places to visit in north america before you die

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USA Travel Bucket List: 50 Places to Visit Before You Die

See recent posts by Megan Johnson

While we’re often daydreaming of beaches in the Maldives and vineyards in Tuscany, there are plenty of amazing destinations in our own backyard. To help you with your bucket list, we’ve rounded up 50 places you must visit in the United States before you die — in no particular order.

1. New York City

One of the most-visited places in the world, New York City has numerous attractions, a multicultural population, and something for all types of travelers. Tourists should be sure to fit in a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Empire State Building or One World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Central Park offers a respite from the crowds, museums are impressive, and a show on Broadway followed by a slice of pizza is an ideal night out.

2. Grand Canyon, Arizona

The second-most popular national park in the U.S., the Grand Canyon in Arizona wows with its Colorado River-formed canyon, which stretches 277 miles long and over a mile deep. Visitors can see the park from scenic lookout points, via a stunning helicopter ride , during whitewater rafting, while riding a mule, or by hiking down and back.

3. Disney World, Florida

One of the most magical places for people of all ages, the massive Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando has four fun theme parks. Magic Kingdom has the breathtaking Cinderella Castle and nightly fireworks shows, while Epcot allows park-goers to travel around the globe by showcasing 11 different countries — think a pagoda in Japan, a biergarten in Germany, and Eiffel Tower views in France.

 4. New Orleans, Louisiana

Vibrant, historic, and downright fun, New Orleans is a popular city throughout the year. While most people know about the city’s rambunctious Mardi Gras celebrations, NOLA also offers world-class jazz music, delicious Creole and Cajun cuisines, art galleries, ghost tours, and notable buildings such as the 18th-century St. Louis Cathedral. The French Quarter is best explored with a coffee and beignet or a frozen cocktail in hand.

5. San Antonio Missions, Texas

Sure, you probably know about The Alamo in San Antonio, but it’s actually one of five Spanish missions found across the city. The oldest is Mission Espada , which was built in 1690; original frescoes are still visible inside Mission Concepcion ; and the largest is Mission San José . Visitors can bike or drive between the missions, and park rangers provide free tours.

6. Niagara Falls, New York

While we’d argue that Niagara Falls is more impressive from the Canadian side , you can still witness the three stunning waterfalls without a passport. Head to Prospect Point in Niagara Falls State Park for a stellar vantage point, or consider a Maid of the Mist boat tour for a more up-close-and-personal view. Also worth a visit is Cave of the Winds , which is set behind Bridal Veil Falls and offers visitors a sensational view of the falls, often accompanied by a beautiful rainbow.

7. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Opened in 1937, the famous Golden Gate Bridge is an orange-colored suspension bridge that impresses with its main span of 4,200 feet and a total height of 746 feet. It connects San Francisco to Marin County, where the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has hiking, historical attractions, and lovely vistas of the bridge and San Francisco. After snapping a photo on land, travelers can bike or walk across the bridge for more picturesque views.

8. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Both a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Smoky Mountains is the most frequented national park in America. The gorgeous park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina, and it has tons of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and water tubing. Fall also offers striking foliage.

9. Washington, D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see where the government is run. From the White House to the Capitol to the Supreme Court Building, all three branches of government are found here, in addition to historical monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial , the Washington Monument , and World War II Memorial . Visitors can also spend hours touring the various Smithsonian museums within the National Mall .

10. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

One of the most well-known geological features in the country, Old Faithful , is a cone geyser within Yellowstone National Park . It was discovered in 1870 and got its name from its frequent and generally predictable eruptions, which occur about every 60 to 110 minutes. An average eruption is 130 to 140 feet high, expelling 3,700 to 8,400 gallons of water (depending on the length of the eruption).

Related: The 6 Best National Parks for Winter Wildlife Spotting

11. South Beach, Miami

South Beach is Miami‘s trendy hot spot, home to one of the prettiest beaches in America, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, tasty Cuban fare, and popular nightlife spots. A Latin American influence pervades the city at large, and in South Beach, tourists can shop at fancy boutiques, eat cheap Cuban sandwiches, and lounge at posh beach clubs . A beachside boardwalk is great for strolling or biking and, of course, people-watching.

12. The Narrows, Zion National Park

Within Utah’s Zion National Park , The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. It’s the park’s most popular hike due to its striking setting within a gorge, where the river acts as the trail. Hikers must wade in water that varies from ankle- to waist-deep. It’s particularly pleasant in the hot summer months, but visitors should stay on top of weather conditions, as it’s known for dangerous flash flooding.

13. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a charming artsy town with a strong Native American influence. Pueblo-style architecture, a central plaza where vendors sell various handicrafts, and historic sights such as Loretto Chapel give the city a unique feel, plus there’s plenty to keep busy throughout the year. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine are additional highlights.

14. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Whether you choose to drive the entire 659 miles of the Pacific Coast Highway or just a fraction thereof, you’ll be rewarded with sensational vistas. Certain routes can be done in a day, but we recommend taking your time by starting in San Francisco and slowly making your way to Orange County. The best views are arguably in Big Sur, where you’ll find rugged cliffs against the ocean on one side and redwood forests on the other.

15. Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Just outside of Washington, D.C., is Arlington National Cemetery , which spans 624 acres and houses the graves of 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families. The graves of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis are frequently visited, as is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is a monument dedicated to deceased U.S. service members whose remains haven’t been identified. The moving Changing of the Guard can be witnessed every 30 or 60 minutes while the cemetery is open, depending on the time of year.

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Even those who don’t love country music will likely be enamored with Nashville, Tennessee. Excellent restaurants and hip bars make for a thriving nightlife scene, and the live music — much of which is country — on Broadway is not to be missed. Top attractions include Centennial Park for its full-size replica of Greece’s Parthenon, the Grand Ole Opry concert hall, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum .

17. Freedom Trail, Boston

Boston played a large part in America’s independence, and the city’s Freedom Trail passes through 16 historically significant locations. The two-and-a-half-mile trail takes visitors to Boston Common (America’s oldest public park), the site of the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s House , and the USS Constitution (the oldest commissioned ship that acts as a museum today).

18. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Located in southern California, east of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is a dreamy destination known for its distinctive-looking namesake trees, big boulders that are ideal for rock climbing, and stellar stargazing opportunities . Visitors can drive through, hike around, camp, or ride horseback through the desert landscape.

19. Road to Hana, Maui

The top attraction in Maui on TripAdvisor, the Road to Hana (Hana Highway) is a 64.4-mile drive that connects Kahului, where the airport is located, to the town of Hana on Maui’s more rugged east coast. The drive is not for the faint of heart, as it has over 600 switchbacks and 56 one-lane bridges, but the speed limit never surpasses 25 miles per hour. Travelers who hit the road are rewarded with spectacular lush greenery, stunning black-sand beaches, multiple waterfalls, and spots to buy banana bread.

20. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Colorado

Located about a 30-minute drive outside of Denver, the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is an open-air concert and entertainment venue. The entire theater, including the seating, was built into the red rocks, which make for a phenomenal acoustic experience. Tourists can run up and down the steps in the morning and see big-name acts at night. Past performers include The Beatles, U2, Coldplay, and John Denver.

Related: Maui vs. Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Is Better for You?

21. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is where the Colorado River takes a horseshoe-shaped bend in Glen Canyon. Visitors to Horseshoe Bend have skyrocketed since it gained recognition through Instagram. It’s easily accessible, as travelers can hike a one-and-a-half-mile round-trip trail from a parking lot off the highway.

22. Austin, Texas

The capital of Texas, Austin, is a hip, youthful city where low-frills barbecue joints and big-name tech corporations coexist. From stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Austin to topless sunbathing at Barton Springs Pool , there are a lot of ways to beat the daytime heat. Nights can be spent at upscale restaurants, Sixth Street bars with live music, or watching bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Buy a University of Texas T-shirt and some cowboy boots while you’re there.

23. Space Needle, Seattle

An iconic landmark in Seattle, the Space Needle is an observation tower that was built for the 1962 World’s Fair. With its antenna, it rises 604 feet, allowing for panoramic views of Seattle and the surrounding water. A 100-million-dollar renovation included the creation of the Loupe, the world’s first and only rotating glass floor. A cafe and wine bar entice visitors to linger.

24. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

Located in South Dakota, this famous landmark depicts four American presidents carved into the granite face of Mount Rushmore . Constructed between 1927 and 1941, the sculpture features the 60-foot heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

25. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

Every year since 1972, Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta, in which the sky is filled with colorful hot air balloons. For nine days in October, families and friends gather to watch the largest balloon festival in the world.

26. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park

Another top attraction (and the most-photographed) within Yellowstone National Park is the Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the largest hot spring in the United States, measuring 370 feet in diameter. It’s best viewed from above, as the spring has vibrant bands of rainbow colors.

27. Griffith Observatory, California

Situated on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory is a popular observatory with free admission. It has stellar views of the Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles, and visitors can use telescopes, the planetarium, various events, and a cafe.

28. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Completed in 1932, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a two-lane highway that allows visitors to traverse the 50-mile width of Glacier National Park . Various scenic lookouts and noteworthy hikes can be found off the road, and it crosses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Due to weather conditions, it generally doesn’t open until late June or early July.

29. Las Vegas, Nevada

Whether for a bachelorette party, Celine Dion concert, or business conference, there’s a good chance you’ve at least thought about going to Las Vegas. Sin City is renowned for its world-class casinos, nightlife, and celebrity-chef-helmed restaurants, not to mention rowdy pool parties with famous DJs. It’s not all debauchery, though, and many kid-friendly activities dot the city.

30. Acadia National Park, Maine

Maine‘s beauty is undeniable, and that’s perhaps best displayed at Acadia National Park . Located near Bar Harbor, the 47,000-acre park sits along the coast and offers ample wildlife, such as moose and peregrine falcons, beaches, lush forests, and granite ridges formed by glaciers. While summer is a popular time to visit, the fall foliage makes for great autumn hiking.

Related: Top 9 Las Vegas Hotels on the Strip for Every Type of Traveler

31. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Located a four-hour drive south of Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon is a national park best known for having the largest concentration of hoodoos (irregular rock columns) in the world. The park was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2019 due to the great nighttime visibility and many astronomy-related programs on offer.

32. Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Often considered a symbol of America’s independence, the iconic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia was ordered by Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751. It was previously housed in Independence Hall, the building where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were adopted. It has since been moved to the Liberty Bell Center within the Independence National Historical Park .

33. Charleston, South Carolina

The 1670-founded Charleston is South Carolina’s oldest city, Today, it offers a lovely mix of old-fashioned Southern charm and contemporary style. Cobblestone streets filled with horse-drawn carriages and striking mansions can be found in its well-preserved Historic District, while notable wartime places, like Fort Sumter and Patriots Point , sit nearby. Cute boutique shops and traditional Southern comfort food appeal to visitors, as does Folly Beach , located a 25-minute drive south of the city.

34. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Hot springs may conjure images of Iceland or Costa Rica, but the aptly named city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, offers U.S. travelers ample opportunities to soak in naturally heated springs. The town is located in the Ouachita Mountains, about one hour from Little Rock. Bathhouse Row has several bathhouse options, including places for coed or gender-segregated experiences. A few dispensers around the city let people obtain cold spring water straight from the mountain.

35. Redwood National and State Parks, California

Roughly equidistant from Portland and San Francisco, the Redwood National and State Parks encompass 139,000 acres and three state parks. Visitors here will find stunning redwood trees, which are some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in the world. On average, redwoods live between 500 and 700 years, and a typical redwood here measures 300 feet tall and 16 to 20 feet in diameter.

36. Oahu, Hawaii

The most popular of the Hawaiian islands, Oahu provides picture-perfect beaches, hiking opportunities, and the conveniences of a city — think budget-friendly hotels, chain restaurants, and an international eatery. Top attractions include Waikiki Beach in Honolulu , Diamond Head — a dormant volcano crater that can be hiked — and North Shore, a beach with huge waves that make it a frequent host of international surfing competitions in the winter. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial is also worth a visit.

The 49th state of Alaska is stunning, with greenery-filled forests, tons of wildlife (think bears, humpback whales, and moose), and massive glaciers. However, it’s not the easiest place to explore, as even the capital of Juneau has no roads leading out of the city. Arguably the best way to see Alaska is on a cruise , stopping at ports like Ketchikan , which has a strong native culture and renowned salmon fishing.

38. Sonoma, California

While we love Napa Valley in California, Sonoma provides a slightly less touristy wine-country experience. Sonoma is set among beautiful rolling hills, and many of the over 400 wineries within Sonoma County have a laid-back atmosphere that will put visitors at ease. Like Napa, Sonoma has tons of top-notch restaurants, relaxing spas, bike rentals, and charming bed-and-breakfasts to choose from.

39. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

A four-hour drive south of Portland, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is 183,224 acres and home to America’s deepest lake. Crater Lake, a caldera formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama volcano, is 1,943 feet deep at its deepest point and has a striking deep blue hue. Swimming and fishing are permitted, plus park-goers can hike, bike, ski, and stargaze.

40. Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Located 90 minutes north of Santa Fe, Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. An active Native American community resides on Taos Pueblo lands, both within the Pueblo and in surrounding areas. The present buildings, which are made of adobe, are believed to have been constructed between 1000 and 1450 A.D. Guided tours are available of the site.

Related: Best Destinations for Adult-Only Vacations

41. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Another Instagram darling, Antelope Canyon , is a magnificent, awe-inspiring slot canyon near Horseshoe Bend in Arizona, formed by the erosion of Navajo Sandstone. It’s located on Navajo tribal lands, and the Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons can only be accessed with a guide licensed by the tribe.

42. Minnesota Lakes

Minnesota is considered the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” though it actually has nearly 12,000, and many are fantastic spots for a summer vacation. Whether you choose to dip your toes in the chilly Lake Superior — one of the Great Lakes — or go full-on swimming in Mille Lacs Lake (which is large but shallow), there’s a lake in Minnesota for you.

43. Arches National Park, Utah

Just outside of Moab is Arches National Park , famous for its more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches — the largest concentration of them on Earth. The most photographed is the 52-foot-tall, freestanding Delicate Arch, plus the park has many other striking geological formations.

44. Kentucky Derby

Since 1865, the Kentucky Derby horse race has been taking place at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Women wear elaborate hats, while gentlemen don seersucker suits in pastel hues. Visitors come to watch the 20 three-year-old Thoroughbred horses race 1.25 miles — often with a mint julep in hand.

45. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Located in Michigan’s Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is a charming 1780-founded island with a population of just around 1,000 (though it sees many tourists during its peak season). A majority of the island is a state park, which has forests, wildlife, and hiking trails. The use of motor vehicles has been outlawed here since 1898, so expect to ride around on bikes or in horse-drawn carriages and buggies.

46. Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica sits due west of Los Angeles, and the town lures travelers with its postcard-worthy beach, pier with amusement park rides, and boulevard lined by shops and eateries. A 22-mile paved bike trail is a great way to see the city, plus the famous Muscle Beach , an outdoor gym dating back to the 1930s, is not to be missed.

47. Space Center, Houston

The Space Center in Houston is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training. It allows visitors to view more than 400 space artifacts, as well as traveling and permanent exhibits related to space travel.

48. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

About a 90-minute drive from Denver is Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park , which attracts millions of visitors each year with its 355 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives to more than 12,000 feet in elevation, and over 50 lakes and streams for fishing. Year-round activities abound, and travelers can either camp within the park or stay at a nearby hotel such as the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for “The Shining”).

49. Fenway Park, Boston

Long considered America’s pastime, baseball is something every U.S. citizen and traveler should witness at least once. There are 30 Major League Baseball teams, and while Wrigley Field in Chicago, Yankee Stadium in New York, and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles are all suitable spots, we love Fenway Park in Boston for its easy-to-reach location. Plus, the many die-hard Red Sox fans make for a fun experience.

50. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco

Located in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is a fascinating tourist attraction that was developed as a Civil War fortress, followed by a military prison and federal prison (until 1963). Ferries shuttle visitors to the island, where guided tours showcase the complex history of the site and its prison.

How many destinations can you check off the list? Find out down below:

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The Great American Bucket List: 50 Things To Do In The U.S. Before You Die

The Great American Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in the U.S. Before You Die

Part of every trip to an unfamiliar destination is a visit to one or two tourist traps. While some of them must be avoided at all times and costs , others are worth the time , effort and money.

From visiting all 59 national parks , which are still referred to as "America's best idea," to going to football games, embarking on a safari and even attending a rodeo, the great American bucket list has a stunning variety of activities and tons of places to see.

With the help from various travel sites and published adventure stories on The Active Times, we have compiled The Great American Bucket List.

It's time to get out there and conquer the world. Grab your bucket list; you will definitely want to add these trips to it.

Road trip along Route 66

Traveling with a car along the legendary 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica is one of the  craziest adventures you can do in the country. The historic Route 66 has been featured in just about everything – TV, music, movies. Many places still keep the original two-lane highway. Stop by Pontiac and visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum. Along the way you'll also find stunning panoramas , charming towns , rocky cliffs, and beautiful  deserts and parks . If you really want to see what it's like to be "alone" on the road, go west from Kingman past the saguaro cacti and loose boulders. You'll get to Oatman, an old gold-mining town. Don't forget to visit the Meteor Crater in Arizona, which is 50,000 years old.

Hiking the John Muir Trail

This is classic hike. When it comes to Yosemite, John Muir definitely deserves founding father status. The Scottish-born world famous naturalist was the catalyst in the creation of the park, and his namesake trail runs 211 miles between Yosemite Valley and Mount Whitney (the highest point in the Lower 48). This is a land made up of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks,  lakes in the thousands, and  canyons and granite cliffs. The JMT is has the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world, according to the  Pacific Crest Trail Association .

Visit All 59 National Parks in One Year

Visiting all 59 national parks in the U.S. and its territories in 52 weeks in an airstream, is often referred to as the " greatest American road trip ." It sounds like an  impossible adventure  to many, but several people have already been on the road doing exactly that because of the centennial anniversary of the National Park Service. It's a combination of being  very happy to be in the parks  but also very tired.

Go on a Cruise around Alaska

Cruising Alaska, one of the most "outdoorsy" state in the U.S. , is more popular than ever before, but you can still find a great deal if you're flexible, especially in the summer . A 7-day cruise aboard the Grand Princess of Princess Cruises makes stops in Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau, among others. The reasons to visit the Last Frontier are endless – unique wildlife everywhere, migrating salmon, mighty mountains, and national parks .

Winter Surfing

Most people associate surfing  with warm water, sandy beaches and lots of sunshine. The sport can easily transition into the winter. In fact, many fans prefer the cold season because that's when they get the best waves  and favorable winds. Also, there are fewer people. Just make sure you have the right gear .

Ice Caving in Wisconsin

Bayfield Peninsula Sea Caves are some of the most jaw-dropping sights you can witness in the country. In the winter, they are morphed into ice caves. Take the entire family and explore their beauty. The incredible formations and the splendor of the crystal clea r ice will astonish you. Spectacular year-round ice caves you can visit are Big Four in Washington, only a short drive from Seattle , and Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska. They are constantly on the move, as the glacier inches towards Mendenhall Lake and changes shape along the way.

See Lava Flow in Hawaii

Did you know that The Big Island is getting bigger every year by about 42 acres because of lava flow from the Kīlauea Volcano? It can even be  seen from space . The phenomenon is known as lava delta – when  lava flows into the ocean  over a long period of time resulting in the formation of new land. There are two possible ways to see the lava: From a distance, e.g. in the crater of the Kilauea Volcano, and close by from boats as the lava flows down the island into the ocean, according to Love Big Island. 

Whitewater Rafting in Ocoee River, Tennessee

The Ocoee River in in the Cherokee National Forest is among the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the country, and also one of the most dangerous . It has more than 20 continuous rapids. More than 300,000 people go every year. The rapids are categorized as Class III, but Mickey's is Class IV.  Adventurers get to choose between a 5-foot ledge drop into a deep hole or a rocky descent down a 4-foot ledge. Few adventures are as thrilling and terrifying at the same time as  riding mighty waves . 

Appalachian Trail

Arguably the most famous long-distance trail in the world, the Appalachian Trail runs for approximately 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin and Maine. Marked by iconic white blazes, the trail attracts 2 million hikers annually, including some two-thousand would-be thru-hikers. Part of the trail within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country , is perfect for majestic fall foliage displays .

Hike an Active Volcano in Hawaii

A lot of volcanoes have been in a  continuous eruption state for decades and even thousands of years. As the most active  volcano in Hawaii , Kilauea has had a history of eruptions. Try hiking the Kīlauea Iki Trail. You will descend through a  lush rainforest  to the floor of the solidified but still steaming Kīlauea Iki Crater lava lake, according to  NPS . Bring water, food, hat, sunscreen and  rain gear .

Go Snorkeling on Catalina Island

Snorkeling is the perfect way to get close to pure marine life without swimming at  unnerving depths . Floating calmly in clear blue waters and gazing at bright and colorful flora and reefs, swarmed by many different kinds of fish species makes for an  unforgettable trip . By far the Lover's Cove is the most popular snorkel spot   off Catalina. Snorkelers will see sea stars, eels, anemones, octopuses, and, most notably, the brilliant orange Garibaldi fish.

Swim With Manatees in Florida

Crystal River is the best place to go swimming with manatees  and the best time is in September and October when there is a rise in the manatee population. Reputable outfitters can take you to the manatees without disturbing their fragile habitat and provide all the gear you need, including  wetsuits . The water temperature in the river is a brisk 72 degrees year-round.

Explore Underwater Caves in Florida

Exploring underwater caves can be an incredible experience, but you should be properly trained and it's best to travel with a guide. It is especially dangerous because if something were to happen, the diver cannot swim vertically up to the surface because of the surrounding cave. Some of the best places to go cave diving in the U.S. are Devil's Cave System in Ginnie Springs and Merritt's Mill Pond in Florida.

Camp at Sahale Glacier Camp in Washington

This is one of the most dangerous camping places in the world . Sahale Glacier is on the south slope of Sahale Mountain, North Cascades National Park. There is no camping at Cascade Pass, but the  best camping place  is close enough about 5.7 miles in and 7,600 feet high. The views of alpine meadows, snow-covered summits and lakes are absolutely incredible, but getting to the camp is not easy.

Witness Fall Foliage in New England

Clean air, panoramic views of bursting bright colors and miles of forests  – the New England states are not the only ones boasting awe-inspiring fall foliage . All of New England is known for its autumn colors. Chances are you already live a short  road trip away  from spots with phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green. Adventurers and  fans of outdoor activities  can't wait to put their hiking boots on.

Canoe the Boundary Waters in Minnesota

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is part of the Superior National Forest. Over 1 million acres in size, it has over 1,200 miles of canoe routes . Because this area was set aside in 1926 to preserve its primitive character and made a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1964, it allows visitors to canoe , portage and camp in the spirit of the French Voyageurs of 200 years ago, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Go to a Super Bowl

Regardless of whether you like football or only watch the final game for the commercials, watching the  Super Bowl live is only topped if you were a player and won the trophy.  The lights, the fireworks , the half time show, the fans, the quality of game, the after-party (especially if your team wins) – all of these make seeing the Big Game live a must-do . 

See Indy 500 Live

It's the perfect guys-only getaway . The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race is called "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." If you are into fast cars, seeing it live is a must. Along with the Kentucky Derby, the Rose Bowl and a select few others, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its marquee event has retained its status as the most powerful one day event for a sports fan.

Drive Along Pacific Coast Highway

This is definitely one of the most scenic roads in the entire country . If you want to go beach hopping, this is the road trip for you. The Pacific Coast Highway will take you to some remarkable beach towns,  some can even be great for surfing , eventually leading to the famous Big Sur, a rugged stretch of California's central coast between Carmel and San Simeon. Drive Big Sur's length via twisting Highway One. The Bixby Bridge is a favorite spot  for photos . Another one is McWay Falls, a cascade that falls about 70 feet into a remote beach.

Marvel at the Northern Lights in Alaska

Alaska is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights before disappear . They can be seen all over the Land of the Midnight Sun. However, the most reliable spot to see them is  Fairbanks . Take the Northern Lights Tour and follow your guide to some of the best locations to  view the aurora . Tip: Visit in the winter when it is cold and dark for peak viewing.

Ski in Colorado

Colorado has some of the best ski resorts in the world , including for beginners and "non-skiers." Aspen Snowmass, for example, never fails to charm each and every guest—even those not interested in the excellent powder-topped terrain. Ullr Nights, the Friday night gathering that takes place each week, includes family, friends, tubing, snowbiking, ice skating, hot chocolate, a bonfire and live music. The resort also hosts yoga classes at 11,212 feet with stellar views and excellent programs for kids.

Go Surfing in San Diego

San Diego is one of the coolest surfing towns in the world . It has awesome wave pools in addition to a plethora of good surf spots and some of the best surf schools in the country. Some of the best spots are the world-famous river-mouth point break at the border of San Diego and Orange Counties –Trestles, Oceanside and its miles of gentle breaks, Cardiff, Del Mar, Blacks Beach, which is arguably San Diego's best wave.

Catch a Rodeo in Wyoming

Catch a rodeo at Cheyenne Frontier Days , the world's largest outdoor rodeo. The city has been known for decades as the prime location for railroading and rodeo-ing in the country. There are also many steam engines and working dude ranches to check out. Every Friday night, during summer, small towns are lit up with the excitement of rodeo arenas, according to Travel Wyoming.

Ice Climbing in Montana

Ice climbing is no longer just a subset of mountaineering. More and more adrenaline seekers climb frozen waterfalls and steep ice since the equipment for this high-risk sport has gotten better. For an extreme experience, try Mount Washington in New Hampshire. The weather changes fast and all the time and ice and snow is everlasting in many parts of the mountain. Alaska and Montana are friendlier. Ice Climbing in Glacier National Park is for the more experienced climbers .  

Visit Walt Disney World in Florida

This is the place where magic happens and dreams come true. If you haven't already, visit Walt Disney World . There is so much to do and even more to explore. Take your family on a behind the scenes tour; have a seat at Cinderella's Royal table and enjoy a meal with Cinderella herself; ride the monorail for incredible  sightseeing opportunities ; and hop in an open-air vehicle and explore the African savanna on a  safari at Animal Kingdom .

Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its extravagant parties, one of which includes Mardi Gras. Participate in festivals, join in on the parades and even take a city tour.

Go on a Hike in Grand Canyon National Park

A trip to the Grand Canyon would not be complete without a hike. Visitors say hiking the canon is an incredible experience and the backcountry is truly amazing . Hike the Rim-to-Rim Trail, the Bright Angel Trail, Rainbow Rim Trail, Hermit Trail and South Kaibab Trail.

Visit Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Niagara Falls links the international border between the U.S. and Canada. It was formed by receding glaciers. It consists of three waterfalls: The Horseshoe Falls (the most powerful waterfall in North America), the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are located on the Niagara River and they have a combined fall with the highest flow rate of all of the world's waterfalls.

Visit Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio

Also known as the "Roller Coaster Capitol of the World," this is one of the world's most popular amusement parks . It contains 18 world-class roller coasters and a variety of family-friendly rides. Ride the Millennium Force – one of the world's most thrilling roller coasters . It is a 310-foot ride that reaches speeds of 96 mph and features an elevator cable lift system that helps you get to the top faster.

Go Zip Lining in Las Vegas

There are tons of adrenaline inducing activities in Las Vegas , but probably the most popular is the SlotZilla zip line. Soar down Freemont Street between the casinos and pedestrian promenade. Then, if you're looking for some fun outside the city, zip line with Flightlinez and soar over the Mojave Desert.

Climb to the Top of the Space Needle in Seattle

If you are looking for a spectacular view, look no further than from the top of the Space Needle in Seattle. The observation deck is located at about 520 feet. It offers 350 degree views of the Emerald City.

Visit Times Square in New York City

Times Square is one of the best and  most visited attractions  in New York. Tourists can enjoy delicious foods from famous restaurants, shopping in countless shops and watching plays and musicals. But visit at night for one of the most magnificent Times Square experiences; simply look around you and admire the city's lights .

Drive From Miami to Key West

Hop in your car and head out to Overseas Highway for a spectacular trip. The drive from Miami to Key West is 150-miles. It is known as one of the "greatest American road trips of all time." There are tons of things to do and see along the way, but probably the most famous is simply driving over the Seven Mile Bridge. Once you get to Key West, visit their famous beaches and go sailing, snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles.

Go on a River Cruise in Mississippi

Hop on board and explore one of the most famous rivers in the U.S. – the Mississippi River. American Cruise Lines  will take you on a luxurious history and culture trip through Mississippi and Ohio aboard two paddlewheeler river boats.  USA River Cruises  also offer different trips. There are plenty of variations, including going from Memphis to Nashville on a ship.

Learn How to Ski in Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont

If you have always wanted to learn how to ski, it's important that you choose the right ski school for you. Smuggler's Notch offers adult ski programs. New skiers can take ski lessons with knowledgeable instructors, explore new terrain and gain confidence on the  slopes . Advanced skiers can work with instructors to advance their skills on the mountain. They offer adult group lessons and adult private lessons. Special programs are also offered, these consist of The Mountain Experience for Skiers and women's programs.

Lake Shore Drive, Illinois

According to  The Travel Channel , "Lake Shore Drive in Chicago is the prettiest extended stretch of urban parkway in America. It's bordered for most of its 15-plus miles by green space, beaches, and Lake Michigan on the east and by a mix of parkland, skyscrapers, and luxury apartments on the west." Make some stops along the way and check out Lincoln Park, the Lakefront Trail, and the  beautiful beaches .

