USA Bucket List Destinations Not to Miss
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I will be the first one to say that I love traveling abroad and experiencing different cultures, languages, cuisines, and ways of life. That being said, there is a ton of diversity within the United States. Whether you love big cities, exploring nature, epic road-trip adventures, or big festivals, the US has it. There are not a lot of good things that have come out of Covid, but one of them is encouraging people to do more domestic travel.
Whether you are finally getting around to exploring your own background or are visiting the US for the first time, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go first. From world-class museums to quaint small towns to gorgeous mountain hikes, this USA bucket list will get you started exploring it all!
USA Bucket List Destinations
USA Cities to Visit
New York City (New York)
John Steinbeck said “Once you have lived in New York and made it your home, no place else is good enough”. You may think that is just an arrogant New Yorker comment, but it is true! There really is no place else like New York City. I think everyone should live in NYC once in their life, but if not you need to at least add it to your United States bucket list for a visit.
New York City doesn’t need much of an introduction. It’s one of the most well-known cities in the world. There’s nothing like feeling the magic and seeing the iconic sights in person though. Use this four day itinerary for first timer’s to hit the big attractions of the city such as the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and Grand Central Station. Don’t miss seeing a Broadway show in Times Square.
If big cities aren’t typically your destination of choice, don’t immediately write off NYC. There’s a lot more to the city than Times Square. The city is divided into five boroughs. Many tourists only stick to Manhattan. Whether you have visited several times or want to avoid the crowds, use my five day NYC itinerary to explore each borough. The itinerary takes you to the Bronx Zoo, on a Lower East Side food tour, to Historic Richmond Town, the Brooklyn Museum, and many other spots.
Hotels are typically cheaper in the other boroughs as well. From more budget friendly hotels to five star boutique hotels Brooklyn has a wide variety of hotels. If you want to stay somewhere more local and don’t mind spending some time on public transportation, Grandview Hotel in Queens is one of the cheapest in the city. While you will be paying less and staying in a tiny room, the hotel is very clean and safe.
Washington DC
By Carolin from Happy When Abroad
There is no getting around the fact that the U.S. capital, Washington DC, should be at the top of your USA bucket list! Coming from New York City, Washington DC can be either reached in about one hour by plane, or four hours by car or bus. With three airports in the area, the popular city is easily accessible from almost anywhere in the world. Washington DC is the perfect place for travelers who want to learn more about American culture and history and enjoy some fun activities.
If you want to explore the city’s main attractions, it is highly recommended to spend at least 2 days in Washington DC and plan your trip ahead. The most impressive attractions are the Capitol and the White House. Visiting the Supreme Court, the Washington Monument, and at least one of the many museums should be on your list as well. Most of the museums have free admission.
One of the most charming areas in Washington DC is the historic district of Georgetown, which is located in the northwest of the city. It will enchant you with its cute and colorful little shops and cafés. There are also many trendy bars across the city.
The city is surprisingly budget-friendly with a variety of hostels to choose from. Besides it’s great location and prices, the hostel Duo Housing is the perfect place to connect with other solo travelers and backpackers. If you’re coming to Washington DC as a couple and are looking for a cost-effective hotel to stay, the Generator Washington DC is your place to go!
Boston (Massachusetts)
By Brittany from Travel by Brit
If you love history, sightseeing, and great food, Boston, Massachusetts, should be at the top of your list of places to visit in the USA! Since Boston is located in New England, it’s best to plan your stay during the warm summer months or in the autumn to see the beautiful fall foliage. You can fly into the Boston Logan International Airport. You won’t need a car to get around the city unless you’re planning on taking a few day trips from Boston!
Though Boston is filled with dozens of fun things to see and do, there is one attraction that trumps them all—the Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile trail passes 16 significant locations from the American Revolution, such as the Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, and the Old North Church. You also can’t miss the chance to go on a food tour in the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, to sample pizza, pasta, cannoli, and other tasty food! If you have time, you should also take a walk in the beautiful Boston Public Garden and trek up Beacon Hill to take a photo of Acorn Street—the most photographed street in the country.
If you don’t have a car, staying in Downtown Boston is crucial to walk to and from the city’s best attractions easily. Consider staying at The Godfrey Hotel Boston for close access to the Boston Common—the starting point of the Freedom Trail. If you’re looking for immediate access to some of the city’s best museums, like the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, consider staying at the Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston.
