You are currently viewing 101 Places to Visit in USA – Your Ultimate USA Bucket ListPin

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

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. 

Your Ultimate USA Bucket List - 101 Places to Visit in USAPin

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

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

Alaska

  1. 1.

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

  1. 2.
    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.

  1. 3.

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.

Pin
Pin
Pin

Arizona

  1. 4.

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

  1. 5.

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

  1. 6.

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.

  1. 7.

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

  1. 8.
    Sedona
  1. 9.

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.

  1. 10.

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

  1. 11.

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

Pin
Pin
Pin
Pin
Pin

California

  1. 12.

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

  1. 13.

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

  1. 14.

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

  1. 15.

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

  1. 16.

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.

  1. 17.
    Lake Tahoe

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

Pin
Pin
Pin

  1. 18.

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.

  1. 19.

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.

  1. 20.

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

  1. 21.

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 doinstagram spots, and SD bucket list.

  1. 22.

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.

  1. 23.

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

  1. 24.

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

  1. 25.

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

Pin
Pin
Pin
Pin

Colorado

  1. 26.

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

  1. 27.
    Denver

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

  1. 28.
    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.

  1. 29.

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

  1. 30.
    Maroon Bells

They’re the most photographed peaks in Aspen.

  1. 31.

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

  1. 32.
    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.

  1. 33.

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

Florida

  1. 34.
    Everglades National Park

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

  1. 35.

Take the Overseas Highway for a scenic drive.

  1. 36.
    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.

  1. 37.

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

Georgia

  1. 38.

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 listbest instagram spotsfree things to do, and food guide.

  1. 39.
    Savannah

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

  1. 40.
    Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

They have two active volcanoes.

  1. 41.
    Na Pali Coast, Kauai

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

  1. 42.

Take the Road to Hana and check out these stops.

  1. 43.
    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

  1. 44.
    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.

Pin

Illinois

  1. 45.
    Chicago

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

See More: 15 Spectacular Day Trips from Chicago

Chicago Illinois + 101 USA Places to VisitPin

Kansas

  1. 46.

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

Pin

Kentucky

  1. 47.
    Louisville

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

Louisiana

  1. 48.

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

Maine

  1. 49.

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

  1. 50.

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

Maryland

  1. 51.
    Baltimore

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

Massachusetts

  1. 52.
    Boston

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

  1. 53.
    Cape Cod

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

  1. 54.
    Martha’s Vineyard

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

  1. 55.
    Salem

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

Great Weekend Getaways from NYCPin

Minnesota

  1. 56.
    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.

Mall of America Minneapolis MinnesotaPin

Montana

  1. 57.

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

Top Glacier National Park Hikes + 9 Incredible Things to do in Glacier National ParkPin

Nevada

  1. 58.

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

  1. 59.

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 listfree things to do, and food guide.

  1. 60.

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

See More: 101 Things to Do in Nevada

New Jersey

  1. 61.
    Atlantic City

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

New Mexico

  1. 62.
    Alburquerque

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

  1. 63.
    Santa Fe

Love the Pueblo style architecture prominent through the city.

  1. 64.
    Taos

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

  1. 65.

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

New York

  1. 66.
    Niagara Falls

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

  1. 67.

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 listplaces to eatinstagrammable places, and New Yorker tips for visitors.

See More: 21 Absolutely Stunning Places to Visit Upstate NY

North Carolina

  1. 68.

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

Oregon

  1. 69.

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

  1. 70.

Cannon Beach or Astoria is a popular starting point.

  1. 71.

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

  1. 72.

Visit Independence Hall and compare your Philly cheesesteaks.

  1. 73.
    Pittsburgh

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

South Carolina

  1. 74.

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

Charleston Tea Plantation + 25 Amazing Free Things to Do in Charleston SCPin

South Dakota

  1. 75.
    Badlands National Park →

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

  1. 76.
    Mount Rushmore

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

George Washington, Abraham, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson.

Badlands National Park South DakotaPin

Tennessee

  1. 77.
    Great Smoky Mountains

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

  1. 78.
    Memphis

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

  1. 79.

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

Texas

  1. 81.
    Marble Falls

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

Greetings from Austin Mural + The Top Free Things to Do in Austin TX // Local Adventurer #texastodo #trueaustin #atx #austin #tx #texas #visittheusaPin

Utah

  1. 82.

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

  1. 83.

Time it so you can do a full moon hike.

  1. 84.
    Canyonlands National park

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

  1. 85.
    Goblin Valley State Park

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

  1. 86.
    Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

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

  1. 87.
    Monument Valley

That iconic shot from Forest Gump.

  1. 88.

Great for skiing and snowboarding.

  1. 89.

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

See More: 101 Things to Do in Utah State

Virginia

  1. 90.
    Roanoke

Great place to base yourself to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains

Washington

  1. 91.
    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.

  1. 92.

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.

  1. 93.

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

  1. 94.
    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.

Washington DC

  1. 96.

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

Tidal Basin + Best Place to See Cherry Blossoms in the US // Local Adventurer #cherryblossom #spring #washingtondcPin

Wisconsin

  1. 97.
    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. 

  1. 98.
    All the Great Lakes

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

Apostle Islands Wisconsin + 101 Places to Visit in USA - Your Ultimate USA Bucket ListPin

Wyoming

  1. 99.
    Cody

Cody is known as the rodeo capital of the world.

  1. 100.

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

  1. 101.

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

Planning Checklist

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

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

Esther and JacobPin

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

  1. Katie

    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.

  2. Buddy Mann

    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.

    1. Esther JuLee

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

  3. Diana Dallas

    semi retired and starting bucket list travels

  4. Tanya Raedeke

    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!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.