The Kentucky Derby, Louisville

The Kentucky Derby is more than just an annual sporting event , where you watch horses race. It is a "celebration of southern culture and a true icon of America," according to kentuckyderby.com. It's the longest running sporting event in the United States, beginning in 1875. The race is known in the U.S. as "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."

Visit SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida

Get up close and personal with animals  at SeaWorld. View dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and flamingos. Educate yourselves in the interactive exhibits, ride roller coasters, watch spectacular shows and treat yourself to  a private buffet  with Shamu.

Visit the National Mall, Washington D.C.

The National Mall is the heart of the nation's capital and of the entire United States. It is where the nation celebrates, honors and demonstrates its commitment to democracy. The National Mall is accompanied by impressive structures, monuments and memorials.

Visit Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls  is one of the world's tallest falls at 2,425-feet. It is made up of three separate falls; the Upper Yosemite Fall, the middle cascades and the Lower Yosemite Fall. If you are up for it, take an all-day hike to the top of the falls for incredible views. Other falls located in Yosemite National Park include Sentinel Falls, Ribbon Fall and Bridalveil Fall.

Go on a Hike in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails and is home to over 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds. Going on a  hike  is one of the best ways to view the national park. Hike Grinnell Glacier for outstanding views of beautiful  waterfalls  and wildflower meadows. Begin your hike at the Gribbell Glacier Trailhead. The trip is 7.6 miles and you will reach an elevation of 1,840 feet. Also, don't forget to hike the Iceberg Lake Trail and the Highline Trail.

Spend the Night in Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Take your family to the Georgia Aquarium for one of the best educational and entertaining trips you will ever experience. Kids will love it because they can spend the night (and so can you!); the aquarium offers "Sleepover Programs." You will get entrance to all presentations, guided tours, dinner, breakfast and the chance to sleep right in front of a gorgeous gallery window. Other things to do at the aquarium include  animal encounters  – dolphins, penguins and sea otters.

Georgiaaquarium.org

Drive the Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana

Drive through  Glacier National Park  and explore the incredible forests, tall mountains, and beautiful valleys on the Going-to-the-sun road. Make sure you stop at Logan Pass — and don't forget your camera.

Explore the Ozark Caverns in Missouri

Missouri is home to thousands of caves, most of which are protected environments. Go on Ozark Caverns tour and view Angel Showers – a never-ending shower of water that seems to come straight out of the ceiling.

Visit Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in  Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the highest point in Tennessee and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi, according to  nps . It rises at 6,643 feet. The observation tower is spectacular. It offers incredible views, but climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top for an even better view.

Go Skydiving in Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is the only dropzone in Southern  California  and is the home of the highest tandem jump in the United States. The jump is so high that you are given supplemental  oxygen  on the ride up. Enjoy the spectacular views of California and film your experience. Take it home to remember the moment forever.

https://www.skydivesantabarbara.com/

Visit the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, Colorado

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are open year-round, although their peak flower season is from June to August. Bring your family to experience a variety of exhibits, listen to live music and even share a  romantic  date night at their Painting Workshop. Bring your children to Betty Ford Alpine Gardens for a once in a lifetime experience. They have a Kid's Amphitheatre, Solstice Stones and a hike up the Gore creek to a garden made for children. They also have  waterfalls ,  meditation areas  and Alpine pools.

Visit a Brewery in Vermont

Vermont has the most breweries per capita in any state. According to Travel Like a Local: Vermont , Vermont started to gain recognition as a leading producer of craft beer in the U.S. in the summer of 2009; today there are over 40 breweries operating in the state. Some of the best breweries to visit include Four Quarters, Hill Farmstead, Lost Nation Brewing and Fiddlehead Brewing.

Visit Rainbow Bridge in Arches National Park

Arches National Park  is home to the largest stone arch in the world – Rainbow Bridge. It is approximately 290 feet tall and 42 feet thick at its top point. The bridge is well-known to local native tribes. About 85,000 people from around the world visit each year, according to  nps .

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco offers spectacular skyline views and one of the best places to see them is from the Golden Gate Bridge. The suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate strait between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean is an iconic U.S. landmark. The name is even protected by Streets and Highway Code.

Bucket-list travel: 60 things to do in America at least once in your life

Chances are you’ve dreamed of visiting far-off places like the Eiffel Tower or Mount Olympus. But the truth is, there are so many bucket-list worthy destinations right here in America. And USA TODAY Travel partner  GoBankingRates.com has rounded up 60 of them.

Before you pay thousands of dollars to travel the world, consider looking in your own backyard – you’ll find plenty of things you really should do at least once in your lifetime.

To make the most of your vacation time, be sure to take advantage of what the U.S. has to offer, and scratch these amazing places off your bucket list.

101 Places to Visit in USA – Your Ultimate USA Bucket List

• In the City / Outdoors / USA

How many of these places have you visited in the US?

I can’t believe this is our 6th year of moving to a new city every year. We can officially say we’ve lived in all four corners of the US. Now, it’s time to explore more of the heartland. Who’s coming with us?

There’s so much beauty right here in our greater backyard that we used to neglect. The grass seems greener on the other side, and we’re often filled with wanderlust for faraway places. But if we just stop to look, it’s incredible how many different types of landscapes and cultures fill this country. 

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: October 30, 2023

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• Alaska – Arizona
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• Most Beautiful Hotels in the US

Planning Checklist

101 places to visit in usa – the ultimate usa bucket list.

We’ve stepped foot in 47 states and covered a lot of ground over the years. Even after living in 7 different cities plus doing a handful of cross country road trips, we feel like we barely made a dent (I also can’t help that our list continues to grow longer and longer). Today, we put together a list of many of our favorite destinations in the US to give you a good start.

Of course, there are many more than 101 places worth visiting in the US. If you need even more suggestions, click the links below to see full guides on each destination. Want to explore the US by month? Use the links below.

USA IN  Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec

Denali National Park →

Denali is one of the more accessible national parks in Alaska. Our favorite thing to do here was the  flightseeing tour .

Katmai National Park

A great time to see the Katmai bears is during the salmon runs from mid-July to mid-September. If you visit mid-May to mid-July, you can see mom bears and their cubs.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Head to Seward, Alaska to visit Kenai Fjords National park. A boat cruise is the best way to see the park and don’t miss the short hike to Exit Glacier.

Antelope Canyon →

These vibrant and beautiful slot canyons are crowded. If you want to find a less crowded option, head to Waterholes Canyon.

Havasupai Indian Reservation →

Hike down into the canyon to greeted by waterfalls plunging into turquoise waters. Permits are hard to get, so here are  our tips .

Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area →

A short hike (1.3 mi round trip) takes you to a viewpoint where you can see the horseshoe shaped bend in the Colorado River. We also took a boat ride through, which offered a unique perspective.

Grand Canyon National Park →

The easiest way to get here is via  helicopter from Vegas . Although, the views are more impressive from the top looking down.

Don’t miss the  Devil’s Bridge hike  and  Slide Rock State Park .

Saguaro National Park →

The park is split into Saguaro East and West near Tucson AZ. West photographed better, while East was less crowded and felt more like you were in nature.

They only allow 20 people in per day. These permits shave been the hardest to get. See our  top Wave permit tips here .

White Pocket →

If you can’t get into the Wave, this is the best alternative. Photographers love White Pocket because it hasn’t been photographed a million times like the Wave

Disneyland →

If you’re a socal resident and you love Disneyland, the annual pass is the way to go.

One of my favorite places in the world. Popular stops are McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach.

Channel Islands National Park →

Explore the islands through kayaking or diving for a really unique experience.

Death Valley National Park →

This park is massive and has diverse landscapes. Summers are brutally hot, so this park is  best in the winter .

Joshua Tree National Park →

Jtree doesn’t have the prettiest hikes, but it’s a climber’s paradise. It also photographs beautifully at sunset and stargazing and astrophotography are amazing.

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful crystal clear lake. Skiing is great in the winter, and hiking in the summer. The Nevada side is less popular but just as beautiful.

See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

Los Angeles →

Traffic is almost impossible to avoid. Load up on music and audiobooks while you wait. Check out our LA bucket list, free things to do, instagram spots, and food guide. If you like Korean food, LA has the best we’ve found outside of Korea.

Napa Valley →

Napa is the most popular wine country in the US. If you love food and can get a reservation at  the French Laundry , we absolutely recommend it.

Redwood national Park →

See these California coast giants. They can grow up to 300 ft tall.

San Diego →

Can we all retire and become beach bums? Life is too easy in sunny San Diego. It’s one of our favorite cities we’ve lived in the US. Check out our  free things to do ,  instagram spots , and  SD bucket list .

San Francisco →

It’s known for the famous Golden Gate bridge, year round fog (named  Karl ), and colorful mismatched Victorian houses. The culture of SF has changed over the years, but it’s still one of my favorite cities with easy access to the outdoors too.

Sequoia + Kings Canyon National Park →

Walk among the largest trees in the world (by volume).

Although popularity is increasing, if you want a less touristy wine country experience than Napa, go to  Sonoma . IYKYK

Yosemite National Park →

Our favorite national park. It’s become extremely popular and crowded especially in the Valley. The park is massive, so explore outside the valley to avoid the crowds or visit in late fall to winter. Keep in mind, most waterfalls dry up in the winter.

See More: Best Places to See California Wildflowers

Black Canyon of the Gunnison →

12 miles of the deepest and most dramatic part of the Black Canyon.

Watching a concert at Red Rocks is a unique experience. Or head there for your morning workout. You’ll have plenty of workout buddies.

Garden of the Gods

300 ft sandstone rock formations that can easily be seen through a scenic drive. There’s supposed to be some cool climbing here too.

Great Sand Dunes National Park →

Hike up Star Dune, the highest sand dune in North America. Also try sandboarding!

Maroon Bells

They’re the most photographed peaks in Aspen.

Mesa Verde national Park →

Do one of the  cliffside dwelling tours  where you can walk through and get a closer look. a UNESCO world heritage site.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are popular drives that take you through aspens, winding rivers, and mountain scenery.

Vail is well known as a skiing destination but also beautiful for  outdoor activities in the summer .

Everglades National Park

It’s the largest tropical wilderness in the US and also a UNESCO world heritage site. 

Florida Keys →

Take the Overseas Highway for a scenic drive.

Miami and Miami Beach

This was our go-to college spring break spot with their endless clubs. Now we visit for Art deco buildings, white sand beaches, and Cuban food.

Best known for for Disney World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. Our favorite park is Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

No matter what city we live in, we’ll always be ATLiens at heart. The city is full of southern charm but with the conveniences of a big city. See our  ATL bucket list ,  best instagram spots ,  free things to do , and  food guide .

Step into the quintessential South with Antebellum architecture, cobblestone squares, and massive oak trees covered in Spanish moss.

See More: 15 Best Weekend Trips from Atlanta GA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

They have two active volcanoes.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Picture entering into Jurassic Park, because that’s where they filmed it.

Road to Hana, Maui →

Take the Road to Hana and  check out these stops .

Oahu Lantern Floating Ceremony (Memorial Day)

Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor Memorial, Hanauma Bay are the touristy spots. If you’re there on Memorial Day you can see the Lantern Floating Ceremony.

Iowa State Fair

More than a million people from all over the world gather here annually. I grew up in Iowa and only vaguely remember going as a child, but on our cross country road trip last year, I got to see the Butter Cow in all its glory. All 600 pounds of Iowa butter. It’s weird, but nothing quite like it.

Wrigley Field, Millenium Park, Skydeck are the popular spots.

See More: 15 Spectacular Day Trips from Chicago

Kansas City →

(Also in Missouri) Don’t miss Kansas City BBQ at Joe’s – our favorite!

Grab your big hats and head to the Kentucky Derby. Plus, it’s part of the  Kentucky Bourbon Trail .

New Orleans →

Known for the French Quarter and Mardis Gras. Don’t forget to try some crawfish and Cajun cuisine.

Acadia National Park →

Beautiful in the fall. Great for unique rock climbing on the coast.

Portland ME →

Did you know that Portland Oregon got its name from Portland Maine? Visit the lighthouses and eat ALL the lobster rolls.

Explore the upscale crab shacks and learn about its important role in US history. It’s known as the city of neighborhoods.

Massachusetts

Walk the Freedom Trail, watch a game at Fenway Park, and eat lots of seafood.

Great summertime destination with cute villages, seafood shacks, and lighthouses.

Martha’s Vineyard

Popular in the summer and only accessible by plane or boat.

Salem is famous for the witch trials. You can learn more about the history at the Salem Witch Museum.

Minneapolis-St Paul

Check out the Minneapolis sculpture garden, Walker Art Center, and Minnehaha Park. Mall of America was the biggest mall in the US when we were kids, but now it’s the 5th largest.

Glacier National Park →

Going to the Sun road is a nice scenic drive. Hike a trail for even more amazing views of alpine lakes and mountains.

See More: What You Need to Know Before You Visit Glacier National Park

Great Basin National Park →

Go during the astronomy festival for amazing stargazing and astrophotography (late Sept).

Las Vegas →

There’s so much more to the city than the strip. It’s also great home base to explore the outdoors. Check out our  ultimate Vegas bucket list ,  free things to do , and  food guide .

Valley of Fire State Park →

This Mars-like landscape is only an hour away from Vegas..

See More: 101 Things to Do in Nevada

Atlantic City

AC is the most popular gambling destination on the East Coast and also known for their beaches and iconic boardwalk.

Alburquerque

The  Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta  is the world’s largest balloon festival.

Love the Pueblo style architecture prominent through the city.

This high desert town is known for historic Adobe buildings and artist colonies.

White Sands National Park →

Go early in the morning so you don’t see a bunch of footprints.

See More: ABQ Balloon Festival – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Niagara Falls

Don’t forget your passport in case you want to check out the view from the Canada side as well.

New York City / NYC →

You can never be bored in NYC. Have you stepped in all 5 boroughs? I still need to take the Staten Island ferry to the forgotten borough. See our  NYC bucket list ,  places to eat ,  instagrammable places , and  New Yorker tips for visitors .

See More: 21 Absolutely Stunning Places to Visit Upstate NY

North Carolina

Asheville →.

People refer to Asheville as the Portland of the east coast. There’s hiking, craft beer, and a great food scene.

See More: 15 Best Hikes Near Asheville NC

Crater Lake →

Crater Lake sits inside a collapsed volcano. Bring your wide angle lens to get it in one frame.

Oregon Coast →

Cannon Beach or Astoria is a popular starting point.

Pack a raincoat and hiking boots unless you’re visiting in July-Aug. Our favorite part of Portland was the  easy access to the outdoors .

See More: Your Ultimate Oregon Bucket List

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia →.

Visit Independence Hall and compare your Philly cheesesteaks.

Pittsburgh is the city of bridges. They have 446 bridges, which is more than any other city in the world.

South Carolina

Charleston →.

They have great rooftop bars and Rainbow Row is a must for instagrammers. Also see  our Charleston bucket list  and  food guide .

South Dakota

Badlands national park →.

Take sunrise photos at the Door trailhead or Window trailhead and sunset photos to Pinnacles Overlook. 

Mount Rushmore

Trivia – Who are the four presidents carved on Mt Rushmore? Highlight Below for Answers -> 

George Washington, Abraham, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson.

Great Smoky Mountains

(also in NC) Take in the view from Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain in the Smokies.

The city that has made a big impact on Blues, Soul, and Rock and Roll.

Nashville →

Be sure to try hot chicken and check out the Parthenon Replica and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

More on our  Austin bucket list ,  free things to do , and  food spots .

Marble Falls

Between March and April, Bluebonnets carpet Texas Hill Country. Bluebonnet House in Marble Falls is one of many popular spots.

Arches National Park →

Devil’s Garden trail  was our favorite hike in the park.

Bryce Canyon National park →

Time it so you can do a full moon hike.

Canyonlands National park

Drive through the real life landscape of Pixar’s Cars.

Goblin Valley State Park

Mars like landscape filled with hoodoos. Locals call them goblins.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Lots of backcountry trails, and not as busy as other  Utah parks .

Monument Valley

That iconic shot from Forest Gump.

Park City →

Great for skiing and snowboarding.

Zion National Park →

Angel’s Landing  and  the Narrows  are two of our favorite hikes.

See More: 101 Things to Do in Utah State

Great place to base yourself to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Mount Rainier National Park

Rainier is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range and highest mountain in Washington. If you’re an alpinist, this is one of the mountains to conquer. The park is especially beautiful with wildflowers in late July and early August.

North Cascades National park →

This is a great hiking destination. It’s not as easy to access via car except for Ross Lake plus they have a short season.

Olympic National park →

Did you know there’s a rainforest in the US. Olympic NP has the only one in the continental US.

Orcas Island

Largest of the San Juan Islands. The name actually originated from Horcasitas, but from May to October during the salmon run, you can see orca whales too.

See our  ultimate Seattle bucket list  and  guide to the best museums .

Washington DC

Washington dc →.

See our  DC Bucket List  and  49 best places to eat . Even though it’s ridiculously crowded, cherry blossom season is beautiful.

Apostle Islands

If Lake Superior freezes in winter, you can walk to these islands with frozen waterfalls and chambers. They also have one of the greatest concentrations of black bears. 

All the Great Lakes

There are 5 Great Lakes, and we want to swim in them all. Can you name all 5?

Cody is known as the rodeo capital of the world.

Grand Teton National Park →

You can check out Tetons and Yellowstone in one trip. Tetons is much less busy.

Yellowstone National Park →

We’re not the biggest fans of Yellowstone because it tends to attract visitors that don’t respect the park, but we can’t deny that the colorful hot springs and features are beautiful. Plus, it’s great for spotting wildlife.

See More: 11 Incredible Things to Do in Jackson Hole Wyoming

101 Places to Visit in USA Map

10 Beautiful Hotels to Put On Your USA Bucket List

• Amangiri Resort, Canyon Point, UT  
• Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA  – Travelers Choice 2019 
• Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santa Fe, NM
• The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, CA
• Ocean House, Watch Hill, RI
• The Plaza, NYC
• The Setai, Miami Beach, FL
• Triple Creek Ranch Darby, MT
• Waldorf Astoria Chicago, IL
• Wentworth Mansion, Charleston, SC   – Travelers Choice 2019 
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

How many of these places have you been to? How many are on your USA bucket list?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 5 Comments

Love this post! Love how you have organized them by the state – we have seen a lot of America but it always amazes me how much there is to see and experience.

Thanks for the list which of course is just a tiny fraction of the places and only includes selected states along with some questionable cities that are part of someones bucket list. I think if someone were to take a grand tour of this great country the list would be more like 1001 places! Everyone’s goal regarding a “bucket list” varies depending on that persons aspirations as to what they like to do, see, eat, and explore, which makes it difficult to define a true bucket list. Although I don’t live in Michigan, which was one of the states not represented in this list has many offerings including recreation such as camping, snowmobiling, boating, fishing, and has wonderful places to visit such as Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinaw Island along with the suspension bridge, and for those car lovers many automobile museums. Keep on making those bucket lists so those that want to explore based on there desires can truly see this magnificent country.

Thanks, Buddy! There really is sooo much to see, and you’re completely right. We could easily find 1001 bucket list worthy places here. :)

semi retired and starting bucket list travels

You two are amazing and love your sense of pure adventure! We love adventure too – family style. We moved to Colorado Springs nearly 3 years ago and as time allows with four busy kids, we are slowly exploring every corner – southwest Colorado road trip coming up: Great Sand Dunes NP, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde NP, Telluride, Ouray, Black Canyon NP, and more! There is a lot to see in Colorado Springs too and we love it. Thanks for a great list!

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USA Bucket List – 16 Places To See In America Before You Die

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There is so much to do and see in American that a USA bucket list could go on forever. That being said, if you want to make sure you cross off the most important must-see destinations in the country, the list below will get you started.

The USA is best known for high iconic landmarks that have become symbols of the country, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge.

And what about all the amazing natural wonders such as the  National Parks and amazing beaches.

Read on for my list of the top 10 places in the USA that everyone should visit before they die. Plus the most important historic monuments in America.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my  Disclosure for more information.

MORE UNITED STATES BUCKET LIST IDEAS

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Usa bucket list ideas.

There are so many beautiful sites to see while visiting our great nation! You will love this ultimate bucket list of places to see in the USA.

The USA is a diverse country, with many beautiful places to visit.

For this article, I am listing the top 10 cities in America every tourist should see before they leave.

This list includes some of the most well-known attractions and iconic landmarks in each city as well as some hidden gems people might not know about!

Here are the top 10 places everyone should visit at least once in their life.

1. The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most visited landmarks in America. It’s a symbol for the US and a monument to freedom.

This monument was originally built in 1886 and has been standing since then to represent the friendship between France and America

2. New York City

The most populous city in the US that is home to some of the world’s largest skyscrapers (Empire State Building), Times Square which has one of the biggest video screens on Earth, and Central Park which offers visitors more than 800 acres of space for outdoor recreation like jogging or biking.

New York is most known for being the center for business and industry on US soil as well as its numerous famous landmarks such as One World Trade Center , The Chrysler Building , The Empire state building , The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island National Museum which is where many immigrants first stepped foot on US soil.

Along with places to visit you can also find theaters, restaurants & bars such as Times Square , Broadway shows and the infamous Times Square Ball Drop at midnight on New Year’s eve .

Check out my  NYC Bucket List for 85+ Things to Do in New York

3. hollywood.

Known for being one of the most well known centers for filmmaking and hosting celebrities (Walk of Fame).

Since its earliest years, the city has been associated with American cinema and is one of the leaders in producing films.

Hollywood has many attractions including Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studio Tour, Walt Disney’s Birthplace Home and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

If you are visiting Los Angeles, make sure to check out Hollywood plus the other amazing attractions on my  Los Angeles Bucket List.

4. Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world with casinos, nightclubs and shows.

The food in Las Vegas is some of the best in the World with world-class chefs in residence in many of the hotels and restaurants.

With so much to do in this city it has become a top tourist destination in America.

Don’t forget to visit neighbouring Hoover Dam and The Grand Canyon while on your Las Vegas vacation.

5. San Francisco

San Francisco is one of America’s most diverse cities and also one of the most beautiful.

The city hosts many attractions including Alcatraz Island, China Town, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Nob Hill, Pier 39 and Union Square. You can check out the whole list of amazing places to visit with my  Epic San Francisco Bucket List .

6. Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the symbols for San Francisco and was opened to traffic on May 27, 1937.

Many people believe it to be the most beautiful bridge in the world!

This suspension bridge stands at a height of 746 ft and is painted orange/red. It connects San Francisco to Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait.

5) New Orleans

Known as the birthplace of jazz music, the birthplace of Mardi Gras and one of the best food cities in America.

With the French Quarter being known as the most active area in New Orleans it is home to famous restaurants like Arnaud’s and Antoine’s.

The architecture also makes this city stand out with its Spanish-French influence and beautiful buildings in all different colors.

Along Bourbon Street there are many bars that host live jazz bands during Mardi Gras so people can party all night long!

Hot Tip: While you are visiting the Deep South, make sure to spend some time visiting the rest of  Louisiana’s tourist attractions too.

7) Washington D.C.

The capital of the United States is known for its government buildings (White House), monuments, museums and memorials (The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall).

Many famous Americans are buried there including politicians like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Abraham Lincoln as well as war heroes(John Glenn) and writers such as Mark Twain & Robert Frost.

D.C is one of those places that represents how America came to be through the hard work of our forefathers who were brave enough to strike out on their own despite all of the dangers in an unknown land.

8) Yellowstone National Park

Many people have heard about Yellowstone even if they have never visited the USA.

This national park is located in Wyoming as well as parts of Montana and Idaho.

It covers an area of over 9,600 square miles which makes it the world’s largest protected area inside of one country .

Located within the park is Old Faithful Geyser that shoots water into the air every hour on the hour.

Also there are other huge geysers like Grand Prismatic Spring and Excelsior Geyser that have risen to over 200 feet high!

Not only is this a very popular place for tourists but wildlife seems to love it too with elk, buffalo, mule deer and bison calling it home year round.

9) Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore is a 60ft sculpture carved into the side of a mountain in South Dakota.

It depicts four US Presidents (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt & Abraham Lincoln) who were chosen because they set an example of what qualities America should strive towards.

Although Mount Rushmore is really out of the way for most travellers in the USA as it is not close to any of the major cities, it is really worth a visit once in your lifetime.

While you are in the area, make sure to stop by the Crazy Horse Memorial which was started by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski in 1948  and never finished due to funding issues.

Me at Mount Rushmore!

10. South Beach, Miami

No USA Bucket List would be complete without some mention of Florida. This amazing state is packed with things to do including Disney World in Orlando and the Everglades National Park.

One must-have spot is South Beach in Miami that boosts gorgeous white sands, impressive art-deco buildings and a fantastic nightlife.

Top 6 Historic Monuments To Visit In The USA

In America, everyone has heard about how they need to see the Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore.

But there are many other monuments that are just as important but not nearly as well-known.

Here is a list of 10 historic monuments in the USA every tourist should visit before leaving.

1) The Declaration of Independence

A document written by Thomas Jefferson with what became known as the “self-evident” truths which include life, liberty & pursuit of happiness.

You can find the Declaration of Independence on display at The National Archives Building where you can also find some interesting facts about the founding fathers such as George Washington cutting down his father’s cherry tree.

2) The White House

The Executive Residence in Washington DC  is an essential inclusion on any East coast bucket list.

It holds many events throughout the year such as Easter Egg Rolls & picnics scheduled during summer months with over 30,000 people attending each event.

3) Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

You will find this museum in Skokie (Chicago’s northern suburb ).

Professor Deborah Lipstadt who survived the holocaust herself and wanted to share her story with the public opened it to educate people about the holcaust.

Inside there are thousands of artifacts & records from the Nazi plus parts of Anne Frank’s Diary.

4) Brooklyn Bridge National Monument

A bridge that spans from Manhattan to Brooklyn over East River in New York City – take a stroll over it at it the evening to view Manhattan all its glory.

The bridge was designed by architect John Roebling who died during its construction so his son Washington Roebling continued working on it but sadly passed away as well just a few years later due to decompression sickness (caused by too much pressure being put on his body).

Open since 1883, this is “Americas Favorite Architecture” according to the American Institute of Architects. It is always a favorite on any USA Bucket List.

5) World War II Memorial

This memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC remembers all the military troops that fought in World War II .

The monument was designed by Friedrich St. Florian and has a total area of 53,000 square feet.

The structure itself was built as a half circle with two identical fountains on each side (one representing the Pacific theater and one for the Atlantic theater) along with trees, walkways & benches.

6) Mount Vernon

An estate located on the banks of Potomac River which belonged to George Washington .

As our first President who led us through our independence of America from England this site pays tribute to him and his wife Martha Washington who moved here after he died in 1799.

There are over 70 acres of beautiful gardens & waterfront views that make this trip worth the visit.

USA Bucket List – Final Thoughts

The USA is a land of many opportunities and countless places to explore.

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, cultural experiences or just a great time with friends then this article should have given you some ideas on the best destinations in America that will suit your interests.

We hope these top attractions inspire you to plan an unforgettable adventure in our country!

It’s never too late to start planning because no matter what season it is there are always new things happening in American cities like Los Angeles & New York City.

More USA Bucket List Ideas

Chicago Bucket List: 65+ Best Things to Do in Chicago

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9 places in America you have to see in your lifetime

Americans are starting to take more vacations, but you don't need to go far or even have a passport to see amazing things. From natural attractions to historic sites, these nine places across the U.S. are so awe-inspiring, they're perfect for a Great American bucket list trip.

1. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is famous for its ancient red-rock canyons, which have more than 70 hiking trails , cliffs and forests to trek, including famous Cathedral Rock, known for its towering monoliths, and Devil's Bridge Trail.

The city is also known for its spirituality. Lore has it that Native Americans used to go there to heal, and that's helped Sedona become a popular place for yoga retreats and health and wellness trips. (Locals are quick to attest that Sedona is full of strong energy points called "vortexes" and the area has a large population of psychics ).

Whether you believe or not, the layered red and orange rock formations unique to Sedona are magical.

Most parks have entrance fees that are no more than $9. Cathedral Rock is $5.

Some visitors do day trips from Phoenix (two hours by car).

2. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

Also know as "Vieux Carre," the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, dates back to the early 1700s and centuries of French, Spanish and Southern culture merge here. The 78-square block area is known for its architecture, food and traditions (like Mardi Gras), and tourists come in droves for the well-preserved buildings, jazz clubs and historic restaurants like Arnaud's, as well as famous attractions, like Jackson Square, Cafe Du Monde and the haunted Lalaurie Mansion.

The streets are lively during the day with tourists on foot, bikes or in mule-drawn carriages, and musicians play on street corners; by night, revelers crowd the Quarter, including famed Bourbon Street, for late-night partying. Bars are open 24 hours every day and there is an open-container law allowing people to drink alcohol on the streets.

Free Tours By Foot offers two-hour walking tours of the French Quarter, where you can pay whatever you like.

3. Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota

Constructed in 1927, Mount Rushmore National Memorial took 14 years to carve and, since its debut in 1941, has become iconic in America.

The massive, 60-foot high granite faces of past presidents, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, was mostly carved during the Great Depression for nearly $1 million.

Mount Rushmore is in the Black Hills, about 30 minutes southwest of Keystone, South Dakota, and about 3 million people visit the sculpture every year. Near Mount Rushmore is Badlands National Park, about 1.5 hours away, known for hiking and camping.

Mount Rushmore is free to visit but there is a $10 parking fee (you can only get to the attraction by car or bus). It's open every day of the year except Christmas, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

4. Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone is America's oldest national park, established in 1872, with rocks dating back more than 2 million years. It also sits atop the largest supervolcano in America, which produces more than 500 beautiful geysers (like the famous Old Faithful, shooting water up to 200 feet high), hot springs and steam pools the park is known for.

