In the United States, there lie many unique places that surely deserve a visit to be paid. Places that you must see in the United States range from state and national parks to mountain resort towns and bustling cities. There is a wide range of options for you that the United States has got you covered, doesn’t matter whether you are into raging waterfalls, lush woodlands, snow-capped mountains, or otherworldly deserts. While the way pandemic is getting over internationally, 2022 seems like a year that will be filled with local travel and road trips. And, we All Over Traveler doesn’t think that there is any other better way to spend this summer, spring, and fall by doing anything cooler than road trips around the United States. If you are someone who is looking for a unique experience with your vacations and road trips then, this blog is for you that caters to and lists down many of the cool places in the United States.
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
The journey I am taking you on begins from the north of the Lower-48, in Kenai Fjords National Part situated in Alaska. In southern Alaska, this national park served as a home to 38 glaciers and numerous fjords. It also caters to one of the largest ice fields situated in the United States, it is named the Harding Ice field, and the origin of this lake comes from the name of the United States President Warren G. Harding who in 1920 paid a visit there. While once you are traveling and visiting Kenai Fjords National Park you must keep your eyes peeled for lions, black bears, and whales.
Molokai, Hawaii
Cool places in the United States that definitely will attract you come in every size, and shape, and Molokai is incredibly unique. It is also counted as one of the most breathtaking islands in the world. And the reason is here: From the rest of the Hawaiian Islands, the distance of Molokai is complete 180. Even though this place is tropical and inviting, this rustic place wasn’t able to garner other islands’ crowds. And this is exactly what makes this island special, unique, as well as one of the best-hidden treasures that you can find in the United States.
While you are there in Molokai, you will be unable to find any sort of beach clubs or resorts, and you won’t be witnessing any buildings that are taller than a palm tree as well. But, you will be there discovering untouched nature, as well as an authentic culture that for sure is preserved exceptionally. If you are someone who wants to know what Hawaii looks like 100 years before then you really should look at the shores of Molokai. This is a place that is enough welcoming that you will feel like it was awaiting to welcome you. If you are looking forward to some more Hawaiian experiences, you really should consider O’ahu too.
Big Sur, California
If you travel to the south of San Francisco, you will have an incredible road trip adventure that sure was waiting for you on the Big Sur.
While you will be driving along the Big Sur, what you will be experiencing is mind-blowing. Traversing Highway 1’s windy, serpentine roads sometimes can be daunting, but once you are there staggering the views, you surely will think that it made up for it. The extension of this coastline comes from Carmel to San Simeon which is situated in Central California. When you are on a road trip, doing all that adventure along the Big Sur, you will be encountering beautiful beaches, scenic cliffs, bridges, and state parks. As such, in the United States, it is considered the most beautiful place that you must experience.
And, in conditions where you have time, you definitely should pay your visits to Muir Woods that you will find once you start traveling to the north of San Francisco and right off Highway 1. Honestly, there won’t be any regret attached while you are there visiting California.
Mount Rainier, Washington
If I were to define Mount Rainier in only two words, then they will be beautiful and enormous. In the Pacific Northwest, it is one of the tallest mountains that tower around 14,410 feet over the landscape of Washington. This mountain that is surely magnificent provides an epic backdrop to the Puget Sound and Seattle Skyline that coalesce nearby. While being iconic, this mountain is also an active volcano that had its last eruption back in 1894. Whereas, the glaciated peaks of Mountain Rainier camouflage its volcanic cone. On clear days, one can catch Mount Rainier’s glimpse from Victoria, British Columbia which is about 114 miles away. With such amazing and breathtaking scenery, it for sure has to be among the top places that one definitely should visit in the United States.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and California
Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada region that lies in between Nevada and California, in the United States, it is the largest alpine lake. It is encircled by lush forests and rocky mountains, which adds up to one of the most unique as well as year-round travel destinations in the United States of America, not only for local travelers but also for international travelers. While if you are someone who is into water sports and swimming, then you would be delighted to know that Lake Tahoe is a popular spot for this, especially in summer, and if you are fond of skiing then in winter it is a place for you to visit you. From Sacramento, it also is a popular day trip, and the versatility it carries makes it one of the most unique and beautiful places that you must visit in the United States.
The Palouse, Idaho, and Washington
The Palouse is considered a cornucopia of gently rolling hills and prairies. Palouse is a unique spectacle that undulates through Idaho and Washington and is formed by wind-blown sediments. Considering that there are no continual ridges or valleys, it is inferred by geologists that these hills were formed by wind-blown slits instead of streams or rivers.
