20 Unique Places to See in America Before You Die (+photos)

The United States has many wonderful places to visit. Each place has fun things to do and great experiences to offer.

From stunning nature to busy cities, this amazing country has something for every traveler. Here is a list of more than 20 places you should see in America before you die, including the famous Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New York City, along with the well-known Empire State Building and the grand Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota.

20+ Unique Places to visit in the US

This list can help you find charming towns, stunning nature, and cultural gems that show what America is really like. If you want adventure, calm, or to step back in time, this list of 20+ Unique Places to See in America Before You Die will stick in your mind and inspire you to want to explore unusual places even more.

1. Savannah, Georgia

Step back in time as you explore the beautiful streets of Savannah, Georgia. It is the oldest city in the state. Savannah is known for its old buildings, great parks with hanging moss, and nice Southern feel.

Walk down the cobblestone streets. You will see big houses and charming shops. Enjoy the lively food in the city. Try traditional Southern meals and drink sweet tea on a sunny patio.

When the sun sets, enjoy live music in Savannah. The nice sounds fill the air. This makes a magical feeling that stays into the night.

Things to Do

• Visit the historic district
• Enjoy a ghost tour
• Enjoy a carriage ride

Best Accommodations

• The Mansion at Forsyth Park
• The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront
• The Marshall House

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

2. Maroon Bells, Colorado

Maroon Bells is a beautiful place in the Rocky Mountains. It is located in the White River National Forest. Here, you can see two high peaks reflected in the still waters of Maroon Lake.

You can enjoy a nice walk among wildflowers and high fields. Breathe in the fresh air of the mountains while you see stunning sights. There are many amazing places to take pictures of the Bells. Each spot shows you a unique view of this beautiful site.

Whether you like hiking or just want some calm in nature, Maroon Bells will appeal to you and stay in your mind.

Things to Do

• Take a hike to Maroon Lake
• Take a scenic drive on the road
• Go fishing

Best Accommodations

• Aspen Meadows Resort
• The Little Nell
• Snowmass Village

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

3. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Escape to the past on Mackinac Island. This charming island feels like time has stopped. You can see horse-drawn carriages, old Victorian buildings, and lovely waterfront views. Mackinac Island offers a great blend of history and nature.

Walk on the streets without cars. You will see nice shops, old buildings, and comfortable cafes. Enjoy the island’s beauty on its lovely trails. You can ride a bike around the island or go horseback riding.

Don’t forget to taste the island’s well-known sweet treat—Mackinac Island fudge. It’s a great way to finish your day as you enjoy this lovely spot.

Things to Do

• Discover the whole island by bike
• Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride
• Visit the Grand Hotel
• Take a boat tour on amazing waters

Best Accommodations

• The Grand Hotel
• Mission Point Resort
• Island House

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

4. Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Get ready to be amazed as you see the beautiful Antelope Canyon. This lovely slot canyon is close to the Grand Canyon. It shows bright lights, colors, and textures.

The canyon formed over many years due to wind and water. Its tall walls show detailed shapes that feel dreamlike. You can take a guided tour to discover hidden spots in the canyon and enjoy how light and shadows mix beautifully.

Photographers travel from all over the world to Antelope Canyon to capture its stunning beauty. It truly shows the strength and creativity of nature. It’s one of the best places to visit in USA for first time travelers.

Things to Do

• Take a guided tour of the canyon
• Enjoy photography of the unique rock formations
• Enjoy the desert scenery

Best Accommodations

• Antelope Canyon Lodge
• The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
• Best Western Plus Grand Canyon Inn

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

5. Charleston, South Carolina

Explore the rich history and beauty of Charleston, South Carolina. Walk on the old cobblestone streets lined with beautiful mansions. These mansions have lovely balconies filled with flowers. Discover how important Charleston was during the Civil War by visiting Fort Sumter and other important places.

Enjoy the food in Charleston. You can have classic Southern meals with new twists. Try shrimp and grits, she-crab soup, and many other local dishes.

Feel the warmth of the people in Charleston. They love to share their joy for the city’s history, culture, and beauty.

