the first landscaped park in the United States when it opened in 1858.
Today, it’s a big hit with locals and tourists, who visit the park to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy the great outdoors, and visit popular attractions. There is much you need to see during a visit to Central Park. Notable points of interest include Belvedere Castle, the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, and Central Park Zoo.
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Visit Times Square at Night, New York City

According to the International Trade Administration, New York City is the most visited city in the United States, welcoming more than nine million visitors yearly. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many bucket list things to do are located in the Big Apple. Another must-see attraction in New York is Times Square.
Times Square is a famous commercial intersection, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan. It’s formed at the junction of 42nd Street, Seventh Avenue, and Broadway. The square is home to many theaters, bars, clubs, and restaurants but is best known for its bright lights. Seen best at night, the intersection’s famous photo spot features hundreds of glowing screens and a light show.
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Cycle in the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

One of the best ways to see Washington, D.C.’s landmarks is by cycling around the National Mall. For those who don’t know, the National Mall is a large landscaped park near Washington’s downtown area. It covers 309 acres (125 hectares) and is home to many of the city’s most iconic monuments.
In the National Mall, you can cycle past the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the U.S. Capitol Building, and more. Better yet, the White House lies at the park’s northern edge. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a pleasant cycle along the Potomac River, which borders the National Mall’s western side.
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Feel the Spray of Niagara Falls, New York State

Niagara Falls might not be the world’s tallest or most powerful waterfall, but it’s still undoubtedly one of the most famous. Spanning the border of New York State in America and Ontario in Canada, Niagara Falls is a breathtaking group of three waterfalls at the end of Niagara Gorge.
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The largest waterfall at Niagara Falls is Horseshoe Falls, standing at 188 feet (57 meters). The falls’ impressive water flow and natural beauty make it so special. However, how you can explore the falls is also a big draw. Tourists can take a boat trip on the Maid of the Mist to the base of the falls. Dressed in a poncho, you’ll get so close to the falls that you can feel its spray.
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Hike in the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Outdoor enthusiasts who love epic views, challenging hiking trails, and blood-pumping adventures must hike in the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime. This otherworldly destination is famed for its staggering natural rock formations. Distinguished by its layered red rock, the area is a geographical wonder begging to be explored.
The canyon is approximately 277 miles (445 kilometers) long and an average of 10 miles (16 kilometers) wide, so there are plenty of places to explore. The 8.8-mile (14-kilometer) long Bright Angel Trail is one of the Grand Canyon’s most popular trails. It’s well-maintained, relatively easy to walk, and offers incredible landscape views. Other popular activities in the Grand Canyon include helicopter tours, kayaking, and river rafting.
Read more: Unmissable American National Parks
Dance the Night Away at the Honky Tonk Highway, Nashville

If you love to party and you’re looking for more unique things to do in the United States, look no further than the Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville, Tennessee. Located on Lower Broadway, Honky Tonk Highway is a row of honky tonks (dance hall/bar) where music spills onto the streets 365 days a year.
Every night, Honky Tonk Highway comes to life with vibrant lights, a lively atmosphere, and exciting live country music. Topping things off nicely it doesn’t cost a thing. You can enjoy all the music free of charge, although you’ll have to buy your food and beverages. If you’ve always wanted to dance like a real-life cowboy, you don’t want to miss the Honky Tonk Highway.
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Road Trip Along Route 66, Central America

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With panoramic landscapes across canyons and deserts, scenic coastal roads with picturesque beaches, winding mountain passes, and national parks equipped with camping and RV facilities, the United States has long been a popular road-tripping destination. While there are many fascinating road trips to choose from, they don’t get bigger or more iconic than Route 66.
Route 66 covers more than 2,448 miles (3,340 kilometers) of American road. It starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends in Santa Monica, California. Aside from its sheer size, what makes this drive so unique is its diversity. You’ll pass dense forests, ghostly abandoned towns, and barren deserts. Popular attractions along Route 66 include Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Mojave Desert.
Read more: Top US Road Trips
Walk Along the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to San Francisco, the Golden City, make sure you include a walk along the Golden Gate Bridge on your itinerary. Built in 1933, the Golden Gate Bridge is a 744-foot (277-meter) tall and 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometer) long suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate.
The bright red bridge is one of the United States’ most famous landmarks, so you don’t want to miss it. It connects San Francisco to Marin County, and you can start your walk from either end. It takes most people approximately 30 minutes each way to cross the bridge, but that doesn’t include stopping to take photographs.
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Enjoy a Fun-Filled Vacation at Orlando’s Theme Parks, Florida

Florida is renowned for its warm, sunny climate and beautiful white sand beaches. However, for families with children, the biggest draw is the state’s theme parks, of which there are more than 15. With so many fantastic theme parks, it would be rude not to spend a vacation visiting the best ones.
Generally, the best Florida theme parks can be found in Orlando. You’ll find famous theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Disney World, and Aquatica Orlando here. When you’re not getting lost in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, meet Mickey Mouse at Disney World parade. In 2025, Universal will also open an exciting new park called Super Nintendo World.
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Watch Brown Bears Catch Salmon in Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Alaska is famous worldwide for its vast forested landscape, tall mountains, and impressive wildlife. You can experience the best of what the state offers on a bear-watching trip to Katmai National Park and Preserve. This gorgeous national park, located on a peninsula in Southern Alaska, features tundra, mountains, lakes, and forests.
However, the preserve’s enormous population of brown bears draws tourists in. In Katmai, wildlife lovers can admire many brown bears catching salmon in Brook Falls. Platforms and boardwalk trails from Brook Camp offer close-up views of the bears. At Brook Camp, the bravest travelers can even spend a night or two camping in a tent. Don’t panic, though; the bears can’t get to you.
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Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles

The penultimate United States attraction on our list is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When most people think of Hollywood, they often picture the Hollywood Sign. While the Hollywood Sign is a significant tourist attraction in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is also an iconic landmark you don’t want to miss.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a landmark that honors entertainment’s greatest stars. Every star inducted on the Walk of Fame has a five-pointed star with their name on it. There are almost 2,800 names on the Walk of Fame, which spans the sidewalks along 18 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Famous names to look for are Chris Hemsworth, Ozzy Osbourne, Michael Jackson, and Jack Black.
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Attend the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is arguably America’s greatest sporting event, so any sports fan who attends it is in for an incredible experience. However, you’ll be lucky to get a ticket as they sell rapidly and often cost over $6,000. Nevertheless, tick it off your bucket list if you get the chance.
The Super Bowl is an annual league championship game of the National Football League of the United States (NFL). It has been the final game of the NFL season since 1966 and is watched by over 100 million people. Aside from the world-class sporting performance on show, the whole event is a spectacle. You can expect an entertainment fest of firework displays, world-famous musicians, and epic parties.
Read also: Iconic US National Monuments
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