Katie and Pierce
Planning your next adventure? This USA bucket list has everything you need to see the most incredible places across America. From stunning national parks to vibrant cities and hidden gems, these destinations will give you memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re into mountain peaks, sandy beaches, or bustling city life, this bucket list covers all the amazing spots that make the United States so special. Pack your bags and get ready to see why America is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
1. Lake Tahoe
This alpine lake sits right on the border between California and Nevada, creating one of the most beautiful spots in the USA. The crystal-clear water is so blue it almost doesn’t look real, especially when you see it surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
In winter, Lake Tahoe becomes a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. The area has world-class ski resorts that attract people from all over the world. When summer arrives, the lake turns into a playground for swimming, kayaking, and hiking. The hiking trails around the lake give you incredible views that belong on any bucket list.
2. Yosemite National Park
California’s Yosemite National Park has some of the most famous natural landmarks in America. El Capitan is a massive granite cliff popular with rock climbers, while Half Dome is an iconic peak that hikers can climb with cables and permits.
Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America and flows strongest in spring when snow melts in the high country. The valley floor has meadows, rivers, and giant sequoia trees that are thousands of years old. Photography opportunities here are endless.
3. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This national park is actually the most visited park in the USA, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The misty mountains create an almost magical atmosphere, especially in the early morning when fog rolls through the valleys.
The park spans across Tennessee and North Carolina, giving you tons of hiking trails to choose from. Spring brings wildflowers, summer means lush green forests, fall shows off incredible colors, and winter creates peaceful snow-covered landscapes. Wildlife like black bears, deer, and wild turkeys call this place home.
4. Las Vegas
Vegas is unlike anywhere else in America. The famous Strip lights up the desert night with massive casinos, world-class shows, and restaurants run by celebrity chefs. Even if you’re not into gambling, the sheer spectacle of Las Vegas makes it a must-see destination.
Beyond the casinos, Las Vegas works as a great base for outdoor adventures. You can take day trips to the Grand Canyon, go hiking in Red Rock Canyon, or even try rock climbing. The city truly has something for everyone, making it a perfect addition to any USA bucket list.
5. Honolulu
Hawaii’s capital city combines tropical paradise with urban excitement. Waikiki Beach is probably the most famous beach in America, with its golden sand and perfect waves for learning to surf. Diamond Head crater looms over the city, and hiking to the top gives you panoramic views of the island.
The city itself has a rich history you can see at Pearl Harbor and the only royal palace in the United States. Local food trucks serve up amazing Hawaiian plate lunches, and the laid-back island vibe makes every day feel like vacation.
6. Valley of Gods, Utah
This might be one of the most underrated spots on any bucket list. Valley of Gods looks like another planet, with towering red rock formations rising from the desert floor like ancient monuments. The 17-mile dirt road through the valley takes you past incredible rock spires and mesas.
Unlike some crowded tourist spots, Valley of Gods stays pretty quiet. You might have the whole place to yourself, which makes the experience even more special. The rock formations have names like “Rudolph and Santa” and “Lady in a Bathtub” because of their unique shapes.
7. Chicago
The Windy City sits right on Lake Michigan, giving it beautiful waterfront views and beaches that rival any coastal city. The architecture in Chicago is world-famous, especially the skyline filled with skyscrapers that seem to touch the clouds.
Deep-dish pizza was invented here, and you haven’t really experienced Chicago until you’ve tried a proper slice. The city has amazing museums, including the Art Institute of Chicago, and Millennium Park with its famous “Bean” sculpture that everyone loves to photograph.
8. Olympic National Park, Washington
This park is like having three different worlds in one place. You can walk through a temperate rainforest in the morning, drive to alpine meadows for lunch, and watch the sunset from a rugged coastline. Few places on Earth have such diverse ecosystems so close together.
The Hoh Rainforest feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with moss covering everything and trees that are hundreds of years old. Hurricane Ridge gives you mountain views, while the coastal areas have tide pools full of sea life and dramatic rocky cliffs.
9. St. Louis
The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in America, symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. You can ride to the top for amazing views of the Mississippi River and the city below.
St. Louis has been making a comeback in recent years, with new restaurants, breweries, and entertainment districts. The City Museum is unlike anything you’ve ever seen – it’s part playground, part art installation, and completely unique to this Missouri city.
10. Antelope Canyon, Arizona
These slot canyons look like nature’s art gallery. Narrow passages between smooth, curved walls create incredible light beams when the sun shines down from above. The way light and shadow play on the red sandstone walls creates some of the most photographed scenes in the USA.