Things to Do

• Visit Fort Sumter
• Discover the historic district local places and culture
• Enjoy the food scene

Best Accommodations

• The Wentworth Mansion
• The Mills House
• The Belmond Charleston Place

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

6. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Experience an exciting journey underground at Mammoth Cave National Park. This park has the longest cave system in the world. You can walk through a network of tunnels, big rooms, and pretty rock shapes. Each one is special and amazing.

Join a guided tour to learn about the cave’s history, its rocks, and the unique plants and animals that live there. Step into the large rooms filled with hanging rocks, rising stones, and other amazing shapes.

Above the ground, you can see the park’s different areas. Hike among the trees, paddle down rivers, and enjoy the beauty of the Kentucky countryside.

Things to Do

• Take a guided tour of the cave
• Hike the trails
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Mammoth Cave Lodge
• Parkside Cabins
• Mammoth Cave Campground

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

7. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Get set to be amazed by the beautiful sight of Crater Lake. This natural wonder is in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. A volcano that fell in on itself long ago created it. Crater Lake is well-known for its deep blue water, high cliffs, and stunning views.

You can walk along the edge to see great views, or you can take a boat tour to Wizard Island. This island is a volcanic hill that comes out of the lake. While you explore the park’s trails, you will find hidden waterfalls, green woods, and plenty of animals.

Make sure to enjoy the beauty of Crater Lake. Its mood shifts from peaceful mornings to bright sunsets. Every moment shines a new light on the land.

Things to Do

• Hike and explore the rim of Crater Lake
• Enjoy a boat tour
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Crater Lake Lodge
• Mazama Village Campground
• Rim Village Campground

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

8. Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska

See the amazing view of the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska. This city is the best place to watch this beautiful display in the sky.

You can see the lights from late August to early April. The nights are long and dark during this period. For the best view, go far from city lights. Be sure to wear warm clothes and look up at the sky. You will see waves of green, purple, and pink lights shimmering and moving above you.

The Northern Lights occur when particles from the sun strike Earth’s atmosphere. This creates a breathtaking display. It will amaze you and shows how lovely the universe can be.

Things to Do

• Chase the aurora borealis
• Visit the Alaska Native Cultural Center
• Go dog sledding

Best Accommodations

• Aurora Borealis Lodge
• Fairbanks Princess Riverside Hotel
• Chena Hot Springs Resort

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December-February)

9. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Explore the amazing lands of Badlands National Park. This place has rough land, colorful rocks, tall spikes, and wide grasslands. As you hike through the canyons and fields, you will find old fossils. These fossils show a time when giant creatures were on Earth.

Look for bison, prairie dogs, and other animals that live in this unique area. You can take amazing pictures of the Badlands from high places. From there, you can see the light and shadow change on the ground.

When the sun sets, take some time to see a beautiful sunset. The sky will be full of bright colors. Enjoy the calm and the amazing sights of the Badlands, where nature reveals its true strength and beauty.

Things to Do

• Take a scenic drive on Badlands Loop Road
• Hike the trails
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Badlands Inn
• Wall Drug
• Cedar Pass Campground

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May) or
• Fall (September-October)

10. Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Step onto special land at Gettysburg National Military Park. This is where an important battle of the Civil War happened. Walk where soldiers fought as you take in the sights of the battlefield. You can see old trenches, cannons, and statues.

Make sure you go to Gettysburg National Cemetery. This is where President Abraham Lincoln gave his well-known Gettysburg Address. You can also learn how the battle changed American history at the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center.

Think about the sacrifices made by many people. The memory of Gettysburg reminds us of the high cost of war. It shows us why it is important to maintain peace.

Things to Do

• Visit the Gettysburg National Cemetery
• Tour the battlefield
• Learn about the Civil War

Best Accommodations

• The Dobbin House Inn
• The Gettysburg Hotel
• The Best Western Gettysburg

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October)

11. Hoh Rain Forest, Washington

When we talk about unique places in America, Hog Rain Forest should be on your bucket list places to visit in the US. You will see bright green colors and tall trees. This special place is one of the few temperate rain forests still around in the world. Trees with moss, green ferns, and clear streams make it feel like a fairy tale.

