The United States of America ranks third among the largest countries in the world in terms of land area. For a country that spans six different time zones, it is not surprising to find even more astounding destinations, either natural or man-made.
From the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty, The Land of the Free definitely has it all. For your next adventure, make sure to tick off some of the bucket list things you definitely must do in America.
1. Conquer the Grand Canyon
This massive chasm carved by the legendary Colorado River is not called the Grand Canyon for nothing. Going about a mile deep and extending about 300 miles, this natural wonder is the crowning glory of the state of Arizona and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most tourists come from far and wide to attempt to conquer the Grand Canyon. While some get their adrenaline rush by simply hiking the length of the canyon, others take it a step higher by attempting to climb its sides. The majority of the Canyon is not suitable for rock climbing because of soft earth, but it did little in stopping adrenaline junkies in identifying areas for this physically taxing activity. You can now find designated areas for rock climbing, now renowned and recognized as among the best rock climbing spots in USA.
2. Drop by the Iconic Hollywood Sign
The Land of Dreams, where the brightest stars shine, has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and even books and music videos. Should you happen to be in California, it’s near-impossible to miss this place thanks to its 45-foot-tall sign screaming Hollywood to all its citizens and visitors.
A number of guided hiking tours will take you up close and personal with the famous Hollywood Sign. The tours usually take anywhere from thirty minutes to a little over an hour from the base, depending on which of the three routes you take. Watch as you meander along the trails of the Santa Monica mountains. However, the western side of Griffith Park will take you as close as possible to the sign while the longest trail will reward you with a breezy mountaintop facing DOOWYLLOH sign.
3. Relive History and Enjoy Culture at The Country’s Capital
One of the most visited places in all of the USA is Washington DC, the country’s seat of power, and with good reason. Rich in historical significance and in the vibrant culture, tourists can never get enough of its museums, as well as its neighborhoods.
The centerpiece of Washington DC has to be the White House, where no less than the President of the United States of America resides. Being regularly featured in books and shows, you would think you already know what’s inside this landmark, that is until you take one of the guided day-tours and see the treasures and curiosities housed within. Other than the White House, you can also visit the United States Capitol building and afterward visit war memorials for World War II and Korean War veterans.
Lastly, have fun as you learn through the capital’s museums and even the National Zoo. Most of the museums there, such as the National Gallery of Art and National Museum of American History, are being curated and managed by the Smithsonian Institution. Aside from the rich exhibits, waves after waves of tourists are drawn to these destinations because they are free.
4. Live in the City That Never Sleeps
New York City having been baptized as the city that never sleeps speaks volumes about how busy the place must be. However, it is not all work and no play as New York City is a surprisingly fun city to visit.
Get lost in the flowing and the ebbing tide of humans in the middle of Times Square or walk the length of its avenues filled with the top clothing lines. For some, NYC’s status as a world’s fashion capital – boasting some 5,000 showrooms and hosts more fashion brand headquarters than any other city. Aside from fashion, NYC also boasts being a global center in terms of theater. The popular Broadway is located in the city’s Midtown Manhattan.
Lastly, make sure to stroll around The High Line, a repurpose for an abandoned section of the New York Central Railroad. What used to be a withering concrete railway is now an elevated park filled with greenery, including dedicated lanes for pedestrians and bikers.
5. Visit the Tropical Paradise That Is Maui
The second-largest island in Hawaii is the perfect vacation for tourists looking for an intimate experience with nature. Tick off your sunrise and sunset related bucket list entries with a hike to Maui’s highest peak. At the Haleakala National Park, you can take a hike on either dawn or dusk, or both, up to its peak. The summit of Haleakala gives you a breathtaking vantage point of the sea and the horizon – even the name literally means “House of the Sun.”
Even the road going to and from Haleakala is a tourist destination in itself. Hana Highway is filled with stops ideal for the Instagram-worthy picture. For your memorable road trip experience requirements, the highway is filled with sharp turns as well as gentle ascents and descents as you traverse the 64-mile long road winding between the mountainside and the ocean.
Truly, the United States is a melting pot not only of cultures but of almost every type of tourist destination – from the glaciers of Alaska to the blazing deserts of Arizona. The Land of the Free is sure to have something up its sleeve to cater to every kind of traveler there is.
The five destinations above are but the tip of the iceberg in experiencing the wonders of USA. Make sure to get those bucket list entries sorted out and if you are looking for the perfect place to start checking them out, searching no further than the United States is virtually the safest bet any traveler can look for.