15 Incredible Spots in the U.S. Worth Adding to Your Bucket List
The United States is a playground in which one finds charming towns, landscapes, and natural wonders from one coast to the other. Although New York City, the Grand Canyon, and Yellowstone are famous spots, they aren’t the only ones in the treasure chest. There are others with magnificent views, extensive history, and experiences.
The stories they tell and the sense in which they spark wonder, apart from their scenic beauty make these spots unforgettable. The kind of adventure stories these places give is one that stays in your memory longer than the trip. Here are some of them
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is dripping with Southern charm, sitting framed by moss-draped oaks that seem as if they stopped growing in the time the city was built. Historic districts with antebellum architecture, cobblestone streets, quaint squares, and ghost stories are some of its allure. The iconic fountain of Forsyth Park is a beautiful place for a slow stroll, and River Street is alive with boutiques, galleries, and more pralines than any one person could eat.
Crater Lake, Oregon
The sapphire blue marvel, Crater Lake, was formed by a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago and is the deepest lake in the U.S. The water in it is so clear and pure, that it almost seems unreal like someone dialed up the saturation filter in real life. Drama is added by the surrounding cliffs and forests. It is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and those who wish to sit in a quiet place and marvel.
Sedona, Arizona
Aside from its red rock formations glowing under the desert sun, Sedona is a spiritual hub luring people in search of ‘energy vortexes’ and soul-soothing vibes. If you are into chakras, then the landscape alone will stir something deep inside. Breathtaking views of the artsy town center or Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge are just a few of the hiking trails dotted across town.
Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is where rugged mountains meet pristine lakes. It was carved so many millennia ago by glaciers, hence the nickname ‘Crown of the Continent’. A must-do drive is the Going to the Sun Road with panoramic views that will have you pulling over every few minutes. Mountain goats, grizzlies, and on rare occasions, moose, are amongst the wildlife you can see.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Mackinac Island is like stepping into the past. Cars are prohibited, so there are lots of horse-drawn carriages and bicycles and walking. It has an old-world vibe, just like the island’s Victorian architecture, fudge shops, and scenic shoreline. The fudge is legendary and locals refer to tourists as ‘Fudgies’ because they buy so much.
Apostle Islands Sea Caves, Wisconsin
The Apostle Islands are located along Lake Superior’s coastline and are famous for their dramatic sea caves. The red sandstone walls are lit up to dance through the caves by sunlight during summer and you can kayak through them too. During winter, if the conditions are just right, the caves become an ice palace—massive icicles appear as chandeliers, and frozen waterfalls glitter under the winter sun. It is a natural wonder, just as if out of a fantasy novel.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park is the Sahara Desert with the Rocky Mountains in the background. This surreal landscape is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and is a sandboarding, sledding, and perhaps stargazing playground. There are no lights up there at night, it’s so dark and clear that the feeling is that the universe has been turned up to HD.
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Located about 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas is a remote cluster of islands and a huge 19th-century fortress overlooking crystal clear waters. Snorkeling here is diving in an aquarium that has plenty of vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish. It’s hard to believe it exists in plain sight and is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands stretches over 275 square miles and is the largest gypsum dune field in the world. The sand is white and cool even under the burning sun, making it the perfect beach for going barefoot. Sleds are brought by visitors to zoom on to the dunes, and sunset paints the landscape pink and gold as if out of a sci-fi film.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
With moss-draped oak trees, wild horses, and untouched beaches, Cumberland Island is nature’s quiet masterpiece. The island is accessible only by ferry and has no paved roads or commercial development, so there are miles of pristine wilderness, historic ruins, and lots of opportunities to see wildlife, from armadillos to sea turtles. Here, time seems to stop and life moves rather slowly and pleasantly.
The Palouse, Washington
The Palouse region of southeastern Washington is filled with rolling hills that stretch into the horizon looking like waves on an unplugged shore. Spring and summer turn the landscape to greens and gold; an artist’s palette of color. The region may be unknown to agriculturalists, but to photographers, it is a dream, with every evening and morning pelting the undulating fields in dramatic shadows.
Havasu Falls, Arizona
Havasu Falls is a turquoise waterfall that cascades over bright red cliffs. Hidden within the Havasupai Indian Reservation, the color contrast is so striking that it looks like a work of art. The hike is challenging, but every blister is worth it. Water pours over into a series of crystal clear pools that are great for relaxing in after the walk. Permits are needed for access and they are sold out quickly.
The Wave, Arizona/Utah Border
The Wave is a rock formation made of sandstone and full of swirling patterns and orange and red hues. It looks like it belongs on another planet as it is absolutely otherworldly. Visiting is difficult though, you require a special permit, and only a few people are allowed to come in each day to keep the delicate landscape safe. The rarity of this site only makes it more appealing.
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a stretch of peninsula along Lake Michigan known as the ‘Cape Cod of the Midwest’ because of its quaint villages, cherry orchards, and lighthouses. In Fall, it explodes into fiery reds and oranges; in summer, there is endless activity like kayaking, sailing, and fish boils which are a local tradition that is as much about the experience as it is about the food.
The Enchanted Highway, North Dakota
While driving through the flat plains of North Dakota, you wouldn’t think that you would stumble upon giant metal sculptures that rise from the horizon, but that’s precisely what the Enchanted Highway offers. This outside-the-line attraction boasts dozens of gigantic sculptures including geese mid-flight and giant grasshoppers. It’s markedly atypical, bizarre, but an absolute must-see.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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