You can walk on paths with tall, old trees. Take in the fresh, damp air and hear the gentle sounds of nature. You will see lots of plants and animals in this unique environment.

Escape your busy life and enjoy the calm of the Hoh Rain Forest. This peaceful place shows you the beauty of nature all around you.

Things to Do

• Enjoying Hiking at the Hall of Mosses
• Visit the giant old-growth trees
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Hoh Rainforest Resort
• Olympic National Park Lodges
• Hoh Rainforest Campground

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

12. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Descend into an amazing underground world at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It has many caves filled with beautiful shapes. You can see large rooms, delicate stalactites, and shiny pools. A guided tour here will show you the strength and beauty of nature.

At dusk, you can see thousands of bats flying out of the caves. They move around in the air searching for food. You can also hike on trails above. These trails give you lovely views of the desert.

Carlsbad Caverns is a hidden treasure. It will light up your spirit for adventure and amazement.

Things to Do

• Take a guided tour of the caverns
• Hike the trails
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Carlsbad Caverns Inn
• Best Western Plus Inn of Carlsbad
• Carlsbad Caverns Campground

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

13. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

To Enjoy Once in a lifetime things to do in USA, this lovely island at Dry Tortugas National Park is the ideal place to enjoy your vacations. It is around 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. You can only get to this calm park by boat or seaplane. It’s a spot where you can see clear blue waters, bright coral reefs, and old forts.

Visit the amazing Fort Jefferson. This fort, built in the 19th century, was once a prison. Now, it shows the island’s rich history. You can also swim in the clear waters nearby. Snorkeling or diving allows you to see bright coral reefs with lots of sea animals.

Things to Do

• Visit Fort Jefferson
• Enjoy snorkeling
• Enjoy diving
• Take a boat tour

Best Accommodations

• Dry Tortugas National Park Camping
• Fort Jefferson Overnight Stays
• Yankee Clipper

Best Time to Visit

Summer (May-September)

14. Glacier National Park, Montana

Get ready to be amazed by the wild beauty of Glacier National Park. This big area has tall mountains, clear lakes, and flowing waterfalls. You can hike on lovely trails, like the well-known Highline Trail. It offers great views of the park’s stunning peaks.

You can also drive on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This road is a wonderful achievement of engineering. It goes straight through the park. You will see great views and start hiking. You can find hidden glaciers, green lakes, and many animals too. You might see bears, elk, and mountain goats. For a different experience that is not crowded, think about exploring other routes.

You can check out the Palo Colorado Road or the Nacimiento Road. You could also enjoy the beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge along the coast in Big Sur, California. Glacier National Park is a special wild area. It lets you see the natural beauty of the American West.

Things to Do

• Hike to a glacier
• Take a boat tour
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Lake McDonald Lodge
• Apgar Village
• Glacier National Park Campgrounds

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

15. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Experience the charm of New England in Cape Cod in Massachusetts. This beautiful peninsula stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. You can unwind on clean beaches, explore lovely towns, and savor fresh seafood in this ideal beach location.

In towns such as Provincetown, Chatham, and Falmouth, you can explore the deep history and sea culture of Cape Cod. You can hike on beautiful trails, ride bikes along the coast, or simply relax on the sand and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze.

Enjoy a classic lobster bake. Taste fresh oysters or sip on some clam chowder. Experience the relaxed feel of Cape Cod.

Things to Do

• Enjoy Visiting the lighthouses
• Swim at the beaches
• Go whale watching

Best Accommodations

• Chatham Bars Inn
• Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
• The Captain’s House Inn

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

16. Wynwood Walls, Miami

Visit the vibrant street art at Wynwood Walls. This outdoor museum has colorful murals and graffiti from well-known artists worldwide. Stroll through the streets of this historic warehouse area and enjoy the fresh art that adds energy to the place.