But don't miss the nearby Grand Prismatic Spring, just seven miles away from Old Faithful. Hypnotizing and surreal, it's the largest hot spring in America and the third largest in the world, at 370 feet long and 121 feet deep. The spring is known for radiating vibrant, otherworldly orange- and yellow-colored rings formed around the rainbow-colored waters.

The natural wonder is one of the park's most photographed sights. It's free to visit but Yellowstone requires a seven-day park pass that costs $30.

5. Miami and Key West, Florida

Miami is chockablock with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, but its Art Deco District has the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in America, with about 800 historically significant structures in a 125-square block area. The classic styles of 1920s to 1930s Art Deco architecture can feel like a time warp with its pastel facades, curved corners, portholes, glass blocks and terrazzo floors. Art Deco also frequently features geometric fountains or statues. Boutique hotels that line famed Ocean Drive in South Beach (known for bright and retro neon signs) are well preserved Art Deco jewels, like The Celino South Beach, Clevelander Hotel and The Betsy.

Miami is also known for cultural neighborhoods, like Little Havana, which feels like a slice of Cuba in America (Miami is home to the largest Cuban population outside Cuba, with more than a million Cuban Americans out of Miami-Fort Lauderdale- West Palm Beach's 5.6 million population). Little Havana Food and Walking Tour is one of the top global food experiences, according to TripAdvisor.

Go further south for Key West in the Florida Keys, where time stands still. It's the southernmost point of the continental U.S., and completely isolated, having served as the furthest hideaway retreat for famous authors, like Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway. It's kitschy, retro, campy and bohemian, where locals and visitors alike walk barefoot along the 7-square-mile island that's full of 19th century built homes in Caribbean colors, open-air restaurants and bars and cheap bed and breakfasts.

6. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

In Arizona, Grand Canyon National Park sprawls 1,900 square miles, known for towering canyons with peaks and cliffs providing immense views, from Mather Point to Yavapai Observation Station, herds of bison and camping under a starry sky. The natural wonder has one of the most recognizable landscapes in America. Nearly 5 million people a year drive in by car or bus tour, or you can take helicopter tours from Las Vegas. Go hiking, river rafting, horseback riding and biking.

Skywalk, a 70-foot glass walkway 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, opened in 2007 in Grand Canyon West.

Grand Canyon is also a popular destination for camping. There are three campgrounds, including the popular Mather Campground on the South Rim open year round. Fees are $18 per night.

Entrance fee to the park is $30 per private vehicle. Admission is for seven days.

7. Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan, New York

New York City is chockfull of renowned attractions, like the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Empire State Building, all of which you can see in a day. One of the most popular tourist sites is Grand Central Terminal , a stunning, historic landmark and one of the most famous train stations in the world. Opened in 1871 (to the public in 1913), it's also one of New York's oldest landmarks (Empire State Building, 1931; Brooklyn Bridge, 1883; Statue of Liberty, 1886).

The terminal is architecturally impressive with soaring ceilings, Roman-triumphal-arch-inspired facades, Corinthian columns, arched windows and the famous clock. It's cavernous and elegant (chandeliers glimmer in the waiting area), with marble walls and a twinkling, fiber-optic ceiling.

More than 750,000 people pass through Grand Central every day. It's free to visit.

8. Hollywood sign and the Sunset Strip, Hollywood, California

The iconic Hollywood sign in Hollywood, California, is a symbol of Tinseltown, laying cultural root in Los Angeles and seen in countless movies, TV shows and music videos. There's no other city in America with a 352-foot long sign perched high in the hills welcoming visitors.

Many tourists get up close and personal. Travelers can hike to the actual Hollywood sign every day of the year through various authorized hiking trails. The sprawling city views from the sign are breathtaking. There is no fee.

While you're here, cruise down the Sunset Strip, one of America's most famous streets, known for its countless billboards and entire building walls advertising movies, TV, music and sports. The legendary street since the 1920s is also home to iconic places like Whiskey A Go Go, Sunset Tower and Chateau Marmont.

9. Bioluminescent Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico

There is a handful of known bioluminescent bays in the world (Vietnam, Cayman Islands, Australia), with two right here in the U.S., like San Juan Island in Washington, reachable by ferry. But the bioluminescent bay at Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Puerto Rico, is the most well known, and it's the brightest due to low light pollution.

When travelers go on a dark night with a tour guide (avoid days around and on a full moon), they can get in the water and swim with microscopic sea life called dinoflagellates. These plankton light up when they are disturbed, so running your hands and feet through the water leaves a trail of light. In fact, when you move underwater, it will appear that your body is glowing.

The conditions have to be right for this incredible natural phenomenon to occur, and it's not easily captured on camera, so don't expect to take photos. Tours are $54 per person.

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Editor’s Letter: 50 Places of a Lifetime

Every curious traveler should visit these treasures.

Our November/December issue is a special collector’s edition, “50 Places of a Lifetime,” and it’s heading to a mailbox or newsstand near you. Here’s the introduction to the package from the pages of the magazine; the complete list of all of our Places of a Lifetime can be found after the jump.

A decade ago, Traveler published a landmark issue– “50 Places of a Lifetime”–that in subsequent years has become something of a hallmark of the magazine, spawning related books, podcasts, special issues, web content, games, mobile apps–even a round-the-world jet trip from National Geographic Expeditions to lift off in October 2010. Long before The Bucket List and 1,000 Places to See Before You Die , we sought to showcase those treasured destinations that every curious traveler should visit in a lifetime.

Now, in Traveler’s 25th-anniversary year, we recognize the first 50 places and offer another 50 that speak to the transformation of travel since 1999–how we travel, where we travel, why we travel. Ten years ago, we could see the emerging signs of a new kind of journeying–one that puts a premium on sense of place, authenticity, culture, sustainability, and experience rather than mere sightseeing.

These elements became the compass we use to steer you to destinations that are more than just numbers in a hot list. Our first 50 picks were icons the world collectively recognizes as superlative. What we offer in the following pages is what sets this magazine apart. We go beyond the obvious. You’ll see that we’ve picked locations of character–and asked those with a personal connection to them to tell us why they are important, unique, compelling. Some are places you may know but haven’t seen the way we view them here. Others, we hope, are surprises that may seduce you to explore them firsthand. We address what makes a destination special, what will reward the traveler, why you should come here rather than go somewhere else. We are more sensitive than ever to the fact that many places we love most are deeply threatened–and our challenge is to preserve them for future generations. When they travel, I want my children to know the same joy I feel every time I discover somewhere new and different. We all begin that journey by finding a place that sings to us. We hope you find many destinations in these pages that do just that. –Keith Bellows, Editor in Chief

The following is a list of all of the Places of a Lifetime we’ve featured in the magazine, from both 1999 and 2009; the newer selections are in bold, and are also featured on an interactive map here . To see a photo gallery of many of the places featured in this year’s issue, click here . And to hear music selections inspired by each of the places from our current issue, click here . How many have you visited?

URBAN SPACES

• Athens, Greece
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Barcelona, Spain
• Berlin, Germany
• Delhi, India
• Dublin, Ireland
• Florence, Italy
• Hong Kong, China
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Jerusalem, Israel
• London, England
• Mexico City, Mexico
• New York, New York
• Paris, France
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• San Francisco, California
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Vancouver, Canada
• Venice, Italy

WILD PLACES

• Aleutian Islands, Alaska
• Amazon Forest
• Arnhem Land, Australia
• Australian Outback
• Auyuittuq National Park, Canada  
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda  
• Canadian Rockies
• Coast Redwoods, California
• Galápagos Islands
• Grand Canyon
• Lake Baikal, Russia
• Madidi National Park, Bolivia
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Papua New Guinea’s Coral Reefs
• Sagarmatha National Park, Nepal  
• South Georgia Island, South Atlantic Ocean
• Venezuela’s Tepuis

PARADISE FOUND

• Aitutaki, Cook Islands
• Amalfi Coast, Italy
• Boundary Waters, Minnesota
• British Virgin Islands
• Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil
• Greek Islands
• Hawaiian Islands
• Japanese Ryokan
• Kerala, India
• Lord Howe Island, Australia
• Mayreau, St. Vincent and the Grenadines  
• Molokai, Hawaii
• Mount Rigi, Switzerland
• Pacific Islands
• Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
• Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
• Salina, Italy
• Torres del Paine, Chile
• Yap’s Outer Islands, Micronesia

COUNTRY UNBOUND

• Nat Geo Expeditions
• Asturias, Spain
• Azure Coast, Turkey
• Big Sur, California
• Canadian Maritimes
• Cordillera Terraces, Philippines
• Danang to Hue, Vietnam
• Gaspé Peninsula, Canada
• Gobi desert, China and Mongolia  
• Lake District, England
• Loire Valley, France
• Mendoza, Argentina
• North Island, New Zealand
• Norway’s Coast
• Piedmont region, Virginia
• Rif Mountains, Morocco
• Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho

WORLD WONDERS

• Acropolis, Greece
• Angkor, Cambodia
• Easter Island, Chile
• Fatehpur Sikri, India
• Great Wall, China
• Karnak, Egypt  
• Kuelap, Peru  
• Leptis Magna, Libya
• Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
• Machu Picchu, Peru
• Mesa Verde, Colorado
• Petra, Jordan
• Potala Palace, Tibe t
• Pyramids, Egypt
• Sagrada Família, Spain
• Samarkand and Bukhara, Uzbekistan  
• Terra Cotta Army, China  
• Taj Mahal, India
• Vatican City  

51st Place of a Lifetime

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35 most beautiful places to travel to in America (what to see and how to see it)

It’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe for you, beauty is the bright lights of a cityscape at night or a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe it’s a meadow of wildflowers, a roaring waterfall, or a historic neighborhood in a famous city. For many, it’s a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon , Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser, or Hawaii's Mauna Kea volcano . Beauty can be found anywhere, in anything, so we’ve gathered this list of some of America's most beautiful places to travel—the landmarks, attractions, and breathtaking views to see before you die.

But we aren’t stopping there. It’s one thing to tell you about America’s most beautiful places, and another to help you plan the perfect itinerary to see them. In our list below, you’ll gain 35 adventures to add to your bucket list and specific ways to experience them, from guided hiking tours, helicopter rides, and sailing expeditions, to recommended hotels and alternative lodging options in each spot.

The best part? You can book almost everything right on TripAdvisor. We check up to 200 booking sites to bring you the lowest price on hotels , plus we have thousands of bookable tours, excursions, attraction tickets, and more, ready to book online .

Without further ado, here are some of the most beautiful places, landmarks, and attractions to visit in the USA.

Island of Kauai, Hawaii: Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s Beaches

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters - Kauai

There’s a reason big-budget films like Tropic Thunder and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides feature this lush location as a backdrop. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet, from the spectacular Mt. Waialeale crater , which gets more rainfall than anywhere else on earth, to the stunning Mana Waiapuna falls featured in Jurassic Park, the towering spires of the Nā Pali Coast, and the resorts of Princeville . A great way to see it all is via this helicopter tour taking you over the island of Kauai, as well as the Nā Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, and Poipu’s gorgeous beaches . Pro tip: Make time to check out the snorkeling , rafting, and kayaking experiences around the Nā Pali Coast and its famous sea caves, too.

Where to stay

• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection
• This two-bedroom condo, steps from the beach

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Kenai Fjords Tours

It’s not hard to see why this six-hour excursion in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular wildlife and glacier cruises. Glide past alpine and tidewater glaciers, spot abundant marine wildlife, and visit seabird rookeries at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Drifting past the jagged icy cliffs along the Kenai Peninsula, you might catch breath-taking glimpses of humpback, minke, and orca whales, among other creatures that flock to the plankton-rich waters. No matter your adventure style, there are plenty of tours available for exploring Kenai Fjords National Park .

• Seward Windsong Lodge
• Harbor 360 Hotel

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park

There are so many ways to take in the majesty of the Grand Canyon. Bus trip , helicopter tour from nearby Las Vegas, or travel the way visitors did in the early 20th century: by train ! This iconic American destination is celebrated for its Colorado River views and awe-inspiring red rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see. Also worth exploring are Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend , both of which are about two hours away from the popular South Rim of the Grand Canyon .

• El Tovar Hotel
• Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim

Pfeiffer Beach: Big Sur, California

Pfeiffer Beach

As the Beach Boys crooned, Big Sur is a place of crimson sunsets and golden dawns. Pfeiffer Beach is an especially picturesque stretch where the waves roar as they hit the white sand of the beach. One TripAdvisor reviewer was particularly taken with the sight of the rocks perforated with holes, allowing water to splash through making for some spectacular camera shots. McWay Falls and Bixby Bridge get tons of deserved Big Sur hype, but Pfeiffer Beach is more of a hidden gem—check out its purple sand and amazing rock formations.

• Post Ranch Inn
• Big Sur Lodge

Colorado’s Blue Lakes

Blue Lakes Trail

The Blue Lakes Hiking Trail near Telluride , situated above the tree line at about 12,400 feet, offers a gorgeous hike past alpine lakes and the peaks of Yankee Boy Basin. Hikers often tackle it as a day-long excursion, taking in the sight of colorful wildflowers and everything from marmots to mountain goats or sheep. If you’re staying in Denver and want to try something similar, you can take this private day tour of Mount Evans , which includes spectacular views from the top of the famous ‘14er’, as well sightings of wildlife like bighorn sheep, elk, and bison.

• Hotel Columbia
• The Hotel Telluride

The Brooklyn Bridge, New York City

Brooklyn Bridge

New York City is truly an incredible metropolis, worthy of many superlatives. While Central Park or the Statue of Liberty could certainly be considered beautiful, our pick here is the Brooklyn Bridge thanks to its stunning architecture (one reviewer claims it’s an " iconic engineering marvel ") and unique skyline views. Opened in 1883 and spanning nearly 6,000 feet, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the world’s most recognizable suspension bridges and a classic New York sight. Travelers rave about waking across the bridge at sunrise or sunset, or alternatively taking the view in at nighttime on a boat cruise —which also includes views of One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Chrysler Building.

• The Roxy Hotel Tirbeca
• Hotel 50 Bowery NYC

Fall Foliage in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Anyone planning a getaway who loves history, New England, mountains, and dazzling fall colors, should put Bretton Woods in autumn on their travel wish list. It’s actually a point within the town of Carroll, New Hampshire. In fall, this place is simply spectacular. Hike up West Mountain for amazing views or ride The Cog , a cog railway carrying tourists up Mount Washington.

• Omni Mount Washington Resort
• The Lyme Inn

Forsyth Park: Savannah, Georgia

Forsyth Park

The thirty-acre site of Forsyth Park , dating from the 1840s, is one of the most iconic spots in the city of Savannah. The park’s fountain is probably its most recognizable landmark, and the benches and Spanish moss-covered oaks that surround it have helped make it a romantic focal point for photography. Outside the park, TripAdvisor reviewers particularly love Savannah’s historic churches and cathedrals, this museum dedicated to the history of Prohibition, and sites like Bonaventure Cemetery , nestled on the bluff of the Wilmington River and famous for its old tree-lined roadways and historic architecture.

• The Kehoe House
• The Eliza Thompson House

Maui’s Honokohau Falls and the Sea Cliffs of Molokai from the air

Maui Plane Rides

Taking a flight across Hawaii’s most dramatic landscapes will really make you sit up and appreciate the world around you. On this helicopter tour over Molokai and Maui you’ll see a panorama of cliffs, jungle, ocean, and volcanoes, perhaps interrupted by a majestic whale or two. Take in those massive sea cliffs and that serene North Shore bathed in sunlight—you simply won’t want to leave.

• Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
• This one-bedroom condo, voted #1 rental in Maui

Driftwood Beach: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Driftwood Beach

Amateur shutterbugs flock to Driftwood Beach , a distinctive spot on the north end of Georgia’s Jekyll Island that looks, quite simply, like a graveyard for trees. Trust us, it’s a lot more beautiful than it sounds. It often shows up on lists rounding up the most romantic beaches in the country, due to its landscape of sun-scarred driftwood that makes you feel like you’re in another world. Catch it early in the morning or at sunset for a view that will take your breath away.

• Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse
• The Cloister at Sea Island

Views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Lookout Mountain

The views at Lookout Mountain are nothing less than breathtaking, looking over the city of Chattanooga, as well as parts of neighboring states. There’s a powerful sense of history here, as several TripAdvisor reviewers note, as you stand on ground where Civil War soldiers fought and died. Also seek out Ruby Falls (which includes a cave and waterfall underneath the mountain), the rock formations and gardens in Rock City , and Point Park , memorializing the 1863 Civil War Battle Above the Clouds. Visit in the fall for the added bonus of colorful foliage!

• The Dwell Hotel
• The Chattanoogan

Views from the Stratosphere Observation Tower in Las Vegas

Stratosphere Tower

When people talk about the Stratosphere in Vegas, they could be referring to the hotel or the casino, but there’s a better chance that they really mean the roughly 1,150-foot-tall freestanding observation tower . This distinctive Sin City landmark includes two observation decks, the revolving Top of the World restaurant, and several bookable rides and attractions, such as this open-air leap from the tower via the SkyJump experience . This unlimited ride pass also lets you experience the thrills of rides like the Big Shot.

• The Venetian

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Missouri

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

This St. Louis cathedral , the mother church of the St. Louis archdiocese, is home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western hemisphere. This beautiful structure turned 100 years old in 2014 and is perhaps best known for its interior mosaics, which took almost 80 years to complete, using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The interiors are stunning, for sure, but its incredible exterior architecture also gives it a nod on our list of beautiful sights in America.

• Moonrise Hotel
• Magnolia Hotel St. Louis

Views from the Willis Tower Skydeck in Chicago

Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower

If it’s a dizzying height with an epic Chicago view you want, head straight to the Ledge at Skydeck Chicago , housed in the second-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. A quintessentially Chicagoan and perfectly Instagrammable moment can be captured 103 floors up the Willis Tower, where you step out onto the glass balconies of the ledge, extending more than four feet outside the building. Enjoy those 360-degree views then turn your gaze down to your feet to see the slightly stomach-churning sight of everything 1,353 feet below you. Skydeck admission is listed at $22, and you can also enjoy dinner on the 103rd floor, bookable here .

• The Langham
• The Peninsula Chicago

The Lighthouses of Coastal Maine

Casco Bay Custom Charters

It doesn’t get much more storybook perfect than this: a two-hour excursion into Casco Bay aboard a vintage lobster boat, offering sublime views of the Maine coastline dotted with lighthouses. Each charter includes a captain and deckhand to guide you, regale you with local color, and tend to your needs, but it’s the lighthouses that are the stars of this show. You’ll see four in total, including the Ram Island Light, the Spring Point Ledge Light, Bug Light, and the iconic Portland Head Light, which was commissioned in 1791 by none other than George Washington himself.

• Portland Harbor Hotel
• The Press Hotel

Mauna Key Summit, Hawaii’s Big Island—from the air

Mauna Kea Summit

Once-in-a-lifetime moments don’t get much more epic than watching the sun rise from the top of a volcano. In this case, it’s the Mauna Kea volcano on Hawaii’s Big Island, which is what this sunrise excursion is built around . Watching the purple, blue, orange, and red rays of the sun peek out over the horizon is the culmination of this six-hour trip to the volcano’s peak. For a perfect bookend to this experience, take this small-group sunset and stargazing tour of Mauna Kea , during which you’ll use powerful telescopes to observe constellations from the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station.

• Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Boston’s Historic Neighborhoods

Boston Citywalks

William F. Buckley once quipped he’d be happy to entrust the entirety of the United States government to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone book. It was a rumination on the one-of-a-kind nature of the people here in Beantown, a truly iconic American city. Here, history and modernity coexist beautifully, and you feel it everywhere you go. In neighborhoods from Southie to Beacon Hill , with its cobblestone streets; in the foodie paradise of the North End ; from the tree-lined streets of Back Bay to the pubs, taverns, and institutions such as Boston and Harvard universities; in beautiful public spaces like Boston Common and historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Old State House.

• Hotel Commonwealth
• Boston Harbor Hotel

Saint Augustine, Florida

Old City Tours of St. Augustine

Saint Augustine is a city that stands alone. Sure, it’s got all the trappings the average vacationer would want: charming hotels, intimate restaurants, pristine beaches. But it’s the history that gives this city its unique feel—it’s the oldest European settlement in the US. If you’re so inclined, you could pull a Ponce de Leon and taste the waters in the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park (let us know if it makes you feel any younger). Beyond that, there are tons of ways to explore the city, from ghost and trolley tours to sunset cruises and craft beer tastings .

• The Saint Augustine Beach House
• Marker 8 Hotel & Marina

Chapel of the Holy Cross: Sedona, Arizona

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a distinctive, almost otherworldly-looking edifice built into the red rock formations of Sedona. It’s been featured in architecture magazines, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and it’s just one of many memorable spots in this desert oasis, where you’ll also find resorts, spas, and canyons. The beauty of the desert scenery is only surpassed by the grandeur of the night sky. Once the sun dips, you’ll see it in all its glory, free of the illumination of city lights. If you want to explore the area, there are tons of experiences to choose from, like this small-group tour of Sedona and a tour of the chapel itself .

• Casa Sedona Inn
• The Inn Above Oak Creek

Cathedral of St. Helena, Montana

Cathedral of St. Helena

An awe-inspiring collection of artwork can be found in the German-made stained glass windows of the Cathedral of St. Helena , a Gothic-inspired structure with distinctive twin spires and a pipe organ. This must-see landmark gathers high praise from TripAdvisor reviewers for the beauty of the church and the sense of serenity within. Elsewhere in the city, there’s a museum of art , Reader’s Alley (a restored miners’ village complete with restaurant and shops), and the Gates of the Mountains wilderness area.

• The Sanders – Helena’s Bed and Breakfast
• The Bunkhouse Helena

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Midway Geyser Basin

The Midway Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park, while not home to the famous Old Faithful Geyser, is still arguably Yellowstone’s best area to explore, particularly for photographers. One reviewer states : “This is a must-see location within the park. The area is simply beautiful and very unique. The colors are truly magnificent.” Due to those stunning colors, the Midway Geyser Basin is one of the most photographed walks in Yellowstone. It includes the Grand Prismatic Spring, the Excelsior Geyser, plus the Turquoise Pool and the Opal Pool. This tour is a good way to experience all these sites and more—led by an expert guide, you’ll be able to see several impressive geysers, along with the natural beauty of canyons, cascades and more.

• Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins
• Dunraven Lodge

Niagara Falls, New York & Ontario

Niagara Falls

One guaranteed way to feel the awesome power of nature is to visit the inimitable Niagara Falls . There are three magnificent falls here, two American and one Canadian. On this tour of the American side of the falls you’ll get aerial views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower, get up close to Horseshoe Falls on the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and also reach the closest accessible point of the falls at Cave of the Winds.

• The Giacomo
• The Red Coach Inn Historic Bed and Breakfast Hotel

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Mountains

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic drive offering world-famous, breath-taking views. The road links the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you can explore the scenery here a number of different ways. There’s this photo tour and hike led by a local guide along the parkway, or you could try an alternative guided hike that also passes by three lovely waterfalls.

• Princess Anne Hotel
• The Inn at Glen Alpine

Wild Horses Grazing On the Beaches of Corolla, North Carolina

Corolla Outback Adventures

Now here’s a sight that’s unique to North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Ancestors of the wild Spanish Mustangs who wander free here were brought over in the 1500s on Spanish vessels. The horses you see today make up the last remaining wild herd. This two-hour tour of the Outer Banks transports you through the sand dunes in open-air four-wheel drive vehicles to see the wild horses in all their splendor. You’ll also visit a maritime forest and a historic Coast Guard station.

• The Inn on Pamlico Sound
• Sanderling Resort

Multnomah Falls: Bridal Veil, Oregon

Multnomah Falls

There’s an old Native American story that says Multnomah Falls was created for a young princess who wanted a secret place to bathe. This is certainly a place of beauty, with a roaring cascade of over 600 feet, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in the US. If you’re feeling particularly gutsy, walk up the trail to Benson Bridge, which spans the falls and gives you an unobstructed view up to the top—and a stomach-churning view down the roughly 70-foot drop. Tours like this show you around Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge as part of a half-day excursion from Portland.

• Allison Inn & Spa
• Columbia Cliff Villas Hotel

The Mansions of Newport, Rhode Island

Gansett Cruises

New England oozes an irresistible storybook charm, and there’s no better place to experience it than in Newport, Rhode Island , with its yacht-lined harbor and Gilded Age mansions. You can take a guided trolley tour or simply admire these castles of wealth from the water on a harbor sightseeing cruise . Most tours include a stop at The Breakers, a mansion that housed the Vanderbilts and is among the most impressive of the city’s historic abodes. Alternatively, walk along the famous Cliff Walk and see the mansions from a unique, picturesque perspective.

• The Chanler at Cliff Walk
• Grace Vanderbilt

Charleston’s Historic District: South Carolina

Old South Carriage Company

Charleston’s history dates back more than three centuries, so there are plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating past of this handsome port city. Wander among its antebellum mansions, old churches, and graceful homes, and try a tour of the historic district by horse-drawn carriage . It’s a delightfully old-school experience—you’ll be pulled along by the same kind of horse that worked American farms in the 1800s, while learning about the founding of the city.

• The French Quarter Inn
• Harbourview Inn

Utah’s National Parks: Arches, Zion, Bryce and More

Zion National Park

The Beehive State is home to so many beautiful parks and other stunning natural wonders that it can be a little tricky to narrow down your itinerary. One way to check off several points on your list in one go is this epic seven-day tour of some of the top protected wilderness areas in the country . Along the way, you’ll see Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park, as part of a thrilling week of hiking and exploring the rock pillars, rivers, and cliffs this area has to offer.

• Grand America Hotel
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Salt Lake City

Ruby Beach: Olympic National Park, Washington

Ruby Beach is one of the most visited beaches along the coastline of Olympic National Park in Washington, and is well-known for its reddish sand and little islands of rock, known as ‘sea stacks’. The rugged shoreline, peppered with rocks and driftwood, makes for a memorable afternoon of beachcombing accompanied by gorgeous views.

• Lake Crescent Lodge
• Sol Duc Riverside Cottages

Snoqualmie Falls, Washington

Snoqualmie Falls

One of the most visited attractions in Washington state is Snoqualmie Falls , attracting more than 1.5 million people a year. The site includes a two-acre park, an observation deck, the Salish Lodge, and, of course, the beautiful 270-foot waterfall. A few tours in the area include visits to the falls, such as this falls and wineries tour and this excursion that also includes Seattle city center .

• Salish Lodge & Spa
• Inn at the Market

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge

One of the most iconic, easily recognizable landmarks in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge , stretching 4,200 feet and towering as high as a 65-story building. It’s an imposing monument and a marvel of engineering skill, as well as a gateway into San Francisco, but you don’t have to just admire it from afar. You could try this cruise departing from Fisherman’s Wharf and gliding close to the bridge, or a guided bike tour from San Fran to Sausalito, taking you right across the bridge itself.

• Lodge at the Presidio
• Omni San Francisco

Kiva Beach: South Lake Tahoe, California

Kiva Beach is a little bit of a hidden gem, and it’s totally worth the trip. Here you’ll get great views of the mountains around it, including Mount Tallac, and it’s also one of the few truly pet-friendly beaches in the area, making it a great place to enjoy the sun, surf, and sand with a furry four-legged companion.

• The Landing Resort & Spa
• Deerfield Lodge at Heavenly

Views From the Griffith Observatory: Los Angeles, California

Griffith Observatory

This public observatory is set on Mount Hollywood within Griffith Park, housing a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, and a bookstore. Walk around the back to get sweeping, unobstructed views of the Los Angeles skyline—especially breathtaking at night, when you can see the bright lights of the city sparkling in the distance. There’s a bust of actor James Dean on one side that’s positioned so you can capture it and the famous Hollywood sign in the same shot. The observatory is packaged in multiple tours that take in a variety of Los Angeles landmarks .

• The Beverly Hills Hotel
• Malibu Beach Inn

Yosemite National Park, California

Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, Yosemite National Park is known for the natural beauty of its granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees. Half Dome and El Capitan are two of the granite cliffs made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. Especially worth a visit are the 317-foot Vernal Fall , beautiful Mirror Lake , and Yosemite Falls , the fifth tallest waterfall in the world. The shops and restaurants of Yosemite Village are also popular.

• Yosemite Valley Lodge
• Yosemite West High Sierra Bed and Breakfast

Bluebonnet Blooms: Spicewood, Texas (Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area)

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area has plenty of active fun in store for visitors, including a 6.5-mile mountain bike trail. But if you’re after a beautiful display of nature at its best, come in the spring to see the ground blanketed in gorgeous bluebonnet wildflowers. There’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate the dazzling colors of nature.

• Chanticleer Log Cabin
• Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin

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15 THINGS TO DO IN AMERICA BEFORE YOU DIE

Updated November 5, 2019

Want to learn about things to do in the USA that are uniquely Americana? Then you’ll love this post! Our fellow travel bloggers wrote about some amazing experiences and places they visited in the United States. From New York to Oregon, surely there’s something for you to add to your list of things to do in America before you die.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Texas Before You Die: Texas BBQ

It will sound stupid, but out of all American states, Texas always felt like the most American to me. Mind you, I was born and raised in Russia and first visited the USA at the age of nineteen. So, obviously, that notion is based on countless movies and TV-series like Walker, Texas Ranger with Chuck Norris and the like.

Texas with its ranches, cowboys and cattle roaming freely in the fields, has this true American, down-to-earth spirit that every foreigner is looking for when traveling to the USA. Trying the famous Texan BBQ, therefore, is the most American of all American experiences.

