14 Unforgettable Adventures to Have Across the United States
There are so many experiences to be had in the United States. Every state from coast to coast offers a combination of history, culture and natural beauty and invites travelers to immerse themselves in adventures that stay with you long after the trip is over. However, there is always something for everyone, from the chill seekers to the pure nature lovers or even if you’re just a person seeking cultural immersion.
We all know how hard it can be to chose the perfect holiday destination, but don’t overthink it! Join us on an adventure through some of the most impressive adventures the U.S. has to offer. Bring your sense of wonder and curiosity along as we look at activities that will make your travels extraordinary.
Hiking Through the Grand Canyon
Imagine standing on the edge of an enormous canyon, staring at intricate nature-carved layers of red rock shining in the sun. Hiking through the Grand Canyon isn’t just beautiful, it allows you to see millions of years worth of geological history. No matter whether you take on the South Rim for a day or go deep with a multi day trek, this natural wonder is something you have to experience for yourself. You don’t want to end this trip without a picture of the Colorado river, which flows right below the canyon.
Exploring New Orleans Streets
New Orleans is one of the unique places in the U.S. where you can find a rich, healthy blend of music, food and culture. Step into the French Quarter and light up your senses with the enticing smell of beignets and the soothing sound of jazz pouring out the doors of bars. Ride a steamboat through the Mississippi River or go on a ghost tour and hear the history of the city. New Orleans is buzzing with life and culture all year round, but a must-experience is definitely the annual Mardi Gras celebration.
Alaska’s Kayaking Among Glaciers
The scenery in Alaska is an extraterrestrial one. Kayak through the serene waters of Glacier Bay past massive glaciers and floating icebergs, beside sea otters and humpback whales, which show up on occasion. The National Park Service reports that over 50 species of birds and a wide variety of marine life call Glacier Bay home. It’s definitely a place to visit, so dress warm and prepare to have an experience you’ll talk about for years.
Road Tripping Along Route 66
This highway runs through Chicago to Santa Monica and provides a bite of nostalgia with the roadside diners, quirky attractions and vintage motel establishments. Spray-painting your own mark at the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or grabbing a classic burger at an old-school drive-in are just some of the fun experiences to be had on this trip. I trip down Route 66 is very much about the journey, so relax, and enjoy the ride.
Snorkeling in the Florida Keys
If you love crystal clear waters and colorful marine life, then this place is for you. It’s the third largest coral reef system in the world, a paradise for snorkelers and marine life enthusiasts. Guided tours of the park, known for its assortment underwater life, are offered at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. According to studies, coral reefs support 25% of all marine species, so every snorkel dive is a visit to an underwater city teeming with life.
Napa Valley Hot Air Ballooning
For those who want to go big but go quietly, take to the skies in a hot air balloon over Napa Valley. The rolling vineyards below shimmer green and gold against the quickly rising sun. Ride with a wine tour and enjoy some of the region’s best vintages. It’s peaceful, exhilarating, and gives you a bird’s eye view of California’s wine country.
Skiing the Slopes in Aspen
Aspen is for winter sports lovers. There are four different ski areas, so there’s a trail for everyone, no matter what level you ski at. The town itself is a quaint hub with high end shops and cozy après ski spots. Aspen was actually a silver mining town in the late 1800s. Now it’s the perfect destination for snow enthusiasts and luxury seekers.
The Pacific Northwest Whale Watching
It can be exciting standing on a boat deck with binoculars waiting for the telltale splash of a whale tail. Orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales are all prime spotting territory in the waters around the Pacific Northwest. The best time to visit is spring and summer, and Washington’s San Juan Islands have some of the best views. Orcas here are part of an endangered population, so sightings are even more meaningful, according to marine biologists.
Colorado River Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting through the rapids of the Colorado River is the right choice if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush. Guided tours for all skill levels, from the beginner’s gentle flow to the thrill-seeking Class V rapids. You will be surrounded by the dramatic cliffs and rugged beauty of the Southwest along the way. This is an adventure that assures you lots of laughter, splashes, and stories.
Caverns of Carlsbad
Stepping into another world is New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Deep into the Earth, and wandering through a maze of stalactites and stalagmites. One such miracle is the “Big Room,” the largest of North America’s natural cave chambers. Thousands of bats emerge in an entrancing swarm that’s both fascinating and weird, a show for the evening visitors.
Cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark. Peddle across this engineering marvel on a bike you can rent to get views of the bay and skyline of the city. On the other side is Sausalito’s cutesy waterfront and warm cafes. According to the American Journal of Public Health, cycling is good for your mind as well as your body, so this adventure is a win win.
Bison Watching in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park is famous for its geysers, but it also home to one of the largest herds of free roaming bison in the US, and seeing these majestic creatures roam the park’s sprawling meadows is humbling. At Yellowstone be sure to not only stick around for Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, but also Yellowstone Lake. We use Yellowstone’s geothermal features as a reminder to pay homage to the raw power and beauty of the planet.
Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park is a climber’s dream for those with a love of heights. The unique opportunities for scaling and exploring its rock formations are endless. The park’s surreal desert landscape is a visual treat for all climbers, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned climber. Remember to bring lots of water, it’s a desert!
Fall Color Chasing in Vermont
Vermont in autumn is like stepping into a postcard. Buckle up and drive the scenic byways where sugar maples are beginning to morph into marvelous shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visit small-town farms, stopping for apple cider and maple syrup or hike trails that capture panoramic views of the foliage. Vermont’s busiest season is fall, and thousands of leaf peepers from around the world come to see the changing colors, according to the Vermont Department of Tourism.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.