You need to book a guided tour to visit Antelope Canyon since it’s on Navajo land. The tours are worth it though, especially if you can time your visit for when the light beams are strongest. Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon are stunning, but each has its own character.
11. New Orleans
New Orleans is one of America’s most unique cities, with a culture that blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The French Quarter is the heart of the city, with its famous wrought-iron balconies and lively street performers.
Jazz music was born here, and you can still hear it played in clubs and on street corners throughout the city. The food scene is incredible, from beignets and coffee at Café du Monde to po’ boys and gumbo at local restaurants. Mardi Gras is the most famous celebration, but the city has a party atmosphere year-round.
12. Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park gives you some of the best mountain scenery in America. Trail Ridge Road is one of the highest paved roads in the country, taking you above the tree line for incredible views of snow-capped peaks.
The park has hiking trails for every skill level, from easy walks around alpine lakes to challenging climbs up mountain peaks. Wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, and black bears live in the park. Fall is especially beautiful when the aspen trees turn golden yellow.
13. San Francisco
This California city is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, but there’s so much more to see. The steep hills create unique neighborhoods, each with its own personality. Fisherman’s Wharf has sea lions and sourdough bread bowls, while Chinatown is the oldest and largest outside of Asia.
Taking a cable car ride is a must-do experience that’s been popular for over 100 years. Alcatraz Island, the former prison, sits in San Francisco Bay and makes for a fascinating day trip. The city’s food scene is world-class, from food trucks to Michelin-starred restaurants.
14. The Great Lakes
These five massive lakes contain about 20% of the world’s fresh water and create coastlines that look like oceans. Lake Superior is the largest and deepest, while Lake Michigan has some of the best beaches in the Midwest.
The Great Lakes region has charming port towns, lighthouse tours, and water activities like sailing and fishing. In winter, the lakes can freeze over, creating incredible ice formations. The area around the lakes changes dramatically with the seasons, making it beautiful to visit any time of year.
15. Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to North America’s tallest mountain, Denali National Park is true wilderness. The park has only one road, which keeps the experience wild and natural. Most visitors take bus tours into the park since private vehicles are limited.
Wildlife viewing here is incredible. You might see grizzly bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves in their natural habitat. The mountain itself (formerly called Mount McKinley) is often hidden by clouds, so seeing it clearly is considered lucky and makes the experience even more special.
16. Miami
Miami brings together beautiful beaches, Art Deco architecture, and Latin American culture. South Beach is world-famous for its white sand and colorful lifeguard stations. The nightlife scene is legendary, with rooftop bars and beach clubs that stay open until dawn.
Little Havana gives you a taste of Cuban culture without leaving the USA. You can watch cigars being made by hand, listen to live music, and eat authentic Cuban food. The Wynwood Arts District has incredible street murals that turn the whole neighborhood into an outdoor art gallery.
17. Glacier National Park, Montana
Many people consider this the most beautiful national park in America. With over 700 lakes and three mountain ranges, Glacier National Park has scenery that will take your breath away. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take.
The park is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and both black and grizzly bears. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures. Many of the park’s glaciers are melting due to climate change, making this a bucket list destination you should visit sooner rather than later.
18. Milwaukee
Wisconsin’s largest city sits on Lake Michigan and has become famous for its craft beer scene. The city has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in America. You can take brewery tours and taste local beers that you can’t find anywhere else.
The lakefront is beautiful, with parks and beaches that make you forget you’re in the Midwest. The Harley-Davidson Museum celebrates the iconic motorcycle company that was founded here. Milwaukee also has a growing food scene that goes way beyond cheese and bratwurst.
19. Grand Canyon National Park
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is so massive it’s hard to believe until you see it in person. The canyon stretches for 277 miles and reaches depths of over a mile. The rock layers tell the story of Earth’s history going back millions of years.
The South Rim stays open year-round and has the most visitor services. The North Rim is quieter but only open seasonally. Hiking down into the canyon is an adventure, but even just viewing it from the rim will be one of the most memorable experiences on your bucket list.
20. Napa Valley
California’s most famous wine region has rolling hills covered with vineyards as far as you can see. Even if you don’t drink wine, the scenery alone makes Napa Valley worth visiting. The small towns throughout the valley have gourmet restaurants and luxury spas.
Wine tasting is the main activity, with hundreds of wineries to choose from. Some are small family operations, while others are large estates with fancy tasting rooms. Hot air balloon rides over the valley give you incredible views, especially in the early morning when the light is soft and golden.
21. Zion National Park
Utah’s Zion National Park has red rock canyons that tower above you like cathedrals. The Virgin River runs through the main canyon, creating a green oasis in the desert. Hiking here ranges from easy riverside walks to challenging climbs up steep canyon walls.
