50 Travel Destinations Every American Simply Must Visit In Their Lifetime

9. Alcatraz Island – San Francisco, California

Alcatraz Island started as a fortress for the Civil War and became a military and federal prison until 1963 (via Oyster). Ferries can take you to and from the island. Enjoy guided tours to learn more about the history. Alcatraz Island is also considered one of the most haunted prisons in America, as many criminals lost their lives within the cells. If you’re brave enough, you might want to schedule one of the haunted tours of the island when the sun has gone down (via Oyster).

8. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – New Mexico

The Balloon Fiesta was started in 1972, where hot air balloons take to the sky for nine days (via Oyster). There are balloons of pretty colors and unusual shapes like pigs, chickens, vampires, and even Darth Vader. The festival provides other fun activities, including food stands and shopping areas. The festival usually takes place in October, giving you plenty of time to plan for your trip (via Oyster).

7. Hot Springs, Arkansas

When you think of hot springs, you usually think of somewhere tropical or remote, like Costa Rica or Iceland. You wouldn’t expect to find excellent hot springs in a place like Arkansas (via Oyster). Once you’ve lounged in one of their naturally-heated springs, you may never want to leave. There are bathhouse options if you’re going to be in co-ed or segregated sections, and cold spring water is provided so that you can stay hydrated (via Oyster).

6. Oneonta Gorge, Oregon

At the end of the Oneonta Trailhead in Oregon, you’ll come to the Oneonta Gorge, a creek that flows right out of a slot canyon (via Buzzfeed). It’s covered in green moss and surrounded by many trees. You’ll think you’re lost in the wilderness. Thankfully, there are plenty of signs to get you there and back so you can stay on the trail. Exercise care when walking to the creek bed as this isn’t an official trail and isn’t maintained by the park (via Buzzfeed).

5. Great Smoky Mountains – Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are both a national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site because it is one of the most visited national parks in North America (via Oyster). The park is so large that it sits in Tennessee and North Carolina, with plenty of recreational opportunities to keep you busy, including tubing, hiking, and horseback riding (via Oyster). The Great Smoky Mountains are also close to other attractions, including Dollywood, Chicken Guy! (the Guy Fieri restaurant), and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

4. Freedom Trail – Boston, MA

Boston is known for playing a huge part in America’s independence, including where the Boston Tea Party took place. Because of its importance, the Freedom Trail was established for people to follow and experience all of the city’s history, including Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Massacre (via Oyster). The Trail passes through sixteen historical locations. Prepare for a long walk, though; it’s about 2.5 miles, but thankfully, there are plenty of resting spots along the way (via Oyster).

3. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo mountains and is primarily an artsy town with influences from Indigenous American cultures (via Oyster). There are plenty of handmade crafts for you to buy as souvenirs, as well as historical sites to visit. One notable site is the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, which contains her most famous modernist paintings (via Oyster).

2. Niagara Falls – New York & Canada

Niagara Falls is both in New York and Canada simultaneously, but it is more impressive from the Canadian side (via Oyster). You can still see the three main waterfalls on the American side and even take a trip on the Lady of the Mist, just as long as you remember to wear a waterproof poncho while you’re on the ride (via Oyster). The journey proves to be a wet one, but when the sun’s at the right angle, you may even be able to see a rainbow.

1. Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado

The Garden of the Gods is a sight that can’t explain how nature was created, and the monumental size of its structures and appearance seems to defy everything we know about science (via Fodors). The landscape’s geology was developed over 300 million years. The elements carved out these magnificent structures that give them their names. These include the Kissing Camels, the Three Graces, and the Siamese Twins. Included in park admission is access to hiking and biking trails as well as guided walks with park rangers (via Fodors).