The Ultimate USA Bucket List: 37 Must-Do Experiences

The United States is a massive country with endless adventure on offer. As a result, your USA bucket list can get pretty long. 

But don’t worry. We’re here to help.

We used our experience running some of the most exciting adventure tours in the United States and created what we think is the ultimate USA bucket list. 

From iconic travel destinations to off-the-beaten-path experiences, here’s what we think everyone travelling through the USA should experience.

The magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best bucket list places for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to visit in the US.

Backpacking in the Rockies offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. 

The Rocky Mountains span from Canada to New Mexico, and there are many awesome trails in Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. 

Hikers can explore alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged mountain peaks. 

If you’re after adventure, solitude, and experiencing the best of American nature, a multi-day hiking adventure should be a must-do on any USA travel bucket list.

Consider this six-day Rocky Mountain backpacking adventure for the ultimate outdoor experience.

If you’re after a classic American adventure, then nothing beats a road trip on Route 66. 

This historic highway stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 offers a glimpse into the heartland of the USA with its vintage motels, quirky roadside attractions, and small-town charm. 

This iconic road trip is a top bucket list travel idea in the United States. It allows you to experience diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and the sheer vastness of the country.

Seeing the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles is an iconic American experience. This landmark, perched on Mount Lee, symbolizes the glamour of the film industry. 

You’ve undoubtedly seen plenty of pictures of it, but seeing the sign in person is unique.

Visitors can hike up to vantage points or view it from spots like Griffith Observatory. It’s a quintessential stop for anyone’s USA bucket list.

Yellowstone is one of America’s great national parks. 

The park is full of wildlife, including bison and bears. It offers unreal mountain views and has some of the best natural forests in the USA. If you love the great outdoors, then exploring Yellowstone is a must.

One of the best ways to do this is by camping and glamping in the park. Our Grand Teton and Yellowstone hiking tour allows you to experience this in style.

Exploring the Olympic National Park in Washington is a great adventure. The park features lush rainforests, a rugged coastline, and snowy alpine peaks. 

You could hike through the Hoh Rain Forest, visit Hurricane Ridge, or relax on Ruby Beach. This park is a gem on any USA bucket list, letting you experience a range of ecosystems in one destination.

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of the Pacific Northwest, check out our Washing Olympics and Cascades adventure that takes you through some of the most impressive parts of this park.

Zion National Park in Utah offers some of America’s most dramatic red rock landscapes and hikes. It’s a USA bucket list must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

The Narrows and Angels Landing are famous trails that attract adventurers from all over the world. 

With its stunning canyons and many vibrant colours, Zion is a bucket list destination in the USA that you won’t want to miss.

How could we discuss bucket list travel destinations in the USA without mentioning the Grand Canyon?

Discovering the Grand Canyon in Arizona is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. 

And no matter how many pictures you might have seen of this natural wonder, witnessing the Grand Canyon in person will always take your breath away. 

This enormous and ancient canyon, carved by the Colorado River, offers some of the world’s most outstanding views and hiking opportunities.

You can explore the South Rim and North Rim or take a mule ride into the canyon.

Hawaii may be famous for its beautiful beaches, but experiencing the volcanoes here should definitely be on your United States travel bucket list.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is home to active lava flows, volcanic craters, and steam vents. Hiking through this volcanic landscape is simply fantastic.

Death Valley, the hottest place in North America, is unforgettable. 

This park is in California and Nevada and features salt flats, sand dunes, and colourful canyons.

If you’re after a unique Wild West destination to add to your US bucket list, you must visit Death Valley.

We recommend you visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and marvel at the stark beauty of this raw and remote destination.

After experiencing the solitude of Death Valley, the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip are an exciting change.

Walking down the Las Vegas Strip is a sensory overload. This bustling boulevard in Nevada has extravagant casinos, world-class shows, and massive themed hotels. 

Whether you try your luck at the slots or catch a Cirque du Soleil performance, it’s a vibrant addition to any bucket list USA trip.

We’ve already mentioned Yellowstone for its camping and hiking, but another big reason to visit this iconic park is to see the geothermal wonders.

Old Faithful is the most famous geyser, but there are many others, like Grand Geyser and Steamboat Geyser. Watching these geysers abruptly is a truly unique experience.

Although the park is full of geyser basins, colourful hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, these are really some of the most fascinating natural sights in the USA. 

Check out our backpacking trip in Yellowstone’s Shoshone Geyser Basin for the best way to experience this geothermal park.

Visiting Times Square in New York City is electrifying. Known as “The Crossroads of the World,” it’s famous for its bright lights, Broadway theatres, and bustling atmosphere. 

While we’re outdoor types here at Skyhook, we still appreciate that Times Square is one of the most vibrant and iconic USA bucket list destinations, offering a New York energy you’ve just got to experience.

Celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a vibrant cultural experience. This annual festival features lively parades, elaborate costumes, and jazz music. 

The French Quarter comes alive with festivities, making it a standout event on any American bucket list.

And even if you don’t travel through the US at the right time for Mardi Gras, exploring the vibey French Quarter in New Orleans, including Bourbon Street, should be on your US bucket list.

The USA is home to many amazing natural sights and landscapes, one of the most impressive of which is Alaska’s glaciers. 

Visit Glacier Bay National Park or Kenai Fjords to see massive ice formations and calving glaciers.

We recommend taking a boat tour to get up close to the glaciers and spot some marine life.

Alaska’s pristine wilderness and dramatic landscapes make it a top bucket list travel destination in the USA.

Catching a wave in Hawaii is a dream for any surfer. 

The islands offer some of the world’s most famous surf spots, like Waikiki Beach, North Shore Oahu, and Honolua Bay. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, surfing in Hawaii is a must-do on any us travel bucket list.