The agricultural landscape of this often is linked to Tuscany, even though instead of vineyards, you will be finding wheat fields.
Yosemite National Park, California
There is a total of nine national parks in California, and one of the best of those iisYosemite National Park.
This national park is located four hours to the east of San Francisco and is a natural sanctuary that teems with gushing waterfalls, deep valleys, as well as wildlife that is full of diversity. While the well-known features of Yosemite National Park are the sequoia trees and granite cliffs. Yosemite Valley is the top sight in the park, that is a giant glacial valley that is enclosed by granite summits. While if you get towards its depths, you will be witnessing an array of streams and pine trees.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls is a year-round waterfall that acquires a 611-foot drop, this waterfall is hydrated by the underground springs as well as run-off from a nearby mountain. It is considered one of the most unique natural treasures and sights that are caught in the United States. Multnomah Falls could be accessed by two hiking trails, where there is a pretty bridge adjoining them.
In Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, you will find this majestic waterfall lodged that is only a 30-minute drive from Portland. Adding up to being one of the coolest places in the United States, this waterfall is also a top spot that you must check out in Oregon.
Sequoia National Park, California
The best thing Sequoia National Park is known is for its giant sequoia trees, lakes, and canyons. In this park, there is the world’s largest tree, General Sherman Tree, whose height is about 275 feet, and at its base, the diameter of this tree is about 36 feet. This is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that are to be found within San Francisco’s reach, the park has 14 campsites, which for sure makes it ideal for the outdoor retreat. While it is one of the most beautiful places in the United States and you must pay your visit here.
Thor’s Well in Oregon
In Oregon, you have to make a wise choice of beaches. Along the coastline of Oregon, you will be finding a natural vortex that will then appear for swallowing the sea. This is Thor’s Well, which is a sinkhole driven by the powerful ocean tides.
From the city of Eugene if you take just a shy of a 2-hour long drive, then you will witness Thor’s Well which is conveniently located in the Siuslaw National Forest. If you see Thor’s Well in pictures, then you will think that it is a bottomless pit that leads to the Earth’s center. But, in reality, it is projected to be only 20 feet deep.
Joshua Tree National Park
If you already are craving adventure, then you should just wait till you witness Joshua Tree, which is one of the best places one should be visiting in the United States. In Southern California, this is an expansive nature area and serves as a home to exotic desert terrain as well as unique rock formations that you won’t be found anywhere else.
You may want to take in the gorgeous cacti and trees that line the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. You may want to have an experience of hiking through a grove of iconic Joshua trees and if you are up for it then you may not forget to go stargazing at night.
Skagit Valley Tulip Fields, Washington
If you are looking forward to adding some more color to your United States road trip itinerary, you must check this out. During the time of spring, you will witness millions of tulips blooming in Washington State’s Skagit Valley of Tulip Fields. Hundreds of acres of gardens comprise this valley, and this spans as far as one can see. Likewise, the tulips also seem to come in almost every hue that is imaginable on the color spectrum.
Every year in April, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is held which is considered the largest festival in Washington. This event then also attracts upwards of many million visitors.
Valley of Fire, Nevada
One of the best-hidden gems of America is Valley of Fire State Park which is just a short drive away from Las Vegas. Often it is overlooked by the national parks in Utah and Arizona, but it doesn’t deserve that. As suggested by its name, a fiery and seemingly Martian landscape is boasted by the Valley of Fire. Being serious, the way orange and red sandstone are sprawled around the park makes it look like it belongs to Mars. While, you might need to go here with a travel guide.
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is something else. This is a surreal natural wonder that is located just outside of Page, a city in northern Arizona that gives the feel of a small town.
Antelope Canyon is known for the mystical way rocks were formed by the wind and water erosion that took place millions of years ago. During the daytime, a spectacular photo opportunity is given by this sandstone slot canyon, and this is what comes as one of the reasons why you really should visit this place in the United States.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
Bryce Canyon having its located within a remote area of southwestern Utah have is recognition for its orange pillar-shaped rock formations that are called hoodoos.
Rome didn’t come into existence in a way, and neither was Bryce Canyon. The rocky amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon were shaped over a million years ago by erosion, even before Colosseum. This place certainly is a must-see on any road trip you are on through Utah.