From huge megalopolises like Dallas or Houston to the smallest towns like Lockhart and Lexington, every city in Texas has at least a couple of BBQ joints they are proud of. Texans loooove their BBQ! So much so that Texas Monthly creates The List — The Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas — which is not unlike a Bible for the meat-lovers.

With 50 options to choose from, where do you start? I suggest Franklin BBQ in Austin that was on the top of The List on multiple occasions. It’s also good to know that the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Barack Obama visited this place. It may take you four hours of waiting in line to get inside the restaurant, but their fatty brisket is worth it!

Yulia Dyukova blogs at That’s What She Had .

What to Do in Memphis Before You Die: Graceland

No trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to Graceland, the home of American Music icon Elvis Presley.

Elvis’ Graceland estate is located on the outskirts of Memphis. By today’s standards, it is a fairly humble property. The main living spaces and the grounds are open to the public. You will see where Presley spent family time, entertained and even the Jungle room where he died. The lower level of the house is dedicated to family treasures including intimate pictures of he and his daughter Lisa Marie.

Elvis and his parents are buried at the Graceland estate. These along with the stables, the racquetball court and swimming pool are all part of the tour.

The Elvis Museum is not to be missed for any self-respecting fan. This massive property houses all things Elvis! There is an exhibit dedicated to his personal automobiles and those used in his movies plus the automobiles he promoted. If you are so inclined, you can view the costumes he wore when performing in addition to his gold and platinum records. This is just the beginning. Also, on-site you will find Elvis’s personal plane, the Lisa Marie, which is open for touring.

Of course, like any museum, you will find gift shops. Additionally, the museum offers three options for dining.

The die-hard fan who doesn’t mind being away from the action of Beale Street and other downtown activities might want to consider a stay at the Elvis themed, Guesthouse at Graceland. This newer 450-room hotel near the estate and the museum caters to his fans. Rooms start around $200/nt.

Susan blogs at The GenX Traveler .

Fancy Things to Do Before You Die: Newport Mansions

The Newport mansions are a collection of spectacular residences built by American billionaires during the Gilded Age. This period is generally accepted to be between 1870 and about 1900.  The late 1800s and early 1900s was a time of  robust economic growth in the northeast U.S. particularly in the utilities, transportation, and real estate sectors. This growth was accompanied by low taxes. It was an age of enormous wealth accumulation leading to ostentatious and conspicuous consumption that makes today’s rich appear like paupers.

The very wealthy included the likes of  “old money” families like the Astors as well as the “new money” entrants like the Vanderbilts. They competed to showcase their unprecedented wealth which today can be seen in the elegant mansions of Newport, Rhode Island.

The Preservation Society of Newport County offers tours of the mansions. Among the most spectacular of these “cottages” are Marble House, former home of Alma Vanderbilt, The Breakers at Ochre Point and Rosecliff, where The Great Gatsby was filmed. Forgetting to add these old-money estates to your U.S. bucket list would be very un-American.

Talek blogs at Travels With Talek

Things to Do in America Before You Die: Financial District, New York City

Your bucket-list trip to America would not be complete without a stop at the birthplace of all commerce for the United States. All financial transactions and businesses began in New York City, in the Financial District, and there are still a ton of historical sites to take you back in time. The first settlers from the Netherlands opened up bars to make a living. Fast forward to the 1800s, people from all over the world were coming to NYC to start businesses of all kinds.

Stock trading started on the streets of the financial district under a buttonwood tree. It progressed into the New York Stock Exchange, which is also located next to the Federal Building, complete with a giant statue of George Washington, the first President of the United States. There is also the oldest church in New York, Trinity Church, which was one of the first things that all immigrants could see from their ships as they arrived into the harbor.

While in downtown New York, you can dine at the oldest restaurant in America, Delmonico’s. Before leaving the area make sure you stop at the Trinity Church graveyard to see where Alexander Hamilton, who is considered one of the forefathers of commerce for America, is buried. This walking guide can take you to each historical site, so you can be transported back to the 1800s where American finance all began and still thrives.

Read more of Jet Set and Forget’s adventures here .

Wild Things to Do Before You Die: Las Vegas, Nevada

One of the most unique things to do in America before you die is visiting Las Vegas and, in particular, walking the strip. Somehow this relatively small city in the desert has become an icon of utter freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Whatever fantasy a visitor would like to live out, the odds are there is a way to have that experience in Vegas. Want to shoot a machine gun, or drive a race car? Want to dig hole with a bulldozer or jump off a building? You can do it in Las Vegas.

As for me, I was serenaded by a gondolier and went to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I watched the “Beatles” perform, visited the flamingos, and learned all about organized crime. In typical American fashion, Las Vegas has also taken pieces of the great cities and cultures around the world and recreated small pieces of them to build an over the top city of wonders. Where else can you walk from Venice to Paris and then on to Hollywood in less than a mile? Keep on walking, because Luxor, New York, Rome and Rio are all yet to come! There are so many, I couldn’t make it to them all.

Of course, the main focus of the city is on the glitz and the glam, and the romance with lady luck. People from all walks of life and all corners of the globe intermingle to experience the glamor for a while, while most dream of hitting it big. The rags-to-riches tale is the essence of the American dream, and in Vegas, it is one that everyone embraces, at least for a while! Most of us don’t win, but it is sure fun to imagine it while we play!

Roxanna Keyes blogs at Gypsy with a Day Job .

Things to Do in Alabama Before You Die: U.S. Space and Rocket Center

One of the best hidden gems is the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama — and is one Amerian treasure you must see before you die. While everybody knows about the NASA headquarters at both the Houston and Kennedy Space Centers, only a handful are aware that there is a third center in northern Alabama. This is where America’s space program was born.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center is an active NASA operations center and has many impressive artifacts from the U.S. Space exploration program, such as moon rocks and astronaut suits. Don’t miss the highlight of the collection – the Saturn V, a huge replica rocket that was very significant in early NASA exploration. If you have the stomach for it, you can hop on several adrenaline-pumping museum simulators, such as the Moon Shot or the G-Force Accelerator. Or, you can watch a film at the IMAX theater inside the museum complex.

Kids will enjoy the “Space Camp” program, where they’ll learn all about space exploration, including training to be an astronaut and learning about the Mission Control center. It is a highly popular program – kids from all over the world attend Space Camp each year.

Halef blogs at The Round the World Guys .

Things to Do in New Mexico Before You Die:  Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico

One of our most memorable travel experiences from our 4-month American Southwest trip is our three days in Zuni Pueblo in western New Mexico. Zuni Pueblo is a fully functional town of over 6000 residents, not a replica of what used to be. Our first stop was the Zuni Visitor Center to get oriented and to get a photo pass. Afterwards, we were free to walk anywhere in the Pueblo. This is unusual and unlike anything allowed in other pueblos that we visited.

The Zuni believe that they are one of the oldest Native American Tribes. Halona, the Zuni Pueblo today, is believed to be the oldest consistently occupied Native American Pueblo.

Ceremonial Center of Zuni Life Zuni is a Native American Pueblo/Reservation where the people uphold their ancient beliefs and traditions coupled with living a modern lifestyle. We were very lucky to witness a Zuni Pueblo dance with full ceremonial costume and chanting; it felt like a step back in time.

History A guided tour included Zuni history, visiting various ancient ruins, Zuni legends, and evidence of Zuni ancestors – all very intriguing. A highlight was the guided tour of the Village of the Great Kivas.

Zuni Pueblo Arts and Crafts The self-guided Zuni Pueblo Art Walk introduced us to the Zuni jewelry, pottery, stone carving, beadwork, art, and people in their daily life – a fascinating education.

Zuni are respected fine artists, stonecutters, jewelers, and crafts people. They are known for their petti-point, needle-point, and especially beautiful silver inlay jewelry. The shops and the artist galleries and studios in Zuni homes are well worth visiting.

Zuni Pueblo Pictures We were limited by Zuni tribal rules to what and where we could take pictures. Other than photo restrictions for cultural respect, everyone we met was very open and friendly. The Zuni were happy to have visitors, share their history, and answer questions.

Wendy blogs at Adventurous Retirement .

Things to Do in Arizona Before You Die: The Grand Canyon, Arizona

“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which, so far as I know, is absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.” — President Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt first viewed the Grand Canyon in 1903. He was greeted with endless views of painted cliffs and plateaus — a breathtaking landscape we can still experience today. The Colorado River carves through the bottom of the mile-deep, steep-walled canyon, traveling for 277 miles in northern Arizona. The Grand Canyon was designated a national monument in 1908, and became the nation’s 17th national park in 1919.

Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States and is one thing you must see in America before you die. But despite the crowds, it’s quite easy to find the same solitude that Teddy Roosevelt experienced if you know where to look. Most visitors drive along the canyon’s South Rim, stopping at the viewpoints, snapping photos, and heading on their way. For a more intimate experience, we suggest setting up camp at Desert View Campground and taking some time to explore on foot.

There are no easy trails in and out of the canyon, but if you’re in decent shape and pack plenty of water, we highly recommend trekking a few miles into the canyon on the South Kaibab Trail. This hike offers the best inner canyon views for the least amount of effort, but it’s still a very steep climb back up to the rim. For a more leisurely stroll, check out the Rim Trail, which is a paved, flat trail that runs along the South Rim for 13 miles, from the South Kaibab Trail to Hermits Rest.

The Grand Canyon is certainly an iconic stop, worthy of more than a drive-by visit. If you’ve got time to explore, you’ll be rewarded with a new appreciation for ancient geological processes and the breathtaking beauty of western America.

Tara blogs at Back Road Ramblers .

Things to Do in Portland Before You Die: Keep Portland Weird!

The slogan “ Keep Portland Weird ” has become Oregon’s biggest city’s unofficial motto and mantra. Nowhere does Portland’s weirdness manifest better than on its streets. Sample Portland’s weird spirit with these must-do American bucket-list activities:

Find the last of the Tiny Horses In 2005, a local artist tethered toy horses to historic rings affixed to curbs around the city. Hundreds of Tiny Horses appeared in the ensuing years, part of the Horse Project; today only a few remain. See if you can find them, on a sidewalk or elsewhere as a birdhouse turned into a Tiny Horse stable in NW Portland.

Pet a superhero pig Portland may love its pets but only one of them has superpowers. According to her 9-year-old owner, Wonder Woman the Pig’s superpower is “saving people from sadness.” And she’s pretty good at it: when Wonder Woman the Pig snuffles down the street, admirers and skeptics alike feel their tears dry and hearts melt.

Make a wish at a tree Where other cities have fountains, Portland has a tree. The Wishing Tree is an elm in NE Portland where you can write a wish on a piece of paper and tie it to a branch or leaf. Started by the property owners in 2013, the Wishing Tree hosts hundreds of wishes, ranging from the mundane to the weird. So read the wishes of those who came before you, write down a wish of your own, and visualize them all into existence. Peace.

Peter Korchnak blogs at Where Is Your Toothbrush .

Things to Do in Massachusetts Before You Die: Cranberry Bogs

If you have had a chance to drive through coastal Massachusetts, especially Cape Cod, you will have seen many red bogs in the fall. These bogs are where cranberries native to New England grow.

One of our top things to do in America before you die? Visit one of these farms! There are a few that let you be part of the experience. You will learn about the history of the farming of this fruit. You will also learn about how the fruit is still farmed. Then comes the best part, donning waders and getting into a flooded cranberry bog. If you can’t visit one of the farms, then there are numerous cranberry festivals to attend!

Jamie Italiane blogs at The Daily Adventures of Me .

Things to Do in Mississippi Before You Die: The Deep Blues Fest and the Shack Up Inn

Not far from Clarksdale, Mississippi, home of the famous Blues Crossroads where Robert Johnson is said to have sold his soul to the devil for the ability to play guitar, you’ll find the Shack Up Inn. This bucket-list American treasure was originally the Hopson Plantation with sharecropper cabins, this is now a sprawling site complete with accommodation, a music venue and a whole array of interesting objects ranging from stray locomotives on a disused rail track to bottle trees. Here’s Americana in a nutshell, with advertising signs from decades-long passed telling a whole social history of times gone by.

We’d arrived in a Mississippi heatwave to enjoy the Deep South Blues Fest. On the Sunday we visited, we’d enjoyed gospel brunch with the Divine Angels, and unwittingly found ourselves the sideshow as the members of the audience who’d traveled the furthest (from the UK) to be there. Afterwards we loitered outside by the sharecropper cabins, listening to a few people jamming before the cigar box blues gig took place. Overhead the sky was full of cotton ball clouds, mirroring the cotton fields beneath. As we wandered the plantation, we realised how lucky we were to hear the blues in its homeplace, and to have come to understand some of its challenging history.

Bernadette Jackson blogs at A Packed Life .

Things to Do in Florida Before You Die: Art Deco District in Miami Beach

Miami Beach is known for its steamy hot weather, white sand beaches and the iconic Art Deco buildings lining the streets of South Beach. The Miami Beach Architectural Historic District has the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings than anywhere else in the United States, with more than 800 Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) architectural style buildings.

They were all constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, when the city marketed itself as a “tropical playground.” Strolling along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue you’ll find the cluster of these pastel pink, blue, and yellow buildings with various geometric shapes and elements like porthole windows, ship-like railings and glass blocks of the Art Deco style. And it’s also one of our favorite things to do in America before you die.

A great way to see and learn about this historic district and its dazzling architecture is through the walking tour offered by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL), a non-profit group devoted to maintaining the area’s architectural culture and character.

The guided 90-minute walking tour, lead by MDPL volunteers, provides a meandering look at the history, culture and a bird’s-eye view of architecture within the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District.

The tour is an easy walk through the neighborhood that takes you to the exterior (and sometimes interior) of select buildings demonstrating various Art Deco design elements and styles. The daily tour starts at the Art Deco Museum and Welcome Center, 1001 Ocean Drive, departing at 10:30 a.m., with a second tour on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

If in the area, the Miami Beach Art Deco District tour is must for anyone interested in learning about the city’s history, culture and the elements of Art Deco architecture.

Roslie blogs at Coastlines to Skylines .

Things to Do in Texas Before You Die: Fort Worth Stockyards

No. 13 in our list of things to do in America before you die is in Fort Worth, Texas may not be the first city in the United States that comes to mind when you think of tourist attractions, but if you want to experience cowboy culture in the United States, it is must-visit destination.

The city’s Historic Fort Worth Stockyards is the only place in the world where you can witness twice-daily cattle drives through the streets at no charge. Although the Stockyards are now more of a tourist draw, with restaurants, petting zoos, and dance halls, this district of Fort Worth will give you a true taste of the Old West. With cobblestone streets and buildings that have been restored to their early 1900’s western style, the Fort Worth Stockyards stands out as one of the only historically preserved areas of the city.

For those looking to learn more about the areas cattle ranching history, visit the Stockyards museum. The museum is free to enter and provides a brief history lesson on this original stop along the old Chisholm Trail. You’ll learn about the ranching industry and cowboy life as it once was during the western expansion across the United States. You can also tour the stables where you’ll see longhorns, reindeer, and horses. At night, visit Billy Bob’s and learn to line dance in the largest dance hall in Texas.

Melissa blogs at Parenthood and Passports .

Things to Do in Oklahoma Before You Die: Cattle Auctions in Oklahoma City

Growing up I couldn’t get enough of cowboy TV shows and movies. I wanted to herd cattle out on the range; I still do. So, when I get a chance to participate in any cowboy-type activity, I’m all in, and in Oklahoma City, I found the most amazing cowboy thing to do in America before you die.

This is the start of the wild, wild west where the wide-open prairies feed thousands of cattle. Cowboys still ride the ranges, taking care of their herds, and in the city, they come to sell them.

On Mondays and Tuesdays, the auction hall opens. Cowboys and businessmen come from all over to buy lots of cattle, and the best part is that anyone can attend and watch for free. It’s a fascinating, somewhat incomprehensible process, but I sat mesmerized through it. If you find yourself in Oklahoma City, check it out!

Corinne Vail blogs at Reflections en Route .

Things to Do in the Big Easy Before You Die: Live Jazz in New Orleans

New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures with deep French, African and American roots — and one of our favorite things to do in America before you die. The Big Easy is particularly known for live-music venues. Visitors can find live jazz throughout the city every night.

Every time we are in town, we make sure to visit Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, which is considered to be the oldest continually operated jazz club in the city. Fritzel’s is located in a nineteenth-century building on Bourbon Street and offers bench seating and unbelievable music.

For two weekends each Spring, the city hosts the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Jazz Fest features musicians on multiple stages from 11 am to 7 pm at the Fair Grounds Race Course and leaves visitors their evenings free to experience the New Orleans nightlife in the historic French Quarter.

Many performers are regulars who return every year to entertain Jazz Fest attendees. Live jazz is an integral part of the New Orleans culture, and visitors can find it not only at Jazz Fest or inside the city’s many nightclubs but also walking around the city from one of the many street performers.

Catherine Swartz D’Cruz blogs at We Go with Kids .

If you’re looking for more things to do in America before you die, be sure to check out Part 2 of this series . You won’t be disappointed!

Do you have a USA experience that screams AMERICANA!?

And you might also enjoy these posts:

• 26 Authentic Ethnic Restaurants in NYC – A to Z
• The Perfect South Beach Self Guided Walk
• Musical Road Trip Across the USA

BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,  money-saving links  to book your trip:

• Research and  book your flight  with  Skyscanner . I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
• For  car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend   Discover Cars .
• Book your accommodation  with  Booking.com . I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
• Protect your trip  and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use  Travelinsurance.com  and have been very happy with them.
• Looking for a  small group tour  to unforgettable destinations with top professionals?  Intrepid Trave l is your choice.
• For more  general tours  to any destination or attraction,  book with   Viator . Check them out.
• Need a visa?   Get your visa  for all countries with   Passport Visa Exp ress.
• Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
• Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
• Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.

I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.

Talek Nantes

2 thoughts on “15 things to do in america before you die”.

Fantastic post. I’ve only done Vegas off this list but would like to do so much more.

Oh, thanks so much. This was a particularly appropriate group of locations for “Americana.” I too am missing a bunch but was inspired to plan for some. I appreciate your comments.

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The United States is a country full of awe-inspiring natural wonders, and come April, we take to the road to experience them all (well, those situated on West Coast anyway)! Offering travelers an incredible variety of diverse and inspiring landscapes, breathtaking locations, and powerful panoramas, America truly is the land of dreams.

A land offering “a thousand shades of something new”, America’s true beauty lies beyond the famed city skyscrapers, landmarks, and monuments, and outside of the city limits.

And while we will be taking in iconic cities like San Fransisco, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver along our way, we’re excited to experience North America’s true beauty – the beauty which lies in it’s abundance of National Parks, preserves and protected wildlife sanctuaries.

As such, here are 10 spectacular west coast destinations to visit before you die. Add them to your bucket list, test your US trivia , and why not combine them all into one amazing US road trip itinerary  in a drive from the bottom to the top  just like us?!

North America: 10 Spectacular West Coast Destinations to Visit Before You Die

La jolla cove, san diego.

La Jolla Cove is San Diego’s most desirable spot for kayaking, snorkeling and diving, and has become home to California’s largest seal and sea lion population ! La Jolla Cove is free and completely open to public access – no trip to California will be complete without visiting, and I guarantee you will never see a seal and sea lion colony anywhere like this in the world!

Visually, the cove is breathtakingly. Somewhat hidden with alluring curves and caves, it is often cited as the most photographed beach in San Diego.

La Jolla Sunset by  Joel Olives  via Flickr

Redwood Forest, California

California’s redwood forest is home to the tallest trees on Earth. And while the redwoods rule the forest, also protected by the National Parks Service are the vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and nearly 40 miles of wild, rugged Pacific Ocean coastline.

The redwoods have been known to reach heights of over 370 feet (113 m), and average a lifespan of 500 to 700 years. The location of the tallest, a 379-foot Hyperion, is a secret very few are privy to in an attempt to keep tourists away.

Photos:  Rob Shenk  &  Benson Kua  via Flickr

Channel Islands, California

Close to the California mainland, yet world’s apart,  Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands in the Pacific Ocean, completely isolated from the congestion and clamor of urban life.

With a wide variety of recreational opportunities on offer, visitors can enjoy kayaking, hiking, wilderness camping and wildlife encounters. Preserved over thousands of years due to their isolation from the mainland, a visit to the park is a great way to experience coastal southern California as it once was.

Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands are the most accessible from the coast, and these are the more popular tourist spots.

Photos:  David Wan  &  NOAA  via Flickr

Yosemite Valley, California

With glaciers reaching back over 30 million years, ten waterfalls over 500 feet, yellow pine and oak forests and open meadows on the valley floor, Yosemite Valley is one of the most beautiful, and most photographed places on earth.

Enchanting and majestic, this magnificent panorama includes El Capitan, “the world’s largest monolith of exposed granite, the distinctive Half Dome granite formation, and Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America, measuring 2,425 feet from top to bottom.” Scenic trails for hikers abound.

Photos:  Giuseppe Milo  &  Jason Jenkins  via Flickr

Sequoia National Park, California

The land of giants, Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest in the world. Reaching 275 feet into the sky, this iconic natural attraction is believed to be roughly 2,500 years old.

Though the park is known for so much more than just being home to the world’s largest trees. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, and vast caverns spanning over 404,064 acres, this is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the United States.

Photos:  Indrik myneur  &  Miguel Vieira  via Flickr

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Easily one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, this is “an exhilarating driving experience, this twisting, cliff-hugging, 123-mile (198-kilometer) route along the central California coast takes about five hours to complete at a leisurely pace.”

Stops along the highway include both the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway. Take in spectacular destinations like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur, Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Cambria and Morro Bay.

This is the drive of a lifetime.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Like no place else on earth, Crater Lake has inspired visitors for thousands of years. “No place else on earth combines a deep, pure lake, so blue in color; sheer surrounding cliffs, almost two thousand feet high; two picturesque islands; and a violent volcanic past.”

Immeasurably beautiful this is the definition of a spectacular west coast destination you should visit before you die. If you want to stay, check out this review of Crater Lake Lodge .

Photo  (CC BY 2.0) by  Cyril Fluck  via Flickr

Thor’s Well, Oregon

Cape Perpetua’s Thor’s Well is a saltwater fountain driven by the power of the Pacific Ocean tide.

A natural spectacle which is most beautiful to watch at high tide or during winter storms, visitors should proceed with caution as it is highly dangerous at these times due to sharp rocks, and the danger of a strong surge which could sweep you out to sea.

Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

Those who travel to Juneau are in for a treat, as underneath the ground in Mendenhall Valley stands a 12-mile glacier that is home to an amazing network of glacier caves.

Follow the West Glacier trail to arrive at the entrance and trek through these caves yourself.

Photos:  Andrew E. Russell  &  Joseph  via Flickr

Denali, Alaska

“Denali is six million acres of wild land in the heart of central Alaska, bisected by one ribbon of road that takes visitors into the Denali National Park and Preserve.

Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America’s tallest peak, 20,320 foot-high Mount McKinley. Wild animals large and small roam unfenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness abound.”  (Source: National Park Service)

Images:  Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith  &  Nic McPhee  via Flickr

  INSPIRED? PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

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Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

Follow their journey on Facebook , Twitter ,  YouTube , Pinterest and Instagram .

Previous Pinterest image credits: Thors Well by  Bill Young .

38 Comments

Nice list, but you totally neglected Colorado which has plenty of worthy locations. This was too heavy CA and AK.

True! Our upcoming road-trip starting Wednesday is largely California, Oregon, Washington and AK, so I guess that’s where my head has been at with research recently :D! So many amazing destinations to name, thinking I might just have to do state by state guides for each individual state!

My apologies, I saw West and not Coast…Great List :)

No worries! I’ll start putting together another post for more inland attractions and trips :)

I am a little sad Washington didn’t make your list. Though, it is OK. Let the tourist swarm to Cali and we will enjoy the peaceful wilderness ;)

We’ll be going through Washington for sure, so if you know of any amazing places we should visit let us know. Will be spending 3 nights in Olympic National Park so really looking forward to that :)

I think the whole of California would be on my bucket-list! I find it the prettiest part of North America.

Absolutely – we were thinking of including a bit of time overseas in the 3 months we had for this trip, but there really is just so much to do in California alone that you could spend that whole period of time!

Many of these are on our route for our upcoming USA road trip!

Excellent, glad to hear! I look forward to trading photos and stories!

This is a great list! On of my big bucket list items that’s been pulling my heartstrings lately is a Pacific Northwest Roadtrip. Love that you are taking it all the way up to Alaska too! The only thing I think you forgot was a stop at the Monterey Bay Aquarium on your way along PCH.

Thanks for the tip – I have actually read that we need to take in the Aquarium, and since it keeps popping up in everyone’s recommendations I think we’ll definitely make the time.

Will let you know how we like it! I hope you can make your own Pacific Northwest Roadtrip happen soon Megan :)

Great list! Alaska is a personal favorite of mine. I think its the vastly different range of landscapes as well as so much untamed wildlife that makes it so alluring.

Glad you enjoyed it John! I can’t WAIT to get to Alaska, seriously it’s been on the top of my bucket list for the longest time, so I’m psyched that we’ll be there in a little less than a month now!! The wildlife is the biggest draw for us as well :)

Looks amazing!I’m from Northern California and if you are looking for a few more places to visit, San Francisco is my favorite city in the world and also Napa Valley is amazing! Cheers and enjoy your travel. I’m excited to follow your adventures!

Thanks for the recommendations Elizabeth! We have a full week set aside right now for San Fran and Napa, just still throwing around the dates as to when we’ll be in each and trying to sort out our accommodation. I guess we’re traveling during a peak period :D

But can’t wait to get up there and indulge in some world famous wine!!

I was born in Newport Beach, California and also lived in Oregon. I love the Pacific coastline an truly enjoy this post.

Ooooh we’re spending 3 days in Newport beach right on the next next week. Can’t wait! Great place to call home. Can’t wait to get to Oregon either.

Thanks John, so glad you enjoyed the post!

Absolutely stunning landscapes and examples of the wonders of nature that deserve all the fantastic treks people make to venture out to photograph them.

Thank god they all do too otherwise my wanderlust would be asleep.

Well we’re glad to keep your wanderlust alive :D So glad you enjoyed the post Dale :)

Great list – but you missed Canada! ;) Vancouver, Tofino, Vancouver Island, Whistler are all great options.

Very true! We are actually heading up through Canada on our trip, we have time planned for vancouver and Vancouver Island – I’ll have to make a Canadian only version of this post because I’m sure it’s going to be just as spectacular!

Can you do day trips to Tofino from Vancouver? A number of people have been recommending it, I just haven’t looked into it yet :)

Sometimes Americans forget the beauty that lies in their own backyard. Great list, Megan!

Absolutely! I don’t think that’s just limited to Americans though, I think it’s a worldwide thing lol I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t explored nearly as much of Australia as I could have!

Amazing list! Makes me want to just sell everything I own or take out a loan, pack up, and get on the road. I didn’t even know a couple of these places! I’m smitten.

Woohoo so glad you’re inspired :) And that sounds like an awesome plan – I try and live my life by the motto “you only regret the things you didn’t do”; so go for it!

You’re getting to see some of these spots now! Awesome list

Woohoo I’m so glad! We’re in the middle of our US road-trip right now and have been checking each of these off as we go – you’ll have such an amazing experience doing the same!

Thanks for the tips. My friend and I are leaving on a road trip in a couple of weeks. Leaving from Michigan and heading west, South Dakota, Washington, Vancouver, Oregon, California are on our bucket list and wherever else the road may take us. It’s going to be an adventure of a lifetime and can’t wait to get started.

Have a great trip Sharon!

A wonderful selection – many of the places you’ve included in this article are on my travel list!

Glad you enjoyed the post Loredana! I hope you can get to the US soon; why not plan an epic roadtrip and tick everything off in the one go :D

Very true! Makes a change to see somoene spell it out like that. :)

Glad you enjoyed the post Dayana :)

hi, we are a family of 6 two children of 10,7 respectively and parents of 70 and 65. we are travelling for the first time to west side . can you please guide us as we looking for fun for kids , shopping , night life . dont mind using the roads and local transport. we dont want to have a expensive trip. the trip would be likely for 15-20 days . please help. k

Hi Kunal, thanks for reaching out. If you are traveling for 15-20 days with a group of 6, I would recommend hiring a car and planning a Californian road trip.

Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) is a classic road trip which winds up the west coast, there are a lot of natural attractions that the whole family will love, like beaches, redwoods, and those attractions mentioned in the post above.

Stops along the highway include both the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway. Take in spectacular destinations like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur, Garrapata State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Cambria and Morro Bay.

You can choose to stay in bigger towns overnight for your shopping and nightlife. Consider starting in San Diego, and driving up to San Fransisco, taking in Los Angeles along the way.

Great combination of nature and city life.

Hope that helps! Have a great trip :)

So many of these things I am wanting to see when I come over in June next year. I am a little nervous about driving, as I live in New Zealand so we drive on the other side of the road (as you do in Australia). How do you find it changing over, especially on the Pacific Coast highway?

Hi Sarah, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to and will feel a little weird for the first day or so, but I found it was pretty easy to get into the swing of driving on the opposite side of the road. Go a little slower if you’re uneasy at first, but it’s pretty straightforward as to turning lanes and which lane you should be in as everything is very well signposted.

Also the Pacific Coast Highway is a really popular driving route, so you’ll be able to go with the flow of traffic, and will see traffic on the opposite side going in the other direction, so it’s reasonably straightforward to figure out your lanes.

Hope you have an amazing time! Truly is a spectacular part of the world! … I recommend picking up a GPS if it’s your first time driving :)

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29 Surreal Places In America You Need To Visit Before You Die

If you live in the U.S., you don't need a passport to see what mother nature has to offer.

