America is big . Life is short . And whether you ’re the kind of traveller who straysoff the beaten pathor one who hit thebiggest goddamned tourist trapno matter the number of selfie sticks , you have to acknowledge that some places across this majuscule land of ours absolutely MUST be visited before you pass away . Even if you ’re not star in a pal motion picture with Morgan Freeman .
But where are they ? And what should you do when you get there ? From national parks and monument , to baseball stadium , beach , and amazing road trips , we narrowed down the most iconic , democratic , beautiful , historical , fun , delicious , awe - inspiring ( should we go on ? ) parts of the res publica to 50 must - do place / activeness . And while , sure , some are obvious and others may be a small cliche – they ’re all still distinctly , 100 % America . Now , how many have you ticked off your listing ?
Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston
Even if you fell benumbed repeatedly in account form , walking this 2.5 - mile track ( just follow the scarlet - brick credit line ! ) that passes 16 historical landmarks – from Paul Revere ’s sign of the zodiac and the Old North Church to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution – is a must for any American . Just do n’t forget to stop at the Union Oyster House , one of Boston ’s Old restaurants , along the way of life .
Compare Philly cheesesteaks from old rivals Geno’s and Pat’s
Team Geno ’s , just articulate . Although , yes , we fuck there are A LOT of piazza to get a keen cheesesteak in Philly , which is why we put togetherthis region guidebook .
Catch a Broadway Show in New York City
If you ca n’t scoreHamiltontickets ( do n’t care , pretty much no one can ) , hit up the TKTS booth in Times Square for same - mean solar day ignore show seats tosomething ; then take your obligatory " NYC babe ! " selfie and get the hell out of there . prove totackle all of New York ’s greatnessis like trying to keep up with every new dating app , it ’s damn near impossible . dressed ore on the biggies : feed a pastrami sandwich at Katz ’s Deli , take the air across the Brooklyn Bridge , and stroll through SoHo and Greenwich Village .
Drive Cape Cod to Provincetown in the summer
Yes , there ’s a lotyou do n’t interpret about the Cape , but that ’s exactly why you should see it all . From the Bourne Bridge to the Chatham Light ( and the Squire ! ) , Truro ’s vinery to the the Cape Cod National Seashore , plan to eat lobster rolls along the way atone of these waterside spots , barricade for a potable at the Beachcomber in Wellfleet , and end the night saunter around Provincetown .
Eat Buffalo wings in Buffalo
You sort of have to go to Anchor Bar , the famed " birthplace " of Buffalo wing . And when you ’re done enjoying wings ( and alive jazz ! ) , take the air it all off on an computer architecture turn of seven Frank Lloyd Wright structures .
Bike the National Mall in DC
The best way to cruise DC ’s many landmarks is on a two - bicycler . Start in Rock Creek Park , heading along the Potomac , and finish on the National Mall , peddle past the Lincoln Memorial , and the Jefferson Memorial , and the WWII Memorial , and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial , and the Washington Monument … you get the approximation . halt and peruse the Smithsonian museum . closing at the Capitol and Union Station . Ideally , do all of this in the give when you may also appreciate about a million cherry flush . Afterward , seize a beer at District ChopHouse & Brewery – you bring in it .
Feel the mist of Niagara Falls
Sure , mayhap it ’s one of the biggest tourer traps in the whole damn game , butit ’s one you need to get caught in . bribe a just the ticket , put on your plastic poncho , and record hop aboardMaid of the Mist .
Eat blue crabs on the water in Maryland
Be extra legit about it by boating up to Cantler ’s Riverside Inn in Annapolis . And when you ’re done crack crabs , stroll through townspeople or tour the Naval Academy .
Peep the fall foliage in New England
The move here is to hop-skip a car during peak foliage season ( commonly in October ) and cruise Vermont ’s byways , a collection of 10 road that winds through the state ’s farmlands , forests , and glorious Green Mountains . Then labor up through New Hampshire ( mayhap hitthis bar that sits in two state ) and keep head east into Maine , only check for sirup and cheese along the direction .
See a show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville
You ca n’t go to Nashville without fail country , and this b - integrated microscope stage has housed the reality ’s good ( from June Carter to Dolly Parton ) since 1925 . Sitting in those red velvet seats literally makes you part of medicine chronicle . Also , Nashville is our No . 1 city in America to spend a weekend – andthis is why .
Drive from Miami to Key West
One of the coolest drives in America , the Overseas Highway ( aka the southernmost section of US 1 ) stretch along 113 miles over 42 bridges ( including Seven Mile Bridge ) across all of the Florida Keys . Once you get to the southernmost full point in Key West ( there ’s an actual " point " you should selfie next to , duh ) , snag a piece of central lime Proto-Indo European at Blue Heaven and drink your way down Duval St. This is all after you ’ve partied your look off in South Beach , of course .