San Francisco (California)
By Francesca from Travel Heal Love
San Francisco, home of the world-renowned Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the most visited cities in America. It is located in northern California with an amazing bay that opens to the Pacific Ocean. You can reach this incredible city by flying into the gigantic international airport which has flights arriving from all around the globe. The city is about a 1 ½ hour flight from Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
As October is shoulder season in San Francisco it is a good time to visit. It is not too crowded, but the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the city on foot. In the morning there can be fog, especially in the bay, but it will usually lift up around lunchtime and be sunny. Make sure to wear layers for changes in weather.
San Francisco offers incredible attractions. One of the top three is the 3 hour Alcatraz tour. The tour takes you around Alcatraz Island, situated in the middle of San Francisco’s bay. Since its closure in 1963 Alcatraz continues to be one of the most visited prisons in the country. The tour offers a great insight into the life prisoners and guards lived while on the island.
Pier 39 is also a popular tourist attraction. There are shops, restaurants, street performances, the Aquarium, and views of California sea lions. The Golden Gate Bridge, the iconic red suspension bridge, is an unmissable stop in your San Francisco trip. You can see it from land, by sea, or cross/walk on it. Pick your favorite and don’t miss it for any reason!
Stay in the Nob Hill area where you can have an authentic San Francisco experience with the trolleys, cultural events, art galleries, boutiques, and fantastic restaurants.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next trip to San Francisco now and you will not regret it!
Las Vegas (Nevada)
By Michelle from Moyer Memoirs Empty Nest Travel Adventures
Las Vegas, one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, should definitely be on your USA bucket list. The resort city is located in the desert, but also is sprawling with the largest population in the state of Nevada. The weather in the Vegas desert is hot and dry no matter what time of year but generally more bearable in the winter months of November through February. Most travelers arrive in Las Vegas from Harry Reid International Airport and then take a short 10 minute Uber ride to the Las Vegas strip where all the action is located.
Known as “Sin City” this moniker was born in the 1900s when the vices of gambling and drinking became the common ‘sins’ throughout Las Vegas. This Entertainment Capital of the World has no shortage of things to do. The hotels in Vegas are the main tourist sites and they all do it to the max and in big bold neon lights! Each casino on and off the Las Vegas strip offers plenty of entertainment to go with its selection of slot machines and gaming tables. After the hotels’ top activity of gambling, the numerous entertainment shows, nightlife, and dining provide quite a variety to please every sort of traveler.
The best place to stay on a Las Vegas bucket list trip is at one of the mammoth casino hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. The Flamingo Hotel and Casino is right in the middle, so it is easy to get to any other property. While at the Flamingo, make sure to stop at the Flamingo Habitat to visit their flock of pink flamingos!
USA National Parks to Visit
Glacier National Park (Montana)
By Kat from World Wide Honeymoon
Glacier National Park is easily one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States and very much worthy of your USA bucket list! With stunning mountains, pristine lakes, and amazing wildlife, you cannot miss a chance to visit this place.
The easiest way to get to Glacier National Park is to fly into Kalispell, about 30 minutes from the west entrance to the park. The best time to visit is between July through mid-September so you can enjoy access to most of the park without the snow. Summertime temperatures are perfect at around 70ºF during the day and 45ºF at night. A budget for visiting Glacier National Park is about $1,500-2,500 per person for flights, rental car, accommodations, activities, etc.
The best thing to do in Glacier National Park is to drive on Going-to-the-Sun Road. There are some great sights during the drive and the mountain views are amazing! Stop for hikes along the way too like at Avalanche Lake via Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Overlook, and St. Mary Falls.
Some great day hikes to partake in include Grinnell Glacier and the Highline Trail to Granite Park Chalet. Both hikes offer ample chances to spot wildlife and the Grinnell Glacier hike stops at the famous glacier!
For a place to stay, opt for renting a cabin near the west entrance of the park, like in Columbia Falls. If you wish to stay in the park, Lake McDonald Lodge is a lovely lodge with incredible views!
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming & Montana)
By Candice from CS Ginger
One of the best bucket list places to visit in the US is Yellowstone National Park. It is in the western part of the United States in northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana. It has the most hydrothermal features in the world and lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife.