BuzzFeed Staff

1. Mendenhall Glacier Caves, Alaska

In Mendenhall Valley of Juneau stands this 12-mile glacier that is home to some incredibly surreal ice caves. If you follow the West Glacier trail, you can get a chance to see these whimsical ice clouds for yourself.

2. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Located near Page, Ariz., this brilliant slot canyon is split into two different sections, commonly referred to as “The Crack” and “The Corkscrew.” The natural canvas of color and unique structure is an Instgrammer's dream.

3. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

The Oneonta Gorge is in the Columbia River Gorge with a unique set of aquatic and woodland plants. The ferns and moss make the walls look like a fairy tale, and visitors can walk through the creek on a warm summer day.

4. Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington

Located in Washington state, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the tulip fields between April 1–30 to see these gorgeous flowers in bloom. The festival is designed as a driving tour since there is no one designated "site."

5. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, Colorado

This wilderness area is located in the Elk Mountains of central Colorado and has over 100 miles of trails. The closest city in reach is Aspen and the entire area spans over 181,000 acres.

6. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

This isolated island of bliss sits roughly 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by clear waters and an abundance of sea life. The area is only accessible by boat or seaplane, so leave your phone at home and enjoy a day off the grid.

7. Zion National Park, Utah

Located near Springdale, Utah, this incredible 146,000-acre park is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. A prominent feature is the Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and a half-mile deep. Other spots to visit while you're here is "The Subway"(pictured on the left) and "The Narrows" (pictured on the right).

8. Watkins Glen State Park, New York

We all know Niagara Falls is a sight to see, but located south of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes region lies a lesser-known fantasy-like area called Rainbow Bridge and Falls. It will make you feel like you're in Lord of the Rings .

9. Yosemite Valley, California

This 8-mile glacial valley is covered in pine and surrounded by granite summits like Half Dome and El Capitan. The California beauty is a hot spot for tourists and photographers and it also offers scenic trails for hikers.

10. Grand Prismatic Spring, Wyoming

This natural pool of rainbow-like colors is the largest hot spring in the U.S. and the third largest in the world. It's located in Yellowstone National Park, which also has other great sights to see such as Morning Glory Pool , Old Faithful , and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone .

11. Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii

This "Stairway to Heaven" is a steep hiking trail that is technically closed to the public, but many people continue to climb despite the “No Trespassing” signs. Sometimes breaking the law is worth it, right?

12. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

In this National Park beneath the rocky land lies more than 119 known caves, formed from limestone and sulfuric acid. Visitors can take the natural entrance (pictured on the right) or ride down the elevator 750 feet below ground.

13. Whitaker Point, Arkansas

In the heart of the Buffalo River country lies this incredible crag, a popular spot for proposals, scenic photographs, and pretty killer views. The best time to snap a pic is at 6:15 a.m. (as pictured above on the left).

14. Hamilton Pool, Texas

Located just outside of Austin, this natural pool is a popular spot for tourists and residents in the summer. Hamilton Pool was created when the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago.

15. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Named after its horseshoe-like shape, this famous meander is located just outside Page, Ariz., and offers a wicked view of the Colorado River.

16. Northern Lights, Alaska

The Northern Lights is one of the most beautiful wonders of the world, and a trip to Alaska will give you a front-row seat. The best places to see the lights are in Fairbanks and Anchorage from about September–April 20.

17. Bryce Canyon, Utah

This collection of large natural amphitheaters is famous for its hoodoos, geological structures formed by frost weather and stream erosion. The orange, red, and white rocks are a beautiful sight and only roughly 50 miles from Zion National Park.

18. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Bordering California and Nevada, this freshwater lake is the largest alpine lake in North America. The clear waters and surrounding trees make it an ideal vacation spot.

19. Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

A subrange of the Appalachian Mountains, the Smokies are a mountain range along the North Carolina–Tennessee border. It's the most visited national park in the U.S., with 9 million-plus visitors per year.

20. Niagara Falls, New York

Located along the United States –Canada border is the famous Niagara Falls, a popular spot for tourists.

21. The Wave, Arizona

Located in Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness near the Arizona-Utah border lies The Wave, a sandstone rock formation that looks look a painting. The sight is known for its vibrant colors and the trackless hike to reach it.

22. Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park is known for its giant sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, one of the largest in the world. It stands at 275 feet tall and is believed to be roughly 2,500 years old.

23. Thor's Well, Oregon

Along Cape Perpetua lies Thor's Well, a saltwater fountain driven by the power of the ocean tide. The best time to see it in action is an hour before high tide to an hour after high tide. While it's a beautiful sight, it's also highly dangerous and visitors should proceed with caution.

24. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The red and orange rocky mountains bring in nearly 1 million visitors per year to the Badlands National Park. Native Americans used this area for hunting grounds for roughly 11,000 years.

25. Savannah, Georgia

The oldest city in the state of Georgia, Savannah has a charming personality and fairy tale-like array of Spanish moss trees.

26. Palouse Falls, Washington

Located in Washington state, this enchanting scene almost came to an end in 1984 when the Franklin County Public Utility District proposed to build a dam to allow hydroelectric power generation. Ratepayers decided to preserve the falls.

27. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located near Kalispell, Mont., and borders parts of Canada. The park encompasses more than 1,000,000 acres and attracts roughly 2 million people per year.

28. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii

The Na Pali Coast is inaccessible by car but can be seen over land by helicopter or hiking. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access, but there are also caves you can explore along the coast.

29. Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower is a giant igneous intrusion that rises 5,000-plus feet above sea level. According to Native American folklore, a few girls went out to play and were discovered by several bears who began to chase them. The girls tried to escape by climbing a rock and praying to the Great Spirit to save them, and their prayers were answered when the rock rose from the ground toward the heavens and away from danger. When the girls reached the sky, they were turned into the star constellations. There are also several other theories and stories regarding the Devils Tower.

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+20 Surreal Places To Visit in United States of America Before You Die

Places To Visit in United States of America

In this Article you will find some of the best natural Places To Visit in United States of America

1. Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower (also recognized as Bear Lodge Butte) is a butt, potentially laccolithic, made up of igneous rock in the Black Hills Bear Lodge Ranger District, close Hulett and Sundance in Crook County, northeast of Wyoming, overlooking the Belle Fourche River. It rises above the Belle Fourche River at 1,267 feet (386 m), sitting at 867 feet (265 m) from top to bottom. The peak is 5,112 feet above sea level (1,559 m).

Devils Tower was the first National Monument to be founded by President Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906. The border of the monument encompasses an area of 1,347 acres (545 ha).

Approximately 1% of the 400,000 annual tourists to the monument have visited the Devils Tower in latest years, mostly using traditional climbing methods and it is the best place to visit in united states of america.

The name Devil’s Tower arose during an expedition led by Colonel Richard Irving Dodge in 1875, when his translator allegedly misinterpreted a indigenous word meaning “Bad God’s Tower.” All data advertisements in that region use the word “Devils Tower,” following a norm of geographical naming that omits the apostrophe.

2. The Wave, Arizona

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation situated close its southern boundary with Utah in Arizona, United States. The structure is located on the Coyote Buttes hills in the Colorado Plateau’s Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness. The region is managed at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Kanab, Utah by the Land Management Bureau (BLM).

Among hikers and photographers, the structure is well known for its colourful, ondulating shapes and the hard walk needed to achieve it and this is one of the best Places To Visit in United States of America. Because of the brittle nature of the training and the big amount of individuals wanting to attend it, the Kanab Visitor Center uses a regular lottery scheme to issue only ten licenses next day in individual. Furthermore, ten internet licenses are accessible four months prior to a scheduled journey for each date. Those who have acquired licenses will receive a map and data about the walk.

The Wave is made up of intersecting U-shaped troughs eroded into Jurassic age Navajo Sandstone. The two main stone forming troughs are 62 feet (19 m) wide by 118 feet (36 m) lengthy and 52 feet (16 m) broad by 7 feet (2 m). Initially, these troughs along joints within the Navajo Sandstone were eroded by rare runoff. The drainage basin, which supplied rainwater to these troughs, shrank after their creation to the stage that the runoff became inadequate to help cut these troughs.

3. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Antelope Canyon is an American Southwest slot canyon. It’s on the west of Page, Arizona, Navajo territory. Antelope Canyon involves two distinct, picturesque canyon slot segments, separately referred to as ‘ Upper Antelope Canyon ‘ or ‘ The Crack ; ‘ and ‘ Lower Antelope Canyon ‘ or ‘ The Corkscrew. ‘

Tsé bighánílíní is the name Navajo for the Upper Antelope Canyon, which implies’ the location where water passes through trees.’ The Lower Antelope Canyon is the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department’s Hazdistazí (called “Hasdestwazi”), or’ spiral stone arches.’ Both are in the Navajo Nation’s LeChee Chapter. The canyons can only be accessed through a guided trip, This is a best place to feel happy and joy so it is  one of best of Places To Visit in United States of America.

Navajo Sandstone erosion created the Antelope Canyon, mainly owing to flash flooding and secondary owing to other sub-aerial procedures. Rainwater flows into the expansive basin above the slot canyon segments, particularly during the monsoon season, picking up velocity and sand as it flows through the tight passages. The passages deteriorated over moment, deepening the hallways and brushing difficult corners in such a manner that distinctive “flowing” forms in the rock were formed.

4. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park is about 68 miles (109 km) south of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, a national park in the United States. The park retains Fort Jefferson and the seven islands of Dry Tortugas, the Florida Keys ‘ most remote and westernmost. The coral reefs of the archipelago are the least damaged of the reefs of Florida Keys.

The park is known for its abundant marine life, tropical bird breeding grounds, colourful coral reefs, shipwreck myths and sunken treasures. Fort Jefferson, a huge but incomplete coastal fortification, is the centerpiece of the park. Fort Jefferson is the Western Hemisphere’s biggest brick masonry structure, consisting of over 16 million bricks. Only Fort Monroe, Virginia, and Fort Adams, Rhode Island, exceed it in size among U.S. bases. Dry Tortugas is distinctive in its mixture with important historical artifacts of a mainly undisturbed tropical ecosystem.

The park is only accessible by seaplane or boat and has an average of approximately 63,000 visitors per year between 2008 and 2017. Snorkeling, picnicking, bird watching, hiking, scuba diving, fishing for saltwater and kayaking are some of the activities.

Dry Tortugas National Park is part of the Biosphere Reserve of Everglades & Dry Tortugas, established by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere Program in 1976.

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is a Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho American domestic park. It was set up by the U.S. Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant entered it into law on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone was the first national park in the U.S. and the first national park in the globe is also commonly kept. The park is renowned for its wildlife and numerous geothermal features, including Old Faithful Geyser, one of its most famous characteristics. It has many kinds of ecosystems, but the most common is the subalpine forest. It is component of the ecoregion of the South Central Rockies forests “Amazing places to visit in united states of america”.

Native Americans have resided for at least 11,000 years in the Yellowstone region. During the early-to-mid-19th century, apart from trips by mountain men, structured exploring did not start until the early 1860s. Originally, park management and control falls within the jurisdiction of the Interior Secretary, the first being Columbus Delano. But the U.S. Subsequently, the Army was commissioned to oversee Yellowstone management for a period of 30 years from 1886 to 1916.

Yellowstone is on the southeastern edge of the Snake River Plain, a large U-shaped curve through the hills stretching from Boise, Idaho about 400 miles (640 km) south.

Yellowstone volcanism is thought to be related to the Snake River plain’s somewhat earlier volcanism. Thus, Yellowstone is the active component of a hotspot that over time has shifted south. The source of this volcanic hotspot is controversial. One hypothesis argues that a mantle plume led the Yellowstone hotspot to migrate south, while another hypothesis explains migrating hotspot volcanism as a consequence of the fragmentation and dynamics of the subdued Farallon Plate in the middle of Earth.

The Yellowstone Caldera is North America’s biggest volcanic scheme. It was called a “supervolcano” because extremely big explosive eruptions created the caldera. It is projected that the magma chamber below Yellowstone is a single linked tank, approximately 37 miles (60 km) long, 18 miles (29 km) broad and 3 to 7 miles (5 to 12 km) depth.

6. Haiku Stairs of Oahu, Hawaii

The Haalikū Stairs, also referred as the Heaven Stairway or Haalikū Ladder, is a challenging walking path on Hawaii’s island of Oalmahu. The total of 3,922 steps cover the mountain range of Oahu’s Ko’olau. “Haiku” refers not to the poetry genre of Japan. The region is named after the Kahili flower “Ha regikū.”

Contractors for the United States in 1942 Navy started the development of the Haferikū Radio Station, a top secret unit to be used to convey radio signals to Navy vessels then working across the Pacific. In order to obtain the necessary height for the antennae, they were stretched by the Navy across the natural amphitheater, Haifikū Valley. In addition to the metal steps, some remaining sections of the wooden ladder can still be seen.

7. Hamilton Pool, Texas

Hamilton Pool Preserve is a natural pool that was formed as a result of huge erosion thousands of years earlier when an underground river dome crashed. Around 23 miles (37 km) north of Austin, Texas off Highway 71, the pool is situated. Hamilton Pool has been a famous summer swimming place for tourists and inhabitants of Austin since the 1960s. Hamilton Pool Preserve is a preserved natural habitat of 232 acres (0.94 km2) with a jade green pool in which a 50-foot (15 m) waterfall flows with water temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The pond is enclosed by big calcareous rocks that lie at the bottom of the water; big stalactites develop from the top of the roof. Moss, maidenhair fern and cliff swallows are close to the grotto’s roof and adjacent hills. The preserve’s Ashe juniper (cedar) uplands are home to the endangered warbler golden-cheeked.

There is no chemical treatment of the natural pool and creek, so water quality is constantly tracked and swimming is sometimes limited. Hamilton Pool is a protected area, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.

8. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona

Horseshoe Bend is a Colorado River incised horseshoe meander close the city of Page, Arizona, USA, This is from the best places to visit in united states of america.

Horseshoe Bend is situated in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Page, 5 miles (8.0 km) upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell.

It is available from a parking area near the U.S. by walking a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) round journey. Route 89 on the southwest side of Page.

From the steep cliff above, you can see Horseshoe Bend.

The view is 4,200 feet (1,300 m) above sea level, and the Colorado River is 3,200 feet (980 m) above sea level, resulting in a fall of 1,000 feet (300 m).

The lookout has recently become a significant place for tourists. By 2018, social media place mentions had prompted a significant rise in the amount of tourists.

9. Bryce Canyon, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is an American domestic park in southeastern Utah. The park’s main characteristic is Bryce Canyon, which is not a canyon despite its title, but a series of gigantic natural amphitheaters along the Paunsaugunt Plateau’s southern edge. Bryce is characteristic because of the geological structures called hoodoos, which are created by frost weathering and river and lake bed erosion of sedimentary rocks. The rocks ‘ red, orange, and white colours provide park tourists with amazing opinions. Bryce Canyon National Park is much lower than neighboring Zion National Park and lies at a much higher elevation. The rim at Bryce varies from 8,000 to 9,000 feet (2,400 to 2,700 m).

The area of Bryce Canyon was settled in the 1850s by Mormon pioneers and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who in 1874 lived in the area. Originally appointed as a national monument by President Warren G. Harding in 1923, the region around Bryce Canyon was redesigned by Congress in 1928 as a national park.

The park includes 35,835 acres (55,992 sq mi; 14,502 ha; 145,02 km2) and gets significantly fewer tourists than Zion National Park (approximately 4.3 million in 2016) or Grand Canyon National Park (approximately 6 million in 2016), owing mainly to the more distant place of Bryce. Bryce Canyon got 2,365,110 recreational tourists in 2016, a 35 percent boost from the previous year.

10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Lake Tahoe in the U.S. Sierra Nevada is a big freshwater lake. Situated at 6,225 ft (1,897 m) south of Carson City, it straddles the state boundary between California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is North America’s biggest alpine lake and passes only the five Great Lakes as the biggest by quantity in the United States at 122,160,280 acres (150.7 km3). Its elevation is 501 m (1,645 ft), making it the second longest in the United States after Oregon’s Crater Lake (1,949 ft or 594 m).

The lake was created as portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin about two million years ago, shaping the contemporary magnitude during the ice ages. It is renowned on all sides for the clearness of its water and the panorama of neighboring hills. Also known as Lake Tahoe, or merely Tahoe, is the region surrounding the lake. More than 75% of the lake’s catchment is domestic forest property, which includes the U.S. Forest Service’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit so this is one of Places To Visit in United States of America.

Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada and California’s main tourist attractions. It is home to year-round winter sports, indoor summer recreation, and landscapes. Snow and ski resorts are a major component of the economy and reputation of the area. Several lakeside casino casinos are also available on the Nevada hand, with roads offering year-round access to the whole region.

11. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is a national park in the southwest of South Dakota. In addition to the biggest undisturbed mixed grass prairie in the United States, the park protects 242,756 acres (379.3 sq mi; 982.4 km2) of significantly eroded buttes and pinnacles. The park is managed by the National Park Service, with the South Unit co-managed by the tribe of Oglala Lakota, from the best places to visit in united states of america.

The Badlands Wilderness preserves the park’s 64,144 acres (100.2 sq mi; 259.6 km2) as a specified wildlife area, and is one location where the black-footed ferret, one of the world’s most endangered mammals, has been brought into the wild. The South Unit, or Stronghold District, includes sites of 1890s Ghost Dances, a former U.S. Air Force bomb and gunnery range, and Red Shirt Table, the highest point of the park at 1,020 m (3,340 feet).

It was not established until January 25, 1939, authorized as the Badlands National Monument on March 4, 1929. On November 10, 1978, Badlands was redesigned as a national park. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center was built for the memorial in 1957–58 under the Mission 66 scheme. The monument also administers the National Historic Site of the neighboring Minuteman Missile. Partially filmed in Badlands National Park were films such as Dances with Wolves (1990) and Thunderheart (1992).

12. Palouse Falls, Washington

The Palouse Falls are located on the Palouse River, approximately 4 miles (6 km) downstream of the Snake River confluence in southeast Washington, USA. The height of the drops is 198 ft (60 m). The hills comprise of an upper drop with a drop of about 20 ft (6.1 m), 1000 ft (305 m) north-northwest of the primary drop, and a smaller drop with a drop of 198 ft (60 m).

The canyon at the cliffs is 115 m (377 ft) profound, showing the Columbia River Basalt Group’s big cross-section. These hills and the upstream canyon are an significant characteristic of the channeled scablands formed during the Pleistocene era by the huge rains of Missoula that periodically spread across eastern Washington and across the plateau of the Columbia River is amazing Waterfall you must visit in Places To Visit in United States of America.

The ancient river Palouse flowed to the Columbia River through the presently dry Washtucna Coulee. The Palouse Falls and adjacent canyons were formed when the Missoula floods overturned the ancient Palouse River’s southern valley wall, diverting it by erosion of a fresh channel to the present route to the Snake River.

The region is distinguished by interconnected and suspended flood-created coulees, cataracts, diving basins, kolk-created potholes, rock benches, buttes, and typical scabulary pinnacles. Palouse Falls State Park is situated at the falls, preserving this unique portion of the picturesque region.

13. Nā Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii

The Nā Pali Coast State Park is a Hawaiian national park of 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) situated in the middle of the hilly 16 miles (26 km) along Kauai’s southwest coast, the longest inhabited Hawaiian island. The coast of Nā Pali itself stretches southeast from Kee Beach to Polihale State Park. The na bari (elevated hills) rise above the Pacific Ocean as elevated as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) along the coast. To safeguard the Kalalau Valley, the State Park was created.

The Hono O Nā Pali State Natural Reserve is located to the south of the national park. It was set up in 1983 and expanded in 2009 to more than 3,578 acres (14.5 km2). Hiking paths and highways for visitors in Waimea Canyon have access to the steep slopes from Koke’e Road (route 550).

14. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is an American national park situated on the Canada-U.S. border in southeastern Montana, close to Alberta and British Columbia regions of Canada. The park covers more than 1 million acres (4,000 km2) and contains sections of two mountain ranges (the Rocky Mountains sub-ranges), more than 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 distinct plant species, and hundreds of animal species. This vast untouched ecosystem is at the center of what has been called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem,” an area of 16,000 square miles (41,000 km2) of protected territory.

Native Americans first populated the region that became the Glacier National Park. When European explorers arrived, it was dominated in the east by the Blackfeet and in the west by the Flathead. Under stress, the Blackfeet surrendered to the federal government in 1895 the hilly sections of their treaty lands; it subsequently became component of the park. Soon after the park was set up on May 11, 1910, the Great Northern Railway built a range of accommodations and chalets.

15. Thor’s Well, Oregon

There is a natural cave on the shore of Oregon that seems to drain the ocean.

At high tide, or during floods, the place is most impressive when water washes violently over the rocks and funnels into the cave. Unattended tourists to the site run the danger of being thrown straight into the maelstrom during these sudden torrents. Photographers and nature enthusiasts proceed to flock to the magnificent fountain, regardless of the hazards, to see the hostile waters that live up to the stormy character of their godly namesake. The best time to check Thor’s Well is to watch it without water one hour before the high tide and then watch the structure fill up.

16. Sequoia National Park, California

Sequoia National Park in the central Sierra Nevada south of Visalia, California, is an American national park. The reserve was created on September 25, 1890 to safeguard 404,064 acres of wooded hilly land (631 sq mi; 163,519 ha; 1,635 km2). The park includes the highest point in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level, covering a vertical relief of nearly 13,000 feet (4,000 m).

The park is north of and adjacent to Kings Canyon National Park ; the two areas are administered as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks by the National Park Service together. The Sequoia-Kings Canyon Biosphere Reserve was named by UNESCO in 1976.

The park is noteworthy for its giant sequoia forests, including the General Sherman tree, Earth’s biggest tree. In the Giant Forest, which includes five of the world’s ten largest trees, the General Sherman tree develops. The Giant Forest is linked to General Grant Grove, home of the General Grant tree among other giant sequoias, by the Generals Highway to Kings Canyon National Park.

17. Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls is a town in the county of Niagara, New York, USA. The town had a complete population of 50,193 as of the 2010 census, down from the 55,593 reported in the census of 2000. It is close to the Niagara River, across from Niagara Falls City, Ontario, and named after the well-known Niagara Falls they share. The town is located within the Metropolitan Statistical Area of Buffalo–Niagara Falls and the West New York area, This is from amazing places to visit in united states of america.

While the town was formerly occupied by Native Americans, Europeans who moved in the mid-17th century to the Niagara Falls started opening up companies and developing infrastructure. Scientists and entrepreneurs later started to harness the capacity of the Niagara River for electricity in the 18th and 19th decades, and the town started to attract producers and other companies attracted by the offer of cheap hydroelectric power. However, following an effort at urban renewal under then-Mayor Lackey, the town and region experienced an financial decrease after the 1960s.

18. Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina/Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are a hill range that rises in the southern United States along the Tennessee–North Carolina boundary. They are an Appalachian Mountains sub-range and are component of the Physiographic Province of the Blue Ridge. Sometimes the range is called the Smoky Mountains and the name is usually abbreviated to the Smokies. The Great Smokies are best regarded as the headquarters of the National Park of the Great Smoky Mountains, protecting most of the area. Established in 1934, the park is the most visited national park in the United States with over 11 million visits per year.

The Great Smokies are component of a Biosphere Reserve International. The range is home to an approximately 76,000 ha (187,000 acres) of old growth forest, the biggest such cluster to be found west of the Mississippi River. One of the most varied ecosystems in North America is the cove hardwood forests in the reduced altitudes of the range, and the Southern Appalachian spruce-fir forest that covers the upper parts of the range is the biggest of its kind. The Great Smokies are also home to the Eastern United States ‘ densest black bear population and the most varied salamander community outside the tropics.

19. Northern Lights, Alaska

While many tourists believe they must go to Europe to see the Northern Lights, you can truly see this phenomenon without abandoning the United States. There are many Americans heading for the opportunity to see the aurora borealis in northern Alaska. It may be cold in winter (temperatures may drop to-30 ° F), but coastal Alaskan Arctic— where skies tend to be clearer— is one of the world’s greatest locations to see this renowned light display.

20. Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an American National Park in southern New Mexico’s Guadalupe Mountains. The park’s main attraction is the Carlsbad Cavern show cave. Visitors to the cave can walk or bring an elevator from the visitor center on their own through the natural door.

On US Highway 62/180, about 18 miles (29 km) southeast of Carlsbad, New Mexico, the park gate is situated. The National Park of Carlsbad Caverns is involved in the Junior Ranger Program. The reserve has two listings on the Historic Places National Register: the Historic District of Caverns and the Historic District of Rattlesnake Springs. Approximately two-thirds of the park has been laid aside as a wilderness area to help guarantee that future habitat modifications are not created.

Carlsbad Cavern contains a big room of calcareous, merely called the Big Room, which is nearly 4,000 feet (1,220 m) long, 625 feet (191 m) broad, and at its lowest level, 255 feet (78 m). The Big Room is North America’s third biggest chamber and the world’s twenty-eighth biggest.

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101 Cities to Visit Before you Die (PART ONE)

Out of all the places I have been in the world as a full time travel blogger, “where is your favourite place?” is a question I have never been able to answer definitively. Thus I present to you my series of “101 Places to Visit Before you Die”, covering the very best cities, towns, hotels, experiences, and everything travel related to make your bucket list complete. The first in this series highlights the absolute best cities to visit before you die, from the clichés through to the best kept secrets this world has to offer!

The best cities to visit before you die

1. st petersburg, russia.

The history and sheer opulence of Russia’s imperial capital will leave you speechless. Made great by Peter the Great himself, St Petersburg was the beating heart of Russia un till 1918, when the government bodies moved to Moscow. To this day the city presents itself as a time capsule, showing insight into Russia’s imperial past – complete with palaces, nobility residences and iconic monuments. Be sure to step inside the Hermitage Museum (pictured) for a glimpse in to the legacy of Russian royalty and aristocratic culture.

2. New York, USA

A world in itself, there is no city in the world that will ever come close to New York . Whether you’re eating pasta in  Little Italy,  celebrating New Year in  China Town  or cafe hunting your way through Brooklyn, you can most certainly be forgiven for forgetting your place in the world. Bright lights, yellow cabs and art deco architecture are just the beginning of your New York Minute.

3. Paris, France

What would any list of the best cities in the world be without my favourite city of all;  Paris . Known also as the city of light, Paris is a hopeless romantic’s dream (myself included). Be it cruising down the Seine with a croissant and glass of bubbles in hand or kicking back at the Eiffel Tower for sunset (also with some variety of pastry and bubbles in hand), there really isn’t any way you cannot enjoy yourself in Paree!

4. Istanbul, Turkey

Formerly Byzantium and later Constantinople, the modern-day Istanbul  is an eclectic mix of old meets new you cannot find elsewhere in the world (well, you can, but believe me… not like this!!!) This city is unlike any other in the way it captures all of your senses at once – in streams of colour, wafting spices, beautiful textures, delicious Turkish street food and of course the call to prayer.

5. Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Colourful in every sense of the world,  Rio De Janeiro is a party city regardless of the day of the week or hour in the day! This city also has hands-down one of the most mesmerising sunsets you will ever experience in a life time (hint: its on top of sugarloaf mountain).

6. Rome, Italy

All roads lead to  Rome!  There’s no city in the world as impressive and imperial as ancient Rome, so if you haven’t ticked it off your bucket list yet, you know you’ve gotta put it at the forefront of your travel list. Not only are there incredible sights to see, but there’s also an abundance of atmosphere to soak up, from the passionate sporting crowds to the alfresco dining scene.

7. Tallinn, Estonia

Medieval and mysterious,   Tallinn is by far one of the most underrated cities in all of Europe (though rapidly gaining in popularity!) Located just a short two-hour ferry ride from the Finnish capital of Helsinki, Tallinn is easy to discover in a day, particularly if you plan to visit the Old Town. Estonia has much more to offer beyond the capital, so if you’re looking for an off the beaten path exploration, be sure venture beyond Tallinn itself.

8. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver  is a strong contender for the coolest city in Canada (if you ask me, it is!) Many hit tv shows and movies are filmed here, so you should be able to find plenty of inspiration to visit! Gastown is arguably where its at [whatever “it” is]. But seriously, this is one city stopover that cannot be beat.

9. Prague, Czech Republic

As a top choice on any traveller’s first European tour, I’m sure you’ve heard many friends boast of  Prague  or have even visited or yourself (if you haven’t, you absolutely should!) This is by far one of the most mesmerising cities in the entire world, especially at dusk and down with the eery baroque statues on Charles Bridge lingering in the shadows. Be sure to allow at least a few days if not four to explore Prague as there is plenty to discover beyond the Old Town and it is a great start to exploring the rest of Czech Republic.

10. Vienna, Austria

Perhaps my favourite city in Central Europe (though Budapest is a strong contender), you can’t skip out on a visit to  Vienna . The capital of Austria is imperial, imposing, and most of all, down right impressive. There are oodles of cultural activities on offer to keep you busy for at least a few days, starting with the Belvedere Art Museum, through to a visit to the Opera and the colourful creation that is Hundertwasserhaus.

11. Brugges, Belgium

Brugges is hands down one of the most romantic towns in all of Europe  (and doesn’t everyone know it!?) As one of the most talked about small cities in Europe, Brugges has become a major drawcard for travellers to Belgium, but this is one of few instances where the crowds are worth dealing with. The better the weather, the bigger the crowds… but if you don’t mind getting a bit wet, a visit outside of the tourist season will allow you to enjoy the city almost all to yourself!

12. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona has a well-earned reputation as the most vibrant city in Spain, introducing travellers to Catalonian culture, heritage and of course, food! Throughout the city you will be spoiled with Gaudi architecture, presenting itself as a mini treasure hunt as you walk from one intriguing exterior to another. Gaudi park is, of course, the crowning jewel of said treasure hunt, perched high over the city and offering one of the best views from above.

13. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is particularly inspiring to me, as I’m sure it is for other fellow  Harry Potter fans . Not only is this where J. K. Rowling wrote much of the Harry Potter series, but it is also where she sourced much of the inspiration for the books. As a result, there are iconic locations dotted throughout the city for you to discover and let your imagination run wild.

14. Budapest, Hungary

A few years ago I named  Budapest the most underrated city in all of Europe and while I stand by what I said at the time, Budapest has most certainly become “rated” and incredibly popular over the last few years (and with good reason!) Budapest has the architectural beauty of the likes of Paris, however, a dark past through WWII gives it a raw edge and presents many different pockets throughout the city.

15. Stockholm, Sweden

Effortlessly stylish and with one of the most quaint old towns you will find in Europe,  Stockholm  is hands down my favourite city in Northern Europe (though the next city on this list gives it a run for its money!) Gamla Stan (old town) is a fairy tail in itself, with postcard-worthy door entrances, colourful building exteriors and an endless supply of charming boutiques to discover. Elsewhere in Stockholm, there is much more to discover, with the cities’ notorious fashion and design-centric population, appealing particularly to a younger crowd of up and coming designers, entrepreneurs and tech innovations. Oh, and the coffee is good!

16. Copenhagen, Denmark

My other favourite city in Northern Europe is the equally picturesque capital of Denmark;  Copenhagen . Although this city has a reputation for being incredibly expensive (which is no exaggeration), a few days to explore Copenhagen is well worth the length your dollar will stretch.

17. Cape Town, South Africa

Back in the Southern hemisphere is a city that captures hearts like it is nobodies business… the iconic city of Cape Town , with its’ colonial harbour front, Table Cape backdrop, and a reputation for up and coming boutiques, designers, coffee shops and more. Cape Town is also a great base to explore the more romantic side to South Africa, with the Cape Winelands just a short drive away and the impressive peninsula waiting to be explored.

18. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is by far and large the most romantic city in the world for me, especially before sunrise when you can enjoy the streets almost all to yourself. With its canal waterways, wonky houses and bike culture, there really is no city in the world that competes.

19. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Visiting Mostar might not be on top of your travel list, but as soon as you discover the hidden treasure that is Bosnia and Herzegovina you’ll be so glad you did. One of the best-kept secrets in Europe, B&H has an emerging tourism culture that is better experienced now, before the crowds outweigh the localised experience still on offer. The best way to visit Mostar is to spend a couple of days here, combined with a tour around the country. That way you can beat the “day crowds” that emerge from neighbouring Dubrovnik and experience this small city that has a lot to offer, particularly on the fringe of the summer season when crowds are limited.

20. London, United Kingdom

La la la  London ! With its red phone booths, black cabs and double-decker buses, no city is quite as iconic as frequently the “most visited city in the world”, London. Beyond the monopoly board, there is much to discover, particularly when venturing into central London to enjoy the likes of Shoreditch and its’ quirky weekend markets. My personal favourite city for a stopover, there’s always something happening to be it a new theatre show on West End, a new exhibition at one of the many free-to-enter museums, or an endless list of concerts to attend being such a popular, international hub.

21. Jerusalem, Israel

My visit to Jerusalem was not without controversy, but politics aside a visit to the Holy Land is truly a once in a lifetime experience that will be incomparable to all others. What struck me on my visit to Jerusalem was to see biblical references in the flesh and walk on the very same pavement I thought could only be read about. This eye-opening experience offered a unique insight into much more than my own religion, with a visit to the Western Wall and the sounds of the call to prayer providing a humbling understanding of what can hopefully one day be harmony.

22. Lisbon, Portugal

The sleepy seaside image gets a shake up when you meet  Lisbon . Colourful and full of vibrancy, there are so many reasons that Lisbon has become one of my favourite European cities and I’m sure will make your list of faves, too. Begin with a half day visit to Belem, where you can enjoy the famous Portuguese Tarts, so famous in fact that they arrive in your hands warm and fresh from the oven due to such high demand! From there make your way through Alfama, the most instagrammable neighbourhood in town with its colourful doors, pot plants and incredible views of the city. If you have more time, be sure to rent a car and make your way South to the Algarve, one of my favourite seaside vacation spots in all of Europe.

23. Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is another world. With a unique culture unlike any other, the smells, sights and sounds of Morocco are best on display in Marrakesh, where the hustle and bustle of travellers and locals collide. Be sure to grab yourself a freshly squeezed orange juice from the Medina, before making your way inside the Souks (and prepare to get lost, this place is nuts!)

24. Salzburg, Austria

Romantic and renowned for its’ Sound of Music  claim to fame,  Salzburg is a must-visit city in Austria that deserves much more than a day trip from Vienna. Each time I have visited Salzburg I have allowed myself a few days to discover its little pockets of magic, especially if you can time yourself a visit here in winter. The Christmas Markets here are my favourite in all of Europe, complete with light snowfall, an ice skating rink and horse-drawn sleighs (seriously, this place is a fairytale come to life!)

25. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Game of Thrones fans rejoice, Dubrovnik is one pitstop on your European adventure that cannot be missed! This seaside city is renowned for its role in the series, but before the time of GOT was quickly gaining popularity for its iconic terracotta rooftops, fortified city walls and unique geographic location as part of a larger Croatian yachting itinerary. There are many incredible things to see and do in Croatia so be sure to allow a week or more to explore!

26. Milan, Italy

Milan is far from my favourite city in Italy, but it is not without its own beauty! Home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the entire world, Milan is a great stopover city for a day visit or overnight, particularly if travelling en route to the likes of Lake Como or beginning a journey through the length of Italy.

27. Kiev, Ukraine

It was at seventeen years of age when I visited Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine and one of the most unique cities I have ever visited. Back then (now 9 years ago) very few travellers were venturing East throughout Europe, and if they were, they were headed for the likes of St Petersburg or Moscow, not the likes of Kiev. But the beauty of this city is just that – not many foreigners flock here, giving travellers a unique insight in to the former USSR, with insightful museums and Orthodox cathedrals. It is sort of like visiting a place that time forgot and in many ways these are my favourite destinations.

28. Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade is another favourite city of mine that offers itself in a time capsule to visitors. After the 1990’s fallout, Serbia has been overlooked by travellers for quite some time, however I chose to visit after a friend assured me Belgrade was “one of the most beautiful cities in the most surreal of ways”. Right he was. Belgrade is best visited in the Spring or Summer, when locals make use of their al fresco dining culture, flocking to the river for a range of pop-up restaurants and bars.

29. Melbourne, Australia

My personal favourite city in my home country Australia,  Melbourne is a city that should not be missed off any first time traveller’s visit to Oz. Not only does Melbourne have the best coffee in the world (if you ask me which yes, is riddled with bias), but it also has a great cultural appreciation for great coffee, food and the atmosphere in which it is enjoyed. Besides, who can resists a city that meets the sea!?

30. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich  first took my heart at 20 years of age, when I visited solo as my first introduction to Switzerland (and boy, what an intro!) Known as one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland, Zurich is beautiful any time of year (even in winter!)

31. Muscat, Oman

Muscat offers an insight into Middle Eastern culture in a more realistic sense that international hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The souks offer trinkets like old compasses, magic lamps and all sorts of trinkets I have not discovered elsewhere in the world (it is akin to stepping back through history to ancient trade routes). If you’re a solo female traveller (like me) and a bit iffy on travelling throughout the Middle East on your own, I found cruising through the Arabian Peninsula a great way to experience the ports with ease and peace of mind.

32. Sydney, Australia

Sydney is my second favourite city in Australia (Melbourne has my heart) and a must see for any traveller to Oz. With the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge within reach of one another, the sights are easy to explore in just a couple of days, giving you more time to enjoy Australia beyond the major cities (hint: travel North for some incredible beaches and much less crowds).

33. Cusco, Peru

Travelling through the Sacred Valley almost always starts with a visit to Cusco , the base for exploring the valley and of course, Machu Picchu. Cusco itself is worthy of a few days to visit and experience the Peruvian Andes culture, especially if you don’t mind exploring on foot.

34. Bergen, Norway

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to visit the picture-perfect city of Bergen , which appears more like a small seaside village than it does a large city in Norway. The colourful harbour was just as picturesque as I had imagined, however, the real beauty of Bergen lies in the residential neighbourhood lying behind the harbour, providing hours of exploration!

35. Warsaw, Poland

It took me two visits to Poland before I visited the capital, Warsaw , and I had no idea what I was missing out on! Warsaw has experienced a turbulent past, however, the reconstruction of the Old Town will transport you to another time in history, with its well-preserved buildings and public squares. Beyond the old town there is much to learn about the history of communism, starting with Stalin’s “gift” to the city and venturing further to the communist museum, which showcases life during the height of communism.

36. Venice, Italy

Venice is a city like no other. Built on canals and with a renaissance history that trickles in to every aspect of the city, there is so much to discover beyond the impressive architecture and behind closed doors. To make the most of a visit to Venice you will need a good four days to explore, before making your way to neighbouring cities like Verona (which I would also highly recommend!)

37. San Antonio, Texas

It was out of the blue when I decided to travel to San Antonio, having been encouraged by a couple I met in New Zealand that I “absolutely must visit” if I was already travelling to Texas. Right they were. The Pearl neighbourhood was a standout for me, especially if you chance your visit with a weekend when the markets are in full swing.

38. Moscow, Russia

The capital of Russia is one of the cities that surprised me most.  Moscow  is unlike any other, with a history and intricacies to keep you asking questions at every turn. Underneath the city is where the magic continues, with some of the world’s most decorated subway stations.

39. San Francisco, USA

Back over on the West Coast is a city that celebrates Californian culture at its best – colourful, quirky and completely unique are just a few words to describe  San Francisco . Although rents in San Francisco have surpassed those in Manhattan, the city is still relatively affordable to tourists and if you’re willing to seek out various neighbourhoods and their hot spots, you’ll find the SF you’re looking for.

40. Munich, Germany

Oktoberfest is a calendar event you’ll want to experience once in your lifetime, however Munich has so much more to offer beyond the event if you visit any other time of year. Located in Bavaria, Munich is one of he most picturesque cities in Germany… plus it also has one of Europe’s dreamiest castles nearby!

41. Riga, Latvia

Riga  is another European city that surprised me and to be honest, I’m still in shock this little gem in the Baltics isn’t written about more often! Although I only had 24 hours to explore Riga, it left me wanting more and to explore more of Riga, a country that had not previously been on my radar. If you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten path and especially if you find yourself on a budget, the Baltics are a great place to start.

42. Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is often overlooked by travellers for being off the popular train routes (its funny what a little bit of water will do to people), but believe me when I say the gateway to Europe is quite possibly one of my favourite cities to enjoy! If you’re up for a bit of fun (think pubs and lots of them), Dublin is a great weekend destination, or can be enjoyed in 24 hours if you’re beginning a larger Irish adventure.

43. The Vatican, Vatican City

Visitors to Rome should be sure not to miss a visit to the Pope’s very own state; The Vatican. Regardless of your beliefs (or non-beliefs), the centre of the Catholic Church is a world in itself and offers a genuine insight in to views that have shaped our world today.

44. Alesund, Norway

I was a little bit more than a little bit obsessed with Alesund , a small seaside city on the coast of Norway. Complete with Art Nouveau architecture and a postcard-like appeal, Alesund quickly became my top pick as the prettiest Norwegian destination on my 10 day cruise through the fjords.

45. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Chances are you haven’t heard of Ljubljana , my current pick for the most underrated city in all of Europe. The capital of Slovenia has the charming appeal of the likes of Paris, albeit in a much smaller, condensed space that is in all seriousness walkable within the hour. Throughout summer this city really comes to life, with riverside al fresco dining a plenty and tourists are at a minimum in comparison to other European capitals.

46. Los Angeles, USA

Love it or hate it (personally I’m a lover), Los Angeles is still one of the cities in the world you absolutely must visit once in your lifetime. You’ll soon discover Hollyweird isn’t quite what it is cracked up to be, but fear not, nearby West Hollywood is a great place to base yourself for explorations. Don’t miss a visit to Downtown LA, Santa Monica and Venice Beach for an overall insight into the Californian culture.

47. Hong Kong

Hong Kong was the first international city I ever visited and has become the city I have visited most. Each visit brings something new: higher skyscrapers, expanding neighbourhoods, new restaurants and a continually evolving social scene. If you’re looking for an accurate depiction of East meets West, there’s no better city to stopover in for a few days than Hong Kong.

48. La Paz, Bolivia

I could not believe my luck when the plane touched down in La Paz , the capital of Bolivia that is also the highest city in the world to fly in to. La Paz is the kind of city you have to pinch yourself to know is real, because every aspect is still so untouched, non-Westernised and completely foreign. No, there are no McDonalds.

49. Reykjavik, Iceland

The beginning of any Iceland adventure almost always begins in Reykjavik , the land of Vikings and mysterious tales that will let your imagination run wild. But this city is best visited as a first port of call for a larger Icelandic adventure, for there is so much to see in what has rapidly become one of the world’s biggest hot spot tourist destinations.

50. Tokyo, Japan

It is hard to imagine a list of the best cities to visit before you die without including Tokyo . With plenty of quirk on offer, Tokyo is the kind of city that will never bore you with the likes of Robot restaurants, cat cafes and so much more.

Where are your favourite cities in the world? Sound off below or follow my adventures on Instagram.

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

The best 10 tips for learning a new …, 10 trips that will change your life, these are the most visited cities in ….

I have been to 7 cities on top 10, 10 cities on top 20, and 19 cities on top 50 so I am a world traveler seeing different places and cultures. I agreed with some cities ranking but I think the author overlooked the beauty from Asia. i.e. Bangkok in Thailand and Beijing in China each presenting its unique architecture and culture. Although the following cities are beautiful but due to their small sizes (I have not been to but I watched videos) 7. Tallinn, Estonia 11. Brugges, Belgium 13. Edinburgh, England 19. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina I don’t think …  Read more »

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The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 100 Things To Do Before You Die

The world is full of wonder and if you’re anything like me, you want to go out and explore! Check out my ultimate travel bucket list – 100 unmissable places to visit before you die. How many can you tick off?

By Julianna Barnaby and Sophie Ritchie

There are so many incredible places to see on this planet… but sometimes a bit of extra inspiration doesn’t hurt.

From incredible landscapes that make your eyes pop and your jaws drop, to incredible architecture – here is the ultimate travel bucket list. 100 places to see before you die.

After all, nothing says it better than this cool travel quote from Ray Bradbury.

“Stuff your eyes with wonder, live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world. It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”

The Ultimate Travel Bucket List

1. grand canyon, usa.

They don’t call it Grand for nothing. The Grand Canyon is a huge, steep canyon, located in Arizona , carved by the Colorado River.

Let’s talk measurements for a second so you can get an idea of the scale of this natural wonder. 446km long and 29km wide.

I’m guessing that it’s already on your list of things to see before you die. If you’re up for the challenge, you can go and hike the whole thing … or simply see the scale of its beauty from one of the many lookouts.

These are especially beautiful to watch the sunrise and sunset from, so make sure you check the times before you go!

2. See The Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most incredible wonders.

A series of dancing lights that charge the night sky in pinks, greens, yellows and purples – seeing the Aurora Borealis is the ultimate travel bucket list item.

Cool northern lights-spotting destinations include Iceland , Norway , Alaska and northern Canada.

How to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

3. Giant’s Causeway, United Kingdom

he Giant’s Causeway is a stone formation made up of 40,000 basalt columns, located just off the coast of Antrim in Northern Ireland.

While scientists say that the formations were the result of a volcanic eruption, legend has it that the columns were a causeway built by a giant so that Scottish and Irish giants could meet and fight. I’m going to go with the latter – much more believable.

4. Bryce Canyon, USA

One of the US’s best-known national parks, Bryce Canyon is a collection of giant natural amphitheatres in southern Utah and one of the most beautiful natural landmarks I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. 

Designated a National Park in 1928, Bryce Canyon now receives nearly 2.5 million annual visitors to marvel at its red, orange and white rock formations.

5. Antelope Canyon, USA

Walking through the weird curved formations of Antelope Canyon , it’s difficult to believe that it’s not man made.

It’s not. Antelope Canyon is a slot canyon, located in Page, Arizona. Formed by the erosion of sandstone from the flash floods that occur in the area, it’s a must for any avid traveller. 

Photographers come from far and wide to get a glimpse of this beautiful orange, red and yellow canyon and the magical light filtered through the canyon’s shaped walls.

6. Reynisdrangar Basalt Columns, Iceland

The striking Reynisdrangar basalt columns on the world-famous Reynisfjara black sand beach are one of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders (they have tough competition).

The columns were formed by volcanic activity – the same kind that created the Giant’s Causeway mentioned above.

Legend has it that they are three trolls, frozen in time by the sun’s rays. Sound familiar? That’s because Tolkien used the legend in his world-famous story The Hobbit.

7. Yosemite National Park, USA

Yosemite National Park is just incredible. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the northeast of California it’s well-known as one of America’s most beautiful travel destinations.

Want to know where to travel before you die? Start with Yosemite.

Granite cliffs, clear streams, waterfalls, mountains and glaciers – it’s no wonder that the famous photographer Ansel Adams loved it – and I bet you will too.

8. The Dead Sea, Israel / West Bank / Jordan

We all know that you can float on The Dead Sea. This curious natural wonder is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean. It’s not actually a sea, despite its name, it’s a lake on the borders of Israel, the West Bank and Jordan .

The banks of the Dead Sea are over 400m below sea level, making them the lowest point in the world on dry land.

The easiest way to visit The Dead Sea is by taking a short-ish bus journey from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, alternatively you can rent a car and drive, though booking onto a tour makes things even easier.

9. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay is no secret. Another place that’s arguably being loved to death, it’s enduringly beautiful.

The bay, which is located in Northeast Vietnam, stretches over 1500 square kilometres and is scattered with over 1600 islands and islets.

Ha Long Bay is known for its emerald waters and rainforest-topped islands and a favourite among beauty-seekers.

10. Jeita Grotto, Lebanon

When it comes to bucket list places to visit, The Jeita Grotto is often forgotten about. It’s a set of two separate but interconnected limestone caves, located in the Nahr al-Kalb Valley in Lebanon. 

It can only be entered by boat as it channels an underground river, but once inside, visitors can see the incredible rock formations, and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

11. Acropolis, Greece

The Acropolis in Athens is an ancient citadel located on the top of a hill in Athens, which contains many ancient (and remains of) buildings, such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Acropolis is a greatly important symbol of Greek history, architecture and spirit and visiting it should have a prime spot on your travel bucket list.

12. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Take whatever you’ve heard about Angkor Wat, times it by 100 and yet it will still blow you away. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is just straight up incredible. 

Angkor Wat is a mystical complex of temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Angkor Wat also happens to be the largest religious monument in the world at 400 square kilometres – it’s made up of hundreds of incredible and awe inspiring temples and ruins.

If you need any more reason to believe you need to visit this special place, it even features on the country’s flag!

13. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sounds like something that deserves a place on your bucket list right? Right.

But what exactly is Chichen Itza? Well only the biggest archaeological city of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation, located in the Yucatán State, Mexico .

Its huge pyramid, El Castillo, is the centre of the ancient city. Both were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1988.

14. Machu Picchu, Peru

Sure, everybody raves about it… but you know what? That’s because it is incredible. Machu Picchu is the old Inca City, located on top of a 2500m mountain in the Cusco region of Peru, just above the Sacred Valley.

Forgotten by the Western world for centuries, it was rediscovered by intrepid explorer Hiram Bingham. Machu Picchu was crowned as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (of course).

IMHO Machu Picchu is the best archaeological site in the South American continent, and definitely deserves to be at the top of your South America bucket list .

15. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Who hasn’t dreamt of jetting off to see the mysterious Pyramids of Giza ?

The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of Cairo Egypt. The complex contains 3 pyramids, a Great Sphinx Sculpture and several cemeteries. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Egypt’s world-famous pyramids were built as a tomb for the pharaohs and their queens.

Now they’re one of the most recognisable (and photographed) structures in the world –  I fell head over heels for them after a recent visit to the country.

16. Stonehenge, United Kingdom

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument, located in Wiltshire, England. I’ll be completely honest, I’ve never really got why everyone goes so nuts about them… but I can never resist a cheeky detour when I’m on my way to Glastonbury Festival.

The 4 metre high collection of stones were constructed over time between 2500 and 5000 years ago, and are now one of the seven Wonders of the World. Druids and Pagans still use the site to celebrate important occasions such as the summer solstice.

17. The Colosseum, Italy

How about adding the largest amphitheatre ever built to your list of 100 places to see before you die? Yep, thought so.

The Colosseum is an old amphitheatre in the middle of Rome – it was built to hold up to 80,000 spectators.

Although over the years it has been partially ruined by earthquakes, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Rome, recognisable from around the world.

18. Bagan, Myanmar

Catapulted from a place very few people had heard of to one of the recent year’s travel hotspots, Bagan is a beautiful place. The ancient city in Myanmar is nicknamed the temple town, as it is home to 2,229 remaining temples and pagodas.

Most of these have been restored or preserved by UNESCO, and many contain incredible statues and carvings of Buddha – worth a visit in themselves. 

Head to the site early in the morning in the evening – you’ll see the most incredible Bagan sunrises and sunsets – preferably by hot air balloon.

19. Taj Mahal, India

Is it the most photographed building in the world? It’s certainly the best-known mausoleum.

The Taj Maha l is a white marble mausoleum, built in 1648 at the command of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, to remember his late wife.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, the ornate Taj Mahal is a beautiful symbol of India and needs to be on any bucket list 100.

20. The Great Wall of China, China

China’s most famous landmark, The Great Wall of China is testament to the incredible building skills of civilisations past.

The “Great Wall” is actually a number of walls that run along the historical Northern borders of China, that were built to protect the Chinese against invasions from Eurasia.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it is the longest wall in the world – it’s even visible from space.

21. London, United Kingdom

London needs no introduction. This cosmopolitan capital is crammed with cool things to do and places to see and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Dating back to Roman times, London is now home to a whopping nearly 9 million people… including the Royal Family.

Head here to see some of the world’s most famed attractions – Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and so many other pretty places to see in London , not to mention some of the most striking street art in the world and a plethora of brilliant restaurants.

Aside from tourist hot spots, London is filled with cool neighbourhoods well worth taking the time to explore – take Hackney, Shoreditch, Croydon, and Clapham, for example.

22. Paris, France

The City of Love – there’s a lot more to Paris than snuggling up for a cosy tete a tete with your other half.

Famed for its culture, art, cuisine and fashion, Paris has something for everyone – which explains why it’s on pretty much every bucket list 100 out there.

Whizz around between beautiful spots like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. Treat yourself to some fancy accommodation and enjoy one of Europe’s most opulent cities.

23. Florence, Italy

Another one of Europe’s cultural hotspots, Florence is well-known for being the birthplace of beautiful Renaissance art and architecture.

Art lovers will rejoice in Florence, with magnificent works by Michaelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci on display at the Uffizi Gallery. 

But that’s not all there is to this dreamy Italian spot – the food is impeccable, the city is filled with family-run trattorias and gelato hotspots. Prepare to spend half your time eating, and the other half snapping photos.

Planning a trip? Check out the many world-famous Italian landmarks Florence boasts, such as Ponte Vecchio, Florence Cathedral and its ‘Duomo’, the Palazzo Vecchio, and Boboli Gardens. Then hop in a car to discover the rest of Tuscany on a road trip.

24. Rome, Italy

Ahh Rome , what a city. Every time you think you have seen it all, Rome comes up with something else to surprise you.

Full of architecture, art and ancient ruins, it’s known worldwide for its fashion and designer boutiques. Head to the Colosseum for some history, the Vatican for some culture and the Trevi Fountain to make a wish.

Don’t even get me started on the sheer number of brilliant eateries either…

25. Vienna, Austria

The capital of Austria, Vienna is a dream. This gorgeous city is known across Europe for its baroque art and architecture, and its musical and intellectual legacy. 

Some of Vienna’s most well known attractions are the Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg, a complex of palaces.

Viennese cafe culture is also one of the best in Europe, so much so that UNESCO popped it on their intangible cultural heritage list. Head into one of Vienna’s very many cafes for a Viennese coffee and a slice of schokotorte.

26. Oxford, United Kingdom

Oxford is one of the UK’s most famous cities, thanks to its prestigious university (I studied there and it was just as incredible as you would imagine).

With the university dating back to the 11th century, Oxford is full of so many things to do – old architecture, beautiful scenery and tasty cuisine.

Head to Oxford to see the Museum of Natural History, the Oxford Botanic Gardens, and of course its prestigious university and its colleges.

27. Havana, Cuba

Cuba’s evocative capital is an unforgettable experience – there’s no way I’d leave it out of my pick of top 100 bucket list destinations. It’s been a while since I’ve visited but the sights and sounds of the city will always stay with me.

Gorgeous 16th-century architecture and vintage American cars , music and dance – not forgetting the delicious cuisine and daiquiris!

When you’re here, head to the Revolution Museum, Morro Castle and Old Havana, to see the best bits. It’s no wonder that Hemingway loved it – pop into El Floridita , his favourite bar.

28. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro may NOT be Brazil’s capital but it makes up for it with culture, looks and fun.

The first time I visited Rio, I was fresh-faced and 18 – several (and I mean several) years later, I’m just as in love with Rio as when I first clapped eyes on it.

This vibrant capital city is best known for its architecture, forest topped mountains and golden beaches. Some of Rio’s best sights are the Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

29. Venice, Italy

Venice might be sinking but we still love it. In truth, it’s difficult to leave Venice out of any list of must-see travel spots, BUT it is suffering from serious overtourism, so you might want to skip it in favour of somewhere quieter.

Full of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, there are very few roads in Venice, mostly canals, with boats and gondolas to transport people. The best places to see are the Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Rialto Bridge – just magical!

30. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is more than relaxed marijuana laws and chilled out coffee shops. Home to an impressive array of world-class museums, beautiful canals, gorgeous architecture and history.

Start by visiting the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, walk along the canals and spend some time exploring the city by bike.

Dutch food might not be much to write home about, but they sure know a thing or two about sweet things – make it your mission to scoff as many poffertjes and stroopwafel as possible. A bucket list travel must.

31. Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The Iguazu Falls are waterfalls on the Iguazu River that border Misiones, the Argentinian province, Paraná, the Brazilian state and Paraguay. At 82 metres high and the chain of falls nearly 3km long, they are the largest waterfalls system in the world.

Think the view can’t be better? Wait until you hear their astoundingly loud roar – sight and sound – it’s almost deafening, and an absolute thrill.

32. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe / Zambia

Victoria Falls is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, in southern Africa. 

Described by CNN as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the water at the Victoria Falls drops a staggering 108m, and is the largest curtain of water in the world.

The easiest way to visit is to fly to Livingstone, the nearest airport – from there it’s around 11km to the falls via a taxi.

Or, if you would really like to treat yourself (I approve), view the falls from above during a helicopter flight over the natural landmark. Truly a once in a lifetime experience.

33. Niagara Falls, Canada / USA

The Niagara Falls are a set of three impressive waterfalls that border Ontario, Canada, and New York State in the US. The three waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls, all fall at the southern end of the Niagara gorge, and have a total height of 51m.

As the most famous falls in the world, Niagara is something that you’ve got to see. If you’re feeling brave, jump on one of the boat tours which take you up close and personal to the falls.

34. Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, China / Vietnam

The Ban Gioc–Detian Falls are a set of two waterfalls on the Quây Sơn River, on the border of China and Vietnam.

The main waterfall is the Detian waterfall, and the other waterfall is the Ban Gioc Waterfall, with the cumulative drop being a whopping 60m.

You can hop on a boat, which will take you on a river tour close to the falls for an extra-special experience.

35. Palouse Falls, USA

The Palouse Falls is a waterfall on the Palouse River, 6km up from the meeting with the Snake River, in southeast Washington in the United States.

The falls consist of an upper falls and a lower falls, which are drops of 6.1m and 60m respectively. Bring your hiking boots and set off on one of the numerous trails around the top and the bottom of the falls.

36. Shoshone Falls, USA

Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River in Southern Idaho. Known as the ‘Niagara of the West’, the falls are 65m high (which is actually higher than Niagara) and flow over a 300m wide rim.

Formed over 14,000 years ago, the Shoshone Falls attract up to 300,000 vehicles per year, and are definitely worth a spot on your ultimate bucket list. Bring a picnic and grab a spot in one of the designated areas for a fabulous day out.

37. Blue Nile Falls, Ethiopia

Blue Nile Falls is a waterfall on the Blue Nile River, located in the north of Ethiopia. Known as ’Tis Abay’ in Amharic, meaning ‘great smoke’, the Falls are approximately 40 metres high, consisting of four streams.

This beautiful waterfall is one of Ethiopia’s top tourist attractions – just get ready for a hike to get the best views of the falls.

38. Gullfoss, Iceland

It’s hard to pick one waterfall from Iceland for our list, but Gullfoss can’t be missed. Gullfoss, meaning ‘Golden Waterfall’ is a waterfall located in the Olfusa River canyon, in Southwest Iceland.

The name comes from the golden colour of the waterfall in certain light – the result of sediment in the water.

The total height of Gullfoss is 32 metres and the longest drop is 21 metres. The beautiful waterfall offers brilliant views and we recommend going to see it on a sunny day, as there’s a big chance of seeing a rainbow shimmering over the falls.

