21 Surreal Vacation Spots Across The US That Have Made Travelers Say, "I've Never Seen Anything Like This"
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."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!"
2."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."
3."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."
4."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."
5."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."
6."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."
7."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."
8."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."
9."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."
10."The Circle Tour around Lake Michigan. Start in Chicago, visit the many great dunes along Michigan’s western shore (such as Nordhouse for peace and quiet and Sleeping Bear for majestic beauty), take a detour to Mackinac Island, see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Porcupine, and even consider tacking on the Apostle Islands, Door County, or Green Bay. The upper Midwest has a serene beauty that is often overlooked by people in the US."
11."Yellowstone was a spiritual experience for me. Granted I went the last week that they were opened before transitioning into winter season. There were few other tourists there and at times I had a whole vista to myself. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lamar Valley, and Inspiration Falls touched my soul."
12."Bryce Canyon. I got up around 2 a.m. to see the Milky Way in the starlit sky and woke up early to see the sun rise. Then I spent all day hiking. It was so magical."
13."Visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Nothing prepares you for just how immense and enormous the Grand Canyon really is. You see it on TV and think you can comprehend it, but then you arrive, and you're totally dumbstruck."
14."Big Sur. The California central coast is so mesmerizing. And those cliffs of Big Sur, especially in the late afternoon sun, are just mind blowing."
15."New York City, and even beyond Manhattan. The energy of the city is incredible. It comes with diverse people, great food, beautiful architecture, and so many interesting stories."
16."Idaho. It was one of the destinations that surprised me most. Almost everyone I tell reacts with 'really, what the heck is in Idaho?' Well, I can tell you this state boasts mountains, rivers, lakes, reservoirs, hot springs, and the fabulous Craters of the Moon National Monument. I can confidently say that Boise is easily my favorite state capital now."
17."The Big Island, Hawaii. I saw more waterfalls in one day there than I previously had cumulatively in my entire life. It was incredible."
18."The San Juan islands are so beautiful and a relaxing break from the everyday churn of busy life. We had a cabin on Orcas Island when I was a kid, and I have such fond memories of biking, playing at the beach, and swimming in the lake. To this day it's still a really magical place."
19."Great Basin National Park in Nevada. It’s known for stargazing and is one of the nation's least-visited parks. If you want an off-the-beaten path outdoor adventure, this is the place."
20."Glacier National Park, and particularly the hike to Upper Grinnell Lake. IMO, this is one of the most beautiful experiences a human can have in nature. And that's coming from someone who lives in the Alps..."
21."Mount Rainier. As someone from Florida, this (and the whole Pacific Northwest) was one of the most unique and diverse areas I’ve ever visited. In Washington State you could see towering volcanos then drive a few hours and be on a beautiful rocky coastline neighboring old growth rainforests. It's such a gorgeous place."
22."New Mexico. The whole state is underrated, but specifically Albuquerque, Taos, and the New Mexican desert. The scenery is utterly breathtaking, the culture and history are unique, and the food is delicious. You'll know why people call it 'The Land of Enchantment' as soon as you see the Sandia Mountains glowing pink at sunset."
23."North Carolina's Outer Banks. Some of those islands such as Cape Lookout will make you feel like you're on a deserted island in the middle of the Atlantic. There's no electricity, houses, or paved roads. Just pure and unadulterated peace and tranquility."