The summers in Yellowstone are warm, hovering at around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months are cold with roads closed due to snow. January is the coldest month with highs around 33 degrees Fahrenheit. A seven-day pass for the park is $35.
There are lots of fun things to do in Yellowstone National Park. There is enough in the park to keep you busy for three to four days. One of the best things to do is hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook. The hike is about 1.6 miles and is pretty easy. You will have a beautiful view of the Grand Prismatic geothermal feature and the surrounding area.
Another iconic thing you have to see in the park is Old Faithful. It is a large geyser that erupts about every 74 minutes. When you get to Old Faithful, you can visit the welcome center to see the next estimated eruption time.
It is best to stay in the park so you can cut down on driving time and sitting in traffic. The Old Faithful Inn is one of the most historic and best places to stay in the park. It is right next to Old Faithful and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re looking for more cost-effective options, the town of West Yellowstone has lots of options.
Grand Canyon (Arizona)
By James Ian from Parks Collecting
Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World for a reason. Its enormity is super impressive and is guaranteed to take your breath away. People typically visit either the North Rim or the South Rim since it takes several hours to drive from one to the other. The North Rim is higher but has fewer services and closes completely over winter. The South Rim is open all year and has plenty of visitor services, so this is where most people visit. It is most easily accessed via Flagstaff, 45 minutes away. The canyon is in the high desert, so it gets cold and snowy in winter and very hot and dry in summer. Costs can vary widely depending on where you stay and what you do.
There are plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon. One of the most popular activities, of course, is to enjoy the views of the canyon, and there are multiple viewpoints along both rims. There is a free shuttle bus on the South Rim that takes you to most of the viewpoints. You can also hike below the rim, either for part of the way or all the way to the bottom, though you need to stay overnight if you do that. The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular rim-to-river trail. If you like adventure, you can also take a multi-day white water rafting trip through the canyon and experience it from a completely different perspective.
There are several lodges and campgrounds on the South Rim. A top pick is Bright Angel Lodge. It has a great location on the edge of the canyon, and many of its rooms are reasonably priced. For something more upmarket, head to El Tovar. The historic hotel is one of the classic national park lodges, built of pine and local stone, and, again, with an incredible location perched right on the rim of the canyon.
Yosemite (California)
By Angela from Where Angie Wanders
Yosemite in California is the third oldest national park in the USA and should be on your list of US bucket list trips whether you are a visitor from home or abroad. You can see Yosemite’s highlights in one day or plan a longer stay in this incredible outdoor wilderness.
Yosemite is an outdoor paradise where climbers can tackle El Capitan’s rock face, adrenaline lovers can ride the white-water rapids, and hikers can explore miles of trails leading to dramatic waterfalls that make Yosemite such a desirable location.
Yosemite is a great place to visit with all the family, and there are plenty of hiking trails for all abilities. Most popular is the route to Bride Veil Falls, which weaves alongside the river through gigantic sequoia trees and finishes at a mighty waterfall. The sound and sight when the waterfall is in full flow is truly amazing. Lots of wildlife live in Yosemite, so keep an eye out on the trail, especially for bears!
White water rafting is another fun activity in Yosemite, and there are plenty of companies in the park that will take you out for a day of thrills along the Merced and Tuolumne Rivers.
Fancy pizza after a day of adventure? Head to Curry Camp pizza deck and enjoy outdoor dining with Royal Arches and Glacier Point views.
Yosemite has got a few places to stay scattered around the national park, and we chose to stay at Curry Camp for an authentic outdoor experience. The tented accommodation was spacious and is warmed by an electric heater in the chillier months. Adjacent to the camp is a lodge with a restaurant and communal areas for relaxing. It also has an outdoor swimming pool for hot summer days and a convenience store for snacks and hiking/camping equipment.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
By Krystianna from Volumes & Voyages
Rocky Mountain National Park should easily be on your US bucket list, especially because it’s located in the beautiful state of Colorado. Even just spending one day in Rocky Mountain National Park can be the perfect way to explore what the park has to offer! RMNP is known for its beautiful mountainous hikes and lakes. It’s about 1.5 hours from downtown Denver and is most accessible by car. A one-day car pass costs $25, but if you’re visiting in the summer, you must also get a timed entry permit. In winter, temperatures get as low as 12°F but summer months warm up to the 70s.