Otherwise it’s a spectacular place to see the Northern Lights in the winter.

Visiting Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland

39. McWay Falls, USA

The McWay Falls are a waterfall that flows from McWay Creek in picture-perfect Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park onto a beach in Big Sur on the west coast of California.

The image of the 24m McWay Falls cascading onto the beach is one of Big Sur’s most iconic and something you can’t miss. The hike to the falls is rather easy and boasts some of Big Sur’s best views.

40. The Maldives

The Maldives are a set of South Asian islands, located in the Indian ocean. Made up of 26 atolls, ring shaped coral reefs together containing over 1000 coral islands.

People come from far and wide for The Maldives’ beautiful islands, luxury accommodation, azure waters, and colourful marine life.

If you love beaches, watersports or simply soaking up the views of one of the most beautiful places on this planet, the Maldives should be on your list.

41. Vava’u Islands

The Vava’u islands are a set of islands, one large and 40 small, located in Tonga in the South Pacific. Neiafu, the capital of these islands, is a gorgeous destination well worth exploring – make sure to visit the striking St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Looking for spectacular things to do before you die?

This tropical paradise has crystal clear waters, white sand beaches and beautiful sea life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, spinner dolphins and Humpback whales – a wildlife lover’s paradise!

42. Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a Greek Island in the Southern Aegean Sea.

Known as the ‘supermodel’ of the Greek Islands, it is instantly recognisable by its whitewashed buildings with blue roofs, multicoloured cliffs, beautiful sunsets and dazzlingly sapphire coloured waters.

There’s so much to do in Santorini including exploring Akrotiri’s ruins and chilling on Kamari’s black sand beach. You might have to battle the crowds, but it’s totally worth it.

43. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific, Northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

Being Tahiti’s most famous island, it is popular with the luxury crowd thanks to its fabulous hotels.

Bora Bora is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon protected by a coral reef, which is fabulous for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

44. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is an island and province of Indonesia, popular among backpackers travelling Southeast Asia but also with a luxury side, full of beautiful beaches, incredible food , culture scenery and wildlife.

Known for its surfing, yoga , diving and great resorts, the ‘essence of Bali’, and its traditions have stolen the hearts of many visitors.

45. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

An archipelago in Brazil, Fernando de Noronha is known as both a beach lover’s shangri-la and an eco-wonderland. Built on volcanic rock, the coastline is as ragged as it is beautiful.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, this paradise is full of pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes and stunning wildlife. Apparently, even the sharks are friendly.

46. Maui, USA

Maui is an island which is part of the state of Hawaii, known for its natural beauty. It is Hawaii’s second-largest island, at 1,883 square kilometres. 

Known as the ‘Valley Isle’, Maui is famed for its world-famous beaches, the Iao Valley, humpback whales, and the marvellous sunset and sunrise from Haleakala. 

There are so many things to do in Maui with kids , as there are for a couple travelling alone.

47. Big Sur, USA

Big Sur is a stretch of California’s central coast. Forever linked with beat writers such as Jack Kerouac, Big Sur tops the list of many literary lovers’ travel bucket lists – but there’s more to its appeal than that.

Driving through Big Sur on a Highway 1 road trip is very popular, with beautiful places to stop and look out, such as Bixby Bridge and the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where the picturesque McWay Falls (see our pick of top 10 waterfalls for your bucket list) meets the sandy shore and drifts into the Ocean.

48. Ko Samui, Thailand

Ko Samui is Thailand’s second largest island, located off the East Coast in the Gulf of Thailand. 

Ko Samui is home to lush rainforest, coconut palms and some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, such as Bang Por, Choeng Mon and Taling Nam, which is incredible for watching the sunset on.

49. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is a province of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is home to some of the best beaches and islands in Southeast Asia, such as Railay Beach , with incredible rock formations making it a climbers paradise, and the Phi Phi Islands, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s ‘The Beach’ was filmed.

With white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs, it’s no wonder that Krabi is at the top of most visitors’ lists of things to see when they’re in Thailand.

50. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is a desert located in Chile , South America and is one of the most surreal places on the planet.

The desert covers a 1000 square km area of land and is one of the driest places on Earth. Mars-like valleys, brightly coloured lakes, swarms of flamingos and the Southern hemisphere’s largest geyser field – if you’re heading to the Atacama desert, you’d better prepare to have your mind blown.

Check out my guide to road-tripping in the Atacama Desert.

51. Bolivia Salt Flats

The Bolivia Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) are located in the Potosí province in the southwest of Bolivia – not far from the Atacama Desert.

At 10,582 square km and placed 3,656m above sea level, they are the largest salt flats in the world. This incredible natural wonder was originally caused by the transformations of several prehistoric lakes, which are now covered by a few metres of salt crust.

52. Torres del Paine, Chile

Torres del Paine National Park is located in Patagonia, Chile. It is known for its beautiful mountains, blue icebergs and glaciers, and lush vegetation.

If you’re fit enough to take on the challenge, hiking the five day W trail should be on your list of things to do before you die – feeling even more adventurous? The 8-day O trek is for you.

The stunning Torres, after which the park is named, is the main attraction of the park, and over 250,000 visitors come to marvel at them every year. It’s honestly one of the most incredible places I’ve visited and well worth the hype.

53. Lake District, UK

The Lake District i s a mountainous area in Cumbria, in the north west of England, whose mountains, lakes and forests stretch over a huge 2,362 square km.

Boasting plenty of hikes and ways to reconnect with nature, this is a popular holiday destination for British tourists. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, and also the deepest and longest bodies of water in England – most definitely worth a trip.

54. Mù Cang Chả, Vietnam

Mù Cang Chả is a rural district located at the bottom of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range in the northwest of Vietnam, in the Yên Bái Province.

It is home to incredible landscapes and perfectly-landscaped rice paddies – the Mù Cang Chả Rice Terrace has been recognised as one of the most unique landscapes in Vietnam, stretching across 22 square km of the mountainside.

Seeing the bright green paddies in real life is guaranteed to be one of the highlights of any trip to Vietnam.

55. Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft National Park is located in Namibia, and encompasses part of the Namib Desert.

The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest desert, and Namib-Naukluft is the fourth-largest game park in the world. Wonderful creatures such as snakes, hyenas and geckos reside in the stunning signature red and orange sand.

56. Paro Valley, Bhutan

The Paro Valley is a lush valley located in western Bhutan. The historic town is full of culture, history and sacred sites, and the wide and richly vegetated Valley is one of Bhutan’s must-see sights. 

If you’re visiting the valley, you have to make a stop at Paro Taktsang which is tucked into the side of a cliff. It’s nicknamed the Tiger’s Nest Buddhist Temple and known one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan.

57. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a region in central Italy. Full of beautiful old Italian villas, farms, wineries and lush vegetation, it’s a beautiful location to visit. As I’ve already mentioned, Florence, the capital of the region, is filled with so many things for art-lovers to do.

Though it’s the gently rolling hills and green vineyards that make up a stunning landscape worthy of a postcard and a spot on your bucket list. Other must-visit towns include Montepulciano, Greve in Chianti, Montalcino and San Gimignano.

Travels Through Tuscany – the Ultimate Road Trip

59. Uluru, Australia

Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is a large sandstone rock formation, located in the north central region of Australia, that rises 350 metres up away from its surrounding land.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Uluru is home to beautiful waterholes, springs and rock caves.

One of Australia’s indigenous tribes most sacred sites, you can no longer hike onto the rock itself, but can still soak up its spiritual presence from up close.

60. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre is a string of five seaside villages, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Vernazza, Manarola, and Monterosso, located in the region of Liguria in Italy. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the area is full of colourful houses and vineyards and a beautiful blue harbour.

I’m betting it’s one of the most photographed places in Italy, but once you go, you can easily see why. Gorgeous views, even better wine, and a chilled-out pace of life – what’s not to love?

61. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the free-standing bell tower of Italy’s Pisa Cathedral. Built in 1372 at 56 metres tall, the tower is famed for its unintended tilt – the result of the soft ground on which it was built.

Head to the tower, take the obligatory selfie (or three – don’t miss the one where you pretend to push it over!) but don’t forget to explore the rest of this charming city, which is surprisingly quiet once you get away from the big sights.

62. Golden Gate Bridge, USA

The Golden Gate Bridge is a 1,280m suspension bridge that links San Francisco with Marin County in Western California. Built in 1937 for a huge $35 million, since opening it has become an icon of San Francisco and the most photographed bridge in the world.

Hike through the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge Park to the bottom of the bridge for a different view of this iconic bridge.

63. Eiffel Tower , Paris

The Eiffel Tower is a wrought iron lattice tower, located on the Champ de Mars, in Paris, France. The engineer Gustave Eiffel, designed the tower and then his company built it in 1889.

With a total height of 324m, the instantly recognisable Eiffel Tower is synonymous with the city of love. Head up to the top for amazing views out over the city.

64. Christ the Redeemer , Rio de Janeiro

The Christ the Redeemer Statue is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . Built in 1931 by four men, Landowski, da Silva Costa, Caquor and Leonida, the 30 metre symbol of Rio sits atop of the Corcovado Mountain, looking over the city.

You can access the statue via a tough hike through the Tijuca rainforest, or via a tram or collectivo.

Whichever way you get there, the view of the city spread out below and of the statue itself is one of Rio’s real highlights.

65. The Palm Jumeirah, United Arab Emirates

The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial group of islands in Dubai , United Arab Emirates, located on the Jumeirah coast. It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about things to do before you die, but it’s well worth the trip.

Taking 5 years to build from 2001 to 2006, the Palm is now full of luxury hotels, restaurants and residences. In keeping with Dubai’s reputation for glitz and glamour, a trip to The Palm Jumeirah is one for the luxury-lovers among you.

The island is also home to arguably the best water park in Dubai – spend a day cooling off and seeking thrills at the Atlantis Aquaventure.

66. St Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

St Basil’s Cathedral is located in Red Square, Moscow, Russia. Built in 1561, this world-famous and colourful landmark was inspired by the flame from a bonfire rising into the sky.

Officially called ‘The Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat’, this 48m high building is a totally bonkers but beautiful creation that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

67. Sydney Opera House, Australia

The Sydney Opera House is an arts venue, located at Bennelong Point in the middle of the Sydney Harbour, Australia. Built in 1973, the Opera House became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

The picturesque sail design of the house with the Sydney Harbour Bridge behind it is the iconic image of Sydney and a must-do on your Australia bucket list.

68. Statue of Liberty, USA

The Statue of Liberty is a sculpture of ‘Lady Liberty’, located on Liberty Island in the harbour in New York City.

The statue shows Lady Liberty holding a torch and a book with roman numerals of the date of the US Declaration of Independence.

Designed by Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was dedicated to the US people from France in 1886.

The statue used to be the first sight of New York for those sailing into the city in days gone by, the boat trip to see  the statue is no less striking today.There is so much to enjoy in New York with various attractions, shopping and rooftop restaurants in New York .

69. Big Ben, United Kingdom

Big Ben (a nickname for the clock on the Elizabeth Tower), is a tower at the end of the Palace of Westminster in London, England.

Ever since it was built in 1859, it has been a British cultural icon, and is the most prominent symbol of London and the United Kingdom.

Big Ben is currently undergoing renovation works, but you can still take a peek at the Houses of Parliament below.

Want an extra-special view? Take one of the numerous boat cruises that float down the Thames for picture opps without the crowds.

70. Empire State Building, USA

The Empire State Building is a skyscraper, located on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City (between West 33rd and 34th streets to be precise).

The 102 storey building is not only a work office, but also has a viewing deck at the top where visitors can see the whole of the city.

The Empire State Building is a symbol of New York City, and was designated the status of a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Book your ticket and get whisked up to the top for spectacular views out over the city.

71. Mount Everest, China / Nepal

Mount Everest, located in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas, is the highest mountain on Earth at 8,848 m, with the border between China and Nepal running across its summit.

Since it was first climbed in 1953, Mount Everest has attracted keen climbers from all over, with two main climbing routes, one starting in southeast Nepal and the other in the north of Tibet in China – do you dare to rise to the challenge?

Just how tough is it to climb Mount Everest?

72. Rainbow Mountain Peru

Mount Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain , is a mountain in the Andes in Cusco, Peru.  

With its highest peak at 5,200m, Vinicunca is full of desert landscapes, snow-capped peaks and lots of alpacas!

Though South America isn’t short on a hike or two, this one comes with close-up views of the multi-coloured mountains and its picturesque surroundings.

73. Matterhorn, Switzerland

The Matterhorn is located in the Swiss Alps. At 4,478 m, it is one of the largest mountains in Europe and the Alps. Surrounded by glaciers, the Matterhorn is an incredibly beautiful site, with an almost symmetrical peak.

Skilled mountaineers can climb to the top of the mountain, but even if that’s not you, we pretty much guarantee you’ll be blown away by views of the mountain up close.

74. Fitz Roy, Argentina / Chile

Mount Fitz Roy is a mountain in Patagonia, located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field near El Chaltén on the border of Argentina and Chile .

First climbed in 1952, today it still remains one of the most challenging climbs on Earth with its highest point at 3,405 m.

Not quite up to the challenge? You can hike to the base of the mountain from El Chalten without too much difficulty.

75. K2, China / Pakistan

K2, also known as Mount Godwin Austen, is the second highest mountain in the world, at 8611 metres high, located on the border between China and Pakistan.

Not many dare to climb K2 as it is so dangerous. K2 is sometimes called the ‘Savage Mountain’, with a terrifying one out of four climbers never making it back.

76. Table Mountain, South Africa

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town in South Africa . The mountain is just over 1,085 metres tall and 3km from either side.

Visitors either hike up to the top or get the cable-car up (hint: do the hike, it’s awesome). Once at the top, the sweeping views of the city are incredible.

Cape Town is often chosen as one of the most spectacular cities in the world, and the views from Table Mountain give you a good idea why.

77. Banff National Park, Canada

Banff National Park is Canada’s national playground. Forming part of the Rockies National Park, Canada’s first national park, Banff’s highest peak is Bonnet Peak at 3,235 m.

The beautiful snow capped mountains surrounded by lush green forests and charming lakes are too tempting not to explore – doing so should be on your list of things to do before you die.

78. Mount Huangshan, China

Mount Huangshan is a mountain range is the Anhui Province in Eastern China, with its top height reaching 1,864 metres. Mount Huangshan and its surrounding area is well known for its scenery, sunsets, lush vegetation and incredible views.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, Mount Huangshan is known as ‘the loveliest mountain in China’. Even more reason to see it with your own eyes.

79. Atlas Mountains, Morocco

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in north west Africa. Their highest peak is Jebel Toubkal at 4,167 metres high and located in Morocco.

Its lush valleys, snow-capped peaks and traditional Berber villages make trekking in the Atlas Mountains a fantastic experience.

The Atlas Mountains are a relatively short trip from Marrakech and well deserving of a detour from the charming city.

80. Mont Blanc, France

Mont Blanc (meaning ‘White Mountain) is located in the Graian Alps, which run between France and Italy.

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and in Europe at 4,808m, and is very popular for hiking, mountaineering, snowboarding and skiing.

Seasoned skiers and snowboarders can hike up and ski or board down in the summer months – beware, the hike up is pretty tough.

81. Yellowstone SuperVolcano, USA

Yellowstone Super Volcano is located in the ethereal Yellowstone National Park , in the northwest of Wyoming, US.

Known for its super-volcanoes, crazily coloured lakes and ever-faithful geysers, Yellowstone might well be the US national park highest on your list of things to do before you die (though maybe Yosemite beats it to the first spot).

82. Popocatépetl Volcano, Mexico

Popocatépetl Volcano is an active volcano located in the Mexico, Puebla and Morelos states in Central Mexico.

At 5,426m high, it is the second-tallest peak in Mexico. You can visit the park surrounding the volcano from Mexico City – bear in mind that it is an active volcano, so you should check before you set out.

83. Mount Vesuvius, Italy

Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located in Naples, in Campania, Italy. The 1,280m volcano is best known for its eruption in 79AD that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum, and being the most densely populated volcanic region in the world.

However, despite the risk, the sight of the beautiful volcano standing tall over the city of Naples is truly amazing. You can undertake the hike to the top independently, or go on a guided hike to take advantage of the local knowledge.

84. Mount Etna, Italy

Mount Etna is a volcano between Messina and Cantania, in Sicily, Italy. At 3,330m high, it is Europe’s tallest active volcano, and Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps. Although it is one of the world’s most active volcano sites, in 2013 it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty.

It’s a tough trek to the top, but the views once you get there are worth the sweat.

85. Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is an active volcano located on Honshu Island, in the Southwest of Japan. At 3,770 metres tall, it is the highest mountain in Japan.

The mountain is one of Japan’s sacred sites – it’s not unusual for people to make a pilgrimage trek to the top.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, UNESCO has also recognised 25 locations within the Mount Fuji locality to be sites of cultural interest – meaning there’s plenty for you to do when you tick this one off your bucket list.

86. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones, located in the Kilimanjaro National Park in East Tanzania, Africa.

At 5,895 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Africa. Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s best-known adventure spots and the hike to the top is a once in a lifetime experience.

87. Mauna Loa, USA

Mauna Loa is an active volcano located in Hawaii, United States. It’s considered to be the Earth’s largest volcano with an impressive 75,000 cubed km volume.

Although Mauna Loa has been erupting for at least 700,000 years and still erupts today, the eruptions are very fluid and tend to be non-explosive, so it is a very safe area to visit.

It’s a tough hike, even by Hawaiian standards, but when else will you get to climb the world’s largest volcano?

88. Mount Bromo, Indonesia

Mount Bromo is an active volcano located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in East Java, Indonesia, and is part of the Tengger massif, a volcano complex.

Sitting in the middle of a plain of sand, the beautiful 2300m volcano provides visitors with unparalleled views, which can be reached by taking a 2 hour walk to the top. Head up at night to catch sunrise at the top – an unforgettable experience.

89. Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland

Thrihnukagigur Volcano is a dormant volcano near Reykjavík, Iceland, that covers 3,270 square metres and is 213m deep.

Opening to tourists in 2012, it is the only volcano in the world where you can take a lift down into the magma chamber. Such an incredible sight is totally deserving of a spot on your bucket list.

90. Mount Helen, USA

Mount Helen is an active volcano located in Skamania County in Washington State, United States – less than 100 miles away from Seattle. Mount St Helens is well known for its ash explosions and flows of gas and volcanic matter, especially during the notorious 1980 eruption.

The huge volcano is located in the Cascade Range which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a group of 452 active volcanoes dotted around the rim of the Pacific, all prone to eruption.

There are more than 200 miles of trails in the surrounding area – allowing you to see a different side of the volcano on two feet.

91. Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a game reserve in Narok County in Kenya, Africa, that neighbours the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

It is famous for its wonderful animals and wildlife, including African leopards and Kenyan cheetahs, Masai lions, zebra, wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle and over 470 species of bird. It is perfect for the animal lover.

Heading on a safari into the Masai Mara is one of the most popular travel bucket list ideas – when are you going to tick it off yours?

92. Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Amazon Rainforest is a rainforest that expands over Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana, in South America.

The whole thing encompasses a huge 7 million square kilometres, and is home to 16,000 species of 390 billion trees, 2.5 million insect species and 2,000 mammal and bird species.

Eco-friendly luxury lodges, steamer boat cruises, incredible hikes – the only problem you’ll have when it comes to planning your trip to the Amazon is how much you can fit into the time you have.

93. The Serengeti, Tanzania / Kenya

The Serengeti is a region in Africa, expanding over northern Tanzania and in the south of Kenya, over 30,000 square kilometres.

The Serengeti is renowned for its large lion population, including 70 large mammal species, such as buffalos and gazelles, and 500 bird species, as well as a range of surroundings with everything from swamps to grasslands.

Book a safari for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

94. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of islands located in the Pacific Ocean over the Equator, such that the islands are in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

The islands are well known for their wildlife that are unique to just them, including giant tortoises, Galapagos finches and penguins, Galapagos hawks, fur seals and blue-footed boobies.

Walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and see the islands in their full glory on a several-day boat tour.

95. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, located in the Coral Sea, just off the coast in Queensland, Australia.

The reef system, which stretches over a nearly 350,000 square kilometre area, comprises over 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, this colourful place is home to millions of creatures, including dolphins, whales, fish, turtles and birds. 

On a sourer note, the Great Barrier Reef is being destroyed due to climate change, so who knows how much longer it will be around for? This beautiful place deserves a top spot on your list of things to do before you die.

96. Komodo Island, Indonesia

Komodo Island is a 390 square kilometre island, located in the middle of the Flores Sea and part of the Republic of Indonesia.

Named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this beautiful island is home to many species, including Javan deer, water buffalo and the 3km long Komodo dragon, the largest lizard on Earth.

Komodo Dragons are notoriously dangerous but spying them in their natural habitat is a memorable experience.

97. Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park might not be South Africa’s best-known safari destination (that title has to go to Kruger), but it’s the one I loved the most.

Tucked away in the beautiful Addo region in the Eastern Cape, the Elephant National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the Big Seven (the big five plus Southern Whales and Great White Sharks) thanks to its ocean territory.

Safari in Addo Elephant National Park

98. The Danum Valley, Malaysia

The Danum Valley is located in Sabah Forest, Borneo, Malaysia . The 438 square kilometre Conservation Area is known for its Bornean orangutans, gibbons, 270 species of bird and the rare East Sumatran rhinos.

People come from all over to see these special creatures, and it is definitely worth a spot on your bucket list.

99. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Kangaroo Island is an island off the coast of South Australia. The island is home to hundreds of species of wildlife including the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo, the Tammar Wallaby and Rosenberg’s Sand Goanna, which are all native to the island, as well as non-native creatures such as sea lions and koalas.

Visit the island to experience its wild and rugged beauty and wildlife spotting opportunities galore.

100. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a savanna in Southern Africa that extends for over 900,000 square kilometres over Botswana, Namibia and South Africa.

The Kalahari Desert is home to hundreds of exotic species of animals including brown hyenas, meerkats, the Kalahari lion, and many species of reptiles and birds.

A trip to the Kalahari is like stepping into another universe – one that will provide you will snaps (and memories) you’ll never forget.

There we are, 100 places for your travel bucket list. How many have you ticked off?

Looking For More Ideas for Your Bucket List?

• 100 Places to Visit in Europe You Shouldn’t Miss
• 100 Places to Visit in South America – The South America Bucket List
• UK Bucket List Ideas 

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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I alway love these kinds of lists. But “100” is an arbitrary number. Better to list the top things and get a list as long or short as it turns out to be. A few conspicuous omissions from the list: Antarctica; Madagascar’s Spiny Forest; slave forts of Ghana; underground stone-carved churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia; the palace complex and surrounds in Bangkok; and maybe the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. List should include a section on tribal people and unique cultures such as the tribes of the Omo Valley in SE Ethiopia and the Inuit of Canada, etc.; famous scenic train trips; best rivers & fjords to navigate. Nevertheless, a fun list! Have seen 61 of these, plan to see 15 still on my list. 23 others are nice but I don’t plan to see. 4 of them I have no interest in. (Been to a number of the countries the items are in, but not to see the listed items.)

Thanks for the suggestions – some really interesting ones there – if we update the piece, we’ll be sure to take your additions on board.

Colosseum is in Italy, not Greece (number 19), though it does mention Rome.

Great spot – obviously a typo slipped in there. Clearly meant to say Italy as I reference Rome 4 times in the para.

Um. Yosemite, then out to Hwy 395 in the Eastern Sierra of CA.

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51 Breathtaking Places To Visit Before You Die

This world is full of beautiful attractions both natural and man-made to visit in this lifetime. From historical sights to natural landmarks to wildlife, there is a lot to explore all over the world. Obviously, one life is not enough to experience all the beautiful places in the world, but at least you can visit some of the most amazing ones before you die. Therefore, if you are a traveler who loves to explore new places then see below our list of 51 most amazing places to visit before you die.

Top Must Visit Attractions Around the World – Places To Visit Before You Die

1 antelope canyon, usa.

Antelope Canyon tops our list of best places to visit before you die. You can book a tour and experience this stunning place with your friends and family.

2 Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

One of the major attractions of Thailand is Phi Phi Islands. Located between Phuket and Malacca coast, this group of islands attract millions of visitors every year.

3 Santorini, Greece

Santorini is another stunning attraction which one must visit in lifetime. It features multicolored cliffs topped by the whitewashed buildings, volcanic sand beaches and spectacular sunsets.

4 Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Located in Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. This salt flat was formed as a result of lakes which were evaporated long time ago. Every year, millions of tourists visit this natural landmark and it should definitely be on your list of places to visit before you die.

5 The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Located in Gaza, Egypt; these pyramids attract millions of tourists each year who visit this place to witness the ancient landmark.

6 Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist attractions full of stunning islands, hundreds of years old mosques, Ottoman palaces and vibrant markets. Add Istanbul to your bucket list of places to visit before you die.

7 Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Located in Northeastern side of Australia, Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most famous and largest coral reef. The Reef is home to a number of fishes, turtles, sharks and dolphins. Visit this place and enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, helicopter scenic tours, cruise ship and many other activities.

8 Sea of Stars, Maldives

Vadhoo Island in Maldives features the magical sea of stars. This sea is full of bioluminescence that looks like stars glowing at night. This surreal place deserves a spot on your list of places to visit before you die.

9 Portofino, Italy

Portofino is a beautiful fishing village located in Southeast of Genoa, Italy. It is famous for its colored houses, boutiques, restaurant and surreal views and should be included in places to visit before you die.

10 Jellyfish Lake, Eli Malik, Palau

Palau’s unique Jellyfish Lake has been on the bucket list of travelers from all around the world. Visit this place and experience snorkeling with the stunning golden jellyfishes.

11 The Twelve Apostles, Australia

Located along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are one of the major highlights of Australia. These are a collection of limestone pillars surrounded by breathtaking views. Definitely one of the best places to visit before you die!

12 Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

Be amazed by thousands of glowworms above you as you ride in your boat through this stunning cave.

13 Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Grand Canyon National Park features the stunning red rocks which are hundreds of years old. You can view this ancient landmark through a number of ways; helicopter, airplane and bus. Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders in the world which you should not miss.

14 Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti in Tanzania is the world’s most treasured ecosystem. Famous for its wildlife, this place attracts a large number of visitors every year. It is home to many animals including elephants, giraffes, elands, impalas and the big cats.

15 Lavender Fields, France

Do you want to witness stunning and fragrant lavender fields? Then you should visit the Provence in France. Provence features some of the most beautiful lavender fields from early July to beginning of August. Visit this place and have a memorable experience before you die!

16 Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is a historical region in Anatolia, Turkey which is famous for cone-shaped stunning rock formations and fairy chimneys. This place also features a number of underground cities. Visit this stunning place and enjoy guided tours and hot air balloon ride to witness its beauty to the fullest.

17 Moraine Lake, Canada

Moraine Lake is considered as one of the top lakes in the world. This surreal lake is located in Banff National Park in Canada and you should visit this at least once in your lifetime before you die.

18 Taj Mahal, India

Taj Mahal depicts a unique love story of Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan built this stunning monument in the memory of his wife. Located in Agra in India, Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourist from all over the world.

19 Petra, Jordan

Petra in Jordan is a popular archaeological site dating back to 300 B.C. featuring a number of tombs, temples and cliffs. You can access this stunning site through a narrow canyon.

20 The Great Wall, China

The Great Wall of China is one of the famous wonders of the world which is also listed in World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. You should visit this place with your friends and family at least for once before you die.

21 Amazon Rainforest, South America

Amazon Rainforest is the world’s largest rainforest famous for its thousands of species including plants, fishes, mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians.

22 Machu Picchu, Peru

Built in 15 th  century in Peru, Machu Picchu is an ancient site which stands around 2400 m above the sea level and is one of the most stunning attractions in the world. Visit this stunning attraction with your loved ones before you die.

23 Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a group of 3 volcanic cones. It is the highest mountain in Africa and definitely should be on your wish list of places to visit before you die.

24 Benagil Cave, Algarve, Portugal

Benagil Cave is the stunning rock formation of Portugal. You can enjoy a boat tour to this place which will also take you to many other stunning caves in the area.

25 Ephesus, Turkey

Turkey is full of stunning historical sites and one of the major highlights is Ephesus which used to be an ancient Greek city. You’ll be amazed to see how wonderful this city from 10 th  century B.C. still looks.

26 Venice, Italy

Do you want to travel to a city where there are no roads? Then travel to Venice which is built on more than 100 islands. This romantic place features stunning canals where you can enjoy gondola rides with your better half.

27 Bagan, Myanmar

Built in 9 th  century, Bagan is an ancient city which features more than 2,000 monuments. It is worth a visit before you die.

28 Hang Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

Vietnam is full of natural attractions and one of them is Hang Son Doong Cave. Visit this place and have a memorable experience of your lifetime.

29 Hitachi Seaside Park, Japan

Visit the Hitachi Seaside Park in spring season in Japan and witness the gorgeous flowers blooming all over the park.

30 Tianzi Mountain, China

Located in the Hunan Province of China, Tianzi Mountain is one of the most beautiful attractions in the world. Visit this might mountain which was formed around 400 million years ago.

31 Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is a historic monument that is located in England. It consists of a group of standing stones which are around 13 feet high. This historic site attracts a large number of tourists every year.

32 Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Angkor Wat is a largest religious monument in the world. This temple is a major highlight of Cambodia and is a source of their pride.

33 Niagara Falls, USA/Canada

Niagara Falls is the name given for the three waterfalls that are present at the international border between Canada and the United States. The 3 falls together form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. You can reach there via Buffalo, USA or from Toronto, Canada.

34 Whitehaven Beach, Australia

Australia is full of beautiful beaches and islands. One of them is Whitehaven Beach which consists of pure white sand and clear blue water. Located in Whitsunday Island, this beach is only accessible by helicopter, seaplane or boat.