Watch NASCAR at Talladega
Better yet , rent an recreational vehicle or pitch a tent in the North Park and spend the whole weekend there . It ’s totally detached and means you ’ll be hanging out with more than 100,000 of your all - time weirdest ( in a good room ) friends .
Visit the Alamo in San Antonio
Remember learning what a big deal this battle was in social - studies course of instruction ? Sure , it might be just a building thatsome find oneself disappointing , but this pivotal part of Texas and American chronicle is still deserving escort ; and after you do , head over to the pedestrian - only River Walk ( you bed , that tourist - friendly stretch you see during every Spurs home base secret plan on TV ) and revel the bar and eating house ( Pearl Brewery = yes ) . Now , if you really need to go aboriginal – drop a weekend night at the Cowboys Dancehall . Is it a dancehall ? A rodeo ? A concert hall ? box venue ? A post with wad of beer and mechanically skillful Bull ? Yes . All of that . Texas forever .
Drink a mint julep at the Kentucky Derby
Preferably several , from the baseball diamond . While ( not - ironically ) wearing seersucker or a fancy hat . Not on the same day ( be impudent ! ) , but you also should n’t leave the state without remove a few of the distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail .
Eat a PB & banana toastie at Graceland
idolize The magnate in all his aura with his preferent repast at his massive estate in Memphis . ( Not that he’sreallydead , of line . )
Tailgate at the Grove at Ole Miss
Honestly , you ca n’t go ill-timed with pretty much any SEC tailgate ( unless it ’s Vanderbilt ) , but few school have the variety of pre - game party like you ’ll find at the Grove . You should also likely sit around in the student segment for the game . substitute venue : if for some rationality you ’re like , no way I ’m going to Oxford , I do n’t care if it ’s Faulkner ’s hometown and that it has thatreally cool three - construction bookstall , the Auburn - Alabama Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa is your move .
Stroll the French Quarter in New Orleans
Must - stop consonant : Cafe Du Monde for a beignet , Pat O’Brien ’s for a Hurricane . ( Bonus points if you also attend Jazz Fest . )
Hang out in Austin NOT during SXSW
Experience Austin in all its truthful weirdness by avoiding the monolithic nerd convention and doing it up like the locals . Rather thanmake clock time for it all , concentrate on stuff like a breakfast taco circuit , a dip in Barton Springs , and BBQ at one ofthese highly shoot a line places(because no local hold in the massive Franklin line ) .
Spend a day in St. Augustine
The older town in the US ( 1565 ! ) is really good for something other than eighth - grade plain trip . In fact , it ’s so great we named itFlorida ’s most underrated destination . After getting your fill of compound Spanish architecture , spend the day deep - sea fishing , and the nighttime streak - hopping / taking a ghost bar hitch in the historical segment of town .
Catch a game at Wrigley Field
The fact that the Cubs are really – pant ! – contenders now only makes thisepic sports pilgrimagethat much comfortably . Shoot for a Cards biz , sit in the bleachers , and pledge Goose Island while taking down a Chicago - stylus hot dog . After the biz , revel a drink or two at the bars around the stadium – Wrigleyville is n’t know as the " human beings ’s largest beer garden " for nothing .
Canoe the Boundary Waters in Minnesota
This is about asGreat Outdoorsas it gets without John Candy . The largest wilderness arena east of the Rockies , there are over a million acres of woodwind instrument and more than 1,500 miles ( ! ! ) of canoe routes . Not to mention , some insane sunset .
Rock out at Summerfest in Wisconsin
With around 800 banding playing in 11 days , this is the big medicine fest you may attend , pretty much anywhere IN THE WORLD – and the diversity of acts never disappoints ( think everyone from Willie Nelson and Ryan Adams to Alabama Shakes , Styx , and Nelly ) . Plus , Milwaukeeloves to party . Oh , and nearby Madison … well , it ’s one of the25 best metropolis in the country to spend the weekend . So much to do in Wisconsin .
Ride the Millennium Force at Cedar Point
Still one of the fastest rides in the game , Millennium Force was the man ’s first - ever coaster to exceed 300 ft in height . And no matter how much other subject park have literally try on to keep up since , Cedar Point in Sandusky , Ohio ( opened in 1870 ! ) , will always be the Beyonce of the mathematical group ( that ’s Queen Bee , hombre ) . Even if itdoesn’t get the respect it merit .
See a Michigan game at the Big House
certain , a case could be made for see the Buckeyes in Columbus , but get along on , it ’s " the Big House " for a reason . Like , it actuallyisthe self-aggrandizing college football stadium in the US . Better still , hit the UM - Ohio State biz and take in one of America ’s top mutant rivalry . And when you ’re done , Ann Arbor is the quintessential college down ( quite possibly , the best one in all the land ) . perambulation through the Diag , attain up Dominick ’s for outdoor pitchers , and snaffle a bite atone of these spots .