Angels Landing is one of the most famous hikes in America, but it’s not for people who are afraid of heights. The final section requires holding onto chains while walking along narrow ridges. The Narrows hike takes you through the river itself, with canyon walls rising hundreds of feet on both sides.
22. Orlando
While most people know Orlando for its theme parks, the city has become a destination in its own right. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios are definitely major attractions, but there’s more to see beyond the parks.
The downtown area has grown into a real city with restaurants, museums, and nightlife. Natural springs near Orlando let you swim in crystal-clear water year-round. The weather is warm and sunny most of the year, making it a great escape during winter months.
23. Death Valley National Park
This park holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth, but don’t let that scare you away. Death Valley is one of the most unique places in America, with colorful badlands, sand dunes, and salt flats that stretch to the horizon.
Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point in North America. The park is huge – larger than Connecticut – and full of weird and wonderful sights. Spring is the best time to visit when wildflowers bloom in the desert and temperatures are more comfortable.
24. Seattle
Seattle sits between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains visible on clear days. The city is famous for coffee culture, grunge music, and tech companies, but it also has incredible natural beauty right in the urban area.
Pike Place Market is a must-see, with vendors throwing fish and selling fresh flowers. The Space Needle gives you panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Seattle’s food scene goes way beyond coffee, with amazing seafood and international cuisine throughout the city.
25. Biscayne National Park
This unique national park in Florida is 95% water, protecting coral reefs and marine life just south of Miami. You need a boat to really experience the park, but the clear turquoise water and tropical islands make it feel like the Caribbean.
Snorkeling and diving here let you see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Manatees sometimes visit the warm waters, and sea turtles nest on the beaches. The park has several small islands you can visit, each with its own character and history.
26. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Walking through Old San Juan feels like traveling back in time. The historic district has colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and massive fortress walls that protected the city for centuries. Since Puerto Rico is part of the USA, you don’t need a passport to visit.
El Morro and San Cristóbal are two historic forts that you can tour. The city walls are perfect for walking and watching the sunset over San Juan Bay. The food scene combines Spanish, African, and indigenous influences to create flavors you won’t find anywhere else in America.
27. Yellowstone National Park
America’s first national park is still one of the best. Yellowstone sits on top of a supervolcano, which creates all the geysers, hot springs, and colorful thermal features that make the park famous. Old Faithful is the most famous geyser, but there are hundreds of others throughout the park.
Wildlife viewing in Yellowstone is incredible. Bison herds roam freely, and you might see wolves, bears, elk, and other animals. The park spans parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, giving you diverse landscapes from mountains to rivers to grasslands.
28. San Diego
Southern California’s second-largest city has perfect weather year-round and some of the best beaches in America. Balboa Park has world-class museums and the famous San Diego Zoo. The Gaslamp Quarter downtown has restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
La Jolla, just north of the city, has upscale shops and restaurants along with sea lions that hang out on the beaches. Sunset Cliffs gives you dramatic ocean views, especially at the end of the day. The city’s Mexican influence shows up in the food, architecture, and culture throughout the area.
29. Mount Rainier National Park
This Washington state park centers around Mount Rainier, a massive volcano covered in glaciers. The mountain dominates the skyline for miles around and creates its own weather patterns. Paradise, one of the main areas in the park, gets some of the heaviest snowfall in America.
Wildflower meadows bloom in summer, creating carpets of color against the backdrop of the snow-covered mountain. Hiking trails range from easy nature walks to serious mountaineering routes. The park also has old-growth forests with trees that are hundreds of years old.
30. Oklahoma City
Oklahoma’s capital might surprise you with how much it has to offer. The city has invested heavily in downtown revitalization, creating entertainment districts, parks, and cultural attractions. The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims of the 1995 bombing and serves as a powerful reminder of resilience.
The Stockyards City area celebrates the state’s cowboy heritage with rodeos and western shops. Lake activities are popular since the city has several large lakes nearby. The cost of living is low compared to other major cities, making Oklahoma City a great value destination.
31. Arches National Park
Utah’s Arches National Park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, more than anywhere else in the world. The red rock formations create an otherworldly landscape that changes color throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
Delicate Arch is the most famous and appears on Utah’s license plate. The hike to reach it is moderate and worth every step. Other popular arches include Landscape Arch, which is one of the longest natural arches in the world, and Double Arch, which was featured in several movies.
32. Washington DC
The nation’s capital has world-class museums, monuments, and government buildings that tell the story of America. The National Mall stretches from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument rising in the middle.
