A visit to Bronzeville, also known as the Black Metropolis, is a must to learn about the citys rich African-American history. Drive the park loop road to get to some of the parks most famous attractions, including Sand Beach, Thunder Hole, and Jordan Pond. Though its not technically on the route, even the Grand Canyon is accessible as an incredible side journey when road tripping Route 66. Or, catch a flight out to a handful of remote National Parks, or drive up to and hike out to massive, ancient glaciers. Arches National Park is also home to internationally-recognized dark skies and some of the best stargazing in the United Statesin order to see the best of the park, be sure to visit at least once after dark! Besides museums, the National Mall and Tidal Basin are must-visit locations to see the Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial, among others. Thanks to some serious snowfall, theres so much to do in the U.P. The Kennedy Space Center, plenty of beaches, and even cool swimming holes like Wekiva Springs are within day-trip distance of Orlando. Heading south, take a pitstop at the cheese capital of the state Tillamook, Oregon. Los Angeles has some of the best restaurants in the US. But aside from the attractions, Houston is known for its food. Just outside of Page, you can also find the remarkable Glen Canyon Dam, one of the largest dams in the US, as well as Lake Powellbut to see the best of Lake Powell, youll actually need to cross into Utah! I know its great because I have been to most of the beaches you mention! ), How to Actually Enjoy Summer in Venice (13 Important Tips! (+ Tips! Walleye fishermen have the best water. Once you head home, youll surely find yourself raving to your friends about this hidden gem of a mountain town unless you want to keep the Sawtooth Mountains and Stanley as a secret for yourself! While youre in Cape Cod (or as New Englanders say, on the Cape), hit one of the beautiful trails, visit a lighthouse or two, stick your toes in the sand, and eat lots and lots of lobster. Gaze up at the trees, and enjoy the ferns and rhododendrons in the understory. Home to some of what are quite possibly the best hikes in the country, Utahs most-visited national park is absolutely one of the best places to see in the US. Featuring absolutely stunning architecture, 22 of its original 24 town squares, endless oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, and some of the best food in the country, spending a few days in Savannah is bound to be a delight. ), The Ultimate Utah National Parks Road Trip Itinerary, Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado, How to Take a Charming Day Trip to Cape Lookout, NC, 101 Best Short Travel Quotes (+ Caption Ideas! ), 25 Wonderful Destinations for Winter in Europe (Sun, Snow, or Christmas! is really unique is it the ideal place for adventure seekers all year long. During your weekend trip to Portland, make time to visit the Japanese Garden and the International Rose Garden, especially if you visit when everything is in bloom.

If you manage to swing both the logistics and the hike, though, the rewards are pretty spectacular. Known to the Indigenous since time immemorial, Mount Tahoma is covered in unimaginable beauty and can be enjoyed year-round. Looking for the coolest place to visit in the United States?

If youre looking for a classic, all-American vacation, you cant go wrong with a visit to the barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina that make up the magnificent Outer Banks. There is a hike for everyone. The largest and most populated island is Madeline Island which makes for a great base to explore the nearby smaller islands. The public transport network and the ample ride/bike-sharing services make it an easy destination for any type of traveler. Stretching 17 miles along the northwest portion of Kauai, the Napali Coast is best admired from airusually via a helicopter touror from a boat on the sea. For fun on the water, you can go fishing along the Salmon River or swimming in Redfish Lake. So if you love food and all things fun, then Houston is definitely the place for you. On the southern end of the coast, you can find sand dunes in Florence, and natural rock arches among the cliffs in Brookings. Old Faithful is one of the most popular things to see in Yellowstone National Park. Unsubscribe at any time. The 17.4 miles Hoh River Trail is one of the most impressive, taking you through a flourishing rainforest to the base of Mount Olympus. Spend the rest of your time on the island exploring the North Shore, visiting the famous Giovannis Shrimp Truck, and indulging in shave ice from Matsumoto.

