These are Destinations That Have Made Travelers Say, “I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This”
by Hannah Loewentheil
BuzzFeed Staff
It’s a great big world out there with so many incredible and awe-inspiring places to explore. But as it turns out, there are some real gems to see right here in the United States, no passport required. So Redditor u/Dish2861 asked, “Where is a life-changing place to visit in the US?” Here are the domestic destinations that have really stuck with travelers.
1. “Anywhere in the Driftless Area, especially the Minnesota bit along the Mississippi — tons of easily accessible outdoor activities like hiking, rafting, climbing, etc. It also has a unique culture, very focused on local food (cheese and wine) / organic, and TONS of used bookstores. IMO one of the most naturally gorgeous areas in the US and also pretty cheap to visit since people tend to see the Midwest as flyover country still.”
2. “West Virginia! Seriously, it’s an overlooked state. The New River Gorge area is incredible for hiking and sightseeing. There are a few things you can do. The New River Gorge Bridge is a great experience, and the coal mine tours are really interesting. There’s also a ghost town and so, so many places to stop and see views from. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly.”
3. “The best free thrill in the eastern USA is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which goes through the high-altitude part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Smokies.”
4. “I really like Cumberland Island on the Georgia coast. You take a boat out there from St. Mary’s and spend the day walking around the wilderness beaches and under the canopy of live oak trees.”
5. Jackson hole Wyoming
Jackson Hole, WY was spectacular. We went in late September when the summer crowds died down. We had great weather, but the overnight temps do get cold enough for snow potential. It’s home to Grand Tetons National Park and Yellowstone isn’t too far away either. Breathtaking scenery and so much wildlife. We stayed in the town of Jackson which had lots of restaurants, shops and little parks.
6. “If you were going in summer or late spring, I’d say go to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. It’s a really beautiful place. The Great Lakes are super underrated. They have beaches, lighthouses, huge sand dunes, bluffs, tons of inland lakes, and state and national forests all over. Plus awesome food.”
7. “Despite its reputation, Las Vegas really has something for everyone: gambling, yes, but also fantastic nightlife, shows and entertainment, shopping, culture, and outdoor experiences. Multiple beautiful major parks are in close proximity, and the weather is almost always great. You can wake up every morning with no plan, pick almost anything you feel like doing that day, and it’s within reach.”
8. “Visiting all five of Utah’s national parks on a single road trip is one of my favorite domestic trips I’ve ever taken. We finished in Monument Valley at one of their cabins that looks out right at the valley and it was spectacular. I highly recommend renting tubes to float down the river in Moab!”
9. “It’s Alaska for me — mainly the Kenai Peninsula. Fly in and out of Anchorage, but get right out of the city. A 20-minute drive puts you in incredible nature along the Turnagain Arm. From there you can head to Whittier, Seward, and Homer. The Alaskan wilderness is so stunning — you’re surrounded by mountains and water everywhere you look.”
10. “The American Southwest is an unforgettable domestic experience. My first solo trip was to Santa Fe, New Mexico. I spent two weeks there and fell back in love with the history. The trip was so inspiring that it convinced me to spend five years traveling solo all around the country.”
11. “Redwoods National Park. There’s something breathtaking about the silence in the woods mixed with the absence of low brush that creates a mural of vertical, moss-covered shingles. It’s such a rewarding and peaceful place to find yourself. I visited after getting out of a five-year relationship when I needed to get away. I looked up at the swaying redwoods and everything just simply clicked in that moment for me.”
12. “Puerto Rico. I loved the rainforest (El Yunque, the only National Park of its kind in the US), snorkeling with sea turtles and tons of different fish, swimming in delightfully warm water, and exploring the city — especially the colorful old town. There are even more parts of Puerto Rico I didn’t get the chance to see including salt flats, grottos, and small islands. This island is totally overlooked compared to others in the Caribbean, and you don’t need a passport to go.”
13. “Kauai and the Nāpali Coast, This island is easily my favorite place in the US. It has everything I love. Incredible hiking, beautiful beaches that aren’t crowded, and really good restaurants. Not to mention that the weather is typically perfect. I miss it so much.”
14. “Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. If you want to escape the tourists, go to Lassen instead of Yosemite. It’s beautiful, uncrowded, and absolutely incredible. The ecosystem and landscape are surreal.”
15. “After lots of international travel, I’ve been focusing on exploring the US over the last few years. One of the best trips of my life was when I drove from Atlanta to Memphis, stopping at sites significant in the Civil Rights movement along the way. It was unbelievably interesting, fun, exciting, sobering, and straight-up incredible. One highlight was a stop at the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi for blues and great southern food. It was a totally unique experience.”
16. “New Orleans. It’s such a magical place to visit. There’s just an energy to the city that feels different from anywhere else I’ve ever been. Everywhere you go in the French Quarter, there’s history, food, and street musicians that make it feel like you’ve left the US entirely.”