In the park, you absolutely can’t miss out on hiking to Emerald Lake. This moderate hike takes a few hours but is the most scenic in the park. If it’s super warm during your trip there, consider opting to drive Trail Ridge Road instead of hiking, a glorious scenic road with steep drop-offs that has incredible breathtaking views along the way. If you’re really up for a challenge (and have the experience), you may want to try hiking Long’s Peak, one of Colorado’s famed 14ers.
To stay near the park, you’ll definitely want to book a night or two right in Estes Park, the town that often serves as the park’s home base. There are many places to stay here, but Stanley Hotel is the best. Known for being the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, this hotel is truly historic and filled with hidden places to explore!
Utah National Parks (Utah)
By Shannon of Adventuring With Shannon
One trip that you absolutely must have on your USA bucket list is a Utah National Parks road trip! Utah is famous for its “Big 5” national parks which consist of Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion National Parks. All five of these national parks are located in Southern Utah on the borders of Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. A road trip between the five parks is doable in a week and can be started from either Las Vegas or Moab, Utah. While it is doable in a week, it is recommended to plan for at least two days in each park.
Each park has something incredibly unique to offer. Arches is famous for its rock formations that have eroded over time to leave behind beautiful and magnificent rock arches. Canyonlands is on a plateau that overlooks an insanely big and beautiful canyon below that surrounds the entire park. Capitol Reef has beautiful and uniquely colored rock faces. Bryce Canyon is famous for its thousands of “hoodoos” (spire-like rock formations) that line the bottom of the canyon. Lastly, Zion is famous for its Valley of the Patriarchs and incredible hikes like Angels Landing and The Narrows.
Each of these parks offers differing types of accommodations. The easiest way to see all five Utah national parks is to rent a car or a camper van and camp and boondock along the way. If boondocking isn’t your style, each of the national parks offers an in-park lodge or hotels in the nearby towns. Wherever you choose to stay, make sure that you plan for enough time in each park to truly enjoy all that the park has to offer.
Acadia National Park (Maine)
By Samantha from New England Wanderlust
Acadia National Park is a stunning 47,000 acre park situated along the coast of Maine, and boasts the tallest mountain peaks along the Atlantic coastline. To visit Acadia, a car is necessary, and the vehicle entrance fee for the park is $30 for 7 days. Peak season for this park is July and August, so expect the most crowds at that time. My favorite months to visit to avoid as many crowds as possible are May and October.
An absolute must for first-time visitors to Acadia is to see a sunrise from the Cadillac Mountain summit, the highest point in the park. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top, but there’s also a paved road that’s a 3.5 mile drive to the top. The sun will rise right over the water in front of you, and it’s one of the most beautiful places to see a sunrise in the U.S. For a unique experience, I love suggesting the Bubble Rock Trail. This easy-moderate hike rewards you with beautiful views of Jordan Pond from above, and you’ll get to see Bubble Rock, a giant boulder left on the side of the mountain by glaciers. Lastly, you can’t miss a nice, easy walk along the Ocean Path, which offers the most famous views of the rocky cliffs in all of Acadia.
My favorite hotel to stay at when visiting in Acadia is the Bar Harbor Villager Motel. Right in the heart of Bar Harbor, the town bordering the park, this hotel is walkable to all the shops and restaurants, and offers free, on-site parking and a continental breakfast. The rooms are also recently updated, incredibly clean and very spacious.
Road-Trips
Route 66 (Cross-Country)
By Kristy from Lost on 66
Route 66 is one of the world’s most famous highways and it runs across the USA from Chicago in the midwest to Los Angeles in the West. If you drive the entire road it could take you 2- 3 weeks and you’ll travel 2,448 miles, pass through 9 different states and 3 different time zones. You’ll drive through large cities, small town America, and even ghost towns. Much of the charm comes from the history of the route and nostalgia of old time America.
There’s plenty to do along Route 66 as each town vies for your attention with photo opportunities, quirky museums, and retro diners. For the ultimate in retro attractions check out the Route 66 Drive in theatre in Carthage, Missouri which still runs contemporary films to this day. In Texas one of the main attractions is the Big Texan Steakhouse. As well as being a great place to eat you could also catch someone trying the steakhouses’s challenge of eating a 72oz steak in an hour. For those who crave some time outdoors Route 66 actually passes through the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona with plenty of hikes available for all abilities.