Visiting Sequoia National Park in California allows you to stand among the world’s largest trees. 

The Giant Forest, home to the General Sherman Tree, offers awe-inspiring sights. 

There’s nothing quite like hiking through these ancient giants to help you gain a new appreciation of trees and US nature.

Driving the Big Sur Coast in California is another classic US road trip. 

The Pacific Coast Highway provides fantastic views of rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. 

This coastal drive attracts tourists worldwide and is a must if you’re travelling the West Coast of the US.

Mount Rainier is an active volcano in Washington, and it’s truly awe-inspiring. If you’re after a unique US bucket list adventure, then this is a mountain you need to see. 

You can hike through wildflower meadows, explore glaciers, and enjoy panoramic views around the mountain from the Sunrise and Paradise areas. 

This majestic mountain is a highlight of any travel bucket list in the USA, so it’s part of our guided adventure in the Washington Olympics and the Cascades.

The historic city of Charleston in South Carolina is a step back in time. 

Exploring this charming city involves wandering through cobblestone streets, visiting antebellum mansions, and enjoying southern hospitality. 

If you want to experience the old-world charms of the South, you must stop in Charleston while ticking off your USA bucket list.

There’s no better way to experience country music than soaking it up in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Even if you’re not a country music fan, the overall culture and vibe of Nashville’s vibrant music scene make it a must-do on any USA bucket list.

Visit the Grand Ole Opry, Bluebird Cafe, or Honky Tonk Highway to enjoy live performances. No matter who’s playing, you’ll undoubtedly have a great time.

What could be more American than watching a baseball game?

If you want to experience a true USA bucket list, you must spend an afternoon soaking up America’s greatest pastime.

Whether at Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, or Dodger Stadium, experiencing the energy of a live game is a must.

Going wine tasting in Napa Valley, California, is a great indulgence. This renowned wine region offers vineyard tours, tastings, and plenty of beautiful scenery. 

Exploring Napa’s wineries is a fun addition to any bucket list vacation in the USA.

If you’re interested in American history, visiting the Washington, DC, memorials is highly recommended. 

See the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to name just a few.

Colorado may be a hiker’s paradise in summer, but the state really comes alive in winter with its world-class ski resorts.

Resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge cater to all skill levels and attract skiers worldwide.

The Rockies’ powdery snow and stunning views make skiing here a top bucket list adventure in the USA.

If you’re going to do a true USA bucket list, you must see Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.

The massive sculptures of four US presidents carved into granite symbolize American history. They are a great stop on any US road trip.

Exploring the Joshua Tree National Park in California is an otherworldly experience. 

The park is famous for its unique Joshua trees, rugged rock formations, and star-filled skies. It’s like nowhere else on Earth, making it a must-see for bucket list USA travel.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is an iconic experience. 

Walk or bike across this impressive red suspension bridge for incredible bay and city skyline views. 

Experiencing California’s many iconic beachfronts is something you’ve just got to do when travelling on the West Coast. 

From Venice Beach’s eclectic vibe to the Santa Monica Pier’s attractions, Malibu’s surf spots, and Huntington Beach’s laid-back charm, these beaches are bucket list places in the USA.

When it comes to the incredible natural wildernesses that the USA has to offer, Glacier National Park in Montana is one of the best. 

Explore the park’s rugged mountains, clear lakes, and diverse wildlife.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road provides some truly amazing views, and hiking through the park is an awesome experience for anyone who appreciates the great outdoors.

Witnessing the Havasu Falls pools in Arizona is a magical experience. Red rock cliffs in the Grand Canyon surround these turquoise waterfalls. 

Hiking to this hidden gem is an unforgettable experience. We’ve included it as one of our bucket list hikes in the USA.

If you love sand, sea, sun and partying, then you’ll love Miami, Florida. 

Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of South Beach, the Art Deco architecture, and the Cuban culture of Little Havana. Miami’s one-of-a-kind energy makes it a must on any USA bucket list.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming is a paradise for hikers and campers. This park offers some of America’s most dramatic mountain landscapes and an abundance of wildlife. 

Hike, raft down the Snake River, or enjoy scenic drives to soak up the park’s natural beauty.

We think this park definitely deserves a spot on the USA bucket list, which is why it’s included in our epic Grand Teton and Yellowstone hiking tour.

Lake Tahoe, straddling California and Nevada, is one of the most impressive freshwater lakes in the world. The best way to experience this enormous lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains is to paddle on its perfectly blue waters.

The clear blue waters and surrounding mountains make for an unforgettable kayaking or paddleboarding. 

Seeing Redwood National Park in California means walking among the tallest trees on Earth. 

These ancient giants create a mystical atmosphere, and you can’t believe how impressive trees are until you’ve experienced these giants up close. 

If you love nature, hiking through the redwoods should definitely be on your USA bucket list.

The Everglades in Florida are one of the most unique landscapes in the US, not to mention all the interesting creatures that live in this swampy region. 

We recommend taking an airboat tour to see alligators and explore the vast wetlands. 

White Sands National Park in New Mexico is one of the most unique parks in the USA. This place is made up of vast dunes of white gypsum sand, giving the park an atmosphere like nowhere else on Earth. 

You can explore this surreal landscape by hiking or sledging down the dunes—definitely a destination for bucket list USA travel.

Denali National Park in Alaska is home to North America’s highest mountain - one of the Seven Summits. Seeing this mountain in person is an incredible experience, even if you don’t attempt to hike it.

The park’s wilderness is full of wildlife, and various hiking trails around the mountain allow you to explore the beautiful scenery.

Your USA travel bucket list could be ten times as long as the list above. Yes, the US is a massive country with many unique experiences.

Ready to start ticking off your USA bucket list? Then check out our guided tours of the United States, which feature some of these iconic, exciting destinations.