places to visit in the USA
The Grand Canyon
This natural splendor stretching for over 270 miles in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is one of the world’s seven wonders and hence a perennial favorite! Fascinatingly, this formation of a massive hole in the ground is due to the Colorado River’s perpetual erosion and this traces back into the mist of time, some five million years ago. Unique outcrops, striking gorges, and of course, several amazing flora and fauna can be found all along here and they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from hitting Grand Canyon Skywalk to going on a rafting trip to enjoying a helicopter ride to name a few.
As part of your Grand Canyon visit, don’t miss attractions like the renowned Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon which is just two hours drive from here. It’s is one of the most photographed places in the US – this slot canyon is indeed a true stunner for its ethereal charm and natural light show.
Yosemite National Park
This region of ravishing natural beauty lies itself across California’s scenic Sierra Mountain area, packed with some of the world’s highest waterfalls, massive sequoia trees, magnificent granite cliffs, and charming alpine meadows. What is more endearing is that this stunning landscape is the outcome of glacial erosion that occurred over millions of years. Moreover, every season here has its own intrinsic allure as spring displays the waterfalls at its best, fall brings out the region’s exuberant beauty, summer becomes a playground for outdoor activities, and winter turns out to be a magical snowy land.
Crater Lake
Nestled across the Cascade crest in Southern Oregon, this natural phenomenon is the country’s deepest and one of the clearest lakes. The volcanic eruption of the once-massive but now-dormant Mountain Mazama, about 7700 ago, caused the creation of this lake. Beyond its unparalleled exquisiteness, it’s a place swathed in mystery and legends. For instance, with no significant outlets or connections to any other water sources, how its water level fluctuates and where its water goes still continues to be a major topic of study.
Niagara Falls
This waterfall on Niagara River is so iconic that everyone should see it at least once in their lifetime. Besides a major source of hydroelectric power for the states of New York and Ontario, it forms a natural border between the US and Canada. For the American side of Niagara Falls, head to Niagara Falls State Park which is the country’s oldest state park. As well as the most striking views of three falls (the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls) that comprise Niagara Falls, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of activities and experiences that allows for an up-close encounter with this mighty fall; Cave of Winds, Maid of the Mist (boat tour), and Observation Tower to name a few.
Na Pali Coast
Visit Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast for one of the grandest displays of nature with its deepest valleys and steepest cliffs adorned by razor-sharp folds that soar as high as 1220 meters above the Pacific Ocean. Stretching for 17 miles along the northern shores of the region’s oldest inhabited island – Kauai, its origin itself will leave you awestruck as the tectonic plates’ collision caused a massive volcanic eruption that eventually led to its birthing. And the ensuing erosion via wind and water over millions of years has helped nature to turn it into a land of unequaled beauty.
The Berkshires
The verdant green valleys, picturesque mountains, year-round events, quaint hamlets, and several exciting recreational activities plus water adventure are among the list of attractions that lure visitors to the Berkshires. This highland area (spread across western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut)pretty much checks all the boxes for an unforgettable break with lots of action and fun amid nature.
The Florida Keys
For a delightful holiday with the most unexpected experiences, this coral archipelago should be your next go-to spot. Sparkling topaz waters, acres of green mangroves, incredible state parks, and the mesmeric ever sunset views all contribute to the region’s marvelous settings. Visit Key Largo – the largest of all 800 plus keys, take a tour of the one-of-its-kind Turtle Hospital, hand-feed tarpon, and go on a kayaking adventure through the mangroves of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park(which is also the country’s first underwater park), among others.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
This may be a small park but this unparalleled desert region (along Colorado’s Saguache and Alamosa Counties) is where the spectacular nature, inspiring history and charming culture come together to make it a distinctly interesting place. Get the chance to stand on North America’s tallest sand dunes (up to 750 feet), try sand sledding, take a thrilling 4X4 drive across desert sands, discover fossils, and find here the Indian Grove of ponderosa pines which are the only set of culturally modified trees to be included on the list of National Register of Historic Places. What’s more; you can even listen to sands sing here and further take in the grand spectacle of the Milky Way over the dunes.
Yellowstone National Park
The US Congress created the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act and the then-president Ulysses S. Grant signed into it on March 1, 1872, making it the first national park not only in theUS but in the world itself! It’s so vast that it spans over 3,400 square miles with the majority of its part lying in Wyoming and the rest across Idaho and Montano. Moreover, everything about this historic park is special – it occupies almost half of the world’s hydrothermal features and not to mention its unequaled natural features including its version of Grand Canyon (carved out by the Yellowstone River) plus the large Grand Prismatic Spring ringed by the vibrant rainbow colors.
Turnip Rock
This little gem off Michigan’s Port Austin in Lake Huron is an island of extraordinary charm. As most other attractions in this list, it’s identifiable for its geological formation – a gigantic stone, carved over millennia by the constant lapping of waves across its bend. Spread over the private land of the Pointe Aux Barques Cottage Community, the only way to access it via a kayak or canoe. But the shallow waters that bound the rock make the experience pleasant and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Due to its sheer diversity, highly celebrated icons, and endlessly mindblowing natural beauty, the US is easily a destination that every travel enthusiast would want to visit at least once in their lifetime. That said, it boasts of such a great wealth of attractions that an entire lifespan is not enough to explore them all.
So as you gear up for your US travel, the most vital thing is to pre-plan and create a failsafe travel program just to assure yourself of an unforgettable US trip. If you need any genuine help at any point of your trip planning or application for your US tourist visa, Rayna Tours’ international travel specialists are always by your side.