Route 66 has a number of historic motels along the way and they capture a bygone era. If you could only stay at one spot along the road I highly recommend the Wigwam motel in Holbrook, AZ. Each room is a teepee and although it’s a little basic inside it’s a totally unique place to stay and a classic example of a quirky Route 66 stop.
White Mountains Road-Trip (New Hampshire)
By Kate from New Hampshire Way
If you’re looking for gorgeous mountain landscapes in a small, easy-to-explore landscape, allow me to introduce you to the White Mountains of New Hampshire! This region is home to the White Mountain National Forest, picture-perfect small towns, and more hiking and skiing and outdoor exploration than you can imagine.
The White Mountains are gorgeous year-round, but especially so in early October, when the trees burst into reds, oranges and golds. You can get there easily: the White Mountains are about a 3-hour drive from Boston or a 2-hour drive from Manchester, NH.
The White Mountains are home to some of the best things to do in New Hampshire. One of the best scenic drives in the state is the Kancamagus Highway, a route from Conway to Lincoln that passes waterfalls, gorges, covered bridges, and historic sites. You could do the drive in 90 minutes, but it’s even better if you spend a full day exploring the surroundings!
There are hikes for all abilities in the White Mountains, but one easy hike with an incredible payoff is Artist Bluff in Franconia, with views of Cannon Mountain and Echo Lake. You can also take a tram up Cannon Mountain to enjoy the views if you’re less active.
Don’t miss going on a moose safari up in Gorham, or gorging on pancakes at Polly’s Pancake Parlor in Sugar Hill. This area is also rich in excellent breweries, from Rek-Lis in Bethlehem to Moat Mountain in North Conway.
Two of the best areas to base yourself in for a few days are the North Conway area on the east side of the mountains and the Franconia area in the northwest part of the mountains. If you’re doing a White Mountains road trip, spend time in both! We love the Cranmore Inn in North Conway and the Sugar Hill Inn in Sugar Hill near Franconia.
Miami to Key West (Florida)
By Disha from Disha Discovers
One of the most bucket-list-worthy things to do in the USA is a Miami to Key West drive. You’ll start your road trip in Miami, which is known for its vibrant culture, and end in Key West, where some of the best beaches in the States are located. You’ll want to pick up your rental car after flying into Miami International Airport. Depending on what type of car you rent, it’ll cost around $50 per day. The best time to do this road trip is between March and May because the winter crowds will be fewer and there’s less chance for rain.
One of the best stops along the way is John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. You can go snorkeling here to see the beautiful underwater reef or go on a glass-bottom boat tour to learn more about Florida’s marine life. Next, stop at Robbie’s Marina in Islamorada. You’ll be able to feed the massive tarpon that frequent the marina, which makes for a unique experience. Afterward, stop at the pull-offs along the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. You’ll be surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and you might even see some colorful marine life.
Key West is where you’ll end your road trip, and your first stop should be Fort Zachary Taylor State Park. It’s located right on the beach, so you’ll be able to sit back and relax as you watch the waves roll in. Then, visit Mallory Square, Hemingway Home and Museum, and Duval Street. Grab some delicious seafood at DJ’s Crab Shack. Their fried shrimp is especially delicious.
The best place to stay in Key West is the Saint Hotel Key West by Marriott. It’s a small boutique hotel that has a classy and luxurious vibe and is in the heart of Key West.
Maui & the Road to Hana (Hawaii)
By Pafoua from Her Wanderful World
Maui, the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands is a truly unique and rare find. The island is stunningly beautiful as it sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with epic mountains and pristine beaches that cannot be found anywhere else. The weather is perfect year-round with high temperatures of 78°F and lows of 55°F making Maui the perfect destination to add to your USA bucket list.
Maui offers many activities and experiences for its visitors. Add nature adventures to your itinerary such as ziplining through the jungles, exploring with ATVs, or hiking through Haleakala to see the sunset at the summit. One of the best beaches to visit is Kaanapali beach; you can snorkel in clear waters, cliff dive off the Black Rock, and relax on the sandy beach. After getting some sun, enjoy shopping at Whaler’s Village, a popular outdoor shopping area right on Kaanapali beach.