35 Tunnel of Love, Ukraine

Tunnel of Love in Ukraine is a 1.8 mile long train tunnel. Lovers visit this tunnel to make a wish and even for photo shoots. If you are in Ukraine, then don’t miss this stunning passageway.

36 Trolltunga, Norway

Trolltunga is a one of the most stunning cliffs situated around 1100 meters above the sea level in Norway. You can visit this place and enjoy the surreal views in the surrounding or you can even do camping on the edge of the rock formation.

37 Mendenhall Ice Caves of Juneau, Alaska

Mendenhall Ice Caves are inside the Mendenhall Glacier which is around 12 mile long. The stunning ice caves are only accessible through kayaking.

38 Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland

Eilean Castle is one of the most spectacular castles in Scotland. It is located on an island surrounded by the mountains. If you are into historical castles, then mention this place in your list of places to visit before you die.

39 Mount Roraima, Venezuela

Mount Roraima in Venezuela is one of the oldest mountains of earth dating back to more than billion years ago. This magnificent mountain is situated 1200 feet above the floor and includes the borders of Venezuela, Brazil and Guyana.

40 Skaftafell Ice Cave, Iceland

Iceland is a land full of breathtaking locations attracting millions of people each year. Located in Vatnajokull Glacier region, Skaftafell Ice Cave should be on your travel list of places to visit before you die. Book your tour in advance and enjoy the most beautiful experience inside the cave. For more information on Iceland visit our blog

41 Basil’s Cathedral, Russia

Located in Moscow, Russia, Saint Basil’s Cathedral is the most popular colorful Cathedral. If you plan to visit Russia, than you should visit this place before you die. Make sure to take your camera with you as this cathedral is too beautiful to not take photos.

42 Blue Lagoon, Iceland

The Blue Lagoon is the most famous geothermal spa in Iceland. Located in the breathtaking setting, this place is the major highlight of Iceland attractions.

43 Waterfall Castle, Poland

This stunning waterfall castle is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Poland. If you are a traveler who loves to visit new places, then this should be on your bucket list.

44 Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands is my current favorite place which I also want to visit before I die and you should visit it too. You should visit this place and experience its breathtaking beauty.

45 Udaipur, India

Udaipur is known for its artificial lakes and royal residence which you will find all around the city. It is also known as “Venice of East” due to its beauty and historical monuments.

46 Kakslauttanen Glass Igloos, Finland

Do you want to spend a night in igloos? Then make your dream come true as Finland offers you this memorable experience which you should definitely avail before you die.

47 Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen in Morocco is a beautiful town famous for its white and blue buildings. Book your tickets now and witness the beauty of Morocco with your loved ones.

48 Pamukkale, Turkey

Your trip to Turkey is incomplete without visiting its Cotton Castle known as Pamukkale. Founded in around 190 B.C., Pamukkale is famous for its thermal waters and white terraces.

49 Lake Louise, Canada

If you are writing down the list of places to visit before  you die, then do mention Lake Louise in Canada. Located in the most famous Banff National Park, this lake definitely needs a place on the list of places to visit before you die.

50 Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is no short of places for its visitors who travel from all over the world. One of the major highlights of New Zealand is its stunning Queenstown which features many adventurous activities to its tourists including scenic helicopter flights over snowy mountains, bungee jumping, gondola rides, shotover jet, Lord of the Rings filming location and the most famous Milford Sound.

51 Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska features the famous Denali Mountain. In addition to that, it also contains lush green parks and many wild animals who wander around in this area.

The list is never ending but I have summarized the best places to visit before you die. Do let us know in comments if you have a favorite place missing from the list!

Happy travels.

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The Wandering Core

Awe-Inspiring places to visit before you die

Travel bucket list ideas anyone? I know everyone has a bucket list with top places to visit before you die and so do I. I have collated a list of gorgeous places to visit before you die. Some of them are the Greek Islands including Santorini, Venice, NYC, Oceania, and Kashmir from India .

Places to visit before you die

Santorini, greece.

Greece is one of the places which covers history, stunning beaches, gorgeous architecture with a unique charm of its own. The history and monuments of Athens, the authentic Greek food makes it a perfect choice. Where one stays makes it a big part of the Athens, trip, I suggest check out the where to stay in Athens while planning.

Being a history enthusiast, I am driven to Athens, but nothing like Santorini.   Santorini Island is one place from Greece that I would love to visit more than anything else. Those clear white houses, blue rooftops from the village of Oia are promising enough and well extremely Instagrammable too. The famous Blue domed church and overlooking deep blue waters is kind of my obsession too, well who wouldn’t want a perfect shot there. Beyond all these, the sunsets in Santorini are literally out of this world, inspirational and mind-boggling. One can’t go to Greece and miss the magnificent sunset here. 

Related Read – Greek Islands Travel Planning Tips .

Venice, Italy

The second place on my list is Venice. The canals, the gorgeous architecture and Italian food score this city from Italy a perfect spot on my list. The architecture and artwork in Venice is a must-see for me, and why shouldn’t it be. When Venice is known for its renowned architecture, I am raising my hand for it 🙂

Check-out – Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius !

The entire country is a perfect honeymoon destination for me. The historic monuments in Rome, Churches in Florence, the beautiful Cinque Terre , and the Lake Como, Italy has something for everyone. While the entire country is gorgeous, it’s important to plan the trip to  Italy on a budget  with tips & tricks included so as not to over-spend. When planning a trip to Italy, check out this amazing 2-week Italy itinerary . If you’re a fan of long road trips like me, I plan and also suggest a road trip through Tuscany  while touring this gorgeous country. 

New York, USA

I’m really a city person, I’ve read so many books, saw indefinite images around New York, I can imagine myself roaming on the streets of NYC. Exploring those skyscrapers, bars, enjoying bagels, and Americano 😉 To look out for the F.R.I.E.N.D.S apartment is on top of my bucket list as well, you got it right, a big-time F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan. 

The United States of America is one country which I am sure of exploring with NYC with my priority. Although the country has so much to offer than just the renowned Manhattan, Statue of Liberty, Times Square or the Brooklyn Bridge. I intend to spend no less than 4 days in NYC , or maybe even more. I feel I’ll need that much time to soak in the spirit of the city. 

Check out: 19 New York City Mistakes from an insider!

Washington DC, Yellowstone National Park, Seattle Tower, Disneyland Florida, Hollywood, Las Vegas , Chicago’s skyscrapers , iconic Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco on the Californian road trip are some of the perks I want to receive on my USA trip. While in Chicago, don’t try to visit these totally Instagrammable River North bars .

Did you know you can enjoy Las Vegas with kids too? Check out tips for enjoying Las Vegas with kids .

Queenstown, New Zealand

The mountains, dreamy water land of New Zealand makes me want to come here right away. The diversity of New Zealand is well known along with its sharp mountains makes it a place one would definitely like to visit at least once in a lifetime.

Another one of the top places to visit before you die list from New Zealand is to hike a glacier . The one in New Zealand, The Franz Josef Glacier is the one available for the hike. The glacier receives ample sunlight with slightly low temperatures to the nearby towns. So even a non-hiker like me can make up to the top. 

Suggested Read – The most beautiful lakes in the world .

London is one of the places which caught my fancy early on since my childhood days. The Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, those cute little red telephone booths and the London Eye giving a view of the entire city has enough influence on me.

I am a Sherlocked ! So looking out for the perfect baker street picture tops on my list of things to do in London . The English Capital is also known for the year-end celebrations and Christmas in London is also to look forward too. 

Planning a trip to London? Read this wonderful itinerary on how to Explore London with the London Pass from Lorelei. 

I cannot… Just cannot select a single place from Germany. I believe I love Germany and not only for its gorgeous castles, but also for its history. I am big World War II buff, and visiting all the WWII memorials is my ultimate travel goal. How can I study WWII and not visit the very place it started. Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial, Nuremberg Trial Courthouse, the concentration camps all the gentle reminders of the country’s brutal past. But I don’t want to be a nerd and only visit the historical sites, but also the beauty and stunning castles here. Everyone knows about Disney’s inspiration – Neuschwanstein castle, but I found this  Hohenzollern Castle which I found to be equally amazing. 

Kashmir, India

Despite being a native Indian, I’ve never visited Kashmir, which I seriously regret. Known as “Paradise on earth”, Kashmir is a conflicted zone but still preserves it’s natural beauty.

Since Kashmir has been a crucial part of India and is usually in news for its tough times, I am still waiting for a chance to visit the place. 

Liked the list of top places to visit before you die? Which one of these has a spot on your bucket list ideas? 

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST DREAM DESTINATION? DID ANY FROM MY LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE COINCIDE WITH YOURS?  TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

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The 5 stages of the 2024 total solar eclipse explained for April 8

On Monday (April 8), a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Americas. Here's how it will play out.

Stage 1: First contact

Stage 2: second contact, stage 3: totality, stage 4: third contact, stage 5: fourth contact.

On Monday, April 8, the 2024 total solar eclipse will sweep through the sky over North America. 

While all of North America and Central America will experience at least a partial  solar eclipse , those within a path with a width of approximately 115 miles (185 kilometers) passing over 15 U.S. States. Mexico, and Canada will also witness a totality as the moon entirely covers the disk of the sun.

You can  watch the total solar eclipse live on Space.com . You can also keep up with all the eclipse-related action with our   total solar eclipse 2024 live updates   blog.

Don't be in the dark about the 2024 total eclipse

There are three major types of solar eclipse. A total solar eclipse like that on April 8 occurs when the moon is relatively close to Earth and blocks the entire disk of the sun. 

Because the moon's orbit around our planet is an ellipse, sometimes it is further away and thus appears smaller. An eclipse at these times sees the moon only an obscure part of the solar disk, with the sun appearing as a glowing ring of fire. These events are called annular solar eclipses , and the last one seen over the U.S. occurred on Oct. 14, 2023.

Finally, a partial solar eclipse is an event that happens when the Earth, moon, and sun are not perfectly aligned, resulting in the lunar disk only covering part of our star, making the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of it. Partial eclipses also happen at the beginning and ending stages of total and annular eclipses.

On April 8, 2024, the moon will be in its new moon phase , and it will look relatively large, meaning it is capable of covering 100% of the sun's disk as viewed from the narrow path of totality. The fraction of the diameter of the sun covered by the moon is known as the magnitude of a solar eclipse . On April 8, 2024, this value will be 1.0566,  according to EclipseWise.com , slightly more than total coverage. 

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NASA has released an interactive map of the total eclipse, which space enthusiasts can use to track the totality as it drifts across the globe. However, location won't be the only factor affecting the appearance of the total solar eclipse on Monday. The eclipse will pass through 5 distinct stages, with each of these phases occurring at different times across different locations.

What are the stages of the annular solar eclipse? 

In the initial stage of the eclipse, the moon will begin to pass in front of the sun, kick-starting a partial solar eclipse. During this phase, the darkened lunar disk of the moon will make the sun appear as if a bite has been taken out of its illuminated face. This "bite" will get bigger and bigger as the totality approaches.

During the first stage of the total solar eclipse, some onlookers will be able to see rapidly moving, long, dark bands called " shadow bands " on the sides of buildings or the ground. Bailey's beads , caused by light streaming through the valleys on the horizon of the moon, may also be visible at the moon's edges during this initial stage. These phenomena repeat during the second partial eclipse that occurs after totality.

On April 8, this stage of the partial eclipse will first be seen near Pu‘uali‘i, Hawaii, at  6:27 a.m. local time (12:27 p.m. EDT, 1627 GMT).

First contact will last for between 70 and 80 minutes, and its conclusion will be marked by a single bright spot, or " diamond ring ," appearing at the edge of the moon. This marks the second contact stage and heralds the oncoming totality. 

On April 8, the total solar eclipse will make landfall at Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, at 9:51 a.m. local time (12:51 p.m. EDT, 16:51 GMT).

Stage 3 and the mid-point of the total solar eclipse is the totality.  At this point, the moon completely covers the solar disk. During the totality of the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona may become visible as white streamers at the edge of the moon. This region is usually washed out by bright light from the solar surface, the photosphere. The inner atmosphere of the sun, the chromosphere , may be visible as a wispy aura around the edge of the moon.

The totality may also make stars and planets visible in the darkened sky that are usually not visible from America during daylight hours. 

On April 8, the first location to experience totality will be Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico at  11:07 a.m. local time  (2:07 p.m. EDT, 1807 GMT). The first location to experience totality in the U.S. will be Near Florentino Ramos Colonia, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. local time (2:27 p.m. EDT, 1827 GMT).

The duration of the totality depends on the path from which the eclipse is viewed. In Mexico, totality will last for 40 minutes and 43 seconds. Skywatchers in the U.S. will collectively experience totality for 67 minutes and 58 seconds. Onlookers in Canada will experience the totality of the solar eclipse for 34 minutes and 4 seconds.

The fourth stage of the total solar eclipse, third contact, will see the moon start to move away from the disk of the sun, thus ending the totality and starting the second partial eclipse period. Brightening appears on the opposite side of the moon as it did during the second contact period. At this time, skywatchers will get another chance to spot Baily's Beads along the edge of the moon and shadow bands on the buildings and ground around them, with this stage mirroring the second contact stage. 

The total solar eclipse ends on the Atlantic coast at 5:16 p.m. local time (3:46 p.m. EDT, 1946 GMT). 

The fifth and final stage of the total solar eclipse. The moon moves away from the disk of the sun, meaning that at fourth contact, the moon is no longer even partially eclipsing the sun. At this point, 2024's total solar eclipse will be over.

On April 8, on the Atlantic coast of  Newfoundland and Labrador, the partial eclipse phase ends at 6:18 p.m. local time (4:48 p.m. EDT, 2048 GMT).

— A 'horned' comet may be visible during the 2024 total solar eclipse

— How photos of the April 8 solar eclipse will help us understand of the sun's atmosphere

— How fast will April's total solar eclipse travel?

If you intend to view any of these stages, the most important thing to consider is how to safely view it. Looking at the sun without adequate protection at any time is harmful to the eyes, so eclipse watchers should take precautions on Monday. 

Sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, can't protect the eyes from the effect of the sun, so specialized eclipse glasses made from safe solar filter materials will be needed. If skywatchers intend to watch the event with a telescope, special filters will be needed to make this a safe viewing experience.

Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations.

Following the 2024 total solar eclipse, skywatchers in the U.S. will next get the opportunity to see a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033 . The totality of this eclipse, which will last 2 minutes 37 seconds, will be visible in Alaska. Following this, on Aug. 23, 2044 , a total solar eclipse will be visible from the U.S. states of Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota, as well as from much of Canada.

Under a year later, on Aug.12, 2045 , another total solar eclipse will sweep over the U.S., visible from California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as from the Caribbean, and South America.  

Submit your photos! If you capture a photo of the April 8 total solar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send photos, videos, comments, and your name, location and content usage permission release to [email protected] .

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Robert Lea is a science journalist in the U.K. whose articles have been published in Physics World, New Scientist, Astronomy Magazine, All About Space, Newsweek and ZME Science. He also writes about science communication for Elsevier and the European Journal of Physics. Rob holds a bachelor of science degree in physics and astronomy from the U.K.’s Open University. Follow him on Twitter @sciencef1rst.

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Watch CBS News

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.? See the paths for the 2044 and 2045 events

By Cara Tabachnick

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 2:31 AM EDT / CBS News

Eclipse-watchers waited more than six years since the last time a total solar eclipse charted its way across the United States,  in 2017 . After the  April 8 event , prepare to wait a lot longer — the next chance won't be coming around any time soon.

Viewers in what's called " the path of totality " saw the moon completely block the sun  — an opportunity those in North America won't have again for 20-plus years. The next total solar eclipses in North America are not anticipated until 2044 and 2045.

"A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular things anyone can see in their lifetime," Virginia Tech astrophysicist Nahum Arav told CBS News. The eclipse "looks like a black hole in the sky," said Arav, who watched the paths of totality of eclipses in 1991 and 2017.

Monday's eclipse started around 11:07 a.m. PDT on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, and then moved into Texas . The eclipse's visibility tracked  through 15 states  — Oklahoma, Illinois , Ohio,  Pennsylvania , New York , Vermont ,  New Hampshire  and Maine , among them — before heading northward into Canada and then exiting North America.

Even with spotty weather in some states, millions of people from coast to coast saw a partial solar eclipse, in which the moon partially covers the sun. However, only those within the path of totality experienced the darkness of the total solar eclipse. 

When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. after the 2024 eclipse?

Solar eclipses happen about twice a year, said Arav. "Eclipses happen all over the Earth evenly," he told CBS News — but noted the timings when they occur are not regular. That means  eclipses can occur within just a few years, or every few decades, in North America.

Before the eclipse in 2017, the last total solar eclipse to cross North America was in 1979 . That was the first eclipse whose path of totality crossed the entire continent in 99 years. 

Even though eclipses may seem to occur randomly, scientists can pinpoint exactly when and where they will happen.

"There is no ambiguity, as we know exactly where it will land," said Arav. 

There will be eight total solar eclipses visible from North America in the 21st century, Arav said, with one occurring about every 12 years, on average.   

The next total solar eclipse to cross North America is predicted to occur on Aug. 23, 2044 , NASA said. However, the path of totality from this eclipse will only touch three states, according to  The Planetary Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to public interest in space.  

This next eclipse will mainly be observed in Canada, Arav said. 

Path of totality for the 2044 total solar eclipse

The 2044 eclipse will start in Greenland on Aug. 23, 2044, and will continue its path through Canada. 

The 2044 total solar eclipse will be short, mostly appearing in Canada. It will be visible from three states in the U.S.: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  

The path of totality will cross Williston and Dickinson, North Dakota, and Great Falls, Montana.

Path of totality for the 2045 total solar eclipse

The next solar eclipse that crosses a significant portion of the continental U.S. will be in 2045, said Arav. That year, a solar eclipse will darken skies in parts of the U.S., Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Brazil. 

In North America, the 2045 total eclipse will be visible in many states as it moves from coast to coast. The eclipse will start in California and move east to end in Florida, similar to 2017, Arav said. 

There will be numerous U.S. cities where eclipse watchers can view the total eclipse, including Reno, Nevada; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Orlando, Florida.

Future solar eclipses in North America after 2045

Scientists have predicted eight total solar eclipses will appear in North America in the 21st century.

"Natural phenomena are like a Swiss clock," Arav said. "We know exactly when and where they will appear."

After the 2044 and 2045 total solar eclipses, the next total eclipses in North America will occur in 2078 and 2099.

May 11, 2078

This total solar eclipse on May 11, 2078 , will pass over the southern United States.

Cities include:

Atlanta, Georgia

New Orleans, Louisiana

Charlotte, North Carolina

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Sept. 14, 2099

This total solar eclipse on Sept. 14, 2099 , will cross a wide swath of the United States.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chicago, Illinois

Columbus, Ohio

Fargo, North Dakota

Cara Tabachnick is a news editor and journalist at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at [email protected]

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When and where the solar eclipse will be crossing the U.S.

A total solar eclipse will grace the skies over North America on Monday, one of the most hotly anticipated sky-watching events in recent years.

Weather permitting , millions of people in Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada will have the chance to see the moon slip between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light .

The total solar eclipse will be visible along a “path of totality” that measures more than 100 miles wide and extends across the continent. Along that path, the moon will fully obscure the sun, causing afternoon skies to darken for a few minutes.

Follow live updates on the solar eclipse

In all other parts of the continental U.S., a partial solar eclipse will be visible, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun. Exactly how big a bite depends on the location.

The first spot in North America that will experience totality on Monday is on Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA .

After moving northeast across Mexico, the eclipse’s path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Slivers of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

In Canada, the eclipse will be visible in parts of southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

The timing of the eclipse and the duration of totality varies by location. Most places will experience around 2 minutes of darkness, but the longest periods of totality are typically in the center of the eclipse’s path.

This year, the longest stretch of totality will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds in an area northwest of Torreón, Mexico.

Below is a list of timings for some U.S. cities along the path of totality, according to NASA .

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m. CT.
• Idabel, Oklahoma: Partial eclipse begins at 12:28 p.m. CT and totality at 1:45 p.m. CT.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m. CT.
• Poplar Bluff, Missouri: Partial eclipse begins at 12:39 p.m. CT and totality at 1:56 p.m. CT.
• Paducah, Kentucky: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 2:00 p.m. CT.
• Carbondale, Illinois: Partial eclipse begins at 12:42 p.m. CT and totality at 1:59 p.m. CT.
• Evansville, Indiana: Partial eclipse begins at 12:45 p.m. CT and totality at 2:02 p.m. CT.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Erie, Pennsylvania: Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. ET and totality at 3:16 p.m. ET.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Burlington, Vermont: Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m. ET and totality at 3:26 p.m. ET.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.
• Caribou, Maine: Partial eclipse begins at 2:22 p.m. ET and totality at 3:32 p.m. ET.

Other resources can also help you figure out when the various phases of the eclipse will be visible where you live, including NationalEclipse.com and TimeandDate.com .

If you plan to watch the celestial event, remember that it’s never safe to look directly at the sun, including through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses. Special eclipse glasses are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent permanent eye damage.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Solar Eclipse 2024: What to Know as the Eclipse Passes Over

T he first total solar eclipse to pass over the U.S. since 2017 took place Monday, as the moon scooted between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow that plunged parts of North America into darkness. In a swath of the continent known as the path of totality—where the sun was totally covered—temperatures were expected to drop, and some animals were expected to go gaga as day turned to night.

“The first time I saw one was life-changing and mind-blowing,” said C. Alex Young, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration solar astrophysicist. “I feel like there’s this window that opens up that allows me to see our star in a way that normally we can’t experience with our own eyes.”

What time is the eclipse?

The eclipse began in the U.S. just before 12:30 p.m. local time in Texas, ending in northeastern Maine around 4:40 p.m. local time.

In Austin, Texas, the total eclipse started at 1:36 p.m. local time. Indianapolis was in total darkness beginning at 3:06 p.m. local time, while Buffalo, N.Y., completely lost sight of the sun at 3:18 p.m. local time.

Astronomers had suggested checking Timeanddate.com to see when the total eclipse began and ended in a specific area.

Where is the path of totality?

It changes from eclipse to eclipse, but this time, the path was a roughly 115-mile-wide band stretching from central Mexico to Newfoundland, Canada—passing through more than a dozen U.S. states in between.

Austin, Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., were among the cities in the path of totality. Most of the rest of the continent saw a partial eclipse.

What happens during a total solar eclipse?

In the path of totality, the celestial spectacle starts as a partial eclipse, as the moon slowly obscures more of the sun over a period of time.

Just before totality, points of light appear around the edges of the moon. Scientists call these Baily’s beads, after one of the first eclipse chasers. They are the result of sunlight moving through valleys on the lunar surface and quickly disappear, leaving one final bright spot resembling a diamond on a ring. Once that disappears, the sun takes on the appearance of a black disc.

“It’s not like a sunset where it’s bright in one direction and dark in another direction,” said Jay Anderson, a Canadian meteorologist and eclipse chaser. “For the eclipse, you’re in the middle of a big shadow.”

The moon on Monday completely blocked the sun for as long as 4½ minutes. Then the process reversed, with the sun slowly re-emerging.

How can you watch a solar eclipse safely?

Skywatchers needed to use eclipse glasses, which consist of solar filters that block out light from the sun, during the event. The only time it’s safe to look directly at the sun is during totality, when the moon completely blocks the bright orb. Even 1% of the sun’s surface is 10,000 times brighter than a full moon and dangerous to view without the right equipment.

Gazing at the sun without protection can cause what is known as eclipse blindness, or retinal burns, when nerve tissue at the back of the eye is damaged. The retina has no pain receptors, so viewers are unaware when this damage occurs.

What causes a total solar eclipse?

The sun is 400 times the moon’s diameter, yet about 400 times farther away, resulting in the two appearing nearly the same size in the sky. So when the moon passes in just the right spot between Earth and the sun, the star is blocked from view.

How often do total solar eclipses occur?

These events happen somewhere on the planet every year or two. The geometry of the Earth’s orbit, moon’s orbit and their relative positions in relationship to the sun make it so that, on average, the same spot on Earth only experiences a total solar eclipse once every 375 years.

Some parts of the U.S. are lucky. Small areas in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky experienced totality in 2017 and got to experience it again in 2024.

How long do total eclipses last?

There is no standard length for a total eclipse, though there is always one place where totality lasts the longest. For Monday’s eclipse, the maximum duration of totality was four minutes, 28 seconds near Torreón, Mexico. The longest total eclipses on record have exceeded seven minutes.

“The average length is about 3½ minutes,” Anderson said. “The shortest I’ve seen is 18 seconds.”

The length depends on how close the moon is to Earth, and how far the sun is from Earth on eclipse day. The farther away the sun, the smaller it appears in the sky, and the more easily it can be covered by the moon. The closer the moon, the bigger it appears, and the longer its disc will cover the sun.

The nearness of the moon also affects the shadow it projects onto the planet. The path of totality for this eclipse was wider than the one from 2017, which was roughly 70 miles wide.

How can cloud cover affect your eclipse experience?

Clouds can conceal a total eclipse but don’t completely thwart the experience. Even if the sight of the moon fully blocking the sun is obscured, the temperature drop, changing winds, impacts on animals and darkening that accompany totality are noticeable.

“There was still a visceral experience about it, there was still a sensory experience that’s different than anything you would experience in your lifetime,” according to Young, who said he has experienced a couple of total eclipses that were clouded out.

Historical data about typical cloud coverage this time of year in North America suggested Mexico and the southern U.S. were the most likely spots along the path of totality to be cloud-free. But the latest forecasts had shown Texas and many other parts of the path blanketed in clouds.

Cloud cover can change over the course of the day and during the eclipse itself, according to Patricia Reiff, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston.

“Some clouds begin to thin, and even those thin clouds become more transparent as totality approaches, because there’s not as much sunlight scattered inside them,” Reiff said, adding that she has experienced eclipses in which the sky opened up just for totality before the clouds closed in again.

What science can be done during a total solar eclipse?

Researchers can use these events to improve their understanding of difficult-to-study parts of the sun’s upper atmosphere, known as the corona. The superhot corona is so faint compared with the sun’s surface that it can’t be seen from Earth unless the light from the sun is totally blocked. While scientists can build instruments that mimic solar eclipses, they don’t measure up to the real thing, experts say.

The National Center for Atmospheric Research planned to use a jet to follow the path of totality and observe infrared light from the corona. The corona is a source of solar wind—a stream of charged particles spewed into the solar system that can affect our navigation and communication systems, satellites and power grids by causing space weather above our planet. By better understanding the corona, scientists hope to improve our ability to predict dangerous space weather, said Paul Bryans, a project scientist at the center.

NASA also planned to launch small rockets to study how an electrically charged part of Earth’s atmosphere known as the ionosphere changes in the sun’s absence during an eclipse. Radio and GPS signals from satellites and ground-based systems travel through the ionosphere, so changes there could affect technology.

What happens to animals during an eclipse?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that, as the moon slowly blocks out the sun, most animals tend to switch to their nighttime routines, but the study of animal behavior during these events has been limited, according to Adam Hartstone-Rose, a professor of biological sciences at North Carolina State University.

During the 2017 eclipse, Hartstone-Rose said he and his colleagues watched more than a dozen species at the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C., during totality. The group noticed lorikeets flocked together and flew to their nighttime roost, giraffes started galloping in their enclosure, a sedentary Komodo dragon started running around its cage, and Galapagos tortoises began mating.

“Obviously, we can’t know exactly what animals are thinking,” he said, “but many species had a reaction that we think that we relate to anxiety.”

When is the next total solar eclipse?

Viewers in Spain and Iceland will experience the next totality on Aug. 12, 2026. Less than a year after that, skywatchers in parts of North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Spain will also glimpse a total solar eclipse.

The continental U.S.’s next totality experience won’t occur until 2044, when a total eclipse passes over Montana and North Dakota. A 2045 total eclipse will herald a longer path of totality, cutting from Florida to California.

According to scientists, eventually Earth will stop experiencing total eclipses. More than 50 years ago, Apollo astronauts left laser reflectors on the moon’s surface to help determine how far away it is from Earth. Observations show the moon is moving away at a rate of about 1.5 inches a year. As the moon recedes, how large it appears in the sky shrinks, so in about 600 million years the moon will be far enough away that it will appear too small to fully cover the sun, Bryans said.

How do you photograph a solar eclipse?

Believe it or not, a smartphone mounted to a tripod is sufficient to photograph totality. Don’t forget to turn off the autoflash, and consider doing a panorama shot.

To snap a close-up of the sun’s darkened disc, opt for a powerful telephoto lens.

Eclipse chasers and scientists recommend spending most of a total eclipse looking up or observing the world around you rather than taking photos.

“What I’ve sometimes done during totality is set up my camera, or my cellphone, on a tripod, turned it on video and just hit record and left it alone,” Young said. “My recommendation has always been to just put your camera down and enjoy.”

To photograph a partial eclipse before and after totality, be sure to purchase a solar filter for your lens. (Remove it during totality.) Never use a camera—or binoculars or a telescope—without a filter because these devices concentrate a lot of light into your eyes and cause injury, even if you have eclipse glasses on, according to NASA.

Other tips for seeing a total solar eclipse?

Totality plunges parts of the world into a darkness akin to a full moonlit night. Astronomers say you are able to see planets such as Venus and Jupiter.

To get a better experience, Young said to avoid city lights as you would if you were watching a meteor shower.

“If there’s a place that normally has really good stars, then that’s going to be a good place to see the eclipse,” Reiff said.

This explanatory article may be periodically updated.

Write to Aylin Woodward at [email protected]