Eat “food on a stick” at the Iowa State Fair
The Einstein of this state honest lies in the high level of culinary care that ’s directed at foods wipe out on a joystick – there are 75 of them on display ! The ones to attempt out : the deep - fry Milky Way , chocolate - covered chunky bacon , and the cornbrat ( that ’s a bratwurst sink in cornbread slugger ) . Also , do not leave without seeing the butter moo-cow . And if you really want to take it up a notch , visit during a presidential election twelvemonth .
Swim in a Great Lake
There are many reason why the Great Lakes are better than any sea ( in fact , we note12 of them right here ) and the power to drown in water that ’s sweet and clean and not totally salty is only one of them . Grand Haven in Michigan is a nice spot to take suppose dip ( as well as to visit the pier , lighthouse , and Odd Side Ales for a pint of peanut butter stout ) , althoughany of these Michigan beach towns will do just ticket .
Watch a sunrise in the Upper Peninsula
cut across the outstanding Mackinac Bridge into Michigan ’s Upper Peninsula , there ’s a feeling like you ’re entering a primal , Hemingway - esque existence … because you are . There ’s no better fashion to apprize the unsophisticated UP than being up at the crack of dawn to see the Lord’s Day rise over a Great Lake . St. Ignace , the first town on the north side of the span , offers perspective of morning over Lake Huron ; fountainhead to Manistique for epic good deal of the Dominicus rising over Lake Michigan ; or pretend further northwards to the shores of Lake Superior and hit Pictured Rocks , Marquette , or – for the genuinely adventurous – Copper Harbor , at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula / end of the world . And while you ’re there , hit one of thebest restaurants in the Upper Peninsula , and figure out it off with some of thebest hikingyou’ll discover anywhere .
Hear the roar of the Indy 500
Only the corking cable car subspecies in America in one of its most underrated cities , the Indy 500 is a sport MUST . Even if you ’re a wheel somebody . Do your reasonable percentage of tailgating beforehand , but be sure to take hold of the airstream from the higher ass ( fit in to our Indy insiders , the double - letter quarrel ) for the best eyeshot . In fact , longtime fans recommend the front straight for pre / post - race bodily function , and either E - Stand ( first turn ) or NW Vista ( fourth bout ) for first - timers .
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway…
… from Southern California to San Francisco . And take as long as possible to do it . This 500 - or - so - mile stretch up the coast is one of America’smost iconic and scenic road trips . You ’re gon na want toeat in all these restaurants , quell in some of these hotels , and absolutely makea pit stoppage at Big Sur . In fact , believe drop a whole day there and in neighboring Carmel .
Gaze at Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
Obviously , Yellowstone in and of itself belongs on this tilt , but if you could only see one matter while motor through the park , make it that crazy geyser that spud water supply almost 200 ft in the air . Just think of all the " eruption " dad jest you could make ! You ’ll no doubt be block by a herd of bison somewhere along your car park journey ( do n’t get out of the car ! ) , but once you ’re move again , head to the Grand Prismatic Spring .
Ski Aspen Highlands in Colorado
This quite a little is your just the ticket – rear tag , actually – to arguably the most electrifying ski runs in the Rockies ( looking at you , Steeplechase and Olympic Bowl ) . Plus , the summit offers self-coloured survey of the Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak .
Stroll Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles
get down off with drinks on the deck of cards at the Hotel Erwin ( which overlooksVenice Beach ) , then walk the boardwalk , peck out your favorite street performer , tour the canals , and doany of these fun things . From there , make the walk to Santa Monica and rag the Ferris wheel at sundown – the scene are killer .
Drive into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater
No , you ca n’t see anactualconcert there , but still . The natural stone shaping is one of globe ’s most awe-inspiring wad . And if you do n’t feel like driving Highway 63 in , you’re able to drive a horse alternatively .
Hang out on Cannon Beach
Sadly , the home of the Goonies has been shut down by the home ’s literal owner , but you could still eat razor clams and Dungeness at Buoy ’s , then channelise to the south to the Pelican Pub in Seaside yelling , " Heeeyyy you guysssss ! " Although before you skip out , Cannon is one of thebest small beach townson the entire Pacific seacoast and well worth a picayune clock time . Do n’t miss the distillery .
Take a wine tour in Santa Barbara
Nab a motorcycle on a guided tour and cruise through the canyons ; put your kickstand down to taste wine and Olea europaea oil . Or , take a guided outing tour and get bussed around to four different wineries . Either way … heaven is real , guy .