The most popular day trip to put on your USA bucket list is the opportunity to take a tour along the Road to Hana. The road features 600 hairpin turns over 60 miles with drops down toward cliffs overlooking the ocean. Along the road, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous views of the Pacific ocean. The best activity to do in Hana is hiking the Pipiwai Trail and visiting the Pools of O’heo.
Visitors cannot miss attending a luau when in Maui either. The best cultural experience is at Old Lahaina Luau on Front Street where guests enjoy a five-course meal and a show of traditional Hawaiian dance. Right next door to Old Lahaina Luau is Star Noodle, one of the great Asian fusion restaurants on the island.
For the ideal place to stay, book a room at one of the resorts on Kaanapali beach as you will wake up to see the ocean every day and have easy access to the beach. The Marriott Maui Ocean Club is perfect for families with full kitchens and multiple rooms. On the other hand, couples, groups, and solo travelers will enjoy staying at the the Sheraton and Hyatt.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Southeast)
By Cosette from KarsTravels
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile long road that connects Shenandoah National Park in the North with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the South. It covers the states of Virginia and North Carolina. The Blue Ridge Parkway together with Shenandoah and the Smoky Mountains is perfect for a road trip of 4 to 5 days. You’ll see the Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Smoky Mountains. In winter there can be snow. In spring and summer the weather can be really beautiful, but there can also be rain and fog the whole day. In fall you have the beautiful colors of Fall foliage. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are free of charge. Shenandoah costs $30.00 for a single vehicle for 7 consecutive days.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as one of the most picturesque roads of the USA. Add to that the 105 mile Skyline Drive in Shenandoah and the road through the Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll have days of mesmerizing views and numerous things to do. Don’t miss the perfect sunsets from the overlooks, spotting wildlife, and the hikes for every level. Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell State Park are just two from the many attractions along the parkway. On top of Mount Mitchell is a restaurant with grand views on the mountains.
On this road trip stay at the Fancy Gap Cabins and Campground, to feel completely surrounded by nature. Pisgah Inn in Canton is divine, but books quickly. Best Western Asheville in the city of Asheville is another good choice because Asheville serves as a gateway to the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
Attractions & Festivals
Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)
Sam from My Flying Leap
If you’re looking to visit a place that represents the best of the Unites States—patriotic, brave, industrious, and passionate, look no further than Mount Rushmore. Located in the stunning Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is a treasured US landmark you won’t want to miss and one of the top things to do in South Dakota!
Creating Mount Rushmore was no small feat back in 1927. When you visit and see how high up the mountain this monument is and how large it is, it’s even more impressive. Seeing it in person is just awe-inspiring — both for the vision that created this masterpiece and for the brave sculptors who spent years making it a reality.
It’s free to visit, though parking costs $10. Mount Rushmore is open year-round and great to visit at any time, though, it can get quite cold and snowy in the wintertime.
Enter the national park and walk through a passageway of state flags with patriotic music playing loud and proud. From the first moment you set eyes on Mount Rushmore, you’ll have no doubt you’re approaching something special. Wander the walking paths around the site to get different views. It’s worth going both during the day and at night to see Mount Rushmore. The lighting ceremony in the evening is quite beautiful.
Don’t skip the museum, where you can learn all about the monumental work that created Mount Rushmore. There’s a video and many exhibits that give you a great understanding of just how large a project this was to create.
Stay at the K Bar S Lodge, one of the closest and best hotels in the area scoring great reviews. People love its park-like setting and cozy common areas and of course, its location in the beautiful Black Hills.
Disneyland & DisneyWorld (California & Florida)
By Helen from Not Your Normal Health Blog
While there might be Disney Parks in other parts of the world, nothing beats seeing Disneyland – Walt’s original creation, or the immense six-park playground that is Walt Disney World.
The two parks are very different. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a destination in its own right. You can easily spend a week there and never leave Disney property. Disneyland, in Anaheim, California is smaller. Two to four days is enough to see everything.
While the top draw for many is the rides, particularly the new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Ride at Hollywood Studios in Orlando, don’t miss the small details. Little Mickey heads called Hidden Mickeys can be found dotted all around the park. Downloading the app will help you find them all. It is a great way to pass the time in queues. Make room for the iconic pineapple flavor DOLE WHIP dessert you find in both parks. Every so often take a moment to sniff the air – different areas of the parks purposely have different scents.
