10 Magical Places to Add to Your Bucket List…And Yes…They’re in the U.S.
“Sé un explorador. El universo está lleno de maravillas y cosas magicas.”
“Be an explorer. The universe is full of wonders and magical things.”
Throughout my college years I was all about traveling outside the U.S. Exploring foreign countries seemed so…magical…and I rarely considered traveling around the United States. What was I thinking??? I mean, yes traveling abroad is incredible, but there is SO much beauty to be seen right here in our own backyard! What are some of the most magical places you have seen in the United States? Here are my top 10 (in no particular order) to add to your bucket list:
#1 Most Magical Forest in U.S.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, California
Who wouldn’t want to see the world's largest tree, the giant sequoia?! The national park has the largest concentration of giant sequoias, and what’s even more magical, you can camp among the giants!
#2 Absolute Best Amphitheater
Red Rocks Amphitheater is just outside Denver in Morrison, Colorado and has been one of musicians’ favorite spots to perform since 1906. The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Grateful Dead, and even The Blues Brothers have played here. The open-air venue sits at over 6,000 feet above sea level, and the sound is as unreal as the scenery.
#3 Most Angelic Tree
Johns Island, South Carolina You have got to see The Angel Oak Tree—if you are ever near Charleston, South Carolina—is estimated to be 400 to 500 years old! The angelic tree feels like it is from another planet, measuring at a height of 65 feet with a circumference of 28 feet, according to Atlas Obscura.
#4 Most Beautiful Historic District
French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans and is home to some of the city's most impressive architecture. Treat yourself to a beignet at one of the oldest coffee shops in the square, Cafe Du Monde French Market.
#5 Charming City
If you are a fan of southern charm, you will love Charleston, South Carolina The definition of Southern charm must come from the cobblestone-lined streets and variety of pastel Antebellum houses that fill this small city. Rainbow Row really is a site to see!
#6 Wonderous Landmark
Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Washington DC
A beautiful neoclassical building built in honor of our third President, the design was inspired by the Roman Pantheon.
#7 Endless Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Not only are The Great Sand Dunes the highest sand dunes in North America, they are also surrounded by the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. This was one of my favorite places to visit as a kid, especially toward the end of May when the weather was nice and the stream was running. It’s an awesome place to vacation for young families!
#8 Beautiful Coastline
Florida Keys, Florida
You don’t have to leave the U.S. to find thousands of miles of aquamarine coastline! What an incredible road trip destination!
#9 Incredible Cavern
You might also hear this called the "Grand Canyon with a roof on top," Carlsbad Cavern is part of a intricate system of over 100 limestone caves found beneath the Chihuahuan Desert. I will never forget our family vacation to New Mexico…this was one of the coolest places I’ve ever visited! Especially when you hike down, down ,down to the depths of the cavern and are surrounded by bats!!!
#10 Majestic Swimming Hole
About a 45 minute drive west of Austin, the grotto at Hamilton Pool was formed thousands of years ago when the top of an underground river collapsed. Pretty amazing what you can find in nature!
Do you have anywhere else that you would add to this list? I hope after reading you’re ready to skip town on a road trip!