There are several fantastic museums in LA. Test your fear of heights (if you have one, that is) by hiking incredible Angels Landing, and be rewarded with stunning views of Zion Canyon. Afterward, make sure to hike the Golden Canyon, Gower Gulch, and Badlands Loop Hike. ), 25 of the Best National Parks in the USA (Beautiful + Diverse! Stay inone of the cabins with a viewof the mountainsides and check out the local attractions like Dollywood in Pigeon Forge of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. One of the best places to visit in California is Death Valley National Park. If you have half or full day, I recommend a hike in Wild Basin, south of Estes Park. Home to over 2,000 naturally-occurring sandstone arches, Arches National Park in Utah is one of the most uniquely beautiful places in the USA. Absolutely amazing article, just loved it. Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. The Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert meet in the idle of the park, which means that you will see two very different landscapes depending on which half of the park you are in. Plan your visit in the fall to see the famous New England fall foliage in full display. If you arent able to find available lodging within Big Sur, check out nearby towns of Carmel and Monterey for more options or try car camping with an epic view! There are plenty of amazingthings to do in Big Sur. There are numerous multi-day hikes to choose from and its popular with backpackers. The best times to visit DC include early summer before it gets too hot or in the fall once summer break is over. The downtown area merges into wonderfully diverse neighborhoods from Little Havana to Coral Gables. Starting at the north end, about 2 hours outside of Portland, the city of Astoria will serve as your jumping-off point with picturesque bridges and locations from The Goonies. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Beyond all of its geothermal features, Yellowstone National Park also boasts beautiful waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, rivers, and more than 200 species of animals. Much of Nashvilles allure lies within its distinctive neighborhoods, like the Gulch, filled with shops and restaurants. Regardless of what kind of travel you prefer, Alaska offers adventure for everyone and should definitely be on your travel bucket list! ), Alcatraz, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, visiting the Painted Ladies (of Full House fame), and checking out Lombard Street. One of the largest hot springs in the world, Grand Prismatic Spring, is another popular attraction in Yellowstone. Whether youre looking for a traditional Hawaiian meal or some of the best Asian food in the United States, you can easily find a delicious meal in Honolulu. Or explore the vibrant green mosses of the Hoh Rainforest. Oahu is home to delicious food, beautiful scenery, and captivating history and is one of the best travel destinations in the United States. Famed for her elegant beaches,world-class resorts, and next-level surf, Maui attracts visitors from all over the world. There are cross country ski trails, snowmobiling trails, downhill skiing, dog sledding, ice climbing, and more. When you arent enjoying the outdoors there are numerous mountain towns to enjoy like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Asheville. Theres no cell service in Big Sur, so be prepared for an off-the-grid weekend of relaxation and gorgeous views. ), How to Have a Fun Weekend in Baltimore: Itinerary + Tips, 12 Amazing Things to Do in Acadia National Park, 33 Unknown + Underrated Vacation Spots in the USA, 25 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the USA (For All Couple Styles! Although extremely crowded due to the Cherry Blossoms, springtime is also a gorgeous time to visit. Gambling has been a big draw to Las Vegas since the early 1930s. Voodoo Doughnuts, now with a few locations nationally, also originated here and remains popular with tourists (though depending on who you ask, not localsfor what its worth, wed rate the doughnuts 7/10). And dont forget to check out the many outdoor sculptures and other public works of art around the Loop. Much like Austin, Portland proudly embraces its weirdness, celebrating the eclectic and bizarre in all possible waysand that makes it endlessly fun to visit! Nightlife also takes center stage here. NOLA is indisputably home to some of the best food in the countryso good, in fact, that the food alone would be a good enough reason to add New Orleans to your USA bucket list. Youll work up an appetite walking the streets of this massive city. Thats not hard, though: Page is located right next to the Arizona/Utah border. Head to the Crystal Mountain gondola to catch a great view of the peak while skiing and snowboarding down the slopes, or pick one of many great locations to snowshoe and backcountry ski along the mountain. In Sol Duc forest you can watch crystal water plunge into the lush greenery. Either way, be sure to bring lots of money for the high-end shops, ever-flowing drinks, and dazzling casinos looking to draw you in. During the day, you can grab a fancy drink and chill by the pool. All rights reserved. Houston is also home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which is the biggest rodeo of its kind in the country. For hiking, choose a paved carriage road to take you down to one of the many picturesque ponds and lakes in the park. You can drive to the Arctic Ocean along the Dalton Highway, view North Americas largest mountain (Mt.