Hike through Glacier National Park in Montana
And take a ton of # nofilter Instagrams . This is by far one ofAmerica ’s most spectacular interior parks , so drive up through the 6,646 ft Logan Pass at the top of Going - to - the - Sun Rd to hike the Highline Trail . When you ’re doneappreciating the glaciers , either pass out in yourown damn caboosein the middle of the wilderness at the train - theme Izaak Walton Inn in Essex or manoeuvre over toWhitefish , one of the cool short Ithiel Town in Big Sky country .
Take a surf lesson in San Diego
Sign up for surf school in Mission Beach , or if you ’re find fancy , pick up a secret one - on - one in Del Mar. Either way of life , observe that two seconds of stick out by downingcheap drink at the Beachcomber . Or maybe withdinner at Draft .
Stand in Arch Rock in Joshua Tree
But before you take the money gibe , walk the half - mile loop on the Arch Rock Nature Trail and appreciate all the other rock candy formation .
Watch the fish fly at Pike Place Market
Sure , this market where dudes literally throw away fish around is a holidaymaker attraction , but it ’s one you ca n’t leave Seattle without visiting . Although on the way out , youshouldleave your " mark " on the gumwood wall in Post Alley .
Get lost in Redwood National Park
admonition : if you do n’t post a picture on societal medium of you embrace a gargantuan sequoia tree , it did n’t happen .
Catch a rodeo in Wyoming
Cody Nite Rodeohappens every summer Nox in Cody and has been pop off on for 76 years . This is the rodeo majuscule of the world . And that is not an overstatement . Also , there are fewer than 55 days until rodeo season – mark your calendar .
Visit Mount Rushmore
But do n’t complain that it’ssmaller than you expect . It ’s still fantastic . Before you stare at these stone - faced presidents , though , stop at Murphy ’s Pub for fried hole and a Bloody Mary . Then drive through the Black Hills National Forest .
Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
Start in the Golden Gate National Rec Area , cross over the bridgework , wave to Alcatraz , then finish in Golden Gate Park . After all that walk , you should hop on a cable television car . Come on , it ’s San Francisco !
See the Hoover Dam/gamble in Vegas on the same day
We suggest lease a car and hitting the Hoover Dam , one of the land ’s most impressive engineering feats , first ( less than an hr driveway from Vegas ) , because once you land on the Strip , Lord know what ’s going to materialize .
Peruse the shelves at Powell’s in Portland
Get learned ( but hopefully not lose ) as you saunter throughthe world ’s largest bookstore . Founded in 1971 , it takes up an entire auction block , stocks one ( raise pinky to mouth ) million books , and reportedly buy 3,000 more a day . As you ’re already smack dab in the middle of Portland , you ’d be neglectful not to spend the rest of the daylight hittingbrewpubslike Hopworks and Breakside , donut shop , andstrip club .
Take the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island
The views are insane . Once you get there , take a half - solar day kayak go throughFree Willycountry to see some Orcas in a , thankfully , non - SeaWorld environment .
Trek the Grand Canyon’s North Rim
The South Rim is for tourists ; the North Rim get one - ten percent of the visitors and is 1,000 ft higher . Also , you’re able to still ( and should ! ) day hiking INTO the canyon on the North Kaibab Trail . Just be trusted to bring TONS of piss , leave before 7 am , and do NOT attempt to go all the way to the bottom and back in the same day . Also , also , do n’t break dress loafers . gravely , the great unwashed do it – it ’s nuts .
Dive into Puerto Rico’s Bioluminescent Bay
By far one of themost beautiful office in Puerto Rico , not to mention the world , Bioluminescent Bay lights up at night ( thanks to science ) with the blue glow of small creatures called dinoflagellates . The best way to live the show is either by dive or on a kayak – it ’s like you ’re in Narnia .
Marvel at the northern lights in Alaska
Sure , we told you thatJuneau and its exploding culinary scenewas Alaska ’s most underrated terminus , but when it comes to gazing in veneration of the aurora borealis ( aka the Northern Lights ) , Fairbanks is your move . Just make indisputable you go during the winter ( November through April ) when it ’s dark all the time .
See a lava flow in Hawaii
While go steady a volcano erupt is n’t really an everyday kind of thing , you could take in mickle of blood-red - hot , bubbling , liquified lava on the Big Island in Hawaii . There are five active volcanoes there and you may hike right up to ‘em atHawai’i Volcanoes National Park . Or , if you ’d rather take account from afar – enchant a whirlybird ride and just pray those puppy do n’t go off while you ’re circling overhead .
signalize up herefor our daily Thrillist e-mail , and get your fix of the right in food / drink / fun .
Liz Newmanis a freelance writer for Thrillist , and was demoralize to discover she had only done exactly 19 things on this tilt . pinch her how many you ’ve checked off ( unless it ’s more than her ) at@lizn813 .
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