Whichever park you visit though, plan. Plan like you’ve never planned a trip before to ensure you get to eat in the restaurants you want, see the shows you want, and beat the queues for the rides. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes. Even if you’re not running one of the marathons held in the parks, you’ll cover some serious mileage!
When it comes to accommodation in Walt Disney World you’ll want to stay on site because it cuts down on travel time. Plus the resorts add to the magic, such as Animal Kingdom lodge where the rooms look over giraffes and zebras. At Disneyworld, it’s not so important to stay in a Disney hotel. The fantastic Candy Cane Inn is just a short walk from the park gates and is a top pick of regular visitors.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (New Mexico)
By Corine of Roving Vails
The Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta is held every year at the beginning of October. For one full week and two weekends, thousands of hot air balloonists launch from Balloon Fiesta Park. The area is about 12 miles from the city of Albuquerque, but there are various shuttles, tours, and parking to allow easy access. It’s prudent to dress in layers as the temperatures change dramatically during the day. In the pre-dawn hours it will be cold and windy, but it will warm up quite a bit during the day. The admission to the fiesta is $15. There is a morning and an evening entry time everyday. Parking and transportation can be extra. There are plenty of events each day, but the most popular is the Mass Ascension where hundreds of balloons launch and are in the sky at once. Make sure to check the fiesta schedule before planning your visit.
One of the great things about the Balloon fiesta is that it doesn’t take up your entire day. There is plenty of time to visit other Albuquerque attractions such as Old Town and the Mission of San Felipe de Neri, Petroglyph National Monument, and Sandia Peak, as well as a plethora of fun museums like the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum.
There are plenty of wonderful places to eat as well. At the fiesta itself, there are a number of food vendors, but it’s almost obligatory to try one of their famous breakfast burritos. It is rumored that they were invented for the balloon fiesta in the 1970s and it’s been a tradition ever since. New Mexican food is a bit different from other types of Mexican food, especially when it comes to their sauces. In Albuquerque, you can try green or red sauce or combine them and call it “Christmas.” A couple of great places to try it yourself is at Sadie’s with three locations, Papa Felipe’s, or for breakfast from the Range Café.
While visiting the festival, you will want to have great access to a park and ride as well as the rest of the city. One of our go to places is the Sheraton Uptown Hotel. It’s centrally located and has plenty to do in the immediate vicinity, plus it has a pool.
New Orleans Mardi Gras
By Kerry from VeggTravel
Mardi Gras Carnival in New Orleans is a fun activity to add to your USA travel bucket list. With a large international airport New Orleans is easy to reach. You can take the bus or a taxi into the heart of the city.
Mardi Gras typically takes place in February with the parades beginning 2 weeks before ‘Fat Tuesday’ which is the ultimate finale. The most popular time to visit is the weekend before as this weekend features some of the biggest and best krewes. During this time of year, temperatures can vary from warm sunny days to wind and rain, so be sure to pack some layers and waterproofs.
When you’re not watching parades, you can party in Bourbon Street, grab a live jazz session in Frenchman Street, or explore the famous cemeteries and history of New Orleans. Despite popular belief there are even family friendly activities during Mardi Gras. From kayaking with alligators to visiting the World of Mardi Gras there are a lot of things to do in New Orleans other than partying.
If you want to be close to the action, the best area to stay is the French Quarter as the parades, shops, and nightlife are all within walking distance. If you’re looking to save money, then the Hi Hostel is a fantastic, sociable hostel that is clean, friendly, and comes with a good breakfast. Staying near the harbour front is still close to the fun, but will be less chaotic and crowded than the bustling parade routes. Be aware that prices will rise during the festival season and even a hostel in the French Quarter will cost from $60 per night.
This was just a dip in the bucket of all the great places to visit in the USA. Let me know in the comments below what is on your USA Bucket List!
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3 Comments
Jessica Kokoszki
Great suggestions. Definitely want to hit up the balloon fest in Alburuque. Also, I can vouch for K Bar in South Dakota. We had a view of Mount Rushmore!
The Fearless Foreigner
That’s so cool! I went to Mount Rushmore years ago, but definitely didn’t have a view from my hotel. I would also really love to go to the balloon fest in Albuquerque.
Sharyn
Some great suggestions on this list. I am looking forward to visiting some of the places when I can get back to America, particularly those I have’t been to like Washington and San Francisco.