A group of five parks, Redwood National and State Parks feature not just the towering redwoods, but also epic coastal views, beautiful prairies filled with wildflowers in season, and the chance to see birds and wildlife. Bookworms like me will immediately head to Powells City of BooksI still think its the biggest bookstore Ive ever visitedwhile foodies will want to head directly to the local ice cream obsession, Salt & Straw. For a taste of the Caribbean without leaving the USA, head to the Florida Keys! As the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is one of the most popular places to visit in the USA for both domestic and international visitors, mostly on behalf of one iconic mouse. And if thats what youre looking for, youll definitely find it in Vegas. For the best views of the city during your Boston itinerary, visit the Skywalk Observatory.

Or hit up one of the pool parties and listen to the headlining DJ. Wisconsin often isnt the first US state that people think of visiting, but from beautiful beaches to quirky attractions like House on the Rock, it has plenty to offer. Just driving through the park will afford endless views of waterfalls, glaciers, lakes, and even the chance to spot wildlife. Be sure to take home some cookies from Christies Cookie Company and snap a photo with the I Believe in Nashville mural. Good food, good music, and good times: of all the best places to visit in the USA, NOLA definitely ranks toward the top of the list for places to go to simply have an amazing time. The landscape and heritage inspire the artists. The next outstanding area to visit is the Artists Drive. Boston is home to the oldest public park in the United States, Boston Common, which is situated next to Boston Public Garden. For a more relaxed trip, you can go on hikes, see beautiful waterfalls, or simply go for a scenic drive. Be sure to pay a visit to the touristed highlights that most interest youFishermans Wharf (and its adorable sea lions! Architecture buffs will be interested to know that this is where Frank Lloyd Wright established the Prairie School architectural style. If you are a beach lover, LA wont disappoint you with its stunning beaches that include Malibu, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Venice Beach, Hermosa Beach, and so on. Although it has a population of less than 100, Stanley is easily accessible in a 3-hour drive from the main airport in Boise or about a 1-hour drive if youre coming from Sun Valley. However, its tucked away location makes it all the more special for visitors.

While youre there, be sure hit the water via snorkeling or scuba diving, go for a swim, enjoy famous Duval Street, tour the Ernest Hemingway House, and eat several slices of the regions famous Key Lime pie! You can find some of his earliest buildings here in Chicago. Try to score a permit to hike the Subway. One reason the U.P. Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places in the US and should definitely be on your bucket list. Joshua Tree National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing and well outside the bright light of the city. ), Is a Colosseum Night Tour Worth the Splurge? They offer absolutely stunning views and many wildlife viewing opportunities along with the drives. Not only is Maui one of the best USA travel destinations but its one of the best destinations in the world. Ocean lovers can test their skills at surfing or set sail on a sunset cruise.

After all, it is the 4th largest city in the USA as well as being the most diverse city in the country. It allows your soul to breathe and relax. Moreover, Green Bay, the capital of the region, being the most attractive place in Wisconsin eventually allures most travelers. Its clean and portrays immense beauty. Route 66 passes through nine states in total (Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California), and is a fantastic way to experience some of the best of what traveling in the US has to offer, all in one large trip: big cities, small towns, incredibly diverse landscapes, and beloved national parks. Retiring to Italysounds like quite the dream! We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! The adventure seekers have their pick among plunging the popular road to Hana or watching the sunrise above the clouds at 10,000 feet inside Haleakala National Park. Volcano National Park is a breathtaking experience with its majestic hikes, thrilling ride down to Chain of Craters, and some spectacular scenery and photo opportunities. While in Austin, be sure to visit trendy South Congress Avenue, watch the bats fly out from under the South Congress Bridge (if youre visiting at the right time of year, that is), see a show, and go for a hike (or if its too hot, hit the lake!).