Discover hidden backstreets filled with beautiful murals. They show the energy and creativity of Miami’s art scene. Take great photos for Instagram and enjoy the lively feel of this artistic place.

After you look at the art, enjoy Miami’s food scene. You can have delicious dishes and drinks at one of the many restaurants and cafes close by.

Things to Do

• Enjoy visiting the colorful street art
• Explore the local shops and restaurants
• Enjoy the nightlife

Best Accommodations

• The Wynwood Plaza Hotel
• The Generator Miami
• Freehand Miami

Best Time to Visit

All Year-round

17. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado

Visit Great Sand Dunes National Park for a fun adventure. You will see huge sand dunes next to rough mountains. Enjoy sandboarding or sand sledding down these giant dunes. They are some of the tallest in North America.

You can walk to the top of a dune for great views of the San Juan Mountains and the large sandy area around you. When the sun sets, the dunes change color. This creates long shadows and a unique feel.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a place where you can have fun or enjoy the beauty of nature. It promises an amazing experience that you will remember.

Things to Do

• Hike to the top of a sand dune
• Go sandboarding
• Go camping

Best Accommodations

• Great Sand Dunes Lodge
• Sand Dune Oasis
• Great Sand Dunes Campground

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November)

18. Denali National Park, Alaska

Explore the beauty of Denali National Park in Alaska. This park is famous for having the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. You can take a bus tour or hike on beautiful trails. These activities will help you see the amazing sights of the Alaskan wilderness.

Look for cool animals like grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, and others. These animals roam freely in the park. Be sure to take a picture of Denali, which was once called Mount McKinley. This mountain towers over the land.

Enjoy the quiet and beauty of Denali National Park. A new adventure waits for you around every corner.

Things to Do

• Hike to a glacier
• Enjoy a bus tour
• Go wildlife Sightseeing

Best Accommodations

• Denali Park Lodge
• McKinley Village
• Denali Campground

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June-August)

19. Roswell, New Mexico

Explore the charming town of Roswell, New Mexico. It is known for a famous UFO event from history. You can visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Here, you will find stories, evidence, and ideas about the events of 1947 in Roswell.

Take a UFO-themed tour. You can visit the crash site and other places connected to the event. Join the Roswell UFO Festival. This festival celebrates everything about aliens and draws in both fans and those who doubt.

Whether you think about UFOs or are just curious, Roswell offers you a unique and interesting experience.

Things to Do in Rosewell

• Visit the International UFO Museum and Research Center
• Enjoy Tour of the Roswell Army Air Field
• Learn about the alleged UFO incident

Best Accommodations

• Roswell Inn
• Best Western Plus Roswell Inn & Suites
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roswell

Best Time to Visit

All Year-round

20. Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Go to the top of Mauna Kea. This is a volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii. It has some of the best places for watching stars in the world.

• Watch the stunning sunset over a sea of clouds. It lights up the nearby land in a wonderful way.
• When night comes, look up at the sky full of stars, planets, and more. Mauna Kea has very little light at night and is very high. This makes it a great spot for stargazing.
• Stop by the Visitor Information Station. There, you can learn about the observatories and why this place is special for astronomy.

Join a stargazing tour. This will help you look at the night sky and find constellations, galaxies, and more.

Things to Do

• Hike to the summit of the volcano
• Stargazing in the night
• Visit the observatories

Best Accommodations

• Mauna Kea Summit Base
• Hale Pohaku Campground
• Volcano House

Best Time to Visit

• Year-round
• For Stargazing: Visit during the winter months (December-February)

Conclusion

There are so many Unique Places to See in America Before You Die. Each of these amazing places gives you a good traveling experience. If you like culture, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has a lot of history. Glacier National Park in Montana shows off amazing nature. These spots will help you make memories that last.

Go on an adventure to find different landscapes and hidden treasures in America. To have a great trip, dive into the local culture and plan your fun activities ahead of time.

So, these were the most wonderful and Surreal places In America you need to visit before you die. Hope you’ve liked the list of these prettiest places in United States.

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