The United States is huge! Honestly, you’ll come to realise this once you start to plan your trip and realise how many incredible cities, awesome national parks and a heap of islands, too. This is exactly why I wanted to share some of the must-see places in the USA to visit on your trip.
Now, you might have heard of some of the big-hitting spots in the USA. I mean, there’s a heap of things to do in New York, all across Florida and incredible states like California, too.
But what else is there to see?
Honestly, with a little determination and a bit of planning, you’ll be able to experience the whole diversity that the US has to offer. However nice the east and west coast cities are, there is so much more to the USA than just them. This is exactly why I wanted to introduce some of the must-see places in the USA to visit.
For me, these are some of my very favourites and easily some of the must-see places in the USA that I’m really hoping you’ll love.
Anyway, without going on any longer, take a look at some of the must-see places in the USA. Have the best trip exploring.
1.) Monument Valley
We visited Monument Valley and totally loved it!
It’s one of the most unique natural landmarks that you’ll find in the USA and totally gorgeous to explore.
Once here, you can actually drive around Monument Valley and explore this vast and historic spots that hold so much significance to native Americans in this region.
Oh, plus, one really cool thing about Monument Valley is that you can camp right in the park itself. It’s totally stunning at night;, especially with all the starts.
Read more: Things to know before visiting Monument Valley
2.) Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon is another one of those must-see places in the USA to visit that’s a mere stone’s throw from Monument Valley.
You can easily visit Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley in one day; making it a totally incredible that you can do in a day, as part of a wider road trip.
Carved over thousands of years, you can actually walk through and within the canyons themselves. We hired a local guide who taught us all about the history, cultural heritage and significance to Native Americans in the region.
Read more: Best things to do in Arizona
3.) Preservation Hall, New Orleans
When we visited New Orleans, we just knew we wanted to experience Preservation Hall. It’s easily one of the must-see places in the USA that you can enjoy in the evening in New Orleans.
Honestly, it’s so historic and doesn’t disappoint. The jazz is just incredible and totally intimate, too. Though, remember, if it is hot, you’ll leave a sweaty mess from here. There’s no air condition, but that’s all part of the vibe.
Read more: Best things to do in New Orleans
4.) Maui, Hawaii
Maui is one incredible Pacific island to visit. Not only that, but it’s also one of the must-see places in the USA to visit if you’re in Hawaii.
We’ve visited Maui a few times and totally love the islands natural beauty. There are so many epic things to do and some yummy foodie spots, too. Best of all, you can rent a car and drive the whole island over a week, too.
Oh, and don’t miss the sunset at the Haleakalā Observatory. It’s out-of-this-world!
Read more: Best things to do in Maui
5.) Alcatraz, San Francisco
Thankfully, you don’t need to be locked-up to take a trip to Alcatraz nowadays; you can actually pay to go! Now, I didn’t think anyone has ever paid to actually go to prison but this is one you definitely should! 😉
Once you’ve explored all the epic things to do in San Francisco, take the boat tours over to the island and explore one of the world’s most infamous jails. It really is quite eerie to see.
Just make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially if you’re visiting at peak times. Tickets can sell out.
Read more: Best things to do in San Francisco
6.) Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Home to the king, Elvis Presley, Graceland is easily one of the must-see places in the USA.
Now, before we visited, I can’t say I was the biggest Elvis fan but I really loved exploring Graceland and going inside his former home. It’s so unique.
Afterwards, whilst in Memphis, make sure to visit Sun Studios and learn more about the civil right struggles at the Lorraine Motel (Where Dr Martin Luther King was killed).
Read more: Best things to do in Memphis
7.) St Pete’s, Florida
Perched around a 2-hour drive from Orlando (and about 30-minutes from Tampa), St Pete’s is easily one of the must-see places in the USA that’s totally gorgeous.
We loved exploring the city and staying at the Don Cesar, too.
Don’t forget to see the incredible street art, stop off for some amazing dishes and bars around town and pop over to Clearwater for the best beach, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Florida
8.) The Vessel, New York
For me, scaling the Vessel is one of the best things to do in New York.
After all, it’s totally iconic and so incredible to see. Perched in Hudson’s Yard, it’s totally easy to visit whilst exploring Manhattan’s best places.
Afterwards, pop over to explore all the different areas of New York and catch the views from the Top of the Rock, too. They’re incredible at sunset.
Read more: Best things to do in New York
9.) The Bean, Chicago
Chicago is one of the must-see places in the USA to visit if you’re on a road trip through the northern states.
Once here, make sure to visit some live music places, check out the shorefront around Buckingham Fountain and see the famous ‘bean’, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Chicago
10.) Yosemite, California
Perched within California, Yosemite is one of the best national parks to visit in the west coast area. Not only that, but it’s also one of the must-see places in the USA to visit if you love the great outdoors.
Once here, make sure to head out on some hikes, see the impressive waterfalls and book your permit to hike Half Dome, too. Permits go fast, so book in advance.
Read more: Best things to do in Yosemite
11.) Pike Place Market, Seattle
No visit to Washington State is complete without a trip to Pike Place Market in the amazing city of Seattle.
Experience the hustle and bustle of the local traders and fisherman, try some tasty clam chowder and enjoy a Starbucks from their very first shop that ever opened.
Seattle is an epic city and one of the must-see places in the USA to visit on the west coast. Plus, there are so many things to do in Seattle.
Read more: Best things to do in Seattle
12.) Yellowstone National Park
After heading here quite a few years ago, I quickly realised how special this area of the United States is. It’s stunning and there’s so many things to see in Yellowstone, including watching Old Faithful erupt.
Also, the colours and geothermal activities are out of this world pretty.
Just don’t be put off by the smell of sulphur!
Read more: Best things to do in Yellowstone
13.) Badlands National Park
My time in Badlands was amazing and I’ve no hesitation in recommending this as one of the must-see places in the USA to visit if you love the great outdoors. It was perfect!
Well, saying that, after a 4-hour hike and a sunset I tumbled down the rocky about 30 feet to the ground. Only bruises and scratches, thankfully, but a huge dent in my ego! The ground is totally dry, arid and crumbly, so make sure you wear proper shoes (not like me) and stay away from any edges.
Also, watch out if your driving around dusk, too. Lots of Rattle Snakes like to sunbathe (or gain the last remnants of the heat from the road). I was lucky to see one about 15 feet away. Always keep a safe distance.
Read more: Best national parks in the USA
14.) Parthenon, Nashville
Another totally amazing spot in Tennessee, the Partenon, which is an exact replica of the one you’d find in Greece.
Plus, there are so many incredible things to do in Nashville, especially in the music scene.
If you love music, head straight to this city and explore the wonders of its sound.
Also, don’t forget to stop off at some of the best restaurants in and around Nashville, too. We loved the Loveless Cafe that’s about 25-minutes from the centre of Nashville.
Read more: Most fun cities in the USA to visit
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