Most of the major attractions are free, including the Smithsonian museums. Cherry blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin each spring, creating one of the most beautiful scenes in any American city. The city also has great neighborhoods for shopping, dining, and nightlife beyond the tourist areas.
33. Maui, Hawaii
This Hawaiian island has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but there’s much more to see inland. The Road to Hana is one of the most scenic drives anywhere, winding through rainforests, past waterfalls, and along dramatic coastlines.
Haleakala National Park protects a massive volcano crater that you can drive to the top of. Watching the sunrise from 10,000 feet above sea level is an unforgettable experience. Snorkeling at Molokini Crater lets you see tropical fish in crystal-clear water.
34. Bryce Canyon National Park
Despite its name, Bryce Canyon isn’t actually a canyon but a series of amphitheaters carved into red cliffs. The rock formations called hoodoos create a landscape that looks like a fairy tale. The park sits at high elevation, so it stays cooler than other Utah desert parks.
Hiking trails take you down into the hoodoos, where you can walk among the towering rock spires. The colors change throughout the day, from pale pink at sunrise to deep red at sunset. Night sky viewing is incredible here since the park has very little light pollution.
35. Austin
Texas’s capital has become one of the coolest cities in America, with a music scene that earned it the nickname “Live Music Capital of the World.” South by Southwest brings thousands of musicians to the city each spring, but you can find great live music year-round.
The food truck scene is legendary, and Austin claims to have invented the gourmet food truck concept. Barton Springs Pool maintains a constant 70-degree temperature year-round, making it perfect for swimming even in winter. The city’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” captures the creative, independent spirit.
36. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This Big Island park lets you see active volcanoes up close. Kilauea has been erupting almost continuously for decades, and you can sometimes see lava flowing into the ocean. The park also has lava tubes you can walk through and steam vents where hot gases escape from underground.
The landscape here changes constantly as new lava flows create new land. The park ranges from tropical rainforests to barren lava fields, showing you the power of volcanic activity. Rangers give talks about volcanology and Hawaiian culture throughout the day.
37. New York City
The Big Apple needs no introduction as one of the world’s great cities. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square to Central Park, NYC has iconic sights around every corner. The city’s neighborhoods each have their own personality, from artsy Greenwich Village to trendy Brooklyn.
Broadway shows, world-class museums, and restaurants serving food from every corner of the globe make NYC a cultural capital. The city never sleeps, with something happening 24 hours a day. Even just walking around and people-watching is entertainment in itself.
38. Joshua Tree National Park
This California desert park sits where two different desert ecosystems meet, creating unique landscapes and plant life. The Joshua trees themselves are actually giant yuccas that can live for hundreds of years and grow up to 40 feet tall.
Rock climbing is popular here, with formations that attract climbers from around the world. The park is also famous for incredible night skies since there’s very little light pollution. Camping under the stars here gives you views of the Milky Way that most people never see.
39. Orange Beach, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Coast has sugar-white sand beaches that rival anything in Florida. Orange Beach is a laid-back coastal town with great seafood restaurants and family-friendly activities. The water stays warm enough for swimming from spring through fall.
Deep-sea fishing is popular, with charter boats going out for red snapper, grouper, and other Gulf fish. The Wharf entertainment district has shopping, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel with great views of the coast. Nearby Gulf State Park has hiking trails and more pristine beaches.
40. Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine’s only national park sits on Mount Desert Island and combines rocky coastlines with mountain peaks. Bar Harbor serves as the gateway town, with lobster rolls and New England charm. The park road system lets you drive to most major attractions.
Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see sunrise in America from October through March. The park has carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. that are perfect for biking and walking. Tide pools along the rocky shore let you see sea life up close during low tide.
41. Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is one of those charming cities that feels like a hidden secret. The downtown area is full of unique shops, local breweries, and restaurants that serve amazing farm-to-table food.
What makes Asheville really special is how it combines city culture with outdoor adventures. You can spend the morning checking out local art galleries, then head out to nearby waterfalls in the afternoon. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through the area, giving you some of the most scenic drives in America.
42. St. John, US Virgin Islands
This Caribbean island is mostly national park, keeping it pristine and undeveloped. Since it’s part of the USA, you don’t need a passport to visit, but it feels like a tropical paradise. The beaches have white sand and clear turquoise water perfect for snorkeling.
Virgin Islands National Park covers about two-thirds of the island and has hiking trails through tropical forests. Coral reefs surrounding the island are home to colorful fish and sea turtles. The island has a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to relax and forget about the stress of everyday life.
