Jaw-Dropping Bucket List Adventures in the U.S.

Our Top Must-See Places

Everyone has a travel bucket list, right? You know, those places you absolutely have to see before you, well, you know… And lucky for all of us, the U.S. is full of amazing cities and sights.

But before you start checking off “the usual suspects” (Times Square, the Grand Canyon), how about checking out some less traditional, but equally stunning, places? Here are some of our favorite adventure spots!

• Arches National Park, UT

  With 63 national parks in the U.S., it’s nearly impossible to choose just one! But Arches National Park is a hands-down favorite.

  The park has over 2,000 naturally formed sandstone arches—the highest concentration on the planet. Visitors especially love hiking through the Devil’s Garden, an almost 8-mile loop that includes 8 amazing arch formations and awesome views of the park.

  Bucket List Tip: If you’re a camper, plan on staying overnight. The low light pollution in Moab makes Arches the ideal place for star-gazing.

• Muir Woods, CA

  A visit to the enchanting redwood forest deserves to be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list!

  The lush forest is densely populated by all sorts of vegetation, but the soaring redwoods are the star of the show, reaching over 200 feet in height. Make sure you walk through Cathedral Grove, home to the tallest of the trees, and the ideal spot for quiet, disconnected contemplation.

  Bucket List Tip: While you’re here, you can check off other nearby iconic spots: Napa Valley, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate are just a few of the many options.

• Niagara Falls, NY

  There’s plenty of debate on which side of the Falls to visit (Canadian versus U.S.), but we’re siding with New Yorkers on this one.

  The American side of Niagara Falls includes a 400-acre state park filled with white-water-spanning bridges, islands, and river walks. You’ll also get amazing views of several other waterfalls, located entirely on the New York side.

  Bucket List Tip: Take a trip on the iconic Maid of the Mist, a 20-minute boat ride that brings you thrillingly close to the famed Horseshoe Falls… no barrel required!

• Road to Hana, HI

  You guys, Maui is great for everyone: couples, families, friends… Really, everyone!

  But while most people go there for the world-class beaches and awesome surf, we’d recommend an inland excursion: the road to Hana. But only if you’re feeling brave! The intense 64-mile drive is chock-full of switchbacks, one-way bridges, and semi-terrifying blind turns.

  Your reward is the spectacular scenery you’ll encounter along the way: rich rainforests, gorgeous waterfalls, and beautiful black sand beaches.

  Bucket List Tip: Bring your appetite! There are food stalls along the way with everything from banana bread to fruit smoothies.

Feeling adventurous? Then head off on one of these bucket list trips. Just make sure you bring a camera, because the epic views are just what your ‘gram needs!

Of course, bucket lists aren’t cheap. If you’re looking for ways to save money on your trip, ship your bags to your final destination with LugLess. For less than the price of the average checked bag, you’ll have zero hassles at the airport and be able to skip baggage claim.