Bucket List Dream Places in the United States: My Travel Wishlist
Bucket List Dream Places in the United States: My Travel Wishlist
Do you have a dream travel bucket list?
What are some of the places on your bucket list that you want to travel to in this country?
Well, I've assembled a bucket list of my own dream places in the United States. From North California's famous Redwood Trees and Grand Canyon National Park, all the way down to Charleston; these are a few locations that I would love to visit one day!
Ready to travel around the USA? Be sure to check out my travel guides for fun things to do in San Antonio, TX, Maui, HI, Oklahoma City, OK, and Houston, TX too!
My Wishlist of Bucket List Places to Visit in the United States
*in no particular order
1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona (Again)
So I've actually (kind of) seen The Grand Canyon before. While celebrating my birthday in Las Vegas, I was surprised with a helicopter ride over one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: The Grand Canyon, the Colorado River, and Horseshoe Bend. Y'all, I was so excited! Well, lemme tell you, helicopters and "celebrating" (aka drinking) don't mix well together. So for this reason, The Grand Canyon National Park remains halfway unchecked on my dream travel bucket list for the USA. Next time I visit The Grand Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, I plan to hike and there will be no "celebrating" involved.
2. Chicago, Illinois
I've always found Chicago to be appealing, yet I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is that draws me into this city. Maybe it's my appreciation of deep-dish pizza (sorry, not sorry)? Or maybe it's the excitement and the love I feel when friends bring me Garrett's Popcorn from Chicago? Or maybe it's just the vibe I perceive the Windy City to have? Whatever it is, visiting Chicago is an essential must-see for me.
3. Boston, Massachusettes
For as long as I can remember, I've always dreamed of seeing a Fall on the east coast in Boston, where the crisp breeze and colorful leaves are everywhere. The real New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, cannolis (among many other things) make Boston one of my bucket list dream places to visit in the U.S., and I long to take a trip there in the near future.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Admittedly, I've tuned in for several seasons to watch "Southern Charm" on Bravo. I love a good reality show. So I know that Charleston is a must-see. I know a lot about the south, having lived in Louisiana and Texas. But I've always wondered how Charleston does "the south." The southern charm and historic architecture make for a bucket list dream destination with picturesque streets, beautiful beaches, and amazing food.
5. Aspen, Colorado
Fun fact: I've never skied, but I used to buy ski accessories for a large ski and sports store. I have always been fascinated with skiing, so I would love to take a trip to Aspen, Colorado, and experience the snow-covered mountains.
More of My Favorite Ideas for Bucket List Travel in the United States
Get inspired and take a trip to these amazing locations
6. California Redwoods
This is gonna sound crazy but... Ever since I saw Disney's The Gnome-Mobile as a child, I've been obsessed with California redwoods. I've been to the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, the mountains of Lake Tahoe, the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles, and other places around California but the California Redwoods of The Redwoods National Park have remained elusive. It's home to some of the tallest trees in the world and the forest has been around for eons. And in every picture I've seen, the Pacific Coast Redwoods of California look so magical. I wanna go!
7. Washington, DC (Again)
My first time in Washington, DC came on the heels of a new promotion I’d just received. When I arrived in Washington D.C, I remember feeling like I had traveled to a new world--a place rich in the history of our country, set forth by George Washington and our founding fathers. I only had a few hours of free time, so I booked the best bike tour possible and it hit all of the major landmarks. While the bicycle tour was an amazing way to see everything in a short amount of time, Washington D.C. remains on my travel bucket list because I'd like to go back and spend a few days to really explore and see the city.
8. Antelope Canyon, Utah
From the moment I saw the bright colors and huge, sweeping curves in the Antelope Canyon on Instagram I was hooked. This slot canyon is a truly stunning natural wonder that I've longed to see. I also just found out that my cousin, who lives in Utah, is an avid hiker and so this bucket list destination and its hiking trails might not be too far away in my future after all. Stay tuned...
9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Among many reasons, Grand Prismatic Spring, Old Faithful geyser, nature, animals, and hiking trails leading to amazing views help this national park easily make my United States travel bucket list. As a photographer, I would LOVE to capture some breathtaking shots of the natural beauty in Yellowstone National Park.
10. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
This massive national monument that contains the faces of four US presidents carved into a mountain in Keystone, South Dakota has always been fascinating to me. I've watched many documentaries about how Mount Rushmore was built and what the original plans of this monument were never realized. I honestly can't even begin to imagine the size of it in person and I would love to see it with my own eyes.
11. The Kentucky Derby (Louisville, Kentucky)
Big hats, whiskey mint juleps, pastel fashions, and a day at the horse races. Sign me up! I may know nothing about horse racing but I'm a quick study and I'm willing to learn all in the name of one of the most famous horse racing events in the world. Experiencing the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is definitely a USA travel bucket list goal.
BONUS: The Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Disney World (Orlando, Florida)
I am an almost mid-aged Harry Potter fan and I'm not afraid to say it. I've read the books, I've seen the movies and I own a wand (it's true). So naturally, I'd want to visit The Wonderful Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. And while I'm in Orlando, Florida, I'd love to visit Disney World again as an adult. So I proudly add these two magical places to my bucket list travel in the United States.
Thank You
If you're like me, then you have a bucket list of places to see and explore in the United States too. I've been fortunate enough to visit many amazing locations so far but there are still plenty more on my list that I need to check off.
I hope that you found my bucket list inspiring! Be sure to bookmark this post before you go exploring the USA.
-xo Mel
Do you have any bucket list dream places to see and travel to in this country? Share them below.
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