12 Unique and Must-Visit Places in the US for Your Bucket List
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The United States boasts a collection of exclusive world-renowned landmarks and landscapes, a privilege every avid traveler should aspire to experience. Whether you are an avid explorer seeking to explore the best the world has to offer, an Instagrammer looking to capture unique content, or a slow traveler desiring to experience the world at a relaxed pace, this list is tailored for you.
We understand that travelers have diverse interests; some are drawn to instagrammable man-made features, others to the awe-inspiring natural landscapes. The rich diversity of the United States is reflected in this list, catering to every traveler’s unique preferences.
From the pristine beaches of California to the architectural marvels of our generation, these unique sites are waiting to be added to your travel bucket list, whether you are US-based or not.
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
From its depths and dramatic rock formation to its sheer length, the Grand Canyon offers unbeatable exploration and sightseeing opportunities. Enjoy breathtaking views of its rugged cliffs, immense size, and deep gorges that extend for several kilometers.
The canyon has trails of varied difficulty, such as Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail; choose one and get to explore. You can also go camping or take a helicopter for unbeatable panoramic views. In whatever way you experience the Grand Canyon, come prepared to capture some of the most stunning shots you may ever take.
Read also: Picture-Perfect American Landscape
Disney World, Florida
Plan to visit Disney World in Florida at least once in your lifetime—or twice; once is never really enough to fully enjoy this park’s fun. Start by enjoying incredible rides on roller coasters such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain.
Then, immerse yourself in different worlds by exploring theme parks like Holly Studios, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot. Have meals at high-end eateries, meet your favorite characters, or catch your favorite film in a state-of-the-art cinema.
Read also: US Cities With Vibrant Nightlife
South Beach, Miami
South Beach is home to swaying palms, sandy strands, and stunning Deco buildings, making it a perfect destination to have fun, snap Instagram-worthy photos, and create memories.
Scenery aside, South Beach is a haven for relaxing spas, such as Away Spa, The Standard Spa, and Valmont for The Spa at The Setai, which are ideal for pampering treatments after long days on the beach. The nightlife here is vibrant, too. If you are into night partying, stop by renowned clubs such as Nikki Beach, Hyde Beach, M2, and Basement.
Read also: Stunning Seaside Cities in the US
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Park, also known as America’s Shrine of Democracy, is famous for its 60-foot face sculptures of the country’s past presidents: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
Besides symbolizing the ideals of democracy and freedom for Americans, the park is home to the Lincoln Borglum Museum, Sculptor’s Studio(which showcases the techniques used in the sculpting works), hiking trails, the Avenue of Flags, and Junior Ranger Programs for kids. It is not just a historical monument but also a haven for nature lovers.
Read also: Must-Visit US Landmarks
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Known as one of Utah’s finest gems, Bryce Canyon National Park has a lot to offer all kinds of travelers. This park is a haven for nature enthusiasts with horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters, scenic views, unbeatable stargazing opportunities, and spectacular hiking trails.
Some hiking trails that let you enjoy the park’s best views include Navajo Loop and Queen Garden. Capture the best views at Bryce Amphitheater, the national park’s largest concentration of hoodoos. For the best panoramic views, stop by the park’s viewpoints, such as Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point.
Read also: Breathtaking Natural Wonders in the US
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Although Oregon has many incredible places to visit, it only has one national park, Crater Lake National Park. Visiting it is, therefore, one of the best ways to explore Oregon’s nature.
That aside, the scenery in this park is staggeringly beautiful. From the views of the deepest and one of the most pristine lakes in the US, Crater Lake, to Mount Thielsen, Klamath Falls, the deserts lands of Eastern Oregon, and green rolling hills that lead to the Pacific, this park offers fantastic scenery to indulge in.
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Additionally, Crater Lake National Park offers fantastic sunset and sunrise views. Stay around at dawn and dusk to catch the beautiful interplay of the sun’s rays on the skies and the reflections on the lake’s waters.
Read also: Charming Lake Destinations in the US
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Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a superb destination for anyone who craves a coastal escape to remember. Bask in the beautiful and sandy Santa Monica State Beach, enjoy scenic views of the Santa Monica Pier, and shop for groceries at the vibrant Santa Monica farmers markets.
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you can visit Santa Monica Mountain National Recreation Area and go on one of the park’s challenging trails. Better still, you can take a well-deserved break and pamper yourself at the city’s renowned spas, such as Liz Angeles Wellness, Burke William Spa, or Willow Spas.
Read also: US Coastal Gems
Space Center, Houston
Also known as the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, the Space Center is Houston’s best attraction for anyone intrigued by spacecraft. The landscape features a mix of modern space facilities, including astronaut training facilities, historic Mission Control rooms, and a vast collection of spacecraft and artifacts.
Step into the Mission Control rooms and relive key moments in space exploration, such as monitoring NASA’s Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions. Then, take a tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, which offers behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities, the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, and other working areas of NASA.
Read also: Must-Visit US Cities
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Over 70 mountain peaks rising higher than 12,000 feet, 350 miles of hiking trails, 450 miles of rivers and streams, and 150 lakes in one national park? Rocky Mountain National Park is undoubtedly a little paradise for nature enthusiasts. These features offer endless swimming, hiking, sightseeing, camping, photo-taking, and scenic driving opportunities.
While sightseeing and exploration opportunities are numerous here, you should make the most of Longs Peak, the highest point in the park, and The Trail Ridge Road, a scenic drive that cuts through the park from east to west. If you are lucky, you may see wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, elk, coyotes, marmots, and the numerous bird species found here.
Read also: Best State Parks for Camping
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
The narrow passageways, the gently curving walls, and the delicate patterns on the wall surfaces make Antelope Canyon a mesmerizing destination that every nature lover should visit.
Wait until you witness the sun rays streaming into the canyon, illuminating the sandstone walls in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold. The interplay the light beams create makes the canyon a haven for photographers. This phenomenon is best captured in the mid-mornings and early afternoons.
Read also: Insta-Worthy Spots in the US
Oahu, Hawaii
If you must experience just one Hawaiian island, let it be Oahu. Yes, all Hawaiian islands are beautiful, but Oahu is just a tropical paradise everyone should experience at least once. Whether you are a big city person or prefer to be in the undestroyed wilderness, you have a spot at Oahu.
Start by exploring Honolulu City, and then have a great beach time at Lanikai Beach or by the North Shore, where you can also surf. History buffs will have a great time at Harbour National Memorial and learn the history of World War II.
Oahu is known for some of the world’s best shopping destinations, such as Waikiki, Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall, and Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Read also: Best US Islands for a Beach Holiday
Space Needle, Seattle, Washington
For over 50 years, the Space Needle has dominated Seattle’s skyline and has always fascinated local and international tourists. Previously, it served as an observation tower for the 1962 World’s Fair but has now been renovated to enhance tourists’ experience.
While at this observation tower, you will be treated to a 360° view of Seattle’s skyline, Eliot Bay, Mount Rainier, and Cascade Mountains. Be ready with your camera because the views here are to die for. Once you have had enough, enjoy a snack with an unbeatable view at the Atmos Café, situated at the observation deck level.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the US
